HALKIRK HERALD -- Each fall we try to follow our graduating classes and report on where they are and what they are doing. Many have left our community and gone on to continue their higher education in a variety of fields.
From the 2016 class – Katelyn Dahmer is taking her first year of lab and x-ray technician course at NAIT and living in Edmonton; Hailey Grice is attending Arkansas State University on a volleyball scholarship, working towards a degree in education and majoring in phys. ed.; Morgan Kent is working in Stettler at Canadian Tire; Simon Muncy is going to Augustana University in Camrose in his first year of Bachelor of Arts degree in business; Shayla Schilling is in Red Deer College taking Bachelor of Education with a focus on teaching elementary grades.
Jacey Gamroth is at Augustana University in Camrose in her second year of kinesiology heading toward an occupational therapy degree; Jonathan Muncy is at the Red Deer College taking his second year of the plumbing course; Shane Neilson completed his heavy equipment operators' course and is working for Filipenko Bros. Const. in Castor; Seth Neufeld is in Calgary at SAIT enrolled in Architectural Studies; Jillian Schaffner is into her second year of a business degree at the University of Calgary.
Kassidy Hronek completed her two-year course in criminal justice at the University of Lethbridge and has spent the summer working on a guest ranch in Wyoming.
Ryan Dahmer is in his fourth year of a business degree at Red Deer College; Adam Muncy has written his Red Seal final in Welding and is working locally; Matthew Muncy has also completed his final and is working as a lineman for Sunrise Const. in Castor; Amber Neilson is in her fourth year as a special needs teacher at the University of Lethbridge; Max Shaffner is back in Red Deer College taking a physical training course with the aim of working with disabled persons.
Sixty-eight riders participated in the Circle Square Ride-A-Thon on Sunday, raising just over $14,000. Money raised is used to support the horse program at the ranch. The group travelled through the scenic Paintearth coulee for approximately four hours. It was cold, but the rain held off until the ride was over, making it a fun day. Everyone was treated to a barbecued beef on a bun.
Very close to 300 people gathered at the Paintearth Lodge in Castor on Sunday afternoon for their annual barbecue held for the residents and their guests. It was cool and rainy, but that allowed the farmers to attend since it was too wet to harvest.
Our sympathy goes out to Bill Jamieson and family on the passing of May Jamieson, who passed away on Sept. 8. Bill and May had celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this year. They made their home at Points West in Stettler. Services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Halkirk Hall.
Condolences to Jeff and Helen Strandquist and family on the passing of their son Ronald in Camrose on Sept. 4. A memorial service was held on Saturday at the City Lights Church in Camrose. The Strandquist story is on page 212 of Home Fires.
Samantha Neilson from Medicine Hat was home at the weekend so Shane and Samantha took Anne out for lunch on Grandparents' Day, which was on Sunday. Amber Neilson of Lethbridge was home last weekend. She and a girl friend had just returned from a drive out to the Vancouver area and a visit with her Aunt Brenda and Uncle Mike.
Melody Kent had a sleepover in Fort Saskatchewan at the weekend when her and her sisters got together for their annual girls' time out.
Coming up: Sept. 20 – Pot luck supper at the Senior Centre followed by the regular monthly meeting: Oct. 15 – Elks Annual Oyster Fry and White Elephant Sale.