DECEMBER 14, 2009

  Austin's Crafty Hands Get-together has been very busy since their first get-together on Nov.3, 2009. Some of the ladies have done a super of job sewing for some very worthwhile organizations. Last Wednesday T. Doerksen presented Daisy Dowhy of Central Plains Cancer Care with 64 hats, made by these ladies, especially for Chemo patients who have lost their hair. The hats consisted of night wear to dressy daytime tie-up. More will be presented as they are completed. We thoroughly enjoyed creating various styles for different age groups. Also, so far, this group has made 11 Alzheimer's "Feel Good’ lap blankets which will be donated to the MacGregor Care Home in January for Alzheimer's Month. More blankets are in the making for this event and will be on- going. Baby blankets have also been fashioned and sewed for the Portage Hospital Nursery and the Family's First Program at MacGregor.  These will be presented to them shortly.

   If anyone in the community would like to join, this group will meet again after Christmas, starting Jan.12, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Austin Leisure Centre. Everyone is welcome to bring their own projects to work on or make items for the above mentioned organizations. If anyone has fabric and/or thread suitable for these projects, donations would be appreciated.  We also need knitting yarn suitable for newborn baby hats that can be knitted or crocheted. Donations can be dropped off at the Leisure Centre when the group meets or contact Tena Doerksen @ 637-3072 for information regarding donations or what will be on the upcoming agenda in the New Year. Hope to see a few more ladies join us in January.

     Congratulations to Rick Amann on being selected for the Olympic Torch Run in Brandon on 18^th Street. Brandon was the closest he could get to Austin. He says that he is running the torch for Austin, as that is where he attended school, played his Minor Hockey, and he also has family ties in Austin. We hope that he is lucky enough to have weather that is a bit milder than what we have been putting up with the last while.

     Diane and Carol Henders of Calgary, Alberta, have spent from December 10 – 14^th with Beryl Henders. On Saturday, Noel and Kim Cropp of Shilo joined us, as well as Lisa McNally of Austin. We had our big Christmas meal, with turkey and all the trimmings as well as presents. Now Diane and Carol have returned to Calgary, and will soon be getting ready for their own celebration at home. We had a great visit, but barely left the house because of the cold weather.

    Best wishes to everyone for a safe Christmas Season filled with happiness and good health.

DECEMBER 8^TH, 2009

     After an exceptional November with no snow and pretty nice temperatures, here we are with winter – snow and very cold weather. I think that we are lucky to have one less month of winter. November was a gift, and was much appreciated after the summer that we almost didn’t receive! By now everyone should be in a Christmas mood, or at least should be, as there are only 17 days left until the 25^th.

    Austin is looking forward to the Christmas Festival day, which will take place on Tuesday, December 15^th. As usual the day will start out with a Pancake Breakfast. In the afternoon the school will have its’ annual Christmas Concert. All the students will be anxiously watching for their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and friends to see them perform. I hope that everyone will have a great day, and that maybe the weather will be a bit warmer so that all will be able to get out and enjoy the day.

    On Friday evening, December 4^th, the Austin Leisure Club held their Christmas Dinner which was catered by the Hill Top Inn Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed a turkey supper, which was followed by entertainment of music by the Jones’ Group, and then Carol singing. Thanks to all those who came out to help make the evening a success.

    Abe and Doreen Wiebe attended a special celebration one day last week. They, along with Doreen’s brother, Dave, from Gladstone, went to Winkler to help Doreen’s mother, Mary Reimer, celebrate her 88^th birthday. Wow, what a milestone! Mary used to live around the MacGregor area, so a lot of people will remember her. Congratulations to her.

     Sunday evening, December 6^th was another special event – the Christmas Choir Concert in MacGregor. Choirs from many of the churches in the area took part, bringing forth wonderful Christmas music. The Violin group was especially entertaining, with very young children with very tiny violins, playing their little hearts out, and the older ones doing the same. There should be some accomplished musicians from the group soon. I’m sure that everyone left the auditorium feeling that more of the Christmas Spirit was with them. It was a great concert!

NOVEMBER 2, 2009

     Fred, Loreen and Catherine Amann attended the Manitoba Council on Aging Recognition awards ceremony on October 27, 2009 in the Legislative Building in Winnipeg, where Loreen was one of  8 nominees to receive the Recognition Award. Also present were Enid Durward and her daughter, Mavis Taillieu, former residents of Austin. Mavis is the M.L.A. for Morris. Also present was Cliff Mullen, M.L.A. for Turtle Mountain.

The Austin Parent Advisary Council will have their Fall Supper on Sunday, November 8th, 2009, at 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Austin community Hall. for information call Krysta at 637-3034 or Helen at 637-2431. Hope to see you there.

