Box 1327, Fremont, NE 68026-1327 Christmas 2013

• 402-721-1185 • PO Box 1327 • Fremont, NE 68026-1327 • www.meshc.org •

Board President Receives Humanitarian Award

After his father’s untimely death at the end of the Great Depression, Charles “Ched” House moved to the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children. He easily made friends with other children and staff members. He considered the Superintendent, Elmer Hartmann, his newly adopted father.Ched pitched in and helped at the farm and in the cottage. He helped milk cows and worked in the garden. Ched helped make sandwiches for lunch and performed household chores. He recalls that everyone had to do their share of the work and he was happy to help.In 1942 he graduated from Fremont High School. He had learned how to take care of

himself and others. These fine qualities would follow him around for the rest of his adult life.Ched and his wife Ruby have been married for 66 years. They have two children, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Ched and Ruby have been involved in Masonic activities since he become a Master Mason in 1946. He was the Master of Hiram Lodge No. 52 in 1955 and served as Secretary from 1982-2000. He served as Grand Tyler for the Grand Lodge of Nebraska in 1991. He is also the Grand Representative to the Grand Lodge of Western Australia. Ched is the Past Worthy Patron of Serepta Chapter No. 48 and served as Grand Worthy Patron of Nebraska Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in 1980.Ruby is a long-time member of Serepta Chapter No. 48. She was on the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children’s Board of Directors for over 5 years. Ruby has played the piano at Grand Chapter during the Children’s Home’s choir performance for many years. Ched has been a volunteer in his community in Arlington, Nebraska in many capacities. He has been involved with the city council, volunteer fire department, numerous civic organizations, Boy and Girl Scouts of America, and his church. He has been an active church choir member for over 50 years.29 years ago Ched began his tenure on the Children’s Home’s Board of Directors.

The last 27 years he has been the President of the Board. During this time he has guided the Children’s Home through numerous positive changes and improvements. To name a few – 3 of the 4 cottages were renovated, an arena and hay barn were built at the farm, a building was renovated to house industrial technology projects to enhance the 4-H club, a sport court was built, and an education/recreation center was built. Ched has kept the Home affordable for families/children in need. Ched humbly gives credit to others for these successful projects and accomplishments.Ched’s family, friends, Board members, Grand Lodge officers, and Children’s Home staff attended a surprise luncheon to watch the Grand Master of Nebraska,Tom Hauder, present the Humanitarian Award to Ched.The Grand Master of Nebraska is allowed to give two Humanitarian Awards per year. To qualify the recipient must meet very high standards that involve Masonry, community, church, and volunteering.As Grand Master Tom Hauder stated during the presentation, “he has been a leader and user of Masonic ideals in his community. He has extended the right hand of fellowship. He has not been one to sit on the sidelines. He has been a doer of Masonic deeds…you have served the fraternity and your community well.”

Board President Ched House receiving the Humanitarian Award from

Grand Master Tom Hauder.

MASONIC-EASTERN STAR HOME FOR CHILDREN

Established 1912Highways 77 & Business 30 • PO Box 1327

Fremont, Nebraska 68026-1327(402) 721-1185

www.meshc.orgBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ched House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentLeona Paden. . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentJohn Parsons. . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentJoni Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryMary Lou Erickson . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerSusan Andreasen . . . . . . . . . . . . . NorfolkDonn Bieber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SchuylerBeverly Perkins-Bobb . . . . . . . . . NorfolkRev. John Dale . . . . . . . . . . . . StromsburgMike Donham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OmahaStephen Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . BrownvilleRobert Rhodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ExeterAnn Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FremontJudy Wehrbein . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisville

ADMINISTRATION & STAFFRon Giesselmann . . . . Executive DirectorTodd Thomason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director

Child Care ServicesGloria Naughton. . . . . . . . Office ManagerMaria Kriete . . . . . . . . . . Home Farm and

4-H CoordinatorKevin Knoell . . . . . . . . . . . . MaintenanceTeresa Giesselmann . . . Newsletter EditorBrian Moeller . . . Industrial Tech. Teacher

HOUSE PARENTSJacci Menking . . . . . . . .Hartman CottageHolly Roske . . . . . . . . . .Hartman CottageMary Lerseth . . . . . . . . . . Veazie CottageBrenda Bruening . . . . . . . Veazie CottageDiana Schurz . . . . . . . . . Truman CottageTJ Stosich. . . . . . . . . . . . Truman CottageSteven Davis . . . . . . . . . . Morris CottageJarrett Stork . . . . . . . . . . . Morris Cottage

