There is no doubt spring has sprung and summer is close at hand. I can’t remember ever having the garden in by May 5. Radishes and onions are up and the rest can’t be far behind.
On a much larger scale, seeding is well underway and we certainly wish for safety for the guys on the land during this busy season. Although the farmers say there is moisture, a good rain would not be frowned upon about now.
Not only would rain bring on the crops but also it would dampen the tinder-dry conditions that are so conducive to fires. Fort McMurray seems a long way away, but similar things could happen right here. Earlier this week, Allan and Linda Wheale lost their shop, contents, vehicle and various outbuildings to a fire in their yard. No one dreams of losing their belongings that way and we certainly think of Allan and Linda at this time.
Recently we have been made aware of the passing of Art Penner May 5. Art, a meticulous farmer and a master carpenter, spent most of his life at Rabbit Lake. Only due to declining health was he forced to take up residency in Saskatoon. We send our condolences to Art’s brother Pete and sister-in-law Marg, as well as the rest of his family.
We would like to welcome new residents into our community. Recently Lorne and Charlotte Fletcher have moved into the Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Manse. We hope they become part of the community.
The Rabbit Lake Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite ladies’ aid held a games night at the Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle April 2. After a fun-filled evening of games, a contest to guess the number of jelly beans in a jar and a raffle done by Marijane Martens, the ladies had raised more than $1,000. This money will be dispersed to the three church camps — Shekinak at Waldheim, Rosthern Youth Farm at Rosthern and Elim camp at Lake Pelletier near Swift Current.
The Rabbit Lake Community Hall board sponsored a spring supper April 16. Marie Balaszi, Jeanette Krelow and Laureen Becotte, along with helpers, generously fed about 106 people. Guests from Spiritwood, North Battleford, Mayfair, Glenbush and of course right here at home made for a good turnout.
April 29 was the night for two annual general meetings in Rabbit Lake. The first one was at the museum where Norma Sherman became president, Isabelle McLennan vice-president, Ruth Hrynewich secretary and Alan Laughlin treasurer. Many thanks to Gordon Sherman, who stepped down as president after many years of serving the museum board.
At the Rabbit Lake and District Ag Association annual meeting Russell Aumack remained as president, Mickey Allchurch as vice-president, Mary MacDonald as treasurer and Alan Laughlin as secretary. The ag association will be hosting a slo-pitch ball tournament July 8 and 9 at the ball diamonds in the schoolyard. Watch for posters.
The Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle has sponsored two entertaining evenings. A musical trio called Tamarack provided old-time country music to a crowd of about 60 people April 21. People seemed to enjoy the evening. A storyteller/comedian called Old Ugly entertained about 40 people May 5. Old Ugly certainly made people laugh. Thanks to Jim Tomkins and the seniors’ centre board for bringing entertainment to Rabbit Lake.
The Rabbit Lake Library held a show and tell evening at the Rabbit Lake Community Hall May 2 to highlight the work that had been done over the winter by the adult art group, the kids’ art group and the Monday night quilting group. The library sponsored these activities. Donna German does the art instruction.
A group gathered at the museum May 4 to begin cleaning and preparing the teacherage and hospital for necessary improvements. There is lots of work to do there and volunteers are always welcome. If you have some time to give, contact Norma Sherman and she will put you to work. There will be another museum cleanup June 8 and a church service and picnic June 12. Come out and enjoy a relaxing day at the museum.
Congratulations go to Angel Haryung and Dwayne Heyden who were married May 7 in Spiritwood. Angel is the daughter of Doug and the late Judy Haryung. She was raised at Rabbit Lake and has spent a number of years teaching swimming lessons at Meeting Lake Regional Park.
Rose Gill Lodge Residents’ Fund committee hosted a Mother’s Day tea at Rose Gill Lodge on Mother’s Day, May 8. This committee raises funds for all the little extras that make living at the lodge more pleasant.
The ice is off of Meeting Lake so the season can begin! The new park management hosted a Mothers’ Day supper at Meeting Lake Regional Park. A lot of cleaning and preparation work has been done for the season. The lake remains high so that will continue to bring challenges. We look forward to seeing friends returning to their cabins and seasonal homes.
