Carlyle Dickens Festival continues to grow
By Stephanie Zoer
There was a lot of hustling and bustling in Carlyle on December 5 and 6 when they held their 22nd annual Dickens Festival. This event continues to grow and brings people together from all over the province. The week before the event even begins, the town is trans-
formed into a magical Christmas wonderland. The streets are decorated with garland and trees, while each business does the same inside their stores.
As the weekend comes closer, the Carlyle District Lions Club drives around town to see who has the most decorated home and business. This year the top prize went to Terry and
Laurie Fornwald on their home display, and Fireside Furniture took home the top business prize.
Clint and Sarah Dunn won the best traditional for their home, and Brenda and Nomar Payabyad took the novelty scene prize. Many special recognition awards were given to other homeowners for their
contributions to the spirit of Christmas.
Throughout the day on Friday the festivities began with a warming spot at the Carlyle Library, as the weather was a little chilly. Lunch was available at the Memorial Hall and put on by White Bear First Nations Youth.
Thank You Thank You Thank You
On behalf of theDickens Village Festival Committee, wewould liketothank each and everyperson who participatedinthe festival!
A special thank youtoour fullslate of performers at Fezziwig’s, street vendors,and EnglishMarketvendors,High Tea, parade andplayvolunteers.HugeThank youtothe volunteers and groups who helped set-upand took down forthe festival. This successful event wasdefinitely duetoour community and surrounding area!!THANKYOU
The Carlyle Memorial Hall was decked out from one end to the other for the Dickens Festival which included a spot for Santa for kids to have the chance to tell him their thoughts on Christmas gifts. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Arcola Toy Show PAGE 7
The Memorial Hall is a busy place during the festival as it offers meals, and live entertainment during the day. It is also a place were one can warm up. Everyone who works the festival is dressed in Dickens apparel and they are easy to spot.
Free horse and carriage rides were a popular attraction and were kept busy throughout the two days. They took short tours up and down Main Street. A few hours before the parade began, vendors offered warm food on the street, and a bonre was lit to keep guests warm while waiting for the parade to start.
In the evening, a 30-oat parade all decked out in Christmas
lights came down Main Street throwing candy to the eager kids waiting on the side. The parade was long, but the cold wind did not stop the massive crowd from gathering to enjoy the lights.
The Corner Stone Theatre presented their play called “Christmas at the Lake” in front of a full house, and when the play was over guests were entertained in the hall by Teagan Littlechief and her band.
Saturday was also lled with excitement, beginning with breakfast at the hall with Santa. This event kept Santa busy and later in the day Santa would return to having photos done with kids.
The Memorial Hall has
seen many upgrades over the past weeks, inside and outside. The Christmas murals were festive and placed behind the bands to give the true feeling of the holiday season.
At the Carlyle Elementary School, the English Market took place. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. there was a steady ow of people ready to shop and enjoy the wide range of crafts and baking that was available. There was a market at That Place on Railway Ave as well that also had a wide range of guests. A third tradeshow was held at the Lotus Tree from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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The Victorian High Tea held at the United Church brought the young and old. If a person did not have a hat to wear, there was a wide selection of festival hats available in an array of colours.
Supper was served at the Memorial Hall by Weir’s Catering. The hall was packed with people and after supper they wandered out on the sidewalk to enjoy the parade for a second night.
Another night at the
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Dickens Festival provided something for everyone
theatre brought a full house. Moxie Blues Band took to the stage Saturday evening to entertain the crowd once the play was over. One more play took place on Sunday af-
ternoon, and it was no surprise that the place was full.
With snow gently falling in the morning, it gave the ending of Dickens Festival a festive
Christmas feeling, as people slowly left town and returned home. Carlyle once again returned to quieter streets, but the Christmas spirit remains in the town.
The Moose Mountain Players are a group of locals from Kenosee and surrounding area who have been performing plays at the lake for the past 5 years. Our latest play, Showdown at the Lazy K Saloon, was held on November 20, 21 and 22. At the Dress Rehearsal a collection was taken at the door for the Food Bank. Thanks to these generous donations and an additional contribution of $200 from the board we were pleased to present $500 to the Carlyle and District Food Bank. It is important to give back to our communities and we were happy to support this worthy cause.
