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OCTOBER 22, 2007

Here I am, back home again, after a nice holiday with the family in Medicine Hat and Calgary. I lucked out, too. By going to both houses at Thanksgiving, I had two Thanksgiving dinners – one with Michael, Cindy, Allison and Trevor Henders of Medicine Hat, along with Carol Henders, Diane Henders and Phill Betts of Calgary, on October 7^th. Then on the 8^th, I moved on to Calgary, where Diane and Phill had the second meal with Phill’s family, Carol and myself, and five of Diane and Phill’s friends. Needless to say, there was lots of turkey!

October seems to be the month for wedding anniversaries. This year there were some milestone ones to celebrate. On October 6^th, Lionel and Nellie Wright, Cecil and Judy Jones, Marvin and Lois Jones, Harvey and Tena Doerksen and Beryl Henders traveled to Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to help Nyel and Janet Fredrickson celebrate their 50^th anniversary. All of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were there, along with many of their siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. It was great to be part of their special day. By the end of the week, Nyel and Janet were headed east to help with the next celebration.

On October 13^th, Marvin and Lois Jones celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary. Their family had planned a Come and Go Tea in the afternoon and a supper later on for family members, and a few close friends. Janet and Nyel Fredrickson had arrived to celebrate with them. They stayed with Lionel and Nellie Wright, as the commute back to Swift Current was a little far! That night, Lois’ brothers and sisters-in-law, Barry and Pat Hay, and Ron and Joyce Hay all of Winnipeg, Morris and Anne Hay of Gilbert Plains, and Marvin and Lois’ son Gregory of Neepawa stayed with Marvin and Lois. I think that it was a full house! Morris and Anne’s family stayed with Daryl and Penny Jones. Lois’ brother Harold of Portage La Prairie, and Marvin’s sister, Betty Mundle of Binscarth also attended, as well as many other relatives and friends. In lieu of gifts there was a nice collection which is being donated to Central Plains Cancer Care.

On Wednesday, October 17^th, supper was held in honor of Harvey and Tena Doerksen’s 39^th anniversary, at the home of Marvin and Lois Jones. Those present as well as the Jonses and Doerksens were Lionel and Nellie Wright, Cecil and Judy Jones, and Beryl Henders. It was a fun night, with good food, games and lots of laughter.

I know that there are a lot of other anniversaries in the community this month, and I would like to congratulate all of the couples that I have not mentioned, and wish them well. Thanksgiving seems to have been a special time for weddings.

16 Oct 2007

The Austin and District Community Club will be holding their annual general meeting at the hall in Austin on November 13^th at 7:30 PM.The community club is responsible for the operation of the skating and curling rink and the community hall. If you have any question or suggestions for the board or thought at any time that you might want to contribute to this worthwhile endeavor, this would be the time and place to come forward. The committee is looking for a caretaker and ice maker for this season and will be receiving applications until November 12^th.

The Austin hall fundraising committee was planning a fish fry for October 19^th. The date has been changed to October 26^th.

OCTOBER 1, 2007

Austin Gospel Hall is once again hosting “Kids for Christ” every Monday night (except for Thanksgiving) from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. All are welcome. Call Garth Knox for rides (637-2055). Their first night was September 24th and they had lots of fun.

Danny and Louise Rintoul have just returned from a 3 week trip to the Maritimes and New England States. They enjoyed the beautiful color of the leaves, which is one of the main attractions at this time of the year. They were a bit disappointed when there was fog when they went over Confederation Bridge into P.E.I. and were not able to see very much at that particular time. All in all, they had a great trip.

Last Tuesday, September 25^th, there was a good turn out for the meeting which was to let the people of the community know what has been done so far in the venture to fundraise for a new hall. The committee has done a wonderful job, and has spent endless hours planning fundraisers, attending meetings, visiting other halls which have been built recently and has had a lot of things change since the beginning of the undertaking. There is still a long way to go before there will be a new building ready to be used, so lets hope that people are still willing to help as much as possible with the project.

