THE STARS OF WASHINGTON
 
Thursday, May 25th, 2006
 
I AM THE FLAG!!!

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.  I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me. I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom. I am confident.  I am arrogant. I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.  I am worshipped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.  I am respected - I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Appamatox. 
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Guam, Okinawa, 
Korea, and KheSan, Saigon,  Vietnam know me. I was there.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn , and tired.  But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.  It does not hurt for I am invincible. 
I have been soiled upon, burned,torn and trampled in the streets of my country. 
And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts.  But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, when I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.
 
* * * * * * * * * * *
 
Memorial Day is a legal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday in May.  It is to honor the members of our nation's
armed services personnel killed in wartime! 
And as this weekend approaches ... let us remember the sacrifices our Veterans made for all of us!  Many made the ultimate sacrifice ... their lives.
If you have extra flowers and are going to the cemetery, why not decorate some Veterans' grave!
 
 

 

 
2006-2007 DEPUTY INSTRUCTOR ANNOUNCED
 
    Last night (May 24th) I had the great honor and pleasure of announcing the first 2006-07 Deputy Instructor for Pierce/Thurston County.  Congratulations to Tacoma Chapter Jr. Past Matron Karen Gregerson, new Deputy Instructor!  Karen is currently serving her chapter as Treasurer, recently made a major career change and is busy with classes to continue her education.  This dedicated Eastern Star member will make an excellent addition to the new deputies!
** Mel Boss, Hearts in Harmony Deputy Instructor
 

 
Reminders ...  May 26th - June 2nd, 2006
 
- - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Friday, May 26th  ...
 
May 26th - 29th ... Priscilla Chapter 'manning' Coffee Stop.  Indian John, West Bound. 
 

 
Saturday, May 27th ...
 
May 27th - 31st ... Corinthian Chapter 'manning' Coffee Stop, Federal Way.  Chairperson:  Walter Fletcher.
Moon:  Full
 

 
Sunday, May 28th ...
  • Corinthian Chapter, Tacoma ... Spaghetti & Bingo.  Chairperson:  Betty Croft.

 
Monday, May 29th...
 
Memorial Day (Observed)
 
    There will be a Masonic Memorial Service at the New Tacoma Cemetery at 9:00 AM.  Is very nice ...
 

 
Tuesday, May 30th ...
 
Memorial Day
  •   Guiding Star Chapter, Sumner ... Friends Night. 

 
Wednesday, May 31st ...
  • Maple Chapter, Castle Rock ... Stated Meeting; Long Form; Honor Sideliners.  Refreshments:  Jessie Steele, Loralee Minyard, Sheryl Mencke, & Laura Sweeny.  Time:  7:30 PM. 

 
Thursday, June 1st ...
  • Alderwood Chapter, Everett ... Stated Meeting; Long Form; Honor Flag/50's Night.  Refreshments:  Mary Ann Metcalfe.  Greeter:  Melissa Lanning.  Time:  7:30 PM. 
  • Analia Chapter, Edmonds ... Stated Meeting; Long Form; Chapter Attire.  Chapter Birthday, Honor Fathers & the Flag, Balloting; Honor PM, PP, & 50 Year Members.  Refreshments:  Shawn Richards.  Time:  7:30 PM. 
  • Crown Chapter, Seattle ... Dinner:  6:15 PM.  Men's Night.  $5.00 Donation.  Stated Meeting; Western attire (baskets & aprons); Honor Fathers & Sons.  Refreshment Chairman:  Carol Ellis.  Time:  7:30 PM. 
  • Doric Chapter, Seattle ... Analia's Chapter Birthday (Our Daughter); 7:30 PM; Edmonds Masonic Center; Wear Chapter Dress. 
  • Pilgrim Chapter, Sequim ... Stated Meeting; Honor Fathers, Masons & Flag.  Long Form Opening.  Refreshments & Social Hall Decorations.  Ruth Nixon.   Time:  7:30 PM. 
  • Sunshine Chapter, Prosser ... Stated Meeting; Horray!  It's Summer.  Time:  8:00 PM.   

