From the desks of the Worthy Grand Matron & Worthy Grand Patron ~ September 1, 2025

Hello from your Worthy Grand Matron

It is an honor to greet you as your Worthy Grand Matron. I thank you for the confidence you have placed in me, and I pledge to serve our Order with dedication and integrity. With your support, I will carry out the responsibilities of this office to the best of my ability. Thank you to all who made our Installation a memorable evening. Standing in the Grand East and receiving Grand Honors was a humbling experience. Special thanks to all who participated in my Bible and Emblem ceremony which was a reflection of my Eastern Star Journey in New Hampshire. "Cherish the Old and Embrace the New."
As you read this we will have completed a wave of activity throughout the month of September. Beginning with the final meeting of the Cosmic Wanders/Sand Dollar Group meeting, the Grand Officer Reception, NASCAR races and the Deerfield Fair. Thanks to all who attended and volunteered in these events. Congratulations to Elizabeth N. Nemchick and Wilmer J. Nemchick for a very successful year and Grand Chapter Session.

My Eastern Star journey began in Acacia Chapter in Tewksbury, Massachusetts in 1982, serving a year as Adah. After moving to New Hampshire I joined Pleiades Chapter #41 in Pittsfield, maintaining membership in Acacia Chapter until demitting in 2004. I served Pleiades Chapter as Star Point Ruth and as Worthy Matron 3 times. After consolidating with James Farrington Chapter I served as Worthy Matron 5 times as well as Star Point Adah in memory of Sister Margaret Towle. In 2010 I joined Unity Chapter and served as Star Point Adah and as a result of their consolidation in 2013 with Warren-Alpha Chapter am now a member there; serving as Star Point Esther. I joined Crescent Chapter, then in Northwood, in 2021 and currently serve as Associate Matron. Ironically joining Crescent Chapter brought me back full circle in my New Hampshire membership since as a result of the tragic fire in Northwood, we now meet in Pittsfield. I also served as Grand Martha in 1994-1995.

As we approach Visitation Season I would like to encourage the Chapters to take advantage of the Steering Committee member who has been assigned to their Chapter. Invite them to rehearsals, reach out to them with any questions you may have. They are here to provide assistance and support. There are a few things I would like Chapters to be focusing on this year both at Visitation and also at regular Chapter meetings. Continue to pay attention to the Prayer Circle; proper positioning is found in the Ritual. Conductress and Associate Conductress, pay attention to positioning when taking members to the East; they should not be positioned in front of the Altar if the Bible is open. When making a motion, addressing another member or speaking at any time, stand if possible. Not everyone can hear you if you're speaking from your seat. We will be having a School of Instruction at the Masonic Lodge in Wolfeboro on January 3, 2026. Additional items may be discussed and demonstrated at that time.

Although stated in the Installation Ceremony, "some must govern and rule, some must submit and obey," we are all members of the New Hampshire Order of the Eastern Star. No one should feel they are not entitled to participate in any event, be it an out of state Exchange or a time of social enjoyment. Also remember to explain these events to newer members. Hearing the invitation or details being read in Chapters does mean everyone is familiar with the events and their ability to attend.

"The Beach" To some people it's just sand and water. To me it's where I regain my sanity.

Diane C Fortier
Worthy Grand Matron

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From the Worthy Grand Patron

I am honored, humbled, and excited to have been installed as your Worthy Grand Patron, beginning this journey alongside Diane, Alison, and all of you. With your support and guidance, I am confident we will share a fun-filled and successful year.
I am a lifelong resident of Farmington, NH, and a graduate of Farmington High School (Class of 1981). I obtained an associate's degree in Computer Science from Hesser College, Manchester, NH, in 1983. My professional experience in computer programming included several transitions before I joined Liberty Mutual in May 1987. Over the course of 34 years there, I served as a Senior Software Engineer. After opting for early retirement on April 30, 2021, I returned as a contractor in July 2021 and continued until the end of 2022, at which time I transitioned to full retirement. Additionally, I am actively involved with the First Congregational Church of Farmington, where I serve as a Deacon and participate in the choir. I am the president of the Interfaith Food Pantry of Farmington NH which provides for those in need in the Farmington and Middleton communities. We distribute food on the last Saturday of each month.

