The parishioners of All Saints Roman Catholic Church stayed after mass July 18 to visit Father Allan Dangel who will be leaving the parish the end of July. The luncheon was enjoyed by all and he was grateful for this gesture. Father will be on a sabbatical leave and might return to the Philippines for awhile to be with his family.
Shirley Lamontagne has returned from her trip to visit Brian, Nicole and children residing in Nova Scotia. Her youngest son, Brian, has been living for 12 years in this beautiful province. Shirley's grandson, 11-year-old Justin was previously at her farm for two weeks and accompanied Grandma on the plane to return to his folks. Shirley also had her oldest son Calvin and friend Lynn from Grand Forks, B.C visit at the end of June. They came for Bailey Lamontagne's Grade 12 graduation at the North Battleford Comprehensive High School. She is Calvin's niece.
People visiting, reminiscing, eating and drinking is always a highlight of a good time. Speers 100th anniversary was no exception, as a very large crowd was at this special occasion July 18. We participated and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There was an abundance of hard-working volunteers who made this a successful event. A 90-year-old fellow, Fred Langley from Saskatoon, drove to see his life- long friends. I do not personally know him, but he sat beside me at the parade and told me many old time stories about his farm near Richard, family and friends. He is a truly remarkable pioneer.
From Mayfair, Morris, Sonia Prescesky and family entered a float and also Cindy and Ervin Lavallee had a wagon pulled by a team of Canadian Clyde cross horses. Ervin gave rides to the children in the afternoon. The parade was spectacular for a village of this size. You can tell Speers and the surrounding area of Oral, Corbett, Lakeview, Keatley, Wanganui, Tillotson, Springbank and Greenbluff take great pride.
Kids were entertained with activities, including playing ball with adults. Tractor pulls always draw attention, as do fireworks and musical entertainment. Norman Woytowich from Saskatoon, an old time family friend of the Woloshyns, played his accordion with three different bands during the afternoon. Norman and Sally used to farm in the Whitkow area.
A.M. Bistro and Bakery in Hafford has been up and running since July 2014. Owners April (Sheldon) Lafreniere from Mayfair and her sister Meghan Ruedger of Hafford offer an assortment of home-baked goods. Often, April's two oldest children will be seen helping at this family-operated business.
Our oldest son Curtis, who is employed at Scott Lake, N.W.T. on the border of Saskatchewan, finally emailed back since leaving June 7. Apparently the month of June was very cold, rainy and windy thus making some clients a little unhappy, although they were still catching huge fish. There were no fires nearby and now and again a little haze of smoke filled the air.
Neighbours Julian and Shirley Goyan and Ron and Heather Buziak are enjoying being at their cabins at Ministikwan Lake, near Loon Lake, during the hazy, lazy, hot days of summer. A few weeks ago we did experience a hazy sky when the north winds blew the smoke from the devastating forest fires. As of Tuesday many residents could be bussed back to their homes. Some unfortunate folk do not have a home to return to. A big thank you to all the firefighters and crucial businesses that had to stay open.
Northern Horizons 12th annual Journey of Creativity tour is on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 1 and 2Â from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are taking this interesting drive, watch for the signs on this self-drive tour. There are workshops and art studios in the Northern Lakes region that includes Glenbush, Belbutte, Medstead, Glaslyn, Livelong and Turtle Lake. Orange coloured brochures are distributed throughout the Battlefords region. Get one, take a scenic drive and spend two days in these areas. You will not be disappointed in what the crafters have to offer.
Also, this weekend, July 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. there is a 12-40 and Beyond self-guided 13th annual tour in the Marcelin, Leask, Blaine Lake and Hafford communities. All of the venues are within a 30-minute drive from Blaine Lake. All of the gravel roads lead you through gorgeous scenery and diverse landscapes. Again there are many pamphlets throughout the Battlefords advertising this fun summer adventure for all ages.They even advertise that if you are unable to come to a venue of your choice, one can arrange another day at everyone’s convenience.
Condolences to a former Mayfair resident Linda Jackson whose son Jason passed away recently in Edmonton. He was 42 years old and attended Mayfair Central School for a few years. Jason's grandparents, the Dubyk family, farmed for many years east of Mayfair. Also, sympathy is sent to Paul and Stephen Cherwinski, Maryann Mischuk and families on the loss of their first cousin, 52-year-old Dean Williams of North Battleford. As Dean's health was dwindling he still managed to visit his mother Kate in California this past spring. He came from a large family. Some live in North Battleford and two other siblings reside in California.
Does anyone remember Williams Hardware Store in North Battleford many years ago? I do, because my parents were regular customers and it was a solid family business run by Dean's father, Joe.
It is great to hear Dusty Lehman from Alberta is recovering nicely after a terrifying rodeo accident a few months ago. He is the oldest son of Dale and Maxine Lehman. Horses and participating in numerous rodeos has always been a way of life for their three boys.
Although with the recent rain that we finally received, the crops are still below normal in our area. Not far away Leoville, Spiritwood and north of Rabbit Lake, moisture has been in abundance the past three weeks. We should be thankful to have the rain that did pour down in minutes. For now, everything looks very attractive in the countryside, even some of those nasty flowering weeds.
