The Observer December 23, 2022

By Stephanie Zoer

It was a devastating day on Dec. 15 for Gayla and Leon Gilbertson when their greatest fear came to life, and their much-loved Happy Nun Café caught fire in the small village of Forget.

At 6:25 p.m., the Stoughton-Tecumseh Fire Department (STFD) received the call that the business was burning, and upon arrival there were flames and a great deal of smoke.

Southeast Saskatchewan was in the middle of a snowstorm and the roads were treacherous, but this did not stop the 17 members of the STFD from braving the weather to try and save the establishment that was a known landmark, not only in the small town but across Saskatchewan.

According to Stoughton Fire Chief Pat Slater, they fought diligently for 10 hours, but could not save the historic building. A shell now remains with the café’s sign still

hanging and seemingly untouched by the fire.

Slater’s team remained on scene until 4:30 a.m., at which time the temperatures dropped significantly. making it difficult to stay warm. The Gilbertson’s also remained on scene

into the wee hours of the morning to return to check for hot spots.

Only the walls and the basic structure remain.

The Happy Nun Café was not only an icon for the people of Forget, but to many across Saskatchewan, and it was

part of the family to the Gilbertsons.

Gayla and her husband Leon purchased the Nun five years ago. They felt it was meant to be, as they had their first date at the venue and Gilbertson worked part time at the restaurant.

At the time they purchased it, oil prices were sluggish, and just over two years after they bought it, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

This did not stop the couple from making the Happy Nun Café the place to go to for excel-

lent food and entertainment.

They were known for purchasing locally from farmers and only served top quality food. They also supported local wines from Over the Hills Orchards and Winery in Lumsden and beer from Rebellion Brewing in Regina.

Gayla is a known chef and offered exquisite items on her menu, all made from scratch, and Leon was always tending the bar and making sure the sound and lights were perfect.

The Happy Nun Café held concerts, talent shows a Halloween Bash and many other events, and promoted as many home-grown bands as possible. The business was named the Venue of the Year by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association for three straight years from 2020-2022.

This was not just a building, it held a lot of historical memories for many, and the items lost are irreplaceable.

« A1 The old counter from the former Donvil’s General Store in the village had served as the bar, and the tin on the wall behind the bar came from Augey’s Machine Shop. Original mailboxes had adorned the venue as well.

Wainscotting on the back hall and stairs came from the Forget convent classrooms, while the bookshelves were made by a previous owner’s father, Hank Nikel. He also refurbished the floors.

The Happy Nun Café was a unique place. Memories live on for many.

John van Eaton from the band Back 40 Drifters said, “I feel for Gayla and Leon. It is not just losing a business; it is much more.”

Back 40 Drifters played for a fundraiser and two other times.

Van Eaton said, “This is a huge lost to the community and the musical community. I often wondered how many people sat on the benches in that little back room, waiting to go on stage,”

Big Daddy Tazz, a comedian who performed there for

the first time this past summer, said he cried when he heard the news.

“I am heartbroken for Gayla and Leon,” he said. “They made me feel welcome and like family.”

“They put their heart

and soul into this place by creating fabulous food. It was by far the best place I have performed at,” he went on to say.

Teagan Littlechief said she was in disbelief and saddened that the

most beautiful building was gone.

“I had always wanted to do a single release at the Nun but am blessed to have been able to perform the times I did. The Happy Nun will always have a special

place and is considered one of my biggest accomplishments.”

Mike Davis and Lindsay Arnold of the Saskatchewan folk duo Last Birds also reflected on the news.

“We are devastated by this news,” they wrote.

“The Happy Nun Café was the only venue in southeast Saskatchewan dedicated to live music. It is where we first performed as a duo.

“This is a huge cultural loss for our area.”

SaskMusic said the fire was “absolutely devastating” and their hearts were with owners Gayla and Leon Gilbertson and the staff of The Happy Nun at the loss of this “wonderful” venue and restaurant. They noted it was a huge

part of the Saskatchewan music community.

The Nun was a finalist for the SaskMusic Top Venue Award for this year’s awards, which were handed out on Dec. 10, less than a week before the fire.

The business was also presented with a Tourism Saskatchewan Award in 2019.

The loss has been felt across the provinces and many have reached out in support and with kind words to Gayla and Leon.

“I don’t even know where to start,” Gayla said on the Happy Nun’s Facebook page.

“The outpouring of love, stories shared and happiness the Nun brought is overwhelming.”

“To all the people who have become family or friends over the years, we love you and appreciate you so much,” she said.

They are so very thankful to the STFD for working relentlessly in the bitter cold to control the fire and saving her parents’ ashes from the flames.

Gilbertson said, “I am forever grateful to the STFD for the support, determination and willingness to let me continue to be part of the team while we worked to save her.”

Now the time for healing will begin for the couple.

Once a granary, and then changed to a parish hall and then converted to the town hall, it will forever be remembered as the Happy Nun Café, where friends gathered and became family.

Nobody was injured in the fire.

The fire broke out Dec. 15 at the beloved tourist attraction in the village of Forget. Photo submitted

Michelle Moore has a vast nativity collection

By Gord Paulley

Manor resident Michelle Moore has been fascinated with nativity scenes since she was 10 years old.

That was when a family friend, Sister Mary Pauline, gave her a small, glittery set to hang on the tree. Fast forward about 15 years and she was living on the farm north of Manor when she spotted a beautiful white porcelain nativity set in the Avon catalogue and decided to start selling Avon so she could afford to buy it.

Over the years, Moore has accumulated 154 nativity scenes, adding a little to her collection each year. Every Thanksgiving, the sets are removed from their boxes and strategically and lovingly positioned in her residence on Newcombe Street in Manor, where her parents Wes and Elsie Moore used to live.

“Some of my favourites have been gifts from special friends.,” Moore said.

Entering the porch, the collection begins and extends itself to the kitchen, dining room, living room and upstairs into the bedrooms. Every china cabinet, shelf, and table is covered and the

home is completely furnished with these beautiful pieces of art.

“By selectively adding to my collection, these nativity scenes have contributed to my delinquency,” said Moore.

Her arrangements are constructed from wood, glass, porcelain, acrylic and plastic. Moore also has several novelty nativity sets including leprechauns, puppies, mice, moose, cardinals and kittens. She even has Aboriginal, Eskimo, and Charlie Brown sets. Some of the arrangements are battery powered or electric.

Although Moore does not have any children, apart from cats, she has three stepchildren who have contributed to the nativity addiction.

“My cat gets royally annoyed when the Christmas decorations go up as her favourite spot in the bow window is overtaken by nativities,” said Moore.

Moore’s interests extend beyond nativity scenes. She is an Anglican priest who often leads Lutheran and United Church worship services as well. On the fourth Sunday of every month from May-September, a religious service is conducted at Cannington

Manor. She is both the priest and organ player. The last service of 2022 honoured the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Moore has five generations of family buried at the Cannington Manor gravesite. Her services are in high demand throughout the area for interdenominational funerals.

“I think that having someone local who has often known the deceased and their family

for years may help me to bring comfort to families in mourning and make it a little easier than dealing with a stranger,” said Moore.

Moore is talented and is an accomplished writer. She wrote for the Redvers Optimist newspaper briefly.

She loves the country of England, its traditions and history, and is a monarchist through and through. A trip to Eng-

land in 2017 was a dream come true.

“A highlight was witnessing Trooping the Colour and seeing many members of the royal family including Her Majesty. I visited Newcastle, Topcliffe, Asenby and Sandon from whence hailed my Fry, Hindmarch, Appleton and Hodgson ancestors, but even better was having the opportunity to preach in my Grandad Samuel

Hodgson’s church of All Saints, Sandon.”

