Votes can earn major prize for Taia Dawn

MAYFAIR — Dusty side roads and strong winds blowing in the newly seeded fields makes for some unpleasant days to be driving and working outdoors. Of course, rain is desperately needed, so I’m sure Mother Nature eventually will follow through. We certainly do not need to experience another drought this year especially with farming expenses gone sky high.

2019 was a big year for Shantaia Poulin originally from Spiritwood, then Saskatoon and at present Nashville, Tenn. as she was awarded the Saskatchewan Emerging Artist of the Year. Fast forward to 2022 and she has a chance to win $25,000. Until June 14, people can vote once a day to help her earn the prize. The link to vote is topcountry.Sirius my.ca/artist/shantaia. Shantaia is the only independent artist competing against some artists with record label backing and is representing Saskatchewan. The money, if won, will aid in new recording and performance opportunities. Shantaia goes by the name “Taia Dawn.” In some past concerts she was the opening act for Charlie Major, Emerson Drive and Kane Brown to name a few. Her newest released song called Broke to Brand New is in the top 40 in Billboard and Mediabase in Canada. We are cheering you on, Shantaia, so please vote.

Belated birthday wishes to former Whitkow resident Stella Ewanchuk who celebrated her 90th birthday in April. She taught many years at Acton School and then was employed with Catholic schools in North Battleford. She does volunteer work in the Battlefords area.

Level one/two seniors’ residence, Rose Gill Lodge in Rabbit Lake, will be hosting a Strawberry Spring Tea in their large lounge and dining room Friday, June 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. This is a fundraiser, so please come join the residents and staff for an afternoon of music, chatter and friendship.

There are always new greenhouses popping up in the country. These offer hardy plants and usually have a large selection to choose from. If you are like me, I love the smell of the plants enticing me to purchase more than what I require. The old saying is “there’s always room for one more.”

My daughter’s dance instructor for 13 years passed away last week at the young age of 55. Annette Ellis (nee Hagel) formerly from Saskatoon owned Annette’s School of Dance for many years. She became well known, as she took her students to many dance competitions. Daughter Cayla took over the studio once she completed university. She is a top-notch artistic instructor following in her mom’s footsteps. Condolences to husband Jim and family.

Leoville’s Dinner Diamond Ladies’ Night last Saturday brought out the younger and us older gals to a great night of food, fun and laughter. Approximately 25 prizes were donated by local businesses. Two fellows, top notch pianists called 176 Keys Duelling Pianos, entertained 200 women who clapped, sang or danced to their music. The theme was the 1980s so many requests for music was from that era. My friend Faye and I didn’t win any prizes, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The downfall was having a flat tire en route home at midnight 15 miles south of Spiritwood. Certainly didn’t get much sleep that night.