The Observer November 25, 2022

By David Willberg Saskatchewan

Roughrider fans and residents of southeast Saskatchewan have long known that Teagan Littlechief is a gifted singer.

After all, she has been singing O Canada at Rider games for years. And she has been performing for fans throughout the southeast long before that.

But now there are fans across the country who know about her talent.

Littlechief sang O Canada prior to the start of the 109th Grey Cup in Regina on Sunday – a trilingual rendition that was in English, French and Cree, gaining lots of attention across the country before and after her performance.

“I couldn’t believe how big of a deal it was,” she said in an interview with the Observer. “I thought it was going to be the anthem, and something that was going to be … just another anthem for me. I never really got the

publicity that I had with the Grey Cup anthem.”

Littlechief earned the opportunity in part due to her experience of singing at Rider home games, but also because a friend asked her to sing O Canada at Country Thunder in Craven.

“He had mentioned to me that he wanted to try to get me in for Grey Cup. About … a month before the announcement came out was when he reached out and mentioned to me that I got it,” she said.

At first she was to sing O Canada at the Grey Cup in Cree, and then it was going to be in English and French, and then it was in all three languages. The announcement that she would be singing was made Nov. 9.

“The Riders put in a really good word for me,” said Littlechief.

There was also an online campaign earlier this year to have her be the anthem singer, which was great, she said.

Littlechief admits that she hadn’t spoken

French in conversation since high school, and Cree isn’t her first language, but she has been learning Cree. Her Cree teacher helped her with that part of the anthem, and a friend in Carlyle helped her enunciate the French portion properly.

“Every time I would

practise one part, I would send it to them, and they would point me in the right direction of where I was supposed to be,” said Littlechief.

She was feeling more confident than nervous Sunday afternoon, she said.

There was some nega-

tive reaction on social media to the way she performed the anthem, including some racist comments. But most of the feedback has been positive and the best part was the pride expressed in the community.

She is a youth support worker and addictions

counsellor at White Bear, and she wants people to remember the importance of positive reinforcement.

“Since I work at the school at White Bear, a number of the little kids have been coming up to me and saying ‘Miss Teagan, I saw you on Facebook.’ ‘Miss Teagan, I saw you singing on TV.’

‘Oh my gosh, Miss Teagan, you did so good.’

It’s been all of that, and I think that’s what I really wanted to hear.

“From adults, it’s amazing, but to hear it from the kids, who are the ones, they’re the ones I really wanted to show that hard work pays off and you can make anything come true. Dreams can come true.”

She expects this will help her singing career and Littlechief has picked up a number of gigs already. She has been asked by the Regina Pats to sing the anthem at a game in 2023, and she will continue to perform for the Riders if given the chance.

Carlyle Library

November 25

November 26

December

December 2 & 3 - High Tea @ Carlyle United Church; 1:30 to 4:30

December 3 - Dickens Tradeshow @ Carlyle Elementary School; 11 am to 5 pm

December

New day care co-operative formed in Carlyle

By Gord Paulley

For the first time since the late 1990s, the town of Carlyle has been approved for childcare spaces by the provincial government.

A day care co-operative has been formed and its members are working feverishly to have a temporary facility open by early 2023.

The newly formed organization will be well established, fully staffed and fully prepared for when a new facility is built. Carlyle residents are hopeful that the announcement of a new community multi-use event centre complete with a new school and accompanying day care will take place in the spring of 2023. This would likely take two to three years to construct.

The province is allotting 28,000 newly regulated childcare spaces and the Town of Carlyle has recently been awarded 30.

Nicole Turgeon is the chairwoman of the newly-formed co-operative, to be known as the

“I am the parent of a two-year-old with another one on the way.

The Town of Carlyle has been woefully short of day care providers for years and a new day care facility for our community is long overdue. Many local parents must drive their kids to out of town facilities, or remain on wait lists for local care options, which is time

consuming, expensive, and stressful. Parents like me are really looking forward to making this co-operative a low cost and feasible alternative.”

The co-operative has decided to lease the property known as the old Archie Liable acreage on the east side of town.

“We looked at several properties in Carlyle and felt that this acreage was the most appeal-

ing. It has been recently renovated and requires a minimal number of upgrades to bring it up to provincial standards. It is a good drop-off and pick-up point for parents with its own private lane. It has a lot of green outdoor space.”

With 30 child-care spaces authorized, it is estimated that the co-operative will require up to a dozen employees including a day care

director. Excluding the director, all new hires will be offered on the job training to acquire their early childhood education certificates if a potential applicant doesn’t already have this education.

The co-operative members are hopeful a government consultant will be visiting the selected location in the next few days to formally determine the ex-

act number of childcare spaces available, which is based on square footage. It is the co-operative’s intention to open the facility from 6 a.m.6:30 p.m. daily to cope with shift workers and irregular working hours.

The Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre is in the process of adding both a website and social media pages. Once spaces are formally approved, employment and childcare registrations will be accepted with a projected start-up date of early 2023.

“All of us are really excited to making this dream of a fully approved day care facility a reality for the Town of Carlyle. Our board consists entirely of moms and our committee wish to thank a couple of residents for their assistance. We extend a big thank-you to Judy Valentine for unselfishly contributing her background experience in the day-care industry and to Jared Riddell for bringing us together and his business expertise,” Turgeon said.

Carlyle Family

Youth Centre

Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre.

Members of the Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre are, from left, Kellie Anderson, Suelynn Paul, Santana Widdifield, Chaelynn Boutin, Mandy Hislop, Justine Kyle, Lindsay Broccolo and Nicole Turgeon. Photo by Gord Paulley

Lampman proposes new childcare facility

By Stephanie Zoer

The councils of the Town of Lampman and the RM of Browning, along with the Lampman Family Centre Committee, are looking into the possibilities of a childcare facility in Lampman.

According to Councillor Dustin Ferguson, childcare is one of the largest expenses incurred monthly for young working families.

It is the goal of Lampman and surrounding areas to offer affordable childcare. Itis one way they are hoping to help families with the rising cost of living.

Although the process is only in its infancy, they also feel having a childcare facility in Lampman may bring new families to the community.

“We need to determine if the demand for such a facility is high enough,” said Ferguson.

“The feasibility and obtaining quality staff would be the biggest hurdle,” he added.

The Government of Saskatchewan has been helping to provide the

tools to plan this properly as well.

First, those looking to bring the facility to Lampman need to know how many children would use the facility.

At present, they have 20 children applying, but Ferguson said, ideally, they need 30-50 kids to move this forward.

The growth factor of the town must also be

considered when choosing a facility.

They would also need a building, and they have several options in the town, but are leaning towards a new building as

they have vacant lots in Lampman.

“The children’s safety is our utmost concern, and we feel a new building would be the safest for our children with all the up-to-date necessities,” said Ferguson.

Quality care is also important and hiring the proper number of skilled staff will be needed.