 
Friday, June 2nd ...
 
Shavuot
 
Disclaimer "Calendar of Events like the weather, is subject to change"
 

 
MESSAGES FROM MY MAIL BOX
 
Doris Edwards ...
Hi Connie: 
    Thought you might like to know Doris had  back surgery this morning (Monday).  It began at 10:00 a.m. and lasted about 3 and 3/4 hours.  She was in recovery for quite a while, and was in her room around 3:45 p.m.  She was still a little woozy but sounded much like herself when I talked to her around 9:00 p.m.  Her Doctor is happily optimistic about the outcome of the surgery.   She is in Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, room 218, and will be there for a few days.  Length of stay not determined as of yet.  She will be up for phone calls, visits or cards after tonight and would love to hear from all her friends.
** Bill Edwards, PP, Oasis Chapter

Cards:
Doris Edwards
341 Statter Road
Ephrata, WA 98823
- - - - - - - - -
 
Beth and Danny Eng's newest granddaughter: 
    Josephine Marie Johnson, born to Vikki and Scott Johnson on 5/23 at 4:20 pm.  See the picture at the below link:  7 1/2 lbs., 20.4 inches.  She looks like a beautiful baby-- open eyes -- wow!  She is cute!  We'll see her this weekend, I hope. 
http://www.harrisonhospital.org/whatsnew/nursery.php?action=details&ID=8335
** love, be (Beth Eng)
 

- - - - - - - - - - -

 
Madrona Chapter news ..
    On June 17, 2006, Madrona Chapter #89 will officially be 100 years and 2 days old.  To celebrate, Madrona Chapter will host an open house from 1 to 4
pm at the Masonic Center at 8th and O in Anacortes.
    A lot has happened since June 15, 1906 when Kate Millet and J. W. Bird were Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron  and dues were $1.50 a year.
     There will be memorabilia displayed, tours of the lodge building, a display of Chapter dresses, and of course, refreshments. 
    A special invitation goes to all Masonic Lodge members, former Rainbow Girls, Jobs Daughters, and Demolay members.
** Marilyn Bell
- - - - - - - -
 
Food Handlers Permit ...
Dear Sisters & Brothers:
    Laurel Chapter is pleased to host a class to certify people for preparing and serving food and alcohol. 
    The Food Handlers permit is necessary for anyone helping to prepare or serve food for any function, including those at Eastern Star Chapters or Masonic Lodges.  The Class 12 Mixologist permit is required for anyone to pour and serve alcoholic beverages.  Both are required for people working concessions at the Mariners games. 
    Vinnie DiGiulio will be giving the Food Handlers & Alcohol Serving permit tests on Sunday, June 25th at 2:00 at Laurel Chapter #47, Black Diamond, WA. 
For directions to Black Diamond Masonic Hall, click here. ( http://tinyurl.com/p87jb )
    The costs are:  Food Handlers test, $15.00 and the Alcohol Serving test is $35.00 or if you take both the fee will be $45.00.
    Please pass this information on to all those who might be interested and mark the date on your calendar.
** Valgene Orlando, PM, Laurel Chapter #47 (GGC), Black Diamond, WA
- - - - - - - - - - -
 
Amaranth News ... 
Hi Connie:
Please add this to your newsletter.  Thank you.
** Bonnie McCroskey, Grand Sec. Amaranth
 
