November 2017 Page 1

FEZ SEZ

Al Azhar Shriners, 5225 – 101 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T3L1S4 Phone: 403-239-0030 Fax: 403-239-4334 Email: office@al-azhar.ab.ca Website: www.al-azhar.ab.ca

Potentate’s Message

Oct 25 joined by Bob Graham and Richard Sigurdson, we made a 2-day drive to Las Vegas to attend the Shriners Hospital for Children Open. What a great event it was – starting with a Volunteer Supper on Oct 29 – Fund Raising Lunch on Oct 31. Wendy joined us on Nov 1 and worked at Hospitality for the 18 Hole Suites, while Charlie & Bob drove PGA Radio Commentators around the course. I was taken off my usual job and drove for Charlie on the last day of the tournament. This allowed me to get up close to see the exciting finish - a 3-way tie for first that ended on the 3rd extra Hole. Thank You to all those Nobles and Ladies that joined us for this Great Shrine Event. November 11 had us back at Al Azhar for our Annual Remembrance Day Ceremony, an event well presented by the Legion of Honor and with great attendance for all the Al Azhar Units – Daughters of the Nile – DeMolay and Job’s Daughters as well as other Masonic Bodies. A presentation that makes us all remember and appreciate the sacrifices make by our fallen brethren. Nov 15 joined by most of the Divan and Ladies, with some winter, we ventured North to install the Officers for the Red Deer Shrine Club – we all had a nice visit and I extend our thanks for your Hospitality. Nov 18 was the Joint Installation hosted at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre with close to 100 Nobles and Ladies where we installed a total of 8 Units. Thank You to all the Units who participated, as this greatly shortened the number of events that your Divan must attend at this time of the year travelling in winter conditions. Nov 22 and for the first time in several years, travelling on good roads and mild conditions, we attend the Foothills Shrine Club Installation and Xmas Party at the High River Golf Club. Another fantastic Prime Rib Dinner and thanks to the Divan who helped with this Installation. Nov 23 at our Stated Business Meeting, the Nobles approved our Future Plans for a Building Reserve Fund as well as the start of Building Improvements to help us Increase Income from Rentals and Catering. We also displayed the proposed renovation color samples for all to look at and help keep us informed about the changes that will be happening in 2018. As this was our last Stated Business Meeting for 2017, I would like to thank the Tin Lizzie Corps for their pre-meeting Dinners for the entire year. Job well done. Nov 24 had us in Airdrie for the Wild Rose Xmas Party, where we enjoyed a Turkey Dinner with all the Trimmings – another visit with friends and thank you Alan Long for your hospitality.

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Nov 25 the Vintage Car Unit held their Xmas Party with Silent Auction at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre – Thank You for donating the proceeds to Building Reserve Fund Account. We appreciated your donations to the Transportation Fund as well as the Montreal Hospital – Keep up the Good Work. On Dec 1, we attended the Provost Corps Xmas Party hosted by PP Rick Nixon. Your hospitality was appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks also to the Divan Members who joined CR Ernie Hilland in Medicine Hat for their Installation and Xmas Party that same Night. The Patrol hosted The Annual Kids Christmas Party at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre on Dec 3 to a SOLD-OUT crowd of Nobles – Ladies – Children – Parents – Grand Parents and Friends. Entertained by Miss Molly and later by Santa all had a Merry Time. We thank your Unit for Hosting this event and look forward the continuing it for many years to come.

That evening we travelled to Bassano and my last installation of the year for The Big Country Shrine Club. Thank you for the Flowers that Lady Wendy received and your hospitality. PS: The Turkey Dinner was pretty good too.

With us leaving for our home in Mexico Dec 5, this was the last event for Wendy. It did not sink in

until we were driving home, that our Year was all most over and the last 5 Year on the Divan are coming to an end.

