MEOTA — The weather stays warm and dry, so farmers should be getting all that fall work done, but there are still many bales to be taken in, as is common. It’s just so much nicer to have them home before the snow flies.
Oct. 4 found the bridge players doing individual scores at the Pioneer Hall, and top score went to Vern Iverson followed by Barbara Mitchell. Oct. 6, they had three tables in play. In top place were Maureen Campbell and Jean Lawes with second place by David Sharpe and Vern Iverson.
Canasta was played at the Do Drop In Oct. 7 with four tables in play starting at 1:30 p.m. The top score here went to Arlene Walker and Jack Stewart. Second were Vivianne Lesko and Janice Morton and third were Karn Kelly and Nestor Fransoo. Oct. 14 will be games of Norwegian Whist, again at 1:30 p.m.
Many folks from Meota supported the annual fall supper in the Edam Recreation Hall Sept. 25 and reported a lovely meal and some special visiting with folks not seen often
There were 20 participants in the shuffleboard tournament held on Oct. 8 in the Do Drop In. The new season got off to a flying start. Top winners were Vern Iverson and Linda Ard. Second were Carol Dyck and Nestor Fransoo and third were Arlene Walker and Laura Montgrande. The potluck luncheon was enjoyed as well as the nice social atmosphere. This is the first for the season but not the last.
A Visit in Abbotsford
(submitted by Trudy Janssens)
Our parents moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1978. As a family we immigrated from Holland in 1952. I was not even one when we came across the Atlantic. My mother, Wilhelmina (Mina) Corneille VanEe, who is now 98 going on 99 in January, relives that voyage while we sit and work on a 1,000-piece puzzle on her kitchen table. She manages to get a couple of puzzles done every week. She remembers all too well that my father was very ill on that trip and she had to look after four children on the boat.
We came in on Pier 21 in Halifax and proceeded to the trains. She recalls how absolutely filthy we were by the time we got to Winnipeg. Once in Winnipeg we could choose which farmer my father would work for for his one-year commitment in order to immigrate by the rules. We wound up in Waldheim, Sask., working for a German immigrant. My father was a bit concerned to be working for a German after experiencing the Second World War in the Netherlands, but surprisingly the farmer was extremely kind to our family.
All these memories flood back for my aging mother as we sit and puzzle together in her comfortable condo in Abbotsford. My mother still lives independently, and she has proved herself to be extremely resilient. My parents arrived with four children and went on to have six more in Canada. My father had underestimated how cold the Saskatchewan winters would be and always dreamed of living somewhere warmer.
My dad had lived a third of his life in Holland, a third in Saskatchewan and a third in Abbotsford. My mother has now lived in Abbotsford for 44 years and has really blossomed where she’s been planted. She still cooks her own food, goes for coffee with my head-injured brother every chance she gets, spends time connecting with family all over North America by Facebook and Messenger and keeps up with the news while she crochets a couple of pot holders every day.
When I was letting her know that I was coming for my annual visit, she immediately requested that I bring her more cotton to crochet with. Apparently, cotton is a better buy in Saskatchewan. Since the pandemic caused her to stay put, she decided to give up driving her car because she wasn’t getting enough practice to be a safe driver. She has kept her car, so family who visit can take her out to McDonalds for coffee, the grocery store and to attend church. She’s now the oldest person in her church and enjoys all the attention that comes with that honour.
Her immediate descendants number more than 150 now. Thankfully all 10 of her children are alive still. We’ve had several family reunions over the years and discussions are underway among the family about having a special get together for Mom’s 100th birthday.
On this latest visit we talked about her outliving the Queen of England. She commented that it didn’t surprise her, because the Queen had to live such a public life. She said it saddened her the Queen’s family was so often negatively reported upon in the news. Every family has their challenges and my parents’ motto has always been “Bear each other’s burdens.” My dad lived that motto and it’s even on his gravestone. It’s interesting that now, living in Meota, I experience that motto in my life.
I was texting recently with Lori and Gil Risling. They are the movers and shakers behind The Louisiana Hayride. Lori and Gil have recently joined Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail. They saw the need for a major fundraiser and have offered to bring The Louisiana Hayride to the Community Centre in Meota June 17, 2023. All proceeds will go to the Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail.
MLPS has had a wonderful 2022 season with renewed interest in SUP, kayaking and sailing. There is still a lot of work to be done to address maintenance issues at the clubhouse. Some of the painting has been done, but windows, doors and a better storage facility are all upcoming in 2023. We have one of the best facilities in the province and now that sailing lessons are being planned for July 4 to 8, 2023, it’s great to see volunteers stepping up to help with fundraising and willing hands.
Church Renewal
(Submitted)
Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church members along with parish council met recently. Twelve people representing different perspectives were assembled with the purpose of recreating a mission and vision statement.
The workshop was led by Rosalie Payne who guided, observed and penned comments from a wide range of opinions. In open and honest dialogue the discussions narrowed and focused on a common theme. Consensus was achieved about who we are as a parish and what we aspire to become.
The mission statement: We offer a welcoming and comfortable environment. We share peace and hope through fellowship for all. The vision statement: We provide a place where everyone is spiritually nourished and supported among a community of friends; where everyone is given the opportunity to grow as disciples of Christ, who love and serve the Lord and each other.
From this workshop initiatives will be developed that will open our faith community to absolutely everyone. You are invited to join the congregation Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
