Posted April 2, 2008

Good morning Sisters & Brothers!!

I just wanted to send out a brief reminder of the happenings for this month.

At our first meeting on April 14th there will be a potluck at 6pm. On the 28th we will be celebrating our Chapter's 51st birthday with a dinner at 6pm. We are also scheduled to initiate 2 new members that night possibly a 3rd. I hope that we have a great turn out for the birthday dinner and initiation.

Happy April!!

Star Love,
Amber Otterholt WM
Roy Otterholt WP

Posted February 18, 2008

Sisters & Brothers, many of you know Jeri Roberts, PM of Mariposa Chapter many years ago. She has been in the hospital for just over a week. They did abdominal surgery on her this week and is in need of our prayers. She is at the new Northwest Hospital-Oro Valley. I haven't talked with Gerald and don't have any further information. Even though she is no longer a member of our Order, she does keep up with everyone and knows what is going on. She and I speak on the phone at least every 2 weeks and catch up on news.

In Star Love
Linda Kaas, PM
Saguaro #48

Northwest Medical Center-Oro Valley
1551 E. Tangerine Road
Tucson, AZ 85755
520-901-3500
Room #329

Posted February 13, 2008

Hello!

Just a reminder that Monday the 25th is Western Friendship Night. Please come in your favorite western duds :)

Also, if you have any donations for Fiesta day you can bring them to that meeting and Sister Marybeth will be happy to take them up with her.

Star Love!

Amber Otterholt WM

Posted January 30, 2008

Sandra Rush, PM, Reporter

Throughout this term Saguaro has been asking for cards to be sent to us so that we can send them to troops in Iraq. The group we have been supporting is the 563rd Rescue Group from Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. Their job in Iraq has been combat search and rescue for coalition forces. A package with cookies, small gifts and cards was sent in December and made it in time for Christmas. Another package has been sent since. We received a wonderful thank you note from the group and a picture of all of them in front of one of their rescue helicopters. They were very grateful for the cards and gifts but mostly for the thoughts and support of their efforts. This particular group will be coming home within the next month and we are currently looking for another Arizona based group to support. Please keep your cards and letters coming. Remember Valentine's Day is approaching and would be a good time to remember a soldier with a card. Recently the E-Merge Youth Group (fifth and sixth graders) from St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Tucson and led by our own Sister Ann Marie Stetzel and her husband, made a batch of adorable Valentines to send. Let's join the kids and send a lot more.

Saguaro's first meeting February 11 will begin with a Valentine's Dinner at 6:00 PM for $6.00. The meeting will also honor Arizona's birthday. Please come and wear all the red you can find! For our second meeting February 25 dig out all your Western gear. February is traditionally Tucson's Rodeo month and we are celebrating the tradition with a Western Friendship Night. Remember, Tucson Stars, the plaque is up for grabs again! We will do our best to give you a "yeehaw" good time.

March brings the "Wearing of the Green" and we will don it to eat an Irish Dinner at 6:00 PM on March 10th. Stick an "0" in front of your name and join us for good food and a friendly meeting. We would love to see you again on March 24 for our second meeting of the month.

Posted January 17, 2008

At our meeting on Monday evening, Brother Roy Otterholt, WP, read a letter and showed us a picture of the Troop we are currently sponsoring in Afghanistan (about 35 in the unit). It was a very moving letter and much appreciated to know that our endeavors are getting over there to the troops. This troop is coming home and the next one is from Alaska.

Sister Diana, who sponsors a "Daisy" Girl Scout Troop (this is the littlest ones 5-7). Over the summer and fall, her girls have been coloring flags and other cards to send overseas to our Troop. Today in the mail, she received a very nice letter from one of the gentlemen over there. Also included was a picture like the one we received for the Chapter with the Troops in front of their helicopter. Hers also included a flag that the soldier said he had carried with him on his 3 missions over there since 2005. Talk about tears flowing.

She is planning to copy the picture for each of her girls and framing the flag (small flag). Most of her girls know that there is a war going on over there and that some of our men and women aren't coming home and that they are fighting for us. They may not understand all the details, but they understand that these troops have kids like them too. I know it brought tears to our eyes to know that what we are doing, even if it is small, is much appreciated by our Troops.

Just wanted to share this with everyone and let you all know that they are thinking of us and appreciate whatever we do to support them.