We have had such a great and wonderful trip, meeting so many friends both here at home and

throughout the Pacific North West. Time does go so quickly, but the memories will last forever, Thank You All for supporting us

through it all. I hope my work on the Divan and as Your Potentate will be remembered as “A Job Well Done.“ I will see you all Jan 20 for our AGM in Calgary. Wishing You All the Best for 2018 Karl Fraser Potentate 2017

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RECORDER’S RAMBLINGS

Nobles:

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family. It truly is a season of celebration and joy.

The start of 2018 will be busy with the Potentate’s Weekend on February 2nd and 3rd, various other Shrine Installations and of course Winter PNSA in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, February 15th to 18th. The Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday, January 20th, 2018 and the details are posted later in this issue of the Fez Sez. The Importance of this meeting cannot be stressed enough with the election of the Divan for 2018, the election of members to the Board of Trustees and the approval of the 2018 budget just to name a few. Please make an effort to attend as your individual attendance and support would be greatly appreciated. The chronic problem of declining membership is still evident as reflected by the Al Azhar membership numbers. We must work together to encourage our brethren in Freemasonry to join the world’s greatest philanthropy and only we as Shriners can bring in active new members to our fraternity.

On a positive note, 2018 is shaping up to be a very interesting and productive year. See you at the Annual General Meeting.

Yours in the Faith Andy Pokolinski Appointed Recorder

NOBLES PLEASE NOTE!! You will need to present your 2018 Al Azhar Dues card to attend the Annual General Meeting on Saturday January 20th. If you have not already done so please contact the office to provide payment so your sticker for 2018 can be mailed to you prior to the meeting. Staff will also be available the morning of the meeting to take dues payments.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE Shrine Centre advertising

for printing in our newsletters. Cost is as follows:

Business Card - $40.00 1/4 Page - $60.00 1/2 Page - $100.00 Full Page - $200.00

Articles are to be sent by e-mail to: office@al-azhar.ab.ca,

or sent in on a disk to our mailing address. For more information call the

Shrine Centre at (403) 239-0030

Your 2017 Divan Potentate Karl Fraser H: 403-239-7413 E: karltfraser@shaw.ca Chief Rabban Ernie Hilland H: 403-995-5552 E: hillande@shaw.ca Assistant Rabban Neil Webb H: 403-295-2980 E: neil.webb@shaw.ca HP&P Malcolm MacKenzie H: 403-948-6161 E: stonepine1@shaw.ca Oriental Guide Jim Brown H: 403-242-1488 E: jim_rose@telusplanet.net Treasurer Jim Hendry H: 403-281-3814 E: jim.hendry@shaw.ca Appointed Recorder Andy Pokolinski W: 403-239-0030 E: recorder@al-azhar.ab.ca

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AL AZHAR SHRINERS SOCIETY

OASIS OF CALGARY, DESERT OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA

ANNUAL MEETING

AL AZHAR SHRINERS SOCIETY will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 9:00 am sharp, at the

Al Azhar Centre, Calgary for the transaction of business as follows:

1. Potentate’s Welcome and Introduction of Past Potentates, Visitors & Club/Unit Heads 2. Financial, Investment and Membership Reports 3. Balloting on Candidates 4. Hospital Reports 5. Trustees Report 6. General Business 7. Election of Officers 8. Election of Imperial Representatives 9. Other Business as per the Potentate

Wear your fez and a smile

(Also bring your 2018 dues card. You need it for admission!)

Attest: Yours in the Faith Andy Pokolinski, Appointed Recorder Karl Fraser, Potentate

All appointments by a Potentate expire at end of his term

For the information of all Nobles, when a Potentate's term of office expires, all appointments made by him during this administration terminate. Appointments include, but are not limited to, Potentate's Staff, the Appointive Divan, Ambassadors, Membership Representatives, Chairman of Committees and their members, Appointive Officers and Ceremonial Divan.

On occasion, it is mistakenly believed, or assumed, by some Nobles that their appointments are permanent. This is not the case. Each Potentate, when he is installed in office as chief executive of a Temple of the Mystic Shrine must make his own appointments including the 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Masters, Director, Marshal, Captain of the Guard Outer Guard and Chaplain.

