Happy New Year!

            Our community Christmas supper and social was held at Good Spirit Provincial Park Rec Hall last month. The hall was decorated in the Christmas theme as well as showing off beautifully set tables. Following the blessing, supper was served buffet style. Three G' Friends from Canora catered again this year, and filled our tummies to the brim! Christmas music filled the air as people visited with one another. There were residents, young and old, as well as guests who were welcomed to the festivities.

The Christmas spirit prevailed with a wonderful collection of money and non-perishable foods was ready to be taken to the Salvation Army. Thank you to all who attended and made this year's party one to remember.

We got some snow during December, which has given us the chance to ride the snowmobile trails. The word has been out about the snow, so we have seen a lot of riders. The trails are sort of getting pounded out now, so caution must be taken while on the trails. Also, there is still some open water in places.

Thanks to workers for getting the ice at the skating rink ready in time for Christmas. It was a lot of work, and we all appreciate it. It got a lot of use over the holidays!

We have had families visiting over the holidays, and some adventurous people made their own cross-country ski trails, as well doing some snowshoeing.

That's the advantage of living in this community! The trails and/or golf course are literally just outside our doors! There are young families living here, as well as seniors and new babies are expected in the new year.

Coffee goers meet at Good Spirit Market mornings and afternoons. It is more than just a place to pick up our mail or get some snacks, groceries or gasoline. We are so lucky to have this convenience store here!

The first week in February is when some special events will take place, first the Prairie Women on Snowmobiles will visit and then there will be the SnowArama -- two very important charity events. These groups will be passing through the Good Spirit area, and look forward to our hospitality. If you are able to volunteer your time or baking, please let Elaine Park or Lynn McDonald know.

Hamlet council news

Prior to winter arriving, workers in the hamlet were able to clean out the culverts and of all bulrushes to allow the water to flow freely in the spring. Work was also completed in cleaning out some roots and debris at the east end of the alley behind Pebble Beach Road. The intention is still to do some work behind the west end alley of Pebble Beach Road in the spring.

The training for the proper use of the defibrillator has been completed by a number of residents. The pads have been refreshed and are ready for use.

With the new year, the hamlet board will be beginning the process of setting up budgets for 2016, which promises to be challenging.

As you may have noted, a trapper has been granted permission to trap some coyotes as they have become a menacing nuisance around the hamlet.

The Hamlet board would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy new year!

I wish everyone peace, happiness and joy in the coming year!