MEOTA — Sometimes we take things for granted since they’ve evolved. Meota is no exception, but anniversaries are worth celebrating.
Meota’s post office is already celebrating its one-year anniversary of the new location. The Village of Meota stepped up to facilitate the move. There are 340 boxes that residents can access with their keys. It’s open for Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. with the lobby open 24/7 so residents can access their boxes anytime. Even during the Canada Post strike our post office was open. Postmaster Pam Ray is not in the same union as the postal workers so she’s still at work every day, with little to do. I happened to connect with her and we discussed the overall impact a post office has on a town or village.
The post office is in many ways the hub of the community. Meota was lucky to have had a location that fit the bill. Not only is there a spacious lobby with a window, dropbox and a wicket, but there’s also an equally spacious workroom in the back. It’s organized, bright, safe and clean for the postmaster to work in and the public to access. It’s in a convenient location, wheelchair accessible and has ample parking. Hopefully, the postal strike will end soon, and our post office will resume its key role in our community.
Meota’s library is right next door. Librarian Brenda Zurowski keeps our library open at times that are most suited to residents. It’s closed Sundays, Mondays and Fridays, but she’s there four other days of the week. Check out the poster on the door for the hours. I’ve enjoyed being able to select a book that’s available locally, but I also really appreciate the fact that Brenda will find and bring in whatever book you’re interested in reading. There’s a great selection of children’s books, which is invaluable in a growing family. Every time I take out a book it tells me how much I’ve saved by not having to buy the book.
The Village Office is also in the hub. Kim Frolek, Meota’s chief administrative officer is so efficient that for December, she has been able to scale back office hours to Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. The Village of Meota has a website which can be referred to anytime you need information on anything from businesses to hall rentals. The hall hosts any number of special events as well as day-to-day events. Whether that be Walk Walk, adult co-ed pickleball or craft sales. The Market on Saturday was a great example of community involvement that everyone can enjoy.
The Meota Lake Shore Lions Club has their Lions Den at the Community Complex. (They are presently sharing their space with a group of ladies who like to quilt.) The Lions are a huge asset to the community. They are instrumental in raising funds for almost any endeavour that the community needs support for. They’ve put on a ham and turkey bingo on Monday evening. Timing couldn’t be more perfect, because some lucky individuals were able to win their Christmas dinner.
Last but not least is Meota’s best-kept secret. It’s the Meota’s Fitness Centre. Not every village has a fitness centre and that's part of why Meota is exceptional.
Meota and District Recreation Association (ADRA) organize community events and programs. I have touched base with them and it’s been decided that we will be doing a separate article on ADRA and especially the fitness centre.
Outdoor winter activities are in full swing. The rink is flooded, the cross-country ski trail is cleared and the first ice fishing shacks have appeared. Curling is in full swing and if you are brave enough you can slide down the embankment at Memorial Hill. contribution from you
