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Editor's Notes





























Posting Requests to  Patti L Rhinesmith, RWG Secretary at NewJersey.OESGC@gmail.com   
GC Ofc 908-725-0222

Notary services are available, please call Grand Chaper Office for assistance. 


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VOLUNTARY DONATIONS 2025-2026

Please continue support Voluntary Donations, and mail your check to the chairman, Cathy Fusaro.  As the Chapter Secretaries will not be mailing them out this year. 

The NEW envelopes for 2025-2026 will be in the Fall Star Journal. 


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New Jersey Grand Chapter now has an email for anyone who is interested in joining our Order.  Our membership committee along with the Grand Chapter Office is monitoring the emails from prospect candidates. 

If you are interested in joining OES of New Jersey, please email us at info.njoes@gmail.com for more information.


OES Promotional flyer - "WHO WE ARE", Fraternity & Faith, Philanthropy, Fellowship and Fun, Cermonies, The Future.
tri-fold flyer.pdf



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One Call

Sign up for One Call - Expires 5/31 of each year.   Cost is $10.00

ONE CALL NOW.2025.docx


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All "Star Journal" issues, current and past can be found on the NJOES home page, under the information tab.

There are two issues printed yearly, March and September.

The new issue for September 2025 can be found under "information" on the front page of the website.



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Sept 13, 2025 Grand Representative of New Jersey Newsletter

NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2025 GRANJ.pdf

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2025 GRANJ.pdf

NEWSLETTER OCT 2024 GRANJ.pdf


June 2025

Letter from the MWGM and MWGP 2025-2026





Receptions and District Meetings
Jan 17h 33rd District Meeting - January 17th
The Stars United invite you to the 33rd District meeting on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 12:30pm. at Atlas Pythagoras Lodge.  Cost $30.00.  Luncheon:  Cold Sandwiches, salad and dessert.  Checks to be payable to Patricia Affsa, and sent to Cynthia Errickson.  email for any questions:  paffsa@yahoo.com

Special Note:  District #33 Project:  Please bring gently used menties and blankets to be donated.  So sleeping bags can be made for Homeless Veterans. 


Dec. 17th Nutley Chapter No. 121 and Lincoln Chapter #95 - Celebration Night on December 17th at 7:00 p.m.
You are corially invited to attend a Celebration Night for Sisters Deborah LeDoux, WG Fraternal Correspondent, Linda Kaplarczuk, GR of Arkansas, and Donna Wagenheim, GR of Delware on Wednesday December 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm.  It will be an Ice Cream Social. Cost $5.00.  To be held at Nutley Chapter.  Send reservations to Diane Schmolze and make checks payble to Nutley Chapter No. 121.

 
Dec. 4th Haddonfield Chapter #140 - Honor Night - December 4th at 7:30pm
Hadddonfield invites you to attend an honor night celebrating Kathleen Zielinski, GR Mississippi, Dawn Shellock, GR of Wisconsin and Susan Sharpe-Corliss, GR of North Dakota.  OES members and Master Masons are invited to attend their meeting at 7:30pm.  Guests who are not members of OES or Master Masons are invited to assemble in the Lodge's parlor at 8 PM.  We will welcome you to join us for the ceremony after the meeting has concluded.  Refreshments to follow.

Flyer attached
honor night 12-25.docx

Dec. 3rd Tilden Chapter #59 - Honor Night - December 3rd at 7:30pm
Tilden Chapter will honor their Chapter Stars.  Sisters Jenifer Molinaro, WG Martha, Joan Sharma, GR New York, Elaine Meehan, GR Ontario, and Cheryl Butler, GR Texas.  Limited Seating.  RSVP by November 15th to Carole Moore, PGM.  Refreshments to follow the event.

Nov. 11th Dewey Chapter #155 - Honor Night - November 11th at 7:00 pm
Honoring Dewey's FULL HOUSE - Linda Percy, GR of Missouri, Carole Enterkine, GR Philippines, Dawn Freney, GR Boliva, and Matthew Macready, GR Kansas on Tuesday November 11th.  Closed honor night.  Meeting will begin at 7:00 pm, light refreshments to follow.  RSVP to Deborah Sacco. 


