NORTH BATTLEFORD ‑ North Battleford Senior Citizens Action Now held their annual meeting March 17.
Since it was St. Patrick's Day, a stew meal was shared at noon. Special thanks to Marie Sobieski for all her work, getting it ready. At the same time there was a birthday party for members who had birthdays: January - Charlie Horrell, Diane Cain, Thomas Schwab, Doug Leite and Gwen Laughlin; February - Ruby Rafuse; and March - Margaret Fedun, Paul Bilanski and Fay Taylor. Happy Birthday was sung to those seated at the head table ‑ Charlie Horrell, Doug Leite, Margaret Fedun, Gwen Laughlin and Diane Cain. Flo Sample said grace before the 36 members who attended shared a meal.
President Faye Goll called the annual meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. with 22 members present. A minute of silence was observed for deceased members Winona Roberts, Dorothy Youst, Martha Speilman, Jean Seeback and Shirley Tebay.
In the president's report, Faye Goll mentioned that 2021 was complicated, as members tried to get the centre open. Activities resumed slowly in July with an annual meeting in August and the centre has been open observing COVID-19 guidelines ever since. She reported this year members took care of ceiling stains and parging on the front of the building. And thanks to paint supplied by Discovery Co-op, members painted the building.
A craft sale was hosted in November, with 11 tables rented out. A raffle was held at the same time. Andrew Shutra won the big quilt and Glen Kemp the smaller quilt. Grace MacFarlene won the door prize.
A Christmas dinner was shared in early December and members were happy to be able to again give our Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation a cheque for $5,000.
Board executives stayed the same after the meeting. Longtime board member Eileen Lacoursiere resigned. Judy Tomanek and Lionel Baillargeon joined the board for the next year. Donation recipient and the group's scholarships will get a few changes that will be discussed in a later meeting. The same accountant will mind the finances.
After a brief break a monthly meeting was held with 22 members present. Members finalized the discussion on the scholarships for North Battleford Comprehensive High School and John Paul II collegiate. Raffle proceeds will fund purchase of an AED machine that is still on backorder. There is some interest in building rentals. The club sold its shuffleboard and would like to purchase kitchen equipment. A garage sale will be hosted in May. It is hoped a birthday potluck celebration will return in May.
There was discussion on some changes to afternoon card games, as Marcel Lacoursiere has decided not to run them any more. Members will be working on this in the near future. Another monthly meeting will be held in the next few weeks to set up the coming year.
