Evergreen By Helen Martens
One of my favorite quotes in September was "Ah September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul," and Peggy Toney Horten adds, and I quote, "but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October."
Beloved October is here now. On Dec. 14, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish Oct. 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. It was first observed on Oct. 1, 1991. This celebration is done to create awareness and empathy regarding the well being of the elderly. It is also a day to appreciate the contribution that older people make to society.
People usually celebrate the day by spending time with grandparents or visiting seniors’ homes. My grandkids, Michelle and Jason Nykoliation, and children, did just that. They visited me and helped me clean out my garden, and I could share my jalapeno peppers and potatoes with them. They dug up the soil and now my garden is ready for Spring seeding.
Thank you to Irma McDougall for sharing your garden produce with Evergreen residents. Four different kinds of potatoes were a new thing to me.
I, and a number of us residents, have gone to Virden Farmers Market on a weekly basis this summer. It is finished for the season, but thank you for the corn, squash, bread, jams etc. that I have enjoyed. I'll come again next year.
In my last week’s report, I asked for a good green tomato pickle recipe. I was pleased to receive a response from Shirley Carefoot. She shared her mother's recipe with me. I immediately picked the rest of my green tomatoes and yes, I made the pickles! My thanks to Shirley, and she gave me permission to share the recipe with you:
Green Tomato Pickles
- 4 quarts sliced green tomatoes,
- 4 large sliced onions,
- 3/4 cups pickling salt,
- 4 level Tablespoons pickling spice,
- 4 cups vinegar,
- 4 cups white sugar
Method: Mix tomatoes, onions and salt in a gallon jar. Let stand overnight. Drain well. Add the rest of the ingredients and boil till thick or tomatoes are soft. Yields 6 pints.
Phyllis Gompf visited Leonard and Helen Hullick at Shoal Lake on Sept. 24.
Dale Hill paid a visit to his sister Marlene and Garth Leslie on Friday, Sept. 25.
Vern and Margaret Rollo joined in on the Car Rally on Sept. 27.
Numerous Evergreen residents have had delicious meals at the Virden Golf Course through the summer, since they are open early for breakfast. I met Harold and Lynda Spring there on Saturday, Sept. 25. I am happy to announce that their restaurant will be serving meals even after golfing season is over.
Quote for the Day: "October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book." - John Sinor
Miniota By Bev Peel
"It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded."
Belated Congratulations to the four people who got a Hole in One this summer at the Miniota Golf Course: Sharon McKenzie, Aug. 5 on # 7; Jordan Howard, Aug. 15 on #5; Larry Walker, Sept.19 on # 7 and to Steven Bonchuck, Sept. 26, on # 5.
Sept.26, the Men's Wind up was held at the Miniota Golf Course with 46 golfers, golfing 27 holes on another beautiful day with temperatures getting up to 20 degrees. The North squeaked by the South (the Assiniboine River dividing them) to win the Trophy again this year! The evening was followed by a steak supper, getting done just before an evening rain.
The golfing season is over on Sept. 30 for Miniota so as I write this beautiful day, I'm sure there will be a lot getting in another round of golf.
Cindy Howard from Cranbrook B.C. has spent some time with her mother, Betty Howard and a short visit from Terry Howard from Saskatoon, Sask. Pat Bray also visited.
Sincere Sympathy from the Miniota Community to Betty Howard in the passing of her sister, Marlene (Amy) Willis of Dallas, Texas on Sept.19. She grew up in the Crandall area, going to school there.
There are 80 Students K-5 going to the Miniota School with Principal - Tevor Lewis. Teachers are - Britta King, Tessa Falkevitch, Stacy Paull, Tricia Lelond and Ashley Joynt. The EA's are Courtney Muir and Shelley Gardham. Secretary / Librarian is Laurie Sheane. The children alternate in the different areas of the playground at recess and noon hour staying with each of their classrooms. Wishing everyone a great fall and winter a head.
"We can't always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future."
