News Optimist June 13

News

Runway money

Sports

Teddy Bear Clinic Kids and teddies go for checkups in the park

3 Opinion

Letter writer happy with Capitol experience

9 Featured

2

4

Holinaty headed to Ontario

John Cairns’ News Watch: UK election

5

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net

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Volume 109 No. 45

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Relay For Life Back at the Track

After not taking place last year and being held indoors in 2015, the Battlefords Relay for Life event enjoyed a stellar turnout Friday and Saturday in its return to the track in Centennial Park. A total of 15 teams registered for the 12-hour relay, with 89 participants and 116 survivors taking part, along with 431 luminaries sold. The total amount of funds raised for the Canadian Cancer Society was still being tabulated at press time. Photo by Lucas Punkari

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Teddy Bear Clinic prescribes knowledge

By Rebecca Costello Freelance Reporter

When it comes to a visit to the doctor, kids can find it “unbearable,” but thanks to the annual Teddy Bear Clinic, these kids were able to get check ups without the tears.

Coming up to its 20th anniversary, the clinic has seen some large growth according to Kerry Rutley, a volunteer at the clinic for the last 11 years.

“The growth that it’s had has been phenomenal,” Rutley said, “and the information that gets out to families is the key part.”

“We usually expect up to 500 people,” Colleen Sabraw, a chairperson of the event and director of the Early Childhood Intervention Program said. “We’ve had people lining up for a while.”

Shortly before 11 a.m., families had already begun to turn up, and local agencies were well underway to accommodate them in the Library Park in North Battleford.

“When it started it was in a really small building,” says Stacey Shane, volunteer. “I think we figured about 2006 is when it started growing into 25, over 25 agencies, so it’s been amazing how the community has grown.”

Though warnings for a turn in the weather were expected, the event was safely underway – with a turnout of 29 agencies.

With a theme of “I have the right to learn,” children had the opportunity to explore different games, get health checks, and visit the Teddy Bear Doctors who made their way out from the University of Saskatchewan’s Family Medicine Residency Program.

Agencies involved with the event were: Children’s Advocate; Immigration Resource Centre; Sask-

atchewan Prevention Institute; Child Find; KidsFirst Outreach and Catholic Family Services; Sexual Assault Centre; Public Health Nursing; Dental Health; Pre K-Early Childhood Education LSSD and LOCSD; Early Childhood Intervention Program; Public Health Nutritionist; Midwest Food Resource Project; Kids First Home Visiting Program; North

Battleford Public Library; Parent Mentoring Program and Kids First; Crimestoppers; Battle River Treaty 6; PNHR Health Promotion; City of North Battleford - Leisure Services; Jumpstart; PNHR-Therapies; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Boys and Girls Club; Canadian Red Cross; RCMP; Victim Service; WPD Ambulance; and the North Battleford Fire Department.

Bob Gristwod registering Ethan and Eli for a day of fun at the Teddy Bear Clinic.

See more photos in the gallery section of www.newsoptimist.ca.

Morrison (right) and Paige (left) rallying on at the day’s event. Photos by Rebecca Costello

Andy and Tyler Veardy keeping score at bean bag toss with Madison Harbour.

Caden and Abigail with their mom Joy bring their teddies to get better.

Teddy bear doctor’s Kent Woodworth and Stacy Shane are ready to help.

Sarah, Olivia and Gavin Whitbread with Theo Obresk patiently wait to catch some toys.

CANADA’S F-150 E V E N T

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VISIT YOUR PRAIRIE FORD STORE OR FINDYOURFORD.CA Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers only valid at participating dealers. Retail offers may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. For factory orders, a customer may either take advantage of eligible raincheckable Ford retail customer promotional incentives/offers available at the time of vehicle factory order or time of vehicle delivery, but not both or combinations thereof. Retail offers not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). * Until June 30, 2017, receive 0% APR purchase financing on new 2017 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 300A or F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 600A for up to 72 months, to qualified retail customers, on approved credit (OAC) from Ford Credit Canada Company. Not all buyers will qualify for the lowest interest rate. Example: $38,229 (after $3,775 down payment or equivalent trade-in, and Manufacturer Rebates of $3,750 deducted and including freight and air tax charges of $1,900) purchase financed at 0% APR for 72 months, monthly payment is $532 (the sum of twelve (12) monthly payments divided by 26 periods gives payee a bi-weekly payment of $245), cost of borrowing is $0 or APR of 0% and total to be repaid is $38,229. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase financing price after Manufacturer Rebates have been deducted.

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Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with qualifying customer. Offer amount may be used as a down payment or received as a rebate cheque from Ford of Canada, but not both. Taxes payable before offer is applied. Offer is not combinable with CPA, GPC, Daily Rental Allowances, Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP) (unless it is CFIP with eligible FIN), Commercial Upfit Incentive Program, and with other targeted offers. See dealer for details. No reproduced certificates will be accepted. ©2017 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 3

Centennial Crescent fire ‘under investigation’

Police are investigating a fire that occured on Centennial Crescent in North Battleford last week. Photos by Josh Greschner

By Josh Greschner Staff Reporter

Little additional information is currently available regarding the fire that happened Thursday on Centennial Crescent.

The News-Optimist was aware of the fire around

4:30 p.m. One house was nearly burned completely and the house beside it had started. A number of spectators gathered around the houses to witness the fire.

Fire Chief Albert Headrick said Monday two houses were involved, along with the garage and

truck on the property that was most damaged.

The fire department often issues press releases regarding local fires, but they had not done so at the time of publication.

“Press releases are from us in regards to our response,” Headrick said,

“but after the investigation, if it’s undetermined, or if we bring another agency in, and if it falls within their perimeters, they take responsibility for it.”

Headrick encouraged the News-Optimist to contact the RCMP. He said “All we do is

assist them in their investigation. They do additional interviews and stuff like that to make their determination.”

From the firefighters’ perspective, Headrick said containing the fire “went quite well.” He said the resources were able to get

there in time and no lives were lost. He added that a dog survived in the basement for three hours.

The RCMP said Monday the situation was “under investigation” but had no further comment at the press time. A press release is expected to be issued.

The announcement was made at Cameron McIntosh Airport by Battlefords MLA Herb Cox and North Battleford mayor Ryan Bater Wednesday.

The $275,000 from the province represents the maximum amount available to a community under the program for this year.

North Battleford had already approved funding in the amount of $550,000 towards this project for 2017, for a grand total of $825,000.

This is the second year of the four-year runway project, which this year will see the middle portion of the runway resurfaced.

Almost half of the main

runway was resurfaced last year, and the plan is for the entire 88-foot strip to be completed this year.

If the CAP program continues in future years, the intention is for the sides of the runway to be done in future years.

The project has had the full support of council.

“As a council we discussed this project and the airport at length,” said Bater. “This project had the unanimous support of all of council back when we were doing our budget.”

The council had been waiting for confirmation of provincial funding, and in particular, whether the CAP program would be

continued in the province.

Now that funding is secured, they can begin the tendering process, said Bater. Once they get bids, they will have a better idea about timelines for construction.

“This is a very exciting day for us”, said Bater. “We’ve been waiting to hear first to see if the program would be continued but second to see if we would be approved.

So thank you very much, Herb, for the announcement, today, and it’s just a great day.”

In total, North Battleford has received $924,293 in CAP funding for various projects over the last

10 years, with the province receiving $6.3 million in total.