OCTOBER 25, 2009

     Fred and Loreen Amann attended the Fall Convocation Exercises at the University of Manitoba on October 22^nd, when their daughter, Catherine Amann received her Masters of Social Work, and Sharon McRae received her Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education. They met for dinner with their son, Ronald and Ginette, Diane McRae and Bill, Catherine and Sharon. Congratulations to the two girls for all of their hard work.

     It is time for activities to start at the Austin and Area Leisure Centre for the fall and winter season. “Crafty Hands Get Together” will meet on November 3^rd ,2009, at 2:00p.m., at the Leisure Centre. This will be a time for people to socialize while they sew, knit, crochet, quilt, learn to do some of these things, or teach a craft that someone enjoys and wants to share. Most of us have some U.F.O.’s – (unfinished objects) that we have been meaning to finish, and here is your chance to do just that, but there will be company while you are working.

    There are some special projects that can be done for the Alzheimer Society, Central Plains Cancer Care, or other organizations that need special things made, and they could be donated from our group. The first afternoon will be to gather ideas, suggestions, wants or needs. We hope that we have many interested people, and that this will be a fun filled, successful project.

    For further details call Tena Doerksen at 637-3072

    Condolences go out to the Smith family in the death of their mother, Phyllis Smith several weeks ago. She will be missed by family as well as many friends.

Games Day will start at the Austin Leisure Centre on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. there will be Floor Shuffle, Floor Curling, Snooker, Scramble, and Card Games. Come and have fun.

OCTOBER 5, 2009

    There is a Book Fair scheduled to come to Austin Elementary School Library again in October. It will begin Tuesday, October 13^th and run until Friday, October 16^th. It will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every day. Once again the school will be hosting an evening session on Wednesday, October 14^th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

   Everyone is most welcome to come and browse any time during the hours above and/or during the evening session. There will be a section with adult level reading and cookbooks, and there will also be a section for pre-school interest. There is also a section of hardcover books at a buy one get one free.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 

Austin Gospel Hall is once again hosting “ Kids for Christ” every Monday night (except Thanksgiving) from 7-8pm. These fun times begin this Monday night on September 28th. All are welcome. If you need a ride, please contact Garth Knox (637-2055). 

Once again our community has lost a former resident. Sympathy goes out to the family of Jean Lowe, whose funeral was held in the MacGregor United Church on September 18^th.

AUGUST 31, 2009 

SMALL TOWN LIVING BECOMING SCAREY?

At one time, not many years ago, one could go away leaving your doors unlocked and never have to worry about someone entering your house or property, stealing things, or vandalizing personal property, just because there seemed  nothing better to do with their time. What is this world coming to, especially in small, [usually thought to be safe ] quiet, towns ??  

Not so, it seems, anymore---the police are stationed anywhere up to 50 km. or more away—so - does this mean vandals and thieves can get away with anything because no-one is watching them? One would think this is the case in one small town, namely - Austin, Manitoba.

Recently there have been a great number of stop signs broken off and other acts of disrespect exhibited towards the residents of this little community. The fact that the streets were paved only 2 years ago, seems to mean that now almost every weekend night, the residents are inundated with squealing tires and roaring vehicles at all hours. What pleasure it must give the owners of these acts to disrupt everyone else's nights!

This happens so often that in one household, visiting city children will not allow their windows to be left open at night because they are scared. The comment made by one of them one night was, "I thought these things only happened in the cities---not in a small town like Austin!" Why must we put up with this in our community? Again, is it the lack of visible policing?

    Then just recently, a meaningless theft has left a concerned family wondering what will happen next? A symbol for the 2010 Winter Olympics ---an Inukshuk, created of stacked rocks, was stolen from a private yard behind a fence. It had been chosen by a 9 year old, after a project had been done in a city school last winter.  With the help and approval of the grandparents, it was decided to build it in the small community, thinking it would be a nice gesture to commemorate the importance of an event such as the Olympics, on the Prairies. After several months of collaboration on this project, the rocks were picked out carefully by the 6 yr. old sibling and the grandpa, purchased, brought home and formed into the Inukshuk, while the 9 yr. old was at summer camp. Needless to say, the 9 yr. old was not too happy that the statue had been put together without her, so the grandpa and the 9 yr old carefully dismantled the entire thing and cemented it together to stabilize it. How fortunate for the thieves, because when it was hoisted, all approximately 250 lb. or so stuck together, only losing one stone from a leg! What would possess anyone to trespass on private property and then steal this ---obviously well planned beforehand, since it was no small feat!! It has certainly created a difficult situation with the 6 and 9 yr. olds! How do you try to instill in these children the importance of "No Trespassing" and "Respect for other people's property/possessions"?

