Barb Morden's Memorial

It has been a sad day in the village of Beiseker.  Today we said goodbye to Barb Morden. 

I did not know Barb well, but many in our village did.  She was remembered in a very touching ceremony at Beiseker's Baptist Church.  It was obvious that she was loved a respected by those who knew her well.  She touched many lives of her family, friends and neighbors. 

Our village is poorer by her loss.  She will be missed by all of us.  My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends.

Mayland Heights Bank Move

I felt badly for a Calgary community which is losing its bank.  Scotiabank has decided to close its bank branch in the north-east community of Mayland Heights.  I read about their struggle in the paper yesterday. 

The bank is a focal point for the aging community.  They are going to really miss their bank.  They held a small demonstration the other day to protest the closing. 

It all reminded me when the Royal Bank of Canada closed its Beiseker location, even though it actually made money!  I was one who demonstrated in front of the bank, protesting the closing.  It didn't matter. The bank was closed anyway. 

Beiseker was very fortunate the Mountain View Credit Union was ready and willing to step into the old bank location shortly after the Royal Bank skulked out of town.  The credit union has served our community extremely well ever since.

Wouldn't it be nice if Mayland Heights found a similar saviour for their problem.

Ken Farwell Passes

I was greatly saddened by the news that Ken Farwell had passed away.  Ken grew up here in Beiseker.  My wife taught him at Beiseker Community School starting in Grade One.  The Farwells are neighbours so we'd see him often.  I taught him many times through his years at our school.

He helped re-start C.O.P.s (Citizens On Patrol) here in Beiseker but his latest Beiseker adventure was his joining Stage East!  He loved getting involved with that whacky group and making suggestions on the performance.  He worked on sound affects and music.  We had convinced him to act and he was ready to do it! 

Unfortunately, his health issues prevented his stage début and he had to bow out of Stage East.  We all missed him very much.

We missed his bright smile, and his positive outlook.   Ken will be missed by so many here and elsewhere.  My heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends.

Valentine's Day Benefit

You have perhaps heard that the Knapp family has hit a bumpy section along the road of life this past few months.  They are fighting some serious health problems and they need our help. 

A benefit has been organised for Friday, February 14 at the Beiseker Community Centre.  It has been put together as a family event for the first part, until 9 p.m., then followed by an adult cabaret later in the evening.

Jo Lynn and Grant are both very active members of Stage East.  Who can forget fellow actor Rob carrying  Jo Lynn around the stage, while she was dressed as a mermaid?  Grant has appeared on stage a few times, but his talents are focused behind the scenes.  Without the Knapps, Stage East would not be as successful as it is.

Tickets for the Valentines Day event are available at the Village Office and at the Credit Union here in town.  They are gratefully accepting donations, as well.  It sounds like a fun evening!