If they determine that they will have enough children to sustain a childcare facility, they will apply for funding in early 2023.

Ferguson is asking for residents of Lampman and surroundings areas that would use the childcare facility to contact the Lampman Family Centre Facebook page with the number of children and ages before Dec. 10.

“This is a great opportunity to invest in our youth and an investment in our youth, is an investment in our future,” said Ferguson.

Vermeersch the new vice-chair of the Cornerstone board

The South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board has a familiar face as its chairperson and a new person serving as vice-chairperson for the upcoming year.

At the organizational meeting held on Wednesday in Weyburn in conjunction with the regular public board meeting, Audrey Trombley and Jim Vermeersch were acclaimed as chairperson and vice-chairperson, respectively, to the applause of fellow board members.

Trombley thanked the board for the confidence they placed in her in providing the opportunity to serve as board chairperson for another year, and expressed gratitude for the board’s support

over the past year when circumstances dictated her attendance by virtual means.

As the representative for subdivision 5 (Fillmore, Stoughton, Midale and Macoun), she begins her ninth consecutive year holding the chairperson position and 13th one-year term as chairperson since amalgamation in 2006, having also served two terms as vice-chairperson and three as a regular board member.

Trombley’s background includes serving on various boards and committees at the local, provincial and federal levels, as well as working in local government administration.

A retired certified gen-

eral accountant and board member for subdivision 2 (Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, Maryfield and Wawota), Vermeersch will begin his first year in his new role, replacing the late Carol Flynn, who served as vice-chairperson along-

side Trombley for the past eight years and four other years.

Prior to a career in accounting, Vermeersch earned a bachelor’s degree in education and taught for eight years. He was very pleased to ac-

cept the vice-chairperson position, remarking that he looks forward to working with board chair Trombley and the rest of the board.

He is currently serving his second term on the board of education.

Vermeersch was initially elected as a trustee for the Estevan subdivision, and became the representative for subdivision 2 after he and his wife Heather moved to the Carlyle area.

During the organizational meeting, the following appointments were approved for 20222023:

• Audit committee: Jim Henderson, Jim Vermeersch and Kevin Keating;

• Board budget man-

agers: Audrey Trombley and Jim Vermeersch;

• Saskatchewan School Boards Association public section: Jim Henderson;

• Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association AGM representative: Kevin Keating with Megan Schick to be the alternate;

• Ad hoc committee for Estevan facilities: Kevin Keating, Eric McCrimmon;

• Ad Hoc committee for Carlyle facilities: Jim Vermeersch, Tami Scott;

• Governance/human resources: Norma HewittLendrum, Tami Scott, Eric McCrimmon; and

• Bargaining appointments (observer status): chairperson or vice-chairperson.

Wawota will have a by-election for a new mayor

Brody enjoyed a holiday in Mexico recently.

Wawota is looking for a new mayor after the resignation of Shawn Murray. The deadline will be Dec. 14 to file a nomination.

Sympathy to the family and friends of Ivy (Monuik) Zerr of Regina. She passed away last month at the age of 88 years. A funeral service was held on Nov. 13 and interment will be in the spring.

Brad and Tamara Birnie, Dylan, Myla and

News has been received of the passing of Tim Dlouhy on Nov. 6. He was 60 years old and leaves a wife Penny, daughter Jordan (Gary) and a son, Judd (Sandy). He lived at Round Lake, Assiniboia, Whitewood and Maryfield. There will be a celebration of his life at Round Lake in the spring of 2023. The Dlouhy name is well known in this area as Tim’s grandfather Gene supplied music at Kenosee Gardens for years.

Justin Gunn and Vicki White, along with her family, Trinity, Presley and Cassidy, have moved to Qu’Appelle to be closer to Justin’s work.

The Wawota branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held its annual Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11. An appreciative crowd enjoyed the service and the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph. Some stayed for the roast beef meal.

Scholarships and bursaries awarded by the Wawota legion on Remembrance Day went

to horticulture student Grace Nielsen of Saskatoon, daughter of Ryan and Lenna Nielsen and granddaughter of Allan and Coralee Brehaut; business student Zach Mudrewich of Saskatoon, son of Nolan and Kate Mudrewich and grandson of Lawrence and Helen Dezell; and optometry student Talisa Davies of Calgary, daughter of Todd and Tammy Davies and the granddaughter of Josephine Easton and the late Jim Easton.

Welcome to Kitty Alexander, who has purchased

the home formerly owned by Keri Taylor (the former Oliver house). She comes to Wawota via Winnipeg and has lived in Alberta and B.C.

Deb Saville spent two weeks in West Palm Beach, Fla., with friends. Upon arriving home, she had a surprise visit from her daughter Victoria.

Lana Coffey is now the owner of the former Meyer home on Hall Street. It was the home of Andrew and Nicole and their boys.

The community was saddened to hear of the passing of Elizabeth

(Betty) Ketcheson-Walker on Nov. 4. She was at Deer View Lodge and was 93 years old. Betty was a very active person in the community and we appreciated her. She was involved in several groups and was active in the United Church. She was predeceased by husbands, Garnet Ketcheson and Thomas Walker.

She is survived by Valerie (Gordon) Van Dresar) and Kurtis (Karen) House and their families. Her funeral service will be held Nov. 26 at the Wawota Town Hall.

The Family Centre board is, back row, from left, Cornelia Michaelsen, Susanna Thompson, Stacey Kerslake and Stephanie Wourms. Front row, from left, Adeline Thompson, Oliver Thompson, and Kiara Michaelsen. Photo courtesy of the Family Centre

South East Cornerstone Public School Division chairperson Audrey Trombley, left, and vice-chair Jim Vermeersch. Photo courtesy of South East Cornerstone

Submitted by Myrna Olson

Are you a Scrooge or jingle bells?

Stephanie Zoer

Just a few words

Christmas is exactly one month away, and I am excited.

But would you be described as Scrooge or a jingle bells at this time of year? It is only once a year.

My Dad was somewhat of a Scrooge at Christmas. He did not like the hustle and bustle of the crowds, he did not like gift shopping and did not like the fuss over the Christmas meal.

My mom, on the other hand, loved Christmas. She got right into the spirit of it all. She made us personal gifts, took us to the candlelight church service, made a special meal and did all the shopping. After all, dad was not going to.

I worked in retail for many years, and in those many years have met a lot of scrooges, so I made it my mission to make those people smile a little more in the season.

Christmas is my favourite holiday and I do not allow anyone to ruin that for me.

The tree is decorated on Dec. 1, Christmas baking is well underway, and so is shopping, but then I do not mind the crowds. When it is busy, I do not leave it to the last minute, because it is that time of year.

So why be a Scrooge? Why do you walk through the stores with that grumpy look, when it is only once a year? Are you this way with any kind of holiday?

My husband does not mind Christmas, although he feels it should be like a leap year. He says it would make the holiday better, right?

