The water is running, finally! The crows are back, the skunks are out and geese are trying to land on frozen water. What else could it mean but that spring has sprung?
Another sure sign is that the snowbirds have returned from warmer climates in the United States. Dave and Nancy Penley, Duane and Jean Massett, Al and Jan Richter and Ewald and Marian Miller are all enjoying at least a little bit of snow and cold before summer hits. It is good to see them all home safe and sound for another season.
It seems like things slow down in a small community at the change of seasons and so it has been here in Rabbit Lake. We are pleased to welcome Vivien Bassingthwaite and Leona Evans as new residents to the community. Only one rental unit remains empty and that is a good thing.
Get well wishes go out to Noelle Schaan from Rose Gill Lodge. We hope she will be able to return soon. Our condolences go to the family of the late Betty Johnson who had been a resident at the lodge.
We are also very happy to see Marvin Price back at home after a long and not too pleasant recovery. Keep fighting, Marvin!
The WhistleStop hosted a St. Patrick's Paddy's Day Pub at the Rabbit Lake Hall, March 17. As far as we know people had fun and became more aware of Irish traditions and foods. Patrick Laughlin entertained with some rollicking old Irish pub songs.
The same day the Rabbit Lake Rec Centre held its final skating and fun day. The ice was too soft to skate on but the other activities carried on.
The Rose Gill Lodge hosted a country family dance at the Rabbit Lake Hall, March 20. The crowd was not too large, but those who were there had fun.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church Society held its annual deep fried turkey supper and Kaiser tournament March 29. The event turned a good profit for the upkeep of the church. Kaiser winners were George Clarkson, Chrissy Moore second and third was Lloyd Lang. There were draws for 13 door prizes and there was also a raffle. Liam Aumack won a quilted centrepiece, Gerald Ewanchuk won a portable gas grill and barbecue hamper and Gordon Pacholko won a Coleman cooler filled with snacks.
The Rabbit Lake branch library held its annual general meeting, March 25. Librarian Melita Hildebrand and chairperson Donna German reported the 2013 programming, such as book club and kids' art and quilting classes, and fundraisers, such as bottle drives and the Kaiser tournament, were all considered a success.
Two staff members from Lakeland Library region headquarters, Eleanor Crumblehulme and Layne Jackson, were present and gave the Lakeland reports. Margaret Siegel has ended her term on the local board. Marie Balaszi was welcomed as the newest board member. Lynn Morrison has had her orientation to the library and has been added to the list of Melita's substitutes.
As a windup for the quilting class and kids' art, there will be an open house April 14 in the Rabbit Lake Seniors' Centre, 7 p.m. This is an opportunity for the community to see the art and sewing projects the participants have done this winter.
The library's spring bottle drive is coming up in May, as usual, so save those bottles and cans in your garage until you can donate them to this fundraiser. Watch for posters.
Norma Sherman, along with her families, hosted a noon dinner at the Rabbit Lake Seniors' Centre March 29. One hundred and six people came for a good meal and an opportunity to wish Gordon well on his 75th birthday.
Vivien Bassingthwaite's family hosted an afternoon come and go birthday party April 4 in honour of Vivien's 75th birthday. Congratulations, Vivien.
April 8 will be a big day for our village. Some of the museum committee will be going to Radisson for a supper sponsored by Rivers West District for Sport Culture and Recreation. Now, as you might have gleaned, Rabbit Lake people will enjoy a supper whenever and wherever but at this one they will receive the honour of being the Museum of the Year. Way to go!
Last Sunday Shelly and I took in the Sonrissa and Bunch of Guys concert in Saskatoon. It was very enjoyable hearing the talent that has come from this community performing in much bigger venues. I especially comment on the participation of Aleta Martens, Gwendolyn Laughlin and Tyler Martens.
Soon the spring music festivals will be on and it is really worth attending a few sessions to see what talent we have here at home.
So what is upcoming in the village? Well, the Rabbit Lake Hall board will be holding the annual Easter supper April 19 and Easter Sunday there will be a community church service at the hall. The monthly seniors' potluck supper will take place April 15. This is one day earlier as the RM of Round Hill ratepayers' supper will be held April 16 at the Sandwith Hall.
Mayfair community will be hosting a Nashville Stars Night of classic country comedy at the Mayfair Hall, April 12.
It looks like no shortage of things to take in for the next couple of weeks.
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