“SMILE A WHILE”
Grand Chapter of Louisiana
Order of
the Eastern Star
Diane Smith
Terrie
C. Castay, PGM
Worthy Grand Matron Grand
Secretary
P O Box 99
3211
Hyman Place
Mt. Hermon, LA 70450
New
Orleans, LA 70131-7037
September 2007 - Newsletter
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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The
month of August has passed very quickly beginning with 41 members traveling to
San Antonio to attend Texas Grand Chapter.
What a wonderful representation from Louisiana! It was also an honor to be invited to bring
Greetings during the Formal Opening.
Several
additional Official Visits were made during the month and Brother Roy and I
appreciate the dedication of the members and grand officers attending. Courtesy Visits are always relaxing, fun and
exciting. One of our visits included
the presence of our own Brother Bruce Easterly, Worshipful Grand Master of
Louisiana. It was certainly a pleasure
to have a combined honor night with OES members and Master Masons. Sharing the evening with Brother Bruce was a
highlight and we appreciated the outstanding programs presented on our behalf
(including the OES Clown Patrol Unit). This is an example of the Masonic bodies
joining and bonding together for the good of our individual organizations. Another Courtesy Visit was held with lots of
fun, laughter and smiles as members told “OES Funny Tales” they have
experienced through the years – a very entertaining evening.
Our
Visionquest workshop for the Northern Section was held and was thoroughly
enjoyed by all. Brother Dean Wyant,
GGCCM, Southern Region and PGP of Kansas was exceptional and much was gained
from his presentation. We appreciate
Sister Audrey Barker, GGCCM, arranging for his participation.
I
was fortunate to also attend a meeting in Slidell where Mr. John Williamson,
Recorder, Jerusalem Temple Shrine, spoke and also Mr. Danny Caro who is a burn
victim treated for 17 years by the Shrine Hospital. This young 27 year old gentleman now plays drums (without
fingers) for the House of Blues. He
gave a beautiful heart warming testimony, which was well received by all
present. Danny is also now a new Master
Mason and a Shriner. I was also invited
to speak on behalf of our Shriner’s Hospital Transportation Fund for the
children and our OES Clown Patrol Unit for community service.
Our
special appreciation to Brother Julio Morales, PGP, who graciously brought
greetings at the Amaranth Grand Court on behalf of our Louisiana Eastern Star
while Brother Roy and I were attending Texas Grand Chapter.
By
the slip of the pen last month, I unfortunately failed to mention the wonderful
LA/TX Exchange Visit held in Marshal, TX and Shreveport. It was thoroughly enjoyed by approximately
135 members. Our thanks to Sister
Elizabeth Roach, PGM, for arranging such an outstanding afternoon for the
“Southern Magnolia” luncheon. A very
special thanks goes to Sister Joye Denny also for chairing the fun filled event
of the fabulous Luau for our LA/MS Exchange Visit. These two Past Grands are to be commended.
Brother
Roy and I visited the Shrine Hospital in Shreveport, along with 50+ OES
members, including 11 of our Grand Officers.
This experience was overwhelming to say the least. We were able to visit with some of the
children and also tour the fabulous facilities. Needless to say, we must have delivered over 300 toys and/or
stuffed animals and had approximately 15 of the OES Clowns with us. Thanks to all who joined us for this
extraordinary afternoon!
A
little “happy” for you: A smile can
open a heart faster than a key can open a door!
Star
Love & Miles of Smiles,
Diane
Smith
Worthy
Grand Matron
GRAND REPRESENTATIVE
APPOINTMENTS:
Arizona – Gladys Jordan, PM,
#141, 15 Tulip Dr., Gretna 70053
Rhode Island – Albert Farris,
PP, #234, 2234 So. Magnolia Dr., Baker 70714
OFFICIAL VISITS
Of The Worthy Grand Matron
Accompanied by the Worthy Grand Patron
And Other Grand Officers
District 8 – Saturday, September 1 – Masonic Temple, 108 Bevill St.,Winnfield, Lunch at
12:30 PM, Program at 1:45 PM, Meeting at 2:00 PM – Sam Warren, DDGM.
District 6 – Friday, September 7 – Delhi Civic Center, Meal at 6:00 PM and Meeting at
7:00 PM, (From I-20, Exit 153 and go North approximately 1 mile. Turn left on Louisiana Street by First
Baptist Church. Go to end of street and
the Civic Center is on the right). No
Housing Chairman. Best Western Motel
(318-878-5126), Executive Inn (Formerly Days Inn) 318-878-9000, Cabins are
available at Poverty Point State Park, sleeps up to 8 located on the Lake.
(1-800-474-0392) – If interested, call ASAP as they are in great demand. Ruby Bradley, DDGM.
District 4 – Friday, September 14 – Monroe Scottish Rite Temple, Heavy Hors d’oeuvres
at 6:00 PM and meeting at 7:00 PM – (Dixie Chapter #179, 205 University Ave.)
