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FROM THE EDITORS

Christmas is a Time for Loving, Loving you, my friend, loving you

Christmas is a time for giving to you, my friend, to you

Should we meet every day, there is a love for you Should we go on our way,

There is Love there too But the greatest of gifts I could give to you

Is God’s Love in your Heart Bringing Joy, the Whole Year Through

Christmas is a Time for Loving Loving You my friend, loving you.

Star Love, Marianne and Jean

FROM THE GRAND EAST Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM

Christmas fills the world with the

magic of believing.

Wishing you the Beauty of Wonder, the Happiness of Sharing,

and the Joy of Love in your heart - at Christmas and always

Jack Cook, son of Myrtle Cook. We proudly wear the Myrtle Cook jewel

With Scott and Kathy Gillespie from Brooks, Alberta

The Star Gazer Year 4, Volume 3 Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, Order of the Eastern Star December 2017

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Queen Esther #22 Vermillion, AB

Roasting to "She'll be coming around the mountain"

Presented with a beautiful clock made by Jerry Fulton,

Queen Esther #22, Vermillion, AB

Visiting Sisters Dorothy Elliot and Leona McDonald

In North Battleford

Enjoyed a lovely visit with Thelma Kendal

Visiting with Bill & Doreen Riach of Corinthian #89

Presenting an Honorary Life Membership to

Sister Inez McClain, 70-year member of Accession #96

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Visiting with Sister Joyce Hurd, Accession #96

Visit with Shirley Moore, Hiawatha #47

Patricia Polachek, Yorkton #92, presenting Sister Colleen,

WGM and Brother Bruce, WGP with a beautiful fork

Sisters and Brothers of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, Brother Bruce and I wish to say, “Thank You” to the chapters for the “Ties that Bind” Welcomes, Hugs and Hospitality given to us and our Grand Family at our Official Visits. Special “Thanks” to our Homecoming Committee: Marlene, Jean, Heather, Judy, Grace, Gwen, Glenda and Linda. The memories made from the visits to the Homecoming will remain with us always.

MIZPAH #1

Brother Lloyd Pethick, PGP - Reporter

As of this printing of the Star Gazer, the new Officers will have been Installed for 2018 under the direction of Worthy Matron Sister Lynann Pethick & Worthy Patron Brother Lloyd Pethick. We would like to send Congratulations to the members and Officers of all O.E.S Chapters of Saskatchewan for a great Star year in 2018. Mizpah #1 like many other Chapters are in recess for the months of January & February, but would like to list the following upcoming events:

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-Sick & Visiting which is done year-round by members visiting the various homes and shut-ins each month. -Keep in mind our monthly Luncheons at Smitty’s (Mall) on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 11:30 am. -Our Annual Soup & Sandwich is on Monday March 5, 2018 from 11:30 am till 1:30 pm at the Masonic Temple. -The “Wheel of Fortune” fundraiser tickets will be ready for our Soup & Sandwich event. -First Chapter Meeting for 2018 will be on March 19th. -Our Annual Trade Fair (changed to Spring) will be in April 2018 at the Masonic Temple (more to come in March).

A Star Christmas Tree

One Star… on top of the tree Two Star… presents under the tree

Three Star… silver ropes decorate the tree Four Star… colored lights to brighten the tree Five Star… shining balls to help show the tree

All Stars … to support the tree

Merry Christmas & a Happy, Healthy New Year to all the Stars and their

Families

NORTH BATTLEFORD #2 Sister Iris Thompson, PM - Reporter

Sister Dorothy Elliott’s 90th Birthday Come and Go Tea was held at Harwood Manor on August 19th.

Sister Dorothy on the occasion of

her 90th Birthday

Our Official visit of Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM and Brother Bruce Farrer, WGP was held September 12th with a catered banquet before the meeting. Attending our meeting were several Elected Grand officers and several Appointed Grand officers. Sister Barb Hoffman, AGC graciously took the office of Associate Conductress for our meeting. Thank you, Barbara for helping us out. It is a pleasure to see that Brother Don Tokaryk, PP is Parliamentarian this year for our WGM. Sister. Colleen Hozack. Brother Don is proficient in his work and it is always a pleasure to listen to his Initiation lectures.

