Regional News-Optimist October 13, 2022

Inflation takes toll on food bank programming

Running low on non-perishables

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The cost of living crisis and rising food insecurity touches almost every Canadian. Here in the Battlefords, rising gas prices, swollen mortgages, steadily increasing food pric es and ‘shrinkflation’ have caused a ripple effect on some

local charity organizations. The Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre is one of many starting to feel those pressures affect them and their programming.

Erin Katerynych, executive director, says they’re always busy this time of year. How ever, this year, the rising cost of food has forced them to cut back on the contents in their hampers. At the same time, more people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis have turned to the organization for help, noting that August marks an almost 50 per cent increase in food hampers they’ve given out since last year.

“Even just running to the grocery store for a bag of gro ceries can cost $100, and the price of gas now,” Katerynych said.

Katerynych says inflation is the main reason BDFRC des perately needs donations, with healthy, non-perishable foods at the top of their list, such as peanut butter, pasta, canned soup, rice and pancake mix.

pounds of potatoes the com munity has donated and for the donations of dairy, protein and produce they receive five days a week from local grocery stores.

“We’re always thankful for the community support ... the community is always fabu lous.”

Erin Katerynych, BDFRC executive director, fears that the charity organization won’t have enough food to feed the uptick of community members in desperate need of their programming.

“What we really need are feminine hygiene products. We get asked for that all the time, and it’s just something that we constantly run out of,” Kat erynych says.

Katerynych adds that they’re thankful for the 28,000

Katerynych wants to stress that the stigma around receiv ing food isn’t helpful, saying that it’s a hand-up, not a hand out. The organization requires ID and proof of income and expenses after a third visit to ensure everyone can accurate ly benefit from the non-profit’s programming.

BDFRC offers various sizes

of food hampers to people in need. Still, with a lack of core funding, the organization must rely heavily on grants and community support via dona tions. BDFRC also hosts other programs beyond food ham pers, ranging from income tax preparation, winter coats for kids, Empty Stocking Fund, Christmas hampers and food for kids in elementary school.

If you’re able to donate, BDFRC is always accepting donations. If you’re struggling and need assistance, you can call and inquire about their programming at 1-306-9375505 or visit their website here: Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

The Metherell family have lived and farmed on the same land near Lashburn since 1903, and on Saturday, hundreds of community members came out to share in the family’s threshing bee and celebrations in honour of their 120th harvest. See more inside. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

Accused in murder of Ted Geddes hires high profile lawyer

By Lisa Joy Staff Reporter

One of Saskatchewan’s top criminal defence law yers is representing a man who allegedly kidnapped and killed 64-year-old Ed ward [Ted] Keith Geddes who went missing in 2011.

Mark Brayford went on the record Friday in North Battleford Provincial Court as defence for 70-year-old John Robert Gregoire.

Gregoire is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping with a firearm, and indecently interfering with human remains in connection with Geddes’ death.

Gregoire was released on bail after a show cause hearing in Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench in March. Five months later he was arrested and charged with seven new weapons offences. He re mains out on bail.

Brayford, who appeared by phone, requested an adjournment and told the court he is waiting for out standing disclosure. Dis closure consists of the Crown’s case against the accused and usually in cludes search warrants, the charging document, de tails of the offence, audio/ video and transcribed wit ness statements, statements from the accused, expert reports, exhibits, private communication intercept authorizations, evidence, and criminal records of witnesses and the accused.

“There is a massive amount of disclosure on the murder file,” said Bray ford, adding that on the next court date defence could be in a position to set a preliminary hearing.

Brayford is also waiting for disclosure on the seven weapons-related charges. Gregoire was charged

April 9 in the R. M. of Hill sdale with four counts of storing loaded unsecured firearms, possession of a restricted firearm, posses sion of a restricted firearm with readily accessible am munition without a license, and possession of a firearm obtained in the commis sion of an offense.

Prosecutor Kofi Nkru ma-Young told the court that the Crown was reserv ing election on the seven weapons-related offences. The Crown can go by way of summary conviction, or by indictment, which is the more serious charge.

The Crown, by law, is proceeding by indictment against Gregoire on the murder charge.

Judge Murray Pelletier adjourned the matter until Nov. 8.

Geddes went missing in 2011. RCMP say that Ged des was last seen in April 2011. When police went to his home in Baldwinton for an arrest warrant in an unrelated incident in midApril 2011, they found his

dog dead in the entrance way. Police say the dog’s death wasn’t from natural causes. Geddes was want ed for theft over $5,000 stemming from an offence in April 2011 in the com munity of Neilburg.

The Saskatchewan RCMP Historical Case Unit and RCMP Major Crimes Unit renewed the investigation in 2021. Cut Knife RCMP and RCMP Forensic Identification Section assisted and police executed search warrants at a rural property outside of Baldwinton on Feb. 8, 2022.

Gregoire, and Robert Welsey Pich, 58, were ar rested after the raid. Pich is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping with a firearm, and careless use of a firearm. He is back in court on Oct. 28 to speak to his matter.

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

RCMP say they con tinue to search for Geddes’ remains.

Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits still available from chamber

Submitted

Rapid Antigen Test Kits for COVID-19 are still available for pick up at the Battlefords Chamber of

Commerce office during regular office hours.

The chamber says it has received another order of kits, so for your back to school needs, or last of the

summer family get-togeth ers be sure to arrange to pick up your test kit supply.

“News reports have the Battlefords rates of viral load in the wastewater as the fifth highest on re cord. Be sure to stay safe. Research shows that the Omicron sub-variant BA.5 is the most dominant strain found in North Battleford,” says the chamber is it’s Monday morning online newsletter.

The chamber also said if you have been in contact with a case of COVID-19 or are concerned with ex posure, but need to get your test kits, contact the office upon arrival at the building and staff will be happy to bring the test kits to your vehicle.

John Gregoire - who is charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder - is out on bail. He is seen here leaving Cut Knife circuit court in August. | Photo by Lisa Joy

Water tower lights to go state-of-the-art multicolour

Staff

The receipt of the grant means the City of North Battleford will be able to significantly upgrade to a state-of-theart energy-efficient lighting system for the water tower while remaining within budget.

During a city council meeting Tues day, council approved the purchase of a new energy-efficient LED multicoloured lighting system capable of displaying up to 16 million colours from Saska toon-based Isted Technical Sales in the amount of $197,266 excluding GST.

The warranty period for the LED en ergy-efficient lighting from Isted Tech nical Sales is five years, with an expect ed lifetime of approximately 11 years. The removal of the old lighting and in

stallation of the new lighting is expected to occur in the spring of 2023.

With previously budgeted upgrades to the lighting system for the City of North Battleford’s water tower slated for the 2022 fiscal year, the City of North Bat tleford has received a substantial grant from Cenovus Energy Inc. toward the project.

“Cenovus is committed to support ing the communities where we live and work,” said Trent Zacharias, Cenovus’s Director, Community & Indigenous Af fairs. “Communities that recognize the diversity of their residents are stronger and more resilient. The enhanced light ing system is an opportunity to help North Battleford continue to find ways to be even more inclusive through aware ness campaigns. As an added bonus, the

new LED lights are more energy effi cient.”

The current lighting system on the water tower is three years past its life expectancy and can no longer be repaired efficiently, explained Director of City Operations Stewart Schafer. “AECOM generously donated their time and resources in the design of the lighting system in conjunction with a Saskatoonbased lighting supplier, Isted Technical Sales. The design is impressive Council initially approved $200,000 in the 2022 budget for the water tower light replacement project – including removal of the old lighting and installa tion of the new lighting. The receipt of the grant has enabled the city to signifi cantly upgrade the lights to a state-ofthe-art energy-efficient lighting system

while remaining within budget. With the receipt of additional funding from Ceno vus Energy, Council approved the proj ect’s increase in scope.

Schafer also noted this lighting en hancement, with its endless colour com binations, is an opportunity for the city to be even more inclusive and allow for greater engagement from community members for specific causes and aware ness campaigns.

“The water tower can be lit up for an incredible variety of events, commemo rative days and occasions, such as Truth and Reconciliation Day, Christmas, Pride Month, International Overdose Awareness Day, Breast Cancer Aware ness, Canada Day, Mental Health Month, and more.”

Premier plans to reassert Saskatchewan’s authority

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Premier Scott Moe an nounced the Saskatchewan government’s plans mov ing into the fall sitting of the legislative assembly in North Battleford on Tuesday, plans which in clude legislation designed to “protect Saskatchewan people, jobs and business es.”

MLAs Ryan Domotor, Jeremy Cockrill, Ken Francis and Colleen Young, Mayor Ames Leslie, MP Rosemarie Falk and Mayor David Gillan were among the 90 attendees who arrived at the Chapel Gallery hosted by the Battlefords and District Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon

and fireside chat. Former MLA Tim McMillan and Premier Scott Moe spoke on Saskatchewan resource development and the recently released white paper outlining how the government plans to defend Saskatchewan’s economic autonomy.

The premier said the policy was not about the federal government, in stead, “It’s about Saskatch ewan people, and us work ing our little best to provide Saskatchewan people with an opportunity to achieve what we know is possible,” Moe said as he addressed the crowd.

The premier has been critical of the federal gov ernment’s policies since his election to Sask. Party leadership in 2018, taking

Battlefords RCMP Weekly stats

Battlefords RCMP responded to 608 calls for ser vice Wednesday, Oct. 5, through Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Seven Missing Persons Reported — Five investi gations remain active.

30 Assault Investigations.

11 Break and Enter Investigations.

Six Vehicle Thefts.

12 Mental Health Investigations.

11 Traffic Collisions.

Two Individuals Charged with Impaired Driving.

Various Traffic Charges.

