One of our faithful and active members, Sister Freeda English will be turning 90 years young on March 20th. (She will also be a 70-year member as of May 20, 2008). Sister Freeda would like to receive 90 birthday cards for her 90th birthday. Her address is:

Mrs. Freeda English
302 East Pine Street
Payson, AZ 85541

I hope that she achieves this goal with your help. We are going to be honoring her at our next meeting on March 17th, which is also our Chapter Birthday Party. We invite all of our Sisters and Brothers to join us in this fun celebration.

In Star Love -

Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Ponderosa Chapter #64 - Payson

Lynne Bachand, PM, Reporter

Happy 2008 to everyone! Where does the time go?? Hope everyone's Holidays were warm and bright!

Now an update on Brother Ray Thompson as he is slowly feeling better and will now be having his dialysis here in Payson which is good news for he and Sister Lucy since a 3 time per week drive to and from the valley is exhausting for both ofthem!

Ponderosa Chapter has some good stuff going on over the next 3 months, so here goes:

February 16 is the New England Boiled Dinner (aka Corned Beef and Cabbage) at 5:00 PM at the Temple. No word at this time regarding ticket price, but I'm sure 'tis more than reasonable!

February 18 we will honor our Past Matrons and Past Patrons. Ladies, please wear your gown from your Worthy Matron Year!!

March 8 we will hold our Chili and Pie Dinner at the Temple at 5:00 PM. The ticket price is as yet unknown.

April 21 is our Friendship Night and "Roast" of Brother Robert Townsend! Please join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.

That's as much as I know from the Rim Country. Hope to see lots of our Brothers and Sisters up here - no snow to worry about (so far ... ). Star Love to all!

Ponderosa has lost another dear member. Sister Ruth Emlet passed on Saturday, January 19th at ten minutes to seven in the evening. Her funeral service will be held in Payson at the Messenger Funeral Home on W. Aero at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 24th.

There will be a reception afterward at the Masonic Lodge, 200 E. Rancho Road.

Cards may be sent to her cousin, Shirley Bradley, 1810 W. Wagon Wheel Road, Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Also Ruth's niece, Mary Lou Panatopoulas, 2420 Victorian Ct., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

Ruth has been very active in Eastern Star - she was Grand Martha in 1984, and Grand Representative of Arkansas in 1986. Ruth held an office in Ponderosa until 2004 when she could no longer sit through the service do to a nerve condition. She will be missed.

Sister Nansi Conrad, Secretary
Ponderosa #64

Brother Ray, our Sentinel, is now at home recovering from his extended stay in the hospital in the valley. He is slowly regaining strength, but Sister Lucy has to drive him to the valley for dialysis three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On other days, Brother Ray would welcome visitors and/or phone calls or cards. We are all hoping that there will soon be a dialysis facility in Payson so that Sister Lucy will not be so road weary. They both wish to thank everyone for all the cards, prayers and other assistance. It has done a lot to lighten the burden.

Lucy and Ray Thompson
503 N. Blue Spruce Road
Payson, AZ 85541
928-472-2383
bushstalker@joimail.com
lthompson39@joimail.com

Star Love - Sister Marjorie Winemiller,
Worthy Matron, Ponderosa Chapter #64

Lynne Bachand, PM, Reporter

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Sisters and Brothers in Arizona! With the sacred Holidays right around the corner, we are all reminded of how important it is to let those around us know how much we love them. It is with this in mind, that our golden chain has lost another link with the passing of our Associate Patron, Brother Bob Cunningham on October 4th. His wonderful sense of humor and dedication to our beautiful Order will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. On a happier note, I am pleased to report that Sister Orabelle Bulkley is back at Chapter as Chaplain and continues to grow stronger everyday!

Our 2nd Annual Arts and Crafts Fair last month was a HUGE success! Many thanks to Nancy Bradley for spearheading this event, and to everyone who worked, baked, or manned a booth to help make and exceed our goals - WAY TO GO!!

These next 3 months will be busy ones for us, beginning with a Christmas Party after our Clothe-A-Child Program again this year on December 15th, by acting as volunteer chaperones for deserving elementary school children during a shopping trip to Wal-Mart, and then a Christmas Party. I'm told that Santa will pop in with goodies!!

The New Year kicks off with our Regular Meeting, January 21st in which all members will renew our Obligation and our Worthy Patron Dean Bulkley will review the landmarks (do you even KNOW the landmarks??)

In February, we will be serving a traditional New England Boiled Dinner (or Fry bread Taco Dinner - not sure which at this time) on Saturday February 16. The public is heartily invited - watch for further information in your Chapter's Communications.

February 18 Ponderosa will honor our Past Matrons and Past Patrons. All Past Matrons are encouraged to wear your gown of your year; this will be a lot of fun!

