|
Dear Sisters and
Brothers:
It is such an honor being your Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand
Patron for 2007-2008. It is a huge step for us and we are ready; but
we are humbled by your trust and confidence.
Our steps will take us back and forth across the state as we come to
visit you during our Grand Officer Visitations. You had a choice and
we appreciate your response. A visitation schedule, sample program
and invitation are enclosed. If you would happen to use books for
decorations, we will see that they are given to Shrine Hospitals,
Fremont Home, Plattsmouth Home or a place in your own communities of
your choice.
A Grand Officer will also be assigned to visit your chapter during
the year. These visits are among the most important things we do as
Grand Officers. They give us an opportunity to get to know you
better and it gives you an opportunity to express to us your joys
and concerns in your own chapters. We don’t come to check up on you
or to criticize. We come to visit and help.
Our Special Project is “Read Nebraska”. One of the steps to the
stars is knowledge. We gain knowledge in many ways but especially by
reading or by being read to.
In order to promote Eastern Star presence and relevance in our
communities, we are asking our Nebraska members to volunteer to be
readers at libraries, schools, nursing homes and any other places
where a reader may be needed. Our project chairman is Meredith
“Merrie” Edwards. We have contacted over 300 libraries in Nebraska
to let them know that the Eastern Stars will be “stepping up” to
help. Our members of any age may volunteer in their own community,
so even where chapters have consolidated, members may volunteer at
home. Wear an Eastern Star shirt or pins so they know who is
reading. Let Merrie know when you volunteer and a special lapel pin
will identify you as a participant of the “Read Nebraska” project.
Donations to the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron’s “Read
Nebraska” special project will go toward purchase of two Golden
Sower Award* books for children for each library in Nebraska. These
books will have name plates identifying them as having been given by
The Order of the Eastern Star, Nebraska Grand Chapter. (For more
information on the Golden Sower Award books see
www.nebraskalibraries.org/sower)
We will support the other traditional projects: General Grand
Chapter projects - with special emphasis on ESTARL - Eastern Star
Training Awards for Religious Leadership and Grand Chapter projects,
plus the Children’s Home at Fremont with a new aerial photograph of
the Home to be displayed in the Masonic centers across Nebraska,
Plattsmouth Home - book shelves for the Blue Room, Youth - our
inspiration and our future, and the Masonic Home Foundation.
Our colors are royal blue and the seven colors of the rainbow of the
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. The flower is the lily
of the valley, the flower of Job’s Daughters International and the
Worthy Grand Matron’s birth month flower. Our books represent the
school books of DeMolay International, knowledge, wisdom and our own
growth through reading.
The fun emblems are Stars, Books and Butterflies and represent our
watchwords - Action, Knowledge, Vision. The butterfly also
represents the ultimate step at the end of a faithful life of
service.
Our honor stations are Chaplain, Marshal and Organist and we always
honor 50 year and plus members.
Where there are books; could there possibly be a bookworm? Look for
our own Bucky Bookworm. Bucky is full of surprises. Watch and see.
To you, our members, we know that we have a wonderful organization
to share and challenges to face. Our motto: “It’s not enough to
stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” Step up to the
challenges, step out in your communities, step around obstacles,
step over bumps, step in and offer someone the gift of Eastern Star.
We will recognize all chapters who initiate at Grand Chapter next
year.
Thank you for the honor of being your 2007-2008 Grand Officers.
|
