The Observer December 30, 2022

By Gord Paulley

Wawota and area has been thoroughly entertained over the years by Keith Olson and his family orchestra.

For the past eight, Olson and good friend Garry Dickson have become a two-man band and regularly perform in various communities throughout southeast Saskatchewan. A few weeks ago, they played at the Carlyle Happy Gang at morning coffee and muffins hosted by the local Lions Club.

Back in the 1950s, Olson played in his family band known as Cliff Olson and the Harmony Six. It consisted of his mother, father, and three siblings.

“Mom played the keyboard and dad played the drums. Our first dance took place at the Carlyle Memorial Hall in 1953,” Olson said. “In their early days, they often had to travel by sleigh from the farm to the village

of Walpole and then borrow a car.”

Olson and his good friend Dickson teamed up eight years ago and have known each other for years. Olson, who has performed for 68 years, is the only singer of the pair and plays various wind instruments including the trumpet, trombone, clarinet and the saxophone, which is his favourite. Dickson has played the accordion since he was eight. Back in high school, he was a member of a band called the Tornadoes.

Olson and Dickson both live in Wawota, one and a half blocks from one another.

Olson is now 82 years of age, Dickson is 80. They call themselves Musical Memories and entertain audiences at nursing homes, group homes, coffee shops and town halls. They have played for birthdays, anniversaries and even the occasional wedding or funeral.

Said Olson, “Due to the age of our audience and ourselves, we usually

play for a maximum of 60 minutes. Back in the day we could go on for

hours, but we just can’t do that anymore. And no more evenings. We

don’t like driving in the dark.”

Olson and Dickson know the music and lyrics to countless songs. They have their audiences clapping, singing and toe tapping to the music from the 1940s, ‘50 and ‘60s. The pair are accomplished entertainers and Olson provides his unique quips and humour to the act.

Added Dickson, “With the pandemic getting under control, we have now played at 130 functions in 2022. In 2019, we played at 224.” Dickson remains active and healthy. He retired as postmaster in Wawota.

Olson has been retired for many years and enjoys good health. Keith and Myrna have five children and 12 grandchildren.

So when are they going to retire? Olson and Dickson looked at one another, grinned, and said in unison, “We will go until we can’t go anymore.”

Garry Dickson and Keith Olson recently performing at the Carlyle Happy Gang. Photo by Gord Paulley

Sports arena adds new sound system and netting

By Gord Paulley

The Carlyle Sports Arena recently upgraded its facility by adding both a new sound system and netting protection.

A complete sound system was purchased and installed by GV Video out of Regina. The entire cost was provided for from monies allocated by the Sports Arena, Carlyle Figure Skating Club, Carlyle Minor Hockey, and the Town of Carlyle.

There were also some monies held on deposit by two minor hockey teams who have been defunct for years. Funds from the old Moose Mountain Wild and Moose Mountain Impact teams were allocated to the speaker upgrade.

There are now 19 speakers lining the sides of the rink with four more installed at centre ice. Four new speakers were also added to the waiting room. The sound is crystal clear and is a welcome upgrade from the old system.

New netting has been installed on the north side of the stands and will be added to the south side shortly. The Town of Carlyle has been proactive in adding this protection.

Chris Humphries is a local parent who is

pleased with the upgrades. “I have been very impressed with the new speaker system. The sound quality is much better and as clear as a bell. Regarding the netting, as a parent I am all for it. Too many people

get hit with flying pucks and we will get used to looking through it.”

Melanie Lemieux vividly remembers the time her daughter was struck by a puck. “Many years ago, Sarah came to the rink to watch her brother

David play. She went up from ice level to see her dad and got hit behind the ear. She ended up in the Regina General Hospital for a week with a concussion and fractured skull but thankfully recovered.

“Now as I watch Da-

vid’s son and my grandson Alex play U9 hockey, I am happy to see the new netting at the Sports Arena.”

