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ANOTHER EVENING OF OUR OUTSTANDING TALENT HERE HEBER/OVERGAARD
Story and
Photos by Pappy
I know, I keep saying how much good talent we have here in our great community. Well we do! On Sunday May 6th the Shepherd of the Pines United Methodist Church did indeed celebrate and Sing! There was a full house in attendance and their applause indicated how much they appreciated each and every performer. These included, Master of Ceremonies Jim Dye, husband of Pastor Noni Dye who opened the program, then our Community
Choir, Shepherd of the Pines Choir, Sandy Sirotnak on keyboard & Diane Kane-Phillps on Piano for the Prelude for the evening. Also in a solo performance, Patty Pitterle who is the Director of the Community Choir. Her piano Accompanist was the talented Janet Christopherson who accompanied several of the performers throughout the evening. Mike Mixon on guitar, a group of young ladies from the LDS Church were beautiful in their songs. Diane Mitchell of the Catholic Church with a very nice solo & was accompanied
by Sandy Sirotnak. A new quartet made up by Carolyn Morrow, De Geiser, Jim Morrow and Jim Dye, from the Shepherd of the Pines Church did a great job in their first public performance. The Finale by the Community Choir with Director Patty’s daughter Miracle on flute followed Bill Greb on guitar. Closing remarks & Benediction by Pastor Noni Dye closed the program Cookies and punch, served to put a pleasant ending to a very enjoyable evening.
I have told you so many times that you need to get off the couch, watching TV and come out and witness some of the talent around here! You will be both surprised and glad you did.
As always I hope you all are SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
Pappy.
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A DAY OF GIVING IN HEBER/OVERGAARD
Story and
Photos by Pappy
I think that is exactly what Saturday, April 28th was. A day a lot of good people in our community worked hard for “others”. I’m talking about the local Lions Club and the Eagles Club here in town.
First, at 8am through 11am, the Lions hosted a standout Pancake Breakfast at the Heber/Overgaard Fire Station. No guess as to the number they served, but I did hear they ran short on the great sausage served with the pancakes and coffee or juice. All of the money taken at this event goes to help the many local charities the Lions sponsor. The Easter egg hunt comes to mind and
the efforts the Lions put forth to help folks with vision problems and the wonderful camp, located in the Show Low area that is in operation for Handicapped Children. What a fantastic program this is. I’m sure there were over a dozen Lions members working the event. You know they are ALL volunteers, which says a lot about the membership. I know they thank the Fire Department for their support. Well done Lions, we heard your ROAR!
THEN! Then with full belly from the Lions breakfast if you were to head down the road to the Tall Timbers County Park you would have enjoyed the local Eagles Club annual Dog Show. Trust me, you would have had a ball. I don’t know that I have ever been to a show that featured Eighteen Dogs of every breed and size you can think of!! This show is to help out with the large
amount of bucks it takes to keep the
HUMANE SOCIETY of the WHITE MOUNTAINS in business and continuing the outstanding job they do. GOOD for you EAGLES! If my old man math is correct at $10.00 per entry, times 18 entries, that should come to about $180.00 for the Humane Society!
When I said a dog of “every size & breed” that’s just what showed up.
A prize for every category you could imagine. Biggest Dog, smallest, longest nose, shortest nose, longest tail, short/no tail, waggiest tail, best tricks, cutest face, best dressed, (that’s right, dressed), and the grand prize of “Best in Show”. A category that brought out some tears was a great idea when those that had lost their beloved pet in the last year were presented with a beautiful plaque
with some really emotional words on them. I’m sure I missed some of the categories but that covers most. By the way, the Judges had a tough job and did it well!
I had 40 pictures after the show and we can’t put all in but hope you enjoy those attached.
Eagles, like always, you put together a great event and another “Well Done” is due!!
As so often is the case, I find myself amazed at the efforts of so many good folks and when you understand these people are ALL Volunteers it is even more amazing!
May is right around the corner and I’m sure we will have a lot to see and do. Until the next effort, remember to
SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
Pappy.
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING
Story and
Photos by Pappy
Saturday, April 21, 2012 found several folks checking out the “Open House” sign along Highway260 in Overgaard. Your Heber/Overgaard Chamber of Commerce made a three base run with the ribbon cutting ceremony as three businesses joined the Chamber. These shops can be found at 2935 Highway 260 in the “Overgaard Crossings” strip mall. ste.A-3. “STRIP??” Oh that’s a different meaning than I was thinking! If
you want a good way to find them think, Subway”. Bet you all know where that is! All three businesses are side by side.
