MEOTA — When members of our family travel, we have a saying “No news is good news.” That way nobody worries about the travellers while they are en route.
Now that I’m doing some writing for the News-Optimist I’m on the lookout for any local news for the residents of Meota. It’s Christmas Day 2024 and we have an early deadline for the submissions. You guessed it — there’s very little news. Actually that is as it should be. Everyone is prioritizing family and friends at this time.
As for local activity there’s lots happening on the lake. There are at least 20 ice fishing shacks within sight. With mild temperatures, it didn’t take long to walk out to a group of ice fishers. For Lloyd and Betty Johnson, ice fishing on Christmas Day is a family tradition. Their two daughters and their families came home to Meota from Edmonton and Beaumont, Alta. Having grandchildren around at this time of year is very special. The youngest ice fisher is only six months old. Betty and Lloyd have one of the warmest and coolest ice trailers on the lake. They are equipped with cameras to watch the action under the ice. They have almost all the amenities of a cabin on the ice. Their children and grandchildren were having lots of fun scooting all over the ice with their snow machines. It didn’t seem to affect their ability to catch fish.
It was great to be able to thank Betty personally for all her work on the Meota village council. She served as a councillor for over 12 years. She’s enjoying her well deserved retirement and I got the impression she’s officially hung out her sign, “Gone Fishing.” Time to enjoy family, friends, fishing and golfing.
It’s been a wonderful Meota Christmas for our family. Our Christmas Eve service at the Meota United Anglican Church was heartwarming. We are feeling especially blessed in this community and we look forward to working with our neighbours and friends in the upcoming year.