She has sung in the Wawota Hints of Harmony choir for 25 years.

“I’m honoured to be part of this group of talented women, and we have forged incredible friendships over the years that we have performed together.

Moore is still furious at Rogers Sportsnet for relieving broadcaster Don Cherry of his duties in 2019 following controversial remarks.

“I admire and respect Cherry’s honesty, forthrightness, his Anglican faith and monarchist leanings, his fierce and unwavering support of our armed forces and of all things Canadian, not to mention his sartorial splendor.”

She is extremely interested in genealogy and working on her family tree and scrapbooking memory books.

Together with her husband Craig, Moore lives at 7 Newcombe Street. Anyone is more than welcome to stop in, visit, and view her impressive nativity collection.

“The nativity scenes provide me with an inner peace. I find my hobby relaxing and rewarding. And, I am always on the lookout to adding to my collection,” said Moore.

Lampman’s Frosty Fest overcomes stormy weather

By Stephanie Zoer

Lampman’s Frosty Fest needed to make some lastminute changes as the weather did not co-operate with the scheduled event.

Dec. 14 saw weather warnings across southeast Saskatchewan for a large part of the day, with snow and blowing snow, and road conditions deteriorating as the day went on.

The Lampman School was to be the location for an outdoor carnival and street hockey, but with the buses cancelled, the event would need to be moved to the Lampman rink.

The event ran from 5-7 p.m., which welcomed five vendors braving the winter weather for the farmers market, giving people last-minute Christmas ideas.

Santa and Mrs. Claus also made the trip into town to keep approximately 50 kids happy and excited. Photos could be taken with Santa, and although the older children loved to see Santa,

some of the younger ones were not as enthused.

Damon and Brittany Sutherland’s two-year-old son Griffin was happy to give Santa a high five, but it was a much different story when he was asked to sit with Santa.

Chili, buns and cupcakes were on the menu this frosty night, with hot chocolate to warm people up.

This event included the whole family, and it was created to give families a fun night out in the Lampman community.

Brittany Sutherland is the Lampman Recreational Director, and she was pleased with the turnout, even though the weather was terrible.

Sutherland said they handed out over 50 goodie bags to the kids and nearly ran out of chili.

The Lampman School will hold their Frosty Fest at a later date. Students were able to decorate the halls and make sugar cookies.

The Lampman and District Lions Club, Lampman Hospital Auxiliary

The nativity collection of Michelle Moore is on display at her home in Manor.

Photo by Gord Paulley

RM of Browning, Town of Lampman and the Lampman Recreation-

by. Photo by Brittany Sutherland

- Nelson Mandela

The Nun earned the praise it received

David Willberg Willberg’s World

It seems like most communities in southeast Saskatchewan, regardless of the size, have a restaurant that they’re known for.

I won’t get into listing them all; I’ll forget somebody who deserves to be on the list of great restaurants in southeast Saskatchewan.

In Forget, that restaurant was The Happy Nun Café. And I’m not sure there was a restaurant that meant more to a community in our region than the Nun. After all, Forget is a community of a few dozen residents, 56 to be exact, according to the last census. Yet it had the Happy Nun.

It wasn’t just a restaurant with great food. It became a tourist attraction, winning a Tourism Saskatchewan Award of Excellence in 2019. And it won the Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s Award for top venue the past three years.

Talented Saskatchewan musicians wanted to play there. It was a place that offered great open mic nights.

And as former Saskatchewanderer Zane Buchanan said, it was an art gallery, a library and a museum, because of the art on the walls and the books that chronicled the building’s rich history.

I only made it once. I’d always wanted to take my folks there. The opportunity presented itself in 2020. Weeks after the pandemic-related lockdown came to an end, the Happy Nun was able to start hosting concerts again. My friend Chris Henderson was playing. He’s an old friend, and I thought mom and dad might like hearing him perform in a great venue, while enjoying brisket and a good Saskatchewan beverage. As a bonus, Chris used to teach at Fillmore Central School, which is where mom went to high school.

The night was delivered on all fronts.

The business took pride in sourcing as much of its food and drinks as possible from Saskatchewan companies. It might mean that you have to pay a little more, but I’ll always pay for quality local products, and I know I’m not the only one.

The Happy Nun burned down on Dec. 15. I lamented the loss of this cool old building, the loss of the artwork and the books, the loss of all the history. I thought about how much work the present owners, Leon and Gayla Gilbertson, had put into it, and the effort that previous owners had dedicated to making it a must-stop for foodies and music lovers.

I thought about the adversity that this business has gone through. The previous owner, Katie Vinge-Riddell, died in a tragic vehicle collision in 2017. The Gilbertsons purchased the business and reopened it in 2018. Then COVID-19 hit. Now that they can serve meals and host entertainment without restrictions, the fire strikes.

When the fire happened, I did think of the Moosehead Inn, another beloved southeast Saskatchewan restaurant that was destroyed by fire last year, and a place that generated such fond memories for so many people.

In the case of both the Moosehead and the Happy Nun, the owners and staff had so much pride in their businesses.

The restaurant business is not an easy one, especially in the days of the internet. You can have a series of glowing reviews, but one negative comment seemingly carries so much more weight than constant praise. And to the critics, because they had one negative experience, everyone’s experience should be or will be awful.

I’ve never heard anyone say a negative thing about the Happy Nun, the service or the people who ran it. And that’s a testament to everyone who helped make the Happy Nun an experience you won’t forget.

Mistletoe or missing toe?

song lyrics wrong is quite common. Mondegreens – the mishearing or misinterpretation of a phrase – gives it a new meaning. They occur most often in poems or songs when the listener is unable to clearly hear a lyric so they substitute words that sound similar.

be the same if you’re not here with me”.

The ideas of home and Christmas have become so intertwined it would seem to suggest that if you can’t be home, the season just won’t measure up.

“The lefse song, mommy, the lefse song,” implored my then three-year-old as we were deciding which music to play while we tackled some holiday baking.

I had no idea what she was referring to since I didn’t know any songs about lefse, so I chose some music at random.

I got the girls set up with their ingredients and we began chopping and stirring, and several minutes into the task, my youngest daughter’s eyes lit up as she exclaimed, “The lefse song, the lefse song!”

I paused to listen to her sing along and smiled as Celine Dion’s God Bless us, Everyone had now become, “God, lefse, everyone.” Clearly, we had spent way too much time talking about a particular Norwegian tradition.

Getting seasonal

Consider these ones submitted to a radio station by people who tattled on their family or friends who were heard singing: “See the grazing mule before us”; “Ho ho the missing toe”; “Deck the halls with Buddy Holly”; “Frosty the snowman is a ferret elf they say”; “Oh what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay”; and the person who didn’t quite get the idea they were supposed to be singing in Spanish and instead sang, “Fleas on the dog.”

Those may be the ones we got wrong. But what about the ones we get right? The problem there isn’t in interpretation – the problem is with expectation. Consider the sentiments expressed in songs we hear over and over this time of year: “If you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home”; “Please come home for Christmas”; or “Won’t

In 1943 the song I’ll be Home for Christmas poignantly expressed the feelings of those who were separated from loved ones by war and had to spend Christmas away from home.

Josh Groban’s version in 2007 became notable for helping comfort those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There have been a lot of songs written that express more painful sentiments around the holidays. These songs tackle the loneliness, heartbreak, poverty and isolation that exist all year long but seem particularly painful when so much focus is on home, hearth, abundance and the picture of happiness. Trying to deal with the realities of brokenness when all around are expectations of perfection, can cause an individual or a family to fear that, yet again, what they can offer is unworthy.

