As we prepare to enter the Christmas Season, still in the grips of the COVID-19 crisis, we are reminded of the many blessings we received during the last 18 months.
- Many people experienced a closer relationship with family and friends who were part of their immediate cohort.
- People got married in less costly celebrations, often in an acreage or ranch setting.
- Individuals appreciated their homes and the natural environment they lived in, taking walks, hiking, biking and using groomed winter trails for cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
- Technology, allowed us to stay connected to the outside world (Thursday night video chats with grandchildren)
- We showed genuine concern for the health and safety of our family, friends, health care workers, and essential service workers.
- New projects were taken on, such as gardening, reading, home renovations and learning or honing skills in cooking, baking, sewing, carpentry and even learning a new language.
- Many people decided to change their relationship with their employer and have chosen to work from home on a part time and even full time basis moving forward.
The Square Butte Community Association send our best wishes for members of our community and our neighbors to stay safe and healthy as we await the cautious reopening of our ability to gather and once more enjoy the activities that keep people connected and enjoying one another’s company.
AGM Postponed. Our November 18th AGM had to be postponed until we can open our hall to the public once more. We are very fortunate to have three new people join our Board of Directors and we welcome: Becky Wiens, Katie Wilchak and Kuriakos (Kerry) Pawchuk. Thank you for stepping forward and filling the roles left open by retiring Board Members. It is exciting to have the enthusiasm of new Board Members who bring differing experiences and perspectives to the role of managing the affairs of the Community Association. These three individuals will be appointed to their positions by the current board of directors, pending their election to office at the next public AGM. We extend our appreciation to retiring members: Lorne Hamilton, Keith and Beverley Walters.
Christmas – Square Butte Community Style
From the early days of the inception of the Square Butte Community Association, monthly gatherings and events at the Hall were the highlight and focal point of socializing with neighbors and friends. Quite often for many, these events were the only social outlet after long days working with cattle, riding, fixing fence, cutting hay, or the mid winter “doldrums” where most wouldn’t or couldn’t navigate the backroads to travel very far. Most of the young children were bundled up and taken along to dances and events, and the cloak room at that time had long wide benches that served as sleeping bunks for the younger children.
One of the major events that focused on the youth of the Community was the annual Christmas concert. In the early days, a fresh tree was cut that was decorated and remained up through the New Year’s Eve Party. The community accumulated many decorations to create a festive glow to our hall. More often than not, long hours of rehearsal and building excitement preceded the night’s events. One of the community youngsters was often chosen to be Emcee of this production and everyone gathered to encourage local talent – young and old – to showcase original plays, skits, musical creations, poetry recitations, and tell jokes (one of my favorites was watching the re-enactment of the Robert Service poem – “The shooting of Dan McGrew” – which my siblings, cousins and their friends created).
At that time, the Community kept track of every single child in the area (remember, this was much easier when our population wasn’t so dense and far-reaching!) and somehow Santa managed to ensure every child under the age of 12 received something special when he visited during the Concert. It was amazing that he always knew the way, the date and time to arrive to share his sack of gifts! I distinctly remember the year I turned 12 (right before the Christmas concert) and knowing that I wouldn’t be receiving a gift from Santa that year, local member Liz Mitchell ensured that I had something to open – it was a cute t-shirt with a picture of a kitten on it. I was so touched that someone would go out of their way to ensure a smoother transition into the “older realm” of childhood/early adulthood and I wore that t-shirt with pride and gratitude!
Friends and neighbors brought treats to share during social time after the concert and every child went home with their special new treasure and memories of the night, many of which have lasted a life time!
Our community has managed to keep this long-standing tradition alive to present day, many of the night’s activities mirroring what they were decades ago. Santa has a little more help now from local parents, but the mood, philosophy and spirit of sharing has thrived. We hope to be able to gather again soon for this long standing tradition.
From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you all many blessings during this holiday season – health, love and prosperity! (Submitted by Susan Graham)
Website: www.squarebuttehall.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Sqbuttecommunity
Rental Inquiries: contact@squarebuttehall.com
Membership: sq.butte.comm.assoc@gmail.com
