New Mexico Order of the Eastern Star

Enjoy your 4th of July celebration with family & friends!

Honoring all who served on this Veterans Day...

John F. Kennedy
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

A message from our WGM Sabrina:

Grand Chapter is almost here! I am so excited that we will be having nearly 300 attend this year’s “Light Tomorrow with Today” Grand Chapter in beautiful Silver City. We have many amazing experiences planned, plus all the important business that we normally undertake annually. This is a time to get inspired and I hope you leave energized for a new year of membership and service. Thank you for all those who are working so hard behind the scenes to make this Grand Chapter truly a treasured event in the history of OES in NM. This is 121 years!

As a note, we have moved up the start time of the “Lantern Glow Fellowship and Patriotic” Wednesday night dinner by 30 minutes. We will be starting at 5:00pm with seating at 4:30. We will honor our active military and veterans at dinner and in the evening session. We have so much planned, so many special moments!

I am so thrilled that my good friend, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, Marianne Shenefelt, will be joining us as well as many from jurisdictions all over! Our Grand Representatives luncheon will have more that 170 in attendance—a record. This is a time of celebration with all of the New Mexico hospitality flare we can bring.

Friday night’s “Step Back in Time” with costumes from the late 1800’s/early 1900’s I am sure will be exciting, plus it concludes with a live band and dance playing all the old time favorites and the new ones, too!

Each year has many milestones and I commend all those who have come before me as a WGM, laying the foundations to the many successes achieved this Grand Year. When you walk this journey, you realize the amazing accomplishments of those who have come before you and give credit to the challenges they faced and overcame, and the goals they achieved, all with grace. I especially thank PGMs Kati Yates, Gay Chambers, and NanC Krass for being such an inspiration in my life to pursue this journey. The picture I share with you in this post is the one taken when I was elected as AGC. It has been an amazing 5 years (COVID added in one year there).

This year, and all the years leading to this culmination, has been amazing because of all of you—all members of OES! Thank you for the many treasured memories and the countless heartfelt moments! You each have touched my life and are making a difference through OES.

I am especially grateful to my amazing, supportive, and totally special WGP, Robert Bradshaw. I cannot imagine walking this path with any other. I always thought it was neat that my father’s name was Robert Humphrey, son’s name is Robert Pack, and my mom’s (Sabra’s) WGP was Robert Griener. I think we have a “Robert” affection going on here.

For those who cannot attend Grand Chapter, you will be dearly missed and I hope to see you down the road. For all the rest of you, it is a time celebrate a Grand Year, get excited about OES, complete important business, and set sail with new Grand Officers at the helm. Safe travels too each of you. See you next week.

Fraternally Yours,
Sabrina-WGM

A special "thank you" message from our Grand Organist, PGM Sabra Humphrey:

This year has been so special to be able to travel with my daughter as WGM. There could not have been a better way to spend these past years than traveling to see all of you again. These truly are treasured moments. Each of you across this state hold a very dear place in my heart. Thank you for the memories we have shared and the time together.

I look forward to Grand Chapter. I have been “practicing” on the music! Of course, many of you know I don’t play from music sheets, just from “ear.” I look forward to sharing music that hopefully touches your heart. We have a great Assistant Grand Organist team and amazing Grand Choir Director, Westlena Huskey, who does it all! Thanks for those of you who will serve in the Grand Choir. Music is such a beautiful way to add beauty to our Order.

The best part of getting ready for this Grand Year and Grand Chapter has been through painting with Sabrina and Serina (granddaughter) on so many projects and gifts. Sharing my art is a way I can say thank you for all that you mean to me. Most of the pictures you will see at Grand Chapter are of our beautiful New Mexico skies and western scenes. Most of you know I grew up on a ranch in southwest NM. That history is almost lost it feels. The days before electricity, phones, and even running water, but I remember the ranch days and growing up painting the stories of the cowboys. I love to share that with you through my paintings.

Thank you for the memories of a Grand Year. I will always hold them as truly cherished moments in my life.

