Welcome to Star of the Redwoods Chapter
of the Order of the Eastern Star
Under COVID
Owing to a decision in 2021, by then Grand Master of Masons in California, Arthur Weiss, we that we were then able to begin in person meetings in June 2021. Owing to a recent decision by our Grand Worthy Matron, we are able to meet and we are able to have meals. We are able to hold other special events as well, provided local health protocols are followed.
Upcoming Events
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will be in April.
It will be on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
It will be our Chapter's Annual Friendship Night.
Members from other Chapters are welcome as always.
Our meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a member and you have a question about any of our upcoming events, or if driving is an issue for you, just contact our secretary, Sister Mimi Davis PM. She or our Worthy Matron, Sister Gerry Thompson PM will be happy to help you with your need.
Recent Events
Rummage Sale
We had a rummage sale as a fundraiser on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. It was held at the Sebastopol Masonic Center.
Here was the flyer for the event,
please click on Chapter Rummage Sale
Brothers' Night Dinner
On March 19th, we celebrated our Annual Brothers' Night with a dinner prepared by Sister Patty Stahl PM. Everyone enjoyed the dinner. We then held our Chapter meeting. We then retired to the recreation room for refreshments.
Initiation of a Candidate
At our first meeting in March, we conferred the initiation upon Ms. Carrisa Marks. She is the daughter of Sister Laura Marks PM and the granddaughter of Sister Lillian Marks PM. Our congratulations to our newest member.
Annual Chapter Birthday Dinner
On Wednesday February 19th, 2025, we celebrated our Chapter's Birthday with our annual Chapter Birthday Dinner. We celebrated 120 years of our existence, first as Mill Valley Chapter and now as Star of the Redwoods Chapter.
Here was the flyer for the event,
please click on Chapter Birthday Dinner
In Memorium
In December 2024, we lost Sister Carol Dacquisto PM. She was a long time member of our Order. She served as the secretary of Marin Star Chapter No. 215 for many years. Her dedication and organizational skill helped the Chapter in many regards. Not the least of which was staying in contact with those who had moved, who were widowed or who could no longer drive. In her career, she was active in Scouting. In her retirement, she also taught bible classes. We wish to offer our condolences to her surviving family.
2025 Installation of Officers
On Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, we held our annual installation of officers. It was a smaller turnout owing to the Wednesday date, but it went flawlessly. We have a full corps of elected officers this year. We would like to thank all of those who participated in the installation, especially Sister Marsha Price PM for her endless preparation on our behalf. We especially wish to congratulate and thank those officers who are willing to serve this year.
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Current Efforts
Star of the Redwoods Is Supporting Marin Diaper Bank
Star of the Redwoods is supporting the Marin Diaper Bank. Owing to the increased need in the community, many parents owing to financial constraints are either postponing diaper changes or reusing old diapers during the day to save money. The Marin Diaper Bank tries to addresss this need. Members of the Chapter are encouraged to send a donation to the Chapter secretary or if members wish, to the Marin Diaper Bank itself. The need for diapers in the county is great.
Patient Comfort Care
For over fifty years, an Eastern Star Chapter in Marin has been involved in Patient Comfort Care. This involved sisters creating supportive pillows for those recovering from surgery.
Star of the Redwoods will resume its Cancer Dressing Stations when COVID has passed.
This Month in Eastern Star 
For a printable calendar of current District Events,
please click on This Month in Eastern Star
What We Do
Among the things that we do, when normal conditions permit, we dedicate several hours each month to make patient comfort care items to ease the lives of patients recovering from surgery. In addition, we participate in fundraisers, the proceeds of which go to offset the costs of running our organization and to charities of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in the state of California. We encourage our members to participate. If you are a member and you would like to help, simply call our Secretary, Sister Mimi Davis PM and she will give you the information so that you can participate. Patient Comfort Care will meet agin on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Marin Lodge in San Rafael once Covid 19 is over with. We do this each month, except for the months of November and December.
Our History
Our Chapter was established in 1904 as Mill Valley Chapter 219, Order of the Eastern Star. Our Chapter served the needs of its membership, local Mssonic Youth Groups and local Masonic Lodges for over 100 years. In 2017, the members of Marin Star Chapter No. 215 approached the members of Mill Valley Chapter in order to consolidate into one chapter. The members of Mill Valley Chapter agreed. Star of the Redwoods was chosen as the name of the new Chapter. There was a rich history of each of these organizations. Each of these two Chapters had been a part of their community and their respective Masonic families for over 100 years: Mill Valley Chapter was established in Mill Valley in 1904. Marin Star Chapter was born of the consolidation of three Star Chapters established earlier in three different cities in Marin county: San Rafael, Novato and Larkspur. Our new chapter combines the vibrancy of Mill Valley Chapter and the effort and dedication of the members of Marin Star Chapter and the Chapters that preceded it.