MEOTA ‑ A trip to Beauval a weekend ago was interesting, and spending time with two of my girls was the best part of it all. I travelled with Beth Wynne to visit sister Sal Bouvier. It seemed to be a long drive up there, but coming home always seems shorter. The roads had a lot of slush on them, back to Meadow Lake, and it was good to have dry roads from there. We stopped north of Glaslyn and visited with my nephew Dave and Debbie Shepherd.
Driving around town you always see something new going on. Time doesn't stand still in this little growing village. A new house is ready to be winched onto a concrete basement at the entry to the park. There were at least two new big houses built along the lake shore in Lakeview in this past year.
The fish shacks have been removed from the lake, as I understand there are some pretty steep fines for those not removed on time. I saw one heading out of town Sunday.
The eagles have returned to the north country but the grosbeaks that have been at the feeder all winter did not appear. As Marlene Walters in Spiritwood asked, "Where are they?"
Sorry to hear of more pioneers passing. Betty (Mann) Moore who farmed in the Scentgrass area, but retired to Harwood Manor, passed March 25 at the age of 99. She once taught school in Bapaume when her father was the elevator agent there, back in the early 1940s.
A pioneer from Chitek Lake, 90-year-old Robert Chalifour, passed March 24. He was one of the popular snowbirds for many years. He started out farming and was known to be a fixer of any problem and maker of many things.
Thursday there were two and half tables of bridge in play at the Pioneer Hall. Top score went to Mary Phelps and Catriona Winterholt. Second were Linda Ard and Eric Callbeck.
The annual meeting of the Do Drop In was held March 29. The present executive was reinstated. In her library report, Maureen said they have introduced crafts for children and contests for all readers. COVID testing kits are available at the library. Council advised the AED kit, for use in the case of a heart attack, needs to be updated, at a cost of $151. Motion against the update carried. No shuffleboard was held in March as there were not enough people signed up to participate. A container for used stamps is in place at the Do Drop In. The SSAI regional meeting is being held in Meota April 6, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Do Drop In. Next meeting will be April 8, at 10 a.m.
Norwegian Whist was played at the Do Drop In Friday last with top scores going to Eric Callbeck, Vernon Iverson, Arlene Walker and Albert Huys.
The onions are planted down in Taber country, acres and acres of them. No doubt other crops are being planted too, as the weather there is much warmer than here.
Darts classic returns
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Meota Spring Darts Classic is returning Friday, April 8 at the Meota curling rink. Traditional tournaments hosted by the curling club in spring and fall, was last held in November of 2020. Two-time champion and future hall-of-famer Ron Clarke is returning to defend his title in the men's division and Teresa Ducharme is looking to defend her championship in the women's event.
The Meota Curling Club is hosting their spring annual general meeting at the rink Tuesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Meota ADRA
The Meota outdoor rink is officially done for the season as the shovels and nets were all put away and the warmup shack has been locked up for the summer. This summer will see a portion of the boards repaired and reinforced in a multi-year revitalization project. Meota ADRA recognizes area businesses for their support in helping restore the outdoor skating rink, which has been starting to show its age. ADRA also acknowledges the Lions Club, the Meota Girls Club, Cory Iverson and Terra Schaefer for their contributions to the outdoor rink project.
Plant sale May 21
Meota United/Anglican Church is preparing for a plant sale Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. at the church.
In the past the church has offered bake sales, but due to COVID the tradition ground to a halt. Supporters of the church have decided to try something new.
They are asking everyone to consider how they could pitch in for a plant and garden sale. Organizers would welcome starter garden plants like cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs, as well as house plants and clippings. Even small evergreens or shrubs for the yard could be contributed.
Donations of gardening magazines, books, pots, hangers and plant stands would all be welcomed.
The Meota Girls Club members are making wreaths, and there will be a door prize.
The organizing committee would like to thank all those who plan to contribute, as well as everyone in the community who come out to support this fundraiser for the Meota United/Anglican Church.
