MEOTA — Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and was joined by family and friends. For all that the weather didn’t really co-operate, most folks got to where they wanted to go. Our feelings went out to folks who ended up stuck in airports and not getting to where they had planned to spend Christmas. That is what living in Canada is; full of surprises.
Dec. 21 was our shortest day and probably our coldest one, but that is behind us and we will see the sun rising earlier every day and temperatures moderate.
Santa Day in Meota Dec. 18 drew in about 70 children. The event was hosted by Lions Brieanne Stevenson and Jessica Belland and was sponsored Meota Lakeshore Lions and Meota ADRA. Participants played games, made crafts and even decorated homemade sugar cookies. Santa made his appearance for about 45 minutes at 2 p.m.
Our snowbirds are finding the nights cooler than usual in Yuma, Ariz. where it’s been dropping to 8 C at nights. We’ll not complain about the cold when we see weather in other places creating floods, power outages and snow storm.
The fish shacks are starting to show up out in front of the beach area, but watching the snow machines crossing the lake it appears to be rough out there.
Bridge played at the Pioneer Hall Dec. 20 saw two and a half tables in play with top score going to Jean Lawes and Fraser Glen. In second were Donna Scherman and Catriona Winterholt. There are no more games until Jan. 5.
Barbara Soloninko has moved from her home north of the city to take up residence in an apartment building in Regina. She is finding her new home comfortable and friendly There are 200 units — apartments and suites — with various services. There are lots of activities one can join including entertainment twice a week in the evenings. She hasn’t found any canasta players yet, bridge seems to be the most popular game. The staff is nice, considerate to everyone. We wish Barbara a happy and healthy new life, down south but do miss her at the Do Drop In.
Glad to see Lawrie Ward back out walking for the good of his health after some health problems. Way to go, Lawrie.
Week 4 at Meota Curling Club
(submitted by Derek Welford)
I had to come early to find a parking spot Tuesday night, as 3rd Street East was filled with vehicles for a jam-packed night of curling with back-to-back draws.
Two teams, well rested after not playing last week, Tait and Welford, faced off in the early draw’s featured game. Only needed six ends as the Welford rink heads into the new year unbeaten in three games, as they shutout the Tait rink 7-0.
Reigning curler of the week, Mike Svojanovski kept up his stellar playing performance as he took over skip duties for the Cadrain rink in their matchup against Kyle Doom. Complemented by a strong showing from the front end that were called into substitute, Tina Schaefer and Colin Waters, Svojanovski came out with an 8-5 win.
The other early game had the Randy Sharp and Dean Menssa rinks facing off, both hoping to find their first curling wins under the Christmas tree. Sharp, with a supporting cast of Randi Carr, Dani and Aleesa Sharp, put together an exceptional game as they put up 11 points to Menssa’s six.
The late draw had a rematch of the Silver Broom final of last year, Pat Mohr and Darcy Demontarnel. Mohr didn’t let the foot off the gas as he cruised to an 11-4 win. Must be a championship hangover, as Demontarnel struggles out of the gate early as they head into the Christmas break with three losses. Christmas came early for the Kirsten Bru rink, as they were gifted a 9-4 win courtesy of the Pat Becotte rink, as they remain unbeaten.
Game of the night was between the Colin Sharp and Gil Cadrin rinks. Fast forward to the final end. Sharp had the game in his hands with the hammer, facing an easy double angle raise to the button with everybody in the building watching. The collective gasps heard from the gallery as the final stone crossed the halfway point was indicative the rock was inside, as Cadrin came out with a steal of one to win 7-6.
Curler of the week is found on the front end of the Welford rink, lead Emma Schaefer. The script writer for each end, the curling sheet begins as a blank canvas as Schaefer begins that end’s story with the artistic placement of guards. With her display of consistent and impeccable rock throwing that night, there was no surprise there was a concluding win.