Dear Friends,A 100th Anniversary booklet for the Children’s Home is under construction. It will be an addition to the Children’s Home’s history book that covered the first 90 years. Some very interesting information was found about some of the key people who helped in the formative years. This information will be shared in upcoming newsletters and/or the booklet.A couple of key people were Charles B. and Adeline (Addie) R. Veazie. They left money in their estate that would cover a majority of the construction costs for a new cottage at the

Children’s Home in 1931. With respect to this sizable donation, the cottage was named after the Veazie couple.In 1861, Charles Veazie joined the First Maine Infantry so he could go to battle in the Civil War. By 1863 he was disabled and was discharged. He shook the hand of President Abraham Lincoln and would later be the oldest member of the McPherson Post, G.A.R. in Fremont, Nebraska.In 1865 he married Addie in Bucksport, Maine. Their son Willie was born in 1866. He died in 1880.In 1880 they moved to Fremont, Nebraska and opened a hardware store. In addition to working at the hardware store, Charles became the treasurer for the Equitable Building and Loan Association. He kept this post for 44 years. He was a Mason for 59 years.He hired a prominent lawyer by the name of Charles Abbott to write his Will and take care of his estate. Charles Abbott is noted numerous times in the Children’s Home’s Board of Director’s minutes. He offered documents to the Board and made sure that the estate was being handled correctly.Charles and Addie’s gift has provided a home to over 100 girls who needed a safe place to live while their life was in turmoil. Veazie Cottage was built on a solid foundation. With proper care it will house many more girls in the future.Charles and Addie were aware of the importance of giving. As a young man Charles thought it was important to give himself to his Country by serving in the Civil War. As an elderly couple they gave part of their life earnings to help children in need.Mr. and Mrs. Charles Veazie taught us all very good lessons about life.

~ Ron Giesselmann, Executive Director

www.meshc.org

WILLS and MEMORIALSFor over 95 years, the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children has provided a caring and loving atmosphere for children. Many of these children were from a shattered family structure, and the extra love and guidance given them by the Home made their lives worthwhile.It is through the generosity of Masons and Stars who have consistently and continually provided their interest and support that the Children’s Home has been able to help these children.The continued support and concern of Masons and Stars is necessary so the Children’s Home can provide a secure environment filled with love, understanding and security.Perhaps you too wish to share in our benevolent endeavor. The Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children is a non-profit corporation recognized as tax exempt under Sec. 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Individuals desiring to make a gift or provision in their will to the Children’s Home should consult with their attorney or tax consultant to ascertain the possible favorable tax consequences involved. The Children’s Home would welcome the opportunity to visit with you regarding your gift.

Contact: Ron Giesselmann, Executive Director Box 1327, Fremont, Nebraska 68026-1327, (402) 721-1185

Daniel was the talk of the Dodge County Fair after the bucket calf show and he was the talk of Dodge County after a radio interview. Daniel and his bucket calf, Spike, won the bucket calf competition after scoring 99 points out of 100.

“I was holding my breath as they called out the names,” Daniel recalled about the time when waiting for the results of the competition.The crowd exploded when it was discovered that Daniel won. Showing good sportsmanship, he shook hands with other competitors. The judge explained why Daniel won and asked him to tell the crowd what he told the judge during the interview process.Daniel took the microphone and explained, “I wanted him to look to me as his role model.”Later Daniel explained the answer he gave to the judge, “if I stay calm, he (the calf) will stay calm with me. Sometimes he feels my anger and becomes angry. He’ll sit down and not do anything when he’s angry. While he sits I realize what is going on, calm myself, he gets up, and we work together.”Six years ago Daniel was living in an orphanage in Uganda, and could speak very little English. Five years ago he was

adopted by a family in Minnesota. Six months ago he moved to the Children’s Home in Fremont, Nebraska. Little did he know that he and his bucket calf Spike would be the talk of the Dodge County Fair in Scribner, Nebraska.Daniel & Spike

Crystal (above) got an early start on her next electrical 4-H project.

Jacob (left) is hard to beat

at board games.

Lauren and Xilonen (pictured above) volunteered to paint the fence.

Deana (above) helping prepare supper.

Thanks to a fund started by a former resident, the youth can go to summer church camp. Andrew, Daniel,

Gavin, Devon & Bryce play a game of tag in the woods.

Molly - Volleyball Taylor - Cheerleader Bryce - Football

Joe & Nathan (above) - Football

Steven, Fernando & Martin (below) - Football

Jarrett, Michael, Tyler, Devon

& Justin (left) watching a

football game.