Most years, when our kids were younger, I did all the shopping, but now my husband does his own, as he is more into the Christmas spirit. I must have rubbed off on him, after all these years.

I put a lot of thought into the holiday season. Gifts are all wrapped the same, so no one knows what they are getting. I have also put a brick in a box with a gift card taped to it, so my son would not know what he was getting.

We have to make things fun and entertaining, as it goes by so fast, and that is what I do.

Life is tough at times, so why be a scrooge when you can make someone laugh? Lighten up.

Christmas can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones. I have, but I chose to remember the fun times with that person, although I miss her dearly.

Every time I see an elderly woman in a store, I have to chat with them, make them smile and o ffer them a hand. It makes me feel good and they love the attention, and it is something my mom would do.

We do not know what battles others are facing, but we can make their day a little brighter with a smile and kind words to make their day more bearable.

Oh, and the cashier, they cannot help that the item you are looking for is sold out the week before Christmas. They did not place the orders. They also have to put up with all the Scrooges, so give them a break.

Or buy from a local crafter. Their stock is not stuck on a container ship, as they are usually handmade.

So, this year do not be a Scrooge, be a jingle bells.

But then, this is just my opinion.

Not even Khloe looks like Khloe

as she attempted to have an unapproved picture taken down.

I readily admit it: when it comes to some of these people, my patience is thin.

We likely all have them. Famous people who just push our buttons. Take your pick: Trudeau, Trump, Bieber, Markle, Musk. The list is different for each of us. For me it’s a name that shouldn’t bother me the way it does but when I hear anything about a Kardashian, I flinch.

Their influence is unmistakable, if not a tad bewildering. Each member of the family has achieved incredible success. They know how to market themselves along with the products they are paid millions to endorse. Their image is extremely important and heavily controlled.

So, when something goes wrong, like an unfiltered picture of Khloe gets released, it puts a multi-million-dollar empire at risk. Unless her image remains perfect, her brand endorsements will fall away, she argued,

The photo was of her in a bikini, taken at a private family gathering, and posted mistakenly by an assistant before it was retouched. In response to comments generated by the picture, she said she was heading to the gym, which is her therapy because, “In truth, the pressure, constant ridicule and judgment my entire life to be perfect and to meet other’s standards of how I should look has been too much to bear.”

The expectation to look impeccable has created an unreasonable situation in which those in the image business aren’t allowed to look anything but perfect, yet they constantly post images selling that very perfection which is responsible for their livelihood in the first place.

Explaining her reaction to the unretouched photo, Kardashian said: “The photo that was posted this week was beautiful. But as someone who has struggled with body image her whole life, when someone takes a photo of you that isn’t flattering, in bad lighting or doesn’t capture your body the way it is after working so hard to get it to this point, and then shares it to the world — you should have every right to ask for it not to be shared, no matter who you are.”

She freely admits to editing photos and using filters so she can present herself the way she wishes to be seen.

Photographers were forbidden to take pictures of Beyonce when she sang at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service in 2020. Security was dispatched to ensure not a single unauthorized camera was on her because the singer demands there be no unflattering pictures of her floating around.

This relentless pursuit of something that simply cannot be attained is a plague on our sense of self. This is nothing new, but certainly the stakes are higher in an age where 4.7 billion pictures are taken every day.

It isn’t just celebrities being photographed or videotaped all the time. It’s all of us, whether we recognize it or not. One security company suggests the average American is caught on camera 75 times each day. Choose a popular destination, and you can likely watch a live feed of people coming and going. I found myself watching EarthCam from Times Square one day. Why?

I don’t know, but it was fascinating. Name a location and you can take a look.

I checked out the live video from a zoo we had visited so I could see updated pictures of a baby giraffe born the day before we got there. I was

rather surprised to see that the camera wasn’t positioned solely on the animals, but on all the people who passed by the enclosure.

I thought back to my day there. How many people might have been on their screens watching the animals while seeing me and hundreds of others in the process? It dawned on me how little thought I give to the sheer number of cameras capturing us every single day, but make no mistake, they are.

Consequently, we don’t know who is seeing us at any given moment or what they are seeing. Wind-tousled hair?

Sloppy clothes? Or, gasp, someone picking their nose?

It’s simply not possible to be curators of our image all the time. Countless people have pictures of us we know nothing about. Consequently, we won’t be ‘picture perfect’ all the time. Then again, we shouldn’t even try to be.

Too much of what we see on the part of those in the image business is unreal and unnatural.

Besides, think about the pictures in your own collection. I bet some of your favorites are those candid moments when something is going just a little bit unplanned. It’s called life. We need to resist the pressure to photoshop it and instead just live it. That’s my outlook.

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“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”

Shelley Luedtke

reeve elected in the RM of Benson

By Stephanie Zoer

Ken Wallewein was elected the new reeve for the RM of Benson on Nov. 9, defeating Donald Van De Woestyne 73-28.

His family has a history in the Benson area, and this began with his parents Gilbert and Helen Wallewein.

They raised their two sons, Ken and Kevin, as well as four daughters on a farm northwest of Benson, where they farmed for 43 years. For 38 of those years, Gilbert was councillor for the RM of Benson.

Ken and his brother purchased and rented land shortly after graduating from high school. Even after gaining employment in the

oil industry, they remained involved on the family farm, eventually taking over full ownership and operation.

Growing up with a councillor in the family,

Alida news

games, cash and prizes, Chinese and silent auctions and beer gardens.

the two brothers were well versed in what was involved with the job.

When David Hoffort, the long-time Benson reeve, decided to retire earlier this fall, Ken Wallewein felt it was time for him to run for the position as he had scaled back his work from the oil industry.

After Gilbert and Helen moved to Estevan, Ken and Kevin completed the takeover of the farm and continued with the family business of farming.

Their wives are also involved, helping with harvest and providing meals in the busy seeding and harvest times. Their adult sons are actively involved in the operation of the farm. They took over oper-

ation of the equipment and planning as Gilbert began his retirement.

Ken feels that his experience in the oil industry, which required him to look after many locations, a large budget and multiple staff, will benefit him in his new role. He knows how to get the best out of sta ff and bring conflicts to a suitable resolution.

He will work closely with the councillors and the administrator to ensure that things continue to run smoothly.

According to Ken, there are no key issues with the RM.

“But we do need to change with the times,” he said.

“We need to explore the most effective ways to manage the muni-

cipality’s business and use a cost-efficient approach.”

Ken’s brother Kevin just became a councillor for the RM in Division 6, which was also his dad Gilbert’s division.

He will continue to work on the farm with Kevin and both their families while following in their dad’s footsteps in the RM.

OILFIELD DIRECTORY Drilling Licenses

Redvers School held their commemoration of Remembrance Day at the school gymnasium on Nov. 9.

There was a very nice crowd in attendance to watch the students participate in the ceremonies. Gray and I attended to not only watch our granddaughter and others participate in the program, but also to remember Gray’s uncle, Flt. Sgt. Wes Bailey, who had lost his life (along with most of his crew) in a night raid and was shot down near Legdan, Germany. We shall remember them.

