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A MESSAGE FROM THE GRAND EAST

Sisters and Brothers: Winter has finally made her presence felt. For some - extremely high winds, that cut through winter clothing, for others, rain, snow, slippery roads and high winds. Our lengthy relationship with fall has come to an abrupt end. The last several months have passed very quickly. I was privileged to attend the Grand Chapter of Ontario’s 100th Session in late August. Also attending from Saskatchewan were Sister Kathy Farrer, PM (#84), Donna Sanders, PGM (#84, #7) and Penny Pedersen, WM (#7), who was able to visit with her cousin while there. We were in attendance to see Sister Kathy’s 93 year old aunt, Sister Sarah Maybee, receive her 75 year pin. Only Sister Sarah and one other sister were introduced at the altar for the 50 year and plus members. I’m sure, the finishing touch for Sister Sarah, was to sit in the East with Sister Bobbi White, MWGM and an almost complete compliment of GGC officers. October 27th saw 12 Saskatchewan Stars land in Washington, D.C. The following morning, we were most fortunate to have the last tour of the International Headquarters arranged by Brother Bill Bane, husband to the RWGS, Sister Alma Bane. As soon as we completed our tour, Sister Alma and others left to drive approximately 5 hours to Pittsburg. During our tour, we saw, PGP Brother Jack Smith’s tatting beautifully framed and the PGM pin donated by Sister Jane C. Evans (Regina #7) and Robert J. McClinton (North Battleford #2) who presided in 1928-1929. The mansion, architecture, furniture and possessions are truly magnificent. Words cannot describe, you have to see these treasures in person. After the tour, you can certainly understand why the District of Columbia Preservation League awarded General Grand Chapter for the preservation and restoration of the Belmont Mansion. However, the house has 50 some rooms and only 3 bathrooms!

Thursday morning, our group spent a good two hours touring the Scottish Rite House of the Temple, built in 1915. This is another unbelievable, magnificent structure. Unlike the Belmont Mansion, Masonic symbolism is found practically everywhere you look. Following that, we toured around Washington on a hop on-hop off bus to various monuments and historic landmarks: the Lincoln Memorial, the F.D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, the Korean War Monument, and Arlington Cemetery, to name but a few. Several toured through the Smithsonian Air and Space museum, others toured the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and one of the four copies of the Magna Carta. Mother Nature treated us to unbelievable temperatures. Everyone had taken warm coats but these were not really needed. Although our time in Washington was limited, and we saw only a small fraction all there is to see, the trip will be always be remembered by all who attended. On Saturday, October 31, some returned to Canada, and others travelled onto to Pittsburg. General Grand Chapter formally began on Sunday, November 1, with ESTARL and the Worship Service. Participating in the Monday Informal Opening, Cavalcade of Flags, Brother Eric Rann, WGP, carried the Saskatchewan flag. All 22 resolutions were brought to the floor for discussion. The motion to allow PM, PP to vote was included on Monday afternoon when most people weren’t expecting it, and was, again, defeated. The resolution put forward by Marianne Shenefelt, RWAGC, was passed. Service dogs will be the recognized charity of General Grand Chapter, much like Children’s Hospitals for Shriners. Thursday evening, we said goodbye to the red gowns of the GGCC Members appointed by Sister Bobbi White, MWGM, and were introduced to the new GGCC sisters in 3-piece Royal Blue outfits. Congratulations to Sister Donna Sanders, GGCC Member on Credentials and Brother Rod Stafford, GGCCM on Registration. Brother Rod, fortunately got to wear his tux and not the Royal Blue. The most pleasant surprise was that Installation began on time, at 7 pm and ended shortly after 10 pm. Sister Helen Westmoreland, MWGM, spoke briefly: remember

The Star Gazer Volume 2, Issue 2, Section 1 Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, Order of the Eastern Star Dec 2015

