Chad Paavola and Serina PackPenny TuszynskiRobert SonnamakerTyrone Chapter No. 42 and Georgetown Chapter No. 4 of the Order of the eastern Star are hosting official visits this week to honor Worthy Grand Matron Penny Tuszynski and Worthy Grand Patron Robert Sonnamaker of the Grand Jurisdiction of New Mexico, Order of the Eastern Star on January 15 and 16. All members of the Order are encouraged to attend these events.

Tuszynski who lives in Clovis, comes from a family with Masonic and Eastern Star heritage, and is a member of Melrose Chapter No. 30 where she has served as Worthy Matron. She also held that office in an Arizona chapter. Her father, Danny Sprinkle, was Worthy Grand Patron of the OES-NM in 2000-2001.

Sonnamaker and his wife Deborah are active members of Bethany Chapter No. 56 and live in Hobbs. The theme of this year's term in the Grand Chapter of New Mexico is "Angels Among Us", with the motto "Bring Peace and Harmony to All".

Eastern Star, a nonprofit, charitable organization, is one of the largest organizations in the world having both men and women as members. Funds raised go to many local, state and national charitable purposes, including scholarships, and state and local benevolent funds. This year's special projects are "Alzheimers" and "Paws and Stripes", chosen by WGM Tuszynski and WGP Sonnamaker. Other standing NM Grand Chapter projects include Benevolent Fund, assistance given to members to supplement their income for short-term emergencies; the ESTARL program, which gives financial assistance to people seeking religious training; and the Education Fund, which is used to provide scholarships to young people needing financial assistance for college education.

Tyrone Chapter No. 41 will hold its grand visit Friday, January 15, with registration beginning at 5 p.m., dinner (ham/turkey - $10) at 6 p.m., and meeting at 7 p.m. in the Santa Rita Masonic Hall on Racetrack Road in Arenas Valley. Presiding at the Friday meeting will be Worthy Matron Rosie Griggs and Worthy Patron Robert Shelley. Rosie is a plural member in three other chapters in District 10 of OES: Silver City No. 3, Ruth #6 (Deming) and Georgetown, where she recently served as Worthy Matron. Robert has belonged to Tyrone Chapter since 1972, and has served as Worthy Patron and Associate Patron numerous times. They have selected for their special charitable projects the "Horse Rescue Program" and "Humane Society/Animal Shelter". In addition, their chapter provides scholarships for local students, assistance to Copper Rose Rainbow Assembly No. 62, the Masonic Charities Clothe-A-Child Project at Christmastime and other local causes.

Georgetown Chapter No. 4 at Mimbres will be the host Saturday, January 16. Registration is at 11 a.m., followed by potluck dinner (Chapter will provide the meat) at noon, and the meeting at 1 p.m. Serena Pack, Past Grand Worthy Advisor of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (past state president), is currently serving as Worthy Matron, with Chad Paavola, Worthy Patron. As elected leaders of the chapter, one of the couples' service projects is "Project Healing Waters G