Let’s start with Neighborhood Fitness Center’s inc. This facility is equipped with top-notch equipment and the owners, Wendall & wife Charis Crandell are both personal trainers and co-owners are Bill & Bobbi Zeller offering all types of exercise programs. The Office is open Tuesday & Thursday from 10am – 5pm with member access to the facility 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Go down and check them out. I’m sure you will be impressed.
Next door you will find Avalon Gifts & More. Owner Sylvia Smalley moved from the Red Barn where she operated for two years and thinks this new location will draw more traffic. Avalon and the third new business, Chloe”s Circle of Friends which share a shop deal in all kinds of handmade goodies, i.e. Scrapbook supplies, Custom Jewelry, Wood Furniture and really neat Kids Crafts. This is a one of a kind shop & all stock is “Handmade”. You owe it to yourself to go check it out. You will
be pleased. I was pleasantly impressed with all three new businesses. Nice to have all three as new members of the Chamber!
When you go check em’ out best you all be:
SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
Pappy.
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OVERGAARD PONDEROSA LIONS CLUB ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT
Story and
Photos by Pappy
Was it a success? I should say so! Lots and lots of “little people” full of excitement and parents running to keep up with them. Being witness to this kind of event makes you appreciate the country we live in and even if “things are tough” you just have to smile and be happy to be part of it. As always our Lions Club worked hard and they had help from even Mother Nature. Weather could not have been
better. This event is just another example of the good people we have here and how much effort they put out as Volunteers. The Lions had it put together with hunting areas for each age group and each age group lined-up in their age group and were ‘turned loose” one age group at a time. This kept the older kids back and not hunting in same area the little guys did. There is no way I can even guess how many children but I did hear that the Lions colored 250 to 300 eggs and sure did not see any left
on ground or any place they had been hidden. Noticed that Ace Hardware furnished bags for each hunter. Thanks ACE. A lot of Free Hotdogs were consumed as were drinks.
I hope the pictures I have attached will tell a better story than my words. It was just a plain good time and a fun day. A GRAND job Lions, as you always do. We all look forward to your next event.
Spring has sprung folks so BE SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
Pappy.
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FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES & EASTERN MOUNTAIN YOUNG MARINES
Story and
Photos by Pappy
The Eagles motto is “People Helping People” and on Saturday, March 17th they surely helped the Eastern Mountain Young Marines from Show Low. Our local Eagles, Top of the Rim 4437, invited the Young Marines to attend a presentation of funds for their planned trip to Washington D.C to attend the 2013 Presidential Inauguration on January 16th, 2013. As the Inspector General of Young Marines in D.C. said in a letter to
Commander Marty Jarvey of the Young Marines in Show Low, “This may be the only opportunity for a once in a lifetime chance to attend this truly historic occasion”! How true that is!! When the Eagles “Help People”, they HELP. All in all, they had collected $950.00. $500.00 from the Aerie & $450.00 from the Auxiliary, which Mr. Doug Keran, Aerie President and wife Robbin, President of Auxiliary, presented to this group of fine young people proudly standing at attention in their Marine Uniforms. Any DI (drill
instructor)) would have been proud of these troops. The following Young Marines that received the check were: Pvt. Lorelai Anderson, Pfc. Riley Elefahte, Lance Cpl. Justin Cherey and Lance Cpl. Tanner Heiser. Not only is Commander Jarvey and her Platoon planning to attend this event, she is planning to have 2 Navajo Code Talkers and caregivers accompany them.
The cost to get these folks to Washington and home is about $1000.00 each so you can see they need all the donations they can get. If you can donate, just send any amount to: Young Marines, P.O. Box 2734, Show Low, AZ 85902. You can find out all you may want about this great origination by going to www.youngmarinesaz.com This site will give you the history and goals of the Young Marines. Like their
commitment to “say NO to Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco”!
The Top of The Rim Eagles are to be congratulated on their great donation. Just another example of the people and groups we have here in our community! Well done Eagles.
As always folks, BE SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
Pappy.
