Grace Fellowship Ministries, with John and Donna Ridgewell of Radisson in charge, held a craft show and sale in Radisson Seniors’ Centre, with proceeds from coffee, snacks and Christmas gifts going to the Hearts 4 Children home in the Ukraine. Donna had her jewelry for sale while others having items for sale were Louise Cochran with her artwork, Chris Tyreman with his paintings and cement sculptures and Phyliss Domashovitz with baking and home decor wall art.
A memorial luncheon was held in the Borden Community Centre Oct. 25, to celebrate the life of Joe Desrosiers, who passed away suddenly Oct. 15 at the age of 82. Daughter Marie-Anne Williams read a poem, Memories of Dad, and son John read a poem, A Fallen Limb. Gar Williams gave the eulogy and read memories that Marie-Anne and John had written of their dad. Granddaughter Dianne Petersen sang Dancing in the Sky. Some spoke of their memories of Joe. Lunch was served by the Borden United Church.
The Borden volunteer firefighters held a steak night and silent auction in the Borden Community Centre Oct. 24. Connor Wainwright read a poem, A Fireman’s Life, and Peter Thiessen gave the blessing.
After a delicious supper with great desserts, a number of door prizes were drawn for and local winners were Lorraine and Gabrie Lajoie, Kandice Walker, Leanne Balon, Julie Gust, J.L. Richardson, Sandy Long, Jean Hryniuk, Cyril Saunders, Graham Derbowka, Tom Hrenkiw, Mel Brooke, Bill Pascoe and Lorraine Olinyk.
After dinner speakers were Kelly Block, MP, who spoke on volunteerism and wished them all the best in their fundraising and Randy Weekes, MLA, who talked of the growth in the province bringing new life to communities. He mentioned the 10 new recruits Borden has acquired since 2013 and thanked everyone who came and donated for the fundraiser.
Mayor Tom Redhead said it was energizing to see so many out. The firefighters are a pillar of strength in a community and he also thanked them for their service to Borden and area. RM 405 councillor Greg Orchard spoke of getting civic addresses for every farm and acreage in the RM to help in emergencies and stated the RM gives full support to the firefighters.
Fire Chief Terry Tkaczyk spoke of the practices twice a month and rookies training to land STARS. Firefighters have to take continuous training and they cover from the Borden bridge to North Battleford. Borden is the only town in that stretch with a rescue unit and Jaws of Life, so firefighters from Radisson and Maymont are training to use Borden’s equipment.
In 2015 they have had 59 calls, 32 for first responders, six STARS landings, 14 collisions and five fires.
It costs $1,900 to outfit one firefighter, $25,000 for six breathing apparatuses. The water truck is older than some of the firefighters. In 2015 they have averaged one call every four days.
There will be a training session here the third weekend in November, with one day on site at Comb-Trac and one day at Langham. Peter Thiessen, who has been a first responder for 19 years, is retiring at the end of October and he was recognized for his efforts.
Deputy fire chiefs are Ian Wainwright and Scott Sutherland.
Borden needs to retain their firefighters and recruit more as many are getting older and they need younger members to come on board. There is a $3,000 tax credit. Borden needs firefighters with their roots here, as some of these younger ones will not always be here.
A standing ovation was given to the firefighters and staff members.
There was a wine and specialty liquor raffle and winning were Lindsay Westad, Dan Gunsch, Connor Wainwright, Ron Bezugly, Cody Bradshaw, Lisa Morris and Kandice Brandrick. More than 40 silent auction items were then closed and the winning bids were announced.
Upcoming at Borden are flu shot clinics Oct. 29 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the hall, the seniors’ tea and bake sale at 1 p.m. also Oct. 29, senior girls’ volleyball tournament at Borden School all day Oct. 31, Fall Fling by Riverbend Fellowship Church Nov. 1 in the hall at 7 p.m., dessert and music by Prairie Light, by donation of cash or toiletries for The Bridge on 20th in Saskatoon.
Kids will go out after 3 p.m. on Halloween and there is a Halloween family dance Oct. 31 in the hall starting at 8 p.m. with local band JAM, costume prizes and lunch, with proceeds going to Borden School.
The Borden Seniors’ Club will have Kaiser tournaments Nov. 10 and 24, bingo Nov. 12, a crokinole tournament Nov. 17, all at 7 p.m., and their potluck supper and birthday celebration Nov. 25 at 5:45 p.m.
Remembrance Day services are Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. at Borden School, the Lions service Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. in the hall, with lunch to follow, and the Royal Purple service in Radisson Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m., with lunch to follow.
