Christmas break FUN in Wolseley

The Christmas school break is time for kids to enjoy the great outdoors.

This year the tobogganing hill in our yard has been buzzing with action. In fact, I even rigged up a flood light so the children can experiance the thrills of tobogganing into the evening hours. The hill by the firehall is a little higher and it has also proved to be a popular spot as well.

The Taylor's Christmas Caroling PARTY

On the evening of December 23rd we held our annual Christmas Caroling party. After assembling at our home friends and family headed out to the Lakeside home then north on Richmond and Sherbrooke Streets. At the Home we simply wandered through the halls singing. We got a chance to chat with residents Arnold McQuoid, Eldon Platt and many others who seemed to appreciate the joy we wanted to spread. As we continued through our neighborhood we greeted people on the doorsteps, sang a few songs, wished them a Merry Christmas!

St. James United Church CHOIR

The Choir leads the community singing that wonderful carol "Joy To The World"!

Dr. Isman Elementary School Choir at CANTATA

Christmas Cantata

The St. James United Church choir headlined the annual Christmas Cantata on Sunday. This talented group entertained the crowd with the production of "Bethlehem Joy" and wrapped up by leading the entire crowd singing carols.

Under the direction of Carla Taylor and Sandy Taylor the Dr. Isman Elementary school choir thrilled the crowd.

The children's rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" was energetic, exuberant and chock full of jingling bells and a variety of percussion instruments.
This concert was extremely important for the choir as 100% of the offering, which was over $450 was graciously donated to the music program at the elementary school.

As it has been for 100 years the old church provided a beautiful venue for the production.

ROCKY Bishop back to Louisiana

Former Wolseley resident Rocky Bishop is living the true meaning of Christmas. He and his family are travelling to Louisiana to carry out the work of his ministry Simple Missions http://simplemissions.com//.
Rocky has travelled to Louisiana several times since hurricane Katrina ravaged the gulf coast. The Bishop family's willingness to help those in need is amazing and a true testimony to their desire to put their faith in action!

Lions Club Sponsors SANTA Night

Santa arrived in Wolsleley last Thursday just in time to get requests from local boys and girls before his annual world tour.

This year the venue for the event was the Lakeside Nursing Home and there were many positive comments about the change.

Another addition was the Dr. Isman Elementary School Choir blessing the crowd in song. It was wonderful to see longtime Wolseley residents who now live at Lakeside, like Arnold and Isabel McQuoid, and Daisley Anderson (Tubman) singing along with the children of the town.

The evening wrapped with some refreshments and very popular hay rides with Ray Churchman and Brooke Mercer guiding thier teams of horses around the lake.

SPORTSPLEX busy

The Wolseley Sportsplex was hockey central this weekend. On Saturday an Atom age tournament hosted by a Regina league had the parking lot full and the waiting room busy from the early morning hours until evening. IThe Wolseley/Glenavon/Montmartre team won the tournament.

On Sunday Minor hockey day began with the Pre-Novice's entertaining everyone with their antics. And the day closed out with a great Pee Wee game as Wolseley/Glenavon/Montmartre won a hard fought battle over Cupar.

DEER season

A familiar site around Wolseley these days is a pick-up trucks filled with men in bright orange suits. In fact last Saturday the Ellisboro road was a almost crowded ( about four trucks :)) with hunters all cruising slowly looking for deer.

I had just bagged a substantial buck north of Ellisboro so my season had ended.

Moose are often being spotted in the area and when my Dad and I rounded a bush north of the valley near Mac Bishop's farm we had our encounter. A nice cow was just sauntering along which allowed me a opportunity to take an albeit bad photo of the great animal.

School Band strikes a Christmas CHORD

Under the direction of Sherry Schoepp the school band programs from Balcarres, Lemberg, Neudorf, Grenfell and Wolseley combined to entertian family and friends. The concerts were held in Lemberg and Grenfell and a wonderful selection of Christmas tunes were delivered with enthusiasum.
Sherry does a fantasitc job of teaching music to the children and it great to see the results when she brings them all together for special events like these.

MINOR Hockey Day Saturday December 10th

This coming Saturday will see a steady flow of parents and relatives through the doors of the Wolseley Sportsplex. The event is the Annual Wolseley Minor Hockey day.
The Snowflakes Pre-Novice team kick the day off at 11:00am with Novice, Atom and Pee Wee games to follow. The Bantam team is in the process of arranging a game to round out the day.

Winter WEATHER

Winter is definately here! -28 C last night, the wind blowing and the sky snowing this morning. And as I shot some video my hands were frezzing after only a minute or so.

