Monday, May 14, 2007

Official Visit – Cowansville Chapter #17

On April 23rd, we had our Official Visit to Cowansville Chapter in Knowlton, QC, and once again we had a wonderful time. Before the meeting, we all enjoyed a wonderful pot-luck supper (which I was late for due to heavy traffic on my way from work).

The chapter honoured two of my Grand Officers, Sister Brenda Stone, Associate Grand Matron and Brother Eric Sanborn, Grand Warder. They also paid tribute to Sister Beverley Sanborn, Grand Conductress, who is affiliated with this Chapter.

I had the pleasure of presenting a Grand Representatives Commission to Sister Erika Sanborn to the state of Puerto Rico. As her mother, Sister Beverley Sanborn was Conductress this evening she had the pleasure of escorting her daughter to the East. It was such a pleasure seeing this, as I don’t think this happens very often. I was also pleased to present a Certificate of Appreciate and gold Thistle pin to Brother Rodney Jenne, P.G.P. for being the chapter’s Marshal.

The Worthy Matron, Sister Donna Mitchell, planned a wonderful ceremony for us. If I thought that I hadn’t laughed so hard as at the Table Chapter in November, I was sadly mistaken. The Worthy Matron concocted a race for the WGP and I to partake in. At several points throughout the chapter room we had to participate in an event and win points. At the first checkpoint, we had to spin plastic eggs and see who’s egg spun the longest (I won that one!). At another checkpoint, we had to whose little plastic dragon ran the furthest (I lost that one!). By the time the race was finished (which I won overall!), I thought I was going to crack a rib from laughing so hard. It is so great to see the chapters have fun during their meetings. When the chapters have fun during their meetings, it encourages the members to come back again. After returning to the East, I was presented with a donation from the Chapter for my Special Project. After the meeting, we enjoyed some delicious cake and ice cream, which was in honour of their Grand Officers.

Since Spring had finally sprung, as my Chapter Talk, I chose to speak on the subject of gardens.

Chapter Talk – In The Garden

Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, WGP, GGCCM’s, all Distinguished Guests, Sisters & Brothers. Thank you Worthy Matron for the warm welcome this evening. As always, it is a pleasure to be here tonight.

Tonight I wish to talk to you for a little while about gardens. In the spring of the year we become especially garden-minded. We peruse the seed catalogues, we go out into our yards to see if the bulbs are coming along as they should and if the perennials have withstood the rigorous winter; and how about the precious fern we had such a difficult time getting started! Those first crocuses coming up through the snow are more welcome than a dozen red roses from the greenhouses. If we can’t have a garden of our own, we still find ourselves stopping before the florist’s windows to admire the daffodils and the tulips – and finally when the grocery store puts boxes of plants out on the sidewalk each morning to sell, we know for certain that summer is just around the corner. Spring has engulfed us. We see new life, new joy. All the wonders of nature are spread out before us. God’s handiwork – God’s gift to us. Not to us alone, but to all mankind without regard to colour, race, or creed.

That’s one kind of a garden. Now I wish to mention another one equally beautiful and more wonderful still. This is not a perennial garden, nor does it bloom in the spring only – it is eternal because the flowers which grow there are everlasting. The garden of which I speak is the one we are sitting in tonight. It is the Garden of our Star. In the very center stands the sundial – our Holy Bible, the rays of which warm the heart and bring the flowers into full bloom. These lovely flowers are not daffodils nor primroses, glorious as these may be, but they are called Kindness, Constancy, Steadfastness, Truth, and Charity, and others too numerous to mention. Like the roses and the Phlox, they need tender care and nourishment if they are to grow in beauty and stature. Like the hyacinth and the bluebells they fade without it. So why do I call them everlasting? Because, ever since the world began, they have grown upon the earth. Someone somewhere has kept these seeds alive, had broadcast them and cared for them so that they might live and we might behold their beauty today. Each time we invite a Sister or a Brother into our Order we plant a seed from these flowers in a heart. We hope it falls on good soil and blooms in a life so that this life may be one with us in keeping our garden flourishing.

We have so many symbols in our ritualistic work and among the loveliest of these is the meaning of our flowers. First we have the violet, which is a modest flower and appropriate to the daughter. The blue violet is more than a flower to us however; it is the blossom of fidelity and one that we should present early to youth along with the virtue of obedience to the demands of honour and justice.

