OBSERVER THE
A legacy of inspiration through the Creative Tables fundraiser in Arcola has come to an end
By Stephanie Zoer
After 15 years of dedicated service and creativity, Darlene Olsen is concluding her journey as the driving force behind Creative Tables, an event that has brought people together and raised awareness for cancer patients.
On Oct. 17, at the Arcola Prairie Place Complex in Arcola, around 300 people gathered to enjoy the event, which is to go down in history as the last one Olsen will host.
As in other years, tables were purchased and the hostess of the table created a theme. The imagination at some of the tables was very elaborate. Guests come to match the tables, and there is usually a small gift from the hostess for the guests to take home in memory of the night.
Olsen welcomed everyone to the evening and thanked everyone for supporting this important cause. She applauded all of the hostesses over the years for bringing out their creative side with the unique designs of the tables.
“This would not happen without you,” said Olsen. “You
have made the Creative Tables such a success with your support over the years.”
She remembers the fourth year that she held the event. The day before she went to get her liquor licence, she was told it was filled out wrong and she was not getting one. She explained to the liquor store that she had filled it out the same way the first three years, and was informed that those years were wrong as well.
With no liquor licence, the show had to go on, as the hall was booked and tickets were sold, so they made all the fancy drinks they could think of without the alcohol. The night went over very well.
Supper was prepared by Steve and Allison’s Catering from Lampman, with the dinner rolls donated by Arcola Foods.
On the north and west side of the hall were the silent auction items. Guests eagerly bid as they knew it was all for a good cause.
Nicole Currie came to the podium and spoke about Olsen, her compassion and how fabulous Olsen is.
“She is the most caring
person I know,” said Currie. “There is not a person she does not know, and she has touched many lives.”
When COVID-19 hit, there wasn’t a Creative Tables event, and Olsen wanted to do something. She, along with a few others, raised over $40,000 to shave their heads. It was one of the best fundraisers they had.
Nora Yeates, the CEO of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan (CFS), said the program began in 2018. In five years, $20 million has been raised, with every cent staying in Saskatchewan.
They have helped purchase a rural bus, and now another one is in the works. New chemotherapy chairs were purchased for the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, along with screens for the nurses to keep tabs on their patients. The other side has a TV for patients to watch. They are also looking into upgrades for the cancer lodge in Regina.
The mammogram program has been dropped to the age of 40, so more women will be needing the rural bus.
Deborah Brimner-Chalus
provided entertainment. She admitted she had not sung in a while, but her voice carried throughout the hall.
As Olsen steps away from Creative Tables, her legacy of kindness, creativity, and advocacy will endure. While this may be the final year for Creative Tables under her leadership, the event’s influence will continue to inspire others.
Olsen has been with Mary Kay Inc. for 46 years, and the company is heavily involved in the Feel Good Look Good program for cancer patients. They offer women who have gone through cancer treatments the opportunity to try new skin care and makeup products, giving them the feeling of being beautiful. Many women go in with self esteem issues and they leave this program feeling like a million dollars.
Her work with the Look Good Feel Good program will continue, as will her passion for supporting cancer patients in meaningful ways.
Darlene Olsen created the popular Creative Tables fundraiser, and this year was her last event. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
The Creative Tables once again lived up to its name.
October
Your rst stop to nd events happening in our community!
Sat, Oct 26 - Redvers & District supper, auctions, duelling pianos & DJ Sun, Oct 27 - Manor Community Fall Supper
Sun, Oct 27 - Mary eld St Andrew’s Unity Church Fowl Supper
Tues, Oct 30 - Galactic with Envision - Carlyle Library
November
Thurs, Nov 7 - Winter Wonderland Opening - Carlyle Home Hardware Sat, Nov 9 - Storthoaks FireBall - Supper & Auction and live band
*Do you have a community event you want listed here? Send us the name of the event, date, and what community it’s being held by emailing: observer@sasktel.net OR calling: (306) 453-2525.
Teachers’ association president addresses board
Whitney Paul-Joseph is now in her fifth year as president of the South East Cornerstone Teachers’ Association (SECTA).
It’s the third term in that office for the Redvers-based educator who is given a half-time schedule for classroom duties and half-time allocation to carry out the various presidential duties and visitations.
Paul-Joseph met with Cornerstone board members on Oct. 15 in the division’s head office in Weyburn during the monthly public meeting.
Paul-Joseph outlined various action items on her agenda that included face-to-face visits in schools to continue engagement with division instructors. She noted this “will always be a top priority since the teacher’s voice is the foundation for the work we do.”
Supporting the release time to do this work is
appreciated, she told the board.
Advocacy is another big part of what she and her committee do and they face a lot of obstacles, she said, noting the changes she has observed over her 16-year teaching career.
“Last year was one of the hardest I have experienced as a local leader and I think our SECTA executive will attest to that. However, it was also one of the most humbling and uplifting, from what we were able to learn and experience alongside others. I am so proud of our teachers and I hope you are too,” she said.
Paul-Joseph said support for members was at an all time high, “as we navigated sanctions. Not being in our classrooms was extremely difficult, but the strength of being together, surrounded by not only fellow co-
Paul-Joseph
workers but students and families was a feeling like we had never experienced before,” she said, referring to the brief job actions and government sanctions placed before the group as teachers sought a new contract and some answers regarding class-
room complexities.
The SECTA met with local MLAs and it was a strenuous endeavour, but enlightening, she said, noting that she felt quite sure the board understood the situation based on their own advocacy efforts.
“It also shows who has
an understanding of the needs of our schools and who could use a little more education in the realities of today’s classrooms,” she added.
The world of education has evolved and schools need to support that scenario, she said, and that is why conversations with the MLAs and board members is so important.