Debbie Kirchofer, left, and Tanya Robertson, the owner/operator of Sew and Sew in Carlyle were also in the festive spirit with their Dickens outfits. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Carnduff launches its Christmas shopping season
By Paul Kimball
On December 4th, Carnduff kicked off the Christmas shopping season with their Downtown Christmas event. Retail stores and a few businesses extended their regular hours, staying open until 7 p.m., offering promotions to encourage the town’s residents to shop local. Other businesses, although closed for business, remained open to attract people to the area. For example, Affinity Credit Union hosted Santa for those wishing to take pictures and BMO kept their doors open to offer hot chocolate on a night that turned out not to be that cold.
Things began at 4 p.m., with supper being available at the
United Church and items for sale at the Friendship Centre by the Cornerstone 4H Club and the Carnduff Gymnastics Club, who also hosted the Candy Cane Olympics. But most eyes were focussed on 5:15 pm. That’s when the Ping Pong Ball Drop happened. From the top of a re truck, Santa and one of his helpers tossed 553 balls to an estimated 100 kids. Each ball could be redeemed for a prize from a local retailer or an offer from a local business.
A urry of activity ensued as children raced to the various stores to redeem their balls for treats and toys.
A gingerbread house contest took place that night. Members of the 4H Club served as judges, as judging is an inte-
gral value of the 4H program.
The Carnduff Community Theatre showed a movie, Jack Frost, free of charge as a way of drawing more families downtown.
Also on hand, as is generally the case at any public function like this, was the RM #2 and Carnduff Fire and Rescue team. They were there, not to put out a re, but to make one for people to warm up to. They also provided marshmallows for roasting and enjoying.
They brought a truck with them to be loaded up with donations for the Santa Cause.
The Santa Cause is a local initiative that covers the southeast corner of Saskatchewan (Redvers, Carievale, Gainsborough, Carnduff, Oxbow and
Alameda). They collect gifts to be given to families who are unable to afford them for their children. To date, 26 families have registered 56 children. There was an added attraction this year…coincidentally. A dance company based in Regina – Youth Ballet of Canada – presented eMotions.
Twenty-one dancers – young ladies aged 13 to 17, performed nine dances that expressed the emotions of love, joy, fear, anger, sadness and surprise. An afternoon performance took place at the Carnduff Education Complex for the students…and then an encore performance was held in the evening for the community. This was a ‘special addition’. The company performs pri-
marily in Regina and, due to expenses, limits out-of-town presentations to one per year. Carnduff was that location for 2025, thanks to the family connections of one of the dancers, Autumn Vanstone, whose grandmother Carol is well-known around Carnduff
Artistic Director Michelle McMillan, who is an accomplished dancer herself, having performed with the Radio City Rockettes for ve years, expressed that “it was really special and heartwarming to visit Carnduff, that the dancers felt very welcomed and that they all appreciated the support.”
The Carnduff countdown to Christmas has begun. December 4th was a great way to get the countdown going.
Santa, flanked by Naomi Cadag and Blair Hill. Photo by Paul Kimball
Santa, with the help of fireman Sorestad, launches hundreds of Ping Pong balls from the top of a fire truck to the children waiting below. Photo by Paul Kimball
25122SS2
“It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
Joyfulness…so much better than negativity
During Black Friday, Linda (my wife) and I decided to take advantage of the hot sales and purchase a couple of laptops. We were thrilled with the price and were looking forward to replacing our 11-year-old PC and laptop.
Well, it didn’t go as well as we had hoped and for reasons that still remain unresolved, the order was cancelled and we were told that we had to re-order…at a higher price, of course. In trying to get the matter cleared up, we literally spend hours on the phone – most of it on hold. We spoke to ‘customer service’ reps over several days having to repeat…
Hang on a second. What am I doing? Here I am, using my nal column of 2025 and my nal one before Christmas to rant. Am I some kind of old crusty curmudgeon, letting off steam during this season of peace and great joy? When we’re celebrating what many call the most wonderful time of the year?
