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Congratulations to Lionell and Nellie Wright who will be celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary on December 18^th.Coffee and cake will be served at the Austin Bake Shop that day, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and join with them and help them celebrate the day.

This past week work has started on our new Community Hall. There has been a lot of activity around the area. Let’s hope that the weather is cooperative, and the men don’t have to be working in really cold temperatures. It’s good to see this project getting a start.

NOVEMBER 17, 2008,

Word has been received of the death of Doris Smith, nee Harding, in Dryden. Ontario. Doris and her mother, father and brother Norman lived in Austin for many years, before moving to Dryden in 1940. She was related to Olive Edgar and Mel Thomson. There maybe a few people around Austin who remember her. Hattie Pearson attended the funeral, as Doris was her sister-in-law, and promised Doris’ daughter that she would see that the people of Austin would hear about her mother’s death.

Tena Doerksen and Beryl Henders returned on November 8^th, from a two week bus tour to Pigeon Forge, Nashville, Memphis and Branson. It was a great trip, although we wondered what we were getting into when we got out of Manitoba into snow and cold temperatures in North Dakota, and again around Chicago! We spent 4 nights in Pigeon Forge, and attended two shows- the Comedy Barn and the Dixie Stampede. The afternoon at Dollywood was entertaining, although it was fairly cool- a time for gloves and layers of clothing. That day, we also had a guided tour of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Next were two days in Nashville, where we had a guided tour of the city, visited the Country Music Hall of Fame, attended a live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry and toured Graceland, the mansion home of Elvis Presley. Then we moved on to Branson, Missouri where we attended 4 shows – The Baldknobbers, Shoji Tabuchi, Daniel O’Donnell and the Acrobats of China. In between all of these activities, we shopped. Do you know how much shopping 51 people can do in 2 weeks? I think that every nook and cranny in the bus was filled by the time we arrived home. We got home to winter and some undesirable weather, but have some good memories and new friends to think about over the next while. Many thanks to my neighbour, for having the snow cleared off my driveway by the time I got home.

November 10, 2008

There will be a miscellaneous shower in honour of Michelle Jarema, bride elect of Brad Ryz, on November 22^nd at 2 PM in the Austin Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Austin Leisure Club will be holding their Xmas Supper Friday Nov. 28 at 5:30 PM . The supper is being catered. Please contact Loreen or Kay by November 24^th if you plan to attend.

At the Austin School supper on November 1^st someone picked up the wrong black suede leather jacket. If you left the supper with a jacket doesn’t fit properly please contact the owner at 685 2268.

The Austin MCC donations for their store, are accepted on Wednesday A.M., Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 A.M. till 4:30 P.M.. They ask that people do not leave any bags or boxes outside.

OCTOBER 20, 2008

“Games Tuesday” starts on October 21^st at 1:30p.m. in the Austin Leisure Centre, and will be held each Tuesday during the fall and winter season. Included in these games are floor curling, shuffle board, various card games, etc. and any board game of your own that you would like to bring. After game time, lunch and beverages will be available. All are welcome. Please come and support your centre. Don’t forget their catered Christmas supper on Friday, November 28^th at 5:30. You can contact Kay Sissons or Loreen Amann for more details.

The Austin Parents Advisary Council Fall Supper will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 5:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. in the Austin Community Hall . There will be free hay rides starting at 5:30.

Thanksgiving Day visitors at Val Farmer’s, Sam and Tamarah’s were Val’s sister and family, Vicky Bodie, Garrett, Sasha and Tianna of Bagot, Sam’s Aunts and Uncle, Donna and Andy West and Doreen Robinson of Portage La Prairie, Marilyn Atkey of Sidney and John Nobess of Austin. Supper and visiting was enjoyed by all.

For the next three weeks, if anyone has news for this column, would you please phone Neil Christoffersen at 637-2011, or have it put in his mailbox, as he will be writing the column instead of me. Thanks

OCTOBER 14, 2008

The Arizona Fall Supper which was held on October 5^th, was a great success, due to the donations and hard work of the citizens of the Arizona district. The Arizona Women’s Organization wish to thank all who supported them by attending and helping with the supper. A special thank you goes to Cedric and Lois Chard for donating a ham for the supper. They hope to see all of you again next time.

Marvin and Lois Jones accompanied Harvey and Tena Doerksen to Swift Current, Saskatchewan on October 4^th to spend a few days with Janet and Nyel Fredrickson. While there, the Doerksens took a drive up to Elrose on Sunday to visit with Aunt Helene Erickson. On Monday all 3 couples celebrated their anniversaries early with a supper out together – Marvin and Lois’41^st anniversary on October 7^th, Janet and Nyel’s 51^st on October 10^th, and Harvey and Tena’s 40^th on October 19^th. The lovely fall colours made for a nice scenic trip.

OCTOBER 6, 2008

The Austin and District Chamber of Commerce along with the RM of North Norfolk and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives will be hosting an informational evening in the Austin Community Hall on October 22^nd at 7 PM. The focus of the presentation will be local purchasing and local production. The keynote address will be given by Ken Meter, the president of Corssroads Resource Centre from Minneapolis Minnesota.

Ken is an international speaker and an expert on regional food economies. This initiative is being presented to increase awareness of the value of the economies of smaller centres. There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome.