Recent visitors with Val Farmer and children were Val’s parents, Glen and Jean Hansen of Calgary, Doug Mair of Shilo, Val’s cousin and Tianna Bodie of Bagot, Val’s neice.Last weeks visitors at Val Farmers’ house were Andy and Donna West and Doreen Robinson of Portage. They are Aunts and an Uncle of Sam. They came out for supper to help Sam celebrate her 19^th birthday. Ella Kowalchuk was also over for supper and a visit.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2007

The Austin Parent Advisory Council of the Austin Elementary School, are having a Fall Supper on October 27^th, at the Austin Community Hall. It will take place from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Prices are – adults - $8.00, children 6 – 12, $5.00 and children 5 and under, $2.00.

Austin Pre-School Connections will run on Mondays, from 6:30 – 7:30P.M., in the Austin Elementary School Gym. The program is called “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. The gym program for pre-schoolers will start on the first Monday in October, and will continue for 8 weeks, excluding Thanksgiving Monday. For more information contact Regan Manns , instructor, at 466-2960 or Kim Young at 637-2404 .

SEPTEMBER 17, 2007

On September 4, Abe and Helen Friesen from Calgary were supper quests at the home of Marvin and Lois Jones. Abe’s sister, Margaret and husband Pete Harder were invited to share the evening. Abe and Helen were traveling to Winnipeg to attend a family reunion .In the 60’s Abe operated the blacksmith shop here in Austin.

Bonnie Miekle of Prince George, British Columbia, visited with Marvin and Lois Jones from September 9^th till September 17^th. The two sisters visited with relatives in Portage La Prairie and at Shilo, Manitoba, where Bonnie got to see her 3 week old grandson for the first time. Friday night Ron and Joyce Hay of Winnipeg joined them for a family barbecue supper, along with most of Marvin and Lois’ children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

On Sunday, September 17^th, Gregory Jones returned to Neepawa in time to walk in the Terry Fox “Run for Hope”. His mothe, Lois, accompanied Greg in the walk. It was indeed a wonderful day for the event and they both enjoyed the walk, which was for a good cause.

A Tai Chi program will once again be offered to anyone who is interested in an effective exercise for health. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle movements that are relaxed and slow in tempo. There are many benefits, such as helping to relieve pain, stiffness and stress, improving concentration, balance, posture and heart and lung function. This program is being offered by the Central Plains Cancer Care, and will be held at the Austin Leisure Centre every Thursday, from 1:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. beginning on October 11^th until November 29^th, 2007. Anyone interested is asked to phone Hazel @637-2222 or Loreen @ 637-2384 to register by October 5^th. A charge of $24.00 is to be paid on October 11^th. They hope that there will be lots of interest. Remember – it takes dedicated people to make these programs work well. We hope to see you there!

SEPTEMBER 10, 2007

The community hall building committee will be holding a meeting in the hall on September 25^th at 7:30 PM.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on fundraising activities and the financial position to date,and to get everyone up to date on the activities of the committee, relative to the design, building planning and fundraising process.

Please remember the barbecue supper at the Austin Leisure Centre on September 21^st, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. If you are after tickets, phone Louise Green, at 637-2118, or ask for them at the Austin Bakery or Cedric’s Corner Store.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2007

Fall is almost here, and many of you will soon be looking around to find different places to go out for a meal. You are in luck, as there is to be a Barbecue Fund Raiser for the Austin Leisure Centre, on September 21, 2007, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. It is being held at the Austin Leisure Centre. Tickets can be picked up at Cedric’s Corner Store, Austin Bakery, or you can phone Louise Green at 637-2118, and she can inform you as to who has tickets to sell. Come out and enjoy a meal with friends and neighbors, and help the Leisure Club raise funds for their activities.

On Sunday, August 26^th, Christ Church, Austin hosted a combined service with St. Paul’s, MacGregor and St. Agnes, Carberry. Reverend Henry Hoy conducted the service. Following the service, a pot luck picnic was held at the Seniors Drop in Centre. Everyone who attended enjoyed the meal and time of fellowship together.

