Wishing all the teachers and pupils starting back to school a great year ahead with safe travels as well as all the bus drivers!
Congratulations to Kathryn (Poppel) and Brandon Pollard of Blackfoot, Alta. who had their little daughter, Quinn Isabella Pollard baptized in the Miniota United Church on Sunday, Sept. 1, with Linda Clark officiating. Godparents were - Jeff and Laura Poppel, Lindsay Pollard and Whitney Bota. Quinn is a sister for Riona Pollard.
Family from Alberta attending Quinn's baptism were: Neil and Lynn Pollard, Lloydminster; Travis, Lindsay, Owen and Chloe Pollard, Kitscoty; Whitney and Terry Bota, Blackfoot; and Laura Poppel and Kevin Mehi, Calgary. As well, family members in attendance from Manitoba were: Jan Malanowich, Kerri Lee and Kennedy Zaharia, Winnipeg; and Wayne Poppel, and Jeff, Ashleigh, Mason, Noah and Emmett Poppel, Miniota. A family gathering was held at the home of Wayne Poppel following the baptism.
Forty-four Stowe family members, descendants of Jack and Mabel Stowe, attended a family reunion at the home of Wayne Poppel on the weekend of Aug. 9-11. The idea to hold a reunion began over a year ago, sparked by the late Susan Poppel and husband Wayne, along with Pat Stowe of Brandon who put things into motion.
A flag ceremony opened the event with John Stowe in command of the honour guard, with a representative of each family participating. A bonfire and visiting concluded the evening. Saturday began with a breakfast, followed by a car rally prepared by John Stowe and Wayne Poppel. As well a Poppel Reunion Shoot was held. One firearm used was originally owned by Jack Stowe, then Dolly Finkbeiner and then Wayne and Susan Poppel.
A roast beef supper was served and everyone enjoyed a slide show, made possible by Wayne Poppel and Kathryn Pollard. A "Poppel tradition" was carried out to recognize family members who have passed on. The day ended once again with a bonfire.
Sunday, everyone gathered at the farm for a breakfast/brunch followed by a golf challenge for all ages. This final day everyone took the opportunity for viewing the family displays and more time visiting.
Travelling the farthest to attend the reunion was Margaret Stowe McDonald from Germantown, Tennessee; the eldest in attendance was Muriel Stowe and the youngest, Quinn Pollard. Unable to attend this event were Ernie Stowe due to illness and Alma Stowe who now resides in a personal care home in Brandon.
Joyce Wythe has moved from St. Albert, Alta. to Edmonton, to be closer to some of her family.
Something to think about before the election - this quote from Canada’s 13th Prime Minister, John D. Diefenbaker, “We shall be Canadians first, foremost, and always, and our policies will be decided in Canada and not dictated by any other country.”
