MAIDSTONE — Welcome to our world Max Ron Donovan! Congratulations to Ryan and Jaylene on the birth of their baby boy born on Nov. 17 (9 pounds, 20.8 inches long).
Maidstone Senior Jets had a terrific season opener with a hard-fought 6 to 5 win over Redberry Raiders on Nov. 18. “Player of the Game” was Chance Jurke and Melissa Paton won $202.50 in the 50/50. Pre-game the Jets honoured all the previous season championships throughout minor hockey: U9 B side STEP League champions, U13 C provincial champions, U15 A side STEP League champions and U15 girls northern provincial and provincial A B side champions. A moment of silence was held for Ira Donald, longtime board member and fan who passed away over the summer. In his honour, $418 was raised for cystic fibrosis.
Maidstone Legion’s pancake breakfast last Sunday was attended by about 40 people. Proceeds will be donated to the Maidstone Food Bank. The Grey Cup party at the Club Room was great fun, food and socializing even though the Riders weren’t playing. About $3,000 in prize money went to eight lucky winners.
Ongoing activities at the Drop In Centre include cards/games Mondays at 1:30 p.m. MST, coffee social every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and bingo on scheduled Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Next bingo dates are Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13. Bingo costs five cents per card per game with blackout at the end 10 cents per card. Winner takes the pot.
On Dec. 20 there’s a noon lunch (beef on a bun, coleslaw, cheesecake, coffee or tea) followed by Christmas bingo. Cost for the meal is $10 to be paid at the Dec. 13 bingo. If you can’t make it that afternoon, send your money to someone as it must be prepaid. For Christmas bingo, each person brings a $5 wrapped gift and play is for gifts rather than cash prizes. Whoever gets a “bingo” chooses a gift and so on until everyone has a gift. If you win a game and already have a gift, the player on the left gets to choose. Number of games depends on number of players. Following this day, we’ll take a few weeks off and resume playing regular bingo on Jan. 10.
Maidstone Museum Board held their monthly meeting Nov. 20 with seven members present. Winter Fun Fest is Dec. 9 from 1 to 5 p.m. MST. With no snow, it’s unlikely sled activities can be included but we will have outdoor games, a scavenger hunt, music, bonfire, hot dogs for $3, free hot chocolate, coffee and sweets, and we’ll tie in with the twinkle tour in the park. Fireworks will end the day at 5 p.m. The museum’s “Christmas in January” supper and gift exchange by invitation is on Jan. 20. The next board meeting will be Feb. 12 at the museum.
The elves were hard at work and Maidstone Community Health Committee’s “Festival of Trees” opened Tuesday morning at the Legion Hall until Saturday at 3 p.m. MST. With some amazing items, there’s so much to see and bid on, and of course, it’s enchantingly beautiful. Santa will be there Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Girl Guides will be selling baking and hot chocolate Thursday evening. Pictures (by donation) can be with Santa or without him for those who aren’t quite sure about the jolly fellow.
Maidstone Chamber of Commerce “Moonlight Madness” is on Friday, Dec. 1. Their booklet is out and details all the events. Times are MST. Stores have specials and some will be open late. Head over to the United Church on 1st Street East from 4 to 7 p.m. for a bowl of turkey soup, hot dog, dessert and drink. Bring a non-perishable item, coat or socks and get a free drink. Tree lighting is at 6:30 p.m. in front of the arena. In the Legion Hall, there’s a Christmas farmers market from 3 to 8 p.m., hot chocolate by SADD students, money tree draw at 6:45 p.m. and Santa arrives at 7 p.m. with treat bags for everyone. We’re looking forward to a merry moonlit evening in Maidstone.
Other events:
Nov. 24-25 (Friday/Saturday) - Maidstone Jets U11 tournament (six games plus final). Prize table, 50/50, player 50/50.
Nov. 26 (Sunday) - Milleton Hall’s Merry Christmas 5:30 p.m. MST (potluck supper, games and Santa visit).
Dec. 8 (Friday) - Health Care Auxiliary Tea and Bake Sale 2 to 4 p.m. MST at Maidstone Health Complex Atrium.
Dec. 14 (Thursday) - Ratushniak Elementary School Christmas Concert: 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
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