Regional News-Optimist November 10, 2022

The Battlefords prepares to honour veterans on Remembrance Day

Services at Don Ross Centre, St. Vital School

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Battlefords are preparing to honour Canada’s veterans on Remembrance Day, with Nov. 11 events slated to remember those men and women who gave their lives in service.

The City of North Battleford began their events on Nov. 7 by raising a Lest We Forget poppy flag at City Hall. Then, on Nov. 8, the flags were lowered to half-mast to honour Indigenous Veteran’s day.

“We’re lowering the flags on Nov. 8 … to remember the Indigenous veterans on Indigenous Veterans day. We’re pleased to represent the sacrifices of Indigenous veterans and honour those who have served on Treaty 6 Territory,” Candace Toma, public relations coordinator for the city, said.

Mayor David Gillian also offered comments on the Remembrance Day events.

“It’s a very important day, the 11th, where we remember and reflect on

all those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms. And those who are still with us and, of course, who aren’t. Reflection and remembrance are very important...

“...I invite everybody to come out on the 11th. It is a holiday, and it’s important for us to remember why it’s a holiday. And as I mentioned, to reflect and remember is very important.”

The Town of Battleford honoured veterans with banners showcasing men and women who served their country on Oct. 28.

11,

Remembering

Centre at 10:45 a.m.

Afterwards, the public is welcome to return to the Legion hall, where a small ceremony will be held with greetings from Mayor David Gillian, Rosemarie Falk (MP for Battlefords-Lloydminster), Jeremy Cockrill (MLA for The Battlefords), and other dignitaries will be extended. Lunch will be served with entertainment.

The Battleford Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 is hosting a memorial service at St. Vital School on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, a gala will be hosted at 5 p.m, though tickets will not be sold at the door.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses row on row” — John McCrae. The Battlefords Art Club submission this week features poppy-filled artworks they’ve created. This one is by Rosemarie Stadnyk. For more, see inside. | Photo submitted

At left, North Battleford Mayor David Gillian holds a poppy flag for Remembrance Day with members of the Legion before the flag is raised at City Hall.

| Photo by Miguel Fenrich

You can read the article on Sasktoday.ca On the morning of Nov.

The North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70 is hosting a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Don Ross

Judge says can’t find man guilty on basis of ‘wearing same jeans’

By Lisa Joy Staff Reporter

A judge ruled he couldn’t find someone guilty of a crime on the basis of wearing the same jeans.

On Friday, Judge Ian Mokuruk found 36-yearold Eugene Bear not guilty of numerous break and en ters to businesses in North Battleford in September and October. A one-day trial was held in North Bat tleford Provincial Court on Oct. 31.

“There is no evidence other than general appear ance,” said Judge Moku ruk.

Crown prosecutor Brit tany Rankine had argued

that Bear’s clothing seen in some of the videos of the business break and enters was the same as those seen in a video taken from a po lice cruiser when RCMP were called to the bridge between Battleford and North Battleford about a distressed man on the bridge. The video shows some of the same distinct clothing of ripped jeans and black runners with white trim. The man told police his name was Eu gene Bear and gave his date of birth. The officer drove him to the Lighthouse, an emergency shelter.

She had also argued that the break and enters in September and October of 2021 were similar to those

This paper is proudly printed locally in Estevan. 306.634.9556

in April of 2021, which Bear had pleaded guilty to earlier this year and was sentenced on Friday.

Judge Mokuruk, how ever, disagreed, saying that the pattern of the crimes – a large object thrown through a business window was not so unique to be committed by the same person.

Bear pleads guilty to previous break and enters

Bear had pleaded guilty earlier this year to break, enter and thefts to busi nesses in April 2021 and on Friday he was sen tenced to 20 months in jail for those crimes. He was given 18 months credit for time served in custody while on remand.

In one of the incidents, court heard that Bear stole an electronic device from a taxi cab driver. Judge Mokuruk cautioned Bear that the police could have charged him with rob bery and if they had, Bear would have been facing a longer jail sentence.

Judge Mokuruk said business break and enters are a problem in the Battl efords and Bear’s sentence must act as a deterrence to others.

“They aren’t large, cor porate retailers. They are small family businesses, which increases their level of vulnerability.”

He added that he wasn’t minimizing break-ins to larger businesses but rath er it’s more difficult for the smaller family-owned businesses to absorb the costs.

Judge Mokuruk also granted the Crown’s re quest for Bear to pay $18,209 in restitution for damages to one of the busi nesses.

Bear apologizes for his crimes

Before sentencing, Bear apologized to the court for the break and enters in April 2021.

“I take full responsibil

ity for the things I have done,” he said from the prisoner’s box. “I was in a bad way with addictions.”

He said he has been off drugs for the year that he has been in custody and is reaching out for help to deal with his addictions.

“I have finally reached out to God, too, and I have been praying for a better future.”

He said that he did reach out to STR8 UP and has completed some col lege courses and wants to finish an arts program he started.

Defence Laura Mischuk told the court that Bear’s parents and grandparents were victims of the colo nial residential schools. She said that he has expe rienced domestic violence

and went into a deep de pression when his sister died two years ago.

“It was essentially what brought him into a very deep depression and addic tion issues.”

Mischuk told the court that Bear has a limited criminal record and no prior break and enter con victions.

Judge Mukuruk said he agreed with defence that there were significant Gla due factors in Bear’s situa tion and he took them into consideration when he sen tenced him.

“I certainly sympathize with your background,” said Judge Mukuruk. “No one can extract themselves from that situation on their own.

B’ford man suspected of child abuse seeks bail

By Lisa Joy Staff Reporter

A 35-year-old man charged with child abuse and neglect is seeking bail. A show cause hearing for Lyle Aaron Bear will likely be set at his next court appearance on Nov. 15 court heard Friday after a bail verification report was ordered. He also has case management sched uled for Dec. 13.

He was arrested in Janu ary 2021 and charged with failing to provide the ne cessities of life, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, aggravated assault,

two counts of assault, two counts of uttering threats, and two counts of assault with a weapon.

Lyle Bear and Char maine Brett Bear were charged after the North Battleford RCMP and General Investigation Ser vices launched an investi gation following a report in December 2020 of alleged child abuse.

Charmaine Bear, who also goes by Charmaine Spyglass, was charged in January 2021 with failing to provide the necessities of life and criminal negli gence causing bodily harm. As a result of the continued

investigation, she was ad ditionally charged with aggravated assault, two counts of assault, and two counts of uttering threats. RCMP issued a warrant for her arrest and 15 months later she was apprehended in Calgary, Alta. Crown Prosecutor Jen nifer Schmidt is prosecut ing the case. Charmaine Bear was denied bail. Her preliminary hear ing has been rescheduled for March 9 - 10, 2023, in North Battleford Provin cial Court.

The charges against the accused haven’t been test ed in court.

B’fords getting second RCMP gang unit

By Lisa Joy Staff Reporter

A second RCMP Crime Reduction Team with eight officers, an analyst and administrative support will help tackle crime and gang-related activity in the Battlefords.

The Battlefords new CRT unit is expected to be up and running by 2024 and cost about $1.6 annu ally. This expansion in creases the total number of CRT units in the prov ince from 9 to 10. This is part of the province’s new $20 million Saskatchewan Marshals Service [SMS], expansion of Crime Reduc tion Teams and [CRT] En forcement and Suppression Team [WEST].

The CRTs perform pro active and reactive polic ing. Their main goal is to conduct targeted enforce ment, or “hotspotting,” based on crime trend anal ysis, intelligence and con sultations with community leaders. These units focus

enforcement efforts on pro vincial and municipal po licing priorities, including gang violence, gun crime and the sale of dangerous drugs such as crystal meth and fentanyl.

The SMS will consist of approximately 70 officers. The service will provide an additional law enforcement presence across Saskatch ewan, conduct proactive investigations and support RCMP and municipal po lice operations. Their du ties will include responding to areas with high crime rates, apprehending offend ers with outstanding arrest warrants and investigating farming-related offenses like theft and trespassing.

The SMS will be an independent agency re porting to the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and is ex pected to be operational by

mid-to-late 2026. The SMS will have police author ity throughout the prov ince, and support RCMP and municipal police op erations where appropriate. The RCMP will remain the provincial police service of jurisdiction.

“We know there are ar eas in Saskatchewan that need more visible, active policing,” said Correc tions, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell in a prepared state ment Thursday. “The SMS will provide that, and work with RCMP and municipal police to strengthen law en forcement across the entire province.

“In total, these new ini tiatives represent over $23 million in additional annu al funding to enhance and expand law enforcement across our province,” she added.

BUHF Festival of Trees returns with ‘A Royal Christmas’

RCMP facing staffing issues says Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The RCMP is not im mune to an issue facing many industries in Sas katchewan: staffing.

Concerned about crime in the community and a weakening police force, Mayor Ames Leslie met with Ministers in Regina to discuss crime and polic ing in the Battlefords and

Saskatchewan.

In an average year, the RCMP looks to recruit 1,500-1,600 new staff members; this year, they’re struggling to get 300.

“If anyone wants to join the RCMP, now may be the time,” Mayor Leslie said at this week’s town coun cil meeting. He also added that it isn’t as uncommon as people think to join at 45 or 50 and work into or

during retirement.

Reiterating, Leslie add ed, “We need you. Now might be a good time.”

The town is also look ing for new members to join Citizens on Patrol.

“Citizens on Patrol needs more people to help break down the elements,” Leslie said.

