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FROM THE EDITORS

September Helen Hunt Jackson

The golden-rod is yellow; The corn is turning brown; The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down. The gentian's bluest fringes are curling in the sun;

In dusty pods the milkweed, its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest, in every meadow nook;

And asters by the brook side make asters in the brook.

From dewy lanes at morning the grapes' sweet odors rise;

At Noon the roads all flutter with yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens September days are here

With summer's best of weather, and autumn's best of cheer. But none of all this beauty

which floods the earth and air Is unto me the secret which makes September fair.

Tis a thing which I remember; to name it thrills me yet:

One day of one September I never can forget.

Star Love, Marianne and Jean

FROM THE GRAND EAST Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM

A Beautiful Summer

This summer found us traveling the entire province. I have met beautiful people and have seen the true beauty of Saskatchewan. The "welcomes" have been warm and the hospitality gracious. Most chapters share our visiting photos both in the Star Gazer and on our website. I would like to share some "unique" shots that truly define why representing Saskatchewan means so much to me. I look forward to seeing you at our Official Visit/Homecoming weekend October 13 & 14. We have many activities planned to make this truly memorable for all. As school gets back into session and cooler days return, I wish you Fall blessings for Bless be the Ties that Bind.

Sister Donna Sanders, PGM & GGCCM, created beautiful

emblems at Regina #7’s Official Visit

The Star Gazer

Year 4, Volume 2 Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, Order of the Eastern Star September 2017

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Enjoyed the Peace Gardens

Colleen Hozack, Marjorie Orr and Jean Donnally

Beautiful sunflowers

Colleen Hozack, Grace Hill and Cheryl Rann

with Saskatchewan wheat

AREA MEETING, ASSINBIOIA #8 Sister Mary Ann Couse, PM, Reporter, #1, #7

We had a wonderful turn out to the second Area Meeting held in Assiniboia on July 9, 2017. The weather was hot and sunny, but the heat did not deter from the many smiles of 31 members in attendance. Friendships were reunited with just a bit of Star education included. Thanks goes out to Assiniboia #8 for hosting this great meeting.

MIZPAH #1

Brother Lloyd Pethick, PGP - Reporter

Mizpah Chapter #1 welcomed two new members, Brittany Quennell & Joel Newman into our Order. They were initiated at our Official Visit on July 17th. We have two more waiting to join but getting time from work is a bit of an issue at this point. The Official Visit of WGM Sister Colleen Hozack and WGP Brother Bruce Farrer was very well attended.

Official Visit, Mizpeh #1

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Our monthly luncheons have been very well attended and are scheduled on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am. Thanks to PM Sister Cheryle for organizing and changing up the locations.

The Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan Dog Guide Dance Fundraiser was held on Saturday September 16, 2017 at Church of Lady Hall. A report will be provided in the December issue of the Star Gazer. The Wheel of Fortune fundraiser is going well and the draw for the 100 scratch tickets will be done at our Trade Fair on Saturday September 30th. The Annual Trade Fair is set for September 30th from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm at the Masonic Temple. Thinking of Christmas? Then come and see what our 25 vendors have to sell. Lunch will be served. Our Chapter has been saddened by the passing of PGM Sister Connie Pinnow, PM, Sister Dorothy Hill and PM Sister Bernice Fox. These dedicated members will be greatly missed. Mizpah members’ Christmas Supper will be held on November 6th at the Masonic Temple, with our Election of Officers for the coming year to take place at our regular meeting on November 20th. The last regular meeting with WM Sister Mary Ann Couse & WP Brother Ray Moffatt will be held on Monday December 4th at 2:00 pm. The Installation of the New Officers with Sister Lynann Pethick as WM and Brother Lloyd Pethick as WP, will take place immediately after the regular meeting.

Autumn Stars…

Autumn is underway in the Northern Hemisphere, and if you are an avid sky gazer or star gazer, you just might have noticed signs of the season's change. Many of the striking star groups and our beautiful Milky Way galaxy, which make for great stargazing on balmy summer evenings, are still visible. But the appearance now of the more brilliant star ascending above the northeast horizon in the evening hours is a promise of the chillier night to come. And indeed, in just another few weeks the Constellation of Orion and his neighbours will be dominating the evening skies, reminding us of the approaching winter season. Though they look serene and silent from our vantage on Earth, stars are actually rolling balls of violent plasma.