The Potentate has the power and authority under Imperial Shrine law to replace every appointee; or he may, if he believes it to be in the best interest of the Temple, retain all appointees by re-appointment.

Traditionally many Nobles of demonstrated ability are continued in office or appointment. But this is at the will and pleasure of the incoming Potentate.

If a Noble is to continue in his appointed office or position by re-appointment he will be notified by the incoming Potentate to that effect.

Should any Noble not holding an appointment by the current Potentate wear a fez carrying a title bestowed upon him by a previous Potentate, the Nobles wearing that fez does so in violation of the Imperial Code.

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Upcoming Events

AL AZHAR AGM AL AZHAR POTENTATE’S BALL WEEKEND 300 CLUB DINNER January 20, 2018 February 2 & 3, 2018 April 6, 2018

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Message from the Chief Rabban Ernie Hilland

Plans are different this coming year regarding the Annual General Meeting and Potentate’s Ball.

The format will be as follows:

Saturday, January 20th, 2018 will be the Al Azhar Annual General Meeting held at the Al Azhar Center from

9:30 am until noon. There will be beef on a bun lunch for all Nobles at noon for those attending.

Immediately after the lunch, from 1 -3 PM, the new Potentate will outline Divan plans for the 2018 Year. This will be

a detailed review of all aspects of the Al Azhar Center and a great chance to have good discussion regarding the

Shrine Center. The members of the Divan will also speak regarding the various duties that they have looked after

and will be part of for the coming year.

We hope the afternoon meeting will be completed within two hours

February 2nd and February 3rd, 2018 will be the Potentate’s Ball to be held at the

Sheraton Cavalier in Calgary at the corner of Barlow and 32nd Avenue.

Friday, February 2nd will be a Mixer from 7 PM to 10 PM. There will be two funny 30 minute special events

for the Ladies and Nobles during the Mixer. They are a surprise so don’t miss out on a great few hours.

Saturday, February 3rd begins at 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM with a Cold Sands Ceremony for both Men and

Women to attend as we welcome new Al Azhar members into the Shrine. This is very special and has not been done

for several years at Al Azhar.

Then to follow immediately at 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM we have a Special Memorial Service for the Nobles

who have left us. This is a new never seen service in a new format. This is open to both Ladies and Men both and

will be less than an hour.

There will be a Men’s and Ladies Luncheon at 12 Noon following the Memorial Service.

At 4:30 pm the Fezzing Ceremony begins, Cocktails will follow and the banquet will start

at 6:00 PM just down the hall on the same level in the hotel. There will be special

entertainment for the evening as well.

Please join us for a new format, fun filled weekend of Fellowship, Remembrance Good

Food and Fun.

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2018 Al Azhar Potentate’s Ball Weekend To: Past Potentates

Please Join Potentate Elect Noble Ernie Hilland and Lady Pat on their special weekend as they become Potentate and First Lady of the Al Azhar Shriners for 2018. We have planned an exciting fun filled weekend as follows: February 2nd, 2018 7-10 pm Al Azhar Social Evening with Special Shrine Entertainment

February 3rd, 2018 9:30 – 10:30 am COLD SANDS Ceremony for new Candidates

10:45 – 11:45 am Necrology Service

12:00 Noon Ladies and Men’s Luncheons

4:30 pm Fezzing Ceremony

5:30 pm Cocktails

6:00 – 10 pm Potentate’s Ball and Entertainment

All Events will be taking place at The Sheraton Cavalier, Barlow and 32 Avenue in Calgary Alberta Friday Night Mixer __________ x $20.00 each = ____________

Ladies Luncheon Saturday noon __________ X $30.00 each = ____________

Men’s Luncheon Saturday noon __________ X $30.00 each = ____________

Pote’s Dinner and Entertainment _________ X$75.00 each = ____________ Potentate’s Dinner is Buffet style Dress Code: Men – Dinner Attire or Uniform, Ladies – Cocktail or Long Dress Total ____________

Payment Method: Cash ________ Cheque ________ Visa _______ Mastercard ________

Credit Card Number ________ _______ ________ ________ Expiry _____ /_____ CCV# _______

Name on the card _______________________________ Signature ____________________________

_____________________ __________________ ________________________ Last Name First Name Lady’s Name

___________________________ _______________________ _______________________________ Temple Title/Club Telephone #

Registration Deadline is January 20th, 2018. Please e-mail your forms to office@al-azhar.ab.ca or call our office 1-403-239-0030.