Paul-Joseph said having the opportunity to attend several legislative question periods opened her eyes even more acutely, and being included in the budgetday experience was another that she could not take for granted because it “allowed me to bring awareness to the issues and struggles our teachers face and how we can better advocate for education.”
The teacher/president also noted how the SECTA social media presence on Facebook and Instagram took off last year after a few years of experimentation. Managing the website is difficult and time consuming, not only with the technology but the numerous ways of keeping tabs on engagement levels while promoting education and engaging with followers.
She thanked Scott Kirkness, the SECTA social media chairman, for the hours he put into the process that showed that their posts reached over 91,000 and post
engagement was almost 16,000.
Communication with school staff representatives (SSR) and school staff liaisons (SSL) was another vital job for the president, she pointed out. The SSRs met in Carlyle for their first talk and task session that provided a format to talk about needs at local levels while interacting with teachers in nearby schools and the SECTA executive.
Reaching a local agreement with the board was a positive experience, she said, because of the respectful and transparent relationship they shared.
In conclusion, PaulJoseph said: “I wanted to showcase the incredible things that were happening for and with members, despite the obstacles we were facing in provincial negotiations. As teachers we will always stand up for education and for what our students and schools deserve.”
She ended her presentation by saying “things got hard last year, really hard, but everyone rallied together to get the work done, to advocate and to educate. We, as a local association are pretty darn proud of that.” With that said, she thanked the board for their support and was thanked in return by board members and chairwoman Audrey Trombley.
Whitney
Honouring the valour of a long-time Carlyle resident
By Doug Waldner
Courage and devotion to duty can come in many places and in many shapes.
There is, of course, the bravery of men under fire, but courage can also be found in the form of a 21-year-old ambulance driver fighting through a Prairie blizzard to save ill soldiers. Someone who showed that courage and devotion to duty, who should be remembered today, and who was recognized at the time: Private Ellen Millicent (Mickie) Kerridge.
Kerridge was from Morden, Man., but later lived in Carlyle. In March 1943, she was 21 years old and a member of the Canadian Women Army Corps, when she was called upon to drive seriously ill service members from Portage la
Prairie to a hospital in Winnipeg.
This seems like a simple, if necessary, health mission, however the weather in southern Manitoba was anything but co-operative. Private Kerridge drove from Winnipeg to Portage in a blizzard to pick up the personnel. The drive took three hours. She then turned around, with her patients and her assistant, a medical orderly, and headed back to the Winnipeg hospital.
The report published in the March 26. 1943 edition of the Regina Leader-Post states that she headed back to Winnipeg shortly after sundown. The blizzard continued to rage and Kerridge had to stop and inspect the highway many times during the trip. In order to see the road, it was necessary for her to drive with a window open.
As the night wore on, with all the stopping and with the window open, Kerridge became wetter and colder. In order to ensure her patients were protected, she diverted all the heat from the engine to the patients’ compartment, and drove with no heat in the cab.
After 80 kilometres of the trip, she ran out of gas. She immediately sent the orderly in search of the RCMP and gas for the vehicle. She informed her superiors of her situation, and was told to ”sit tight” and that help was on the way.
She was afraid her patients would be all the worse for waiting in the snow, and once she received the gasoline, she followed a snowplow into Winnipeg, delivering her patients to the hospital and checking in at the military garage at 2 a.m.
Kerridge showed up at parade the next day on time, but later was confined to hospital for two days for a severe cold and neuralgia in her back.
For her efforts, for her care for her patients and for her devotion to duty, Kerridge was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Kerridge married Lorne McLeod, who was an airframe technician. After the war, the couple moved back to McLeod’s home town of Carlyle, where he worked with his brother, Alvin, at McLeod’s service station and later farmed. Both Kerridge and McLeod were active in the Royal Canadian Legion, and she was active in Carlyle in both sports and the arts.
McLeod and Kerridge had two children, Alan, who currently is the owner of Carlyle Auto Parts, and Joelle, who also served in
the military as an ambulance and bus driver for almost 10 years, and currently resides with her husband in Penticton, B.C.
Kerridge passed away in 1971 and her husband died in 1976.
She was a very private person, and rarely if ever, commented on her service award. Her children only learned of her medal from her sister Joyce. Kerridge’s example of courage and devotion to duty should be remembered.
At the time of her award, newspaper articles about it appeared across western Canada, in the Leader-Post, the Victoria Times Colonist and the Manitoba Calling Magazine. All three documents were used to prepare this article and the photo is from Manitoba Calling magazine’s October 1944 edition.
There are so many instances of bravery, support of brothers and sisters in uniform and devotion of duty demonstrated by those who serve. Kerridge’s story should be remembered as one of them.
Two elections will take place in South East Cornerstone
Only two subdivisions in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division will have an election, with all other positions filled via acclamation.
That was the information released by returning officer Shelley Toth at the Oct. 15 board meeting.
Jim Vermeersch, a veteran board member
representing Subdivision 2, which includes Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, Maryfield and Wawota ,is being challenged by Velda Weatherald, a former educator and superintendent.
The other challenge is found in Subdivision 5 where incumbent Audrey Trombley, the board chairwoman, is being
“Affinity
challenged by Cheryl Lake, a Stoughton district resident.
Subdivision 5 includes Fillmore, Stoughton, Midale and Macoun.
Eric McCrimmon, one of the two Estevan city representatives announced he won’t seek re-election. That seat has now been taken by Craig MacDonald by acclamation.
Kevin Keating is the other Estevan city representative on the public school board. He too is back through acclamation.
The two seats in Weyburn were also re-elected through acclamation. Norma Hewitt-Lendrum and Megan Schick will be their representatives in the conference.
