Bring back the BEACH!

When I was a boy in the 1960's and 70's summer in Wolseley centered around the Beach.

For youngsters, it was THE place to be. Little ones spent hours leaping form the pier. Older kids hurled themselves from the diving board. And accomplished swimmers could make it to the hospital shore and back.
Sadly, the Beach no longer rings with the laughter of children. The pier and the diving board are gone, as is the change house.

Like some other folks in Wolseley I believe it is time to Bring Back the Beach!

So come to the Celebration on August 4,5,6th, enjoy yourself and play a part in rejuvenating the Beach.

The Day of the TURTLE

Saturday evening, around 9:00pm, I heard my son Thomas in the yard excitedly hollering "Dad, Dad, you've got to get out here and see what I've got"
So I headed across the house and out onto the front veranda where Thomas had in his strong 10 year old hands firmly holding a Painted Turtle.
I asked Thomas where he found the creature and he said "I was riding past the Nursing Home and I saw something in the grass...and this is it!" Quickly, we found a plastic tub, put some water and grass in and decided to house the turtle overnight.
The next day the turtle became the focus of neighborhood kids and the Gagne cousins down for a visit on Father's Day. The whole experience was even heightened for the kids as the turtle laid an egg in the night. We set her free in the creek running through our yard that evening.

Class of 1981 - 25 year REUNION

Time does fly. This year will be 25 years since the class of 1981 graduated from the Wolseley High School. And after some correspondence initiated by this blog Sherry Polk (Manners), I began discussing the need to have a class of 1981 REUNION!

Our goal is to have it coincide with the Wolseley August long weekend celebrations.

So if any readers have contact details for people from our class, or some who left, moved etc., but were part of that year please forward to me at: wolseleytowncountry@hotmail.com

And the fans wore...PINK

Some of the littlest but most exuberant fans at the track meet were, my daughter Audrey (on the left) and her friend and classmate, McKenna Bieber.

These two girls cheered on their big siblings and played with gusto in the school playground. It has also been reported that they collected quite a few cans, which they redeemed for twizzlers, gummi bears and other sugary delights.

McKenna and Audrey are fixtures at many Wolseley events and they ALWAYS have big smiles to share with everyone.

The DISTRICTS

Another day, another track meet.

Many Dr. Isman students participated in the North Valley School District Track and Field meet on Friday. Our school school hosted the event, with students from Grenfell, Montmarte, Glenavon, Balcarres, Lemberg and Neudorf also running, jumping and throwing.
The teachers and volunteers did a great job of herding thekids to their events on time. The canteen workers did a brisk business and several parents reported sore throats from cheering on the little athletes.

Road Scenes - The PIPESTONE valley

Last week while driving to Kipling I took the road south from Oakshella. After a couple of miles I turned left off the main road and headed down another that meanders eastward through the Pipestone Valley.
It was beautiful! The valley is lush and green, there are some great places to stop and look out over the valley. The many turns in the road make this route so different from a typical a drive in southern Saskathewan.
While we Wolseleyites are generally partial to the Qu'Appelle Valley, this road through the Pipestone is a real gem.

Dr. Isman Elementary TRACK and FIELD Day

As I walked over to the school on Monday morning I could hear the starters pistol ringing out. With each step, I hurried just a little more as I didn't want to miss one of my children's races.

When I rounded the corner on the south end of the school I saw a hundred plus excited children, very organized teachers, dedicated volunteers and cheering parents spread out over the school grounds. The weather was perfect a few clouds and just enough sun to get a bit of a tan. And the lack of wind ensured records would fall.

Having been out of school for 25 years and living away for most of those I was amazed to see the same family names popping up in the winners circle a generation later.

Tim Taylor and the entire staff of the Dr. Isman Public school deserve a big thanks for keeping the tradition of track and field healthy in Wolseley.

Pemmican PEARL becomes Opera House OPAL

My wife Carla Taylor has wrapped up two years as Regina's Buffalo Days ambassador Pemmican Pearl. Last Thursday she appeared at the Tourism Awareness event at the Town Hall / Opera House.