Sheraton Cavalier room block information: Special Room Rates for Guests, Limited number of rooms. Please call the Sheraton Cavalier Directly at 1-403-291-0107 (quote Al Azhar Shriners 2018) or use the booking web site for this event: (Copy and paste in your web browser)

https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1703168488&key=2A03C0AB We do hope that you and your Lady will join us on this special occasion. Noble Ernie and Lady Pat Hilland

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2018 Trip to Ireland

We’ve had great success with our upcoming Trip and don’t want to miss you. Join

Ernie & Pat Hilland and Gordon & Martha Berard on the special trip to Ireland on May

15th to 28th, 2018.

We have only 6 rooms left and would like to see them all spoken for as soon as

possible.

The trip is 13 fun filled days touring around Ireland in two buses. We have some wonderful stops and great

dinners planned for the 13 days. High Tea for the ladies, a medieval supper, the Titanic exhibition, golfing,

brewery and distillery tours are all part of the trip. Hotels are all 5-star. There is a group party planned at

one of the hotel and is included in the price of the tour. Royal Irish Tours a premium tour group are our

hosts.

The price of $3699.00 includes the Ireland trip, all breakfasts, most dinners and some tours. The flights are

a separate cost as many would like to go on to other places when they have gone this far.

The flight deals are coming and we don’t want to miss.

If you would like to join us, please call Tracey Zipp at AMA on 17th Avenue, Calgary. Tracey can be reached

at 403-218-3881.

The trip is open to Alberta Shriners and Masons.

Look forward to seeing you on the trip!

Chief Rabban Ernie Hilland & Lady Pat Grand Master Gordon Berard & Lady Martha

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Nobles and Ladies

We have a special request

Our directory is in poor shape and needs some TLC. May we ask each and every one to check your Al

Azhar Shriners Directory and update the information reviewing the following information please:

Name, Lady’s Name, Full Address with Postal Code, Home phone number, Cell number, Work Phone

numbers, email address, occupation (if retired what your career was) and your Shrine Membership

Number.

May we also ask if you would reply with the units or clubs that you belong to at present.

We are trying to attain better records for each member. Maybe we could use your career expertise at

times to improve buildings and methods of doing things in a better way.

Please reply with the information to the Shrine Center at office@al-azhar.ab.ca

Information can also be updated online on our membership system at

https://webfez.shrinenet.org/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F

Follow the instructions on the login page if you have not yet registered to be able to login and update your

information.

Thanks, Ernie Hilland, Chief Rabban

ANNUAL DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE FLOWER FUNDRAISER Once again the Ambassadors Unit of the Daughters of the Nile are doing a flower fund raiser for 2018. Flowers you order will be ready for picked up at the Fez Dome the afternoon of Thursday May 10th, 2018 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. It is extremely early to be thinking of flowers for your garden but we do have to give an estimate to the nursery by the first of February 2018 in order that the nursery can meet all their orders for the year. As a suggestion you can place an order for a specific hanging basket as a gift for those that are difficult to buy for but enjoy flowers. You can then pick up the basket in May and present it to the individual. Another example of how purchasing a basket as a gift can help the Ambassadors fund raiser is Mother’s Day. Gift Certificates are available to you if you require one. Payment is due when you pick up the flowers. If you do wish to place an order please feel free to e-mail Susanne Martin at smwaters@shaw.ca , Dawna Santer at dawnmar@shaw.ca or Lynn Bradford at L606060@shaw.ca . Thank you for your consideration and help in this fund raiser. Susanne Martin 403-990-4732

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10" HANGING BASKETS

Begonia - Non Stop Non Stop Begonias have proven performance outside in semi-shaded areas. With fully double flowers and bright colour, this variety of Begonia has a nice mounding habit and is fairly wind resistant. Offered in assorted colours only Calibrachoa (Million Bells) Although Calibrachoa loves bright sun and heat it will perform well in both full sun and indirect sun. This is a trailing variety that will produce hundreds of flowers. Calibrachoa will continue blooming up to the first hard freeze. Offered in assorted colours only.

