January, 2001

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

You are cordially invited to attend the stated meeting on Friday, January 26, 2001, at 7:30 PM, for the purpose of receiving petitions, balloting and transacting any business that may legally come before the Chapter. Sister Officers may wear colored gowns, and we will open in short form this month.

New Members: We are pleased to welcome Robert A. and Linda Baer, and Jeffrey S. and Joanne Stanley who became members of our Chapter at the December meeting. Welcome to you all! What a way to start your (and our) New Year!!

Refreshments - are under the direction of Sister Joan L. Smith, assisted by Sisters Jackie Poisson and Nancy Molnar. This month is sponsored by Sisters Stacy Desrosiers,Sherry Jackson and Gail Whitney.

Congratulations : to the Pilgrim #55 members and Officers who are substituting whenever they can at the monthly meetings of Puritan Chapter, Lowell, MA, OES. The Chapter meets on the first Monday of the month, and has been having problems filling the stations. If you would be interested in joining the Sisters in filling any stations that might be vacant, please contact Sister Sue Douglas, P.M. for information. Besides Sister Sue, other Sisters who have expressed an interest in meeting at Sue's at 6:30 PM on meeting nights whenever possible are Sisters Patricia W. Hills, P.G.M., Shelley M. Gullett, Joan L. Smith, Nancy J. Molnar and Charleen B. Lord. Sounds like fun!

Sympathy: Is extended to Sister Bessie G. Theros on the loss of her brother. Thinking of you: Our thoughts and prayers are with Sister Ruth J. Holmes, P. M. as she recovers from day surgery. We know she'll be back bowling a.s.a.p.!

PB&J Award - December's winner was Brother Rob Andosca - Congratulations and welcome back! Also welcomed back were Nancy Kime and her daughter Deb Bartol. If you have missed seeing them and us, join us all this month!

Continuity Award - Our group of sideliners keeps growing! - Come join us each month and get YOUR Continuity Award! YOU miss so much when you aren't with us, and we miss YOU when you're missing!

Projects : Masonic Home Visits : Next visit to the Home is on Sunday, February 11th. Please contact Brother John Jackson, W.P., 598-2682 so he can put you on the list to join in the fun. Don't be left out - there's no such thing as having too much fun! Big Brother-Big Sister: New potential members are signing up each month- they will be looking forward to YOU signing up to be their Big Brother or Big Sister - let Sue Douglas know if you are interested (888-8113) - and if YOU signed the petition for a new member, wouldn't YOU be the best choice!?!?!

Hospital Visits : Our major project this year is visiting the local Shriners Hospitals. The first hospital visit is Sunday, January 21st, to the Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston. We will be planning a day of it, including a meal together, so be sure to sign up. Children under 16 are not permitted in the Burns Hospital, but are welcome at the Orthopedic Hospital in Springfield. Donations to both hospitals of new stuffed animals, children's books and money will be gratefully accepted. The first visit to Springfield will be Sunday, February 25th, with a tour. Please contact Sister Lisa Britko (888-8533) if you want to be with us.The deadline for reservations to Boston is January 15th, with dinner at the Union Oyster House followed by a tour of the Hospital from 6PM - 8PM. Butch Hobson, Manager of the Nashua Pride and former Manager of the Boston Red Sox will be joining us.

Name Badges: Contact Sister Ellie Morrill, W.M. at 888-6669 (leave a message with SPELLING) for yours - $7.00., and choose pin-back badge or pocket insert (for the Brothers). Our second order will be going in soon!

Mitten Tree : If you knit or have yarn for the Tree, please bring them to the meetings for Sister Valerie Sonner, Chairman. It is sooo important this time of year! Shriner Clown Pins: See Sister Susan I. Douglas, P.M. for your pins - 6 designs, - this is a General Grand Chapter project that she is representing. They cost $5.00 each, and are adorable!

Suppers : The list of suppers include the following: Wednesday, January 10th, Tuesday, January 16th, Saturday, January 20th, and Saturday, February 3rd. Please call Sister Jean at 603-882-1088 to sign up.

Nashua Assembly #9, IORG Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:00 PM. This month the meetings are on the 4th and the 18th, with Installation on Saturday, the 13th at 1PM. Please join the girls for this wonderful event and at all their meetings to find out what's happening and join in the joy created by them.

We are all delighted to learn from the recent General Grand Chapter Triennium that Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters who have either been "active for 3 (three) years or reached majority" or have attained the age of 18, are now eligible for membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. Isn't that fabulous?!?!?!

Rainbow Pledge Group meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM.

Breakfast - The next breakfast will be held on Sunday, January 21st. The cost is $4.00, and everyone (including your friends) is invited. The SPECIAL this month will include eggs of choice and fried apples and proceeds go the Pledge girls for their projects.

Word for the Month - COURTESY - (Please come to this month's meeting to hear about this month's word!)

From the East - Brother John and I would like to ask you all to join us in Boston at the Shriners Burns Hospital - let's show these kids just how much LOVE there is out here for them while they are inside there getting better!

With fraternal love,

If there is any change in your address, please notify our Secretary so that she may correct her records. So that none may be forgotten, please notify the Worthy Matron or the Secretary or any glad or sad tidings.