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A dinner to be remembered

The Big Valley Legion’s “Pioneer Dinner” is now history with around 120 people attending the event this year.

Big Valley Bulletin

The Big Valley Legion’s “Pioneer Dinner” is now history with around 120 people attending the event this year. Comrade Bill informed us that at the first Pioneer Dinner, way back when 9 people attended, was held at the Big Valley Inn for the first few years. Quite the change since these humble beginnings. Hopefully this tradition can carry on.

The dinner opened with greetings from our Deputy Mayor Lois Miller and County Reeve Wayne Nixon. Lois emphasized the meaning of pioneer as those who lead the way and set a path for others to follow. Wayne gave a history of his family in the Byemoor area and that in early times Big Valley was where his grandfather and neighbours did their business. He emphasized that a community is not just a village but the whole surrounding area and that is certainly the case in Big Valley. Rev. Barbara Lieurance kindly attended all the way from Lacombe to give the blessing.

An event like this wouldn’t be a success if it wasn’t for the marvelous volunteers and organizers. Thank you to Catrina for ordering the food that wasn’t donated, to Bill for cooking with Sharon and Barb on the early crew and to all those elves who pitched in to help them in the kitchen. On the floor, there were wine pourers, beverage/dessert servers and cleanup crews, all done with a smile. Thank you also to Comrade Arline and her invitation crew for getting it done once again and special recognition also to Arline and Jan Boice for 30-plus years of carrying on this tradition.

At their meeting and Christmas supper and pin Night held on Dec. 9, the Elks were joined by their wives and the Royal Purple ladies for an excellent stuffed pork loin roast prepared by Catrina and her crew. Presented by District Deputy Brother Bill Smillie, pins were received by Brother Len Currie for 15 years and Brother Alan Jacobsen for 35 years. That’s a lot of great service to our community and organization. Thanks to them.

At their meeting, a disbursement was made to local minor hockey and Brother Jake advised that the provincial conference will be in Medicine Hat on June 4 to 6. The Club draw was won by Dennis Kyncl, who donated his share to the Children’s Fund. Club 200 winners were Dale Nicholls, Dustin Houston, Lyle Anderson and the $100 winner was Brenda Meyer.

Results from the Elks’ annual Turkey Bingos saw 63 and 72 players out in Rumsey and Big Valley respectively. Given out were ten hams for tie breaks, two door prizes and 40 bingos.

The Royal Purple Hamper draws went to Meaghan McNaughton in Rumsey and Marg Levesque in Big Valley. Thank you to all those who supported the Elks by your attendance.

Ten people were out for crib at the Big Valley Inn on Sunday, Dec. 14. Gloria Emblau came in first, Mary Wilkie was second, and Bill Kirtley was third while Dennis Johnson took home the booby. This week Mary Wilkie won the regular draw. Vicky Shaw won the 50/50 and donated it back to the crib kitty. Thanks Vicki.

Remember Sunday, Dec. 21 this will be the Big Valley Inn’s Christmas Crib celebration with appetizers to follow the crib. See you all then.

Don’t forget the annual Big Valley School Christmas concert takes place this Wednesday, Dec. 17 at the Big Valley Jubilee Hall. Come out and enjoy an evening of great entertainment and holiday fun.