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your Obligation, and work together. Her special projects for the upcoming Triennium are Regenerative Medicine, First Responders and Youth. In my last letter, mention had been made that a meeting of the principal officers of Grand Lodge, Eastern Star and Shrine was being pursued. I am pleased to report that Brother Ernie Butz, AGP, was able to arrange a meeting in Regina, on September 29, for the first time ever, of the line officers from the three bodies to discuss common issues: decreasing membership, need for new members. For those attending, we left feeling it had been a productive meeting. Some initiatives agreed to are: the Grand Lodge will establish a Masonic Family Calendar on the Grand Lodge website of major events for all concordant bodies which will hopefully eliminate events being planned for the same day, e.g. Centennial Tea and Tri-Jurisdictional in Moose Jaw; to encourage Master Masons to support the Order of Eastern Star; to increase the visibility of Freemasonry and the members of the Masonic Family in Saskatchewan. Each concordant body is hopefully more cognizant of the issues common to all, the need to communicate and share. Another meeting is scheduled in February and Scottish Rite and Royal Arch will be invited to attend. On behalf of the Prairie Light Grand Family, as you celebrate this season:

“May your Christmas sparkle with Moments of Love, Laughter and Good Will

May the Light from our Star in the East, which teaches Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness,

Abide in our Hearts.”

Sisters and Brothers, let your life, reflect the Light!

Sister Idella Barr, WGM

FROM YOUR EDITORS In this ever-changing world, May God’s unchanging love

Surround and Bless You Daily in Abundance from Above”

Helen Steiner Rice

JUNIOR PAST GRAND MATRON AND PATRON’S REPORT

Time has passed by very rapidly since our 99th Grand Chapter Session in Melfort, and we trust everyone had an enjoyable summer and fall. We wish to let the members of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan know that we have presented two additional cheques totaling $3,928.32 to Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon. These cheques represent the additional funds that were raised at our “Shining Stars ~ Guided By The Light” Session held in Melfort. As we reported in the June issue of the Star Gazer, $14,771.00 was presented to Tammy Forrester, Executive Director, at Grand Chapter making our total donation to Ronald McDonald House $18,699.32. The staff were ecstatic with the financial support and many boxes of other donations they received during the year. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the members of our jurisdiction for supporting this very worthwhile cause. The results far exceeded our dreams and expectations. A very special thank you to Sister May Barr, our Project Coordinator, for her assistance in tabulating and keeping a careful record of the donations.

May all the Peace, Faith, Joy, Hope and Love of the Christmas Season be with each of You.

Let us continue to “Remember our Obligation and

Stay in the Light”.

With Fraternal Love, Sister Wilma McKee, Junior PGM

Brother Bruce Lambert, Junior PGP

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MIZPAH #1, MOOSE JAW Submitted by Brother Lloyd Pethick PGP

Mizpah Chapter #1 had a great and successful year even due to a few uncontrollable mishaps. The Princess & Prince Tea was overwhelming, which saw many youngsters dressed in their gowns and even a couple of young Prince Charming’s came along with their parents, who indicated it as a wonderful event. Our Seniors Supper in November was a huge success as well, with many Seniors getting reacquainted and just visiting.

Princess and Prince Tea, October 17

Senior’s Supper, November 2

WM Sister Connie Pinnow’s last meeting will be on December 7 at 7:30 pm, when she will then hand over her gavel our new WM Sister Cheryle Svab and WP Brother Lloyd Pethick and their core of Officers. Be it noted that Mizpah Chapter will now be in recess for January & February beginning this January, 2016. Our next regular meeting in 2016 will be on March 21st. Also remember that our Most Famous Soup & Sandwich will take place on April 11th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. at the Masonic Temple.

From all the members of Mizpah Chapter, we wish Each and Every One of you a Very Merry Christmas

and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.

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ACACIA CHAPTER #3, BIGGAR OFFICIAL VISIT

Submitted by Sister Urla Tyler, PM Sister Bea Brown (below), received her 60-year membership pin in the Order of the Eastern Star from Worthy Grand Matron of Saskatchewan Idella Barr and Worthy Grand Patron Eric Rann.

Sister Bea Brown (centre) with WGM Idella and WGP Eric)

On June 16, WGP Eric Rann and WGM Idella Barr also enjoyed visits with Faith Weese and Alice Ellis. Sisters Faith and Alice were each presented with a “Prairie Light” pin.