Attending a Cougars’ game last year, Chris Levesque reached down to help a friend and received a puck to the face just below his nose. “I am all for it and happy with the new netting. It will only take a game or two to get used to and will no doubt save many injuries over time. Parents won’t have to worry about their kids in the stands so much.”

Netting is not being installed on either ends of the rink, and fans on both sides can still watch the games from behind the glass on the first two bleacher steps. It does not affect the view from the waiting room.

After consultation from many sources and the supplier was selected, black was the colour of netting chosen. White and clear colours are considered too reflective for well-lit rinks.

at the Carlyle Sports Arena. Photo by Gord Paulley

Arcola School presents their Christmas concert

By Stephanie Zoer

It was another bone-chilling day on Dec. 20, with temperatures in the low -30 C range, but the wind chill brought it down to -42C. Parents, grandparents and friends braved this winter cold spell to attend the Arcola School Christmas concert.

As the gymnasium slowly filled with people, only a few seats remained empty at the two shows, one beginning at 1 p.m. with a few extras on the docket, and the other performance was held at 6:30 p.m.

The chatter in the gymnasium quickly came to an end for the afternoon show as MC Amos McArthur took the microphone. He welcomed

everyone to the grand performance of the children. Ron Wardrope was the MC for the evening show.

As the lights dimmed the pre-concert entertainment would begin. Six shadow videos made by the children would be played on the big screen.

The Grade 3 class began the event with the song, Mary had a Baby, which was followed with I’m a Little Snowman by the pre-kindergarten class.

The grade 1/2 class had the school mascots Prowler and Piper involved, and also sang, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

It is Christmas at the YMCA was performed by the Grade 4 class, and Grade 6 did Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

was

Stoughton Central School Christmas concert

By Stephanie Zoer

Stoughton Central School went ahead with its Christmas concert on Dec. 21.

Dec. 15, was the original date for the concert, but that night saw stormy weather with treacherous roads, so it was postponed to the following week, not knowing if the weather would improve a great deal.

The concert began at 6 p.m., with Bailey Baumgartner, Abigail Hall, Madison Richaud and Sydney Hemphill as the masters of ceremonies. As the lights went dim these young women introduced the classes as they were ready to do their performances on center stage.

Family and friends braved the extreme cold, with toques and scarves in hand, to fill the gymnasium to watch their young students do their part in the school concert.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 broke the ice to perform the song Little Snowflake and followed with the classic Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Grades 2 and 3 recited the poem Bob the Goofy Reindeer.

Santa’s Reindeer Learns to Co-operate was acted out by Grades 4 and 5, finishing with the singing of I Want to be an Elf.

Grades 6 and 7 recited their poem classic, T’was the Night Before Christmas.

The popular song, Mary did you Know, was sung by the Grade 8 and 9 students. They continued with Rockin the Christmas Tree.

Jadah Walbaum with accompanied by Jacquie Walbaum on guitar as she sang the Christmas song, Oh Holy Night.

Immanuel McArthur picked away on his guitar to do his rendition of Run Rudoph Run. This was also the closing act of the concert.

Over 100 kids took part in the school Christmas concert and worked hard for several weeks to bring their best performance to the stage.

The crowded gymnasium showed their appreciation of the performance with their applause and cheers at the end of each classes’ songs or acts.

Entry to the concert was a donation of a non-perishable item for the food bank.

was based on four people working together

Kindergarten students continued the concert with the singing of Jingle Bells, while the Grade 5 class had the Jingle Bells Trap Mix, which consisted of darkness and flashing lights to enhance the show. Grade 3 finished off the concert with goodbyes.

The teachers and students worked hard to bring this performance to the audience.

The kids cheered each other on with loud applause when their performances were complete. Some children were eager to get on stage, as others were a little shy, but they all took their turn.

622 Main St., Moosomin, SK

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Classes 8/9 did a dancing elf display which entertained the audience.

The Arcola Drama

Club put on Secret Santa at the Ark. Ole Industries. This was an afternoon performance only, which

written and directed by Alyssa Renner and the assistant director was Korinn Lawrence. This

and some loving the holidays more than others.

