The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
An early morning blaze consumed all but one wall of a residence situated on Lot #6 in Snow Lake's Berry Bay cabin subdivision. Corporal Bob MacKnight of the Snow Lake RCMP Detachment said one of the residents got up to put a log in the woodstove around 6:00 a.m. on Monday, December 6th and went back to sleep. He and his wife awoke to the din of a smoke detector a short time later and were able to get out safely before the residence became fully engulfed. MacKnight added that it appeared the fire started in the chimney and that from the appearance of the structure at this time, the couple was very fortunate to have working smoke detectors in the cabin. The residents, Len and Darlene Abromovich, also had a large storage building close by the cabin. Although it didn't appear to have been affected by the fire, it is very likely that water used to extinguish the inferno got into that structure. On a brighter note, the Snow Lake Ski Club held their annual Community Christmas Concert on the evening of December 3rd and although it wasn't as well attended as in past years, the entertainment was definitely up to snuff. Grade 8 teacher Clarence Fisher was the emcee for the evening and he kept things moving nicely while amusing the crowd with some witty asides. As well as some notable performances by several perennial musicians and recitalists, there were also some obvious absences. Lola, Jeanelle, and Celine Leclair would normally grace the audience with a number of prominent pieces. Although they no longer live in Snow Lake, they were actually scheduled to come back and perform at this year's concert. However, due to some inclement weather, they thought it best not to chance the drive from Flin Flon to Snow Lake. Nevertheless, as in past years, Gwen Foord and Alan Beilman who are also staples of this program didn't disappoint. Gwen accompanied practically every performer on the program with her masterful yet subtle proficiency at the piano. She also lent her lovely voice to several performers along the way. Alan, along with Tony Butt, received resounding applause on a couple of occasions. This was not only for Alan's perfect and melodious picking of the six string and banjo, but also for Tony's hilarious introductions and mid-set improvs. There were several other performances worthy of note on this evening. Rianna Randall, Sara Otto, Kathleen Deduke, Hannah Ward, Logyn Stoupe, Alexa Dayson, and Toni Butt (Tony's daughter) all conjured warm and fuzzy thoughts of Christmas' past with their pure vocal stylings on a multitude of separate Christmas standards. However, the performance that brought goose bumps to the crowd during this concert came third on the program when Michelle Hanks and Ashley Botten rose and sang Silent Night. Ashley's rich and powerful voice was highlighted remarkably well by Michelle's background vocals. Their performance was a genuine treat for everyone in attendance and served to reinforce the thought that these two definitely should get together and sing more often. All in all, this was a worthwhile outing on an otherwise cool and blustery evening. Closing on a sad note, the community lost another well-respected elder citizen in late November. Doreen Armsworthy passed away at her home in Snow Lake. A service and interment took place mid (last) week in the community. Word was also received of the passing of former Snow Lake citizen, Norman Lawe. He passed away at his home in Swan River on November 19th.
