LOVELINKS OF OHIO
President Linda Whitesel, (17-2018/2019) began with Words of Wisdom: “Don’t have major dental surgery if you have an important meeting at the end of the week. You may end up looking like me.”
President, Linda Whitesel then called the 43rd annual Spring meeting of the Lovelinks organization to order on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as we honored our Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Todd Evans, here at Sauder Village.
She welcomed everyone and advised that she loves group participation and asked everyone to stand while we all sang “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”. She advised that on Sunday mornings, church members are asked to greet each other so, she asked everyone to turn to their right and shake hands, and everyone turn to your left and shake hands, and then greet those across the table from you.
The Tribute to Our Flag was given by Sister Sharon Riffle, (9-2019/20). She read a poem entitled “Fabric of Freedom” which represents unity and defines strength for all of us no matter who we are or where we are from, that we all shape and form a part of the fabric of freedom and hard work to maintain that freedom. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Sister Gail Walsh, PGM, (6-1995) gave the invocation and the Blessing for our lunch.
President Linda advised the Flags were gifts for everyone today and wished for everyone to use their flags during introductions so everyone knows where you are sitting.
Head Table: President Linda introduced the Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Debbie Somerlot, (11-2008) accompanied by her husband Fred, and Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Todd Evans, along with his wife, Tracie Evans, (7-2023) Grand Representative of Indiana in Ohio. She thanked them for their leadership this year and spending time with the Lovelinks today. Also seated at the head table was President, Linda Whitesel (17-2018/19); Vice President, Carole Phelps, (20-2007); Secretary, Wanda Petrenio (19-2022/23), and Treasurer, Sherry Taylor (12-2006).
General Grand Chapter Committee Members and Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons of the Grand Chapter of Ohio: Eastern Star Journal – Cheryl Maslowski, PGM (12-2009); Past Grand Matrons & Past Grand Patrons: Jean Watters-2012; Gail Walsh-2014; Evelyn Hardesty – 2016; Cindy Chadwell-2022; Cheryl Maslowski-2024; Bill Taylor-2016.
Grand Officers of the Grand Chapter of Ohio: Worthy Grand Matron, Debbie Somerlot, (11-2008), Worthy Grand Patron, Todd Evans, Associate Grand Matron, Amy Young; Associate Grand Patron, Dennis Evans; Grand Conductress, Melissa Holmes, Associate Grand Conductress, Jodi Wilkins, (15-2000/21/22); Grand Chaplain, Susan Corwin, (11-1980), Grand Marshal, Jolie Stauffer; Grand Organist, Rick Hoskinson, Grand Adah, Madeline Rieksts; Grand Ruth, Sherry Gotthardt (1-2023/24); Grand Esther, Cathy Scarpelli); Grand Martha, Denise Gregory, (28-2022/23); Grand Sentinel, Ryan Adams, and COA Sherri Bretland(18-2010/11).
Grand Trustee of the Grand Chapter of Ohio: Larry Mayer.
Deputy Grand Matrons representing the Worthy Grand Matron of The Grand Chapter of Ohio: Holly Lyon (2), Amanda Schoen (3), Cheri Ulrey (12), Dody Myers (17), Joan Allen (20), and Susie Mayer (23).
Grand Representatives: Becky Thatcher, Alabama; Melinda Callahan, Arkansas; Tracie Evans, Indiana; Donna Thomas, Maryland; Sally Porter, New Hampshire; Cathy Adams, South Carolina.
Past Presidents of Lovelinks present today: Marion Johnson (18-1981), Gail Walsh (6-1995), Charlotte Ballard, (26-2012), and Susie Mayer (23-2013).
Liaisons: Janet Doolittle (2), Bonnie Chapin (7), Susan Corwin (11), JoAnn Walton (12), Cathy Mauer (13), Marion Johnson (18), Susie Mayer (23). Linda thanked all the ladies present who serve as assistants to the Lovelinks officers. They are responsible for assisting the officers in the distribution of information to the members and gathering updated information for the members’ roster.
