A little winter birdie told me that Gordon Jackson had lots to celebrate on his birthday Jan. 2 as he is now on the government payroll. Happy birthday, Gordon. Kathy and Larry Tuck, Frank and Eleanor Dahlgren and Joyce and Bill Hansel were among the friends who were over to help Jackson celebrate.
Joyce and Bill were busy over the holidays, first at brother Joe and Maxine’s for dinner, a yearly tradition for the night before the night before shopping day. On Dec. 24, they were at daughter Sandra’s and with her family. Then they joined daughter Sue and Brad and family for Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, Joyce had lunch with sisters Betty Stotz and Marian Blackmore. Meanwhile, Kevin and Diane Baird headed for Saskatoon for a wedding through the holiday season. And son Kyle was home on a visit before Christmas.
We are happy to hear Leigh Shepherd is back in the Stettler hospital, doing better and enjoying visits from friends and family. And Bill Boyd resides in Heart Haven lodge for the winter, where he’s enjoying visiting with and catching up with old friends.
The first Saturday after Christmas, Betty and Frank Hadwin motored to Forestburg, wher they enjoyed a late Christmas with daughters Mararet, the host, and Mary, Aaron and daughter Kaitlyn.
Birthday greetings to Bridget Skocdopole, who turned 10 on Jan. 4. Birthday supper was with Mom and Dad, Richelle and Greg and family, along with gradparents Stan and Gloria Diegel, uncles Wade and Ybiett and family, and Arden and Deanne and family.
Bill and Joyce Hansel, Margaret Connon and Carol Kirkwood were among the many friends and family who surprised Marie (Miller) Vance on her 70th birthday last Saturday at the Friendship Centre in Bowden. Marie’s brothers, Donald and Ken and their families, along with sister Evelyne and family, were there, as were Marie’s son Kelly and daugher Teresa and Ken Schwabb and their families. After the initial surprise, Marie enjoyed a wonderful day of visiting. Happy Birthday, Marie!
Wilda and Dale Nichols hosted a Christmas dinner with 26 family members, including sons Jared and Brenda, David and Sandy and family, daughters Corina and Dale, Denise and Shane and their families. Also, Dale’s sister Ida Hallet and Aunt Irene Schilling. On Saturday, Dale and Wilda enjoyed watching grandson Austin and his hockey team play in Stettler, where they beat Ponoka 10-4.
We send condolences to Frank Hadwin on the loss of his brother John Hadwin at age 82. Frank and Betty attended the funeral in Consort.
Several friends and neighbours, along with family, gathered at the Botha Senior Centre for a memorial tea in honour of Bill Medinsky. From farther away were sons Mark and Kelvin (Shelly), Steven and Michael of Red Deer, nephew Glen and Ellen Neiser of St. Albert, and their daughter Jenny and Jordan; niece Jan and Ted Lineham of Okotoks, as well as former wife Aileen Hobbs and cousin Juius and Delores Duris, all of Stettler. Interment took place earlier at the Lake View Cemetery in Stettler.
Bingo is at the Bank Building on Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Early bird starts at 7:30 and the loonie pot is at $116.