But let’s think for a moment about the central players in the actual event more than 2,000

years ago. Mary and Joseph weren’t gathered around the hearth or putting finishing touches to a nursery. They were away from home; separated from family; taking shelter in the only place available to them – a place intended for animals.

Yet in the intervening years we have aggrandized our notions of celebration to such an extent we think there needs to be containers full of baking in the freezer, an abundance of gifts under the tree, ornate decorations decking the halls, and luxurious linens on the guest beds. Such opulence is a far cry from the humbleness of that first Christmas, and contemporary sets of expectations can distract us from where our focus ought to be.

If the notions of home and Christmas blend in special ways it is indeed something to recognize as a blessing because think, for just a moment, of all those who can’t say the same. As we look forward to home, hearth and happiness, let’s remember that because of the miracle of Christmas this can also be a season of hope, healing and humility. Joy to the world! The Lord is come. And that’s no misinterpretation. That’s my outlook.

Subscription Rates: $50.00/year within Canada (incl GST) Office Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am to Noon CLOSED THROUGH LUNCH (12 noon to 1:00 pm)

Subscription Rates: $40.00/year within Canada (includes GST) Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

CLOSED THROUGH LUNCH (12 noon to 1:00 p.m Advertising Deadline is Monday at 3 p.m.

Advertising Deadline: Mondays at 12:00 noon

because

of his

or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

Shelley Luedtke

Southeast leads the way for another land sale

The Government of Saskatchewan’s latest public offering of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights, held on Dec. 6, raised more than $11.9 million for the provincial coffers.

The December sale is the fifth of six such offerings scheduled for the 2022-23 fiscal year, with a current total of more than $46.1 million. In terms of the calendar year, this sale completes 2022 with a total of more than $52.2 million in revenue.

This amount is an increase over the December

2021 sale, which brought in $9.9 million.

Of the 136 parcels posted, 103 received acceptable bids covering 16,184.469 hectares. The average bonus bid was $736.34 per hectare.

The southeast region saw the most interest this month, bringing in $9.6 million for 76 leases covering 8,217.836 hectares. The Lloydminster area brought in more than $2.2 million for 22 leases and two exploration licences covering 7,576.444 hectares.

A total of 87 leases for 9,068.1119 were available

in the southeast, and 76 were sold.

The highest bonus bid received on a lease was $2.3 million for a 259.657-hectare parcel west of Oxbow. It was awarded to Millennium Land Ltd and is within the Steelman Frobisher beds oil pool. This land was issued with rights from the base of the Midale beds to the top Precambrian, and it is prospective for oil in the Mississippian Frobisher beds.

A parcel south of Lampman received the highest dollar per hectare bid of $336,594 per hectare.

Hummingbird Energy Inc. bid $1.183 million for the 32.327-hectare lease. This parcel is prospective for oil in the Frobisher beds.

The highest bonus bid received on an exploration license was $602,881.93 for a 1,688.272-hectare licence west of Cut Knife. It was awarded to Metropolitan Resources Inc.

There were 43 leases for 9,083.099 hectares and three licences for 5,349.886 hectares posted in the Lloydminster area. Twenty-two licences for 4,848.006 hectares sold for nearly $1.6 million, and

two licences for 2,728.438 hectares sold for $679,718.

The highest bonus bid received on a lease in this area was $374,381, or $716.94 per hectare. This 522.193-hectare lease is located 27 kilometres north of Lloydminster. The successful bidder was Cougar Creek Land Ltd.

A lease located nine kilometres northeast of Macklin, within the Evesham Sparky Oil Pool, received the highest dollars per hectare bid in the Lloydminster area. Prairie Thunder Resources Ltd. bid $1,857.97 per hectare,

or a total of $30,275.62, to pick up this 16.295-hectare lease.

The total bonus bids received in the Kindersley-Kerrobert area was $37,859.52, an average of $97.05/hectare. All three leases posted were sold.

The highest bonus bid received on a parcel in this area was $33,249.57, or $127.59 per hectare. This 260.597-hectare lease was awarded to Headwater Exploration Inc. and is located 40 kilometres northeast of Kerrobert.

The next sale is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2023.

Carlyle’s legion makes a number of presentations

Submitted by Doug Waldner

The Carlyle Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion held its annual Christmas supper and meeting on Dec. 14. After a lovely turkey supper, with all the trimmings, we made some significant financial presentations to organizations in the area.

Our first presentation was to the Arcola Family Health Clinic. Clareen Makelki and Jack Wilson presented the cheque to Debbie Bourhis for $5,878.61, thanks to funds raised during the poppy campaign.

This was a very precise amount as it will purchase a C3 HD3 wireless ultrasonic scanner and all the necessary software to make it function. This scanner has a myriad of purposes, which include abdominal, cardiac, lung, obstetric-gynecologist and vascular scanning, among others. Physicians in the clinic feel this will be an important tool for diagnostic purposes.

The second presentation was to the Manor Over 60 Club. Wendy Rounce and Jack Wilson presented a cheque in the amount of $1,000, also from funds raised during the poppy campaign to purchase a dishwasher.

The dishwasher is of great value to the Manor Over 60 Club as they provide meals to seniors, veterans and veterans’ spouses in the Manor area.

Our final presentation was to twoyoung Carlyle men, Liam Thompson and Sawyer Tomaszewski. Each received a cheque for $250 to help

pay for their attendance at a legion-sponsored track and field camp.

Gerald Clark and Mike Makelki made the presentations. These funds were from the legion’s general funds, and not from the poppy funds.

Before the presentations, Nedra Clark invited the young men to give us a briefing on their time in the track and field camp. The camp was a four-day event at the University of Regina, and they both discussed

the events they participated in, the events that they tried which were unavailable locally, and their enjoyment of the experience.

In addition, after the supper and presentations, the legion held a regularly-scheduled monthly meeting. At this meeting, we welcomed a new member, Steven Hoey.

We also welcomed the transfer to the Carlyle branch of the membership of Les Trayhorne,

who is the deputy district commander. We would like to take this opportunity to offer a warm welcome to both.

Those of us who attended would also like to thank the comrades who prepared out lovely Christmas supper.

The Carlyle branch of the Royal Canadian Legion would like to thank all those in the community who have donated to the poppy fund and to the legion general fund. Without your generous donations, we would not have been able to make

the presentations that we did.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year, full of joy, peace and freedom for which our veterans sacrificed so much.

to Monday, December 19, 2022 265420 Surge Energy Hz 12-28-4-6 265440 Surge Energy Hz 1-17-6-7 265451 Surge Energy Hz 1-17-6-7 265486 Crescent Point Energy Hz 13-14-5-8 265576 Tundra Oil & Gas Hz 12-34-2-30 264158 Whitecap Resources Hz 8-16-6-12 265597 Surge Energy Hz 13-12-5-6 265643 Crescent Point Energy Hz 12-22-5-8

Rig Report

235290 Betts Drilling Saturn Oil & Gas 9-20-6-5 259376 Stampede Drilling Cache Island 16-28-10-8 257682 Black Rock Well Villanova Energy 5-21-5-32 259379 Ensign Drilling Gear Energy 15-16-2-11 262400 Stampede Drilling Tundra Oil & Gas 12-19-2-4 232655 Stampede Drilling Harvard Resources 13-36-5-15 259566 Stampede Drilling Surge Energy 5-9-5-8 259379 Ensign Drilling Gear Energy 15-16-2-11

From left, Clareen Makelki, Debbie Bourhis and Jack Wilson. Photo courtesy of Doug Waldner

Dickie family loses everything in house fire

By Stephanie Zoer

The Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department received a call for a house fire at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Dec. 14, at a farmhouse located 26 kilometres northwest of Stoughton.