Fall Extracurricular Activities

Jared - Football

MEMORIALS RECEIVED FROM AUGUST 1, 2013 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2013INDIVIDUAL MEMORIALS

Donor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ForLouise Meredith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albert W. BolayEd & Joni Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie BrhelJeanne Krenk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie BrhelMark Poston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marie BrhelKen & Susan Ferrarini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charles BrownMax Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael CatesMelvin Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JoAnn DavisDr. James Dinsmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel D. KonkolDennis & Patricia Ribeiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwen LuddingtonRonald & Susan Samson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwen LuddingtonChed & Ruby House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reta PluggeFamily & Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin ScheffelDavid & Susan Pease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ival SchmuckerFamily & Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melvin ScheffelThomas B. Christensen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ken Shotbolt

Rick & Laura Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary SkalakJane Stearns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Allen StearnsJames L. McDowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clifford L. ViceJuanita Vice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clifford L. ViceLarry & Karen Foster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mabel WestromDale & Dorothy Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mabel Westrom

CHAPTER MEMORIALSDonor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ForElizabeth Chapter #250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alverta AhlEureka Chapter #86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gladys AldrichTemple Chapter #271. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marjorie CulpDavenport Chapter #268 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Genevieve EbsonStarcraft Chapter #307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carroll FoustStarcraft Chapter #307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doris KittermanElizabeth Chapter #250 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lucile MatherStarcraft Chapter #307 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl PopeBrownville Chapter #263. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ival SchmuckerDavenport Chapter #268 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucile Voigt

OTHER MEMORIALS

Donor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ForJayhawk Trailblazers #161. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Verna StarkeyGaylord Wallace Trust . . . . . . . . . . . . Gaylord & Alta Wallace

MEMORIALS for DALE L. GARDNER

Gordon Livestock Auction Mkt. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . Clyde LeflerHazel Prentice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Sharp

MEMORIALS for DON MORRIS

John & Carolyn Cieloha. . . . . . . . . Richard & Mary GdowskiMargaret Krings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary NortonBob & Pat Perry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family & Friends

MEMORIALS for LENNA WEBER

William & Tressa Beckler . . . . . . . . . Harold & Becky BrownDaran & Alicia Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeanne KrenkMark Poston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick & Shelly Williams

HONORARIUMS RECEIVED FROM AUGUST 1, 2013

THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2013Donor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ForPalmyra Chapter #257 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Royal, Grand Electa

The Home’s Rawhide Wrangler 4-H Club earned 1007 awards during the 2013 4-H season. Club awards were presented at the Home’s annual Achievement Day. 350 Masons, Star members, family, and friends attended the complimentary barbeque luncheon, program, and/or tour on Achievement Day. It was the children’s day to be recognized for their effort in 4-H.

The girls at Hartmann Cottage won the 4-H Cottage of the Year Award. All of the cottages did an exceptional job of completing their projects this year.

Kylee earned the Club’s 4-Her of the Year Award. She won the Livestock Judging Contest at the Dodge County Fair. Her leadership, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic contributed to her victory.

Mariah earned the Club’s Showmanship Award. She won showmanship at the Fremont 4-H Fair and she performed very well in progress shows and at the Dodge County Fair.

Martin earned the Club’s Achievement Award. He had numerous projects go to the Nebraska State Fair. His static exhibits and

his animal projects won numerous medals and ribbons at the Fremont 4-H Fair and the Dodge County Fair.

Justin earned the Club’s Most Improved Award. His 4-H projects and skills greatly improved between the Fremont 4-H Fair and the Dodge County Fair.

Daniel won the bucket calf competition at the Dodge County Fair earning 99 points out of 100. He was interviewed on the local radio station and talked about his experience raising his calf.

All of the children put a lot of effort and pride into their 4-H projects. They are all winners, because of the lessons they learned in 4-H.

The Home’s 4-H program is a product of donations to the Home’s 4-H Fund and Purple Ribbon Club.

2013 4-H Season

Rawhide WranglerAward Winners

Six children (above) brought their 4-H animals to the Masonic Home. The children were treated to lunch with the residents.

Nathan was a big help in the barn at the 4-H fair.

The girls in Hartmann Cottege earned the 4-H Cottage of the Year Award. Whitney, Savannah, Caira, Merissa & Megan.

Not pictured - McKenzi, Caitlin, Summer & Kylee.Mariah was proud to earn a purple ribbon at the 4-H Fair.

Tiger gets plenty of attention at the farm from Merissa.

It is common to see Whitney at the farm doing chores.

Andrew likes to play frisbee golf.

2013 4-H Season