REMINDER

You are cordially invited to attend The Official Visit of Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Imogene Richins accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Ken Aldrin to Ponderosa Chapter #64 - Payson on Monday, November 19th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
200 E. Rancho Road

Light Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Brother Dean Bulkley, Worthy Patron

Posted November 6, 2007

This is the latest news about Brother Raymond Thompson, Sentinel of Ponderosa #54. I'm not going to begin to mention all the things Brother Ray has been going through these past weeks. Let it suffice that at long last the doctors (4 of them right now) have finally pinpointed the main cause of his problems, and are working on him. Mainly he had a very serious infection in his abdomen. They operated and removed a section of his intestine, putting him on very strong antibiotics., among many other things. He is in ICU at Scottsdale Health Care (formerly Scottsdale North on Shea Blvd.) so no visitors, please.

Cards may be sent to his home address as Lucy is traveling back and forth every day.

PLEASE keep both Lucy & Ray in your prayers, and send cards of cheer to :
503 N. Blue Spruce Rd.
Payson, AZ 85541

Nansi Conrad, Secretary
Ponderosa Chapter #64

Posted October 24, 2007

I am sorry to report that our Sentinel, Brother Ray Thompson, is very ill. He has been dealing with a degenerative kidney disease and now also has peritonitis. He has not been responding to his dialysis and Sister Lucy is searching for a skilled nursing facility in the valley in which to place him for hemo-dialysis treatments.

Please keep both Brother Ray and Sister Lucy in your prayers. Cards may be sent to their home address in Payson, as Sister Lucy is commuting back and forth daily.

503 N. Blue Spruce Road
Payson, AZ 85541

In Star Love,
Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Ponderosa Chapter #64

Posted October 10, 2007

Art & Crafts Show - with Barbeque (Saturday 11 - 3, Sunday 11 - 2)

When:
Saturday, October 20 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday, October 21 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where:
Payson Masonic Hall
200 East Rancho Road (behind the fire station)

FEATURING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE-----
Crocheted, Knitted and Stitched Crafts, Fashion Boutique, Fine Arts,
Holiday Decorations and Gifts
Home Decor, Jewelry, Photography, Wood Crafts

PLUS

Bake Sale; Dried Fruits and Nuts; Funnel Cakes; Kettlekorn; Olives

PLUS

Body Painting and Pumpkin Painting

For more information, contact:
Sister Nancy Bradley @ 928-474-4514

Sponsored by Ponderosa Chapter #64, Order of the Eastern Star

Proceeds benefit needy children and other Eastern Star Charities

Posted October 10, 2007

You are cordially invited to attend The Official Visit of Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Imogene Richins accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Ken Aldrin to Ponderosa Chapter #64 - Payson on Monday, November 19th, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.

200 E. Rancho Road

Light Refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Brother Dean Bulkley, Worthy Patron

Posted October 6, 2007

It is with a very deep sense of sorrow that I must report that our Golden Chain has been broken with the passing of our Associate Patron, Brother Bob Cunningham. Brother Bob passed to his reward peacefully on October 5th at about 2:00 in the afternoon, surrounded by his family. Brother Bob was truly a shining "Star", always striving for perfection in his Ritualistic work and was an inspiration to all who knew him.

There will be a Memorial Service at Payson Lodge #70, located at 200 E. Rancho Road in Payson at 1:00 p.m. on October 13th. The public is invited and light refreshments will be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, Sister Eileen requests that tributes be made by a donation to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 511 S. Mud Springs Road, Payson, AZ 85541.

In Star Love,

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron Ponderosa Chapter #64

Cards can be sent to Sister Eileen Cunningham at:
1804 Fairway Lane
Payson, Arizona 85541
neelie@npgcable.com

Posted September 25, 2007

Lynne Bachand, PM, Reporter

We wish to congratulate the following members of Ponderosa #64 on their new Appointments:

Brother Bob Townsend, PGP, GGCCM and Grievance Committee

Sister Carole Skoglund, District Instructor - District 9 and Wednesday Night Banquet Committee

Sister Pat Suiter, Vision Quest

Connie Townsend, Personal Grand Page and Escort to Brother Robert Townsend

Orabelle Bulkley, Train Trip Committee

Brother Dean Bulkley, Wednesday Morning Golf Tournament

Sister Lynne Bachand, Stars Over Arizona Reporter

We enjoyed our Chapter Picnic at the home of Orabelle and Dean Bulkley on Labor Day. Perhaps it will become an annual event!

We are having our Second Annual Craft Fair on Saturday & Sunday, October 20th & 21st. It is going to be about twice as big as last year, with well over 50 vendors already signed up. It is not too late to join us if you have crafts or other items you would like to sell.

Contact Sister Nancy Bradley at (928) 474-4514 for further details. We are going to have a Ladies Boutique with clothing, jewelry, purses and more; barbeque, baked goods, raffles; pumpkin painting for the kids and more. Come and enjoy the day.

