Christmas celebrated Scandinavian style

MEOTA ‑ The dump of snow we got last Wednesday was nearly matched on Sunday as it snowed hard all morning and into the afternoon. That didn’t deter folks from attending the Sons of Norway’s annual Christmas event. More than two dozen turned out to enjoy an afternoon of games followed by some Norwegian customs and foods, at supper. The lutefisk and lefse and rommegrot were all enjoyed as annual treats. Arlene Walker said grace in both Norwegian and English, before the meal. There were several door prizes drawn for and a large Christmas wreath, after supper. Bev McCrimmon read a comical, but true, poem about how life has changed since we were young and how the different expressions have changed in their meanings. It was a lovely social gathering, enjoyed by everyone attending.

We may not feel the effects of the floods in British Columbia too much, but a picture of empty store shelves in Okotoks, Alta. in the produce section, brings home to us, shortages resulting from the floods there.

Bridge was played at the Pioneer Hall, two afternoons this past week. Dec. 7 there were three tables in play and first were Linda Ard and Donna Scherman. Second were Margaret Dyck and Albert Blair. On Thursday, with three tables again, top score went to Linda Ard and Eric Callbeck with Jean Lawes and Fraser Glen coming second.

A small gathering of neighbours met to enjoy the freshly made lefse at the home of Arlene Walker one evening, last week. Again, on Monday, folks were dropping in to enjoy another sample of this Scandinavian treat.

The town is that much brighter these days since the town has put up their Christmas lights and many folks have their homes decorated nicely. A drive around is worthwhile. You’ll also see kids at the skating rink and folks at the curling rink. It’s a busy little place to be. I haven’t been out to see if there are any fish shacks out on Jackfish Lake yet, but I have seen a couple over on Murray Lake. So, that’ll be the next type of entertainment taking place here. The weather is being so variable, melting one day and snowing the next, and cold. When we look at our piles of snow it makes you realize it’s easier to cope with than water, so let’s just keep shovelling.

The Senior’s held their monthly meeting Dec. 10 with 13 members present. The SSAI raffle tickets are available to help raise money for convention expenses. We are staying with Wawanesa Insurance as we have been with them for years and their rate is comparable. Eric volunteered to take the donated canned food from our Christmas supper to the North Battleford food bank. The next shuffleboard tournament is slated for Dec. 18. Call Nestor Fransoo at 306-441-6164 as we need at least 16 people. Many thanks to General Plumbing and Heating for getting our furnace up and running in time for our Friday afternoon canasta games Dec. 3.

Norwegian whist was played Dec.10 with top tied scores going to Nestor Fransoo and Linda Ard. Third was Eric Callbeck and fourth was Carol Huys.

The Meota Curling Club kicked off it's Grand Slam of curling league last week which featured multiple games where it came down to the final shots. After going winless in the 2020-21 season, the Pat Becotte rink started strong with a decisive 9-5 win over the Darcy Demontarnel rink. A back-and-forth game came down to the final stone, as Pat Mohr scored three with the hammer to knock off Kirsten Bru 10-7. Brent Czuy, showing no signs of rust, edged Terry Tait's rink 9-6 while Kyle Doom narrowly defeated Wanda Weber 7-6 in eight ends. 

Robert St. Amant earned curler of the week honours, as voted on by his peers, with his exceptional guard throwing and directional sweeping that was pivotal in Team Becotte's week-one win.