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Seventy years of curling history in Hallkirk

Elks make community donations
10585044_web1_Halkirk

Last weeks “ A look back” in the Stettler Independent noted that during the last week of January, 1948, an open meeting was held (in Halkirk) to discus the ways and means to build a curling rink. The Halkirk Community Curling Rink Assoc. was formed with shares selling for $ 5 each. Another later article states that the grand opening was held on Nov. 27, 1952.

This past few weeks, Paul Dietrich has been busy working on the ice in preparation of the combined Men and Ladies bonspiels to be held March 6 to 11th. Phone entrees to JD or Sandra at 403-884-2250.

Our local curlers have been supporting the neighbouring bonspiels. Sandra Johnson took part in the Castor Ladies last week. On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Dan Fowler, Lee Fowler, Rocky Dahmer and JD Johnson played three games at the Calamet curling club. And then they were back for the finals at the weekend with Ryan Dahmer filling in for Lee. Entered in the Byemoor Spiel this weekend are JD Johnson, Tony Nibourg, Rocky Dahmer and Al Gamroth.

The Elks annual Alaskan Seafood and Comedy Nite held on Saturday evening saw was a huge success with every chair full. The dinner began with delicious clam chowder followed by a variety of seafood dishes and pulled pork for the non fish folks. Comedian Lars Callieou kept the crowd laughing and seemed to be a big hit.

Prior to the regular Elks meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the lodge gave out several donations from their fundraisers held during 2017. On the receiving end were the Castor and District rodeo Ass.; the Valley ski club; the Circle Square ranch; the Paintearth adult Learning council; the Halkirk Hall Ass; the Castor food bank; the Castor Museum; Istar ( stuttering); Elks and Royal Purple Walk for Children; Alberta Elks Foundation.

Our community sends it’s sympathy to the family of Clari (Airey) Langford from Red Deer who passed away at the Agape Hospice in Calgary on Jan. 25. The Airey story is on page 270 of Home Fires. Services will be held on Feb. 10 in Red Deer.

Sympathy goes out to Joann Gonda and family on the passing of her brother in law, Bruce Gallager of Byemoor on Jan. 18. A celebration of Life was held on Jan. 26.

Sympathy is extended to Rick and Lisa Kent and family on the passing of Lisa’s dad, Don Walker on Feb. 10 in Stettler. Don and Joy Walker spent most of their lives in Big Valley and only recently moved to Castor.

Congratulations to Erroll and Kelsey (Howe) Brager from Bashaw on the birth of a 7 lb. 10 oz., baby boy, Brooks William, born on Jan. 23 in Camrose. Proud grandparents include Debbie Schilling and Gerald and Kelly Howe.

Congratulations to Lee and Becky Fowler on the early arrival of a 6 lb. 7 oz. baby boy, Tony Daniel, born on Feb. 2 in the Stettler hospital. Big sister, Olivia, who is just past two years old, is staying with her grandparents, Dan and Clara Fowler.

We send congratulations to Larry and Kathy Tuck who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Saturday evening, Feb. 3 in the Senior Centre in Halkirk. The family managed to gather a group of family and friends from the neighbourhood, including Kathy’s mom, Violet Turre and keep it a secret.

Congrats to Paul and Jacquie Dietrich who are first time great-grandparents with the birth of a 5 lb. 6 oz. baby boy, Asa, born in Red Deer on Jan. 30 to Skylar and Shelby Duncan.

Dick and Ann Creasey enjoyed the wonderful experience of a West Indies Explorer cruise of the Caribbean, which included nine stops in the Islands. The devastation of the recent hurricane was still evident and they saw how it had affected the people in many of the communities they toured. The weather was great – hot and humid.

Greg and Laura Kent from Peace River spent the weekend with family.

My apology to our readers – I sent last week news to the wrong e-mail address.

Coming up: Thursday, Feb. 15 and Thursday March 1 - Hall board regular bingo starting at 7:30 pm.: Feb. 19 – Family Day – enjoy a long weekend; March 6 – Mens and Ladies Curling bonspiels – phone JD or Sandra at 403-884-2250 to enter you team.