Carla had been wracking her brain for a new performing handle to use when she appears in her turn of the century period costumes. After a bit of deliberation she determined, Opera House OPAL to be the name for Wolseley appearances.
She was introduced as this on Thursday and judging by the crowds reaction the new name was well received.

Wolseley SHINES as rain threatened

The rain that has fallen all weekend held off just long enough for Wolseley to host a very successful Tourism Awareness week event. Over 150 people stopped by the front steps of the Town Hall / Opera House to hear speeches and enjoy a burger and a drink for a buck.

Natural Valley Farms supplied the meat, Doug Lemcke at Ag Foods made the burgers and the Wolseley and District Museum Committee cooked, served and received the proceeds.

Speakers included Wolseley ambassador extraordinare Dennis Fjestad, MLA Don Toth, former Minister of Tourism and lifelong Wolseley area resident Graham Taylor, Mayor Larry Hilderman and Kurt Koetler from Tourism Saskatchewan.

Road Scenes - How HIGH'S the Water?

I got this shot on the highway between Esterhazy and Churchbridge. They've had a great deal of rain in the area lately.
However, I'm not sure that even that can explain how this shed got in the dugout.

The SWINGING BRIDGE featured on CBC radio

Today the CBC featured the world famous Wolseley Swinging Bridge on "Out and About" segment of the Dan Reynish weekend show. Dan came out to Wolseley and was toured around by one our many great ambassadors Dennis Fjestad. In addition to Dennis he interviewed my Mum, Isabel Taylor, who gave a great outline about how she and Dad participated in raising the money for the reconstruction. In the report you will also hear Tanis Kerr (Havelange), Mrs. Deseutels, Mrs. Banbury and others talking about the bridge.

To hear the report go to this link, then scroll down to the June 4th, "Out and About" segment.

http://www.cbc.ca/saskweekend/audio.html

Wolseley - as FRIENDLY as it is Pretty!

Wolseley displayed it's friendliness in full force last night. At 5:30 my Mum was running errands when she met two young girls from Quebec who were looking for a restaurant in downtown Wolseley. Mum told them about the Canada Cafe, and in the course of the conversation she discovered they were also looking for a place to camp away from the highway. My Mum told them she was certain they could camp in our, (Carla and my) big yard. The girls said they may stop by, and headed off to eat at the Cafe.

Later, I was visiting with my sister Katherine on our veranda. Around the corner from the Home came those girls with Dwight and Madeline Dunn. Madeline was conversing in French, but one girls English was good (better than my French) so we chatted for a while on the street. The girls (Anne Marie and Claudia) told me they had decided to camp in our yard.

The girls experienced another act of friendliness while dining at the cafe. Apparently, Wolseley resident befriended them and offered to buy their dinner! And a little later, I was helping them choose a spot in my yard to pitch their tent. In no time, they got the tent set up. Then, at Dwight and Madeline's invitation, headed off on their bikes to the Dunn's for a shower.

This morning, my wife invited the girls into the house to freshen up. We had a coffee and shared a few stories with them before they hit the road.

Their goal for this evening was getting to Moose Jaw. The final destination is B.C. where they'll pick fruit for the summer. So if you are headed down the #1 highway and you see a couple of young girls on bikes, it just may be the newest friends of Wolseley, Anne Marie and Claudia!

Wolseley Focus for TOURISM Awareness week

At 11:30 on June 8th the Wolseley Town Hall / Opera House will be front and center during Tourism Awareness week in this area.
A program at noon will feature a BBQ to support the Wolseley Museum followed by a tour of the Original Beaver Lumber office.
So come on out enjoy a burger and learn a bit more about tourism in our area.

Summer FUN is on the Way

Did you attend the Homecoming last year? I did and it was great! And this August long weekend there will be some of the same type of events as last year. Lynn Keating infoms me that a committee of hardworking folks are putting together a program that sounds like it is going to be another FUN time.
I'll have more information coming over the next several weeks.

The Baran FAMILY album

My wife Carla and I were walking home from a dinner out at the Banbury House tonight. As we strolled along Front street we could not help but notice that the Baran children had been drawing chalk art on the sidewalk.

Their drawings were so cute I knew I had to share them with all the readers of this blog.

