News
We want to know more about your chapter!
There are your bothers and
sisters across Vermont that would love to hear
about what is happening in YOUR chapter!
Would you share your stories and events with us?
All you need to know is
in this flyer!
(Please email
msgross82@gmail.com with stories and photos you
want included on the Vermont OES News page.)
Hello Dear Star Members,
As Associate Grand Matron, it is my privilege to oversee the Craft and Food Formal wear boutique room at Grand Chapter. We have been very successful this past year in providing these items to members and nonmembers alike.This year at Killington we will once again have our boutique. Judy Dix has agreed to be the Boutique manager as she does a wonderful job. (I think some shoppers come just to chat with her.)We are asking you for baked goods, canned foods, Gowns, Tuxes, formal wear, purses and shoes in great condition, and crafty items to sell at Grand Chapter. It is something sisters and brothers from all jurisdictions look forward to visiting and shopping.We are not able to accept rummage sale items this year, as we have an abundance of items.Please bring your items to Grand chapter, or contact a sister or brother that will be going, to bring them for you. I will load up my vehicle and probably my husband’s, and be there to set it up on Wednesday. However, items may be brought in any time from Wednesday until Friday noon.
Thanks for your cooperation,Susan ZukswertAssociate Grand Matron VT 2025-2026
Marble Chapter Annual Church & Brunch was
well attended on Sunday, January 18th. Members
attended church at the Brandon Congregational
Church followed by a delicious lunch at Rosie's
in Middlebury.
WGM Post 1/5/2026
Also:Happy New Year sisters and brothers,
Next weekend is the New England Grand Family Exchange in Bennington. Brother Mike and I will be setting up the dining room and chapter room at Mt. Anthony Lodge 504 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201 on FRIDAY January 9,2026 at 4:30 pm and we need some help! If you can spare an hour or two, come on down to the Masonic lodge and lend a hand.
As there hasn’t been an eastern star chapter at Mt. Anthony Lodge for a long time, we are bringing in all the items needed for the chapter room, including a large OES rug.
Contact for questions: 802-745-8299
Gratefully,
Kathleen Lamberton, WGM
Michael Wood, WGP
Are you ready for another adventure? Let us fill this bus and head to Fredericton, New Brunswick!!! We will provide water and a bag lunch for your trip over. If you are planning to join us, remember that you will need an ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSE or your PASSPORT. (Passport cannot be expiring within 6 months of our trip) We will have pickup points starting in Milton to St. Johnsbury, then across Route 2 to Bangor, ME, then on to Fredericton, New Brunswick. I am looking forward to being able to share this adventure with you.
The cost is $249.00 per person; this includes transportation both ways aboard a luxury coach bus with restroom, water and lunch. Our bus will be traveling over on THURSDAY February 19th- this early arrival allows folks all day Friday for sightseeing, shopping or relaxing.As always, folks are welcome to bring along snacks and baked goods to share. For enjoyment we will play bus bingo and have a worship service on the bus Sunday. Traveling as a group is a great way to meet new people and to make new friends – AND avoiding winter driving which can be stressful!
Kathleen Lamberton, WGM
Vermont Grand Chapter OES
802-745-8299
WGM Post 10/7/2025
Hello Vermont OES!
What a great day today with the summer temperatures!
We have been busy the last few weeks with grand officer receptions @ Chittenden and Island Chapters and Past Grands Tea in Williamstown.
To
date we have donated over $8,000.00 to our
special project, NKHS ! Vermont OES is featured
in the latest edition of the NKHS newsletter… click here
The
CASH CALENDAR raffle has started! How does it
work? Simply choose one or more numbered squares
from the cash calendar, pay $10.00 per square
and if your number is drawn on 10/31/25, you win
$500.00 CASH!! I will accept a check ( made
payable to Vermont Grand Chapter), CASH or
venmo, contact me if you are planning to use
venmo. We have sold 9 squares already,
wow!!
Upcoming events:
10/11/25: Basket Party, fundraiser for Ascutney and Mizpah scholarship
10/13/25:Friendship Night @ Charity Chapter
10/17 -10/19/25: International Weekend in Devens Massachusetts
10/28/25: Green Mountain Deputies meeting
11/1/25: Pinewood Derby and Spaghetti Dinner – in Middlebury- this is a fundraiser for the grand chapter general fund
11/2/25: Grand Officer Entertainment, Adah and Kingsbury chapters in St. Johnsbury
Kathleen, WGM
WGM Post 9/3/2025
Hello star sisters and brothers…
I can’t believe it is September already- where did the summer go? I must apologize for not sending out a communication sooner- I was camping for a long weekend over Labor Day J
Time to get back to work-
This weekend we have 2 events, entertainment of grand officers in Brookfield TOMORROW with registration at 12:30 and then onto Chelsea for their grand officer reception with registration at 11 am. I will be bringing T shirts and pins to buy AND there will be 2 raffles ( wine basket and blanket).Happy Campers Grand Family: please wear your session attire for both events.
3 more grand officer receptions finish out the month of September: the 21 st at Waterbury, 27th at Milton and 28th at South Hero. Be sure to respond promptly to the chapters that are hosting
The information for International Weekend 10/17-10/18 is on the VT OES website under “ calendar”. If you haven’t attended one of these gatherings before, don’t miss this one!
