Purple Grove news

Congratulations to all those who participated in the Kincardine Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 19. They were treated to the sight of a new bird, a "surf scoter," which is a sea duck with a most colourful beak. They also saw several ravens, bald eagles and snow buntings, among the 56 different species on the count that day.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your family and friends around Purple Grove!

Our annual potluck Christmas supper saw a nice gathering, with four of the younger generation. Paisley and Nora Farrell had everyone singing “The 12 Canadian Days of Christmas,” as well as the Purple Grove favourite, Here Comes Santa's Cows!” Santa Claus, of course, dropped in for a visit and passed out the candy treats! Thanks to Heather Finnie, Carrie Murray and Bonnie Boyle for getting us al together again!

It was great to have the good weather over the holidays for family gatherings! Hope you were able to get around to visit with yours and have some campfires, marshmallows and Christmas Eve sleigh rides. Thank you, especially, to the staff in our care facilities looking after family members and keeping them busy celebrating Christmas too!

Sorry to hear there are some miserable colds circulating in the area! Stay healthy folks and look after each other!

Belated December birthday wishes go out to Garry Farrell reaching 70 years of age, Freda Courtney, Sierra and Cheyenne Collins, and Bren de Leeuw; and Jan. 1 birthday to Jared Martin!

Our community has lost some dear friends and family members recently. Our sympathies are extended to the families of Dave Gibson, Alberta Munro, Jean Scott, Ron McGarvey, Marie Haldenby and Shirley Bolt.

RIPLEY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Public Skating: Save the date! Join us Jan. 3, from 1-2 p.m., at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre!

Here are the Gingerbread House prize results:
 

• Age 4- 6 – 1. Leni Seiller, 2. Tatum Colling, 3. Meava and Miller Rivett
• Age 7-9 – 1. Brooklyn Curran, 2. Hailey Freer, 3. Hailey and Henry McKenize with cousin Lincoln
• Age 10-17 – 1. Carter Colling, 2. Tyler Freer, 3. Jocelyn Curran
• Age 18 and older – 1. Brittany

Have you considered volunteering with the Ripley Agricultural Society? We host rewarding community events and our friendly fall fair the last weekend in September.

Join us for our Annual General Meeting, Jan. 20, at the Ripley-Huron Legion, at 7 p.m.