84 Disturbance Calls

26 Other Reported Thefts

18 Mischief investigations.

Anyone with information on any incident is urged to call the Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720 or Sas katchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

on the federal carbon tax and criticizing how West ern Canada’s treatment by Ottawa. He argues that nine federal policies do not align with Saskatchewan’s constitutional authority over natural resources.

“What are we doing to determine our own des tiny?”

The premier said that the Saskatchewan govern ment has been very reac tionary. Now, they’re plan ning on being proactive. He encouraged everyone across the province to read their newly released white paper and reminded them that they need to be fight ing back.

When asked about a possible partnership with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her forthcoming Alberta Sovereignty Act, he said there was room for collaboration.

“We will work closely with Alberta.”

He also spoke on re specting the constitution, reminding the crowd that the country is founded on it.

Beyond his govern ment’s work into the fall, Premier Scott Moe was also in the Battlefords to address the concerns of Battlefords residents and local dignitaries, with questions on Moe’s earlier discussion.

Some wondered wheth er Quebec’s special privi leges act as a template that the government could fol low moving forward, with Moe adding that he’d like to reaffirm Saskatchewan’s

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right to develop its natural resources, taking addition al steps beyond what they will do this fall if neces sary.

Another wondered whether the natural gas contract awarded to the UAE by German Chan cellor Olaf Scholz in lieu of Canada would open discussions allowing prov inces to join the federal de

bate table regarding future partnerships.

“You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of reality,” Moe said, drawing paral lels between the war in Ukraine and Russia’s dom inance over natural gas in Europe. He believes that Canada and North Amer ica should not be backing away from what and how

they’re producing natu ral resources, to establish North American food and energy security without dependence on other coun tries.

The province is expect ed to release more informa tion on specific legislation with its upcoming crown speech on Oct. 26, and the policy can be read on the government’s website.

Premier Scott Moe, pictured with Tim MacMillan, speaks at the Chapel Gallery on Tuesday as he outlines the Sask. government’s plans to Draw the Line with Ottawa over provincial resource authority. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

John Cairns’

is

So why not Saskatchewan?

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

Recently, Statistics Canada released some population numbers for the province which showed Saskatchewan grew by a net 6,465 people in the second quarter of 2022.

This was touted as the largest population jump for the province for any three-month period since Statistics Canada started releasing quarterly population counts in 1971. That brings the population of Saskatchewan to 1,194,803, its highest ever.

But I notice a lot of people were making a big deal out of another statistic: the net migration to other provinces. For the period 2021-22, the number of people coming into Saskatchewan from other provinces was 15,555, and the number going out was 23,384, for a net migration loss of 7,829.

What this tells me is that our province is doing a great job convincing people around the world to move to Saskatchewan. Our marketing efforts internationally and efforts to open up trade offices are clearly making an impact.

But Saskatchewan clearly has room for improvement when it comes to attracting people from other provinces within our own country.

Part of the reason I say this is because I’ve noticed the out-migration of people in the United States, heading from one state to another.

The migration of people out of New York and California to other states such as Florida, Texas, Tennessee or elsewhere has been well publicized. People have been escaping the high taxes, high costs of living, unaffordable housing, high crime and general social problems of those places.

I look at Canada and wonder why we don’t have more of that happening here. There are places in Canada where the quality of life is as flat-out bad as what’s going on in New York and in California.

Look no further than Ontario as “Exhibit A” of a province where life is increasingly terrible for residents. I know something about Ontario because I lived in metro Toronto for a good period of time.

Ever since I left, it seems like things have become worse. In recent years, gun violence has been out of control. Gridlock and pollution are as bad as ever. During COVID-19, the place also had the most draconian restrictions in the country.

Worst of all, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and this is the real deal breaker for most people. Do you know the benchmark price to buy a home is in Toronto, according to the August numbers from Toronto Real Estate Board? It’s $1.12 million. And for those renting, it’s getting to be something like $2,500 a month.

The situation is just as bad, if not worse, in Vancouver, which is infamous for house price insanity, even worse traffic and drug problems that make our addictions issues look manageable by comparison.

You look at what’s happening in these increasingly unliveable places, and there really is an opportunity for Saskatchewan to sell itself as a place to relocate to. Seriously, it wouldn’t take much of a selling job.

Our cost of living is much lower. The August

benchmark price of a house in Regina was $327,000. That’s less than 30 per cent what you would pay in Toronto, and in the smaller communities it’s even lower than that. You don’t have the traffic problems that plague Toronto or Vancouver. You also don’t have the smog. Yes, crime can be an issue in Saskatchewan, but the gun violence isn’t nearly as bad and you don’t see as many people doing aggressive panhandling in the streets, and certainly not the extent of drug problems in Vancouver.

The neighbourhoods here are as peaceful and quiet as they are in Ontario or British Columbia — maybe even more so — and you have the same big box stores, restaurant chains and movie theatres. You even have pro sports teams.

People ought to be escaping Ontario in droves for Saskatchewan! In fact, people in Ontario are leaving. Their net migration last year was a minus 47,212.

Where the heck are they going, then? I’ll tell you one place they are, and that’s Alberta. Last year their net migration was 21,660, the best in the country.

This brings me to my main point: we need to do in Saskatchewan what Alberta’s doing to attract people.

Their new slogan is “Alberta is calling.” Their sales

pitch: more affordability, fewer taxes and regulations, better living in general.

So, why not us? Why not “Saskatchewan is calling?”

We should launch our own comprehensive marketing and social media campaign to attract people from the rest of Canada, not just one aimed to international immigrants. Saskatchewan needs to get its marketing machine going to promote the obvious cost of living advantages and other selling points of life here.

It shouldn’t stop there. The province should come up with a strategy to convince businesses and head offices to relocate to the province. I see this happening in the U.S. states all the time, where states are trying to out-compete each other to attract new companies. Find a way to make Saskatchewan the most competitive, probusiness jurisdiction in the country.

This province is doing a few things right, but we need to take it to the next level and sell people in the rest of Canada that this is the place to come to. Because, trust me, those folks are in the mood to look for some good alternatives.

It’s time for Saskatchewan to ring those phones and start calling, too.

Gordon

Been Everywhere’

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

Millions of books exist. As individuals, we may read a few, some very few and some none at all. Three books are in my view outstanding because I have found them unreadable. The worst is The Compleat Angler, a three-hundred-year-old renowned classic by Isaac Walton. Next is a book entitled The Black Swan. I offer no explanation for my difficulties. The third book which I have been recently labouring to digest is Professor

The

WoodPile

Janice McKinnon’s erudite

Minding the Public Purse.

The problem is that it is so full of details literally

every sentence merits study. It is a treatise on good fiscal management (hers), and fiscal mismanagement (Grant Devine’s). How I wish she would write a pennydreadful or pamphlet for mortals such as myself. I am donating my copy of her book to the local library for the great benefit of others. I wish she would write a short critique on our current Prime Minister’s monetary policies and the results thereof. She owes no less to this country. I am willing to proofread for free.

According to his song, the late “I’ve been everywhere” Hank Snow visited 119 rhyming places – don’t worry I counted them all. He was born into poverty to a musical mother and was self-taught. He could repeat this remarkable compilation from memory word and diction perfect at the rapid-fire speed of a skilled auctioneer. Even the Man in Black admired him.

Our peripatetic P.M. (that word again) has visited 40 countries since his anointment. This includes 22 visits to the U.S., U.K. eight times, Belgium five times, Germany five times, France three times and

twice to 11 other countries including, of course, Costa Rica. We are surely owed by him and those accompanying him cost/ benefit accounting. By the way, is he going to the C.O.P. climate jamboree in Egypt? The 26th. conference in Glasgow attended by 30,000 at the height of the COVID scare curiously did not result in a post-conference epidemic. Was all the panic truly necessary one might wonder? His Thanksgiving message this year was encouraging against the background of the escalating nightmare in Ukraine and concern for world peace.

Here is the challenge –who can write a rhyming

version of Hank’s song using the names of all the countries which Justin has visited and which he then can perform possibly even in Nashville where Hank was once king.

The Hank Snow Museum is in Liverpool on the Mersey River in Nova Scotia. The namesake city on the River Mersey in England is where Paul, George, John and Ringo were born. Unfortunately, their nasal Liverpool intonation would have made Hank’s song difficult to understand. It is also the place where my paint and slates blew off – physically not metaphorically.

Colourblock now on exhibit at Chapel Gallery

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Bruce Anderson, the artist behind Continental Drift, Under a Big Sky, and his newest body of work, Colourblock, was at the Chapel Gallery Thursday, Sept. 22, for the reception and start of the seven-week Colourblock exhibition. Guests could meet Ander son, other gallery support ers and his newest work in tandem with some older pieces.

The come-and-go re ception ran from 5 to 8 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:30. Though the gallery is rarely open in the evening, Leah Garven, curator and gallery manager for the Chapel and Allen Sapp Gallery, said it was an ef fort to give the community a chance to come together and share in the love of art around work hours.

The reception focused mainly on Anderon’s new est pieces, though Garven said she wanted to bring his “dynamic, striking, and appealing” artwork togeth er in one room. She said his work speaks powerfully to Anderson’s connections to Saskatchewan and his memories of growing up as a kid in the 1950s and 60s in Western Canada.

“We just had a ceramic exhibition during the sum mer, and this was such a nice contrast to that me dium,” Garven said when asked about the timing for the exhibition.

“I was always interested in art … and I never even considered it something you could do as a career or even a very serious hobby. But, I had a few opportuni

ties, met some people going to art school, and I thought I’d give that a whirl. Then I kind of dove into art. It’s a lifetime vocation; a fulltime thought process,” An derson said.

When asked about his newest body of work and the exhibition with the Chapel Gallery, Anderson added, “The subject matter is very relatable to anyone from this part of the world.

Seeing an entire series of work gives people an op portunity to spend more time with the art and learn what it brings to the me dium.