These three grade 8 and 9 students performed the Dancing Elves at the Arcola School Christmas concert. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Immanuel McArthur performs a guitar solo, Run Rudoph Run, at the Stoughton Central School Christmas concert. Photo by Cheryl Lake

Giving the gif t of life

Gord Paulley Paulley’s Ponderings

As always, I am starting the new year on a positive note. Frankly, 2022 didn’t have much going for it.

It started with a senseless war between Russia and Ukraine, and nothing there has changed. COVID19 is still here, and a flu bug with new strains is proving hard to shake off. Inflation is still running rampart, although gasoline prices have improved somewhat.

And, finally, the year concluded with the tragic fire at the Happy Nun Cafe in Forget.

A few weeks ago, Carlyle District Lions Club member Candy Bye decided to spearhead a group of us to donate blood. Dec. 16 was marked on our calendars and off we drove to Regina.

Canadian Blood Services had just opened their new premises located on South Albert Street. Eight of us travelled to Regina and met up with another four friends and relatives in the city. All of us registered as a group and I was the first scheduled appointment. Seven of us were Lions members, whose motto is “We Serve”.

I was greeted at the door by a blood donor volunteer who said, “How are you doing Mr. Paulley?” I replied, “How do I know you?”

She said, “My name is Louise McCullough. I used to live northeast of Carlyle. I read your Carlyle Observer columns all the time.” McCullough moved to Regina in 2018. It certainly is a small world.

After formally registering at the front desk, I was apprehensive. Over 20 years ago, I had a serious health issue and needed major surgery. One of the screening questions I had to answer was “Have you previously had cancer”? I honestly said yes.

A registered nurse was summoned, and I detailed my cancer history to her. I was cleared to donate and after a hemoglobin check was o ff to the donating room.

The process was simple. I relaxed in a chair, and they poked me with a needle and syringe. Nearly half a litre of blood was drawn and after a recovery of 20 minutes or so, it was over. Before giving blood, we were treated to free salted snacks and water. After recovery, free snacks, water and pop were available.

I spoke with Aaron Barlow, the territory manager of donor services for the Regina branch. He indicated that during December, the number of donations decreases due to the holidays. As well, cold and flu season is upon us, and cancellation rates have jumped significantly.

The Regina clinic has a goal of 400 donations per week. Fortunately, they are only slightly behind that pace. Those that have O-negative blood account for only seven per cent of the population. Across the province, there is only a three-day supply of that blood type on hand.

Because of inflation and financial hardship, monetary donations to charitable organizations are 30 per cent lower than a year ago. Giving blood and the gift of life is easy, free and a great alternative.

All of us felt good about donating our blood and helping our communities and health-care systems. Mobile units still drive out to speci fied locations in the province, but they have reduced their times and locations. For example, the closest mobile unit in southeast Saskatchewan is Weyburn, and they only come two to three times a year.

We plan on making this a quarterly occurrence and have tentatively scheduled our next visit to Regina for March. Non-Lions members are also welcome, and we ask that you watch for details on social media.

Don’t forget to have a look at the expiring year

This year flew by in no time. It felt like it was two times shorter than any other one.

I can’t say that I didn’t notice it, as it was one of the most difficult years in my life, but it sure went fast.

Early on I ended up finally getting my load of the weaselly coronavirus, which drained me of energy, brain capacity and happiness, and turned me into a witch for a good month, if not longer. And at about the same time my worst nightmare made headlines all across the globe – my home country invaded neighbouring Ukraine. The ongoing war and everything that comes out of it on all levels painted everything after Feb. 24 grey and up to black at times.

Yeah, this year will definitely be on the very bottom of the list of my best years. And hopefully, 2022 will keep its spot there forever.

So, when a friend of mine recently asked about any good things and achievements that I could recall from this past year, I went quiet for quite a while. But then she started asking me more specific questions.

