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MESSAGES FROM MY MAIL BOX

 

Missing Mason from the list ...

Hi Connie,

    I was surprised to see a noted man missing from the famous masons list in this issue.  I have been working on the genealogy of a friend and he has a direct relationship to this man.  This man is Oliver Ellsworth, the third Chief Justice of the United States appointed in 1796 by George Washington.  He was also responsible for the term "United States" appearing in the Constitution.

    I usually see Oliver's name on famous lists so was surprised this morning not to see it on your list.

    Thanks for all the effort you put into this publication.

** Barbara Collins, Beaver #106, Beaverton, OR, Home Star #187, Forest Grove, OR

** Marilyn Bordner, 2006-07 E.S. Chairman, Deputy Instructors

Hi there:

    I'm having a hard time finding time to read all of your new letters, but do find some of it interesting.  Imagine knowing who is running for the various offices!  In B.C. we don't know until 9:00 p.m. the night before elections.  We might guess, but really not sure.  Under interesting stuff, did you know that there are more people in California than in all of Canada?  Please re-write if you use what I've sent....look forward to seeing you at your sessions, haven't missed for 15 to 16 years.  We are off to Manitoba, Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and then Washington and in July back to Alberta. 

** Gladys Pierce, P.G.M. B.C. & Yukon

    Sister Gladys ... didn't need to rewrite it as it says it all just the way you have it.  Thanks for sharing.  I didn't realize that was the way B. C. handled their elections at Grand Chapter.  Believe Idaho does the same! 

    I need some information from someone who is, or has been, in the Armed Forces.  I have been watching a program on TV called "JAG".  As the scene changes from place to place a message flashed on the screen indicating a time followed by the word Zulu (ie. 18:53 Zulu).  I suspect this is a navy terminology.  I know what "Greenwich Mean Time" is but I have never heard of Zulu until I started watching this program.  Can someone please explain what "Zulu" is.  Thanks
** Ken Featherstone, PP x5, Veritas Chapter # 128, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada, GGC
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Ed Note Here: "Zulu" time is that which you might know as "GMT" (Greenwich Mean Time). Our natural concept of time is linked to the rotation of the earth and we define the length of the day as the 24 hours it takes the earth to spin once on its axis.
    As time pieces became more accurate and communication became global, there needed to be a point from which all other world times were based. Since Great Britain was the world's foremost maritime power when the concept of latitude and longitude came to be, the starting point for designating longitude was the "prime meridian" which is zero degrees and runs through the Royal Greenwich Observatory, in Greenwich, England, southeast of central London. As a result, when the concept of time zones was introduced, the "starting" point for calculating the different time zones was/is at the Royal Greenwich Observatory. When it is noon at the observatory, it is five hours earlier (under Standard Time) in Washington, D.C.; six hours earlier in Chicago; seven hours earlier in Denver; and, eight hours earlier in Los Angeles.
    Unfortunately the Earth does not rotate at exactly a constant rate. Due to various scientific reasons and increased accuracy in measuring the earth's rotation, a new timescale, called Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), has been adopted and replaces the term GMT.
    The Navy, as well as civil aviation, uses the letter "Z" (phonetically "Zulu") to refer to the time at the prime meridian. The U.S. time zones are Eastern ["R", "Romeo]; Central ["S", "Sierra"]; Mountain ["T", "Tango"]; Pacific ["U", "Uniform"]; Alaska ["V", "Victor"], and Hawaii ["W", "Whiskey"].  

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Question on last issue's recipe ...

    I was very honored at my Homecoming yesterday to announce those selected to be General Grand Chapter Committee Members for the next triennium from the State of Wyoming.  They are as follows:

 

Luella (Lolly) Blackmon - Visionquest

Lloyd Brown - Unfinished Business

Sarah Norris - Eastern Star Journal

Marianne Shenefelt - Heart

Eunice Heiser - Friends of a Feather

 

    Everyone in the state is very proud of these sisters and brother and wish them all the best in the next three years.

** Denise St. John, Worthy Grand Matron, Golden West #37, Glenrock, WY, Rainbow #44, Casper, WY GGC

 

 

MEETING IDEAS

 

    Lodge programs can be as little or as grand as one's interest, effort and money will allow.  Some we have used might be of interest:

1. Ask each youth group to get a dispensation, bring their paraphernalia, and candidate and perform an actual initiation at your lodge. This may be a lot of work and preparation for everyone, but, I dare say, most of the Brethren have not seen a DeMolay, Rainbow or JOBS initiation. We got a large response from our non-attending members and from other lodges.  The groups even got a few advisors and "helpers".

2. Hobby Night.  Offer a table in the back of the dinning room for members to display the tools and equipment involved in their hobbies. Then have each make a five minute presentation to the members (and wives?)

3. Knights Templar. With all the publicity of "National Treasure" and "The DiVinchi Code", have some knowledgeable and skillful Knights Templar describe the history, the myths, the philosophy and the projects and responsibilities of the Templars.  A good local drill team might even be available to put on one of the competitive drills.