There is a Scholastic Book Fair scheduled to come to the Austin Elementary School Library again in October. It will begin on Tuesday, October 14^th and run until October 17^th. It will be open from 9:00a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00p.m. every day. Once again the school staff will be hosting an evening session on Wednesday, October 15^th from 6:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come in and browse any time during the hours listed above and/or during the evening session. For more information contact Sally at the school at 637-2240.

The community sends their sympathy to the family and friends of Walter Livingston, who passed away this week. The funeral service was on Thursday afternoon, October 9^th.

Last weekend, October 3^rd to 5^th, I spent in Regina where I attended the wedding of my great niece Nichole Orr, formerly of Portage La Prairie to Kursten Faller of Regina. It was nice to visit with relatives from near and far, something that I really don’t get to do very often.

On Monday, Arnold McCuteon and his wife Ilace of Victoria, British Columbia dropped in for lunch and a visit. They had been visiting family in Manitoba since the previous Monday.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

The Gladstone Legion again supplied the white crosses with poppies for the veterans’ graves at the Austin Cemetery. The crosses have been placed on the graves of nearly sixty veterans, but if someone you know of that is a veteran buried at the Austin Cemetery does not have a cross with a poppy on his or her grave, would you please notify Judy Jones at 637-2029 so their name can be added to the list of veterans.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2008,

The Austin Leisure Club are creating a picture wall of old photos of the town of Austin, groups

of old organizations in town, old sports teams, etc. They will be picked depending on the room that is available, and whether they are originality to Austin. The pictures can be left with Hazel Lowe or Loreen Amann at the Leisure Club. Thanks for helping with this project.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

This week’s news is rather on a sad note, but I guess that is all part of life, and we must accept the good with the bad.

The sympathy of the community goes to the Young family in the death of Gary Crellen, the husband of Judy Crellen, (nee Judy Young), of Winnipeg. Family members and friends attended his funeral in Winnipeg last week.

Also, sympathy to the Marten and Friesen families in the loss of their brother and uncle, Peter Friesen, who was in the process of moving to Herbert, Saskatchewan.

Ladies – we are in for some fun next week. On September 17, at 1:30 p.m., the Mosaic Fashion Show will be held in the Austin Community Hall. It is being sponsored by MASSP – MacGregor/Austin Senior Support Program. The clothes are for all ages so everyone is invited to see the new fall fashions. We hope that many of you will come out for a fun afternoon.

On September 14^th, the Austin United Church service will be held at the Arizona Church on the Museum grounds, at 10:30 a.m. Arizona was one of the points in the Austin/Sidney Pastoral Charge in the past, and the congregation is inviting you to join them for a service in this church. Before the service, coffee will be served at 10:00 a.m., so we hope to see you there. Parking is available in the area north of the Heritage Building.

Last week some of the Austin news was omitted, so I decided that I would continue with the write-up that I had been given. Not too many people give me news, so I didn’t want to miss out on this!

A couple of weeks ago, Cecil and Judy Jones were joined by Neil and Cathy Christoffersen and explored the area around Camp Hughes and the Criddle/Vane homestead. They then crossed the Assiniboine River on the Stockton Ferry and enjoyed a drive through the Brandon Hills into Brandon for an anniversary supper.

Also, I would like to remind people that the regular worship services at the Austin United Church will resume on Sunday, September 7^th, at 10:30 a.m. The following Sunday, September 14^th, the service will be held at the Arizona Church on the Museum grounds, at 10:30 a.m. Arizona was one of the points in the Austin/Sidney Pastoral Charge in the past, and the congregation is inviting you to join them for a service in this church. Before the service, coffee will be served at 10:00 a.m., so we hope to see you there. Parking is available in the area north of the Heritage Building.

Recent visitors with Val Farmer, Samantha and Tamarah, were Val’s parents, Jean and Glen Hansen of Calgary. They were down for a two week holiday. On Wednesday, Jean and Glen picked up Phyllis Smith of MacGregor, and Vi Sparrow of Sidney and met Val and Tamarah at Austin Family Restaurant and had a lovely lunch and visit.

Val, Jean and Tamarah also went to Portage La Prairie to visit with Donna and Andy West, and Doreen Robinson, Tamarah’s Aunties and Uncle.

Recent visitors at the home of Ella Kowalchuk were her son, Paul Kowalchuk of Red Deer, Alberta, who visited for two weeks. Sharon Leckie of MacGregor, her daughter Colleen Kowalchuk and Granddaughter, Rackell Kowalchuk, from Fairbanks, Alaska were also visitors.Ike and Patricia Reimer from the Safari Inn at Swift Current were overnight guests with Ella, while they were on their way to Winkler to visit relatives. Cindy Mountain of Wellwood, Kathie and Gerry Curry of Austin and Gerry Reboul of Brandon were also recent visitors with Ella.

The regular service of worship will resume at the Austin United Church on Sunday, September 7^th at 10:30 a.m. The following Sunday, September 14^th, the congregation will hold their regular service at 10:30a.m.in the Arizona Church on the Museum grounds. The Arizona Church was one of the points on the Austin-Sidney Pastoral Charge in the past, and the congregation invites you to join them for a service in the Arizona Church at the Museum on September 14^th Come for coffee time at 10:00a.m. Use the south entrance and park in the area north of the Heritage Building.