Lobelia Lobelia has a compact growth producing large flowers and a more robust plant habit. Lobelia will with stand our climate better than seeded varieties. Lobelia like the morning sun and afternoon shade. Offered in assorted colours only. Mixed Premium Annuals Our Premium Mixed baskets are an assortment of 3 varieties of plants that complement each other. These have been picked to grow nicely together in a sunny location. Offered in Assorted colours only. Picture is of one assortment. They are all different combinations.

Osteospermum These come into bloom from planting until hard frost. Osteospermum are very versatile plants. They thrive in sun or partial shade. However they are also heat and drought resistant and tolerant of semi-cold conditions. Offered in assorted colours only. Colour assortment leans towards Purple, Mauves, and Light Blues.

Pansy

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Pansies are generally very cold hardy plants surviving freezing even during their blooming period. These plants grow well in sunny or partially sunny conditions. Pansies bloom spring through early summer. Offered in assorted colours only. Petunia Supertunia Supertunia’s remain attractive from spring planting until the first frost in fall. The plants grow upright, yet they also cascade. Supertunia’s like full sun and grow compact and uniform. Offered in assorted colours only. Scaevola Originally introduced from Australia, Scaevola can tolerate bright light and warm southern exposure. Scaevola is a trailing variety that will bloom until frost. Ideal blooming conditions would be full sun.

12" HANGING BASKETS Mixed Premium Annuals-see 10" Offered in assorted colours only

Bedding flats!! Petunia Dreams Mix Pansy Delta Blotch Mix 12 - 4 packs to a flat 12 - 4 packs to a flat

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Unit/Club Meeting Dates & News

Al Azhar Units Al Azhar Shrine Clubs

Air Corps 7:30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday Athletic Club (Rutters) contact the Ramses for dates Clown Unit 7:30 p.m. 1st Thursday Directors Staff 7:30 p.m. 4th Thursday Greeters - as called Legion of Honour – 9:30 am 3rd Saturday (Horton Legion)

Mounted Patrol - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Oriental Band - 7:30 p.m. Thursday Provost Corps - 9:00 a.m. 4th Saturday Sabre Patrol (Call Swordmaster for date) Shrine Patrol - 7:00 p.m. Mondays Tin Lizzie Corps - 7:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday Vintage Cars - 7:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday Medicine Hat Clown Unit – Last Monday of month

Alpine Shrine Club – 4 times/year at the call of President Big Country Shrine Club - 4th Tuesday Foothills Shrine Club - 4th Wednesday Lethbridge Shrine Club - 1st Wednesday Medicine Hat Shrine Club - 3rd Wednesday Red Deer Shrine Club - 3rd Wednesday Wild Rose Shrine Club - 1st Wednesday

AIR CORPS

Looking back on 2017 the Air Corps had a great year. 2018 is shaping up to be a year of transition with a new Captain and a few members moving on to warmer climates. We can always entertain new members from other units. Our meetings are the 2nd Wednesday of each month with July, August and December dark as those are either busy parade months or Xmas.

By the time you read this our casino will be coming up fast, so we might need a little help. Please call Martin Alcock at 587-889-4730

We are planning a busy parade season as well as our Annual Pig Roast at the end of July.