Again, is Austin the only community that has been the place to "destroy" this summer? It seems somebody is determined to make the residents of this community feel very alienated! Hopefully, everyone will band together to call the RCMP when you see or hear any concerns within the community, so that we will get more police visibility and can again feel comfortable living in a quiet, small community, like it should be !

AUGUST 24, 2009

     This weekend has been a busy time with weddings for people connected to our community. Congratulations to Ken and Debra Early’s son, Scott Early and Jo-elle Unrau, granddaughter of Abe and Tina Driedger, who were married on Saturday, August 22^nd, and also to Harvey and Tena Doerksen’s daughter, Romney and her fiancé, Ted, who were married in Brandon on the same day. Luckily they had a dry day for the occasion!

     Many people in the community have been wondering what has been taking place at the former Austin United Church since its closure. Those who are keeping watch will be seeing some changes taking place as the new owner is busy turning it into a home. This last week a very necessary change took place. The roof over the bell tower has been leaking, and was badly in need of repair. Abe Zacharias along with his crew, son Tyler and friend Brendan Klassen, built a new roof to replace the old part. On Tuesday, Carl Zacharias showed up with his crane, took off the old tower, lowered it to the ground, and then raised the new part into place. This all happened very suddenly, so nobody got to actually watch the process. Therefore, some pictures have been submitted to show the church “blow its’ roof”, and the new one appear. I hope that everyone enjoys the pictures of the transition.

AUGUST 11, 2009 

     Josephine Clark (Campbell) formerly of Austin, sister to Myrtle Larkin and Laurie Campbell, peacefully passed away January 29^th, 2009 in Winnipeg at the age of 92 years. A graveside service was held at the Austin Cemetery on August 7^th, with relatives and friends in attendance.

     The descendants of William and Janet McLaren, who lived in the Ravenshoe District in the early 1900’s, held a family reunion from July 23^rd – 28^th at the farm home of Lillace (McLaren) Carrothers..It was the 1^st reunion of the McLarens in 25 years, so a lot of changes had occurred in the family. There were bon fires and wiener roasts every night, a huge fire works on Saturday night, quad rides on a trail through the bush, competitions, scads of food and visiting. One hilarious competition was held for both men and women to see who could throw a large sized cast iron frying pan the furthest. The winner in the women’s event was Dawn Yaschuk of Airdrie, AB and the men’s prize went to Rory Rossiter of Winnipeg. A helicopter was taking up passengers at the museum and several McLaren descendants took rides and got the helicopter to fly over the farm so they could take pictures.

     We also planted a pear tree in memory of Dick Carrothers, and were told that the tree could live for 200 years. Ninety people attended the reunion.

     Visiting one day last week with Lillace Carrothers and Pat Weber were Megan Carrothers and her mother, Marlene. Megan had just returned from 3 months in the African Congo, where at times the temperature reached 53 degrees C.     Lillace and Pat visited Cliff Carrothers last Thursday in the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. Cliff had fallen and broken his hip, which required a hip replacement

AUGUST 3, 2009 

Recent visitors with Fred and Loreen Amann included Rick, Ellen, and David Amann of North Vancouver, B.C, as well as Ron, and Ginette Amann of Winnipeg. They all attended the Threshermen’s Reunion at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. On Saturday Catherine Amann of Portage La Prairie, Aaron, Trish, and Ayden of Brandon, and Sharon, Brett, and Jordan of Winnipeg all enjoyed a barbecue at the Amann Farm.          

JULY 27, 2009

     Finn and Bente Bendixen, son, Christian and daughter, Nina of Storvorde, Denmark were overnight visitors with Cecil and Judy Jones on July 3^rd. Kendall Henry of MacGregor was a weekend visitor and everyone enjoyed the Carberry Fair fireworks on the Friday evening. The Bendixons had been visiting at Chilliwack, B.C. before coming to Manitoba, and they had thoroughly enjoyed 2 days in the Canadian Rockies at Whistler. They were to visit more friends and family in The Pas, Brandon, Winnipeg and Selkirk before returning home to Denmark on July 16^th.

     Judy Jones accompanied by granddaughter, Kendall Henry attended the 17^th Stephenson Family Reunion at Naicam, Saskatchewan on the July 11^th weekend. Kevin, Patty and Kolby Henry of MacGregor also attended the reunion, which has been held every 3 years since 1961. This years’ reunion was hosted by Kit Stephenson’s daughter, Jean and her family, assisted by Anne’s daughter, Elsie. The weather was cool, and wet on the Saturday, which required the rearranging of some events, but everybody enjoyed the opportunity to meet family members and visit. The next family reunion will be held in Salmo, B.C. in 2012, and will be hosted by Jack Stephenson’s granddaughter, Lana Bond.