So Watch the Sky “Star” Trail

NORTH BATTLEFORD #2

Sister Iris Thompson, PM - Reporter In June, Sister Shelley and Sister Sylvia Mikkelson drove to Oregon to visit Shelley’s Grand Representative Counterpart. They had a wonderful time and were treated royally. They were told the welcome mat is always out for them. Sister Idella Barr PGM has been in contact with her Grand Representative counterpart Sister Cheryl Creek in Tennessee, they have exchanged several emails. Idella was pleasantly surprised to see an article she had submitted to the summer edition of the Eastern Star Journal. Sister Idella plans are to visit her counterpart later on. On July 11, members of our Chapter went to Jack & Lyn’s cottage at Delorme's Beach to help Jack celebrate his 90th birthday. We enjoyed lots of visiting and a delicious meal. It was a beautiful day the lake was like glass and the sunset was awesome!

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Lyn and Jack Smith

Also in July, Sister Leola Macdonald sold her condominium and moved into Harwood Manor. She has settled in nicely. She is enjoying the activities and the outings. On July 15, Eastern Star members and friends helped Walter Ard celebrate his 103rd birthday at the Battlefords’ District Care Centre. Walter as always was dressed to the nines! Linda and Walter also celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary that day a bit ahead of the actual date. Linda had a cake for both the occasions. That evening, Linda held a family supper at the Do Drop In in Meota.

Brother Walter and Sister Linda Ard

Brother Roy Wilson and Sister Wilda O’Brien both celebrated their 88th birthday in July.

Sister. Dorothy Elliott celebrated her 90th birthday in August at Harwood Manor with a Come-and Go Tea put on by her family. The Great Room at Harwood Manor was full to capacity with family and friends. It seemed all of the Sunningdale community had come to join in the birthday celebrations. Birthday greeting and best wishes go out to each of you! Several of our members attended Moose Jaw’s Official Visit. Our members found the proving of the Chapter interesting and very efficient. Sister Idella Barr PGM attended the Manitoba and Alberta Grand Chapters. Idella also attended the MWGM’s Pilgrimage to the Peace Gardens, the second weekend of August. “Despite the lack of rain over the summer necessitating hand watering, the flowers and the grounds looked as beautiful as ever. Most noticeable was the Four Towers missing when you looked to the western horizon. The Towers have been demolished and plans for a new structure are in the works. As always, the Peace Garden Pilgrimage is a great time of fellowship.” Brother Walter Ard passed away a few weeks after his 103rd birthday and just before Linda and Walter’s 40th Anniversary date. Our sympathy goes out to Linda and their relatives Sister Idella Barr’s father passed away and sympathy goes out to Sister Idella and her family. Idella sent this message to me so I sent this copy. “I would also like to thank all my Stars Sisters and Brothers for all the cards, condolences, phone calls and emails I received after my father died. Your support and kind words were very much appreciated. Thank You.”  

Our Official Visit was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 and will be reported on in the December issue of the Star Gazer  

The Area Meeting is Saturday, September 23rd at North Battleford Chapter #2, at 2:00 pm. Soup and sandwiches - Noonish.

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Sunset and Skyline

Have you ever seen a Sunset In our great Mid-Central Belt, In the wake of a wheat twister,

When chain lightning seemed to melt All the earth and sky above it, Till frail mortals fearful knelt? Till the wind and storm abated; Fled the clouds in wild dismay;

And the sun in all his glory Climaxed an eventful day,

And in crimson hues and golden, Said “Good Night” and slipt away.

By Cameron Ross McIntosh

REGINA CHAPTER #7

Sister Jo Anne Knobbe, WM – Reporter It was a hot time in the old town this summer! June for Regina #7 brought with it a gathering of several people who live at College Park Retirement Residence and who have Eastern Star heritage. About half of those attending were our members, the others used to be members of a variety of Chapters from the Maritimes to Saskatchewan. We were delighted to have the Worthy Grand Patron and his special page attend, since they were going to be unable to attend our Official Visit in August. Brother Bruce presented our Sister Margaret Cobb with her 70 year certificate as a member of Star. Sister Margaret’s family also attended. We heard stories from all those present of what Star has meant to them over the years. We enjoyed delicious goodies as well as tea and coffee supplied by College Park.

