So just when we thought spring was here and things were drying up, just when the odd farmer was thinking about harvesting that fall crop, winter returned.
Although there were quite a few cabin lights on the evening of April 13 and people were planning a nice Easter at the cabin, things changed when the wind began to howl and the snow began to fall. We received a good dump of the white stuff making roads almost impassable and life downright miserable.
There have been a number of annual general meetings for various organizations this month. It seems that is a harbinger of spring.
The Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association held its meeting April 3. Russell Aumack was acclaimed as president, Micky Allchurch as vice-president, Alan Laughlin as secretary and Mary MacDonald as treasurer. Kathy Aumack joined the slate of directors with Dave Rodh, Dustin Bassingthwaite, Amanda Moore and Isabelle McLennan.
After the AGM a regular meeting was held to organize the July 7, 8 and 9 slo-pitch tournament that will be held in the community of Rabbit Lake.
The Rabbit Lake Community Hall board held its AGM on April 5. Margaret Siegel joined the slate of directors. Jeanette Krelow and Alan Laughlin will co-chair the board for 2017. Dave Martens will serve as vice-chair. Shelly Laughlin will continue as secretary-treasurer. Laureen Becotte, Marie Balazsi, George Hildebrand, Mary MacDonald, and Cornie Martens remain as directors. The board is holding its spring supper April 22 from 5-7 p.m at the community hall. June 14 there will be a hall cleanup and maintenance day. Anyone who can lend a hand for an hour or a day is most welcome.
The Rabbit Lake branch of the Lakeland Library held its AGM on April 11 at the library. Donna German remained as chairperson, and Naomi Unger as secretary. Joan Dzialo, Marie Balazsi and Norma Sherman are directors. Glenn Freethy remains librarian.
Over the last weeks our community has said a final farewell to three of its former residents. Hazel Dawson, a former teacher in Rabbit Lake, Pleasant Site and Athelstan schools, passed away at the age of 99. Mrs. Dawson came to Rabbit Lake in about 1930, as her father was one of the first elevator agents in the new community. She attended school here and later taught here. She married John Dawson from Rabbit Lake and together they farmed near Meeting Lake. Our condolences go to daughters Judy and Joyce and their families.
Ralph Ricketts passed away April 16. Ralph was born to Clyde and Kathleen Ricketts at Rose Gill Hospital, Rabbit Lake in 1934. Although he did live here for a stint in later years, his family of Ken, Kevin, Neil and Elaine where raised here and attended school here. Ralph spent most of his life working as a mechanic in the north.
He leaves his four children and their families and a sister, Mary Dearborn of North Battleford, to remember him.
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Roberta (Bobbi) Graham of St. Walburg. Bobbi (Cunningham) Graham grew up here, attended school here and married Earl Graham of Rabbit Lake. For the last several years Earl and Bobbi have been in the grocery business in St. Walburg. Our thoughts go to the Graham family and the Cunningham family at this time.
Our community also sends its condolences to the Lavallee families of Mayfair on the sudden passing of Allen Lavallee. Allen was involved in the Thickwood Hills Cattle Co-op and was well known in this area as well.
The quilting group has been busy all winter with many projects. Quilting is a program of the library. The quilters will be showing their handiwork at the community hall Monday, April 24.
Sandwith Community Hall is the place to be Saturday April 29. Don your spring bonnet, as they are serving high tea from 2-4 p.m. As well as tea there will be some auction items of interest. Call Margaret McNabb for details.
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