The Observer May 26, 2023

By Stephanie Zoer

A Wawota family travelled to Toronto over the Mother’s Day weekend to take part in Meagan’s Hug, a five-kilometre walk-a-thon.

This was the 22nd annual walk for the event and the 10th year that Kelton Ford, his mom Rochelle Friesen and his sister Zoey Friesen attended.

Ford’s sister Cienna was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) in October 2011.

Cienna began having trouble with her speech, and would stumble while

walking, so she was taken to the doctors.

Cienna was seven years old and the doctors at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina felt it was a lowgrade tumour that could be treated. The family were sent to the Sick Kids’ Hospital in Toronto.

“The doctor’s exact words were, it is much more sinister than you were led to believe,” said Ford.

This kind of tumour is difficult to operate on and the outcome is usually not a good one. Cienna passed away at the age of eight in September 2012.

Meagan’s Hug was created by the family of

a five-year-old girl who also passed away from DIPG.

Ford’s family, including aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins, would begin to attend this event annually.

An event is also held in Wawota called Cienna’s Rocking Runners, which took place on May 6, to raise awareness of DIPG.

Ford said Cienna loved music and enjoyed dancing, so in her honour they had singing and art at the event. People perform songs, an online auction is held and a silent auction takes place the evening of the event.

This year they raised over $20,000 for pedi-

atric brain tumour research.

When Cienna was ill, radiation treatment was the only option.

“This gave our family time to make some great memories,” said Ford. They did as many things possible, including taking a family trip to Disney World.

Now in their 10th year attending the walka-thon, they recognize many faces from over the years.

People now come from all over the world and the furthest place this year was Europe.

The walk began at Fort York National Historic site and wrapped up at

the Sick Kid’s Hospital. Everyone holds hands and circles the hospital, as the sick children look out the windows. This is called the world’s largest hug and they easily made it around the hospital with the number of people that attended.

At the end, doctors came out and spoke about the latest developments in their research, and they had a breakthrough this year.

The doctors had just treated their first patient with chemotherapy. This treatment was not an option for Cienna.

According to Ford, this is an amazing breakthrough.

Each year Cienna’s family travels to Ontario to attend Meagan’s Hug walk-a-thon. Photo by Kelton Ford

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Fri, May 26 - Manor Grad

Fri, May 26 - Redvers Grad

Sun, May 28 - Manor Townwide Garage Sale

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Sat, June 3 - Arcola Town Wide Garage Sale

Sat, June 3 - Carlyle Library High Tea & Bake Sale

Thurs, June 15 - Rusty Relic Museum Opening BBQ

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The season has started for the Red Market Barn

By Stephanie Zoer

The Red Market Barn had its first market on May 21.

Brenda and Harold Johnston are in their 11th season holding markets with many different vendors. The barn is located on Highway 9, north of Kenosee Lake.

The barn was built in 1914 and moved to its present location in 1975.

It has seen a few upgrades but has been kept to its original state as much as possible.

Brenda Johnston said she is excited about the year with many new vend-

ors. She tries hard to not have two similar crafters. Although attendance was down from last year, Johnston was happy with the crowd that came out for the day.

The late spring and farmers out on the fields seeding crops likely caused the smaller crowd, she said.

Tilted Kilts, a band from Forget, entertained the crowd with many classic rock songs. The band will attend a few more times during the summer.

Broadway Bakery from Redvers will be attending the concession stand, and

Christie Hislop

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For

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Beavertails out of Regina will also be there to feed the crowds.

Johnston also thought people may have stayed home due to the cool temperatures and the wind.

“The smoke could also have caused a concern for some people,” said Johnston.

The next market is June 18, and then will occur every weekend until Sept. 3, which will wrap up the season.

There is an array of unique items at the market. The upstairs houses all the moccasins that Johnston makes during the winter, and there is also a selection of placemats.

There is fresh honey, handmade jewelry, plants, voxx products, deluxe purple martin bird-

houses, homemade canning, soaps, oils, knitted items, hand painted solar lights and so much more.

Johnston looks forward to another sum-

mer of vendors, meeting people and seeing those that come year after year. Many just come to listen to the music and take a spin on the dance floor,

while enjoying the fresh outdoors. For more photos from the opening day of the Red Market Barn, please see Observed At on Page 8.

Wawota and area happenings

By Myrna Olson

Brett and Kim Westphal of Wrentham, Alta., spent last week in Wawota. They visited with Brett’s mother Carol, who is a resident at Deer View Lodge.

A funeral service was

held at the Moosomin Armory on May 20 for the late George Crawford. He passed away on Dec. 24, 2022, at the age of 79. He was married to the former Marjorie Jacklin (deceased) and a brother-in law to Phil Weatherald.