Nov.  8th 31st District Meeting - November 8, 2025
The Crafty Crafters invite you to the 31st District meeting on Saturday November 8th, at 12:30 p.m. at Clifton Masonic Lodge.  Luncheon - Craft your own Tacos with all the Toppings/Dessert.  Dress Attire is Business Casual.  Subscription - $15.00.  Checks payble to Pamela Barcelong and mailed to her address.


Oct. 28th Mt. View Chapter #205 - Honor Night - October 28, 2025
Open Honor Night to celebrate the Grand Representatives, Robin Bernice, GR of Arizona and Beth Willer GR Indiana on Tuesday October 28th at Genisis Lodge, Pompton Lakes.  Light refreshments to follow.  RSVP to Meg Williams by 10/21, at megw.pmnjoes205@gmail.com


Oct. 20th Starlight Chapter #107 - Celebration Night - October 20, 2025
Come to a Celelbration Night at Starlight Chapter for Adonis Dean, GR Tennessee, Aki Decker, GR Puerto Rico, and Bert Decker, GR Scotland on Monday October 20th, at 7:00 pm at Musconetcong Lodge,  Cost $10.00 checks made payable to Starlight Chapter and mailed to Betty Robinson.  Deadline for reservations is October 3rd.  Dress:  Business Casual.



Oct. 18th 36th District Meeting - October 18, 2025
The Designers, Seamstresses & Tailers of District 36 cordially invite you to the 36th District Meeting on October 18th at 12:30pm luncheon.  This meeting will for an informal District Meeting - A creative activity will be added to the fun of the afternoon", Attire Business Casaul (no jeans)  Cost $22.00 pp RSVP by October 6th, Checks payable & mailed to Patricia Collins


Oct. 15th Bordentown Chapter #257 - Celebration - October 15th, at 7:00 pm
Honoring Sister Barbara Helfrey, WG Chaplain, Sister Martha Osburn-Henry, WDD #38th, and Candace Walling, GR of South Carolina.  To be held at Crescent Shrine, Westampton.  Cost $20.00, payable to Bordentown Chapter #257 and mailed to Margo Mattis by October 1st.  Light Refreshments and snacks.



   
   

Upcoming Dates  -- see Chapter & District Fundraisers below
UPCOMING DATES - 2025-2026
      
         October 13th - GO Night - Molly Pitcher #198
         October 15th - Honor Night Bordentown #257
         October 18th - 36th District Meeting
         October 20th - Celebration Night - Starlight #107
         October 24th - Top 3 plus Warders/Sentinels - Atlas #99
         October 25th - Halloween Hoot
         October 28th - Honor Night - Mt. View #205
         October 31st -
Happy Halloween
 



   
  Grand Chapter Fundraisers & Get-Togethers
   
 

  Halloween Hoot - Saturday October 25th,
To be held at Salaam Shrine

flyer attached. 



   
Upcoming Trip 2025-2026
  Woodloch - November 17th to 21st, 2025
4 Nights/12 meals (Monday Lunch through Friday Breakfast).
Cost: $775. per person double, $635 per peron triple, $940 per person single. 

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakefront resort.  Activities Galor, over 30 scheduled each day.  See flyer for more information.

Make your reservations with Lynn Billingham.  Deposits will be accepted after May 1st, payable to "Grand Chapter Voluntary Donations".

See Attached Flyer
Woodloch.pdf


Update:  10/9/25 - There has been a cancellation, and a room has become available.  If you are interested, please contact Sister Lynn Billingham for more information. 


Upcoming Trip 2026-2027
  Nashville Show Trip - August 23rd - 29th, 2026
Depart. Masonic Fellowship Hall, Burlington
For more information & Reservations contact:  Diane Schmolze


Flyers attached
nashville_2026_flyer.pdf
nashville_2026_ins.pdf

   
   
   
  **REUNIONS & GET-TOGETHERS**
Feb 8th Key to Success Reunion
There will be no reunion held this year. 

December 7th Spirit of Christmas - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Save the date - To be held at Clifton Masonic Lodge , tentative time 2:00 pm  More information to follow.