As we wander a bit further into our magnificent garden we find the yellow jasmine, a symbol of constancy, an attribute which, added to fidelity, brings a growth in character. The two combined with the lily of the valley add the reminder that loveliness among the lowly shows true greatness.

As we continue to walk in this sacred place we always keep close to the sun, our Holy Book, warming ourselves by its rays. The blossoms we have attained so far are precious, but there is still more room for planting. Then we see the regal white lilies! They stand before us as queens of the universe. It often takes stature to be those lilies, those blossoms of loyalty. They speak out for right even though it is unpopular. To be pure in heart and to have courage is not always easy.

No garden is complete without greenery. Soft grass, hedges, ferns; they bring out the majesty of the flowers and compliment them. Fidelity, Constancy and Loyalty need the strength that comes through faith. Without faith and without hope our garden would lose most of its beauty. Upon entering we did not, however, notice the green first. It sort of grew upon us until we came to this one lovely fern near the end of our floral journey. But on looking back upon the pathway we trod, we noticed that the greenery was growing throughout the whole garden, not in just one spot. How sorry a place this would be should it all be removed. How important it is – the green spray of faith!

And then when all these enchanting blossoms have met our eyes, we gaze upon one, which is the culmination of all others – the bloom of love. Love that is kind, forgiving, love that overcomes all else in the world. Without these love blossoms in the garden, life would be harsh.

We leave our beautiful Star Garden with reluctance. Our feet have trod on sacred ground and in our hearts have been planted anew all the seeds of the precious virtues we have been shown.

We will leave the garden with a determination to care for and tend these wonderful flowers, which God in His goodness has given to us. In turn we can make God’s Garden on Earth a place of peach and happiness where people walk side by side in brotherly love. If we do this He had said,

“He will walk with us and He will talk with us,
He will tell us we are His own;
And the joy we share in the garden there,
None other will have ever known.”

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight. As you all know, this is the Bible that was presented to me by Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., at my Installation. She in turn received it from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to both sign it. The beautiful Bible marker was hand painted by Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M. I hope everyone takes a chance to have a look. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel tonight. This gavel is the one presented to me by the WGP, Brother Bill and Sister Fabienne at my Installation last October. I would also ask that after the meeting the Chapter Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

Thank you again, Worthy Matron, for all your courtesies tonight and for your wonderful donation to my Special Project. It is very much appreciated.

Hands Across The Border

On April 21st, a beautiful sunny Saturday, Quebec played host to the Hands Across the Border with Vermont. This is an exchange between the two jurisdictions that has been going on for 39 years. It started with Vermont hosting a Friendship Night and was later changed to Hands Across the Border. Vermont is Quebec's Mother Grand Chapter and was very instrumental in getting Quebec Grand Chapter started. We alternate every year where it will be and this year Quebec had the privilege of hosting it. This year we had a total of 108 members from the two Jurisdictions attend. I was sooooo pleased!

I was very fortunate to have a great group of people help to plan this day. The afternoon Tea was hosted by my Chapter, Friendship-Victoria Chapter and our WGP’s Chapter, Victory Chapter. Two of our General Grand Chapter Committee Members even poured the tea for us! We had a banquet in the evening that was put on by the members of Maple Leaf Chapter #2. I asked them in January if they would host the banquet and they readily agreed. This was a fundraiser for their Chapter.

I was in a quandary at first as to who would fill all the offices. As I wanted all the Grand Officers to be able to sit with their counterparts, I didn’t want to ask Officers of the two hosting chapters, as a number of the Chapter Officers are Grand Officers! I decided to ask the Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons if they would do the honours. Again, they all readily agreed (I have gotten such wonderful support from all of the Past Grands this year). It was a wonderful sight to see, as all but two of the Past Grand Matrons wore their Official Gowns from their own years.

After the meeting was opened in regular form, we had the presentation of Distinguished Guests. What a sight to see all the GGCCM’s, Past Grands and Grand Officers presented. After I was asked to say a few words, I had the pleasure of presenting Honorary Memberships to my chapter to the WGM and WGP of Vermont, Sister Rosemarie Blair and Brother Gary Sage. I, in turn, received Honorary Memberships to their chapters in Vermont, which was a wonderful surprise.

