The weather has been too nice recently and we must be ready for at least one more snowstorm. I have brought the snow shovels indoors, but not put away, yet. The last of the fish shacks have been removed from the lake, but there are still some fishermen out there trying for one more catch.
Again we are hearing stories of more real estate changing hands and now, with the price of materials rising to almost double in some cases, building new is getting to be out of reach, too. Those building new buildings will see a dramatic increase in costs.
It is good to see so many geese back in the area, but they may need their skates at times yet. It still gets pretty chilly at night and it is still March.
Three tables of card players met at the Do Drop In Friday and played Norwegian Whist, following the regulations for gatherings. It was a great feeling to get out and about again.
March 21 was World Down Syndrome Day and we were asked to wear odd or bright coloured, mismatched socks. I should have warned you last week, but who would see them anyway when we are all staying home?
The following report is from the Meota Lakeside Golf Club annual general meeting held Sunday at the Meota Hotel.
Despite the trials and tribulations of dealing with the COVID pandemic restrictions, the golf club somehow turned a profit in 2020. A new sign will be unveiled this year at the course, behind Hole 2 tee off. It will be attached to the flowerbed that was designed and built by Wayne Tindall last year.
The club will be moving to an online booking system that should be in place by mid to late April. Members and visitors will be able to get tee times without calling the clubhouse.
The board of directors for 2021 consists of Ed Cadrin, Dale Johnson, Derek Welford, Derrick Schaefer, Bonnie Tierney, Cory Iverson, Derek Chapman, Pat Mohr, Kevin Russell and Murray Walker.
The following is a report on a snowmobile rally hosted Jan. 9 at Edam as a fundraiser for the Edam Community Centre.
Due to the restrictions of COVID-19 the facility is unable to host hockey games and did not find it feasible to install curling rink ice this season. As the winter season is the centre’s main source of revenue from the kitchen, bonspiels and events such as dances, supporters searched for other sources of fundraising that kept everyone safe. One of these solutions was to host a snowmobile rally with an online auction to follow.
After planning the event details, organizers contacted the COVID Business Response Team to verify the event would follow all the restrictions and guidelines outlined by the Government of Saskatchewan. They confirmed that plans were within the restrictions. There were 10-rider shotgun starts, staggered at 15-minute intervals to also limit people gathering.
Online registrations requested all contact information, age, start time and how many people would be in each party as well as collected payment. This enabled minimal in-person interaction.
There was no food or beverages allowed on the course or warm up spots for gathering. But this did not hinder registration numbers, as everyone is familiar with restrictions and enjoyed having something to do with their families and friends that was socially distanced on its own due to the nature of the sport with helmets and sleds.
A 50/50 draw that was also available for purchase online had a prize value of $1,000 and was won by Donell Gervais of Mervin.
A total of 136 registered riders of all ages participated. All paid riders were entered into a door prize draw with 33 winners going home with prizes after a great ride. The weather was great temperature wise, but fog was a factor. This created a little bit of a challenge with visibility but did not hinder the fun factor.
The fundraiser continued in an online auction of donated items that closed Jan. 31.
Organizers say the event success was thanks to co-ordinators, donors and participants. The co-operation of landowners who gave access to their property was also an important factor.