  
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THE JEREMY STAAT FOUNDATION
WALL TO WALL RIDE,
THE HEBER / OVERGAARD LEG
Story and
Photos by Pappy
(Editor's note: to view all of Pappy's pictures click HERE)
This story is going to be tough to tell with the proper respect and admiration I have for these two MEN! As those of you know that may read some of the things I write, I am gung-ho about is our Troops and Veterans. These two Veterans I had the extreme pleasure to meet on Sunday the 11th enforce my feelings about those that fight for our Freedom.
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Jeremy &Wesley are two veterans that are riding bicycles from the Veterans Memorial Valor Wall in Bakersfield CA. to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. in 100 days. That’s 4,263 miles folks! If you would like to donate to this cause of “Veterans Awareness” you can do so by going to the web site, http://www.walltowallbicycleride.com or http://thejeremystaatfoundation.org. Get this, they will arrive on Memorial Day and THEY will be placing the Wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Solider. Not the President, THEM! What an honor! The ride is for “Veterans Awareness.” At the top of their list is “Veterans Suicides” which
is rampant at this time. The VA can’t seem to keep up with helping these troops. You will notice in the pictures I have attached that Jeremy is aboard a custom, heavy duty Bicycle while Wesley is on a Hand Crank bicycle. And yes before you ask, they rode up the Rim road from
Payson to Heber/Overgaard. I get tired just thinking about that. Steve Buck, a bicycle rider from Concho, AZ met Jeremy and Wesley in Payson and rode with them to Heber/Overgaard. Jeremy is a graduate of ASU and then a NFL football player. (6’6” & 295 lbs.) He played with several NFL teams before he retired and enlisted in the U.S.Marines along with teammate Pat Tillman who we all know about here in Arizona where they both served in the Iraq War. We know Pat gave the ultimate
sacrifice with his life for our Freedom. Jeremy’s partner, Wesley Barrientos, in this effort is a 3 tours Iraq War Vet. And the recipient of THREE Purple Hearts. The last for the loss of BOTH legs! It has to be really tough to ride a regular bicycle, but to HAND CRANK one is just another reason I call these two proud Americans, MEN!
We all should be proud that they picked our community for a rest stop on their route. I can tell you that the American Legion Post 86 of Overgaard is very proud to have hosted the “Meet and Greet” for these men and their entire escort team. The group was happy to find a big Potluck lunch spread out for
them and ate hardy. After lunch Jeremy & Wesely spoke to a good crowd of other Vets and local folks that showed up. Anne McDonald was there from the local Pine Needlers Quilt Club to present
quilts to Jeremy & Wesley. I am sure they were beautiful, as this same group of ladies have donated quilts to the Legion Riders Rallies. June Call, President of the Chamber of Commence was in attendance and greeted the men on behalf of the local businesses. Wish there could have been more locals but I know the word did not get out to all. Thanks to those that came and supported them.
They had a lot of tears flowing when they spoke of the poor treatment or lack of treatment some of our vets receive. What a shame this government can’t help these men and woman that have fought so hard for our Freedom. An event like this ride may get the attention of the right people and things may change. This same talk was given at our Middle school and our High School on Monday prior to them continuing their journey early Tuesday morning. The
entire team stayed at our Best Western Motel for two nights and I am sure they were treated very well by Dave the manager. They will give thier talk to any schools along their route. Next stop Holbrook and then on to Houck, AZ for a rest stop. As I sit here working on this story I hear on the radio station in Holbrook Jeremy & Wesley being interviewed. They made it to Holbrook in good time.
Let me thank all those that worked hard to make this event a success and in particular Sporty Jim Steckbauer, Road Capt. of our Legion Riders and Sgt. at Arms for Post 86, and our sweet, hard working Chef at the Post, Mary Cortese and kitchen volunteers. Without these people it may not have happened the way it did. The attached pictures show the gratefulness of all.
Those
Post
members that showed up and gave such a resounding welcome when the riders showed up really made it a proud day for Overgaard American Legion Post 86. Thanks Guys!! Love this community and its people!
In my life I have witnessed a lot of things that make me proud to be an American and this event is right there at the top of my list. So many times I have said “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE”. And how true that
is! To Jeremy and Wesley I want to say, “Thanks for your service” and God speed you on this journey.
To all, be SAFE, HAPPY & HEALTHY!