“Of course, North Bat tleford is such a significant place in the history of Sas katchewan…and the loca tion of the gallery where you can step out and look over the North Saskatch ewan River Valley … it’s a gem.”

Garven and Anderson decided to supplement the gallery’s large, open spaces by including older pieces and study works to the col

lection of brand new works that Anderson made over the past few years. An derson said that they hope it brings context to the work’s genesis and elevates the presentation, which brings consistency.

Anderson’s work draws on themes of nostalgia, the old west, his connection to Saskatchewan, and the story of the land. He has been working with horse imagery for years and says they represent a stand-in for people. Anderson says that since horses arrived in Canada in the late 1600s, they have now become

impractical over the last 100 years and, in a way, are weeds themselves. Most of the weeds that are subjects in his paintings are not native to Canada, and Anderson says the two elements complement each other.

Anderson also com mented on the blocks of colour, “I added whatever colour block felt right at the time of finishing the painting.”

Anderson lives in Regi na, where he works as the Collections Manager for the MacKenzie Art Gal lery.

Bruce Anderson is the artist featured in the exhibition Colourblock, at the Chapel Gallery until Nov. 6 in the main gallery. | Photo by Miguel Fenrich

is small and fast flying and often kills sparrows and other songbirds by colliding with them in midair. The Merlin hawk is common around the Battlefords and most of North America. It often makes an irritating alarm cackle when it flies.

Family re-unification key goal of Starlight House

Submitted

Prairie Sky Recovery Centre

Over the last 14 years, Prairie Sky Recovery Centre has helped many women clients who have been victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Many of the women cli ents have also lost custody of their children through active addiction. For some, addiction has been a gen erational curse and have never had the benefit of a healthy loving home or a safe environment to grow. It is PSR’s intention to pro vide such a space.

The 3,000-square-foot house, built in 1917, was recently renovated to house women clients in a safe, se cure home all their own.

The space was developed into four shared rooms of two beds each, one staff room, one single room and one dedicated family room for children visitation.

There is also a facilitation space for the women clients to work on programs built specifically to address is sues many of the women clients have faced, such as intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, parenting in recovery, financial literacy,

healthy boundaries and anger management. This space will also allow PSR staff to host workshops on resume building, meal planning and household budgeting. A bright kitch en and large living room round out the main floor.

This space will oper ate differently than PSR’s main residence, which will now host all the male clients. Traditionally, the main residence provides housekeeping and kitchen staff to serve the clients.

Starlight House will be operated as more of a regu lar home where the clients

will be scheduled for du ties such as meal planning, shopping, preparation and cooking. They will also be scheduled for house keeping, which will all be overseen by a Residential Recovery Coach (RRC). It is PSR’s intention that the clients are empowered to know how to properly run and maintain a household so that they can provide a safe, healthy, clean en vironment for their own families upon their return.

While the women cli ents will be travelling to the main building through out the day to attend pro gramming, they will return to their home after class for a number of scheduled activities and meetings.

The RRC will oversee all

their supervision, evening activities such as movie night, games night (where the clients will learn a host of card and board games to play with their own fami lies), homework time and gratitude meetings.

Family reunification is a big element of this house. It is PSR’s intention to host supervised weekend visits between the clients and their children. Often, re turn of the children after having a period of separa tion can be scary for both mom and kids. This allows the client to have support and time to get reacquaint ed with their kids while in early sobriety. The family room will be outfitted with bunk beds, a single bed and a playpen for smaller chil

dren. It is PSR’s intention that the children will have a safe, comfortable envi ronment to come to while mom is still in treatment. As a result, more staff will be required to ensure the safety of the children and clients.

Staffing will include a full-time registered social worker.

About the Name Starlight Cardinal is a Prairie Sky Recovery Cen tre client. She came to PSR after 11 years of active ad diction, seeking help to find a better life for herself and her children.

Unreserved

Throughout the process of education, counselling and self-examination, Star light and Prairie Sky have discovered many aspects of Starlight’s journey that required unique supports, prompting the develop ment of new programs to address issues such as do mestic violence, parenting in recovery, and ultimately the newest building a women’s only house with a focus on family re-uni fication through extended, supported child visitation.

PSR hopes these servic es will help serve Starlight and her children as well as the many women to come after her. PSR is honored to name their new womenonly facility after Starlight Cardinal. She has shown tremendous courage, growth and is a great ex ample of the fierce spirit of a mother wanting to make life better for her children and herself.

It is PSR’s hope that once Starlight is finished her one-year program, she will join them as a staff member so that she can share her experience, faith and hope for others who have walked her path. PSR looks forward to sharing in Starlight’s journey in recovery, and hope that to day she is as proud of her efforts as the staff of PSR are.

of

Battleford,

with a monster carrot

If you find feathers on your lawn in the morning, you likely have a Merlin hawk in your neighbourhood. This hawk is part of the falcon family of birds.

Photo and text by Jim McLane

Midwest Food Resources finishes this year’s harvest

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Midwest Food Resources is finishing this year’s harvest with a bang as they donate more than 500 hills of potatoes to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre and the local emergency shelter along with a host of other vegetables, all from their community gardens.

Vesna Fa, executive director for Midwest Food Resources, is excited to offer most of their produce to local organizations before winter.

“We have Swiss chard, beets, carrots and lots of

tomatoes in the greenhouse.

Three Sisters corn, beans, squash, kale, lettuce, and spaghetti squash. Green, purple and yellow beans, beets, and lots of potatoes and cucumbers.”

All their pumpkins and squashes were donated to local organizations after their Fall Pumpkin Festival earlier in the month.

The organization has three gardens: one for community plots rented out to the public, one to support their fresh food box program and their stall at the farmers market, and one is almost entirely for donation. Fa is looking forward to next year’s

harvest and is hoping to see an expansion of their community plots.

“There was just huge demand for the plots this year,” she said.

More than 100 asparagus crowns are planted for the spring, and Fa has left broad beans to dry for planting next year.

Fa hopes that she and the organization can teach people to eat healthily and become more used to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. The organization partners with local producers and stores to continue their programming throughout the winter months.

Vesna Fa shows off some of the coloured potatoes grown in their gardens.

A no-till pilot project community plot at their gardens.

Midwest Food Resources 2022 harvest is coming to a close with donations to many community organizations. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Students from the Eston College volunteered to come dig potatoes for the organization.

•

What to do if a fire breaks out

fire immediately. If

evacuation plan. If you’re in a public place, go to the nearest emergency exit and move away from the building. If it’s safe to do so, acti vate the alarm system.

• Don’t stop. Fires spread very quickly and can burn through an entire room in less than three minutes. Don’t attempt to retrieve your belongings, and don’t linger.

• Correct your route. If the room is full of smoke, get low to the ground and crawl under it. Inspect any doors before opening them. Start by checking to see if the door or door handle is hot. If it is, find another way in. If not, open the door slowly and ensure the space is safe before going inside. Never use the elevator.

• Think about your safety. If you can’t reach an exit, stay where you are and close the doors. If possible, place a damp towel at the base of the door to block out smoke. Contact the fire department and announce your presence by waving a light or brightly coloured cloth through a win dow.

House fires affect thousands of families every year. Therefore, it’s essential to eliminate potential hazards in your home to keep you and your family safe. This year, Fire Prevention Week takes place from October 9 to 15, and the occasion is an ideal time to brush up on your fire safety knowledge. Here are four things in your home you might not know are flammable.

1. Oranges contain a

naturally occurring and flammable chemical called limonene. This substance is present in many cleaning products because it has a fresh scent and potent degreasing properties.

Consequently, you should avoid spritzing limonenebased cleaning products near fire sources like your stovetop.

2. Hand sanitizer has become a household staple in recent years. However, it contains

ethanol, which is a flammable ingredient. Although small amounts of hand sanitizer don’t pose a fire hazard, it’s important to store and

know were fireproducts

use it safely to minimize the risk.

3. Nail polish remover is made with flammable chemicals like acetone and nitrocellulose.

Therefore, you should always thoroughly wash your hands after using nail polish remover. Ensure the container is tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place when you put it away.

4. 9-Volt batteries have the potential to start a fire. If these types of batteries touch metal, they can spark and ignite. It’s best to store batteries in their original packaging or keep the tips covered with tape.

Fire

home systems

large

Pictured

Anderson

Lashburn’s Metherell family celebrates 120th harvest

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Stooks sat in the fields, horse-drawn carriages of fered free rides and Jim Metherell and his family excitedly taught the next generation what farm life looked like 120 years ago. The only question that re mains is what will farming look like in 2140?

The Metherell family have lived and farmed on the same land since 1903, and on Saturday, hundreds of community members came out to share in the family’s threshing bee and celebrations in honour of their 120th harvest.

“My grandparents came in 1903 with the Barr colo nists,” Metherell said. Ac cording to Metherell, when his grandparents farmed their first year, they lived the winter on rabbits and frozen turnips, with a little hay to feed the oxen team.

The threshing bee al lowed onlookers to envi sion the difference modern technology can make in farming. What once took hours of hard manual la bour, close calls with dan gerous machinery and dirty work now takes seconds in machines often larger than houses and equipped with air conditioners.

The Metherell family

borrowed a threshing ma chine and a binder from a family friend and neigh bour, using the machine to thresh the stooks into a pile of straw and a cart of grain.

The family displayed various antique vehicles and machinery, with drinks and desserts offered by donation. They had more guests than they dreamed of and family members said they hope to continue their family farm well into the future.

At rught, Jim Metherell celebrates his family’s 120th harvest on their home quarter northeast of Lashburn.

Clockwise from top left: A collection of photographs showcase the previous family harvests.

A tractor pulls stooks to the threshing machine.

Stooks sit in the field await threshing.

Two seniors look on.

A family watches the threshing.

