RUMSEY RECORD -- What a warm weather we have been having lately; I was visiting with a friend last week and she said that the last time that she remembers a winter like this was 18 years ago when they were building their house, so I guess everything has its cycles. Make you wonder what next winter will bring (but I am getting ahead of myself).
The family of James Hussey Sr. asked me to let the community know that Big Jim, as he was affectionately known, has ended his long struggle with illness on March 1 in the Red Deer hospital. He will be missed by his wife, Allie and large family of children and grandchildren. There will be no funeral. The family may decide later to have a private memorial but at this time there are no plans.
I know it is a little early to let people know but the Rumsey-Rowley 4-H Beef club is planning their bottle and battery drive for April 12. They will be calling around the community prior to that date to do their collections. If you have any bottles or batteries that you would like cleared out any time before the 12th, I am sure a 4-H-er would love to come and pick them up. You can call Kent and Jill Holowath and they can set something up – 403-368-3733.
The Morrin Lions are sponsoring free hot chocolate and cookies at public skating in the Morrin Arena next Saturday, March 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. It will soon be time to let the ice go in the different arenas around the area, so you best get in that last skate soon. They will also be hosting an Easter Ham Bingo at the Morrin Community Hall on Wednesday, March 23. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The mixed bonspiel in Rumsey started on Monday night of this week with 21 teams entered. Don't forget about the Oyster Night Extravaganza on Thursday night, you can enjoy oysters, steak or both with a baked potato, salad, garlic bread and all the fixings. Come early for it is the last one of the season. There is also the banquet on Saturday night open to all the community and, of course, the concession is open all week with homemade soups and desserts on offer plus good curling to watch.
The Rumsey drop-in had a good meeting last Thursday and lots of decisions were made, motions carried and new council was appointed. The biggest decision that was made was to go ahead and fix the roof as the building still has lots of use in the community as a nice option for hosting smaller parties/meetings that may be too big for a persons' home and too small to rent the larger hall or curling rink at a very reasonable rate of $50 a day. We are hoping the work on the roof will get started this spring as the damage is only getting worse.
There will be a horticultural workshop on Saturday, April 16 at the Verdant Valley Community Centre with guest speakers Jim Hole and Tim Schowalter. Jim Hole is Alberta's Top Horticultual Authority and he will be presenting on "Garden Myths". Tim Schowalter is our local natural history authority. Pre-registration is required by April 8 and the fee includes a lunch. This will be a great way to get your green thumb warmed up. To register contact: Pat at 403-321-0210 or Toni at 403-321-0061.
Have a great week...