Have you reached any personal goals, she asked. Have you visited at least one new place, even if it’s small? Have you felt absolutely happy next to your loved one at least

Ana

one time this year? At least once this year, have you felt like you have wings? Have you learned anything new? Was there at least one time when you were laughing so hard you couldn’t help it? Was there something that you did and were involved with that made a difference?

These questions gradually filled my long pause with pictures from this past year. It wasn’t that easy to find the answers, and it took me some time. But after a while, I realized how many great memories I actually made in 2022 despite all the odds.

I didn’t get to travel much, but I finally made it to Castle Butte, and absolutely loved it. I got to meet some really great people. I shared some precious memories with my hubby. I got to have some wonderful moments with close friends. I got to do some interesting-to-write stories. I had a hat trick plus one with Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association’s awards. And there is more.

If you really think about it, there is always something good – bright

Bykhovskaia

Twenty Lines About…

moments you capture, achievements you’ve been working on for so hard, wonderful people you meet, beautiful views you encounter, sincere laughs you get to share with loved ones or with complete strangers –there is always something to be grateful for.

There are always good things that happen to us. We just need to make sure we notice them, and the questions that my friend asked actually help with that. Once I focused on the many great moments I had throughout my least favourite year, I realized that one way or the other many of the wishes I made a year ago came true.

In my last 2021 column, I listed a few things I was looking forward to in 2022 personally and professionally. Of course, not all of them came true, but some did. There were many great happenings I got to attend. I enjoyed the live play at the Souris Valley Theatre and many other great returns. I didn’t get to see any new national parks this year, but I ended up going to the Calgary Stampede for the first time and visited a few new spots in Banff

And of course, I got my Canadian passport. (Once again, thank you so much for the support and all the kind words that flooded my feed when I shared that milestone with you!)

These observations once again reminded me why I love making wishes so much – because it helps them come true. Once I word what I want, I think, it actually turns into a goal, and then, consciously or not, I start working towards it. Not always I get there fast or at all, but in most cases I actually do.

With all that said, as 2022 is already at the door and 2023 is ready to bring in some new adventures and hopes, there are two things I want to wish everyone.

First, take time and go through the list of questions above. Ignore those that are irrelevant or add some, make it your personal list of questions, but try to remember what made the past year meaningful, special and good. (And maybe offer people around you the chance to answer them. It worked amazingly for me.)

And second, make wishes. Be it on New Year’s Eve or with any other occasion, word your dreams, and come the end of the next year, let’s see how many of them come true.

Happy New Year!

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“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

Young Carnduff rodeo stars thrive at Vegas event

Two young rodeo competitors from Carnduff had great showings at the recent Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championships in Las Vegas.

Piper Bigney and her brother Hayden were entered in the event.

Piper ended up in 18th in the 15-and-under girls’ breakaway roping out of 87 competitors.

Hayden was 32nd out of 69 boys in the 19-andunder boys’ tie-down roping.

Piper said seeing the competition proved to be a great experience. She had to stay calm and prevent her nerves from getting the best of her.

“The girls were roping really fast. The American girls, I will say, they’re tougher … because they get to practise more. It was some tough competition,” said Piper.

She compared breakaway to tie-down roping, except you don’t

get off your horse and tie a calf. The object is to rope the calf, stop the horse and once the rope breaks off the saddle horn, the time stops. She had two attempts, with a time of 2.8 seconds the first time and 3.9 seconds on the second effort, but she broke the barrier on her start for the second run, so she was assessed a 10-second penalty. The foul kept her from advancing to the next round, which was for the top 15 competitors.

“The older girls, they’ve been roping 1.9 [seconds] and are extremely fast,” said Piper.

Piper said breakaway is her favourite rodeo event and it is her best, along with team roping.

She still might be able to compete in the under-15 division again next year, depending on when she qualifies next year. If there is a competition before she turns 16, she would be able to remain in U15.

Piper believes the experience will be bene ficial.