Among the work done over that time at the airport was runway edge lighting improvement, a pavement condition survey, airport terminal roof and terminal building renovations, crack repairs, storm sewer work, and capping of the taxiways.

“This airport is very important not only to the Battlefords but I think to the whole part of the Northwest,” said Cox. “As someone who has had occasion in the past to fly in and out of this airport every week on the way back and forth to Regina,

we realize the importance of this airport.”

The airport mainly handles private aircraft as well as the STARS Air Ambulance service. According to numbers Bater provided, on average the airport sees 7,670 aircraft a year including 480 business charters, 2,600 local recreational flyers, 1,500 itinerant users, 2,000 crop sprayers and 490 Medivac/ air ambulance/STARS. “The economy of not just our city but the town and the region is largely based on our status as a transportation hub,” said Bater.

“This airport is a huge part of that.”

Province confirms $275,000 for NB runway

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The provincial government has confirmed $275,000 in funding towards North Battleford’s runway rehabilitation project.

North Battleford is one of 15 community and regional airports receiving provincial funding from the province’s Community Airports Partnership program, grants that are costshared on a 50/50 basis between the provincial and municipal governments up to a maximum amount. A total of $700,000 in CAP funds have been approved for airports province-wide.

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Commentary

The beautiful, reaffirming cycle of kindness Being kind to others doesn’t mean we agree with them. It means we’re confident in who we are and aren’t threatened. It means we understand the big picture.

By Gerry Chidiac

Columnist , Troy Media

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C./Troy Media/ - The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

Kindness is indeed a powerful force. Regardless of how talented we may be, kindness increases our value.

Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is bound for the Baseball Hall of Fame - for his ability as a player and his cordiality toward others. Opponents talk of how he would walk up to rookies who had just made it to second base and say, quietly and inconspicuously, “Nice hit, kid.”

To those new in their role as major league players, this meant the world. It also set a precedent. If one of the greatest in the game could be gracious, why couldn’t everyone?

There are tremendous benefits to being kind. While we may think that those who act this way are more likely to be taken advantage of, research shows they’re actually more effective. And Jeter was arguably the best player of his generation.

Practising kindness leads to better performance. Students who regularly volunteer, for example, have better grades. Companies that gave assistance after the Indian

Ocean tsunami in 2004 saw unexpected rises in their stock prices.

People who are good to others also tend to have better health, better relationships and overall happier lives than those who don’t.

Why, then, would anyone be unkind?

According to social psychologist Nathan Heflick, “Insecurity over ourselves drives much of the cruelty in the world.” When individuals feel threatened, they tend to respond with unkindness. The same holds for groups of people.

Perhaps this explains the rise of militancy among “social justice warriors.” These are people who sincerely want to see positive change in the world but respond with anger to those who have conflicting views, even threatening their right to express their opinions. In a democratic society, this is dangerous.

Being kind to others doesn’t mean we agree with what they say or do. It means we’re confident in who we are and aren’t threatened. It means we understand the big picture.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” When we comprehend this truth, we know we can stand firmly for what we believe is right and yet listen to the views of those who don’t agree with us. We’re aware that the outcome of respectful dialogue will “bend toward justice.”

It’s the same on an individual level. As a teacher, I know the first ingredient in an effective classroom is a positive relationship with my students. People need to feel safe in order to learn. Effective routines, rules and logical consequences are essential in establishing this environment, but so is kindness. The way that I treat others not only helps them to feel secure, it establishes a precedent, much like Jeter’s presence on a baseball field, and it allows learning to take place.

When we know we’re loved unconditionally, we have the confidence to try, like a baby who falls down a thousand times in learning to walk. Confidence rises out of kindness from others, as well as benevolence toward ourselves. This self-assurance also allows us to be kind.

It’s a beautiful cycle.

There will always be those who feel threatened and try to hurt others. Each of us will feel insecure from time to time.

Our mistakes, however, don’t define us.

We’re at our best when we’re kind and it’s our kindness that moves the world forward in a positive light.

Gerry Chidiac is an award-winning high school teacher specializing in languages, genocide studies and work with at-risk students. www.troymedia.com

Letter

Enjoyable time at the movies Dear Editor I was able to attend my first movie locally in several years in the newly renovated Capitol Theatre. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Wonder Woman on Tuesday night in a theatre that is completely transformed into a first class facility. Screen, sound, seats, concession and courteous and attentive staff were outstanding.

Compliments to the owner and management of Magic Lantern Theatres for having the confidence and ability to restore this iconic theatre and to city officials who were able to broker this development. You have restored my faith and commitment to movie-going and with pleasure I will resume my long awaited weekly movie habit.

John Yarske North Battleford.

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the NewsOptimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or e-mailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

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.

Alana Schweitzer Publisher

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 5

Election night in the UK - not like anything here As I write this I am anxiously awaiting the first results of the British general election.

As a political junkie, I like to follow elections around the world, not just here in Canada. The ones that interest me the most, though, are from countries that are big into democracy and who really get into their elections. Places like the United States, France and, of course, Britain.

Part of the reason I like following the British elections is because their coverage is extensive and lasts for hours. The coverage from the BBC is obviously not to be missed, with David Dimbleby presiding over at the anchor desk for what is the umpteenth time.

But the thing that always strikes me about election night coverage in the UK is how different it is from over here on this side of the world.

They start off at 10 p.m. local time with results of their “exit poll,” which nobody in the UK takes seriously because quite often it turns to be flat out wrong.

Then there is the wait for the first results to come in. Then, when the results are known, out comes the “swingometer” to predict how the national swing is going, and how many seats one party or another is going to pick up.

It’s very exciting and they really get into it. But they do things in a very unique way on election night in Britain compared to our continent.

Here in North America, on election night you have rolling reports of poll-bypoll results as they come in, and the networks then calculate the numbers and figure out who is winning.

When it becomes clear who the winner is, the news organizations make their projections.

Meanwhile, the candidates are back at their committee rooms or victory celebrations, watching the results come in. When a winner is known, the losers will either telephone the winner or personally go over to the winner’s office to congratulate them.

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net And everyone will go to their various campaign victory parties to publicly accept victory or concede defeat.

That is not how election night transpires in the UK! Over there, what they do is take all their polling boxes in a constituency to some central location to count all the ballots. Then they lock the doors and nobody knows how the count is going until they come out and an-

nounce it.

When they do make their “declaration” of the results, as they call it over there, they do this on a big stage with all the candidates standing up there waiting to hear the results, wearing their various party ribbons.

And it really is a gong show. Yes, you have the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, and other party candidates standing up there, wearing their blue and red and yellow ribbons. But you’d also have these fringe nuts from the likes of the “Monster Raving Looney Party” and other silly and bizarre groups, all of whom ran in the election just to get laughs!

These people would stand there in their silly

costumes, looking like they’d all been rejected for membership in Monty Python.

Anyway, after keeping everyone in suspense all night, they then announce the full result and declare that so-and-so has been “duly elected” for the constituency, and then the candidate goes to the podium to give his or her speech in front of everyone.

It’s a great setup if you win, but it’s pretty

humiliating if you are a losing candidate. I remember the 1992 election and seeing the pained look on the face of MP Chris Patten who was standing there as they announced the result in Bath. He had been chairman of what turned out to be the winning Conservative campaign, and yet he went down to defeat.

Anyway, it all turned out well for Patten in the end. He was appointed governor of Hong Kong and got to preside over its big handover to China. But enough of that...