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In September, Sister Linda Ard PM flew to Hamilton, Ontario to spend some time with Brother Walter’s nieces and nephews. They held a memorial service in Bloomsbury, Ontario. A note of interest: also present at the service was Reverend Malcolm Muth, who co-officiated at Linda and Walter’s wedding 40 years ago here in North Battleford. The Area Meeting was held in our Chapter on September 23. Proceeding our meeting, we had a delicious lunch organized by Sister Gladys Wood, PM. Sister Gladys is one of our most dedicated and hard-working members. Thank you, Gladys for all the work you put into this lunch. The Area Meeting was well attended and very informative. I’m sure we all found it a pleasure watching the officers of the day at work! Our Altar was draped in memory of Sister Connie Pinnow, PGM. Looking back, Sister Iris Thompson was Worthy Matron and Brother Don Joseph was Worthy Patron when then Sister Connie Wilson was WGM & Brother Jack Smith was WGP. North Battleford was the hottest place in Canada the day of our Official Visit at a temperature of 103 or 104 degrees C. At that temperature, who is going to quibble over a degree. Our Chapter Room was sweltering hot, once Sister Connie, WGM and Brother Jack, WGP were in the East and afforded Grand Honors, Sister Connie said to me, “tell the men they are welcome to take off their jackets” I did that, and they were happy to shed their jackets. When the day was over, and Sister Connie went to her vehicle, she found it a syrupy mess, as she had left some cans of pop in it, they had burst from the heat! She had to have her car interior completely cleaned before traveling on. At our November meeting we were pleased to have Sister Bev Otsuka, PGM attend our meeting. We didn’t put her to work, but I’m sure she had a calming effect on all the officers. It was a pleasure to initiate Gwen Novicki of Saskatoon, daughter of our Sister Irene Martin,

PM. Thank you to the Saskatoon Chapters allowing our Chapter to hold this Initiation.

Sister Gwen Novicki, Sister Irene Martin and

Members of North Battleford #2

Sister Gwen, Sister Irene and Sister Bev Otsuka

At our December meeting, the Altar was draped in memory of Bro Roy Wilson, PP. He was Worthy Patron for Sis Iris Thompson in1980. He was a huge help throughout their year. When the WGM & WGP visited the Chapters, the WGM let the Chapters know ahead of the meeting she wanted the Worthy Patrons to give the closing ode in their Chapter. I phoned Roy, I said I had a request he said, “Yeess”, and waited to find out what it was. He told me he would gladly do that for the Worthy Grand Matron, and so he did. Brother Roy was a dedicated member in many ways. He wasn’t above vacuuming the Chapter Room and the lower hall when our then caretaker didn’t get that done. In later years he with the help of a ‘brother’ did many repairs and refurbishing of some areas in the Lower Hall, making those areas look like new.

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Election of officers for 2018:

WM Sister Shelly Mikkelson, PM WP Brother Jack Smith, PP AM Sister Linda Ard, PM AP Brother Don Finan, PP

Conductress Sister Idella Barr, PM Associate Conductress

Sister Susan Francescone, PM Secretary Sister Sylvia Mikkelson, PM

Treasurer Brother George Wood, PP

In this the loveliest of seasons May you know much love and joy,

Wishing all a Very Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year

ACACIA #3, Biggar Sister Urla Tyler, PM – Reporter

Acacia Chapter No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star, Biggar, member Sister Fay Halstead, PM, presented the Jimmy and Ethel Anderson Eastern Star Bursary in the amount of $2,500 to Daphne Boser, Grade 12 student at Unity Composite High School, Unity, Saskatchewan, on June 30, 2017. This bursary is awarded to a student of UCHS annually. Daphne is the daughter of Jackie and Neil Boser of Unity and is studying to be a Medical Administrative Clinical Assistant at Saskatoon Business College.

l-r: Sister Faye Halstead, PM and Daphne Boser

At the Biggar Town and Country Fair Days held on June 3, members of Acacia Chapter No. 3 held another successful bake sale. Everything went, and it was great fun visiting with parade goers!

l-r: WM Debbie Robinson, WP Eric Rann, Associate

Conductress Robin Isabelle, Associate Matron, Elizabeth McMahon, and Myrtle Robinson. Taking the picture is

Cheryl Rann, Grand Conductress.