Sister Margaret Cobb on the occasion of being presented

with her 70 year certificate

July became a bit busier with the Area Meeting in Assiniboia #8 on July 8 and the Official Visit at Mizpah #1 on July 17. In preparation for our own Official Visit in August, we planned two practices in July. The first was cancelled because it conflicted with the Area Meeting but that was okay, as we still had one left. A good number of our members showed up for the second practice only to find that new carpet was being installed in the Masonic Temple and all the furniture and “things” that were moved out of the way were stored in the middle of the blue room and the red room. It was an interesting practice. We were able to do the oral work and talk about movement around the room, but couldn’t get at the floor work. August 3rd, the day of the Official Visit was busy, as many people were at the Temple to help set up for the evening while the books were being examined in the morning. Worthy Matron Jo Anne and Associate Matron Donna took the Worthy Grand Matron out for lunch. In the afternoon, Worthy Patron Dave took the Worthy Grand Matron and Associate Grand Matron to visit eight of our members at three different venues.

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Sisters Margaret Cobb, Colleen Hozack, Amber MacLeod,

Fern Robb and Angie Oleskiw

Sisters Eileen Moffatt, Colleen Hozack

and Brother Cecil Moffatt

Sisters Angie Oleskiw, Evelynn Colhoun and

Colleen Hozack

The day was topped off with a Banquet and a very good Official Visit. Congratulations to all the officers for the wonderful work they did – more or less without a practice. Sister Donna Sanders presented the Worthy Grand Matron with a replica of her year – a giant version of Sister Colleen’s cook book.

Sister Donna Sanders, WGM, GGCCM and

Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM

Inscription on the inside of Colleen’s cookbook

Great fun was enjoyed, as the members all helped provide the Worthy Grand Matron with the ingredients and instructions she would need to make a cake big enough to feed everyone.

Sisters Colleen Hozack, WGM, Jo Anne Knobbe, WM and

Brother Sid Barley, PP

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Sister Rosemary Barley, PM and Brother Ben Nichols, PP

ASSINIBOIA #8

Sister Cheri Cowan, PM – Reporter

Our own Sister Llynne Lambert, PGM and Brother Leroy Layman, PP have served with enthusiasm during their 2017 “Country Stars” year in the East. According to Sister Llynne, the time has certainly “galloped away”, but they have thoroughly enjoyed their first six months “in the saddle.” Our regular “meet’ns” are on the third Saturday of each month with a break during the “cold spell.” A delicious 12 noon lunch and themed social time begin our “victuals”, with the stated meeting following at 1:30 pm. We extend an invitation to all members and non-members to join us for the noon “vittals and visit,” even if you are unable to stay for the “meet’n.” Assiniboia Chapter has been busy since the last publication of the Star Gazer. Together as members, we have reviewed and practiced a different aspect of our teachings at each meeting and have enjoyed a sense of accomplishment as we performed our work well. We have “rounded up” donations to CHAMPS, Dog Guides of Canada, Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, Camp Easter Seal, and KidSport; our own WGM and WGP’s special project. Once again, we “roped in” Scholarship and music award winners in the south. Our Chapter members “mosied over” to our annual Birthday Party Festivity at the Ross-Payant Nursing Home, and our Annual BBQ &

Dessert Party was a “hoedown” of epic proportion. Our OFFICIAL VISIT was FRIDAY, AUGUST 18. To celebrate, a delicious BBQ Pork “Country Luncheon” was held at noon at the 55 Club in Assiniboia. We were thrilled to welcome our Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, and their Grand Family to our Chapter. With the emphasis; this year, on KidSport, it was wonderful to present the WGM and WGM with these beautifully crafted children’s’ rocking chairs. Thank you to all who made our “Official Shindig” an excellent measure of generosity, dedication, and fraternal love.

Barbeque & Dessert Party: Sister Marie PM,

Brother Sam Costain PP and Eleanor Hobbs PM

Colleen Hozack, WGM and Bruce Farrer, WGP

with the rocking chairs for children

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40-year members Sisters Llynne Lambert PGM and

Donalda Noble PM with WGM Colleen and WGP Bruce

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

Sister Alretta Walsh, PM celebrated her 80th birthday on August 7. she is shown here with Sister Wilma McKee, PGM.

In cooperation with the other Masonic bodies - Kinistino Lodge #1, Royal Arch Masons, and Prince Albert Shrine Club, this float participated in the summer fairs in our part of the province. Shown on the next page and representing the Order of the Eastern Star is Sister Effie Cook, PM, and representing the Shrine Club is Brother Bill McKay, PGP.