After the meeting was closed, and before the meal, Sister Huguette Strassbourg entertained us with some wonderful piano music and a sign-a-long.

All in all, it was a super day enjoying the fellowship with our friends from Vermont and I hope that this tradition will continue for many, many years to come.

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Official Visit – Cookshire Chapter #46

On April 18th, we had our Official Visit to Cookshire Chapter in Sawyerville. As it takes about 3 hours to drive to Sawyerville, I took the afternoon off work and met up with the Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Bill Winter and his wife, Sister Fabienne (our Grand Marshal), at my sister’s place (our Grand Martha, Heather MacDonald). We met up with a large group of members at the St. Hubert Restaurant in Magog and enjoyed a wonderful supper together before heading off to the meeting. As Cookshire Chapter meets above a bowling alley, there isn’t much room for us ladies to change into our long dresses, so we all changed in the washroom of the restaurant. It was funny seeing the faces of all the people in the restaurant as we came parading out of the washroom! It’s too bad my camera was in the car.

I had a wonderful time walking around the chapter before the meeting opened. The room was wonderfully decorated with Scottish Tea Towels, banners of tartan and the Scottish flag. After the Worthy Matron opened the chapter, she closed the Bible informally in order to bring in a special guest. In keeping with my Scottish theme, the Worthy Matron arranged to have a Scottish Dancer come to entertain us. Carolyn Lawry is a local 15 years old dancer from Coaticook. She has been dancing for 4 years and only competing for 2 years and has already won many, many competitions. She came at the beginning of the evening, as she is a student and had school the next morning. What a wonderful surprise it was, as I love Scottish dancing.

After the Bible was re-opened, I was honoured with another special ceremony. The Worthy Matron presented me with a vase in the shape of a thistle that belonged to her Mother-in-law. I was then taken to the four corners of the chapter where a poem was read, based on my four watchwords:

Faith:
Some purple heather from this corner this evening,
Combines the hope and trust of faith supreme;
To us your deepest faith has unseen meaning,
God grant a life of happiness serene.

Hope:
A spray of purple heather is my offering,
With all the memories of hope’s right,
To signify your queenly love and fervor,
Your hope to each adds joy and light.

Peace:
My spray of purple heather is a token,
It could not have more meaning if ‘twere gold;
Whether in labour proud or service humble
Always your thoughts in peace unfold.

Love:
I offer you a spray of purple heather,
With just as deep a meaning as ‘twere blue;
It’s load of love and truth enhances,
Blending your courage with our precepts true.

After each poem was read, I was presented a spray of heather with a donation to my special project attached to it.

I also had the pleasure of presenting a Certificate of Appreciate and my gold Thistle pin to Sister Sharon Kirby for filling the station of Marshal, as well as presenting a Grand Representatives Commission to the State of Maine to Brother Richard Chagnon, husband to my Grand Electa, Sister Christiane Chagnon.

For my talk, I told a story about four candles called Faith, Hope, Peace and Love. For anyone who was at the Official Visit of Lachute Chapter, you will recognize this as the candle ceremony that they did in my honour, although slightly different. I thought, after this ceremony that I would have to do something different as my talk for Cookshire Chapter, but decided to go ahead with it anyways for the benefit of those who were not at Lachute Chapter’s meeting.

Chapter Talk - The Four Candles

Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, WGP, GGCCM’s, all Distinguished Guests, Sisters & Brothers. Thank you Worthy Matron for the warm welcome this evening. As always, it is a pleasure to be here tonight. When I was Associate Grand Conductress, and I was starting to plan my theme, I was having a hard time trying to think of watchwords. I finally decided to use the words “Faith, Hope Peace and Love.” When talking with a friend at work, I mentioned to her that these were going to be my watchwords. She immediately sent me an email called The Four Candles. Although I had never, at that time, see it before, I have since seen around a few times, and I’m sure that many of you have also heard it Because it ties in with my watchwords, and for those who haven’t seen this email, I would like to read it tonight.

