Hello, everyone!
At our meeting on October 2, there was some concern for a bit as to whether we would have a quorum, but we made it! Whew! Because of the lack of people present for 7:00 refreshments, we held those until after the meeting. The theme of the evening was “Teddy Bear Picnic,” and nearly everyone brought a plushy friend or two… or three… to share. We had all sorts of fuzzy friends, including a gopher, an elephant, an owl, LOTS of bears, a German Shepard, and more! Some of the friends were old and dear treasures from childhood, and some were relatively new. It was fun to get to meet them and hear their stories! Thanks to all who brought their plushy friends with them!
Please note that there is a bear available for adoption. Sister Marlene Hover left behind a beautifully dressed bear with a lovely hat. She is very pretty and needs a new home. If anyone is interested in adopting this sweet bear, please contact Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti.
The ”We’re So Glad You Came” gifts went to Sisters Liz Lorig and Tricia Coombs! Thank you, ladies, and thanks to everyone who came to the meeting. And a special thank you to Sisters Lynnie Horrigan who filled in as Associate Conductress and Jean Thomson who filled in as Esther. Thank you, also, to Sister Tricia for filling both the Associate Matron and Conductress stations! And, of course, thank you to the seven Camellia Star officers who were present.
Another highlight of our evening, of course, was elections. Congratulations to our newly elected officers for 2025:
Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Michael Biesen, Worthy Patron
Laird Crandall, Associate Matron
Liz Lorig, Treasurer
Peggy Mecham-Carlotti, Secretary
And – drum roll please –
Salena Glass, Associate Conductress!
We will have an open installation on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Practice will be that morning at 11:00. It has yet to be decided whether we want some sort of lunch as a group in between practice and installation. While it was not mentioned in the meeting, please be advised the installation is semi-formal, and the colors are all the colors of the rainbow. The theme will be something along the lines of “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is a most precious gift.” There are no other installation details available yet, but think flowers! There will also be a FOOD DRIVE! So, if you would like to participate, please bring non-parishable food in non-breakable containers for our Food Drive. Thank you!
In sadder news, it was announced that a former member of our Chapter, and a many times Past Patron, Wayne Hooper, had passed away very recently, and his memorial was held this past Thursday. Brother Michael was at the memorial and said it was standing room only.
Looking ahead, the theme for our November 6 meeting is “Marooned Without a Compass,” and Brother Michael has already gotten into the spirit with a little game he has planned. Attire is … whatever … we’re marooned, right? So casual attire seems appropriate. Sister Alice kindly offered to bring refreshments – thank you! We will try to have refreshments at 7:00, and then the meeting at 7:30. Meeting will be short form. I look forward to seeing you all there!
Announcements:
Congratulations to Helene Nicholson who is the new Deputy Grand Matron for District 1! I am sure she will shortly be scheduling First Meeting Practices with the various Chapters.
Save the Dates:
November 6 – “Marooned Without a Compass” – Last meeting of the term for our Chapter
November 10 – Arcata Chapter Installation
November 16 – Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter Installation
November 17 – Camellia Star Chapter Practice and Installation
November 23 – Ferndale Chapter Installation
Note: All installations are at 2:00 p.m.
December 4 – First meeting of the new term for our Chapter – Toy Drive!
January 1, 2025 – HAPPY NEW YEAR! No meeting — enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!
Thank you, one and all! I look forward to seeing you soon.
Star Light and Love –
Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63
PHOTOS from our Teddy Bear Picnic meeting in October.