Other board members returning to the table via acclamation include Devona Putland in Subdivision 1 (Rocanville, Wapella and Moosomin); Jim Henderson, Subdivision 3 (Redvers, Carnduff and Carievale); Tami Scott, Subdivision 4 (Lampman, Alameda, Oxbow and Bienfait); and Michelle DeBruyne,
Subdivision 6 (Ogema, Pangman, Yellow Grass, Radville, Gladmar and Oungre).
The school board elections are held in conjunction with the municipal elections on Nov. 13. Election details can be found on the SECPSD website under the board tab.
Private Ellen Millicent (Mickie) Kerridge.
JP Vives Co-Owner, Free Bird
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Self-centredness undermines society
Stephanie Zoer
Just a few words
In today’s fast-paced, increasingly-individualistic world, selfishness has become a growing issue, from the blatant disregard for others in everyday situations, to the more subtle, insidious forms of self-centredness that often go unnoticed.
While society often celebrates personal ambition and success, we must recognize the danger of this shift towards unchecked selfishness.
Selfish people not only harm those around them, but they also contribute to a breakdown in the values of empathy and co-operation, which are essential for a thriving interconnected world. Selfishness is the excessive prioritization of one’s own needs and desires, often at the expense of others. While it is normal and healthy to care about oneself, there is a line between self-care and selfishness that many people cross.
Unfortunately, selfishness is often encouraged by modern culture, where the emphasis on personal achievement and individual success takes precedence over collective well-being. From social media influencers promoting a lifestyle of selfindulgence to the glorifications of cutthroat business practices, we are increasingly bombarded with messages that encourage putting oneself first at all costs.
One of the most visible consequences of selfishness is the erosion of basic courtesy and consideration in daily life. Whether it is someone cutting in line, ignoring traffic laws or monopolizing conversations without regards for others, these small acts of self-centredness add up to create a culture of disregard for common decency.
Selfish people often feel that their opinions and desires are more important than those of others, leading to a breakdown in social harmony. What they fail to realize is that small acts of selfishness when multiplied result in larger societal problems such as increasing isolation, resentment and hostility.
Selfish people often lack empathy, making them indifferent to the struggles and needs of others. This lack of empathy is particularly dangerous in positions of power, where selfish individuals can shape policies and systems that prioritize their interests over the needs of the greater population.
For example, when corporate leaders prioritize profit margins at the expense of employee welfare, or when politicians make decisions that benefit their donors rather than their constituents, they contribute to systemic inequality and injustice.
These actions exacerbate divisions and make it difficult to address urgent collective issues, such as social inequality and public health crises.
Friendships and romantic relationships require reciprocity, mutual respect and the ability to put someone else’s needs ahead of your own from time to time. A selfish person’s inability to do so leads to unbalanced, one-sided relationships that leave others feeling used, undervalued, and ultimately disconnected.
It is also important to recognize that selfishness is often rooted in insecurity and fear. People who feel the need to put themselves first, no matter the cost, are often driven by a belief in scarcity, the idea that there is not enough success, happiness or love to go around. This fear leads them to hoard resources, attention and affection. Even when people operate from a mindset of abundance and trust, they are more likely to share, co-operate and support those around them, knowing that helping others does not diminish their own worth.
In order to combat the growing tide of selfishness, we must promote values that prioritize the collective good over individual gain. This starts with fostering empathy, teaching people to understand and appreciate the needs and perspectives of others.
It also requires creating systems that reward co-operation and altruism rather than self-interest. If we can shift the cultural narratives away from selfishness and towards community, we can build a more compassionate, equitable and just society. Ultimately, the problem with selfishness is it is unsustainable. A society where everyone is out for themselves may survive in the short term, but it will eventually crumble under the weight of its own isolation and greed.
It is time to recognize that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of others.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
The best in the world or right now?
Shelley Luedtke
The World Series is about to get started and baseball fans will watch the American and National League champions go head to head in the best of seven to crown a champion. It has long been thought odd that something called the World Series features teams primarily from one country, with the one exception being the Toronto Blue Jays as the only non-U.S. based team in Major League Baseball.
There have been many other iterations of championships highlighting truly international competitors, including one which started about 18 years ago, the World Baseball Classic. Organized in partnership with Major League Baseball and held every four years, it attracts professional players from leagues around the world who compete while representing their home countries, and grants the winner the title of world champion.
The tournament is broadcast in more than 13 languages and watched by millions. But despite its popularity, the title of world champion is also used to crown the winner of the Fall Classic, the World Series, a decidedly continental contest.
Author Josh Leventhal said it was all about the marketing that pushed baseball to embrace the international tagline. Emphasizing the global significance of
the game, Major League Baseball saw it as a way to draw more people to the ballpark.
Professional leagues thrive in other countries but the title chased by the American and National Leagues is the World Series champion, implying the winning roster is the best in the world.
In the spring of my Grade 4 year, I was part of a softball team that was not only a lot of fun to play on, we were also pretty good. When the season came to an end we won the right combination of games and were named city champions. City champions! That must have meant we were the best team in the city, right?
We were understandably excited, yet we weren’t the only city champions. We were just one of several, actually. We were the top team in our age group in our division, but many other city champion teams were named that year as well, representing other age groups and separate divisions. Yet the title mattered, didn’t it?
When the results of a survey rating job applicant behavior were released last year, it affirmed a growing pattern. Potential employees are lying at high rates during the job application process.
They lie in cover letters. They lie in interviews. Fully 70 per cent confessed to faking elements of their resumés with 52 per cent saying they lied about a previous job title to make it sound more impressive. The title mattered that much.
I was watching interview segments with a variety of public figures like a singer, actor, politician and an athlete. Various titles were used to introduce them: ‘everybody’s favourite pop star’, ‘most important actor of our time’, ‘hardest working women’s rights advocate’, and the widely over-used ‘GOAT’.
