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Continued from page 23 hall on Simcoe Street south, which boasted larger premises for activities such as cooking, crafting and fundraising. The new, and generously larger, location proved to be par- ticularly useful, as such tasks as cooking and crafting were necessary for the Rebekahs to carry out their goal of providing donations to charities. Operation Scugog, Community Care, as well as the Port Perry Hospital are just a few of the in-town or- ganizations that the Rebekahs consistently strive to support. Audrey recalls the various ways the Rebekahs used to con- duct their fundraising. “We would hold fashion shows, penny sales and craft shows and we made quilts and cookbooks,” she explains. “These activities were always fun because they were the social part of it.” Norene explains that unfortunately, today many of these ac- tivities are no longer successful at raising enough money. “Now we primarily focus on catering a lot of events like birthdays and weddings, and we also create family baskets for Operation Scu- gog at Christmas time,” she says. As a primary supporter of the Port Perry Hospital, the hu- manitarian division of the Rebekah Lodge focuses on providing the hospital with funds for equipment, such as wheelchairs and beds. “Luncheons are very important to us,” explains Norene. “All tions from the lunch go directly to our humanitar- ian work.” Aside from their charity work, the Maybelle Rebekah Lodge meets twice a month and gives members a chance to get togeth- er to discuss issues of importance and common interests. Each meeting consists of games and activities that work to promote socialization and dinners are often included. “Every meeting is very much a ceremony or ritual,” Norene explains. “Our organization is based around following the women of the Bible.” Rituals and traditions are held with high importance among the Rebekahs. Every year, a special ceremony is n Port Per held to change officers (each lodge in Ontario has a sepa- rate officer) and to provide a “Rebekah degree” for new members. Norene and Audrey are exceptionally proud that for the past two years, the presi- dent of the assembly originat- Photography studio will open November 10 time for Family Portrait Your Image Is our Business The new Oddfellows Lodge during construction in the fall of 1963. ed from their own district of Port Perry. “We planted a tree in Palmer Park,” says Audrey, “to com- memorate Sister Grace Love, a former member of the Maybelle Rebekah Lodge who became the president of the Rebekah As- sembly.” Audrey explains the Rebekah Assembly of Ontario is the parent organization of all Rebekah Lodges in Ontario. Both Norene and Audrey agree it was such an honour to have one of their own Rebekahs conduct the service and represent their district on a grander scale. “We thought the tree with a plaque would be a great way to honour her work,” says Audrey. However, tradition also plays a significant role to the orga- nization aside from simply ceremonial procedures. Tradition, as Audrey can testify, is one of the driving forces behind member registration. “Both of my parents were charter members, my father was an Oddfellow and my mother was a Rebekah,” explains Audrey. “And just like my mother, I discovered that I would get to know people so much better because of the Lodge.” “It's why we're called sisters. We help each other and you always have someone to turn to, Norene says. After celebrating the Maybelle Rebekah Lodge 60th anni- versary, the two women say they look forward to many more gratifying and successful years. They encourage anyone who is interested to check the local newspapers for contact numbers for tickets to their monthly dinners and luncheons which are open to the public. Following the Rebekahs motto to promote “friendship, love and truth,” Audrey, Norene and the rest of the Maybelle Re- bekahs are committed to maintaining the charitable reputation that they have become known for. They would like to welcome anyone who is interested in be- coming a member as the extra help is always appreciated! By Christina Coughlin Focus on Scugog ¢ Windows Doors * Siding ¢ Sunrooms WINDOW STORE 905-985-6665 Sales & Installation For Alt {tour Window Needs 182 North Port Plaza, Unit #7 - Reach St. at North Port Rd. 26 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2008