Business and discussions come first then socializing usually follows during a meeting. Well, this is what happens at the CWL meetings that occur approximately eight times a year. The first meeting of 2016 was held Jan. 6 in the morning at All Saints Catholic Church. The executive is Lorena Lafreniere, president, Valerie Taylor, secretary, and Sharon Babiy, treasurer. All of these women do a tremendous job.
In Mayfair the CWL was organized in 1961 at the home of Mrs. John Borychi with 14 women attending. Jean Berscheid was the first elected president and Alice Pethick the first secretary-treasurer. Besides these women, the others who joined were Mary Kostiuk, Clare Liebaert, Eurbanie Liebaert, Bridget Thomas, Rosie Paul, Barbara Sander, Olive Prystupa, Florence Ross and Edna Lehman. Over the years, the club has seen many changes.
Ron and Heather Buziak celebrated the new year with friends at Ministikwan Lake. Many cabin owners spend time at the resort during the holiday season.
Lorna and Russell Buziak holidayed in Edmonton with her family (Lehman, originally from Mayfair) for a few days to bring in the new year. Some of Lorna's relatives they visited with were sister Darlene (Irvin) Unrau, sister Lois (Orest) Towpich, sister Joyce (Don) Roskewich and brother Doug (Michelle) Lehman, and many of their children. Brother Jerry and his wife, who reside in Fort Saskatchewan, were also included in this gathering.
Neighbour Shirley Lamontagne visited her uncle's wife, Thelma Hart, who resides in Spiritwood and District Health Complex. The 94-year-old lady is blind, but can still carry on an interesting conversation. The younger generation should visit the elderly more often, as many of their families live miles and miles away, thus leading to few visits. They especially love to see young children and pets, which always bring a smile to their faces.
Caroling from door to door is always more of a challenge in the country, as people live quite a distance from one another. This does not prevent the All Saints Catholic Church carolers from carrying out their tradition, even in -40 C weather. This does take a couple of days to complete. On a blustery Jan. 6, which was not the -40 C as in previous years, the group included Peter and Sharon Babiy, Lorena Lafreniere, Father Vu and myself for the first day. We travelled east of Mayfair to sing, chat with the hosts and have Father Vu bless the home. The date hasn't been set for whoever wants to volunteer to do this for the west side of Mayfair. Call Rick Taylor at 306-824-4522 for more information.
Hibernation is a common cycle for bears. Well, maybe not for a large black bear that Victor Pushee spotted walking in his field 15 miles northeast of Mayfair two weeks ago. Yes, the weather back then was abnormally warm for our region, so did the bear come out of its dormant state or did it not even start hibernating?
This summer Murray Strain, who farms near Mayfair, was approached by a black mama bear with two cubs. Murray's dog was barking and came running back to his owner, thus making the adult bear come within a few meters. Murray was knowledgeable in what to do in this scary situation. By putting your hands up high above your head and making a lot of verbal noise, you will make the bear eventually leave. Apparently, you have to make yourself look larger and meaner to distract the bear into getting it to depart. Murray said when the bear got really close to him and the dog it was standing on its hind legs. What an unforgettable confrontation!
With grizzly bears, one has to use a different tactic when in danger. Drop to the ground, play dead and barely breathe, according to survivors of attacks. This land is to be shared by wild animals and us two-legged creatures, whether we like it or not.
A few days ago I saw in the news that Toronto Zoo was showcasing two newborn panda bears. Bears take a very long time before they get to the adult stages. Baby bears are absolutely adorable. Â Why do you think that all small children cuddle their stuffed bears?
Two former Mayfair residents have passed away. Seventy-one-year-old Marj Obermeyer (Harry) moved to North Battleford more than 10 years ago and had just recently retired from being a janitor at North Battleford Comprehensive High School. She died suddenly.
Barbara Thompson passed away at age 84 Jan. 11 after being ill for the past eight months. She and husband Bob relocated from their farm near Alticane into North Battleford approximately 10 years ago. Barb was a foster parent for many years and kept in touch with most children who lived with them. Bob passed away four years ago. Heartfelt condolences to both families.
Earl and Ann Van Nortwick's daughter, Charlene (Lionel) Ferron, is spending a couple of months in their Panama winter home. Lionel retired two years ago.
Feb. 13 is Chitek Lake Bush Buddies Snowmobile Rally. Prizes for first, second and third draws are a percentage of total ticket sales. Twenty-five per cent is being awarded for the first prize. Two rider prizes will be awarded.
A hunter safety course will be starting Jan. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mayfair Library. There will be five sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cost is $50 for Wildlife Federation members and $80 for non-members. Contact Heather Welsh at 306-246-2111 for more information.