Fraternally,

Sister Linda Kaas, PM, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

p.s. Last box had lots and lots of cookies. He didn't think that they would last very long, but they were sure good.

Posted December 26, 2007

Good Morning! I hope you all had a peaceful holiday..

Just a reminder that tomorrow night the 27th at 6pm is our chapter Xmas potluck at the Brown's house. It is also the last drive through night for Winter haven this year. Please bring a dish to share! RSVP to me either by replying to this message or you can give me a call at 883-6615 or cell 591-2139.

Star Love!
Amber Otterholt WM

Posted December 25, 2007

Sister Etta Vosburgh's services will be Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Eastlawn Mortuary Cemetery. The Viewing will be at Noon, Eastern Star will have services at 1:00 p.m. and internment will follow. Sister Etta's whole live revolved around Eastern Star, especially after Harold passed away. If someone could pick her up, she was at all the meetings.

Cards may be sent to her daughter Martha and sons at:
Voshburgh Family
1170 W. Wabash St., #22
Tucson, AZ 85705

Fraternally,

Sister Linda Kaas, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted December 21, 2007

Thank you so much for your message, thoughts and prayers. I wanted to let everyone know how I am doing. I am recovering well from my surgery. Currently I am waiting for my cancer treatment. I am off of my thyroid medication which has left me very tired, and not feeling well. After the beginning of the year I will get a radioactive iodine treatment. After that, I am hoping to be on the road to feeling better.

I have been very touched by all of the cards, messages, and prayers everyone has sent. Thank you so much. They have all brightened my days at home. I would appreciate prayers for removal of all of the cancer cells, and good health.

Merry Christmas to all.

Sister Ann Marie Stetzel
Grand Representative of Illinois in Arizona
Stetzelazoes@aol.com

Posted December 18, 2007

Sister Jan Johnson is being kept at TMC in room 525. The doctors (numerous) have to decide what is wrong with her. It could be her heart, it could be her lungs, it could be this or that. So instead of her going to all the specialists on her own time (which we know she can procrastinate when it comes to her health), they are coming to her. She had a stress test this morning and awaiting results. They have given her the usual blood work ups and the EKG. They are going to do a pulminary study and a gastro study on her also.

We will keep you updated as we know more.

Janice Johnson
3203 E. Lee Street
Tucson, AZ 85716-6030
Cancinche@aol.com

Fraternally,

Sister Linda Kaas, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted December 18, 2007

Hello :)

Just a reminder that tomorrow night is Aaron 49 Lodge's Christmas dinner and the Worshipful Master asked us to help decorate and clean up after the dinner. Please plan on being there about 5:30 for decorating. Hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas,

Amber & Roy Otterholt

Posted December 18, 2007

Sister Janice Johnson, Saguaro Chapter #48 was admitted to Tucson Medical Center for chest pains. She is comfortable and will be undergoing tests tomorrow. Please keep her in your prayers. I will keep you posted.

Brother John Johnson
Saguaro Chapter #48

Janice Johnson
3203 East Lee Street
Tucson, Arizona 85716-6030
cancinche@aol.com

Posted December 16, 2007

It is with deep concern that we report that Sister Etta Vosburgh has been put into Odyssey Hospice Care. She developed a very severe case of pneumonia and damage went into her esophagus. Her daughter, Martha (not Masonic) was told she had very little time and Etta does have DNR papers. Eastern Star was her whole life after her husband passed away several years ago. She had remained active up until 2 or 3 years ago. We will keep everyone updated on Sister Etta.

Cards may be sent to the family at:
1170 W. Wabash Street, #22
Tucson, AZ 85705

Fraternally,

Linda Kaas, PM, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted December 10, 2007

It was announced in our church yesterday morning that Jeff Stetzel was asking for prayers for Ann Marie because her thyroid gland that was removed was found to contain cancer cells. She may have to undergo further treatment. I am going to see her Monday and will have a report on her to give at the meeting. She will not be at the meeting. This was reported by Sister Sandra Rush to us. I know that Sister Ann Marie would want prayers at this time. We will keep everyone updated on our Sister.

Fraternally,

Sister Linda Kaas, PM
Secretary

Saguaro Chapter #48
stetzelazoes@aol.com

Posted December 2, 2007

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for everything.

The Family of Marion Old
Sister Janice and Brother John Johnson
Sister Candy and Brother Joe Leininger

Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted November 27, 2007

The viewing for Sister Janice Johnson's mother will be Friday, Nov. 30 at Bring's on Broadway from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The address is 6910 E. Broadway Blvd. (just west of Kolb Rd.)