l-r: WGP Eric Rann and Sister Faith Weese

l-r: WGM Idella Barr and Sister Alice Ellis

On June 16, Worthy Grand Matron Idella Barr and Worthy Grand Patron Eric Rann of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan attended the official visit of Acacia Chapter # 3 in Biggar. Over 60 Star members attended from chapters in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Estevan, Kindersley, Saskatoon, Govan, Lloydminster, Unity, Biggar, and Kitscoty, Alberta. Ten Grand family members were also in attendance. The business part of the meeting had Acacia approve the $500 Teale Scholarship Award to Gordon May for his future studies in welding; donation to Biggar Skating Club, community calendar, visitation to shut-in members and other provincial chapters. The Chapter donated to the WGM’s special project of Pediatric Cancer. Two offices were honoured by the WGM and WGP and each officer was presented with a gift. Members plan on attending the Last Meota Tea and fundraiser on July 25. Plans are underway for the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan in April 2016 in Saskatoon. The WGP Eric Rann spoke of their special project of Sask. Cancer Agency, Pediatric Cancer and their needs; the many scholarships available from the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan; the upcoming trips to the Star Exchange visit in Rolla, North Dakota and Peace Gardens; and the General Grand Chapter sessions in Pittsburgh via Washington, D.C. tour. The WGM Idella Barr message was, “Where Do We Go From Here!” and she thanked the Chapter for the

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welcome and all kindnesses shown her and the Grand Family. WGM Idella Barr and WGP Eric Rann, along with Worthy Matron Cheryl Rann and Worthy Patron Don Tokaryk, Associate Grand Matron Cannida Coventry visited the Biggar & District Health Centre care home and presented Bea Brown with her 60-year membership pin in the Order of the Eastern Star. They also enjoyed visits with Faith Weese and Alice Ellis (pictured previously). Everyone enjoyed a delicious cold plate supper and exchange of many greetings to wind up the evening.

REGINA CHAPTER #7

Submitted by Marianne Woods, PM and Sister Mary Ann Couse

October News: Regina No. 7 received two new candidates and one affiliation at our October 24th special meeting. Kate Hadley and Shirley Hill joined our Chapter, and we had the honour of having Marion Hutchinson affiliate with our Chapter as well.

Regina #7 Officers with new members Kate Hadley and Shirley Hill

November News: On Thursday November 5, we had the honour to have Sister Wendy Riffal, WM of Adah #16, Kamloops, B.C. attend our meeting. Sister Wendy is Sister Penny’s counterpart. Sister Penny and Sister Wendy met this past June on a motorcycle trip taken by Sister Penny and her husband Rex. Sister Wendy and several other Adah Chapter members met with Sister Penny and her husband Rex at Tim

Horton’s. We loved having Sister Wendy grace our Chapter!

l-r: Sisters Wendy Riffal and Penny Pedersen

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In June of 2015, Our WM Sister Penny Pedersen began to honour the Star Points in our Chapter.

Here are her words, honoring the Star Point of Adah:

The character Adah is not found in the Bible, in the scriptures she is known only as the daughter of Jephthah. Jephthah was the illegitimate son of an Israelite. He was expelled by his family and clan after his father died. In their jealousy they feared he might inherit some of the family property and wealth. While Jephthah was apart from his family he became a leader of great renown. When the Aminonites attacked the Israelites, his family went to him to convince him to come back to lead them in battle. Jephthah did so and became a mighty man in Israel.

As he prepared his armies for battle, he made a vow to God. If he were to gain victory whatever would come out of the door of his house when he returned would surely belong to the Lord and he would sacrifice it as a burnt offering. As we all know it was his daughter, Adah, who came bursting out of his house to meet him. Crushed and miserable, Jephthah told her of the vow he had made and that he could not break.

Many have concluded from this dialog that Jephthah did kill her and offer her to God as a burnt offering. However, this is unlikely, in view of the wider context of Scripture. The Old Testament displays absolute revulsion toward human sacrifice. Old Testament law introduces a principle in Exodus and illustrates it in Samuel and Luke that a person or thing dedicated to God might

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fulfil the vow by a lifetime of service as well as by the surrender of a life. Indications that this is what happened in the case of Adah are:

- the knowledge Jephthah had previously displayed of Old Testament history and law, as in his letter to the Ammonites, and the fact he was a Judge;

- every sacrifice to the Lord required that a priest officiate, and no Hebrew priest would offer a human sacrifice; and

- the reaction of Jephthah's daughter who went out with friends to lament not over her imminent death but because she would never marry.

All this leads to the conclusion that Jephthah did fulfill his vow by dedicating his daughter's life to the service of the Lord. While biblical text tells us little about Adah, it does tell us a great deal about her relationship with her father. Like other daughters in Israel, she lived under her father's authority. He had, and in this case he exercised, the right to make decisions that would set the direction of her entire life. The fact that this was not the direction she herself would have chosen is reflected in her response to her father's revelation:

“My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth.” And she asked that she might go among the mountains for two months and there prepare her mind for the solemn surrender she was about to face. Adah had looked forward to marrying and having a family of her own. Now this would be impossible.