A young girl and her mother pet a horse before taking a wagon ride.

Club 70 swings back into their 2022-23 season

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Club 70 has been hold ing dances in the Battl efords for more than 40 years and welcomes the community to try their hand at old-fashioned country dancing. On Sat urday, the club held their first dance of the year at the Legion in North Bat tleford with a bar, a 50/50 raffle and a lunch at 11 p.m., with people from the Battlefords and area com ing out to support them.

Anyone who loves to dance, wants to learn in a judgment-free environ ment, or is just looking to meet the friendliest people in the Battlefords, is wel come to attend. Tickets

Couples swing into Club 70’s 2022-23 dance season with their first dance of the year. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

cost $15 per person, and dances are held every third Saturday from now until the end of May.

Carol Huys, a dance club executive since 1982,

invites the younger genera tion out to try their hand at old-fashioned dancing. She adds everyone is welcome, regardless of experience. There are no classes, but

anyone who wants to learn is invited to give it a whirl.

“It’s a really good so cial event, and it keeps you moving … keep on com ing,” Huys said.

Albert and Carol Huys have been involved in the club since the 1980s, since they first moved to North Battleford.

One-man band Leon Ochs performed a selection of country music, circle dances and waltzes for people to enjoy. On Nov. 19, the Gold Tones

Ken Lavigne’s Three Nights and a Tenor entertains

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

“What do people from the Battlefords call themselves?” Ken Lavigne asked at his Dekker

Art Notes

Centre show, Three Knights and a Tenor, on Friday. Battlefordites, Battleforders and Battlefordians, were all suggested, but the word “lucky” seemed to be the

winning term.

Though being born in Victoria, B.C., Lavigne has deep roots in the Battl efords, with his father born in North Battleford.

Lavigne started the

Art and mental health

By Pam Beaver Battlefords Art Club

October 10 was World Mental Health Day. University of Alberta brain research shows a positive connection between art and mental health. Artistic activities such as sculpting, painting, or drawing are known to lower stress lev

els and promote mental calmness. Cre ating takes your mind off your everyday life and provides a relaxing distraction.

If you’d like a place to relax and a friendly atmosphere to create, join the Battlefords Art Club crew Tuesdays at the Don Ross Center ... the light in our space is glorious! Our email is battl efordsartclub@gmail.com

next leg of his tour across Western Canada with his show at the Dekker Centre, singing classic songs such as Rocketman, Think of Me, Lady Madonna, Hal lelujah and Candle in the Wind accompanied by live music courtesy of his band members.

“I enjoyed every minute of it. The night couldn’t have gone any better. We couldn’t have asked for a better night,” Lavigne said adding that the Battlefords was a wonderful place to

start his western swing.

When asked what he thought of the Dekker Cen tre, Lavigne said, “This beautiful house you have here to perform in? I think it’s amazing. What a gift to have such a beautiful and acoustically friendly room.”

Lavigne’s Three Knights and a Tenor has six upcoming shows across Alberta and Saskatchewan, with tickets available for purchase through Lavigne’s website.

will be playing, and on Dec. 17, The Shadows will be playing. For more information, reach out to Carol and Albert Huys at 306-386-2470.

Thank You Ed Urbanowski

Thank you Ed Urbanowski for your remarkable $200,000 gift in support of St Paul’s Hospital. Your gift will support holistic, accessible, and timely care for patients receiving treatment for Kidney

you for

Ken Lavigne visited the Battlefords as he tours Saskatchewan with his show, Three Knights and a Tenor. | Photo courtesy of the Dekker Centre

Breast Cancer Myths

is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Ca nada. Although more people are surviving a breast cancer diagnosis than ever before, it’s still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among Canadian women. Therefore, it’s important to know the facts. Here are five breast cancer myths.

Ryan Domotor

Only people with a fa mily history of breast cancer are at risk. Only about five to 10 per cent of breast cancers are considered hereditary.

Breast cancer only af fects women. Although rare, men can get breast cancer too. In 2022, re searchers estimate that 270 Canadian men will

Jeremy Cockrill, MLA

The Battlefords Constituency

306-445-5195 1991-100th Street North Battleford, SK

be diagnosed with breast cancer and that 55 will die from the disease.

3. Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer. There’s no conclusive evidence linking the use of anti perspirants or deodorants and the development of breast cancer.

Breast cancer always

causes a lump you can feel. Although regular breast self-exams can help detect lumps, breast cancer doesn’t always manifest itself this way. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, redness and thickening of the skin.

5. All breast cancers are treated the same way. Breast cancer treatment plans vary widely de pending on the characte ristics of the tumour, the stage of cancer and the patient’s preferences.

This Breast Cancer Aware ness Month, donate to help create a world where no Canadian fears breast can cer.

What’s metastatic breast cancer?

DEFINITION

Metastatic breast cancer, also called advanced or

four cancer, is cancer that spreads beyond the

and starts growing in at least one other part of the body. The cancer cells found elsewhere in the body are the same as those in the original cancer.

HOW IT SPREADS

All cancers can spread from one part of the body to another. However, metastatic cancer describes only solid tumours like breast, prostate and lung cancers. This term isn’t used for cancers already present at diagnosis, like leukemia and lymphoma. Breast cancer, for example, tends to spread to the bones.

However, not all cancers spread. Many factors, including how quickly the

cancer develops, the size of the original tumour and how long it’s been in the body, may or may not make breast cancer metastatic.

The effectiveness of

treatment also has a bearing on whether breast cancer metastasizes.

Visit cancer.ca or contact a health care professional for more information.

How to conduct a breast self-exam (BSE)

A breast self exam (BSE) is a screening method that involves women observing and touching their own breasts to detect any signs of change. It doesn’t replace a professional examination but can help with early cancer detection. Here’s how to do a BSE.

WHEN It’s best to do a BSE immediately following your period because your breasts are the most supple at this time. It’s normal to have small bumps or tenderness when examining your breasts before your period. However, make sure to note any persistent or recent changes.

HOW Start by visually examining your breasts in front of a mirror. Observe yourself in several positions, like with your arms at your side and raised above your head. Make sure you can see your breasts from all angles. Then, use your fingers to gently feel every inch of your breasts.

WHAT Pay particular attention to changes in the size or shape of your breasts and the appearance of visible or palpable lumps. Take note if your skin has thickened, changed

colour or is red and inflamed. Also, look to see if your nipple has changed in appearance or is deviating and if you notice spontaneous discharge or persistent eczema.

If you notice any of these changes or find something else that seems unusual, immediately report it to your doctor.

What you need to know about mammograms

Breast cancer is more common in older women. Therefore, once you turn 50, you should get a mammogram every two years. If you’re approaching this age, here’s more information about this screening exam.

WHAT’S A MAMMOGRAM?

Simply put, a mammogram is an X ray of the breast tissue. It provides detailed images from different angles to detect can cer. The procedure usually takes less than a minute and involves placing both breasts between two plastic plates. Clear images can be taken with minimal X ray expo sure when the breasts are flattened.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Although mammograms can be slightly painful because the breasts are being com­

pressed, it decreases the mortality rate of breast cancer by detecting it early. Al though not infallible, mammograms re main the most reliable method of deter mining if someone has breast cancer.

HOW TO PREPARE

Avoid applying lotion or other products to your skin. Wear a shirt that’s easy to remove and don’t wear any jewelry. You can reduce discomfort by scheduling your mammogram for after your period. Re ducing your consumption of caffeinated foods or drinks the week before your appointment may also help. Ask your doc tor if you can take painkillers.

For more information, visit cancer.ca.

Everybody has a story

Karen Whitecalf: ‘Education is the key’

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Karen May Whitecalf was born on Thunderchild First Nation, and her fa ther and grandfather were both residential school survivors. In fact, as project man ager for Acahkos Awasisak - Star Chil dren, currently searching for missing resi dential school children, she received the enrolment list for Delmas’s St. Henri Resi dential School. Whitecalf was shocked to find her grandfather was the first student registered in the school.

Her father and all 11 of his siblings were also residential school students, the Onion Lake Residential School specifi cally. Whitecalf’s father was only four years old and stayed until his escape 10 years later.

“There was a lot of unresolved trau mas that he (her father) had, and we didn’t know, nobody knew about these traumas …”

Whitecalf recounts the nights when her father would have nightmares, and his thrashing and screaming would wake the household. She and her siblings would rush into her parents’ room as their mother tried to calm him.

“When my Mom would finally wake him up, he’d yell, ‘Get out of here, get out of here, go back to bed,’” Whitecalf re counted.

“My dad was a functioning alcoholic. He would work during the week, and on the weekend, he’d go through his bend ers,” Whitecalf said, adding that her father was emotionally absent.

“I remember crawling on my dad, try ing to hug him, and he’d just stare like a board. I remember his prickly beard, kiss ing him, but he didn’t respond.”

Her mother and maternal grandparents never went to a residential school, and her mother acted as the emotional centre of the family. While Whitecalf’s father was a devoted Christian, attending church every Sunday, her mother was deeply in touch with her culture.

“It kind of balanced out our lives a bit. We had both influences,” Whitecalf said, balancing her father’s understanding

of religion and her mother’s spirituality. Whitecalf attributes her leaning toward her own culture mainly due to her mother.

Some of her siblings lean more toward the church, and some toward their traditional spirituality.

“I feel more comfortable with my First Nation culture … instead of the church. “

When Whitecalf and her siblings went to school, they attended Turtleford Public School. She distinctly remembers when Thunderchild opened their own school on reserve, and the First Nation boycotted the public school.

“My father didn’t want us going to the First Nations schools, so he kept us in the Turtleford School. We were the only First Nations family going to school there. The first few months were just terrible for me.

“The racism was so bad. I was the only First Nations kid, so I was the only one they could pick on.”