Love,
Sabra

Looking at the calendar today, we are just 10 days away from the start of Grand Chapter. Safe travels to all. Wishing our 2022-2023 Grand Officers led by WGM Sabrina Pack and WGP Bob Bradshaw an amazing and successful session. Looking forward to seeing you in Silver City!

Get to Know Your District #5 Instructor, Trish Keefer-Higdon:

I began my journey with OES on July 17, 1967 – 56 years ago. I had been a member of Rainbow Girls prior to starting my journey with the OES.

My memory of my initiation is very dear to me. My oldest sister – around 35 years older than me – was the Conductress for my initiation. Two of my other sisters, from different chapters in the state, were sitting on the sidelines.

I was not active for several years as I moved from my hometown and then became a military wife. However, I paid my dues and supported my chapter in their fund raisers for all those years.

I moved to Las Cruces and saw a sign regarding an OES yard sale in my church parish hall. I asked questions as to who was a Star member and became friends with Peggy and Bill Dettmer who invited me to a chapter meeting. It was a new beginning for me in the OES.

Although I have only served as Worthy Matron once, I have been Conductress several times. Conductress is my favorite office in the chapter – one has the opportunity to open and close the Bible in that beautiful ceremony at every meeting. When I walk to the altar, I realize just how lucky we are, as a country, to have the freedom to worship our own God.

I have been fortunate in being elected to the first Membership and Marketing Board and then being elected as Chair for two years. It has been my pleasure and honor this year to serve as the District Instructor for District 5. Being District Instructor was so much fun – and work – but I had the opportunity to meet many members and become friends whereby in the past I had known them by name.

I know that most of you have given quotes from famous people. However, my favorite quote is advice I received from my mother – a woman I admired and respected more than any other woman in the world. She always told me to “Wear a smile and beautiful shoes and you can conquer the world.” I have tried to take her advice by wearing a smile most of the time and always wearing pretty shoes!

Just a reminder pre-registration deadline for NM Grand Chapter is tomorrow!

If you have not already registered for the 2023 "Light Tomorrow with Today" Grand Chapter in Silver City, October 25-28, please register by October 6th! We have lots of great fun planned. You won't want to miss the great time we will have in Silver City!

For more information and to register visit: https://oesnm.org/grand-chapter-events/

Thanks for a successful Gala!

Thanks to our sponsors:

Platinum:
- Windswept Designs, LLC, Las Cruces, Keefer-Higdon

Gold:
- BRAVO Mic Communications, Las Cruces Radio Stations, Mike Smith

Silver:
- Edward Jones Las Cruces, Brandan J. Bagwell
- Sandoval Masonic Lodge, Rio Rancho
- Calista Animal Hospital Las Cruces, Carol Calista, DVM
- RT Electric, Inc., Las Cruces, Kevin Tegmeyer President
- Jornada Masonic Lodge # 70, Las Cruces
- Enchanted Occasions Event Rentals, LLC
- Sandoval Lodge #76, Rio Rancho
- SkyWest Media
- Southeast New Mexico College

Bronze:
- Intestate Battery, Las Cruces, Joseph Novak
- Emerald Isle Boutique, Louise & Kelli Burchell, Las Cruces
- Coldwell Banker Jay Lilly Real Estate, Waldorf, MD
- Southeast New Mexico College
- Everett Holmes
- SDC Broadcasting, Matt Martinez
- Natalie Chadborn Flowerland
- Georgetown Chapter in honor of Dave Fischer

Thanks to our donors:
- Howard Adams, (Jr.)
- William and Janice Blankenship
- Richard and Mary Dziak
- David Field and Jan Peverly
- Dr. Lonnie Klein
- KRWG, Adrian Velarde
- Keith and Helen Foster
- Brian Gilbert, DDS
- Janet Mara
- New Mexico Bank
- Robert and Janet Nordman
- James Eldon Steelman, J
- Randy and Sharron Stuart
- Additional members of OES

This is our LAST reminder about the Paws & Pearls Gala. The registration deadline is TOMORROW, August 21. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

To learn more about this amazing charity event sponsored by the Order of the Eastern Star, with profits going to Paws and Stripes, go to https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pawsgala