For more information, contact the town office.

Family travels across Canada to remember Battleford veteran

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

According to Mayor Ames Leslie at Monday’s town council meeting, a family travelled across Canada to attend the ban ner unveiling ceremony in

Battleford on Oct. 28.

The family came from British Columbia, Alber ta and Saskatchewan as their family member was added to the many men and women honoured in Battl eford this year.

Councillors have re ceived tremendous

B’fords RCMP Weekly stats

Battlefords RCMP responded to 460 calls for service from Wednesday, Nov. 3, through Tuesday, Nov. 8. Five Missing Persons Reported. Two investiga tions remain active.

Assault Investigations. Eight Break and Enter Investigations.

Vehicle Thefts.

Mental Health Investigations.

Traffic Collisions. One individual charged with impaired driving.

Various Traffic Charges.

Disturbance Calls

Other Reported Thefts 11 Mischief investigations. Anyone with infor mation on any incident is urged to call the Battl efords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

amounts of feedback on the banner program, with many people compliment ing the innovation. Coun cillors expressed their happiness at the program’s continued growth each year.

Over 150 veterans have been honoured in the Battl efords since the Fred Light Museum and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 9 began their Veteran Ban ner program in 2019. Start ing with just 50 veterans, that number has increased to 159 in Battleford and North Battleford.

The town also reminds everyone that they will be closed on Remembrance Day. The flags at Town Hall were also lowered for Indigenous Veterans Day on Nov 8 and will be lowered again for Remem brance day on Nov. 11.

The town expresses their gratitude to all those who served their coun try as Remembrance Day draws closer and asks that everyone reflect on those who served their country on Nov. 11.

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

According to a Bat tlefords Union Hospital Foundation press release, the BUH Foundation has announced the launch of the annual Festival of Trees, which will cel ebrate its 28th year. This year also marks the 12th year in which Gold Ea gle Casino has been the diamond sponsor for the event, with Kelly Atchey num, general manager of Gold Eagle Casino, proud of the support the casino has provided.

“As we make our way into the holiday season, we would like to take this time to say how grateful we are to each and every one of our sponsors, vol unteers and community. Your support ensures that you, your family, neigh bours and friends have access to the best care, as close to home as possi ble”, says Leanne Ducom mun, BUH Foundation’s executive director.

This year, the proceeds

raised during the Festival of Trees will support BUH purchasing a ceiling lift tracking system for the palliative department at Battlefords Union Hospital. The lift tracking system is specialized to provide safe patient handling and reduce suffering for patients with severe and, most often, terminal illnesses.

A week of activities is planned from Nov. 25., to Dec. 2, with this year’s Festival of Trees themed ‘A Royal Christ mas.’

On Nov. 25, at the VIP viewing and Opening Night, you can view the silent auction and raffle prizes with food, enter tainment and more. Ad mission is $15 and open to the public.

On Nov. 26, on Kids Day, you can have your photo taken by Santa with games, face painting, and a dance part with special appearances of Elsa and Olaf from Frozen. Admis sion is two dollars and open to the public.

On Nov. 27, at the Roy al Family Garden Par ty, you can have a red carpet experience with a castle, princesses, knights and superheroes with tea and snacks supplied by blend Restaurant & Bar. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for youth.

On Nov. 29, Seniors Day is dedicated to se niors with entertainment, coffee, tea and cookies featuring Better Together. Admission is two dollars for seniors over 65.

On Nov. 30, enjoy Cocktails & Creations, a sign-making event with snacks and a wine bar. Admission is $55.

Lastly, on Dec 2, enjoy Black Tie Bingo, with bin go, a four-course meal by Blend Restaurant & Bar and entertainment. Lucky Bastard Distillers will have samples dur ing the event. Tickets are $125.

For more information or to purchase tickets, vis it BUH’s website at buh foundation.com

Gold Eagle Casino is BUH’s Festival of Trees diamond sponsor for the 12th year in a row. | Photo submitted

Phone:

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

From Royal Canadian Legion

Ceremony and symbolism

The Last Post

A bugler plays The Last Post, signifying the calling home of the spirits of the Fallen to rest. The Last Post originally was played to signal the camp was secured for the night. It was also played to call out to wounded or separated soldiers at the end of a battle, to guide them home to safety and rest.

Two Minutes of Silence

The most sacrosanct and central element in Remem brance is the Two Minutes of Silence.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the month, day and time in 1918 when the First World War ceased hostilities, Canadians pause to observe two minutes of silence to honour the Fallen, and recognize the sacrifices or servicemen and women.

The Lament

At the National Remembrance Day Ceremony, a bagpiper plays The Lament, symbolizing the sounds of spouses and children crying over their dead.

The Rouse

The end of the two minutes of silence is signaled by the bugler playing the Rouse. The Rouse was originally used to wake soldiers. In this ceremony the Rouse wakes the Fallen and rises them above their mortal duties to rest in peace.

The Act of Remembrance

The symbolic ceremony finishes with an officiate reciting of the Act of Remembrance.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

To which all participants respond with “We will remember them.”

Remembrance through Light

Virtual Poppy Drop

Once again this year, 117,000 Poppies representing Fallen Canadian Veterans will cascade virtually upon the Peace Tower at Parliament Hill and on the Senate building. The Poppy Drop take splace from Oct. 28 to Nov. 11, from 6:30–9:30 pm ET.

To see the Poppy Drop, visit www.legion.ca

Bouquet

Letters welcome

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, 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 ed iting. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libel ous statements or are unsigned.

The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional News-Optimist staff.

A bouquet to the snow angels on the 1300 block of 10th Street. Anonymous

Knot-withstanding-claws

By R.H Wood North Battleford

“My Goodness, My Guinness” used to be an advert on every British billboard suggesting a source of joy, happiness and comfort. In this coun try today the mantra is that “it is an ill wind that blows no one some good” which of course speaks to wind fall profits by individuals (not named) or companies that are clearly villainous and thus named. The pun ishment for these crimes is taxation whether or not this stultifies investment or further growth or leads to departure to another clime

This country is frac tioned, factioned, decimal ized and not-with-stand

The

and his non-requirement at the EMA. inquiry and his clumsy handling of the school workers’ strike will prove pyrrhic.

inged. Since 1982 Quebec has used the Charter evading clause seventeen times with no federal demur, but Mr. Trudeau has jumped on Mr. Ford for its implementation. Mr. Ford’s withdrawal of the Notwithstanding Clause

Speaking of decimal ization, I still struggle with kilometres and miles as did a recent CTV news reader who repeatedly reported that a nightclub fire in Russia spread over 3,500 square kilometres –some fire. I was reminded of Mrs. Brown in the Brit ish comedy (Mrs. Brown’s Boys) when she excitedly learned that her gravid daughter was five kilome tres dilated.

Complaints have been received that I use big words in my articles. To make amends, here are three little words of only three letters.

$5,000 donation for Interval House

The first word is “ort” which refers to residual morsels of food left on a plate. Parents must make sure that children are acquainted with it. “Eat your ort’ - is far more sophisticated than “clean your plate”.

The second word is “orf”. This is a disease of sheep, transmittable to human hands and was featured in an episode of Doc Martin. The word was new to me and is only of use to owners of sheep — I have none.

The third word is “A.R.F.” which is actually an incomplete acronym. It is a distressing condition wherein patients excessive ly reduce their food intake and persistently leave orts.

The Lion’s Gate bridge

across the Burrard Inlet, and entrance to Vancou ver city and docks, was opened in 1938. It was envisioned and largely financed by the Guinness family. It is an outstanding testimony to their philan

thropy and to the clear justification that taxation and governmental scatter ing of corporate profits is not perhaps as desirable as some politicians would have us believe, notwith standing their insistence.

Donation supports lab at NWC

SASKTODAY.ca

A $50,000 donation from Cenovus Energy Inc. (Cenovus) will be used to enhance the quality of training facilities available to students in northwest Saskatchewan.

The funding provided by Cenovus will help to equip a state-of-the-art simulation lab that will enhance the training of students in all health care

programs at North West College, including psy chiatric nursing, practical nursing, continuing care assistant and the registered nursing program.

The Cenovus Energy Simulation Learning Cen tre will provide access to high fidelity mannequins in a simulated hospital set ting where students inter act with the “patient” in real life scenarios.

The number of psy chiatric nursing seats at NWC increased from 16 to 24 students per year, and growth plans for nursing and continuing care assis tant programs meant the timing of this expansion was critical to facilitate these programs. The lab in creased from four beds to 10 beds plus an additional high fidelity simulation room.

The Lion’s Gate bridge across the Burrard Inlet was largely financed by the Guinness family — clear justification that taxation and governmental scattering of corporate profits is not perhaps as desirable as some politicians would have us believe, notwithstanding their insistence. | Photo submitted

The Associated Canadian Travelers of the Battlefords presented a $5,000 cheque to the Battlefords Interval House. Pictured from left Clayton Campbell ACT, Debbie Kovalsky, Executive Director BIH, Nevenka Vas, Support Worker BIH, Wayne Lambie ACT, Terry Mitchell ACT, Sheryl Ludwig Assistant Director BIH, Don Dament ACT. The funds will go towards supporting women who experience interpersonal violence in the Battlefords and area. “Our shelter remains full and we continue to maintain a waitlist for safe accommodations,” said Debbie Kovalsky, executive director for BIH.

| Photo submitted

Everybody has a story

Rhea Good, teacher, volunteer, gardener, author

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

When Rhea Good was young, she wanted to be an architect. Thinking back, she can recall her first memory, sitting at a desk in her childhood classroom and wanting to read.

