Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Last night I was escorted at my own Bethel and received grand honors for the last time as Grand Guardian. I was so happy that we had an initiation and were able to add two very special new members to our Bethel--Olivia and Jenna P. This is Martha and Bill's 3rd and 4th daughter to be initiated. A big thanks to girls from Bethel #2, #22, and #107 for coming to help.

I almost teared up when I made my remarks and then when Rustie started to speak I really did need the tissues. It has been a great year. I love the Daughters of this Order and really do

bee-lieve they are the best!

I am about ready to finish loading the car, then it is off to Grand Session. Remember! Keep on Bee-lievin'. I am.

Anita, GG

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

It was a busy weekend, starting with the Majority Ceremony for 3 of Daleville's girls. They had quite a turnout. Vicki and I drove up after stopping to eat at 5 Guys Hamburgers. That was the first time for me and I want to go back.

Lindsey Noland was one of the Daughters, who received her majority. I was at Job-A-Rama in 2001 when she was initiated. It is hard to believe all that has happened in the last 10 years. Besides Lindsey we have watched many girls grow and mature through their Job's Daughters life.

Her dad, Michael and I were Grand Officers that year for Linda and Dan. Michael has already served his year as AGG and my year as GG is coming to an end.

Saturday evening, Taylor O. and her corps of officers was installed at #121. It was a very nice Installation and we are now getting ready to initiate Olivia and Jenna tonight. What a great way to spend my last night at home before Grand Session. If the 2 initiations at Daleville happened last night, this will give us 78 new members this year.

Anita, GG

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Last night, Franklin initiated Autumn into their Bethel. I took Rustie, Jasmine, and Taylor O. to help. Debbi brought Rustie and Jasmine to Brazil and then went along with us. Six girls from #22 were also there, as well as Brettney Nelson, so the floor was real full and things went great.

We had the most delicious brownies after the meeting which went along with the Librarian's report over the history of brownies. I had a very small one. Christina Click can sure bake.

Before we left Franklin, the girls were treated to McFlurries at McD's by the ABG Stephen Click. I guess Tracy Cooksey always buys the #22 girls shakes when they take a road trip and Mr. Click did not want our girls to feel left out.

Today is a day at the computer trying to finalize things for next week.

Anita, GG

Monday, June 13, 2011

Yesterday, Hailey and I picked up Taylor O. and we went to the GB Region #5 Bowling Party in Terre Haute. We had 4 of our Daughters and our two new candidates at #121, Olivia and Jenna. We also had Martha's grandkids and the little ones really had a good time. I never did find out who had high score. I got to hold Kaiden, Martha and Bill's new grandson--light as a feather. Jamie also called in from MS, where she is now stationed with the navy. Martha and I are doing a road trip in July to bring her home while she is on leave.

After the bowling, we all enjoyed pizza provided by Jasmine's parents. It was really a lot of fun, but I was glad to turn Hailey over to her mommy.

Tonight Carmel #68 is initiating and I heard tomorrow night #38 is, but I do not know how many. I cannot go to either, but do plan on being in Franklin on Wednesday for their initiation.

Anita, GG

Sunday, June 12, 2011

I spent the day at the computer yesterday, trying to get things done for Grand Session. Then I had to rush to get ready to pick up Taylor, so we could go to #107's Installation. We stopped at Vicki's and she actually took us from there. There were so many folks I had not expected to see. Although, I had a call earlier in the day from my Misses. I am not sure what they were up to yesterday. I am not supposed to ask any questions. Anyway, Rustie, Genesis, and Maddy greeted me along with Jennifer G. and Becca. Stephanie, Joe, and Tammy were there with all of their Misses. Markanda had just been installed as HQ that afternoon at #108 and Mahaley was being installed at #107.

Jamie M's retirement was very moving. Her remarks were so sweet to her guardian, Lila, Tiffany, and most of all her mom. Then Mahaley's Installation was quite beautiful. She looked that way too. I especially loved her hair in curls.

After some delicious refreshments--3 different cakes (red velvet is best) and at least 2 different homemade cookies (Yeah, snickerdoodles), we finally tore Vicki away (she is still hard at work on Grand Session), collected Rustie, and headed home.