From I-20, Exit Hwy. 165 North – Bastrop Exit and either……proceed to DeSiard
Street Exit, bear right at first light turn left onto University Ave., only a
couple of buildings down; or….proceed further down 165 to Northeast Drive (at
Taco Bell) – go right to the next light, which is University Ave., take a right
and go down nearly to the end of the street, Temple is on the right (If lost,
call: 318-366-0967 or 318-366-1704) Housing Chairman: Helen Thomas, 508 Howard
Brown Rd., W. Monroe – 318-323-1877).
Rise’ Bethea, DDGM
District 5 – Saturday, September 15 – Sunny South Chapter #12 – Masonic Lodge, Boswell
Street, Meeting at 2:00 PM and Meal after meeting – Formal Attire. Catherine
Creech, DDGM.
District 16 – Friday, September 21 – Central Lodge #442, Baton Route – Dinner at 6:00 PM
and Meeting at 7:00 PM, (From I-110 in Baton Rouge, take the Airport/Harding
Blvd. Exit. Go right (East) on Harding
Blvd. Harding Blvd. Becomes Hooper Rd
(Hwy. 408) after crossing Plank Rd.
Proceed about 7 miles to Sullivan Rd.
Lodge Hall is the 3rd building on the right. A two-story white brick bldg.-has a Chair
Lift. From the East heading West on
I-12, Take the Denham Springs Exit. Go
right (North) on Range Avenue. Cross
over Hwy. 190 and go about 4 miles.
Turn left at light on Hwy. 3034.
(Burger King on your right and McDonalds on left). This is Magnolia Bridge Rd., which becomes
Wax Rd. and dead-ends at Sullivan Rd.
Turn right onto Sullivan Rd. and go about 1 mile. Lodge is two-story white brick building on
the left.) Housing Chairman: Evelyn
Blackwell (225) 261-0096. Norma Jenkins,
DDGM. (Ice Cream Social following the
meeting to honor Linn McNary, Grand Marshal and Faye McDowell, Friend of a Feather.)
District 17 – Saturday – September 22 – Fern Leaf Chapter #24, Hammond. Salad Lunch at 1:00 PM and Meeting at 2:00
PM, Housing Chairman: Laura Wall, PGM,
928 Pine Ridge Rd., Bogalusa (985) 735-6819.
From I-55, take exit 31 (Albany/Hammond), travel East on Hwy. 190. Highway will split, after intersecting
Morrison Blvd. (Hwy. 51) and be one-way E/W.
Cross Railroad Tracks; look for Livingston Masonic Lodge on left at the
corner of S. Cypress and Morris St. (Hwy. 190). Connie Quave, DDGM.
Ice
cream social honoring Sisters Ruth Keen, Pauline Rushing, Laura Wall, Past
Grand Matrons and Sisters Myra Ramsey, AGC and Gwen Champlin, Grand Chaplain following
the close of the meeting.
District 9 – Friday, October 19 – Sabine
Chapter #171, Many. Meal at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Housing Chairman:
Lucy Erickson, WM (337-239-4225) Paula Burnitt, DDGM, 6:00 PM
District 19 – Friday, October 26 – Laurie Elliott, DDGM, 6:00 PM
District 18 – Saturday, October 27 – Ann Talley, DDGM, 2:00 PM
(The members of Lakeshore #59
and Jessamine #82 cordially invite you to an Ice Cream Social following the
Official Visit of District 18 on October 27 to honor our Worthy Grand Matron,
Worthy Grand Patron, Past Grand Matrons of the District and our Grand Officers,
Sisters Debbie Alford, Grand Adah, Juanita Evans, Grand Ruth and Karen Porter,
Grand Electa.)
Sept. 3 – Happy Labor Day
Sept. 8 – Louisiana/Arkansas
Exchange Visit, The Reynolds Center, Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia,
AR Send money and self-addressed
stamped envelope to: Jan Sherman, 1224 Dogwood, Magnolia, AR 71753 (870) 234-5262.
Sept. 10 – Courtesy Visit,
Encircler #191, 6:30 PM, Kenner
Sept. 18 – Courtesy Visit,
Pearl River #237, 6:30 PM, Pearl River
Sept. 24 – Courtesy Visit,
Fern Leaf #24, 6:30 PM, Hammond
Sept. 25 – Courtesy Visit,
Alice #5, 6:30 PM, Morgan City
Sept. 27 – Courtesy Visit,
Baker #234, 6:30 PM, Baker
Sept. 28 – Courtesy Visit,
Myrtle Celeste #231, 6:30 PM, Baton Rouge
Sept. 29 – Masonic Relations
Day, Central Section, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Masonic Temple, Horseshoe Dr.,
Alexandria
Oct. 2 – Caring and Sharing,
Harmony #6, 6:30 PM, Coushatta
Oct. 7-9 – Missouri Grand
Chapter, Cape Girardeau
Oct. 11 – Courtesy Visit,
Vidalia #37, 6:30 PM, Vidalia
Oct. 13- Barbara
Benton-Homecoming-Cowboy Hall of Fame, Guthrie, OK
Oct. 14-15 – Oklahoma Grand
Chapter, Guthrie, OK
Oct. 22 – Courtesy Visit,
Wagner #111, 6:00 PM, Springhill
Oct. 23 – Courtesy Visit,
Broadmoor #233, 6:00 PM, Shreveport
GRAND CHAPTER – ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
September 22 – Fern Leaf
Chapter #24, Hammond
Past Grand’s–11:00 AM -- Past Grand Officer’s–11:00 AM --- Grand Representatives Assoc.–12:00 PM
Visionquest, Southern Section, has been changed from Sunday, September 16, 2007 to
Saturday, February 2, 2008. Detailed
information at a later date.
