Christmas is past, New Year's behind us and the weather this past week reminds us that the real bite of winter is with us! Although it is cold and there is more snow than we have seen for some years, the days are getting noticeably longer. If you stay on the inside of the glass you can actually feel the sun does have some warmth at midday. Is it too optimistic to mention that we are really only eight weeks from the first day of spring?
Am I the only one finding it hard to get back into the routine after the holidays? For a while I did not even know what day it was but I seem to have that figured out once again. Perhaps a day last week and a day this week back in the classroom at Hartley Clark Elementary in Spiritwood helps to bring back routine.
This week I am pleased to offer congratulations to Doug Haryung and Peggy Lindsay on their engagement. Also Marc Vallee has taken Karen to be his fiancée.
On New Year's Eve Julie Salisbury became the bride of John Scott. The wedding was performed at the farm at Mullingar and the reception and dance were held in Rabbit Lake. It was like a hybrid affair - part wedding and part New Year's Eve. With a live band, party favours at midnight and a fireworks display to bring in the New Year we had our own version of Time Square.
Congratulations also go out to Betty Schliemann of North Battleford, but formerly of Rabbit Lake, on celebrating her 80th birthday! Her family arranged a party for her Jan. 12 at Ruth Whyte Manor and several Rabbit Lake folk joined her that day.
This has been the season of colds and flu in and around Rabbit Lake. Several people complain of either a cough and cold that will not go away or of a stomach flu that keeps you busy for a day or two. Wash those hands!
Up to Christmas the WhistleStop in Rabbit Lake was hosting a Christmas draw. From the adult draw Dave Rohd emerged the winner of a Christmas cake and from the children's draw Bailey Dzialo won the candies. Thanks to those who came in and entered the draw.
The community extends its condolences in the passing of Janice Dubrule and Linda Kohlman. Both Janice and Linda are cousins of Mal Buckingham. Janice grew up on the farm just north of Mullingar and was the daughter of Ken and Elizabeth Buckingham. Linda grew up about on a farm on the Shady Bay Road and was the daughter of Elmer and Doris Kohlman.
We were also saddened to learn of the passing of David Kohut and send our sympathies to Wilma, Eugene and MaryAnn, Kathleen and Rosemary and their families. David grew up in the Rothermere District on the north side of Meeting Lake. He remained there his whole life farming and doing work in the area.
After a very long stay in Battlefords Union Hospital, Vic Ricketts has become a resident of the Spiritwood Lodge. We all hope he is able to enjoy his new surroundings. It will be much easier to get to visit him in Spiritwood.
The Rabbit Lake Rec Centre showed off its new face Jan. 8 as it opened with the first burger and bunnock night. The rink was packed and there were lots of people ready to throw the bones after supper. Let's hope this can continue all winter! A big thank you goes out to those who volunteer to prepare the rink for the ice and to those who brave the cold to flood the ice and to scrape it after skating times. Once again this could not happen without the volunteers who see value in the rink and its programs.
Also I say a big thank you to those who have helped keep the sidewalks either shovelled or have used their own snowblowers to make it easier for people to get around. Also thanks to those involved in blowing out and shovelling out the fire hydrants so that they are ready should need arise. Let's all touch wood that does not happen.
If you are interested in volunteering in and around the community, there are always things to do. Right now the village council is advertising that they are doing appointments to various boards and organizations. If you are interested contact the mayor, councillors or the administrator.
One organization that seriously needs volunteers is the Thickwood Snowmobile Club. Over the last years a lot of work has been done on preparing, marking and grooming the skidoo trail that extends from North Battleford, through Rabbit Lake and then north to Spiritwood and beyond. Trail markers and groomers are needed to keep the trail in top condition. If you have an interest, contact Doug Lamb or Stan Thul for further information.
Events in the community include the monthly potluck supper Jan. 16 at the Rabbit Lake Sunrise Circle, the annual Lakeland Library, Rabbit Lake Branch, Kaiser tournament Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. and the Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association snowmobile rally March 2. There definitely will be lots of snow to make it a fun day and the tickets are already out. Come and make a day of it with breakfast, the ride and a roast beef supper.
So that's what kind of month it's been in Rabbit Lake. Some folk have taken advantage of the warm weather of Mexico, a Caribbean cruise or the beaches of Cuba and some have just stayed home and enjoyed the snow and the snow and the snow!