“My teacher was Miss. Laura Lawson, and she passed out the readers. I al ready knew how to read so I quickly flipped through the pages and finished mine. I walked up to her desk and asked if I could have a new book, please, and she said, “no, sit back down, we’re going to start reading this.”

Good realized quickly that pacing in school was not what she expected. Though she was a good student and has a gift for words, Good said, laugh ing, “that was a disappoint ment.”

Despite this, she quick ly left her architectural dreams behind and decid ed to be a teacher, specifi cally a high school English and French teacher.

“I drew many house plans in my childhood, and at some point in high school, I changed my mind and decided to be a teacher. My father was a teacher. I was determined to be a high school English teach er. Architecture fell by the wayside.”

Good was born in Brit ish Columbia, celebrating four birthdays in Fort Saint John’s before her parents brought her to Saskatch ewan. It was here that she formed her first memories.

Good graduated from North Battleford Com prehensive High School in 1988 before earning a degree from the USask in 1993. She has taught across Saskatchewan, ranging from Saskatoon to One Ar row First Nation, and often specialized in special edu cation, where she always found jobs.

“Education is just a wonderful career to think that you’ve been given the opportunity to positively impact young people,” Good says. “It’s a cliche, but that’s what it is. That’s the truth. Such unlimited potential. Every day with your students is just a gift. That’s what attracted me to education, and still does.”

Good’s Ukrainian Heritage

Good is also firmly grounded in her maternal Ukrainian heritage, which she believes influenced her love of the Earth. It began with Ukraine dancing.

“The Svoboda Dance Club still exists here in North Battleford, and the original teacher, Ellaine Balitch, was the founder of the organization. That was my wonderful teacher.”

Of the girls who par ticipated in the dance club, Good danced with them Grade 1 through 12 and became close friends. They keep in touch, with their years of dance forming a longstanding friendship.

“We’d get asked to dance at different events around the community, an nual events: River Heights Lodge, dance festival, etc. For many years, there was a harvest dinner and dance at the Alex Dillabough centre.”

Good’s great-grand mother was a Ukrainian immigrant and strongly valued the garden for the bounty that it could pro duce.

“I feel that I’ve inher ited my love of plants from my maternal side. My grandmother was a farm wife, so her garden was her main occupation. I’ve always known that garden ing is just something that is important to practice in my life. To be really connected with my land and the food that I made with my own hands.”

Her mother also gar dened, and Good says she believes some of those practices are connected to her Ukrainian ethnic heri tage.

“Mom always had a gar den too, but it was always more romantic to go to your grandmother’s house rather than your backyard garden.”

Holodomor Awareness Committee

“In 2016, I was asked to join the Holodomor Awareness and Education Committee, which is man dated to promote Holodo mor awareness, and most of the people on the com mittee were teachers.”

Every year, during No vember, the committee tries to foster a learning culture in classrooms, and

communities across Cana da, while raising awareness about the USSR Genocide that killed millions.

“And I had come across the anecdote in another history book. It told the story of Maria Sedona, whose grandfather hid grain in bottles and then hid the bottles in the for est to hopefully prevent his family from starving.”

Good does school pre sentations for Holodomor Awareness Week and then makes bottles of grain with the children they can take home. She began her pre sentations by discussing Maria Sedona’s story as a foray into the morbid his tory of the famine.

As with Remembrance Day or the Holocaust, cer tain aspects of our history are taught to children in an often sombre tone. Good says she wondered if there was a way to approach it with her history in educa tion. For Remembrance Day, students can expect to read In Flanders Fields, watch a video, make a pic ture, do a craft, gut Good finds those resources are lacking for Holodomor.

Good searched for a children’s book on the sub ject to help make learn ing easier. She wanted to make it approachable and bring additional context for school children.

“In the spring of 2020, I was doing a full-time teaching contract, and then we were all sent home for the pandemic. And the di rector came to the school and said ‘we don’t know

what’s happening. The school’s going to be closed for a week for sure.’”

Good was asked to take the week off and refrain from doing any school work and was told to “not do anything.” Good took that literally, and with an unexpected nine-day break, Good began work ing on her debut book.

She thought, “This is the gift I’ve been given. I’m going to take this story and write a book about it. I just got focused, found an illustrator and started to go back and forth with her. I just made it all happen.”

Good wrote her book in nine days.

“That’s how the book came to be, and now I have the book that I would imag ine. It’s a real good story.”

Authorship

But Good didn’t stop with A Bottle of Grain. She looked towards a second book that had sat on the back burner for 20 years. Coupled with her own experience surviving her abusive first marriage and her love of reading, Good began to write again and published her second book, Incremental.

“It was a book that sat in an envelope for 20 years,” Good said.

Good refrained from speaking further on the contents of her memoir, adding, “If God leads you to pick it up, you’re meant to pick it up. And if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.”

A brief excerpt from the back blurb reads, “How did my marriage go from bliss

to abuse? It was incremen tal. This book includes the journal I kept during my last year of an abusive marriage. Up close, it is a detailed account of what he said and did … Evil glazes the eyes. Watch for it.”

Then, in the fall of 2021, the Discovery Co-op As sociation reached out to Good, commissioning her to write a children’s book for their 90th anniversary. The book is titled, What Does the Co-op Mean to You? and follows the story of a boy whose father plans to apply to sit on the board of directors.

“He and his dad work together to write the speech that his dad is go ing to have to give to apply to the board. So, they do research together for the speech, and the boy goes on adventures around the Battlefords about the his tory of the co-op.”

Though What Does the Co-op Mean to You? is currently sold out, A Bottle of Grain and Incremental are available online at Indi go.ca and Amazon.ca, and at the following locations as well: Discovery Co-op Pharmacy, Chic & Shab by, Fisher’s Drug Store, Empress Flooring, Battl eford Boutique, Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy in Battl eford, Battleford Furni ture, Redberry Pharmacy in Hafford and SaskMade Store in Blaine Lake, Good has also written a fourth book titled What Would Alice Do? which is based on the life of her grandmother, a lifelong resident of the Battlefords.

“I need to do some edit ing this fall, but hopefully, it will be published by spring.”

Good is also planning to publish a cookbook focus ing on her passion for na ture and the environment.

Titled Zone 2, from Gar den to Table, the cookbook will focus on fresh fruits and vegetables grown in this area and the food they can provide.

“I feel like there isn’t a good book that gives peo ple lots of recipe choices for the produce that they can produce in this region. There are lots of recipe books that talk about fresh produce and vegetables, but a lot of those ingredi ents are not Zone 2.”

Self-Reliance and Gardening

The idea for her cook book stems from a deep passion for sustainability and self-reliance that she says she believes stems equally from her grand mother and great-grand mother and when she took a year at McGill university studying to be a teacher.

“I took a class in Ameri can literature, and one of the essays we read was called Self Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson. That essay had such a pro found effect on my life. I focused on being as selfreliant as I could be with my food. That’s my goal.”

Good has learned many tricks that go with it, in cluding composting, seed saving, canning and bak ing from scratch. She was also instrumental in bring ing Loop Resources to the Battlefords, a program that recycles food waste from grocery stores to the food bank and local farmers.

“A friend told me about Loop. I looked into it and thought it was a fantas tic idea. There are just so many tons of food waste that go to landfills instead of being composted. It’s a cycle that our society needs to harness. It’s absolutely a win-win. I wish it was com monplace, if not mandated practice.”

With Leanna Ducom mun, who was working as the marketing director at the Discovery Co-op, they began the program in the Battlefords. Good recalls telling her the news.

“She was so excited. She said she was literally jump ing up and down in her chair.”

Good was also forced to close her local non-profit, which worked towards building healthy, sustain able food practices in lo cal schools. There was, as Good says, an unfortunate “lack of co-operation from local school boards.”

She has begun tutor ing and wildcrafting in her spare time around writing and editing her upcoming books. Her next book is ex pected to release next year, and she is planning events for Holodomor remem brance events at the end of November.

Now retired, Rhea Good has only options ahead of her. What will she do next?

Forager, author, sustainability advocate and gardener Rhea Good pictured with a head of lettuce. | Photos courtesy Rhea Good

Helen Row Toews, author, columnist, comes to North Battleford Library

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Throughout Novem ber, members of the North Battleford Library’s book club have been reading a collection of short stories detailing life on the prai rie. Helen Row Toews is the author, and thanks to the Saskatchewan Writers Guild was able to speak in the Battlefords Oct. 25.

Toews said that fear of failure had held her back from public speaking, but she is willing to give any thing a go. She started working with the Battl efords News-Optimist be fore she transitioned into writing columns for Sask Today.

“Every week, I send in a new story. Sometimes it’s not all that easy to come up with something enter taining and humorous, but when you work with kids, drive a school bus and live on a farm, something al ways happens.”

She has authored over half a dozen books, with another to be released shortly. She is a humour ist, works in education and grew up near Marshal on her family’s farm, where they raised cattle and go fers.

At her reading, Toews

read three short stories from different collections, chronicling her remarkable sense of humour and view of life in Sask.

Have you ever tried to bathe a cat?

“Studies show that the loving relationships people develop with pets can im prove their own health, lower stress and bring joy and pleasure to their life. Still, there can be an occa sional downside.”

Toews went on to re count a delicate situation involving one of her three beloved cats who was suf fering from an infection known as fecal matt, in which, “ ... a lump of excre ment becomes enmeshed in the fur on the cat’s hind end. The internet holds a plethora of information on this unhappy subject,” add ing that “the first clue to its presence might be an un pleasant odour.”