Congratulations to Erin

Roberston (King) and Jordan Black on the birth of their son on May 16. He weighed eight pounds, 10 ounces, and has been named Brooks Andrew. He is a brother for Macie, Lexi and Kaibree. He is also a grandson for Linda Benner and Tom Black

and John and Bernice King, and a great-grandson for Jean King and Edna Benner.

Rob and Gylanne Allen of Everett, Ont., and Tyler Allen of Brandon visited with their uncle and great uncle, Garry Dickson, last Tuesday.

The Red Market Barn held its first market on May 21. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Glen Ewen couple enjoys fl ying giant kites

By Nicole Northild

Michele Stonehouse was happy to find a hobby that her and her partner Andy Poliszuk could share.

“He has got a lot of hobbies he likes, but this is finally something that we both like to do,” she said.

And even though they have only been flying their large kites for a month, they already have 15 with more ordered and on the way.

“It is so windy here,” Stonehouse said. “He just one day had an urge to fly a kite.”

Poliszuk first tried making his own kite at home by cutting wooden cross beams, but gave up shortly after when looking online and realizing that buying was easier and had better options.

There is a store in Alberta and another in Nebraska where they purchase kites. They also buy directly from China via a website.

Their largest kite is a yellow and orange one called The Tadpole, which is eight meters across, and it is one of those that came from China,

“Kites were invented 2,300 years ago, before Jesus,” Poliszuk said with a chuckle.

Weifang is the city in China that claims to be the birthplace of the kite, manufacturing and selling more than 200,000 kites a year, making it the kite capital of the world.

Many of the large kites have to be anchored down with homemade fabricated steel t-bars that Poliszuk made himself, because once the kite goes up, if it is not secure, you will find yourself being dragged across the field. Though to date they have fortunately not lost a kite.

Some knot-making knowhow and leather gloves are also a must when handling the heavy 500-tensile strength line. Though the big ones are not recommended for smaller children, almost anyone can physically man the large kites. Handled incorrectly though, such as wrapping the line around a finger can mean maybe losing that finger or getting a bad rugburn.

Once the Tadpole is high enough, its large air chambers catch the wind and make a whistling noise that sounds

unworldly. Stonehouse confessed that kite flying was relaxing and their favourite thing to do once they got the line of kites up high in the air. Then they just sit in their lawn chairs, with the back of the SUV up for shade, and watch.

“It is nothing like being a kid. Running isn’t the proper way of doing it,” they said.

Once they have gone to the trouble of getting the large kites up, it can be just as much of a workout to get them down. The 180 feet of vibrating line, between the person and the kite, can’t be reeled in by hand. It has to be lowered using a handheld pulley system, which a person feeds the line into while walking towards the kite, bringing it down to ground level.

Stonehouse and Poliszuk have been in Glen Ewen for 15 years and live just down the street from the ball diamonds where they can be found almost every day in the late afternoons flying their kites.

“Lots of young families are moving to town and we invite everyone out. When my granddaughter

comes down from P.A. [Prince Albert] she just loves it,” Poliszuk said. Along with the locals, the kites are appreciated by anyone driving by.

“Some of the kites can

be seen miles away, people often pull over off the highway to stop and take pictures or honk when they drive past,” said Stonehouse.

People when stopping

by might also stop to see someone on a twohanded parafoil kite or perhaps one of the colorful octopus brothers Ollie and Oscar, with colours of orange or blue.

Carlyle Cubs Learning Centre had a visit from Carlyle RCMP Sgt. Michael Shortland, Const. Brandon Glasser and Const. Doug Pilgrim on May 18. The daycare kids learned about the RCMP, asked questions, explored the officers’ gear and checked out the RCMP truck and SUV. Sirens were ringing, singing was happening on the microphone and tons of fun was had. Photo courtesy of Kayla Brown

Andy Poliszuk wrangling the tadpole up into the air.

Michele Stonehouse and Andy Poliszuk with their kites.

WestJet was at it once again

David Willberg Willberg’s World

Once upon a time, not long ago, there was this really cool, well-run regional carrier named WestJet.

I used to love flying WestJet. Granted, a member of our extended family worked for WestJet in its infancy, and he knew a thing or two about aviation. So that meant WestJet’s status went up a notch or two in my eyes right off the bat.

But WestJet was still enjoyable. The flight attendants did their best to make it a positive experience. They were funny, engaging and they seemingly wanted to have you on their flight. It was a no-frills airline – you didn’t get a meal, for example – but the company didn’t cheap out on comfort, either. For me, it’s what a domestic flying experience should be.

It even showed in their marketing. Remember those great April Fool’s Day videos? I’m still waiting for 2012’s Kargo Kids to become reality.

Which is why it’s sad to see what WestJet has become.

