News Optimist August 15

News

Parade night south of the river

Sports

First Person Exploits

5

BNS welcome new coaches

9

Wading in the shallow waters of Plenty of Fish

Featured

Crossword

14

6

By Josh Greschner

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Volume 110 No. 2

Crazy cukes in NB garden

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Staff

See inside for photos from the Battleford Parade and Those Were the Days. See Thursday’s Regional Optimist for more, plus coverage of Northwest Territorial Days and Cochin Days.

“Nobody can believe it,” says Shirley Djerkson, whose garden is producing 20-inch cucumbers.

“Everybody says they’re zucchinis, but no.”

See the story on Page 2.

No, it’s not a zucchini. It’s a cucumber, and it’s 20 inches long. See more on Page 2. Photo by Josh Greschner

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Neighbours can’t believe 20-inch cucumbers

By Josh Greschner Staff Reporter

As September approaches and the growing season nears an end, the Djerksons are more than satisfied with what’s been coming out of their garden.

For some reason, their garden is producing 20inch cucumbers.

“Nobody can believe it,” Shirley Djerkson told the News-Optimist last week. “Everybody says they’re zucchinis, but no.”

The plants came from Walmart. Frank Djerkson brushed aside some leaves and showed that small, growing cucumbers are curved rather than straight.

The Djerksons haven’t been growing them any differently than they normally would, except their cucumber patch this year is in the bigger garden in

Humble beginnings ...

their yard rather than in a smaller patch by their fence.

The big cucumbers don’t taste any different either.

“They’re not bitter when you eat them,” Shirley Djerkson said. “I gave the neighbour a couple and they said they were delicious.”

Djerkson said the plan was to keep some of seeds from the big cucumbers and give some seeds away.

A recent hailstorm damaged some of what was in the garden, but Djerkson said she covered up her big cukes.

The biggest cucumber so far has been 20 inches.

As any farmer will tell you, increased yield comes at a cost.

“Everybody says you’re going to need a gallon jar just for one pickle.”

Shirley Djerkson can’t believe the size of her cucumbers either. Photos by Josh Greschner

... To ridiculous ends.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 3

Brad Wall to retire from politics

Chowing Down in Cochin

Josh Greschner Staff Reporter

This past weekend saw the annual Cochin Days celebration. Among the activities was a spaghetti-eating contest that kept spectators amused and parents happy because the kids got fed. See more in Thursday’s Regional Optimist. Photos by Josh Greschner

Youth charged after threat with a knife Staff The RCMP’s phones were ringing Tuesday, as there were 34 calls for service from 6 a.m. Aug. 8, to 6 a.m. Aug. 9.

A police report detailed one incident involving a male youth who threatened two female youth with a knife. The three knew each other and no one was

injured. The male youth is facing charges including assault with a weapon, mischief under $5,000, failure to comply with an undertaking, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

An additional 33 calls for service included provincial and Criminal Code statutes.

On the morning of Thursday, Aug. 10, Brad Wall announced in a YouTube video that he’d retire from politics when the Saskatchewan Party elects a new leader.

“I always thought that the ten year mark, should I be so fortunate to serve that long, might be the right time to re-evaluate,” Wall said.

Saskatchewan Party members, each with one vote, will choose a new leader. Timelines and locations have yet to be announced.

Wall’s announcement included details such as the province’s population increasing by 160,000 people during the last decade, an increase of over 67,000 jobs, and lower income, business and education property tax.

Wall also mentioned more repaired highway kilometres, income assistance, and public works professionals, new schools, and higher provincial credit ratings than when the Saskatchewan Party came to power in 2007.

A press conference followed the announcement’s release. Wall said what he’ll do after politics is yet to be determined, and the role of premier was “the honour” of his working life. He said he had been thinking about retiring from politics since around the end of June this year.

Questions from reporters involved timing, and Wall said retiring in the near future would allow enough time for a new leader to connect to Saskatchewan voters. Another question drew a parallel to Grant Devine’s situation, in which a public perception of the former premier was that Devine resigned as

Progressive Conservative leader amid “a financial mess.” Wall disagreed with the characterization and pointed to Saskatchewan achieving the second lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in Canada, a high credit rating, and other financial policies under the Sask.

Party government.

Wall said Saskatchewan would benefit from a different leadership style and voice, although he said by style, he didn’t mean political affiliation such as “moving to the right,” but rather a different perspective while the fundamentals of the Sask. Party, such as commitment to economic growth, would stay the same.

Wall said the point of economic growth “is not for the sake of GDP stats and pie charts, it’s so that we can have a quality of life in the province so the government has a broader tax base [to] reinvest in people.”

He said an example of reinvestment was more group home spaces for 440 individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Regarding Aboriginal matters, Wall said there have been improvements, such as in graduation rates of Aboriginal students and “some modest improvement in the gap of Aboriginal unemployment versus general unemployment,” but said “there hasn’t been enough progress that I would point to with satisfaction.”

Wall became leader of the Saskatchewan Party in 2004, and he was elected premier in November 2007.

The Sask. Party won elections in 2011 and 2016, and polls have shown Wall’s popularity as premier.

Wall attracted media attention by publicly disagreeing with some of the federal government’s deci-

sions, include the carbon tax, the way in which Syrian refugees would immigrate, and the $10.5 million payment to Omar Khadr.

Politicians responded to Wall’s announcement in press releases. ReginaQu’Appelle MP and Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer said in a statement “[Wall’s] record speaks for itself.”

“Under Premier Wall’s leadership, Saskatchewan grew and expanded as never before. Reversing a decades-old trend, Saskatchewan now attracts people from all over Canada and the world, offering jobs, opportunity and growing communities to people from all walks of life.”

Saskatchewan Liberal leader Darrin Lamoureux said the party “wishes to extend our thanks to Premier Wall for his personal commitment and public service to our province,” while denouncing some of the Sask. Party’s decisions.

“After squandering every last dollar of resource revenues during the boom, building costly mega-projects, and being responsible for scandals such as the GTH, we are now faced with the consequences of that government mismanagement, including rising taxes and cuts to critical government services affecting the most vulnerable citizens. Worst, nothing has been left for our province to save for future generations or to begin the transition towards a more diverse, competitive and environmentally sustainable economy.”

Closer to home, the provincial budget in March affected municipalities and school divisions.

Battleford’s Mayor Ames Leslie said he was “shocked, but not surprised” at Wall’s an-

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nouncement, as he said the last provincial election felt like Wall’s “last shot.”

Mayor Ryan Bater of North Battleford said he wasn’t “overly surprised,” as he said 10 years as premier is generally a “benchmark” when premiers reconsider their futures.

Regarding the recent provincial budget, Bater said “it wasn’t good for our city.” Because of provincial budgetary decreases, North Battleford “saw the loss of our payments in lieu that were part of our contracts with SaskEnergy,” among other cuts.

Bater said a new leader won’t affect how city council governs due to council’s commitment to political nonpartisanship, but added that a new premier will have “dramatic impact on the province” because of voters’ tendency to consider party leaders when voting.

When hearing announcements regarding politicians’ personal decisions, Bater said he tends “to think about the person making the decision.

I think the public doesn’t fully understand the commitment that a person in that role has to make.”

Having worked with cabinet ministers, Bater said “I know [the premier’s] responsibilities and they’re massive. They would take a great toll not just on him, but on his family as well.”

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Commentary

Barring the park gates is no long-term solution

By Doug Firby Publisher / Troy Media CALGARY, Alta./ Troy Media - Canada’s national parks are having a big year. It’s both a blessing and a curse.

In July, the parks and historic sites saw nine per cent more visits than they did in 2016, which experienced 24.6 million visits for the year. And that was a big jump from the 23.2 million in 2015.

In one important way, increased park visits is good news: Getting out and experiencing the parks raises awareness among Canadians about the value of wild spaces. New Canadians, in particular, are taking advantage of this year’s free admission and are discovering our country’s breathtaking natural beauty. You could argue that experiencing the wild outdoors is part of becoming fully Canadian - although it’s more authentic in winter at minus 40.

Yet the steady and relentless increase in people coming to our national parks is also changing the very nature of the park experience. One need only wind through the crowds on the main commercial streets in the mountain park towns of Banff or Jasper or stand in line to view the falls at Johnston Canyon to realize the sleepy bucolic days of yore are gone, and likely forever.

