By Les and Rosemary Stulberg
More than 30 people gathered in Endiang to watch the lighting of the Christmas lights on Sunday, Dec. 10, by Terry Gallant.
Blaine and Debbie Goeson also lit their great display on Sunday. Endiang looks very Christmassy. The hot chocolate was served in the hall afterward by the Endiang hall board with treats supplied by Blaine and Debbie Goeson.
Terry Gallant, who is retiring as caretaker and director of the hall board at the end of the year, was presented with a gift of appreciation from the Endiang hall board for her many years of service. Terry has always kept the hall in immaculate condition.
Endmoor Floor Curling Club held its Christmas party on Monday, Dec. 11 at the Endiang Hall. The group enjoyed a turkey dinner hosted by Les and Rosemary Stulberg in memory of Carol Stulberg, who was a long-time member of the club. The door prize was won by Terry Gallant. The afternoon was spent enjoying some games of floor curling.
Byemoor School Kindergarten and Grades 1 – 3 classes, along with teachers Ms. Jewett and Ms. Berringer, were guests at the Endmoor Drop-In Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
The seniors enjoyed the visit from the students, who sang several Christmas songs for the group, as well as brought them handcrafted Christmas items. Debbie Goeson gave homemade treats to all the students and teachers of the Byemoor School.
Condolences are sent to the family of Ed Buchmeier of Erskine who passed away on Dec. 5. He was 94 years old. Many will remember when Ed and his family lived in Byemoor when he worked on the section for the railroad. As well, Ed was well known for his long career in pony chariot racing.
Our thoughts are with Ed’s son Glen and his grandchildren Wes (Diane) Buchmeier and Wanda Niehaus and their families in their time of loss. In honouring Ed’s wishes there will be no formal funeral service.
Sympathy is extended to the family of Brian Hunt, who passed away on Dec. 11 in Stettler at the age of 74 years. Brian was born in 1949 to Wilfred and Alyce Hunt while they were operating the Hunt Ranch at Endiang. The family later moved to the Bashaw area. Brian grew up with siblings Gordon, Joanne, Michael and Doug.
Our thoughts are with the Hunt family, Brian’s wife Phyllis of 49 years, his children Robin (Robert) Young, Leo (Sarah) Hunt and Ryan (Ashley) Hunt and their families and other family members in their sad loss. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Byemoor–Endiang photographers did very well in the County of Stettler’s annual calendar photo contest with five wins. Congratulations to Grand Prize winner Paige Jones who also had a second photo selected for the calendar and to Alicia Scheerschmidt, Tulsa Smith and Karyn Tateson on their calendar photos as well. Great photos entered by all.
Remember St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Scapa annual Candlelight Christmas service is on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to gather for the service in this historic country church.
Happy 65th Birthday wishes are sent to Janet Campbell marking her milestone birthday on Dec. 14. Janet celebrated her special milestone with family and friends at the Byemoor Hotel. Enjoy being on the government payroll, Janet.
Happy Birthday wishes are sent to Irene Brooker celebrating her 83rd birthday on Dec. 22.
Church of Endiang presented its 5th annual Christmas Carol service “The Cathedral in the Country” at the Endiang Community Hall on Sunday, Dec. 17. The hall was beautifully decorated to resemble a country cathedral.
The singing was led by Allan Ironside, with the music by Angie Ironside, Ruth Fast and Karyn Tateson. Three ministers were involved in the service; as well there was a children’s choir, a soloist and the reading of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. The Christmas service was enjoyed by the many attending and a luncheon followed. Donations were accepted for the local Food Banks
This will be our last news column for the year. Rosemary and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers of our column from far and near a wonderful Christmas. Take the time to enjoy the season with your family. We hope 2024 brings good health and happiness to you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our home to yours!
Christmas Trivia —
“Instead of December 25, Orthodox Christians hold their Christmas festivities on January 7 in accordance with the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. Countries that are majority Orthodox include Ukraine, Greece and Russia.”
“Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, was also credited with inventing the first string of Christmas lights.”
“Noel comes from an old French word ‘nael’ that means ‘of or born on Christmas’.”
“The tradition of lighting a colossal Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center in New York City began in 1931 when workers at the center pooled their money to buy a 20-foot balsam fir and decorated it with handmade garland. The largest tree in its history came in 1999 with a 100-foot tall tree.”