Yes I blew it! Last time I reported that the Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Women In Mission raised $180 at their evening Mission Sale. That is hardly notable, however the correct total of $1,870 is worth mentioning. Good job to the Women in Mission.
Congratulations to Chad and Erin Kuffert on the birth of a son on Dec. 4. Vincent Gene weighed in at 7 lbs. and 12 ozs. He is 21 inches tall. Congratulations to grandparents Eric and Karen Kuffert and to grandparents Jake and Cecilia Krahn and Irene Kuffert. Vincent is the first grandchild for Eric and Karen and first great-grandchild for Irene and Jake and Cecelia.
Who says nothing ever happens in a small town!
December has been a flurry of activities and events in this village. It all kicked off with the 10 days of events sponsored by the Rabbit Lake Hotel to celebrate Joan Dzialo's 10 years in business. One of the highlights was the formal supper at the hotel. Guests were treated to a super supper of prime rib or seafood crepes, excellent appetizers and dessert all prepared by Tony and Lois Roberts. Hats off to the chefs! Servers from Medstead High School added a formal touch. Door prize winners were Clifford Smith and Alissa Bennett. Nicole McNabb was presented a gift to recognize her five years of service at the Rabbit Lake Hotel. To fill out the week there were evenings of belly dancing, poker, entertainment with Tim Toutnant and a wine and cheese evening.
Dec. 3, the community gathered for a potluck supper at the Senior Sunrise Circle, organized by Shirley Leigh and Carol Ferguson, to bid farewell to Irma Weber. Irma will re-locate to Saskatoon after living in Rabbit Lake for 35 years. After supper there was a short program where Cornie Martens spoke, Norma Sherman read a poem and Irma was presented with a personalized sofa throw and a gift of money. Good luck in your new home, Irma.
Dec. 4, there was a community Christmas supper at the Rabbit Lake Hall sponsored by the Rabbit Lake Community Hall Board. After supper the Rabbit Lake branch of the Lakeland Library presented a puppet show for the children and Rose Gill Lodge held a silent auction with 86 donated items auctioned off. This was followed by a visit from Santa Claus. All had good fun.
Dec. 5, the Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle sponsored the annual turkey shoot and bingo.
Dec. 15, the Rabbit Lake Branch of the Lakeland Library will be offering a Christmas Tea at the Rabbit Lake Seniors' Centre. The tea begins at 3:30 p.m. After the tea there will be crafts for adults and children.
Dec. 22, the Hoffnungsfelder local congregation will gather for a Christmas Supper (what else?) at the seniors' centre. Dec. 24, there will be a Christmas Eve Service at the Rabbit Lake Community Hall. This is open to everyone as we celebrate the reason for the season.
Last time I highlighted the members of the Rabbit Lake Board of Trade. People may wonder what the role of this committee might be. After discussing this with the chairperson I learned they have an extensive mandate. At present the board of trade is lobbying for improvements and upgrades to Highway 378. As we all know this highway can no longer meet the needs of the area. An increasing number of freight bearing trucks use this highway as grain and agricultural products are transported into and out of the area. The highway was intended as a light duty surface and cannot sustain the load.
In addition to lobbying for improvements and representing the local business community it also makes available small business loans for businesses that are trying to expand or further develop. Anyone interested in the criteria for such loans should contact Gordon Sherman, chairperson. Thanks to the board of trade for their provision of candy bags at the local Christmas supper.
Get well wishes go out to Hazel Speerbrecker who is spending some time in respite at the nursing home in Spiritwood and to Laura Ricketts who is doing therapy at Park Ridge in Saskatoon. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Doug and Judy Haryung and their families.
The community of Rabbit Lake welcomes James Hansen to Rose Gill Lodge. James is formerly from Medstead. We hope James enjoys his time at the lodge.
A few couples have been enjoying old time dance lessons with Jim and Della Schira at the Medstead Hall.
One of the low rental units has become available on the moving of the Bonnick family. Shirley Price is the housing manager.
The WhistleStop Grey Cup pool was won by Vic Ricketts, Dave Kowerchuk, Pete Pawlivsky and Randy Orange. Thanks for joining in the fun.
The Rabbit Lake Recreation Center will soon be in action for the season. Thanks go out to the many volunteers who have worked to get the ice in. Special thanks go to Randy McMurtry for his many hours. We think he must have a bed in the basement as he is there at all hours. Also a big thank you to Richardson Pioneer for their donation of cooking oil for the fryer for the season.
The village is taking on a very Christmassy feeling. Several homes and businesses have put up lights and displays. Any day we hope to see the street light decorations up and on! A vote of appreciation goes out to the Carley residence at Whitkow for the super annual light show. What a great treat to behold as you come over the hill south of Whitkow!
Now that the snow is here to stay lets pay attention to the many seniors in the village who find mobility difficult in the winter. Keeping the sidewalks shovelled adjacent to your property makes movement more enjoyable and a lot safer for everyone. On that note please be careful when stringing extension cords across the sidewalks. They can become a tripping hazard