Bottom line is, in British elections, when they show the results for the parties at the bottom of the screen, it’s always for seats that the parties have actually won. American

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elections actually do sort of the same thing: they run tallies of party standings or electoral votes based on projections on who has actually been projected to have won, not simply leading.

But here in Canada, they do election night completely differently from other countries. They include both “elected” and “leading” in their running tallies, which is deceptive because leads can and do swing back and forth in various ridings.

The other thing is that Canadian news organizations don’t wait until a party hits that magic number of seats needed for a majority. Instead, they will project a “majority government” before half the seats are even in, taking away most of the suspense of the evening.

A few times, these quick decisions have come back to bite the TV networks. I remember the Saskatchewan election of 1999 when the networks were quick to declare an NDP majority government on the basis of these early results, only to say at the end of the night, “Oops, sorry! They only got a minority.”

This makes election night kind of frustrating to watch in Canada most of the time. In fact, back in the old days they would black out the election night coverage on TV in Western Canada until 8 p.m., when the polls would close.

Remember that? While people in Saskatchewan would be stuck watching situation comedies or something stupid on TV, waiting for 8 p.m., they would be counting the votes out East and the networks would be declaring who would form the government! So, by the

time Saskatchewan joined the election night coverage, it was always all over at 8 p.m.

“We want to welcome everyone in Saskatchewan to our coverage, but we called a majority for Pierre Trudeau about 20 minutes ago.” Thanks a lot, eh?

Since then, elections in Canada have been

changed so that polls close across most of Canada at around the same time, so that the West won’t feel slighted when eastern Canada chooses a government.

Anyway, that’s my rant about election night coverage in Canada and other parts of the world. Now, if you will excuse me, it’s time to tune in the BBC.

News-Optimist.ca Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: What is your reaction to the re-opening of the Capitol in North Battleford?

• The renovations are a hit! Moviegoing is back in North Battleford!

54% • The renos are good, but it’s one movie a week. We need more screens!

20% • I’m still going to Saskatoon for movies.

7% • I’m staying home to watch movies on TV! 10% • I prefer other forms of entertainment.

10%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: How do you think the Saskatchewan Roughriders will do in 2017?

• They’re going to do nothing. Too many familiar faces gone!

• They might get to .500.

• They’ll have a winning campaign.

• The Riders will win the Grey Cup!

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca Follow Battlefords News-Optimist on Facebook and BfordsNewsOpt on Twitter

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PAGE 6 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

BiiG lunch in the park promotes inclusion

Central Park was the scene for Lunch in the Park, put on by Battlefords Interagency Inclusion Group as a way to promote inclusion in the community.

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

There were plenty of hot dogs, drinks and ice cream for the public Thursday during the noon hour in Central Park, at an event to promote inclusion.

Lunch in the Park was sponsored by BiiG - Bat-

tlefords Interagency Inclusion Group.

According to Susan Goll, associate executive director of Battlefords Residential Services Inc, “this is all about growing our community through inclusion.”

BiiG itself is a grassroots organization that

has formed with the participation of a number of agencies getting together, including BRSI, Battlefords Trade and Education Centre, Catholic Family Services, Canadian Mental Health Association and Prairie Employment Program.

Their mission is to

Plenty of hot dogs and ice cream was available and there were also flowers available for people to take with them and plant in their flowerbeds at home. Photos

by John Cairns.

spread the inclusiveness message.

“We looked at services and what was in the community,” said Goll, and “we realized that there needed to be some more inclusiveness happening, to make sure that people that we work with, people with disabilities, people

with mental health issues, things like that, that they are included with everything that’s going on in the community.”

The goal of the lunch was both to promote inclusion and make people more aware. Food was free of charge to everyone attending.

There was also an opportunity for people to “grow the community” by planting flowers. Flowers were available for people to take home and plant in their flowerbeds, or in the community flower bed, as a way to help spread the message.

Tent caterpillars invade City of North Battleford

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

It sounds like a bad science-fiction movie, but an influx of creepy-crawly invaders have indeed arrived to take over North Battleford.

The invaders are tent caterpillars, and not only is the city seeing them, but so is the rest of the province.

According to communications co-ordinator Robert Oberlander of North Battleford City Hall, they are noticing an increase in the caterpillars this year.

“They’re sort of migra-

tory, but the way they’re moving about, when they’re in your area, they’ll exist (and) they’ll stay in the same area for three to six years.”

This appears to be the second year of the migration. Oberlander said they were in Saskatoon last year as well.

According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, these outbreaks occur every 10 to 15 years.

The caterpillars are a real nuisance.

“They do not kill trees but they do defoliate them,

and foliage should grow back,” said Oberlander.

“The only way a tree would die from their defoliation is if the tree were already under duress in some way, shape or form.”

The tent caterpillars prefer to eat ash and chokecherry tree leaves, but will consume other tree leaves if those aren’t available.

The city is offering some tips to local residents.

Because tent caterpillars are considered a nuisance and do not pose a threat to the lives of the trees, there is no spraying program for

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tent caterpillars.

Howeve r, the city is encouraging residents to use a product containing Bacillus Thuringiensis Kurstaki (BTK) to safely kill the tent caterpillars on their property.

This product can be purchased at local hardware stores and will not harm other insects or damage trees or plants.

In their news release, the city also cites Poulin’s Pest Control Service which suggests homeowners can use different types of pesticides, but great care should be taken when spraying

with these products.

Oberlander is encouraging people to follow these tips and to “not do anything reckless” that could endanger the tree or the community.

If the caterpillars do prove to be too much of a challenge, Oberlander advises calling up the pest control service to deal with it.

Anyone with any further questions or concerns about tent caterpillars are free to contact the City’s Urban Forestry Department at 306-445-1748.

306-445-3757 10020 Thatcher Avenue, North Battleford

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 7

Nominations open for 2017 BBEX awards Staff

Nominations are now open for the 2017 BBEX Awards.

The date of Oct. 3 is set for the 24th annual awards, which will again see eight categories: New Business Venture, Customer Service, Mar-

keting, Micro Business, Heritage, Community Contribution, Battlefords’ Best Employer and Business of the Year.

The new process for naming Business of the Year will continue in 2017. This format sees the award going to one busi-

ness from the entirety of the finalist list in the 2017 six open categories.

This is also the third year a Battlefords’ Best Employer category is being included. The application kit for this category will require employee testimonials that organiz-

ers say will add a new and different component to the program.

Nomination kits are now available at http:// www.battlefordschamber. com /connection / bbex. html. Deadline for nominations is July 31. Kits can also be picked up at

the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce offices at the junction of Highways 16 and 40 North Battleford, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (the office is closed during noon hour).

Finalists should be known by Labour Day

with winners in seven categories announced on Oct. 3 during the gala event and award ceremony. The Heritage Awards recipient will be announced when the nominations become known.

Tickets will go on sale beginning Aug. 28.

Quilting classes with a twist, through the window Submitted

River’s Edge Quilters held the last regular meeting of the season May 5.

Since the last report, two classes have been held: Twisted Bergello and Through the Window. Both classes were instructed by quilters from outside our community and were well received by those who participated. Many beautiful items were produced and proudly shown during the Show and Tell portion of the regular meeting. All are anticipating a year-end function with supper and a Trunk Show of items made by our members.

Although meetings are not held over the summer months, members will continue to sew on regularly scheduled days to meet the Canada 150 Challenge. To date, quilters have completed nearly 30 per cent of the required number of 150 quilts. Great job for a great cause! This challenge is a means of “Giving Back

to the Community” by donating quilts in support of various charities, organizations and groups. Any extra bits and pieces of fabric will be assembled into “Pet Mats” for the local animal shelter.

