From the Desk of the Worthy Grand Matron & Patron

The Journey has Begun

Sisters and Brothers,

I pinch myself often, to be sure this is not a dream. It is with deep humility, gratitude and pride that I accept the responsibility of leadership of this Grand Chapter for the ensuing year. With the guidance of our Heavenly Father, support of our members and good health to perform the service I have obligated myself to do for our beautiful Order, I look forward to what is ahead. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your confidence in my ability to serve as your Worthy Grand Matron for this Grand Chapter year.

I wish to again thank the Installing Suite for an admirable job. Thank you Sister Ellie Risley, for that beautiful song you composed. It is so meaningful. It is not every Worthy Grand Matron that has the opportunity to have her Installation of Officers during a hurricane. Our deep appreciation to all those who braved the storm and filled the Armory. My greatest surprise of the evening was to have my grandson, Tripp (John A. Jackson, III), present, on leave from his second tour in Afghanistan. Thank you, Sisters and Brothers for that standing ovation. He was overwhelmed.

This year, we will aim to build on the foundation which has been laid. No one wants to get on a sinking ship, therefore, we must strive to make this Order the greatest social event in our communities. Face the problems that seem to be in each of our chapters and work together to solve what is discovered. The attitude that each of us projects is seen and felt by those we encounter. If it is a positive one, we can move mountains. Together, working as a team, much can develop for growth and enthusiastic fraternalism. Sisters and Brothers, no one has all of the answers, but trying new things and listening to what members offer and allowing them to carry them through, within our Constitution and God’s help, could be our answer. Develop a partnership with the Masonic Lodge in your building, offer to cook for them and invite their families. Do it for no charge to our Brothers once and awhile. Sisters, you know the way to a man heart is through his stomach! Brothers, see that each new Master Mason receives a petition for himself and the eligible members of his family to join our Eastern Star Order. I know some of these things have been tried before but we must persevere and urge again tactfully. Eventually, we will accomplish our goal.

We wish to thank all those who attended our reception on Sunday, September 11 in Manchester. The program was delightful. It is so nice to learn of where our ESTARL monies have been put to fruitful good. Thank you Maureen Steel for your presentation.

On September 23-25, 2011 the NASCAR races took place. Our thanks to everyone who took the time to serve by spending time to help earn funds for us.

The list of Committees will be printed in the Visitation Booklets, Proceedings, and this issue on page 10.

Our travel outfit will consist of a purple jacket, white blouse, gray skirt and NH Tartan scarf for the Sisters. Forest green jackets white shirt with gray pants and either a NH or NH Tartan tie for the Brothers.

Schools of Instruction will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in Holderness at Ellacoya Chapter #43. Registration will begin at 9:00 am, School will start at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be served. Reservations may be made with Bonnie L. Carbary, PGM. Our second School of Instruction will be held in Kingston at Corinthian-Queen Esther Chapter #23, on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Registration will open at 9:00 am and the School to begin at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be served with reservations to be made with Sharon Holt Kidney. Additional information will be listed under the Calendar section of the OES Guidepost. Please note, the chair lift in Kingston has been repaired and is now functioning for those who need assistance.
On November 4–6, 2011, the International Weekend will be held in Rhode Island. Sister Barbara Gaskell, Deputy Grand Marshal, is chairperson for this event. Information will be forth coming to chapters and listed in the Calendar Sections of this issue.

Saturday, November 12 will be the first Official Visitation of the Worthy Grand Matron and her Suite. It will be held at Ransford-Adah Chapter #3 in Derry, time to be announced. Other Official Visitations will be listed in the Visitation Booklet and by each chapter.

A Grand Family Exchange with Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011 in Auburn, Maine. Pine Cone Chapter #26, my home chapter, will host this event. Reservations should be made with Betty Perkins, Sec., 208 Broad St., Auburn, ME 04210. NH Grand Officers participating in the Degree Work will be the Worthy Grand Matron, Associate Grand Patron, Grand Marshal, Grand Ruth and Grand Electa. Detailed information will be sent to all chapters. We hope to have many Sisters and Brothers joining us. This is a special time for your Grand Family and the only out of state Exchange we will have this year.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011 we will hold a family event at Canterbury Village. It is their Christmas program with a play (possibly), seasonal singing, a holiday stroll and Shaker food in the restaurant if anyone wishes to partake.

May I take this opportunity to wish all a very Happy and Fruitful Thanksgiving, a Joyest, Merry Christmas, and Safe Happy New Year.

Star love,

Nancy J. H. Jackson                               Glenn E. Dewhirst
Worthy Grand Matron                               Worthy Grand Patron