In June, #16 Past Matron's / Alma Circle acknowledged the upcoming summer break when we went out for supper; we had a very pleasant evening. Shown here are Sisters June Sanderson and Cora Gavel. PM.

We celebrated some noted birthdays over the summer. Sister Cora Gavel celebrated her 93rd on July 21. Sister Margaret Sinclair celebrated her 103rd birthday on July 20

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Sister Alice Tataryn celebrated her 85th birthday on August 23

We would like to send to these three wonderful Star Sisters our very best wishes. Another notable birthday in our chapter. Sister Margaret Dowling (shown here with husband Bill) also celebrated her 80th birthday.

LLOYDMINSTER #76

Sister Marlene Jackson, Reporter

Lloydminster turns 90!

We celebrated our 90th birthday with a traditional Victorian Tea on the afternoon of May 13. The

menu consisted of tea sandwiches, fruit, dainties and of course a birthday cake. The Lloydminster Cultural Centre was a fitting place to celebrate our history. Guests reminisced through our history books, visited and caught up on the “old days”. We were honored with the Attendance of June Campbell (72-year member) and Billielu King (68-year member). A good time was had by all.

Our 90th Birthday Tea!

Two Countries, one Star

At the end of June, our Sister Jean West relocated to Scotland, her home country. She has been a member of our chapter, community and especially our hearts for over 30 years. She has participated in many programs, both with Eastern Star and various clubs in the community. We know her Star will shine, and we wish her this blessing:

These things I warmly wish for you,

Someone to Love, Some work to do,

A bit o’ sun, A bit o’ cheer,

And a guardian angel always near.

Lloydminster celebrated Canada’s 150 years with a float in the Lloydminster Colonial Days parade July 12. We looked forward to the fellowship of building it, the pride in riding on it and the future it symbolizes for our Chapter. We have many great things happening within our walls, our town and our hearts. Come see what Lloydminster #76 is doing!!!

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Lloydminster Chapter #76 congratulates Sister Colleen Hozack, WGM

“The Ties that Bind” Session is now in full swing. It has been a long and adventurous journey. Sister Colleen has worked very hard and no detail has been overlooked. Her heart is full of Star love and we support her every step of the way. We are extremely proud of her and look forward to her reign as our Worthy Grand Matron. We also celebrate our newest members to the Grand Family: Sister Barbara Hoffman, Associate Grand Conductress, Sister Grace Hill, Grand Ruth, Sister Gwen Swift, Grand Esther and Special Page to WGM, Kim McMinnis, pictured below with other members of Lloydminster Chapter #76.

Please note: the Homecoming Invitation for the WGM and WGP will be placed at the end of the September newsletter.

QUEEN ALEXANDRA #84, KINDERSLEY

Sister Sandra L. McIntyre, PM - Reporter

Honouring Sister Anne At the June 5 meeting under the Good of the Order, Worthy Matron Margaret Shipley recognized and honoured Sister Anne Bruce PGM, 25 Year Pioneer Worthy Grand Matron.

Sister Beryl Near PM, who served as Grand Chaplain in 1991-92, read the tribute that Brother Bob Morrison PGP (a Grand Trustee in 1991-92) wrote. Afterwards, Sister Beryl shared her memories of the Official Visits and events she was able to attend in 1991. Worthy Matron Sister Margaret presented Sister Anne with an orchid -- a gift from the Chapter in honour of her 25th Year. She thanked the Worthy Matron and the Chapter for the gift. Sister Lois McIntyre PM, who served as Grand Warder in 1991-92, was escorted to the East and presented with a Gerber daisy by the Worthy Matron, recognizing her for the support that she not only gave to Sister Anne but to Brother Gordon who served as Sister Anne’s Worthy Grand Patron. Sister Anne and Sister Lois wore their official gowns to the meeting and the Worthy Matron chose one of Sister Anne's songs -- "For the Beauty of the Earth" as the Opening Ode and the Closing Ode, “All The Way My Saviour Leads Me”, was one of Brother Gordon’s songs.

Brother Gordon McIntyre, Worthy Grand Patron and Sister

Anne Bruce, Worthy Grand Matron (taken at their Installation on May 1st held at the Holiday Inn, Saskatoon.)