A HOCKEY Blog

Take a moment and check out my new Blog, http://wolseleyhockey.blogspot.com/

Canadian Geese on Fairly Lake

Wolseley GIRLS, Sing, Dance and Act in Broadview

The S.E. Sask. Assoc. for Culture, Recreation and Sport organized a fantastic Saskatchewan Express facilitated all-day workshop in Broadview on Saturday. Voice, dance and acting instructors spent the day teaching techniques and putting together a small show. Wolseley figured prominently as Regan Mercer, Erin Parker, Jordyn Parker, Emmalyne Brook, Sierra Taylor Cassidy Ker, Zoe Tittle, Maya Tittle and Emma Taylor all participated.

Ellisboro Artisans Sale and Show a SUCCESS

The Ellisboro Artisans show and sale was well attended and from all reports sales were brisk. Carla and I bought a wonderful Juli Tittle painting and a stunning Laurie Edgar photograph.
It is trulay amazing to see how many talented people live in this area. The painters have diverse styles and thereby appeal to a wide range of people. The photographers seem to be able to capture the essence of small town and country life through their camera lens.
Make sure to stop by The Gallery in Wolseley to see some of the great works of art. Contact Kit Taylor (698-2838) or Myrna and Slater Tubman (698-2364) for more information.

Local Art for SALE

If you are interested in original art the Wolseley Town Hall / Opera House is the place to be this weekend!
The Ellisboro Artisans will be showing and selling some awesome original pieces on Friday and Saturday.

The COUNTRY

My niece Isabel Gagne and daughter Emma Taylor head out across the field behind Grandpa Taylor's small flock of sheep. My parents farm is an interesting sight for many people driving by as they often see sheep, potbellied pigs, ponies and a numerous other animals from his menagerie.

GEESE in flight

Fall is definitely here! This big flock of geese gathered in a field just off the Trans Canada highway near Summerberry. This morning as puttered about the yard the sky was ringing with the honks of these wonderful birds headed south for the winter.

GO CART fun

Recipe for Fun:

- Take one Go Cart
- Add one or more boys
- Position at top of a hill
- Place one boy in Cart
- Give a good push
- Repeat these steps over and over for fun,fun,fun!

Beavers chew and add to my VIEW

Over the past few days a beaver in Fairly Lake has gnawed through a couple of trees on the shores. Well some may mourn the loss of a couple of tress, I have to admit it this beaver's instinct for chewing has added to the view of the Lake and Swinging Bridge. You see, I have watched as cars slowing drive around the Lake trying to catch a glimpse of our town's landmarks but obviously frustrated because the view was obstructed by trees. But the beaver has fixed all that, as an added bonus (for us) we have a beter view from our veranda now :).

ART show and sale coming soon

The Ellisboro Artisans will be holding a sale in the Town Hall/Opera House on October 20th and 21st. At last year's sale we purchased a several wonderful paintings by Kit Taylor and Isabel Taylor. We anticipate adding to our growing collection of local original art this year.

Poplar trees BRILLIANT

For some reason the poplar trees this year are absolutley brilliant. My Dad has a wonderful stand in his coulee and since most other trees have lost their leaves the poplars are truly stunning.

Bald EAGLE by Wolseley

Bald Eagles have frequently seen around Wolseley for the past few years. These magnificant birds are truly amazing. I saw this one close to Rodney Chatterson's place last week.

New Generation of ARTISTS mentored

Young artists in Wolseley spent Saturday learning and working with plasticine art. In fact, so many children were interested in participating that according to Kit Taylor another session will be held.
The Ellisboro Artisans Guild organized the day and when I stopped by Beryl Fornier from Glenavon was instructing the kids. I also saw that Pauline Churchman and Myrna Tubman were there to help guide the activities.
The event was held at The Gallery which is a great place to buy locally made art. And many of Wolseley's fine artists will be displaying their work in an upcoming art show and sale at the Town Hall/Opera House. I'll post more information soon.

AEROBICS in Wolseley and CTK

There's a change afoot on the fitness front in Wolseley and Carry-the-Kettle this Fall. For the first time, Centre 48 is offering aerobics classes in both communities. If you live in the area you should have received your class schedule in the mail last week highlighting Fitness Blast (CTK) and Fitness Fix (Wolseley). What remains the same from last year is the instructor: Carla Taylor. Something new is the need to preregister and pay at least two days before the start of classes (Oct. 1st). Register soon because there is a class size minimum (seven) and maximum. To register call Centre 48 at 306-424-2166 or email centre48@montmartre-sk.com or go to http://www.montmartre-sk.com/centre.html

Saturday Sunrise over Fairly LAKE

Motorcycle THING-A-MA-JIG

A couple of days ago I got a message on my phone from my Aunt Myrna Tubman. Her message stated that she'd seen an interesting thing-a-ma-jig at Weird Willies General Store. When I arrived to get a couple of photos Chad and Karen Souchotte's boys Nolan, Dustin and Ryan were admiring what turned out to be a very fancy sidecar for a motorcycle.