This summer, Cecil and Judy Jones have enjoyed exploring areas of our beautiful province of Manitoba. In early July they spent several days with Judy’s cousin at Madge Lake, SK, northwest of Roblin. They then returned to Roblin to spend some time with Cecil’s sister, Betty Mundle of Binscarth at the Roblin Museum for their annual show – a beautiful day. The end of July they attended a 75^th birthday party for Pete Peters in Dominion City and visited with Judy’s niece and nephew, Brad and Bev Moore and girls, and Keith Peters, all of Edmonton. The next day they were among those that assisted their grandchildren, Jill and Shawn Henry with their move to a different apartment in Winnipeg. In early August, Cecil and Judy camped at Adam Lake in the Turtle Mountains and enjoyed a day at the Peace Gardens. This year they are reconstructing the sunken garden and putting in a drainage system, so there were not as many flower displays as usual, but still a beautiful spot. A day was spent exploring the southwest corner of the province before returning to the Shady Oaks campground, where they joined Kevin, Patty and Kendall Henry, and Cal and Joan Henry for a weekend of camping. On August 13^th they enjoyed a Father’s Day gift when they met Sandra, Presley, Abby and Carter Jones and Jack, Alice and Roxanne Naismith at Glenboro for the RCMP Musical Ride, followed by a gorgeous evening drive home along #2 hwy. This past Sunday Neil and Cathy Christoffersen joined Cecil and Judy for a“road trip”. They explored the area around Camp Hughes and the Criddle/Vane homestead before crossing the Assiniboine River on the Stockton Ferry and enjoying a drive through the Brandon Hills into Brandon for an anniversary supper.

Belated condolences go out to the family of Jake Doerksen, who passed away two weeks ago. Our thoughts are with you.

Olive Procter of Whiterock, British Columbia, a sister to Fred Smith, passed away on July 25^th. She taught at Clairmont, Beaver and Katrime in the late 30 s.

Visitors at my house from July 24th until the 30^th were Diane Henders and her husband Phill Betts of Calgary. While they were in Manitoba, they took in the Threshermen’s Reunion, and really enjoyed it. On the weekend the three of us went to Winnipeg, where we visited with Susan and Janet Norris, Diane’s aunt and cousin, two of Diane’s friends, one from school in Elm Creek and the other a friend from university, and then we spent the night with Jack and Lorraine Karras. On Monday, we had a short visit with Noel and Kim Thrush, at Shilo. It was a busy and short visit.

Danny and Louise Rintoul have had a busy July this year. They have had their 5 grandsons visiting them. Dylan is from Vita, Mb, and Arin, Scott, Kelly and Layne are from MacGregor. Gary’s wife, Kathy from Vita has also been an overnight guest a couple of times.

A wedding in the city, and a special 75th birthday to celebrate, has made July go very fast for Marvin and Lois Jones. Betty Mundle from Binscarth called in for lunch on July 3rd and 7th. Lois’s sister, Bonnie Meikle from Prince George, B.C. arrived on Wednesday, July 9^th, to visit family for a week. Friday, Marvin, Lois and Bonnie motored to Winnipeg to a Hay family BBQ at Pat and Barry’s, meeting up with Morris and Anne from Gilbert Plains, and Harold and Pat from Portage La Prairie. Saturday, July 12 they all attended the marriage of their niece, Tracy, Ron and Pat’s daughter, to Kevin Neil. This was to have been an outdoor wedding at the “Tavern in the Park” in Assiniboine Park, but Mother Nature changed all that with wind and heavy rain.

Gregory Jones from Neepawa arrived home to help celebrate his dads’ special day.

On July 16 twenty family members gathered at Daryl and Penny Jones’ to celebrate Marvin’s birthday. July 18 concluded the birthday celebrations with a gathering of friends for coffee and dessert.

The Austin Nursery School is serving the pancake breakfast at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum on July 27^th, from 8:00a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Building. They hope to see lots of people come to enjoy the special meal.

There seems to be a lot of clean-up taking place after the wind last weekend. Many tree branches are down in people’s yards, just waiting to be removed. I guess we are lucky that things weren’t any worse. Our weather seems to have been a bit unpredictable this year

A Young family reunion was held on June 27 – 29 at the home of Frances Young, and Dean and Kim Young. The occasion was the 80^th birthday of Frances Young – an event of April 22^nd. A tea with birthday cake was held this day at the Drop Inn Centre for Frances and her friends. Later her family took her for a Chinese supper at Gladstone. Thirty-one family members gathered for the weekend celebrations and reunion. Bill Young’s family came from Kitchener and Marathon, Ontario, Judy’s family came from Winnipeg and the rest were from Austin. Activities included outdoor games, golf, bonfires, with lots of stories told. The weekend ended with a pig roast on Sunday with fifteen extra friends joining the family.

Recent visitors at the home of Val Farmer, Samantha and Tamarah were Val’s mom, Jean Hansen of Calgary, who came down to look after Val, Samantha’s mom, Sharon Campbell Brewster, who came to see Sam’s graduation. Also home visitors were Amanda Welsh and Sasha Bodie of Bagot. Donna and Andy West and Darren Robinson of Portage came out to see Tamarah’s Nursery School Graduation.