To learn more about this amazing charity event sponsored by the Order of the Eastern Star, with profits going to Paws and Stripes, go to https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pawsgala

Message from our Grand Electa, Linda Larock:

The conclusion of our “Light Tomorrow with Today” grand session is fast approaching. It has been my great pleasure to serve this year as Grand Electa under the leadership of Sister Sabrina and Brother Bob. I enjoyed traveling in NM, AZ and CO and having such wonderful fellowship with so many Sisters & Brothers. I thank Sister Gail Reynold for being my travelling companion and driver. Our motto was “what happens in the car, stays in the car!” It was inspirational to listen to the initiation work and I found something new to motivate me at each Official Visit. I was honored to be able to protem at several visits, which really made me feel like I was a part of those special times. I especially enjoyed hearing the different introduction welcomes and the talks by the WGM & WGP. I found it interesting to learn the moving stories of so many people that I didn’t know were members of Eastern Star and Sister Sabrina’s innovative talks with fun props were outstanding. Special highlights of this year for me were the Midyear Conference In Sante Fe, the Trip on the Railroad in Chama, and the Campout in the Gila.

I am looking forward to our Grand Chapter session in Silver City. I hope to see and visit with many of you there.

I leave you with this meme that made me smile:

The Paws & Pearls 4 Patriots Gala is now just one month away. What an amazing event it will be! All proceeds benefit Paws and Stripes, a non-profit charity that provides animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma.
https://www.pawsandstripes.org/

The event will be held Saturday, August 26 6:00 pm at the Farm & Ranch Museum in Las Cruces. Enjoy dinner, entertainment, music/dancing, silent auction, drawings, and special guest speakers all for $100 (tax deductible). A discounted rate is available for tables of 8. See the attached flyer for more information.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available. The attached flyer details the levels and recognitions.

Don't miss out on this opportunity!

For those needing a hotel room, a block of rooms is available at the Las Cruces Marriott with discounted rates for August 25-27, 2023. The last day to book and receive the Gala rate is August 12.

Ways to book:
1. Call the hotel at (575) 526-1722, press 1 for reservations or press 3 to be connected to the front desk. Ask to make a reservation under “Paws and Pearls Gala” rate.
2. Use Marriott mobile app on your phone and add the GROUP Code: PASPASA
3. Click this direct reservation link:
https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1688152102605&key=GRP

Message from our WGM Sabrina Pack:

I hope everyone is having a great summer! The Order of the Eastern Star and all of the Masonic appendant bodies are so amazing. I have had an amazing summer so far! After the very special homecoming at Georgetown Chapter on May 20th, things have not slowed down one bit!

All the Grand Chapter details and registration information are available on OESNM.org. I have built a special online registration website to make things as efficient and easy as possible for you to register, but you can also fill out the forms and mail them in. Deadline for meals and registration is October 6th. Please share the information with your sisters and brothers, both in-state and out-of-state. I hope everyone can make it to Grand Chapter October 25-28, 2023, in beautiful Silver City, NM. Book your room early!

Also, the NM OES “Paws & Pearls 4 Patriots Gala” is fully in place for August 26th at the Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces. Trish Keefer-Higdon is to be commended on her devotion and beautiful leadership to make this event possible to benefit “Paws and Stripes” – New Mexico OES’s established state charity project. Individual and group table tickets are available now through online registration or calling Trish! Learn more on our OESNM.org website.

In addition to the gala in support of “Paws and Stripes,” there is a bowling tournament September 16th in Rio Rancho. Learn more on the OESNM.org website under Grand Chapter events.

The Grand trip on the Cumbres and Toltec train ride will be a treasured memory forever. Thank you to the co-chairmen, PGP Don Sultemeier and Kathy Sultemeier, for making all the arrangements for more than 30 of us to have this amazing experience riding one the last two narrow-gauge railroads in the United States. The countryside was truly beautiful! Emerging over the 10,015-foot high Cumbres Pass, the highest mountain pass reached by rail in the United States, was truly spectacular. However, with all the beauty, the most special part was the fellowship that was shared. Thank you all for going and sharing the experience with Bob and me. You are who made this memory complete.