Funeral services will be on Saturday. December 1, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1200 N. Campbell Ave. This is close to the University Hospital on the east side of the street near Helen Street.

Address for the family is:
Janice & John Johnson
3203 East Lee Street
Tucson, AZ 85716
cancinche@aol.com

Candace & Joseph Leininger (Granddaughter)
1350 East Scorpius Place
Oro Valley, Arizona 85737-4517
candace.leininger@comcast.net

Fraternally,
Sister Linda Kaas, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted November 26, 2007

Sister Janice Johnson's (Past Matron, #Saguaro #48) mother passed away early this morning. She had been ill with pancreatic cancer and was in hospice care this past few days. Services are pending, they will probably be on Saturday. As soon as I know more I will let you know. Her mother was not Masonic so there will not be any Masonic Services.

Please keep the entire family in your prayers at this difficult time. As you may remember her mother had her 100th birthday in September.

Their address is:
3203 E. Lee Street
Tucson, AZ 85716

or email cancinche@aol.com

Fraternally,
Sister Linda Kaas, Secretary
Saguaro Chapter #48

Posted November 26, 2007

Sandra Rush, PM, Reporter

Saguaro would like to report a past event that was not mentioned in the previous issue. On November 12 we not only welcomed Worthy Grand Matron Imogene accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron Ken for our Official Visit, but also honored Sister Bea Sharnetsky on the occasion of her 50th Anniversary in Eastern Star. Sister Bea was escorted to the East, presented with her 50-year pin by new member, Brother Bobby Creech, given a special greeting and a rose by Worthy Grand Matron Imogene and given Grand Honors. Our little Bea, through she is well into her 90's serves as our Electa and still gives the perfect memory work for which she is well known.

We are so very, very proud and grateful to have had Sister Bea, our treasure and Shining Star in Saguaro for 50 years and look forward to many more.

We also thank all who attended our Official Visit and helped us to honor Sister Bea and welcome Worthy Grand Matron Imogene, our faithful supporter and Worthy Grand Patron Ken.

Looking to the future, our Christmas meeting will be on December 10. It will be preceded by a Ham Dinner for $7.00 at 6:00 PM. We hope to have an initiation on that night and would love to have a lot of sideliners to welcome our new member.

Also the meeting will honor Veterans. On that subject, please note that we are still collecting cards and letters to be sent to soldiers. As you write your Christmas Cards please send a couple to our PO Box to be sent on to our deserving and lonely troops.

Our January 14 Stated Meeting will begin with a Soup and Salad Bar at 6:00 PM. If possible, please bring some soup or a salad to be shared by everyone (the dinner will only cost you $1.00!) or if that is not possible, come anyway and pay $6.00 for dinner. You will be sure to get a variety of really good food!

Please join us again on January 28 for the second Stated Meeting of the month.

Posted November 1, 2007

Hello Everyone!

I forgot to mention this at our meeting and I know its a little short notice but... We would like to send a package of cookies over to our troops for Christmas. In order for them to hopefully get there on time we will need to ship them by 11/29. Please bring cookies to our next meeting on the 26th. Below are some tips for packing cookies for overseas shipment that I found on line. I think its a good idea to put 6 cookies in a baggy that way they can be distributed to the troops and label them to be considerate of peoples allergy issues. Please pass this on to anyone who you think may be interested in helping out.

Happy Baking! Amber & Roy

Baking:
I use the recipes off the packages of chocolate chips and oats. If you do not have time to bake from scratch, "extra moist" or cake mix that contains pudding makes a very good cookie. The basic recipe is 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 large eggs per box. You can be creative by adding Rice Krispies, raisins, white chocolate chips, M&M's, etc. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes (but underbake at least one minute).

If you send peanut butter cookies or any cookies that contain nuts, please label each bag "contains nuts."

Underbake the cookies about one minute to preserve the freshness.

In humid environments, add 1/2-1 tsp. of baking powder per batch.

Chocolate chip (substitute with M&M's May-October), oatmeal-raisin, peanut butter and snickerdoodles are the most popular cookies.

Freeze the cookies until you are ready to ship them.