Oct. 19th Believe in Dreams Reunion
As been postponed, the scheduled date TBD.


   

Chapter & District Fundraisers & Notices

   
Nov. 9th Movie Night - Nov. 7th at 6:00pm at Burlington Lodge 

The Governor of the 38th District invites you to the District fundraiser for PM & PP Association on Friday November 7th at 6:00 pm. 

Flyer to be attached soon.................




  Medford Chapter #287 - STOCK'S FAMOUS POUND CAKE SALE!
All cakes are $18.00 each

Vanilla cake/no icing Marble cake/no icing
Vanilla cake/vanilla icing Marble cake/vanilla icing
Vanilla cake/chocolate icing Marble cake/chocolate icing

PRE-PAID ORDERS ONLY! ORDERS DUE BY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025

PICK-UP AT MEDFORD LODGE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 FROM 11 AM –-12 PM

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETURN ORDER FORM WITH PAYMENT (CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO MEDFORD CHAPTER #287) BY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2025 TO:
JUDY BROWN

VANILLA CAKE/NO ICING _________ MARBLE CAKE/NO ICING _____
VANILLA CAKE/VANILLA ICING _____MARBLE CAKE/VANILLA ICING _____
VANILLA CAKE/CHOCOLATE ICING _____ MARBLE CAKE/CHOCOLATE ICING _____
TOTAL # ORDERED _____ TOTAL NUMBER ORDERED _____
NAME: ____________________________ PHONE: ___________________________






Oct. 15th Shekinah Chapter #82 - Fashion Show - October 15, 2025
Join Shekinah Chapter for their Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon on October 15th, at Tuckahoe Inn, Marmora at 12 Noon.  $50.00 per person, crab cakes or prime rib.  Tickets and Info to Pat Collins - JJCPLC11@gmail.com


Flyer attached.
fashion flyer




Good News and Health Annoucements
  Any news to be annouce please send to newjersey.oesgc@gmail.com for posting here on the web site.                       


Oct. 11 Sister Aki Decker, GO - Starlight #107
Sister Aki was in the hospital and now home resting.  Continue to keep her in your prayers.  Cards can be sent to her house.


Sept. 27 Sister Arlene Anderson, PGO - Tilden #59
Sister Arlene has spinal surgery this past week and was transfered on Monday to rehab.  Cards can be sent to her home address.  Please keep her in your prayers. 

Update: 10/9/25 - Sister Arlene is now home from rehab.

Aug. 25
Brother Greg Guynn, MWGP - Morning Star #22
Brother Greg was rushed to the hospital the other evening.  Pretty serious condition as they work to find out what's what.  Better state this day, but needs help breathing.  Please keep him and Sister Mary Elaine in your prayers.


UPDATE 10/9/25 - Our MWGP, Greg is home and resting and gearing up to read through all his cards. 

Thank you for all your prayers and love.  Keep 'em coming.





   
   
   

Sorrow
   


 
   

Good News
  Shining Stars




 
2025-2026 MaryElaine & Greg's appointed Grand Officers - 2025-2026

MaryElaine & Greg's Grand Representatives - 2025-2026

Kentucky - Edward Myers, #22/38
Louisiana - William Guynn, #22/38
Maryland - Diana Affsa, PGM, #99/33




2024-2025 Sharon & Joe's appointed Grand Officers - 2024-2025

Sharon & Joe's Grand Representatives 2024-2025


2023-2024 Joanne & Jim's Grand Officers for 2023-2024

Joanne & Jim's Grand Representatives 2023-2024


Grand Chapter Announcements
  LOST AND FOUND
Please check with Sister Jeanne Gionfriddo, WG Marshal if you lost or found any items. 