Then for the past two weekends, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with others within the Masonic Family.

It was great to attend Masonicon on June 24th. This is a great get-together of Masons and others from Masonic Appendant bodies. On Friday night, I thank AGC Cavell Miller for participating on my behalf at the Table Lodge, with WGP Robert Bradshaw and other OES members. I understand the evening was a lot of fun.

Then Saturday, I was honored to bring greetings to those in attendance for the various trainings and presentations happening that day. Amaranth, with Laura Cliff as Grand Royal Matron and some in that elected Grand line, as well as WGP Robert and I, were part of a scheduled presentation on OES and Amaranth that morning. It was a productive time talking with the Most Worshipful Brother-Grand Master Thomas Schenk. We look forward to a planned meeting later this summer with the leaders of each of the appendant bodies. That meeting is still in the scheduling process. It was great to see the Jobs Daughters and DeMolay also in attendance.

Then the last week of June was the New Mexico Grand Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. I brought greetings from OES on Saturday morning, along with PGM Pam Mayne bringing greetings on behalf of General Grand Chapter. It was a beautiful Grand Assembly and the young ladies did such a fantastic job with their ritual. I am proud to be part of a sponsoring body of Rainbow. These ladies need and deserve all our support and love.

Next on the calendar is Camp Out July 12-16 here in Silver City. I look forward to seeing those who can attend each evening and on Saturday. Juggling work schedule is always fun, but the best part of my days will be seeing all of you in the evening.

Later this summer I would like to invite you to any of the three “Chapter Operations” trainings and “Time to Lead” get-togethers. This is open to ALL OES members and ALL are encouraged to attend. We can always perfect the way we operate our chapters with improved processes or simply a “refresh” on what processes should be in place. The Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer will be assisting along with the ladies of the elected line and anyone else who would like to share ideas. We will also cover credential processes this year, parliamentary procedure highlights, bookkeeping practices, annual reports, WM and WP operational tips, and so much more.

Also, we will start each day with an invitation to anyone who has ever considered running for the Grand Elected line and just would like to know more. I invite all Past Grands to attend these sessions and share our stories and encourage the next group of leaders.

Here is the information on these three important events:

July 22, 2023 at Bethany Chapter
Hostess: Shirley Crawford - Grand Conductress (575-973-4719)
11 to noon - "Time to Lead"
Noon to 1 – Potluck
1:00-3:00 - "Chapter Operations" Meeting

August 12, 2023 at Turquoise Chapter
Hostess: Cavell Miller - Associate Grand Conductress (505-331-1777)
11 to noon - "Time to Lead"
Noon to 1 – Potluck
1:00-3:00 - "Chapter Operations" Meeting

August 26, 2023 at Las Cruces Chapter
Hostess: Christel Fisher - Associate Grand Matron (915-740-6174)
9:00 to 10:00 - "Time to Lead"
10:00-12:00 - "Chapter Operations" Meeting
Evening is the OES Gala at the Farm and Ranch Museum in Las Cruces

It has truly been a wonderful year and as you can see the last 100 days are full of many great things! I am honored to serve as your Worthy Grand Matron and look forward to seeing you along the OES trail!

Hope you are enjoying your 4th of July with family & friends!

Message from our Grand Trustee Andrea Dodson:

Summer has most definitely arrived in Southeastern New Mexico. It is July 1st, and the expected high today is “just” 93 degrees. Sweet relief from the triple digits we’ve had for the past two weeks!

It was a treat to see so many of you on the recent train ride from Chama, New Mexico to Osier, Colorado, and back. The scenery was breathtaking and the fellowship one of the highlights of any Eastern Star gathering.

The fellowship with my OES sisters and brothers is one of the things I treasure most about my membership in this organization. I’ve been part of other groups over the years, but none has been as welcoming as Eastern Star! Not long after I was initiated (25 years ago this November) members in my chapter encouraged me to visit other chapters and were generous in their offers to pick me up so we could travel together. So often the journey is as much fun as the events you’re planning to attend! Some years I traveled a lot and others I stayed close to home. I am proud to say that this year I’ve managed to attend two Schools of Instruction, 17 of 20 Official Visits, one Exchange Visit (AZ-NM) and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad trip.