“It will build my courage, knowing that I’m able to compete against them and … knowing how good I am, how much I can push myself to be better and not let the nerves get to me,” said Piper.

Hayden said it was also a great experience to go to Nevada. They have been to the National Finals Rodeo before, so they know what the competition is like, but it was cool to be at the event for younger competitors.

The one they were at was well organized with lights, sounds and other efforts to add to the experience.

In the first round, he finished with a time of roughly 19 seconds, and in the second, he was just over 18 seconds.

“I do wish that I was a little bit faster, but I am glad that I still got to rope,” said Hayden.

The kids who won posted times of nine, 10 or 11 seconds for each of their runs.

“They all come from Texas, Nevada and places like that, and it’s cowboy shirt weather down there all year … so they get the opportunity to rope more than we do.”

Tie-down is his favourite, event, along with steer wrestling, he said. Hayden said he likes how tie-down roping always provides a different challenge.

“I always get an adrenaline rush from it, getting off the horse to tie down a calf,” he said.

Hayden noted that he and Piper shared the same horse at the event.

The international event was an eye-opener to see how good he

has to be to compete with the top kids.

“I have done better … I do have faster times that I have had, but just being able to rope for the first year, and hopefully be able to make it back next year, and come back stronger and be able to compete better [will be great],” said Hayden.

He hopes that they can make it back to the event next year. He would still be competing in under-19 boys.

The Bigneys were among the 840 contestants from Canada and the U.S. at the Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship. The event happened from Dec. 1-5, during the first weekend of the National Finals Rodeo.

December 21,

263739 Aldon Oils Hz 1-35-7-1 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

261198 Betts Drilling Adonai Resources 2-6-3-33 258612 Stampede Drilling Harvard Resources 9-2-6-15 257682 Black Rock Well Villanova Resources 5-21-5-32 253467 Betts Drilling Villanova Resources 13-14-6-6 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

Piper Bigney competed in the breakaway roping event. Photos courtesy of Barbara Bigney

Hayden Bigney was entered in boys’ tie-down roping.

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‘Tis the season the season to be jolly

Photos by Gord Paulley and Stephanie Zoer

The Kennedy Skating Club held its annual ice show in February.

Participants in February’s Challenge Cup between the Carlyle RCMP and the White Bear First Nations gather for a group photo.

Morgan Robertson performed during a concert at Arcola’s Mac Murray Theatre in January.

Bradey Fidierchuk and his son Beau with a 47-inch pike during the Alameda Ice Fishing Derby.

Redvers Mayor Brad Bulbuck shook hands with Carnduff Mayor Ross Apperley for a wager on the final of the Big Six Hockey League between the Carnduff Red Devils and the Redvers Rockets. Carnduff won the final, so Bulbuck had to wear a Red Devils’ jersey.

The Pig Improvement Company invited various community members to tour its new facility in Carlyle in January.

The Arcola Optimistic Club had a large crowd gather for its annual snowmobile rally.

Danielle Fleury’s farm in the Lampman area was buried in snow during the winter months.

Kipling School drama students presented a two-act play entitled Saturday Night at the Drive-in Movie.

A powerful storm hit Kipling on June 19, flooding the streets and even causing a tornado warning.

Participants in a sledge hockey tournament in Wawota gather for a group photo.

The Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighter’s Association and the Carlyle & RM 63 Fire and Rescue held a provincial training school in Carlyle.

Yveian Orpiano from the Stoughton Central School impressed at the district track and field meet.

The Carlyle Observer office was submerged in snow following April storms.

Students from the Kipling High School showcased their talent during their annual Arts Fest.

The Cornerstone Theatre Group returned in the spring to perform Acting can be Murder.

celebration

community

Carlyle Fun Dayz was held on Main Street in August. The Carlyle Cardinals once again the Saskota Baseball League’s Harbourne Memorial Tournament as league champions.

This photo by River Onufreychuk, taken near the 361 grid road outside of Alameda in July, was this year’s winner in the Carlyle Observer’s Summer Photo Contest.