WGM Suzanne and WGP Todd are promising a fun weekend, no degree work, just lots of time for fellowship J
AGM Sue Zukswert, WM Heather King and myself are working on plans for the Past Grands Tea- to be held at Charity Chapter on October 5th- more information will be available soon.
Grand Officers: please be available to help with setup, or serving or cleanup.
Before I forget, Rob Morris weekend was a wonderful time of fellowship. A huge thank you to those who helped make and sell donuts on Saturday morning, participated in the Buck a Duck race and attended the chili cook off AND enjoyed the band Rusty Bones! Heather Hinckley and crew made and served a delicious meal on Sunday after the church service lead by Grand Chaplain Allison Domey.
The bus trip is ON!! We are taking a bus to Fredericton New Brunswick for Can Am in February 2026- Rosemarie Blair PGM and Karen Banks PM are coordinating this trip-
Get your registration info to these ladies as soon as possible to secure your spot on the bus. We want to have a full bus to keep costs down for all & first payment is due in October…
Star love-
Kathleen, WGM
Mike, WGP
WGM Post 8/3/2025
Hello Happy Campers, Wilderness Wanderers and Vermont membership-
The first school of instruction was held at Charity Chapter # 57 ( Williamstown) on Saturday August 2nd. Mike and I are so proud of our grand family! The jurisprudence committee provided guidance and clarification on balloting and affiliation- we had 60 members in attendance!
We presented a Grand Representative Commission of Massachusetts in Vermont to Sister Theresa Doyle and a 50 year membership pin to Shirley Jamieson J
If you missed the first school, you have another opportunity… the second and FINAL school of instruction will be held Saturday August 9th at Red Mountain Chapter # 41 in Arlington-
Registration @ 9, Meeting @ 10. Lunch is $10.00 –RSVP to Kathy Cotrofeld, Phone (802) 375-6782 Email: cotrofeldauto@comcast.net
Upcoming events:
8/5/25: Grand Officers visitation @ Mt. Lebanon in Jamaica ( this is their regular meeting night)
8/14 to 8/16/25: NH Grand Chapter (16th installation for Diane and Norm)
8/17: Masonic and OES Picnic - Ludlow
8/22: Paint and Sip fundraiser (Jackie Rivers) @ Abel Mountain Campground – 4 pm
8/23/25: Buck- A-Duck Race @ Abel Mountain Campground
8/23/25: fundraiser dance @ Abel Mountain- donation jars ok
8/24/25: Rob Morris Day – Abel Mountain Campground - Luncheo
The deadline to register for the Paint and Sip fundraiser at Abel Mountain Campground on 8/22/25 is AUGUST 15th. The cost is $35.00, payable IN ADVANCE to Kathleen Lamberton- cash, check or venmo ;)
Kathleen, WGM
First Honorary Memberships Awarded!
Sister Kathleen, WGM and
Brother Michael, WGP received honorary memberships
from Coral Chapter No. 16. This is the first
honorary membership for each of them.
Click here for photos from Coral Chapter Grand Officers visit
New Grand Representative announced!
Brother Gary Anderson received the Grand Representatives commission of Connecticut in Vermont.
Hello Vermont Members, Happy Campers, Widerness Wanderers-
Yesterday we held preschool for DDGIs at Adah
Chapter #39 in St. Johnsbury Vermont, under the
direction of Marcey Hannon, Grand Lecturer. The
event was well attended and a few guests were
present also.
Marcey has posted an invitation for the two Schools of Instruction coming up in August- she will be making the program interactive, we encourage every chapter to send at least 2 members to these events.
Reminder to RSVP for the lunch, this assists the host chapters with planning for seating and food.
The first Entertainment of Grand Officers will be on Sunday July 13th at Coral Chapter in Morrisville- RSVP to Addie Salls
The Paint and Sip event has been rescheduled to FRIDAY August 22, 2025 at Abel Mountain Campground Pavilion- this is Rob Morris weekend ! Start time is 4 pm, estimated duration is 2 hours
T shirts are on sale- this benefits our special project Northeast Kingdom Human Services- sizes s/m/l/xl/2xl/3xl/4 xl available-
Limited in amounts in small and 4 xl. Price is $25.00 J I will bring the shirts to Entertainment of Grand Officers
Session pins are available too, $5.00
Don’t forget to log your points for the travel award!
Kathleen, WGM
Mike, WGP
2025 Vermont Grand Chapter Session
Installation of the 2025 - 2026 Grand Officers
50 Year Member - Joan Stoddert
Joan Stoddert joined Mary C Berdick # 6 in June of 1975. At our June meeting we presented her with he 50 year membership pin and certificate at Temple Chapter where she has been a member since the consolidation with Temple in 2014.