Courtney Dickie had just returned home from a trip to Arcola to find a large amount of smoke coming from her home. She quickly dialed 911 and then was able to rescue three dogs from her garage.

Twelve firefighters were dispatched to the scene to see the woodframed home completely engulfed in flames and were unable to save the structure. Road conditions were not at their best as this was the beginning of the storm that would blow in.

According to Fire

Chief Pat Slater, they were at the fire until around 10:30 p.m. The fire department kept things under control so it would not spread to nearby buildings as there are many farm buildings in the yard.

Slater said, “It is devastating to lose your home, and everything in it, but losing it at this time of year makes matters more difficult for the family.”

The house was built by Bruce and Carol Dickie in the 1980s on the farm. When Bruce semi-retired off the farm and moved to Stoughton, his son Adrian took over the farm.

A few years after taking over the farm, Adrian would meet and marry Courtney. They have a blended family with five children. Their Cadence is age 15, Adanna is their

10-year-old daughter, Vander their eight-yearold son, Raelen their four-year-old daughter and Casean is two.

The Dickies are quite involved in the Stoughton Apostolic Church with the children at-

tending Sunday School. They attend skating at the Filmore rink and have been involved with horses for many years. Riding lessons were to begin through New Hope Ranch in the new year, and Vander drives

a slingshot race car at the Estevan Speedway.

Courtney homeschools her children and can often be seen taking her kids to the New Hope Pioneer Lodge to visit the residents.

The family lost every-

Wawota news - fundraiser was a big success

Submitted by Myrna Olson

The final financial information from the Haunted House in October showed three $2,720 amounts given to the Curling Rink, the Forum skating rink and the daycare.

There will also be a pair of $250 school grants

given to students showing creative spirit with a love of arts and the community.

The RTR Group at the United Church held a pie-baking gathering on Dec. 10 and baked 164 pies. Many of these pies were pre-ordered. What a great fundraising group they are.

Carey Lamoureaux and Will travelled to Regina on

Dec. 9 and spent the weekend there. They joined Will’s aunt Stacey and cousins Kate and Sarah Heffernan to celebrate Will’s 12th birthday.

Sympathy to Evelyn Petterson and Shirley Paulson on the passing of their mother Geraldine Kidson. She passed at Deer View Lodge on Dec.

10 at the age of 91 years. A celebration of her life will be held in the spring.

The ladies of the Free Methodist hosted an appreciative group of ladies at their annual Christmas Party on December 12th. There was a guest pianist and singer, singing of Carols, a gift table and tables laden with a variety of food

items. Rev Bev Kay gave a meaningful Christmas message.

The Lite Up Wawota judging was completed Dec. 9.The judges, Marie Vail, Janice Wilson and Jean Bogner, were transported around town in the Handi-Van and were to pick five of the best light displays.

thing in their home, including a beloved pet named Lola.

Vander also lost his race car.

The devasted family spent their night at Adrian’s parents’ home, then went to Regina to have some much-needed rest and are uncertain of their next move.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in their names through Tasha Katay, a friend of the family. Donations can also be made through the Stoughton Credit Union, where an account has been set up for them. Katay may be contacted for other opinions for donations.

At present they have received a great deal of clothing donations, but the Stoughton Curling Club is continuing to take donations for clothing and other items to help the family.

The winners were, in no particular order, Kevin and Tracey Lincoln, Dwight and Debbie Worley, Debbie Saville, John Scammell and Linda Riddell, and Andrii and Svitlana Mishtal.

And happy 48th birthday to our son, Kenton Olson, on Dec. 15. He shared his birthday with Grandma Irma Olson.

It only took a matter of minutes for the Dickie home to be fully engulfed in flames.

Photo by Tasha Katay

Magic, Intrigue and Illusion coming to Kipling

Submitted by Kipling and District Arts Council

The Kipling and District Arts Council is pleased to bring Sheldon Casavant’s Magic, Intrigue, Illusion show to the Kipling Community Centre on Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences around the world have been thrilled with Sheldon’s captivating, humorous, and high energy performances. Sheldon isn’t your everyday magician. Recognized as one of Canada’s most sought-after performers, he engages diverse audiences with a repertoire of magic that is highly interactive and fun.

Borrowed items vanish and reappear, inanimate objects are brought to life, minds are telepathically read, and people are called on

stage to perform impossible feats. Sheldon delivers a style of comedy magic that is good-natured and inclusive, and the laughter is never at an audience member’s expense.

By combining amazing sleight-of-hand magic with comedic audience participation, Sheldon creates a uniquely engaging and memorable magic performance. He was nominated as Entertainer of the Year by the Canadian Events Industry and his unique style of magic has been appreciated around the world.

Sheldon has entertained across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Panama, China, and has performed over 630 shows in Japan.

“Everyone was amazed at Sheldon’s skill, charmed by his

personality, and truly entertained by his humour … wonderful presentation,” states a review from Suncor Energy.

Watch a video and learn about his show by visiting his web site at www.sheldoncasavant. ca

Do you need an idea for a Christmas gift? Tickets to this show would be appropriate. This show is appropriate for all ages and will be enjoyed by all. Bring your family, friends and neighbours.

Advance adult tickets are available at www. ticketpro.ca or Balfour Pharmacy for $25. Price at the door is $30. Advance student (13-18) tickets are available at Balfour Pharmacy or at the door for $10. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Rein Dela Pena entertains at Moose Mountain Lodge

Young Alida woman publishes children’s stories

By Edel Cowan

A former Alida resident has started publishing children’s novels.

Ashley Vercammen took her schooling at Alida and Oxbow schools before continuing her secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan. She received a degree in international development with a minor in economics.

In 2021, she began writing her children’s

books in which she targeted children with the hope that they can spark age-appropriate conversations with adults. To date she has published five books of her own and one with her cousin Mari Lemieux, The Sock Momster.

Two of Vercammen’s latest books, Family Potluck, features her mom and youngest brother Bowen, and Little-Big Sister features her older brother Derrick and her-

self. The best place to get her books is on-line at www.ashleley-vercammen.ca or by messaging her on Facebook.

Vercammen now works full-time as a registered behavioural therapist in Saskatoon. She also has her own business, Home Style Teachers, where she teaches English and writes and publishes her books.

She lives in Saskatoon with her husband, her dog and two cats.

By Gord Paulley

Staff and residents at the Moose Mountain Lodge were thoroughly entertained last week by local musician Rein Dela Pena.

The 13-year-old singer lives in Langbank and travels to various events with her parents Chris and Gem.

On this day, she entertained the audience with Christmas carols and upbeat holiday songs. Rein is a rising young star who is quickly making a name for herself. This past summer, she sang O

Canada at two Saskatchewan Roughrider home games and at the Moose Mountain Rodeo held in Kennedy.

She will be performing at Telemiracle 47 which is being held in Saskatoon February 23rd and 24th.

This family moved from the Philippines seven years ago. On Dec. 14, they officially and proudly became Canadian citizens.

Said Gem: “We are so very happy to be living in Canada and appreciate every opportunity that have been given to us.

Ever since she was a little girl, Rein has wanted to become a professional singer. Her dad and I will be helping her along every step of the way. We sincerely hope that her dream comes true.”

Recently, Rein has performed at many local functions including churches, nursing homes and various community events, including a supper and comedy night. Rein has bookings well into 2023. Although only 13 years old, she has her own Facebook musician’s page, which is simply called REIN.

Raise your voice.

Nominate a candidate for our Board of Directors! The nomination period is open from January 18 - February 1, 2023.

