Golden Rod #64 to celebrate 100 Years August 10

The public is invited to a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Golden Rod Chapter #64 of the Eastern Star in Soda Springs. The schedule of events will feature an informational school of instruction for members, conducted by Worthy Grand Matron elect Diedre Votaw, accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron elect Will Votaw.  A luncheon and then a formal visit and proceedings will be taken by the esteemed guests.  

A public celebration will begin at 4:00 p.m., with a birthday cake and a presentation from Sister Karen Juell, Past Grand Matron of Idaho.  Everyone in the community who would like to know more about the organization or what their fellow citizens are up to by way of charitable service is invited to attend.  

The event will be hosted by Worthy Matron Robbie Lemarr PGM, and Worthy Patron Gary Lemarr PGP.

Gary and Robbie Lemarr have been members of the Soda Springs community for over forty years, and have been involved in a large variety of activities over their time here and with the Eastern Star organization.  Eastern Star is associated with the Masons, and the related group of charitable/fraternal organizations that contribute to public and civic life as well as charitable causes, such as the Shriners and Jobs Daughters.  

The Eastern Star has a long history in Soda Springs and Eastern Idaho, and old newspaper accounts of the meetings held by the organization are fun to read through for both the range of topics and style in which they are related.  

Unlike the Masons, which is manifestly a fraternal order, the Eastern Star (which is separate from but connected to the Masons) is “a fun thing that we can do together.  We welcome men and women,” says Robbie Lemarr.  Robbie served as the Worthy Grand Matron in 2022-2023, and Gary as the Worthy Grand Patron in 2012-2013.  The two have had a lot of amazing experiences in their time with the organization, and have been around the country at Eastern Star Events.  They have also met people from all over the country in their various capacities with the ES.  They have also found an organization  that they say feels family.  

“We’ve been in a lot of places, and members have treated us really well everywhere,” Gary says, discussing a trip to New York where he met many representatives from other states and counties.  “They have treated us like royalty wherever we go,” Robbie says.  “That’s one thing that’s great about it.  Everyone is just amazing.”

Like other service organizations, the Eastern Star is busy in the community and region, raising funds for scholarships and other worthy causes.  As a national organization, Eastern Star is most often associated with the cause of Service Dogs, which are a need in many communities across southern Idaho.  The Worthy Grand Matron selects the project for the year, and many equally worthy causes have been taken up in the past—Make A Wish, CASA, the Connie Squires Memorial Scholarship (which is given every year), and many others.

Join the party at 25 E 1st South in downtown Soda Springs to learn more about the Eastern Star, or just congratulate them on their century of service.

For more information, call Robbie at 208-540-0200.