I hope that many of you are planning to be at the summer picnic next weekend at White Sands National Park. I was disappointed to miss the inaugural event last year so I’m looking forward to going.
This will be my first visit to White Sands!

Campout is just around the corner, too! I have never been to campout and will not be able to change that status this year. That’s too bad-if there was ever a time to enjoy cooler mountain air, I’d have to say it’s this summer.

I know travel can be challenging for so many reasons. But I urge all my sisters and brothers to travel as much as possible. Create a carpool amongst your sisters and brothers. If the route allows it, pick up people from other chapters along the way. It is a wonderful way to get to know each other. You can share driving duties and having people to talk to makes the miles fly!

Looking forward to seeing you in Silver City this October for Grand Chapter.

New Mexico Grand Chapter Light Tomorrow With Today Grand Year 2022-2023 is a little over 100 days away!

I hope you will join us October 25 - 28, 2023, in beautiful Silver City, NM at the Grant County Veterans Memorial Business and Conference Center.

Registration both online and by mail is now open. Go to OESNM.org for information.

Enjoy the beautiful mountains of Southwest New Mexico at the 120th Session of Grand Chapter in New Mexico. Lodging is available nearby with the host hotel being the Holiday Inn Express (just across the road from the conference center). Several other hotel options are available. See information packet posted online.

The entire event venue space is reserved for the Order of the Eastern Star. Many activities are planned with a special Wednesday informal opening dedicated to veterans and active military.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday meetings planned with a special “Treasured Memories” Grand Banquet, with live music and dancing Friday evening. Come wearing late 1800's or early 1900's attire to the Grand Banquet Friday night. We are planning lots of great fellowship and fun!

Grand Chapter will have special catered meals by local youth group (4-H Silver Shooters). This has made our meal options much more affordable.

Come early or stay after and enjoy exploring historic Silver City and the Gila National Forest with more than 3.3 million acres of beauty. The Gila National Cliff Dwellings National Monument is just a few hours away!

You're Invited,
Sabrina Pack, WGM, and Robert Bradshaw, WGP

Online registration is now open on our website. Forms are also available for download to register by mail. Click on the link below.
https://oesnm.org/grand-chapter-events/

Grand Chapter Events – New Mexico OES Order of the Eastern Star

Paws & Pearls 4 Patriots Gala

Join us on August 26, 6:00 pm at the Farm and Ranch Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM 88011.

This unique, fun-filled, formal evening experience benefits veterans by raising funds for service dogs for the non-profit charity, Paws and Stripes.

The evening includes an elegant dinner provided by Dickerson Catering, a special show by illusionist "Raze", dancing with DJ "Sight and Sound Entertainment", and an exciting Silent Auction.

Paws and Stripes assists veterans all across New Mexico. Their mission is to provide animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma.

The Order of the Eastern Star (New Mexico Grand Chapter) is hosting the gala in support of this charity.

For Sponsorship opportunities and to donate Silent Auctions Items or for tickets/event information: Contact Event Organizer, Trish Keefer-Higdon 575-993-4928.

Tickets may be purchased on our website at https://www.eventcreate.com/e/pawsgala.

Message from our Grand Warder, Larry McDougal:

This Grand Year has been, for me, really something. What a Team to be a part of. It was an honor that I had never experienced. I was unexpectedly appointed to the Grand Warder position & found myself wishing that it could have been 20 years earlier in my life. Like General Custer's Private said, "What am I doing here?" I didn't know either but there I was. Thanks to Susan Kemp of Jessamine #45 & Magdalen #9. She made the travel times nicer. She really helped me stay awake while driving. I guess it was in her best interest.

Participating in the experience of being introduced was something unexpected. However, like "Charlie Brown", everybody picks on me & I got blamed for things that I really did not do. I am such an innocent person. Trust me. I was even told that my halo was not always on straight.