Tim, Shelly and Ainsley Cowan were in Minot from Nov. 11-13. They visited with her family, the Nilsen’s, and help them celebrate their Veterans’ Day.

I wish to send congratulations to Sharla Hainsworth, who was able to attend and enjoy watching her son Kaiden Kermtopf play football for the Okanagan Sun against the Regina Thunder in the Canadian Bowl at Mosaic Stadium on Nov. 12. The Canadian Bowl is the final of the Canadian Junior Football League. The Okanagan Sun defeated the Regina Thunder in a well-played game.

Members of the Alida Rec. Board are planning another fundraiser for Dec. 2 at Alida Hall. It is the Lisette Dubuc Memorial Bingo Fundraiser with special

Lisette was an amazing community member, was always there to help and this commitment was seen every Monday at the Alida Bingo. She has been greatly missed. Hope to see you there.

Act One Productions are inviting all actors to attend the audition Dec. 6 at the hall. Interest will determine what play will make the final cut. Remember this performance will be held in honour of Lynette Peet,

who had been extremely involved with our drama club. For more information, contact Diane Potapinski at 306-4857853 or Shelly Cowan at 306-485-7023.

Just a reminder to please keep me posted on any upcoming events, whether it’s in Alida or within your family. Your news makes interesting reading for the column. Either call me at 306-443-2496, text 306-485-8561 or e-mail g.cowan@sasktel.net. I do appreciate your assistance.

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Submitted by Edel Cowan

Ken Wallewein is a longtime farmer and landowner of the RM of Benson and is the new reeve.

Photo by Ken Wallewein

Dickens Village Festival to fill Carlyle with magic first weekend of December

By Ana Bykhovskaia

The Dickens Village Festival is returning to Carlyle on Dec. 2 and 3.

For two days, the town will transform into an old-time Victorian village, filled with magic and Christmas spirit.

During the weekend, Fezziwig’s Pub will offer live entertainment and good cheer. An incredible lighted parade will occur in the evening on both Dec. 2 and 3. Other festival activities include a high tea, an English market and a Festival of Trees. Many of Carlyle’s retailers will offer special deals over the weekend and food carts with delicious treats will line Main Street.

A highlight of the festival is the TwentyThree Scrooge Doo Christmas play put on by the Cornerstone Theatre Inc. The performances will take place on Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., and on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Carlyle Memorial Hall. The organizers also expect to have a dress rehearsal the Wednesday before the weekend of the show.

This year’s production is set in the roaring ’20s – Prohibition Era. Ebeneezer Scrooge is the owner of Scrooge & Marley’s Speakeasy. In a hostile takeover, he moves in on the Cratchit & Son Speakeasy, which is across the street. He will keep Bob Cratchit in place for a brief period until he can get everything set up, at which time he is going to fire Bob.

Tickets for the play are to be purchased in advance through fengche Flowers or by phone at 306-453-0222.

Shelley Slykhuis, the

of the festival committee, said the organizers are gearing up, going through decorations, looking for last-minute sponsors for the activities and getting ready to transform the community for the 19th edition of the festival.

“The week leading up to Dickens will be our busiest week of getting all decorations done, putting everything in place, putting carts out for vendors and then just gearing up for the weekend,” Slykhuis said.

Carlyle had to skip 2020, and in 2021 they had a scaled-back festival, so the 2022 event being almost back to normal promises to bring traditional joy to the community. Slykhuis noted that there will be only one big difference – they won’t have turkey legs, which were really popular with guests before.

Unfortunately, due to shortages, they weren’t able to get the supplies this year, but there will be a lot of other Dickens-style and traditional food options available throughout the days of the festival.

On the other hand, several activities such as high tea and the Chowder Shack will make a return this year.

The goal of the Dickens Village Festival is to showcase Carlyle and all the great amenities the town has so that people would come back again.

Slykhuis said they get a lot of support from within the community, including volunteers and local businesses, and a lot of interest from people in the area.

“It showcases the

area, it puts people in the Christmas spirit, and with the many organizations that benefit from the Dickens weekend, it’s still popular,” Slykhuis said. “I think because of the lighted parade, because of the play there on the evenings, it just brings it all together. And people always enjoy those things. It just gets us into the Christmas spirit.”

There are about 17 different groups that benefit financially from the festival, and Slykhuis said they are glad to accept anyone willing to participate, as long as there are no doubles.

To help cover the expenses for the Carlyle Dickens Village Festival, every year organizers run two thrift sales – one in May and another in October. Slykhuis said the latest one was pretty popular with people.

Usually, there are up to 800 people signing the Carlyle Dickens Village Festival guestbook at the information booth at the hall every year, and Slykhuis said that’s about what they expect this time.

“We’ve had anywhere between 500-800 people sign that guest book over two days ... Some are local people and a lot of visitors, but a lot of people don’t sign it,” Slykhuis explained. “So we’re [expecting] around 700-800 people, which is a good turnout because it becomes a very busy weekend.

“Very busy, but very enjoyable. And it gets everyone in the Christmas spirit early on … People are geared into it the first weekend in December and then continue on.”

chairperson

Every year, Carlyle’s Dickens Village Festival turns the town into a picturesque and fairy tale community. File photo

Arcola Co-op makes substantial donation to healthcare

By Stephanie Zoer

The Arcola Health Centre experienced approximately 15 intermittent short-term closures due to staffing issues.

The rural healthcare has been in crisis, and according to the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, 83 per cent of Saskatchewan registered nurses reported vacancies in their workplaces.

Registered nurses in the rural areas are heavily relied on by physicians for their expertise and knowledge, and provide most of the firsthand care. Rural areas have been hit the hardest.

Sheila Sim, a member of the Arcola Health Centre recruitment and retainment committee, said they do not want to wait until there is a tragedy because of these closures, or to see people turned away due to staffing issues.

This group began in July and letters were sent to all businesses

and organizations to fundraise to retain their registered nurses that are already on staff They produced a longterm proactive plan of incentives for scholarships and bursaries to keep their nurses, to

attract recent graduates and encourage local nursing students to stay in the Arcola area. They also want this program to be perpetual so it will continue for years. Once the nursing staff has been taken care of, other

positions will also be included in this program.

This plan can only be successful with the financial support of local businesses and organizations.

The Arcola Co-op has agreed to donate

$10,000 to this worthy campaign.

The committee’s goal for the year is $50,000, so they have a ways to go to get there. Sim is hoping that this is still possible.

Matthew Almey, the

Glen Ewen Trailblazers host district fall rally

Submitted by Shane Boyes

The Glen Ewen Trailblazers Light Horse 4-H Club hosted the District 41 fall rally on Nov. 18 at the Communiplex in Glen Ewen.

There were 41 members from the district in attendance.