Road Scenes - Oh DEER

I traveled to Balcarres yesterday afternoon. And given that I am a scenic route kind of guy, I went through the Qu'Appelle valley. As I rounded a corner on the coulee road I was heading up I came face to face with a Mule deer doe. I grabbed my camera and got this shot as she sauntered up the hill.
On the way back, taking another scenic route, I saw a brilliant Bluebird about 50 yards north of the Ellisboro bridge.
I suppose that seeing these animals confirmed why I take the roads less traveled.

Spring RAIN

The rain clouds in the distance soon let loose with deluge of rain as I was out for my evening walk. It happened about 10 minutes after I took this photo of the coulee behind our house. I was on my cell phone with my cousin at the time and I told him I felt like one of those reporters on TV broadcasting from some awesome storm center.
And wouldn't you know it, 10 minutes later the sun was shining!

LILACS

At the risk of appearing to be TOO into flowers, I've must say that LILACS have got to be one of the nicest flowers around. This time of year Wolseley is filled with the beautiful scented bushes.
The other night I went for a walk and the entire way I enjoyed the LILAC fragrance. When I got home I set my computer up on the dining room table to do a little work and to my delight my wife had set a bouquet of Lilacs on the table. Such a simple but awesome pleasure.

Horticultural Society DIGS in

Last Wednesday night the flower beds around the spillway were a hive of activity as the Wolseley Horticultural Society hoed, dug, pulled and planted. The work this dedicated bunch a folks does adds a great deal of beauty to the town.







These beds will soon blossom with awesome flowers!

Tis the Season for GARAGE sales

If you are looking for a used garden trowel, or maybe a nice set of Disneyland coasters, or possibly a Doug and the Slugs cassette, this may be the weekend you stike gold! Garage and Yard sales are everywhere. Some have real treasures and others....well, let's just say how many baby bottle heaters and diaper genies does one family need.

But I don't want to discourage you, take a chance, lay down a buck or two for something that catches your eye . It may be just what you need, or it may sell on eBay for big $$$$!

Then again, there is a good chance you will store it for a few years only to sell in your own sale in the future.

Aaaannnddd she's OFF!

My five year old daughter Audrey hit a major life milestone this week. She learned to ride a two-wheeler! It was such a big deal for a little girl who, until now, was religated to running alongside other kids, or blasting noisly along on her Big Wheel plastic trike. But now she rides to and from school, she rides downtown on errands, she rides to her grandparents house in town, she finds any excuse she can to ride.
The new (to her) bike was a gift from the Tittle family and it blessed wee Audrey mightly. And according to Audrey, one of the best things it is purple with sparkles it it!

The FOUNTAIN is in

The Fairy Lake Fountain has been put in place just in time for the May long weekend! Rick Ollenburg had a crew of people helping him when he paddled a canoe to the center of the lake, and put his talents as a plumber to work getting everything hooked up just right.

This fountain was a real hit with visitors last year and I'm sure that as word spreads even more people will saunter across the Swinging Bridge to enjoy the beautiful fountain.

Karate BREAKS for summer

The Wolseley Karate Club held their wind-up at the beach tonight. Sensei Gary Grant put the club through a display of swinging swords and breaking boards. A short awards presentation was followed by refreshments enjoyed at the peaceful lakeside setting.

Soccer KICKS off

The Wolseley Soccer club is fired up and kids are ripping around the school ground each Monday and Wednesday evening.
Organizer extraordinare Sandy Taylor tells me that over 65 kids
have signed up. If there are any other
kids that want to get involved she said they will make sure they get on a team. There are some awesome coaches like Larry Tittle, Bert Lyke and Jason Froese and many others who direct the mayhem.
Soccer is a great sport if you want your children to run and run and run and run some more. And it is so refreshing to see kids running, kicking and laughing rather than sitting slack-jawed in front of the T.V. or some computer game!

The CREEK

This time of year the spillway is not roaring but still keeping Wolf creek supplied with a good stream of water.
And, like generations of young fellows before them, the creek proves to be a place of limitless intrigue for the boys of Wolseley.
Just the other day I was able to get this photo of my boys Thomas and Tristan together with friends George Johnstone, Riley Kerr, and Nick Baran staring into the creek in search of some aquatic inspiration.