R.E.Q. invites anyone with passion for sewing and a desire to learn about or to share your knowledge about quilting to join our group. Meetings will resume on Sept. 1. Yearly membership fees are reasonable and entitle one to many opportunities to learn, share, sew and visit in a warm, friendly environment. More information may be obtained by contacting Leslie at 306937-7471 or Irene at 306937-3318.

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PAGE 8 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

More community support for capital program

NB auto dealers gives to Every Little Bit Counts Submitted

Patients seeing Dr Awobem, the new ENT

Dr Awobem, the new ENT specialist in North Battleford. Photo submitted

specialist in North Battleford, can be grateful for generous donors like the NB Auto Dealers Asso-

ciation for giving $1,000 for the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation’s Every Little Bit Counts capi-

Left to right: Bob Kenny, representative from NB Auto Dealers Association, presenting a $1,000 cheque to Claudette McGuire and Shannon Englot of the BUH Foundation. Photo submitted

tal campaign, in support of new ears, nose and throat surgical equipment. Having an ENT specialist in the Battlefords means one doesn’t have to travel out of the region for appointments or be on a year-long waiting list to have surgery.

It means patients can have the very best healthcare here closer to home.

The On Air for Healthcare Radio-thon supported the purchase of new equipment for the ENT surgical suite at Battlefords Union Hospital operating room.

To date this campaign has raised over $205,000, putting the foundation that much nearer their fundraising goal of $380,000.

To donate, please go online to www.buhfoundation.com, call 306 446 6652, mail to Box 1358, North Battleford S9A 3L8 or drop by the foundation office.

Malcolm Anderson says farewell to Gold Eagle Lodge

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

After nine years as general manager at Gold Eagle Lodge, and a lifetime in the hotel industry, Malcolm Anderson is taking on a new challenge: that of retirement.

His last day of work at Gold Eagle Lodge was Friday, June 2.

“At 5 o’clock they physically threw me out of the building,” Anderson joked.

On Tuesday, June 6, a come-and-go retirement social was held at the hotel, which allowed Anderson’s many acquaintances from the business and tourism sectors, among others, to drop by to personally pay their respects and wish him well.

While Anderson is no longer working full-time, he will be busy. His wife Linda has been in ill health and so he is taking on a new role, as a full-time caregiver at home.

But it’s not something he will have to go through alone.

“This community, with its help home care program, has been just amazing,” said Anderson, who said they “have been just absolutely phenomenal to us.”

Anderson wraps up a career in the hotel industry in Alberta and Saskatchewan going back half a century.

Just recently, Anderson said, he had been listening to a radio program which noted it was the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ al-

bum “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.”

“I had the very first copy of that working at Chateau Lake Louise that summer 50 years ago,” said Anderson.

“It was a summertime job while I was going to hotel school. But I thought, holy mackerel! I’ve been at this game for a long time.”

His career took him to Sunshine Village, the Calgary Inn (on the management training program), and then the Hospitality Inn, a hotel on Calgary’s south side in which he was involved in building “literally from a hole in the ground.”

From there he went to Jasper, where he ended up spending 19 years running the Chateau Jasper.

Friends, colleagues and members active in business and tourism in the Battlefords paid their respects to Malcolm Anderson, right, last Tuesday at a reception in recognition of his retirement as general manager at Gold Eagle Lodge. Photo by John Cairns

Anderson moved into semi-retirement after that, including some time in food inspection and with the Cowboy Trail Tourism Association (promoting the scenic Highway 22 in Alberta), when he got a call “out of nowhere” offering him the job at the Gold Eagle Lodge.

He particularly credited Battlefords Tribal Council and Russ Brown for their support of him over the years.

“I had never worked for somebody I had so much respect for right off the get-go,” said Anderson of Brown. “He gave me a lot of freedom.”

It was during that time that they released themselves from the management contract with Airline Hotels when it came up, with Brown and the ownership putting their faith entirely in Anderson to run the hotel.

“He had that kind of

faith in me to carry the ball by myself,” said Anderson.

“I love sports, so when a coach hands you the ball like that, or whatever the game is, you go out there and do the absolute best for him, and I believe I did.”

During his time in North Battleford Anderson has taken an active role on a number of boards, serving as a director on the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.

Most recently, he was chair of the board of Destination Battlefords, a role he relinquished this year with his retirement.

Anderson plans to stick around the Battlefords for the immediate future. He said he “loves the community, loves the people of the community,” and called his time here an “awful lot of fun.”

But about a year ago, after he turned 70, Anderson realized it was time to retire.

Anderson leaves Gold Eagle Lodge with pride about the hotel’s accomplishments. The hotel and its staff have won or been nominated several times for quality or customer service awards over the years, including the Battlefords Business Excellence (BBEX) Awards, Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence, and others.

“I think if you talk to anybody that knows me they’ll tell you I’m the most competitive S.O.B. there is,” said Anderson, who admits it’s these sorts of honors that have driven him over the years.

“I love competition. So, everything I ever did was a bit of a competition, but at the same time I always wanted to give the absolute best experience to a guest,” he said. “Give people a great experience, and they’ll spread the word.”

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 9

Lucas Punkari

Sports Reporter

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Holinaty commits to UOIT Ridgebacks

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

As the Battlefords North Stars were holding their year-end banquet last month, graduating forward Keaton Holinaty was given a heads-up from head coach and general manager Nate Bedford that he would be getting a phone call in the coming days.

“He came up and told me that a university team was showing some interest in having me play for them next year,” Holinaty said.

“That next day, I got a call from Curtis Hodgins and everything went from there.”

On Wednesday, it was announced that the 21-year-old from Hardisty, Alta. will be suiting up for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks in U Sports starting this fall.

“I’m really excited about it,” Holinaty said. “It’s one of the best leagues in the country and I’m ready to move up a level and take on that challenge.

“It’s a different part of

Keaton Holinaty, left, and Coby Downs flew past the Battlefords North Stars bench following a goal against the Weyburn Red Wings in this year’s SJHL playoffs. Photo by Lucas Punkari

the country that I’ll be going to for the first time, and that’s something I’m also looking forward to.”

Hodgins, who is entering his third season as the head coach for the Ridgebacks, said that Holinaty came on his radar a little over a month ago following a chat with Bedford.

“Nate and I go way back as he was playing in the OJHL (Ontario Junior Hockey League) when I was coaching there,” Hodgins said. “He spoke really highly of Keaton and he fits one of our biggest needs as a right-handed centreman, which is some-

thing we haven’t had in our lineup since I took the job here.

“After talking to Keaton and pouring over video highlights, his 200-foot game stood out for me. I know that’s a bit of a cliché, but the way that he plays all over the ice is very impressive.”

For Holinaty, who will be studying business at the school based in Oshawa, Ont., the opportunity to join a program that is moving up in the Ontario University Athletics conference is something that intrigued him.

“The team’s been

Batey a long time supporter of baseball Submitted by Jane Shury The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Association is proud to announce the selection of the late John “Jack” Norris Batey, to be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, individual category, on Saturday, Aug. 19 in Battleford.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario on Nov. 25, 1894, Batey lived most of his formative years in New England finishing school in Duluth, Minnesota. He excelled in sports and at the age of 15 he was a catcher for a Senior City League team. In 1912, the family moved to Asquith, where Jack proved to be an outstanding baseball player, especially as a catcher for Senlac and Macklin.

