What a busy time of the year, with gatherings of every kind taking place all around us. No one should be feeling lonely or sad. However we know there are some with health or family problems that even the jolly time of holidays will not fix. All we can do is offer our help or company and prayers, to them.
SaskPower has been in the village and put up the Christmas decorations on the power poles, which helps to brighten the scenery. Many homes also are being lit up nicely, so take a drive around some evening to see the displays and appreciate the time and effort that goes into these arrangements.
Did you all enjoy the curling over the weekend? I found the dark red colored rings a little odd, the red rocks would show up better on the old blue rings. Yorkton put on quite a show and had good crowds for every game. Having a nearby home team no doubt helped the turnout of crowds.
There are at least a dozen fish shacks, some pretty fancy ones, out on the lake these days. No doubt there will be others at other beaches and I guess they are getting some catches as I saw a sign 鈥渇ish for sale鈥� on the post office bulletin board.
Norwegian Whist was played at the Do Drop In Dec. 12. Top score was by Arlene Walker, followed by Albert Huys and Bev McCrimmon. It was a nice friendly afternoon, with visiting and lunch.
The seniors held their December meeting Dec. 12 at the Do Drop In. A letter of thanks was read from one family who used the hall twice for family gatherings this summer and appreciated the facility. A letter was read from the Meota Credit Union that they had chosen the seniors鈥� club to make their donation of $500.00 as a 鈥渞andom act of charity.鈥� The Meota Community Complex has offered some tablecloths they no longer need for our use, and we will gratefully accept them. The next shuffleboard tournament has been set for Jan. 14. Phone Yvette at 306-892-2167 or Linda at 306-892-2179. A report from the Meota Chorus informed us that they have changed their practice time to Wednesday afternoons. They are needing more members and a spare accompanist.
An invitation will be sent to Mary Shury and her husband to attend the Christmas supper Dec. 14, as well as the mayor. This is a gesture to show that we appreciate all they do for seniors and the community. A bonus to the caretaker was approved in recognition of the good job she does. The course 鈥楧riving over 55鈥� is available again at no cost, but there has to be at least 20 to sign up for it. It was suggested that maybe the Lions Club would partner to make up the needed number.
Christmas Eve will offer evening programs at both churches again this year. Christmas Eve mass will be at the Catholic Church at 7 p.m. and the Christmas Eve program at the United/Anglican Church will be at 7:30 p.m. This is the time to review the meaning of Christmas, in all denominations, and the reason we celebrate the Christmas holidays.
Duplicate bridge was played Dec. 9 with top score going to Eric Callbeck and his partner Beatrice Novlan. Second and third high were tied. Maureen Campbell and Jane Groves were tied with Margaret Dyck and Ross Morton.
The seniors鈥� potluck supper was held Dec. 14, with a small appreciative crowd and a wide variety of dishes. It was a meal to remember as everyone brought their best dish and what a treat it all was. After supper a Christmas game was played and Christmas carols were sung. And of course the dishes were done amid visiting. Mayor John MacDonald said a few encouraging words as to the direction the village is going and future development. He thanked the group for their part in contributing to the success of the village socially. It was a chance to meet a newcomer to our village, living in one of the seniors鈥� duplexes is Verna Wisner from the Robinhood area. We welcome her and hope she鈥檒l join in the activities that interest her.
A brief visit was enjoyed by Linda and I when cousin Lynn Shepherd from Saskatoon stopped by Sunday. He had been to Lanz Point to see their cabin being moved off the lot, in preparation for building a new house on site next summer. It will reocate on a lot not far away, once the ground work is done there.
Shirley and Lawrie Ward drove to Elk Point, Alta. to meet their new great-granddaughter, Braxtyn Florence Birkett. Braxtyn鈥檚 parents are Jess and Derek Birkett, Derek being the son of Ward鈥檚 oldest daughter Lawrene Birkett. The new baby arrived Dec. 7. It was an exciting time for everyone.
Thirty-one residents of Metinota held their Christmas supper in the Do Drop In Dec. 12 and had the Meota Hotel cater to it. It was a lovely turkey dinner, enjoyed with music in the background. Mayor Glen Wouters gave a report of interest and they all enjoyed socializing and visiting among themselves, catching up on news of snowbirds that are away.
Rob and Sharlene Rederburg of Meota enjoyed a week鈥檚 holiday in Varadero, Cuba. They travelled to Calgary and Edmonton on their way, visiting folks at both places. This was their fourth trip to Cuba, but before they stayed in Holguin. They found the accommodation this time to be too large, it was a 20 minute walk to the buffet. It rained half the time, but the people were great. Varadero is toward the north end of the island while Holguin is near the south end, but their preference would be Holguin.
Contact bridge was played Monday evening at the Do Drop In and top score went to Mary Greenwald and second high was Jack Smith.
