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Borden and District News: Borden looks back on flood of 2013

A decade later, volunteers again lauded for their role in preventing flood damage.

BORDEN — Winners at the last bingo of the season for the Borden Friendship Club were Anne Palmer (2), Myla Johnson, Sandra Long (2), Lorraine Olinyk, Elaine Gunsch and John Derosier. The $20 blackout was won by Gerry Wainwright. Winning consolation prizes for ties were Dianne Rawlyk, Deb Matte and Elaine Gunsch. The Radisson Seniors’ Club will be holding bingo May 2 and June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Goodrich Centre.

The Borden Lions April 20 Chase the Ace draw winner was Marilyn Tallmadge of Langham and the ace of Spades was not drawn so the jackpot keeps on growing.

At Borden Library, the new librarian is Maryann McKay. Coming up in May will be Lego Club for all school-aged kids. The club is held every Thursday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. May 4, 11, 18 and 25, also June 1 and 8 before winding down for the season. The preschool storytime is Thursdays from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. — April 27, May 11 and 26. The Borden Dance Club are holding their recital Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m. in the Borden Community Centre.

The Borden Farmers Market will be soon preparing for their opening May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Seniors’ Room in the Borden Community Centre. As this is the 35th anniversary of the market, cake will be served and there will be free draws that day. For the rest of the summer, the market will be on every Friday at those hours until October, so come out and meet some new vendors and drop in for a hot dog and pie lunch.

The Borden Museum and the Village of Borden held a Remembering the Flood of 2013 Night April 22. The table decorations included mini sandbags, along with flood photos on placemats and on the walls. Displayed were lists of volunteers and placards proclaiming “Thanks to all Volunteers.” The emcee for the evening was Tom Redhead who first thanked the museum board for the great meal then had Karen Kerr come up to make presentations.

A Sask Culture 2022 Volunteer Certificate was presented to Ed Neufeld for his volunteer work at the museum

Winners of an essay challenge for Borden School students were announced. The museum had the students interview seniors who had lived here most of their lives and reminisce about their early years. A total of 61 essays were handed in. Earning recognition were (in order of first, second third):

Juniors — Alleyuh St. Denis, Carson Elliot third Oliver Hosegood with honourable mention to Anton and Brielle Urbina;

Seniors — Abby Orchard and honourable mentions to Berkley Burletoff and Alexandria Orchard.

Tom asked some trivia questions about the flood. How many pumps were used? Eleven but one blew up with 100,000 litres of diesel fuel used. How many sandbags filled?A total of 49,000.

Other facts: the village paid back the $83,000 cost borrowed in three years; the total cost was $1.08 million but most was refunded from other levels of government.

Speakers were Jamie Brandrick. mayor of Borden now and a councillor back then, David Buckingham, MLA but the mayor at the time, Gary Nickel, reeve of RM of Great Bend but councillor in 2013, and Ian Wainwright, fire chief. Each speaker told of their experiences during the flood, expressing gratitude for the volunteers back then. Many volunteers came from surrounding towns and RMs, even Saskatoon. They noted how the community came together.

Scott Sutherland was thanked especially as he came in at all hours with heavy equipment. They spoke of the temporary bridges built, Ian’s ferry service and the food that was provided. The Community Centre was open 24/7 from April 30 to May 10.

Peter Thiessen also spoke of his memories of the flood as he provided village maintenance then. He spotlighted the fire departments locally and from surrounding towns.

A slide show set up by Heather Deck was narrated by Heather Penner and she described each slide as it was shown.

Tom Redhead auctioned off two art items. Polished rock art painted by George Walker and his sister Doreen brought in $230. A George Hynde painting of a street in Borden in the 1940s depicting horses and a sleigh load of logs, elevators, buildings and a church sold for $400.

Thanks to all who attended to help celebrate National Volunteer Week and to remember all the volunteers on this 10th anniversary of the flood.

 

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