C’mon Paul…give your head a shake! Time to switch tracks…
I love this time of the year. It seems to me that the Christmas season seems to bring out the best in most of humanity. People seem to be kinder to one another, they appear to be more upbeat and, just all around, much more pleasant.
What brings it on? Maybe it’s all the decorating. Just prior to writing this, I was in Oxbow with Linda and we decided to drive out to the valley to look at all the Christmas displays. They were incredible, especially the stage area. I even stopped the car – the weather was cold – to take a picture of my wife in the giant frame. I’ll tell you this – when we left the park, I was feeling even better than when I entered it. Decorations somehow seem to really uplift our spirits.
I have a couple of neighbours who compete against each other for bragging rights as to who decorated their property the best. In something like that, there is no loser. Those putting up the decorations enjoy it…as do all those who drive by.
I know of people in really rural areas who decorate their homes and property…and no one sees them. No one, that is, except for those that live there. And that’s enough, because decorations seem to have an uplifting ability
Magically, this season appears to make others more aware of each other, especially towards those in need. Recently, I’ve met people who work in personal care homes who, as sensitive as they already are to those in their care, become even more sensitive. They go overboard making sure that their residents aren’t neglected on Christmas Day by providing gifts that are given by ‘anonymous donors’ from the community. Generally speaking, the donors outnumber the residents. Generosity is not in short supply during this season. Others are especially mindful of those who have no one to celebrate Christmas with and go out of their way to prevent that from happening. They invite people into their homes for Christmas dinner…or even rent a facility to bring those who may be alone.
Too bad this intensity of joy and peace and consideration and thoughtfulness and generosity doesn’t extend throughout the whole year. Wouldn’t it be something if rants and negativity could be constantly replaced by positive words and actions?
I have a theory that goes beyond decorations enhancing the Christmas season. I believe that the joy and peace and hope and love that rises to the surface comes from the name that is found in ‘Christmas’. That when the birth of Jesus Christ is intentionally or even unintentionally celebrated, it’s bound to have a positive effect on all of us.
Let the spirit of the season take hold of you. Be lled with joy and generosity towards others… …have yourself a very merry Christmas.
Back in the Day Back in the Day
Looking beyond the signature
It is considered a signicant moment in music history: November 29, 1982. It was the release date of the Michael Jackson album, Thriller. That was 43 years ago. Give me a moment while I let that sink in. I remember the album well. I owned a copy. It was played all the time. We used to hurry home from school to watch Video Hits on CBC to see if Billie Jean or Beat It would be shown that day.
The project produced seven hit singles and remains the best-selling album of all time. The video for the title track was the rst music video to be inducted by the Library of Congress into the U.S. National Film Registry. Analysts say the impact of Thriller on the music industry cannot be overstated in terms of sales and cultural inuence. The record industry was wallowing in a sales slump that had seen revenues and prots decline. Jackson’s album deed all expectations and went on to become a commercial juggernaut.
My path crossed very briey with Michael Jackson in December 1983. The album continued to top the charts and he was arguably one of the biggest superstars on the planet at that time. Just weeks later he was nominated in 12 different categories for Grammy Awards; winning eight of them (he had multiple nominations in some categories meaning he was competing against himself).
Let’s just say it was a big deal at the time to realize that while we were in a line-up at Disneyland it was none other than Michael Jackson himself just feet from us. There was a lot of commotion as people were getting pictures and trying to get his attention. I didn’t quite know what to do but fortunately my mom was there. She handed me the Disneyland brochure and a pen so I could try to get his autograph and she reminded me I had a camera with me. I took a few pictures and then got close enough to get him to sign the brochure.
I couldn’t wait to show the pictures and signature to my friends when we got back to school. But that was decades ago. We know in hindsight that Michael Jackson’s life would take some very difficult turns as he dealt with addiction, health issues, nancial troubles, legal problems, isolation, loneliness, and struggles with body image and appearance. His re-
liance on painkillers and sedatives was severe. He died following physician administered anesthetics which the coroner ruled a homicide.
Sadly, his story is just one of many where immense fame and fortune ultimately led to a tragic end.