The Recital was a HIT!!

WOW!

The Wolseley Dance Club can really perform!
The Town Hall / Opera House was packed for two nights as Parents and Grandparents beamed with pride while the young girls showed off their best moves.
Instructor Patti Bernhauser has yet again exceeded all expectations, President, Ann Malo was organized and efficient, and Master of Ceremonies, Carla Taylor witty and engaging.

Wolseley Dance Recital THIS Weekend

The Wolseley Dance Club will be holding their recital this weekend at the Town Hall / Opera House. Shows are at 7:00 pm and admission is only $5. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Taylor girls are eagerly anticipating the recital.

Wolseley Lions Meet Your Neighbor Night a SUCCESS

As we walked home from the Town Hall/Opera House after the event my son Thomas said "I had a great time tonight Dad". This I'm sure is what the local Lions Club wanted to achieve with their event. The entertainment, club displays, speakers and just plain old mingling put faces to names for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
Madeline Dunn gave a synopsis of the Lions Clubs significant positive impact on our town.
And toward the end of the evening the stage was filled with people who, like my family, are new to Wolseley, and that was so good to see.

The Spillway ROARS!

Folks you've got to talk a moment to drive by the spillway. When you get there, stop , roll your windows down a listen. Better yet, get out of the vehicle for a short stroll ( I'll wave at you ;) ). The spillway is just roaring! That wet, sloppy snow has made the lake fill and the spillway is really doing it's job.










My little bridge over the creek is holding on for now, but shortly after this photo was taken water began running over...hopefully it holds on till the water subsides!

Lions Club Welcomes people to Wolseley

Saturday evening April 22nd the Wolseley Lions Club are really doing a great service. They have invited people new to town and long term residents to a "Welcome" night. My family is really looking forward to the event and we are looking to establish some new relationships and rekindle a few old ones as well. I'll post on the fun we had after the event.

Heritage Fair...Coming to Wolseley Schools

The students of Wolseley will be participating in a Heritage Fair on April 28th. Established along the lines of a Science Fair, this project is a great opportunity for students to learn about history and pratice presenting skills.

Like many other former Wolseley students I loved the great Science Fairs of the 1970's. Those fairs were initiated by K.C. Kapila and we all reaped the benefits of his leadership and mentorship.

Hopefully, Hertitage Fairs will have the same positive impact.

Heavy, Wet, Slushy Snow hits Wolseley

Ok, I know I am stating the obvious but...yep there it is, heavy, wet, slushy snow. So break out the rubber boots before you head outside.
I walked my daughter Audrey to dance this afternoon and gosh was it sloppy. We only walk a block to the Town Hall but by the time we sloshed our way there her dance tights bore a tell-tale splattered pattern.
In this kind of weather walking is my choice of transportation, but if you must drive, be careful.

I'm Back

After a bit of a sabbatical from blogging I'm back in the saddle. Check the site often as I will be trying to keep it updated. And from time to time I may post an audio blog, just click on them and you'll hear me comment on various subjects.

And folks feel free to comment on posts...with blogging the more the merrier!

Wolseley Architecture = Visitors

The other day as I pulled out of my yard I saw a car stopped by the old Court house. I ran a quick errand and on the way home saw the car had moved to the Town Hall. I stopped to chat with the driver, a young fellow armed with an awesome looking camera. He told me he was from Manitoba and was traveling on his honeymoon. He said he had seen photos of Wolseley on the Internet and being interested in architecture, wanted to stop and take some photos while his wife walked the swinging bridge. I shared a little town history with him and suggested a few more gems he ought to check out. I enjoyed meeting the young fellow and trust he has a great little story about Wolseley when he gets back to Manitoba.

Figure Skating Club Bottle Drive a Success

Saturday morning groups of Figure Skating Club members canvassed the town asking for donations of cans and bottles. Several truck loads were donated and delivered to the collection depot at the Bradley shop south of the highway. Parents and children worked side by side filling a horse trailer with cans and a SUV and utility trailer with bottles. The response was great and appreciated. And this parent got the added benefit of a great walk on a beautiful morning in Wolseley.