Peter Spuzak is hoping for several more recommendations of support, like the one in principle from Fort Frances town council earlier this week, for a ring scale at the Stratton sales barn.
It may have sprouted up at the last minute this year but Emo’s first “Tree of Giving” looks like it will grow into an annual event.
Christmas presents and stocking stuffers went out to about 30 needy children from Emo to Rainy River as a result of the program organized by two Emo women who have asked to remain anonymous.
The Christmas Day service at the Emo Christian Reform Church was very well attended this year as members from other churches, which happened to not have any Christmas Day services, overflowed the sanctuary, giving it a “pull together” atmosphere.
There was the lighting of the Advent wreath and the children’s message given by Karen. The youngsters also sang “Away in a Manger.”
OPP detachments in Fort Frances, Kenora, Red Lake, and Dryden have set up drop boxes so people can help out a Grassy Narrows family which had their house and all their possessions wiped out by fire Christmas Day.
Word from local MP Robert Nault that the Rainy River Future Development Corp. won’t see a decrease in funding next year has brought a sigh of relief to west-end residents, particularly those who use its satellite office in Rainy River.
In an interview last week, Nault said while he couldn’t guarantee more money for the RRFDC in 1999, he noted “there certainly won’t be less.”
The Rainy River hospital’s “buy a brick, build it quick” campaign has reached $244,500 in pledges—and optimism is running high the $300,000 goal will be reached by year’s end.
With $25,000 still to come from the Royal Canadian Legion, the number of $500 bricks needed to be bought to reach the $300,000 mark drops to 61.
“Mike’s Skate Sharpening and Bicycle Repair,” owned by Mike Meunier of Rainy River, garnered top honours in the Christmas lights contest sponsored by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. in conjunction with the three district Chambers of Commerce.
Sounds of the season were echoed by Donald Young School students as they presented their annual Christmas concert in the gym packed with parents and friends.
The evening’s entertainment provided everything from music to recitation, skits, and choir participation. As always, children love to perform—especially for their parents.
Echo Lake Estates is still waiting to hear back from the Ministry of the Environment over who is responsible for an easement on the south side of the property that needs to be enclosed before a subdivision agreement can be signed.
“The Rainy River First Nation’s way of life obligates us as stewards to take care of the Rainy River. Through our way of life, we have preserved knowledge which we will share and pass on. It is everyone’s responsibility to project, conserve, and revitalize the river.”
—Community Environmental
Watch Framework statement