     Neil and Cathy Christoffersen have returned from their visit to West Bank, B.C. where they visited their daughter, Maren and her husband, Jim, and met their new granddaughter, Campbell Jane Maren Laird. The fires around the area were fairly close, but they did not have to be ready to evacuate, which would have been quite an adventure with a week old baby!

    On Saturday, I attended the 50^th wedding anniversary celebration for Charlie and Kathleen Swanson at Brookdale. Kathleen (Dennis) is my cousin, and some of you will remember that she taught school at Austin in the 50’s. In 1962 I came to Austin and taught the same grades that she had taught earlier. Their wedding was the third one that I ever played for, and so I was asked to play on Saturday to accompany a second cousin’s wife, as she sang a medley from ‘The Sound of Music”. There are only 4 cousins still alive in our family, and they were all in attendance – three from around this part of Manitoba, and one from Thunder Bay, Ontario. It seemed like a good time to take pictures.

JULY 21, 2009

     The Threshermen’s Reunion, which is held at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, at Austin will be taking place this week. We hope that the weather holds out and that there is a good turn out this year. It will be a busy week for all those involved.

     Sympathy of the community goes out to two families this week – to the family of Tyler Gray, and the family of Mrs. Dan Unger (Tina). The loss of these two people leaves our community saddened.

     The Austin Athletics Club went to the Provincial Games at the University of Winnipeg on Saturday, July 11^th. Scott Beggs got a second and 2 fourths, Terry Lynn Wiebe got 2 fourths and a fifth, and Louella McLeod got a second and a fourth. Many personal bests were achieved. Congratulations on a great season!! After the track meet everyone enjoyed the supper and dance.

JUNE 29, 2009

     The Austin community barbeque was held June 19^th, in front of the new community hall.  The event was organized by the hall building fund committee. A lot of work has been done on the hall, which is about half completed, and the community barbeque was a good way to say thanks to the community for all the support, and to answer any questions about the building.  Excellent entertainment was provided by Tony and Carol Hiebert, Al and Merv Fehr, Abe Wiebe and the Country Sisters from Portage.  Donations received are going toward a new dish washer for the hall.  The barbeque was very well attended and everyone had an enjoyable time.

     The Austin Athletics Club went to Minneapolis, Minnesota Track Meet on June 18^th – 20^th. Scott Beggs got second in the pentathlon (running long jump/100 meter race/400 meter race/shot-put/high jump). Terry Lynn Wiebe got a third, a fourth and a first, Doris Unger got a first and a fifth, and Lori Buchannan got a third and 2 fourths in their respective events.

     The Austin Club traveled to the Black Hills, the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Custer Park, the site of the Crazy Horse monument and Dead Wood. The next games they are attending will be the Provincials on July 11^th.

     Diane Henders of Calgary visited Beryl Henders from June 9^th until the 15^th. While she was here, they visited Jack and Lorraine Karras of Winnipeg, and also Susan and Janet Norris of Winnipeg.

     Michael, Cindy, Allison and Trevor Henders of Medicine Hat arrived at Beryl Henders place on June 28^th and will be here for the next week or more.

JUNE 8, 2009 

     The Austin Elementary School Kindergarten class of 2008-2009 will be holding a tea on June 22 at 1:45. They will be performing a variety of songs for those in attendance. The performance will be held in the gym and refreshments will follow in the Kindergarten room. Please consider this your invitation to attend.

    Anyone who is interested in getting a copy of the DVD of pictures taken at the Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at the Austin United Church on May 31^st, can call Jeff Early at 637-2355. Many of you may have missed signing the paper that was available that day.

     Austin was a busy place on Saturday. The day started with a pancake breakfast, and then people started to check out the town-wide garage sales. The cold weather didn’t seem to keep them from looking around to find bargains in town, and then proceeding out to Cecil and Judy Jones’ farm for the auction sale being held for them, Marvin and Lois Jones, and the Austin United Church.

The North Norfolk-MacGregor Foundation is holding its Annual Celebration on Wednesday, June 17 at 5pm in the Austin Hall.  They alternate between MacGregor and Austin, and this year is Austin’s turn.  MacGregor Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy grant presentations, beef on a bun supper, Foundation information, both for applying for grants and donating to the Foundation, as well as an Austin grant presentation, will be part of the evening.  Come and see what your community and your Foundation are doing!

For further information call Arlene at 466-2838 or Danny at 637-2488.

JUNE 1, 2009

The Austin Community Hall Building Fund Committee will be hosting a community barbeque and entertainment beside the new hall on Friday, June 19^th starting at 5:30 PM.