On the August holiday weekend, Waterton Lakes National Park did something it had never done before: closed its gates to prevent more visitors from entering. In the view of park officials, the park had reached capacity.

This phenomenon is likely to become more common.

A lot of environmental groups have expressed concern about the effect of Park Canada’s decision to offer free admission this year. The anticipated rush of people into our parks, they fear, will increase the risk of encounters with wildlife - creatures that are already challenged by encroaching humanity.

The popularity of Canada’s parks and protected areas is creating problems that will require more than simply banning people to solve In its recent report on the state of Canada’s parks, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (which, full disclosure, I volunteer for) urged Parks Canada to refocus on its priority mandate of nature conservation. It sounded the alarm over Parks’ increased focus on tourism and marketing, increasing visitation, and revenue generation.

“This shift in priorities has resulted in developments being approved behind closed doors, with inadequate regard for how they impact on parks’ ecological integrity or for public input,” the report stated.

Yet, in spite of the hype over the free passes, I would argue this year is not the big worry. In fact, the number of visits are projected to fall somewhat short of Park Canada’s unofficial estimate of 27.3 million. The bigger worry is the long-term trend, as Canada’s population continues to grow.

One need only look to our southern neighbour to see what the future might look like. Famous parks, like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, are virtual freeways of humanity during the peak summer months. Yellowstone saw 4.3 million visitors last year and Grand Canyon 5.9 million. Total U.S. national park attendance in 2016 was 325 million.

Just south of Waterton Lakes, the U.S. sister park, Glacier, is also experiencing a record year for attendance: one million visits in July alone, and two million so far this year - fully 17 per cent more than at the same point last year. And unlike Park Canada’s “free year”, the U.S. parks are only offering 10 days of free admission.

If the U.S. experience tells us anything about our own situation, it is that as population grows the craving to escape the urban concrete jungle will just keep getting stronger. We need to plan for this onrush of new visitors,

not by barring the gates but by finding ways to manage the onrush. It may be time to consider banning vehicles in more popular park areas and providing shuttle services, for example. And, of course, the number of parks and protected spaces also needs to increase.

Those of us who have enjoyed the solitude of our parks for decades don’t love the idea of having to share them with more people. It’s pretty clear, however, that more people - a lot more - will be on those hiking trails, regardless whether they are promoted through marketing.

This is not just a challenge for Parks Canada. Catherine McKenna, the federal minister of Environment and Climate Change, also needs to devote some of her busy agenda to figuring out how to ensure the next generation of Canadians can enjoy our wild spaces as much as we have.

Veteran political commentator Doug Firby is President of Troy Media Digital Solutions and Publisher of Troy Media. www.troymedia.com

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: Consumers have been warned against negative equity financing. Do you owe more on your vehicle than it’s worth?

• Yes, unfortunately I’ve had to replace my vehicle before it was paid off, but I’m coping.

11% • Yes, and I don’t know how to get out of this cycle.

12% • Yes, my vehicle was totalled, and I am still paying for it!

0% • No, I was tempted, but opted for a less expensive vehicle to avoid extra debt.

1% • No, I wouldn’t even consider it.

44% • No, I pay cash.

32%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll:

Premier Brad Wall announced his intention to retire from politics last week. Were you surprised?

• Yes, I was hoping he’d run again.

• No, he was starting to seem jaded.

• Yes, I thought he was being groomed to run for PM. • No, and I’m happy he’s retiring.

Published since 1905 Becky Doig Editor

A community newspaper published Tuesdays Owned & Operated by The Prairie Newspaper Group LP a division of GVIC Communications Corp.

892 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 (Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the above) Telephone: 306-445-7261 – Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net Personal Delivery Charge — Out of Town $44.29 Plus GST.

Jayne Foster Interim Editor

Valorie Higgs Sales Manager

John Cairns Reporter

Scott McMillan Advertising

Josh Greschner Lucas Punkari Reporter Sports Reporter

Candace Mack-Horton Advertising

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 5

Muskrat Ramble may be last book of poems

By William (Bill) Wardill Kind Sirs and Gentle Ladies, I ask that you do me the honour of reading what might well be my final book of poems, Muskrat Ramble, and thereby discover a strange history told in cadenced words.

I was born on Saskatchewan’s shortgrass prairie in a frontier village named after Sir John Eaton, scion of the T. Eaton catalogue empire. The little village beside the CNR tracks had everything a reasonable citizen needed. These amenities included three churches, five bootleggers, three moonshiners and a house of ill repute. Even as a boy, I was privy to the secret sins that the priests and parsons were tirelessly combatting, I thought the situation was normal, exactly as it should be for a community which aspired to become a prairie metropolis.

I didn’t understand that in and around the little pimple on the prairie

Catalogue available from: Speargrass Specialties Box 298, Eatonia, Sk., S0L 0Y0 Phone: (306) 967‐2910

called Eatonia there were adventurers who had come to Saskatchewan to seek their fortunes and others who had fled to the West to escape from the consequences of their misdeeds.

I was a polite little boy. Regardless of status or reputation, I called every adult male “Mister” and I doffed my cap to every adult lady.

I kissed a pretty brunette with dark Spanish eyes when we were both five.

When the deed was known and punishment meted out by the family court, I swore off women for life. When I was much older, I wrote a poem about her.

There is fertile soil

around Eatonia, and the village itself was fertile soil for the growth of my innate talents. My primary-room teacher nurtured my love for words, music and art. She taught me to absorb knowledge as a sponge absorbs water. She was a blessing.

As I grew in understanding, wide-ranging knowledge gave me an escape route into the world of the imagination. You will see it in my poems that span the time from pre-history to a time which is yet to come. You will see it in my journeys into the history of the British Isles, the Boer War, the

Great War and World War II. You will see it my interest in archaeology and my work as a diviner finding unmarked graves. You will see it in poems about people speaking in dialects and rough vernacular. You will see it in poems about teenagers, sexual desire and young love. You will see it in old sorrows and lasting love. Perhaps you will see the faint outline of the umbilical cord which has always connected me to the place of my birth.

The small town of Eatonia has been my nursery, playground and prison, but imagination can take me instantly into other places and other times. When you take up my book, you go on a journey with me.

As I approach my 90th birthday, there may not be time for a final novel, but if there is, I hope Deana Driver of DriverWorks Ink will usher it into print. Muskrat Ramble is available from www.driverworks.ca and select bookstores.

Leko’s Conservation Corner – Using all terrain vehicles safely Conservation officers often encounter ATVs during our duties in the hunting season and during the summer as well. Many people also participate in riding ATVs in the summer months in a few of our provincial parks.

ATVs are used throughout Saskatchewan for transportation in rural areas, recreational use on trails, and for occupational activities on work sites, farms, and in remote areas.

Unfortunately, ATVs have become the cause of many injuries and deaths in the province. These injuries are not isolated incidents and span across all geographic locations and age groups.

What is really clear is that some people do not know the rules surrounding ATV use, and the damage that the unregulated use of an ATV can have on our environment.

An ATV is a self-propelled vehicle that travels on unprepared surfaces.

How’s that for a broad definition? Examples of an ATV include mini-bikes, dirt bikes and all-terrain cycles, and off-road utility vehicles, including sideby-sides and utility task vehicles or UTVs. Golf carts and snowmobiles are not considered ATVs. The All Terrain Vehicles Act does not regulate the operation of ATVs on privately-owned land or land occupied by the operator or a member of the operator’s immediate family.

The All Terrain Vehicles Act is another piece of legislation that is not a routine part of a conservation officer’s mandate, but it is legislation that we do have the authority to enforce provincially. If you are looking for some good

Conservation Officer Lindsey Leko

advice and information on the use of ATVs, the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is an excellent source of info. The association is run by a group of folks who really care about and enjoy riding.

It is important that riders know the rules as well as the limitations of the ATV they are riding as well as their capabilities and experience. Putting a first-time youth rider on a large powerful ATV may not be the best practice.

I will try and break down some of the rules surrounding responsible ATV use, but if you have any questions, contact the SATVA as they have a wealth of information available to all riders. Remember that this is just a summary, as I do not have the space to cover everything.

Q: Who can drive an ATV? A person must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid driver’s licence. Exceptions are made for operators driving an ATV on private land owned by the operator or by a member of their immediate family.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 15 can operate an ATV in public areas and may cross roads – but can-

not drive on roads – if they have passed an approved ATV training course, or if they are supervised by someone who has held a driver’s licence continuously for the preceding 365 days.