Show and Share

Toews believes anyone familiar with show and share will relate to this sto ry, as she shared a glimpse into the well-known but seldom witnessed show and share.

“Let us be the proverbi al fly on the wall,” she said.

Children bring in a wide variety of prized items in Towe’s story, and no one is ever sure what might materialize, whether it be a lump of fungus, a teddy bear or a baby lamb.

“It’s white, and it has teeth,” Toews read, as a child in her story holds something clenched in a plastic grocery bag. It’s a,

“Jawbone of a dead coy ote … several decaying teeth clatter to the floor,” she read.

What is purple and hard and can be held between a closed fist? “A turtle? A spaceship? An old grape?”

Valentine’s Day

Toews last story re counted her first Valen tine’s Day date with a cool kid from Edmonton was she was 17 years old, read ing about their first meet ing and his subsequent ask ing her out.

“As I stood in a pool of golden sunshine, clasping a bottle of calcium in my lily white hands, he was over come by … oh cut the ma larky, Helen. In truth, I was slumped in the backroom, grinding a jar of organic peanut butter.

“He went down the highway of high society, big business and success. I, down an impoverished

gravel road, of bus driving, outdoor gatherings and mediocrity. He couldn’t possibly be as happy as I am.”

If you want to read the rest of Helen Row Toew’s short stories, you can pur chase them on her website at https://helentoews.com or amazon.ca.

Helen is also the au

thor of a debut young adult fantasy series that can be bought and read on her website. Do sentences like these inspire further read ing?

“A storm was brewing, but it was no mere tempest. Edged in purple, the boil ing black cloud swirled ominously.”

The end is nigh. Ancient

scripts. Mountain portals.

Sacred gemstones. Proph esied savers of worlds. The Runestaff Chronicles can be bought on her website and on amazon.ca.

Keep an eye on SaskTo day.ca to read her weekly stories as she continues seeing the world through her lens of laughter, joy and positivity.

Helen Row Toews reads from her book Prairie Wool: Humorous Stories on the Prairies at her book club author reading, held at the North Battleford Public Library. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Prairie Wool: Treasures

also scan the highways and byways for stuff that accidentally falls from the back of a truck or is otherwise discarded and lost. I know a man who does just that. His name is Da rin Porochnavy, and he is a Master Finder.

According to his lovely wife, Ronda, Darin’s mantra could be, Cheap is good. Free is bet ter. She often shares photographic evidence of Darin’s latest treasures. This is where I first heard of his unusual hobby. Let me tell you about it.

2x4 lying in the middle of the Yellowhead Highway. With pride, Darin was quoted as saying, “Only need about 49 more, and I can build a shed.”

His wife reports that when Darin makes a find, he feels it’s a great day to be alive. And his excitement is catching. Ronda admitted to me that — while alone in the car — of her own volition, she pulled over to examine the contents of an old bar rel that had blown across the road. Sadly, all it contained were leaves, but it could have been great!

B’ford spirit group seeking volunteers

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

have six meetings a year at the most.”

Darin Porochnavy, Master Finder, or Mrs. Beasley, wears the pair of women’s spectacles he found in a back alley faithfully every day. |

Photo courtesy Helen Row Toews

By Helen Row Toews Freelance Author and Writer

Are you the sort of person that likes garage sales? Auctions? Flea markets? Do you hunt for bargains in the cut-price bin at the grocery store, or only buy items when they’re on sale? If you said yes to any of the above, then perhaps you

Follow Prairie Wool SASKTODAY.ca

His story began, as many do, outside a grocery store on Christ mas Eve with the discovery of an English cucumber. I’m joking. I’ve never heard of a story that began with the sighting of a cucumber in a parking lot, particularly the night before a major holiday. However, it was when Ronda started notic ing the joy Darin got from finding treasures.

He went on to spy a 25-foot, three-prong extension cord, a work ing theatre popcorn machine and the heavy equipment necessary to cut keys. These were picked up and faithfully stored away along with many other exciting items, such as a snowmobile helmet, a massive tarpaulin worth $75 and enough underlay to carpet a house. “Daddy wins!” said Darin with a broad grin as he carried these objects into his garage.

To name only a few items, he’s found crutches, a trailer jack, fence posts, a wheelchair, several garbage cans, a length of four-inch PVC pipe, and most recently, a 16-foot

Clearly, there are countless bene fits to anyone possessing this superfinding power. Yet Darin doesn’t keep this bounty for himself. Instead, if he can’t use the items, he shares the wealth by giving things away to those who can use them or those in need. For instance, the bucket of deep-fried chicken he found by the side of the road was awarded to a pack of hungry cats. (That may or may not be the best example, but you must admit it’s interesting).

However, of all the tales I’ve heard, the best was of a pair of ladies’ spectacles found in a back alley near his home. After a cursory polish, he tried them on. Lo and be hold, they were his exact prescrip tion! Can you beat that?

Despite Ronda’s belief that he now bears an eerie resemblance to Mrs. Beasley, a bespectacled doll created in the late 60s, Darin wears the glasses daily.

I’d have to say the man has a gift. Those are indeed some pretty great treasures.

Battleford’s Community Spirit Group is looking for volunteers and executive members to serve on the board in 2023. The group puts on three events a year, ranging from the Annual Fall Festival to the Lights of Joy.

At a meeting of Bat tleford town council this week, Councillor Judy Pruden added that, “We

The group is also excit ed to turn the lights on in the park on Nov. 19 and are asking everyone to stop by for hot chocolate and cook ies.

If you’re looking to volunteer your time and to help serve your com munity, their email is bat tlefordspirit@sasktel.net. You must own a business in Battleford or reside in the town to join the board.

Donations honour former chair Fred Light Museum

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Fred Light Mu seum has received over $2,000 in donations after the passing of former board member and long-standing community member Floyd Andersen.

“It’s a nice legacy on his behalf,” Alexis Chris tensen, councillor for the town and board member for the museum, said at this

week’s meeting of Battle ford town council.

The museum has also chosen a date for 2023’s Family Fun Day, which is slated for Aug. 13, 2023

The museum’s new cash calendars are available, with the town imploring people to purchase them. As the museum is closed for the season, they can be purchased at the town hall or Battleford Bou tique downtown.

Building bridges across cultures, continents, and styles, Twin Flames bring together a richness of personal history and musical experience. Blending together Indigenous and western instruments, as well as their own unique sonic creations, this Multi Award Winning duo effortlessly floats between Inuktitut, French, and English leaving audiences fascinated and inspired. Twin Flames create a sonic landscape that spans Canada's vast country, they transcend cultural boundaries and inspire unity while honoring their ancestor's history and Indigenous backgrounds. Twin Flames push the boundaries of "Contemporary Folk". Consecutive year winners of The Canadian Folk Music Award; Aboriginal Songwriters of the year their songs tell stories of courage and survival. Prepare to dive into the hearts and minds of the beloved couple, we guarantee a journey like no other.

Cochin Community Players back in business with 49th production

Submitted

After a two-year break during the COVID pan demic, Cochin Commu nity Players returns with a lively farce, Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore’s Lie, Cheat and Genuflect (presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals).

The play runs from Nov. 24 to 27 and Dec. 1 to 4, with dinner theatre on Thursday to Saturday and brunch theatre on Sundays. All meals will be catered by KC’s Kitchen, a local caterer that specializes in fine dining.

John Butler, Clint Barret, Jan Hawley, Darren

Olson, Tanya Montoya, Danielle Barret, Robert Tollifson, and Amber Milne star in this hilarious production directed by Danielle Barret.

The Buckle brothers are in big trouble: Billy has borrowed from a loan shark, who now wants his money back or else!

Involve a stuffy lawyer, a man-hungry housekeeper and a trio of beautiful young women, and you have the recipe for a laughpacked farce of twists, turns, puns and pratfalls as brother Tom strives to compensate for Billy’s “habitual” errors.

CCP produced its first

show in December 1996 with a production of Ag atha Christie’s “The Rats” directed by Betty Ternier Daniels and starring local actors Charlotte Lockwood Baker, Bill Baker, Jean Reader and Doug Daniels, with Bill Reader as the one-man crew. The eve ning included a reading of Ken Mitchell’s “The Great Electrical Revolution” by guest artist Roy Challis from Battlefords Com munity Players. Since that modest beginning 26 years ago, the club has enter tained hundreds of people annually with a variety of plays from locally-written premieres to such classics

as Steel Magnolias. Tickets for the dinner and brunch productions are $50 each, and are available

at Cochincp@gmail.com, or call 306-480-9333. Our producer, Carol Carlson, will be happy to help you.

Meota and District News: Open house at Fire Hall

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

Meota Fire Hall was the scene of activity Oct 29, as the Meota and District Volunteer Fire Department sponsored an open house for the public that included tours of the building and equipment and a free lunch of hamburgers and drinks. Sparky Bear and Safety Bear were present. Mem bers also showed how they set up and clean up, after every event.

The new building was built in 2015 and this was the first open house in the new hall, a plan that was successful and will be re peated. There was a good turnout of local residents and guests, as approxi mately 200 people attend ed.

Many of the children turned out in their Hal loween costumes and were treated with candy.

There were presenta tions for retired mem bers — Terry Tait and Ed

Cadrin. Both were long time members and both have been deputy fire chiefs over the years while in the department. They will be missed as impor tant team members.