    Mt. View Ct. #68 invites members to attend the Official visit of the Grand Royal Matron, H.L. Barbara Waterman accompanied by S.K. Bruce Johnson,
Grand Royal Patron on Sat. June 3, 2006 at the Dryer Masonic Center, 306 South 134th St., Tacoma.  A ham or turkey dinner and a salad bar will be served at 6 pm for $7.
    We will also honor our Grand Officers, H.L. Judy Moiser, Grand Conductress and S.K. David Hubbard Grand Sentinel.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Error is found in last issue ...
        I found it:  Bandy is a winter sport, where a ball is hit with a stick. It is often considered to be an ancestor of ice hockey, but there is no definite historical evidence for this theory. It likely descended from shinty and in turn field hockey. Bandy is played outdoors on a sheet of ice, and has rules that are similar to association football.
    but Banty is a chicken.
** RW Wayne Smith, Senior Grand Warden, GL of WA
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Oops!
    She told me we couldn't afford beer anymore and I'd have to quit. 
    Then I caught her spending $65.00 on make-up. 
    And I asked how come I had to give up stuff and not her. 
    She said she needed the make-up to look pretty for me. 
    I told her that was what the beer was for.
    I don't think she's coming back.
** Shared by that Bill McCormick ....
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
License Plate numbered 1,000 has been sold ...
    You can now add my pickup to the list.  The plate is MM 01000 and it is on my 2001 gold Ford Ranger pickup.  All other contact info is the same as for
my other plate, 00051.
** RW Wayne Smith, SGW
 
    Remember to email Ted at cmsltshrum@povn.com  with your license plate number to get on the list!  Make sure that you include your email address so you can receive this list.  Cell phone number and town in which you reside is helpful, too!
- - - - - - - - - - -
 
DeMolay International ...
So Mr. Ted and Ms Connie:
    DeMolay International is being held in Seattle this year; you probably are aware of that already.  I'm assisting with obtaining donations of local food items for sampling in the hospitality room - any one you might know that might be a contact?
    So now you've been solicited...hope to see you soon!
** Tess Kent
 
    So how about it?  Anyone wanting to donate some food items for sampling in the hospitality room?  Or know anyone who might?  Please contact Tess Kent at tesskent@hotmail.com .
 

 

 

MAY & JUNE MASONIC FAMILY CALENDAR ....

  • May 26-28 ... GL:  Hiyak Festival, New Westminster, BC.  TU/Ladies
  • May 29 ... GL:  Memorial Service, New Tacoma Cemetery; 9:00 AM; TU

  • May 30 ... GL:  Jurisprudence Committee Meeting, Everett Masonic Center, 10:00 AM.  Casual

  • May 31 - Jun 3 ... GL:  Grand Lodge of Oregon, Eagle Crest Resort; Tux/TU

  • June 4 ... CHIPS:  Holy Family Church in Kirkland Knights of Columbus to host as a partner with the Masonic Fraternity.  700 children possible.

  • June 5 ... GL:  Alki Lodge Reconstitution, West Seattle; Tux; Ladies.  6:00 PM.

  • June 6-10 ... GL:  Grand Lodge of Washington, Ocean Shores. 

  • June 7 ... EKS:  Stated Meeting.

  • June 8-10 ... EKS:  Grand Lodge, Ocean Shores.

  • June 8 ... OES:  Grand Lodge, Ocean Shores.

  • June 10 ... GL:  Grand Lodge Officers Meeting, Ocean Shores; 10:00 AM; TU

  • June 10 ... GL:  Ocean Shores Parade; 12 noon.  TU

  • June 10 ... GL:  EXCOM, Ocean Shores; 2:00 PM; TU.

  • June 11-13 ... OES:  Idaho Grand Chapter, Sun Valley.

  • June 12 ... GL:  Landmark on the Sound Visitations; 9:00 AM; TU.

  • June 12 ... GL:  Landmark on the Sound Trustee, Des Moines; 4:00 PM; TU.

  • June 12 ... GL:  King Solomon Strawberry Feed and Stated Meeting, Auburn; 6:00 PM.  TU; Ladies

  • June 13 ... GL:  Yancy C. Blalock #265, 6:30 PM; Dinner.  TU.

  • June 14 ... GL:  DeMolay International, Seattle, Golf Tourney.  Casual.

  • June 15 ... GL:  DeMolay International, Seattle, 7:00 PM, Sea Tac Double Tree. TU.

  • June 16 ... GL:  DeMolay International, Seattle, 11:30 AM Sea Tac Double Tree.  TU. 

  • June 16 ... EKS:  Scottish Rite Golf Tournament, Spokane.

  • June 17 ... GL:  Constitution and Installation of Alba Lodge, 3:00 PM, Greenwood, Ladies.  Tux.

