Manitou Evangelical Free Church held a potluck luncheon Jan.23. This was a fundraiser for a the EFC Canada Women's National Project - La Casa Mariposa. This is a safe shelter for little girls and young women in Bolivia. The women all speak low German and come for help due to a variety of reasons including protection from physical and sexual abuse, abandonment, teen pregnancy and poverty.Over $2,000 was raised for this worthy cause.
Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Bruce Donald Gibbons, a former resident of the Neilburg area. Bruce passed away suddenly, at his home in Saskatoon, Dec. 16. A memorial service was held at Grace United Church in Meadow Lake Jan. 3. He is survived by: his mother, Lois Harris; stepfather, Gordon Harris; brothers, Lindsay (Wendy) and Kevin (Heather), as well as his partner, Alan Pauls; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Bruce was born in Neilburg in 1956 and lived in the Village until the passing of his father, when Bruce was eight years old. The family then moved to North Battleford, where Bruce received his education, before moving on to university, to become a teacher. He taught in a classroom, with six grades, in Frenchmans Butte for two years, before relocating to Paradise Hill, where he spent most of the rest of his teaching career.
He retired after 22 years and moved to Saskatoon, due to ill health. He was a kind and gentle man. His students were his life and his primary concern for many years. Bruce loved music and he wrote and produced Christmas productions. His love of reading led him to a librarian position, for several years, where he catalogued a file system for the school, some of which still remains today. He also loved attending performances at the Centre of the Arts.
The Marsden Seniors held their monthly games day and potluck supper Jan. 24 at the centre. Marrian Graham was the A side winner on the shuffleboard table. Venelda Gobert won the B side. Bill Ridley was the top pool player on the A side, while John Herman took the B. Ron Morrison was the A side winner in the Beanbag toss. Edna Jeffrey was the B side winner. The next fun day will be held on the fourth Monday of February. The winners at the next event will have their names engraved on the trophies that hang in the centre.
Congratulations to Christoph and Amanda Schwaiger of Lloydminster on the birth of their son, Ezra Josef Jan. 23. Josef and Eva Schwaiger of Neilburg are the delighted first-time grandparents.
Neilburg Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held their annual Robbie Burns Night supper Jan. 22 in the Neilburg Community Hall. Earl Nutbrown was the lone piper for the event. Gordon Mackenzie gave the Address to the Haggis and Richard Walde was the third member of the party who toasted the haggis. Jerry Petovello was the MC for the evening. Four students from Studio Encore Dance Centre in Lloydminster performed the Hornpipe, Irish Jig, Sword Dance, the Hielan' Laddie, Seann Truibhas, Wilt thou go to the Barracks, Johnny? and the Highland Fling for the delighted crowd. The dancers were: Miranda Bachman and Charity Bachman of Lashburn, Mikayla Manish of Lashburn and Jeanna Siemens of Lloydminster.
Synergy Credit Union held a special membership meeting in the Neilburg Community Jan. 19 to discuss amalgamation with Conexus Credit Union and Innovation Credit Union. Beef on a bun was served, prior to the meeting, which was attended by approximately 275 members. After a presentation, promoting the merger, three microphones were opened on the floor and several people spoke both for and against the proposed merger. Voting began at approximately 9 p.m. Other meetings were held in different locations. Later news reportsrevealedthe merger resolution has beendefeated as only 60 per cent of those who voted were in favour of the merger - 15 per cent shy of the required majority. The directors and management of the three credit unions involved will be going back to the drawing board to decide what the next step will be, following the failed merger attempt.
