One of the many maxims that I was raised with was, “Don’t put off until tomorrow something that can be done today.” Apparently, Mother Nature subscribes to the same philosophy. One early winter storm can sure change the look of the landscape.
According to local weather watchers this weekend dumped approximately 14 inches (35 millimetres) of the fluffy, white stuff upon us, however the strong winds made measuring difficult. I think it is safe to say that it is here for the long haul. Travel was pretty much terminated until the plows got out. It’s only November!
Apparently, the number of voters who attended the advance polls for the RM election last Sunday was more than in past years. After the regular poll votes and the advance poll votes were counted the following results were revealed. Filling the remaining term of the Division 2 position, vacated by Gerald Ewanchuk, is Boyd Kowalczyk who defeated Holly Keyko. In Division 5, Jason Loewen defeated Aaron McNabb. The race for reeve was won by Rob McNabb who defeated the incumbent, Alvin Wiebe. Regardless of the results, we need to thank those who took interest in local politics and allowed their names to stand for election. Democracy is best served when ratepayers exercise their franchise.
Within the next short while we will be seeing a major development on Railway Avenue and 1st Street West. The RM is building a new shop/storage/office complex. The shop portion will end up being 48 feet by 60 feet, with the office section being 32 feet by 38 feet. The whole building will be standard construction with a metal roof. Once the building is complete by spring, the RM of Round Hill’s administrative office will relocate from Main Street to its new home.
Remembrance Day services and activities look very different this year, thank you very much COVID-19. Each summer as visitors come to our local museum, they spend time at the cenotaph reading the names of those from the community who enlisted, and in some cases sacrificed their lives. Sadly, almost all of the men and women listed on the plaques are no longer living.
Rabbit Lake is fortunate to yet have one veteran to whom we can express our thanks. Sid Penley joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the 4th Armed Division of the Regina Rifles in 1944. Over the next year he served our country in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Sid returned in 1946 and worked in Burns meat packing plant for sometime before returning to Rabbit Lake to farm.
Sid has relocated to Medicine Hat since 2005 where he celebrated his 95th birthday in August. Sid’s son Dave and daughter Jan Cherwinski along with their families continue to live in the community. A daughter, Lee Belle Perche, lives in Edmonton. So, for our Remembrance Day, join with me in saying thanks to all veterans and to Sid Penley in particular. Lest we forget.
Get well wishes go out to Pete Pawlivsky who is recovering from having a pacemaker installed. He tells me he insisted that they use “Energizer” batteries so he could keep going like the Energizer Bunny. Additionally, we remember Pete in the recent loss of his sister, Pauline Karp.
At the last Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association meeting, a donation of $500 was made to the Medstead Skating Club.
Once again, volunteer Doug Lamb is busy preparing the snowmobile trails. He has bushes timed back and many markers and signs up. I hope that, unlike last year, people respect the markers and consider the time and effort it takes to provide safe recreation for so many. As with most small communities we lean heavily on volunteers and donations.