  • June 17 ... GL:  DeMolay International Banquet, Seattle, 6:30 PM, Ladies.  Tux.

  • June 18-21 ... OES:  Oregon Grand Chapter, Pendleton.

  • June 19 ... GL:  Westgate #128, Stated Meeting, 6:30 PM Dinner, Western.

  • June 20 ... GL:  Cornerstones, Mattawa School and Clinic, TBD.  Tux.

  • June 21 ... GL:  HV- 6:30 PM Dinner.  TU

  • June 22-23 ... GL:  Grand Lodge British Columbia & Yukon.  TU

  • June 22-25 ... OES:  Grand Bethel, Ellensburg.

  • June 24 ... GL:  IOJD Grand Session, Ellensburg, 6:00 PM.  Tux, TU.

  • June 25 ... GL:  St. Johns Day Celebration, Bremerton, 2:00 PM, Ladies; TU

  • June 25-28 ... OES:  Washington Grand Chapter, Yakima, Sundome. 

  • June 27 ... GL:  HV-  7:30 PM; TU.

  • June 28 ... GL:  OES Grand Chapter Installation, Yakima, 3:00 PM; Tux.

  • June 29 ... GL: Edmonds #165 & Genesis #305 Table Lodge, 6:30 PM.  TU.

  • June 30 ... GL:  Peninsular #95 Table Lodge, Everett, 6:00 PM.  TU.

OES:  Events with Worthy Grand Matron

GL:  Events with the Grand Master
EKS:  Events with El Katif Shrine, Spokane
CHIPS:  Childhood Identification Program
TU = Team Uniform - consisting of blue blazer, grey slacks, white or blue Masonic shirt and team tie.

CTU = Casual Team Uniform - blue Masonic tee-shirt, slacks. 

 
 

 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER APPOINTEES

 
The following SK General Grand Appointments for SK were announced this week.  In my humble opinion, excellent choices.
 
    Elaine Low, PGM - International Peace Garden
    Ida Lawrence, PGM - Benevolence
    Roderick Lee, PGP - Credentials
    Marie Casavant, PGM - Visionquest
    Les Haaland, PGP - Ambassador to Mexico
    Rose Whaley, PGM - Ambassador to New Jersey
** Bonnie Elefson, PGM ND, Bismarck Chapter #11, Bismarck, ND
 
 
 

 
GRAND CHAPTER RESOLUTIONS
 

To:          Members of the Grand Chapter of Washington

 

From:     Jurisprudence Committee:  Cheri Moll, PGM, Chairman,

Beverly Haave, PGM, Gerry Shafer, PGM, Tom Schenewerk, PGP, Harry Sherman, PGP

 

RE:         Grand Chapter resolutions

 

The following resolutions are submitted for your consideration at the 2006 Grand Chapter session.  The portion of the By-Law that is to be deleted has been crossed out, that which is to be added has been underlined. 

 

 

RESOLUTION #1

 

Purpose:  To change a portion of the Per Capita tax currently paid by subordinate Chapters.

 

Page BL Part I-27, Article IX, Section 902. Dues, Paragraph 2.

 

                2.             For each member on the roll of the Chapter, and in good standing on the preceding 31st day of March, excepting such members as Chapter sponsored residents of the Masonic Retirement Center, fifty year members and members confined to institutions for the mentally ill, and members diagnosed with Alzheimer or dementia who are members in such care centers, the sum of Three Dollars ($3.00), fifty (50) cents of which sum shall be placed into a separate fund to provide for equipment acquisition, equipment maintenance, and protracted office expense increases for the Grand Chapter Office, fifty (50) cents of which sum shall be placed into a separate fund known as the Grand Chapter Session Fund, fifty (50) cents of which sum shall be placed into a separate fund known as the Masonic Home Fund and shall be paid annually to the Home Fund of the Grand Lodge of F&AM on or before the 15th day of June for the use of the Masonic Retirement Center of Washington.  (The fact that Chapter dues are remitted for any indigent members or members in nursing homes other than those excepted above, shall not relieve the Chapter from the obligation of paying per capita tax for such members.)