Adah did not question her father's right to dedicate her life to the service of God. There could hardly be a more powerful example in Scripture of a father's right to exercise authority over the women in his household. Yet, the deep emotion displayed by Jephthah and Adah reveal that bonds of mutual love rather than legalities motivate members of loving families. They were both deeply aware of each other’s pain. Hopefully, they came to the place where they recognized God's hand in Adah's dedication to serve

the Lord, and in time Adah found fulfillment in her lifelong ministry of prayer. The story of Adah illustrates how another's decisions may impact our lives and our happiness. We may not always have control over what happens to us. When this happens, may we respond with a love and grace like that displayed by Adah.

PRINCE ALBERT CHAPTER #16 Submitted by Sister Dorothea Herron WM

Sister Vernetta Griffiths, a member of Mizpah Chapter # 1 celebrated her 100th Birthday on October 18. Sister Vernetta moved to Prince Albert some six years ago to live with her daughter when she became unable to live alone. She moved to Mont St. Joseph’s Care Home about one year ago.

Sister Vernetta Griffiths

Prince Albert Chapter # 16 was very happy to host an open meeting on 14 November. At that meeting at which some 41 people attended, including a number that were not members, they heard various facts about Eastern Star, in an attempt to dispel myth and mystery. These facts included answers to such questions as;

- *when, why and by whom was Eastern Star formed?

- *is the Order of Eastern Star a part of Masonry?

- *is Eastern Star a religion? - *what charities are supported by Eastern Star

and how is this funding raised? - *what secret signs are used and is it a cult?

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Following the meeting, members and guests retired to the dining room to partake in refreshments and fun and games. The Jeopardy game was led by Sister Alice Tataryn and WGM Idella Barr.

l-r: Sister Alice Tataryn and WGM Sister Idella Barr.

And having a ball in another game was Sister Mary Ann Couse, Sister Roxanne Peterson, and Sister Alice Bedford.

l-r: Sisters Mary Ann Couse (#7), Roxanne Peterson and

Alice Bedford

GOLDEN WEST CHAPTER #38, LANIGAN

Submitted by Brother Keith Bird, PGP Golden West #38 had a quiet quarter this time; Elections went well in November; Looking forward to a Chinese-food noon meal before Installation in

December. We are closed in January and February so next quarter will also be slim.

LLOYDMINSTER #76

Submitted by Sister Heather Sigmundson, PM

We celebrated our 88th Anniversary this year at our Prairie Light Tea and Bazaar. It was a lot of fun, as usual! Lots of fantastic people, great conversation, good items for our draws, and yummy baked goods. We even welcomed a surprise guest -- Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Eric Rann!! Thank you for joining us and congratulations on winning an auction item.

This year we had a special surprise! We had the honour of listening to Josh Sandercock of Lloydminster playing the Marimba Xylophone for us. Josh was the winner of our 2015 Blanche Squires Memorial Music Scholarship award at the

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Saskatchewan Music Festival, in percussion. Our guests enjoyed his presentation. Josh played us three amazing selections; Suite No. 1 Bach, Log Cabin Blues, and Flight of the Bumblebee. Josh has been invited to Saskatchewan Honour Band sessions, to be held in Regina. He has also been accepted into the University of Saskatchewan Band and, at the time of writing this, is waiting to hear back from his application for the National Band. At just 16, we wish Josh success in his future endeavours and we will be proud to hear of his accomplishments.

Josh Sandercock, Winner of our 2015 Blanche Squires

Memorial Scholarship Award Well, another year will be drawing to an end and a new one will begin. In November everyone was busy voting for new people to fill positions and December will find us installing all those new people! (Hopefully ) Our Chapter is again looking forward to some 'new blood' as Sister Betty Roberts has agreed to take the chair of Associate Conductress. It's nice to see and I'm sure some will enjoy a bit of a break from the cycle that tends to happen in the rural areas. Lloydminster Chapter #76 would like to say a big ‘Thank You’to current Worthy Matron, Glenda Campbell, for a fantastic year! I hope you can relax and enjoy this next year! We would also like to welcome Sister Colleen Hozack, Grand Conductress of Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan and WM Elect, who will take the Big Chair as our Worthy Matron for 2016. We will do our best to help you as you lead us this year and also continue as part of the Grand Chapter family!! To all Chapters in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Chapter #76 would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas with family and friends and an amazing New Year!!! Thank You all for being......as wonderful as you are!