The evening began with bouncy castle time for the members while the potluck supper was set up. The bouncy castle was then shut down and the pledge was recited, led by MCs Kenna-Dee Carlson and Elizabeth Good. This was followed by 4-H grace, recited by Halle Boyes.

Supper was then enjoyed. After the meal, record book judge Myrna Babbings gave the kids a report on their record books. The district record book awards were then handed out as follows:

Cloverbud: first place was Harper Demas, second was Mason Shire and third was Brynn Scott.

Junior: first place was Vanessa Cowan, second was Brynn Chapman and third was Fallyn Shier.

Intermediate: Laura Christensen was first, Wyatt Thompson came second and Rocco Perrot and Jordanna White were in a tie for third.

Senior first place was Madeline Christensen, second was Kenzie White and Casey Thompson came in third.

19th Annual Dickens Village Festival Dickens Festival

Myrna Babbings was then presented with a thank you gift from District 41 for judging the record books.

A big thank you to Myrna for the great job on judging.

Also a shout out to our record book prize money sponsors for their generous donations.

Next we had a rousing game of Lightning where four teams competed at driving a spike

Arcola Co-op manager, feels strongly about this cause. He said healthcare in your hometown is the lifeline of the community and its businesses. It is a must need service to have.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority has recently posted several full-time positions for RNs for the Arcola Health Centre.

These positions are new and are to help with the crisis in Arcola, so in the future there will be no more closures.

It is imperative that the positions be filled, not only for Arcola but other rural areas, to ensure proper health care and that staff are not overworked and burn out.

Arcola staff are doing their utmost to ensure that the doors remain open at all times, but in the end, there is only so much they can do as they also need time off.

If you wish to donate to this cause, contact the Arcola Health Centre Recruitment and Retention Committee.

into a log with only one hit allowed by each team member per turn. No fingers were injured.

To wrap up the evening, Kris Boyes auctioned off the many delicious desserts provided by the families. This dessert auction was the fundraiser for the rally. The bidding was generous and spirited with many kids pooling their money to get their dessert of choice.

to 7:00 p.m.

Lighted Parade -Lighted ParadeBoth evenings at 6:00 p m Both at 6:00 p.m.

Parade Route: Start at Nursing Home then east on Parade Route: Start at Home, then east on Railway Avenue to Main Street Down Main Street to 1st Street E , back to Avenue to Main Street. Down Main Street to 1st Street E., back to Railway Avenue and back down Main Street Avenue and back down Main Street.

Cor nerstone Theatre Play “T wenty Three Scrooge Doo” -Cornerstone Theatre “Twenty Three Scrooge-Doo” Car r iage Rides • Horse Drawn Wagon -Carriage Rides • Horse Drawn Var iety of Activities to Enjoy Variety of Activities to

Participating in presenting a thank-you gift to Myrna Babbings were, back row, from left, Mya Gilliland, Bailey Steeves, Miranda Murray, Kenna-Dee Carlson, Myrna Babbings, Dallyn Steeves, Elizabeth Good and Marisol Gilliland. Front row, Halle Boyes, Evan Gilliland, Kaleb Boyes and David Good.

Arcola employees and committee members were on hand for the $10,000 donation. Back row, from left, Gary Nielson, Tanya Pongracz and Lisa Stephenson. Front row, from left, Brittany Hislop, Kelly Brown, Royer Derby, Arcola manager Matthew Almey, Carol Brown and Sheila Sim. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Photos by

Pet Corner Pet Corner

Lisa McCullough’s bunnies help with her anxiety

By Stephanie Zoer

Lisa McCullough was browsing Kijiji when she noticed a lot of bunnies looking for new homes. She never really saw the appeal in rabbits, but they were cute critters.

McCullough began to do some research on the fluffy critters and down the rabbit hole she went when she came to realize they enjoy human company. They can be taught tricks, if one is patient, and they can be litter-trained like a cat.

McCullough now lives in Estevan but lived in Wawota with her dad and went to school there.

She lived with her dad till the age of 15, and then her dad passed away and her world was turned upside down.

From there she would live with her sister as she had custody until

she was 16, and then with her mom. Shortly after that she would live in her car and people’s couches for a year, and this is when she began to feel depressed and anxiety began.

McCullough felt lost and confused without her dad, but he always told her if one has animals, they need to be looked after first.

Over the years, McCullough has learned that animals helped her a great deal, and it started with her two dogs, Axel and Sadie.

Birds are also a love for her, and she admits they are addicting. If she could have one of every colour, she would.

She has two green cheeked conures named Loki and Lola, and two love birds who are named Bob and Kevin by her five-year-old daughter.

A female cockatiel is named Diva, and

Cotton is a 17-year-old Cockatiel who came from Australia after his owner passed away.

Her 20-year-old Senegal parrot named Daisy makes lots of cute noises and is being

taught to talk. She loves her cuddles.

“My birds are very social and affectionate just like my bunnies,” said McCullough.

McCullough works in Bienfait at a pipe yard for Tenaris as a swamper, and has two daughters ages 14 and five, along with a nineyear-old stepdaughter.

Although her family and critters help a great deal with her depression and anxiety, she said her bunnies help the most.

Honeybun is a lionhead-mini rex cross and the only one with ears that stand up. Arlo is a neutered male holland lop, and she said this bunny changed her life.

McCullough was having an anxiety attack and went and laid on her bedroom floor. Arlo came over to her and licked her face, sniffed her tears,

and stayed with her until the attack ended. He cuddled with her and made her feel better.

She had two bunnies and was satisfied with that, until she found a baby holland lop that she could not resist and added the fluff ball to the family.

“I cannot explain the way it feels to have such a vulnerable animal completely trust and love you that way,” said McCullough.

Her animals are not caged and all are litter trained. It is great coming home from work and having this herd greet her at the door.

McCullough is grateful for an understanding family and a boyfriend that tolerate her animals.

Everyone has their idea of what a pet should be, and McCullough feels that bunnies are the best.

Dog groomer returns to Stoughton vet business

By Stephanie Zoer

Susan Ludwig has always had a love for animals, especially dogs and cats.

She was born and raised in Estevan and lived most of her life there while working in retail, but this was not the career she was happy with; she wanted to work with animals.

Ludwig went to Leduc, Alta., to attend a three-month dog grooming course at the AB Dog Grooming School and Woodsvail Dog Grooming. Once she completed her course, she returned to Estevan.

She started up her own business called Sue’s Dog Styling, which kept her extremely busy for 15 years.

At the end of the 15 years, when Ludwig’s sister asked her to come to Vancouver, Ludwig thought this would be a good change for her, so she packed up and moved there.

This was not the move she thought it would be. Although she only lived a 20-minute walk from the ocean, the city was busy, and she missed the Prairies.

The rainy, humid weather was also some-

thing that Ludwig could not adjust to, and she missed the openness of Saskatchewan.

After a year of being in B.C., she packed up again and returned to her Prairie roots, this time taking the train.