Everyone is welcome to attend to check out the progress on the building.  Bring your own lawn chair.

Admission is free, but donations to purchase new kitchen equipment will be gladly accepted. 

Jeff Early and Brent Jones both attended the 28^th Annual Central Region Juried Art Exhibition in Portage La Prairie on May 29. They both had art selected to go on tour this summer at 4 different galleries throughout Manitoba. Jeff's work was titled “Spotted Red Lady”. Brent's work was titled “Cow Girl”.

Congratulations to Scott Early and Jo-elle Unrau on their recent engagement. Their wedding is planned for later this summer, on August 22^nd.

Nyel and Janet Fredrickson of Swift Current, Saskatchewan were weekend visitors with Marvin and Lois Jones. They had been to Portage La Prairie earlier in the week to visit with their son, Dwayne, and help Irene celebrate her birthday. They attended the Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at the Austin United Church on Sunday, May 31^st, where they were able to visit with a lot of former friends.

On May 23^rd, 2009 the Austin Athletics Club went to Carman for track and field. About 120 athletes from all across Manitoba competed there. Scott Beggs got third in the Pentathlon. Lori Buchannan got one second and one first. Terry Lynn Wiebe got two firsts and one fourth, and Louella McLeod got two seconds. Everyone did very well and had a great time. The next meet will be June 18 – 20^th in Minneapolis, USA.

Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Harold Livingston, who passed away this week. 

25 May 2009

MAY 18, 2009

The Austin and Area Leisure Club is celebrating their 25^th anniversary on June 13^th. Watch for posters for further details.

Over the Mother’s Day week, Kathy Dyck and her son Phil had a busy time. Visiting were Ron and Jo Dyck of 108 Ranch, British Columbia, Tanya Dyck of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and Ray Dyck of Petawawa, Ontario. Ernie Dyck joined them on Saturday, then on Sunday, Edward Dyck, his step daughter, Lisa and granddaughter, Hailey, Lisa’s friend Jamie, Mike and Darlene Sullivan and their children Jessica, Keith and Darryl spent the day with Kathy and Phil. The food was plentiful, although there were no fish from the two days spent trying to catch the elusive creatures. A good time was had by all.

Visiting with Marvin and Lois Jones for almost a week was Gregory Jones of Neepawa. He celebrated his 40^th birthday in great style. Sunday, May 17^th, the Jones family gathered to celebrate the occasion. Other friends joined them for coffee and cake after their family supper. Congratulations, Greg.

Austin Preschool Connections will be holding the final Preschool Literacy/Numeracy session of the school year. The session will be held at 1:00 in the art room of Austin Elementary School. This event is designed for preschool children and their parents. The children and their parents will rotate through a variety of summer centers. Please join them for an afternoon of fun, games, prizes and a snack. To register, call Kim Young @637-2240 or 637-2404. Everyone who attends receives a free book!

Kindergarten orientation will be held in the Kindergarten classroom at Austin Elementary School on June 3^rd at 10:00. All children that had already registered for Kindergarten will receive an invitation in the mail. If you have not yet registered your child for kindergarten at AES or would like more information regarding their program, please contact Kim Young @ 637-2240 or 637-2404.

MAY 4, 2009

     There is exciting news about the new hall this week.  Residents of Austin and District will be pleased to know that the Federal Provincial Building Canada Fund awarded  $216,434 to the hall building project.

The community has been fundraising since 2004, and this funding is a welcome addition.

     Lillace Carrothers bid farewell and a safe journey to her granddaughter, Megan Carrothers, who left last Friday on a 22 hour flight to the African Congo. She will be working there for three months in conjunction with her University studies in Conflict Resolution.

     The Manitoba Agricultural Museum is gearing up for another season. Opening Day is May 12, which is also Manitoba’s birthday. Admission to the grounds is complimentary for all, and the Official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 12:45 PM. All are welcome. The Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede will be held on July 23-26. The Museum itself will be open from 9-5 seven days a week until October 5, 2009. Further information is available at 637-2354.

      Sprucedale Industries would like to thank the community for supporting Special Olympics through buying tickets for the region, although no one won from this area. They appreciate your support.

      Their club, the Austin Athletics, went to the Kinsmen Games in Winnipeg on April 18^th, 2009. All their athletes did well. Terry Lynn Wiebe got one first, one third and a fourth, Scott Beggs got three firsts, two seconds and one third, and Lori Buchannon got 2 firsts.

     The next track meet is in Carman, Manitoba on May 23^rd, 2009.

APRIL 27, 2009 

     Austin cemetery spring clean-up will be held on Thursday evening, May 7^th beginning at 6:30 P.M. The rain date is May 11^th. They really need help raking stones from the grass, before the grass can be mowed. People are asked to bring good rakes! Lunch and beverages will be available. For more information, contact Loreen Amann or Arlene Jarema.