I sure slept in this morning. It was after 6. I now race to the computer to see if I have an email from Allen. He has been in Afghanistan about 9 days now. They are 8 1/2 hours ahead of us. I had never heard of a time zone on the 1/2 hour. I thought everyone ran on the hour, like we do in this country. I did not do countdowns to GS last year and I am not doing them this year, but I'm definitely doing one until he gets home--170 days. He really hates the food, so I will have to try to figure out some care packages.

We have Region 5 Get-together today. I am taking Hailey, while the rest of Megan's family goes to Beef and Boards to see Cinderella.

Anita, GG

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Last night Rustie, Elecia, Vicki, and I attended Grand Chapter in Indianapolis. There were a lot of other Job's people there, such as Bonita, Wanda, the Clonces, Jean Weese, Sandie Thomas, and PGBHQ Cindy Essig. She was not the only PGBHQ as Barbara Krakowski Holmes, the Worthy Grand Matron fo Nevada was also there. She will be at our Session also. Elecia did a beautiful job of speaking on behalf of Job's Daughters. I was also pleased to see Emmalee #25, Vanessa #37, and Jamie #107 there to receive Eastern Star scholarships. I believe Tiffany will have the whole list on the web page. I do know Mandy #121 received one, but was not able to be there because of work.

I also got to visit with my other Grand Family--The Harmony Bells. I was District Deputy 25 years ago. Three of my deputy sisters were there as well as, Mama Markie and our Grand Martha, Joyellen, PGM. I am hoping to get to share more time with them after this year.

It was sort of bittersweet to know this would be the last time, except for our Session, that Rainbow, DeMolay, Job's, and Star will all be together sharing an evening like that. I did get to speak to the next WGM and WGP for a few minutes. Deby and Rob are both great people and Rob is the son of our own PAGG Jim Maines. He was not there, but did get to visit briefly with Rob's mom, Linda. I miss both of these people and wish they still lived in Indiana. Jim will be up for Deby's and Rob's reception July 16, so maybe will get to see him there.

Rustie convinced my to go to 107's Installation tonight, so maybe I will see some of you there.

Anita, GG

Saturday, June 4, 2011

I know I am behind again. It just seemed like all I could get done for the last couple of weeks in May were subbing (I finished the year with 118 days to my credit) and getting myself ready for Allen to leave for Afghanistan. He is in Qatar right now with his plane scheduled to leave this afternoon to continue his journey to Kabul.

Last night, I attended #110's Installation. I got the chance to visit briefly with Joyce Scott. She was the last GG to have an outdoor OV. It was also at the Shrine Hill Country Place in Terre Haute. She shared that she also had some rain. Our last OV will definitely be one I think we will always remember. First, it was great to initiate 2 new Daughters--AJ is even from #121. Second, we overcame the rain, planes, trains, motorcycles, and wind. Third, the fellowship afterwards was super. What a bunch of really good food. I cannot thank enough all the people, who did so much extra, to have this day be what I wanted.

Thursday night Elecia and I attended the Royal Court of Indiana, Order of the Amaranth in Evansville. We started at 8:00 our time and the room was really warm. We did get to meet up with some old friends--the Fishers were there (Phil is a grand officer) and Juanita Cox was in the choir and did a tribute to the Indiana Flag. I also got to briefly visit with some acquaintances from when I taught in Brown County--Ivan Lancaster and Marion Crum. Marion will be the new Grand Royal Patron. Our Supreme Queen of Nile, Sue Layman, was also there. She was at my initiation into Nile several years ago. Elecia took quite a shine to her and wanted to wear her crown. I got home around 1:30 and Elecia still had another hour and half to drive. Thank Heavens God watches over us.

We have such a short time left and it will be super busy, but I will be attending some more of the meetings (we have more initiations) and Grand Chapter.