At the June 20 Official Visit of Worthy Grand Matron Colleen Hozack and Worthy Grand Patron Bruce Farrer, Yvonne Nickel was presented with her 50-year membership pin in the Order of the Eastern Star. Sister Yvonne was a member of Queen Esther Chapter No. 31 in Unity which amalgamated with Acacia Chapter No. 3, Biggar in October 2016 and served as Worthy Matron and other offices and committees over the years. She now resides in Saskatoon.

l-r: WGM Colleen Hozack, WM Debbie Robinson, Yvonne Nickel, WP Eric Rann, WGP Bruce Farrer

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At the time of June 20 official visit, WGM Colleen Hozack visited Alice Ellis, PM, of Acacia Chapter No. 3, Biggar, in the Biggar Health Care Centre. WGP Bruce Farrer and WM Debbie Robinson also were in attendance.

l-r: Sisters Colleen Hozack, WGM and Alice Ellis, PM

Sister Vivian Shipanoff, PM (dual member with Acacia No. 3 and Prince Albert No. 16, received a two-year commission as Grand Representative of Utah in Saskatchewan at Acacia Chapter No. 3 Official Visit on June 20.

l-r: Colleen Hozack, WGM, Debbie Robinson, WM,

Vivian Shipanoff, PM, Eric Rann, WP, PGP and Bruce Farrer, WGP.

REGINA CHAPTER #7 Sister Jo Anne Knobbe, WM – Reporter

The last part of our year has seemed to be quite busy, with illness and surgeries as well as the regular year end business.

Congratulations to the second group of our members who have completed the Proficiency Tests this year. We are blessed to have received quite a few new members in the past couple of years, and we are glad they are wanting to learn more about our beautiful order and the way we in Saskatchewan work.

Regina #7 again laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Sister Rosemary and Brother Syd Barley joined the Worthy Matron for the laying. The weather wasn’t too cold, but unfortunately Sister Rosemary and Brother Syd, who are new to Saskatchewan, came down with colds soon after.

Regina #7 has received a request from Kitchener Chapter #15 to amalgamate with us – hopefully before Christmas. While this is a sad time in that Kitchener finds themselves unable to continue, it is a happy time for us to be joined by our sisters and brothers. We will welcome these new members at a Special Meeting on December 2, preceded by a soup and sandwich luncheon.

At our November meeting, we participated in a Memory Cross Service to remember five of our members who passed to the Grand Chapter on High during the year – Sisters Nora Meek, Gladys Simpson and Margaret Thorson and brothers Bill Smith and Bruce Coates.

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l-r: Sisters Jo Anne Knobbe, Betty Cumming, Marianne

Woods and Gilda Treleaven-Graham We are preparing hard for December when we will have 2 meetings. First the Amalgamation, and then our final Stated Meeting of the year on December 7. The evening will end with the Open Installation of our 2018 officers under the leadership of Sister Donna Sanders and Brother Ben Nichols. We wish all the best to Sister Donna and Brother Ben as they guide us for the next year.

Amalgamation of Officers of Kitchener #15 and Regina #7,

December 2

ASSINIBOIA #8

Sister Cheri Cowan, PM – Reporter

Assiniboia Chapter has been busy since the last publication of the Star Gazer in September. Worthy Matron Llynne and Worthy Patron Leroy tell me we’re all still havin’ a woppin’ good time

with all our shindigs and such. After our September meetin’ our Chapter members got all “gussied up” in our best sixties attire and “mosied up” to Moose Jaw for the Service Dogs Fundraiser and had a real hoe-down tappin’ our toes and a dancin’ up a storm to the tunes of the Bromantics.