Recent overnight visitors with Ella Kowalchuk were her granddaughter, Julie Baskier, and Julie’s daughter, Arden, of Swan River. Julie and her daughter had spent the day in Winnipeg, and were on their way home. Paul Kowalchuk was then able to have a visit with his daughter, Julie, when she was at her grandmother’s for the night.

On August 27^th, Gerry Reboul of Brandon, accompanied by Ella Kowalchuk, attended a Tupperware Rally in Winnipeg. Georgina Woods of Brandon was also a guest.

On August 29^th Nicki Jacobson of Winnipeg, accompanied by Ella Kowalchuk were supper guests in Brandon, and then attended the Tupperware meeting.

Sympathy is extended to the family of Percy Ewen, who died this past weekend. Percy was a long time resident of Austin, and has been living in Brandon for the past few years.

I would like to remind the members of the Austin United Church that services will resume again this Sunday, September 9^th at 10:30.

August 28, 2007

Austin-Sidney Nursery School is starting on Tuesday, September 11, running on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 - 11:30. The cost is $30.per month, per child, and is due in post-dated cheques on the first day of class. Please bring registration forms on Sept. 11 or come early to fill them out. Also please send indoor shoes, a snack and a scrapbook with your child. Nursery School is open to all potty-trained 3 and 4 year olds. They hope to see lots of young ones attending this year.

AUGUST 21, 2007

Lillace Carrothers accompanied Pat Weber to St. Andrews Airport on Friday, August 17^th, to attend the Wings Parade, where Kate Weber received her wings and private flying license.

Visiting with Lillace Carrothers one day last week was Loretta Dixon (nee McGillvray) of Swan River, Manitoba. The McGillvray family lived in Austin in the 1940’s.

AUGUST 13, 2007

During the August Civic holiday, visitors with Ella Kowalchuk were her son, Paul of Red Deer, Alberta, his daughter, Kate Kowalchuk of Minitonas, her daughter Julie Baskier, son Nicholas and baby daughter, Ardeen of Swan River. Gerald and Kathie Currie also called to visit the family.

Paul Kowalchuk and family spent a day in Brandon during the week, and on the weekend he visited Gerald and Kathie Currie at their camper at Sportsman’s Corner Campground.

AUGUST 6, 2007

Overnight visitors with Bob and Connie Bryce on Tuesday, July 31, were Cathy and Aiden Volk of Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Ruth and Ivan Erickson of Brantford, Ontario, who were on their way to visit family in Saskatchewan, also visited with the Bryces, and they attended the Threshermen’s Reunion on Thursday, July 26^th, before heading west.

There will be a Social held in honour of Colin and Kristen Early, held in Holland on Saturday, August 11^th.

Congratulations to Steven and Regan Manns on the arrival of their son, Rorie Thomas, on Saturday, August 4^th.

Visitors of Beryl Henders on Sunday, August 5^th, were Keith and Audrey Henders of Victoria, British Columbia. Keith and Audrey then headed to Clear Lake for a 3 day holiday, and were returning to Gladstone to take part in the 125^th Anniversary celebrations later in the week.

JULY 23, 2007

Jim and Norma Hanna have returned from a 3 week holiday to Tangent, Alberta in the Peace River area. While there, they attended the 60^th wedding anniversary of Jim’s sister and her husband, Bonnie and Jim Lunn. Over 80 family and friends attended.

The Austin-Sidney Nursery School will hold a pancake breakfast on July 29^th. Included in the breakfast will be pancakes, sausages, strawberries, whipped cream, juice and coffee. The breakfast will be held in the Heritage building, at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, with children under 8 paying $3.00 and adults $5.00.

Recent visitors with Ella Kowalchuk were her son Paul of Red Deer, and Ike and Patricia Reimer of Swift Current, who were overnight visitors and were on their way to a nephew’s wedding at Winkler.

Those attending the Memorial Funeral Service for Margaret Fiskel, at Neepawa, were Dana Ryz, daughters Payton and Tristen of Teulon, Ella Kowalchuk of Austin and Marilyn Atkey of Sidney.