Legend has it that due to his sharp reflexes and strong arm, his teammates could always count on Batey throwing out any runner on base and blocking even the wildest pitch, as well as hitting a long ball to get them out of a batting jam.

His years of participation and contribution to

Jack Batey Saskatchewan baseball as a player were mainly from 1912 to the 1920s.

In the early 1950s Jack was invited to umpire in the North Battleford League. Thereafter, he followed the game religiously as an umpire.

Another of his religiously followed pastimes was that of keeping statistics of the World Baseball games. These finely-tuned record books are still in

evidence in his daughter’s home. Batey‘s contribution to baseball came during the pioneering days of the province when travel was by railway and not too many people had cameras.

Any records that may have been kept are difficult or impossible to locate.

Ken Scott, 99 years old as of June 2017, recalls Batey as an umpire. Sadly, Jack’s days as a phenomenal catcher were all but over when Ken became a teenager and a ball player.

Gladys Crich, 85 years of age, revealed that her late husband Art was also baseball crazy in his youth and early adult years and spoke often of Batey’s prowess as the best catcher in the area.

Batey served in World War I and was a member of the Macklin town council.

As a community minded citizen, he volunteered and belonged to, and participated in many Macklin organizations. He also established his athleticism as a legendary curler, refereed hockey games and never missed an opportunity to “support the boys.”

Jack died March 9, 1973, in Macklin.

improving every year since they joined the league about a decade ago,” Holinaty said. “It really feels like a program that’s still relatively new compared to the rest of the league.

“They set a franchise record in wins (18) a couple of years ago and they are starting to put together the pieces to have a bit of a legacy there, which I want to be a part of.”

The Ridgebacks had a 16-11-1 record last season and lost in the first round of the East Division playoffs to the Concordia Stingers in three games.

So far this off-season, all five of their recruits have come from the Junior A ranks, with Jordan Ross joining from the Yorkton Terriers and a trio of players (Jesse Baird, Josh Maguire and Brennan Roy) coming over from the RBC Cup champion Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL. “Right now it’s just working out that way that our freshman class so far comes from those leagues,” Hodgins said. “Obviously I have that connection to the OJHL from my time there, but I really feel that the leagues like the SJHL are a real untapped market when it comes to university teams in Ontario.

“I like to have a hard working group of guys that play the game the right way. We have a pretty good mix of veterans and younger players, but we also don’t carry a lot of guys on the roster, so everyone gets a chance to show what they can do.”

Holinaty, who was acquired from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drumheller Dragons for

future considerations last June, had 35 points in 56 regular season games with the North Stars.

He upped his play by potting 10 goals in 12 playoff contests as the North Stars won their second Canalta Cup title.

At the Western Canada Cup, Holinaty led the team in scoring with four points in five games.

“Having the chance to be on the North Stars has helped me immensely,” Holinaty said.

“We had a great run this year in the playoffs, which is my favourite time of the year, and I was given an opportunity by Nate to shine.”

Holinaty is the third player from last season’s North Stars squad to commit to a post-secondary program for next year.

Reed Delainey will be playing for the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers in the NCAA Division I ranks, while Coby Downs will suit up for the reigning NCAA Division III national champion Norwich Cadets.

PAGE 10 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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North Stars searching for new assistant coach and trainer Staff There will be two new people joining Battlefords North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford on the bench at the Civic Centre this coming season.

Both associate coach Braeden Johnson and trainer Robert Tanner are moving on from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team to pursue other opproutnites.

Johnston, who played with the North Stars from 2011-13 and joined the team’s coaching staff in December 2014, is heading back to school.

Tanner, who joined the North Stars in 2015 following a stint with the Surrey Eagles of the British Columbia Hockey League, is headed back to the west coast.

As a result, the North

Stars are currently accepting resumes for both positions.

More information on the jobs can be found on the team’s website.

In other news, the Canalta Cup champions made a couple of roster moves this past week.

The North Stars acquired 18-year-old forward Josh Sielsky from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Neepawa Natives last Tuesday in exchange for future considerations.

The Maidstone native, who played in four games with the SJHL’s Nipawin Hawks to start the 2016-17 campaign, had 17 points in 39 games for the Natives and the Portage Terriers last season.

Friday saw the North Stars complete their big trade deadline move from January with the La Ronge

Ice Wolves as they dealt away forward Cam Nickerson as the future considerations portion of that deal.

The original trade saw the North Stars acquire Jared Blaqueire and Zach Nedelec from the Ice Wolves in exchange for prospects Austin Shumanski, MacKenzie Donovan, Shaune Hounsell, a player development fee and a first round pick in the 2017 SJHL bantam draft.

The Ice Wolves would end picking 12th overall earlier this month and selected Meadow Lake forward Skylar Olson.

Nickerson, a 19 year old from Duncan, B.C, had no points in nine regular season games for the North Stars after he was acquired from the Nanaimo Buccaneers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League in January,.

were part of the New Horizons weekly golf scramble Monday, June 8 at the

North Battleford Golf and Country Club.

The threesome of Brian Jordan, Don Murray and Wally Gordey took first place with a score of 37.

Finshing in second place, just one stroke back, were the team of Orest and Wendy Chrunik, Diana Griffiths and Art Strueby.

The consolation honours were taken by Brian Miller, Harry Zamonsky, John Yarske and Bob Joyce.

Brian Jordan was the closest to the pin on the eighth hole, while Lyle Whitbread made the longest putt on the ninth green and won the Co-op car wash as a result of his efforts.

New Horizons golf report Submitted by Bernie Meisner

A total of 23 members

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Layne Young delivered a pitch for the St. Walburg Reds during their 11-10 win over the North Battleford Beavers Thursday night at Beaver Lions Stadium. Photo by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

It won’t be until August when the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League will crown their 2017 league champion.

However, at this early stage of the campaign, it’s anybody’s guess which team it will be with a number of strong challengers making noise through the first few weeks of the season.

“I really feel like this is a wide-open league this year,” North Battleford Beavers first baseman Kyle Palmer said. “Anyone has a chance at the moment and I really feel like whoever’s the hottest team at the end of the year, which will hopefully be us, will probably end up winning the title.”

“With so many of these teams, you really don’t have most of your full roster until later in the summer with work commitments and other events on the go,” Layne Young of the St. Walburg Reds added. “Speaking for our team, when we have all of our guys available and our bats going, we really feel like we can compete with

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The Beavers had a 3-21 record heading into a home game Monday night against the Meadow Lake Sox, in which the winner would take over first place in the Albers Division.

“Our bats have always been strong but we’ve been better with our pitching and defence, which has been something we struggled with in the past,” Palmer said.

“We added a couple of younger arms like Darvin Scheidl and Quinton Cubbon to the roster and we made sure that we hit the gym earlier this year to get in shape before the season started.”

The Reds, meanwhile, were third in the Smith Division with 3-3 mark as they geared up for a road game with the Lloydminster Twins Monday.

“We’ve had some off nights and some really good performances along the way here,” Young said.

“We pretty much have the same lineup as last year, with a couple of extra guys joining us.

“Our bats are once again our biggest strength.

If we can see the ball well, we usually have a good chance of making a hit.”

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any team in this league.”

That unpredictability was in full effect Thursday night at Beaver Lions Stadium, as the Reds almost let a four-run lead disappear in the bottom of the seventh inning as they held on for an 11-10 win over the Beavers.

