On Thursday, November 13th, Barnes Encampment #77 hosted Grand Patriarch, Wendell Watson, and Grand Marshall, Shirley Watson.
The evening kicked off with a delightful dinner with a Thanksgiving theme. The beautifully decorated room and table scape put everyone in a festive mood to welcome all of our guests. A chicken-centered potluck dinner was enjoyed before the meeting in our beautiful Odd Fellows Hall, and the dessert buffet had tasty treats and even had See’s candy at each plate! The delicious meal was second only to the lively conversation.
Following the social dinner, a formal Encampment Meeting was held. We were fortunate to have our musician, Jon Hart, play the odes as we sang along. Almost all members of Barnes Encampment #77 were present to welcome Grand Patriarch Wendell and Grand Marshal Shirley Watson. Grand Patriarch Watson shared his goals for 2025-2026. Grand Patriarch Wendell was presented a blue glass elephant wearing a miniature fez.
Barnes Encampment donated $200 to the Grand Patriarch’s project for Visual Research. All in attendance left the meeting uplifted and excited for the coming year.
— by Debra LaVergne, Katrina Hazen, and Mary Jane Shabalin