The Bow Valley Jamboree south of Oxbow offered lots of entertainment once again this year.

The Boiko family relocated to Carlyle in the summer months. They fled their native Ukraine after it was invaded by Russia.

A parade was among the highlights for the Canada Day celebrations at the White Bear First Nations.

The annual Cornerstone Cruisers show and shine was held in the summer months.

The Carlyle District Lions Club presented a donation to the Manor Playground Committee.

The Homespun Craft Show

known as the Biggest Little Craft Show in Saskatchewan – made its return to Carlyle. The annual Creative Tables fundraiser in Arcola once again attracted people to help those fighting cancer.

The Ocean Man First Nations’ powwow was a celebration of Indigenous people’s culture. Arcola School hosted a successful Terry Fox Run in September. This photo of the sunrise was captured at the White Bear First Nations.

A large crowd gathered in Alida to pay tribute to Lynette Peet, who died from cancer earlier in the year.

This sculpture is in front of Lori and Duncan Brown’s house was carved by Kamron Garbe with KG Woodcraft of Regina.

The Cornerstone Theatre performed Twenty-Three Scrooge Doo, which was a spin on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

A lighted parade was among the many highlights for this year’s Dickens’ Village Festival in Carlyle.

Ceremonies were held in southeast Saskatchewan to mark Remembrance Day.

Teagan Littlechief from the White Bear First Nations sang O Canada prior to the start of the Grey Cup in Regina.

A new sign was unveiled at the Highway 13 east entrance to Carlyle. It pays tribute to six current and former Carlyle-area residents.

A massive wind turbine blade made a stop in Stoughton.

The Lampman School Grizzlies won the silver medal at the provincial 1A girls’ volleyball tournament.

Redvers held its annual Winterfest just before Christmas.

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ticulars 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

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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.

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

Saskatchewan’s population eclipses 1.2 million

Saskatchewan enjoyed record population growth of more than 10,000 people in the third quarter of 2022, and more than 22,000 people over the past year, boosting the province’s population to over 1.2 million people for the first time ever.

From Oct. 1, 2021 to Oct. 1, 2022, Saskatch-

ewan’s population grew by 22,135 to 1,205,119 people. This is the largest annual population growth in more than a century –since 1921. The quarterly population growth of 10,316 people is the largest ever recorded since Statistics Canada began releasing quarterly population estimates in 1971.

“Saskatchewan has now grown by nearly 200,000 people since our government took office in 2007 - the longest period of sustained growth since the earliest days of our province at the start of the 20th century,” Premier Scott Moe said.

“Saskatchewan is a

great place to live with plenty of jobs and opportunities, vibrant communities, and affordable housing and cost of living compared to many places in Canada. That’s why Saskatchewan today is growing at its fastest pace in more than a century.”

Saskatchewan’s rec-

ord population growth in the third quarter of this year was driven by net international migration of 10,553 and a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,261 offset by net interprovincial outmigration of 1,498.

Moe said at the current rate of growth, Saskatchewan will reach its

Growth Plan goal of 1.4 million people by 2030.

“More people, more jobs and more opportunities means more investment in important services like health and education and a better quality of life in our province,” Moe said. “That’s growth that works for everyone.”

A r r i v e A l i v e ! Arrive Alive!

New Year’s Eve is a popular night to paint the town red. That popularity could skyrocket even further as the world says goodbye to 2022 and ushers in 2023.

Many cities and millions of individuals toned down their New Year’s Eve shenanigans the last two years, as the COVID-19 pandemic made it hard to celebrate safely. But that could changes this year.

Fun might be the top priority on New Year’s Eve, but safety must be in the mix as well. As individuals make plans for a night out this New Year’s Eve, it can help to keep these safety tips in mind.

Find a safe ride home. Whether it be a designated driver, a taxi or even a private limousine for large parties, leave the New Year’s Eve driving to those who are sober.

This ensures that no one will drive after having too much to drink. Even revelers who can control their alcohol consumption should avoid driving if they plan to drink.