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Sister Anne Bruce, PGM with two of her 1991-92 Officers:

Sister Lois McIntyre, PM, Grand Warder and Sister Beryl Near, PM, Grand Chaplain.

(Taken on June 5, 2017)

Upcoming Fall Events On September 21, Queen Alexandra will be hosting their Fall Soup and Sandwich Luncheon in conjunction with Kindersley's annual Goose Festival Days. Monday, October 2, will be our Official Visit. A banquet will be held at 6 pm at the hall. Cost is $25.00 (roast beef catered meal). Please RSVP before Sept. 25 to Sister Sandra at 306-463-6761 or email at slmcintyre25@gmail.com. (Please note: Our Chapter is in the process of changing our stated meeting time from 8:00 pm to 7:30 pm; therefore, if you wish to attend, please get in touch with Sister Sandra for the correct time).

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

Summer is winding down and fall is in the air once again. At the end of June, Accession Chapter was pleased to present a Scholarship to Conner Zenner after completing grade 12. Conner is Sister Kathy MacGillivray's grandson and will be studying heavy duty mechanics at Polytechnic in Saskatoon this fall, Congratulations Conner!

Over the summer, some of our members attended Official Visits when possible. On the Saturday of the August long weekend, family, friends, and Accession Chapter members gathered for a Surprise 80th Birthday Party Tea for Sister Alretta Walsh. All the Best Wishes to you Alretta! In August, Accession Chapter does Meals on Wheels, thanks to Sisters Jean and Kathy for taking on this worthwhile Project. On Tuesday, August 22nd, we had our Official Visit, Dinner and Meeting, and were honoured to have WGM Colleen Hozack and WGP Bruce Farrer, along with sisters and brothers from other Chapters in attendance. We Heartily Welcomed Ingred Conway, who was initiated at our Meeting.

Sister Shelley, WM, new member Ingred Conway and

Brother Bert, WP

Accession Officers with WGM Sister Colleen and WGP

Brother Bruce

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WGM Colleen and WGP Bruce along with Sister Shelley, WM visited our Shut-In Members -Sisters Inez McLean and Joyce Hurd. Lots of good memories were shared. Sister Inez was presented with an Honorary Life Membership, a very deserving and dedicated Sister since 1945. She is pictured below with WGM Colleen and WGP Bruce.

Congratulations to Sister Rhonda Edworthy who won our 50/50 Draw of $432.50! The other $432.50 was divided evenly between Sister Shelley's Special Project and the WGM’s Special Project, both being KidSport. Sister Rhonda generously donated $100.00 of her winnings to the WGM’s Project as well. Looking ahead to Saturday September 23rd, we will be hosting our "Sporty Tea " at the C.E. Center of the United Church. Hope to see some of you there! We have a $100.00 Door Prize from Rola’s Fashion Wear.

Today's Thought

Someone asked me what is your religion? I said All the paths that lead to the Light.

REGAL #132, SASKATOON Sister Thea Howe, PGM - Reporter

Sister Angela Bothner, PM, was installed as Supreme Treasurer at the Supreme Session of Job's Daughters International this summer in Philadelphia. Sister Angela is a Past Honoured Queen, Past Bethel Guardian and recipient of the Degree of Royal Purple. (In the OES world, this would be like being installed as a General Grand Chapter Officer). She will attend Supreme Session in Salt Lake City next summer. We are extremely proud of Sister Angela and her continued involvement with Job's Daughters!!

Sister Angela Bothner, PM, Regal #132, Saskatoon and Hiawatha #47, Kamsack

At the Official Visit of Regal Chapter #132 on September 11th, we initiated Scott Gillespie. On Saturday, September 16th, Brother Scott will attend the Official Visit of Helen Chapter No. 91 in Brooks, Alberta, where his mother is Worthy Matron. He will be the "candidate" for exemplification of the Initiation Ceremony, making him the fifth generation to traverse the Chapter Room We welcome Brother Scott to our Chapter!! He is pictured on the next page with Sister Stacy Hoskins, WM and Brother Kevin Pizzey, WP of Regal #132, Saskatoon.

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l-r: Stacy Hoskins, WM, Scott Gillespie our new member,

and Kevin Pizzey, WP

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, WM Assiniboia #8-Cheri Cowan, PM Kitchener #15, Estevan-Ann Harrison, 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: December 1, 2017 and March 1, 2018. CO-EDITORS:

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