4.  Have the OES or even one of the girls youth groups put on a play about how they think a "well run" lodge meeting is conducted.  There are several scripts available with reverent irreverence. Contact me if you can't find one.  It is best done by memory, so some time and study will be involved.

5.  Ask a well articulated and knowledgeable Sister describe the Order, its mission, charities, and projects.  Include some history of how it all started through Brother Rob Morris. A line of formals in the front sidelines does wonders even for the old curmudgeons.

6.  Invite a "GRIZZLED" fireman to describe his life as a fireman, the development of their equipment, the necessary training, and the ongoing preparation of running a fire "team". In a larger city, someone on Battalion Chief level would be most interesting.

7.  Ask the local American Legion, or the military reserve unit, or the church for a lead to ask a combat serviceman or woman who has recently completed a tour in Iraq to describe their experiences and thoughts.  Take care to let them speak freely and not to allow the audience to get political.

8.  Ask a local Air Traffic Controller to review their operation to learn about the "Friendly Skies".  A couple of local commercial pilots might also be invited for "the other side" of the operation.

9.  Have the Master host a "Table Lodge".  It's in the back of the Masonic Code Book.  Make sure the practices and proper etiquettes are followed, and the dinner is ample.  Have the Grand Master (aim high) or some other well recognized brother give an inspiring talk.  (This is usually tiled in the Entered Apprentice degree so that all Brothers can participate). 
10.  Ask a "working" weatherman to describe the history and common weather patterns affecting your area.  Get a weatherman from the local Federal Aviation Agency, Flight Service Station.  Have him address "global warming", "where were the smokestacks and pollution when the last glaciers retreated from the Northern U.S.", and other topics where there is "no conflict of opinion".

    That's ten of my suggestions. Have fun. Remember a lot of scheduling and follow-up is required. A lot of promotion - to other lodges and bodies - is required. But properly done you  will have a most interesting and enjoyable "year".

** T. Michael Hogan, AP, PP, KYCH, West Park Chapter #427, Cleveland, OH

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    When I was in CA, back in the 70's and 80's, we used to have a meeting in August with all of the incoming officers and interested members.

    (Installations were in Sept/Oct. for the next term.) We went through the entire calendar year meeting by meeting with different officers and members volunteering to head up each meeting. Some would head up two meetings, but spread apart by a few months. This way you only had to do extra work one or 2 times a year.

    If you were in charge of a meeting, your duties included: A theme, carrying piece for the WM/WP to fit the theme, pin-ons for officers and guests, a simple decoration for the East, table decorations and the refreshments. By planning out the year before it started, the WM could "relax" a bit knowing every detail of the meetings had been assigned, so she just needed to focus on the actual ritual and business of the meetings.

    Often there was a skit, song or poem or something special at the end of the meetings. Of course the chairmen would get a few helpers and they also helped other chairmen throughout the year. This encouraged a closeness and sense of teamwork among members.

    We had meeting nights to honor various officers, such as Star Point Night, Past Matron and Patron night, Line Officer night, 25/50 year Member nights, Elected Officer night, Appointed Officer Night etc. Something special was done for those being honored. By the end of the year the officers and members had all had their special night, plus we had Men's Night, and all of the normal special nights, such as initiations and official visits, Guest Night, etc. every meeting was more than just a meeting! (How lucky we are now to have the "Dollar Stores" where we can spend very little and get fun stuff for these meetings!!! But I do believe back then, the Chapter budgeted $25 or $50 for the Chairmen of each meeting.)

    It was pretty easy to come up with a theme, and once you had the theme, all of the others ideas just flowed, Western Night, Broadway Night, Welcome to the Fair Night, Music, Music, Music Night, The Fifties Night. I have wonderful memories of those nights that have stuck with me all these years.

    Create memories again!

    I am convinced that adding some fun and creativity to meetings is a way to "lure" long absent members back to our meetings. Members want to come to see what fun or interesting talk is in store! Most towns have a Speaker's Bureau, Toastmasters or Chamber of Commerce who can supply you with a list of speakers.

    I applaud you for recognizing the need to add more to meeting nights.

    Good luck~

 

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drink over them. It will eat the corrosion away. Baking soda mixed with water will also do the trick.

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HINT 2:  Bumper Stickers..  Remove old bumper stickers with lighter fluid. Soak stickers for a few minutes then gently remove with a razor blade.

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HINT 3:  Too Much Suds? Too much soap in your washing machine and it's over- flowing? Pour in a capful of fabric softener to eliminate the suds.  
                             *****  
HINT 4:  Squeaky Hinges?  Lubricate squeaky hinges. Spray the joint with shaving cream. Or rub soap along hinges. Or lubricate the hinges with furniture polish

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HINT 5:  Papers:  When cleaning your filing cabinet keep these things in mind:   Tax Returns should be kept for 7 years.   Bank Statements for 3 years.  Credit Card Statements and pay stubs for 1 year.
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HINT 6:  Clothing and shoes:   If you haven't worn them is a year toss them. Remember though, if the clothing or shoes are in good shape give them to Charity. What may not be new to you WILL be for someone else.

 

 

Glazed Lemon Rolls

The tangy taste of lemon gives this roll a fresh, flavorful zing!