Whitecalf made friends with some of the nearby farm kids, who somewhat ac cepted her. She was only in Grade 4 at the time.

“It kind of showed me that the non-First Nations people really did not want First Nations people to integrate with them. It showed that they didn’t accept me. It kind of gave me the strength to start standing up for myself.”

Embarking on education

After Whitecalf graduated, she went to the University of Saskatchewan and began to practice her culture again, hoping to become a teacher. She realized she wasn’t prepared to be a teacher two years later.

“I didn’t have the self-confidence to stand up in-front of a classroom. I wasn’t ready yet. I just didn’t feel mature enough.”

After she returned home to the Battl efords, Whitecalf went to business college before working for various First Nations organizations across Saskatchewan, in cluding Indian Affairs, BATC, SIIT and as an executive assistant under then chief of the FSIN, Blaine C. Favel.

Eventually, Whitecalf began working at SIGA, and during her time in human resources, she was diagnosed with cancer of the sinuses, forcing her to take a year of

disability.

“That experience really solidified my faith in my culture. I started meditating. It gave my spirituality a really big boost. That’s what I learned through my cancer journey.

“My babies don’t even remember that year. But I always tried to make it positive, not to dwell on the negative,” Whitecalf said.

Her dream was to be the first female general manager of a casino in Saskatch ewan. Then, when COVID hit in March 2020, she was laid off. In June, when the casinos re-opened, she found her job had been cut in a restructuring. The restructur ing would have forced her back to the start of the organization after working there for almost nine years. Whitecalf refused.

Eventually, Whitecalf accepted a job with BATC. In June 2021, BATC offered a project to the directors, and she volun teered. SNC Lavalin offered ground pen etrating radar services pro-bono because they were going to look for the missing kids at the Delmas and Battleford residen tial schools.

“This project kind of fell in my lap; I didn’t go looking for it. We just found each other, I guess,” Whitecalf said, who thinks that becoming the project manager for the initiative was more than a coincidence, proving that she was on the right path.

Before disturbing the possible graves, Whitecalf talked to BATC elders, and they told her a feast and pipe ceremony were required.

Trauma comes to light

“Searching for those kids, we realized what their traumas were, and I could re late them to my own childhood. I realized that those were my father’s traumas passed down to me.

“When I was a young parent, I always said that my children wouldn’t see the trauma I saw. So, I raised my children dif ferently. For instance, they never saw alco hol, there was no violence. I never hit my kids. I raised them with lots of hugs and lots of telling them that they were loved, which I didn’t get from my Dad.

“He never talked about the residential school until my daughter was … 15, and they finally started talking about residen tial schools. My daughter asked me, ‘Mom, do you know any residential school survi vors?’” And Whitecalf told her daughter that her grandfather was a survivor.

“I phoned up my dad, and I told him, ‘Nancy (her daughter) is doing a report on residential schools, and she was wonder ing if you would tell her your story.’ And he agreed. Me and three of my sisters heard his story.”

BATC’s Acahkos Awasisak - Star Chil dren started searching for missing children when 215 bodies were found in a mass

grave in British Columbia. The non-profit is a support group for all survivors of the Indian Residential School era and seeks to bring about education. Forty-four children lost their lives at the Delmas school, and their bodies were never located.

“But where are they? Where did they bury them?” Whitecalf questions. The or ganization has reached out to the Ministry of Highways to see if bodies may be bur ied beneath the highway. The Ridge plans to do ground-penetrating radar searches for missing children at the Battlefords In dustrial School in 2023.

Whitecalf isn’t sure finding the final resting place of the missing children from Delmas Residential School will change anything.

“I don’t think it will make that much of an impact because we’re already starting to heal. If we do find them, we need to find them, we need to know where they are and what happened to them.”

Whitecalf has dreams of an interpre tive centre where the school in Delmas used to stand before it burned in 1948. Whitecalf images an educational centre focused on reconciliation, education and contemplation.

“People will see it as they’re driving by, and they’ll know what it is. It actually happened and it’s sad. First Nations people are so resilient that they’re healing them selves, and healing the country through education.”

Whitecalf hopes people start acknowl edging what happened and teaching it in the school system so everyone knows the truth. As she touched on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, she added that having so much communication and conversation between Indigenous and nonIndigenous leaders had never happened before.

“It was historic.”

The Star Children project will run for three years and is starting its second year. Whitecalf added she anticipates needing a contract extension because of the timeconsuming research required. Research began in January and has taken up almost 40 per cent of their time.

Speaking on the future of Canada and Saskatchewan, Whitecalf said, “There are people out there that don’t believe this, but I think those people, if they keep denying it, will have the Creator or God show them the truth. If people would accept what happened, heal with us, and grow with us, they won’t be as hurt.”

Whitecalf believes education will aid reconciliation more than anything.

“It’s to educate the little ones. It’s to ed ucate the little kids,” Whitecalf maintains that ignorance is learned alone, but truth is learned together.

“Education is the key.”

Karen Whitecalf, the project manager for Acâhkos Awâsisak - Star Children: A Gathering to Share Cultural Healing, taking in events at the gathering held this past summer. | News-Optimist file photo

Meota and District News

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The weather stays warm and dry, so farmers should be getting all that fall work done, but there are still many bales to be taken in, as is common. It’s just so much nicer to have them home before the snow flies.

Oct. 4 found the bridge players doing individual scores at the Pioneer Hall, and top score went to Vern Iverson followed by Bar bara Mitchell. Oct. 6, they had three tables in play. In top place were Maureen Campbell and Jean Lawes with second place by David Sharpe and Vern Iverson.

Canasta was played at the Do Drop In Oct. 7 with four tables in play starting at 1:30 p.m. The top score here went to Arlene Walker and Jack Stewart. Second were Vivianne Lesko and Janice Morton and third were Karn Kelly and Nestor Fransoo. Oct. 14 will be games of Norwegian Whist, again at 1:30 p.m.

Many folks from Meota supported the annual fall supper in the Edam Rec reation Hall Sept. 25 and reported a lovely meal and some special visiting with folks not seen often

There were 20 participants in the shuffleboard tournament held on Oct. 8 in the Do Drop In. The new season got off to a flying start. Top winners were Vern Iverson and Linda Ard. Second were Carol Dyck and Nestor Fransoo and third were Arlene Walker and Laura Montgrande. The potluck luncheon was enjoyed as well as the nice social atmosphere. This is the first for the season but not the last.

A Visit in Abbotsford

Submitted by Trudy Janssens - Our parents moved to Abbotsford, B.C. in 1978. As a family we immigrated from Holland in 1952. I was not even one when we came across the Atlantic. My mother, Wilhelmina (Mina) Cor neille VanEe, who is now 98 going on 99 in Janu ary, relives that voyage while we sit and work on a 1,000-piece puzzle on her kitchen table. She manages to get a couple of puzzles

done every week. She re members all too well that my father was very ill on that trip and she had to look after four children on the boat.

We came in on Pier 21 in Halifax and proceeded to the trains. She recalls how absolutely filthy we were by the time we got to Winnipeg. Once in Winni peg we could choose which farmer my father would work for for his one-year commitment in order to immigrate by the rules. We wound up in Waldheim, Sask., working for a Ger man immigrant. My father was a bit concerned to be working for a German after experiencing the Second World War in the Nether lands, but surprisingly the farmer was extremely kind to our family.

All these memories flood back for my aging mother as we sit and puzzle together in her comfortable condo in Abbotsford. My mother still lives indepen dently, and she has proved herself to be extremely re silient. My parents arrived with four children and went on to have six more in Canada. My father had underestimated how cold the Saskatchewan win ters would be and always dreamed of living some where warmer.

My dad had lived a third of his life in Holland, a third in Saskatchewan and a third in Abbotsford. My mother has now lived in Abbotsford for 44 years and has really blossomed where she’s been planted.

She still cooks her own food, goes for coffee with my head-injured brother every chance she gets, spends time connecting with family all over North America by Facebook and Messenger and keeps up with the news while she crochets a couple of pot holders every day.

When I was letting her know that I was coming for my annual visit, she im mediately requested that I bring her more cotton to crochet with. Apparently, cotton is a better buy in Saskatchewan. Since the pandemic caused her to stay put, she decided to give up driving her car because she wasn’t get ting enough practice to be

a safe driver. She has kept her car, so family who visit can take her out to McDon alds for coffee, the grocery store and to attend church. She’s now the oldest person in her church and enjoys all the attention that comes with that honour.

Her immediate descen dants number more than 150 now. Thankfully all 10 of her children are alive still. We’ve had several family reunions over the years and discussions are underway among the fam ily about having a special get together for Mom’s 100th birthday.

On this latest visit we talked about her outliving the Queen of England. She commented that it didn’t surprise her, because the Queen had to live such a public life. She said it sad dened her the Queen’s fam ily was so often negatively reported upon in the news. Every family has their challenges and my parents’ motto has always been “Bear each other’s bur dens.” My dad lived that motto and it’s even on his gravestone. It’s interesting that now, living in Meota, I experience that motto in my life.

I was texting recently with Lori and Gil Risling. They are the movers and shakers behind The Loui siana Hayride. Lori and Gil have recently joined Meota Lakefront Paddle and Sail. They saw the need for a major fundraiser and have offered to bring The Loui siana Hayride to the Com munity Centre in Meota June 17, 2023. All proceeds will go to the Meota Lake front Paddle and Sail.

MLPS has had a won derful 2022 season with renewed interest in SUP, kayaking and sailing. There is still a lot of work to be done to address maintenance issues at the clubhouse. Some of the painting has been done, but windows, doors and a better storage facility are all upcoming in 2023. We have one of the best fa cilities in the province and now that sailing lessons are being planned for July 4 to 8, 2023, it’s great to see volunteers stepping up to help with fundraising and willing hands.