Grace Bindle of Thompson, accompanied by Verna McDonell of Austin, motored to Souris Care Home to visit with Grace’s mother, Gladys Beatty last week. Gladys asked about many people in Austin. Gladys is well and enjoys company. The following day, Hattie Pearson of Brandon also visited Gladys.

Louise Green of Austin accompanied by Ella Kowalchuk, drove to Winnipeg to the Manitoba Clinic to see Ella’s eye specialist on Monday, July 16^th.

Marvin Jones has been a patient in the Brandon Hospital since July 17^th. We hope he has a speedy recovery.

This will be a busy week around Austin, as it is the week for the Austin Threshermen’s Reunion. As usual, the weather has been very hot. Let’s hope that there are no cases of sun stroke as everyone goes about their work to keep things going.

JULY 9^TH, 2007,

Congratulations to Colin and Kristen Early who were married on June 30^th, in the Arizona Church at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin

JULY 2, 2007

I hope that everyone had a great Canada Day. The fireworks display in Austin was quite spectacular this year. Congratulations to the people in charge of the display, and thank you for all of your work. Even the mosquitoes enjoyed the evening!

On June 23^rd, Lillace Carrothers attended the W.M.C.I. graduation in Gladstone, where her granddaughter, Katie Weber, graduated with honors and distinction. Katie received bursaries from the Legion, the Kinsmen and the Westman Communication Group. At an earlier awards night, Katie received recognition for lasting contribution to W.M.C.I. for Peer Counselling and Yearbook. Katie also received the award as Neepawa Number Nine’s top cadet, and won a scholarship through Cadet Canada, to earn her private pilot’s license this summer. This will lead her into a two year course in Aviation Management at Red River Community College, beginning in late August.

Bev and Jim Carrothers and daughter, Kristy, of Stony Plain, Alberta spent a week visiting at the Carrothers home. They attended the graduation of Steven Carrothers from Glenlawn Collegiate in Winnipeg, on June 28^th. Nicole, Kayhan Unal and children, Selen and Taylan, of Winnipeg, were also weekend visitors.

Congratulations to Ashley Wells and Garnet Hodgins who were married in Cuba on June 25^th, 2007.

Carol Henders, of Calgary, visited with Beryl Henders, from Monday, July 2^nd until Thursday, July 6^th.

AUSTIN NEWS, JUNE 18, 2007

Saturday, June 2^nd, Cecil and Judy Jones, along with their family, Kevin and Patty Henry, Shawn, Kolby,Kendall of MacGregor,and Jill of Winnipeg, and Andrew and Sandra Jones, Presley, Abby and Carter of Carberry spent the afternoon experiencing The Forks in Winnipeg. They enjoyed the buskers and the dog show. In the evening they celebrated Judy’s special birthday at the Royal Crown Restaurant. The restaurant takes 70 minutes to make a revolution. It was a beautiful evening to enjoy the sights of Winnipeg from above.

On June 12^th, descendants of Thomas and Clarinda Stephenson’s family gathered for a "cemetery crawl". They laid and planted flowers and released balloons to honor and remember family members at the Portage, Austin, Carberry and Sidney cemeteries. They then gathered at the home of Cyril and Dorothy Stephenson, on the family’s home farm south of Sidney, where they planted 17 trees and released balloons, one in memory of each family member. This was followed by a family barbecue and visiting. Those attending came from Saskatoon, Sk., Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Stonewall, Portage La Prairie, MacGregor, Carberry, Austin and Sidney.

Remember the meeting that is being held on Wednesday, June 20^th, at the Austin and Area Leisure Club regarding the renovations to the Pool Room. Discussions will be over converting the room to a Floor Curling Court. Some of you may be interested in this new venture. The Canada Senior Games Legacy Committee of 2006 has given the Leisure Club $1050.00 towards this project. One of the pool tables is to be sold. The Leisure Club board hopes that many of you will attend the meeting. Remember to mark it on your calendar. Please plan to attend this meeting.

