Order of the Eastern Star shows Newton firefighters its appreciation

To show their appreciation for local firefighters and paramedics, members of the Newton Chapter 100 of the Order of the Eastern Star on Aug. 28 organized a dinner for the first responders at the fire station and presented a check to the chief to go towards an important tool in the department’s fire prevention program.

Terry Osborne, the Worthy Patron of the Newton chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, said the fire department’s SAFE House Program is a good tool to keep children safe and educate them on how to respond to a house fire. Of note, the SAFE House is a mobile unit used by fire departments all across the county.

From first glance, the SAFE House looks like a tiny home on wheels. But the structure is equipped with a smoke machine that mimics what it might be like in a fire, albeit in a much safer environment. Participating kids then listen to firefighter instructions to escape the “burning” building, including what to do afterward.

The Order of the Eastern Star is an affiliate organization with the Masonic Lodge that focuses its efforts to champion and promote different charities and service organizations. Osborne said the local chapter wanted to honor the Newton Fire Department and show its support for the services firefighters bring to town.

“This is just a token of our appreciation,” Osborne said.

Vicki Wallner, the Worthy Grand Matron of the Iowa Order of the Eastern Star, has been involved with the group since 1975. While some fraternal organizations in other communities have stepped away or dissolved altogether, Wallner said the Order of the Eastern Star has tried to step up and make its presence known.

“We all serve a good purpose, because we all have certain things we focus on,” she said. “This year we’re focusing on heroes, so we’re raising funds for four different groups all pertaining to heroes. We’re here today for the firefighters, but heroes can be anybody.”