“Any time you can get a win, which is what we need right now at this early stage, it’s always good,” said Young, who earned the victory on the mound for the Reds.

“We’ve had our ups and downs at times, and we saw that in this game, but I think we played well as a whole. Personally speaking, I was really happy with how I was throwing my change-up, but I need to keep throwing strikes early to have the advantage over their hitters.”

Despite the loss on their home diamond, Palmer was pleased with the resiliency that the Beavers showed.

“The way we played in the last inning and how we battled back was a huge positive,” Palmer said.

“Our start wasn’t quite what we wanted, but that’s how baseball goes sometimes.”

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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OBITUARIES GIESBRECHT: John Frank, John’s family sadly announces his passing on Thursday, June 1st 2017 in North Battleford, SK at seventy nine years young. John was born in 1937 to Cornelius and Elizabeth Giesbrecht near Denholm, Saskatchewan. John happily spent his life on the farm, working the land, hunting, and gardening. Many a family in the Battleford’s will miss John’s bounty from his sprawling garden; coffee row at McDonald’s will never be the same. To cherish his memory he leaves his sister Gertrude (Trudy) Giesbrecht; nephews Darryl, Merl and Frank Giesbrecht; niece Deidre Giesbrecht; as well as numerous great nieces, nephews and countless friends. John is predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Elizabeth Giesbrecht; brothers Henry and Wally Giesbrecht; niece Maxine Hutchinson; great nephew Brandon Giesbrecht. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24th, 2017 from the Chapel of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Braun presiding. The family would ask you to bring your favorite memory of John for the reception following the service in the Tribute Hall, located in the Funeral Home. Memorial donations in memory of John may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 1738 Quebec Ave Unit 26. Saskatoon SK S7K 1V9. Condolences for the family may be left at www.SallowsandMcDonald.com. Arrangements for John’s service have been entrusted to the staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home (SMWZ) 306.445.2418

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OBITUARIES

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PLUM: MINNA (MINNIE) PLUM nee CARSTENSEN DECEMBER 8, 1921 – MAY 27, 2017 Do you hear someone humming and singing?

You will know it must be Minnie Plum. Even with all the challenges throughout her life, she always had a smile and a song in her heart. Minnie Carstensen was born to Anna and Chris Carstensen on December 8th, 1921 in the Riding Hill/Gallivan area. Minnie attended Riding Hill School, which was close to home.

She enjoyed playing ball and used to bring home many ribbons from Track and Field Day. Her sister, Anna, spoke of how “Minnie could run like a deer”. That’s probably why, soon after a recent cancer operation in St. Paul’s Hospital, a male patient much younger than her came along in the hallway with an IV pole to get his exercise. They were getting Minnie up to see if she could go for a walk as she had become so weak from the operation. The nurse jokingly said maybe they should have a race, and immediately, Minnie took off and left him “in the dust.” Everyone was shocked at her, and, of course, this generated a good laugh. Even though she was in her nineties, she was still going strong. Minnie spent a short time away from home in 1942, working at Seven Sisters Falls in Manitoba. In 1943, she received a Home Nursing certificate from The St. John Ambulance Association. In May of 1948, she married Ronald Plum of Kindersley. Shortly after their marriage, they had to uproot from their Kindersley home to go and help out at Minnie’s parents’ farm because her mother was ill with diabetes.

After her mother passed away in 1950, they stayed on and took over the farm with her father continuing to live with them. Ron and Minnie had two children, however, after delivery issues with her first-born son, Harvey and then Carol (whom Minnie teasingly called the “3 a.m. brat”), they must have decided to call it quits. Minnie was multi-talented, which is, of course, a necessity if you live on a farm. One of those talents was her ability to shoot partridges, which provided meat for the table. On a hot day, Minnie and Anna enjoyed working in the garden in shorts and a halter top. The only problem was that they did not want to be caught wearing this attire. If a car came down the road, Minnie and Anna would hide in the caragana hedge until the car went on by. Baking, sewing, gardening, the housework, and taking care of all the animals was part of everyday life. Minnie used to sew for her family, enjoyed making quilts, and was very creative with crafts. There were always times for friends though, and knowing that Minnie was an excellent cook, even the Raleigh and Watkins men knew when dinner was on the table. Even though Minnie was very busy with farm life, she always found time for music. Minnie’s mother used to play violin for dances, and following in her footsteps, Minnie also played in a local band with good friends, Alene Hardy, Clayton McLain, and Ernie Hebson. Minnie could play the piano, guitar, accordion, violin, and mouth organ (and No, not all at once!) Minnie would often play cards and games with family and friends. She was always up to skunking you in a game of cribbage. Minnie was active in many organizations, teaching Sunday School, and active as Secretary-Treasurer for Sunday School, both at Riding Hill and Gallivan. She was President of the United Church Women for some time receiving a Life Time Membership in 1992. In 1987, after selling the farm, Ron & Minnie moved into Battleford. They thought they were busy before, but it seemed as though life sped up even faster. They became very close friends with their new neighbour next door, Nora Krake, and she introduced Minnie and Ron into all sorts of activities. Thanks to Nora, Minnie took up painting and loved it. Thus, their circle of friends became even greater. She found great joy in competing at the local fiddle contests, honoured with 2nd place in 1995. She loved to sing, and like her husband, Ron, could also yodel. She sang soprano and/or played an instrument in different groups: the Cut Knife Clayton McLain Museum “Kitchen Kats”, the Hillcrest Singing group and Battlefords’ United Church Choir. She was honoured for 25 years involvement at the North Battleford Western Development Museum and for her many years of service at the Battlefords Hillcrest Centre, the Pioneer Association Gang and the Saskatchewan Hospital. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Harvey Plum and Carol Carstensen; her beloved sister, Anna and husband, Vic Juba, her brother-in-law, Ernal Plum and sister-in-law, Darlene St. Cyr. Harvey has one daughter, Christine and a grand-daughter, Jessica. Carol has two sons, Kelsey, with his son, Trevor; and her son, Joseph & Aleksandra with newborn daughter, Lela. Minnie was happy to meet her new great grand-daughter via internet before she passed. Also nieces and nephews will fondly remember Aunt Minnie. She was predeceased by her husband, Ronald Plum; parents, Chris and Anna Carstensen; her sister, Bertha Anderson, and her brother, Henry (Hank) Carstensen. Minnie was a beautiful spirited woman, who worked with her life filled with challenges, but right to the end, she still had her wonderful smile. Now at peace, Minnie is free. ************************************************************************* Minnie Plum’s Memorial was held Friday, June 9th, 2017 at the Battlefords United Church at 2 pm. More details are on the website at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Please make donations to the charity of your choice or to the Rockhaven Cemetery c/o Box 27, Rockhaven, S0M 2R0.

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SERVICES FOR HIRE V&R Birds CLEANING House, Office PAINTING Small jobs that the big guns don’t want to do.

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HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

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2 Bedroom Non- Smoking Small House in Cutknife. Damage Deposit $675.00, Rent $675, utilities renters responsibility, reference required. Call 306-937-2872.

Available for rent 2 bedroom home. Monthly rent or Sign one year contract get one month free.

Ref required. Call 306-441-6728 or 306-937-7252

SERVICES FOR HIRE A-1 Service, Will shingle, Will build fences and decks, Do Painting, Install Metal Fascia Soffit, Renovations etc. Phone 306-445-8439 or 306-441-3690 Rob’s Lawn and Yard Care. Grass cutting, roto tilling, power raking, general yard maintenance. Book early! Phone 306-445-2736 or 306-441-5677.