If you are disqualified from driving a car or truck, that disqualification applies and carries over to operation of an ATV or side-by-side.

Q: What equipment do I need?

The operator of an ATV, or any passenger in or on an ATV, must wear a helmet and eye protection, unless operating on private land owned by the operator or his or her immediate family.

Rules of the Road Use care and attention at all times while operating an ATV and have consideration for other persons in the area.

Do not travel at a speed greater than 80km/hr.

Travel a minimum of two metres from the travelled portion of the highway except to cross.

Don’t operate an ATV on a highway, whether on the traveled or untraveled portion (shoulder), or on public land without having liability insurance.

Don’t drive an ATV at night without lights.

Don’t carry a passenger unless the ATV is designed for that purpose.

Ensure that you are wearing seat belts while operating an ATV if they are installed by the manufacturer.

Yield right of way to all pedestrians.

Don’t chase wildlife with your ATV. All firearms carried on an ATV must be unloaded.

Q: Where can I ride?

PRIVATE LAND It is lawful to ride an

ATV on private land with the permission of the owner or occupant.

CROWN LAND You can also drive an ATV on Crown land, including highway right of ways unless there are signs advising otherwise. One key requirement when driving an ATV on public land is to ensure that it is insured.

PROVINCIAL PARKS There are riding opportunities in two Saskatchewan provincial parks that have areas set aside and designated as ATV trails. These two parks are Moose Mountain and Narrow Hills Provincial Parks.

ATV usage on park

land is only allowed on designated trails, as ATV use can cause serious environmental damage such as soil erosion, compaction and damage to vegetation.

ATVs, because of their speed and noise, can also frighten wildlife.

TOWNS AND CITIES Normally, ATV use in these locations is legislated through bylaws. Most centres have bylaws applying some type of restriction, so it is best to check locally.

WILDLIFE LANDS Operation of an ATV on wildlife lands, which are clearly marked throughout Saskatchewan, is unlawful except during hunting season when it is lawful to use

an ATV to retrieve legally taken big game by the most direct route.

Q: Where can I get ATV training for myself and family?

There are many locations in Saskatchewan that offer this type of training.

I found some in a Google search easily, but the Saskatchewan All-Terrain Vehicle Association would be a good reference.

Until next week…keep your rod tip up!

Editor’s note: Ministry of Environment conservation officer Lindsey Leko has spent more than 25 years as a conservation officer in Saskatchewan.

PAGE 6 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Wading in the shallow waters of Plenty of Fish There’s plenty of fish in the North Saskatchewan, but they can’t all be in relationships. Can they?

Plenty of Fish is an online dating site that allows users to create profiles and interact. Based in Vancouver, the site is available in a number of different countries and languages.

Why pick on Plenty of Fish? First, it’s free to look at profiles and you don’t have to sign up for anything. And for what it’s worth, it’s also probably the only dating site my dad is familiar with, because having been married 30 years and with two kids, he’s inevitably had to give the “plenty of fish” talk. I figure if Dad knows about it, other people have to know about it, too.

Online dating is one of those cultural quirks that is stereotypical standup material. Emotions involved include apprehension, bitterness, indifference and annoyance, but if you meet somebody, then it’s all the good things that come with love. Online dating is a reason to hope when things seem pointless, but also a reason to wonder when things are going well. It’s something you don’t really want to care about, but making a profile means you kind of do. It’s a series of contradictions. It’s like playing the lottery. It’s like

Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers, who’s batting barely above .200 but who still has more than 30 homeruns.

Whatever it is, it’s an interesting topic.

How Plenty of Fish works is that users make a profile with photos and info about themselves. A profile is organized with the categories About, Details, Intent, Personality, City, Ethnicity, Education and Profession.

Beneath photos is info about who users are seeking, what for, drinking habits, drugs usage, marital status, children, the longest relationship they’ve been in, and others.

The first line under About, or what Plenty of Fish seems to consider

the most important info about you, shows if you’re a smoker and what your body type is. Horoscopes are included as if they matter. There are also tests available to determine relationship needs, with the answers being accessible from profiles, although a lot of people don’t bother with them. The answers from relationship needs tests that are written as if a counselor wrote them, so the voice doesn’t belong to users.

The first thing to notice about a relationship that started online, which needs to develop organically if it is to work at all, is that it has a selective, artificial introduction. But how else could it be?

It seems that the most competent Plenty of Fish

users are women in their twenties. Cultivating an online presence is something they do everyday.

These accounts often have basic info and a lot of photos, but this demographic has the least at stake.

The most clueless users are often men, of all ages.

Tim Hortons isn’t a hobby.

You listed that you don’t do drugs, but 420 is one of your interests. Your photo includes half the face of somebody that caused you to make a Plenty of Fish profile in the first place.

Most female users seem to deal with the awkwardness of dating sites by either not mentioning it on their profiles, or handling it gracefully. Male users often seem visibly uncomfortable with putting themselves out there. On men’s profiles you’ll also find the range of testosterone emotion, from defensive to aggressive.

And while spelling and punctuation shouldn’t have anything to do with your abilities as a lover (and good writers are often liars), given that online profiles are a written medium, writing counts.

So do arbitrary things like lighting and pixel count.

The target demographic of 30+ is where Plenty of Fish gets interesting.

Here you have people who often have comparatively less experience expressing

themselves online (at least to the extent that they have to impress people) but who have more life experience.

And more pain.

On a lot of profiles in this demographic, you see that users’ longest relationship was 10+ years, that they’re divorced, and with children. These people often seek “long term” relationships, but listing “long term” seems like an all-in bet. You’ll scare gamblers off until someone matches the bet. Saying “I’m in it to win it” is in contrast to the tried and true short term thing that, with discussion and experience, gradually evolves into long term.

This demographic is also where you’ll find instances of startling honesty. A common thing you notice is (the honestly kind of dramatic) “I don’t want drama,” along with way too revealing monologues.

Using an online dating profile to vent achieves the opposite of its purpose.

In this demographic there’s noticeable bitterness. “You don’t usually read this to find out what the person is like since most people lie on here and are usually pretty phoney.” And some ridiculous stories: “because I invite u over one maybe 2 days in a row does not mean u can move in ....holy man!!

What am I doing wrong ??? Lol.” And public con-

fessions: “I’ve done wrong and try fix my wrongs, I was lost and now I’m who I use to be, people who are bad for you often change the person you are yet it’s up to you to let it control you.”

Some profiles unintentionally reveal why a certain person no longer has a partner, why they need a new partner, and why they can’t get a new partner.

Ironically, the people who need Plenty of Fish most are often the least capable of using it.

It’s easy to laugh at some of these profiles, but you have to appreciate the courage that it takes to publicly make an effort to try and improve their circumstances.

Why spend hours looking through Plenty of Fish accounts and writing about it? Because the person I was going to write an Everybody Has A Story on isn’t available until Thursday. But also because it’s got all those human elements of equally hilarious absurdity, confusing contradiction and stark, genuine sadness, all for the search of ultimate joy (until the two people start living together).

So if you’re fishing, either with a net or with napalm, remember: if you jump in, or fall out of the boat, just keep swimming.

RCMP continue to receive complaints of scams in the area Submitted The Battlefords RCMP continue to receive complaints of money scams and frauds occurring in and around the area.

While scammers will often contact random people, the elderly are particularly vulnerable targets.

The following is a list of warning signs to alert potential victims of possible

frauds and scams: • Indicating that you must pay money in order to claim a prize. A prize is free; you should never have to pay anything if you have legitimately won something. Scams will often involve the winner having to pay for a variety of expenses including “legal fees” and other expenses. If you are asked to send and/ or transfer money to an ac-

count or person in relation to winning a prize, this is a major cause for concern.

• Hang up on callers who will not take no for an answer, or spend a great deal of time trying to earn your trust. Often scammers are very fluid and well rehearsed, they are experts at convincing you why you should purchase a particular product or service.

• The caller or sales per-

BDCC Resident Gives Back

son is more excited than you are. They want to build up your excitement so you will not be able to think clearly and will fall for their scam.

• The deal is a limited opportunity or you are pressured to make a purchase decision. Legitimate businesses will give clients time to research and think about the deal.