 

1 loaf Rhodes Bread Dough or 12 Rhodes Dinner Rolls, thawed and risen

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

1/3 cup sugar

grated peel from 1 lemon

 

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

4-5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

 

Directions:  Spray board or counter with non-stick cooking spray. Roll loaf or combined rolls into a 15x10-inch rectangle. Spread with butter. Combine sugar and lemon peel. Sprinkle over dough. Roll up tightly, starting with a 15-inch side. Cut into 12 equal pieces. Place, cut side down, in a sprayed 9x13-inch pan. Cover with sprayed plastic wrap and let rise until double in size. Remove wrap and bake at 350°F 20-25 minutes. Combine glaze ingredients and frost rolls while warm.

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Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese

>From Light & Tasty

    Combining two mealtime classics into this casserole was a success for Dorothy Leone. Sloppy Joe Macaroni and Cheese is a hit in her Meredith, New Hampshire home. “My grandchildren love it,” she says. “It's so versatile, too. Instead of the sloppy joe mix, I sometimes add taco seasoning, and I've also experimented with the other ingredients. But I do hope you can lighten it up a bit."

 

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni

1 pound lean ground beef

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 envelope sloppy joe mix

1 small onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1/4 teaspoon pepper

3 cups half-and-half cream

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

 

DIRECTIONS:  Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and sloppy joe mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Drain macaroni; set aside. In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth. Gradually add cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in 3 cups cheese until melted. Add macaroni; mix well.

    Spread two-thirds of the macaroni mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Spread beef mixture to within 2 in. of edges. Spoon remaining macaroni mixture around edges. Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-6 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 10 servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:  Nutritional Analysis: 1-1/3 cups equals 1,117 calories, 72 g fat (51 g saturated fat), 280 mg cholesterol, 1,901 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 60 g protein.

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Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese (the skinny version)

>From Light & Tasty

    Decreasing the butter and replacing the half-and-half with milk helped cut a whopping 658 calories and more than half the fat from this casserole. Even though the cholesterol was reduced by 75% and the sodium by 40%, Makeover Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese offers all the heart-warming comfort of the original submission.

 

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni

3/4 pound lean ground turkey

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

1/2 cup shredded carrot

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1/2 cup water

1 envelope sloppy joe mix

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon butter

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground mustard

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 cups 2% milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

8 ounces reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

 

DIRECTIONS:  Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the turkey, celery and carrot over medium heat until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; drain. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, water and sloppy joe mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Drain macaroni; set aside. In a large saucepan, sauté onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the process cheese until melted. Add macaroni and 1 cup cheddar cheese; mix well.

    Spread two-thirds of the macaroni mixture in a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Spread turkey mixture to within 2 in. of edges. Spoon remaining macaroni mixture around edges of pan. Cover and bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Cover and let stand until cheese is melted. Yield: 10 servings.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:  Nutritional Analysis: 1-1/3 cups equals 459 calories, 16 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 71 mg cholesterol, 1,140 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 26 g protein.

-- Source: Taste of Home's Light and Tasty, August/September 2005 issue ... Page:9

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Seven Day Sweet Candied Pickles

 

14 med cukes

8 c sugar

4 c cider vinegar

2 T mixed pickling spices

5 tsp salt

 

    Cover pickles with 1 tsp alum and boiling water, let stand 24 hrs.  Repeat boiling water on next 3 mornings (add alum again on the 3rd morning)  On 5th morning, slice cukes lengthwise and into 1.2" bite sized pieces.  (I quarter them lengthwise, and then into whatever size I think I can fit into my mouth!)  Combine last 4 ingredients and bring to a full boil, then pour over cukes.  Let stand 2 days.  On 3rd day, bring cukes and brine to boil, pack into jars and cold pack, using your canning book for jar size and time. (I don't remember how long, as I just keep a couple gallon jugs in the frig... too lazy to can!)

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Easy Pecan Pie

 

1 cup white corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

   Pinch of salt

1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked

1-1/2 cups shelled pecan halves

 

TO PREPARE:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt until well combined. Pour into pie shell. Arrange pecan halves in concentric circles on top. Bake until firm, approximately 45 minutes. SERVES:  6 - 8

 

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Star hugs and God Bless America! 

Connie

 

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ALSO ... When you change your email address ... please remember to let me know, too!  I have a few of you with addresses which bounce  ... don't know if your mailbox is full or if you have changed email addresses.  I have over 800 subscribers so life gets a bit difficult on the days I send out the newsletter. 

 

Email articles to:     

 

Connie Shrum, PM,
Associate Matron, Zillah Chapter #111, Newport, WA

Martha, Bethlehem Chapter #87, Deer Park, WA
GGC Triennium Committee - Eastern Star Journal

GC 2006 Session - Registration Co-Chairman

 

Email:  starsofwa@washingtonoes.org
Creator & Editor:  'Stars of Washington'   Newsletter

 

The freedoms we enjoy today were paid for by others!  

 DISCLAIMER:  Occasionally, there will be an error in these documents.  Your job is to find it!  Good Luck