The Neilburg branch of the Lakeland Library held a tea Nov. 14 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of both the local library and the Lakeland region. Helen Penner of Cut Knife was the lucky winner of a basket of goodies, Shannon Wiebe won a memo pad and Darlene Bowes and Stephanie Gibbons each won a jar of honey. Edna Jeffrey and Lorraine Otteson were the winners of cloth carrying bags. Cake and ice cream and other goodies were served to all in attendance and a silver collection was taken to assist with funding the branch.
The Manitou Pioneers' Museum held their Olde Fashioned Christmas Social in the Neilburg Community Hall, Dec. 5, after several years' hiatus. Clifford Scott welcomed everyone and led in congregational singing before master of ceremonies Barb Husch took to the podium.
The first act to hit the stage was the Back Road Pickers, a group made up of Glenn Hegel on guitar, Marj Walde with her double bass and Bob Walde on mandolin. They sang three songs including an original piece titled There is a Star, set to the tune of House of the Rising Sun. Next was Barry and Janice Peters who sang and played O Holy Night on guitar and violin. The Marsden/Neilburg Catholic choir sang three selections with Sharon Koch accompanying on her 12-string guitar. The song, Children Run Joyfully, was especially upbeat.
Then it was time for Joan Gibb and the Neilburg/Marsden United Church children's choir to take the stage. They sang The Huron Carol and were dressed in furs and fringed trousers. Kale Pewapisconias accompanied the group on a drum while Marcie Park played the keyboard. They also sang Go Tell it On The Mountain. Joseph and Eva Schwaiger sang Silent Night in the original German. They also rendered, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.
The Cut Knife Catholic choir sang three songs. They also had several volunteers from the local area singing along with them. Clifford Scott sang The Birthday of A King as a solo, before joining Joseph Schwaiger for a Christmas medley. Clifford played the organ while Joseph played his trumpet. The country gospel group, Relative Harmony played three songs before the choir from Manitou Evangelical Free Church presented three selections from their Cantata which they plan to share with the community the evening of Dec. 16.
Brian Gibb was the lucky winner of the door prize. The evening ended with more community carol singing and a lunch provided by the museum. A silver collection was taken at the door. Grace was said by Clifford Scott before visiting ensued over the lunch.
Sympathy is extended to the De Groote and Marshall families on the loss of Carley Paige Marshall Dec. 7. Her memorial service was held in Whitecourt, Alta., Dec. 11. A vibrant young lady, Carley will be missed by many.