Trevor Watts ~ Owner

Mina VanEe’s table in Abbotsford, B.C. welcomed Joanne, Trudy and Dirk during

by Trudy Janssens

Meota church workshop sets initiatives Submitted

Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church members along with parish council met recently. Twelve people representing different perspectives were assembled with the purpose of recreating a mission and vision statement.

The workshop was led by Rosalie Payne who guided, observed and penned comments from a wide range of opinions.

In open and honest dialogue the discussions narrowed and focused on a common theme. Consensus was achieved about who we are as a parish and what we aspire to become.

The mission statement: We offer a welcoming and comfortable environment. We share peace and hope through fellowship for all. The vision statement: We provide a place where everyone is spiritually nourished and supported among a community of friends; where everyone is given the opportunity to grow as disciples of Christ, who love and serve the Lord and each other.

From this workshop initiatives will be developed that will open our faith community to absolutely everyone.

You are invited to join the congregation Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Unity News Arena in full winter sports mode

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Following Thanksgiv ing weekend there are still opportunities to get in your turkey fix as community fall suppers are back. Unity United Church fall supper is set for Oct. 27 and we haven’t yet confirmed the event for St. Peter’s.

At Unity Composite High School, crosscountry provincial competition takes place Oct. 15. Warrior volleyball continues its busy season, with tournament success stories reported from both junior and senior divisions. Warrior football, while on the road for the last leg of regular season are playing hard to earn a home playoff game this month. UCHS held their annual chili cook off Oct.7 with proceeds to the Terry Fox Run, with students also participating in the Terry Fox Walk collecting toonies for Terry.

Education week will be recognized and celebrated by Unity Public School students, starting Oct. 17 kicking off with bus driver appreciation day.

St. Peter’s School, staff, and students, will also mark Education week ac tivity Oct. 17to 21.

At the arena, it’s fullblown winter sports season at the arena side with both hockey and skating club underway as well as public skating and shinny times available.

Unity Curling Club sea son will begin the week of Oct. 24. Thanks to ice man, Brad Sloboda, and lounge manager, Sharon Reiter, along with volunteer ex ecutive, the season will be back in the normal fashion everyone is accustomed prior to the pandemic. A stirling spiel is already set for November so watch for dates.

The Unity Miners held a meeting for existing and new executive and volun

teers to finalize prepara tions for senior hockey sea son which is set to begin Oct. 28.

The museum saw a steady stream of visitors numbering just over 860 this summer. As well, they welcomed 400 new artifacts. The committee and volunteers also rolled through many changes that resulted from the High way 21 bypass project but are happy to report it did not change their entry and although some minor ma chinery row movement took place to accommodate the work and new fence be ing erected, the changes were manageable.

The museum’s biggest fundraiser, the weekly pan cake brunches, are being discussed and may return in November.

The soddie is no more, however a new wood shack, “little house on the prairie,” stands in its place. The structure was reclad with first cut lumber

which was brought from a location near Livelong and took volunteers three days to complete. The in terior walls were filled with newspaper to stop the drafts, and the roof still needs a bit of TLC. The re furbished building will be displayed come spring.

“We all work hard to preserve the past for future generations, so they can see what a great country, prov ince and area this is,” says museum member Chris Martin. “We exist because of our volunteers and some of those people wear many hats but that is what makes this an interesting group to be part of as well as place to work and plan for.”

The personal touch put in by UDHM committee members and volunteers make the venue a focal point in town and a sig nificant touchstone to our history and past, as well as engaging a sense of com munity pride.

Gear up for Fall!

Choose from a bumper crop

Inspect and bid on a

your camera

ALLEN: Bostyn Dawn Jacklyn Allen passed away at Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, September 27, 2022 at the age of 4 months. Bostyn is survived by: her loving parents, Shari Pearson and Dustin Allen; half brother, Linden Dykens; great grandparents, Lorna Pearson, Don O’Callaghan and Violet Allen; grandparents, Gordon (Shelley) Pearson, Amber (Terry) Chmelnyk and Kevin (Judy) Allen; aunts and uncles, Lori Pearson (Brett Studar), Sheena (Devon) Brown, Wess (Jess) Munn, Jana Munn (Harvey Gilbert), Blake Munn (Amy Stokes) and Jordy (Donnica) Bernier; cousins, Nevaeh, Elayna, Jayde, Ilah, Aubrey, Dallys, Remi, Dylan, Jolina, Corbin, Amelia, Isla, Jackson, Nixon and Beau. Bostyn is predeceased by: her great grandparents, Jack Tuck,John Pearson, Joan Sordi, Anita O’Callaghan and Jack Allen. The Memorial Service for Bostyn will be conducted from Rolling Green Fairways - Clubhouse, Lloydminster, Alberta on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 2:00 PM. Donations in memory of Bostyn may be made to STARS. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks ~ The Allen family would like to thank all those who showed their support.

WAKELIN: With great sadness, the family of Terry Wakelin announces his passing on October 9th 2022 at the age of 77 years. A funeral service will be held on October 13th 2022 at 1:00pm at the Zion Lutheran Church which will be presided over by Pastor Sheldon Gattinger. Memorial donations can be made to River Height Lodge –Auxiliary. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 57 years Thelma along with his daughter Trina with Brent Mastre and granddaughter Ziya McAteer and his son Trent. Terry was predeceased by his parents Walter and Irene and his sister Jeanne Eckerman along with numerous brothers in law and sisters in law. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Trevor Watts Funeral Director. Terry was born August 13th 1945 in North Battleford and grew up on the family farm with five sisters (Doreen, Joyce, Jeanne, Wendy and Sharon) and one brother (Dale). He attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture of which he was very proud. It was at this time that he married and started his family. His first job was with the Wheat Pool as a farm service manager that took him to many locations spread throughout Saskatchewan. In 1981 he took a position with the Department of Agriculture in North Battleford where he built a house and raised his family. In 1988 he became part owner in Green Acres Fertilizer where he worked until he retired on permanent disability from his symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In 2006 Terry and Thelma moved into North Battleford and in 2012 Terry moved to River Heights Lodge as his symptoms from multiple sclerosis progressed. Throughout Terry’s life his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his extensive extended family, usually this included hunting and fishing. He was an avid outdoorsman and pursued his interests in spite of multiple sclerosis. Also, he immensely enjoyed his substantial involvement in the Lutheran Men’s Ministry. Terry was a lifelong reader with his favorites being accounts of historical events. As his symptoms advanced his love of spending time with his family and friends never waned. Many of the hours would be passed playing crib or watching sports on television. Curling and baseball were his favorites.

Remember him with a smile today, He was not one for tears

Reflect instead on memories of all the happy years.

In Loving Memory

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE

Art Show & Sale

Barry Bates

Prairieland Park Saskatoon Oct 22 (noon - 5pm) Oct 23 (9am - 4pm)

Artists register Oct 21 (noon - 8pm)

Carvings - Sculptures

Paintings Workshops & more GALA

Wine & Cheese Oct 22 (starts at 7pm)

Love Peggy & Family

off regular admission with this ad

swaa1986@gmail.com Ph/Text: 306-221-7131

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of HALARIA RUTH STELMASCHUK, late of North Battleford, 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 28th day of October, 2022.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE ESTATE of JULIE DELA PENA MALABANAN, late of North Battleford, 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 4th day of November, 2022.

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NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BUFFALO NO. 409 NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL Election 2022

WHEREAS,

Brett Mclntosh, nominated for the Office of Councillor Division No. Two; Larry Kuntz, nominated for the Office of Councillor Division No. Four; Mark Welsch, nominated for the Office of Councillor Division No. Six;

are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for these offices will take place on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022.

Dated this 6th day of October, 2022.

Sherry Huber, Returning Officer

NOTICE OF POLL

THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA No. 468 MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE

Is hereby given that: A vote will be held for the election of Councillor for Division 2 for the Rural Municipality of Meota No. 468. The vote will take place on Wednesday, the 9th day of November, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following location: Meota Community Complex 395 Third Street East Village of Meota

And that I will declare the result of the voting at the municipal office on Thursday the 10th day of November, 2022, at the hour of 9:00 a.m. Given under my hand at Meota this 6th day of October, 2022.

Kirk Morrison Returning Officer

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Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405

NOTICE OF VOTE

Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

A vote will be held for the election of a Councillor for Division No. 6.

The vote will take place on Wednesday, the 9th day of November, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at:

Division No. 6, POLL at: Borden Community Centre, 301 First Avenue, Borden, Saskatchewan.

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

NOTICE OF POLL

THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA No. 468

MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

Is hereby given that:

A vote will be held for the by-election of Councillor for Division 5 for the Rural Municipality of Meota No. 468.

The vote will take place on Wednesday, the 9th day of November, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following location: Meota Community Complex 395 Third Street East Village of Meota

And that I will declare the result of the voting at the municipal office on Thursday the 10th day of November, 2022, at the hour of 9:00 a.m.

Given under my hand at Meota this 6th day of October, 2022.

Kirk Morrison Returning Officer

Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL [Subsection 160.23(2) of the Act]

Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the offices of: Councillor Division 2 Councillor Division 4

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation: Brett Larsen, Councillor Division 2 Gary Nickel, Councillor Division 4

Municipal By-Election

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the offices of: Councillor Division 1

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and that the following persons are elected by acclamation: Elizabeth M. Torrens, Councillor Division 1

Dated this 6th day of October, 2022.

Valerie Fendelet (Returning Officer)

I will declare the result of the voting at the Rural Municipal Office on Thursday, the 10th day of November, 2022 at the hour of 10:00 a.m.

Dated this 6th day of October, 2022.