Sheldon Casavant’s Magic, Intrigue and Illusion is to entertain people in Kipling in early 2023. Photo courtesy of the Kipling and District Arts Council

Rein Dela Pena performing at the Moose Mountain Lodge accompanied by a group of Egyptian dancers. Photo by Gord Paulley

Photos by Stephanie Zoer & Gord Paulley

How to reduce distractions behind the wheel

Distracted driving is a significant safety issue.

Transport Canada’s National Collision Database says distracted driving prevalence rose from 16 per cent of fatal collisions in 2006 to 21 per cent in 2016, and those numbers are still climbing.

Distractions are a major safety threat. Eating, talking with passengers, adjusting vehicle controls, and using a mobile phone while behind the wheel are activities that take drivers’ attentions away from the road. In fact, distractions are broken down into several categories: *Visual distractions: Anything that takes one’s eyes off of the road.

*Manual distractions: Anything that takes one’s hands off of the steering wheel.

*Cognitive distractions: Anything that takes one’s mind off of driving.

Drivers can follow these tips to make vehicles distraction-free and reduce the risk for accidents or near misses:

*Make adjustments before setting off;

*Make adjustments to mirrors, radio stations and seat settings prior to driving. In addition, drivers who intend to utilize a GPS navigation system should enter the address and look ahead at the course before getting on the road.

*Keep smartphones out of sight

Reducing the urge to check a phone alert or send a text may come down to out of sight, out

of mind. Silence the phone and store it in the glove compartment, centre console or a purse in the back seat. The phone should not be handled until the

destination is reached or if the vehicle is pulled over safely out of traffic.

Smartphones have settings that can be programmed to send automatic notifications to people contacting the phone owner to say they’re driving or temporarily unavailable.

Eat before leaving: Consuming food or drink on the road takes a person’s hands off the wheel and eyes off the road. Drivers should try to eat before getting on the road, or pull over to a rest stop for a snack if need be.

Use hands-free devices in emergencies: Many cars come equipped with Bluetooth or other hands-free

How technology can make vehicles safer

Technology has touched all aspects of modern life, including the way people drive.

For example, the days of printing directions in advance of long car trips are long gone thanks to global positioning systems (GPS) that are now built in to cars or easily accessible via smartphones.

But technology hasn’t just made it easier to get from point A to B. It’s also made such journeys safer, such as at this time of year when people are travelling.

Modern automobiles

are loaded with bells and whistles, many of which are designed to make it safer to operate and travel in moving vehicles. In recognition of the effectiveness of safety features like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), many insurance companies offer significant discounts to drivers who use them. Researchers note that some insurers offer 10 per cent discounts on premiums to drivers who use features like an ADAS while driving.

Drivers interested in tech-based safety features

for their vehicles can consider these options.

Heated wiper blades: Ice and snow pose a significant threat to drivers and their passengers. Most of roads in Canada are located in snowy re-

gions subjected to heavy snowfall each winter as well. Visibility is easily compromised when driving in snowy, icy conditions.

Heated wiper blades can quickly melt snow

and ice buildup on a windshield, making it easier for drivers to see the road ahead. Such blades also save drivers from the unenviable task of scraping ice off their windshields.

Technology is helping

technology that enables a distress call to be made without having to take hands off the wheel. Many are voice-activated or can be engaged with the push of a button.

Limit passengers: A vehicle full of passengers can be very distracting. It’s why many areas no longer allow newly minted teenage drivers to transport more than a few passengers until they’re older and more experienced. Limiting passengers even for experienced adults can help reduce distractions as well.

People can take steps to reduce distractions on the road and share their advice with others they love.

to make driving safer for motorists and their passengers. Utilizing systems and apps designed to improve safety on the road can reduce drivers’ risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Sports

Carlyle Community Complex Foundation holds fi rst fundraiser with SJHL regular season game

By Gord Paulley

After an approximate 10-year hiatus, junior A hockey returned to Carlyle as the Estevan Bruins defeated the Note Dame Hounds 4-0 on Dec. 14.

Joey Eaton, a Carlyle Community Complex Foundation advisor, contacted the Hounds this past summer, and they agreed to host a game out of town. The crowd was estimated at over 400 despite a powerful snowstorm that hit the southeast that night.

Local Indigenous singer Teagan Littlechief started the game with the singing of O Canada. Those in attendance were treated some fast-paced hockey action and everyone was thoroughly entertained.

During the first period intermission, 25 excited under-7 Cougars played an exhibition match, which was enjoyed by fans and participants alike. After 40 minutes, Carlyle

Pharmasave sponsored the $25,000 shoot to win but the three contestants were unsuccessful in their quest to feather a puck through the tiny opening some 90 feet away. The winner of the $1,500 pot of gold was won by Calgary native Jason Probe, who attended the game to watch his son Dane, who plays for the Hounds.

He graciously donated his entire winnings back to the Hounds.

Longtime Bruins’ fan Dave Millman attended the game. He and his wife Loretta have been season-ticket holders for 26 years and have billeted players for the past 22. This year’s billet is forward Garett Zasitko.

“It was nice having another away game only an hour away. I really think small-town Saskatchewan should do more of these.”

Tony Kohner lives in Rosemount, Minn., and drove up a week ago to see

his son Mitch play three games for the Bruins.

“Carlyle is a town like many that we have in Minnesota. We just love going to these smaller rinks and Carlyle has a very nice facility. I was very impressed.”

Local resident Marvin Krieger planned on attending the game but due to the storm decided to stay home.

“Due to the weather, I couldn’t venture out, but I still gave the Commun-

ity Complex Foundation a donation. Carlyle really needs a new school and community centre. Every little bit helps.”

Bruins’ coach and general manager Jason Tatarntic was also im-

pressed with the organization and hospitality offered to the Bruins by the Town of Carlyle and the sports arena.

“It was a great way to end 2022 and we are heading into our Christmas break on a high note. Thank you, Carlyle, for being great hosts.”

Eaton was pleased with how the night went.

“Attendance was a little lower than we were hoping for due to the storm but there is not much you can do about it. Having Alameda’s Cody Davis out of the lineup due to injury also didn’t help. However, our main goal of the night was achieved.

Our foundation wishes to focus on keeping Carlyle up to date on its progress in building a new school and community support centre. We want to be ready when an announcement is made. Additional fundraisers are planned in the coming months.”

Nine games were played in the Big Six Hockey League during the weekend, and that meant lots of goals and some close games.

The Oxbow Huskies won twice, starting with a 6-3 victory over the Carlyle Cougars on Friday night.

Carlyle led 3-2 entering the third period, but Oxbow struck four times. Colton Schell and Jordan Cooney had two goals each for Oxbow, and Dylan Hull and Brycen Odgers also scored.

Ben Johnstone had two goals for Carlyle, and Jon

Gaudet was the Cougars’ other scorer.

Cody Levesque was in goal for Oxbow, and Landon Audet was the Carlyle goalie.

Also on Friday, the Kipling-Windthorst Oil Kings knocked off the Arcola-Kisbey Combines 6-1. Nolan Balon, Quentin Sproat, Ty Kotylak, Lane Roth, Luc Englot and Aaron Roth scored for the Oil Kings, whose goalie was Dylan Dedecker.

Lucas Fleck scored for the Combines, and Zac Eaton was in goal.

The Redvers Rockets outgunned the Wawota

Flyers 10-6. The two teams combined for nine goals in the first period alone, with Redvers leading 5-4.

Kenton Miller, Preston Kopeck, Kelsey Kenler and Craig Gaudet had two goals each for the victors, while Jordan Miller and Olivier Poirier also scored. Kopeck had five assists and Kenton Miller added four helpers.

Thomas Bauche was the Rockets’ goalie.