I read a book a couple of summers ago that documented the loss of icons whose stories became larger than life until their lives spun out of control at the hands of those they most trusted. They became little more than commodities producing such massive revenue streams that it didn’t matter if they were sick, struggling or addicted—they were pushed to go out and do their thing. Smile for the cameras. Get on that stage. Keep making money for the many whose incomes now depended on them. The very people who should have been protective of these individuals became the predator; ruthlessly exploiting their client/friend/partner/talent.
An autograph by some of the people featured in the book can fetch between $5,000 and $50,000. If the autograph is on an album, poster or piece of sports equipment the value can skyrocket.
I have a handful of autographs of athletes including players from the LA Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Edmonton Oilers and Saskatchewan Roughriders. They were collected at var-
ious games I attended as I was growing up. As an adult I was thrilled to add Olympic champion speed skater Catriona Le May Doan when she was in Outlook. I had a magazine with me featuring her picture from the Olympics and she graciously signed it as we shared a few moments of conversation.
Autograph collecting can be big business and there is certainly money to be made. That’s not the intent for the majority of us. The handful I have are in photo albums or on programs in storage tubs. The events leading up to getting the signatures mean far more to me than their name scrawled across a piece of paper. There are signatures I cherish far more, like the early printing on the back of their Christmas crafts when my children were rst learning to print their names. Or the signatures on the documents that marked the most meaningful moments in my life. And at this time of year, seeing the signature of my great aunt on the back of a recipe card she shared with me, or the handwritten names on the Christmas cards reconnecting us with family and friends.
Autographs of famous people can fetch a nice sum of money, but of far greater value are the people who mean the most to us and whose names are written with love. That’s my outlook.
- Nelson Mandela
Shelley Luedtke
1965 - Carlyle Main Street. Photo courtesy of Rusty Relics Museum
Jingles and Mingles creating Christmas memories
The scent of fresh cut greenery was the aroma that met 40 women at Arcola Prairie Place Complex on December 4. The evening, called Jingles and Mingles, was spent creating a Christmas center piece.
Vanessa Dahl, Arcola recreation director and Cathy Burton, Arcola assistant administrator, were happy to put on the event. It was something that they felt was a great idea to get people together, create a flower piece and have a social evening.
Che Cormier, owner/operator of fengche flowers from Carlyle supplied the products and also demonstrated how to put a beautiful arrangement together. Leighton Thompson, her assistant, made sure that all the guests had what they needed to create the masterpiece.
At the end of the evening, homemade mini donuts made by Cathy and Vanessa along with fresh fruit cups were served. Throughout the night, light cocktails were available.
Everyone went home with what they made. In the photo from left to right, Leighton Thompson, Che Cormier, Vanessa Dalh and Cathy Burton.
Redvers’ ‘secret Santa’ helps bring joy to Christmas
By Paul Kimball
One of the harsh realities of entering a personal care home as a resident is the reduced amount of time that one spends with family or friends. In fact, sadly, some receive no visits or phone calls at all. They are left to spend their nal years alone.
The staff of the Redvers Health Centre’s long-term care facility do what they can to make sure that those in their care do not experience loneliness or feelings of neglect.
One of the ways they do that comes around every Christmas. For a few years now, they have set up a Christmas tree and decorated it with Christmas balls. Written on each ball is a need… or a want…of each of the 24 residents who calls the health centre home. For instance, one resident may need new socks. Another, perhaps a retired farmer, loves a yearly Farmer’s Almanac. Another may really enjoy colouring. The
staff, who serve the residents 24/7, determine the needs and likes of each resident.
Onto the balls those items go. As residents of Redvers and surrounding areas enter the Health Centre, they see the request-bearing ornaments. They take the ball, purchase the item, then deliver it to the long-term facility, wrapped and ready to be given.
The centre has a fund that can be used to purchase gifts in the event that not every Christmas ball is taken. But…that has never happened.
The community is very generous.
On Christmas Day, every resident receives a surprise gift. Donors don’t know who the gifts are given to and the residents are unaware who the gift is from. A ‘secret Santa’ of sorts.