Steven Bonk's dog DOC wins

Steven Bonk of Wolseley and his dog Doc had wonderful showing at the recent Canadian Kennel Club herding trials in Saskatoon.
Doc won 3 high in trials, 2 reserve high in trials, and a 3rd. He was high combined stockdog, high combined herding dog, and high combined all around herding stockdog. Earlier in May Doc became Canadian Kennel Club conformation Champion for the Australian Cattle dog breed (blue heeler). Doc's next competition will be in Ontario during October at the Australian Cattle Dog Nationals.
Steven and Candace live on the former Bill and Helen Lemcke (Joe Sanderson) farm across from the golf course at Wolseley. The Bonk's are presently importing a new border collie puppy from Wales. A full sister to the reserve world champion she is bound to be a good one.

Road Scenes - MONTREAL

The road last week took me to Montreal. Wow, what a great city!
The last time I visited there was a day trip 28 years ago when I was a teenager on a 4-H exchange. I don't remember much about that brief visit except being overwhelmed by the size of the city.
This visit I spent 4 days right in Old Montreal and got to experiance many of the awesome sights, sounds and tastes in this vibrant Canadian city.

JACK SEMPLE entertains in the Valley

A beautiful warm fall evening and a big moon shining over the Qu'Appelle Valley set the stage for a wonderful get-together at the old brick Ellisboro school last week.
The event was the retirement party for Arlene Cornish who owns the school and uses it as a summer place.
And the entertainment was absolutely fabulous. Arlene's daughter Tara and son-in-law Jack Semple headlined a program of super talented family members. Tara's flute playing and Jack's guitar playing are simply awesome, world class, and right here in our backyard. Jack called my wife Carla up to sing on a wonderful country song and he cut loose displaying his talent in a variety of styles.
The night was a lot of fun, the music was great, the venue was beautiful and Arlene the hostess was gracious. It doesn't get much better than that.

Take a moment and check out Jack Semple's website: http://www.jacksemple.com/main.html

The SPILLWAY is Transformed

The spillway at the west end of Fairly Lake has been transformed. Since the 1970's the familiar concrete structure has had water roaring over it each spring. And while the water flows the spillway is impressive, but when it stops , well, it's just a big slab of eroding concrete.

Last week Keith Ennis and John Bonner went to work dumping truckloads of large stones on the concrete. The stones were placed to slow down erosion of the spillway but a secondary result is a more natural looking structure.
It will be interesting to see how the water looks this spring.

NEVER forget

Road Scenes - HARVEST rolls along

All over southern Saskatchewan harvest is well ahead of schedule and in some cases wrapping up. I took this photo of a combine in action just north of Grenfell, SK a few miles down the road from Wolseley. In the distance behind the combine is one of the new large grain terminals that have replaced the familiar grain elevators that figured so prominently on the skyline of every prairie town.

LETTER to the Editor

My wife Carla wrote a great letter to the editor in the Indian Head / Wolseley News recently. A number of people have said they appreciated her willingness to speak the truth about vandals and their impact on us. I thought it appropriate to post it on the blog.
----------------------------------------------------------------


Letter To the Editor

To the heartless moron(s) who vandalized our vehicles in the early morning hours of August 1st in Wolseley:
Here is some information you didn't know or care to know when you tried to siphon gas the easy way, by cutting gas lines on our 1996 Ford Windstar and our 1989 Dodge Colt--you cut the brake line on the Colt, by the way--which were parked outside our garage that night: you caused $123 worth of damage plus days of inconvenience and frustration to an innocent family. We are not nameless or faceless: we are a one-income family with four children, aged four to ten years old. My husband uses our van for his job and is on the road at least half the time. You didn't think about that when you disabled it, did you?
Maybe you thought we were an easy mark because our vehicles were in our driveway instead of the garage, that we deserved the damage for being careless. The truth is, our eldest son was launching his bike-refurbishing business and was letting paint dry on several projects inside the garage. And regardless: our driveway is OUR property. Maybe you assumed we'd have a fat package policy or a healthy savings account to absorb the hit, although if you judged the age and wear of the vehicles, you should've known better. You like weren't thinking at all, considering the cigarette butts found at the scene. Did no one ever tell you that smoking and gas-siphoning are a bad combination?
We moved to this small town for many reasons, not the least of which was the relative lack of crime. It’s ironic that we lived in a major metropolitan centre--population 500,000--in the southern U.S. for nearly eight years with no vandalism; we lived in Regina--population 170,000--for six years with no vandalism, and now here we are in Wolseley--population 800--for less than a year, and we suffer a hit.
It’s hard enough to pay for necessary maintenance of our vehicles, and we certainly have no money earmarked for senseless destruction. So, I want to know: from where in my budget should I skim in order to pay for the repairs? Maybe a week’s groceries? A month’s electric? A couple months of dance lessons for my girls? Hockey season for either of my sons? How about my back-to-school budget?
And it’s more than just money and time you’ve taken from us. You’ve also robbed us of a certain amount of trust. Was this just a crime of convenience or desperation? Will someone come right into our yard next, to look for loot? Into our house?
What good is this letter going to do, other than allowing me to vent my spleen? I hope that you’ll read it and be moved to change. Or perhaps one of your friends or relatives will recognize the circumstances and confront you, and this will lead to a change in your character. Perhaps you’ll even repay us.