Pappy
US FOREST SERVICE DAY
AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Story and Photos by Pappy
To close out a busy February we again had a full house at the Chamber Visitor Center on February 25th with the visit of Debbie Roznovak of our Black Mesa Ranger District office. Ms. Roznovak passed out several documents with great information on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. With another packed house Debbie spoke about the trails, hikes, animals and areas of interest such as “Fire Danger this Season”! Folks the news
is not good. She mentioned that there had already been two small wild fires near Springerville already this year and that at this time Heber/Overgaard is much drier than Springerville. We all know there are ways we can help protect our homes and if not you can get the information at the Ranger Station on 260 near the Park. Check it out. This info was included in the handouts she had with her. This young lady is very passionate about protecting our Forests just as we all should be. With this event
being the last of our Chambers efforts to celebrate the Arizona 100th Birthday, the last Birthday Cake and drinks were served here. Wonder how much weight we that worked these events put on! Who cares, it was good!
As we charge into spring, who knows what the Chamber will come up with to keep our great community busy! Thanks to all the volunteers, it has been another “job well done”!
As always friends, BE SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY.
Pappy
  
MR. LEWIS TENNEY
TALES OF OUR HEBER/OVERGAARD HISTORY Story and Photos by Pappy
In keeping with the celebration of Arizona’s 100th Birthday our Chamber of Commerce held a “Day with Mr. Lewis Tenney” at the Chamber Visitor Center on Saturday February 18th. Mr. Tenney spoke for about an hour to a packed house on the changes in our community since his arrival in 1963. His display of several pictures gave us all real insight into the many changes and as he said, “most good & some
not so good”. Although he is no longer directly involved in the politics of Navajo County, he stays involved with keeping Heber/Overgaard on the move to keep growing and the businesses thriving. He is a strong supporter of our community being incorporated some day. His accomplishments were hard to get out of him. He is not an “I did…” person but more of a “we did….”. Last November Mr. Tenney, after serving his 3 year
term as President of the LDS Snowflake Temple, released
his commitment.
As a 12 year resident, I surely learned a lot of our history and the reason I consider myself a strong supporter of this mountain community that I live in. We should consider ourselves lucky to have a man like Mr. Tenney. He has, and is still working to make and keep Heber/Overgaard the “Paradise in the Mountains” it is today. Hope you enjoy the pictures of this event.
February is not over nor is our celebration of Arizona’s 100th birthday. Nope, on the 25th Debbie Roznovak of the US Forest Service will be at the Chamber Visitor Center to share with us information about the animals, trails, hikes and areas of interest in this area from 10am to 2pm. Come out and visit with Debbie and have some coffee & cake.
And if I may, BE SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY, Pappy
  
ATTENTION HEBER/OVERGAARD RESIDENTS
This is important and I hope all of you will read this, have your children read it and become involved.
You all know how I feel about our Troops and Veterans as I have written about so often. This is about “VETERAN AWARENESS” and a couple of our Veterans who want to make a difference to our Vets.
Jeremy Staat and his friend and fellow Veteran Wesley Barrientos from Bakersfield CA are the stars of this event. Jeremy was a NFL pro football player (remember Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals?) and when he left Pro football he enlisted in the U.S. Marines and served in Afghanistan. Wesley lost both of his legs while serving in the U.S.Army. There is a “Wall of Valor” in Bakersfield which honors those from the local
area who have fallen in combat.
Jeremy and Wesley felt that young people did not really know what veterans mean to us. They need to understand what these men and women that serve our country and assure our Freedom go through and the importance of their service. To this end, both of these brave Veterans have put together a mission to BICYCLE from the Wall of Honor in Bakersfield, California to the Vietnam Veteran’s
Memorial
wall in Washington D.C. 4,162miles in 100 days. Wesley will spin a hand cycle. Their route will take them through 15 states with stops in 62 towns and nine Military Bases. They hope to close the gap between military generations, raise awareness of veterans’ issues (especially the high suicide rate) and honor those who have served. Anyone is welcome to ride with them and they will have several support vehicles.
The
ride will begin on February 19th and is called, “The Wall-To-Wall Bicycle Ride”. There
will be
SIX stops in Arizona and one of those will be here in HEBER/OVERGAARD ON MARCH 10TH!!! That’s right, right here in our community. The Heber/Overgaard Chamber of Commerce will work with the Overgaard American Legion Post 86 and will host these two great Americans. I hope we in Heber/Overgaard will show up and give them a Rim Country welcome and thank them for their service and help for our Veterans.