Moose Jaw, September 15 - Service Dogs Fundraiser with

the Bromantics

Back at chapter we were all workin’ hard on the range as the members worked like the Dickens and got ready for our annual noon luncheon. We served pots and pots of homemade soup and buckets of sandwiches and lots and lots of the most scrumptious deeee-ssert you ever tasted Yuuummmy! We served up a dandy messa’ vitals for all the folks from miles around. After that, there was just no keepin’ us home as we packed ourselves in real tight in every wagon we could find and toodled off all the way up North to Lloydminster. Once we arrived, we took part in the most entertainin’ Homecomin’ of the WGM and WGP. Thank you to all who made that Shindig” such an excellent measure of fraternal love.

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Lloydminster, October 14, 2017

WGM and WGP’s homecoming -A visit from the queen

In November, we held a dandy Christmas party before our meetin’ and many wonderful members and visitors joined us for the festivities.

Christmas Party November 15, 2017

Sister Eleanor Hobbs and Sister Gladys Roszell

Sister Joyce Kindt and her Daughter Sister Melva Layman

and Sister Donalda Noble

Sister Kathleen Mitchell and Sister Joyce Noble

Sister Donalda Noble, Brother Bruce Lambert

and Brother Leroy Layman

During the meetin’, we held elections and if this past year was any indication, we’re in for twice as much fun next year as Sister Llynne, PGM will stay in the East for another year, joined by her amazing partner Brother Bruce, PGP as our Worthy Patron. Please mark us down on your calendar. Our installation was held December 9, with a lunch at 12:00 and the meetin’ to follow at 1:30 pm.

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PRINCE ALBERT CHAPTER #16 Sister Dorothea Herron, PM – Reporter

Worthy Matron Sophie Sajtos presents a 70-year

certificate to Sister Betty Dalziel.

At the December meeting of Chapter #16, Worthy Matron Sophie Sajtos honored our secretary Sister May Barr, and presented her with flowers.

Installation of officers for 2018 was held December 2, 2017

1st row, l-r: Installing Officer: Wilma McKee, PGM WM: Alice Bedford, PM; WP: Rick Galloway, PP; AP: Bill McKay PGP 2nd Row, l-r: Martha: Effie Cook, PM; Esther: Dorothea Herron, PM; Secretary: May Barr, PM; Adah: Alretta Walsh, PM; Electa: Dorothy Hook, PM; Organist: June Sanderson 3rd Row (l-r): AC: Sophie Sajtos, PM Chaplain: Shirley McKay, PM Treasurer: Norma Lintick, PM Sentinel: Brock Karst, PP Ruth: Lil Schultz, PM Warder: Shannon Russell Top Row: Marshal: Dick Tataryn, PP

LLOYDMINSTER #76

Sister Marlene Jackson, Reporter Lloydminster has enjoyed an exciting last 3 months. We participated in the Area meeting held at North Battleford in September. We enjoyed everyone who attended our Official Visit for Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM. The turn- out truly touched our hearts. A great time was had by all. Sister Colleen and Brother Bruce received Honorary and Honorary Lifetime memberships respectively. Sister Colleen was also honored

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with an engraved brick to be placed in the Rob Morris pathway at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Richmond, Mississippi.

Lloydminster #76 enjoys the Official Visit of

Colleen Hozack, WGM and Bruce Farrer, WGP

Colleen receives an engraved brick to be placed in the Rob Morris pathway at the

Little Red Schoolhouse in Richmond, MS

Lloydminster #76 hosts the Grand Family

The Homecoming was held the next day at the Servus Sports center with even more guests in attendance. The entertainment was songs sung by Colleen’s very talented family and skits performed by both the Grand Family and various chapters. The meal was superb!! It was great fellowship and good times.

