MAIDSTONE — The Canada 55+ 2024 Summer Games took place in Quebec City from Aug. 27 to 30. The biennial event began in 1996 with this being the first time it was held in Quebec. Approximately 2,200 participants competed in 20 events. Among the 170 competitors from Saskatchewan were bowlers, Esther Jesse of Maidstone, and Mary Ramsey and Marion Blain of Cut Knife. Saskatchewan took home 79 medals, coming in fourth out of 12 provinces and territories. Mary Ramsay, who is 87 years of age, won a gold medal in her division and Esther Jesse won the bronze medal in her age group.
Esther explained that the game they played, duckpin bowling, is far different from our five-pin bowling. The 10 pins used are shorter with rubber bands on them. The end of the lane is concave which means players have to throw much slower and from the outside edge to give the ball a chance to get to the centre. Very rarely is a perfect game bowled but one lucky player from the Yukon did score one at the games.
Besides the fun of competing, participants enjoyed two banquets, one of which was a special evening with entertainment. They also had a couple of days to take tours and Mary, Marion and Esther chose to explore Old Quebec. One stop they made was the only business of its kind remaining in Canada, a copperware store and museum where the Albert Gilles family displays their authentic art and crafts the items on site. The local trio thoroughly enjoyed their trip and strongly encouraged other seniors to enter in the future. The next 55+ Summer Games will be in Winnipeg in 2026.
Communities in Bloom appreciates everyone who worked hard on their yards this year. Despite hot dry weather, there are some very nice yards around town. It was challenging to pick just six but, in no particular order, congratulations to Lynn and Greg Ballan, Dorinda and Bill Fitzsimonds, Debbie Fowler, Barb and Tony McGillis, Sandra McMartin and Walter Kohuch, Sharon and Wayne Weston. Thank you also to Darlene Robb and Raewyn Fritz for the beautiful cemetery planters, Lisa Gerlinsky for the hospital planters, Connie Winterhalt for the big red planter on Main Street, Joyce and Dean Grosenick for the "Welcome to Maidstone" planters, Sandra Hintz for the planter at Buckley Field, Colleen Koski for watering at the apartments, and Paula and Len for the superior job of watering all the planters every week. Without such generous help from our community, the job of Communities in Blooms would be much more difficult.
Maidstone Museum thanks all who contributed to another terrific corn roast on Sept. 4: a good meal, great volunteers, awesome threshing demo (Al Hinde) and blacksmith demo (Greg Rigden), a fun scavenger hunt and the wonderful crowd who attended. Winners of the scavenger hunt were Anna Foster and Tuffy Allen. The museum is now closed but tours or events can still be requested by leaving a message at 306-893-2890.
Maidstone Disc Golf Week 19: the wind and rain storm halfway through the first hole stopped play for a bit, but play resumed with some good scores and personal bests achieved. Top averages: Tier 1 Cole Tenetiuk -11; Tier 2 Andrew Williams +0.29; Tier 3 Greg Mercer +10. Drawn winners: Tiffany Smith, a Star Bison mid-range disc and Carley James, a disc dryer/cleaner. Remember to bring a toonie for a chance to win the ace pot.
We’re pleased to see that dance classes will be offered in Maidstone this year with multiple programs and options for all ages. Registration is taking place now for ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, lyrical, tots and adult classes. That’s a fantastic selection! Contact Selena Haduik at 780-842-7943 or [email protected].
Waseca Community Centre (201 Railway Avenue East) will be holding Sunday Bingo at 1:00 p.m. this fall: Oct. 6 Pie, Oct. 27 Prize, Nov. 10 Pie, Nov. 24 Pie with 26 games at 10 cents per card and a blackout game at 25 cents per card. Snacks and drinks will be available.
Get a jump on Christmas shopping for some of your grandchildren. Ratushniak Elementary School clothing is available to purchase until Nov. 1 to ensure delivery before Christmas holidays. Please use the following link to order:
https://stores.inksoft.com/factorysports_ratushniakrattler/shop/home
Upcoming Events:
- Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. Maidstone Youth Group at Pastor Alex and Melanie Pompu's residence. Meeting every Thursday unless otherwise posted. Grade 6 and up.
- Sept.18 Maidstone Health Care Auxiliary Pie Bingo at Legion Hall 7 p.m.
- Sept.21-22 Maidstone Disc Golf Delfrari Cup and Battlevale Blitz. Register now!
