MUSIC OF THE STARS

Grand Chapter of Louisiana

Order of the Eastern Star

Jane McDaniel                                                                                                                       Terrie C. Castay, PGM

Worthy Grand Matron                                                                                                         Grand Secretary

2625 Riverside Drive                                                                                                             3211 Hyman Place

Port Allen, La.  70767                                                                                                             New Orleans, LA  70131-7037

 

March 2007 Newsletter

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Dear Sisters and Brothers:

            Here I am, writing my final newsletter message to you.  I have enjoyed communicating to you my dreams, plans and their fulfillment for the year.  You have been very receptive to new ideas and special projects.  I hope that this has rekindled a new enthusiasm in your chapter and in your heart for our beautiful order.

            February turned out to be a busy and exciting month.  We received great information at both of our Visionquest Conferences.  The future of this state now depends on each member taking that information and using it.  The members of District 15, my district, held a lovely tea.  We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon with a Valentine Theme.  Twenty-five members enjoyed the visit of the Most Worthy Grand Matron to Monterrey, Mexico, via San Antonio, Texas.  The entertainment, food, sightseeing and shopping was very unique to experience.  I understand that some of our folk can hardly wait to go back. The “First Pow Wow,” General Grand Chapter Banquet was a great success.  Many thanks to Joye Denny, PGM and her committee for making the evening so special. 

            Sister Sue Cromwell, PGM, quoted Poet W.B. Yeats in her farewell address.  “In dreams begin responsibilities.”  I fully understood my responsibility as I pursued my dream of leading this Grand Chapter.  But my dreams have only been achieved because, you, the members have been willing to share in that responsibility.  This Order needs each of us, making a difference, having a dream, meeting our responsibility, and going the extra distance to prosper and grow.  I hope you will never give up on that dream.

            Grandma use to say, “If it belongs to you, be responsible for it.”  Remember to “Keep a Song in your Heart and a Smile on your Face.”

 

                                                                                Fraternally,

 

 

                                                                                Jane McDaniel

                                                                                Worthy Grand Matron

 

Grand Representative Appointments

New Mexico – Lloyd Hagan, PP (158) – 3004 Wales Rd., Greensburg 70441

Alberta – Sandra Sandford, PM (236) – 6132 Old Mooringsport Rd., Shreveport 71107

NS & Prince Edward Island – Wanda Hagmeyer, PM  - 2035 Pepper Ridge Dr., Shreveport 71115

 

PROJECT INFORMATION AND DEADLINES

March 1, 2007 – Chapter Award of Excellence due to Worthy Grand Matron.

Tabs for Ronald McDonald House should be brought to Grand Chapter and labeled with Chapter Name and Number.  Turn in at River Center Registration area.

We will continue the WGM & WGP Penny Collection through Tuesday, March 27 at Grand Chapter.  The winner will be announced at the close of the Wednesday morning session.

 

 

TEXAS/LOUISIANA EXCHANGE VISIT

“Bluebonnets, Blueberries & Bluegrass Bonanza Banquet”

(Formal Attire)

April 27, 2007 – 7:00 PM

Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 501 Indian Springs Road, Marshall, Texas 75672

(Directions:   Turn Right, go 9/10 mile, Church on Right)

Donation:  $24 – Ticket Chairman:  Wanda Smith

142 U.S. Hwy. 96 North, Center Texas 75935

 

LOUISIANA/TEXAS EXCHANGE VISIT

“Southern Magnolia” Luncheon

(Sunday Dress)

April 28, 2007 – 12 Noon

Savoie’s Cajun Pot, 2441 East 70th St., Shreveport, La.

(Large, brown, rustic building with parking in front)

(Directions:  Exit 1-20 from East or West to I-49 South.  Exit 70th Street and turn left.  Continue to destination.  Coming from I-49 North, Exit 70th Street and turn right.  Continue to destination)

Donation:  $23 – Ticket Chairman:  Margaret Ann Taylor, PM

8932 Acacia Lane, Shreveport, La. 71118 – Phone 318-686-6874

(Send SASE for return of tickets)

 

 

G-DAY, G-DAY!!!

A trip has been planned to attend the United Grand Chapter of Australia this year in Adelaide, including many tours of Adelaide and Sydney.  Leaving May 31st and returning June 10th, 2007.  If interested, please contact Diane Smith, AGM – 985-877-4259 or 985-515-2770 – ASAP.

 

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

March 10 – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Fish Fry for Associate Grand Matron & Patron – Ferriday, La.

