Birthdays are the talk-of-the-town when area residents are looking to discuss a topic other than COVID-19.
Regardless of the age reached, people are longing to celebrate these big days; sometimes the phone is constantly ringing with well-wishers and sometimes the street gets lit up with flashing emergency lights.
The Churchbridge Fire Rescue, Esterhazy Fire Rescue and the area EMS are getting their wheels rolling (when not involved in an emergency) to bring some cheer to residents celebrating their big day.
Children are amazed when the large vehicles pull up outside their door to wish them happiness on their special day.
Other residents are busy celebrating milestones as they chat to loved ones on the phone.
Ila Martin turned 103 and said her day involved plenty of phone conversations. Although she did not get to head to the Evergreen Cub to play schapskoff, one of her favourite games, friends felt close every time her phone rang.
Born 5 miles south of Churchbridge, Ila was a bee-keeper years ago, then for fifteen years she had a cafe out at Skull Creek near the Tompkins area.
She then sold that operation and had a cafe in Esterhazy. She worked on the rigs for a while and also for a logging camp where she cooked for twenty men at the age of 75.
In 1995 she came back to Churchbridge and has been here ever since.
She joked, “I didn’t have time for hobbies. I was working all the time.” Ila did list crocheting, cards, and dancing as some of her favourite things to do.
“Keep active,” is her advice to others. “I also have a little shot of vodka before watching my show.”
As Ila celebrated her 103rd birthday, one youngster in Esterhazy celebrated the 5 year milestone.
Bryir, daughter of Corey and Jayme Varga, made up a sign to capture the attention of the emergency crews as they said they would come by to help her celebrate.
Without fail, at 6:30 P.M. sharp, the crews came around the corner with their horns honking and lights flashing.
When you have fire trucks honking their horns it draws people out to see the sight.
The convoy was a brilliant sight to see, and lifted the spirits of residents as it drove by. Many residents came out to their front steps to see the celebration taking place.
Upon arrival, Bryir was presented with a birthday gift (from a safe, six-foot plus distance away) as it was delivered to the foot of her family’s driveway.
Appreciating experiences such as Ila and Bryir’s birthdays is one way residents are looking to focus on the great things happening in our area. Although we are inside our homes more, and getting together for group gatherings is not permitted, we can still find a way to celebrate these big days.