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak. The first candle said, "I am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me". Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly, the third candle spoke, "I am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them." And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly . . . A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end." Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles." With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life. With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are, Peace, Faith and Love can Shine brightly in our lives. Don't let these candles go out in your life!

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight. As you all know, this is the Bible that was presented to me by Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., at my Installation. She in turn received it from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to both sign it. The beautiful Bible marker was hand painted by Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M. I hope everyone takes a chance to have a look. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel tonight. This is the gavel that was presented to me by my sister and my mother when I was installed as Worthy Matron of Friendship-Victoria Chapter. I would also ask that after the meeting the Chapter Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

Thank you again, Worthy Matron, for all your courtesies tonight and for your wonderful donation to my Special Project. It is very much appreciated.

Official Visit – Owl’s Head Chapter #35

On April 11th, we had our Official Visit to Owl’s Head Chapter. Owl’s Head Chapter normally meets in Mansonville; however, their hall is too small to accommodate a large group so the Official Visit was held at the IOOF Hall in Knowlton. They were also celebrating their 60th Birthday. Sister Mary Bailey, P.M., who is a Charter Member received a wonderful tribute and then was presented with her 60-year pin. I also presented a certificate to the Chapter’s Marshal, Sister Elaine Young, along with my special gold Thistle pin. Sister Elaine is a relatively new member, just 2 years, and when I had her escorted to the East, you could tell that she thought she had done something wrong. She was very surprised, and I think pleased, to be recognized in this way. I think that this is an excellent way to pay tribute to the members who give so much to our Order.

Once again, I was honoured with a special ceremony by being escorted around to all the Star Points. I was given a beautiful basket of flowers, and then each Star Point presented me with a sprig of heather, which is one of my chosen flowers this year, with a donation attached to it for my Special Project.

This evening I chose to speak about Unconditional Love and told a story about a woman with cancer and how her faithful dog help to bring her back from the brink of death. After the meeting, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron signed my Bible and more pictures were taken. After the meeting we all enjoyed a delicious meal and lots of fellowship before making our way home.

Chapter Talk - A Great Dog Story (About unconditional Love)

Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, WGP, GGCCM’s, all Distinguished Guests, Sisters & Brothers. Thank you Worthy Matron for the warm welcome this evening. As always, it is a pleasure to be here tonight. One of these days I’m going to make it to your actual meeting place. Tonight I want to tell you a great dog story about unconditional Love.

How many of you have pets? If you do, you will understand how much they become a part of your family. Like children, they want your undying attention, and like teenagers, they talk back (especially cats). I have a cat named Peanut (who is constantly talking back to me!) and a schnauzer named Heidi. Peanut pretty much ignores me unless she wants a treat (that’s when she usually yells at me). She’ll wrap herself around my feat until I practically trip over her. Heidi, however, is a different story. She is always happy, unless there is a thunder storm. Then she needs to be cuddled like a baby. She is always happy to see me, even if I’ve just come in from taking the garbage out! When she sees that I’m tired or not feeling well, she will bring me several of her toys and come and sit on me and actually gives me a hug. If I ignore her, she usually throws those same toys at me until I start to play with her. All she knows is unconditional love.

A friend at work sent me this story. For those of you who don’t have pets, it’s just another “dog tail”, but for any of you who do have pets, I think you will like it, and might even relate to it. I think you’ll like it even if you don't have pets, and you may even decide you need one!

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact; she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable, until finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-fee. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.

The moral of this story is … live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget that the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They (the people & animals) are the ones that care for and love us.

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight.
As you all know, this is the Bible that was presented to me by Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., at my Installation. She in turn received it from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to both sign it. The beautiful Bible marker was hand painted by Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M. I hope everyone takes a chance to have a look. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel tonight. This gavel is the one presented to me by my sister, Sister Heather and my mom when I was installed as Worthy Matron of Friendship-Victoria Chapter. I would also ask that after the meeting the Chapter Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

Thank you again, Worthy Matron, for all your courtesies tonight and for your wonderful donation to my Special Project. It is very much appreciated.

Behind Again!!!

I can't believe I fell behind again in my postings. April was such a busy month, that I barely had time to pee let alone post! This is the first weekend that I have had free in awhile, so I'm going to attempt to get caught up again. Should I fall behind again, please be patient - the updates will come.