• If someone comes to your residence, ask to see a business licence. All salespeople are required by law to show proof of proper licencing upon request. If they are unable to provide this, call the RCMP. • Take time to gather information on a product, service or winnings. Reputable companies and organizations will provide their information and contact information so clients can

take the time to research and understand a product or prize.

• Never reply or open suspicious emails. There have been instances of people getting emails from known people only to find that they were hacked and someone is sending you something from a friend’s account. Take the time to read the subject line and if you are unsure send a separate email back to the friend to confirm with them the content of the email.

• If the deal sounds too good to be true it probably is!

Someone requests your private financial banking information or personal information. Banks and reputable businesses do not request this information over the phone or by email.

• Someone claiming to be a person of authority or professional calling and requesting personal or lifestyle questions. They may be trying to deceive you into giving out this information to allow them to steal your identity or money.

While these tips will help a person assess a particular situation, there is nothing wrong with taking time to step back and evaluate the situation. Do not be afraid to ask questions, listen carefully, educate yourself, refuse to be pressured and tell someone (friends, relatives, police).

For more information and tips on how to protect yourself please use the following web link: http://skseniorsmechanism.ca /resources-programs/fraud-cent-toolkit/

Know an exceptional volunteer?

Submitted

Joe Zabalski, a resident of Battlefords District Care Centre, has generously donated a total of $5,500 to several organizations throughout the Battlefords. One particular donation was to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70. Accepting his donation are Legion members Gord Brown and Oral Fladeland. Other donations were made to BDCC’s Resident Council, St. Vital Parish, North Battlefords Food and Resource Centre and Saskatchewan Hospital New Beginnings. Photo submitted

Individuals will have until Oct. 18 to put forward names for the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.

The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal recognizes those whose personal volunteerism helps others, and makes daily life in Saskatchewan better for everyone.

Nominees must be current or former long-term

residents of the province and Canadian citizens.

Nominations are not accepted posthumously.

Groups and organizations, along with members of Parliament, the Legislature or the judiciary are ineligible to be nominated.

Provincial honours, such as the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, are designed to acknowledge citizens for their hard work, generosity and continued dedication to the people

of Saskatchewan. If you know someone in your community who should be recognized, nominate them today!

Selected recipients will receive the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal from the Lieutenant Governor in Regina in the late spring of 2018.

To nominate a deserving individual, or to learn more, visit www. saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 7

No Rain on Battleford’s Parade

Battleford’s Parade took place to much spectacle Thursday. Not included was the News-Optimist float because Chuck Klaassen was out delivering papers. See more photos and information in Thursday’s Regional Optimist. Photos by Josh Greschner

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Those Were the Days

The Western Development Museum’s Those Were the Days was this past weekend. See Thursday’s Regional Optimist for more. Photos by Josh Greschner

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Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 9

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

Phone: 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Heck and Wakelin set to lead North Stars bench

ber of that stand out,” Heck said. “I look at a guy like [current Edmonton Oilers head coach] Todd McLellan, who got his start here behind the bench.

“I’m excited about coming here and my main goal is to provide great entertainment for the North Stars fans.”

Heck, 32, has spent the last four seasons behind the bench of the Camrose Red Wings of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.

During his playing

career, the Forrestburg, Alta. native suited up for the MJHL’s Winkler Flyers and AJHL’s Drayton Valley Thunder before a four-year stint with the Castleton Spartans NCAA Division III program in Vermont.

“I’ve been working as a coach for the last seven years and it was a goal of mine to get to the Junior A level,” Heck said. “The Saskatchewan league fits my style of play, which is a fast and physical style of hockey.

“With Battlefords coming off a league championship, this is an ideal place for someone to come and play for, let alone be involved as a coach.”

After taking over a team that won just one game in the 2012-13 season, Heck led the Red Wings to three playoff appearances and a trip to the AMBHL quarter-finals in 2016.

The program also had eight players from last year’s team selected in the Western Hockey League’s Bantam Draft in May.

“The track record that Brandon has in developing players was something that really stood out for us in the interview process,” Daniels said.

“He did that while working another job and only having a couple of practices a week. It’s kind of scary to think about what he will be able to do with this being his full-time job now and having up to five practices a week.”

Wakelin was actually hired earlier this summer prior to the departure of former head coach and general manager Nate Bedford, who left the North Stars in June to take over coaching duties for the Portage College Voyageurs in Lac La Biche, Alta.

The 26-year-old Battleford product suited up for the team from 2009 to 2012 and is coming off a five-year stint in the Alberta College Athletics Conference with the Augustana Vikings.

“It’s pretty special as a hometown kid who watched the North Stars and ended up playing for them to now be involved behind the bench after stepping away from the game,” Wakelin said.

“As last year was wind-

go.”

The numbers of players at the camp, which will take place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is still being determined as registration is ongoing.

“If it’s anything like the spring camp, we had players signing up right until the last couple of days and we ended up having a record turnout with 66 players,” Berggren said.

The camp will conclude with an inter-squad game Sunday, which is tentatively scheduled to get underway at 2 p.m.

The Sharks are coming off a 7-19-2 campaign and a quarter-final loss to the Prince Albert Northern Bears, who went on to win the Saskatchewan Fe-

male Midget AAA Hockey League championship.

Although only two players left the team to graduation in forwards Jordan Kulbida and Dakota Peterson, Berggren expects the competition to be fierce in the battle to make it on this year’s roster.

“The number one thing we are looking for is good work ethic,” Berggren said.

“We want everyone on the team to have that.

“Obviously you need a certain level of skill to play in this league, but being able to keep up with

the speed of the game is important. Obviously you can’t change the game all of the time, but being fast enough to match up with the other teams is important.”

Once the training camp is complete, the Sharks will hold a number of practices before travelling to a pre-season tournament in Calgary from Sept. 15 to 17.

Their regular season slate will begin on the road against the Melville Prairie Fire on Saturday, Sept.

30, with their first game at

the Battleford Arena taking place on Saturday, Oct. 14 against the Saskatoon Stars.

The Sharks also have a neutral site game on their schedule this year, as they will travel to Wilkie to host the Notre Dame Hounds on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the SaskCan Community Centre.

“We had tried to have a game in Radisson last year but the ice didn’t cooperate with us, so we were eager to try and do it again this season,” Berggren said.

“It’s really cool to go to

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

During the interview process to find the new head coach and general manager for the team, Battlefords North Stars vice president Tanner Daniels heard a statement from Brandon Heck that stood out.

“With his background with the bantam program in Camrose and the adjustments you have to make coming up to a league like the SJHL, I asked him what he would say to people who felt like he wasn’t ready to make that move up to the junior level,” Daniels said.

“He looked me square in the eye and said ‘If you don’t hire me, you are going to regret it.’ When someone makes a statement like that, it’s something I don’t take lightly.”

The reigning Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions officially welcomed Heck to the organization at a press conference Wednesday at the Civic Centre, which also saw former player Boyd Wakelin rejoin the North Stars as an assistant coach.

“When you look at the names that have been here in the past, there’s a num-

Battlefords North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck, left, and assistant coach Boyd Wakelin arrived at the Civic Centre Wednesday morning to begin both of their jobs with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team.

Photo by Lucas Punkari

ing down, I was looking to get involved in a coaching role to stay in the game as I finished up playing. To do that here is really exciting.”

Wakelin is replacing Braeden Johnson, who served as an assistant coach for two and a half seasons prior to his departure in June as he’s gone back to school.

Heck and Wakelin are now gearing up for the North Stars’ training camp, which is slated to get underway Aug. 30.

“We’re going to be sitting down here in the coming days and work out a bit of a game plan especially when it comes to our personnel,” Wakelin said.

“We’ve both been in touch with [assistant general manager] Wylie Riendeau with the trades that been made over the last few weeks, but now we will start the process of making more moves to set the roster.

“It’s a quick turnaround from getting hired to getting the season started,” Heck added. “We don’t want to over think things and we’re going to make sure that we get the right advice from guys like Nate and others as we move forward.”

a community like Wilkie and have a game there to show them what Sharks hockey is all about.”

Sharks gearing up for fall training camp

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

Given how successful the team’s spring camp was in April, Battlefords Sharks head coach Gary Berggren is eager to see what will happen at the Civic Centre next weekend during their training camp.

“We had a ton of young players come out to our spring camp and I expect the talent level to be the same,” Berggren said. “It’s been really good every year that I’ve been here and the talent level has been going up since I came onboard three years ago.

