Brethren and Ladies of the Grand Lodge of Idaho, 
   
  I would like to report on my pillowcase project that I have been doing since Jim became the Grand Master of AF&AM of Idaho.  I wanted to make pillowcases for the Children of the Shriner's Hospital.  Before Jim became Grand Master, Twin Falls Lodge No. 45 let us do a breakfast to raise money for my project.  We raised $750.00 and the lodge gave all the money to me to buy material for the pillowcases.  I would like to thank the Twin Falls Brethren for their generosity.

     My first meeting with the Mason's Ladies was on Wednesday of the Grand Lodge.  I had 3 Ladies attend and Linda Bouy took home 3 pillowcases to sew and brought back to me a total of 9.  Thank you very much.  We didn't start up the Fall Communications until the following week.  We visited Glenns Ferry, Districts 4-5-&-6, with a total of 13 Ladies in attendance.  Next was Boise Lodge, one Lady attended and we had a nice chat as I sewed pillowcases.  Next was Emmett Lodge, again 1 Lady.  Total pillowcases made thus far were 17. 

     Next we went north; Kamiah, Kooski, Rathdrum & Moscow.  Also past first Lady, Renee' Warner brought me 6 pillowcases.  We went to Blackfoot & Arco and one Lady took home 5 pillowcases to sew.  Total of 25 pillowcases made.  Not bad for a project they said wouldn't work.

     Before Jim became the Grand Master in September 2016, I told my quilt club about my project of pillowcases for the Children of the Shriner's Hospital and they got together and made a few pillowcases for me and the Shriner's Hospital for Children.  One quilting friend wanted to teach her 13 year old granddaughter how to sew, and they made a total of 8 pillowcases, I was very pleased.

     On October 20, 2016 I was able to attend the DON meeting, as I am a member, and presented to Queen Pam Thomas a total of 102 pillowcases and 4 baby blankets.  These will be split between the Portland and Salt Lake City Hospitals.

     We will be in Pocatello first week of March 2017 for the Exemplification and I hope to see more of you Ladies there.  I like sharing my pattern and getting to know all of you around this Great State of Idaho.  I hope you have enjoyed it as well.  I also have tickets for sale on the Masonic Quilt I made with me and the price is 2 for $20.00.  I know some of you have already bought tickets for $20.00 each, but, I will go through them and put your name and number on 1 more ticket.  I will have the stubs with me in Pocatello.  I will also have the quilt and box with me to display for you, as pictures don't do it justice.

     I wish to thank all of you who have participated in the pillowcase project and who plan to help in the future, because without you this project could not happen.

     On December 5, 2016, I received a box from the post office.  What a wonderful surprise.  In the box were 36 pillowcases that the Kamiah Ladies made and sent to me for my pillowcase project.  I was so surprised.
This is what their letter said:  When we met at the Kamiah Masonic Lodge and you explained to me that you were making pillowcases for the Shriner's Children Hospital I said I would challenge my sewing friends, so I did.  I have enclosed 36 pillowcases that were made and donated by the following Ladies:  Maryland Brown, Mary Bull, Joyce Anderson, Carolyn Carman, Peggy Brown, Toni West and Ladies of the Crescent Eastern Star Lodge #43.  First Lady Helen, we would like to Thank You for all your efforts in helping bring smiles and happiness to the children at the Shriner's Hospitals.  Toni West, Kamiah, Idaho, 83536

     This is what can be done if we put our minds and hearts to work.  Just a little effort and we get big smiles back.
    
Thank you again,
Helen Hensley, Grand Lady of Idaho 2016-2017
 
Please contact me at (208) 316-5611 or hensley.helen08@gmail.com
 

Helen Hensley, Grand Lady 2016-2017
206 Joshua Way
Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301
Phone: (208) 316-5611