Big Valley Legion held their annual pioneer dinner on Saturday, Dec. 11 with approximately 140 pioneers, legionnaires and guests attending. Greetings and welcomes were heard from mayor Rick Kargaard, county reeve Wayne Nixon and area councilor Terry Schiffner. Reverend Susan Bowyer kindly delivered the grace. Dinner guests sat down to a very capably catered fine meal of turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Well done to all our volunteers and many thanks to all the behind the scene helpers in the set ups, clean ups and all the myriad of things done to make a successful day.
Alan Johnson delivered a presentation on past pioneers and informed us that much of this information is on CD or cassette at the Big Valley Museum. Everyone is invited to visit and have a listen and he encourages descendants of area pioneers to take the time and record their personal stories. The Legion also recognized 62 area people, born between 1917 and 1932. This community has been blessed with so many pioneers who have laid down traditions that are still honoured today by those who follow in their footsteps.
The Legion expresses their appreciation to the Elks for the ham and oranges, the Royal Purple Ladies for their delicious cakes, the Hall Board and the Village of Big Valley. Several very generous private donations were received and it must be said that it is very gratifying to be a member of this community. Volunteerism is alive and well in this area.
Crib at the Drop-in Centre attracted eight people on Sunday, Dec. 12. 1st was Les Knapp, 2nd Jim Paul, 3rd Edna Sugden with the booby going to Ella Hockley. There will be one more crib tournament before the Christmas break. Hope to see you there.
Eight people were out for crib at the Big Valley Inn on Sunday. 1st was Ernie Petrussa, 2nd Len Shaw, and 3rd Donna D’Aoust. The booby went to Caroline Pound. This week’s lucky draw winner was Ernie Petrussa.
The next meeting will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9.
Happy holidays from the Big Valley Inn Crib players and see you next year.