PAST DEPUTY GRAND MATRONS OF HONORED YEARS :
5 Years 2021 – Forward in Faith Session, WGM Carol Gramm Wise, WGP William Murphy
10 Years 2016 – This is the Day Session, WGM Evelyn Hardesty, WGP Bill Taylor
15 Years 2011 – The Greatest Gift Session, God’s Love Session, WGM Sue Kerns, WGP Trevor Sproul
20 Years 2006 – God’s Portrait of Beauty Session, WGM Bonnie Youngblood, WGP Barry Metzger
25 Years 2001 – Celebrate Life Session, WGM Carol Jones, WGP Terry Fusner
30 Years 1996 – Treasure Chest of Dreams Session, WGM Vivian Chrisopulos, WGP C. Ray Burkhardt
35 Years 1991 – My Father’s World Session, WGM J. Aileen Hughes & WGP Blaine Kelley
40 Years 1986 – On Wings of Song Session, WGM Gloria Voltz, WGP Robert K. Powell
45 Years 1981 – Key of Love Session, WGM Marilyn Giey, WGP Richard Prince
After introductions President Linda thanked everyone for attending and for their continued service to our Order and support of Lovelinks.
BUSINESS MEETING:
Secretaries Report: The minutes of the September 28, 2025 meeting were emailed to all members along with the invitation to the Spring meeting and luncheon. Letters were sent through the U.S Mail to those who do not have email addresses. Some emails and letters were returned with wrong addresses. Minutes were approved as emailed. Anyone who didn’t receive either were asked to see the secretary after the meeting to fill out a form that updates your name, address, phone number, district, email address, and the year that you were deputy. This will keep our records current.
Rosters were available for sale and an update sheet for anyone interested. They were on sale before the meeting and if you didn’t get one and would like one, please contact the secretary after the meeting. The secretary thanked Amy Wood for selling the rosters today. Susan Corwin, Grand Chaplain, advised her phone number on the Program was incorrect. Correct phone number is 937-935-1962.
Our membership today is 544 members. There are 24 members paying yearly dues and 520 life members. As there were no corrections to the minutes, they stand approved as distributed.
Communications: The secretary received several emails sending regrets for not attending. President Linda received a Valentine’s card from PGM Betty Dawn Hardman sending her regrets.
Treasurer’s Report: Sherry Taylor gave a detailed report showing the beginning balance March 1, 2025 for the checking account of $3529.92, receipts $5700.00, disbursements $5269.32, with an ending balance of $3960.60 on February 26, 2026. Savings account beginning balance $6658.16, receipts $390.84, disbursements .$18, with an ending balance of $7048.82. Total net worth of both accounts $11,009.42. Books were audited on February 26, 2026. This report will be filed for audit.
Bills: President Linda asked if there were any bills and Treasurer read the bills, after which a motion was made by Amanda Schoen to pay the bills seconded by Jo Ann Walton. Motion carried.
Registration Report: Bonnie Chapin (94-2015/16), advised there were 99 reservations with 5 not present, and 6 members not dining, but were here for the meeting, giving a total of 100 in attendance today. President Linda thanked Bonnie for serving as the Reservation Chair and also thanked Peggy Heider for helping her.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
President Linda asked for any unfinished business to come before the membership. Hearing none she moved on to the new business at hand.
New Members:
President Linda welcomed our newest Lovelinks Members and thanked them for choosing to join our organization. She advised them that if they had any questions to feel free to reach out to their District Liaison officers. Welcomed were Barbara Sargent (19-2024/25); Gloria Tilden, (2-2025/26) Falls # 245, and those who were with us today, Amanda Schoen, The River #517, (3-2025/26); Donna Garrett, (4-2025), and Joan Allen, Hoffner # 286, (20-2025/26).
Report of the Audit Committee: Audit report was given by Past Grand Matron Cheryl Maslowski She advised she was pleased to be on the committee this year with Suzanne Griffin, and Judi Shaeffer. She read the Audit Report and advised that the Books balanced with the bank. The report was signed by Suzanne Griffin, Judi Shaeffer and Cheryl Maslowski. Motion made by Cheryl Maslowski to accept the report. Report will be filed for Audit.
Bylaw Report: There was no report.