QUEEN ALEXANDRA #84,

KINDERSLEY, HAS A BUSY FALL Submitted by Sister Sandra L. McIntyre PM

Successful fundraisers held After a two month summer recess, members were back to "work". Even though our September meeting was not until the 14th, several of the Sisters were hosting the monthly Birthday Tea at Heritage Manor where angel food cake and ice cream were served to the residents held Sept. 9th. Two weeks later, the Chapter was holding their annual Soup and Sandwich Luncheon which is held during Kindersley's annual Goose Festival Days. One hundred and twenty-three people signed the book and enjoy a lunch of homemade soup - hamburger, corn chowder or borscht - along with your choice of egg salad or ham-cheese sandwich and a tart for dessert. And for the first time there were no tarts or egg salad sandwiches left over only a few ham sandwiches and a couple of crock pots of soup. (In the past, there has always been a delivery made to one of the Group Homes to enjoy the leftovers.)

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And our Worthy Matron didn't have time to make and file her notes away for next year's event, when it was time to plan for our annual Fall Ham Supper and Silent Auction which was held Nov.8. And this year, it was a full house. Even though they had the hall set up for 80, they were setting more tables up to accommodate the "extra guests". One hundred and fourteen people signed the guest book, where ham, baked beans, hash brown casserole, salads, buns and homemade pie were enjoyed. Afterwards, people were invited into the Chapter room to check out the 20+ items that members donated for the Silent Auction. And - once again - our Worthy Matron's calculations were right on as there was not much leftovers for members to take home. Draping the Altar Our summer did not go by without hearing of a member who past to the Grand Chapter on High. On Aug. 14, Sister Ruth Cridland, PM passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Sister Ruth and her husband Bill were initiated at Eatonia Chapter #141 in 1962 and served as Worthy Matron and Patron in 1973. They took out their demits in December, 1975 prior to the amalgamation of Eatonia Chapter with Queen Alexandra in February, 1976. Retiring from farming and moving to Kindersley, they affiliated to Queen Alexandra in 1983. In 2012, due to health issues they moved to Moose Jaw to be closer to their family. Brother Bill passed away in January 2014. Season's Greetings By the time this goes to "press" and emailed out to chapters, we will have had the Installation of 2016 Officers. Our Chapter will be under the capable leadership of Sister Frances McManus PM and Brother Tom McManus PP for 2016. At this time, on behalf of Worthy Matron Sister Frances, Worthy Patron Brother Tom, Junior Worthy Matron Sister Margaret Shipley PM, Junior Worthy Patron Brother Dave Leapard PP and all the officers and members of Queen Alexandra #84, I wish our Worthy Grand Matron Sister Idella, Worthy Grand Patron Brother Eric, the Grand Family and the Subordinate Chapters a very Merry Christmas and all the Best in 2016.

CORINTHIAN CHAPTER #89, GOVAN Submitted by Sister Louise E. Ross, PM

The past three meetings of Corinthian Chapter #89 have changed from "Fun and Games" to meetings of deep sorrow. Our Worthy Matron JoAnn Scott-Hodgins, passed away October 22. We extend sincere sympathy to the members of her family. We will remember JoAnn for her strength, determination and her positive attitude. With the installation of new officers in December for 2016, we look forward to a happier year.

YORKTON #92

Submitted by Sister Gladys Lehtisaari, PM

In June, the Chapter was honoured with the Official Visit of the WGM Sister Idella Barr, WGP Brother Eric Rann, several Grand Chapter Officers, and many other guests. The required waiver from Ruth Chapter No. 15, Minnedosa, MB for Lorraine and Joseph Poitras was received, and with the favourable report of the Investigating Committee we proceed with the balloting on these two Petitions for Membership into our Order. The Ballot being clear, we proceeded to make arrangements for their Initiation in August. Brother Wayne Stephens reported $540.00 was raised on the Stanley Cup Pool draw, and Brother Earl Greiner report on the Masonic Family BBQ being postponed to July 8. Sister Gladys Lehtisaari, WM presented Sister Idella Barr WGM and Brother Eric Rann WGP with an Honorary Membership in the Chapter, and a donation towards their fundraising Project. Sister Idella, WGM, presented Sister Velma Fuchs with an OES Membership Certificate. Birthday members: Sisters Georgina Bromley, Jean McKen, Maxine Greiner, and Brother Don Beaton were honoured. After the meeting, we enjoyed supper at Nanos Restaurant. July is our recess month. After a recess in July, the Chapter met in August 22, 2015, and with the assistance of some members of Hiawatha Chapter, conferred the Degrees of the Order on now Sister Lorraine and Brother Joseph Poitras. The Chapter was again honoured by the presence of Sister Idella Barr WGM, Sister Bev Otsuka GGCC &