Let’s start with a descriptor “everybody’s favorite’. Not likely. No one is everybody’s favourite. Titles like ‘most important’ or ‘’hardest working’ can be aptly applied to countless people. And just how many different athletes are going to be labelled the greatest of all time? We act as if attaching one of these elevates the one to whom it is attached. Thank goodness there are all kinds of musicians putting out all kinds of music all the time. You can have your favourite and I can have mine. Same goes for actors, artists, writers and all those who bring their talents and points of view to the public square. All are important. While we acknowledge on the national stage those doing the work of lobbying, I would suggest the hardest-working advocates are likely at the grassroots level. And as for all those athletes considered the greatest? Well, I have had innumerable enjoyable hours watching many do what they do and I will continue to enjoy it, not debate the skill of one over the other. The best need the others to help them develop to that level.
Major League Baseball is getting ready to bring another season to an end and in doing so will crown a new World Series champion. Will it mean they are truly the best team in the world this year? Does it matter? Their organization and their fans will eagerly embrace it until spring training 2025 when the conversation begins again.
The best, favourite or greatest will change from year to year, even day to day for that matter, depending on who is attaching the title. That means instead of just focusing on what it might say on the banner, we get to enjoy the bounty of what came before, and better yet, who’s coming next. That’s my outlook.
- Nelson Mandela
Cornerstone school division highlights high achievers
The mandate, the goal, is stated clearly and simply. “Our students achieve at high levels.”
How they get there was the topic of discussion and presentations in the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s Weyburn conference room Oct. 15 during the board members’ open business session.
Keith Keating, the division’s director of education, led off the focus presentation by pointing out how data is presented to show students are achieving at high levels. He said secondary marks are core indicators for all students, as is reading and mathematics data. Early years evaluations are also carried out and such things as athletic achievements are noted and marked down, as are graduation rates that meet and usually
exceed provincial benchmarks.
Using charts and graphs, Keating pointed out the various indicators that show where a student or group of students may not be meeting an achievable target, and what is done to rectify the situation if required to maintain the loftier status.
Following his remarks, Keating introduced Turquoise McArthur, a student at Arcola School who was accompanied by Alaina Buchanan, her support counsellor. McArthur, a senior student outlined her high-level involvement within an RCMP National Youth Advisory Committee.
The young student spoke of the challenges the committee work provided on a monthly basis and involved such things as
USED SEED HAWK AI RS EEDERS
health issues, First Nations challenges and shared experiences.
McArthur said there were 120 of these youth committee members across Canada and they were able to convene at a June meeting where they got to know one another in person.
“We shared experiences, and aspirations. It was nice to meet the other people,” she said.
Turquoise answered several questions from board members regarding the RCMP-sponsored committee including one that asked her if she would recommend it to another student or group of students. The answer was a quick affirmative with the additional note that committee members were treated well and with respect.
Melissa Holman was next up. A diverse needs instructional coach, Holman spoke of developing life skills within the alternate education, intensive needs and diverse needs students.
In these situations, successful transitions are a key point on the progression scale since these students may have one or several challenges such as a cognitive disability, or physical/medical disability or mental health/psychological challenges.
Holman pointed out examples of successful tran-
sitions to further education, improved community status and/or job placements, and used one video clip to show how a successful transition by a Moosomin McNaughton School student improved lives for the individual, work site personnel and home bases.
In concluding her portion of the presentation, Holman added that she felt she had “the best job in the world.”
Christine Larson, a learning support teacher from Weyburn Comprehensive School, shared examples of how students have successfully transitioned to paid employment or post-secondary education opportunities from alternative education paths.
Larson explained how the work experience program rolled out for students in Grades 10-12 and how they were required to meet labour standards, job expectations and communication skills while
improving social skills and customer relations.
She said the placements are generally done on a one-month trial with the prospective employer(s) so they and the student can “test drive” various types of jobs.
If the personnel and job site are conducive to a good working relationship, the student is then introduced to a more permanent situation with entry-level tasks that can progress with the mastering of additional skills.
Job coaches support the student/employee while teaching job strategies for individual success that allows the students to increase independence with positive reinforcements. This, she said, leads to paycheques, independent living and further independent activities.
“We discover what we need to focus on,” Larson said in referring to the process of finding out what
interests the involved student has and then the job placements and requirements come into play.
The learning support educator added that partnerships have been forged through the years with community supportive living divisions of Social Services, the Work Kin Shop offering varying levels of support depending on needs, group homes that give living supports and other items such as inclusion practices and autism resource support.
She concluded her remarks by discussing the various success rates of 11 students over the past years, including a current student who is now on a job placement route and clearly progressing.
Larson fielded a few questions and comments, and was thanked by chairwoman Audrey Trombley, who also thanked the other speakers following their presentations.
Stoughton leader honoured with a tree planting
By Stephanie Zoer
Gerald Figler, a longtime resident of Stoughton and a pillar of the community, served as the town’s administrator from 1976-2006.
Over three decades, he left a lasting impact on the
town through his dedication and hard work. Figler was raised in a small community and knew his wife Carol throughout his time in school. The couple was married for 59 years and had two sons, Daryl and Dean.
Last year, Figler died at the age of 80.
DrillingLicenses
RigReport
His wife Carol said he was very devoted to the family. She never learned to drive, and he took her where she needed to go. She now has an exceptionally good friend who takes her places, but Carol always waits to see when they go to town, as she does not want to inconvenience anyone.
Throughout the years, the Figlers attended the Stoughton Apostolic Church, and he helped with many projects. He was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors, and purchased the lot beside their home so they could build more flower beds. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when he had the opportunity to go.
The Welcome to Stoughton sign was placed by the Lions Club, and although he was not a member, he was often seen cleaning the area and pulling weeds.