The end result is that everyone experiences the ‘unloneliness’ and joy of Christmas, whether it comes from family, friends, community…or even Santa himself.
OILFIELD DIRECTORY
Clifford Walker, a long-time resident of Carlyle now living at Redvers Health Centre, can’t wait to find out what the gift from his ‘secret Santa’ is. Photo courtesy of Whitley Hilton
Photo by Stephanie Zoer
The Christmas tree at Redvers Health Centre, revealing needs and wishes of the long-term care facility’s residents. Photo by Paul Kimball
Bow Valley comes alive with the Festival of Lights
By Paul Kimball
For the second year, Oxbow and its rec board decided to light up the Bow Valley. On December 4th, thousands of Christmas lights were turned on, ooding the valley with colour.
It was Christmas in the Valley Festival of Lights and many took it in.
The organizers prepared for 200 people to attend. Preparations included hot dogs, hot chocolate and cookies, and Smores compliments.
The evening began at 5 p.m. and the supplies ran out just as the evening came to a close two hours later.
Perfectly planned.
The Oxbow Huskies of
the Big 6 Hockey League organized games of street hockey. That closed down the road, but no problem. There were hayrides from the parking lot to where all the action was.
A roaring re blazed to warm up to, but there was no need to worry. It was started by the Oxbow / Enniskillen Rural Municipality Fire Department and they made sure that it didn’t get out of control.
At 5:45 p.m., Councillor Sylvia Mohrbutter gave Christmas greetings and then the countdown began. Five…four… three…two…one…and all the lights were turned on.
The lights were not on a Christmas tree, as you often see in those Hallmark Christmas movies.
They were part of 32 displays that had been set up by local businesses, churches and organizations. The stage was also decorated with light, including a large frame for people to take pictures of themselves with. The planner thought of everything – they even installed a mobile phone holder for those who had no one to take their pictures.
The choir of the local Lutheran Church then led in a carol sing.
To bring the evening to an end, the Legion hosted a turkey bingo, where two turkeys and candy handouts were up for grabs.
The light display will continue to shine until January 1st
Festival of Trees event raises over $12,000
By Jennifer Sedor
The 21st annual CFY Family Centre Festival of Trees
e and auction hosted during the Carlyle Dickens Village Festival had a won-
derful community response with donations from over 50 area businesses and raising over $12,000.00 for free family and early years programs in the community!
This year the event hosted
8 decorated trees sponsored by CFY, Canadian Plains Energy, Regal Auto body, Carlyle Self Storage, Range Communications, and RBC.
A group of dedicated volunteers worked for two weeks to design and decorate for the event, with their efforts showing as many complimented how beautiful and welcoming the area looked.
CFY Family Centre is an Early Years Family Resource
centre offering free family programming for parents and their children birth to 5, located in the clock tower building 105 Main Street Carlyle. Find us on Facebook for more information.
Councillor Sylvia Mohrbutter addressing the crowd from the beautifully decorated stage. Photo courtesy of Starr Mercer
Bow Valley’s stage, the main feature of the Festival of Lights. Photo by Paul Kimball
Choir members (from left to right) Sylvia Mohrbutter, Denis Bartolf, Giselle Bartolf, Lee Schnell, Sharon Frith, Hazel Sonder (young girl) and Laurie Buchanan leading the carol singing. Photo courtesy of Starr Mercer
Raffle donations
Festival of Trees for auction
Arcola Toy Show continues to grow over the past five years
By Stephanie Zoer
It has only been ve years since Blake Brownridge and Matt Hodgson came up with the idea of holding a toy show in Arcola. This toy show would offer any kind of toy that was associated with farm toys. Some of them new and others from collectors.
This was their fth annual event that was held on November 29 and 30 at the Arcola Prairie Complex and it saw approximately 500 people come out to enjoy the old and the new. It was
not only locals that came to check things out, but people from neighbouring provinces came to see what was added to the show this year.
Each year that the event takes place, the funds raised are donated back into the community. They had 18 vendors with 71 tables. A few of the vendors were new this year, and each vendor brought out a large display of toys. Throughout the day, lunch was available. This was provided by Cathy Burton. She too takes the funds raised and donates
back into the community.
