Worthy Grand Matron

DEBBIE TANNER (26)

Worthy Grand Patron

lESTER SHAW (6)

I was born in Stockton, California in June 1934 at home.  In 1939 we moved to French Camp, California where I went to grammar school and then to Manteca Union High School in Manteca, California and graduated in 1952.  I joined the Navy in 1952 and was active for two years and in the reserves for four years and received an honorable discharge.

Rita and I got married on July 6, 1956 in Carson City, Nevada and lived in the Angels Camp area for forty years.  I worked at the Calaveras Cement Plant from 1956 to 1980 when it closed and I retired for the first time.  During that time I also farmed hay and raised cattle.

We have two children Denise and Robert.  They each have two children and between them we have three Great Grand Sons.

I joined the Masonic Lodge, Ophir Lodge #33 in Murphys, California in 1970 and was made Master Mason in October of that year.  I started up the line but had to drop out because of the graveyard shift I did for several years.  I started up the line again and became Worshipful Master in 1987 and again in 1988.

Rita and I joined Eastern Star in 1985 in Crescent Chapter #165 now Mother Lode Chapter.  I was Sentinel, Warder, Associate Patron and then Worthy Patron with Rita in 1991.  I was then Escort to Rita when she was Deputy Grand Matron in 1993.

In 1994 we moved to Kings River, Nevada and I again farmed alfalfa hay for four years.  In 1999 I affiliated with Winnemucca Lodge #19 and we affiliated with Silver State Chapter #6 in Winnemucca, Nevada.  I served as Sentinel, Associate Patron and then Worthy Patron in 2000-01.  I was again Associate Patron and Worthy Patron with Rita in 2003-04.  I was Grand Representative of Oregon for two years and the second year I was President of the Grand Representative Association of Nevada.  I am the first man that I know that was president of that association.  I was Marshal and Treasurer for the Chapter before becoming Associate Patron and Worthy Patron with Rita in 2008-09.

Associate Grand Matron

BARBARA ANN HOLMES (28)

Our AGM, Barbie Holmes, is a 45 year  member of Star.  She was initiated with her father shortly after her 18^th birthday in her home town of Evansville , Indiana, while her mother was serving as Esther.  A majority member of both Job’s Daughters and Rainbow Girls, Barbie served as the Grand Bethel Honored Queen of Indiana during her graduate year of college.  In 2007 she received the first and only award as an outstanding Alumnae of Job’s Daughters International.  She serves as Vice President of the World Youth Foundation and is an active alumnae of Chi Omega Fraternity.  After moving to Henderson , she and her mother affiliated with Sunrise Chapter so they could “sign Susie’s petition,” her only child.  Sadly, Susie passed away at age 19 after an inspiring life and while serving as the Supreme Bethel Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters.  Barbie quickly fell in love with the members of Sunrise Chapter, and, well, the rest is history.  She is currently serving as secretary.  She is particularly proud of the bond and friendship between all the members in the South and throughout our State.

Associate Grand Patron

jay dini (16)

Grand Secretary

Barbara Redmond (5)

Grand Treasurer

Cindy VAn Horn (18)

I am a native Nevadan, born & raised in Las Vegas.  The Masonic Family has been a way of life for me, for my father was a Past Master of Vegas #32 F & AM and Past Patron of SouthGate Chapter #18, as well as my mother was an active Eastern Star in 2 chapters.  This year (2009) I celebrated 45 years in star.

 Clarence Van Horn, PGP  & I have been married for 41 wild & crazy years. We have 2 wonderful children and 2 incredible grand daughters with one on the way.  We spend the fall, winter & spring attending Eastern Star Chapter meetings and Official Visits through out the state, while the summer, we try to spend as much time as possible in San Diego with our Daughter and Grand daughter.

 My favorite things are my Children, the little ones (the Grand babies), then my new puppy (another basset hound), my motor home and traveling with my husband.

 This is my second year to serve our Grand Chapter as its Grand Treasurer.  I am honored that the members decided I was doing a good job.  It is one of great responsibility, but one I do enjoy.

Grand Conductress

janet vick (4)

I was born on Friday the 13^th of November in 1959.   Yes - Friday the 13^th.  Yes – I’m 50. 

I am a native Nevadan.  My parents and grandparents were all involved in masonry, so when I turned 12, mom handed me a “Rainbow” petition and said sign it.  That was the beginning of my adventures.  I loved “Rainbow”.  I still help out when time permits.     At 18, mom handed me another petition……  THANKS!  Mom

Ron Vick and I celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary in July.   Ron was a DeMolay boy when I was a Rainbow girl.   One dance and we were a team.   We have two children, Steve -28 and Pamela - 26.  Our four grandchildren are the joy of my life.  I enjoy everything when I’m with them.