The citizens of Austin and district attended a meeting in the community hall on July 3^rd to receive a progress update from the hall building fund committee. Chairman of the committee Gordon Nelson introduced Gisèle Timmerman and Mark Ranson from Manitoba Culture Heritage Toursim and Sport, who administer the Community Places program which has awarded $45,000.00 to the hall project. Committee members presented updates on their fundraising efforts as well as the work which has been done to design and price the new facility. The agriculture project has 265 seeded acres which is showing good promise for this year. Any donation of $1500 or more will receive two invitations to the grand opening event when the hall is completed. Over half a million dollars has been raised to date through fundraising, donations and grants. Mark Ranson spoke about the LEED green building guidelines and the integrated design process used in designing the building. The design features a 40 person meeting room, seating for 250 people, a modular stage, sound system plus air conditioning and can be built for $719,000.00 The exterior walls will be cultured stone and stucco. There were plenty of questions and answers. The evening culminated with a public vote which showed overwhelming support for the committee to begin building the facility.

Last week, Fred and Loreen Amann attended the M.S.O.S. games in The Pas. Loreen and her partner Ken, of The Pas, received a Silver Medal in the Table Shuffleboard. Central Plains received nine gold medals, seven silver medals, and three bronze medals. They are sending one bowling team, one slow pitch ball team with three players from Central Plains, and some golfers, to Dieppe, New Brunswick for The Canada Senior Games at the end of August. Right now they are not really sure about any others who are going to represent the Central Plains area. It was a very good experience and everyone had a good time. Congratulations to all of the people who took part.

The Austin Community Hall Building Fund Committee will be holding a public meeting on July 3^rd, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the hall.The committee will provide an update to those present as to the progress being made toward the building of the new hall.

Everyone must have noticed the lovely planters that have been placed at the businesses in Austin. They have been purchased by grants from Home Town Manitoba, the North Norfolk Foundation and LUD. They are a great addition to our town. Thanks go out to the people in the community who helped with this project in any way. Their involvement in getting the planters set up took many hours of volunteered time, and the rest of us should appreciate the fact that they took time to beautify our town.

Recent visitors at the home of Ella Kowalchuk were her son, Paul Kowalchuk of Red Deer, Alberta, his daughter, Kate, his granddaughter, Karly and Karly’s Dad, Derrick Young from Minnetonas.

Brock Kowalchuk visited his Grandma, Ella Kowalchuk. He has finished his first year of university at Boulder, Colorado, taking Engineering. He also visited his grandparents, Roger and Sharon Leckie at MacGregor before returning home to Fairbanks, Alaska.

During the summer, Brock works with his dad, Jayson Kowalchuk, at the Aldorado gold mine, which is a tourist attraction at Fairbanks.

Paul Kowalchuk visited at the home of Gerald and Kathie Currie, also with Corey and Pam Currie and family, as well as his brother, Randy Kowalchuk at Carberry last week. He returned home to Red Deer on the weekend.

I hope that everyone has remembered the Strawberry Tea that is being put on by the Austin Leisure Club in the Austin Leisure Centre on June 13^th, from 2:30 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. This is the 14^th year for this event. To help make this a successful day, they are hoping that people will bring donations for the bake table, the silent auction and also door prizes. Come for tea, and bring a friend.

The Austin Leisure Club will be hosting their 14^th annual Strawberry Tea at the Leisure Club on June 13^th from 2:30 PM to 4 PM.

Donations for the bake table, the silent auction and door prizes will be welcomed. Stop by for tea and bring a friend.

The Central Plains Cancer Care ( Austin and Sidney and area ) canvas realized $ 3,358.00 .

Central Plains Cancer Care is sponsoring a walk a thon June 7^th starting at 8 AM in Island Park in Portage.

Anyone looking for more information or to register please contact Daisy from Tuesday to Thursday at the Cancer Care office in Portage.

The Austin and Area Lion’s Club sponsored Martha Birkett this weekend with her fundraising effort for the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Martha is riding a horse from Ottawa to the Calgary Stampede to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause. She is being sponsored by

local Lion’s Clubs all along her journey. The Lions and the Austin Parent Teacher Association put on a pancake breakfast fundraiser on Saturday.

Martha and her road crew attended the spring supper on Sunday at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. All the donations that have been received from this area will

stay with the Manitoba Children’s Wish Foundation. You can follow her journey on the web at www.giddyupforwishes.com.

Members of the Lion’s club also took her to the elementary schools in Austin and MacGregor on Monday where she spoke to the students about the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Curling has been wrapped up for a couple of months now, but for anyone interested in the men’s and ladies’ bonspiel winners, the results were as follows: Mark Anderson of Brandon captured the first event of the men’s bonspiel, held February 8^th through 10^th; Brent Calvert of Sidney won the second event, and Laurie Stewart of MacGregor won the third event. In the ladies’ bonspiel, held March March 14^th through 16th, the Rhonda Burch team of MacGregor defeated Heather Manns of Austin; Sylvia Hayward of Gladstone captured the second event, defeating Melody Chambers of MacGregor; and the junior team of Carberry, Tara Graham, defeated Jennell Manns of Austin. A big thank you goes out to all those who donated or contributed in anyway towards the bonspiels. It is very much appreciated!

The Austin Chamber of Commerce will once again be spearheading the Austin and Community Town Wide Garage Sale on SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2008. Mark the date on your calendars; visit your garages, attics and basements to see what treasures you have to offer for sale. Remember, what you no longer need or can use could prove to be very helpful to someone else.