With displays as high as seven feet and spread out over several tables, there was something for anyone who loved farm toys. Every make and model of tractors was available, along with the accessories to match.
Toy lovers had the opportunity to purchase items or to chat with knowledgeable people who have been collecting these toys for years. Many people sat and enjoyed a lunch while visiting with their neighbours and friends.
The two-day event had great weather, and they feel that this contributed to the people coming out, and the fact that people love toys. This gave vendors an easy commute to the event and back home. Some of the vendors came from Manitoba.
Blake Brownridge donated his $2,000 to the purchase of volleyball mats for the Arcola Prairie Place Complex, while Matt Hodgson donated his $2,000 to the Manor rink to offer free public skating. Cathy Burton donated her funds raised from the kitchen, back to the kitchen hall for future projects.
They were all pleased with the outcome and would like to thank their sponsors, the Arcola Cooperative, Precision Ag and Meyers Norris Penny. They agreed that the sponsors help with the raising of the funds, and they are grateful for this.
The Arcola Toy Show had displays stacked seven feet high, and every make and model could be seen. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Blake Brownridge (middle) presented a $2,000 cheque to Cathy Burton (left) and Vanessa Dahl (right) to help purchase volleyball mats for the Arcola Prairie Place complex. Photo courtesy of Blake Brownridge
Duane Bye, left, from Manor was happy to accept a $2,000 cheque from Matt Hodgson to help pay for free public skating at the rink. Photo courtesy of Blake Brownridge
Cornerstone Theatre presents Christmas at the Lake
By Doug Waldner
On December 5, 6, and 7 Cornerstone Theatre presented its annual Christmas musical. This year’s production was entitled “Christmas at the Lake” and was a re-imagining of Cornerstone’s original Christmas musical that was performed by Cornerstone Theatre in 1989. It was originally written by Doug Waldner and was resurrected this year by Stage Director Colleen Easton, Musical Director, Lane Easton with substantial additional dialogue written by Michele Amy. The play required updating from 1989 to 2025 and additional context due to the changed demographic of the cast.
The story of the play is that of a middle aged couple who are going to mark the rst Christmas alone in their married life. His parents have passed away and their children are staying at school rather than coming home for the holidays. Through unfortunate circumstances they get stormed into his late parents cabin on Christmas eve, and they are alone with their thoughts and misgivings.
Unexpectedly a mysterious magical Santa Claus arrives with a troop of helpers who through the course of the evening, with songs, poetry and stories bring the spirit of Christmas and good will to our two stranded protagonists.
Our performance started when theatre patrons came up the stair and were greeted by Rogan Myrglod and Easton Lequuyer in full elf costume who were also serving as ushers to lead them to their seat. The costume designer, whose ideas and inspiration helped make the show the terric visual spectacle, was Anita Warriner.
Once settled in, attendees were treated to the amazing site of a traditional holiday cottage set designed and constructed by Paul Twietmeyer.
The play started with a darkened theatre and an overture by our house band consisting of Musical Director Lane Easton on acoustic guitar, Michele Amy on keyboard, Morgan Turk on electric guitar, Tom Richards on bass guitar and Claude Poirier on drums.
On lights up, Christine, played by Laurie Forn-
wald, and Hank, played by Monte McNaughton, enter and discuss being stuck in this cabin for Christmas. They both sing a solo on the balcony describing their feelings on this situation, her unhappy to be away from all the action in the city, he glad to be alone with his sad memories of earlier Christmases with his
parents and children all around.
After they leave to the kitchen to see if they can nd coffee, Santa Claus, played by Foster Warriner, surreptitiously leads a band of high spirited revellers and a troop of little elves on stage to hide. He then sneaks outside to boisterously knock on the door. Once
allowed in he tries to convince Christine and Hank that he is truly Santa Claus by magically producing revellers on the balcony and elves from behind the furniture to sing “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”. In short order, using songs, poems and stories, Santa has brought the entire group of revellers and elves into the cabin to entertain. The revellers were Dianne Twietmeyer, Paul Twietmeyer, Jessica Shirley, Megan McAulley, Sophie Turk, Brittany Aalbers, Joan Bue, Emma Boutin, Ashton Lisitza, Joretta King, and David Slykhuis. The elves were Alivia Rose, Kendrick Dormuth, Finn Lisitza, Harlo Dormuth, Weston Dormuth, KC Lisitza, Nova Foster, Eastyn Lequyer and Rogan Myrglod. Mrs Claus showed up for a song, “Mrs Santa Claus”, of course, and another cameo and was capably
played by Lauri Noble.