After that we will be preparing for our Official Visit on November 19th. There will be refreshments after the meeting. If anyone wishes to stay overnight, we recommend the Majestic Mountain Inn on Highway 260, just East of the "downtown" commercial area on the North side of the highway. Phone (928) 474-0185.

We were saddened by the death of Sister Estella Gee (Grand Organist 1999 - 2000) on August 29th. Her beautiful music and radiant smile will be missed.

Sister Orabelle Bulkley, as of this writing is improving daily, following heart surgery and a pacemaker implant. She will be in "rehab" for a while, before being released to her new second home in the valley, located at 4106 East Lupine Avenue, Phoenix, 85028. Their phone number there is (602) 992-2385. We hope her recovery will be rapid and that we will soon be seeing her pretty face back in Chapter.

Remember, Payson is not really all that far away and the more often you visit the shorter the trip will seem. Please come and visit us on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month. Our meetings begin at 7:00 PM, so don't be late.

Posted September 19, 2007

Sister Orabelle Bulkley was transferred from the rehab center to her home in Phoenix on Wednesday, September 12th where she will be recuperating with rehab and therapy coming into the home. She is still having breathing problems due to her asthma, and having had the pacemaker put in a few days before she came home to regulate her heart beat, however, she is making progress, slowly, but with her determination she will continue to show great signs of improvement. Sister Orabelle and her family want to thank all of her many friends for all the cards, well wishes along with your prayers you have sent.

Cards can be sent to her home:
500 East Pine Cone Circle
Payson, Arizona 85541
bulkley5@msn.com

Posted September 9, 2007

GOOD NEWS -----

Sister Orabelle is doing much better ---- She had a pacemaker implanted on Thursday and has improved considerably since then. With a little luck she will be released from the hospital some time this coming week and be transferred to a rehab center in the Phoenix area. Brother Dean is very much encouraged by her progress, although she is still experiencing a little trouble with her breathing and is very weak. She has been on her feet and taken a few steps, but still needs a lot of rest. They wish to thank everyone for all the cards and prayers - they seem to have worked as she is now on the recovery track.

Card and words of encouragement may be sent to either the Payson Address (500 E. Pine Cone Circle, Payson, AZ 85541) or to: 4106 E. Lupine Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85028.
bulkley5@msn.com

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Ponderosa #64

Posted September 1, 2007

The "Golden Chain" has again been broken. Sister Estella Gee, PM of Ponderosa Chapter #64 passed to her reward today, Aug 29, 2007. She had been in poor health for some time. Sister Estella celebrated her 88th birthday just one month ago, July 29th.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Payson Lodge, 200 E. Rancho Rd, Payson, on Friday, Sep. 7th at 11:00 a.m.

Cards my be sent to her two daughters and son-in-law, Darlene Gee and Donna & Gary Stull, 303 North Titel St. Payson, AZ 85541.

Sister Nansi Conrad, Secretary
Ponderosa #64

Posted August 27, 2007

I have just talked with Brother Dean and he tells me that Sister Orabelle is progressing very slowly. She was able to get up today and take a very short "walk" with the help of a therapist. She will be seeing her cardiologist tomorrow and we will then have a better prognosis as to when she will be released from IC and moved to a private room. We will keep you updated.

Meanwhile, you may continue to send card to her home address:
500 East Pine Cone Circle
Payson, AZ 85541

A neighbor is forwarding them to Brother Dean for delivery. Brother Dean is grateful for all the prayers and concern and we need to continue to keep her in our prayers so that she may have a speedy return to good health.

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, Worthy Matron
Ponderosa Chapter #64

Posted August 23, 2007

A little birdie (Sister Pat Suiter) has advised me that Sister Ruby Rose will be celebrating her 98th birthday on September 3rd and since she does not "do" email, we could surprise her with a flood of cards.

Her address is:
652 N. 64th Street
Mesa, AZ 85205

Sister Marjorie Winemiller, WM
Ponderosa Chapter #64
Payson

Posted June 20, 2007

Indian Fry Bread Taco Dinner
Saturday, June 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Payson Masonic Hall, 200 East Rancho Road
$7.50 per person

Ellen Spry, P.M.

Posted April 24, 2007

Walter Harrison, along with his wife, Marguerite, were Ponderosa's first Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron. They came here from Acacia #45 to a part of our Founding Members.

Walter underwent quadruple by-pass surgery last week, at Good Sam. He will be at his Grandson's place during repatriation and re-hab.

Cards my be sent to him at "Walter Harrison, c/o Skip Shelpon, 104 E. Buena Vista, Goodyear, AZ 85338".

I'm sure he would appreciate hearing from his friends at Acacia as well as elsewhere.

Nansi Conrad, Secretary Ponderosa

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