Fred and Loreen Amann visited in Vancouver recently with their son, Rick, who graduated from U. of B.C. Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration( Sauder School of Business), where he received The Degree of Master of Business Administration.

Fred and Loreen also visited with Blanche Payne Pennington and Dorothy Duncan in Abbotsford, and Dave and Andrea Morris in Chilliwack.

The Austin and Area Leisure Club will be holding their 13^th Annual Strawberry Tea, bake sale and Chinese auction on Friday, June 8^th, 2:00P.M. – 4:00P.M. at the Leisure Centre. This is their yearly fund raising event. Donations of baking and auction items will be welcomed.

This year they are inviting you to submit items for their "Treasures from the Past" display. Also unique objects, "What is this?" items and photos.

To submit an item or need information, call Hazel Lowe at 637-2222, or Dot Devrieze at 637-2153. Please register items by Thursday, June 7^th.

P.S. They will also be taking part in the town-wide garage sale on June 4^th. Items are welcome.

"The MacGregor Old Time Dancers are closing down after 35 (or 40?) years. As a final fling they are hosting an old time dance at the MacGregor Hall on Friday, June 1 from 8:00 p.m. till midnight. They are looking forward to having people who have played for the dances in the past join Art’s Friends for an evening of fine music and dancing. Many people from Austin and Sidney have come to these dances over the years, and they are invited to come and celebrate with the people of MacGregor. This will be a free evening, filled with remembrances and dancing." Lunch will be provided, as usual.

Austin Elementary School would like to invite the public to a performance by Robin Chestnut, Canadian champion juggler. He will be performing on June 1^st at 1:00PM and everyone is welcome to attend.

Tuesday, May 15^th, the Senior Penpals and Grade three students had their spring tea. The students entertained their penpals with a play, a song and jokes, then the two met for the first time for many of them. After playing word games and puzzles together, lunch was served and gifts were exchanged. What an exciting afternoon for adults and children! Many thanks to Mrs. Kowalsky, for the time she has spent on this project. Also, thanks to the parents who helped with the set-up, decorations and delicious food.

On Wednesday, June 20^th, there will be a public meeting held at the Austin and Area Leisure Club regarding renovating the Pool Room, to a Floor Curling Court. Would you be interested in participating in this sport? The Canada Senior Games Legacy Committee of 2006 has given the Leisure Club $1050.00 towards this project. One of the pool tables will be sold. Please plan to attend this meeting. All ages are welcome.

Weekend visitors with Beryl Henders, were Diane Henders, her husband Phill Betts, and Carol Henders all from Calgary, and Granddaughter Allison Henders of Medicine Hat. They had come to Manitoba to attend a wedding party in Winnipeg for Carol’s step-daughter, Kim and husband Noel Thrush of Shilo.

A few weeks ago, the Manitoba Agricultural Museum held their annual meeting, and as a result of this, the following people are the Directors for this year:

Sunday, April 29^th, seventy-five plus family and friends gathered at the home of Wayne and Delores Early to celebrate Wayne’s pending 65^th birthday, actual date April 30^th. After a barbeque dinner and birthday cake, the afternoon venue was lots of visiting and a few games of Belgium bolles. Present for the celebration were: Colin Early and friend Kristen, Terry and Theresa Early; grandchildren: Justin, Rebecca, Nathan, Andrew, Russel, and Benjamin; mother, Lily Early, brothers: Allan Early, Dennis and Loraine Early, Brian and Jan Early: sisters Joyce and Jim Elder, Marilyn and Mike Shields; in-laws: Edna Graham, Don and Angela Graham; Gerry McMannis, Wayne Graham and Blanche Cronk: neices, nephews, and friends.

Austin Cemetery Spring clean-up will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at 1 PM. The board would appreciate your help that day, to help get rid of fallen branches, leaves and other trash that gathers during the winter. The clean-up day helps to make the Cemetery a more peaceful, beautiful place.

Also keep in mind the new columbarium that will be installed at the cemetery this summer. An informative pamphlet can be picked up at the Austin Leisure center, Austin United Church, or Cedric’s Corner Store, and can be viewed on the Bulletin board up town on the main street.

