Hand Hills Grapevine News, Sep 14
By Marilyn Vredegoor
Hello Hand Hills! I am back at writing for the two local papers. I will try my best to stick with this and keep you up to date with happenings in the Hills. I really would appreciate your input. Just call or text me at 403-854- 0626. I no longer have our landline, so this is the number to use. I can always be reached by email or Facebook. I am glad to be back. I am not sure if I can catch up on everything that has happened over the last year, but it might come in spurts.
Congratulations to the editor and crew of the new local paper in Hanna. We hope that The Sentinel will be our community news source for years to come. It was nice seeing them at the Little Britches Rodeo last Saturday.
Rain is badly needed. We have been dry for the better part of the summer. No runoff in the spring has water levels really low. What harvest there is, is underway. It has been a really challenging year. Cattle prices remain high, so that has added a positive spin to this year.
Enjoy a few photos, click for larger images
The kids from the Hills who are off to Kindergarten this year are Charlie Vredegoor, Brennan Finnimore, Rhett Lamson, Rhett Walton and Cole McDonald. Ronnie Vredegoor is off to Playschool.
Off to SAIT is Tatum Vredegoor. She is taking a 10-month Dental Assistant Course. Off to Olds to take Heavy Duty Mechanic is Zander Rosin. Both these kids will do great at their chosen profession. They both have a head start on their careers, as Tatum did her work experience and summer work with Dave and Robyn Warwick. Zander has been his Dad’s right-hand man on the farm for the better part of 18 years, so he knows the ropes. Enjoy learning more!
Our community and the chuckwagon community have lost one of the best. Bernice Cosgrave passed away at the age of 84. She was the matriarch of the Wagons. Her Funeral was held in Drumheller, and the large crowd showed that Bernice touched a lot of people. Rest Easy, Bernice, your race is over.
I would also like to mention the passing of four other people from the Hand Hills and surrounding area. Melvin Raugust, Sheila Courtney and John and Robert Anderson. All these people touched the Hand Hills in their own ways—our Sincere Condolences to the families.
The Hand Hills Lake is really low this year. Sand bars are appearing in a few places. Now that it is so low, a cement pad on the south end of the lake has shown up. I would love to hear from anyone as to what this might have been used for. I can now say that I have walked across the Hand Hills Lake. The north end of the lake, almost to the Clubhouse, is the driest, and that is where I walked. I am sending in a few pictures of that walk. (the paper may use them.) It was sad, but I am sure glad I did it. If anyone wants to do this walk, I am game to do it again. Bring cameras!
The Hand Hills Little Britches was a huge success. With over 100 young, enthusiastic contestants, it made for a great day. All these contestants did their best, and the crowd really enjoyed it. Some of the contestants were kids of kids who took part in the original Rodeo from 1981 to 2007. The parents are now the grandparents, watching their precious little ones compete. It was a real trip down memory lane for this writer. The organizers need to be commended. Kelli Hoff, Colt Cosgrave and Charleigh Profit, Shelby Griffith, Connie Gammie, Kevin Girletz, Jenny Finnimore, Gabrielle Vredegoor and Terri Quaschnick have started this, and I know how it goes; you can’t stop having it.
Years ago, school always started after the Long Weekend. Who remembers that? This was true of the old Elmer School. It has been closed for over 40 years, but I feel that a reunion is needed.
School Is Out Forever at Elmer School, BUT the Memories Live On! Calling all Former Elmer School Students!!!! There is a reunion planned for July 19, 20, 21, 2024. Phone Marilyn for information and watch for details; they are still in the planning stage. Help and ideas are needed.
The Hand Hills Turkey Supper Oct 22. Plan to attend, as you will be guaranteed a great meal with some great visiting thrown in. Volunteers are always needed, so phone someone on the executive and lend a hand. I will be doing the work schedule, so you can contact me. I wonder how many kinds of pies there will be this year!