Yes finally the grass is green and the trees are leafing out. Has anyone else noticed the resurgence of mallard ducks in the ponds and sloughs? I am not sure if I am just over anxious or what but the fruit trees in our garden are just beginning to come to life and we are only three weeks from the longest day of the year. Maybe more importantly the seeding has begun and soon new crops will green up the countryside.
The ice has left Meeting Lake but it wasn't early enough for May long weekend enthusiasts. On the Sunday afternoon the ice split into two sections and then the wind did its job. By the next weekend the lake was clear. The lake is very high this year with water being up to the top of the dock road. I don't think any cottages are endangered but most have lost a couple of hundred feet of beach.
Meeting Lake Regional Park is open for the season. As with all regional parks the season pass is $40 and the daily pass is set at $10. The new park managers have been busy getting ready. Last weekend there was an opportunity to get rid of unwanted stuff and by the look of the main road into the park, people took advantage of the chance.
Kim Cornfield, director of operations for Richardson Pioneer at Hamlin, made a presentation of a cheque in the amount of $5,000 to Gordon Sherman, president of the Rabbit Lake and District Museum committee, May 14. This money has been earmarked for the re-shingling of the station building at the museum. The presentation was made at the museum.
In addition plans are well underway for the next large project at the museum, that being the moving of the old Rose Gill Hospital.
The community met to bid farewell to one of its longest citizens, Hazel Speerbrecker (Jones) May 22. Hazel was born on a farm just east of the village in 1924 and remained here except for the last few years until her passing May 14, 2013. Hazel was 90 years old. Hazel worked at various things in the village but most notably was her time running the Hazel-Tel Cafe on Main Street and being the laundress at the Rabbit Lake Hospital. Rev. Don Unger underlined Hazel's deep love for Rabbit Lake and her pride in its many accomplishments. Hazel was buried at the Pleasant Site Cemetery only a couple of miles from where she was born.
In mentioning cemeteries, the volunteer cleanup teams for the Village of Rabbit Lake Cemetery have been posted. A big thanks to Nancy Penley as she plans the teams and the cleanups. I wonder how many small villages can say they do a thorough cleaning of their cemetery four times a summer.
The village itself did a major cleanup May 24. Fourteen people helped with the annual spring cleanup day organized by the village council. Thanks not only to the people who came out and worked but also to those who made chili, buns and assorted goodies for lunch. Every task is much appreciated.
The Rabbit Lake branch of the Lakeland Library has a couple of fundraisers going on. Once again the annual bottle drive is happening and I see people are being very generous with their recyclable cans and bottles. Also the library is selling tickets for a treat of the month draw. Tickets are only $1 and available throughout the village. The first draw will be June 10. The library has also been busy hosting a Storysack Adventure for children from two to five years of age. The program is at the seniors' hall.
Lots of things are beginning to happen in Rabbit Lake. Each Monday in May, Isabelle McLennan, team captain, and Jeanette Krelow are providing a soup and bun along with a goody or two lunch in support of this year's Relay for Life. Isabelle has championed the Canadian Cancer Society and the Rabbit Lake Miracle Bunnies for many years.
A bridal shower for Cheralyne Martens, fiancée of Aaron Gibson, was held at the Rabbit Lake Seniors Sunrise Circle, May 31.
Congratulations to Don and Naomi Unger on the birth of their fourth grandchild. Oscar Unger Grossman was born to Jeanette and Josh Grossman May 21 in Toronto, Ont.
Last weekend was the annual camp and dance at Meeting Lake for square and round dancers from clubs of Zone 1. About 75 dancers returned and all seemed to have fun. This was the 33rd year this event has taken place at the park. Unfortunately it is also the last. The number of dancers has dropped significantly and the group felt it is time to try something else.
Welcome to Rose and Stan Moore who have moved into town. Rose will feel right back at home as she was the telephone operator for years. Troy, Amanda and Jaeger Moore have traded space with Rose and Stan.
Just when we thought winter was behind us, Mother Nature gave us a harsh reminder. On Sunday, June 8 at about noon, a couple of lightning flashes and a couple of thunder cracks preceded the dropping of a mass of pea-sized hail. It came down hard and fast for about 10 minutes but did not seem to damage anything. I knew there was a reason to leave the snow scoop by the door. It sure looked funny watching Shelly scrape hail off the deck as if it were snow. And to think it is June!
Think July! The 26th annual Carlton Trail Jamboree is less than a month away and tickets are available.