Antia, GG

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

I am at Grand Lodge this morning or at least at the hotel. We had a wonderful dinner last night. The Coopers, Elecia and Bonita, and I were at a table together. Next to ours was our Grand Chaplain's, Carey and his wife, Kathy. Next to that table was our PGG and PAGG, the Trobaughs. It was good to get caught up with them and she had some really nice things to say to me. Sharon was GG when Megan was dedicated. We also got to visit with other friends, ie. James Gordan and Breonna Hensel of DeMolay and Rainbow and the Star people Kathy and Bill and his wife Lynn. It is funny how you start your year and run into these people off and on all through it. Of course, we saw George and Karen Ingles. We are so proud of them both. The Grand Master and his wife Paula were wonderful hosts. He visited every table.

Now back to baby dedications. On Saturday, it was a privilege to dedicate two darling babies. One of them was the great, great, great, great nephew or our own Mother Jacobs. I know she must have been beaming down on us. We also initiated #'s 63, 64, 65. Girls welcome to Muncie's Bethel.

The morning OV was at Huntington and the girls did a flower ceremony which none of us had seen before. They used my favorite yellow roses and then presented them to me (Lynn got one of the sprays).

I could not believe the bad weather we just missed on Sat. Huntington got 4 inches of rain after we left and Muncie had high winds after we left. I am hoping we keep on a roll and do not get any bad weather on Friday or Saturday this week so the OV can be outside.

Anita, GG

Sunday, May 1, 2011

It sure felt funny writing in today's date. That means next month is Grand Session. EEEEKKKK! We only have 3 more OV's, with the last being our (hopefully) outdoor one in Terre Haute at the Shrine Hill Country Place. Please RSVP to our Grand Librarian Lynell Myers if you are planning to attend. We need somewhat of a head count to know how many to plan for the cookout. Remember to bring a covered dish to go along with the hot dogs and hamburgers. The Bethels will be providing the drinks and dessert.

I said I would be writing about the new Misses in my next blog. Yes, the pageant is over and we have crowned four new young ladies. Congratulations to Carolyn, Miss Indiana; Maddy, Jr. Miss Indiana; Mahaley, Miss Congeniality; and Markanda, Jr. Miss Congeniality. While these four girls now belong to Stephanie and Joe, they each mean something to me. I got to know Carolyn when she served as Jr. Miss and was always impressed by her bubbling personality. Mahaley served on our Messenger Team at Supreme Session last year, so we got to spend time with her at Supreme, even though she always seemed to be on Tiffany's computer. Markanda impressed me at one of our first schools of instructions, when she said I am going to visit every Bethel this year so I can earn the extra travel points. She is getting close. I saved Maddy for last--our baby. I turned around and said to Stephanie after you were crowned, I'm giving you my baby.
I know you worked very hard to achieve this goal and I am so proud of you.

Pageants do not just happen. It has been a terrific weekend. Thank you to Kathy Coslet and Martha Poff, not just for the pageant but for all you do for me. Thanks to all the other workers, who were official and the ones who weren't, but just like true Job's people offered their help. It was a beautiful pageant and I am so proud of the rest of my girls for the job they did of MCing (Is that a word?) I love it when our Daughters get to shine and you three certainly did last night. I think having you introduce the girls and ask them the questions made them more comfortable and I know you certainly felt a lot closer to them. Sometimes, adults think only other adults can do a job, but the Job's Daughters never surprise me with what they can do. That is why I believe in you.

I will be back with my own Bethel this afternoon as we are taking refreshments to our Volunteer Fire Department's training session to show our appreciation for the men and women who actually lay their lives on the line for others. I know many bethels who have service projects like this in their community's and I am looking forward to seeing the Guardian's reports come in this month so I can read about all of yours.

Then I am taking a nap. Anita, GG

Saturday, April 30, 2011

The pageant activities have started. All the girls checked in last night and had lots of pizza and took their tests. It has been so much fun seeing all their exuberance, smiles, and excitement. I have also been so happy to greet our out-of-state judges. They are all people I have had the privilege of meeting over the years and I respect each one of them a great deal.