Ayden Lawless and Parker Sweeting had two goals apiece for Wawota, and Jesse Gabrielle and Devin Stewart notched the other goals. Gabrielle had four assists in the loss. Zach Lees and Kye Steinke shared the goaltending duties.

The Yellow Grass Wheat Kings defeated the Midale Mustangs 5-2. Zach Douglas had a hat trick for the Wheaties, while Mackenzie Metheral and Logan Knoll also scored.

Devon Johnson and Logan Martinson tallied for Midale.

Tanner Erickson (Yellow Grass) and Devon Pompou (Midale) were the goalies.

Oxbow edged Midale 7-6 on Saturday night. Schell had the winner with 5:29 to play in the third.

Odgers had three goals for Oxbow, and Cooney, Dawson Schaff and Braden Brock were the Huskies’ other scorers.

Tayler Thompson had two goals and two assists for Midale, and Dallas Kickley also scored twice. Johnson and Conner Burk had the other goals.

Drew Fenwick was the Oxbow goalie, while Devon Pompu played in goal for Midale.

The Carlyle Cougars trounced the Combines 13-2. Seven Cougars’ goals came in the second period. Johnstone had two goals and three assists on the night. Zach Brown, Mark Shaw and Dakota Rose also scored twice. Gaudet, Rhett Palmer, Derek Fleck, Tyler Fleck and Nathan Deck also scored.

Ryan Kulyk was the Cougars’ goalie.

Brett Lees and Reece Kent scored for the Combines.

Keegan Mitchell was Arcola-Kisbey’s goalie.

The Rockets defeated the Oil Kings 8-2 in another rout. Poirier and Kenton Miller had two goals and two assists each for Redvers, and John Potapinski, Braeden Magotiaux, Daylin Smallchild and Bradey Fideirchuk also scored for Redvers.

Luc Englot and Kai Jooristy were the Oil Kings’ scorers.

Cody Matthewson was the Redvers goalie and Dedecker was in net for Kipling-Windthorst.

The Carnduff Red Devils edged the Wheat Kings 5-4 in a shootout. Trey Stocker, Matthew Plews, Ben Hiltz and Mark Moriarty scored for Carnduff in the opening 17:31 of the game, but Yellow Grass fought back on goals by Riley Knoll, Luke Nieme-

geers, Dylan Frey and Cole Rooney.

Cody Dumaine was the Carnduff goalie and Tanner Erickson was the Wheat Kings’ netminder.

The Moosomin Rangers scored six times in the second period to defeat Yellow Grass 9-1 on Sunday evening. Bud Holloway had three goals and three assists, and Carter Sawchuck had two goals and four helpers for Moosomin. Jevon Schewan had two goals, and Devin McGonigal and Tyson Jamieson also scored.

Kyler Beckett was the Rangers’ goalie.

Douglas had the Wheat Kings’ lone goal. Nolan Bergen was in net.

Five games are scheduled for Dec. 23: Arcola-Kisbey at Moosomin, Midale at Oxbow, Yellow Grass at Carlyle, Kipling-Windthorst at Wawota and Redvers at Carnduff. All games start at 8 p.m., except for Redvers and Carnduff

which starts at 8:15 p.m.

The Estevan Bruins faced the Notre Dame Hounds at a hockey game in Carlyle on Dec. 14.

Up until this summer, Carnduff ’s Taylan Prokop knew nothing about drone footage. But once the inspiration and curiosity kicked in when he watched his uncle making aerial videos, there was no turning back.

Prokop Productions, an initiative that specializes in capturing breathtaking aerial videos of rural Saskatchewan and Alberta communities, started just a few months ago, but already has attracted a lot of interest online and beyond.

Taylan started exploring the world of aerial videography in late August and is using technology to showcase colours, shades and beauty of Prairie provinces from above. To share the results of his work, he founded the Prokop Productions YouTube channel, which gained some attention online and beyond, as Taylan became one of the guests on the John Gormley radio show in November.

But it all started with one visit when the technology and opportunities they provide resonated with Taylan’s interests.

“This summer I was at my brother’s wedding in B.C., and my uncle was a photographer. He has a drone, and he was playing with it in the mountains, and I kind of got interested in it,” Prokop recalled.

Taylan had no experience with video or photography or flying gadgets, but shortly after, he bought his first drone and started experimenting and learning about it. He quickly figured out how to fly it and started shooting

videos, taught himself to use video editing software and got into the world of music to complete the videos. Once he posted the first results of his work, they instantly gained a lot of attention.

“My first video that I put together was of Carnduff, Saskatchewan, where I currently live. I posted it on Facebook, and it blew up. I think it has over 7,000 views now and over 100 shares,” Taylan said.

The video was posted on Sept. 15, setting off the future of Prokop Productions. With the popularity of his first experiment, Taylan shot more aerial footage, this time capturing the beauty of Oxbow, its valley and the community, which also gained a lot of attention online with thousands of views and over a hundred shares.

“I thought, there’s obviously a market for this type of video, so I created the YouTube channel and kept making videos going around. I made a couple of videos of abandoned buildings, farmhouses, and a couple other interesting locations. And I’m still doing town reels because people like having attention on their little rural communities that never really have eyes on them. And it’s cool for people to see all the different corners of the country and the provinces,” Taylan shared.

His brother Mason, who resides in Edmonton and who’s been gaining interest in photography lately, shared Taylan’s fascination and joined him in this project in October. He started creating Alberta con-

tent so that the Prokop brothers now work hand in hand, promoting the Canadian sites that are often left unnoticed by the rest of the country.

“He picked up his own drone and started making videos with me. We talk usually every night about what we’re doing on the channel, what kind of videos we want to make in the next week, plan and do all the business stuff,” Taylan said. “We’re trying to cover every little area of the Prairies … And the goal, I guess, would be to expand outwards, all over Canada. But that’s a long way away.”

Outside of the initial Carnduff and Oxbow videos, Taylan so far captured Bienfait, Gainsborough, Rafferty Dam, Carievale, Lampman, Redvers, Alameda and some abandoned rural houses in Saskatchewan, and Mason also added the videos from rural Alberta.

While the initial steps didn’t take Taylan long

to get off the ground and start creating professional videos, further growth will depend on many variables as it will involve a lot of travelling. To help with reaching their dreams, he created a Prokop Productions account on Patreon.com – a platform that allows raising funds to support creators in their projects.

“Our goal is to continue doing what we’re doing and just build a big catalogue of rural towns around the Prairies and really the country. But there’s challenges to that. I mean, the further you go, the more expensive it becomes to travel to the location. So,

we started our own Patreon. Hopefully, some people want to donate to that or join and become a member to help us create more content in the future,” Taylan explained.

Taylan said while learning all parts of the industry from scratch was pretty difficult, it’s also been interesting. He thought flying would be the most fun part, but editing and colouring the footage, which he thought would be the most difficult, became his favourite pieces of the process.

Not only did it take a lot of research, but it also required a lot of talent to get the product

of Prokop Productions’ quality. Taylan said it definitely feels interesting and rewarding, and so far it’s a passion project for him and Mason.

“We love the flying and then getting home with all your footage and watching it on your big computer monitor … It’s really crisp, and then you start colouring, and it looks so beautiful when you bring up some of the colours in the footage. It’s definitely a passion for both of us. It’s really cool. And other people enjoy what we’re doing, so it’s kind of a service passion. We like making these videos for the communities,” Taylan said.

Taylan Prokop, left, founded Prokop Productions, a video aerographic project capturing rural communities, and soon was joined by his brother Mason Prokop out of Alberta. Photos courtesy of Taylan Prokop

Aerial view of Redvers – the community

in one of

videos by Prokop Productions.