APRIL 21, 2009

    Easter visitors with Ken and Marjorie Hay were Stephen and Carole Hay, Melinne and Joel.  Ken and Marjorie were spring break visitors to Winnipeg where they helped Gavin and Shirley Hay, Cassandra and Selina move.   

      Austin-Sidney Nursery School Open House and Registration will be held > on Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the Nursery School room in Austin  Elementary School. All 3- and 4- year old children and their
 parents/guardians are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.  Children must be potty-trained to enroll for fall classes

APRIL 13, 2009

    Over the weekend of April 1-4^th, Henry and Mary Driedger had their son, Brendon and his friend, Alaina Morris, of Edmonton, home for a visit.

     Cecil and Judy Jones hosted a family Easter gathering on Good Friday. Those attending were Andrew, Sandra, Presley, Abby and Carter Jones of Carberry, Kevin, Patty, Kolby and Kendall Henry and Joan Henry of MacGregor, Jamie Watson of Rossendale, and Jill and Shawn Henry and Daniel Olsen of Winnipeg.

     Andrew and Sandra Jones’ son, Carter played hockey in an AAA minor Novice tournament in Portage over the weekend. Greg and Vickie Smith’s son, Zak, from this area, is also on the team. It was interesting to note that the team also includes sons of former Austin residents, Darcy Rands and Sheldon Brown.

    Lillace Carrothers and 15 members of her family got together on Sunday, April 12^th to celebrate Easter and Pat and Frank Weber’s 40^th wedding anniversary. It was the first time that their anniversary fell on Easter Sunday

APRIL 7, 2009

     We have all been hearing about how we should be thinking more about saving our environment. There are a lot of things that we can do nothing about, but one thing that we can all make a concerted effort to do is to stop the use of so many plastic grocery bags. Customers of Cedric’s Corner Store in Austin will have noticed that there are no longer any plastic grocery bags being used to pack the articles which you buy. They have “gone green”. People are reminded to bring their cloth bag each time that they go shopping. This is a habit that you will have to form, as I have found out. My bags are always in the van, but most of the time I forget to carry them into the store. I guess that I will soon start to remember them when I have to juggle my food items, in my arms, across the street, too many times! Then maybe my brain will click into the fact that I need that bag. This is only one little step to help keep our part of the country tidy. Hopefully we will not have so many bags flying around in the wind, getting caught in fences and bushes, which is not a pleasing sight. Let’s help with this project. Remember your cloth bags!

      Over the weekend of April 1-4^th, Henry and Mary Driedger had their son, Brendon and his friend, Alaina Morris, of Edmonton, home for a visit.

MARCH 31, 2009

     The Austin Meals for Seniors will be holding their Easter supper on Wednesday, April 8^th at 5:00 P.M. at the Leisure Centre. Please register by April 6^th by calling the Leisure club at 637-2152 and leaving a message on the machine. There will be a prize for the original Easter Bonnet and Spring Tie.

     Marvin and Lois Jones attended a birthday party for Kennedy Rose Manns on March 25^th. Other grandparents also there were Deb and Ken Early, Roy and Sandra Manns, and aunts Heather and Kristen Manns. On Saturday, March 28^th, Marvin and Lois Jones travelled to Winnipeg to help their grandson, Jacob Sharp, celebrate his first birthday.

     On Monday, March 30, 2009, Harvey and Tena Doerksen attended the funeral of a special friend, Wayne Cosley, at McKenzie’s Funeral Chapel in Portage La Prairie. Many local residents of this area will remember him as the first owner of “Wayne’s Restaurant” in MacGregor in the 1980’s, as well as a radio announcer for CFRY before that.

    On March 28^th a supper was held at Wayne and Delores Early’s to celebrate Garth Early’s birthday. Those attending the supper were his Grandmother, Lily Early from Carberry, Terry, Theresa, Rebecca, Nathan, Andrew, Russel and Benjamin Early of Holland, and Colin and Kristen Early of Carman.

    The sympathy of the community goes out to the family of Mary Lowe, who died on March 23^rd, and to the family of Jake Hoeppner, who died this past weekend.

MARCH 24, 2009

     Carol Henders of Calgary was a visitor over the weekend of March 19 to 23, at the home of Beryl Henders. Carol was on a working trip across Manitoba, and planned things so she would be in Austin for the weekend. On Saturday, March 21, Kim and Noel Thrush, of Shilo, and their friend Gerri came for supper. Also visiting that evening for supper were Marvin and Lois Jones, Harvey and Tena Doerksen and Kathy Dyck. Everyone enjoyed an evening together to celebrate Beryl’s birthday. From here, Carol went to Winnipeg for part of the week to work, will be back by Wednesday, and she will return to Calgary on Thursday. With this storm that has hit, her plans may have to change.