Pasta, Passion and Pistols - A Murder Mystery Evening
In January 2025 the Laplotte Chapter #64 held a murder mystery evening in the lodge in Hinesburg. The evening was very well attended with people coming from all over the state to participate. The theme was Pasta, Passions and Pistols. The premise was that the owner of an Italian restaurant with gangland ties, was murdered in his very own restaurant kitchen! Who killed him? The wife? The son who didn’t want to inherit the business? His brother who has just reunited with him? Maybe his brother’s fiancée who appears to be a bit of a gold digger! Would you be able to guess?
I am thankful for the brothers and sisters, who volunteered to set up, keep the food and drinks coming, as well as those who agreed to take on speaking parts.
Brave character actors were; Bob Weidner, Mike and Dale Wood, Heather and Howard Hinckley, Natalie Billings, and Alex Morano.
All attendees
seemed to have a great time. Worthy Matron
Michele Bushy shared her photo booth and the
photos that were taken as people exited the
party were hilarious! The evening lasted
about 3 hours and only 1 attendee guessed
correctly who the murderer was! It was Bo
Jalais aka Bob Weidner! The sneaky
devil! The chapter even managed to
make a little profit after all the bills were
paid. If you haven’t attended a murder
mystery yet, I highly recommend, they are a fun
filled evening’s entertainment.
Submitted by Stephanie Child
Mizpah Chapter #40 Celebrates a Beautiful Lady
It was good cake!
Vermonters at the Can-Am in Nashua, New Hampshire, February 2025
Queen Eastern Star, Waterbury, has once again completed its year. This non-profit organization strives to make a difference in the community at large. We are a small group, but we accomplish much.
Chittenden Chapter 59 is Growing!
On the very cold afternoon of December 14 at 3 PM Chittenden Chapter number 59
in Milton, Vermont held on initiation. We were pleased to initiate 4 young ladies who are very anxious to join in all of our meetings and other activities. We are a very active chapter and they will be a welcome part of our events. By the way they were able to join without Masonic affiliation under the new rules recently passed by General Grand Chapter!
Quilt Raffle Success!
Lady Washington #86 in
Chelsea ran a Queen size quilt raffle for a
fundraiser. The beautiful quilt was made by our
own Past Grand Matron, Roberta "Bunny" Button
who has since passed on to be with our Lord. The
quilt belonged to Theresa Doyle, Conductress of
Lady Washington and she donated it to the
chapter as a fundraiser. We pulled the winner at
our regular monthly meeting last night on
11/12/24 and the winner was our very own Worthy
Matron, Marcey Hannon. This was a very special,
heartwarming moment for Marcey as Bunny and
Marcey had spent many hours in years past with
Bunny teaching Marcey how to quilt. Just before
Bunny passed away, Bunny and Rich bought Marcey
her very own sewing machine and quilting
supplies to carry on the tradition of making
quilts for loved ones and friends. Marcey did
not have a Queen size quilt of her own that
Bunny had made, so this will be a treasured gift
that Marcey will keep close to her heart
forever. Thank you to everyone who supported
Lady Washington with the fundraiser. The Chapter
made
$816 on the raffle.
Vermonters at General Grand Chapter in Myrtle Beach, October 2024
Tri-Line Flag Bearers -Donna L. Masterso, PGM; Mary Piper,PGM; Marie A. Perry, PGM; and Matthew Graves, PGP
Halloween Festivities
A really scary group showed up at Temple Chapter for a very bootiful regular meeting!
Lady Washington Chapter - Old Home Days
The Ducky Race 2023 - PGP David Katz sent a few photos to get us psyched up for this year's race on August 24, 2024 during Rob Morris Weekend.
More information on 2024 Race here.
The Circus Came
to Town!
LaPlotte
Chapter #64 and Chittenden #59 volunteered
when Circus Smirkus stopped in Milton,
Thursday evening, July 11. They took tickets, parked cars
and helped where needed. This is the second
year in a row for this service project. Looks
like they had fun.
Chittenden
Chapter #59 has been busy.
They joined with some Shriners and entered a float in the 4th of July parade on a very hot day.
On July 12 Chittenden members hosted a Country Contra Dance. Members and non members alike gathered in the basement on a hot Friday night. Conductress, Stephanie Child and Worthy Patron, Mike Child organized the event. The caller, Ray Moskewich had everyone up and moving. He taught us several dances as most of the dancers were new to Contra Dance. He even threw in a square dance or two. There were snacks and drinks for all to enjoy. It was a small crowd but a good time was had by all!
A 98 years young member of Mizpah Chapter #40 in Ludlow is still going strong!
Evelyn Massey is a 68 year member!
Lady Washington #86 held a 4th of July Bake Sale in Chelsea.
The
booth was beautifully decorated and organized
by Donarae Metcalf, Susan Childs, and Deb
Thomas.
On the evening of June 6th, OES members, guests and family members gathered at the Essex Resort to celebrate Sister Jerri's retirement as the Grand Secretary of Vermont OES. She very competently handled the challenging job for 25 years!
She has been supported through-out the years by her daughter Cheryl Giles.
Jerri was gifted with a plaque designed and crafted by Brother Dan Gross, PGP of Nevada to celebrate her years of service.
Growing Our Star Chapters!
Patricia Darby, General Grand Chapter Member for all the New England States gave an address in Burlington Vermont about growing our chapters. It is chock full of ideas and advice. And you can download it here.