MAIDSTONE — Sincere sympathy is extended to the children and grandchildren of Beverley Frances Kraft who passed away Nov. 27 at the age of 77 years. Bev and Larry lived in Paynton for many years before retiring to Unity. Most of us knew Bev through her career at Paynton Credit Union but also as a neighbour and friend. The funeral service for Bev took place on Dec. 2 in Unity.
Marie “Cindy” Thelma Kzoritz passed away in Lloydminster Hospital Nov. 27 at the age of 63 years. Cindy was well known for her work in many restaurants in our communities and was a wonderful cook. A restaurant meal prepared by Cindy was just like homemade. The celebration of life for Cindy was held at Maidstone Legion Hall Dec. 6. Condolences go to all her family and friends.
Congratulations to the Blyth family on the birth of their baby boy, Declan Joseph, born Nov. 27 in Lloydminster Hospital, weighing 8 pounds, 15 ounces and 22.5 inches long. Proud parents are Deiedra and Craig, siblings are Tristan and Mickey and grandparents are Dave and Judy Bedwell and Murray and Lynn Blyth.
Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the Halloween “Boos for a Cause” dance in Maidstone. Almost $4,000 was raised which was split among six nominees undergoing cancer treatment. After many years of doing this event, the co-ordinators don’t foresee continuing. Thanks for all your hard work in raising about $45,000 to help our locals. Anyone interested in taking over this worthy project, contact Megan Rhinehart.
For social studies class, Ratushniak Elementary’s Grade 3A came up with ways to help children in need. The main purpose of their project was to show how all children deserve the right to have food and warm clothing. Together they donated 87 food and clothing items. Way to go, 3A. Ratushniak School’s SCC is continuing the goodwill with a food drive. For each non-perishable item brought in, you get entered into a draw to win a prize. All donations go to Maidstone Food Bank.
Maidstone saw a flurry of activity during Moonlight Madness Dec. 1. Although I wasn’t able to go due to minor surgery, Doug went in and brought me some of the UCW’s turkey soup, a hot dog and cherry pie (my favourite). The soup was delicious. Anyone who brought a non-perishable food item or warm winter wearable for Maidstone Food Bank got a free drink. In front of the arena, Vera Hollingshead performed the tree lighting before heading over to the Legion Hall where the Christmas Market vendors were doing a brisk business with a variety of gift ideas and treats.
Maidstone High School’s SADD students had hot chocolate and bottled water for sale and also took orders for Christmas trees to arrive at the school Monday. The winner of the money tree draw was Robyn Griffith of Lashburn who grabbed $323 in merchant vouchers off the tree.
Santa’s visit was eagerly awaited and sure enough, in he came with plenty of ho hos, ready to listen, chat and share treat bags with the children. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for organizing and participating businesses around town. Winners of Maidstone Pharmacy’s draws were Denise Newton, Kathy Cox and Lynda Garnier.
The Milner family had an early Christmas gathering and celebration of Keith and Verna’s 63rd anniversary at the Seniors’ Drop In Centre in Maidstone Dec. 3. It was wonderful to have both daughters, Roxanne and Chandra, as well as all six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with them. They are blessed to have everyone live close by in Lloydminster, North Battleford and Maidstone. Congratulations on 63 years of marriage, Keith and Verna.
Maidstone Senior Jets came up short in both games last weekend, losing 2-5 to the Tigers in Turtleford and at home 4-8 against Glaslyn North Stars. The next games are Friday, Dec. 8 in Biggar against Perdue Pirates and Saturday, Dec. 9 at home versus Turtleford. At Saturday’s game, there will be a “teddy bear toss.” Bring a new or gently used teddy bear to toss onto the ice when the Jets score their first goal. All teddies will be donated to Maidstone Food Bank, Lloydminster Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Border Paws.
Maidstone Ice Arena’s final 2023 Trip of the Month draws have been made. Laurie and John Dunlop won the Calgary family adventure (value $2,642.59), Cheryl Hume won the $1,000 travel voucher and Jim and Cheryl Johnston won their ticket money back. We look forward to the 2024 fundraiser.
Lashburn’s Santa Claus Day will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. MST. Activities include cookie decorating from 3 to 5 p.m.; book, dollar and dime sales; a colouring contest; horse-drawn sleigh rides; free public skating; hot dog sale and roast; visit with Santa; firetrucks and candy canes; and fireworks. Spread the holiday cheer.
A reminder that weekly coffee socials are held at Maidstone Seniors’ Drop In Centre (406 - Main St.) at 9:30 a.m. MST on Tuesdays and at Milleton Hall (Highway 21 North) at 9 a.m. MST on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome to join in.
Upcoming events:
Dec. 8 (Friday) - Health Care Auxiliary Tea and Bake Sale (2 to 4 p.m. MST) at Maidstone Health Complex Atrium.
Dec. 9 (Saturday) - Maidstone Museum Winter Fun Fest (1 to 5 p.m. MST) with fireworks at 5 p.m.
Dec. 10 (Sunday) - Waseca’s Santa and Mrs. Claus Day (1 to 4 p.m. MST) at the Community Centre.
Dec. 14 (Thursday) - Ratushniak Elementary School Christmas Concert: 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
