The side of Vera Halter"s desk is decorated with beautifully coloured notes and cards, each from the kids who came to visit her at the Landis Library over the summer holidays. One, has a big heart with the words, "I love you Mrs. Vera", another, "I will miss you." Each child has been affected by the wonderful personality of the librarian, who takes her time to read and interact with the children who come visit her.
Born in Broadacres, 80-year-old Vera Halter is still full of vim and vinegar, filling her time with many different and busy activities. She travels, taking bus trips that have taken her as far as the Maritimes and California, and some which keep her closer to home, such as Moose Jaw. She gardens; each year she says she won't plant as much, however tends to plant more the next. She quilts, makes wine, and plays cards with her friends, about which she jokes, "Some of the people we play cards with would sooner eat than play." Retirement is not in her vocabulary. She works two days a week as the librarian in Landis, and when she is not doing that, she works at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church. And, over the past 50 years, she has been a member of the CWL in Landis, and part of the "Complex Group" ever since they started.
Vera has been a member of the Landis community since 1964, which she moved to with her husband Pius, three small boys and one on the way. She and her husband, whom she met at a dance in Broadacres, would have been married for 50 years in October of 2001, but sadly, Pius passed away in February of that year. She says people she doesn't see too often ask if she still lives in Landis. Her response, "Why not? I have made many friends here and I appreciate the fact [that] they are always ready and willing to help out when needed."
And it's the community that helps support her. A breast cancer survivor since 1998, Vera has been participating in the Relay for Life for approximately 14 years now on her team, The Landis Striding Stars, "to help raise money for research so cancer can be beaten." And as such, she lives her life to the fullest.
In the winter, she participates in curling and heads out to the Landis skating rink at least once a year to lace up her skates. Of curling, she says she hasn't gotten better at it, but she still loves it. And, she adds with a grin, "I can still get in and out of the hack without help." And, if you can"t keep up to her now, wait, she is a member of the Fun Thyme Dance Club, which she says is a good time had by all.
Her life isn't just full of fun, it is full of family; four sons (and daughters-in-law), six granddaughters, four grandsons, one great-grand daughter and four great grandsons. Her family may be spread over Saskatchewan and Alberta, however they are still close knit. She not only takes time to go and visit them, but they regularly come and visit her as well.
Vera's philosophy is, "You get what you give to your community. Always remember where you came from. And, never forget that you are not who you think you are, you are who you are."
If you ever get to meet her you will understand why people speak in admiration of Vera. Her contagious optimism is enough to rub off on a small town and her attitude towards life is one that many could use in theirs.
"Love and God bless my family and friends."