Rustie and I got an early start to the weekend, as we attended a formal banquet of Indiana's Grand Commandary on Thursday night in Indianapolis. Rustie represented the Job's of Indiana with some beautiful remarks telling them about Job's Daughters in general and especially about our HIKE Fund. Rustie then escorted the Grand Master of Indiana in their Grand March and I was privileged to be escorted by James, the State Master Councilor. It was a lot of fun and afterwards we shared ice cream with David and Donna Miller. George and Karen Ingles were at the head table, as George was the MC. My sincerest apologies to Elecia. She was supposed to join us and I had told her about it when we first got the invite and even sent an RSVP for her, but then forgot to tell her where and when to be there.

I wish every Mason in Indiana had been able to hear the Grand Master's remarks as he told the men, we need to support all of our appellant bodies. I wish all of our Masons felt that way. I know the Masons at Knightsville are very supportive of our Bethel, but that is not always the case everywhere. I am so thankful for the Masons that do show our Daughters the love and support that they do.

My next update will be on the young ladies, who will be representing our state in the upcoming year. First, I want to say I have been so blessed with the four Daughters, who were selected last year to serve in our Grand Family. Rustie has been my constant travel companion and those long trips would definitely not have been the same without all of our sharing. Genesis has shown such energy and enthusiasm for everything during the year that I am energized just being around her. Mandy is my solid rock. She keeps me grounded. And Maddy is our little love and I will always look forward to her hugs. Hey, I am beginning to get misty. I need to go get ready for all of the days activities. Anita, GG

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

I hope everyone had a good Easter weekend. Where does the time go. In two short months our year will be over. The pageant is just around the corner and I want to wish all the contestants a great deal of luck. I believe this experience will be one you will remember for your lifetime. Make new friends and enjoy it, whatever the outcome, you will have grown, because you were willing to make the effort.

I had so much fun holding the stop watch on the 11 set-up teams at Ritual Contest. I was so happy that so many competed in this new category, that I had especially requested. I was also thrilled to see the girls competing in the Senior Ritualist. What a way to really challenge yourself. All the contestants deserve a big hand for competing and Jamie Hadley an extra big hand for putting it all together. Thanks to the judges and others who gave their time for the girls.

Now for all the MM's who participated in Rustie's project--THANK YOU. The ones who were able to stay and watch were impressed. Those of us performing were nervous, at least I was. The singing sounded so awesome in that room. I wish all of our new members could be initiated there. Rustie will be giving a check to the Educational Foundation at Grand Session. If you have not paid her yet make your check out to Grand Guardian Council and get it to her ASAP.

Just a word about Purple Triangle weekend. I was pleased at the OV even though we did not have live candidates and as always the dance was fun. It is always good to have the chance to visit. While those of us who were staying at the Coslets' did not get much sleep, the girls staying at McKendry's got even less. When I arrived home I had just enough time to make it to Jamie Poff's going away party. She is now in training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station.

The price of gasoline is really putting a crimp in my travel. Yesterday, it went over $4 in Brazil, so I will not be doing as much as I wanted to in these last 2 months. We have very few events left, but I will be attending a lot of the other organizations' annual meetings.

Anita, GG

Friday, March 18, 2011

Last night, I traveled to Bethel #110. I was pleasantly surprised to see Michelle and Kendra from #86 there. I want to thank Kendra for not pinching me, because I wasn't wearing green. I had worn it at school that day, but wanted to wear my new skirt last night and it did not have a bit of green in it.



Jamie Hadley said she had about 11 Bethels respond to the Ritual Contest. She is hoping to get some more in. Let her know if you are planning to be there and have sent your registration in. She will then be able to look for it.



I got to hear upcoming plans for both Bethels--pancake breakfast, providing a meal for one Eastern Star Chapter, and refreshments for another, and forming the cross for them. Be sure you let the rest of the State know what you are doing or have done. Write an article for the Bethel News.



Anita, GG

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Pat's Day!

OK! So this isn't much of a blog, but I am running out of things to say. However, March has been a month I got to visit some of the Bethels to view their initiations of new Daughters. Brownsburg was first. I was surprised, as was the Bethel, when they initiated Samantha. The girls did an excellent job, even with such short notice. I did enjoy finally getting to Muncie to watch them initiate Shelby the next evening. I also attended the Initiation at Plainfield when Victoria, Kaitlin, and Contessa became our newest members.