Another area he tend-
ed to was the Richardson tribute sign on Highway 33. When a retaining wall was needed to keep the sign in place, he was one of the volunteers that helped out.
Figler took care of the weeds and cut down the
cattails at Taylor Park, a popular place in the town for its walking paths, children’s play area and water spout. He was also a big part of the volunteers that made the walking path to the south.
On Oct. 8, a tree was planted in Figler’s honour for his dedication to Stoughton. A plaque donated by the town will adorn the tree.
“Thank you very much, Town of Stoughton, mayor and council for honouring Jerry this way,” said Carol.
“Jerry thought from the beginning that Taylor Park would be a huge
Voting
Dated at Alida,
asset to our town,” she added. “That has certainly proven to be true as it is well used by adults and kids alike.”
Carol’s son Dean came from New Brunswick to take part in the ceremony but has visited his mother several times since his father’s death. Dean wants his mother to move closer to him in New Brunswick, but Carol loves her community and will remain here for the time being.
The newly-planted tree will stand for a long time in memory of Figler and his love for his community.
this 25th day of October, 2024. Kathy Anthony Returning Officer
From left, Carol Figler, her son Dean and Stoughton Mayor Clarence Ho ort were on hand for the tree planting in memory of Gerald Figler. Photo by Shirley Coderre
Singleton will bring smiles to children in Honduras
By Stephanie Zoer
Marcedes Singleton is a dedicated and compas-
sionate dental hygienist, and she is preparing for an extraordinary journey that will take her to
Tela, Honduras. Singleton was born and raised in the Arcola area by her parents Darcy
Trimester2
Orientation: Nov. 14/15
ClassesNov.18
Trimester3
Orientation: Feb. 13/14
ClassesFeb.24
and Carrie, who remain in the area on the family farm. She has a younger brother Nicholas.
When Marcedes Singleton completed Grade 12, she wanted to enter a field that involved helping people. It took her a few years after graduating to figure out she wanted to be in the dental field.
She went to Saskatoon to become a dental assistant, which she did for two years, but she wanted more. Marcedes took a condensed program over 18 months in Ottawa; normally it takes three years to complete.
She loves the dental field and is always furthering her education through the newest studies, through research, but she also loves to educate people about the importance of dental hygiene.
Singleton’s career as a dental hygienist has been built on her love for helping people, particularly children, to help them achieve better oral health.
their dental needs.
cially in rural areas. For many children, access to even basic dental care is limited, if not non-existent.
The opportunity to go to Honduras is a dream come true for Singleton, and she is overly excited about the trip.
Honduras, like many developing countries, faces a significant lack of dental resources, espe-
Singleton said last year a group went to Guatemala. People walked for kilometres and lined up by the hundreds to get the help they needed.
“Doing a dental trip to Honduras has been a
NOTICE OF POLL
VILLAGE OF ALIDA
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:
1. A Poll has been granted for the election of: Councillor: Village of Alida (No. to be elected 4)
2. Voting will take place on Wednesday, the 13th day of November, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m at the polling place listed below: Alida Golden Gate Centre – 202 Centre Street, Alida, Sask
3. I will declare the result of the election at the Village of Alida Office on the 14th day of November, 2024 at the hour of 9:30 a.m.
DATED at Alida, Saskatchewan, this 25th day of October, 2024.
Kathy Anthony Returning Officer
VOTER IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE.
dream of mine for a long time,” said Singleton. “I am looking forward to helping a population who truly appreciates dental care, as many here take it for granted.”
“This is my first trip here,” she added. The program is through Change the Children and she will be gone from Jan. 25-Feb. 1, 2025. They bring all their own equipment and supplies, which carries a cost.
Other expenses are food and accommodations while they are there. She is going with a group of 15-20 people: six are dentists, two are assistants and she is the only hygienist. All the others are volunteers.
To help offset her costs, Singleton is holding a draw for a $300 gift basket that is loaded with dental care items. Tickets are available through Singleton and the draw will be held Dec. 1.
Singleton is excited to learn of the culture, the people, and the way of life in Honduras, while helping people at the same time.
Marcedes Singleton will ful ll her dream of going to Honduras to help children with
Photo courtesy of Marcedes Singleton
Alana Wilson wins Saskatchewan umpiring award
By Stephanie Zoer
Manor’s Alana Wilson has been honoured with the Rocky Nickel Umpire of the Year Award from Baseball Sask, a prestigious accolade that recognizes excellence in officiating.
As the head umpire for the Carlyle Minor Ball Association, Wilson’s contribution to the sport has been nothing short of remarkable. Her
dedication, professionalism and commitment to fostering a positive environment for young athletes has set her apart in the province’s baseball community.
Her guidance and leadership have also helped shape the league, ensuring games run smoothly and fairly. She is also responsible for scheduling all of the umpires.
Known for her deep understanding of the rules and her calm demeanour on the field, Wilson has gained the respect of players, coaches, parents and fellow umpires.
In August 2003, she was the first female umpire to be selected from Saskatchewan to go to nationals in P.E.I. Another Saskatchewan woman was also picked.
Wilson said this experience was beyond what she expected and
Notice of AbandonmentofPoll
Whereasa poll is not requiredpursuantto TheLocal Government ElectionAct,2015 forthe office of:
BoardMember- SouthEastCornerstone School Division No 209 forSubdivision Nos. 1, 3, 4& 6
Iherebygivepublic noticethatnovotingfor thesaidofficewill take place, andthe following persons areelected by acclamation:
Devona Putland Subdivision 1
JimHenderson Subdivision 3
Tami ScottSubdivision 4
Michelle DeBruyne Subdivision 6
DatedatWeyburn,SKthis10thday of October, 2024.
