This year, we had several members of our district who took the step of running for one of the elected offices at Grand Lodge. Each of them was invited to share a little about themselves and what they hoped to accomplish. Adam Potolsky, our new Grand Warden, has a separate article.
Connie Hall: Rebekah Childrens Services Board
Connie Hall was reelected to the Board of Rebekah Children’s Services (RCS) at Grand Sessions for a 4 year term. She is also the current Secretary of Saratoga IOOF Lodge, 428. She is a retired RN and was appointed and has served on the Board of RCS since 2019 and was elected in 2020 and 2021.
RCS grew out of the Rebekah and Odd Fellow’s “Children’s Home,” or orphanage, built in 1897 in Gilroy. They cared for hundreds of children at this facility. In the early 1960’s, RCS began transitioning to serving Foster youth and their families for Outpatient services. Today, RCS annually serves over 14,000 children, youth, and their families, and is supported by a variety of funding programs, which include the State of CA, the County of Santa Clara, School Districts, special grants, and fundraising and these monies are used for counseling services, mental health services, and drug abuse prevention counseling services. One of their most popular and successful programs is their Culinary School for disadvantaged youth.
Today, with over 225 staff, RCS is its own Non-profit Agency. Odd Fellows and Rebekah members still serve on the Board of Directors. Connie has served on the RCS Programs Committee, PQI (Quality control), Funds Development, and Investment Committee. Connie has promoted the annual “Toy Drive” of RCS, which collects toys or donations from Lodges and the community starting in the early Fall, with the goal of giving a gift to every child and their siblings that are currently served by RCS and these are delivered in December.
If you are interested in learning more about RCS or the annual “Toy Drive”, please contact: Connie.wr5@masonswolfgmail-com
Deborah Shuler: Odd Fellows Foundation Board
The week before Encampment / Canton / Grand Lodge Sessions started like any other. On Tuesday, we took Ben [Shuler] to the doctor and he cleared him to make the weeklong trip to Reno, NV. Wednesday was fine, went to lodge, started packing everything to go. Thursdays is Ben’s day to spend with his mother and sister, so I was surprised when I realized it was 9:30 and he hadn’t told me “it’s time to go” yet. I went out to the living room and Ben was in his recliner. I told him what time it was, and to go get ready.
By the time that he came back to the living room, he could hardly breathe. I asked him if he needed to go see the doctor, and he refused saying ”take me to my mother and sister”. So I did just that. We took him to lunch, he could hardly make it to the dining room, and then I got him in the car and took him to the hospital.
I had already notified the doctors that I would be bringing him in. I am glad we fed him lunch, because he would have gone hours without food. When we got to the ER they immediately got him into a room and on oxygen as well as other tests. It was discovered that Ben was in Respiratory distress. He would be checking into the hospital, starting dialysis that day, and probably not be released until Monday.
We talked and agreed that I would still go to convention, finish the job and work that I had to do. I called his sons and arranged for someone to be with him until I got home. I spent time with him on Friday at the hospital, and then went home to get things ready to go.
Saturday I went to Reno and got checked in after stopping in Sacramento and spending a couple of hours with Ben Jr. going over everything so far. I was at the airport at midnight picking up Gen Laswell and his sentinel from the airport with no issues.
Sessions opened with the Canton on Monday. I took the General to Black Bear Diner for lunch. Tuesday started my sessions, finally finishing up a 1 ½ year term. Everything went smoothly and by 11:00 we were ready for presentations. Fred Dolling and I were called to the center of the floor and presented with Meritorious Odd Fellows jewels. And then we had exchanging of the collars and jewels, followed by installation at two, when I
was presented with my Past Grand Patriarch’s jewel.
Wednesday, I worked with Rich Gunnels and Shay Harris at the registration desk, and Wednesday night was opening. I took the GMC part in the Memorial Service.
Thursday I was back at registration and then sessions where I and Janet Sinclaire were awarded coins and Certificates for being female veterans. I was nominated to run for another 3 years of the Odd Fellows Foundation board. Running unopposed, I was elected.
I headed home on Sunday morning and picked up Ben in Davis. Monday we started his 3 times a week on Dialysis and 1 day a week with his mother.
Michael Greenzeiger: Grand Representative
I am grateful for the support of the Grand Lodge of California for electing me as Grand Representative for the 2025-2027 term. I look forward to representing California at The Sovereign Grand Lodge and weighing in on the important issues which face our Order today. I expect to continue serving on the Committee on Ritualistic Works which primarily makes recommendations on resolutions to change the Ritual of our Order. This year the
sessions will be held in Charleston, WV from August 15th to 21st.