The fire department is looking for new members within the RM, so if any one would like more in formation on joining the fire department call Chief Dean Menssa at 306-4416419.

Well, winter is here with no sign of let up near, but

when it’s this bad it can only get better, we hope. The power outage Saturday evening, for about an hour, was another sign that it can still happen. I found my big flashlight and had my iPad, so managed fine but many likely spent that hour in the dark or in bed, but it was a bit early for that.

The next shuffleboard event will be on Saturday, Nov.12, at 10 a.m. under the guidance of Nestor Fransoo.

Continued on Page 17

Front row, left to right: Tanya Montoya, Robert Tollifson, Amber Milne, Danielle Barrett, Jennifer Hawley. Back row, left to right: Darren Olson, Clint Barrett, John Butler.

All profits from the eightperformance run go to fund local community improvement projects.

Retired firefighters Terry Tait and Ed Cadrin receive presentations from Chief Dean Menssa. | Photos submitted

306-747-3422

306-445-5195

306-893-2619

Borden

and

Steak night, auctions support two local causes

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

Borden Fire and Rescue, in partnership with Little Sprouts Early Childhood Learning Centre, held a successful steak night and live/silent auction Nov. 5, in the Borden Community Centre.

More than180 were on hand to enjoy a delicious meal and to raise money for both. Captains Luke Walker and Jamie Redhead welcomed everyone, called for a moment of silence for all departed firefight ers/first responders across the country and then Peter Thiessen gave the blessing.

Luke and Jamie had each table answer a quiz question regarding fire and

rescue trivia. If right they went up to eat and if wrong they went to the next table and the losers had to wait until near the end to go up to get their meal.

Little Sprouts had many items donated for their si lent auction held in the Seniors’ Room. After the meal Jillian Orchard of Little Sprouts Learning Centre, described how the proceeds from the evening would go to replace win dows and renovate bath rooms in the building they bought.

A message was read from MP Kelly Block thanking all firefighters, first responders and their families for their work and to Borden for hosting this event.

Tom Redhead spoke on behalf of the village, rec ognizing the council, man agement, administrative team and the 22 members of fire and rescue, espe cially Fire Chief Ian Wain wright. Ian related that the fire and rescue had mem ber growth the last few years and thanked all those who had volunteered and also thanked the support of the community especially in these last two difficult years through COVID. Training was on hold but is now back on.

Through membership in the Highway 16 com mission, the neighboring towns’ fire and rescue are able to train together as minimum fire standards have been changed and

firefighters need to be cer tified by October of 2023.

A detailed account was given of number of calls (fire, accidents, distress) they have made since 2019. In 2020 they attended 377, 2021, 390 and to date in 2022, 281 firefighter calls and 341 in total.

The firefighters and first responders were in troduced and came up on stage to be recognized. Service awards were pre sented to Josh, Natalie, Kristina, Sean, Martin, Craig, Josie, Justin, Ross, BJ, Jenna, Dustin, David, Peter, Mandy(dispatcher), Luke, Jamie, Robbie, Dan, Ian T, Connor and Ian W. Kelly Clark from Ritchie Auctions then be gan auctioning eight donat

The 50/50 of $375 was taken home by Gloria Der bowka and three bottles of Christmas cheer were won by Lucas Saunders, Bob Krueger and David Suther land. The many items in the silent auction were then tabulated and paid for, bringing in another $9,345 on top of the live auction for Little Sprouts.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event and bought items, as it all goes to great causes.

The Borden Lions met Nov. 7 with 19 members present. The fall supper went well and the presen tation at the Welcome to Borden Night was well re ceived. The school break fast program is ongoing and the club will donate $100 for each of October and November. More de tails on cost and what to donate in future months will be sought. A sign will be erected in the sign cor ridor east of Borden for the Borden Care Home and the Lions are providing funds of over $500 for it.

The Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11 at 10:45 a.m. was finalized and lunch will be served following the service. The Busy Bees Preschool are drawing pictures to deco rate the Community Cen tre. A festival of music will be held in the Commu nity Centre the evening of Sunday, Dec. 4 and lunch is provided at that by the members.

The club will be getting tickets to sell for the Lions Wilderness Camp for hand icapped children at Des chambault Lake. It costs $500 to $600 per camper so donations are welcome.

The Lions Dog Training Centre at Oakville, Ont. is getting fairly old and needs a great deal of reno vations, so the Lions have decided to build a new fa cility at a cost of over $25 million. The centre houses seven different programs for dogs and their handlers. The cost to train one dog and their future handler is more than $35,000.

The club will be order ing new black sports shirts with the Lions logo for new members to wear at cater ing events.

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Sure looks as if winter has rolled in and will not be leaving for a long time. It’s like a slap in the face with treacherous condi tions, roads closed and school buses not running. Prairie folks know how to handle the challenges of weather and know there are many exciting outdoor sports to stay healthy and active.

Congratulations to my neighbours Rick and Pam Lamontagne on becoming

first-time grandparents. Daughter Kayla and Dmitri became parents to a baby boy born Oct. 26.

Our community was saddened to hear the pass ing of two former Mayfair residents. Larry Symy nuk’s funeral will be held at Western Development Museum Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Condolences to his wife Anna of Den holm. Ninety-seven-yearold Anne Pollard passed away two weeks ago in Saskatoon with her chil dren at her side. Her hus band is Orville who also

passed away last year. The Pollard’s son Darrell (Bev) took over the family farm when they relocated to the city almost two decades ago.

Mayfair Christmas Trade Show is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Book your table by calling Tan ya at 306-480-1524. Nov. 26 there will be 50 tables of shopping offered at the Spiritwood and District Christmas Craft Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admis sion is $5 for adults, which gives shoppers a chance to

win a door prize. For more information, please call Marlene at 306-883-8610 or Brooklyn at 306-8839494.

The Thickwood Snow mobile Trail has had a wonderful volunteer for more than 10 years. Doug Lamb of Meeting Lake is the main groomer and looks after many other jobs to be done from fall, winter and spring cleanup. In the fall there is the task of marking the trails and cutting underbrush, so branches aren’t hitting rid ers’ bodies.

Loads of wood is re quired in order to keep the warmup shelter hut so vol unteers are needed for that, plus numerous other jobs. At times Doug has spent 10 hours a day maintain ing the trails to make sure they are safe for people who enjoy this sport. The trails get inspected by the Saskatchewan Snowmo bile Association. Careless snowmobilers who run over the important markers for signage on the trail can be fined. Who would be willing to dish out $5,000 for their stupidity that

could put others in danger? More volunteers are des perately needed so please call 306-883-9404 to help this fellow. who isn’t young anymore.

Let us proudly wear our poppies on our left-hand side of our chests. Please take the time to honour all who have fought, died in wars, who at present serve in the Canadian military home and abroad.

We should be so very honoured to know that our country is well respected worldwide.

Hon. Scott Moe, Premier, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca

Ryan Domotor, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford domotor.mla@sasktel.net

Nineteen of the Borden Fire and Rescue members present at steak night.| Photo by Lorraine Olinyk

The parade forming up at 10:30 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 9 on 22nd Street and making its way to St. Vital School where the service will take place at 10:45 a.m. Following the service, the parade will then march to the Cenotaph. Lunch will follow at the Legion branch

Poppy etiquette

Canadians wear poppies in November to honour veterans and soldiers who gave their lives fighting for freedoms abroad.

The Royal Canadian Legion has a Poppy Protocol Guide, with tips on how to wear a poppy appropriately and respectfully. Here’s what it recommends.

HOW TO WEAR A POPPY

A poppy should be worn on the left side of your chest over your heart. The poppy is a sacred symbol and therefore shouldn’t be affixed with any type of pin that obstructs it.

WHEN TO WEAR A POPPY

Wear your poppy from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day on November 11. You can also wear a poppy at a veteran’s funeral or war memorial service such as one held at the anniversary for the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

HOW TO REMOVE A POPPY It’s fine to continue to wear your poppy

after November 11. However, many people choose to remove their poppies and place them on a cenotaph or wreath at a Remembrance Day ceremony’s conclusion. This has become a poignant tradition at many war memorials.

Always ensure you store or dispose of your poppy respectfully. If you see a poppy on the ground, please pick it up, clean it off and dispose of it in a respectful way.

The Royal Canadian Legion supplies the poppies for free but encourages donations to its Poppy Fund, which helps Canadian veterans and their families.

National Aboriginal Veterans Day November 8, 2022

National Aboriginal Veterans Day is a memorial day observed in Canada in recognition of aboriginal contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. It occurs annually on November 8. The memorial was inaugurated in Winnipeg in 1994

The monument is reflective of all Indigenous peoples in Canada: First Nations, Métis and Inuit. An eagle symbolizes the Creator and embodies the spirit of the Indigenous peoples. Below the eagle are four human figures. They face the four points of the compass and represent First Nations members, Inuit and Métis. Female figures in the sculpture acknowledge the role of women not only as nurses, but also as those responsible for maintaining families while the men are away. The human figures hold spiritual objects – an eagle feather fan and a peace pipe. Each corner has an animal figure. They act as spirit guides in traditional Indigenous beliefs, each with a special attribute: a wolf (family values), a bison (tenacity), an elk (wariness) and a bear (healing powers).

Inscription TO ABORIGINAL WAR VETERANS IN CANADA AND TO THOSE THAT HAVE FALLEN

This monument is raised in sacred and everlasting honour of the contributions of all Aboriginal Canadians in war and peacekeeping operations.

