Though the weather had stayed reasonably warm until the weekend, it has snowed off and on this past weekend, with some wind too. We don't have as much snow as many other areas around. There were still some geese here when the lake froze over recently, so they had a chance to try out their skating abilities and decided it was time to head south.
The Remembrance Day Service held in the community complex in Meota was well attended with a full program in place. Robert Zurowski was the MC and he introduced Mayor John MacDonald who welcomed the people. O Canada was sung, led by the Lions' Chorus. Lawrie Ward gave the opening prayer and this was followed by the guest speaker, Lloyd Beaumont.
Lloyd was a lieutenant colonel with the Regina Rifles and, as garrison commander of the Royal Regina Rifles in Regina, organized a reunion of veterans from across the province of Saskatchewan, in 1974, to travel and visit key places of action in France, Belgium and Holland. He related various stories that gave the past some reality. He also pointed out the fact that not only the men who lost their lives should be remembered but also those who fought beside them, and survived.
Robert Zurowski recited the poem, written by John McCrae, In Flanders Fields. The wreaths were laid by these dignitaries: for the Village of Meota, John MacDonald; for the RM of Meota, Wilbert Fennig; for the Resort Village of Metinota, Glen Wouters; and for the provincial government, MLA Larry Doke. Robert then read a poem, They Survived.
Then singing by the Lions' Chorus, some songs with the crowd joining in, was enjoyed. They sang a few of the old songs from the days of the First World War, It's a Long Way to Tipperary and The White Cliffs of Dover, followed with singing Grace. A tasty lunch was enjoyed, along with fellowship, by everyone. There should be a picture and more info next week.
The regular meeting of the Do Drop In seniors was held in their centre Nov. 7, with 10 members present. Minutes were read and adopted and the financial statement given. There was a report from the library committee, with the regular worker Debbie Pearce soon to be back on the job, following a medical absence. A report was heard from the sick committee by Shirley Ward.
The provincial bowling tournament will be held next March 9 and 10, in the Minto Rec Centre in Prince Albert. Information is available at the seniors' centre. It was too late to enter the bowling in North Battleford as word came between meetings and past the registration date.
The tickets are printed for the seniors' Christmas supper and available from members. These, and the posters, were done by Mary Shury who did a fantastic job - thanks so much.
The ham and turkey bingo at the community centre is being held Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. Donation boxes for the food bank are at the credit union, the store and the salon until Nov. 21. Donations will be made up into hampers. There will be some door prizes as well.
The next shuffle board tournament will be held at the Do Drop In Nov. 23, starting in the morning, as soon after 9 a.m. as possible.
A motion passed to purchase a larger stove and a second refrigerator for the centre, so there is more room for caterers preparing meals. Pearl Hawkins will take care of getting quotes and seeing to the purchase of these items, before month-end, if possible.
Meota is hosting its third annual Christmas concert Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Meota Community Complex. Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Meota RM office, Meota Insurance Agency and by calling 306-713-1901. Tickets will be available at the door for $13.
We are excited to have the Meota Men's Chorus, Lisa Hornung, Jaya Hoy, Erin Foreman and many more talented guests. Christmas music and Christmas cheer will abound. The concert is followed with dessert, tea and coffee. Proceeds from the concert are donated to the food bank in North Battleford. Please join us in heralding in the Christmas season.
The first Friday afternoon of Kaiser playing was enjoyed by two tables Nov. 8. High scores were won by Linda Ard and Lorna Pearson. Hopefully another week there won't be so many other commitments and the turnout will be better. It was a nice warm afternoon but there were a few snowflakes coming down.
Last week there was a mistake in the time for the Catholic Church mass. It should have read 10:15 a.m., not p.m., every Sunday.
There were five tables of Canasta players Nov. 8 who had a nice time with lots of laughter and lots of lunch when it was over. The high scoring couple were Beulah Corbiel and Arlene Walker.
Dale Oborowski enjoyed the company of his daughter Jodie Hosegood from Warman, for a few days last week.
The Meota Lions meet the second Thursday of each month in the Lions Club House at the Meota Community Complex. For info contact Lawrie Ward at 306-892-2517.
The parish-wide service for the United/Anglican congregation will be held in Livelong Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m. A potluck luncheon will follow. We hope the weather will co-operate.
Deepest sympathy is extended to the Tait and Gansauge families with the loss of their dear Jean, Nov. 7, in North Battleford. While she was maybe not an original pioneer, she was a real 'pioneer' in every sense of the word and surely will leave her legacy to her descendants. Jean's funeral service was held in the Meota Community Complex at 3 p.m. Nov. 11, with interment in the Meota Cemetery.
Since so many folks have encouraged me to take on this task of sending news in, I should tell you that my phone number is 306-892-2033. You can call any time; no answering machine but I will call back for your information. A note left in my mailbox, number 294, would be welcome and easy also. Only by working together, can we make it a successful project.
