Clarion Chapter Order Eastern Star Makes Special Deliveries

Employees of the Parker Personal Care accept a tray of cookies from Shelley Ritzert of the Clarion Chapter of OES.

by Janet Stewart

On March 17, 18 and 19, 2025, members of the Clarion Chapter of the Pennsylvania Order of the Eastern Star (PA OES) delivered three dozen cookies to the staff at each of the 11 personal care and skilled nursing facilities located in Brookville, Clarion, Marienville, New Bethlehem, Parker City and Shippenville.

Shelley Ritzler who is Clarion Chapter’s coordinator for the PA OES Veterans, Community Service and Masonic Youth Committee, said that she knows firsthand how hard of a job it can be working in these facilities. She said that years ago, “she worked 3 ½ years as a nurse’s aid at a local facility. The work was hard but she loved working with the residents. “

As the cookies were delivered to the staff, Ritzler was asked several times if the cookies were for the residents. They were all surprised and appreciative that the members of the Clarion Chapter PA OES delivered the cookies to them in recognition for what they do each day to care and support those in our communities who live in personal care or skilled nursing homes. Ritzler summed it up when she told them they “deserve and have earned the recognition.”

Delivering the cookies was Clarion Chapter’s way to extend appreciation, recognition and gratitude to those who serve others in the local communities.