Seniors Day 2008 will be held on the grounds of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum on Tuesday, June 3^rd. Displays, musical entertainment, coffee, and hot cinnamon buns for an all inclusive fee of $10.00 promises to be an enjoyable day indeed. Come out and take a stroll through time, visiting with friends and reminiscing about the times when it seemed to be a slower paced world. Contact Don at 637-2533 or dmak@mts.net , to register your larger group for the day.

Tuesday, May 20^th will be the day for the Pen Pal Tea, sponsored by MASSP. The seniors and Grade 3 students will finally meet, after corresponding throughout this past school year. Everyone looks forward to finally meeting their pen pal and having a visit in person.

The first week end in May, 6 members of the Austin TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) group, attended the PRD (Provincial Recognition Days) session in Brandon. At PRD, those people who have lost the amount of weight that their doctor has suggested that they lose receive their KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) recognition. We are always looking for new members, and would be pleased to have more people join our group. We meet on Wednesday mornings at the Leisure Centre, at 10:30, and anyone is welcome to join.

First I would like to make a correction from one of the items from last week’s Austin column. It was Verna McRorie who passed away, not Merna. Sorry that this mistake appeared.

Marvin and Lois Jones along with Jeff Early went to Carman to the Annual Central Region Juried Art Exhibition on Friday, May 9^th. One of Jeff’s photographs was picked to go on tour to 4 other Art Galleries in Manitoba, first to Carman, then to Mordon, next to Portage La Prairie and finally to Holland. If during this tour his photograph is selected again, it will go to Winnipeg. The photo that was chosen was titled “The Fly Catcher”. Some of you may remember it, as it was on display in the MacGregor Library earlier this year. Good work, Jeff.

Jeff is a 17 year old, who grew up and currently resides near Austin. He finds many inspirations for his photos in the surrounding country landscapes and around their farm. He is seldom found without a camera, so he is always ready to snap a picture when the opportunity appears.

The Austin/Sidney Nursery School will be having their Open House and registration for the fall. It will take place on June 3^rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is for children ages 3 -5. All are welcome

The North Norfolk - MacGregor Archives are celebrating Manitoba Day on May 13 with a display featuring Centennial Farms in North Norfolk. All are invited - 10:00 to 5:00 in the Archives Room (in the Library).

The Manitoba Agricultural Museum will be opening for the season on Monday, May 12, 2008. Admission will be free to all who attend. The Museum will be open May 12 until September 30 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week. A traveling Exhibit entitled “Child’s Play: A Century of Toys 1850’s -1950’s” will be displayed on the Museum grounds for eight weeks, from May 26^th to July 29^th. Toys have been an integral part of a child’s experience since prehistoric times, helping to pass the time and impart knowledge and skills for survival. Between 1850 and 1950, the toy industry was revolutionized by industrial modes of production and began to take some of the forms that we see in today’s toys. From homemade playthings to vast retail empires Child’s Play examines a century of toys, games and childhood pastimes. Mark your calendars for the Annual Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede – July 24-27, 2008

On Monday, April 21^st, Gerry Reboul, accompanied by Mrs. Gross and Janice Woodland of Brandon, Myrna Gordon of Saskatchewan and Ella Kowalchuk of Austin, attended the funeral of Verna McRorie at the Glesby Centre in Portage La Prairie. Betty Brown of Winnipeg met them there. All were Tupperware dealers with Verna through the years. They all visited with Verna’s twin sister, Verla Bird of Portage La Prairie.

Austin Lions will be hosting Martha Birkett and her Giddy Up For Wishes Tour. This is a one woman’s desire to make a difference. It is a cross-country horseback ride by Martha Birkett to raise money and awareness for the Children’s Wish Foundation. Check it out at www.giddyupforwishes.com . She should arrive in Austin by May 23^rd if all goes well. Watch for future up dates regarding this tour

Austin and Area Lions would like to thank everyone who donated to their Lions Fun night event, and also to the people who bought tickets, making Fun Night a Success. Your support means a lot to the Lions Club. Congratulations again to Charter Members Jim Hanna, Cecil Jones, Tom Lowe, Lionel Wright and John Uhrin who received their 25 year pin from Lions International. Recognition was also given to Ken Hay for serving 20 years with the Club. The time and dedication these men have put in the past 25 years is greatly appreciated. The Lions are also collecting used regular and industrial batteries, so if you have any around give Roy Manns at 466-2722 or Don Makinson at 637-2533 a call and they will make arrangements to have them picked up or dropped off.

The Austin Leisure Centre was a place of great excitement on Sunday, April 27^th, where a birthday party for Harvey Doerksen’s 60^th birthday was celebrated. His wife Tena had spent hours cooking, and the food was plentiful and delicious. Those attending were their daughter, Romnie, her friend Ted, and their grandchildren, Kiara and Tristan of Brandon, Harvey’s sister and brother and their families, friends from Altona, their Tim Horton’s group of friends from Portage La Prairie and a number of close friends from Austin, MacGregor and Neepawa. It was a nice day weather wise, after the snow storm on Thursday, and inside, there was lots of visiting. A great day was had by all. Congratulations Harvey, we’ll be waiting for the party for the 65^th!

