There is no shortage of water in the country this year. Potholes have become sloughs and sloughs spill over to fill lakes. Meeting Lake is higher than it has been in at least 70 years. How things change! In 1985 one was able to drive a truck around the end of the launch pad at the end of the dock road. This year the launch pad and the entire dock road are under water. Some cabin owners have used sandbags as a precaution against water damage. Fortunately there was a berm constructed last summer.
Spring always brings new sights and sounds to the countryside. The new cemetery gates at St. Michael’s Greek Orthodox cemetery are a beautiful dedication to the Russian and Ukrainian pioneers who settled at Co-operation, a school district 15 kms south of Rabbit Lake. The small church, built in 1927, still stands and is maintained by volunteers. The school and teacherage are now gone, however the monuments in the cemetery record the families of the district: Konopelski, Krelow, Pawlivsky, Borisenko, Decterow, Sapranoff, Napran, Yaskewich, Busko, Plaxin, Royko, Tochin, Musik, Swistun, Stupka, Policka, Hrynewich, Romanek, Wedkewich, German, Friemark and Schliemann. Thanks to Jody Friemark for the construction of the gates and to Henry Konopelski and Pete Pawlivsky for organizing the project. The gates were paid for by private donations.
The community sends its condolences to Doreen and Doug Lamb on the passing of Doreen’s mother, Mrs. Edna Herman. Hugo and Edna Herman farmed in the Meeting Lake district for many years before retiring to Saskatoon.
June 4 was the day to be at the museum in Rabbit Lake! A noon barbecue and picnic started the day and was followed by a non-denominational church service in the museum church. Approximately 50 people attended.
The speaker for the afternoon was Kathy Covert (Klippenstein) who was both entertaining and inspirational. Her message was “Just do it.” She encouraged people to accomplish their dreams and goals even when life gets in the way.
The service concluded with some special recognitions. The museum began in 1980. Ruth Hrynewich, Cornie Martens and Isabelle McLennan have served on the board continually since the beginning, each contributing 37 years for a grand total of 111 years of service to the community. A plaque of recognition was presented to the three by past president Gordon Sherman. Bouquets of flowers were presented to each of the honourees.
Everyone enjoyed visiting and coffee and a Canada 150 cake baked and decorated by Ruth Hrynewich. All in all it was a great day.
On June 8 the Battlefords Chapter of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan hosted the annual fishing derby at Meeting Lake. Registration and lunch were at the Senior Sunrise Circle in Rabbit Lake and then the fishers took to the lake. Those who didn’t fish took a tour of the Thickwood Hills or remained at the senior center to play games. Peter Pawlivsky organized a demonstration game of bunnock which was enjoyed by those who had never seen or played the game. Entertainment was provided by Dave and Quentin Plummer and enjoyed by all. A catered fried fish supper ended the day.
Fishers came from Canora, Wakaw, Nipawin and Gronlid as well as the local area. Almost everyone caught a fish.
Randy Wehrkamp from Gronlid received the trophy for the largest fish and for the largest cumulative total length of fish caught. Second prize went to Dennis Yaremy of Gronlid and thirds prize went to Gar Williams of Nipawin.
Monthly the Rabbit Lake Senior Sunrise Circle hosts a music evening at the community hall. This month Randy and Ray entertained and were much enjoyed.
On June 11, my wife and I were invited to Medstead to be there for the “Wheels for wells” kick off. Alex Weber (15), son of Sandi and Greg Weber and grandson of Bruce and Jean McNabb, missionaries with World Vision in Bali, organized an international effort designed to provide clean drinking water for those who have none. Each well costs about $25,000 to complete and Alex’s project has dug six wells and raised $170,000. MartiBeth McNabb (11), daughter of Robb and Jessie McNabb, granddaughter of Bruce and Jean McNabb, and cousin to Alex, organized a bike marathon raising pledges and money to dig wells in Somalia. About 20 people rode the course. Congratulations to these young people for making the world a better place.
Congratulations to Sarah McNabb, daughter of Curtis and Nicole McNabb. Curtis, Nicole and Margaret Mcnabb went to Winnipeg on June 8, 9, 10 and 11 to watch Sarah play spring hockey. Sarah plays for the Saskatoon X-cell AAA team (age 8 and 9). When the North America Hockey Classic was over the X-Cell/s had won the gold medal. Great job, Sarah!