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Grand Lecturer, several Past Matrons and Past Patrons, and many other guests. The Altar was draped in memory of Brother Allan Inglis PGP, and Brother Jack Pinnow PGP. Birthday members Sisters Elaine Parr, Cathy Toth, and Brother Samuel Carey were honoured. After the meeting, a delicious Pot Luck Supper was enjoyed by all in the lower hall, with the theme “An OES Picnic” planned by the Ways & Means Committee. In September, the Chapter hosted a Ritualistic Review for the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, with facilities and lunch. Sister Bev Otsuka GGCCM, Grand Lecturer with assistance from Sister Idella Barr WGM, shared important information and exemplified OES Ritual work with about 25 members from several chapters in the South East part of the province. With regrets we accepted a letter of Leave of Absence for the next two years from Brother David Polachek, Secretary. We wish him all the best in his endeavours in his duties as the upcoming Worshipful Grand Master of Saskatchewan, and thanked him for the wonderful service he has given to our Chapter. Sister Gladys Lehtisaari WM, reported that she sent highlights of our meetings from February to May to the Star Gazer Newsletter. Sister Gladys Lehtisaari WM, presented Sister Lorraine Poitras and Brother Joseph Poitras with the New Member Booklet and appointed Sister Maxine Greiner and Brother Earl Greiner as their Mentor, respectively. As part of our education, the Worthy Matron read her duties from the Ritual. Brother Wayne Stephen reported on the upgrade of the Lodge building. Sister Gladys WM thanked sisters Maxine Greiner, Lillian Parker, Ruby Lee, and Velma Fuchs for providing the lunch after Ritualistic Review, and Brother David Polachek for setting up the chapter. Birthday member sister Diane Carey was honoured. Lunch was provided by sisters Cathy Toth and Gladys Lehtisaari. Next month, each member will bring their own lunch in a brown paper bag with their name at the bottom. In October, the members enjoyed an Old Fashion Brown Bag Lunch and social before the meeting. Each bag had a number, the members were given a number at random and they were to pick up the corresponding bag number they were given. Lots of fun and surprises! Members of the chapter who are Grand Representatives agreed to review the list of flags

required by Grand Chapter and if their counterpart was from that region, contact them and see if they could supply a flag of their country. Brother Wayne Stephens reported that 70% of Grey Cup tickets were sold. A motion was made by Brother Earl and Sister Maxine Greiner that we buy two tables with the revenue of Penny March. Carried. The Altar was draped in memory of sister Mary Livesley PGM and Sister Barbara Cyr, who have passed away to the Grand Chapter on High. As part of our education, the duties of the Associate Matron and Associate Patron were read. Brother Dave Birchard WP, shared highlights of his visit to four chapters, Awards Meeting, and Grand Chapter Conference on Membership in British Columbia. Ideas with regards to reactivating inactive members, attracting new members and improving the public visibility of Eastern Star were shared. Brother Dave Birchard WP, was congratulated on his becoming a member of the Rob Morrison Society. Birthday members Sisters Gladys Lehtisaari, Leona Birchard, Erna Hutchings, Lorraine Poitras, and Brother Joseph Poitras were honoured. In November, a wreath was presented by Sister Patsy and Brother David Polachek, on behalf of the chapter, at the Remembrance Day in Yorkton. Sister Maxine Greiner and Brother David Polachek will update the history of the Chapter for the WGM Centennial Book. The Survey on Ritualistic Review from Sister Bev Otsuka GGCCM, Gr. Lecturer was discussed at the meeting and properly filled with the answers from the members. This will be sent back to her for her perusal. We received an invitation for Christmas Dinner from the Yorkton Masonic Lodge. As previously discussed, two folding tables were purchased to replace the older ones at the hall. Three members are in arrears. Sister Patsy Polachek of the Membership Committee reported that she attended a meeting where there was discussion as to perhaps wear a blazer with the OES logo to identify us as a member. She indicated another meeting was on the agenda for the committee, and will bring us up to date at our December meeting. At the lunch held prior to the meeting, a candle lighting to remember those who served and in some cases perished during the various wars raised $19.00, to be donated to the Legion Poppy Fund. The Election of Officers for 2016 also took place, with most of the Officers succeeding