Avoid sending moist breads (such as banana bread) during humid summer months--they mold quickly. Packing:

I use regular fold-top sandwich bags, no zip-locks. Put 6 cookies front to back in the bags and twist-tie them. It will look something like a "tube." Be generous with your packing material which can be Styrofoam peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, or shredded paper. Nest the cookies in the packing material. With careful packing, you can get 5 dozen cookies, individual packets of drink mix, i.e., cocoa, tea bags, Kool-Aid, etc., hard candy and your letter in each box. Include notes to the soldiers thanking them for their service to the country. Ask them for names and addresses of other soldiers, especially those who get little/no mail.

Posted November 1, 2007

REMINDER

Saguaro #48 Project Air Force Unit from Davis Monthan Base

LET'S NOT FORGET OUR VETERAN'S - VETERAN'S DAY NOVEMBER 11TH AND LET'S REMEMBER OUR TROOPS AT THIS THANKSGIVING TIME. WE HAVE MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR. THANK YOU.

We are gathering items for more boxes to send in early November. We particularly need letters, notes, articles, pictures, stories, all uplifting, nothing political, to include in out next shipment. Veteran and Thanksgiving cards would be good, too.

Address:
TO OUR DM TROOPS
C/O Saguaro No. 48 OES
P O Box 64549
Tucson, Az 85728-4549

THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME PROJECT. WE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE UNIT RETURNS HOME. We will contact you ever so often for additional mailings. W

e appreciate any and all notes/letters/jokes/pictures etc., and know the troops certainly will. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact the Chairman of this project, Mariel Fairchild, 520-290-0721, e-mail mariel53@juno.com

Posted October 26, 2007

Sister Edna Mae Miller is very ill and is at home now. She was in the hospital for testing and they found a lot of fluid around her lungs that has clots in it. She is also experiencing kidney problems. Sister Edna has been a very faithful member of our Order and is greatly missed at this time. We know that cards would cheer her up. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Her address is: Edna Mae Miller
550 N. Pantano Rd., #160
Tucson, AZ 85710

Also, Sister Jan Johnson's mother is in home hospice at this time. Her mother isn't doing well at all. Please keep her and Brother John in your thoughts and prayers also.

Their address is: Jan & John Johnson
3203 E. Lee Street
Tucson, AZ 85716
cancinche@aol.com

Fraternally,
Amber Otterholt, Worthy Matron
Roy Otterholt, Worthy Patron

Posted October 23, 2007

CAROUSEL OF LIFE AND MEMORIES

Please join Saguaro Chapter No. 48 on Monday, November 12, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. 1944 E. Allen Road Tucson, AZ as we celebrate the Official Visit of Sister Imogene Richens, Worthy Grand Matron accompanied by Brother Ken Aldrin, Worthy Grand Patron

Reception to follow in Dining room

On this Grand Occasion, we are also going to be honoring our own Sister Bea Sharnetsky, PM on the occasion of her 50 years of active service to our beautiful Order that she loves so dear.

Sister Amber Otterholt: Worthy Matron
Brother Roy Otterholt: Worthy Patron

Posted October 11, 2007

Good Afternoon everyone!! I finally got the Current Catalog ordering setup for us on line. It is very simple and I hope that it will be a great money maker for us. The chapter will make 50% of all sales through this website.

The website address is http://www.currentfun.com, you just click on begin shopping and pick out what you want. When you choose check out there is a drop down list to choose our state (AZ of course) then another list will come up to choose your organization's name. We are called Saguaro 48 Order of the Eastern Star. That's all you have to do in order for us to get the credit for the purchase.

Please pass this info along to anyone and everyone you know! It does not cost us anything or the person making the purchase. It is a great way to get some Christmas items for those of us who like to shop on line!!

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems with this site and I will do my best to help you out.

Happy shopping!! Amber Otterholt WM

Posted October 3, 2007

Just a reminder for next week's meeting...

We have not had the turn out of letters/cards that we hoped for. At this point we do not have enough to send out with this package. Please keep this in mind and try and spread the word. Its takes very little to accomplish our goal of a 100 notes. Remember they are over there performing a difficult job under adverse conditions far away from home.

Below is a list of items they have requested in the past. We will be sending the packages out by the 10th so they make it by Halloween.

ITEMS FOR THE TROOPS
Toiletries, Body washes, Lotions, Sun Screen, Shaving Cream, Hand Sanitizer, Water Flavors, (packets to put in water to give it flavor), Dried Fruit, Granola Bars, Popcorn, Crossword puzzles, Blank Thank You cards.