ShelleyToth, ReturningOfficer
Notice of Poll andAdvance Poll
PUBLICNOTICE is hereby giventhata pollhas been establishedfor theelectionof:
BoardMember: SouthEastCornerstone School Division No.209 Subdivision No.5
Votingwill take place at thepollingplaces listedbelow
Fillmore
November 7, 2024 4:00 p m. to 7:00 p.m.Village Office, 51 Main Street
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Village Office, 51 Main Street
Macoun
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Macoun School, 670 Munroe Street Midale
November 6, 2024 10:00 a.m. to 11:30a.m.MainprizeManor &Health Centre,206 SouthRoad
November 6, 2024 12:00 p.m.to4:00p.m.TownOffice, 233 Main Street
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Midale39er’sBuilding, 203 Main Street
Stoughton
November 7, 2024 4:00 p.m.to8:00p.m.TownOffice, 232 Main Street
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.TownOffice, 232 Main Street
RM of Weyburn
November 5, 2024 3:00 p.m.to6:00p.m.SouthEastCornerstone, 80A 18th Street,Weyburn
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.SouthEastCornerstone, 80A 18th Street,Weyburn
Iwill declarethe result of theelectionatthe SouthEastCornerstone Public School
Di vi si on offi ce in We ybur no nt he 14t hd ay of No ve mb er,2 024 at th eh our of 10:00 a.m.
DatedatWeyburn, SK this 17thday of October, 2024 ShelleyToth, ReturningOfficer
Please visitour websiteatwww.secpsd.ca/Board/Elections forvoter eligibilityand requirements.
she loved every minute of it. She was selected to be the first base umpire in a game between Newfoundland-Labrador and Quebec.
Kevin Culy, Phil McGee and Huck Craig nominated Wilson.
Baseball Sask hosted their 2024 annual luncheon in Regina at the Double Tree by Hilton
on Oct. 19. It was at this event that all the awards for provincial champions and award recipients were handed out.
Nickel, a respected umpire in Saskatchewan, presented Wilson with the award.
It has been an incredible journey for Wilson, and she is honoured to receive the recognition.
Umpiring has given her the opportunity to be part of the game in a meaningful way, and she hopes to continue to contribute for years to come. She is always looking for new faces to get into the umpiring field. There is no age restriction, and she says it is so rewarding.
Notice
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel
From left, Rocky Nickel presented Alana Wilson with the Rocky Nickel Umpire of the Year Award. Photo courtesy of Alana Wilson
Big Six getting ready for upcoming hockey season
The most decorated franchise in the history of the Big Six Hockey League won’t ice a team in the 2024-25 season.
The Bienfait Coalers, who have won 15 championships in the league’s 65-year history, have announced they will be taking a leave of absence this season, leaving the league with eight teams. It’s believed to be the first time since the late 1980s, when the Estevan Bears were part of the league, that Bienfait hasn’t had a team.
The remaining teams are the Carnduff Red Devils, Carlyle Cougars, Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings, Midale Mustangs, Moosomin Rangers, Oxbow Huskies, Redvers Rockets and Wawota Fly-
ers. The Rangers are the defending league champions.
League president Craig Barber is disappointed the Coalers won’t be back. He cited a lack of players as the reason for the Coalers’ departure. “There should still be a team there. They’re close enough to Estevan and should be competitive, but they didn’t have enough guys,” said Barber.
The league’s rule on import and elite players is another potential factor, he said. Teams can carry up to four such players, and there is no longer an exception for homegrown or locally-based imports. Those over the age of 35, and those who
played under 65 games of hockey at junior A or higher, are exempt from the rule.
The league will open the 2024-25 season with the Red Devils visiting the Mustangs on Oct. 25. The rest of the teams will start the following weekend.
Other than Bienfait taking a leave of absence, Barber said there weren’t a lot of big issues brought forward at the fall scheduling meeting in late September. He noted the Round Lake Bears, who play out of the Ochapowace Nation, approached the league to see if they could join, but Barber said the meeting was to hammer out a schedule, and they had already decided on a format.
Mirran Custom Orthotics
You Will Walk Better FREE Foot Clinic For Appointment
Wed. November 6
Call Carnduff Drug Mart (306) 482-3637 or Redvers Pharmasave (306) 452-3313
Thur. November 7
Call Carlyle Pharmasave (306) 453-4466 Or Kipling Pharmasave (306) 736-2810
Burning Feet, Bunions, Numb Toes
•Help Foot and Leg Circulation
ACALLOUT FORVOLUNTEERS
It’s also a long way to Round Lake, he said. Barber estimates it would be a two-hour, 45-minute drive from Midale.
Teams will play a 16game schedule this season, with two games against each of the other seven teams, and an extra game against two other teams determined randomly.
All eight teams in the league will make the playoffs. All playoff series are to be best-of-five contests, and there will be three weeks to play each series.
“For guys who are in provincials, it gives them a lot more window of opportunity [to play the games]. Now with a best of three in provincials,
you got a weekend to go somewhere, you’re not going to have to sneak a whole bunch of games in during a short time.” Barber is looking forward to watching some really good hockey this season, and he believes there are several teams in the league capable of winning the championship.
Employment Oppor tunity Manager Community Health Services
1.
reflect the goals and objectives of the community
2 Ensure the senior social and health employees engage in regular planning processes to identify short and long term goals for their programs as established by the strategic plan
3 Monitor and evaluate service delivery of programs to identify quality effectiveness and ensure that they are equitable and respectable, and delivered with due regard for culture and tradition
4. Assist department employees and managers in preparation of proposals and in negotiations for additional resources for the programs and services
5. Regularly develop and update program policies, procedures and guidelines that will enhance the effectiveness of the health and social programs as well as performance of employees
Credentials and Qualifications Requirements:
• Certified First Nation Health Manager professional designation or be enrolled in the CFNHM Program
• Degree in Health/Public Administration or Social sciences or related field, or equivalent combination of related experience and training and must engage in ongoing continuing education
• Minimum five years of health care administration, program management and supervisory experience
• Experience and knowledge of accounting practices, principles, budgeting and monitoring
• Experience in the development of plans, policies and the development of relationships and partnerships
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture, community and socio-economic issues
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and leadership skills, excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and lead change
• Proficient in the use of technology (use Microsoft Office, etc.)
