The Larwood-Shaw Memorial Swimming Pool Fundraising Committee’s first It’s in the Bin Harvest Party was held on Friday, October 28th.  With an incredible meal provided by Faron Saufert and the Dam Smokehouse in Nipawin, live music from the band Magnum, and an incredible selection of bucket-draw and silent auction items donated by area residents and businesses, the evening was incredibly enjoyable for all who attended, and the high-energy Tractor Races made for some friendly competition!

Kelsey Burton was on hand to announce the donation of $15,000 on behalf of ProSoils/Youth in Motion; Brianne Braaten & Tracy Darmokid presented a cheque for $20,000 on behalf of Affinity Credit Union Member Council; and Brianne Braaten & Taylor Hood presented a cheque for $25,000 on behalf of Parkland Co-op. 

To top it all off, Vern & Gail Armitage announced their donation of $100,000 on behalf of Wheelers Transport towards the rebuild of the swimming pool!

With these donations, along with proceeds from ticket sales, bucket draws and silent auction, the evening brought in a whopping total of $181,000 for the project!

The Wheaton Family, who were instrumental in having the original Larwood-Shaw Memorial Pool constructed 25+ years ago, have generously pledged to match any
fundraising efforts up to $100,000!

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project and, in particular, to the LSMP Fundraising Committee for their work in putting on such an
enjoyable and successful evening!

 

Saskatchewan Health Authority is conducting a survey in the North East area to find out what areas of health and wellness are most important to you and to identify ways to improve health and wellness in our communities.  The data compiled fromt his survey will assist local Provider Teams to address the needs identified in each community.

Your input would be appreciated!

Pick up a copy of the survey from Slobodian Pharmacy or the Town Office, or visit Rita at the Parkland Co-op grocery store between 10a.m. and 4p.m. on Wednesday, October 19th.

The survey is also available online — scan the QR code to access the online survey.

For more information, please contact Rita Robertson at rita.robertson@saskhealthauthority.ca OR Heather Turcotte at heather.turcotte@saskhealthauthority.ca

 

This weekend is the 5th Annual Scarecrow Contest & Scarecrow Tour – hosted by Porcupine Opportunities Program & Town of Porcupine Plain

Registration is now closed for the Scarecrow Contest, but residents and visitors are welcome to use the Scarecrow Tour Map to take a walk or drive around and look at all of this year’s wonderful entries!  Winners will be selected the afternoon of Friday, October 7th and announced on the Town of Porcupine Plain Facebook Page.

New this year is Friday’s Kids Veggie Creation Contest!  Come down to the POP Pocket Park (beside the Town Office) right after school, where judges will choose the Most Creative Veggie Creation!  No registration required! 

We hope you all have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Long Weekend!

The Town of Porcupine Plain’s 3rd Community Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, June 11th!  Sales run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — no early birds please!  Click HERE to view the map of participating households.

Be sure to visit the Porcupine Place Sports Grounds to catch a game or two of the U9 & U11 Softball Tournament, and grab a burger for lunch while you’re there.  They will also have 50/50 & Raffle prizes!

Then, visit Quilly’s Community Place for even more shopping at the Quilly’s Community Garden Grand Opening Outdoor Market, Bake Sale & Bucket Draws!  The Grand Opening will be held outside behind the QCP building OR, if it is raining, inside the QCP Gymnasium (use back doors).

Are you looking for a way to pay tribute to a special someone?

Sponsoring a bench in one of Porcupine Plain’s parks and green spaces is a terrific way to honour loved one.  Benches serve as a beautiful lasting remembrance that will benefit the community for years to come.

The process is simple:  Fill out the Memorial Bench Donation Application and return it to the Town Office along with your tax deductible donation.  We will work with you to pick the right location and message.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the Application, contact Koral at 306-278-2311 or cdo.porcupine@sasktel.net.

In a show of support to Ukraine, a group of Grade 6 students from the Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School — Zoe, Mason & Brooke — took to the sidewalks to spread graffiti of love!  These Ukrainian flags drawn in chalk littered the sidewalks around Town and were a welcome surprise on many residents’ walks on Friday, April 29th.

 

If you are looking for ways to support newcomers from Ukraine, please contact Northeast Newcomer Services in Tisdale at 306-873-2672.

 

Dave Hipkins joined the Porcupine Plain & District Volunteer Fire Department in 1978.  He served many years as Assistant Fire Chief until 2012 when he took on the role as Fire Chief.  He was also a member of the Fire Control Board since its formation until the end of 2021.

Dave was a dedicated Fire Department member.  He was instrumental in many of the positive changes that have
occurred not only within the Department but in the amalgamation of the surrounding communities. 

When Dave joined the Fire Department, the Fire Hall was located adjacent to the Museum, adjoining the Town
Workshop.  In 1994, the present Fire Hall was built at Oak & McAllister, a  much-needed addition to the community.

Originally, the Department had only one old fire truck and had just purchased a new truck that year.  In 2008, a new fire truck was purchased which accommodated more equipment and passengers.  The purchase of rescue tools, including the Jaws of Life, were another important addition to the Department.  In 2012, a new Rescue Truck was
purchased to assist with MVA’s, grass fires, and many other applications.

During his time with the Department, there were a number of memorable fires — the Community Theatre burnt down in the 80’s; in July 2000, the community suffered the loss of two major businesses on Main Street; and the Porcupine Hotel was lost in 2001.  Over the years, Dave attended hundreds of  fires, MVA’s and STARS Ambulance calls, as well as medical assists with EMS.

Another major accomplishment was the acquisition of the STARS landing pad.  The Fire Department has been instrumental in STARS being able to come to Porcupine Plain since their arrival in Saskatchewan.  This has been a huge benefit to our community and hospital.

Dave has enjoyed the comradery that he has had working with his fellow fire department members over the years. 
He appreciates the hard work and dedication of the crew and the many hours spent training, fighting fires and sharing ideas to make our Department the best it can be.

Dave always encouraged new members to join the Department.  He is very proud of the group of firemen that we have protecting our community today.  More than likely, he will still be seen at the Fire Hall when he hears the siren, to go lend a hand and advice whenever he can.

Thank you Dave for your 43 years of service to the Porcupine Plain & District Volunteer Fire Department!