The less than positive part of this year was that my dear friend, Marian Kulesa, Turquoise #71, moved back to Indiana. I wish she would have been able to participate in this year with me.

The better part of the experience was the observation of leadership in action. Leadership and management are my "things." I cannot tell you what it is, but I know it when I see it. I was inspired to learn my part as well as doing my ritual proficiency.

The stand out experiences were the exchanges. What a treat it was to meet "outsiders" in their duty positions and become more than acquaintances. Because of my interactions with the Associate Grand Patron of Colorado, I was invited to attend their Grand Chapter sessions in Denver this fall.

Many thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the Team this year. I do hope that I met or exceeded expectations in the eyes of our leadership as well as other team supporters.

A real-life story from Jessica Womack about her experiences with the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which has helped more than 1.5 million children reach their potential and lead more fulfilling lives, regardless of the families' ability to pay. Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. They are a part of OUR Masonic Family. Jessica currently serves as Electa at Melrose Chapter #30.

Hello all! I'm not accustomed to writing things about myself, especially things I don't remember. I know the story of my lifesaving time at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas. I was just a baby but these past few weeks I've done research and asked my family around me about what all happened those 37 years ago.

I was born dramatic (and frankly haven't stopped being dramatic since) , on a Saturday afternoon in May, the day before Mothers Day. I may be small now but when I was born I was a very big baby. In fact I was almost 11 lbs! Due to some umbilical cord issues when I was born I wasn't breathing and my left arm was tied to the side of my head. This caused complications to say the least. It took a minute or two but i was breathing again. My poor little blood starved left arm was a different story.

I do not know how many days I was in the hospital before they sent us home but what my dad said is that when they did release us we ended up doing follow ups for my arm, which at this point still was a ‘dead arm’. I do know that we ended up at the Scottish Rite Hospital when I was only days old. According To my dad, my parents were beside themselves wondering if my arm would ever come alive or if it would have to be removed as they were told, if it didn't, that was a possibility.

When they got to the Scottish Rite Hospital everyone was sympathetic, hopeful and family, never giving up the idea that their first little baby would be whole again. The doctors and therapists there gave them instructions on exercises, techniques and braces that would keep my arm safe during the process. I had a little wrap they would put around my arm and chest so that i wouldn't roll over on it in my sleep, My sweet mommy would exercise my arm per their instructions every day with the hope that one day it would move and the kept visiting the hospital for check ups and exercises and prayers.

3 months of trying, six months of exercises, therapy and work and nothing had yet happened. The talks of amputation looming nearer and nearer. Then one day it happened. I just moved it. From resting at my side to resting on my chest, on my own, My parents raced to the hospital to make sure everything was okay , to see what had made it work. The doctors there said “it was a God thing” and that they had done their best. The doctors and my parents had never given up that I could do it, that a miracle could happen. My dad also said what a relief it was also that they didn't have to worry about paying for anything. Seeming as it had been stressful enough but the doctors and nurses there were perfect and uplifting in what could have been a an even more traumatizing situation.

To this day my left arm is three inches shorter than my right, but even as I type this I'm watching the fingers on my left hand just whir over the keys in wonder. Typing this and so many other things I was able to do thanks to the Shriners and some divine love. Stay tuned for more dramatic adventures from me!

Jess Womack

Celebrate....Honor....Remember....

Homecoming Story submitted by WGM Sabrina Pack:

I want to wish everyone a beautiful Memorial Day weekend.

I want to thank everyone for an amazing Official Visit season. It was truly special and holds the dearest of places of treasured memories in my heart. Saturday, May 20 marked the conclusion of 20 Official Visits and two exchange visits (Colorado and Arizona), which were preceded by six schools of instruction and the great Christmas on the Pecos trip. What an amazing 6 and half months since installation it has been!