Ludwig said going by train was amazing and beautiful.

She settled into Stoughton with her dog Cozmo, and her two cats Neumann and Belle.

At the time Stoughton Veterinarian Services was in the process of building a new clinic, so Ludwig contacted Dr. Anne Kernaleguen about a groomer position.

This turned out to be a great phone call for Ludwig, as she has worked there for seven years.

Ludwig became ill and needed to take some time off work, but has returned and is happy to be back.

It is not only grooming that she looks after. The kennel area is also her responsibility. With dogs and cats being kenneled, she takes the dogs for walks and ensures the kennels are clean.

Ludwig loves her job and says that Kernaleguen is an amazing boss. Not only is she

great with her staff, but also with her clients.

“It is great to be in the

Prairies,” said Ludwig, “and to be working with animals.”

Kango, the four-year-old recue dog that was hit by a vehicle and had a limb removed, visits with dog groomer Susan Ludwig. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Lisa McCullough feels her bunny Arlo has helped a great deal with her depression and anxiety. Photo by Lisa McCullough

Lampman Grizzlies win silver at volleyball provincials

The Lampman Grizzlies had an outstanding showing at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 1A girls’ volleyball tournament in Rose Valley, bringing home a silver medal.

Lampman went 4-0 in the round robin, losing only one of the nine sets they played. They opened with a 2-1 (2512, 19-25, 15-12) win over Rose Valley, and then won 2-0 (25-10, 25-17) over Vanguard, 2-0 (25-9, 25-15) over Bellevue and 2-0 (25-19, 25-16) over Leoville.

In the quarter-finals, Lampman won 2-0 (2516, 25-6) over Wawota Parkland School, avenging a loss to Wawota during regional playdowns in Lampman the previous weekend. And Lampman won 2-0 (2522, 25-23) in the semifinal over Bellevue.

The Grizzlies fell 2-0 (25-13, 25-22) to Rose Valley in the provincial

fi

nal in a rematch of their round-robin opener.

As for Wawota, they went 2-2 in the round robin, winning 2-0 (2516, 25-19) over Kyle and 2-0 (25-19, 25-19) over Edam, but losing 2-0 (25-22, 25-14) to Plenty and 2-1 (25-21, 13-25, 15-11) to LeRoy.

At the 2A girls’ provincials in Gull Lake, Arcola School went 2-2 in the round robin, defeating St. Walburg 2-0 (2523, 25-9) and the host Gull Lake team 2-0 (2510, 25-22), but losing to Wakaw 2-0 (25-16, 2624) and to Davidson 2-0 (25-16, 25-20). Their tournament came to an end in a 2-0 (25-23, 2513) loss to Rocanville.

The Carnduff Education Complex, Oxbow Prairie Horizons School and Kipling School were all at 3A girls’ provincials in Macklin.

Kipling had the best showing, winning the bronze medal with a 2-0

(25-17, 25-18) win over Dalmeny.

Kipling went 3-1 in the round robin, winning 2-0 (25-22, 25-12) over Dal-

meny, 2-0 (25-9, 25-21) over Watrous, and 2-0 (25-15, 25-18) against Oxbow, but losing 2-0 (25-19, 25-20) to Unity.

Kipling knocked off host Macklin 2-0 (2519, 25-16) in the quarter-final, lost to the eventual provincial

champions from Lanigan 2-0 (25-23, 25-19) but recovered to beat Dalmeny in the bronze medal game.

Carnduff started with a 2-0 (25-24, 25-13) win over Maple Creek, a 2-1 (24-26, 25-22, 15-5) victory over Macklin, and a 2-1 (25-27, 25-13, 15-9) victory over Briercrest Christian Academy, but lost 2-0 (25-13, 25-18) to Lanigan to close out the round robin, and then fell 2-0 (25-22, 25-23) to Dalmeny in the quarter-final.

Oxbow went 1-3 at provincials, opening with a 2-1 (20-25, 2624, 15-13) win over Unity, but losing 2-1 to Watrous (26-24, 20-25, 15-8), 2-0 to Dalmeny (25-22, 25-14) and 2-0 to Kipling.

The 5A girls’ provincials will be Nov. 25 and 26 in Balgonie. The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs senior girls qualified for the tournament.

New Carlyle Cougars’ coach impressed with the team

The new head coach of the Carlyle Cougars senior hockey club is no stranger to the team or to hockey in the Carlyle area.

Clayton Geiger stepped into the role shortly before the 2022-23 Big Six

Hockey League season began after the previous coach, Wade Robertson, died suddenly during the offseason.

“Wade was pretty dedicated to the team,” Geiger told the Observer. “In no way am I

trying to fill his shoes or anything like that.”

The team thinks about Robertson every game.

Geiger said he played for the Cougars for about a dozen years, starting in 2006, but he didn’t play last season and there was a multiyear hiatus for the club in the past decade.

Coaching has definitely been a different experience, he said.

“I still get into the game a fair bit. I just have to sometimes remind myself that I’m not playing, I am coaching,” he said.

Geiger has lots of experience as a coach.

When the Moose Mountain Wild U13 AA hockey team was around, he was a coach. He also coached the U15 AA program and

guided a U18 team. For the past six years, he has been coaching his own children in the Carlyle Minor Hockey program.

He believes it helps that he knows most of the players on this year’s Cougars and they know him. Geiger said they would likely be one of the older teams in the league.

Carlyle opened the season by winning their first three games and outscoring their opponents 28-4.

“We’ve been converting on our chances and we’ve been getting really good goaltending as well,” he said. They will face their

toughest test of the young campaign on Nov. 25 when they host the Carnduff Red Devils at 8 p.m. at the Carlyle Sports Arena.

The Red Devils are the defending league champions and they opened the season with five consecutive victories.

“Carnduff and Redvers are definitely the favourites out of the gate, but I think we have a good enough squad to hang with anybody, and when it comes down to playoff time, in a three or a five-game series, we’ll be fine against anybody we face,” said Geiger.

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

Steven Bonk, MLA for Moosomin Constituency

622 Main St., Moosomin, SK

622 St. Moosomin, SK

Phone: 306-435-4005 Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-435-4005 Email: stevenbonkmla@sasktel.net

The Lampman Grizzlies players show off their silver medals at the provincial 1A volleyball championships in Rose Valley. Photo sourced from Lampman School Facebook page.

Clayton Geiger has lots of experience as a player and as a coach.

The Wawota Flyers finally opened their season on Friday night, and they came away with a victory.

The Flyers defeated the host Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings 6-4. Devin Stewart and Jesse Gabrielle scored in the third period to lift the Flyers to the victory. It was the second goal of the night for each player.

Jordan Fox and Brady Dinwoodie also scored for the Flyers.

Dan Loffler had two goals for the Oil Kings.

Luc Englot and Drew Czerwonka also scored.

Kye Steinke was in goal for Wawota, while Dylan Dedecker was the netminder for Kipling-Windthorst.