Throughout all the performances the band delivered excellent accompaniment.
In a performance of this type, with this many performers and microphones, there are many technical challenges and our sound wizard, Will Elliot, did yeoman duty taming the gremlins that accompany this work.
This reviewer may be biased on this show, as he is the original author of the 1989 version of “Christmas at the Lake” and I loved that version. But, thanks to the efforts of Michele Amy to update the script, the brilliant direction of Lane and Colleen Easton, and the unparalleled performances of all those on stage and in the band, I may even love this version more.
To quote the last song of the show, sung by the entire cast, “Merry Christmas Neighbours”.
Cast and musicials
Joan Bue telling the kids a story.
One small gift leads to years of enjoyment
By Paul Kimball
It all started innocently enough. Ken Henderson, from Redvers, the youngest son of Ron and Juanita Henderson, didn’t know what to get mom for Christmas back in 1997. But he wanted to make sure that whatever he gave her, she’d like.
That Christmas, Juanita opened the gift…and she loved it. It was a collection of six miniature Christmas houses. She immediately placed it on a shelf above her piano. Little did Ken or Juanita – or Ron, for that matter – know what it would lead to.
The next year, she bought herself a miniature train set to travel around the six houses. And that little collection has been added to every year. She has received pieces as gifts…she has purchased other pieces from as far away as Kentucky… and Ron has even made her a few pieces, such as a wooden farm and chicken house (complete with little skunks), a wooden water tower and a ski slope.
That little Christmas collection that started out as six houses now numbers in the 100’s. Ron has added his ‘electrician’s touch’ to the whole display. Most of the pieces (houses, cars and streetlamps) light up; others, like the merry-go-round spin. Gondolas move up and down a ski hill. Little houses send up chimney smoke and re pits have ames. There are even reworks going off in the background.
All this is made possible by 10 power bars that are hidden under the display. The Henderson’s begin setting things up as the sun sets on Remembrance Day. It takes three to four days. Ron
does most of the labour… Juanita ‘supervises’. (Juanita good-naturedly points out that it takes a little longer as Ron gets a little older!) It remains set up until the rst week in January, when everything is put away in the original boxes. The Christmas scene takes up a good portion of the sunroom, a spot where the Hendersons love to ‘hang out’. They enjoy looking at the miniature Christmas display…as long as the music of the merry-go-round
and other pieces doesn’t play for too long. Family, friends and neighbours enjoy dropping by to see what has been added year by year. (Incidentally, the Henderson’s welcome anyone who would like to stop by to see their display.)
Unfortunately, Ron and Juanita foresee the day when there will no longer be space for any new additions. But until then, they continue to enjoy that 1997 gift that has grown far beyond what anyone imagined.
USED SEED HAWK AI RS EEDERS
Church of Our Lady, Carlyle Father Chris Juchacz Carlyle: Sunday at 11 a.m. Kenosee: Sunday at 9 a.m. Forget: Sunday
Carlyle United Church 202-2nd St. W. Sunday Services: 10:00
Four of the six miniature houses that planted the seed of the Christmas display. Photo by Paul Kimball
A section of the Christmas display, complete with lights and moving parts. Photo by Paul Kimball
Juanita and Ron Henderson and their collection that provides so much enjoyment.