The latest source of WestJet stress is courtesy of a potential airline pilots work stoppage that was narrowly averted. Kudos to the company and the pilots on an 11thhour, tentative agreement. But the company started cancelling flights Thursday, leaving passengers stranded even though the strike/lockout had yet to begin.

The company said it couldn’t afford to have its airplanes stranded in other locations. But it could afford to have people stranded.

I did not have a flight cancelled. My summer trip to B.C. is slated for early July. I was still nervous there might be a strike or a lockout, and it would drag on for six weeks, scuttling my long-awaited trip to Vancouver Island and west-central B.C.

I can’t imagine the stress that WestJet caused for its passengers travelling during the Victoria Day long weekend.

(I might be on WestJet’s no-fly list if they see this column).

People will point to the pandemic as the time in which things changed at WestJet, but it was long before then. I’ll argue it started with the introduction of WestJet Encore. Those cushy, comfortable short flights with in-flight television were replaced with smaller planes, harder seats and a reduced passenger experience.

I’ve also seen WestJet introduce a checked baggage fee (before Air Canada), I’ve seen them oversell flights (which never would have happened 15 years ago) and just stop being fun.

Then you had the travel nightmare of last Christmas. I don’t fault WestJet for what happened, or for not adding extra flights at Christmas. But the communication with those affected was terrible, and the inability to cancel a flight after alternative travel arrangements were found was impossible. Again, something that wouldn’t have happened 15 years ago.

When I go back to B.C. this summer, I’ll still fly WestJet, but that’s because it’s really the only option from Regina to Abbotsford. Air Canada doesn’t fly into Abbotsford. And my parents live less than 15 minutes from the Abbotsford Airport, so it would be pretty poor to expect them to drive further to the (much busier) Vancouver International Airport to pick me up and drop me off

Last summer, when I went to Atlantic Canada, I chose Air Canada over WestJet for the first time. And while I had some infuriating moments, I heard horror stories about the WestJet experience at Halifax’s Stanfield International Airport.

WestJet needs to rediscover the magic that made it work initially. It has to stop being Air Canada Lite. WestJet is never going to beat Air Canada as this country’s most-travelled airline. But it can regain its spot as the airline that you love to fly, because they take strides to make it a great experience.

As an elementary school student, I can remember when every classroom was gathered together on an afternoon in late June for awards day.

In high school it was an evening event called Color Night. Trophies and certificates were the coveted currency to come away with.

A couple of years ago, I was going through a box of stuff collected over the years and came across items from those events, wondering why I was still hanging on to them. Sure, I displayed them for a while, but they had been packed away and sitting in a box for years.

I read the account of a woman going through her father’s belongings after he passed away. She dealt with things, step by step, until she got to an item she described as unexpectedly complicated. It was a

plaque her father had won at a car show.

As an archivist in her professional life, she knew the value of some items. Letters and diaries are golden because they reveal thoughts, ideas and character years later. But a trophy achieves peak value at the moment of delivery, then diminishes as time goes on, eventually relegated to the back of a closet or the bottom of a box.

Since I write for a Saskatchewan newspaper, I am eligible to be nominated for awards called the BNCs (Better Newspapers Competition) organized by the newspaper association in the province. We never know who the judges might be—just that they are from outside the province.

There used to be a fancy banquet the nominees would attend but since 2020, and being unable to gather due to the pandemic, we perch around our computers in various newsrooms across the province watching as the winners are announced at a Zoom meeting.

A nomination that had my stomach battling butterflies this year was for Columnist of the Year. It is a special nomination to me because it represents an entire year’s worth of work — week after week with the relentless Mon-

day morning deadline always looming. I’ve been nominated a couple of times in the past but never won. I didn’t this year either.

Yet having said that out loud to someone, I was corrected. He reminded me how frustrated I get when I see athletes showing clear disappointment on a podium after receiving a silver or bronze medal. Gold may have been their goal but a silver or bronze are something to celebrate.

The Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year, putting players from the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference on the hot seat with reporters. But Giannis Antetokounmpo had enough when asked if the season was a failure.

“It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success,” Antetokounmpo said. “There’s always steps to it. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships. The other nine years were a failure? That’s what you’re telling me?

Some days you’re able to be successful, some days you’re not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn. You don’t always win. Sometimes other people win. And this year somebody else is going to win, simple as that.”

Does failing to win the big prize mean the work done the previous year is a failure? Not by a long shot. So, this year I indeed celebrate two bronze medals. Our newspaper staff, described by some as a “small but mighty team” were collectively up for six awards. The take away hardware was one gold (for photos by my colleague), two silver and three bronze. Much to celebrate.

