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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
March 7th Reception and Rosepinning - Dawn Smith, RWAGM
Fairview Chapter #219 invites you to the Reception and Rosepinning honoring Sister Dawn Smith, Right Worthy Associate Grand Matron on March 7, 2026 at 12 Noon.  Social hour from 12-1pm with cash bar.  Subscription $70.00, Dinner choice - Chicken Parmesan, Salmon w/ White Wine Sauce/Pasta Primavera at the Legacy Club, Cherry Hill, NJ  Reservations by February 15, 2026 payable to Fairview Chapter #219, and send to Diane Capel, PGM.


Jan 27th Morning Star #22 - Celebration
Celebration for Sisters Nancy Rudolph Myers WG Electa and Deirdre L. Williams, WGB OES Flag on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 to be held at Gothic-Mercer Lodge #270, at 7:00pm.  Reservations due by Janury 4th.  Limited Seating.  Cost $15.00 payable to Morning Star #22 and send to Jennifer Bonelli, email - jenbee3400@gmail.com

Flyer Attached
Nancy-Deidre Celebration-3C (1) (1).pdf

Jan 17th 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 $25.00.  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. 


Jan 12th Molly Pitcher Chapter #198   - Grand Floral and Celebration night
You are cordially invited to the Grand Floral and Celebration night for Sister Lisa Helge, RWAGC Susan Jane Story, WDD #34 and Sabrina Busico, GR of Utah on Monday January 12th at 7:00 pm.  Cost $10.00.  RSVP by January 5th.  Seating is limited.  Dress is business casual.  Checks to be payable to Molly Pitcher Chapter #198 and send to Diane Prochow, PGO, Secretary


Jan 3rd 39th District Meeting - January 3rd
The Adventurers of the 39th District invite you to attend their District meeting on Saturday January 3rd at 12:30pm at Musconetcong Masonic Lodge, Budd Lake.  Cost: $20.00, RSVP by December 12th and checks are to be payable to Linda Pettenger and mail to her.  Dress:  Favorite Sci-Fi Costume encouraged or Business Casual. 


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. 13th 34th District Meeting - December 13th
The 34th District Lamplighters and Storytellers invite you to be part of our Districts Story as they turn the page and write the next chapter in our JOurneY this OES Star T.R.A.V.E.L. Year on Saturday December 13th at 12:30pm Lunch.  Home Cooked Favorites, with District Meeting to follow.  Cost $25.00.  Checks made payable to Susan Jane Story, and mailed to Maryadele O'Neil. 


   

Upcoming Dates  -- see Chapter & District Fundraisers below
UPCOMING DATES - 2025-2026
      
        December 13th - 34th District Meeting
         December 17th - Nutley #121 and Lincoln #95 - Honor night
         December 18th - Home Board
         December 25th - Merry Christmas
         January 1st - Happy, Healthy New Year
         January 3rd - 39th District Meeting



May

Grand Session - May 18th - 20th - 156th "Take JOY in your JOurney"

More information to follow.

If you are looking to book your room early, here is the information that you will need.  If you have any questions or problems when you are booking, please reach out to Diana or Emil Affsa. 

Room Reservations  -  888-516-2215 (8am-2am EST, 7 days a week)

        Group name:                Order of Eastern Star 2026

        Group code:                 SH05ES6

        ***All callers will be asked for this code but can also book by saying ** Link Order of Eastern Star  **

 

ON LINE:

        Attach the link below to your website or just forward to anyone who prefers booking on line:

 

 

                        https://book.passkey.com/go/SH05ES6



  Grand Chapter Fundraisers & Get-Togethers
   
  Charity Fundraisers - This year instead of a Charity Ball, our MWGM and MWGP wanted everyone to come and enjoy the North, South, East, and West fun times during their T.R.A.V.E.L.S.   

Come and join them to have your passport stamped and be in for a drawing to win a set of luggage. 


August 28th - River Lady Cruise, Toms River
December 14th - Nutcracker Christmas Tea - Merchantville Masonic Lodge, Pennsauken
January 31st - Winterfest - Musconetcong Lodge, Budd Lake
May 2nd - Luau Party - Crescent Shrine

March 28th - Wine Tasting Bus Tour - Details to follows. 

For more information, please contact Cathy Fusaro who is Chairman of Voluntary Donations. 



  WINE TASTING BUS TOUR - March 28
Three Wineries and One Cidery
Small Brunch, Charcuterie and dessert boxes included.
Departing from Musconetcong Lodge at 11:15 am and returning approximately 9pm.  Cost $55.00.  Checks to be payable to Voluntary Donations and sent to Meg Williams, PGO


  Winter Magic Festival - January 31st
Join us for an afternoon of fun in the snow without the cold!  Food Stations:  Hot Cocoa Bar & S'mores Bar on Saturday January 31st at 2:00 pm, cost $25.00 to be held at Musconetcong Lodge, Budd Lake.  Dress is casual.  Reservations to Lisa Couch, PGO, all checks payable to Voluntary Donations.

Flyer attached
Magic Winter Festival Invitation.pdf



   
Upcoming Trip 2025-2026
 





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

Reminder:  Checks are to be made payable to:  Diamond Tours, and sent to 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. 


   

Chapter & District Fundraisers & Notices

 
 






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


Dec, 11 Sister Carole Moore, PGM
Sister Carole has been sick recently and had been hospitalized.  She is home recuperating.  Cards can be sent to her home.

Dec. 11 Sister Judy Brown, PGO
Sister Judy fell recently and broke her elbow.  Cards can be sent to her home.  Continue to keep Judy and Dan in your prayers.

Nov. 18th Aki Decker, GR of Puerto Rico
Sister Aki is in the OES Home for rehab, to regain strength and stamina.  She will be in for several weeks.  Please say a prayer for both Aki and Bert.  Cards would be appreciated. 


   
   

Sorrow
Nov. 29th Joan Sharma, GR of New York
Sister Joan passed away on Saturday November 29th, there will be an OES service  for Joan on Friday, December 5th at 5:30pm at The Hillsdale United Methodist Church, Hillsdale, NJ  .  Sister Joan is also the neice of Brother Robert Schulze, PGP.   Arrangements are being handled by Becker Funeral Home, Westwood.  Cards can be sent to her family at her address in the official list book.


Nov. 26th Doris N. Van Arsdale, PGO
Doris N. Van Arsdale passed away on November 25th. Visitation will be on Sunday Nov 30 12:00-1:00PM at the David DeMarco Funeral Home, Monroe  Township
Eastern Star Service at 1:00
PM
Burial is Private

See website of funeral home for more information.


 
   

Good News
  Shining Stars




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

MaryElaine & Greg's Grand Representatives - 2025-2026

District of Columbia - Lynne Emonds, #22/38
Idaho - Joan Bowers, #54/35
Kentucky - Edward Myers, #22/38

Louisiana - William Guynn, #22/38
Maryland - Diana Affsa, PGM, #99/33
Vermont - Diane Schmolze, PGM, #121/31




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. 

 
 
   


  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
 







 
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 January 7, 2026 at 7:00 pm, on zoom.   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