• Able to work as part of multi-disciplinary team with some occasional travel
• Must be willing to submit to an oath of confidentiality
• Willingness and ability to work after regular hours and/or on weekends when required
Interested Applicants can submit a Cover Letter, Resume’ and List of References to: AHENTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT
P.O. BOX 700 CARLYLE, SK SOC oRO OR VIA EMAIL: EXECIJTIVEASST@SASKTEL .NET
PH: (306) 57 7-2461 FAX: (306) 57 7-2496
We would like to thank all interested candidates for applying; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. A fuilJob Description and Salary will be discussed with the successful candidate following the recruitment process.
Employment Opportunity
WhiteBear FirstNations is seekingan individual forthe position of:
Permanent /FuIl time
Open to General Public to apply
GRADER OPERATOR
The Grader Operator is responsiblefor theongoingmaintenance of allroadsthroughout theWhite Bear FirstNations.The Grader Operator reportsdirectlytothe Public WorksCoordinatorand from time to time receivedirection from theExecutive Director
CREDENTIALSAND QUALIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS
TheDickens Village Festival committee has started workingonthe 21st AnnualFestival andweneedlotsofhelp! Help is needed allaround to make thefestival successful. We arelooking forsomeco-coordinators and peoplewho canhelpfor an hour,two hoursand more! Ittakes acommunity to pulloffanevent and thefestival show cases Carlyle andsurroundingarea. Watchfor adocumentonsocialmedia that you cansignupfor We will honor youcommitment forhelping out Thankyou foryour commitment to participate. Festival is December6th &7th
Any questions pleasecontact
1. Certificate in heavyequipmentoperation &Maintenance
2. 3-5yearsexperienceinoperation andmaintenance of heavyequipment
3. 3-5yearsexperienceinuse of grader performing road maintenance
4. Must demonstratecompetencyinareas such as:
a. Communication, both verbal andwritten
b. Problemsolving
c. Repairsand maintenanceonheavy equipment
5. Able to work with minimalsupervision
6. Abilitytodeal effectivelyand discreetly with alllevelsofstaff, theFirst Nationsmembers andthe generalpublic
7. Abilitytothink andact strategically in aFirst Nationsenvironment,and to foster and contributetoapositive, productive work environment.
8. Valid Class5 Driverslicense in good standing andreliablevehicle.(Copy to be maintained on filewithannualreview)
9. Availabletoworkflexible hourstoattendtoevening and/or weekendworkasmay be required.
Interested Applicants cansubmita CoverLetter, Resume’and List of References to:
ATTENTION: EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR’SASSISTANTDEADLINEFOR
CLASSIFIEDS
Carlyle skater takes top spot
By Norm Park
The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board will not review the viability of any schools in 2024-25.
The board of trustees approved a motion at the Oct. 15 meeting not to place any school in the division under scrutiny based on the viable schools mandate, as set by the provincial government for annual assessments. The decisions are not made entirely on enrolment numbers, but they do remain as an important factor in that annual decision-making process.
The school with the smallest enrolment is Wapella School with a total registered enrol-
ment of 46 1/2 full-timeequivalent students. ***
During the course of their business session, the division’s trustees passed a motion to sell a plot of property next to Hillcrest School for $1 to accommodate the growth of the nearby day care centre.
They also approved an official transfer of land to the Prairie Valley School Division, the district that borders Cornerstone to the north and east. The
Rylee Brady with the Carlyle Skating Club took home rst place at the Skate Canada Saskatchewan competition on Oct. 10 in Regina. Brady competed in the pre-juvenile U11 ladies’ event, and recorded a new personal-best score of 16.28. Athletes from around Saskatchewan and Alberta attended the competition. Brady trained in Regina during the summer and then travelled to Estevan throughout the fall preparing for this event. She plans to attend the Saskatchewan sectionals in Rosetown on Dec. 14-15.
Photo courtesy of Dawn Brady
move was made to accommodate transportation needs for both divisions.
***
During a brief round table discussion at the start of the open business session, trustees Norma Hewitt-Lundrum, Audrey Trombley, Megan Schick and Kevin Keating spoke of school community council visitations. ***
The board’s next meeting will be Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at the division office in Weyburn.
Co-op supports Carlyle Elementary School
Southern Plains Co-op has made a $4,000 donation in gift cards to support the Carlyle Elementary School’s nutrition program. This initiative ensures that students receive nutritious meals daily through a breakfast, snack and lunch program. While breakfast and snacks are provided free of charge, the lunch program is available at a reduced cost to help ease the financial burden on families.
The nutrition program, facilitated by the school’s community liaison, volunteers and members of the school community council, relies heavily on external support to maintain its operations. Every donation received goes directly to funding the meals, ensuring that students benefit from the program.
Melanie Pauls, the school’s community education liaison, alongside her team of dedicated
volunteers, focuses on improving student attendance, reducing food insecurity and promoting healthier eating habits. Carlyle Elementary recognizes the struggles many families face when it comes to accessing healthy food, and the school plays a key role in providing nutrition education and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
“At Southern Plains, we are proud to support this essential program,”
Pharmacies Meeting the Health Care Needs of Rural and Remote Communities ies the IMAGINE...
said Carlyle Food Store manager Stephanie Kuch. “By contributing to the well-being of students, we’re helping build a stronger, healthier community.”