I really like what Antetokounmpo had to say. Certainly, if his team had won the Larry O’Brien championship trophy it would be a highlight in their careers. But working hard all year and being given a chance to do what you love is worth so much more than a trophy. The newspaper awards mean a lot and yes, we display them proudly. Being recognized by the industry is something we don’t take lightly. But that recognition comes from strangers. What means so much more to me is when someone from the community takes the time to talk to me after they’ve read something I’ve written. That is where the reward is.

Plaques or certificates get hung on the wall and glanced at occasionally, but kind words I get to carry around in my heart. That’s my outlook.

“One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.”

- Nelson Mandela

Shelley Luedtke

A podium finish is great, but the work is the reward

Don Van Meer remains proud to be Carlyle’s fire chief

By Stephanie Zoer

Carlyle Fire Chief Don Van Meer helped out at a house fire in Carlyle 36 years ago and has been with the department ever since.

A few days after the house fire, he was approached by Ken Hewitt Sr. about joining, and a week later he was a member of the department.

He has been the fire chief for the past seven years.

“The learning is ongoing for the whole department,” said Van Meer.

Born and raised in Moosomin, he moved to Carlyle in 1983. He has been married to Pam for 38 years and has three children and five grandchildren. His son Travis is also with the department as the deputy fire chief; Travis will also appear in the 2024 Saskatchewan Fire Fighters Calendar.

They have two other deputy fire chiefs, Rob Klassen and Brent Stillwell.

To become a firefighter, level 1 training is required. It consists of 15 modules and approximately 20 hours. Inspection course train-

ing is needed for structural buildings such as commercial, hotels, residential and apartments.

Investigation for after fires and hazmat ice rescue are another level of training. Van Meer said, “The training never really quits,” Van Meer said.

Right now, the department is sitting with 18 paid on-call firefighters, as they just received a few new members. Ideally, they would like to have 20 people for more flexibility as people work or are out of town. Some will head out on summer holidays.

Chief Pat Slater serves over 40 years as a volunteer firefighter

By Stephanie Zoer

Pat Slater lives in Stoughton, and he became the fire chief of the Stoughton Tecumseh Fire Department in 2006. He has volunteered for this department for 40 years.

Slater has seen a lot of things over the years.

“It is a great feeling to get a trapped person out, but it is horrible when we cannot,” he said.

“We do not do this job for the glory, we do it to help our community,” he added later.

The department has 26 members on the roster, but only 15 of them are active. Volunteers come and go, so it is difficult to get everyone on the same level of training, but this is what they strive for.

It is always great to have larger number of members as it makes the job easier for everyone involved.

When a call comes into the department, depending on the situation, Slater must mentally prepare himself first and then prepare his people for the task on hand.

According to Slater, some members of the department handle certain situations better than others. There is always something to do, so they are assigned to what they do the best.

Being a firefighter also brings health issues. Since 2018, the fire department has lost three members to cancer, all related to the smoke on the job, and another is having chemotherapy treatment.

Slater feels this job is very hard on the body, yet they keep doing it to help others.

Another concern is mental health issues. This too, Slater has seen over the years. Sometimes what they deal with, especially a horrible situation, wears on the department members, and they need to know they can get help. One never knows when the system has become

overloaded and begins to break down.

“When this happens there is a list of counsellors to help out,” said Slater.

He went on to say that he does not always see the members, so a list is sent home for families to keep an eye on.

According to Slater, they are a very tight-knit

family. When one hurts the rest of them feel it. It is a tough job, so they need to support each other.

Each situation is different.

“I always prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he said.

Slater is a mechanic by trade and owns a shop in Stoughton.

Carlyle likes to have their members trained at the highest levels possible. Some of the firefighters are getting older.

They are constantly sending members away to other communities for training or bringing a trainer in and inviting surrounding departments to join in, as many of the firefighters in Carlyle are at different levels.

When a call comes in, Van Meer likes to have eight members going out on the call, as one never knows what is going on until on site, whether it be a fire or accident.

Once back at the fire hall, equipment must be checked, everything needs to be cleaned, filled and ready for the next important call.

Over the past couple of years, they have had a new fire hall and some new equipment. They

are grateful for the support they receive from the community.

Van Meer is always

happy to take in new volunteers to help serve Carlyle and area to keep everyone safe.

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Carlyle Fire Chief Don Van Meer has been with the department for 36 years. Photo courtesy of Carlyle Fire Department

Pat Slater has been the Stoughton-Tecumseh Fire Chief since 2006. Photo courtesy of Pat Slater

Fabled Acres Flower Farm provides unique service

By Nicole Northild

Alesha Boettcher, the owner and operator, will teach customers how to cut and process fauna and when you have got enough, you can sit at the table and make yourself a stunning arrangement.

“It’s really the experience you are coming out for,” said Boettcher. “I call it my secret garden. People come to ground themselves in nature.”