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News-Optimist The Battlefords

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 13

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

HEALTH SERVICES DISABILITY? ADHD? Do you have a DISABILITY? We can help you get up to $50,000 back from the Canadian Government. FOR DETAILS CALL US TODAY TollFree 1-888875-4787 or Visit us at: disabilitygroupcanada.com.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available.

Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

Part Time Bartender Criminal Record Check required.

Apply in person with resume to Royal Canadian Legion.

1352 100th Street, North Battleford

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Community Events Calendar

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

inSTallaTion wiTh qualified JourneyMan. full liabiliTy & wcb - bbb MeMber

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, 306-937-7289 or 306-441-9324.

FREE ESTIMATES CUSTOM ROOFING INC. 306-244-4343

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES

Lawn Bowling at 6:30 p.m. at 1802 - 106th Street across from Caleb Village until October 15. Call 306-445-8433 for more information. Everyone welcome.

STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”MEGA MADNESS SALE!” 20X23 $5,780.

25X25 $6,312. 30X31 $8,175.

33X35 $9,407. One End Wall Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036

Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21 & 28

CALL NOW • 306-445-7261

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc.

• DOOR-TO-DOOR • CARRIER SERVICE • TOTAL COVERAGE OR PERSONALIZED COVERAGE

is currently looking for a

Dental Therapist 2 - Dental Assistants Environmental Health Officer Infection Control

Time For Tots - Come and enjoy 30 minutes of simple stories, rhymes and finger plays at the North Battleford Library at 10:45 a.m. For ages 18 months to 3 years and their parents or caregivers.

Fridays, June 9, 16, 23 & 30

Tales and More - Come and enjoy 45 minutes of stories, rhymes and finger plays at the North Battleford Library from 10:45 - 11:30 a.m.. For ages 3 to 5 years.

Friday & Saturday June 16 & 17

Bonnie & Clyde’s Burgers for Pride fundraiser. Come and get some delicious grub at the Bonnie & Clyde’s food truck! $2 from every burger sold will be donated to Battlefords Pride! Come out and show your support for the LGBTQA+ community in the Battlefords while enjoying a juicy hamburger. We thank Bonnie & Clyde’s SO MUCH for being a patron of Pride. Bonnie & Clyde’s is located at 1761-101st Street by Darth Vapor. Bring the whole family! For more information about Battlefords Pride, visit www. battlefordsgsa.com.

Sunday, June 18

5th Annual Memorial Balloon Release and Barbeque at the City of North Battleford Cemetery. A short program will begin at 12:00 p.m. and the balloon release will follow. Hamburgers, hotdogs, refreshment and balloons will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call 306-445-2418 or email loc3857@ dignitymemorialcom. Sponsored by Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home.

Please view the full job advertisement in the careers section on our community website:

www.brt6hc.ca

WANTED

Saturday, June 24

Route NB21

101st Street 1600 - 1800 Blk. • 102nd Street 1600 - 1800 Blk. 108 papers

Route NB29

96th Street 1200 - 1400 Blk. • 97th Street 1100 - 1600 Blk. 117 papers

Get your Summer Read On Day - Come to the North Battleford Library and join the TD Summer Reading Club from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. All Ages are welcome to join us for some fun that includes Canadian landmark Green Screen photo booth, Canadian trivia and a library scavenger hunt.

Saturday, June 24

Topline Social Dance Club - Harry Startup at the North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight. Lunch served. Min. age 19. Dress casual. For more information call Sharon 306-446-0446, Leela 306-445-7240 or Jean 306-445-8815.

Saturday, June 24

Route 50A

Green Screen Fun at the North Battleford Library for all ages.

Come and play with our new green screen and see yourself in ways you never imagined! Let us take some fun and funky photos and email them to you. Fun and funky themed backgrounds available.

Route 59

Pajama Tales - Join us for drop in story time for children & 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.

Janet Place & Janet Drive 5th Ave. • 38th Street 4th Ave. W. • Riverbend Cres. • Riverbend Place 112 papers 18th Street 200 Blk. • 19th Street 200 Blk. • 20th Street 200 Blk. • 3rd Ave. Cres. 301 - 399 Blk. 107 papers FOR MORE DETAILS CALL CHUCK Monday to Friday ~ 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

at 306-445-7261 OR Leave Message if after hours or weekends

892-104th Street, North Battleford, SK

306-445-7261

Wednesdays, June 28 - August 30

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.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m.

Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Across PUZZLE NO. 757 1. Long, long time 33.Aretha 10.Zilch 5. Ziti, e.g.

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39.Trait carriers 17. Arrangement of music 21.Spiders’ for an orchestra 41.Turn over structures 20. “Act your ___!” quickly 21. Any thing 22.Angel’s 42.Camp 22. Bright headgear 23. Slog helper, e.g.

23.Like some 24. Forest growth 43.Foal 26. Filter cheese 45.Prayer 29. Heaved 25.Song 30. The “p” in m.p.g. concluder 33. Cardinal 28.Commits 49.Brewery 34. Dead duck perjury beverage 35. Bauxite, e.g.

36. Paying in fixed 29.Skilled 50.Prosecute amounts at specified inter30.Army eatery 51.Wish vals (2 wds) 40. “For shame!”

41. Ooey _____ 42. Bringing up the rear Copyright © 2015, Penny Press 43. “___ Town Too” (1981 hit)ACROSS 28.Take it find 44.1. “Men always hate on the ____ Judge’s 55.Dogs and most what they ___ most”: concern 31.Made holy cats Mencken Signal 45.5.

Round lot’sassent 100 32.Clan 56.Fountain 47.8.

Balcony Has section ____ 34.Turf 48. The Everly Brothers, ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 757 andsurface 57.Young30.adult low earth’s Frigid 57. Diffident e.g.12.Draft animals 35.Stags bucks 6.

Targeted 31. Clear, as a disk 58. Clod chopper 49.13.Hot Patriots’temper Day month 7. Check 32.

Doesn’t own 59. “Chicago” lyricist 52.14.Moderately Welfare, with “the” 38.Foot parts DOWN 34. Winter hand clothing 53. Grand ___ (“Evange- 8. Big ___ Conference cold 1. Shy 37. Ancient 39.Polite 9. “A chap jealous mistress”: line” setting) unit 2. Woodsman’s 40.Winding Emerson 38. Marathon 56.15.Decade Stooping shoulders 10.

Water lily 39. ___ du jour 60.16.Short-term Strengthen, with job “up” curves implement 11. Not “fer” 45. Gloomy 61. Trigger, for one 41.Coin side 3. Caribbean, 17.Pine ____ 12. “Pumping ___” 46. Attention 62. Attention getter e.g. 47. Like composition paper 44.Hobo 13. Contradict 63.18.Alternate Coaster 18. Anger, with “up”4. Registers 48. Drench 64.20.Got Aden’s land 46.MGM’s the best 19.

Declare Song and dance, e.g.

65. Information unit trademark 5. Close,49.once of 23. Confined, with “up” 50. “Dirty” activity 47.Glass part 21.Largest 24. Bank contents 6. Adjust51.to Ancient alphabetic Down surroundings 25. Microwave, e.g. character 1. ___ mammal Minor 48.Effortless 26.

Forger Quad building 2. Jets or Sharks, e.g.