On Tuesday, May 8^th, at 7:00 p.m. Austin Elementary School will be hosting a Junior Band Dessert Night. They are looking forward to seeing lots of people there to support them.

Hon. Walter Clifford, Austin benefactor, will be the focus of an open house at the N Norfolk MacGregor Archives on Manitoba Day, May 12 from 11:00 to 5:00. There will also be a display of "community organization" pictures. We welcome pictures or other information for this display. For more details contact Mary at 685-2270 or Marcia at 685-2831.

Barry and Pat Hay from Winnipeg had lunch and a visit with Marvin and Lois Jones on Sunday April 29.

On April 22, several of the Austin United Church members and others from this area attended the supper and Quilt Auction at Pilot Mound. It was a learning experience for some of us. The entertainment before the Auction was awesome. The money raised from the auction is used to help keep Rock Lake Church Camp going. Lois Widly from Orange, California, founder of the Lois Club, was there. It was announced that there were 7 Lois’s in attendance. They were recognized and had a group picture taken in front one of the quilts. This was another highlight for Lois Jones. We were able to have a visit with a former minister,Emily and Jim Lovell of Crystal City.

Spring Break is over, and all students and teachers are back to school. I bet they were hoping that the weather would have warmed up by now, but here we are, back to rather chilly days again. Soon we should be able to get into lighter jackets, and enjoy some sun.

Visiting over the Spring Break with Louise and Danny Rintoul were Dylan Rintoul of Vita, MB, and Arin, Scott, Kelly and Layne Rintoul of MacGregor.

Here it is, almost April! Each month seems to have its’ own special event. April happens to be "Cancer" month. Central Plains Cancer Care volunteer canvassers will be calling on the people of Austin and district, and also Sidney, asking for your support. Remember that the money that they collect stays in Central Plains, for many programs, as stated in their brochures.

This has been a busy and enjoyable weekend for me. Diane and Carol Henders of Calgary arrived on Friday, March 23^rd, for the weekend. During that time, we visited Noel and Kim Thrush in Shilo, on Saturday, and ended the day by going to Brandon for supper. Meanwhile, we had been busy getting food ready, and rearranging the house for a birthday party on Sunday. I celebrated my "Special" birthday this year. On Sunday 27 people gathered to help me to celebrate. Those present were: Diane and Carol Henders from Calgary, Jean Orr and Jason Orr of Brandon, Cheryl Orr of Carberry, Gerry and Linda Orr of Portage La Prairie, Brenda Nelson and Kathleen Swanson of Neepawa, Joyce Dennis, Laura Jardine and baby Hailey Dennis of Brookdale, Noel and Kim Thrush of Shilo, Jim and Karen Down, and Al and Wanda Christoffersen all of Portage La Prairie, Neil and Cathy Christoffersen, Evelyn Thiessen, Marvin and Lois Jones, Marj Hay, Harvey and Tena Doerksen, from Austin and area, and Carol Kilfoyle of Holland. What a wonderful day! I really have to thank my daughters for putting on a super party. We were also thankful for such a gorgeous day, although Jack and Lorraine Karras had to return to Winnipeg after running into heavy fog around Elie. We missed having them here. Diane and Carol returned to Calgary early Tuesday morning, and traveled in weather that was not really pleasant, but they made the trip in about 12 hours, just in time for Carol to get to a meeting at her church.

Austin Elementary School is very proud of the accomplishments of one of their students. Dylan Martens, a Grade 8 student, competed in the CanWest Provincial Spelling Bee in Winnipeg on Saturday, March 17, where he placed 7^th out of 68 participants, who were from all across the province. Congratulations, Dylan.

The Ladies Bonspiel in Austin on the St. Patrick’s Day weekend was a great success. Winners of each event are as follows:

First event – the Shannon Mack rink defeated the Sylvia Hayward rink from Gladstone.

Second event – the Debbie Zacharias rink defeated the Darlene Frank rink from MacGregor.