“We still have a few spots on the roster that we will need to fill and I think it’s going to be really exciting to see how those battles

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PAGE 10 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

BATTLEFORDS Bait and Tackle Slywka resigns from role • Broad Head Arrows as North Stars president • Big Game Scent • Elk Reeds Leo Mitchell Road 306-9 3 7 - 2 2 7 5 “YOUR ARCHERY SPECIALISTS”

New Horizons golf update Submitted by Bernie Meisner New Horizons hit the links on Thursday, Aug. 10 for their weekly scramble, with 22 members taking part under sunny skies.

First place was taken

by Harry Zamonsky, Don Murray, Bernie Meisner and Catherine Coats.

Coming second was the

foursome of Brian Jordan, Bob Joyce, Diana Griffiths and Jim Fraser.

The consolation was taken by John Chomyn, Peter Pauls and Connie Carignan.

Carignan also won the longest putt award on the ninth hole to earn a Co-Op car wash.

Meanwhile, Brian Jordan was the closest to the pin on the eighth hole for the second week, possibly due to his new irons.

New Horizons were to return to the North Battleford Golf and Country Cub Monday morning. Details from that round were not known as of press time.

Herback a top player in two provinces Submitted by Jane Shury

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Association are proud to announce the selection of Al Herback of Chestermere Alta. into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Individual Category, Saturday in Battleford.

Herback was born in Kincaid in 1944. He began his baseball career as a 12 year old for the Regina Kiwanis Giants.

The following year he played in the Pony League with the Regina UCT, who went on to win a provincial championship.

He continued through the ranks playing in the midget division with the Regina Little Flower Aces, the juvenile division with Regina Royals and then working his way up to play with the Regina Junior Red Sox. At the same time he played for the Junior Red Sox, he played shortstop with the Senior Red Sox of the Southern Baseball League in 1964.

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Al Herback That year, the Regina Junior Red Sox were the runner-up at the Canadian Championships held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Herback continued to play shortstop with the Regina Red Sox through 1970, when his teaching career took him to Alberta.

During this time, the Red Sox won the Southern League Championship in 1964 and 1969.

Upon arriving in Alberta, he played shortstop with the Calgary Jimmies of the Alberta Major Baseball League until 1976, winning the Southern and Provincial Championships in 1972 and 1976.

Also, in 1976, the Jimmies won the Canadian Senior Men’s Championship.

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After his career ended, he would manage a team from Red Deer, Alta. in 1977 at the Canadian Championships.

As an educator with the Calgary Separate Board of Education from 1970 to 1996, Herback was nominated for excellence in teaching in 1991 and 1995.

In 1982 he was presented with a National Award for Community Leadership.

For the past 40 years, Herback developed and delivered baseball programs for coaches and players throughout Canada, the United States and other parts of the world.

In 2008, he was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as a baseball builder for his many years of service to the sport.

Herback and his wife Gail live in Chestermere, a lake community a short distance from Calgary.

Their two daughters are married and have given them five grandchildren.

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Battlefords North Stars president Troy Slywka addressed the crowd at the Civic Centre during the team’s annual general meeting in June. Photo by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

With their coaching staff now set in place, the Battlefords North Stars will now be looking to fill another hole within their organization.

It was announced during Wednesday’s press conference at the Civic Centre to introduce head coach and general manager Brandon Heck and assistant coach Boyd Wakelin that president Troy Slywka has stepped down from his role with the team.

“His dedication is

something that we’ll all miss around here as he picked up the slack whenever it was needed,” North Stars vice president Tanner Daniels said. “He was on every committee, he was at every event and I can’t think of many games that he missed over the last couple of years.

“What also stands out is just how kind of a guy Troy is. He has time to chat with everybody, hear them out and that level headed approach is something else that we will miss.”

Slywka had served as the North Stars president

for two years.

At the moment, Daniels will be serving as an interim president until the North Stars board of directors holds a meeting during the next couple of weeks to fill the vacancy.

“We don’t want to have a role like that left open for a long period of time,” Daniels said.

The only other vacancy yet to be filled by the North Stars is with their trainer position.

Robbie Tanner left that role earlier in the off-season after two years with the club.

Long time player and coach headed to Hall of Fame Submitted by Jane Shury The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Association is proud to announce the selection of Jim Fink of Regina into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Individual Category, Saturday, Aug. 19 in Battleford.

Fink was born in Vibank, and began playing baseball at the age of 12.

He was both a pitcher and catcher for the Regina Red Sox and the Moose Jaw Regals, who were inducted in the team category four years ago, in the South Saskatchewan Baseball League from 1961 to 1968.

Fink states his most memorable moments in his baseball playing years was playing exhibition games against Satchel Paige and his All Stars during the barnstorming era.

Playing with the Moose Jaw Regals, they lost the game, but when he played with the Krono Braves, they won two out of the three games against Satchel!

During the many years of coaching baseball, Fink attended numerous baseball clinics in Canada and the United States in order to enhance his coaching skills.

Jim Fink He is certified at a Level 3 plus a partial Level 4. He has conducted many Level 1 and Level 2 coaching clinics in Saskatchewan.

After coaching a mosquito division team in North Battleford in 1980, Fink joined the Pacers Baseball Inc. organization in Regina where he coached mosquito, pee wee, bantam and midget teams from 1982 to 1987.

He later became the president of the Pacers and was in that role from 1986 to 1990, before moving on to being the president of the Regina Baseball Association from 1991 to 1996.

In 1990, he was involved in evaluations and the selection of players for the Saskatchewan Selects 18 and under team, in addition to being the lead instructor for Level 1 and 2 technical coaches and player clinics.

Among his coaching accomplishments, he was the head coach for the Sask Selects team that won a

bronze medal in 1992 and a silver medal in 1993.

He was a co-coach on the team that won a gold medal in 1994 and was the head coach for the Pacers Midget team that won the national championship.

For his efforts, he was named the Baseball Canada and Saskatchewan Baseball Association Coach of the Year.

In 1995, he was the pitching coach for the Canada youth team that won the National Cup. Two of the pitchers that Fink coached that year would go on to play in Major League Baseball for the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds.

Fink also coached the Saskatchewan Summer Games gold medal winners in 1996 and had the chance to coach Saskatchewan’s team at the 1997 Canada Summer Games.

In addition to his many years involved with baseball in the provincial capital, Fink was also active in Regina with both football and curling.

He was employed with SaskPower for 36 years, eventually retiring as President.

Fink and his wife Lillian have two sons, Bob and Derek, and continue to live in Regina.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 11

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LINDEMAN: Mass Of Christian Burial for Joseph Carl Lindeman, beloved husband of Genevieve Lindeman, resident of North Battleford, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Church. Memorial donations are requested to Mass Offerings or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com Arrangements are entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service (306-446-4200) __________________________________________________________

OBITUARIES EVANS: The family of Dewey Evans is saddened to announce his passing on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in Cold Lake, Alberta at the age of 77 years. Dewey will be forever remembered and loved by his wife of 55 years Elizabeth Evans; three sons: Curtis Evans of Edmonton, Daren (Tanis) Evans of Fort Saskatchewan, Jason (Catriona) Evans of Camrose; thirteen grandchildren: Amanda (Dan), Krysta (Kendall), Tamara, Raymond (Robyn), Spencer (Tonalee), Gavin, Brett, Alexander, Andrew, Forbes, Crysta (Pasquale) Tyler, Lisa (Ajit); two great grandchildren: Justis, Sydney; one sister: Myrna (Cameron) Day. Dewey was predeceased by his parents: Rose in 2000 & Evan in 1988; son: Gregory in 1965; one brother; Carl Evans.

