麻豆传媒AV

This active little community has had another busy week, with Christmas programs and gatherings of clubs to play cards or for meetings.

The Meota choir entertained at Ruth Manor Dec. 11, with an appreciative audience of residents and staff. They were treated to a nice lunch afterwards.

The Meota Hobby Band entertained at St. Joseph's Church hall in North Battleford Dec. 10 with a nice turnout of folks who enjoyed listening to them. Then the group participated in several games of Bingo and to finish the afternoon off they partook of a delicious supper.

Driving out from the city one evening last week the car thermometer read -39 C, rather cool! So when the temperature rose from -20 C to -1 C Sunday it was a nice change, but boy was it windy! The new snows we've been getting, an inch or two every day, is really adding up, It's beginning to look like last winter already and it's only December.

It sounds like the postage stamps make the jump to $1 March 1. It is going to be interesting to see where their cuts are really going to happen. When the small post offices are threatened it is pretty scary to think about what services they will have, though it seems that this one in Meota should be safe for five years anyway. We have time to think about change. Using it more may not help decisions already made, but we should show our appreciation that we have it by using it as much as possible.

How interesting to see Bob Barker make an appearance on Price is Right last week, celebrating his 90th birthday, and looking pretty good, too. No one will ever fill his boots though, he was a legend.

Norwegian Whist was played Dec. 13, with high score being won by Arlene Walker, second by Yvonne Macpherson and a tie for third by Pat Chapman and Janice Morton. Lunch was provided by Pat and Lorna with the hostess supplying drinks. It was a pleasant afternoon indoors, but rather stormy outside.

Ben Byl drove to Saskatoon from where he flew to Calgary, Alta. to visit his son Brian there and his son Allen in Okotoks, Alta. and their families. They took in some hockey games to watch his grandson play. His visit to Okotoks was also pleasant. He couldn't believe how terrible the streets in the city of Calgary were with all that snow and nowhere to put it or machines enough to haul it away from the side streets. His son had a 4x4 so they got through OK, but it was a challenge for cars with only winter tires and hopeless for those without.

The village would like to welcome new residents, Jo and Steve Carter and two of their children, from southern Saskatchewan. They are indeed an added asset to the musical part of our community, with their voices and piano playing and taking part in the Hobby Band and playing the organ at the United Church. Steve plays several musical instruments and tunes pianos. The Carters expressed their appreciation for the welcome they have received from their neighbours since their arrival in October.

The weather in southern Alberta has made trouble for the geese that stay there all winter as the water froze over. A group of three were wandering around and when people approached them they were not afraid. In fact one came to them and let them pick it up, and caress it. So one has to wonder if they were raised on a farm in the area. They didn't even fly away when the TV crew arrived to take pictures. With temperatures above zero the waterways are opening up again.

I was lucky to be invited to join the folks taking part in the Dekker Center program WinterSong Sunday, not to take part, but to watch. I enjoyed it immensely, but next time will try out their earphones, which are available at the box office. What wonderful music from all age groups and then all together. What an amazing supply of talent, growing in the Battlefords area. Three members who took part from Meota were Jo Carter, Nena Byl and Lawrie Ward. The concert played again Sunday evening.

We will try to play Kaiser Friday afternoon if people show up. This week is the last chance before the New Year when we can maybe get back to a regular routine. Everyone is welcome to come out to play for fun, or better yet learn the game if you don't know it.

For snow machine operators who visit the trails in the north, the Chitek Lake Bush Buddies are receiving a grant of $1,150 to upgrade their warm-up shelter. They will replace the siding to reduce water damage and shelter visitors from cold weather, for years to come. This is a federal government investment through the Community Infrastructure Improvement fund. They are also awarding them money to upgrade their playground equipment in the village.

Winners at contract bridge Monday evening were Mary Greenwald first and Robert Iverson second. Last week I had one name wrong when I said Jack Stewart instead of Jack Smith, sorry.

We must remember those folks who are having health problems and those in hospitals and wish them a quick recovery so they can enjoy the holidays.

I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers, near and far, the best Christmas ever and remember we are celebrating a birthday, not just gifts under the tree, Christmas morning. If you're travelling, remember arriving safely is more important than rushing and maybe not getting there at all, Drive defensively. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year with best wishes for good health and happiness.

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under the tree.