Though she does sell to some flower shops, these flowers will be fresher and longer lasting than anything at a florist because customers cut them. At the end you may have just got all your flowers for the wedding or made a beautiful bouquet for yourself or someone you love. The farm is expected to be open in early July and run until the first frost.

Boettcher started at her parents’ place near Carievale, but now with the new farm has opened the new business just outside Redvers. It all started with looking online, Boettcher said.

“I couldn’t believe that this was a job, people can do this? It was amazing to me. I just decided I was going to do it, if they can do it then I can,” she said.

That first year she wasn’t sure if anything would work,

“Last year was a test year, maybe the flowers wouldn’t grow, maybe everyone would think this was too weird and not come. But everything went amazingly and the local communities have been so supportive,” she said.

She has had people come out for a bachelorette party and a ladies’ night; she even is planning some moms and tots days. For weddings, Boettcher can prepare

buckets of flowers with the colour scheme for people to arrange themselves, or because she has been studying as a florist, she can cut and arrange everything for the big day. There is also an interested bouquet subscription. If you want to give the gift of flowers or receive them, every two

weeks you will receive an already arranged bouquet, for a total of four bouquets from July to early September.

Boettcher has always been a farmer but growing this type of flowers is a lot more challenging.

“They grow differently and you have to know how to handle each flower,” said Boettcher.

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She starts growing inside in December. Everything on the farm was started from seed or bulb. It takes a year to prep for the coming year.

“The flowers take a long time to start growing but it is worth it because they are so beautiful,” she said.

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Alesha Boettcher with one of her flower arrangements. Photos submitted by Alesha Boettcher

Home Garden &

Education a big part of business

When Boettcher started, “it was a lot of trial and error but it is very fulfilling to work outside. The flower farming business in new to Canada and some businesses will not even sell seeds to our coun-

try,” she said. “I had to find the growers with the special seeds and I contacted a lot of suppliers and grow my own network. It’s been really nice talking to other flower farmers, it’s a pretty small community

but it’s growing exponentially.”

The experience is part beauty and part educational. Boettcher will show you all that needs to be done from cutting properly to debudding and processing.

“We cut in the evening or the morning because otherwise it is too hot and the flowers will just melt. They follow me around the field for a bit and get the lesson and then they go at it.”

People can go online to reserve a seat for a cutting time or book a private session if they have a bigger party.

“I like showing people different flowers that they didn’t know they could grow here and then next year they grow it themselves. I enjoy the educational side of people coming out here,” said Boettcher.

“I’m really into sustainability and bartering, field to table. I really want to nurture and encourage that. I like that we are getting back to our roots.”

These are also practices that she uses throughout her farm. Her sister had a large vegetable garden last year and Boettcher didn’t have time to grow her own, so exchanged bulbs for her sister’s corn.

“We are as eco-friendly as possible. We don’t use pesticides and we make some of our own fertilizer, which is a compost tea.”

They also use all-naturel fish emulsion and worm-casing powder.

She also practises cov-

er crops, which involves always making sure the soil has a crop on it.

“It is a natural way to amend the soil especially here because the wind is so bad.”

Cover crops pull moisture in the soil and keeps it from eroding. Once you have grown your cover crop, you can till or mow it straight into the soil, adding organic matter and putting whatever nutrients that were deficient in back into the ground.

People at the flower farm picking the flowers they like best.

Individual flower arrangements.

Arrangements starting to take form.

Photos by Stephanie Zoer

A wonderful night for Arcola’s grads to celebrate

By Stephanie Zoer

It was a night to remember for the Arcola graduating class of 2023. Each student was escorted by their parents. They received a short introduction about what they have done in their lives by Janine Houston as principal Ron Wardrope presented them with their scroll.

O Canada was played on the guitar by Ethan Wotta and Jacqueline Walbaum led in the singing.

Wardrope welcomed family and friends. He told the students to treat others as they wanted to be treated, and even when no one is around to always be kind.

Kaydence Hughes was the MC for the evening, and she was also the recipient of the Governor General Scholarship, presented by Wardrope.

Hannah Johnston, Ethan Wotta, Kyra Donahue and Hanna Evans also received scholarships.

Hanna Evans received the Lynette Peet Legacy scholarship, which was awarded for the first time. Peet was a loved teacher from the Arcola School who passed away last year.

15 students graduate this year.

The Pheasant Rump First Nation presented Patrick Watcheston with a ceremonial quilt.

Jordan Weber and Kaleb Devins spoke to the Grade 11 students and gave them advice. They

said to make smart decisions, and that teachers do care more than one thinks and to show up for class.

The valedictorian speech was delivered by Hannah Johnston. She

thanked the parents, teachers and community for their support, while Hanna Evans thanked the parents for their countless hours of driving and how they have taught them to forgive and forget.