We enjoyed being entertained by Sister Colleen’s very

talented family at our Homecoming

Billielieu King, Glenda Campbell and Betty Abrey enjoy

the festivities at Homecoming in Lloydminster

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Sisters Barbara Webb, Billielieu King and

Colleen Hozack, WGM enjoy a visit at Homecoming

Some members of Lloydminster administer aid to our

WGM.

We are looking forward to a new and exciting year under the direction of Sister Heather Sigmundson, WM Elect and Brother Dale Ivey, WP Elect. Heather and Dale have made Membership their primary focus this next year. Please join us and “See what Lloyd’s doing”.

QUEEN ALEXANDRA #84,

KINDERSLEY Sister Sandra L. McIntyre, PM - Reporter

Official Visit – The Official Visit of Sister Colleen Hozack WGM and Brother Bruce Farrer WGP was held on Monday, Oct. 2. An afternoon tea was held at the home of Sister Mary Stevens, PM at Caleb Village. Special

guests in attendance were: Sisters Verna Mills, PM, Anne Heise, PM, Brother Austin Hamilton PP (all residents at Caleb), Sister Joy Johnson, Sister Lois McIntyre and Sister Anne Bruce, PGM. Others attending were Sisters Margaret Shipley, WM, Cannida Coventry, PGM, Mary Ann Couse, WM (#1/#7), Sandra McIntyre, PM and Brother Fred Coventry, WP. At 6:00 pm, 36 members and visitors enjoyed a roast beef meal catered by Jackie Oswald of Jackie's Delicious Delights. The Official Visit was at 7:30 pm. The Worthy Grand Matron had the honour to present a 60-Year Pin to Sister Frances Swan. She, on behalf of the Chapter, also presented Sister Cannida Coventry PGM, with an Honorary Life Membership.

l-r: Sister Frances Swan, 60 Year Member, Sister Colleen

Hozack WGM, Sister Ellen Veldhoen PM (who received her pin at Grand Chapter, but was presented in the East and

given Grand Honours), Brother Bruce Farrer WGP In Memoriam – The chapter draped the altar in memory of Sister Mary Linn, who passed away on September 26 at the age of 107. Sister Mary initiated on September 12, 1955. In 1984, she was presented with her Life Membership and in 2004 received her 50 Year Pin from WGM Maureen Jackiw.

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Fall Ham Supper and Silent Auction – On Sunday, November 5, the Chapter held their annual Fall Ham Supper and Silent Auction. Sixty members and visitors signed the Guest Register and enjoyed a meal of ham, hash brown casserole, turnips, baked beans, buns, a variety of salads and for dessert -- homemade pie as well as the opportunity to bid on the 25 silent auction items on display in the Chapter room. Season's Greetings – By the time this goes out in print, we will have had our Installation of the 2018 Officers. So, on behalf of our Junior Past Matron and Patron Sister Margaret Shipley and Brother Fred Coventry, and our 2018 Worthy Matron Sister Frances McManus and Worthy Patron Brother Harold Appleby, officers and members of Queen Alexandra #84, I wish our Worthy Grand Matron Sister Colleen, Worthy Grand Patron Brother Bruce, the Grand Family and the Subordinate Chapters a very Merry Christmas and all the Best in 2018.

ACCESSION #96, MELFORT Sister Florence Bott, PM - Reporter

Following our September Meeting, we celebrated Accession Chapter's 81st Anniversary, we enjoyed a Special Cake served by Sister Shelley WM & Brother Albert WP.

Our "Sporty Tea" in September was lots of fun and Thanks to all for making it a success. We wore Sports Jerseys to tie in with our Special Project "Kids Sports "

The Door Prize of a $100.00 Gift Certificate from Rola Fashions was won by Prince Albert #16 member Vivian Shipanoff. Our Worthy Matron & Worthy Patron laid Wreaths at our City's Remembrance Day Service. "Congratulations“ to Sister Ollie Rumberger, PM & Sister Iris Cross on receiving their 60-year Pin and Certificate (a real milestone) by WM Sister Shelley and WP Brother Albert.