I’m an accountant in a small CPA office.  I have worked for the same firm for 21 years.   I spend my days working on small business development, tax planning and IRS representation.   

My favorite colors are sunshine yellow, sky blue and green.  My hobbies are gardening and sewing.  I enjoy camping whenever I get a chance.  These days I don’t have much spare time because I’m planning for the “Building The Future Toge."

Associate Grand Conductress

RUTH FITZGERALD (5)

Grand Chaplain

ELIZABETH Sidford (18)

Our Grand Chaplain, Elizabeth Sidford, began her fraternal life as a Rainbow Girl and was initiated into Eastern Star a week after she was installed as Worthy Advisor.  She held the offices of Chaplain, Marshal, Secretary and Treasurer, as well as all of the Star Points (numerous times) before serving her Michigan chapters as Worthy Matron four times.  Elizabeth held various county and state appointments over the years, including Grand Representative of New Jersey in Michigan, Editor of the monthly Eastern Star magazine, Obituary Chairman, member of the Jurisprudence Committee, Grand Esther and Session Chairman.

In 2003, Elizabeth moved to Nevada and found a home for her heart in Nevada Eastern Star.  She joined South Gate Chapter and served as Electa before going through the line and serving as Worthy Matron, with PGP Rick Tanner as Worthy Patron, in 2008-09.  During that year, South Gate celebrated its 100^th Birthday with a gala party and the Chapter initiated and/or affiliated 32 new members.

In 2006, Ilene George invited her to serve on the state Vision Quest Committee.  Fatefully, a certain Richard Sidford was also on this committee.  Much to everyone’s surprise – including their own – the two married on September 9, 2009.  They honeymooned in Australia for six weeks.

Elizabeth has two sons, Chip and Randy Fosth, four step-children, Diane and Bob Balch and Robert and Bronwyn Sidford, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandson.  Her family has always been her greatest joy and she is enjoying the newest additions to family life, thanks to Richard’s son and daughter and their families.

While raising her two sons, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Elementary Education, and eventually earned her Master’s Degree in Education, with a major in School Finance.  Along the way, she took additional courses in computing and accounting. Professionally, Elizabeth retired as Business Manager from a Michigan school district, after 17 years in various positions in the Business Office.  After retirement, she worked as Deputy Mayor in the same town until moving to Nevada to be a showgirl. With  those hopes quickly destroyed upon arrival in Las Vegas , she then worked in temp positions registering trade show and convention attendees.

Grand Marshal

DENNIS CASTEEL (26)

I was born at North Island Naval air station in San Diego, but moved to Las Vegas at the age of one and have been proud to call Nevada home ever since.  I graduated from Valley High school in Las Vegas and from St. Louis University with a degree in Transportation, Travel and Tourism. I currently manage a branch for the largest travel agency in Las Vegas . I have been married to Roberta for almost 30 years and we are the proud parents of two grown sons.

My Masonic career began in late 1969 when I joined Vegas Chapter, Order of DeMolay and has continued non-stop ever since. I joined Park #26 in 1979 and am the Charter Patron of North Star # 33.  I have served as patron a total of 6 times. I have also served as Worshipful Master of my lodges 3 times and currently serve as Secretary at Silver Cord Lodge # 51 in Henderson . 

My favorite things include travel and my career has allowed me to see many special places around the world. I also enjoy all sports with Nascar being the favorite.

Grand Organist

DIANE JACKSON (7)

Grand Adah

LINDA PROWITZ (6)

I have been in Easter Star for twenty four years.  I joined with my husband Forrest December 9, 1985, Electa Chapter #22 in Emmett , Idaho .

I have been Grand Representative to Florida 1993-1994, Michigan 2001-2002.  I was Grand Warder for Sister Sandi Sorani in 1994-1995. I collect Butterflies, Honey Bees, Collector Spoons and Tea Pots. For fun Forrest and I like to take short and long trips on the Harley Davison.  No trip is to long. 

Grand Ruth

SHERYL LANG (4)

I was born in Lynwood , California the younger of two daughters.  I lived in Gardena and Torrance , CA until moving to Nevada .  I graduated from Gardena High School in 1967.  I became a member of Job's Daughters Bethel #112 at the age of 12 where I am a PHQ.  My family was involved in the Masonic organizations ever since I can remember.  I was initiated into Gardena #260 OES by my father in 1966 where my first station was Marshal.  I am also proud to have held all the star points one or more times either in CA or NV.

 I married my high school sweetheart, George in July of 1968.  We have two children, Mike and Donna.  All of us have been PHQ, PWA, and PMC of our respective youth organizations in Gardena , CA .  While George was in the Navy, he and I lived in Florida and Japan .  I have been in banking for 32 years in all facets of operations.  I have been in Credit Unions for the past 26 years and have been at my current job for 14 y ears.....I’m a loan officer, need money?