Valerie Fendelet (Returning Officer)

Resort Village of Cochin Public Notice

Pursuant to The Municipalities Act, public notice is hereby given that the Resort Village of Cochin intends to restructure by adding the following lands to the Resort Village of Cochin from the RM of Meota No. 468 (these lands are contained in a new subdivision directly south of the Resort Village of Cochin):

AFFECTED LAND:

Within NW 19-47-16 W3M:

Proposed Parcel P as a part of Parcel E Plan BH3045

REASON:

The parcel is adjacent to the Resort Village of Cochin and would benefit from connecting to Co chin’s existing infrastructure to provide services and access to proposed Parcel P.

PUBLIC MEETING:

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday No vember 8th at 4:30 pm at the Resort Village Of fice, 1006 Hwy 4 N, Cochin, SK to discuss the proposal.

Any persons wishing to object to the proposed restructuring may file a written objection, stating clearly their reason for their opposition, with the administrator of the Cochin at the Resort Village Office, 1006 Hwy 4 N, Cochin, SK or sent by reg ular mail to: Box 160, Cochin, SK S0M 0L0.

A written notice of objection must be received by the administrator by Thursday November 17th, 2022 prior to 4:00 p.m.

The complete proposal may be viewed at the Village Office between Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted (off-season hours) excluding statutory holidays.

Dated at the Resort Village of Cochin, Saskatch ewan, this 7th day of October, 2022.

Landon Chambers Administrator, Resort Village of Cochin

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BUFFALO NO. 409

DECLARATION OF RESULTS Election 2022

I declare that the following candidates are acclaimed and elected for the Rural Municipality of Buffalo No. 409:

Brett Mcintosh, Councillor Division No. 2, Larry Kuntz, Councillor Division No. 4, Mark Welsch, Councillor Division No. 6. Dated this 6th day of October, 2022.

Sherry Huber, Returning Officer

Notice of Call for Further Nominations

Councillors: Rural Municipality of Medstead No. 497 - Division No. 2

The returning officer or nomination officer will receive nominations of candidates for the above office(s):

(a) During normal office hours from October 7th, 2022 until October 19th, 2022 at Municipal Office

(b) On the 19th day of October, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Municipal Office.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location: Municipal Office

Dated at Medstead, SK, this 6th day of October, 2022.

Christin Egeland Returning Officer

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

The Rural Municipality of Blaine Lake #434

Whereas the following, being nominated for the office of Councillor, are the only candidate(s) for the office(s), I hereby give notice that no voting for these offices will take place on November 9, 2022:

Division 2 Lee Dolezal

Division 4 Alan Lavoie

Division 6 Glenn Lamontagne

Linda Klimm (Returning Officer)

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022.

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN No. 499 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2022

Whereas John Vinek, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 2, and Victor Hamm nominated for the office of Councillor for Division 6, are the only candidates for their office, I hereby give notice that no voting for those offices will take place on November 9th, 2022.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2022.

Kari Bauldic Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ADVANCE VOTING RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN No. 499 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Council has made provision for advance voting for the benefit of qualified voters who have reason to believe that they will be necessarily absent from their places of residence on election day.

Advance voting will take place on Saturday, the 29th day of October, 2022 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Turtleford Community Centre located on Birk Street, Turtleford, SK.

Given under my hand at Turtleford this 13th day of October, 2022.

Kari Bauldic Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Meeting Lake No. 466 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas the following, nominated for office, are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for the office will take place on November 9, 2022:

Councillor for Division 2 – Earl Holmes Councillor for Division 4 – Warren (Jim) Allchurch

Dated this 6th date October, 2022.

Janelle Lavallee Returning Officer

Notice of Call for Further Nominations

Rural Municipality of Meeting

Lake No. 466

Councillor: Division No. 6

The returning officer or nomination officer will receive nominations of candidates for the above office:

a) During normal office hours from 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022 until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the RM Municipal Office, Main Street, Mayfair, Saskatchewan.

b) Regular office hours are Monday - Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. open during lunch.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location: RM Municipal Office, Main Street, Mayfair, Saskatchewan.

Dated at Mayfair, this 6th day of October, 2022.

Janelle Lavallee Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Eldon No 471. Municipal Elections 2022.

Whereas;

Greg Donald nominated for the office of Councillor Division No.2

Michael Ferguson nominated for the office of Councillor Division No. 4

Scott Owens nominated for the office of Councillor Division No. 6

are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for the offices will take place on November 9, 2022.

Dated this 13th day of October, 2022. Lee Torrance Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MEOTA NO. 468 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2022

Whereas Gary Heidel, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 4, and Bernard Nedelec nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. 6 are the only candidates nominated for these offices, I hereby give notice that no voting for the offices of Councillor for Division No. 4 and Councillor for Division No. 6 will take place on November 9th, 2022.

Dated this 6th date October, 2022.

Kirk Morrison Returning Officer

NOTICE OF VOTE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MERVIN No. 499

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

(1) A vote will be held for the election of Councillor for Division No. 4 for the Rural Municipality.

(2) The vote will take place on Monday, the 9th day of November, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

POLL AT the Municipal Office located in the Town of Turtleford on Main Street.

POLL AT the Curling Rink in the Hamlet of Livelong on Main Street.

And that I will, at the Municipal Office on Thursday the 10th day of November, 2022, at the hour of 9:00 a.m., declare the results of the voting.

There will not be a Polling station at Moosehead Hall as there is no election for Division 6.

Given under my hand at Turtleford this 13th day of October, 2022.

Kari Bauldic Returning Officer

FOR SALE

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

The Rural Municipality of Parkdale No. 498 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas, Rene Cadrain, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. Two, is the only candidate, AND

Whereas, Richard Dorval, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. Four, is the only candidate, AND

Whereas, Leslie Clark, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division No. Six, is the only candidate,

I hereby give notice that NO VOTING for these offices will take place on November 9, 2022.

Dated this 7th day of October, 2022.

Ashela McCullough Returning Officer

Notice of Abandonment of Poll

The Rural Municipality of Round Hill No. 467 Municipal Elections 2022

Whereas the following individuals, nominated for the following offices:

Boyd Kowalczyk - Councilor for Division No. 2 Cameron MacDonald - Councilor for Division No. 4 Alvin Kahl - Councilor for Division No. 6

are the only candidates, I hereby give notice that no voting for the offices will take place on November 9th, 2022.

Dated at Rabbit Lake this 13th Day of October, 2022

Christina Moore Returning Officer

Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405

NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL

Municipal Elections 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that provision has been made for an advance poll:

Councillor for Division No. 6 Rural Municipality of Great Bend No. 405.

Voting will take place on Thursday, the 27th day of October, 2022, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

At the following polling place: Borden Community Centre, 301 First Avenue, Borden, Saskatchewan.

Official results of the election will be declared at the Rural Municipal Office, 200 Shepard Street, Borden, SK on Thursday, the 10th day of November, 2022 at the hour of 10:00 a.m.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2022.

Valerie Fendelet (Returning Officer)

R.M. of Turtle River No. 469 NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

R.M. of Turtle River No. 469

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

Municipal Election 2022

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the office(s) of: Councillor Division 4 Councillor Division 6

No voting for the said office(s) will take place, and the following persons are elected by acclamation: Councillor Division 4 Tyson Morin Councillor Division 6 Brad Cole

Dated at Edam, SK this 11th day of October, 2022. Rebecca Carr Returning Officer

[Section 81 of the Act] R.M. of Turtle River No. 469

NOTICE OF POLL

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: A poll has been granted for the election of: Councillor Division No. 2: Rural Municipality of Turtle River No. 469

Voting will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Advanced voting will take place Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

At the following polling places: RM of Turtle River No. 469 Office & Maintenance Facility located at 929 Railway Avenue East, Edam

Dated at Edam, this 11th day of October, 2022. Rebecca Carr Returning Officer

IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE**

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Medstead No. 497

2022 Municipal Elections

Whereas the following, being nominated for the office of Councillor, are the only candidates for those offices, I hereby give notice that no voting will take place on November 9th, 2022.

Councillor, Division 4: TERREL HILL

Councillor, Division 6: AL ROSKE

Dated this 6th date October, 2022.

Christin Egeland Returning Officer

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL

The Rural Municipality of Paynton No. 470 Municipal Election 2022

WHEREAS:

Ryan Sayers, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division 2, Adam Bugg, nominated for the office of Councillor for Divison 4 and Clint Currie, nominated for the office of Councillor for Division 6 are the only candidates nominated in their divisions,

I hereby give notice that no voting for those offices will take place at the Advanced Poll on November 2nd, 2022 or Election day on November 9th, 2022.

Dated at Paynton this 13th day of October, 2022.

Michelle Buechler Returning Officer

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Gospel music enjoyed in Maymont

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Did everyone have a good feast on Thanksgiv ing weekend? Only two of our four children and fami lies were able to come on Sunday. We even ate out side on the deck as the nice weather permitted. There was some excitement with the grandkids before sup per as an overly friendly coyote stood in close prox imity of our house. We tried to scare it away but it wouldn’t move for quite awhile. When wild ani mals act like this, chances

are it had rabies. An adult got a gun, which took some time, but the distraught animal must have felt dan ger and ran away into the neighbour’s field.

The district of Ranger which is situated near Chi tek Lake and Leoville have a fall supper scheduled for Oct. 16. The small school was converted to a small hall decades ago. The com munity farm women put on a great meal charging only $10 for adult plates.

There was a large crowd at Maymont Memorial Hall this past Saturday to have a wonderful roast

beef supper and to hear the country western and gos pel music by Jim Beaudoin Band. The crowd couldn’t seem to get enough of their toe-tapping music, so they stayed longer to entertain.

Jim grew up in Maymont, so knew many people in the audience. If one is fa miliar with this village, many Beaudoin members still reside in the area.

Sunday morning service in the Sharon United Church also had many people from Saturday night in at tendance. The same band members played wonderful gospel music which could be heard from a distance away.