From all reports, our Stew supper & card party was a great success. We were saddened to hear of the passing of Sister Alice Tataryn, PM, a very dedicated Star Member of over 60 years, our Condolences to the Family.

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Looking forward to our installation in December.

Today's Thought Service is the Rent we pay for our Room on

Earth.

GIVING THE GIFT THAT IS LIFE-

CHANGING Sister Llynne Lambert, Service Dogs Committee

As the Christmas Season approaches, we find ourselves swept up with feelings of opening our hearts and sharing our kindness with others less fortunate. Now we have another warm, fuzzy feeling to share with our members that is too great to keep to ourselves. You will surely want to spread this news around! The Order of Eastern Star, Saskatchewan can be extremely proud of the accomplishment of raising the $12,000 necessary to provide a life-changing gift to an autistic child in Saskatchewan - which is - their very own Autism Assistance Dog Guide! Can you imagine the safety, companionship and unconditional love that a child with this disability will receive as they bond with their Dog Guide? Their family will also share in this gift by gaining increased independence and social interaction. Our Service Dogs Charity continues to receive donations in support of Dog Guides and we are well on our way towards our second dog for Saskatchewan. Every donation is appreciated and a little goes a long way. Thank you to the members and Chapters that have sent donations to the Grand Secretary. The costs for the different Dog Guide programs available from Dog Guides of Canada are as follows: Hearing/Ear $4,000 Canine Vision $6,000 Diabetic Alert $8,000 Special skills $10,000

Seizure Response $10,000 Autism Assistance $12,000 The Dog Guide Dance in September was just one of the many successful OES fundraisers that were held throughout our province, not only for our members but for all residents. A formal presentation from our Jurisdiction will be made to Dog Guides of Canada following the Annual Grand Chapter audit. Watch for this exciting date to be announced. The Service Dogs Committee is deeply saddened to say farewell to our puppy pal and dedicated member Sister Alice Tataryn. We will miss her unending support, encouragement and friendship on our Committee. Right from the start, Sister Alice’s hard work towards achieving our goal touched all who knew her. May her spirit of gentleness in thought and deed ever remain with us. Blessings and wishes to the membership for 2018.

l-r: Sister Llynne Lambert, Bingo and Stephen Walcer at the Service Dogs Fundraiser, September 15th in Moose Jaw

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"LATE BREAKING NEWS" Mark your calendars - February 10, 2018

Dog Guides Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser

Feature Auction items - Hotel accommodation, Saskatchewan Plane trip, area rug, Duvan Carter

autographed Football, and much more. Watch for details!

CHAPTER REPORTERS

Mizpah #1, Moose Jaw-Lloyd Pethick, PGP North Battleford #2 – Iris Thompson, PM Acacia #3, Biggar-Urla Tyler, PM Saskatoon #4-Bev Otsuka, PGM Regina #7-Jo Anne Knobbe, PM Assiniboia #8-Cheri Cowan, PM Prince Albert #16-Dorothea Herron, PM Hiawatha #47, Kamsack-Susan Bear, PM Lloydminster #76- Marlene Jackson Queen Alexandra #84-Sandra McIntyre, PM Corinthian #89, Govan-Kim Rathwell, WM Yorkton #92- PM – Patsy Polachek, PM Accession #96, Melfort-Florence Bott, PM Regal #132, Saskatoon-Thea Howe, PGM Thanks for the articles and pictures. Members, please contact your Chapter Reporter with news. The Star Gazer is a publication of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan and is designed to enhance communication within the Order by providing timely, interesting and educational information. The Star Gazer will be emailed to Chapter Secretaries (or to another Chapter member if the Secretary does not have email access) on June 15, September 15, December 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018. Please note deadlines for upcoming submissions: March 1, 2018. CO-EDITORS:

Marianne Woods, PM marianne@osac.ca Jean Thibeault, PM jams@accesscomm.ca