Liam Rutten plays a big role for the Oxbow Huskies

By Gord Paulley

Twenty-one-year-old Liam Rutten is now in his second season of playing for the Oxbow Huskies of the Big Six Hockey League. The forward finished third on the team in scoring last year. He was one of the major reasons why the Huskies were able to a field a team in the Big Six after a two-year leave of absence.

Oxbow has started the season strong and is currently first In the league in winning percentage with an 8-1 record. They have already defeated the Carnduff Red Devils, Moosomin Rangers and Redvers Rockets on the road.

Huskies manager Rae Wright had nothing but praise for Rutten.

“Liam is a great kid and has a great work ethic. He is quiet but when something needs to be said in the dressing room, the team listens. A very coachable player who gives the Huskies 100 per cent effort on every shift.”

Rutten played his minor hockey in Alameda and played U15 AA and U18 AA in Estevan. He played U18

AAA in Tisdale and with the Weyburn Red Wings in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Despite living 10 kilometres north of Alameda, he is considered an elite player because he had played over 30 games with the Red Wings.

Rutten is really enjoying the 2022-23 season.

“We have a young, energetic and fast team. We have lots of players, solid goaltending and good

coaching. We have a lot of talent on our team and all of us are really looking forward to the rest of the season and playoffs.”

The Huskies have also entered the Hockey Saskatchewan senior B provincial tournament.

Rutten lives on the farm with his parents Cory and Carri-Lee Rutten. He is apprenticing as a mechanic for Nelson Motors and Equipment in Oxbow.

Southeast communities benefit from grant program

More than $1.83 million will be allocated through the Communities Initiatives Fund’s (CIF) community grant program.

These grants will benefit 138 projects, an estimated 92,902 participants and contribute to the wellbeing of 55 communities across Saskatchewan.

The Envision Counselling and Support Centre received $25,000 for its Bridging the Distance Program, which connects seniors and others to people in the community for conversation.

The Town of Kipling was granted $6,100 for what’s been described as community wellness initiatives.

The Southeast Regional Library’s Manor branch was allocated $1,000 for its Get-Together Community Programing, while the Midale branch received $4,500 for its Let’s Get Together initiative.

Two projects in Oxbow received support, with $25,000 for the Expressway Family Centre

for community programming, and $8,000 for the Friendship Club of Oxbow for a community wellness program.

Two projects in Stoughton were also approved, with $3,000 for the library’s community programming and $1,000 for the Stoughton Central School’s community cooking classes.

CIF’s community grant program provides funding to a variety of projects across Saskatchewan, contributing to the wellbeing of communities. These projects provide opportunities for children and youths to gain the knowledge, skills and support to develop positive mental health, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyle behaviours. They also ensure families have access to support and resources to create healthy and caring environments.

“The Community Initiatives Fund helps enhance our quality of life in Saskatchewan by connecting individuals, families and communities

with vital programming across the province,” said Laura Ross, the minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

“Our government works closely with the Community Initiatives Fund to support inclusive programming initiatives – and we look forward to continuing this important working relationship.”

“We’re proud to celebrate the work that’s happening across Saskatchewan to support community wellbeing,” said CIF executive director Tracey Mann. “The resilience of our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is inspiring, and a true reflection of the importance of community-based organizations in our province. CIF is honoured to support a wide variety of programs, organizations and communities through the grants awarded.”

CIF is a special purpose fund created through the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Act and governed by a volunteer board.

Liam Rutten plays for the Oxbow Huskies of the Big Six Hockey League. Photo by Gord Paulley

- 2022

Albert passed away at the Redvers Health Centre, Redvers, Sask. on December 13, 2022 at the age of 94.

Albert will be forever loved and remembered by his wife of 64 years, Anne-Marie Kenler (Perreaux); sister Marie-Rose Matthewson; brothers: John (Marguerite) Kenler and Lucien (Bernadette) Kenler; brothersin-law: John (Gloria) Perreaux, Marcel Naviaux and Wilbert Robillard; sisters-in-law: MarieRose (Pierre) Buisse, Eveline Perreaux and Lucille Perreaux, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Jean-Baptiste and Juliette (Naviaux) Kenler; sister Lorraine Frecon (Paul); niece Carmen Toms; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Albert and Philomene Perreaux; brothers-in-law: Andre and Lucien Perreaux; sisters-inlaw: Mathilde Naviaux and Paulette Robillard and nephews-in-law: Richard and Ronald Perreaux.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, Redvers, with Rev. Ronald Andree the celebrant. Interment followed in the Redvers Town Cemetery, after which a luncheon was held in the parish hall.

Those wishing to pay tribute to Albert via a donation in his memory may do so directly to the Redvers & District Community Health Foundation Inc., Box 766, Redvers, Sask., S0C 2H0.

Hall Funeral Services in Redvers provided care to Albert’s family - Dustin Hall, Funeral Director.

Donald Wayne Frankard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and husband Donald Wayne Frankard. Don suffered from a major heart attack in 1987, but we were fortunate to be given 35 more years of joy and memories with his presence. Alzheimer’s disease had progressed significantly as of late and it proved to be too much for his damaged weakened heart. He passed peacefully in his sleep at Luther Home Personal Care Home in Winnipeg on December 12 at the age of 77.

Donald is survived by his wife Denise, children Michelle (Robert), Sean (Bobbi), Nicolle (Jase), grandkids Nova, Layne, Sophie, Auckland, his older sister Lynne (Doug) and twin sister Paulette (Arnie).

At an early age, Don knew he was going to live life his way ... as long as Denise was okay with it. After 10 years of teaching junior high school students at Sansome School in St. James Winnipeg, he decided to make a complete career change and relocate his family to the original Frankard farm in Redvers, Saskatchewan. Don knew nothing about farming when he made the change, but admired the lifestyle and figured it to be a great place to raise a family. Denise and the kids would often wonder how Don could get any work done on the farm seeing as there always seemed to be someone visiting at all hours of the day. Don really enjoyed conversing with people from all walks of life. He later went on to convert the farm from conventional to certified organic which he felt was sustainable and more in line with his values. Don was gifted musically and took great pleasure in playing the piano and banjo all of which was learned by ear. His favorite musician was Roy Orbison and once it was learned that he played the piano, he became a scheduled performer for those who resided with him at Riverside Lions supportive housing. It was Don’s sense of humour and quirky sayings that will be missed dearly by everyone. He didn’t take himself too seriously and he held no prejudice so the outcome was fun and certainly memorable. You touched so many people and you will be sincerely missed. To respect Don’s wishes, no service will be held. Thank you, Don (Dad), for your love and the memories we carry forward with us. XXOO

May Ludtke 1926 - 2022

Born on November 17th,1926 and died on November 25th, 2022, just 8 days after her 96th birthday, with family by her side at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice. May is predeceased by her spouse, Lewis; her parents Fred and Ethel McKenzie; sister Jean Warriner; brothers Donald and Jack McKenzie; daughter-in-law Bev Ogden (wife of Ken Ludtke) father- and mother-in-law Adolph and Mary Ludtke; sisters-in-law Addie Kurbis and Evelyn Pontius; brothers-in-law Albert, Harold, Martin, Wes and Allen Ludtke. Robert Warriner; Walter Kurbis; and George Pontius; nephew, Ron Kurbis; and niece, Marlene Mellquist.

May is survived by her 3 sons - AI (Brenda) Ludtke; Marv (Gail) Ludtke; and Ken Ludtke; and sisters-in-law Alice (Fyfe),Wylma McKenzie and Elsie Ludtke.

Lovingly remembered by her 5 grandchildren and 8 greatgrandchildren - Tracy (Scott) Poitras and twin sons Aidan and Tristan; Trevor (Richelle) Ludtke and daughters Nadia and Natalya; Shane (Jessica) Ludtke; Ryan (Nicole) Ludtke and sons Maverick and Easton; and Clint (Karla) Ludtke and sons Bexzen and Tavis.