Thank you to all those who generously contributed to the bonspiel in any way, helping to make it a success.

The Austin Skating Club would like to thank all the businesses and individuals who made donations for the Penny Parade and Raffles, for their Craft Sale and Flea Market, on March 10^th. Also, they want to thank all those who rented tables, and attended the sale, making it a successful day.

At the Craft Sale and Flea Market which took place on March 10,the winners of the TOPS raffle were: the quilt and pillow – Phyllis Smith; the coffee maker – Jake Wiebe; the tool kit – Fred Amann; the grocery tub – Louise McCullough; the grocery box – Katherine Klassen. Thanks to all those bought tickets.

At 11:00 A.M., on March 21, after the Leisure Club meeting, which will be held at the Drop In Centre, Daisy Dowhy, of Central Plains Cancer Care will speak on the services they provide, and will answer any questions about their programs. Packages for the volunteers will be available, since April is "Cancer " month. Coffee and snacks will be provided after her presentation.

This is the last chance for ladies in the area to enter in the Austin Ladies Curling Bonspiel which will take place on March 16, 17 and 18^th at the Austin Community Centre. To enter, please call Cheryl at 466-2685 or Krysta at 637-3034.

Friends and former neighbors of Nyel and Janet Fredrickson will likely be interested to know that Janet’s mother, Clemence Van De Bonseele died last weekend. Marvin and Lois Jones, and Beryl Henders attended the funeral at Boissevaine on March 6^th.

The Austin Skating Club’s annual Flea Market and Craft Sale will be held on March 10^th, from 10:00 A.M. till 3:00 P.M., in the Austin Community Hall. Lunch will be available. To book a table, call Cheryl at 466-2685 or Sandra at 466-2958. The proceeds from the sale will go to the Austin Skating Club. Hope to see you there.

Our community has been saddened this week in the loss of two of our citizens. Our condolences go out to the family of Jake Giesbrecht, and also the family of Edna Hotel, who was a resident of Third Crossing Manor. Edna celebrated her 100^th birthday last summer, so had seen a lot of changes over her lifetime.

The annual meeting of the Austin Cemetery will be held on Wednesday, March 7^th at 7:30 P.M. This meeting is to be held in the Austin Leisure Centre. There will be the 2006 financial report, as well as other reports, and also information about the new columbarium that is being planned. The meeting will be followed by lunch. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Austin Ladies Curling Club is taking entries for the Ladies Bonspiel, which is being held the weekend of March 16, 17 & 18. To enter, call Cheryl at 466-2685 or Krystra at 637-3034. The deadline for entries will be March 12, 2007.

The Austin Parents Advisory Council would like to thank the volunteers for putting on a successful Pancake Breakfast, which was held on February 14. Also, thanks to the students and community for their support. All proceeds will be going towards new playground equipment.

The Austin United Church will be having a Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, in the church basement, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

The Austin Carnival is being held on Sunday, February 18^th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Austin Community Centre. At that time, the Austin Skating Club will present "Sugar and Spice and Everything Ice". Following the carnival races will be held. Come join in the fun, and stay for supper, which is being provided from the canteen.

What a cold snap there has been! Hope everyone managed to get through so far without mishap – like your car not starting or your car stopping half way home. It’s a good time to remember to carry extra clothing in your vehicle – just in case you need it for some reason.

February is Heart and Stroke Month, so we will be receiving pamphlets in the mail, which we can use to make a donation to this good cause. They are already addressed, so all you have to do is insert a check, mail it, and Loreen Amann will receive it. She will send your receipt when she receives each donation. Let’s help make this a successful campaign.

Canada Senior Games Legacy has money put aside for all senior clubs in the Central Plains area. They want these clubs to apply for money to be used to set up programs that will help keep seniors active in our community. Some examples could be; floor curling, shuffleboard, carpet bowling, a computer course, etc. Anyone with ideas is asked to get in touch with Alfred Nunn at 637-2001, or Kay Sissons at 637-2591. Come on "young seniors" – give the board some ideas. If the money is available, we should be trying to make some use of it.