Way to go Bethels. Remember each Bethel is challenged to initiate at least 2 new members this term.

Anita, GG

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Saturday, March 5 we gathered at Freemason Hall for the Grand Master's Youth Day. The Grand Bethel did a beautiful job of presenting the "String of Pearls Ceremony" for the Grand Master Ken Willis and his lovely wife, Paula. Our State Master Councilor James also joined us.

Elecia, thank you for putting this together for us. Also, thanks to all the girls who were a part of the ceremony, with a special thanks to Edie for playing the organ and Tiffany for cuing her.



After we left downtown, Rustie and I traveled to Fishers for their Soup Supper. Now, I am sure others will have a different story, but I really did know where I was going. I just could not figure out how to get there. It only took us and hour and a half to get there. Thanks again, Elecia, for the directions. The soup was good though and the fellowship wonderful, as I got to visit with Wanda's mom, Carol, who is my cousin.



Last Friday night, we had another OV. This one was at Shelbyville. Now, I do not know how many of you have heard that the ceiling in the Lodge Room fell in sometime in February, so we had to hold the OV in the room where the girls usually meet. It was a snug fit, but we made it.

Afterwards, we all got to share in thumbprint cookies. The librarian's report was on fingerprints. This has been a tradition with HQ Vanessa. She gives out small gifts to match her librarian's reports. I have received an umbrella in the past. I am just sorry I missed the crustables when the report was on peanut butter.



More tomorrow,

Anita, GG

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Last Saturday, we had a walk-through at Manchester College for our Grand Session. This just means we walked around and looked at the different buildings and decided for sure where we wanted things to be held. It was a windy day, but we survived. I hope many of you are planning to attend Grand Session in June. Ten of us went to lunch afterwards. It was good fellowship, but put Vicki and I way behind. We got to the cemetery where Mother Jacobs is buried almost an hour and a half late. I apologize to Jennifer Tansy and her girls, and Ronda Prather and Carolyn. Ronda took pictures and then they left. The #121 car and Genesis and Lila hung around and when we finally arrived, we placed the flowers and then there were more pictures. I do want to thank Hubert and Catherine Haynes for the lovely flower arrangement.



Now, back to catching up. On the 26th we had two wonderful OV's. The first was at Greenfield, an historic event as never before had there been an OV in the Hancock Temple. I loved it when Sara M. was presented with a long string of key chains. It seems #67 has a tradition of each marshal will add to this chain and then pass it down to the next one.

In the afternoon we met at Carmel with Bethels #34 and #68, where we initiated Sam into #68 and #34 read 2 petitions.

More later,
Anita, GG

Monday, March 14, 2011

It is almost spring, so I am going to turn over a new leaf and try to keep up with my blogging. Rustie and I talk about how bad we have been when we are on our many travels. Also, I am going to extend the contest as I am going to try to catch up this week. Girls, if you see your name you have a week to sign the guestbook and tell me you saw it.

Yesterday, Rustie, her mom, and I drove up to Clinton to their promotion party. It was well attended with 7 prospective members, not counting some prospective JD2B's, and family members. The girls had a lot of fun bowling and eating pizza. HQ Alisha did a marvelous job of making their visitors welcome. They know most of the girls are eligible, so we have high hopes for initiations soon.

The last time I blogged I did not write about the Night at the Museum. It was such a wonderful time and again I thank Rachel C. for thinking up this event and her mom, Julie for putting it all together. Just think over 100 Job's people getting together for an evening of fun. It was especially great to have Bethel #18 out of Louisville join us. Of course they did not have far to go. I also want to thank Stephanie for driving the GG and Bethel #121 on the trip down. I told her the best thing she could get next year was a driver.

Have you heard? From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 Job's Daughters in Indiana grew! We need to keep the trend going. Get those petitions in and watch the men Grand Officers perform.

Anita

Saturday, February 26, 2011

I know I have been really bad about keeping up. Even Elecia has blogged since I have. I will try to do better.

Girls are you nominating your female adult workers--Majority Members only--for Rustie's project? I am excited about seeing them do the Initiation. Also, do not forget the Grand Master's Youth Day next Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at Free Mason Hall.