On Friday, April 25^th, Betty Mundle of Binscarth, who was on her way to Winnipeg, stopped in Neepawa to pick up Gregory Jones and bring him to Austin for a visit with his parents, Marvin and Lois Jones for the weekend. Later that day they all met up with Cecil and Judy Jones and went out for lunch and a family visit. On Sunday all of the Jones family attended Harvey Doerksen’s birthday party.

Once again it is time for the clean-up at the Austin Cemetery. The committee has set this event to take place on May 7^th, at 1:00 p.m.. Those who are able to come and help are asked to bring rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc - anything that can be used to help clean up after winter. Lunch will be served to the workers. A storm day, May 14^th has been set, just in case the weather does not cooperate.

The Games Day in the Austin Leisure Club proved very successful with 25 interested persons attending, from Portage La Prairie, MacGregor, Sidney and Austin. They all enjoyed a lovely pot luck noon lunch. Thanks to Anne Thiessen, of M.A.S.S.P. for acting as the host of the day.

April has been declared as Cancer month and Central Plains Cancer Care will have Volunteer Canvassers in and around Austin, Sidney and Area. We wish to send a big bouquet to all those who have volunteered to collect for such a good cause, and also to those who have donated. Most of us have had family or friends who have been touched by this disease, and we all hope that someday it can become less prevalent in our lives. These donations to the Central Plains Cancer Care stay in our area, and are used to help the people here who need help, so hopefully, you will feel generous when your canvasser arrives.

Easter visitors at Val Farmer’s, Sam and Tamarah’s were Joey Farmer and Sarah Grangier of Calgary, Amanda Welsh of Bagot, Vicki and Glen Bodie, Garrett, Tianna, Sasha and Cory of Bagot, Donna West and Doreen Robinson of Portage La Prairie. They enjoyed an Easter supper at Val’s on Good Friday. Tamarah missed her Uncle Andy of Portage La Prairie who wasn’t able to come out.

Diane Henders of Calgary visited with Beryl Henders from Wednesday, March 26^th until Tuesday, April 1^st. On Friday, March 28^th, they went to Shilo to visit Noel and Kim Thrush, and took them out for supper at The Keg, to help Kim celebrate her birthday, and Noel and Kim to celebrate their anniversary.

I hope that everyone had a nice Easter. The weather cooperated fairly well, so travel was easy. The snow that is falling right now is a nuisance though, and will likely end up giving us icy roads again, but spring should be just around the corner. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to the warmer days.

The Austin Leisure Club will host a Games day on Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00a.m. till 4:00 p.m.

At noon there will be a Pot Luck Lunch, so each person is to bring something. The beverage will be supplied.

If you have favorite board games, bring them along, or you can play Table Shuffle Board, Floor Curl, or Floor Shuffle. Everyone come and have some FUN. All are welcome. This is sponsored by MacGregor Austin Senior Support Program Coordinator, Anne Thiessen.

The Annual Meeting for the Manitoba Agricultural Museum will be held today, March 15, 2008 at 1:30 PM in the Shop on the Museum grounds.

The Reunion Ladies Activities meeting will be held today, March 15, 2008 at 9:30 AM in the Pioneer Center on the Manitoba Agricultural Museum grounds.

Condolences of the community go to the family of Ross Bickford of Spirit River, Alberta. Ross passed away on March 2^nd. He will be missed by his sisters, Hazel and Tom Lowe and family of Austin, Barbara Stephenson and family of Carberry, Mona Bridgen of Surrey, and sisters-in-law Betty and Elsie.

On Wednesday March 19^th at 11:00a.m., Daisy Dowhy of Central Plains Cancer Care in Portage, will be at the Austin Leisure Centre. She will speak on their programs, answer questions etc., and bring the Volunteer Canvassers their packages, as April is Cancer Month. Please plan to attend. Beverages and snacks will be available. Volunteer canvassers are needed for Austin and surrounding area. This is a very worthwhile cause, so we hope that people will be generous.

The Annual General Meeting of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum will be held on Saturday March 15, 2008 at 1:30 PM in the workshop on the grounds of the Museum. All museum members are invited to attend.

The Reunion Ladies Activities annual meeting will take place at 9:30 AM in the Pioneer Center on the Museum grounds, on the same day.

The Austin Skating Club will hold a “Soup and Pie NiGHT” Saturday, March 8^th, from 4:30 until 7, at the Austin Community Hall. Admission for adults is $6, children 6 to 12 years, $3. This is the club’s major fundraiser, as it replaces the traditional craft sale and penny parade.

Come join the Austin curling ladies “Three Ring Circus” at the Austin Ladies Bonspiel, March 14, 15 and 16^th which takes place at the Austin rink. For entries, call Cheryl at 466-2685 or Krysta at 637-3034.

The Austin Men’s Bonspiel was held on February 8, 9 and 10^th. There were sixteen rinks entered. The first event was won by Mark Anderson’s team, the second event by Dennis Manns’ team, and the third event by Laurie Stewart’s team. Congratulations to all.

Four of our local boys have made their way into the Provincial Curling Event, which will take place on February 28 to March 1^st, at Morris, Manitoba. These boys have earned the right to a wild card because of their performance last year. Those taking part are Joe Leslie, Jeff Early, Jason Manns and Raynold Beuckert. They have been coached by one of their teachers, Mark Borgfjord. Congratulations are due to these boys for all their hard work.

Jeffery Early has a photographic show of all of his best pictures, displayed at the MacGregor Library. It has been there for several weeks now, and should be there until sometime in March. If you are in MacGregor, drop in to the library, and see his work.

