MAYFAIR — Whitkow and Mayfair districts just missed the downpour of rain and hail this past Sunday. A strip in between Highways 376 and 40 received a blasting and it went through to Prince Albert. In some places damage was extensive.
Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension of Our Lord hosting of Praznyk June 10 was a huge success. The weather was perfect, sunny with a nice breeze. More than 50 parishioners attended. Some travelling from as far away as Edmonton — Ed and Joanne Kells (Joanne grew up in Redfield), Vera Horn and Sylvia Rodrique (both daughters of Irene Polichuk, also raised near Whitkow.) and Boris Ewanchuk (who also grew up in Whitkow)
From Saskatoon were Melanie Demyon and many members of Germaine Muzyka’s family. The day started with divine liturgy, then everyone enjoyed a potluck before heading to four local cemeteries — Kindrachuk, Glasslake, Demyon and the original site of the Whitkow Catholic Church.
Jim Tkatchuk, Audrey Mushtaler and Ray Ewanchuk presented Father Ivan Nahachewsky with the flower of Ukraine, a sunflower, as a thank you for his many years of dedication to Whitkow and the preservation of its Catholic church.
Sadly, the day had to come to an end, but Father Ivan continued his Whitkow visit with a peaceful kayak ride on Glass Lake.
“The bird life was excellent. I also had a 10-minute visit with an old beaver. Very friendly. Hovered around me within a five-metre radius,” he reported.
History
The Whitkow Catholic hall has been closed for years, prone to break-ins, and if anyone got hurt- the eparchy would be liable. So, in late winter 2017, it was demolished. The tables and benches were salvaged to place in the back of the church for functions.
The church has also suffered many break-ins and vandalism, with the most recent being the disappearance of a precious statue of Jesus.
The church had been closed for 18 years, but with the hard work and determination of the local parishioners, re-opened six years ago. Since then, fundraising efforts resulted in the roof being re-shingled last fall, a job well done to Jesse and his crew from Thunderstorm Roofing in Saskatoon.
In addition to the annual Praznyk, a one-year memorial for Walter Ewanchuk was held at the church, plus a photography group from Saskatoon felt the church would be a great place for their year-end trip.
It is hoped this will be known as a community church, with doors open to welcome everyone, no matter their faith, and that with continued restoration efforts this quaint, peaceful, little church in Whitkow will be around for many more years to come.
Mark June 8, 2024, on your calendar for next year’s Whitkow Praznyk. (submitted by Audrey Mustaler)
June 24 was a wonderful day for Faye Liebaert and me as we ventured to Paradise Hill to be at Father Frederick’s religious 25th anniversary with the Catholic church. He was assigned to Our Lady of Sorrow Roman Catholic Church approximately three years ago after leaving our parish. There was a mass which engaged many clergy of higher ranking from Prince Albert diocese and a priest from the United States. Most of the black priests come from Kenya/ Nigeria and South Africa and love Canadian living (except for the winters).
A Saskatoon African band with all unusual instruments (other than two keyboards and a violin) entertained during the service and the delicious noon meal. There were speeches by dignitaries and dancing while the large crowd was served a special cake to honour Father Frederick’s anniversary. This cake was prepared by Patricia Fink.
En route home, we stopped at Berthold Imhoff’s famous heritage studio. The two original buildings (put together as one) dating back to 1920 are well kept. I remember my parents and us kids ventured to view the paintings but when young I didn’t appreciate them as I do now. Also toured this famous touristy site in August of 2007 while at the St. Walburg Blueberry Festival.
Canada Day is fast approaching this Saturday and most Canadians want to partake in a nearby celebration. Here is a list of some fun places to be on July 1 within reasonable driving distance for Mayfair people.
Meeting Lake Regional Park has a program starting at noon and mini golf and a bunnock tournament are taking place in the afternoon. There are other activities and a busy day ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. The concession will be open until later that evening.
Glenburn Regional Park south of Maymont is offering some fun-filled activities but no bunnock tournament. Ruddell is celebrating its 119th annual July 1 starting at 2 p.m. There are games and other fun-related activities at 3 p.m. ending with a potluck supper at 5 p.m. Please bring your lawn chairs, plates and cutlery.
Radisson is starting the big day at 4 pm. in the curling rink with bouncy castles and children’s games, food vendors, beer gardens, and birthday cake at 6 p.m. and ending with fireworks. Come out to whichever birthday celebration as this beats sitting or working at home. Work never seems to go away, but Canada Day is only once a year. Enjoy everyone!
There will be no summer Reading program at Mayfair’s Lakeland Library branch this year due to not many young ones in our area. A scheduled coffee time will be later in July and I will keep everyone posted as to when at the library.
Going fishing and need bait? Stop by Rabbit Lake’s hotel and owner Joan Dzialo’s daughter Hannah can assist you. Her business of selling leeches, minnows and other bait is well-stocked. If one wants a certain type, she will gladly order it. Call Hannah at 306-441-2967
Since summer is here and one doesn’t hear much about COVID anymore and there is a lot of traffic on the highways again. Everyone seems to be in a big rush to get to their destination, please be a wise defensive driver. Everyone needs to get to wherever they are going in one piece. Accidents can be avoided if one slows down. Happy Canada Day everyone!