Staff, the school board and community council were thanked by Zane Karlunchuck, Jaden Mitchell and Kyra Donahue, while Jenna Bates and Hanna Evans did the thank you presentation.

Amber Evans and Wytt Hall spoke on behalf of the parents. Evans told the students how incredibly proud they were and to enjoy this new chapter in their lives.

Arcola had

Back row, from left, Jaden Mitchell, Patrick Watcheston, Carson Birnie, Zane Karlunchuck, Ethan Wotta, Jordan Weber and Kaleb Devins. Front left, Hanna Evans, Kyra Donahue, Jamison Harkness, Hannah Johnston, Madison Harkness, Jenna Bates and Kyla Lees. Absent was Teshan Kakakaway. Photo by Carlee Annis

Golf season is underway in Stoughton

By Stephanie Zoer

Brad Gervais, president of the Stoughton Golf Club, says people have been out to enjoy the course with the warmer weather.

The greens fared well over the winter, as tarps were pulled by staff and volunteers. The holes are tarped to keep the grass greener and to stop the damage from deer over the winter.

Gervais and his wife Karla are active members of the Stoughton community and enjoy a good game of golf. Their children Vann and Brynlee are also getting involved in the game.

Staff began on April 15 and once tarps were pulled off the nine holes, the irrigation was turned on.

A special blend of grass is needed for golf courses, and Stoughton uses bent grass. This grass is durable and easier to cut short, but not too short as it will scorch. The right amount of fertilizer is also needed to keep the grass green and healthy.

Darlene Bowen is in her third year with the club. She is responsible for the grounds and scheduling.

“She does a great job,” Gervais said.

They also have three new staff members who will require training.

“We have an excellent group of volunteers who all pitch in to get the work done,” he said.

The grounds opened on May 5, and will run seven days a week, from sunup to sundown.

According to Gervais, they already have a good number of tournaments booked. Non-profit organizations that book get 15 per cent off and companies receive 10 per cent off for tournaments booked.

They are well equipped with golf carts, have a clubhouse to enjoy for socializing and out front have an ice cream parlor that has seen visitors already. It is located on Highway 13.

Lampman Golf Course is ready to go

By Stephanie Zoer

The Lampman Golf Course was ready to go

May 1 for all the eager golfers.

Club president Blaise

Fornwald is looking forward to a busy year. He has held the president position for over 10 years, and the course has been in operation since the mid-80’s.

The greens are a mixed blend of grasses for easy maintenance, and they do not use tarps over the winter, but in the spring, irrigation is turned on to keep the grass in tip-top shape.

The artificial turf makes for easier upkeep, as one employee is hired for grass cutting and tree trimming. The rest of the work is done by six dedicated volunteers.

With the course open seven days a week and

from dusk to dawn, an honour system is used with a pay box at the clubhouse. The clubhouse is always open during golfing for customers to use the restrooms. They also have five golf carts for everyone’s convenience.

The nine-hole course saw a steady flow of people and tournaments last year, and Fornwald is hoping for the same this year.

Fornwald said they may plan a Father’s Day tournament, but nothing has been finalized as of yet.

Starting on May 24, and throughout the golfing season, they will hold a fun night of golfing every Wednesday night.

Since the clubhouse has a barbecue, it will be bring your own meat, but salads, drinks and condiments will be supplied for a small fee.

This event is for everyone. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an evening out. It is an opportunity to meet new people within and around the community, said Fornwald.

The clubhouse is not staffed but is used regu-

larly. It can be rented for family reunions, birthday parties or anniversaries, plus it has a large barbecue outside.

Fornwald said they still have room for tournaments. He is hopeful for another successful year on the greens in Lampman.

@CARLYLEOBSERVER LIKE US ON

The Stoughton Golf Club is looking forward to a busy season of tournaments. Photo by Stephanie Zoer

Five golf carts are available at the Lampman Golf Course for people’s convenience. Photo by Blaise Fornwald

RD Family Funeral Chapel

OBSERVER

PLACING AN AD

BY PHONE: 306-453-2525

BY FAX: 306-453-2938 In

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOMINATIONS FOR CELEBRATING

SENIORS PROVINCIAL VOLUTNEER AWARDS

AD DEADLINES 3:00

AD RATES

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR SALE

2014KEYSTONE/COUGAR 327RES-$35,000 36.5',sleeps4,3slide-outs. RearLRwithfireplace,dinette table/4chairs,bathroomwith shower,queenbed,2TVs, DVD,day/nightshades,large outdoorstorageareas,awning, bikerack. 204-851-2052 msmeltz@mts.net

Gala on Sunday

October 1, 2023

Conexus Arts

Centre, Regina

YOU CAN NOMINATE

A DESERVING SENIOR VOLUNTEER WHO CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR COMMUNITY!