Here is a list of the items found during the year 2024-2025.  Blue Bowtie, Bee Pin, Reading glasses, sunglasses, black shawl, round charm that reads "Because I knew you", small pierced earing, cufflink. 

See attached PDF
Lost and Found.pdf
 
   


  Updated Grand Chapter Highlights Book - $25.33
A synopsis of NJ Eastern Star 1870-2020.  The Highlights Book has been published and is available for sale through the Grand Chapter Office.  The cost is $25.33 each, which includes postage.  Please make your check payable to "Grand Chapter OES of NJ" and mail to Grand Chapter Office, 111 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ  08807-3101


  Proceedings available for 2022-2023 - CD's $15.00
Wallace/Byrne (2022-2023) - 7 CD's available

Proceedings available - Book $35.00
Affsa/Afsa (2017-2018) - 1 Book

   
   
General Information
  Shekinah Chapter #82 - Extra Paraphernalia

Shekinah Chapter has been going through our paraphernalia, and have the following available if anyone is in need: 
Worthy Matron Pedestal/Podium (picture attached)

3 Ruth Sheafs of Wheat
1 sheaf of wheat for draping
Several Adah veils 2
In Memoriam Altar Cloths

White Bible marker

Blue Adah veil
Light up Star Emblem (picture attached)

6 batons
3 Adah Swords

2 Martha broken columns
2 Electa Cups
2 Esther Crown and Scepter united

Tall White Signet (light up)

Dark wood signet in a box 
White Altar kneeling pillow



Pictures to be posted soon......





 
Charity Foundation News
Aug. 30th Charity Foundation Scholarship applications - 2026
Please see the attached letter regarding the 2026 Scholarships.  Please reach out to Dale Van Houten for more information.

Attached

letters to secretaries.docx

Jan 21, 2023 Charity Foundation Life Skills Grant Application

OES CHARITY FOUNDATION LIFE SKILLS GRANT APPLICATION PDF.pdf

CF flyer - Linda Penin.pdf.................

Dec. 2023 The OES Charity Foundation meeting will be held on November 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm, in person.   It will be virtual to those who want to attend by zoom, by using the link provided by below.  To receive the meeting link please send an email no later than 6pm on the day of the meeting.

To receive the meeting link each month please send an email to:  oescharityfoundationnj@gmail.com

You may not know that being a Member of the Order also makes you a member of the Charity Foundation.  As members of the Eastern Star Charity Foundation, you are always invited to attend the monthly meetings held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7pm. 

As the time of the meeting approaches, you will receive the link/invite for the meeting from that email account (approximately 6pm).

Normally, these meetings take place in the Board Room of the OES Home.  Due to Covid-19 we have been meeting via Grand Chapter's WebEx account.  We invite you to attend these meetings from the comfort of your own home.

As the time of the meeting approaches, you will receive the link/invite for the meeting from that email account (approximately 6pm)

The Board holds an Executive Session prior to the public portion of the meeting.  Our Executive Session may run slightly over, so please do not be discouraged if you are asked to wait in the "waiting room" (or to log off) for a few minutes. 

Please request the meeting link monthly.

Jan. 27, 2023 THE Eastern Star Charity Foundation of New Jersey, Inc. -
"Rays of Caring Capital Campaign.  "Be a Ray of Light to our Sisters and Brothers in Need".  

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FLYER.pdf


OES Home News - website:  www.njeasternstarhome.com
  Message from the President of the New Jersey Eastern Star Home Board

Letter attached
President Article.pdf

Nursing week flyer
Nursing Week for the Eastern Star Home.pdf





  Message from the Activities Director of the NJ Eastern Star Home - Simone Rudich

New flyer attached
Letter for Chapters.docx

  FORMS FOR THE NJ EASTERN STAR HOME

OES Home - flyer.pdf

Renew_Refresh_Project.pdf

Becoming a resident_Flyer.pd


Tree-of-Life-Order-Form-LEAF.pdf

Tree-of-Life-Order-Form-ROCKS.pdf

Delegates Alternates and Officers Election Report Form.docx