PLEASE!! Show up. Watch for more about this event and mark your calendars NOW!
Flyers will be posted throughout the community and you can contact me through the Chamber or the Chamber Office.
Go to their web site at jeremystaatfoundation.org for more info.
AND PLEASE BE SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY
Pappy
Welcome to the Newest Member of the Heber/Overgaard Chamber of Commerce
It is with great pleasure to introduce a new member to our Chamber who is not only very wise, alert but also very good looking. Her name is “Liberty” and she now lives full time at the Chamber Visitor Center. That’s right, she is on duty 24/7. She moved in and took over. Her duties are to be a greeter to all that come in and a number one “mouser”. There will be NO mice in the center
to worry about.
A volunteer, like most all members are, but she does require just a little payment for her service. First and foremost, besides a bit of food and some water, she demands a good “Belly Rub” and she will assume the position, see attached picture, when you walk in. She likes to get up on the work table and check out what is going on there.
Stop in to the Visitors Center and meet Liberty and welcome her. Be ready to rub her belly when you do come in. I have not heard her bark or make any noise besides a soft purrrrrr so she is not to be considered like a watch dog but anyone coming in will sure be surprised to see her lying on the floor, legs spread wide waiting for the belly rub.
BE SAFE, HEALTHY & HAPPY
ALL - Pappy
A NEW YEAR - 2011: History, 2012: Future
Here we go into another New Year and that means ANOTHER year older! Wow, that number is getting high! .
Let me start with 2011 history for now. Here in our fair community we have lost a few good people, as we do each year. I won’t mention any names so as to not bring up any sad feelings from the families
and
friends. The
ones I knew, I miss.
In the more happy things that went on in 2011, we have several new businesses in town. “Blondes Deli” has returned, “One Cut Above” a new “do” shop and “Auto Body & Paint Shop”. Also in 2011 the Heber/Overgaard Chamber of Commerce has again had a good year of community events, such as, 4th of July Parade, sadly without Fireworks, a big successful October fest, Halloween “Trunk
or Treat”, “Winterfest” and Christmas Lights contest. All of these events this year were outstanding and all the volunteers are to be congratulated for their efforts! The American Legion Post 86 in Overgaard also did well in 2011. Membership was up and their popular “Food” nights did very well. The free dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas also did great. 40 & 8 unit held a wonderful Christmas Party for the kids and also another fine free meal.
Winter puts a big hit on Taco Tuesday as well as Friday Fish Fry but really put out some good chow throughout the summer and fall months.
Thanks to “Chef Mary” and kitchen volunteers who work SO hard to make ALL the Legion Post meals. Along with Post 86 the Legion Riders of Post 86 had a good year in their annual “Freedom Gathering” rally as well as being host to the Legion Riders
State Campout for 2011. Many other events made 2011 a good year up here on our mountain and best of all we made it Through the Fire season without a major Forest Fire in our area. Other parts of the State were not so lucky this year. Please cut me some slack on my “memory” of the past year. Remember, I’m OLD. So if I missed something from 2011 that should have been included here, I’m sorry and will try to write more notes to myself that may help! OK? One other thing about 2011
is THE MESS OUR COUNTRY IS IN! I still love my country and if I could would fight & die for it. I enjoy our Freedom. We can be thankful that our troops are home and out of Iraq. Wish it were the same with those in Afghanistan! We need to get that mess done and over with. With that, lets move on to the Future as in 2012!
It is of course much harder to know what 2012 will bring for any of us but we
will all try to make it as good as possible. As I mentioned above, let’s get the hell out of this War and bring em’ ALL home in 2012! You all are aware of the 2012 Presidential election which just might make things better if only the Politicians could just work together.
Must remind you all of the column I did in the old Mogollon Connection news paper we once had in which I told you that the World will end on December 21,
2012. This prediction comes from the Mayan people, even our own Navajo American Indians and my old Buddy Nostradamus says it will be so. Well now, I’m not so sure about this prediction and sure not going to worry about it! I did get my Crystal Ball out and with my vision I could not see what’s going to go on in 2012 so we will just have to “wing it” and hope for the best. Whatever happens I just hope all of us are SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY!
HAPPY
NEW YEAR - Pappy
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