The community sends their condolences to the family of Walter Bodnarchuk, who died this past weekend.

Once again, I want to remind the people of the Austin community about the Annual Meeting of the Cemetery Board, which will take place on March 5^th, at 7:30 P.M. at the Austin Leisure Centre. Your attendance would be much appreciated.

The Austin Cemetery Committee will be holding their Annual Meeting on March 5^th, at 7:30 in the Austin Leisure Centre. Items to be discussed are reports and updates. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Nyel and Janet Fredrickson of Swift Current, Saskatchewan dropped in for a short visit with Marvin and Lois Jones, on Thursday, February 7^th. While Nyel and Janet were there, Harvey and Tena Doerksen, and Beryl Henders, turned up to see them, and they all had a potluck lunch together, along with lots of visiting.

The “Austin Winter Carnival” will be held Saturday, March 1^st @ 7 p.m., at the Austin Community Centre. The theme this year will be “Boot Scootin Boogie”, a western theme. Following the carnival will be races, a turkey shoot on the curling side and recreational hockey.

The Austin Ladies Bonspiel will be held March 14^th through 16^th; at the Austin Community Centre. This year the ladies are planning a “circus theme”. There will be lots of games, raffles and prizes, and appetizers served on Saturday night. To enter, call Cheryl @ 466 – 2685.

The 4-H beef club held their “after Christmas wind-up” out at Sprucewoods park on Sunday, February 18^th. It was an afternoon of playing hockey on the outdoor skating arena and sliding down the big toboggan hill! The facilities were very accommodating, with a warming shack equipped with a wood stove, and a very spacious cabin where you can gather to have your supper. A good time was had by all!!

The 4-H Beef Club will be holding their “Speech Night”, on Wednesday, February 20^th, at 7 p.m., on the curling side at the Austin Community Centre. The judges for the evening will be Mrs. Norma Kowalsky and Mrs. Vivian Loewen. Refreshments will follow.

The final two weeks have come and gone for the Kash Calendar. Here are the final winners: Jan 21.-Rick Thiessen; Jan. 22.-Marion Cooper; Jan.23 - Doug Hodgins; Jan.24-Harv Boehig; Jan.25.-Ian Maendel; Jan. 26-Glen. &Vicky Bodie; Jan.27- Blair Steen; Jan. 28- Tom Street; Jan.29-Catherine Amann; Jan.30 -Velma Lehocky; Jan.31- Brenda Hodgins and sisters. Thanks to all the supporters for this event.

February is Heart and Strike month. Pamphlets are in the mail. Anyone wishing to donate to this can receive a Receipt from Loreen Amann, either in person or by mail.

This is a reminder about the Tai Chi classes that are to be held at the Austin Leisure Centre, beginning on February 14^th, at 1:30 P.M. There is no need to pay Hazel or Loreen ahead of time. They just ask that you have your money there when the class starts.

The Austin Leisure Club is having a Valentine pot luck supper at the Drop-in-Centre on Friday, February 15, at 5:30 P.M. Everyone is welcome. Please bring either food or $5.00. There will also be door prizes and entertainment.

Judy Jones, recently accompanied her daughter, Patty Henry, of MacGregor, on a trip to Edmonton. They spent an overnight with Judy’s cousin, Elsie Ireland and Wally at Saskatoon, arriving the next day for a stay with Judy’s sister, Helen and Phil Johnson. While in Edmonton they also enjoyed a visit with Patty’s cousins, Keith Peters and and Bev, and Brad Moore and their daughters, Rachel, Laura and recent arrival, Jamie and of course, a trip to the West Edmonton Mall.

Kendall Henry of MacGregor accompanied her Grandpa, Cecil Jones for an overnight visit with Cecil’s sister, Betty Mundle at Binscarth while her Mum, Patty was away.

The Austin Ladies Bonspiel will be held on March 14, 15 & 16. To enter a rink, call Cheryl at 466-2685, or Krysta at 637-3034. This early notice will give you lots of time to gather up your players and be ready for March.

Once again Tai Chi will be held in the Austin Leisure Centre. This will begin on Thursday, February 14^th, from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. and will continue for 8 weeks. To register, please contact Hazel Lowe, at 637-2222 or Loreen Amann, at 637-2384 by February 8^th, 2008. This is a gentle kind of exercise which is relaxed and slow in tempo, and has many benefits to help you have a healthier body. We hope that many of you will take the opportunity to come and join the group, enjoy the company of others and improve your health.

The Austin Leisure Club will be hosting a Potluck Supper at the Austin Leisure Centre on February 15, at 5:30. Come and enjoy the company of others, and also see the renovations that have been done to the building.

The MacGregor-Austin Senior’s Support Program will hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at Rest Haven in MacGregor, at 7:30 PM. Included will be Financial Reports and Elections, with coffee to follow. The storm date for this meeting will be February 28, 2008. Hope to see many of you there.

This is the second last week for the Kash Calendar, one of the fund raising activities for the new Community Hall. Last week’s winners were: Jan. 21 – Rick Thiessen; Jan. 22 – Marion Cooper; Jan.23 – Doug Hodgins; Jan. 24 – Harv Boehig; Jan. 25 – Ian Maendel; Jan. 26 – Glen & Vicky Bodie; Jan. 27 – Blair Steen. We have one week left, with January 31^st being the day for the big winner. I’m sure a lot of people have their fingers crossed for that day!