May will also be remembered and missed by many nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by all her Alameda friends and neighbours and later friends she made in Regina while at Collage Park Retirement Home and Grace Within Personal Care Home and more recently at Country Lane Personal Care Home in Pilot Butte.

May married Lewis on October 12th 1947 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wordsworth Sask. May was a very hard working farmer’s wife plus led a very active volunteer life in the church and community. She was a member of the Red Hatter’s and the Alameda Merry Makers seniors group. She was a gifted seamstress, making and designing clothes usually without patterns and made beautiful quilts that family and friends will have as a cherished legacy for years to come. After she retired and moved to Alameda she took art classes and became quite an accomplished artist and gifted many canvas works of art. May was an amazing cook and whether around her kitchen table or full course meals packed up and taken out to the harvesting crew you were always assured of a great experience for your taste buds. Many a lovely meal was shared with family and friends. May thoroughly enjoyed visiting, laughing, playing cards and old time dancing. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her but we are all grateful she is in the arms of our Lord.

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.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.

A Special Thank You

The life of Raymond Neil Burns was a full one and our family is so thankful for the years we have been blessed to have him as a Husband, Dad and Grandpa. We miss him everyday! Knowing he passed peacefully in his favorite rocking chair on the farm has been a great source of comfort. We have seen God’s hand in all the details and in the many divine appointments leading up to this.

We sincerely appreciate our family, friends and community for your support and love during this time. Thank you for showing up when we needed you most. We are grateful to all those who gathered around us with delicious meals, hugs, cards, phone calls, on-line messages and tears to support us through this difficult time. We truly have felt your care and compassion. Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and in spirit to celebrate Ray’s life. Ray would be pleased to see how perfect the day unfolded, the weather, the meal, and the stories.

Thank you for honoring his memory. Thank you to family who came to the house shortly after Ray’s passing, to Pastor Kevin Kay for the overseeing the ceremony, for Hall Funeral Services in the care of the arrangements, to Weir’s Catering for the delicious meal, to those that organize the Manor Community Hall events and to fengche Flowers. Appreciation to the formal and informal pallbearers and to all those who contributed to the Manor Cemetery Fund in honor of Ray.

We are blessed!

The family of Raymond Burns

Selling butcher and feeder hogs, breeding, and weanling boars. Also, square hay bales.

Order pigs for 2023. Providing great pork since 1987. Stewart Valley. 306-774-6941 cell.

Notice to Creditors

In the estate of Margaret Lynn Norsworthy, late of Broadview, Saskatchewan, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 13th day of January, 2023.

Bridges & Company LLP 1329 Third Street Estevan, SK S4A 0S1 Solicitors for the Executors

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Dealdirect with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

WANTED: Older rock rake and rock picker or rock picker with rake attached. Can be hydraulic, pto or ground drive. Doesn’t have to be in working condition. 1-306-946-9669.

Albert Arsene Kenler 1928

January 16, 2023: Kipling and District Arts Council present Sheldon Casavant, Monday, January 16, 2023 7:30 PM at the Kipling Community Centre. This is a show for all ages with magic, intrigue and illusion. Tickets to this show make a great Christmas gift. Advance adult tickets are available at www.ticketpro.ca or Balfour Pharmacy for $25. The price at the door is $30. Advance student (13-18) tickets are available at Balfour Pharmacy for $10 or at the door for $10. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

must be prepaid by cash, cheque or VISA/MC.*

Proceeds presented from Arcola toy show

The proceeds from the recent Arcola Farm Toy Collectible Show and Sale have been donated to the Carlyle Leisure Complex.

This is the second year of the Arcola show, which is held on the fourth weekend of November. A good crowd attended the event, and both Hodgson and Brownridge were happy to donate the net proceeds back to a needed organization in southeast Saskatchewan.

“The Carlyle leisure complex is used by many, and Matt and I are more than happy to help them out with a cash donation,” said Brownridge. “It is a much-needed recreational facility in the district and is appreciated by many.”

The third annual Arcola farm toy collectible show and sale is booked for Nov. 25 and 26.

Stoughton Players had people Exit Laughing

By Stephanie Zoer

Stoughton Players’ cast and crew pulled off four successful shows of Exit Laughing at the Stoughton branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, on Dec. 9-10 and 16-17, with over 300 people attending.

A five-member cast and the cat Butterbutt rehearsed since the beginning of October to bring this adult comedic play to the stage.

The show is situated in Birmingham, Ala. It is

evening and they have no clue what year it is, and it really does not matter, according to the director, Scott Richardson.

For 30 years, four female friends have played bridge only to have one friend, Mary, pass away. This sends the remaining friends Connie, Leona and Millie into a tailspin of emotions.

Millie, played by Debbie Mclenaghen, portrays a bizarre friend who decides to steal Mary’s ashes so she can have one last

bridge game, and so she would not be alone at the funeral home.

Leona was portrayed by Terri Stocker who is a bit of a drinker and openly admits it, while being sarcastic towards her friends.

Louise Hislop played Connie, who is also a drinker but does not admit to it. Connie also has an adult daughter attending college, who gets stood up by her date, Bobby.

Les Griffin played the police officer/stripper named Bobby. Who is hired by the dead friend Mary to attend the bridge game and give some life to the remaining friends, and the plot thickens from there.

The moral of the play was, do not forget to live and have fun before it is too late. Always do what you want and enjoy laughing, as tomorrow may be too late.

This play had the crowd in laughter right from the beginning, and Danielle Hoffman, one of the committee volunteers said, this has been the funniest play so far.

Hoffman also said at the beginning that if a person did not laugh, she would give them their money back, in Monopoly money of course.

According to Mclenaghen, Jonathan Lake is an excellent stage manager and really knows his stuff

Tom and Matt Sangster constructed the set. The set had windows and doors, but they went as far to have wallpapered the walls and have wainscotting. They were also in charge of the sound and lighting.

Hair and makeup were done up by Tauree Brigden and Laureen Lyke, and decorations were arranged by Susan Aldred and Danielle Hoffman. Kendra Gibson along with the cast and crew produced the costumes and props.

Colleen Andris and Danielle Hoffman organ-

ized the meal. Andris got all the donations for each night’s meal, which consisted of people making salads and desserts, while Hoffman cooked the hot items.

Throughout the evening many volunteers came to clear tables, fill drinks, help in the kitchen and

collect tickets at the front door.

Many organizations stepped up to offer their services for the four-day event, which turned out successful.

Over the past six years, the community players have raised $125,000 to be returned to the community.

Notice

Mayor: Kevin Kay

Dated at Wawota, Saskatchewan, this 16th day of December, 2022. Sherry Wight, Returning Officer

The cast of Exit Laughing, from left, Rochelle Huriet, Debbie Mclenaghen, Louise Hislop, Terri Stocker and Les Griffin. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Event organizers Matt Hodgson and Blake Brownridge presented a $2,750 cheque to Town of Carlyle recreation director Danielle Steele. Photo by Gord Paulley

A lucky winner

Wendy Luyten is the winner of the Carlyle Observer’s Christmas giveaway promotion. She won $900 to be spent at local businesses. Sponsors were Carlyle Pharmasave, NDyer Need (Carlyle), The Office Bar & Grill (Carlyle), Ron’s Work Wear Store (Carlyle), King’s Department Store in Carlyle, Carlyle GMC, the Ramada Hotel in Carlyle, Living Sky Co-op (Peebles & Corning), and Best Cellars in Kipling. Luyten is pictured accepting her prize from the Observer’s Dolores Young.