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday, July 17, 2017 at 10:00AM at St. Dominic Roman Catholic Church, Cold Lake with Father Limneo Zamora as celebrant. Honorary Pallbearers: All A.A. Members. Pallbearers: Raymond Evans, Spencer Evans, Kendall Graves, Andrew Pilat, Phillip Pilat, Ed Machtmes, Gavin Evans, David Croteau. Final resting place, Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cold Lake, AB. Memorial tributes in memory of Dewey may be sent to the Cross Cancer Institute c/o Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2 or Bonnyville Cancer Clinic, PO Bag 1008, Bonnyville, AB T9N 2J7. __________________________________________________

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OBITUARIES MACDONALD: William Roy (Bill Macdonald) 1949 – 2017. It is with great sadness Bill’s family must announce his death on Friday, July 21, 2017 in North Battleford, Sask. Born May 9, 1949, Bill was the son of the late William Roy and Muriel (Flynn) Macdonald. Bill was a jack-of-all trades during his life, working in construction, on farms, in battery companies and just prior to his death he was an employee of Scott Campbell Dodge in North Battleford. Bill was a very active member of the Royal Canadian Legion #9 in Windsor, Nova Scotia and Branch #70 in North Battleford where he organized many activities. Bill was predeceased by both his mom and dad, an infant brother Donald, an infant sister Barbara Ann, sisters Sharon and Kathy and his eldest son William (Little Billy). Bill is survived by his loving wife, and best friend Carol, North Battleford, SK, his daughter Michelle, Castlegar, B.C., his son Michael, sisters Joyce Perrie, Merritt, B.C., and Janet Clare, Windsor, Nova Scotia, and brother Doug Macdonald, Windsor, Nova Scotia, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Sloan Auditorium, Br. 70, Royal Canadian Legion, North Battleford, SK. with Rev. Fred J. Tinio officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Bill’s memory are requested to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 70, 1352 – 100th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0V8. ‘The Song has ended but the melody lingers on’.

Condolences can be sent to mail@battlefordsfuneralservice.com. Cremation and Service arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. ___________________________________________________ GAMBLE: Gordon Gamble, 82, a lifelong resident of the Medstead area, passed away peacefully at the Wheatland Lodge in Leask on July 20, 2017. On August 1, a service for family and close friends was held at the Medstead Lutheran Cemetery. This was followed by a celebration of life held at the Medstead Community Center. The service was officiated by Delores Beaulac accompanied by the fiddle music of John Roth.

Gordon was survived by his immediate family – brothers Dick, Dave, John (Grace), and Keith (Linda) and sister Genevieve (Russel) Works. From his extended family, he is survived by his step children Kathy (Don) Benson, Helen (Sid) Poole, Veronica (Rick) Eyberson and Tom (Philomen) Harty. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, brother Edward, his wife Myrna, stepsons Leo, Frank and Paul Harty and sisters-in-law Lillian and Patti. Gordon was born at Forest Bank, Saskatchewan, to Wendell and Ellen Gamble on December 15, 1934. He was a hard man to catch, and at age 45 married Myrna Harty, after which he continued to live and work on the family farm. Gordon was a quiet man who became well known for some of his pastimes. Many of his passions included farming, sawing on mills (including his own), welding, and creating a variety of tools.

Some of the best garden tools ever designed came from Gordon’s shop. Many will remember Gordon saying, “I think I could make one of those.” In the evenings, Gordon would be often found playing his fiddle. Gordon took pride in having a three year supply of firewood, perfectly stacked, and ready for winter.

In the summer, Gordon loved fishing, camping and working in his vegetable garden. Gordon’s family would like to thank the staff and management of Rose Gill Lodge at Rabbit Lake and the Wheatland Lodge at Leask for the care given to Gordon during his stay there. The Gamble and Harty families would also like to thank Mark and staff at the Beau “Lac” Funeral Home of Spiritwood. Thank you to Delores Beaulac who led the internment and celebration of life. Her heartfelt stories of both Gordon and Myrna Gamble will be cherished. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Medstead High School who helped prepare the hall and the wonderful lunch which was provided by Medstead Lutheran Ladies. Thank you to the Medstead community for their donations and support as well as those who contributed to the charities of their choice. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood (306-883-3500). __________________________________________________

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FRANSOO: Cyril Fransoo passed away peacefully with family July 16, 2017. He will forever be loved and remembered by his wife of 59 years, Madeleine Fransoo and sons Jerome (Heather), Gerard (Alison), Michael (Colais) and Gilles (Marti) and families. Funeral Service was held at St. Joseph Parish July 21, 2017 with Father Nestor Gregoire officiating along with Father Lavoie and Father Afanagide. My grandpa was born on a snowy night on February 17, 1935, and as he would have you know that is the same year that Elvis Presley was born. The story goes that his father spent that night sleeping in the back of a wagon outside of the hospital and woke up covered in 6 inches of snow. After a few days in the hospital, baby Cyril was brought back to the farm, where he would spend the next 62 years in the same yard. Over the next 15 years Cyril was joined on the farm by his 4 siblings, Nestor, Anne-Marie, Elizabeth and Joe. If my grandpa were telling the story of his birth, he would also tell you the legal land descriptions of every quarter section they passed on the way home, an ability he was very proud to display. As a young boy, my grandpa attended McMillan School. As a testament to his work ethics and sharp intellect, school came easily to Cyril. But young Cyril was also a trickster. In addition to scheming to lock out his teacher from the school and putting grasshoppers in the air intakes, he built skiis and a rope out of bail twine and would ski behind a horse and sleigh to school along with his brother Nestor. When his father learnt that he was skiing to school and tried to stop them, my grandpa would hide the skiis down the road so that he could continue on. In grade 9 his mother fell ill and Cyril stayed home to help with his younger siblings. When his mom was out of the hospital, Cyril decided that he was done with school and that he wanted to work on the farm with his dad, despite his teacher trying to persuade him continue on. Reflecting back on his decision to leave school my grandpa said that “if you are good in mathematics you’ll be fine without school, but if you’re poor in mathematics you better stay school”. Over the next number of years Cyril worked on the farm from spring to fall and worked odd jobs in the winter, including constructing the North Battleford post office and assembling John Deere Combines. One day while unloading a combine he got one of his fingers crushed, this would be one of three times in his life that he nearly lost a digit while on the job that I am aware of. Then in 1958 at a dance in Lloydminster, Cyril met his sweetheart, Madeleine Ayotte. Cyril fell head over heels for my grandma and married her on July 10, 1958. On his way to the ceremony with his brother Joe by his side, Cyril got pulled over by the police. Not having the lead foot that his boys have, I assume he was in a rush to spend the next 59 years with the love of his life. Fortunately, he didn’t get a ticket, although the officer held them for a little longer than necessary, and the wedding went off without a hitch and Cyril and Madeleine took off to spend their three-day honeymoon in Waskesiu. Over the next six decades Cyril was devoted to my grandma whom he referred to as his sweetheart. Once they were married it was time for Cyril to have his own house on the farm. His dad gave him a load of barley as a wedding gift, and being the entrepreneur that grandpa was, he used this to trade for lumber that he would use to build their first home.