My Masonic journey began in Fraternal Lodge #71 in Farmington, NH, where I became a Master Mason in March 2003. I served as Worshipful Master from 2009 through 2011 and again from 2019 through 2020. After Fraternal Lodge merged with Unity Lodge #62 in Union, NH in November 2020, I served as Worshipful Master of Unity Lodge from 2021 through 2022. In May 2023, I was appointed Grand Chaplain for the Grand Lodge of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of NH by Most Worshipful Daniel R. Hotchkiss, and I am honored to continue serving in this role.
I began my journey with the Order of the Eastern Star in April 2003, initiated into Unity Fraternal Chapter #21 in Union, NH. I served as Worthy Patron from 2006-2010 and again in 2012-2013. On January 12, 2013, Unity Fraternal merged with Warren Alpha #10 to become Warren Alpha Unity Fraternal Chapter #10, where I completed my year in the East until October 2013. Between October 2014 and October 2024, I served nine more years as Worthy Patron of W.A.U.F. #10, with just one year as Associate Patron (October 2022-October 2023). In August 2017-2018, I was appointed Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of NH, serving with the Traveling Stars under Peggy S. Scott PGM and Phillip J. Rozzi Sr. PGP. My journey to the Grand East continued as Grand Sentinel beginning in August 2023.

In my leisure time, I enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, water skiing, snow skiing, hunting, fishing, playing pool, and I previously played wallyball until my back and knees prevented me from continuing. I am fortunate to spend much time with family and friends, playing cards and games together regularly.
I sincerely appreciate the steadfast support of the members of Warren Alpha Unity Fraternal Chapter #10 throughout my journey to the Grand East. I am confident that I can continue to rely on your assistance as we work together to help the Sand Dollars achieve our charitable objectives and strengthen the Grand Chapter for the future.

Our charities for this year are David's House in Lebanon and Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock in Gilford. Lakes Region Disabled Sports (LRDS) offers adaptive sports programs for children and veterans with disabilities. David's House provides lodging and support for families whose children are receiving medical treatment through Dartmouth Health Children's. In addition to the ongoing collection of toiletries, a list of items needed at David's House will be distributed to the Chapters each month.
I have volunteered for LRDS at Gunstock Ski Area in Gilford, NH for the past three ski seasons and plan to continue as long as I am able. We work with disabled children and veterans, enabling them to enjoy snow skiing and boarding using adaptive equipment like sit skis. Our efforts also extend to special education programs in local schools, teaching toward independence and enabling continued enjoyment of the sport.
Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, especially when I can bring a smile to a child's face. We aim to raise funds to assist LRDS with equipment, lodging, and meals for disabled veterans' events throughout the season. With potential reductions in grant funding, our donations will be crucial to sustaining these programs. Additionally, we are collecting hats, mittens, socks, hand warmers, and similar items to distribute to children in need of proper gear. Items can be donated at chapter meetings, group meetings, or any of our gatherings during the year. Donna Greeley will coordinate this initiative, and we will share more information and hear from LRDS board members about further ways to help.

We are planning several events, including a spring Fisher Cats baseball game with a ticket fundraiser and 50/50 raffle, open to all once the 2026 schedule is released. There will also be an Isle of Shoals cruise, with details forthcoming. Additional fundraising and winter fun events are in consideration, pending further verification.
Please know that You, the members, are what make OES what it is. Without all of you we do not exist. Your Grand Chapter exists for You and we are here to serve you and assist wherever we can. With the help of God and each of you we hope to strengthen our beautiful order. God Bless you all and safe travels.

Norman C Greeley
Worthy Grand Patron