The six children of Dorothy Youst held an 80th birthday family gathering for her at Mayfair Hall on April 23. Dorothy enjoyed the afternoon with Christine (Lorne) Pollard, Linda (Robert) Adamus, John (Georgina), Frances (Gerald) Ewanchuk, Ritchie (Gina), Louela Bourelle, grandchildren and wee ones. After that, everyone drove to the family farm and had a wiener roast in the warm weather. Dorothy was the postmistress in Mayfair until she retired in North Battleford after her husband Victor passed away nine years ago.
According to Stella Ewanchuk, a last minute plan by their five children (Raymond, Donna, Gerald, Audrey and Marty and spouses) was a 65th wedding anniversary come and go tea for her and Walter. Their celebration was on May 14 at Blue Mountain Chalet. There was a fair-sized crowd of people congratulating this couple on their special day.
They farmed near Whitkow for decades while Stella taught school for 30 years. The last school she taught at was St. John's (later renamed Holy Family) in North Battleford. Walter and Stella have 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Apparently they will be busy visiting with a lot of company coming from Edmonton this week. Their son Gerald (Frances) resides on the family farm and Walter still likes to come to his small house to enjoy the rural setting, especially the cattle.
At this time of the year there are always many bridal showers because of the summer weddings being planned. Mayfair Hall was colourfully decorated for Becky Bulmer's (daughter of Cheryl and Kolin) shower on May 14, put on by her four bridesmaids. Included in the afternoon was guessing games, guests signing their names on a large barbecue apron, introductions of everyone and lunch. There were approximately 50 women, many of them from the Maymont and Hafford areas. In a couple of months, Becky will be a bride to Daniel Bezmutko.
St. Joseph Catholic Church always holds a tea the second Tuesday of each month. I've attended the past two with my mother-in-law Olga Woloshyn and really enjoyed visiting the others who attend these functions. There is always musical entertainment and at this last one The Nifty Fifties gals sang a selection of well known songs. A tasty lunch was served, then the afternoon ended with bingo. Every guest was given a bedding plant, compliments of the city greenhouse. The next tea is to be a bit different, as it will be a late afternoon barbecue starting at 4 p.m. on June 14. Everyone is welcome.
The memorial service for the late Barbara Thompson was well attended at the Slawa Hall in North Battleford last month. Joyce Salie presided at the service. Fellowship time and lunch was served by a few members of the CWL from Mayfair. The Thompsons farmed for many years in the Alticane district.
The 80th birthday celebration tea was well attended for Marguerite Wintonyk this past Saturday at the Chapel Gallery in North Battleford. Her nine children reminded her many months ago that they were putting on this special event and to mark her calendar. They hail from Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Red Deer, Alta., Lloydminster, various other parts of Alberta and Joey from New Brunswick. Marguerite wrote an autobiography, had it published and gave every one of her children a keepsake. I am sure they will treasure this book forever. A large fancy quilt with all of her family members' photos adorning this piece of art was a gift for her from them.
June 7 is a yard auction sale for Willie and Marguerite as they are partly moved to Caleb Village in North Battleford.
Heather and Rob Buziak along with daughter Kristi and Curtis Rousseau and grandchildren Burke and Ryder had a pleasant holiday near a resort in the Cancun, Mexico area. This occurred in March, with the highlight of their excursion being a tour of Mayan ruins. Shopping, sun tanning, swimming and enjoying a few cool ones on the beach is always a fun thing to do when in a warm country.
We missed all of the rain that various parts of the province abundantly received. The ground is very dry and moisture is badly needed in our area. The thermometer dipped down to freezing for two days last week. Some of the farmers have finished seeding already. The early seeded gardens did get touched by frost, which isn't unheard of for this time of the year.
This long weekend will see much more traffic, so be a defensive driver and do not be in such a rush to get to your destination. Many will be on their way to campgrounds, pulling boats, campers and ATVs, so please slow down. Farmers will still be seen pulling the large equipment up and down gravel roads and highways. They cannot travel the posted speed, so getting stuck behind them isn't always the most convenient thing.
Have a great long weekend and take time to enjoy the many sights and sounds of spring.
Mark your calendar for this Saturday, our spring craft sale in Mayfair Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
