Community

Golden State Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star Chooses 52nd Grand Worthy Mason

Published

6 years ago

October 21, 2018

Denise Harrison was instated as the 52nd Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star on Sept. 22. The ceremony was held at the Crowne Royal Hotel in Concord, California. Harrison provides over 50 chapters throughout the state of California. Harrison’s chapter is 55, which is in Oakland.

Harrison is a legacy member as her father was a Grand Master Mason. Harrison joined the Order of the Eastern Star in 1997. She rose through the ranks by striving for excellence, commitment, dedication, purpose and perseverance. Harrison was in the Pauline Dupee Chapter 55, where she served two terms as Worthy Matron of Pauline Dupee Chapter 55. She also served in the Grand Chapter for various elected and appointed positions for the Golden State Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption, State of California.

“I feel good, honored and proud to be a Grand Worthy Matron,” said Harrison.

Harrison attended Oakland public schools and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from California State University—East Bay. She holds a Master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix. She worked in the retail industry for more than 38 years and retired from Costco Wholesale after completing over 25 years of service. She accomplished great academic and career feats while being a single mother of two children.

“I asked God for this and he put me in this time and season.God can help me through everything. Put God first and stay focused,” said the newly appointed Grand Worthy Matron Harrison.

A strong relationship with Christ has kept Harrison grounded, focused and positive despite some of the challenges that comes with achieving success.

The Golden State Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star P.H.R.A. began in 1907. There are 108 jewels and gems that have served as the Grand Worthy Matrons and Past Grand Worthy Patrons. Each Grand Worthy Matron has a two year tenure and they will elect someone else. During Harrison’s tenure, she plans to put her efforts towards Breast Cancer and youth. Both issues are near to her heart. Harrison’s mother passed away when she was a toddler due to breast cancer. The theme during her tenure will be focusing on loving one another because she feels the community needs to show one another more love.

“The love train—don’t be envious or jealous. We need to just love one another,” said Harrison.

Recruiting more youth in the East Bay is a focus to the organization. The rules changed recently in that the Order of the Eastern Star accepts new members by recommendation and not by bloodline like previous years. The benefits for the youth members are community service, public speaking and leadership. Young people can aspire to be Grand Miss Matron and Grand Prince Matron.

“Inspire young people to join…it must be meaningful to you. If you enjoy charity work, working in the community and doing things for others. You’ll be happy to join the order of the Eastern Star,” said Harrison.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

5 days ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

1 week ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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City Government

Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Published

1 week ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Beverli Marshall began her first day with the City on April 10. ICMA image.

Special to The Post

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.

Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”

According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.

“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”

When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.

At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”

While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.

“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.

The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.