On Tuesday, February 5^th, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m., there will be a Pancake Supper held in the basement of the Austin United Church. We hope to see lots of people come and enjoy supper out with friends and neighbors

The third week of the Kash Calendar has been completed. The winners for last week were as follows: Jan. 14 – Leonard Nelson; Jan. 15 – Abe Wiebe; Jan. 16 – Gwen Storie; Jan. 17 – Frank Guenther; Jan. 18 – Robert Anderson; Jan. 19 – Ron Amann; Jan. 20 – John McRae. Congratulations once again to these lucky winners.

We certainly have been having a stretch of cold weather. This must be our pay-off for the nice weather in November! Everyone be sure to keep bundled up, especially the kids if they are going outside to play.

On Ukrainian Christmas Eve, January 7, Ella Kowalchuk, accompanied by Valerie Farmer and Tamara, drove to Portage La Prairie to see the Island of Lights. It was a spectacular drive through the Island,on such a beautiful clear night. Then they drove to Koko Platz to see all the decorated houses.

This week’s winners for the kash calendar have been: Jan. 7 – Dave Wieler, Jan. 8 – Darren Calvert, Jan. 9 – Terry Dickson, Jan. 10 – Diane Owen, Jan. 11 – Shari Murray, Jan. 12 – Don Hotel, Jan. 13 – Jane Campbell. Congratulations to these lucky people.

January is the beginning of the Austin Hall Building Fund Kash Calendar. Each day this month, a name will be drawn and someone will win cash, in the amounts of $25.,$50., $100., $500., and $1000. The following people have been winners the first week: Jan.1 – Rick Amann, Jan. 2 – Chris Frey, Jan. 3 – Kyle Parker, Jan. 4 – Carson Zacharias, Jan. 5 – Linda Dyck, Jan. 6 – Ian Mandell. Congratulations to these lucky people.

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. Anyone interested in making a donation to help fight this disease should get in touch with Loreen Amann, at 637-2384. She has literature for you, and will provide you with a receipt for your donation.

I have an item from someone who would like some information. Hopefully there will be someone who can help out. Does anyone know anything about a “Schlemmertopf”? If you can help, please contact Kathy Dyck at 637-2089. She has one, but doesn’t know if there is any particular method in preparing this utensil before use, and would appreciate some help.

Holiday guests with Ella Kowalchuk during Christmas were Paul Kowalchuk of Red Deer, who spent two weeks with his mother. He left after Christmas to visit his daughter, Julie and Sean Baskier, and grandchildren, Nicolas and Arden of Swan River, and his daughter Katie and Derrik Young, and granddaughter, Karly Kate of Minitonas. Rhonda Kowalchuk of Illinois, U.S.A. spent a week with her mom. Randy Kowalchuk of Carberry was also a visitor.

Christmas Day guests at the Kowalchuk home were Paul, Rhonda, Gerald and Kathie Currie, Corey and Pam Currie, Elaina, Taylor and Steven Currie.

On December 29^th, the family gathered at Gerald and Kathie Currie’s for a turkey supper. Joining them were Kyle Currie of MacGregor and friend, Monica of Portage La Prairie. All enjoyed watching the grandchildren opening their gifts and having a fun time.

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that all of you have had a great holiday season, and are set for this new year which we are beginning.

Christmas is over for another year, but has been an especially happy time for one family that I know. Cathy Bryce and Greg Volk are new parents once again to a baby boy, Caber Leith Bryce Volk, who arrived on December 25^th, a brother for Aiden. Welcoming him to the world are his parents, Cathy and Greg, Grandparents, Bob and Connie Bryce, along with all the other family members and friends.

On the other hand, there were sad circumstances for a couple of families. Donna Slous, of Airdrie, Alberta, passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 67. Donna was the daughter of Dick and Iillace Carrothers. Our condolences go out to Donna’s family.

Keith Bickford, of Portage La Prairie, formerly of Austin, passed away on Sunday, December 30^th. Our condolences go out to the Bickford families.

Maren Laird and her husband Jim of West Bank, British Columbia visited with Maren’s parents, Neil and Cathy Christoffersen, over the holidays. They also spent some time in Winnipeg and Portage La Prairie visiting with other members of the family.

Visitors of Beryl Henders, from December 22^nd until December 27^th were Carol Henders, Diane Henders and her husband Phill Betts, all of Calgary, Alberta. Noel and Kim Thrush of Shilo, Manitoba, spent Christmas Eve Day with them.

Visiting with Kathy Dyck and her son Phil over the Christmas season were Kathy’s son Ernie Dyck and his wife Joey of Steinbach, son Andy Dyck, his wife Laurie and their children Angie and Dallas of Barrie, Ontario, and daughter Tanya of Winnipeg, son Ron Dyck and his wife Jo of 108 Ranch, British Columbia, son Edward Dyck of Winnipeg and his daughter Lisa and Lisa’s daughter Harley, Kathy’s accepted son Mike Sullivan, his wife Darlene and children Jessica, Keith and Daryl, and also Dave and Evelyn Wieler with their sons Kevin and Tyson of Muir district. I had the pleasure of joining this lively household for a couple of evenings, which were full of food, fun and laughter, and had an enjoyable time.