Photo by Paul Kimball
One of the added pieces…a farm made by Ron Henderson. Photo by Paul Kimball
passed
surrounded by his
4th
Ever yone who crossed his path came away with a “Br ian Stor y” Husband to his precious wife Bev “Dad” to their five children, and “Papa” to 16 grandchildren, they were all able to collect and accumulate these stor ies in the greatest quantities Yet, he had a vast extended family and even more “fr iends-who-are-family” that out number those and now ever yone has their par t as a curator of his so many wonderful tales and adventures We take immense joy knowing that Br ian’s stor ies are going no where Br ian humbly but proudly descr ibed himself as a “Dir t Far mer ” Not to be lost though, he was also a self-made businessman, he drove tr uck, he wor ked as a tr ucking dispatcher and had no limits to his skills as a mechanic and handy man Br ian wor ked hard so that he could tr uly live as his favor ite pastime as the skipper of his fleet of boats for generations of Thompsons, and of course, anyone who deser ved to be onboard, towed or dragged behind his vessels He had a lifetime of summers at White Bear Lake, and when he and Bev officially moved to White Bear, the entire year was filled with family
Also at his core, Br ian was proud to be from the Saskatchewan prair ies, bor n and raised in Car nduff He loved where he came from and was a proud representative of it whenever he left it, which he would only do but for a few days here and there In his travels, he also found himself loving the Moose Mountains and of course, The Lake on White Bear First Nation, where he made connections with the or iginal Keepers of the Land
As he was bigger than life, it is hard to process this loss We know that there are so many of our lost loved ones greeting him now and that gives us solace And we also know it will not be hard to keep him alive in our memor ies, whether it s thinking of him playing cr ibbage, filling up the boat tank with gas for the kids and grandki ds or as ser ving as the designated dr iver to keep loved ones safe Whether arguing politics, sitting reading a book or watching a movie on his belly with a bowl of popcor n or quietly helping someone in need we are for tunate that Br ian left us all so many lasting images
There will be a celebration of life for Br ian in the summer a beach par t y at his happy place White Bear Lake More details to follow in the near future We hope you will join us then to celebrate in the manner that Br ian deser ves and to share some of those "Br ian Stor ies" in person
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the fundraising effor ts for the new High School in Car lyle: The Car lyle Communit y Complex Foundation: contact car ylehasit@gmail com for info
Or send checks or cash to Box #179 Car lyle SK S0C ORO
Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home Oxbow (306) 483-2401 Neil Redpath & Kur t Ardron Funeral Directors To send condolences to the family, please visit: www redpathfuneralhome com
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Several years ago, when the oil boom was at its peak, people were coming from all over Canada to the southeast conner of our province to work in the oil patch.
One day, a couple of friends – Jim Brock and Ken Hood of Oxbow – were talking and wondering what all those people did for Christmas. Did they go home for Christmas? Were they able to spend time with family or friends?
They learned that many didn’t have any Christmas plans…that they would be spending Christmas alone.
Upon learning this, the wondering went beyond the ‘dialogue stage’. They decided to plan a Christmas Day dinner for anyone who had no other plans. It took
place in the Lions’ Den on the second oor of the arena. Many attended…and enjoyed the meal. It turned out to be one of those ‘one-and-done’ events. No sequel was planned for various reasons, one being that committee members travelled over the Christmas season for a number of years.
Three years ago, the idea was revived. Once again, a Christmas Day dinner was planned. This time, it was to be held in the Friendship Centre, to prevent people from having to climb a ight of stairs.
The response was good. Not only did many attend, but people, businesses and organizations were more than willing to donate the food that was required. In fact, food was left over and sent to those, such as shutins, who were unable to attend.
It has continued to grow since then. Generosity still abounds and people enjoying eating a Christmas dinner with other people. Since all the food is donated, the dinner is provided free of charge. Some of those donating food ask if they can attend…and the ‘no’ answer is never given. All are welcome, whether you live in Oxbow or any surrounding community. And with so much food, celebrating Christmas alone in no longer a prerequisite. It is anticipated that up to 50 people will have the Christmas dinner together this year. And the organizers are ‘tickled pink’ about that. It conrms their suspicions that there is a real need for something like this…that no one likes to eat alone at Christmas.
A few who chose not to eat alone at Christmas (from left, clockwise) – Allan Weckend, his wife Susan hiding behind him, Marty James, her husband Ron and Reg Fitzpatrick serving themselves a fine Christmas dinner. Photo courtesy of Treena Mohrbutter
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