MAIDSTONE — The Royal Canadian Legion, Maidstone Branch No. 142’s president Dennis Noble and secretary Inga Grimley attended Ratushniak Elementary and Maidstone High Schools to present prizes and certificates for the 2023 Remembrance Day contest. Categories were black and white poster, colour poster, essay and poetry. Congratulations to all the winners receiving $20 for first place, $15 for second and $10 for third. First place students go on to be judged at zone level, then districts and then to provincials. Due to privacy rules at the schools, I wasn’t able to obtain names of all the winners.
What a lift to our spirits when Ratushniak Elementary School pre-K to Grade 3 put on an uplifting Christmas concert Dec. 14. Thanks to all the students and staff for your hard work to bring such a joyful performance to us, and thank you for including the true meaning of Christmas.
Pine Island Lodge held a Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 16. Over 60 residents, staff, family and friends enjoyed Christmas carols and a plentiful lunch.
Maidstone Senior Jets played Meota Combines at North Battleford ACC Dec. 15, taking a 5-4 loss. The following night was their Christmas game night where anyone who came in festive attire got a chance to shoot the puck to win $200. There were three lucky winners who shot for a goal; none were successful but each won some cash. The Jets lost the game to Battlefords Beaver Blues 5-1. Although they’re on a 2-6 losing streak, we hope the holiday break will bring the Jets back as strong as ever.
Grace Community Church held its Christmas pageant service last Sunday, Dec. 17. Nine young people participated in the program and did an excellent job presenting the Christmas story. Thank you to Melanie for organizing everyone, Henry and Rosalee for music and Pastor Alex for a meaningful message. On Christmas Eve there will be a candlelight service at the regular time of worship, 11 a.m. MST.
Other services of which I am aware on Dec. 24 are Maidstone United Church Christmas Eve service at 10:30 a.m., Maidstone Catholic Church regular mass at 10 a.m. and Christmas Eve mass at 7 p.m.
Doug and I were pleasantly surprised by the Maidstone High School carollers on Monday. The group sang at 16 homes to bring Christmas cheer to our community. I was having a rough evening and they put the joy of Christmas right back into my heart. I’m grateful to all of you.
Maidstone Museum had several requests to view the Christmas window displays and lights in the courtyard so they will be open on Friday, Dec. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. for anyone who wants to take a stroll. Bring your family and a flashlight. There is no charge.
I send warm wishes to all our readers with hope for you to be surrounded by love and blessings through the Christmas season. To all students, staff and bus drivers, enjoy your holidays.
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