Over the next 9 years my grandpa and grandma would welcome 4 sons into their lives. First Jerome and Gerard, then came Michael in 1968 and a year and four days later, Gilles. Grandpa was a man who cared deeply about his family. Grandma, or Madeleine, - “his sweetheart” – was his number one teammate. The kind hearted and humble man that he was, he would always tell us that without Madeleine, he would not have achieved the things he did in life. In his precise and analytical words, he said that she deserved credit for “over 50%” of their achievements! He quipped not too long ago: he “always went to Madeleine for advice…. However sometimes he didn’t follow it…. But, that was usually a mistake!” They were a superb team, always having each other’s back right up until the day he peacefully passed. A great example of love, devotion, and commitment for us all to follow. His boys were very important to him as well. Cyril and Madeleine raised them to be hard working, entrepreneurial, kind-hearted, and well-intent. Beyond this, he mixed in much time for fun. From the early days, when the boys were young Cyril and Madeleine would travel with them through the Rocky Mountains to Vancouver Island to the later days where they spent around 10 consecutive years attending the Stampede in Calgary to the more recent years where his boys and their wives would visit him and Grandma in Yuma for some winter time sun; he mixed in a good dose of family fun in between farming! He always made sure he boys and their families were taken care of, whether it was a load of gravel for their farm, or agronomic and financial advice for their businesses or providing supporting words of wisdom and care during the many hardships life always presents. He was extremely proud of who his boys evolved to be. He was especially proud that all of his boys in-the-end continue to farm the land that he and his father first cultivated. Simply put, he was a proud father and he was always there for his boys. In fact, he was a model father. The accepting person that he was, he accepted into his family, with open arms, all of his daughter’s in-law. He too was very proud of them; he cherished them. He was very proud of the supports they provided to the farm and business through-out the years; to the dinners that they brought out to the field for those infamous tailgate suppers to the motherhood they provided to his many grandchildren while his sons were planting or harvesting the crops. On countless occasions would he comments on how lucky he was to have such great daughter in-laws who shared many values with him (work ethic, family values, kindness etc.) and on how great of mothers his daughter’s in-law were. And his daughter-in-law’s reciprocated this love and respect for Grandpa as evidenced by their constant care and support for him through-out the years, and especially through-out his times of sickness. They were there right until his last breathe along-side his boys and his sweetheart. As many of his coffee-shop, or Yuma friends, or other family members would know, he was proud of every single one of his 23 grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very proud of their athletic achievements (to the many hockey, football, volleyball, swimming, boxing, and other sports players in the room); he was proud of the musical achievements (to the violinists, saxophone players and guitarists!); he was proud of their academic achievements (to the lawyers, business, agriculture, and health students, teachers, economists, and policy-makers), and lastly he was proud of his farmers and farmers-to-be. He was proud because it was he and his “sweethearts” influence that we so instrumental in the successes of his many grandchildren. He took pride in the opportunity that he provided to his grandchildren. He took pride in seeing his strong, respectful values shine through his grandchildren. In his own words, it was he and his sweethearts that deserves “more than 50% of the credit” … MUCH more than 50%... for the opportunities and successes that his grandchildren have had a life. To that we say, thank-you Grandpa. Beyond his immediate family, he was also a very strong and caring family man. He was proud of his whole extended family and more importantly he was proud to call them, his. He visited with them often, whether it was trips in his early days up to the “Peace River region”, or the many visits in the sun in Yuma, or the many visits locally around North Battleford and the lake, or the fun times working side-by-side and together, he loved the time he spent with you. I know this because of the many stories he shared with us; he was always positive, proud, and grateful to have the “team” he had on his side. In addition to being devoted to his family and friends, Grandpa was a lifelong businessman. His entrepreneurial spirit was on display throughout his whole life and was something that he excelled at. Grandpa began his entrepreneurial journey in a rather unique way. After getting married he bought a fridge and stove from Sears on credit. At that same time, he attempted to get money from banks to start a herd of cattle, but every bank turned his away. So Cyril loaded up the fridge and stove and headed down to Niagara Finance where he borrows against the appliances once again. This initial loan lead to Grandpa opening a dairy which he operated until 1973. Although he was not in love with cows, Grandpa was always willing to put in hard work if he saw an opportunity. At the same time Grandpa was buying farm land and growing his grain operation, which his sons continue on to this day. Grandpa was a farmer to his core and even had a license plate on the front of his Mercedez that said “born 2 farm”. One day while driving a case one way, Grandma came out to tell Grandpa that a real estate agent had called to see if Grandpa wanted to buy a º just west of where ILTA Grain currently operates along highway 4. By 3 o’clock that afternoon grandpa had got a mortgage at BMO, bought the land and had the transfer executed. Today we call that a º “Omillan’s”. This is just one example of Grandpa jumping on an opportunity when it presented itself. Beyond the farm, Grandpa sought to become further involved in the grain handling business. In 1979 he planted his first crop of lentils and would eventually become a special crop agent for All State Grain.

Grandpa saw great opportunity in the special crop business and as it developed he decided to open a cleaning facility. In 1987 Parkland Pulse was opened and over the next 25 years the business ballooned in size within the province and around the world. When the business was solid in 2012, the Leader Post called Cyril a “pioneer in the Western Canadian special crop industry”, a very fitting description. Overall this was a chapter of Grandpa’s life that he took great pride in. randpa also passed on his entrepreneurial spirit to his children and grandchildren. Grandpa knew that there is no greater freedom than working for yourself, and this is a belief that he certainly impressed upon his sons and their children. And lastly, Grandpa was a community man, and a very social person. Beyond taking good care of his family, he saw it as his duty to make the world around their bubble a better place. Grandpa provided employment opportunities for many through his entrepreneurialism. He was a fair man who treated many of his employees just like family; he viewed their success as his success. Further to this, Grandpa was involved in a long-list of community groups throughout his days. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; he was on many agricultural boards (for example he was the President of the Battleford Milk Producers and the Chairman of the local wheat pool committee, to name a few); he was involved in different political campaigns as a candidate and as a campaign manager; and he was a trustee for the St. Joseph Church throughout his life. Beyond being on formal committees and boards, Grandpa’s smile, kindness, and outgoing personality added to the community around him. He was well known at the local coffee shops in North Battleford and Yuma, Arizona as a frequenter. Anytime that I was with him he always smiled at people and people always invited him to sit down with them for breakfast. His smile and positivity was contagious. This will be missed by not only his family, but by his many friends in near and far away places. Grandpa was also keen on passing wisdom, often by way of saying little sayings. For example, he firmly believed that there were two types of people in this world, leaders and followers, the question being which one do you want to be? Cyril certainly chose to be a leader and engrained that into his sons and grandchildren. He would also say that to many good men rust out and don’t wear out, or that too many good men die in bed. The lesson being, don’t be lazy work hard, something that Cyril certainly portrayed. But above all, Grandpa was an advocate, an advocate for his community, for his friends and most of all for his family. Grandpa was proud of everyone in his life that he was always telling people about their accomplishments and what they were doing in their lives. IF I ever told grandpa something good that happened in my life, he always took such pride that he immediately shared it with whoever was around. What grandpa wanted more than anything was to see his sons and grandchildren be successful in whatever they were doing. And that is perhaps grandpa’s greatest legacy. The people he left behind and their accomplishments and aspirations, and the feeling of pride that he instilled in all of them. Pride in a job well done, and a life. A special thank you to Kinght of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree Honour Guards and all who attended or sent good wishes and intentions for Cyril’s Celebration of Life service. Thank you to Trevor Watts and staff at Eternal Memories for their support and professionalism. Thank you to Dr. Reed and staff at St.Paul’s Hospital (Dialysis Unit). Memorials donations can be sent to St. Paul’s Hospital Dialysis Unit 16320 20th Street W, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0J5 or Canadian Cancer Society 101 - 440 Second Ave. N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2C3.

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Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 13

COMING EVENTS

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”PRICED TO SELL!” 20X21$6,296 Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,097 No Ends Included. 32X35 $9,998 One End Wall Included.

Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-2127036

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Community Events Calendar ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS If someone’s drinking troubles you attending Al-Anon Family Group provides understanding and support. Meetings Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, corner of 15th Ave. & 108th Street. Contacts 306-937-7765, 306937-7289 or 306-441-9324.

Cochin Community Players Cochin Community Players is looking for Actors for its fall production of Drinking Habits 2, “Caught in the Act” by Tom Smith. We require male actors age 25 - 37 years. For audition information please contact Har vey Anderson at 306-445-5315. Many other volunteer positions available.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Come join us any Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 6:45 p.m. for Lawn Bowling. Free lessons. Everyone welcome! Held at 1802-106th Street across from Caleb Village until October 15. Call 306-4458433 for more information.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, August 16 - 18 Northwest Territorial Days iRides & Bracelets now available.

Purchase at Battlefords Ag Society or Innovation Credit Union (limited amount available). Call 306-445-2024 for more information.

Thursday, August 17 & 31

3 weekly newspapers for sale.

Business priced to sell. Owner has other interests. Contact Bob @ 306-272-3262 or 306-272-7796.

Care Giver wanted in North Battleford March 1, 2018. $12.50/hour, 37.5 hours a week plus overtime as required. Permanent Full-time, weekend, day, evening, night, shift work. Credentials: First Aid and CPR. Required skills: Supervise and care for children, Children’s age 2 years and 6 months. prepare meals. Maintain safe environment. Light housekeeping and cleaning duties. MUST PROVIDE RECENT CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK.apply, please send a resume dpoisson@ualberta.ca

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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LEGO Club - Join our Kids’ Lego Club at the North Battleford Library where you can create, build, and use your imagination. Lego provided. 4-5 pm.

Fridays, August 18 & 25 Tales and More - come and enjoy 45 minutes of stories, rhymes and finger plays at the North Battleford Library. For ages 3 to 5 years. Fridays: 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 19 The 33rd Annual Induction of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame at 292 - 22nd Street, Battleford. 4:00 p.m. banquet and reception at the Alex Dillabough Centre. For information and tickets, please call 306-446-1983 or email saskbaseballmuseum@ sasktel.net.

