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Cultural changes is theme of Town and Country Women

The Town and Country Women met on Sept. 12 at the home of Vie Flaten, with nine members attending, with the program theme of “Education and Cultural Activities”. The club ode was sung to open the meeting, accompanied by Kathryn Groshong on piano.
Culture of Change

The Town and Country Women met on Sept. 12 at the home of Vie Flaten, with nine members attending, with the program theme of “Education and Cultural Activities”.
The club ode was sung to open the meeting, accompanied by Kathryn Groshong on piano. The Thought for the Day was, “There are many languages in the world, but a smile is a universal language.”
President Margaret Lukey opened the meeting with a little story, about a little boy who was at a face-painting party. A girl rudely told him, “You have so many freckles, they can’t even paint your face.” When the boy later told this to his grandmother, she comforted him saying, “Well I always wanted freckles. Whatever could be nicer than freckles?” The boy replied softly, “Wrinkles.”
The roll call was for each member to tell about a book they have read recently or want to read in the future.
• “A World We Have Lost” by Bill Waiser was suggested, which takes a look at Saskatchewan before 1905 through aboriginal eyes. They lived off the land, in harmony with the land and climate, and the natural food of the area.
• “The Shack” by William Paul Young, searches for answers in how a close relationship with Christ can bring hope and healing to one’s life.
• “Tales of the Honey Badger” by Nick Cummins, a book from Australia, a collection of short stories celebrating the importance of family, mates, rugby, etc., with true Aussie wisdom and humourous one-liners.
• “All Things Bright and Beautiful” by James Herriott, a series of books as a veterinarian tells amazing stories about miracles with animals.
• “Inside the Mental” by Kay Parley. The author was a patient in the Weyburn Mental Hospital, and later returned to the hospital as a psychiatric nurse to help others.
• “Cure the Modern Age” was ready by one member who belongs to a book club at the Weyburn Public Library. They encourage others to come and join them if they wish. Another member said she is interested in lifestyle books or fiction.
Secretary Kathryn Groshong read the minutes of the May meeting. The treasurer’s report was given by Edith Jacobs. A donation will be made to the Brokenshell Multiple 4-H Club will be given by the club.
The program for the afternoon was on Education and Cultural Activities, and was researched and given by the convener, Lynn Rederburg, on “Our Cultural Changes”.
She said at one time smoking and smokers were prevalent, smoking almost everywhere, even in hospital. Her father was in the hospital, and all the visitors around the adjacent bed were smoking. Over the years, there was more concern for the adverse effect of second-hand smoke with limited areas for smoking.
Liquor regulations have also changed. At one time, women were not allowed to visit the bar, now there is no ban in that respect.
Her grandmother belonged to the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which was active in the U.S. as well as Canada, against the hardship and suffering that alcohol consumption was causing to families. They worked unceasingly for temperance and even prohibition.
MLA Don McMorris was convicted of driving with two-and-a-half times the legal limit of alcohol in his bloodstream, and the question was asked, “Why hasn’t he been asked to resign as a member of the Legislature? What kind of message is this to Saskatchewan people?” A good friend of hers lost her son to a drunk driver on a Saskatchewan highway.
Bullying is also changing. “Years ago, I knew a boy at school who couldn’t walk very well. He became the object of bullying, but my friend stood up for him and I was proud of her. That boy went on to earn a university degree,” said Rederburg.
The club had a successful raffle of three Co-op gift certificates, and the winners were as follows: first prize of a $100 gift certificate, Millie Nimegeers; second prize of a $50 gift certificate, Carol Hemphill; and third prize of a $25 gift certificate, Alexa Groshong.
A potluck lunch was served by the hostess, Vie Flaten.