Three games were played on Saturday. The Carnduff Red Devils continued to roll with a 7-2 victory on home ice over the Midale Mustangs.

Brad Tomiski scored twice in the opening 3:13 of the game to give the Mustangs a 2-0 advantage.

But goals by Kyle

Garagan, Nico Anderson and Kelby Minshull put Carnduff ahead after the first period, and then Ben Hiltz scored twice and Ty Stovin and Mark Moriarty tallied in the second for the five-goal margin.

Mason Plews (Carnduff ) and Talen King (Midale) were the goalies.

The Redvers Rockets shelled the visiting Bienfait Coalers 13-1, thanks to a six-goal first period and five more in the second.

Kevin Mann had two

goals in the Rockets’ first-period barrage, and Travis Poirier, John Potapinski, Drew Hoff and Oliver Poirier also scored. Braeden Magotiaux had two goals in the second, while Hoff, Potapinski and Bradey Fidierchuk also scored in that frame for Redvers. Todd Gervais had two goals in 10 seconds in the third.

Kaelan Holt had Bienfait’s lone goal.

Zack Miller was the Coalers’ goalie, while Thomas Bauche was in goal for Redvers.

The Moosomin Rangers doubled up the Oil Kings 6-3 in Kipling. Bud Holloway and Dawson Springer each scored twice for the Rangers, while Justin Lamontagne and Dallyn Holmstrom also scored.

Czerwonka had two goals for KiplingWindthorst and Loffler notched the other.

Kyler Beckett was in goal for Moosomin and DeDecker was the Kipling-Windthorst goalie.

A busy weekend is scheduled for Nov. 25-27. Games on Nov. 25 are the

Arcola-Kisbey Combines at the Flyers, the Rockets at the Oil Kings, the Red Devils at the Carlyle Cougars and the Rangers at the Coalers.

Four more games are set for Nov. 26: the Yellow Grass Wheat Kings at the Flyers, the Oil Kings at the Mustangs, the Rockets at the Combines and the Red Devils at the Rangers.

The Cougars will visit the Coalers for the only game on Nov. 27.

All games will start at 8 p.m.

Carnduff advances to boys’ volleyball provincials

A number of schools from the area competed in boys volleyball regional playdowns on the weekend.

The 3A boys’ tournament was held at the Carnduff Education Complex, and the host team had a perfect weekend to win.

Carnduff went 3-0 in the round robin, defeating Oxbow 2-0 (2511, 25-15), Moosomin 2-0 (25-9, 25-13) and Kipling 2-0 (25-10, 2514).

Up next, they defeated the Regina Christian School 2-1 (25-15, 15-25, 15-11) in the semifinal, and Esterhazy 2-1 (25-12, 24-26, 15-13) in the final. Both teams advanced to provincials, as did Regina Christian, who knocked off Kipling 2-0 (25-18, 25-14) in the third-place game.

Kipling went 2-1 in the round robin, defeating Moosomin 2-0 (25-11, 25-18) and Oxbow 2-0 (25-20, 25-21) but losing to Carnduff, and then losing 2-1 (25-18, 17-25, 15-9) to Esterhazy in the semifinal and Regina Chris-

tian in the third-place contest.

Oxbow went 1-2. Their lone win was 2-0 (26-24, 25-15) over Moosomin.

Gordon F. Kells High School in Carlyle was in the other pool at 3A boys. They went 1-2, winning

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2-1 (20-25, 25-22, 15-7) over Fort Qu’Appelle, but losing 2-0 (25-8, 2517) to Regina Christian and 2-0 (25-15, 25-13) to Esterhazy.

At the 2A regional tournament in Montmartre, Redvers School went 0-2, losing 2-0

(25-14, 25-10) to Sturgis and 2-1 (21-25, 25-18, 15-11) to the host Montmartre team.

Stoughton Central School was the site of the 1A boys’ regional, and Stoughton and Lampman School had teams entered. Stough-

ton went 0-2, with a 2-1 (19-25, 25-21, 15-6) loss to Englefeld and 2-0 (25-16, 25-19) defeat against Yellow Grass.

Lampman also went 0-2, losing 2-0 (25-20, 25-10) to Rouleau and 2-0 (25-7, 25-19) to Muenster.

312 Froude St., Stoughton, Sask.

Spacious 1+2 bedroom suites

Common room with kitchen

By Stephanie Zoer

It has been a few years since the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce was able to hold their Welcome to Winter event and now it is back. The theme is A Miracle on Main Street.

The event will happen Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. Chamber president Ira Noyes is hoping the streets will be filled with visitors.

The purpose of this event is to promote businesses and organizations in the Stoughton area.

The small town where Highways 13, 47 and 33 meet has a lot to offer, according to Noyes.

Karla Gervais is the director of marketing and has done a majority of the planning.

“This is my first year in the chamber and I am so excited to be part of this event. I am always telling others how many great businesses we have here, and I look forward to highlighting them,” said Gervais.

The Stoughton DropIn Centre will host several tables. The Stoughton Agricultural Society will have an information table with a raffle basket. Santa will also be there and if you want your photo taken with him, Safe Haven Photography will be on hand to do so.

Also at the Drop-In Centre will be a craft and bake table. Coderre’s will hold a kid and adult trivia and a raffle. Lakeview Insurance and the Stoughton Feed Mill will offer chili on a bun.

The Stoughton emergency measures organization is asking anyone who has unused blankets to donate them. The purpose of this is to be ready for an emergency such as a major power outage or a serious vehicle collision. The Stoughton Fire Department will store them at the fire hall. The fire department will also have a booth set up to have a pop-up hot dog grill. The location will depend on the weather.

The town office is hav-

ing a gingerbread house contest. Bring your completed entry to the office by 4:30 p.m. Right next door the library has a make-your-own Christmas ornament and the credit union will make smores. This might be

at the new green space, weather permitting.

Sleigh rides are also available throughout the night, with hot apple cider and popcorn at the Westland Insurance Office.

Go to Blondies for a

hot cocoa buffet or cool off at Beauty by Jo’s with lemonade and pink popcorn.

Purchase groceries at the Stoughton Meat Market from 5-8 p.m. and receive 15 per cent off and a chance to win

a kid’s gift basket. The Stoughton Co-op has their scratch and save while treating everyone to sugar cookies.

Wear your ugly Christmas sweater and post to Rising Moon’s social media page for a chance to win a prize or create a $2 Christmas craft at Vivid Ink. Walk across the street to the She-Shed and have some treats and hot chocolate.

Crossroads Inn will be part of the festivities with hot chocolate and hot dogs.

A gift basket filled with gift cards and products from businesses, including a $100 gift card from the chamber to be used at any Stoughton chamber business, will also be up for grabs.

According to the chamber, this is going to be a fun-filled evening with lots of treats and food, while highlighting businesses and organizations through a great social event.

“It will be epic,” Noyes said.

Stoughton will be holding their Welcome to Winter on Dec.

6. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Donald (Don) James Bushell passed away comfortably and peacefully on November 4, 2022, at the Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility in Imperial, Saskatchewan at the age of 80 years old after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Don was born with a land location on his birth certificate being born at the family farm.

Don wore many hats throughout his life including a Regina City Police Officer, a Stoughton Police Chief, and a Deputy Sheriff for the Government of Saskatchewan. He was also a hardworking entrepreneur and ran three or four of his own businesses as well during his life.

In his later years, he was very proud of recording many songs with his sons and extended family in an Edmonton recording studio as well as cowriting and self-publishing a western novel with his sons. These two accomplishments were to allow his family to remember him long after he was gone by reading or listening to him once again.

He leaves behind his partner, Bernice Haug, and preceded in death by his first wife Inez Johnson. He also leaves behind his two sons, Brent (Patti) and Aaron (Melissa), Bernice’s daughters, Tanya (Tim), Lana (Jeff) and Rene (Woody) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was a true family-oriented person and spent many hours hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. One of his favorite sayings to his sons was to “Let nothing but fear hold you back” and went quietly from his own life not fearing death itself.

The Family will be holding a private celebration of life in the summer of 2023.

Dr. Chris Neil

Sadly, Sheila Christella Neil (nee Gardiner), or Dr. Chris Neil as she preferred, passed away on Nov. 13, 2022, suddenly of a heart attack at Wascana Rehab in Regina. Chris was 91 and lived her long life with passion, focus, and great determination.

She grew up in London, England during World War II and spoke about being terrified during the nightly bombing raids and blackouts.

Chris passed the University Entrance Exams at age 15 and graduated as a Doctor of Medicine, Summa Cum Laude at age 21 from the University of Glasgow.

Chris married Dr. Andrew Neil who she met at the University of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow. Together they had two sons, Russell and Derek born in Ayr, Scotland.

The family immigrated to Carlyle, Sask. in 1965. Imagine flying to Winnipeg in the middle of winter with your husband, two sons, a Norwegian Elk Hound, and a nanny.

Together Dr. Andrew and Dr. Chris Neil ran the Medical Clinic, Arcola Hospital and Moose Mountain Lodge for 18 years. At that time as Doctors, they worked 7 days a week and were on call 24 hours a day.

While in Carlyle, Chris got her pilot’s license and purchased a plane. With her two months off a year, she travelled the world to exotic, unusual, and interesting locations. She visited over 100 countries in 10 years. Chris also enjoyed scuba diving in the Bahamas with her family.

In 1982 Chris and Andrew moved to Regina and opened up a new medical clinic.

Preparing for retirement, Chris started playing duplicate bridge in 1993.

After retiring in 1997 Chris became a Life Master in duplicate bridge in 2001.

As an intellect, Chris was an avid reader all her life and collected an extensive library. Chris had a photographic memory.

Chris is survived by her two sons Russell and Derek Neil, daughter-in-law Rhonda Neil and two granddaughters Rheanna and Shelby Neil.

A celebration of Chris’s remarkable life will take place at a later date.

Dec 2, 3: The Carlyle UCW will be hosting the Dickens High Tea from 1:30 - 4:30 at the Carlyle United Church hall. Come and enjoy a feast of dainty sandwiches, sweets and delicious Christmas pudding and sauce. Wear fancy hats and browse in the crafts and baking area. Look at the variety of quilts adorning the walls. Come and bring your friends and family.

Dec 2, 3: There will be a craft and bake sale in the Carlyle United Church from 1:30 - 4:30. Come in and look around while waiting to have tea. Have your picture taken in your fancy hat with a background of beautifully decorated Christmas trees.

The Joy Of Christmas

Eli Barsi & Lizzy Hoyt, Moosomin Dec.1- 7:30pm

Moosomin Community Theatre HomeTown Christmas , Kipling - Dec.4- 2pm Kipling Community Centre Advance Tickets for BOTH shows $25 on line - www.elibarsi.com or $30 at the door.

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

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Arcola-Kisbey 4-H Beef Club report

by Jackson Lees

I am the reporter now for the Arcola-Kisbey 4H Beef Club. We had our first meeting recently, and in addition to myself, these members were there: Hannah, Emma, Kyla and Becca Lees; Andy, Jade and Matt Charlton; and Nyia and Bode Pretty.

We voted that Kyla will be the president, Becca will be Secretary, Jade will be treasurer, I will be reporter, Emma will be vicepresident, Arden Charlton will be our leader and assistant leaders are Jeff Lees, Corey Lees and Garon Pretty.

We decided we will keep our

fundraising the same by doing hall cleanups, our recycling program and selling community calendars. We will be calling people soon about buying calendars again. If anyone else would like to join our club, call Jeff Lees at 306-5771375.

Our next meeting will be Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Club members include, from left, Hannah Lees, Jackson Lees, Nyia Pretty, Andrew Charlton. Back row from left, Jade Charlton, Becca Lees, Bode Pretty, Matthew Charlton, Kyla Lees and Emma Lees.

Carievale 4-H Beef Club has had a busy fall

Submitted by Teresa Cowan

The Carievale 4-H Beef Club held its reorganization meeting earlier in the fall with 20 members present. Our executive for this year is: president Marisol Gilliland, vice-president Tenley Dyck, secretary Kenzie White, treasurer Ryan Cowan and club reporter Ryder Gibson.

Our general leader this year is Jessica Buchanan. Leaders are Teresa Cowan, Eion Kennedy, Kevin Taylor and Amy Taylor.

We have four cloverbud members, nine juniors, nine intermediates, and five seniors for a total of 27 members. We discussed our bottle drive that would happen on Oct. 15. The district meeting was Oct. 18 in Maryfield with Amy, Jessica, Dane, Ben, Bella and Teresa attending. Jessica asked us to write down some ideas of what we want to learn this year.

Our second meeting was held Oct. 3. Twenty-four members were present at this meeting. Jessica gave us a handout on judging beef cattle. We practiced our skills by judging four types of chocolate chip cookies. Yummy!

Our third meeting was held on Nov. 14 with 19 members in attendance. The district rally in Glen Ewen was discussed, as were the highlights from the district fall meeting and how our bottle drive made out. Megan Turton was our presenter for the evening. She discussed vaccinations and needling animals. We then each got an orange and gave the orange two injections –one intramuscular and one subcutaneously.

We then peeled our oranges and looked at our injection sites. We finished off our meeting with a treat of sugar cookies.

The next meeting is Dec. 12.

Members who helped at the bottle drive were, back row, Roper Kinsley, Clara White, Ryan Cowan, Ace Hodgson, Daylan Elliott, Ben Buchana n and Bella Buchanan. Front row, Hayden Taylor, Bryker Beaudoin, Kaage Taylor, Everly Beck, Vanessa Cowan, Brexton Beaudoin, Jaxon Gallant. Photo courtesy of Teresa Cowan

Submitted