Carla Taylor

Canada's PRIME MINISTER chats with Wolseley folks at Regina event

Conservative faithful gathered at Sherwood Forest west of Regina for a BBQ with Prime Minister Stephen Harper last evening.

Although the weather was warm and the wind ferocious it did not interfere with the upbeat attitude in the crowd. And the Prime Minister's message clearly outlined the priorities of his govenrment.

My wife Carla entertained the over 500 people as they anticipated the Prime Minister's arrival and her songs were well received.

Prime Minister Harper, also talked with long-time Wolseley (now Regina) residents Sam Acton and Jackie (Acton) Mason.
When we drove up we were greeted by a young Conservative volunteer, Chris Thresher, from Indian Head and I had a chance to talk with numerous other Conservative and Saskatchewan Party supporters and representatives.

Road Scenes - BLACKBIRDS by the thousands

Last evening as I drove home from Kipling, SK I decided to be adventerous and drive the so-called road/highway #47 . Halfway between Glenavon and Grenfell I encountered huge flocks of blackbirds swarming around a slough by the side of the road.
These photos I took do not do justice to the impressive flock which was comprised of redwing, yellowhead and common blackbirds. And the noise they created was incredible. It is another sign that fall is just around the corner.

Carla Taylor to sing at PRIME MINISTER HARPER event

My wife Carla is honoured to be singing at an event
Conservative Prime Minister
Stephen Harper
will be attending this Tuesday in Regina, SK.

I'll have some photos to post later in the week.

Last RODEO of the summer at Circle Square

Ranchers were in great glee as the last rodeo wrapped up a summer of fun at the ranch. Sheriff Robin Exner was an engaging master of ceremonies. And staff directed by Chantel Sebastian helped the ranchers show off the riding skills they developed over their weeklong stay. Besides horsemanship ranchers enjoyed, BMX bike riding, archery, rock wall climbing, singing, campfires, chapel time and heaps of fun and frivolity.

Town Hall / Opera House gets new PAINT

Larry Unick from Indian Head, and his helper are hard at work painting the Town Hall / Opera house.
This week the men have displayed nerves of steel as they hover high above the town on a crane that almost reaches the top of the wonderful building.

Road Scenes - ANOTHER sunset and some history

Tuesday evening found me traveling across the south of Saskatchewan. At Cadillac, SK I headed north with an eventual destination of Swift Current, SK.
However, my van stalled along side the highway (Fords and 34 degree heat don't mix well). But as a history buff I was fortunate to have stopped beside a cairn marking the historic Fort Walsh / Fort Qu'Appelle trail. And, as one who loves praire sunsets I was again blessed to be soaking in it's beauty.
Half an hour later my van had cooled down and I was able to get rolling again, happy to have witnessed such splendor at an obscure but historic location.

Circle Square Ranch a BLESSING

Circle Square Ranch is located on the former Norman Duncan farm south of Wolseley. Established by Norm Bonk 20 years ago the facility has hosted hundreds of children over the years.
Today we made the short trip out to the ranch to take our son Thomas for his first camp adventure. He was excited! We were greeted by Camp Director Robin Exner astride an impressive black gelding who Robin said Brooke Mercer had loaned the ranch.

Thomas had no fear of loneliness as friend and classmate Randy Paulgaard is there, as are other Dr. Isman students Kaley Mercer and relative Danielle Tubman. Also a number of staff attend church with us in Regina.

Having a camp of this of prominence in our backyard is truly a blessing to families from all over Saskatchewan, and of course the community of Wolseley.