Carlyle Elementary School is a pre-kindergarten to Grade 6 community school with students from Carlyle, Kenosee Lake, White Bear First Nations and surrounding areas.
Part of the solution for more accessible health care
Notice of Poll andAdvance Poll
PUBLICNOTICE is hereby giventhata pollhas been establishedfor theelectionof:
BoardMember: SouthEastCornerstone School Division No.209
Subdivision No.2
Votingwill take place at thepollingplaces listedbelow
Arcola
November 6, 2024 4:00 p.m.to7:00p.m.ArcolaSchool,302 Souris Ave.
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.ArcolaSchool,302 Souris Ave.
Carlyle
November 7, 20243:00p.m.to7:00p.m.RMMooseMountainOffice, 250 8thSt. W.
November 13, 20249:00a.m.to8:00p.m.RMMooseMountainOffice, 250 8thSt. W.
KenoseeLake
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Four Seasons Drop-In Centre,31Waseca Ave. Manor
November 5, 2024 4:00 p.m.to7:00p.m.Manor School,#1FraserSt.
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.Manor School,#1FraserSt.
Maryfield
November 6, 2024 3:00 p.m.to6:00p.m RM of Maryfield Office, 115MainSt.
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.RMofMaryfieldOffice, 115MainSt.
Wawota
November 7, 2024 2:00 p.m.to7:00p.m.WawotaTownHall, 310 Railway Ave.
November 13, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.WawotaTownHall, 310 Railway Ave.
Full Gospel Church Welcomes You 202-4th St W. Service Schedule: Sunday morning Service 10:30 a.m.
Jesus Still Heals Today Wed. evening Bible Study 7:30 p.m 306-453-2512
Pastor Rodney & Gail Cox
Church of Our Lady, Carlyle
Father Chris Juchacz
Carlyle: Sunday at 11 a.m.
Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m
Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200
Iwill declarethe result of theelectionatthe SouthEastCornerstone Public School Division office in Weyburn on the14thday of November,2024 at thehour of 10:00 a.m.
DatedatWeyburn, SK this 17thday of October, 2024 ShelleyToth, ReturningOfficer Please visitour websiteatwww.secpsd.ca/Board/Elections forvoter eligibility andrequirements.
Arcola-Kisbey United Church Worship Times: 10 a.m
KISBEY: 1st & 3rd Sunday
ARCOLA: 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday
Please join us for worship
Roman Catholic Oxbow/Cantal/ Carnduff
Leonardo Tamayo
Carlyle United Church
202-2nd St. W. Sunday Services: 10:00 a.m. CL OS ED JU LY & AU GU ST *** Ph: 306-453-6136
From left, Southern Plains Co-op Carlyle food store manager Stephanie Kuch makes the donation to Carlyle Elementary School community education liaison Melanie Pauls. Photo sourced from the Southern Plains Co-op’s Facebook page
33. Apple pie ____: 3 wds.
36. Like popcorn 37. Jail chamber 39. Sample
41. Engrave with acid
ACROSS
1. Quick to learn
4. Nibbles
8. Shirt protectors
12. Crow call
13. Boxing punch
14. Land division
15. Brass instrument
17. Light-tube gas
18. Volcano’s dust
19. Surrounded by
21. Burn
24. Vehicles
26. Hockey site
27. Huey, Dewey, and Louie, to Donald
31. Astern
32. Clergyman
34. Gotcha!
35. Projectile
37. Wheat yield
38. Into pieces
40. Graceful trees
41. Symbol 44. Punching tool
46. Lean
47. Out-of-date
52. Detective’s need
53. Adore to excess
54. Feel unwell
55. Mind
56. Needles’ holes
57. KO caller
DOWN
1. Deed
2. Bogey beater
3. Tango requirement
4. Declines
5. Hawaiian hello
6. Large weight unit
7. Cardigan
8. Exile
9. Frosted
10. Sis’s sibs
Shipped
Gospel author
Pout
Compress 22. Phonograph: hyph. 23. Hill insects 25. Beneath 28. British noble 29. “For the Bell Tolls” 30. Drains 32. Conduit
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
42. 5,280 feet
43. “____ Velvet”
45. Misfortunes
48. Young fellow
49. Lobe’s place
50. Hitch
51. Gremlin’s kin
TAURUS
GEMINI
You may have the opportunity to find a more spacious property for your family this week. You must make changes to your daily routine to become more efficient, which will prevent conflicts among your family members.
CANCER
Don’t forget to charge your electronic devices every night
LEO Your
or impulse buys.
VIRGO
You’ll feel great this week! You must swiftly handle an urgent situation at work to avoid complications. You’ll be promoted, and despite the changes and stress associated with this change, you’ll be happy
LIBRA
You’ll soon finish a task you’ve been putting off. To avoid health issues, take some time to rest before taking on new challenges.
SCORPIO
Waiting for medical test results for yourself or a loved one will be stressful. However, you’ll receive a positive response, which will help alleviate your worries. The prospect of a bright future will dispel anxiety and allow you to sleep peacefully.
SAGITTARIUS
Tread carefully when dealing with family or professional matters. You may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate a promotion The pay and nature of the work will make your decision easy.
CAPRICORN It’s time to start thinking about your end-of-year vacation! Booking things in advance, regardless of whether you’re going alone or with family, friends or a significant other, will make things easier and avoid complications.
AQUARIUS
You may be responsible for international assignments or training at work. You might find it challenging to communicate with people who aren’t comfortable speaking English.
PISCES
You must communicate openly with your partner to reignite the spark in your relationship. You’ll need to make some adjustments to avoid emotional conflicts.
AMERICAN SPELLING
PUZZLE NO. 261