Nominees must be: - 55+ - Reside in Sask

- Be a volunteer in your community

Go to SSM website for more information: www.skseniors mechanism.ca OR email ssm@skseniors mechanism.ca OR phone 306-359-9956

Deadline for nominations is June 1, 2023

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.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

COMING EVENTS

BINGO:Kenosee Lake Four Seasons Drop In Centre

Every Tuesday of the Month

Next Bingo is on Tuesday, June 6 at 7pm Hewitt Farms - Garage Sales - Every Saturday & Sunday in May Rain or Shine. Estate items, Household, Antiques, Fishing, Hunting. 4 miles west of Carlyle on HWY 13 & 3.5 south on R.R. 2034. 1.306.577.8998

EXPERIENCEDOFFICEPERSON

TopDogPromotionsislookingforanOfficePerson.Applicant mustbeabletodealwiththepublicinallaspectsrelatingto promotionalproductsandcorporateidentity.

Thisisapart-timeposition,withaminimumof15to20hoursper weekandpotentialoffulltimedependingoncustomerdemand. ThispositionisalsoresponsibletocoverthefrontdeskforMoose MountainAutoGlasswhentheControllerisawayandmustbe availabletowork9:00-5:00onthosedays.

Idealstartdate:May29,2023.Wagetobedeterminedbasedon previousofficeexperience.

Pleaseforwardresumeto:mmautoglass@sasktel.net

REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY:

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp.

Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food handling ticket.

Send resume and work references to:

Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

brydenconstruct@ www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

SALE BY TENDER

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

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS

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“ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

Zone – Commercial 1 – Roll # 505014700 –Lot 24 Block 2 Plan I6534 & Lot 32 Block 2 Plan 101236148 Wawota, Saskatchewan

“Property Tender ” Town of Wawota • Box 58 Wawota, Saskatchewan • S0G 5A0

A cheque payable to the Town of Wawota for 5% of the amount of the tender MUST accompany the tender. Also the intended use of the property.

TOWN OF STOUGHTON

Pursuant to subsection 217 of The Municipalities Act, notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Town of Stoughton for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection by appointment

CERTIFIED SEED WHEAT

AAC GOODWIN, GO EARLY, PINTAIL OATS AC JUNIPER, AC MORGAN, AC MUSTANG, DERBY CDC SO1 SUPER OAT BARLEY AB STANDSWELL, CERVEZA, CDC AUSTENSON CDC MAVERICK, SUNDRE PEAS

VERY EARLY YELLOW, FORAGE PEAS, POLISH CANOLA, SPRING TRITICALE mastinseeds.com

403-556-2609

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-873-0481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED

For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.

Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid

Send resume and work references to:

Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

OR by viewing our website; appeal fees must be paid to the Town of Stoughton

Assessor

PROPERTY FOR SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER

Under the Provision of The Tax Enforcement Act the Lot 19-20 Block 09 Plan 58496-217 Coteau Street PO Box 359 Arcola, SK S0C 0G0

TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST TOWN OF CARNDUFF PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act, that unless arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 27th day of July, 2023, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.

Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.

Worship Hours at the Church of Your Choice

United Church

202-2nd St. W.

Sunday Services: 10:00 a.m. CLOSED JULY & AUGUST ***

Ph: 306-453-6136

Full Gospel Church Welcomes You 202-4th St. W. Service Schedule: Sunday morning Service 10:30 a.m.

Jesus Still Heals Today Wed. evening Bible Study 7:30 p.m. 306-453-2512

Pastor Rodney & Gail Cox

Arcola-Kisbey

Church of Our Lady, Carlyle

Father Chris Carlyle Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 11 a.m. Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m. Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200

United Church

Worship Times: 10a.m.

KISBEY: 1st & 3rd Sunday

ARCOLA: 2nd & 4th Sunday 5th Sunday to be announced at church 306-455-0011

Please join us for worship

Free Methodist Church Hwy 48 • Wawota

Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Pastors Kevin & Bev Kay

Church: 306-739-2313

Roman Catholic Oxbow/Cantal/ Carnduff

Rev. Father Vince Borre Oxbow

St. Joseph’s - 9:00 a.m. Cantal St. Raphael’s Sunday - 10:45 a.m Carnduff St. Jude - 12:30 p.m.

Rev. Father Vince Borre

National

Paramedic Services Week

A history of EMS in the southeast corner

Editor’s note: The following resources were used for this article: Prairie Dreams by Adeline Clark, This way Homesteader by Carnduff Jubilee Committee, Further along the Furrow by Oxbow-Glen Ewen History Book Committee and Echoes of the State by Carnduff and District Historical Society.

In the early 1900s, long before any hospitals were formed, when the patient was too sick or injured to come to the doctor’s office, the doctor would have to come to the patient even though the way was often treacherous.