 I have served as President of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority several times, served on the Bethel Council, IOJD and am PMA of IORG in California .  I have been on the Mt Rose Advisory Board since 2005.  I am PM of Gardena #260 from 1994 in CA.  We demitted from our CA chapter after making the move to Nevada .  After landing in Stagecoach, NV July 1, 1994, (there is a story to our move) we lived in our 35 foot Bounder MH until our home in Sun Valley , NV was completed in January 1995.  We visited chapters in the area but didn't affiliate with Adah #4 until 2003.  In 2005 George and I stepped in the West at Adah Chapter and I now fill the station of Secretary there.  We affiliated with Argenta #7 in 2006 where I started up the line in the North and this year George and I are AM and AP at Argenta.  I am past President of the GRA in NV and Grand Representative of Texas 08-09.

Grand Esther 

BARBARA BAILEY (19)

I was born in Mansfield , Ohio the youngest of three children. Being the youngest and the only girl sometimes was a plus but it also had drawbacks. Moving to Las Vegas in 1960 was a colossal change for this small town girl. Where were the green rolling hills, maple trees, lilac bushes, the summer cottage at Lake Erie , oh yeah and the tornadoes and snow?  Las Vegas in the 60’s was an awesome sight, you could  watch the mushroom clouds when they detonated bombs at the Test Site and there was nothing much past Decatur Blvd.

Grand Martha

CAROL VERZOLA (5)

Grand Electa

ARVESSA ATWELL (3)

Grand Warder

KEN DELAAT (33)

I was born in Cleveland , Ohio on May 13, 1947.  I was an only child.   In school I was the ultimate nerd, always studying.   I graduated from Euclid High School as Valedictorian in a class of over 900 students!   I attended Wittenberg University and graduated with an English/German major.   I taught high school for 1 year but quickly discovered that was not the right career choice for me.    I took some business classes at our local college and finally was hired by the Department of Defense to work in the acquisition field.   Seven years later, I transferred to NASA where I worked until my retirement.   While there, I obtained an MBA Degree from Ashland University .

 My good friend’s father was WM of his Lodge and upon graduating from college, I joined the Masonic Fraternity.   I soon discovered I had a real gift for learning and delivering ritual.   Before long, I was a Past Worshipful Master, Past High Priest, Past Illustrious Master, Past Emminent Commander,  Past Thrice Potent Master (Scottish Rite, NMJ) and Past Worthy Patron.   In 1999, I received the 33^rd Degree in Atlantic City , NJ .

 In 1974, I married Susan White from St. Louis , Mo.    We were happily married for 33 years before her death on January 7, 2007.   We had one child, a fantastic son named Tim who lives in Ft Thomas, KY just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati .  

  I have many passions and interests.   I love to travel, especially to foreign countries where I can learn about different cultures and traditions.    I love to study foreign languages as well and am currently in process of learning Japanese!   I love to read, especially fiction of all types.   I have always enjoyed classical music and am a huge opera fan!   I used to attend Met performances when they made their Spring visit to Cleveland .   I love good food and enjoy preparing meals for family and friends.

grand sentinel

RICHARD SIDFORD (19)

Richard was born in Hollywood , California , and had the good fortune to attend an excellent private high school, which has made a significant difference in his life and gave him a love of education and a rather curious interest in spiders.  Following graduation from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree, he served as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Navy, including three tours of Viet Nam .  After leaving the navy, he migrated to Australia in 1969, eventually becoming an Australian citizen.

He entered the field of academic administration, becoming the senior administrative at a college in South Australia .  The opportunity arose to attend law school, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania .  He joined the Australian Public Service and rose to the position of Director of a national fraud control program.  This whetted a long-time interest in computing, and he attained a Graduate Diploma in Computing from Deakin University in Victoria , Australia , and finished his public service career as Senior Adviser in Information Technology to the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Board.  During that time, he also served as an officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, retiring in 2001.

Richard returned to the U.S. in 1997 and worked as a caseworker in the Nevada Department of Corrections until a second retirement in 2007.

He joined the Masonic fraternity in 1962, in St. John Lodge #18 in Pioche, serving as Master in 2000.  He joined Mizpah Chapter #19 in 1997, and was Worthy Patron three times before becoming Grand Chaplain in 2006-07.

Richard has two children: son Robert is a teacher with the Lincoln County School District , and daughter Bronwyn has computer design business in South Australia .  Each of them has three children.

GRAND TRUSTEE

CLARENCE VAN HORN (PGP)

JUDY HARRIS PGM

JERRIE LEE PERKINS, pgm