OES Home Project: President Linda Whitesel welcomed the Worthy Grand Matron, Debby and the Worthy Grand Patron, Todd and presented them with a Love Gift for their OES Home project of Raised Garden beds. They were very thankful for the gift.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nominating Committee Report: The nominating committee this year was Deborah Mower (17-2022-23); Denise Gregory, (28-2022-23); and Sherry Bosse, (24-2023-24). The nominating committee announced the following:
President – Carole Phelps, #20 – 2007 Vice President – Anessa Hill, #11 – 2015/16
Secretary – Jodi Augustine, #23 2024/25 Treasurer – Sherry Taylor, #12 – 2006
There being no nominations from the floor, the presenter moved that the nominative ballot become the elective ballot. President Linda Whitesel advised there was a motion made for the ballot to become the elective ballot and was seconded by Charlotte Ballard. Being no discussion from the floor, a vote was taken. Motion carried.
New officers of the Lovelinks for 2026-2027 are:
President – Carole Phelps, #20 – 2007 Vice President – Anessa Hill, #11 – 2015/16
5471 Gilbert Road, Centerburg, OH 43011
614-595-3391 email: anessahill0528@gmail.com
Secretary – Jodi Augustine, #23 2024/25 Treasurer – Sherry Taylor, #12 – 2006
375 Brennan Road, Chillicothe, OH 45601
740-253-1772. joaugie62@gmail.com
Installation of Officers: Past Grand Matron Jean Watters, Installing Officer, opened the 44th Installation of Officers with a poem entitled “Time”, based on 1982 WGP Clifford Fenne’s theme “Tree of Life.” Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, v. 1-13. PGM Watters installed Carole Phelps, as President, Anessa Hill, as Vice-President, and Jodi Augustine, as Secretary. PGP Brother Bill Taylor installed Sherry Taylor as Treasurer. Melinda Callahan, Grand Representative of Arkansas was Installing Chaplain. The Installing Officers were thanked for a beautiful installation.
Remarks by new President, Carole Phelps: She thanked everyone from District #20 and Region G, for all of their support and to everyone who came to today’s meeting. The Lovelinks theme this year will be “Life is a Patchwork of Friendship.” “Like a patchwork quilt, friendships are stitched together with smiles and tears, bound by fond memories made throughout the years. God has placed friendships in our lives for a purpose. We are all very different but He has chosen to tightly stitch us together with his golden Threads of Love.” Parliamentarian will be Jean Watters, PGM. Nominating committee is Brenda Stoll, (4-2007), Darla Hudson,(10/07), and Barbara Sargent (19-2024-25). Audit Committee: Cheryl Maslowski, PGM (12-2009), Judi Shaeffer (12-2008), and Kathy Gibbs (4-2000).
Carole announced the Fall Meeting will be held on Sunday morning September 27, 2026 at Grand Chapter in Sharonville, Ohio before the Vespers Service, The Chairman for the breakfast will be Debbie Nungester, Dist. # 20 (DGM 2016-17). You will receive an email invitation for the breakfast and meeting about 6 weeks prior to Grand Chapter. The spring meeting minutes and the Fall Invitation will also be posted on the Grand Chapter website and newsletter. Carole also advised that Lynn has music for sale for choir members.
CLOSING REMARKS:
Remarks from the Worthy Grand Patron: Brother Todd Evans thanked everyone for attending today and for the lunch they enjoyed. His closing remarks were “Faith is in the fabric we weave.”
Remarks from the Worthy Grand Matron: Sister Debbie welcomed everyone who attended the meeting and thanked them for her meal. She also thanked the Lovelinks for the Love gift they received for their OES Home Project.
In closing Sister Linda thanked the members of Lovelinks for allowing her to serve as their president and all the committee members who willingly said yes when asked to serve. She also said a special thank you to District 17 for all their love and support and everyone who helped getting everything set up for this meeting. She thanked Carole, Wanda, and Sherry for the opportunity to work with them and grateful for their dedication. The meeting closed with everyone reciting the Mitsvah Benediction.
Respectfully Submitted:
Wanda Petrenio Linda Whitesel
Wanda Petrenio, Secretary Linda Whitesel, President