  April is Cancer month. Volunteer canvassers for Central Plains Cancer Care of Portage La Prairie will be knocking on your door asking for your donation. Please give, as this is a very worthwhile cause, and your money stays in the Central Plains area for various projects. A few more canvassers are needed in various locations. If you would like to help, please contact Loreen Amann. Your help would be very much appreciated.    

MARCH 9, 2009

     Several weeks ago a curling bonspiel was held in the Austin Curling Rink. It was a small bonspiel and everybody had a lot of fun. It was nice to see a couple of new young rinks take part in this Junior Bonspiel. The winners in the 18 and under event were: Jason Manns, Keaton Wright, Darcy Manns, and Tiffany Williams. Winners in the 14 and under event were: Devon Manns, Jessica Manns, Randa Hill, and Brittany Jones. Thanks to all for the local support.

MARCH 2, 2009

     Daisy Dowhy of Portage La Prairie will be at the Austin Leisure Centre on March 18^th, at 11:00 A.M. to give general information about Cancer. Everyone is welcome to attend. Coffee will be served after her presentation.

FEBRUARY 24, 2009 

      The community sends condolences to the family of Pat Duncan whose funeral service was last week. Also, to the family of Ella Kowalchuk, who passed away on February 24, 2009, after suffering a stroke last week.  

     The Annual Meeting of the Austin Cemetery will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2009, in the Austin Leisure Centre. If you are interested, please plan to attend.

FEBRUARY 2, 2009

You are invited to the Annual Meeting for the MacGregor Austin Senior Support Program, which will be held on February 19^th, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the Leisure Centre in Austin. In case of bad weather, the storm date is February 26^th, 2009 in the Leisure Centre. Hopefully there are many people who are interested in seeing what this program has to offer seniors in this area, and will come out to the meeting. Following the meeting coffee will be served.

After the Annual Meeting of the Austin Leisure Centre, there were some changes in the board. Now, if there is anyone who would like to use the Leisure Centre for family gatherings, etc. they are asked to phone Harvey Doerksen at 637-3072 or Ben Wall at 637-2362 to make reservations.

Austin Lions curled in the 5M13 Lions bonspiel in January at Neepawa. They took home second in the first event and Boissevain Lions took first in the first event.

The Austin players were Bryan Stewart, Jim Hanna, Chad Bodnarchuk and Roy Manns. 

JANUARY 26, 2009 

   February is Heart and Stroke month, and   pamphlets will soon be in the mail. If you wish to donate to this worthy cause, please get your donation to Loreen Amann. She will give you your receipt, as she has done in past years.

      The Book Fair is scheduled to come to the Austin Elementary School Library again in February. It will begin Monday, February 2^nd and run until February 5^th. It will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day. Once again they will be hosting an evening session on Wednesday, February 4^th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

     Everyone is most welcome to come in and browse any time during the hours listed above and/or during the evening session. There will be a section with adult level reading and cookbooks and there will also be a section for pre-school interest.       For more information please contact Sally at the school at 637-2240.    

JANUARY 19, 2009

     The Austin Leisure Club Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. in the Austin Leisure Centre. Following the meeting there will be coffee and cookies served. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

     The Austin Ladies Bonspiel will be held the weekend of March 20, 21 and 22. For your registration you can contact Cheryl at 466-2685, or Krista at 637-3034. Keep a lookout for more information that will be coming soon.    

JANUARY 12, 2009

      I am going to start this column with the Cash Calendar winners so far in January. Last week they weren’t printed and apparently people are wondering who the lucky winners have been. Here they are: Jan. 1 – David Roy; Jan.2 – Kevin Nelson; Jan.3 – Jack Nelson; Jan.4 – Ed Martens; Jan.5 – Dan Mills; Jan.6 – Toby Friessen; Jan.7 – Jeff Early; Jan.8 – Lorraine Jones-Wieler; Jan.9 – Kim Young; Jan.10 – Brian Leslie; Jan.11 – Brad Crammond; Jan.12 – Margo Nichol. Congratulations!

     Greg Jones of Neepawa, visited with his parents, Marvin and Lois Jones and his siblings over the Christmas holidays. On December 25^th, Marvin and Lois hosted their family gathering. Janet and Nyel Fredrickson, of Swift Current were overnight guests of Marvin and Lois on Dec. 27 &28. Nyel and Janet were on their way home from a holiday visit with their son, Dwayne and Irene. During their visit with Marvin and Lois, they met with friends for brunch at the Hill Top on the 28^th   before leaving for the west.

