It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Rabbit Lake. The street decorations are up and are a welcome greeting as we drive into the village in the evenings. Additionally, many residents have lit up their eaves and placed decorations, which bring life and vitality to community. One especially nice display can be found at the home of Marvin and Linda Price.
Nov. 29, the Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle held its annual turkey shoot. According to the seniors of the community, this event has run continuously since the late 1950s. Originally the event had the shooting in the old two-sheet curling rink, with a bingo and a supper in the community hall. At that time the curling club sponsored the event. Eventually the community hall board took over running the turkey shoot, and the whole event, with some modifications, took place at the community hall.
Most recently, the seniors’ group have sponsored the turkey shoot and held the shoot at the hall and the bingo at the seniors’ hall. This year there was no bingo due to COVID-19 restrictions and the actual shoot was held with stringent precautions in place.
Not many actually came to the shoot, but those who did had fun and some went home with turkeys. The top shooters were Brian Jones with a score of 27 out of 30 and Patrick Laughlin with a score of 28 out of 30. Additionally, turkeys were won by Doreen Lamb, Kathy Aumack, Marie Balazsi, Eric Kuffert, Rhonda Prescesky, Melissa Rowland, Colleen Toews and Margaret Seigel. I think Karen Vallee had the most fun at the turkey shoot this year. Ask her all about it. Thanks to Patrick Laughlin for being the range officer this year.
Surprisingly, the first term for both regular and post secondary-education will be complete by Dec. 18. Hanna Dzialo Hansen is attending her first year of college in Vermilion, Alta. Hanna was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Royal Canadian Legion, for which she is grateful.
Ice shacks are beginning to fill in the landscape at Meeting Lake. Although reports suggest there is ample ice around the shore, it remains questionable farther out. Ice fishing can be a great way to fill time alone or in family groups while remaining socially distanced or in family bubbles, but be careful to check the ice depth and stay safe.
Due to pandemic concerns, the annual Rabbit Lake and District Agricultural Association snowmobile rally, that typically would be held on the first Saturday in March, will not happen this year.
A few years ago, the community purchased an AED, which is housed at Rose Gill Lodge, but is available to all the community should an emergency occur. This device requires systematic maintenance such as batteries and other supplies and that comes with an ongoing cost. At its last meeting the Ag. Association agreed to fund the necessary updates for around $300.
Finally, and most importantly, the community of Rabbit Lake wishes each and every one a very merry Christmas and looks forward to a new year that is much different from 2020. Enjoy the holidays and stay safe.