Masonic Relations Day, Southern Section, December 1 –
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, has been changed from the Accacia Shrine Temple to the
Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Consistory, 14598 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge (Coming
from East, take the O’Neal exit and continue up to Florida Blvd. And turn
left. The Consistory is located on the
left side approx. 1-2 miles on Florida Blvd.
Coming from the West (I-10), take I-12 toward Hammond and exit at
Sherwood Forest Exit to left. Continue
to Florida Blvd. And turn right. After
you pass Flannery Road, the Consistory will be on the right side approx. 1-2
miles. Get on the Service Road at the
second street past Flannery. Stay on
the service road until you get to the Consistory. There is a sign at the front gate.
In the event your Chapter has
“clown pins” that have not been sold for the Cancer Project, please return them
to your chapter secretary who will forward them to the State Chairman. Many of the larger chapters are asking for
additional pins.
Last Call –
There are only a few cabins left. If
you would like to join us for this “fun” trip, please call the Worthy Grand
Matron’s tour agent, Jeannette Fonte (504) 239-1148 or (504) 833-7863.
ROSTER CHANGES:
Pg 5 – Gwayne Denham, PGP –
new Email address: gwd417@yahoo.com
Pg 29 & 37 – St Albans #28
– Will meet 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM – (By-Law
Change-Approved)
Pg 31 – Alberta Retif #252 –
Temporary move to Andrew Jackson Lodge, Arabi
Pg 36 – Lakeshore #59 – Evelyn
Marquez, WM – 452 Penn Ave., Slidell 70458
FROM THE DESK
OF THE GRAND SECRETARY:
Secretaries
– place your orders for:
2007 Books
of Instruction - $3.00 2007
Constitution Changes - $1.50
2007
Rosters - $6.00 2008
Dues Cards – To be delivered in October
2006-2009 Amendments for the small and large print rituals are now
available. You will receive individual pages that will stick-on your current
ritual. Cost is $3.00 plus postage.
Fraternally,
Terrie
C. Castay, PGM
Grand
Secretary
LETTERS OF INTENT
WORTHY GRAND
MATRON
It has been an honor for me to serve our wonderful
Order and Grand Chapter this year. I
therefore submit my name for the office of Worthy Grand Matron and ask for your
continued love, support and prayers as we work together.
Signed: Juanita
Wilkinson, AGM (#242)
4130
Long Pine Lane, Lake Charles 70611
WORTHY GRAND PATRON
I respectfully submit my Letter of Intent for the
Office of Worthy Grand Patron. Serving
as Associate Grand Patron has been an honor and privilege.
Signed: Mert
Mestler, AGP (#220 and #227)
893 Melba Drive, Shreveport 71118
ASSOCIATE GRAND PATRON
Due to medical and health reasons and as a suggestion
by my physician, and a difficult decision on my part, I, Robert
E. Bazzell, PP, Greenwood Chapter #202, do hereby withdraw myself as a
candidate for the office of Associate Grand Patron. My thanks to all of you who were very supportive of my
endeavor. You are a wonderful group of
Sisters and Brothers and special friends.
BOARD OF FRATERNAL ASSISTANCE
It has been my privilege and an honor to have served
this Grand Chapter for the past three years as a member of The Board of
Fraternal Assistance. I thank this
Grand Chapter for this privilege, and respectfully submit my name for
re-election.
Signed: Betty
Nichols, PM (#218)
8808 Chadwick Drive, Shreveport 71120
APPRECIATION
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you and to
all of my OES Sisters and Brothers. This was a very difficult hospitalization
for me. It has taught me and my family to adjust our expectations regarding my
health. But God has blessed me because my Sisters and Brothers brought me to
His attention so much. I am really doing quite well, all things considered.
Your prayers and your love gave me the extra strength I needed. It did me
enormous good to hear Mom and Dad pass on the greetings of so many concerned
friends. Relief chapter also came together to help me; they've been invaluable.
Your cards gave me hope and made me smile--which is good for anyone's health,
after all! Thank you for reminding me
of what a wonderful family Eastern Star is, and of the power of faith and
smiles.
Sincere Star love, Robyn Guillory