       On Dec. 29^th, Lois’s sister Bonnie Meikle arrived from Prince George to attend the funeral of, Bonnies’ Mother-in law, Ida MacPherson. Marvin, Lois and Bonnie attended the funeral and brought Bonnies’ daughter, Heather Love, from Prince George, back to Austin for an overnight stay. During Bonnies’ stay, she visited with relatives and her brothers, Barry and Pat, Ron and Joyce Hay, both of Winnipeg, Harold and Pat of Portage, and her grandson Kory, his wife, Val MacEachern and family of Shilo. On Jan. 5^th’ Marvin, Lois and Gregory, drove Bonnie to Delta to stay with her sister-in law, Betty and Keith Lewis for a few days before flying back to Prince George on Jan 8^th.

     The Edrans Ladies Aid, formerly the Women’s Institute was formed sometime in the early nineteen twenties, as stated in the Winnipeg Archives.

     This group worked strictly as a charitable organization. However, since the district was of many different church groups, the name was changed to The Edrans Ladies Aid, thus opening the membership to all residents.

     Until now, as well as in the past, this group has worked hard to help others. For example the ladies have sponsored a Foster Child for forty years.

     There have been many donations made, a few such as to fire victims, the Salvation Army of Neepawa, Cancer Care, Sprucedale Workshop, Valley View Bible Camp, Norfolk Cheerboard, Accident victims, Bereaved, those in hospital, as well as those in need of help for travel and medical expenses.

     Going to earlier years, the Ladies paid for the hydro in the hall, as well as furniture, dishes, etc.

     There were fun times too; Bridal showers, Birthday parties, Bazaars, Christmas parties, plus more.

     The sad note is that they are closing their books due to lack of members and interest, so they must say good bye.

     TO DEAR FRIENDS AND ALL WHO HAVE HELPED IN ANY WAY, THEY WISH TO SAY A SPECIAL THANK YOU.

     Their president, Valerie declared the closure as of November 18^th, 2008. 

                                         Written by Secretary, Mildred Schneider

JANUARY 5, 2009

    The Austin Hall Building Committee will be putting on a quiz night at the community hall on January 17^th starting at 7:30. Call Keith at 637-2071 to register your team.

    Once again the Austin Hall Building Committee is having a Cash Calendar Raffle for the month of January. Each day of the month some lucky person will win some cash. So far the winners have been: Jan. 1^st – David Roy, $500.00, Jan.2^nd – Kevin Nelson, $50.00, Jan.3^rd – Jack Nelson - $100.00, Jan.4 – Ed Martens – 100.00, Jan.5 – Dan Mills - $25.00.

Congratulations to these lucky winners!

    On January 18^th, after the regular church service, the Annual Meeting of the Austin United Church will be held. The storm date for this meeting is Jan. 25^th.  Later that week, on January 29^th, a congregational meeting will be held in the basement of the United Church at 7:00 p.m. The storm date for this meeting is February 5^th.

    Home for the holidays at the Farmer household were Joey Farmer and Sarah Granger, Glen and Jean Hanson all of Calgary. Christmas was enjoyed by all at the Bodie Farm at Bagot. Those in attendance were Val Farmer, her foster daughters – Andrea Dodd, Tashina Peters, Tamarah Laporte  – Amanda Welsh, Joey Farmer, Sarah Granger, Glen and Jean Hanson, Glen and Vicki Bodie, Garrett, Sasha and Tianna. They also helped Garrett celebrate his 18^th birthday on December 24^th.

    Vickie Bodie and Jean Hanson visited with Phyllis Smith at her home in MacGregor. Phyllis is recovering from surgery.

    Birthday celebrations were held for Sasha, who turned 16 on January 1^st.

    Christmas guests at the home of Ella Kowalchuk were Dr. Rhonda K. Kowalchuk, from Herrin, Illinois, U.S.A., Ike and Pat Reimer from the Safari Inn at Swift Current, and Kyle Currie from Edmonton. They were all Christmas dinner guests of Gerald and Kathie Currie, along with Corey, Pam, Elaina, Taylor and Steven Currie from Austin.

    Ike and Pat Reimer visited with Ike’s brother, John Reimer and family at Winkler before Christmas.

    Rhonda Kowalchuk visited at Carberry, with her brother, Randy Kowalchuk and family on December 24^th.

    Jayson and Colleen Kowalchuk phoned on Christmas Day. Their son, Brock, who goes to university at Boldur, Colorado, was home for the holidays and their daughter, Rachell was busy playing hockey at Fairbanks.

    Paul Kowalchuk phoned from Red Deer on Christmas Day.