MUSKEGON –The Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan held its annual convention recently in Muskegon after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Worthy Grand Matron, Dawn M. Talbot and Worthy Grand Patron, John P. Groves presided over the meetings and 404 members attended the annual convention.

The primary charity for the Order of the Eastern Star is Service Dogs. At this year’s Grand Chapter session, Michigan gave $7,000 to Paws with a Cause, $7,000 to Leader Dogs for the Blind, and $3,325.55 to the Yeager Project.

During 2021, educational scholarships were granted in the amount of $64,700 to 45 college students to further their education.

Also during 2021, a total of $25,108.96 was given to Michigan Masonic Pathways, an assisted living facility located in Alma.

Dawn E. Torpey was installed as Worthy Grand Matron and David O’Connell was installed as Worthy Grand Patron for the 2021-2022 year.

They will lead Michigan OES forward as the organization continues to recover from the pandemic.