 

All remaining parts of Section 902 shall remain unchanged.

 

Signed:  Don McAmmond, WP, Doric Chapter #69  

 

 

RESOLUTION #2

 

Purpose: To enable our Jurisdiction to establish its own Leadership Training Program dealing with education of the members with items other than Ritual Instruction, such as Parliamentary Procedure, how to plan meetings, conflict management, goal setting for committees, etc. and supported by our own Grand Chapter.

 

Add #18 to Section 604

 

Page BL-Part I–12 Article VI, Section 604 Standing Committees

 

18. Leadership Retreat Committee

1.             The Leadership Retreat Committee shall consist of seven (7) members:  Chairman and assistant, Vice Chairman and assistant, and three (3) Regional Coordinators (East, Northwest and Southwest). 

a.      The Associate Grand Patron shall serve as Chairman, assisted by his spouse, or sister of his choice.  They will be responsible for planning the seminar program for the Retreat and securing presenters for the various topics.

b.      The Grand Sentinel shall serve as Vice Chairman, assisted by his spouse, or sister of his choice.  They shall work closely with the Associate Grand Patron and perform such duties that are delegated by the Chairman.  The Grand Sentinel will also be in charge of housing, if it is needed, and the securing of a location for the Retreat when he is Chairman.

c.       The Regional Coordinators shall be appointed for two (2) years by the Worthy Grand Matron, with the approval of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.  They will be responsible for promoting the Retreat to the chapters in their assigned area and may appoint other members to assist as needed.  No Regional Coordinator may serve more than four (4) consecutive years. 

2.             The Leadership Retreat Committee shall plan a program that provides planning, communication and such other leadership skills training needed or requested by the members of this jurisdiction.

3.             The Leadership Retreat will be held annually at a time best suited for the majority of the membership.

 

Signed:  Wayne Mouat, PP, Stanwood #76, Nancy Mouat,PM, Stanwood #76

 

 


 

RESOLUTION #2A

 

Add Leadership Retreat to list of Standing Committees.

 

Page BL Part I-12 - Article VI, Section 602, #2 Standing:  ByLaws, Cancer, Chairman of Tellers Credentials, Finance, Fraternal Correspondents, Grievances and Appeals, Heart, Historian, Insurance, Jurisprudence, Leadership Retreat, Librarian, Masonic Retirement Center Board, Membership, Printing, Proficiency Board, Session Site Selection, Standard Work, Grand Chapter Session Properties.

 

Signed:  Wayne Mouat, PP, Stanwood #76, Nancy Mouat, PM, Stanwood #76

 
Next issue ... More Resolutions ...
 

  
BLUE LODGE AGENDAS
 
 
DIAMOND LODGE NO. 83, Black Diamond ... Joe Orlando, WM
 
 
June 6 ... June Officer's Meeting; 7:00 PM. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
FRANK S. LAND LODGE NO. 313, Des Moines ... Bob Starowski, WM
June 8 - 19 ... Grand Lodge, Ocean Shores. 
 - - - - - - - - -
 
NEWPORT LODGE NO. 144 ... L. Ted Shrum, WM
June 1 ... Dinner; 6:15 PM.  Stated Meeting; 7:30 PM.   
- - - - - - - - - -
 
RICHMOND - HALLER LAKE LODGE NO. 248 ... Bill Buterbaugh, WM
June 6 ... Hot Dogs & Beans - Step-up Night; Stated Meeting; 7:30 PM. 
 - - - - - - - - - - -
 
SKYKOMISH LODGE NO. 259 . . .  Bill Wade, WM
June 1 ... Potluck Dinner - Fishermen's Night; 6:30 PM. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
TEMPLE LODGE NO. 42, Cheney ... Rob Steiner, WM
May 25 ... Widow's Dinner at Tawanka Commons EWU, 6:30 PM
 
       
(If you wish to have your Blue Lodge Agenda in this section, please let me know!)
 