A patient’s treatment facility was most often a person’s own home and their own bed.

Horse and buggy were the most common means of conveyance and the caregiver would often be out in the dark, as this was long before street lamps, with little light to guide their way. As well as the obstacle of lack of light, the nature of life in the Prairie regions with its wind, rain and blizzards were something often contended with.

If a small town was lucky enough to boast a doctor they would often have an office in town, or see people out of their homes. However, the doctor would cover a large area, and be called upon from great distances, especially considering the condition of the dirt-packed roads.

In 1902 a Dr. Fife came to cover the districts of

Gainsborough, Carievale and Pierson. Borders were not the restrictions to health care as they are now. There were even doctors that covered areas both in Canada and the United States.

In 1919 when many took ill from the flu, Dr. Fife slept in his cutter for three weeks, travelling non-stop to treat patients until he became sick himself.

The first doctor in Carnduff was a Dr. Campbell, followed by Dr. Lockhart, then in 1920 a Dr. Brereton. It was Dr. Brereton desire to open a home in town, to streamline service, for the seriously ill and expectant mothers. This would save pregnant mothers from the worries that came with travel when the child decided to come, as well as cut down on the arduous individual trips that the doctor would have to make, spending more time treating patients instead of travelling to them.

A Stone boat sled to get through muddy conditions.

It was a Mrs. Reid, who had been a housewife from Carnduff, who brought Dr. Brereton’s dream to fruition by opening her house

and making it into a makeshift hospital. From 1919 to 1954 her house served as a treatment station, housing hundreds of babies and mothers as well as others in need of medical assistance.

Mrs. Reid did not only stay at the home in Carnduff to help, she also went out into the barely-tamed country whenever there was a call or need. Day or night, at any hour, there may be a knock at her door and a plea to come, and she would, though there are stories of her going out in blizzards as well as her buggy getting stuck in muddy conditions and having to get rescued by a stone boat, which was a low, flat cart pulled by horses.

There was one instance at 2 a.m. when she was awakened by two strange men that spoke very little English. They gave her a note that said “Baby is very ill. Come at once” and without any regard for her own safety she went with them into the night.

Mrs. Reid wrote “I could have been killed. I didn’t think then of the danger

A cutter sled for winter travel.

in going out at that hour with those characters. I only knew someone needed me!”

Another doctor that served the area were Dr. Pomeroy. He had the reputation of never refusing a patient no matter what the weather was. In 1936 with temperatures that dropped to -56, Pomeroy and his driver Wes Beamish drove to a patient in need and Wes froze his face in the exposed cab. Pomeroy tried to establish a hospital in 1925 but didn’t have the support of the community.

In the 1920s, Dr. Tripp in Oxbow had a phone which made it easier for people trying to track him down and ask him to come,

as John Knight had done when his young girl had slipped through the ice in the early spring and broken her leg. Knight had called the phone office and got transferred to the doctor, who thankfully was home and soon arrived at the Knight household. Knight helped Dr. Tripp set his daughter’s broken leg after she had been given chloroform. She stayed for seven weeks on bedrest and Dr. Tripp would come for house calls when in the area. This pattern of health care continued until the early 1950s when more established hospitals were financed, built and staffed in the local towns.

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Carnduff Golf Course is looking green this season

By Nicole Northild

Jodi Wall, the facility manager at the Carnduff Golf Course, says over 2,500 rounds of golf are played on their ninehole course every year, catering to both members and walk-ins.

“The club has been incorporated since 1971,” Wall shared.

This club is one that works well with its longterm members, allowing them since the 1980s to get together and build their own golf cart sheds onsite.

“When enough of them get together they just built a shed themselves, then they can store their own carts and just pay a trail fee.”

But no worries if you need to rent one; the golf course just bought six new carts last year that are for rent.

The club hosts three

major tournaments a year but is always open to renting out the club-

house or the grounds for an event.

“We have done wed-

dings, and reunions. We are happy to accommodate people on the

menu for any event,” said Wall. They can now freely

Celebrating Lives Well Lived

do it, having taken over the staffing again of the clubhouse. It is no longer being privately run.

The men’s tournament that is coming up from June 9-11 and the women’s July 28 and 29 are two of their annual tournaments. They also host an oilmen’s from Aug. 11-13.

The club’s fundraising board will also host an event at the golf course on Sept. 9, which will include altering the holes for a par-3 tournament with a supper and live band. There will be holein-one sponsors at each of the nine holes with big prizes, such as a boat, for the lucky person to take home if they make the memorable shot. Lottery vouchers will soon be out and for sale up until the event, with prizes of travel vouchers for $6,000, $3,000 and $1,000 to anywhere you want to go.

The Carnduff Golf Course is ready for another year.