It’s a given that the days will be much colder in the near future as it’s almost the middle of the month. Some farmers are starting to load up the pasturing cattle into the trailers and haul them to their farm sites. Dalyn, son of John and Connie Woloshyn (my husband’s younger broth er), who operate a mixed farm at Baldwinton, makes a 90-mile round trip every spring and fall to pasture cow/calf pairs of 100 head in the rolling Whitkow Hills. This job is only done once the crops have been harvested. They round up the cattle on quads and transport them by semis back home for the winter. Dalyn’s full-time business is raising full-blood Sim mental livestock. Farmer/ rancher Julie and Jack Salisbury and other fam ily members of Mullingar

don’t have far to bring their cattle home so round them up by horseback and the use of quads.

Theft is still prevalent in our neck of the woods. Recently one of our hired men came to work shortly after 6 a.m. to start hauling grain to Maymont grain terminal. By 8 a.m., when he returned, some brave person came into our yard and stole his vehicle. Theft can even happen in day light, which can be scary.

For people who want to get in the Christmas mode a little earlier this year mark your calendars for Nov. 26 and 27. The big production of The Candlelight Processional 2022 will be at the Dekker Centre after the two-year hiatus because of COVID. Tickets are available at the box office or online. Price is $35 or if you know of any choir members, they can obtain a $30 ticket for you. Thank you again to Pauline and Paul Sayers and Peggy Gilchrist who have worked so diligently on putting this great event together.

Annette Letkeman of Mullingar is now a fulltime resident at Davidson Manor in North Battleford as she does not wish to spend another miserably cold stormy winter in the country. Her son, Levi, still resides at their farm site.

Hope everyone will at least have the opportunity of taking in a couple of country fall suppers. At this time of the year even a drive on a backroad with all the trees in full vibrant color against a blue sky is a beautiful sight.

From the Pastor’s Desk

Hymn sing record broken again

By David L. Walker Turtleford Baptist Church

“Harvest time, harvest time, the grain is falling, the Saviour’s calling, oh do not wait it’s growing late, behold the fields are white it’s harvest time.” It’s Oc tober and the songwriter penned those beautiful words so long ago. He was not only thinking of the natural harvest, but also the spiritual. We prayed

that God would give a bountiful harvest this year, and some have told me that it has been the best yield they have ever seen. I trust that you took advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday to thank Him.

Remember how last month we shattered all previous records at our GGMH hymn sing when we had 34 in attendance?

At that time, I said, “I don’t know if we will ever break that number again or not.”

We are thrilled to say that in September, we once again broke the record at tendance with 48 presen, 14 more than the previous month. Last year we held the hymn sing one week earlier because of Hallow een, however this year we

will still gather Oct. 30, the last Sunday of the month, as usual. Why not join us for an evening of music and fellowship? Invite someone to come with you. We may exceed 48. You will feel welcomed, and will be glad you attended.

Oct. 2, after our morn ing worship service, we made our way to the lower auditorium where we had a surprise birthday meal for Madeleine Conacher. We also presented her with gifts and a picture, honour ing her for over 30 years of faithful service at TBC. We believe in giving the roses while they can be en joyed. The songwriter said “useless the flowers that you give, after I’m dead and gone.”

Because of our Region al News-Optimist write up, another one has been added to our worship time, which is 10:30 a.m. coffee time, 11 a.m. worship time.

Until next month re member, “Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”—Elisabeth Elliot.

Looking apprehensive, cattle are guided through a chute into a trailer for transportation from pasture.

Late fall farm work involves moving cattle home from pastures. | Photos submitted by Elaine Woloshyn

Cattle moved from pastures in the Whitkow Hills are transported to their winter quarters near Baldwinton.

Acts of violence gain our attention

Ed and I often speculate on the significant issues of life. Most folks have considered the damage violence leaves in its path. Here in British Columbia, we hear of unprovoked acts of violence upon people for no reason on streets, buses and elsewhere. This harm happens an average of four times a day in Vancouver.

Sometimes, we can see a reason for a violent act, but what explanation is there for an act of violence simply because attack ing another satisfies the attacker? How can public safety be fundamental if people carry weapons ready to injure when their impulse dictates?

Why has violence be come a way of dealing with

Neighbourly Advice

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

According to Ed raymaher085@gmail.com

anyone or thing we dislike? Is it a result of spiritual cancer? The prophet Ha bakkuk asked God, “How long must I call for help, but you do not listen? Why do you tolerate wrong?

Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. The law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails.”

(Habakkuk 1:2-4)

The Lord told Habakkuk that the Babylonians would come to administer punish ment for the violence, strife and conflicts abounding among His people. Habak kuk learned that the holy Lord is in control of us from his holy temple. From there, He executes punish ment on the sinful and re

wards those who hold Him in faith. Violence is one type of sin that infects us.

Violence is the inten tional use of physical force to hurt, injure, damage, destroy or kill someone. Sadly, self-directed vio lence or suicide is a leading act of violence worldwide. Violence between individu als includes spousal, child and elder abuse. Then there is collective violence, as in war, where military actions between warring nations practice the intentional destruction of others.

Jesus calls us to rebuke sin in all its forms. Vio lence grows from hate, jeal ousy, anger, greed and the need to dominate another. In Luke 17, Jesus admits sin will come, but those who

entice and encourage others to sin are in grave danger.

Jesus warns us with the words, “So watch your selves.” Enticements to sin will cause us and others to stumble.

Believers in Christ are to hold each other accountable for the sins we commit.

Jesus said, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4) Forgiving others is hard for us to do.

We repeatedly need God’s forgiveness but are reluctant to keep forgiving others. How hard it was for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, giving his life

in duty to God His Father. Yet we may be lazy about rejecting sin in ourselves or rebuking sin in fellow believers as if it isn’t our duty to serve God.

The demanding words of Jesus caused his disciples to say to him, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5). How difficult to repeatedly forgive others who repent of sinning against us. But, if we keep doing what God asks, we will not run low or be empty of faith. It isn’t a giant or tiny amount of faith but using whatever amount of faith we have. Je sus reminded his disciples that a little or the smallest seed of faith is powerful enough to accomplish a great miracle.

Hope Mennonite

Pastor Melvin Bartley

Guiding unit gears up for activities

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Our community was heart broken upon hearing of Jordi Johner’s death in a vehicle acci dent Oct. 2 at the age of 45. Wellliked as a family man, coach, co-worker and friend to so many, Jordi will be dearly missed. Our sincere condolences are extended to Maxine, Lizelle, Karyss and Zac, as well as all Jordi’s family and friends.

We heard good news of Sheena (daughter of Bob and Tara Banks) and Trent Graham who moved to Sicamous, B.C. in 2020 and opened a new business, What the Woof Pet Supplies. All their hard work has paid off as they recently received the gold award in the SAObserver’s Reader’s Choice contest for best pet store in the Shuswap. If you’re out their way, be sure to stop in and say hello.

Congratulations to Ratushniak Elementary School’s 2022 flag football team for winning their end-of-the-year tournament.

Maidstone Sparks, Brownies, Guides and Pathfinders extend a big thank you to Lyle Smart for his generous donation of bottles and cans. They’re excited to start up units again in Maidstone. Donations help fund activities, excursions, trips and further in volvement in our community.

If you have any recyclables for donation, contact Hayley Yuill 306-218-0172 or Kristin Shantz 306-903-7401. They weren’t able to get mint cookies this fall but they do have classic Girl Guide cookies for sale. They’ll also be arranging bottle drives through out the year.

The Guiding unit (Sparks, Brownies, Guides) held their first meeting Sept. 22 with introducto ry games, time outside and plan ning. The girls are interested in skill building, outdoor activities, camping and helping their com munity. Meetings are bi-weekly on Thursdays 6 to 7 p.m. at the United Church (next one is Oct. 13) and they have room for three more girls.

Maidstone Museum and Maidstone Guiding’s Howlow een Spooktacular handout event is happening again this year. On Monday, Oct. 31 from 3:30 to 7 p.m., we’ll be in the entrance of the seniors’ Drop-In Centre at 406 - Main St., handing out bags containing treats, crafts and novelties. We’ll have the drive-through/carport decorated and blocked off so Halloween ers can walk through and receive their goodies. We ask commu nity members to donate money

or treats for this event (commer cially packaged items only). All households and businesses who prefer to donate to us rather than have people coming to their door will be given a sign to put up tell ing Halloweeners to come to the seniors’ centre for their treats. Please call Kathy Utri 306-8932799, text me at 306-893-7378 or find me on Facebook if you want to donate or have any questions.

Seniors often find it difficult to make delicious meals just for themselves. Pine Island Suites has “stepped up to the plate.” They will make dine-in or takeout meals for you: choice of din ner or supper or both, for $10 per meal. For more information, call 306-893-4347 or stop by the suites (402- 1st St. W.).

Maidstone Health Care Aux iliary pie bingos continue every Wednesday at 7 p.m. until Oct. 26. They have had good turnouts, with 30 scrumptious pies and a special blackout prize each week. Get in on the fun and show sup port for our much-appreciated auxiliary.

Mark your calendars for Waseca’s fall supper on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Waseca Community Memorial Hall.

If you have any Maidstone area news, please let me know. Email duwell@sasktel.net, text 306-893-7378 or phone 306-893-2799.

Sixteen years ago, in 2006, Joan Smith painted a satellite dish. It was displayed at the Whistle Stop Park rest area across from the hotel where its beauty has been enjoyed by many. Over the years the painting faded considerably, needing repainting, but Joan, who is now 89, was unable to do it. Gill Churn and Heather Chisholm took on the task, returning the painting to its original beauty. Thank you to the town of Maidstone for removing the dish from its pedestal, to Gord Banks for transporting it back to be rehung by the town, and especially to Joan, Gill and Heather for sharing your talent with our community. | Photo submitted by Kathy Utri