Art Notes Between the crosses row on row

By Lorraine Voegeli Battlefords Art Club

At this time of year, we remember and honour our fallen soldiers with stories, poems, ceremonies, quiet meditation, reflection, and prayers. We remember why we must work for peace each day of the year. Since 1962 we have observed this remembrance with the practice of wearing a red poppy. In the first World War, John McCrae penned the famous poem “In Flan ders Fields.” Through his eyes and thoughts we can see the vast array of red poppies moving gently in the breeze amongst the many white crosses, and feel how it touched his very soul. Perhaps he bent to pick one of the coloured blossoms.

Some of our art club members have created some excellent paintings of the red poppy as shown here. Not only have they used their talents to fea ture its beauty, but also to remind us of its role of re membrance.

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row” — John Mc Crae

We thank Rosemarie Stadnyk (front page), Ev elyn Gardiner and Linda Hauk for sharing their lovely works of art.

RUSSELL: It is with great sadness that we the family of Norman Stanley Russell announce his unexpected passing on August 15 / 16, 2022. Norman passed away as he would have chosen in his sleep on the family farm with faithful dog, Opie beside him. Norman was predeceased by his parents: Stan & Helen (Nellie) Russell; brothers-in-law: Ernest Hollingshead, Charlie Peterson and niece, Melissa Petersen. He leaves to mourn his passing his sisters: Donna Hollingshead, Winifred (Winnie) Petersen and brother, Grant Russell. Norman also had many nephews, nieces, great and great-great nephews and nieces. When we were all younger, he would teach us all how to throw a ball, catch, and bat. Pull us on the sleigh or teach us of the birds and animals we may have come across the days spent with him. He also made the most unique Christmas presents and the Easter egg hunts were usually hidden throughout the whole farm barn yard. Norman was born on August 24, 1940 in Battleford, SK to Stanley Arthur Russell and Nellie (Helen Lacey) Russell. He would be the oldest of four children. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Vancouver for a brief period of time but Grampa realized this was not the place for his family and moved back to settle in the Prongua / Drummond Creek area. This was where Norman stayed and grew up with his family working alongside his dad and for many neighbour’s when the need arose. Norman refused to leave the land as this was his comfort place walking and driving many miles every day even up to the day of his passing, he was checking on cattle in the pasture and putting a few staples in the fence just to be sure his good friend Keith’s cattle stayed where they were supposed to. Norman had attended the local country schools often being distracted by the boys playing ball or small fish in the creek. He did not further his education in Battleford, but he continued to learn. He read every magazine and book he could get his hands on and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He loved every animal and bird he came across; from cats, dogs, injured coyote that he nursed back to health, and it stayed in the bushes expecting his bit of scraps every day. Crows and Magpies that fell out of their nests, he would raise them to fly with him when he walked or take a free ride on his shoulder. Often talking to Norman outside, the chickadees would come land on his shoulder or ball cap chirping for some peanuts they knew he would have in his pocket. For many years growing up as kids we knew the farm as “Swallow Hollow” which was named due to the thousands of swallows that would migrate back to the farm under the protection of Norman’s 4-10 shotgun or 22LR. It seemed every post on the farm had a bird house made by Norman or his younger brother Grant and every building had the mud nests all around the roof overhangs. He loved to tell stories and make up names as he went to see how far he could get away with it. When we were younger, he had stories of the Mugwamp creatures that lived in the woods and would steel children if they were out at night, this usually kept us in the bunkhouse or old house we were sleeping in and the odd bang on the wall to be sure of it. Norman loved hockey and baseball. His favourite teams being the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Yankees; with this he could tell you any fact or stat on those teams. He wore his New York Yankees hat with pride. I had attended a major league ball game in Toronto and was able to get a Josh Donaldson autographed ball for him. He was happy with this gift but did have to mention with a smirk that Aaron Judge was hitting them out of the field; but he still put it out for display and wrapped it in plastic so it wouldn’t get dirty. Norman rented out the farmland and pasture to his friend and neighbour, Keith Hoffman for many years up until his passing. I think they both looked out for one another in their own way. In the later years I had more time to check in on him and start taking him to town and getting his “supplies “as he would call them. This usually included bird, dog, and cat food, some groceries and scraps for the animals and his favorite Copenhagen fine cut snuff. He had a big sweet tooth so we would always bring him his gingersnaps, cookies, cakes, squares of some sort and some pies. These were always the first to go most times being blamed on Tony Schmidt, Keith, or Charlie stopping in LOL. We would always stop at his choice of McDonald’s, A&W, Burger King or KFC for lunch to go and we would sit in the parking lot feeding most of his French fries to the seagulls or gophers then saving some for the animals at home. I always had great memories and fun times at the old family farm and feel very fortunate that my family and I were able to get to know Uncle Norman. As Norman would say “see you later, drive safe and I Love you but not in the strange way just the way relatives do.” Your host capsule has passed on but your soul & spirit live on, now walk the unlimited land you loved so much and watch over us all. I miss and love you Uncle Norman, but not in that strange way! Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Memorial donations in memory of Norman can be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue – Box 3045 Athabasca, AB T9S 2B9 or Hope Lives Here – C/O Alayna Astle 9636 151st Edmonton, AB T5P 1S4. Arrangements were entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

TURPIN: It is with sadness we announce the passing of Stewart Bruce Turpin, at the age of 85, at Harwood Manor, North Battleford on Sunday, October 30th, 2022. Stewart is survived by his son, Robert (Joanne) of Battleford and his daughter, Brenda Esquirol (Carl) of Stettler, AB; grandsons: Garrett and Reid; and his travel companion, Marilee Iverson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, David White of Meadow Lake; nieces: Laura, Sandra, Pam and nephew, Kim. He is predeceased by his wife, Lorraine; sister, Marjorie; son-in-law, Mich and granddaughter, Sarah. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family gratefully requests no flowers, please. Donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society of Saskatchewan - 301 2550 12th Ave, Regina SK S4P 3X1. The family sincerely and kindly thanks the staff at Harwood Manor for their loving care and devotion to Stewart in his final days. Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.

CHASSÉ: It is with great sadness the family of Mrs. Laurette Chassé announce her passing on October 21, 2022 at the age of 97 in Saskatoon, SK. Laurette was predeceased by her husband, Anthony (Tony) Chassé; infant son, Joseph and granddaughter, Jane. She is survived by her children: Janet, Laurier, Michèle and Mark; sisters: Sr. Emma and Julie; grand-children: Janel, Christa, Brett, Carmen, Ben, Clare, Elise, Jillian; greatgrandchildren: Lyla, Tye, Luke and Vivian. Memorial Service will take place at The Garden Chapel - 1332 100st North Battleford, SK on Saturday, November 19, 2022 - 11:00 a.m. Memorial Donations in memory of Laurette may to the charity of a donor’s choice. Condolences for the family may be made to www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.

ROSS: It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Donnie Ross on Sunday, October 30th in North Battleford at the age of 89 years. She was lovingly surrounded by her children and grandchildren during her final hours. During her moments of clarity and through many emotional tears, we were able to express our great love and gratitude towards her for the unsurpassed mother, grandmother and great grandmother she had been, and the positive impact she had on our lives. She was so unique and special, and our lives and the world will never be the same without her in it. We were truly blessed to have her. We can take comfort and solace that she is finally reunited with the love of her life, our dad, whom she has had to live without since his passing in 1984. Donalda Johnston was born in Tisdale, June 14th, 1933, and endured many hardships and challenges throughout her childhood. As a young adult, she moved to North Battleford to teach school, where she met and married her soulmate, Don Ross. Their union created their three children Jim, Melany and Virginia. Mom was a former teacher, housewife, mother, clerk and assistant curator of The Chapel Gallery. She was also a member of The Kinettes, K40, the Music Festival Association president, 3rd Ave. UCW, Heather Myers School Of Dance secretary, and president of The Dance Festival Association. She will be sadly missed at all the music and dance recitals and festivals, where she had been a regular attendee and fixture for many years. Mom was well known for her beauty, class and elegance. She turned heads everywhere she went with her distinctive fashion sense and was often referred to as the Jackie Kennedy of North Battleford. She was very cultured and well-read and was interested in all things related to arts and entertainment. She was artistic and creative and had a natural talent for decorating. She enjoyed reading mystery novels, watching mystery shows, and watching curling in the winter. Her greatest joy was her family. She was always interested and proud in her grandchildren’s accomplishments. Her happiest times were at her cabin at Jackfish Lake, where she loved entertaining family and friends. Mom is predeceased by her parents Robert and Donalda Johnston, her siblings Bob Johnston, Mac Johnston and Caroline Stacey. Also, mother-in-law Fran Ross. Left to cherish her memory is son Jim Ross and his daughter Vanessa and (Greg) Fry and their children Nathaniel and Hailey. Daughter Melany and (Blair) Peters and their son’s Cameron, Scott, Blake and Spencer, and daughter Morgan and (Garrett) Seymour. Daughter Virginia and (Todd) Winterhalt, and their children Hunter, Boe (Madi) and Chloe. Funeral Services was held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Third Avenue United Church in North Battleford, with Reverend Jo Ann Hills as officiant. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society and / or The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium - Trevor Watts Funeral Director.

