A big thank you to Becky Doig at the Regional Optimist for hosting a luncheon at Pennydale Junction Oct. 8 for all of the small town news correspondents. I sure did appreciate this and I'm sure all of us who attended did likewise. It was great to put the faces to the names of the news correspondents for areas reporting to this newspaper. I am amazed at the ages of some of them, for example 90-year-old Lorna Pearson from Meota and formerly Chitek Lake.Â
The beautiful balmy weather could have at least lasted throughout the complete long weekend, but Mother Nature had another plan. She thought that we all needed an abundance of rain Sunday, and so it poured and poured with unbelievably windy conditions. Power was off in many locations due to this nasty weather.Â
Thanksgiving supper for us was held at my cabin at Chitek Lake this year. In reality, I was here for a couple of days, brought the turkey and other food and was cooking it to take to the hungry guys back at home harvesting. By 1 p.m. I knew there was not going to be Thanksgiving meal in this rainy weather, so I told my family to drive to the lake instead. I will stay at the cabin to finish painting and hanging curtain rods and curtains for 10 windows. Unwillingly, a few of them came and they were not disappointed. I usually pack up a lot of the leftovers to give to the kids, like most mothers do. Still have some for a casserole and homemade turkey vegetable soup.Â
The CWL rescheduled the fall supper to Nov. 8 instead of Nov. 7, so please change your calendars for this important date. Let's hope that the snow stays away until after Nov. 8.Â
The small community of Mayfair is in shock to hear of the passing of Saskatoon novelist and teacher, Wesley Funk, age 46. He died in his sleep Oct. 10. A short while ago, Wes had back surgery and it's unknown if this had any complications leading to his death. Some of his well-known novels included Cherry Blossoms, Dead Rock Stars and Wes Side Story, which included his personal story of his hardships due to being gay. Wes was a former host of the Shaw TV program Lit Happens. He attended Mayfair Central School most of his growing up years while his mother Elsie was a teacher. His parents Jim and Elsie Funk reside in Hafford.
A reminder from librarian Teresa Toews that cow patty bingo is doing something a little different for Oct. 23. Rather than the traditional potluck supper, the library will be hosting perogy, sausage and lazy-man cabbage roll meals starting at 6 p.m. The 50/50 draw still has $10 tickets available for purchase as this will be drawn for after supper and then a social evening will follow. If anyone has an exciting board game to play, please bring it. This sounds like an evening that will not disappoint all those who plan to attend. The library needs your support, so please come out for the action.
Have you ever thought about a one-person holiday totally in the northern wilderness with many bears living in the area? Former resident, 27-year-old Ryan Giesbrecht had a very exciting adventure in Alaska this past summer. He arranged to get dropped off by helicopter carrying a tent, gun, axe, matches and very few other items on him, not to mention the camera that was one of the reasons for this journey. Ryan captured photos and videos of nature in its pristine beauty. He got close up to bears and other wildlife that put his life in danger. Obviously he survived this ordeal and will never forget this trip. Apparently this adventurous young man took only a little store bought food and gathered most of the rest in the forest. I am sure that his many close-up photos will be sold to well-known outdoor adventure magazines for a good price. Ryan is the son of recently deceased Irvine Giesbrecht, who previously farmed in the Mullingar district. His mother Debbie resides in Saskatoon.Â
I hear Rabbit Lake is having a function coming up in early November, so watch for posters informing us of the date. Norma Sherman said a newly formed group wants to do fundraising for a small RV camping court in Rabbit Lake, so they will be hosting this. Gospel and country western entertainer Larry Krause from Prince Albert will be headlining the evening program. Come out and support this worthy cause.
