In the Community

A belated Happy New Year to all Medstead and area residents, and I hope 2011 proves to be a good year for you. In contrast to previous activity laden months, January has started off slowly with few activities happening at the moment.

The Chapel Gallery is calling all artists to submit work for the February dimensional exhibition "My Gift Wrapped with Love." This gallery member exhibition will be featured in the Window Salon for the month of February.

First of all Happy New Year to one and all from the village of Rabbit Lake. The year has begun with great weather for the many activities in the village. Skating lessons have begun on Tuesday evenings at the arena.

There will be a wing night fundraiser at Maymont Hotel Jan. 14 starting at 6 p.m. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society on behalf of the "United to Fight For Cancer", Relay for Life Team.

Ending 40 days and nights of fasting, Ukrainian Christmas Eve was celebrated at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Jan. 6. Father Taras Udod gave the blessing for the meal, Sviata Vecheria, at which over 50 parishioners gathered.

Birds coming to the feeders are not nearly as plentiful as in past years. One birdwatcher was visited by only a few Pine Grosbeaks. These birds usually visit in flocks and are seen often throughout the winter. This is true of many birds.

January is starting to buzz in Maidstone. As usual, the arena is a busy place with figure skating, hockey, curling and school activities but there are other activities coming up beyond the ice. Jan.

Well, no one called me names, but I definitely didn't get to play any reindeer drinking games. Even so, Operation Red Nose was the most fun I've had volunteering since I volunteered for the Gemini Awards.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter after Christmas telling me my entry for the CBC Favourite Book Contest had been selected as one of the winners. I was told there were over 600 entries, so it was difficult to select winners.

As with any other community at this time of year things have slowed down here in Meota.