ADDRESS TO SEND LETTERS
TO OUR DM TROOPS
co/ Saguaro Chapter No. 48
P O Box 64549
Tucson, AZ 85728-4549

Amber, WM and Roy, WP

Posted September 21, 2007

We learned this week that Sister Phyllis Reynolds passed away on Saturday, September 15. She was found by her landlady and Tucson Police on Tuesday evening. At this time, we have no further information. Sister Phyllis had no living relatives in the United States and one elderly uncle in Scotland.

We will keep you informed as we know more.

Sister Linda Kaas, PM
Secretary. Saguaro #48

Posted September 21, 2007

UPDATE

Saguaro #48 Project Air Force Unit from Davis Monthan Base

We have already sent 5 boxes of items to Afghanistan, and are gathering items for more boxes to send in early October. We particularly need letters, notes, articles, pictures, stories, all uplifting, nothing political, to include in out next shipment. Halloween cards would be good, too.

Address:
TO OUR DM TROOPS
C/O Saguaro No. 48 OES
P O Box 64549
Tucson, Az 85728-4549

THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME PROJECT. WE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE UNIT RETURNS HOME. We will contact you ever so often for additional mailings.

We appreciate any and all notes/letters/jokes/pictures etc., and know the troops certainly will. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact the Chairman of this project, Mariel Fairchild, 520-290-0721, e-mail mariel53@juno.com

Posted August 30, 2007

Saguaro #48 Project Air Force Unit from Davis Monthan Base

APPROVED BY THE WORTHY GRAND MATRON

Saguaro Chapter No. 48 OES, is sponsoring an Air Force Unit from Davis Monthan Base, stationed in Afghanistan. (100+ troops) We are in touch with the First Sergeant of the unit and have been given a list of items they would appreciate. We plan to send a box a month to them until they return home.

How can you Sisters and Brothers, from all over the state, be a part of this? It would be next to impossible for you to send items to us to forward to the troops, but here is how you can participate.

Write a note to the troops, or a letter if you prefer. Tell them how much you appreciate them, how proud you are of them, thank them, just something from your heart. (Nothing political, please.) You could include tid-bits about what is going on in your locale; upbeat things; lighthearted jokes or stories; if you have access to children, have them color or draw pictures; anything that would lighten the burden for these fine Americans. Mail the letters/notes/etc., to the address listed below. We will combine all letters into one large package to forward. The letters will not be opened. They will be forwarded just as you mail them to us.

A suggestion has been made that perhaps chapters would think about writing the notes/letters etc., as a group at refreshments, and forward all in one bundle.

THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME PROJECT. WE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE UNIT RETURNS HOME. We will contact you ever so often for additional mailings.

We appreciate any and all notes/letters/jokes/pictures etc., and know the troops certainly will. If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact the Chairman of this project, Mariel Fairchild, 520-290-0721, e-mail mariel53@juno.com

Address and mail all notes/letters/etc., to:
TO OUR DM TROOPS
c/o Saguaro Chapter No. 48 OES
P. O. Box 64549
Tucson, Arizona 85728-4549

Posted June 25, 2007

Brother John Glenn had knee replacement surgery and is doing well. Sister Susan said that he had been in surgery longer than anticipated and was in recovery even longer. He is awake and doing good now and on the exercise machine that will be going home with them. I know he would like to have cards to cheer him up.

Home Address is 6133 E. Ship Rock Drive Tucson, AZ 85706-8948

email for Susan is: pandasfg@cox.net
John's email: jrglenn3@cox.net

Fraternally,

Linda Kaas
Secretary
Saguaro #48

Posted June 9, 2007

To all my Sisters and Brothers thank you for all the calls, cards,thoughts and prayers due to surgery on my ankle. It does helps to heal faster, I am doing better.

In Star Love,

Mary Beth Liberty
Saguaro #48

Posted April 5, 2007

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

Saguaro Chapter #48
50th Anniversary

1944 E. Allen Rd.
Tucson, AZ

Please come and join us on Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m. for our 50th Golden Jubilee. Our Associate Matron assures us there is plenty of food and we will have lots of pictures from the past to the present out for viewing. Our meeting is to honor our Past Matrons & Past Patrons and all members.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Come and be our guests.

Fraternally,
Linda Kaas, Worthy Matron
Saguaro Chapter #48
Kasonthego@aol.com

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