MEOTA — The storm warnings only brought rain, no tornados, but it never hurts to be ready for the worst. Now we are asking for sunshine and heat, and it sounds like that is what is in order. The hay is ready to be harvested. It is getting tall and falling over, in places. The ditches are ready for cutting, too, if they aren't full of water. The lilacs are finished blooming and now the peonies are coming into their own. The canola crops are adding to the colourful season as the fields are looking yellow from across the lake.
The family of long time farmer Walter Tait hosted his 90 th birthday celebration at the Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail on July 9. Longtime friend Jimmy Ramsay, played Scottish tunes on his bagpipes, to welcome Walter and his wife Mary into the building ending with happy birthday. Mr. Ramsay entertained guests several times during the afternoon. Snacks and drinks and a beautiful birthday cake were shared in the afternoon and later a buffet supper was set out. Walter was delighted with the number of family and friends who showed up to congratulate him in person and wish him well.
The new gas and diesel outlet appears to be open for business, and a fine-looking outlet it is.
The bridge players gathered at the Pioneer Hall again on Tuesday with three tables in play. Top score went to Catriona Winterholt and Cletus Scherman followed by Joeann and Rudy Wiens. On Thursday top score went to Jean Lowes and Fraser Glen. Second were Donna Scherman and Catriona Winterholt.
Mervin Volk moved with his parents, when he was a child, from Wilkie to the Belbutte district, to farm. Mervin worked for Houles in Spiritwood for many years ending up with his own business of installing, repairing and anything to do with televisions. Merv passed away June 30 and requested no service. He was only 67 years old.
Meota golf course had a record number of 28 senior golfers out on July 7. It was a beautiful morning. Again, there was a tie score of 38. The team of Gerry Goodheart, Lynn Boucher, Janice Morton and Marcel Duhaime was tied with Bernie Gregoire, Cora Christiansen, Juliette Tebay and Eric Callbeck. The Gregoire team won on the countback. Players out for the first time were warmly welcomed.
Canasta was played at the Do Drop In Friday evening with 15 folks out. The top score went to Vivianne Lesko and Stella Rendle. Second were Jack Stewart and Dave Sayers and third were Linda Ard and Marion Ottas. Cookies and coffee were available and enjoyed.
My daughter Joyce accompanied her cousin Tony on a 10-day cruise to the Baltic Sea area. They flew from Nanaimo to Vancouver and Amsterdam and spent two days in Copenhagen. They boarded the cruise ship there, after having COVID tests that were negative. They made stops at eight ports. The Baltic Sea features thousands of islands, the larger ones inhabited.
The cruise was only half filled so when they found their room too small for Tony and his scooter they were given a nice large room at no extra cost. There were no lineups, which made for a peaceful trip. Their Baltic tour towns were Copenhagen, Oslo, Visby, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Warnamunde (smooth streets here in this newer town). The streets were 90 per cent cobblestone, so it was a rough, irritating, tiring scooter ride for Tony and not nice walking either. They flew out from Copenhagen and didn't have any of the trouble at airports that are being reported at so many, not just in Canada either.
Don't forget the Vawn sixth annual mud volleyball tournament July 23 at Vawn School grounds. Submit entries and inquiries to 306-821-1330.
Paynton Ferry is open again as of July 10, for light traffic only.
The Edam Full Gospel Assembly will be having a service July 17 at 11 a.m. at Picnic Lake, south of the picnic hut. Bring your lawn chairs and plan to stay for burgers after. A children’s program will be offered. This is weather dependant, of course.
It is exciting to see communities preparing to hold fall suppers again.
Canada Day was celebrated at the campgrounds at Picnic Lake with a pancake breakfast for a small fee of $5. It was a chilly day yet everyone enjoyed sitting around chatting, and watching the children at play. The festive decorations of flags and table cloths made for a cheery environment. The evening fireworks put a positive ending to a lovely day. This event was sponsored by the RM of Turtle River and the Picnic Lake Board.
Meota Paddle and Sail Happenings
(Submitted by Trudy Janssens)
Saskatchewan summers seem to fly by especially when you’re at the lake. The MPS clubhouse is seeing lots of activity this summer. Three extended families have used the facility for family get togethers, school districts are using it for staff retreats and Anne and Andrea Baillargeon had their annual art show and sale.
Vern Burgardt has built more kayak storage, which is proving to be a real draw for new members. Patrick Eckerman and several volunteers were finally able to get the MPS dock in.
The MPS stand up paddle board event will be held this upcoming weekend July 16 and 17. Delton Vandenheuvel from Escape Sports will be bringing out various boards to try. We have ordered good weather, and hope to be on the water from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
The following week, July 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jonas from Classic Outdoors will be leading us in a try-a-kayak event. Jonas will be bringing out various kayaks and explaining what to look for when you’re purchasing a kayak. Jonas is also working with the MPS board to potentially get better kayaks for our existing members.
Both events are open to the general public.
Members had a club social on Canada Day. Two more socials are planned for July 23 and Aug. 13. These socials are potluck mixers at 5:30 p.m. and if conditions are right, we will be having a fire on beach.
The MPS board would like everyone in Meota to consider what talents they have to share. Meota’s Got Talent is being planned for Aug. 7 from 1 to 6 p.m. All artists, authors, craftsman, woodworkers, quilters, collectors (everything from cameras to cars) are encouraged to take part. Also invited are our numerous talented children (everything from rock painting to cupcake/cookie designers). Participants are asked to contribute three to five pieces each.
Easels and display racks are available. Contributors are invited to bring their treasures from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 7. Please contact Trudy Janssens 306-374-0843 with any ideas, questions or concerns.
We’re hoping to intersperse the afternoon with local musical talent as well. You do not have to be a MPS member to be included. This is a community event and all are welcome.
Correction of the time for Meota Regional Park AGM
Please note the AGM for Meota Regional Park to take place Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Meota Village Library Board Room will be at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be open to the public.
