The “Big Dipper” Organization
The “Big Dipper” Organization
The Big Dipper is an auxiliary of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., that came into being in Milwaukee, Wisconsin November 7 at the 1951 National Convention. The objectives of the organization are threefold: 1) honoring outstanding members of the Blue Star Mothers, 2) sponsoring a “FunD Night” at conventions and 3) providing educational assistance. In the beginning membership was very exclusive. To be a member of Big Dipper a Blue Star Mother (BSMA) had to be an active member of her local chapter for at least one year, preferably an officer. The local Chapter had to nominate potential candidates, then vote, indicating their chapter’s choice for membership. It was a great honor to be chosen as a member of Big Dipper.
The educational assistance fund was dedicated to the memory of Josephine Calenda of PA 22 at the National BSMA Convention held in Lansing, Michigan in 1989. Josephine, after many years of active service in BSMA, died that year while holding the office of National Big Dipper President.
Today all BSMAs in good standing are encouraged to become a member of Big Dipper. Membership is easily accomplished. You submit your name, address, application form (found on the National Website) and $10.00 in dues through your BSMA Chapter’s Financial Secretary to your State’s Big Dipper Financial Secretary. One half of the dues stay with the State’s Big Dipper. The other half of the dues goes to National Big Dipper. If there is no State Department Big Dipper, then all the dues go to National Big Dipper Financial Secretary.
The second objective is to sponsor a FunD Night which is held, traditionally on Friday evening of Convention for both the National and Department. This event is held at the request or permission of the Big Dipper President and the President of the parent organization. This is a time to promote harmony, goodwill, cooperation and fellowship, not just among Big Dipper members, but among all BSMA. This event is also a way to garner more money for the educational assistance fund, which comes from the dues of Big Dipper members and any possible donations.
Each FunD Night event has a theme. At the 2007 National Convention it was “Heroes of WWII”, in 2008 it was “Pajama Party”, at the Michigan Department Convention in 2009, it was a “Costume Party”, and at the 2017 National convention it was “70’s Disco Night” and this past National Convention in Arlington, VA 2018 it was “Denim & Diamonds Night”. Among the many activities held on Fun Night the last few years has been a silent auction. Chapters and individuals are encouraged to collect items and donate them to be sold. The bidding goes on throughout the evening during the other activities and then about 30 minutes before the evening ends, the bidding is closed and the winners are announced.
The last objective is to provide educational assistance to a worthy veteran (Active duty, Reservists, or National Guard) or a child(ren) or grandchild(ren) of a veteran or BSMA or a veteran’s spouse. At National Convention 2007, The Big Dipper governing body, consisting of the entire membership in attendance, voted to extend this educational assistance to the BSMAs themselves.
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BD Officer Roster 2019/2020
Big Dipper Handbook
Big Dipper 1951 Constitution
Big Dipper Standing Rules
Big Dipper Pamphlet
Big Dipper History
Big Dipper Highlights from the Past
Big Dipper Questions and Answers
Big Dipper Donation Form
Big Dipper Guard Pin Order Form
Big Dipper Order Form
Big Dipper Membership Form
Big Dipper Dues Remittance Form Membership
Send membership/orders to:
Financial Secretary
Lori Thueme
P. O. Box 611246
Port Huron, MI 48061-1246
BIG DIPPER MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE $10.00
Josephine Calenda Scholarship Guidelines
Josephine Calenda Scholarship National Application
Josephine Calenda Scholarship Press & Photo Release
Mail to:
Theresa Koontz
National Big Dipper President
503 East Fairway Drive
Litchfield Park, AZ. 85340
LA1 Big Dipper Membership Application
Mail to:
Sandy Mix
Financial Secretary
PO Box 86507
Baton Rouge, LA 70879
Michigan Big Dipper Membership Application
Josephine Calenda Scholarship for Michigan
Mail to:
Patty Alexander
Michigan Big Dipper President
2363Jamestown Dr
Kentwood, MI 49508
616-204-4456
Ohio Big Dipper Membership Application
Josephine Calenda Scholarship for Ohio
Mail to:
Shawanna Lewis
Ohio Big Dipper President
2938 Barclay Square North
Columbus:OH 43209
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Big Dipper Board 2019-2020
President
Theresa Koontz
[email protected]
Vice President - Pro Tem
Tina Moses
[email protected]
Recording Secretary
Liz Coyle
[email protected]
Financial Secretary
Lori Thueme
[email protected]
Treasurer
Donna Vickery
[email protected]
Sgt at Arms
Tina Moses
[email protected]
Historian
Cheryl Masters
[email protected]
Parliamentarian
Brenda Ternullo
[email protected]
Chaplain
Barb Cook
[email protected]
Patriotic Instructor
Sunny Senft
[email protected]
Past President
Kade Rutherford
[email protected]
Past President
Lori Thueme
[email protected]
Past President
Linda Bayer
[email protected]il.com
Louisiana BD President
Janet Broussard
PO Box 86507
Baton Rouge, LA 70879
[email protected]
Michigan BD President
Patty Alexander
PO Box 150254
Grand Rapids, MI 48515
[email protected]
Ohio BD President
Shawanna Lewis
PO Box 482
Geneva, OH 44041
[email protected]
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