Source: News Media Canada

Saturday, August 19 Green Screen Fun at the North Battleford Library at 2:00 p.m.

Come and play with our new green screen and see yourself in ways you never imagined. All ages. Please do not wear green!

•

Saturday, August 19 33rd Annual Induction at the Alex Dillabough Centre, 421 - 28th Street. Call 306-446-1983.

Wednesdays, July 19 - August 30 Pajama Tales - Join us for drop in story time for children and their families at the North Battleford Library from 6:30 7:00 p.m. Wear your pajamas and bring your favourite cuddly toy.

Ages 2-5.

Mondays, August 21 & 28 Make Believe Mondays - Drop by the North Battleford library story room to have some independent imaginative play! Dress up costumes will be provided. 2-3 pm.

Tuesday, August 22 Come and enjoy an entertaining puppet show at the North Battleford Library from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. All ages. Sponsored by the Lakeland Library Region.

Wednesday, August 23 & 30 Pajama Tales - Join us for drop in story time for children and their families at the North Battleford Library from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Wear your pajamas and bring your favourite cuddly toy.

Ages 2-5.

Thursday, August 23 Makerspace Play Date - Think & play with STEM and STEAM activities; build robots, create video games, explore circuits and more at the North Battleford Library! Alternating Thursdays, 4-5 pm Ages 5-12.

Serafina Energy is now hiring for the following positions: Edam/Meota Facility: • Control Room Operator (3 positions available)

Please visit our website at www.serafinaenergy.com for more

Friday, August 25 Wilkie Museum Movie under the Stars at the Museum, 209 -1st Street East. Double feature starting at 8:15 with “Secret Life of Pets”, followed by “Cannonball Run”. Movie is free, drinks and snacks are available at extra cost, be sure to bring your lawn chair!

Serafina Energy Ltd. is a Canadian, private, start-up, heavy oil company with properties strategically comprised of high-quality, proven, low risk assets. Serafina is currently in the process of designing and building its second 6,000 bbl/d SAGD facility near Meota, SK.

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Saturday, August 26 Summer Send Off - Send off summer with a bang! Perform in our talent show at the North Battleford Library or show off what you’ve made or learned this summer from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

All ages.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

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PAGE 14 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

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food that I grew with my own hands. A student asked me a question a couple of years ago that also came to mind last night. Is the food we produce now as nutritious as the food produced a long time ago. As this student had just turned 20, a long time ago may be rather relative!

Fruits and vegetables grown decades ago were richer in vitamins and mineral than most today.

Modern, intensive cropping has stripped increasing amounts of nutrient from the soil which in turn produces less nutrient rich food. There is a reason why a tomato tended and cherished by a home gardener tastes better than one from a large grow operation.

In my back garden, which is completely grown in containers with a soil mix I make myself, I have a cornucopia of colours, shapes and sizes of many delectable vegetables. Choosing a wonderful blend of the co-

lours of your home-grown food adds compounds called phytochemicals to the diet. These compounds provide a variety of roles to the plant itself but for those of us consuming them, they give us padding against aging, sharpen our minds and protect us from many ills.

Hippocrates proclaimed almost 2500 years ago: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine by thy food.”

We love the idea that food can be the answer to our health and that if we eat nutritious food, we will not need medicine or supplements. How fitting that our medical professionals also concur that if we heap our plates with fresh fruits and vegetable, we will be closer to optimum health.

Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931GROW(4769); by email at growyourf uture@gmail. com or check out our website at www.saskhort.com

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17083MM1

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - PAGE 15

A flag can identify us and show our allegiance The Canadian flag, with its striking red maple leaf, was adopted in 1965.

Before that, the country used the Red Ensign, which included the British Union Jack in one corner, and a shield depicting the royal arms of Canada.

There was a strong loyalty to the Red Ensign, both because many in Canada were proud of their British roots, and because Canadians fought in two big wars under that banner. This allegiance caused adopting a new and distinctly national flag a matter of great debate across the country. Various designs were discussed and rejected, until the present flag was officially adopted. Now, half a century later, we Canadians proudly display our flag, and it’s a recognized and respected symbol around the world.

Flags have had many uses for hundreds of years. Sometimes they are simply decorative.

But they are also used to identify nations. And before electronic means of communication, ships at sea used them both for identification and for signaling. They have become symbols of one’s patriotic allegiance, and a rallying point for armies in battle.

The word flag does not appear in the King James Version of the Bible.

However, there are words

that represent something similar. When the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, organization was important. Each of the tribes had its position in the procession. And when they camped, each tribe had an assigned place.

The Lord commanded, “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting” (Num. 2:2).

When the nation of Israel won a great victory against the Amalekites, Moses set up an altar to worship and praise the Lord (Exod. 17:15). He named the altar The-LordIs-My-Banner (Jehovah Nissi), indicating that the Lord Himself was the standard of His people.

That is, His very presence in the camp of Israel, and His power displayed on their behalf, was what set them apart as His own people.

The Song of Solomon depicts how Solomon fell in love with and married a peasant girl from the hill country of Ephraim. Later, she rejoices in his love, saying, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love” (S.S. 2:4). As far as her earlier social standing was concerned, she had no right to sit at the king’s

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

table. But the identifying sign that she had a claim to do so was Solomon’s love for her.

These examples have a secondary application to Christians. They have to do with who we are, and

what we are. Concerning who we are, “Beloved, now we are children of God” says John (I Jn. 3:2). Not only that, but the evidence that we belong to the Lord ought to be Christ’s character repro-

duced in us, and His love in evidence in and through us. God’s desire and goal is that we might be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29).

As to what we are, we are objects of His love.

“He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [the full satisfaction of His justice] for our sins” (I Jn. 4:10). “Our God and Father...has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace” (II Thess. 2:16; cf. Gal. 2:20).

In 1959, gospel song writer John Willard Peter-

Waiting in or for hope I’ve almost stopped reading, listening to or checking online for the news, a big change for a self-confessed news junkie; I never thought that day would come because frankly, I’ve always enjoyed keeping up with current local, national and international happenings. These days, however, I have restricted myself to listening to the reports just once or twice a day. (Email notices don’t count.)

So why the change?

Simply this: while there always have been bad and difficult things to report,

positive accounts of good news and good things seemed to balance out the challenges. Not anymore.

Political chaos in North America and Europe as well as scorching fires across our province have left me deeply saddened; I want to hear something nice. Something good.

Something uplifting.

This week I read a devotional describing the difference between waiting for hope and waiting in hope. The difference is significant: When life throws us difficult circumstances it’s a whole lot harder to deal with them while looking for hope instead of being able to face them with a hope-filled heart. Waiting for hope to arrive breeds despair; waiting in hope is that expectation of better things ahead.

I’ve said this before but it’s always worth repeating: to walk with Christ doesn’t guarantee finan-

son (1921-2006) published a song called A Flag to Follow. In it, allegiance to a symbolic flag represents our loyalty to Christ.

It says, “I sought a flag to follow, / A cause for which to stand, / I sought a valiant leader / Who could my love command, / I sought a stirring challenge, / Some noble work to try, / To give my life fulfilment, / My dreams to satisfy. / I found them all in Jesus, / The Life, the Truth, the Way, / Beneath His flag I’ll take my stand / And follow Him today.”

cial prosperity, physical healing or instant solutions to all our problems.

What it does do, however, is enable us to face monetary struggles, pain, sickness and every other challenge life throws at us with the calm assurance that God is with us and will enable us to be overcomers.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) PS: Re my need for something enjoyable, good and uplifting, this Sunday morning’s sermon met the criteria.

Worship Together TerriTorial Drive alliance church 1372 102 St 306-445-3009

Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

nd

ANGLICAN PARISH

Notre Dame (RC) Parish Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m.

Sundays - 11:00 a.m.

SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon

St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m.

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

OFFICE 306-445-3836

St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m.

Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Living Water Ministry

Community Baptist Church

1202 - 103 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-446-3077 PASTOR: RON BRAUN

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice.

Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada Phone: 306-445-4338

Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 a.m.

Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson

Everyone Welcome

www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

PAGE 16 - Tuesday, August 15, 2017

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we are now online. all day. all the time.

The Latest Community News is Now Online www.newsoptimist.ca

24/7

Hwy 4 North, North Battleford

Phone 306-445-3300

Toll Free 1-877-223-SAVE (7283) website: www.bridgesgm.com