SYMYNUK: Mr. Larry Symynuk, resident of Denholm, SK passed away Thursday, October 27, 2022 at the age of 83 years. Larry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Anna Maria; children: Danny (Bonnie) – Saskatoon, SK & Michael (Laura) - Dinsmore, SK; grandchildren: Chasta Gerwing – Dalmeny, SK & David Symynuk – Saskatoon, SK; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Karter & Jayce Gerwing; brothers: Clayton –Saskatoon, SK & Norman (Linda) - Williams Lake, B.C.; sisters: Marjorie (Ron) Crozier –Biggar, SK & Linda O’Neill - Swift Current, SK; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents: Peter and Lena and his brother, Carl. A Celebration of Larry’s life will take place Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Western Development Museum – Heritage Hall. Private Family Interment will follow the service at the Denholm Cemetery, Denholm, SK. Memorial Donations in memory of Larry may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation - 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 2R3. Condolences for the family can be left at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Vanessa Macnab of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium.

In Loving Memory of

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS.

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Jack Hochbaum

June 4, 1953November 11, 2021

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Love

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In loving memory of Sidney Dean Foulston

March 1938November 2017

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of VINCENT MARSH late of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 1st day of December, 2022.

NORSASKLAW

RICHARD GIBBONS LAW OFFICE Barrister and Solicitor 1381A - 101st Street North Battleford, SK S9A 0Z9

Solicitors for the Executors of the Estate of Vincent Marsh

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of CHARLES EDWARD BEISEL, late of Mervin, Saskatchewan, deceased.

ALL CLAIMS against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 1st day of December, 2022.

Battle River Law Baldwin, Friedman, SpenceBarristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3 Solicitors for the Executor of the Estate of Charles Edward Beisel

D.A

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Gone but not forgotten Your wife Sherry

The Last Post Fund is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that no Veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial as well as a military gravestone, due to insufficient funds.

If you know of a veteran gravesite in need of a headstone or a Veteran in need of funeral assistance please contact us at:

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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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InLovingMemoryof EliseDMcArthur December15,1983-November8,2020

Eliselaidherburdensdown onacoldNovember morning.Notadaypasses withouthernamebeing spoken,memoriesrevisited. Elisewasacandleinthe darknessformanypeople,a flickeroflight,hope,love.In death,shewasreunitedwith herchild,Denny.Sheis dearlymissedbyher childrenBostenandCassie, motherEileenDakota, grandmotherAnnieJimmy, familyandfriends.

InLovingMemoryof NickDmytryshyn April8,1921-November7,2021

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Of

Resort Village of Turtle View PUBLIC NOTICE

Intention to Pass a Development Charges Bylaw

Public Notice is hereby given, in accordance with The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the Council of the Resort Village of Turtle View intends to adopt a Development Charges Bylaw to apply to the Resort Village of Turtle View.

PUBLIC INSPECTION

Any person may inspect the Bylaw online at www.rvturtleview.com or at the Resort Village office, located at 116 Golden Sands Drive, Resort Village of Turtle View, SK.

PUBLIC HEARING

Council will hear any persons or group of persons who wish to present comments for consideration. If any person, group or organization is unable to attend the public hearing, they are welcome to send written comments to resortvillage.turtleview@xplornet.com

The public hearing will be held on: Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Issued at Turtle View, SK this 10th day of November, 2022.

Lorrie Bannerman, Administrator

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Mervin No. 499 intends to adopt one bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007, to repeal Bylaw No. 94-3 and adopt a new bylaw, known as the Official Community Plan (OCP).

INTENT:

The proposed OCP amendment will allow for the RM Council to consolidate all previous amendments into one document.

AFFECTED LAND:

The affected lands of these amendments are all lands lying within the jurisdiction of the RM of Mervin No. 499.

REASON:

The reason for the OCP amendment is to provide the following:

1. Allow for the RM Council to consolidate all previous amendments. 2. To review and update to reflect changes within the RM with future planning in consideration.

3. To update and become compliant with new provincial and federal legislation.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM of Mervin No. 499 Office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lions Hall located at 1st Ave, in the Town of Turtleford, SK. A participation component will be available to the public to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person and digital representations. The deadline for receipt of requests for online representation must be received by the RM Office or the Municipal Planner by November 25, 2022. The deadline for written objections to the proposal is December 8, 2022. For additional information, please contact the Administrator at (306) 845-2045, Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0 or rm499@rmofmervin.com.

Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 3rd day of November, 2022.

Brenda Ottenbreit-Appleton, CAO, RM of Mervin No. 499

Withlovealways, Eva,Dave&Leslie,Darlene&Bohdan,Jerry&Myrna, Chris&Fred,yourgrandchildren&great-grandchildren.

LovedForeverandNeverForgotten

xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

TAX

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

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Hi I’m Finnegan!

I am so happy that you’re here looking at my page! am a sweet guy who loves his humans. I do get along well with other cats, I can be a bit shy when you first meet me, but once am comfortable with you, will be the most affectionate boy you have ever met!

Hi I’m Drake!

am a bit of a hyper pup, I need a household that can match my energy and can deal with me being a little ridiculous every now and then! The staff are working very hard to help me learn my manners... When get too excited they seem to all go out the window.. So we are working on that!

battlefordshumanesociety.com

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PARKDALE NO. 498 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before January 9, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

LSD 5-05-51-16-3

EXT 168 LSD 5-05-51-16-3 EXT 68

1,487.15486.001,973.15

139943649 139943605

* On January 1, 2023 the 2022 taxes will become arrears and be added to the amount required to remove the property from tax enforcement proceedings. Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.

Dated this 7th day of November, 2022

Ashela McCullough, Administrator

PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under the Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land described in the following list are fully paid before the 11th day of January, 2023. A tax lien will be registered against the land. Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

151608371 SW274320W3rd2,426.605.00 $ 2,431.60 128819290 NW164421W3rd2,682.235.00 $ 2,687.23 128819346 SW164421W3rd2,383.265.00 $ 2,388.26 137822340 NE194421W3rd1,524.025.00 $ 1,529.02 140819654 SE314421W3rd1,890.575.00 $ 1,895.57 140819687 SW314421W3rd3,469.265.00 $ 3,474.26 148261989 SE34422W3rd1,465.405.00 $ 1,470.40 132402091 NE74522W3rd2,279.575.00 $ 2,284.57 132402080 NW74522W3rd2,107.625.00 $ 2,112.62 132402170 SE74522W3rd2,207.095.00 $ 2,212.09 150899417 SW74522W3rd2,136.595.00 $ 2,141.59 152350275 PTSW44422W3rd617.615.00 $ 622.61 119576133 12-164H375394.315.00 $ 399.31

SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST

Dated this 10th day of November, 2022

Dana Klus Treasurer

TAX ENFORCEMENT

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST

RESORT VILLAGE OF COCHIN

PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before January 9, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY Title No. Total Arrears* Costs Total Arrears and Costs

BLK/PAR P-PLAN 76B04975 EXT 0 112717717 112717728 2,735.59303.003,038.59

LOT 20-BLK/PAR 7-PLAN 76B04975 EXT 0 1312751331,615.35351.001,966.35

LOT 20-BLK/PAR 10-PLAN 76B04975 EXT 0 112717290 112717302 1,609.67351.001,960.67

LOT 25-BLK/PAR 10-PLAN 76B04975 EXT 0 1290057713,505.97351.003,856.97

LOT 5-BLK/PAR 2A-PLAN 67B04884 EXT 0 125333434 125333445 1,482.48303.001,785.48

LOT 7-BLK/PAR 2A-PLAN 67B04884 EXT 0 125333490 125333502 1,602.53351.001,953.53

LOT 14-BLK/PAR 1A-PLAN 67B04884 EXT 0 1441330842,220.97351.002,571.97

LOT 4-BLK/PAR 1A-PLAN 67B04884 EXT 0 125332567 125332578 2,018.75351.002,369.75

LOT 16-BLK/PAR 1-PLAN 64B09181 EXT 0 1503041483,283.09351.003,634.09

LOT 28A-BLK/PAR 3-PLAN 102303975 EXT 0 1526998881,858.02351.002,209.02

LOT 36-BLK/PAR 3-PLAN 75B04645 EXT 0 1398771732,303.20351.002,654.20

LOT 22-BLK/PAR 4-PLAN 75B04645 EXT 0 1531136441,322.06351.001,673.06

LOT 15-BLK/PAR 4-PLAN 75B04645 EXT 0 1392160571,545.43351.001,896.43

BLK/PAR N-PLAN 76B04975 EXT 0 112717694 112717706 2,624.24303.002,927.24

* On January 1, 2023 the 2022 taxes will become arrears and be added to the amount required to remove the property from tax enforcement proceedings. Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.

Dated this 3rd day of November, 2022

Landon Chambers, Chief Administrative Officer

News ‘n’ Views from Baljennie

By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

Sympathy goes out to the Rayner and Custer families on the passing of 87-year-old Constance (Connie) Rayner on Oct. 21. She was the first daughter of Albert and Kate Custer of Baljennie. She took her schooling at the old Baljennie School. Later she married Buster (Arthur) Rayner and had a family of three daughters, Debi, Susan and Kelly. She also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After the post office

closed in Baljennie, they moved the building to a farm to make their first home. They later built a new house. Due to health problems, they left the farm to live in Battleford where Buster passed away. A grandson came to live with Connie, then later she sold the house and moved to Battlefords District Care Centre, where she passed away.

A celebration of life was held Nov. 5 at the Bat tleford United Church. Due to the weather burial will take place a later date at St. Bridget’s Anglican

Churchyard at Baljennie.

