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Lifetime achievement award for Cornie Martens

Rabbit Lake News
Cornie and Marlene Martens
Cornie and Marlene Martens with his SSM Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteerism. Photo by Alan Laughlin

In August it was smoke. In September it was rain! In October it has been snow! Is there any chance that in November it could be sunshine?

Late summer and early autumn are stressful times for anyone involved in agriculture. I often wonder how farmers are able to keep their sanity when they see their product deteriorate due to no fault of their own. I have said this before but I think it bears repeating, “Everything that finds its way onto our supper table started out on someone’s farm.”

Congratulations go to Darren Spielmann and Holly French on the birth of their son, Finley John on Sept, 22. Finley is a grandson for Claus and Cyndy Spielmann and for John and Ruth French of Belbutte.

Each year the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism calls for nominations of outstanding volunteers, in 13 categories, who are seniors. Nominations are received from across the province and highlight the unbelievable contributions retired individuals provide to an enhanced standard of living in their communities and in the province. The nominations are adjudicated by an independent selection committee.

The winner for each category is revealed at a gala in Regina presided over by Lieutenant Governor Thomas Malloy. Sept. 30, Shelly and I accompanied Cornie and Marlene Martens to Regina to be part of that gala. Cornie had been nominated in the category of Lifetime Achievement, a category that recognizes an individual’s ongoing voluntary contributions that span several years.

Six nominations were submitted to this category and in academy award fashion the envelope was opened and the MC said, “This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Cornelius Martens of Rabbit Lake.”  Yes, we were very excited and very proud.

The keynote speaker for the evening was former premier, Lorne Calvert.

The whole community joins in expressing their thanks for the many years of service and in saying congratulations, Cornie.

Oct. 13 was the night of the annual Rabbit Lake Hall Board Harvest Supper. About 180 people came out to enjoy a home-cooked meal of turkey and ham and all the trimmings. This is a major fundraiser for the hall and everyone’s contributions and attendance is much appreciated. It was great to see people from Mayfair, Spiritwood, Glenbush, Medstead and, of course, families that came home for the event. In addition to the supper, Rose Gill Lodge held its silent auction. Usually this auction is held in conjunction with Rabbit Lake Days but that did not happen this year.

The community sends it condolences to Dave Plummer and Quinton Plummer on the sudden passing of Lorraine Scott Oct. 13. Lorraine has lived most of her life in the Mullingar, Meeting Lake and Rabbit Lake communities. Most recently she attended the RM of Round Hill transfer station and, along with Dave, has operated the Rabbit Lake Café for the last three years. She had been a strong supporter and leader of the local AA group and a musician who enjoyed playing the guitar.

Additionally, the community acknowledges the passing of Mr. Ellis Knutson. Mr. Knutson was principal of Mullingar School and later Mayfair School.

Nov. 3 the Rabbit Lake Community Hall board will be hosting a ham and turkey dabber bingo. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. at the hall. Come out and have some fun.

Dec. 2 the Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle will be hosting their annual turkey shoot at the Rabbit Lake Community Hall. Along with this there is a bingo and chili supper at the Sunrise Circle. This is always an afternoon of good times and hearty laughter.

The Rabbit Lake branch of the Lakeland Library has been busy planning its winter programming. Art instruction for kids will begin Nov. 7 and run concurrently on Wednesdays. Quilting will be beginning Nov. 5 and will be a Monday evening activity. If there is enough interest, lessons in Kaiser and canasta will be arranged. If anyone is interested in these games let Lynn and the library know as soon as possible. The winners of the treat of the month was Brandtsen and Braydon Moore.