On the August long weekend, the Richmond family (Stan and Sheila and family) had a family reunion and a celebration of the 100th year of their farm.
Some family members began arriving on Saturday and the majority arrived on Sunday, which was the big day. Besides all of those celebrations, Stan’s birthday was also celebrated Aug. 1.
When I asked Sheila what they did on Sunday, she said, “Visited and talked and ate and visited, and then visited some more.”
What a wonderful time. Congratulations to all, as there’s now the fifth generation of Richmonds on that farm.
It’s good news to report that Stephen Kashuba is now home from the Red Deer hospital, where he has had surgery and a two-week stay. Give him a call or stop for a coffee. Good wishes, Stephen.
More good news is the report from Calgary Tom Baker that Gwen Hampton is doing well with her treatments and is now on a sabbatical awaiting further instructions. With much persuasion, Gwen and Allen’s two boys, Evan and Levi, are now away on a 4-H exchange trip to Ontario. This is a return visit for those who hosted members from there that were in Alberta recently.
As Helen Leonhardt reported in her Verdant Valley column last week, the McDougal family from that area held a silent auction at their family reunion this summer, which netted nearly $1,000. At each reunion, they donate to a charity of their choice.
This year, their granddaughter, whose mother’s life was saved by STARS years ago, suggested the funds are being given to STARS this year. The McDougals have very graciously donated these funds to the Rumsey Ride for STARS held on Sunday.
As we are now over the $500,000 mark for cumulative givings and are the longest-running fundraiser for STARS. The latest donation will help our figures immensely. We are grateful, and so is STARS.
Our reunion that is held every two years for the Boice-Goddard families. We also have an auction, but the funds raised go toward the weekend expenses, as we rent an area at Gull Lake. This year, we also raised just under $1,000 mark. It is a great way to raise money for whatever reason and it’s great fun besides.
This year, we focused on the younger folks, and they brought in more than $80. Each person that comes to the reunion brings something special, maybe something they have made and that makes it more special.
Last Saturday, many folks from the area travelled to Morrin to attend the funeral memorial service for Marie Jensen of that town. Marie was a special friend to all she touched. She will be sadly missed.
Rev. Mervyn Penfound and Jerry Beskowine shared the responsibilities of the service. Jerry’s wife Judy played the piano. Even though it was not an easy job, Carol Houghton gave everyone a laugh in her tribute to her sister, telling stories that were related to her.
The 23rd annual ride for STARS was held on Sunday with very nice weather and scenery along the Red Deer River north of the Tolman bridge on Highway 585.
Eighty-nine horseback riders enjoyed the day, while others spent the day enjoying activities in camp. Jill Brodi of our area was kind enough to do two “Dogs and Ducks” demonstrations at base camp during the day.
The day began with the Rumsey Fire Department cooking up pancakes and ham on outdoor grills to nourish the folks before the rides. There were two different rides; an easier one for the less-experienced riders and families. The longer ride is twice as long and had more challenging terrain.
During the day, Ray Duft from Elnora area entertained all with his music, humour and song.
When everyone was back at camp and accounted for, the presentations were made. To begin, a one-minute silence was observed in the memory of Shirley Woods. Those receiving recognition were; junior class; Noel Kiemele, Nikki Hiron and Chase Anderson. Those three children brought in almost $ 7,050.
Special rider was Serena Michie, who is 12 years old and brought in another $900. The youngest rider was Chase Anderson, who is only three years old.
Highest-pledge award was won by Ernie Goddard. Amanda Nuil received a beautiful fleece blanket from STARS for turning in pledges in memory of her grandmother, Shirley Woods, who was a strong supporter of the Rumsey Ride for many years.
Rose Macfarlane was next highest in the pledge count.
Those three top pledge-getters brought in about $12,000. Donna Thomas and Calvin Turigan also brought in large sums.
Bob Klassen, 81, received his award from Jacquline Goddard for being the oldest rider. Chase Anderson, three, was the youngest rider and received a gift from John and Rosalie Macfarlane.
Josh Bhikoo of Drumheller was the guest speaker in the afternoon, telling of how STARS was instrumental in his recovery from a heart attack last fall when he was transported to Calgary hospital, where he received the attention that was so critically needed. Josh spent the day at the base camp, as he’s now a volunteer with STARS and was there to help at the souvenir stand also.
Throughout the day, activities included a poker rally, silent auction and quilt raffle. The winners were Glenda Michie, Robert Richmond, Maggie Ripley.
Other winners were Don and Norma Bonham from Delburne, Joanne Ricmond, Eleanor Duft, Maya Gilroy of Calgary and Robert Ripley from Alix.
When all the figures for the day were tallied, they came to $31,274, bringing the 23-year total to $536,197.
A breakdown of the day’s funds was $26,005 in total pledges, $713 from the breakfast that fed 180 people. The portion of the poker rally came to $351 from the 108 hands that were sold. The quilt raffle brought in another $1,255, and the silent auction amount was $1,840.
Supper, which was a delicious barbecue roast-beef dinner, was prepared by our own “Country Cookers.”
STARS and the STARS committee of the Rumsey Agricultural Society extend thanks to everyone for another successful Ride for STARS.