7. Unit of52.heat 24.Close 52.Resting 27. Birchbark 53. Beseech 3. “... or ___!”

8. Happen 26.Bald bird like item 28. Stage 54. Cost of CROSSWORD living?

4. Undertake, with “out” 53.Act PUZZLE ANSWERS 29. Comfortable 9. Dates55. Halftime lead, e.g.

USE AMERICAN SPELLING 27.Halfrock of twenty 5. Igneous formed be-54.Detective’s

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Hanbidge on Horticulture

by Patricia Hanbidge

Saskatoon School of Horticulture

Earthworms – good or bad?

Are earthworms good for your garden? Many gardeners believe that earthworms are a benefit while those who garden in a very heavy clay soil would be quick to disagree.

There are many studies that show earthworm activity helps to form better soil aggregates which in turn will help soil to support better plant growth with less compaction and erosion. Just compare the difference earthworms can make in the production of topsoil. It might take 500 to 1,000 years for nature to produce topsoil in the absence of a adequate soil animal population. However, under favourable conditions earthworms can shorten this process to a little as five years. This is because of the ability for earthworms to mix, till and build topsoil as they go about their daily business of burrowing through the earth.

The most “common” species of earthworm we would encounter is Lumbricus terrestris and it is amazing to learn the lowly earthworm has not been an inhabitant of North America forever. In fact, only after the last glaciations period have earthworms been introduced to our lands.

Beneath lawns, earthworms are amazing. They help to improve water infiltration, which leads to a deeper rooted lawn. This of course helps lawns to better withstand periods of drought. Earthworms help to increase soil organic matter by bringing deeper soil closer to the surface. This helps to decompose leaf litter (which reduces thatch) and amends the soil without any effort on behalf of the gardener. The only drawback is sometimes earthworm activity can leave lumps, which are distressful to some lawn fanciers.

If you can see these lumps from earthworms then you are very likely mowing your lawn a bit short. Try adjusting your mower height to ensure your lawn has lots of leaf tissue left after a mowing to help facilitate optimum growth.

A lawn that is cut to about 2.25 inches is a healthy lawn.

If these lumps make your lawn uncomfortable under foot then simply rolling your lawn will alleviate this distress.

However, in a heavy soil earthworm activity seems to make all the problems of a clay soil a little bit worse. The earthworm castings seem to be sticky, gloppy masses of close to concrete, not the type of soil conducive to plant growth. Over the years, I have been asked numerous times how to eradicate this pest.

There is no instant, magical way to eradicate earthworms with a spray or drench. In fact, even trying to do so would be devastating to all living organisms in the soil that help make up the great diverse environment in the soil we cannot see. If you have a heavy soil and find earthworms are not helping, the best solution is to add lots of organic matter.

In effect you will be “feeding the worms” and giving them more organics to break down and improve your non-friable soil. Use coarser organics like grass clippings and chopped leaves to provide lots of munching prior to becoming humus. Do not give up as this process will take some time, and lots of organic matter.

We as gardeners are always trying to improve the soil tilth, but it is always a short-term solution. Earthworms, believe it or not, are the best long-term solution for a healthy soil as they are able to: improve the soil structure, mix and till the soil, help in humus formation and increase the availability of nutrients in the soil.

Next time you get concerned about too many earthworms, remember that they are the army building your soil into a better entity, and perhaps instead of worrying about them, take you spade out to the garden, dig a few earthworms and go fishing.

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

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - PAGE 15

The place where a warm welcome is extended The word is found in large block letters on the mat at our front door: WELCOME! The expression has been around for hundreds of years, as a friendly greeting that said, “It is our will and pleasure to have you come to us.”

That’s not like the gag version of a welcome mat that’s sold, which says, “Oh No! Not You Again!”

Most often visitors are welcomed to our homes, but I recall a time when that wasn’t so for me.

With some effort, my son and I tracked down the house where I lived with my parents more than 7. years ago. No one seemed to be home, so I knocked at the neighbour’s to share our discovery.

A man and a woman opened the door a crack, but they must have thought either that we were cult members coming to convert them, or salesmen wanting to sell them something.

In spite of my explanation, they remained surly, and quickly closed the door.

Aren’t you glad the Lord isn’t like that?

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden,” says Jesus, “and I will give you rest” (Matt.

11:28). And “the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out [never

turn away]” (Jn. 6:37).

Christians are also given a warm invitation to come to God in prayer. “Let us therefore come boldly [with confidence] to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Hymn writer Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) wrote a song about the Lord’s welcome in 1885.

She used some unusual imagery to picture what it was like, taking us all the way back to the flood of Noah’s day. Because of the unparalleled wickedness that was spreading across the earth, God told faithful Noah that He was going to destroy all that breathed, humans and animals (Gen. 6:12-13, 17).

But Noah was to build a huge ark, a hundred and thirty-seven metres long (Gen. 6:14-16). In it he and his family, eight people in all, plus representatives of all the animal species, would be preserved during the coming flood (vs. 19-21). Genesis chapter 7 describes the stormy progress of the flood until the entire earth was covered. In all, Noah and his family were kept safe in the ark for about a year.

Finally, the waters receded, and the ark came to rest in the mountains of Ararat (Gen. 8:4). But

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

Noah needed to know when it was safe to leave the ark, when they’d be able to survive in the new world. To test this, he released a dove through the

window in the ark.

But the Bible says, “The dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the

waters were on the face of the whole earth.

So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself” (Gen. 8:9).

It was that little incident of the dove returning to what had been her home for many months that Fanny Crosby used to picture the repentant sinner seeking the love and forgiveness of the Lord.

“Like a bird on the deep, far away from its nest, / I had wandered, my Saviour, from Thee, / But Thy dear loving voice

called me home to Thy breast, / And I knew there was welcome for me. / I am safe in the ark, and I dread not the storm, / Though around me the surges may roll; / I will look to the skies, where the day never dies, / I will sing of the joy in my soul.”

The refrain says, “A welcome for me, / Loving Saviour from Thee; / Just a smile and a welcome for me; / Now I’m safe like a dove, / As I rest in Thy love, / And I find a sweet refuge in Thee.”

Getting the bigger picture It was 1999 while on a flight home from a business meeting.

I didn’t realize then that within a few days it would never again be possible. In short, I was invited to enter the cockpit of the plane and speak with the pilots.

Both pilot and copilot took time to explain the function of artificial horizons, pressure gauges, TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system), warning lights and a host of other technological wonders.

The TCAS fascinated me. According to the

pit when you’re 28,000 feet above the ground is a whole lot different than reading about these things while seated in the living room.

But I also looked far beyond the instrument panels. Flying over the captain, if another object prairies in September enters their air space, or provided a breathtakif they come too close ing view of the colours to the ground, “someof harvest. Plumes of one yells at us,” he said. smoke or dust told me “There are no lights or that farmers were probno alarm sounded – we ably combining or burnget screamed at and giv- ing stubble. Hectares of en instructions on how to grey or gold or green get out of the situation.” gave me a good idea of I was really glad to hear what was going on in that – standing in a cock- each field.

A change of perspective was, for me, both exhilarating and reassuring. Instead of seeing only the condition of one field, I caught the vision of a wider view, of an expanse of beauty from the air.

Remembering to look at life like that – from God’s perspective – changes ours. While we see only the challenges of today, He knows the end from the beginning.

“My times are in your hand,” said the Psalmist (Psalm 31:15). I say “amen,” – there’s no safer place to be.

PAGE 16 - Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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