             March 24-28 – Louisiana Grand Chapter 

April 7 – 1-4 PM – Work and Ritual Workshop - Northern Section – Masonic Temple - 1805 Creswell St.,

             Shreveport

April 9 – 6:30 PM – Homecoming for Worthy Grand Matron – Encircler No. 191, Kenner

April 12 – 6:30 PM – Homecoming for Worthy Grand Patron – Baker No. 234, Baker

April 15-18 – Mississippi Grand Chapter - “A New Beginning” – Jackson, Mississippi

April 21–1-4 PM-- Work and Ritual Workshop – Central Section – Masonic Temple – Horseshoe Drive,

            Alexandria

GRAND CHAPTER

It’s not to late to plan to go to Grand Chapter.  Contact Della Smith, Housing Chairman at 225-235-1294, immediately, as well as Alna Abbott, PGM for tickets to meal functions.

 

Volunteers Still Needed – Please contact

1)       Grand Choir – contact Colleen Conlay, PM, 1053 Aurora Ave., Metairie 70005

2)       Assistant Grand Warders – contact Jacqueline Dowden, Grand Warder, 1911 Ike St, Lake Charles

70607

3)       Assistant Grand Sentinels – contact Marshall Duncan, Grand Sentinel, 1305 Short St, Bastrop 71220

 

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES

*** Grand Representative Breakfast tables must be decorated on Sunday night following the Main Banquet.  Doors to breakfast will not open early.***

We are happy to announce that the new flags are in.  We will have a “Cavalcade of Flags” at our Informal Opening on Monday night.   We would like for you and your counterpart to be a part of that presentation.

A rehearsal will be held immediately following the Grand Representative’s breakfast on Monday morning. We will rehearse this first, so that those going on tours can catch their bus.  If you are a Past Grand Representative and are willing to carry a flag for those who may be unable to attend Grand Chapter, please join us at the rehearsal.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL GRAND REPRESENTATIVES ASSOCIATION

Mary Thompson, President, IGRA 2006-2009, would like to extend to current and past Grand Representatives an invitation to join the International Grand Representatives Association. The dues for the Triennium are $5.00.  The application for membership, as well as a list of available pins and merchandise can be found at the Louisiana Web Site or requested from the Grand Secretary’s office.

 

 

GRAND CHAPTER INFORMATION

Tour No. 2 has been cancelled, due to lack of tickets purchased.  There are still seats on both of the other tours.

 

The River Center is 1 block from the Sheraton Hotel.  Transportation will be provided for those who are unable to walk that distance.  There is Free Parking for hotel guests.  Members who commute may purchase a parking pass and park in the River Center Parking garage at a cost of $4.00 per day.  We will run shuttle vans to the off-site hotels, as needed.

 

There is no continental breakfast included at the Sheraton Hotel.  They have a reasonable breakfast buffet.  The off-sites do include breakfast.

 

The Saturday Night “Pass a Good Time” Fun Night will be casual dress.

 

Buses will be available to transport members to the Church Service on Sunday.

 

Remember, all reports should be presented to the Grand Secretary in triplicate form.

 

 

DIRECTIONS TO RIVER CENTER AND SHERATON HOTEL

From I-10 East – Take Exit 1B (Convention Street). Go through 3 lights to the River Road.  Turn left and precede 3 lights to St. James. The River Center is on your left, and the Sheraton Hotel is on your right.

From I-10 West over Mississippi River Bridge – take 1st Exit (155A – Nicholson Drive and Highland Rd) Continue Right on Nicholson and Downtown curve.  Proceed to 2nd light and turn left on Government Street.  Go one block to St. James.  River Center is on your right, and the Sheraton is on your left.

From I-10 North – Take North Street Exit (1H) and proceed to River Road.  Turn left and proceed to St. James.  River Center is on your Right and Sheraton on your left.

 

 

Roster Corrections:

Pg 11 – Dist Guests Special – Eulalia Porter, 8145 Oak View

Pg 26 & 35 – Tioga #60 – meetings shall be held on the 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Pg 27 and 47 - Justice #238 – meetings shall be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM

Pg 38 – Mystic Star #108 – Phone number, Sue Howes 225/664-3453

Pg 44 – Rosepine #204 – Dorman Keel suspended – Lack of Masonic affiliation

 

 

FROM THE DESK OF THE GRAND SECRETARY:

The Credentials/Proxy forms were mailed the first of February.  If you have not received these forms, please contact me as soon as possible.

 

 

                                                                                                Fraternally,

 

 

 

                                                                                                Terrie C. Castay, PGM

                                                                                                Grand Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

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