Evergreen Place By Helen Martens
Hello, Empire-Advance readers. How our weather has changed. It was -17 as I was writing this report.
First, an announcement regarding Hallowe'en: Due to danger of coronavirus we, at Evergreen, will NOT be giving out Hallowe'en treats this year.
Coulthard Masonry of Hartney has two men working at Evergreen repairing the cement foundation around our building. They call it parging. They explained the work to me as I was watching them work.
They say, parging is made from a blend of lime, water and cement. Mixing the proper types and amounts can be challenging as it is a very tricky mixture to master. They hand mix their own mixture to work with. After the parging is done, in a day or so, they will stucco. Stucco is the decorative finish of the work. What a job this is in this cold weather. We are thankful it is being done.
Nikki Desjardins is our new caretaker at Evergreen as of Oct. 1. She is a friendly young mother of two pre-schoolers, a son and a daughter. I enjoy seeing her hurrying around doing her job, her with her bouncing red hair!
During coffee-ing in the Common Room in the morning, the conversation can be very entertaining. This morning we talked about the difference between a mole and a vole, and how to trap them. One of the men has worked at a place in Brandon called "Skunk and Junk". It was interesting to hear about that. Sharing about experiences with destructive squirrels and raccoons added to everyone's interest.
Our October birthdays are Sherald Joynt and Janet Cross. Happy Birthday to the two of you.
My niece Joanne Martens prepared her birthday brunch and invited a group of friends over. I was glad to be a part of the celebration on Monday, Oct. 19.
Sherald Joynt had supper with Rae and Chris in Kenton on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Virden Book Club members take note: We will be meeting again on Thurs., Oct. 29, at 1:00 pm.
Quote for the Day: "Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I would like to add, "So does listening!"
Kenton By Paulette Wiens
Several weeks ago, the wall at Brierwood Creek Cafe & Grill in Kenton was being prepared by Eric Lowe for a new mural that his wife Mary and his daughter Erica would begin painting. It is a historical
picture of the area.
It was very interesting to watch the process take shape. Good job and well-done ladies!
I (Paulette) enjoy looking out my back door in the morning as the sun rises to see the new mural which we will enjoy for years to come. We have some talented ladies in our midst!
Woodworth Senior Services By Karen Anderson
It is still an uncertain time due to the COVID-19 virus. It is encouraging that Prairie Mountain Health region is now in the yellow zone. However, there are still Manitoba Health guidelines and restrictions to follow.
The Woodworth Senior Services office still can have only one client at a time in the office, masks to be worn for close contact. The RM Council Chamber/Board Room is still closed to the public.
WSS was one of the recipients of the 2020 Victoria Lifeline Promotion Grant. The $700 Grant was used to build another raised bed at the community raised bed site at the Kenton United Church. Ken Daniel, Trails Construction, built the new raised bed and it’s now completed with black dirt and compost and ready to be planted in the spring. This additional bed will allow for more variety in gardening.
The present raised beds have been cleared. The tomatoes produced well, especially the Sweetlets, small red, yellow and purple tomatoes. The purple ones, black cherry, were of interest as a unique tomato variety - perfectly round with a sweet yet rich and complex flavor. Note: they are an Heirloom type seed, a proven old-time favorite variety that is open -pollinated.
On September 11, a foot clinic was held with 10 clients. The foot clinics are held approximately every six weeks.
Some seniors have registered for the Senior Centre Without Walls telephone-based programs offered by A & O Support Services for Seniors. All programming is provided over the phone and is free of charge. Individuals 55+ can participate. There are various topics each month. The present booklet covers the months of September to December, Monday to Friday. This booklet, further information and registration forms are available at the WSS office.
There was disappointing news this past week: there will be no Flu Clinic in Kenton this fall. Due to the COVID-19 precautions, changes have been made. Flu Clinics will be held in Hamiota, Rivers and Virden. Appointments could be made starting October 14. There will be no walk-ins. I have a block of reserved appointments for Kenton clients for certain dates at Hamiota, Rivers and Virden Flu Clinics. I will have these reserved appointments until Oct. 26.
I hope that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving even with COVID-19 precautions, it was different than the usual celebration.
Karen Anderson is the WSS Resource Coordinator
Miniota By Bev Peel
On a very windy Saturday, Tracy Lelond-Young and Faye Lelond-Campbell took a hike up into the Arrow River Hills to the east to see the Standing Stone of an old Indian Grave. A panoramic view could be seen for miles!
On Oct. 14 the Miniota Community Drop In hosted their September and October Birthdays Day with 21 people attending at the Miniota Hall, which has recently been painted.
The entertainment - toe-tapping music - was very much enjoyed. It was provided by the "L Tones" - Leona Joseph from Elkhorn, Len Downer from Maryfield Sask. and Larry Gabrielle from Virden. This was the first time they had played anywhere since a dance in Virden last November, and they also enjoyed getting out.
There were six birthday people who attended for September and one from October.
Laurie Copet did a very good job of announcing the birthdays, then we all sang Happy Birthday followed by tea, coffee and a muffin while abiding by the COVID - 19 protocol.
Thanks to Laurie who has taken over the Senior Birthday phoning list from Bev Peel, after five years. The Birtle and District Community Foundation grant makes these events possible
Get well wishes to Lil Horner who had a fall recently and also to Ed Wadham from Virden, formerly of Miniota, who also had a fall and has been in the Virden hospital.
Since it has been bow hunting season I thought this quote would be fitting: "You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might." by Henry David Thoreau."
