The lights are up. The shopping is done. Everything is wrapped and baked. There is no stress leading up to this Christmas. Yeah right and who am I trying to kid! It is not only beginning to look a lot like Christmas but it is beginning to feel like Christmas too. This week the mercury dipped to an unseasonal low of -31 in some places and -29 here in the village.
Here is a question for any birdwatchers who might know the answer. Why are hairy woodpeckers pecking the siding off of people's houses? At least three farmers in the area have had severe damage to their house siding by the larger of the common woodpeckers. In one cause the feathered folk have pecked and drummed right down to the studding. We would sure like to know why.
The community sends its condolences to the Alan Martens family on the passing of Debbie's mother, Mrs. Hazel Neudorf.
Nov. 30 was a big evening in Rabbit Lake. Nicole McNabb and Crystal Wright had come up with an idea of a Pie in the Eye to raise money for Rose Gill Lodge and Nov. 30 was the night to see if their idea was successful or not. And successful it was, in fact much more successful than anyone had even imagined.
It all started when a field of about 30 contestants vied for a position in the top 20. Voting was done at 5 cents a vote. As contestants gained votes, they gained ranking in the top 20. The voting ceased at 4 p.m. Nov. 30. When the whole thing shook loose, the top, Norma Sherman had raised $1058.75, and Stan Moore, former chairman of the board, had raised $1000 via the wild card auction. Stan Moore was purchased by Stan Thul. Jean Hansen, one of the residents, provided a raffle table and helped make the total grow. Thanks to Jean for her efforts.
The total raised that evening was $13,818.80. Monsanto Dekalb donated the cost of the music that was provided by Trevor Pauls and Eclectic Beat. A dance followed. Beyer Crop Science donated the rent for the hall. There were also donations from Spiritwood Credit Union. In addition the Spiritwood Credit Union made a financial donation toward the residents' Christmas Supper.
The 50/50 of $195 was won by Brenda Aumack. A bar fridge donated by The Wright Choice Seed Cleaning Plant was won by Maryann Smith.
The Rabbit Lake Community Hall board hosted the annual Christmas supper, enjoyed by 68 people Dec. 7. Even though the night was desperately cold a couple of people came from Spiritwood and a family came from Mayfair. Santa Claus made his visit with the kids, leaving them with candy bags and oranges donated by the Rabbit Lake and District Board of Trade. The supper was organized and prepared by Cyndy Spielmann, Marlene Martens and Alan Laughlin. The suppers are fundraisers that help with upkeep of the hall.
In late November Ron Hansen took on the task of blowing R40 insulation into the attic of the old part of the hall. When built in 1947 a couple of inches of wood shavings seemed to be appropriate. Already we can feel the difference the new R40 makes.
When Ron was up in the attic he found a few boxes of interesting things that had long been forgotten. One thing was the sign that was put in front of a dance band to advertise. Does anyone remember who the Melody 5 was? The sign was found up in the attic and will now go to the museum.
Remember the Christmas lighting contest which will be judged Dec. 15 and the supper Dec. 16 where the prizes will be awarded. There is a people's choice category. In order to be on the judges' list you must register with Brenda at the village office before Dec. 15.
