One of the main items on the agenda of the Feb. 25 annual meeting of the Borden Museum, was a fund established in memory of museum founder Helen Sutherland.
In her report, president Karen Kerr paid tribute to Sutherland, who originally started the museum with her husband Don. The couple had extensive knowledge of the history of the village and the surrounding area. The museum is looking for ideas on how to use her memorial fund.
During the meeting held in the Borden Seniors’ Room, Kerr introduced the members of the board – secretary Brenda Tumbach, treasurer Ruben Rempel and vice-president Darby Sutherland. Other members are Stew and Eleanor Walton, Martha Rempel, Elaine Gunsch, Wendell Dyck, Ilene Youchezin, Heather Penner, Ed Neufeld and Heather Dyck.
Heather Penner reported on grants received. The museum benefitted from a Young Canada Works grants for summer students and SaskCulture support for a total of $10,535.55. Natalie Anderson was the 2020 student.
Ruben Rempel’s financial report showed income of $65,147. Of that, $52,210 was from the Helen Sutherland memorial donation plus term deposits and chequing of $31,096. Expenses totalled $21,487. Total in terms was $68,137.
Ed Neufeld gave an account of work completed in 2020, which included floor replacement, painting and door repair at the schoolhouse plus work on the display of miniature replicas of village of Borden buildings.
Heather Penner reported on the programs and activities that included a spring supper, online photo contest and a listing of historic places to visit in RM of Great Bend. Brenda Tumbach’s report on displays outlined progress on the Fosters Store and Rempel Brothers replicas from the 1920s that came from the WDM in Saskatoon. She also said a general recreation display has been retired, a train display returned to Ed Golding and the 4-H and vintage toys displays were condensed.
Cyril Saunders reported the Threshermen’s Club planted grain, potatoes and pumpkins. A digging day was held in the fall. He thanked all those who assisted with weeding through the summer.
The museum plans to open June 5, but probably by appointment as was the case in 2020 and they plan to host a few outdoor activities.
Affinity Credit Union, Borden Branch, donated $500 to Borden School to buy Chromebooks and a charging cart and Lynette Schmidt, an employee of Affinity Credit Union, donated $200 from her employee Community Spirit Fund to the school.