YOURS IN FAITH JOE PIMLOTT CAPTAIN

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TIN LIZZIES

Got a fez, maybe you would like to drive a car in a parade, then you should be thinking about joining the Tin Lizzie unit. Not only do we keep busy at a number of parades we run a catering unit that has supported a number of divan events as well as we have just completed another Grand Lodge Dinner and a couple of Ceremonials. Think about how you could contribute and join one of the busy units at Al-Azhar. Are you interested Please contact current commander Jim Brown at 403-850-5041. UPCOMING EVENTS: summer parade season as well some catering events, next meeting January 16th. Casino March 14 & 15 be ready. Unit will be having a pot luck this month. We are busy but that does not mean we do not have time for some fun.

Noble Peter Fisher braving the cold at a Christmas parade, check out those lights. Been there done that some the Christmas parades are the most rewarding to those who enjoy passing the spirt of the season. Peter appears to be wearing enough jackets. Respectfully submitted Tin Lizzie PR, Noble Andrew Fraser

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Legion of Honor

First and foremost we would like to thank Commander Terry Dean for leading us through a very busy and successful year. Attending numerous parades, casinos, welcoming new members and overseeing the distribution of donations in October. A special thank you goes out to Noble JR Beauregard for looking after the maintenance of our jeep, driving in parades and getting the jeep out in the community. Also to our Casino volunteers, your time and commitment are greatly appreciated. Many thanks. To all the members of the Legion of Honor, thank you, for your continued support and participation. Congratulations to our incoming 2018 executive. Commander Ill Sir Eldon Wells, PP; 1st Lieutenant Noble JR Beauregard; Treasurer Ill Sir Kent Galbraith; Acting Adjutant Lady Kathy Galbraith; Quartermaster Noble Henry Retzlaff. We look forward to working with Noble Jim Brown, our Divan representative for 2018. It will be a pleasure having both Noble Jim and Lady Rose attend our upcoming meetings. Our four meetings have been scheduled for Feb 10 (to be confirmed), Apr 14, Sept 8, Nov 10 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion #285. Start time will remain at 1030 hours. 2018 is the 25th Anniversary of the Legion of Honor, please watch for details to celebrate this momentous achievement. Veteran’s Day at the River Valley School in Bowness. November 2017.

Noble Roy Jardine and Lady Inez with members of the River Valley School community. On behalf of Commander Ill Sir Eldon Wells, PP. and his executive we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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AL AZHAR MOUNTED PATROL

The Al Azhar Mounted Patrol attended the 2017 Joint Installation Evening at the Shrine Center on November 19th, 2017. After an enjoyable Dinner the following AMP Nobles were installed for the ensuing year. President: Ill. Sir Byron Nelson, PP Captain: Noble Douglas Bradley 1st Lieutenant: Noble Mark Lawson 2nd Lieutenant: Noble Stu Davidson Treasurer: Noble Douglas Clark Secretary: Noble Gary Van Exan Directors: Noble Andre LeBlanc Noble David Vlasak Noble Ken Weller

On December 13th, 2017 the AMP held their Annual Wine and Cheese Christmas Gathering hosted by Noble President, Byron Nelson, PP, assisted by his Mother, Lady Irene Nelson. We were pleased to see such a good attendance and a fun evening was had by all. The pot luck was a huge success with a variety of delicious appetizers being served.

During the evening activities, the AMP were pleased to honour three AMP Nobles and their Ladies who had attained Wedding Anniversary Milestones. Noble Bob and Lady Frances Graham – 25 years; Noble Stan Homer and Lady Lynn – 50 years, and Noble Doug Bradley and Lady Bette – 50 years. (Doug and Bette have really been married for 55 years, but it took five years for them to admit it). We also helped Noble Mark Lawson celebrate his birthday.

On Boxing Day the AMP held a Family Outdoor Activity get together. Even though it was extremely cold outside quite a few hardy souls ventured out to enjoy 4-wheeler rides and activities on the frozen lake. Hot dogs and goodies were served in the Club House. A special thank you to Lady Rose Brown, who supplied “pots” of delicious chili. Which was enjoyed by all on such a cold day.

In closing, the Executive and Members would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and Health and Happiness in 2018.

Noble Roy Jardine Doug & Bette Bradley Stan & Lynn Homer Bob & Frances Graham

50 years 50 years 25 years

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