At Homecoming, which was held at Georgetown Chapter #4 on the Mimbres, the day started with a beautiful meal that was held inside and out under garden tents. Entertainment included PGM Sabra Humphrey sharing a story written by JoAnn Young (her sister and wife to PGP William Homer Young, Jr.) about their family history, titled “My Heroines Have Always Been Cowgirls.” The story showcased the early history of the area and family member 1914 PGM Mable Portwood Upton from Georgetown Chapter. Also, live music was provided by Chill Monroe, good friend of Donnie Forman and Becky Rice.

After the lovely fellowship meal, around 75 members found seats within the tiny Lodge Room at Mimbres Lodge. A beautiful afternoon was experienced by all. WM/Grand Chaplain Becky Rice and WP/Grand Trustee/PGP Jim Krass led a beautiful initiation and festivities. Much appreciation is extended to them and to all the members of the area that made the event possible and so enjoyable. WP/PGP Jim Krass recognized Darwin Bleak, 94-year-old Georgetown member, for his dedicated service. Darwin has actively served OES for so many, many years and especially the past 4-5 years through COVID, serving as WP for several terms, and assisting this year many times as WP as the Grand Officers traveled to their state functions.

WGM Sabrina recognized several others during the day’s events. This included a special shadow box presentation to WM Becky Rice and WP/PGP Jim Krass for all the work they do for OES. The gift contained a special painting of a buggy traveling by moonlight, symbolic of Georgetown Chapter being the last moonlight chapter in the state (a chapter than meets on or before the full moon on Saturday…commemorating traveling by horse and buggy in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s.) Then AGM Christel Fisher, GC Shirley Crawford, and AGC Cavell Miller were asked to come to the East where they were presented special gifts to congratulate them for their tremendous service this year and many years in OES, especially recognizing them for their outstanding leadership, and wishing them the best on their journey to the Grand East.

During the WGM’s closing speech, she invited the Grand Officers to participate in a special ceremony to honor them in Georgetown spirit for the service they have provided the Grand Chapter of New Mexico. The special ceremony started with the Grand Star Points forming a star from ribbon over the altar, as Sister Sabrina talked about the tapestry of life and how we each weave our own tapestry, but that the graces of all that is OES help to form our tapestry with such beauty. After the star was formed all the Grand Officers formed a circle around the star, each holding a lighted candle, as Sabrina shared a special prayer from the words of Edith Turner, 1943 WGM from Georgetown Chapter:

The good deeds left behind them
Will form a chain to bind them
To those who linger here; and oh, the love of knowing
The good they showed is growing
And the harvest from the sowing
Will increase each circling year.

The day’s events concluded with a beautiful OES Celebration dinner attended by more than 50 brothers and sisters at Bear Mountain Lodge. This location was a beautiful place to enjoy rich fellowship. Sister Sabrina shared the history of the Lodge and paid a loving tribute to the past 75+ year Silver City OES member who had previously owned the Lodge and built it into the beautiful place it is today. Sister Juanita Franks passed away a few years back at age 103. The evening concluded with smiles, laughter, and many fond memories to treasure a lifetime.

Thank you, Brothers and Sisters, for a homecoming that will always be remembered. AND, thank you, WGP Bob Bradshaw. You are so amazing and I thank you so much for this journey together.

Many photos of the event will be available next week in the Member Hub “Photos” section on the OESNM.org website. All OVs and Grand Chapter event photos are posted there for your reflection and personal use.

Future Calendar: We look forward to the Grand Trip on the Cumbres and Toltec Railoard June 17, NM Camp-Out in the Gila July 12-16, the OES Service Dogs Gala in Las Cruces August 26, and the Paws and Stripes Bowling Tournament in Rio Rancho on September 16. Grand Chapter is just 150 days away (October 25-28) in Silver City. Information on all the remaining Grand Chapter events is available online at https://oesnm.org/grand-chapter-events/. Grand Chapter detailed information will be going up in late June.

We are also going to be offering some education training opportunities in three locations in NM (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Hobbs) later this summer to assist in training on “Best Practices” for chapter operations. This will include more in-depth time for secretaries and treasurers to learn about their roles or to perfect what they have been doing, overall officer training, and more. The dates and times will be announced soon. Any OES member can attend to learn more about how to better operate chapter logistics/business as well as share their ideas and we hope you will do so!