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themselves, to give time to the new members to feel more comfortable with the performance of more responsible office duties. Lunch was provided by Sisters Karen Wilson and Patsy Polachek. Installation is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2015, at 2:00 pm, preceded by a Christmas celebration and gift exchange. Lunch finger food and Christmas baking will be provided by all members. Birthday members Angela Oleskiw, Kathy Gordon, Elaine Low, and Brother Earl Greiner were honoured.

ACCESSION CHAPTER #96, MELFORT

Submitted by Sister Shirley Metcalfe, WM I can't believe that 2015 is drawing to a close and that my term as WM is nearly over. It has been a great experience. Since we resumed in August, after having the month of July off, we have been fairly busy. Our Annual Tea, Bake Sale and ‘New to you table’ was held September 19. Our theme this year was back to the 50’s. Sister Gillian did a wonderful job of convening the day. We had some very special occasions: Sister May Mann turned 90, Sister Joyce Hurd was 100 and Ted and Betty Morton celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. All had big parties which were well attended by Star members as well as lots of family and friends. Congratulations to all of you. Our official visit was in October. Sister Idella Barr, WGM and Eric Rann, WGP, and our WM and WP and Sister Kathy visited our members in the nursing home. We had a delicious pot luck supper followed by our meeting. After the meeting and refreshments, many door prizes were given away. I think it was a great success. Also in October was our 50 year member tea. Nine members and guests were in attendance. It is sad to report the passing of two of our members, Brother Rosco Long and Sister Margaret Groat. I wish to extend sympathy to both families. Sister Barb laid the usual wreath from Eastern Star and Sister Wanda laid a wreath in memory of Brother Rosco on Remembrance Day. I think this sums up the last six months.

“Merry Christmas to All” See You down the "Star” Trail

POP TABS REPORT Submitted by Sister Llynne Lambert, PGM

Delivery of tabs to Sister Donna Sanders, PGM and Pop Can Tab Convenor On Friday. November 13, over 23 pounds of tabs were delivered to Sister Donna. These tabs have been collected by our many OES members and friends over the past three years as an ongoing project of the WGM’s. The money raised from these tabs will be used towards the purchase of wheelchairs and pumps for diabetic patients. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to tear off these little tabs and collect them to continue in the support this project.

Sister Donna Sanders, GGCM on Credentials, PGM and

Grand Trustee with the Pop Can Tabs! CHAPTER CORRESPONDENTS Mizpah #1, Moose Jaw-Lloyd Pethick, PGP North Battleford #2 Acacia #3, Biggar-Urla Tyler, PM Saskatoon #4-Bev Otsuka, GGCM, PGM Regina #7-Marianne Woods, PM Assiniboia #8-Joyce Noble, PM Kitchener #15, Estevan-Ann Harrison, PM Prince Albert #16-Dorothea Herron, WM Queen Esther #31, Unity-Fay Halstead, PM Golden West #38, Lanigan-Keith Bird, PGP Hiawatha #47, Kamsack-Susan Bear, PM Lloydminster #76-Heather Sigmundson, PM

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Queen Alexandra #84-Sandra McIntyre, PM Corinthian #89, Govan-Louise E. Ross, PM Yorkton #92-Gladys Lehtisaari, PM Accession #96, Melfort-Shirley Metcalfe, WM Regal #132, Saskatoon Thanks for the articles and pictures. Members, please contact your Chapter Correspondent with news. A couple of Chapters have not yet reported the name of their Correspondent. We look forward to receiving names ASAP. 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, and December 15, 2015 and March 15, 2016 Please note deadlines for upcoming submissions: March 1, 2016 CO-EDITORS: Marianne Woods, PM marianne@osac.ca Jean Thibeault, PM jams@accesscomm.ca Hello Sisters and Brothers: We wish to thank all

of the correspondents for contributing to the December Star Gazer! A Blessed Christmas and

a Happy and Healthy New Year! Star Love, Marianne & Jean