Two new recipients of the Academy of Friendship Degree were honored by co-workers of Montpelier Chapter #270, Women of the Moose, at a special chapter meeting Sunday, July 26th. Bonnie Gonzales, center left, and Melinda Evers, center right, were welcomed into the Academy of Friendship Committee. Bonnie, Senior Regent, received her degree in ceremonies held in February at the annual Mid-Year Conference of Ohio Moose at Independence, OH. Melinda, Secretary/Treasurer, traveled to Nashville, TN to receive her degree this past month at the International Conference for the Moose fraternity. Both were presented their Academy of Friendship gold rings, symbol of the degree, attached to yellow carnation corsages.
Aides presenting the rings were Reynalda McKinney, left, Recorder, and Lee Hart, right, Audit Comm. Chairman.
In order to receive this first degree in the Women of the Moose, co-workers qualify for personal honors by sponsoring new members, serving as an officer, appointed officer or committee chairman, and the chapter must earn the Award of Achievement for the chapter year. Bonnie qualified during the 2012-13 chapter year while serving as secretary/treasurer and has sponsored a total of 18 members since she joined in 1996. Melinda qualified while serving as publicity chairman in 2005-06 and has sponsored 10 members since joining in 1995. Higher Degree Chairman Joyce Schelling conducted the Ring Ceremony honoring Bonnie and Melinda, with Gloria Poorman serving as presentation officer. There are now 38 Academy of Friendship members in Montpelier Chapter. Following the meeting, golden angel food cakes with various fruit toppings were served with punch, nuts and mints. Door prizes were also awarded.
The next regular chapter meeting is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 6th at 6:30 p.m., preceded by new member orientation at 6:00 p.m.