A person need not be legally impaired to experience impairment.

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 are considered to be legally impaired. But a BAC of .05 can reduce co-ordination, lead to a reduced ability to track moving objects, make it difficult to steer, and produce a slower-than-normal response to emergency driving situations.

Go out for dinner first.

Having food, especially foods that are high in protein, in your stomach prior to consuming alcohol will help slow the processing of that alcohol. Someone who has

not eaten will typically hit a peak BAC between 30 minutes and two hours of drinking. But someone who has eaten

will typically peak between one and six hours of drinking depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed.

Make a plan. Overconsumption of alcohol is not the only potential danger lurking on New Year’s Eve. Large crowds can make it easier for friends to become separated, especially if they plan to visit more than one establishment before or after the clock strikes midnight.

When going out with a group on New Year’s Eve, create an itinerary, complete with meetup spots, for the entire night. This ensures anyone who gets lost can

easily find their way back to the group. Individuals who are wandering alone on New Year’s Eve may be vulnerable to criminals who are looking to prey on people whose inhibitions have been lowered by alcohol and/or the festive atmosphere of the night.

A rowdy New Year’s Eve may be on tap as the world ushers in 2023.

That likelihood only underscores the importance of emphasizing safety when going out this Dec. 31.

Keep your loved ones smiling...

Lampman Lions held district governor’s night

By Stephanie Zoer

The Lampman and District Lions Club held their meeting on Dec. 15 at the Harvest Café in Lampman.

In attendance was Lions District 5-SK second vice-district governor Heather Vermeersch and her husband lion Jim, who are also members of the Carlyle

District Lions Club, and district governor Alvin Matechuk from Regina. They brought greetings from international president Brian Sheehan. Also present was Lions Clubs

International Foundation representative Dennis Feduk.

Members from Estevan, Stoughton and Carlyle came to join in on the special evening, which attracted a good crowd.

After the meal was served by the café, Vermeersch had a short speech and then inducted five new members: Jadon Carnduff, Scott Greening, Heath Greening, Tanner Frycz and Courtney Frycz.

Each year the club donates turkeys and oranges for the seniors’ Christmas supper and also supplies food hampers to those in need before Christmas. They also help families or individuals with health issues or facing disasters. The Lions are always there to help when they can.

They support the Toasty Tuesday program at the Lampman School and offer free skating at the rink in the winter and free swimming at the pool in the summer.

A Grade 12 student from the Lampman School is also awarded a scholarship each year.

An ongoing project is the collecting of unused eyeglasses. They are sent

to a central location, the prescriptions are checked and then sent to needy countries.

This small community of Lions has supported the Lampman skating rink and two swimming pools, they also help to fund, maintain and improve the playparks.

Their annual fundraisers are the sports weekend and street, dance usually held in June, and the community lottery and Vegas draw.

A new executive was also installed that evening: past-president Edward Laverdiere, president Garrett Woodley, vice-president

Damon Sutherland, second vice-president Scott Greening, third vice-president Todd Fornwald and treasurers Jaden Carnduff and Damon Sutherland.

The secretary is Richard Kochie. He is also the LCIF co-ordinator, awards chairman, and global service team representative. Larry Loughren is the marketing chairman, service chairman and visitation chairman.

Lottery chairmen are Edward Laverdiere and Todd Fornwald. Membership is Rhodney Greening, Gerry Perkowitsch and Scott Greening.

First-year directors are Heath Greening, Rhodney Greening and Doug Campbell. Secondyear directors are Scott Greening, Garrett Woodley and Jacho Kim.

The remaining members are Gleny Dela Cruz, Mia Dela Cruz, Courtney Frycz, Tanner Frycz, Alvin Hase and Don Skogstad.

Lions District 5-SK second vice-district governor Heather Vermeersch and district governor Alvin Matechuk attended the Lampman and District Lions meeting to induct five new members. Photo courtesy Lampman Lions