The second term OV's have started and at the first one last Saturday we initiated Sarah into Bethel #38. She is number 47 for the year. Will the men GO's have to perform? Only 53 more.

Girls remember when you have a joint OV and more than one officer in a station, only the officer speaking stands. I announced this at the All Day SOI.

More OV's to attend today. Hope to see you there. Anita, GG

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

This Monday was the Inspeciton for my Eastern Star Chapter. I was honored to be escorted to the East and given a love gift from my District #8 Assoication. As only the Worthy Grands and Past Grands get escorted, I was completely confused. The Worthy Grand Matron, Kathy allowed them to do this and I so appreciate it. Kathy is a truly beautiful person and I hope if you have not met her, you will make an effort to do so. She told me she was jealous that I get to work with the lovely girls and she just has to put up with adults. We are hoping she will be able to attend a meeting and are checking our calendars to try to work it out.



Now mine was not the first surprise of the evening, as Peggy Wiggins, Guardian of #2 was also escorted, but to the altar where she was given the honor of being the next Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of California in Indiana. Peggy's son lives in CA, so she hopefully will be able to visit him when she goes. Their Grand Chapter is in Fresno, a place where Peggy, Vicki, and Kathy Coslet and I traveled for Grand Session several years ago. I am sure Peggy will enjoy her next trip there, just as much. Congratulations, Peggy.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

First, I want to thank the members of the Grand Family, who were involved in the practical joke at the Grand Officers retreat this past weekend. It is a good thing your GG is very forgiving. Of course, if I wasn't so gullible it would not have been so easy for you. By the way, Stephanie and Tiffany can attest to how hard I laughed when they confessed. Larry, you and I can take it, can't we?

We did have a lot of fun this past weekend. It was even half-way decent weather. Thanks to the Coopers for all of your hard work to do this for us. All the little snowmen in the hospitality room were such cute touches and we enjoyed our snack bags. I got some new For Bare Feet socks and 2 sugar free turtles.

I am supposed to include all of the silly things that were said by different folks, but I told them I would never remember everything, so let me try to couch this in a way you will all understand. Linda had a kinky phone and Denise was in the parking lot pimping? Stephanie was obscene and not heard and Larry definitely did not bring the grapes. Lynell gave me, my new favorite saying ala Alicia W. from #5--redundently ridiculous. Enough said, except I did teach several GO's their vocabulary word for the day and they even had to check their phones to see that I had used it correctly.

Thanks for the wonderful weekend with my very special family! We know illness in families and other obligations kept some of you from joining us and we hope for swift recoveries and always safe travels.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Happy New Year. I know it has been a long time since I blogged. I was reminded of that last night at a dinner I attended. Someone asked me why there have not been any blogs recently.
I did not have a good answer, although I have been sticking pretty close to home.

In December, I attended Bethel #5's Installation and my own Bethel meetings. Before one of them we went Christmas Caroling at the nursing home in Knightsville and after one the girls made stationary for the Veteran's Hospital patients. I also got to cape our Sr. Princess at our Installation. The Grand Family Christmas Party was lots of fun and I received many gifts for which I am most grateful. My Job's Daughter's Christmas Tree is really full of ornaments and I love every one of them.

Last night, the Coopers and I attended the Newby-Avery Banquet, an annual event of the Indiana Knights Templar. We were welcomed by George and Karen Ingles. George was the MC. Sharing our table was the recipient of the grant they awarded for research in eye care. Dr. Sun gave a presentation about his work with children who are born with glaucoma. I had always thought this was an older person's disease, but it isn't and it is so tragic when a baby gets it, because they cannot tell anyone. By the time it is noticed, the damage is done. It makes me proud to be associated with Masonic organizations, who contribute so much to others--Diabetes, Cancer, Eye Research, Shrine Hospitals, and of course our own HIKE. I must confess I did brag about the Daughters and all the work they do for HIKE.

I am getting ready for our All-Day School of Instruction and hope many of you are planning to attend on January 22.

Now, Karen, I have caught up and I promise to not to let so much time pass again before I blog.