Sympathy to the fami lies of Kevin Lang of Rud dell on his passing at the age of 65 on Nov. 3. Kevin was the first son of Al lan and Nellie Lange. His mother, Nellie, spent some of her early school days in Baljennie and made her home with George and Lily Leech.

Kevin has one sister, Carol Lockhard of Saska toon. His parents have both passed away and are buried at the Ruddell. Cemetery. A service and burial will be held at a later date.

Fred Light Museum in

Battleford are involved in the hanging of banners featuring the names of lo cal veterans. There have been a little over 100 ban ners hung. It’s so wonder ful to see all these men and women remembered for their service. They all fought for our country. Wear your poppy with great pride. Remember the poppies salute service peo ple of all stripes, not just those at war.

Remembrance Day ser vices are being held across the country. Take time to remember.

Unity News Take time to remember Nov. 11

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Don’t let Nov. 11 be just another day off. Whether you participate in the com munity Remembrance Day service or watch a service on TV, make sure wherever you are and whatever you are doing, you take time to remember. Unity’s Memo rial Park cenotaph carries the names of soldiers who did not return home. Lay a wreath or place a candle at the soldier’s section of the

Unity cemetery. The community Re membrance Day service takes place at St. Peter’s Church starting at 10:30 a.m.

Unity Composite High School has had a success ful sports season so far. Fall golf and cross coun try had UCHS participants earn provincial berths. Although Warrior football fell just short of their goal to play in provincial quar ter-finals, as a young team, they had an admirable sea

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

son.

Junior district volley ball championships were postponed due to poor weather Nov. 3 and were played Nov. 7, although the weather wasn’t much more favourable. UCHS girls captured a silver medal. UCHS senior girls captured their confer ence and are off to Maple Creek Nov. 12 for regional playdowns. UCHS curling season is underway and basketball is right on the horizon. UCHS drama is also in the final few weeks of their preparation for their winter production.

Unity Public School students and their fami lies are seeking support for the next phase of their playground fundraising campaign. UPS held their Remembrance Day ser vice Nov. 9 and encourage families to participate in the community-wide ser vice Nov. 11 at St. Peter’s Church St. Peter’s School, staff, and students held their Remembrance Day Ser vice Nov. 10 and have en couraged their St. Peter’s families to participate in the community-wide ser vice Nov. 11 at St. Peter’s Church.

Unity Curling Club’s first of two sturling spiels will be held Nov. 17. The second is in the new year. Registrations are also be

ing accepted for the Box ing Day bonspiel by calling the club at 306-228-2212.

Charitable acts are part of the next season upon us. Shoebox assemblies are taking place and are be ing collected at Red Apple. Secret Santa will soon be campaigning for contribu tions helping those in the throes of inflation and hard times. Always remember your local food bank, too.

Winter Wonderland, set for Dec. 8, is only four weeks away. Organizers are taking winter lights pa rade entries, window deco rating entries and event and live entertainment en tries. Contact Nicole at the Credit Union for the com plete details on this annual community Christmas kick off event.

Meota News

Continued from Page 9

The Battlefords Bridge Club had four tables in play Nov. 1. Top score went to Gerry Craig and Barbara Mitchell. Second were Donna Scherman and Mary Phelps. Tied for third place were Bea Prutti and Ella Meier along with Anna Waldbillig and Mar garet Dyck. There was no games Thursday because of the winter storm.

Since the Chitek Lake store, in which the post office was located, has closed, the office has been moved across to the village office building. The lobby will be open Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Three tables of canasta played at the Do Drop In Nov. 4. Top score went to Janice Morton and Paulette Neale. Second were Dave Sayers and Lorna Pearson and third were Albert Huys and Karn Kelly.

There will be films shown at the Do Drop In at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14. Everyone is welcome. De tails are posted at the Do Drop In.

They labeled him a sawed-off little crook

Public opinion can be positive and negative. A good reputation today may be tomorrow’s reversal to one of scorn. People spread their opinions that will elevate or destroy the name and respect of a specific person. Often, we thought lessly pass along what others have told us. We do so not knowing whether it is true or not. Should we share what we are not sure is the truth?

There have always been those who are malicious and hateful. God recog nizes this in the command ment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.”

Martin Luther explained this commandment in these words, “We should

Neighbourly Advice

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

raymaher085@gmail.com

fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbour, betray him, slander him or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.”

In the Bible, we hear of Zacchaeus, a wee little man who had a reputation for being the biggest kind

of sinner. People looked down on Zacchaeus for his short stature and the fact he was a chief tax collec tor. Zacchaeus collected taxes for the Romans who ruled the Jews.

Zacchaeus was rich, and people felt that he was rich at their expense. People were convinced that he, like all tax collec

tors, collected way more in taxes than they needed to charge. It is our sinful nature to blame, resent and reject those who have authority over us. Labeling others and assuming the worst about them make us feel that we are better than them.

Zacchaeus lived at Jeri cho, and he heard the rabbi from Nazareth would pass through the city. Crowds were forming to see Jesus, who many claimed to be a prophet of old or the messiah. Short Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree, a type of fig tree, to see Je sus from above the crowd. Was it just curiosity, or did Zacchaeus seek to see Jesus, and find recognition and acceptance in Jesus,

that he could not find in his everyday job and life because of how people viewed him as the worst of sinners?

“And when Jesus came to the tree as he passed through Jericho, Jesus looked up into the tree and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down for I must stay at your house today.”

So, Zacchaeus hurried down the tree and received Jesus joyfully.

The people of the crowd were outraged and offend ed that Jesus would go and be a guest of a sawed-off little crook. Zacchaeus re sponded to their grumbling by saying, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of any

thing, I restore fourfold.”

With Zacchaeus giving half of his goods to the poor and restoring any overcharging fourfold, he showed Jesus and his crit ics that he was doing more than any son of Abraham was required to do in the Jewish laws.

In meeting with Jesus, Zacchaeus was delivered from the slander and rejec tion. Jesus sought out Zac chaeus so that he could be found in his community as an honourable tax collec tor, one with a pure heart towards God and his neigh bour. Jesus came through Jericho to seek and save Zacchaeus lost in slander. Do you defend or condemn others? (Scripture refer ence Luke 19:1-10 ESV)

Pastor Melvin Bartley

Halloween shellout was a sell-out

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Sympathy is extended to the family of Barbara Jean (Davies) Noonan, and especially to Dennis, her husband of 56 years. A graveside service took place on Friday, Nov. 4 at Maidstone Cemetery. A memorial lunch will be

held in the spring. Barb was truly “an angel among us,” my cherished friend and Guiding sister, and a lifetime member of Girl Guides. We travelled many miles together and I, along with our fellow Trefoil Guild members, will miss her dearly.

Thank you to our vet erans and members of the

Future Firefighter

armed forces for your ser vice, which has enabled us to enjoy freedom every day. Please take time to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at Maid stone Legion Hall on Fri day, Nov.11. Lunch will be provided by the Legion La dies Auxiliary.

Congratulations to Maidstone High School senior girls’ volleyball team for winning silver at conference in St. Walburg Nov.5. They advance to regionals in Rosthern next weekend.

The Jets are ready to hit the ice this Saturday, Nov.12 in the season/home opener, with puck drop at 8 p.m. MST. There will be a moment of silence before the game to honour former player, Jordi Johner. Jet squares are available for purchase again. Contact Kaitlynn Johnston.

Winners of Maidstone Pharmacy’s Halloween co louring contest were Luella age 5 and Nina age 9. The Kin Club’s Halloween door decorating winners were: first - Kristina McNeil, door No. 6; second - James Allen, No. 5; and thirdMaidstone Museum, No. 4.

Thanks to everyone around town for the spooky deco rating.

The Halloween Dance raised $4,175, which will be split and donated to two local individuals undergo ing cancer treatments. The dance was hosted by Neil and Patty Blanchette with the help of friends and family. (submitted by Me gan Rhinehart)

All who came out on the night of Oct.28 to Maid stone Museum’s Family Spooky Tour had a great time. With just the right calibre of frightfulness, ev eryone enjoyed themselves and we hope this will be an annual event. The mu seum’s

Howl’oween Spook’tacular on Oct. 31 was also a tremendous success again this year. Thanks to Brinley and Saidai who handed out 280 toy bags and 280 treat bags. We couldn’t believe we ran out at 6:15 p.m. and had to close early. Thank you to community businesses and households for all your donations and to everyone who helped with this event.

Despite the blizzard, Maidstone Trade Fair

Committee’s Christmas Market went on as planned last Saturday. We were scheduled to have a full house of vendors but about half didn’t come due to the storm. We had 102 paid customers and are grateful to them for braving the wild weather. Brynn Ponto won the door prize, a “Merry and Bright” gnome. Maid stone Quilting Squares served up a tasty lunch with homemade soup and buns. Santa even made an appearance in the after

noon to hang out with a few excited children. All in all, it was a good day. (sub mitted by Kara Wakefield)

Maidstone Bowling Alley now has their an nual turkey shoot pie plates available. Be sure to drop in to buy a slice or two or even a whole pie for your chance to win a turkey. The bowling alley also has other fundraisers going on including a Funscript gift card fundraiser. Forms are at the alley and the dead line is Nov. 24.

Brinley and Saidai handed out a treat bag and a toy bag to each of 280 children who came to Howl’oween Spook’tacular at Maidstone Seniors’ Drop In Centre. | Photos by Kathy Utri

Shia Northcott, a future volunteer, was one of the visitors to Meota and District Volunteer Fire Department fire hall open house and barbecue Oct. 29. | Photo submitted