 

 
MASONIC NEWS
 
ATHEIST
    The Greek for God was Theos; when the j prefix was placed before it, we get the origin j of "atheism," signifying a denial of the god, or gods. The word should be distinguished from "agnosticism," which means neither to affirm nor to deny but to remain in doubt; and from "infidel," which means that one does not believe some doctrine. Christians call Mohammedans "infidels" because they do not believe the Bible; Mohammedans call Christians "infidels" because they do not believe the Koran. Inasmuch as Masonry requires of a petitioner that he believe in God the atheist is automatically excluded from the Fraternity.  
** Cinosam
 

 
 

LOWRY'S HINTS
 

 
HINT 1:  Make a box of baking soda do double duty by using it first to deodorize the refrigerator, under sink or wherever you need it, then use it to clean and
polish with.
            * * * * * * *
HINT 2:  Leftover egg whites?  Use them for a facial mask, or put them in a meatloaf.  They break down the 'gum' in chewing gum so that it's easily removed from fabrics and hair, too.
            * * * * * * *
HINT 3:  Make cleaning grease splatters on the wall behind the stove easier. First, clean the painted wall behind your stove. Then spray the entire area with a generous coat of furniture polish and buff well with paper towels.  You will then be able to wipe future grease splatters away easily with a dry sheet of paper towels.  
 
            * * * * * * *
HINT 4:  Baby Wipes:   Blot spilled coffee from a rug or carpet. Wipes will absorb coffee without leaving a stain.
            * * * * * * *
HINT 5:  Your white telephone going a bit dull - get it really white again by putting a bit of toothpaste on a moist cloth and use it to clean the phone - Works
Great!
            * * * * * * *
HINT 6:  If a screw or bolt has become rusted in woodwork and is difficult to remove - put a few drops of cooking oil on top and leave for a while.
 
 

 
RECIPES
 
PAT’S CRISPY COOKY

1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. margarine
1 c. oil
1 large egg
1 tbsp.vanilla
3 ½ c.flour
1 tsp.soda
1 c.coconut
1 c.oats
1 c.rice crispies
1 c.nuts, chopped
1 tsp.cream of tartar

    Cream sugars, margarine and oil. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Add and mix flour, cream of tartar, soda. Blend in coconut, oats, cereal and nuts. Chill
dough. Form into balls and place on cooky sheet and press with fork.    Oven 375°F for 12-15 minutes. About 100 cookies
- - - - - - - - - - -
 
Wild Mushroom Risotto

1 (3/4-ounce) package dried porcini mushrooms
1 cup hot water
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
10 to 12 button mushrooms, sliced
2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup red wine
6 cups vegetable stock, heated
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
   Salt and pepper to taste

TO PREPARE:  Soak the porcini mushrooms in the hot water in a bowl for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid. Rinse the mushrooms and slice.
    Heat 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter and olive oil in a large skillet.   Sauté the onion and garlic in the butter mixture for 2 minutes. Stir in the button mushrooms. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add the rice and mix well.
    Sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the wine. Cook until the wine evaporates, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup of the hot stock. Cook until the stock is absorbed, stirring constantly. Add the porcini mushrooms and 1 cup of the remaining stock. Cook until the stock is absorbed, stirring constantly. Pour the reserved mushroom liquid through a fine strainer into the rice mixture and mix well.
    Add the remaining stock 1 cup at a time, stirring constantly and cooking until the stock is absorbed after each addition. This will take approximately 20 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup unsalted butter and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
    Serve immediately. NOTE:  This is a hearty meal that tastes wonderful. Use half the butter to reduce the fat if desired. SERVES: 4
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 
Hot German Potato Salad III 
"A variation on potato salad - delicious!"

9 potatoes, peeled
6 slices bacon
3/4 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup distilled white vinegar

DIRECTIONS:  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 30 minutes. Drain, cool and slice thin.  Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside, reserving drippings.  Sauté onions in bacon drippings until they are golden-brown.  In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, celery seed, and pepper. Add to the sautéed onions and cook and stir until bubbly, then remove from heat. Stir in water and vinegar, then return to the stove and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for one minute. Carefully stir bacon and sliced potatoes into the vinegar/water mixture, stirring gently until potatoes are heated through.  Serves:  12.
 

- - - - - - - - -

 
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken 
"Cream cheese mellows the briny tang of feta cheese in these baked chicken breasts stuffed with cheese, dill and garlic."

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves -
pounded thin
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup feta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried dill weed
2 tablespoons melted butter
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  TO MAKE FILLING: In a large bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the feta cheese, dill weed and garlic powder. Beat until smooth and creamy.  Put a dollop of 1/4 of the filling on each breast, then roll and tie the breasts with cooking string to seal. Brush each breast with melted butter/margarine and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the juices run clear.  Serves:  4.
 
 

 
HELOISE

 

  • Make a Disposable Pastry Bag:  Use a strong zipper-type plastic bag and cut a small hole in one corner. Fill with the food you want to shape and squeeze gently. Toss when done.

  • Dishwashing By Hand:  Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the dishwater. This will help to stop grease from sticking to pans, pots and the sink. Then add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse water to make your glassware shine.

  • Can't Find the Spices You Need for Cooking?:  Think ABC! Line them up in your cabinet alphabetically. Then you won't waste time hunting for the one you want for the recipe you are cooking. Organization like this really can save time!

  • Avoiding Kitchen Fire Hazards:  Plug most appliances directly into wall sockets. Don't use extension cords because some appliances like slow cookers might not heat properly and the cords can become a fire hazard. Unplug them when you are done

 


 

 
SOME JOKES
 
    I  was playing tooth fairy when my daughter, Marina, suddenly woke up.   Seeing the money in my hand, she cried out, "I caught you!" 
    I froze and tried to think of an explanation for why I, instead of the tooth fairy, was putting the money under her pillow but her next words let me off the hook. 
    "You put that money back!" she said indignantly. "The tooth fairy left that for me!"
 
- - - - - - - - - - - -
   
    My grandfather worked in a blacksmith shop when he was a boy, and he used to tell me, when I was a little boy myself, how he had toughened himself up so he could stand the rigors of blacksmithing.
    One story was how he had developed his arm and shoulder muscles. He said he would stand outside behind the house and, with a 5 pound potato sack in each hand, extend his arms straight out to his sides and hold them there as long as he could. 
    After awhile he tried 10 pound potato sacks, then 50 pound potato sacks and finally he got to where he could lift a 100 pound potato sack in each hand and hold his arms straight out for more than a full minute!   Next, he started putting potatoes in the sacks!
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   
    A man entered a stationery store and asked the clerk for a birthday/anniversary card. 
    The clerk replied, "We have birthday cards and we have anniversary cards. Why not take one of each?"
    The man said, "You don't understand. I need a card that covers *both* events!   You see, we're celebrating the fifth anniversary of my wife's thirty-fourth birthday..." 
  
 

 
AND A WORD FROM YOURS TRULY ...
    
 
 
    We are off for a couple of Grand Lodge functions ... so won't be around for a couple of days!  Make sure you check the website for future clues in case I am not home to insert them into the STARS.  www.washingtonoes.org .  See you in Tacoma on Monday??    
    Since this issue is so close to the last one ... I find that I am speechless.  Betcha find that is hard to believe, huh!  I do thank all those who are sending in their Grand Chapter Reservations.  Good going!   
    Star hugs and happy thoughts.  AND REMEMBER:  Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them but you always know they are there! 
** Connie 

 


 

 
    I would sure appreciate your sending me your Ode Cards when finished!  Sure helps with this publication!
    Thanks to the following members for their Ode Cards:  (None to report!)
    Warren Chapter
    AC Barbara Richman, Sunshine Chapter, Prosser; Roza Chapter, Benton City; & Sunnyside Chapter.
    Conductress Sara Hicks, Greenwood Chapter, Seattle
     WM Debbie Flynn, Tacoma Chapter
   
Remember! Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
 
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
 
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 DISCLAIMER:  Occasionally, there will be an error in these documents.  Your job is to find it!  Good Luck