OBSERVER
Poplar Tree Inn and Stought’s Eatery under new ownership
By Stephanie Zoer
Stoughton’s Poplar Tree Inn and Stought’s Eatery are under new ownership, and the new owners are excited to be in small town Saskatchewan.
Swapneet Kaur Ranike, her husband Bhupinder Pal Singh and their three children, their son Sayyam Pal Singh, daughters Kirat Ranike and Gulnar Ranike came to Canada from India in 2016.
Ranike has a bachelor’s degree in English, which she passed with honours and has many degrees and courses in the hospitality industry and tourism. She said this is the only thing she has done is be in the restaurant industry since she was 17 years of age.
Living in India, they often live under their parents wings, and they wanted to get out and fly on their own, so they moved to Toronto, Ontario and opened a business.
They liked the education system here, and it gave them a chance to get out of their comfort zone by trying something new, and on their own.
Over the years they have been searching for a business in the west and did a great deal of research and came across the Poplar Tree Inn and Stought’s Eatery.
Ranike said they looked into the small town of Stoughton and saw that it had a great deal to offer, with a school, stores, and activities for their children.
She likes the small town feel. She said in Toronto one does not walk down the street and speak to people, as here it is much different.
On October 15, 2024, the Poplar Tree Inn changed ownership and on November 5, 2024, they purchased Stought’s Eatery.
They have two chefs but plan to bring in another one from Toronto to teach them even more new things.
Most of the items at the eatery are made fresh and homemade. They pride themselves in making their own buns, in house sauces and pizza crusts and so much more.
The old menu will remain the same but will be adding a
side menu with new items in hopes for people to try them out and give their feedback.
Ranike wants people to tell them how they are doing, “We can not fix something that we know do not know is not working,” she said.
Customers are important and they are the ones that give them business. They want to be able to fix issues with an upset customer if something is not right. They are also open seven days a week.
The Inn has 41 rooms, and is managed by Mike Assar, and it is their plan to
make some of the suites with kitchenettes. “Not everyone wants to eat out when they are on the road,” said Ranike. She wants to offer guests that option to cook their own meals.
Assar came to Canada 10 years ago, and he looks forward to giving guests a great visit at the Poplar Tree Inn.
Breakfast is included with the motels experience and drinks are always available. In the future an indoor swimming pool will be added. This she feels is an excellent
attraction to visitors and the kids love a pool.
While the Ranike family remains in Toronto, they will be moving to Stoughton in the future.
Ranike hopes to get involved in the community with fund raising, as she did in Ontario supporting the local hospital, pet rescues and local organizations.
While they still need to get their routine in place and get settled in, she looks forward to meeting many of the people in the area and offer years of dedicated service.
From left, the new sta at Stought’s Eatery is Arch Pahuja, Ashima Sharma, Swapneet Kaur Ranike, Caroling Lopez-Perez, Sandro E AriasPulido and Mike Assar. Photo courtesy of Swapneet Kaur Ranike
January
Sat, Jan 25 – Youth Funspiel
Carlyle Curling Club
Sat, Jan 25 – 32nd Annual Arcola
Optimist Snowmobile Rally
Sun, Jan 26 – Carlyle Minor Ball
Pitching Clinic
February
Sun, Feb 2, 9 & 23 – Carlyle Minor Ball
Pitching Clinic
Fri, Feb 14 – Redvers Legion Valentine’s Day Supper and Concert
*Do you have a community event you want listed here?
Send us the name of the event, date, and what community it’s being held by emailing: observer@sasktel.net OR calling: (306) 453-2525.
March
Sat, Mar 15 – Arcola High House – The Leftovers
Tues to Sat - Mar 25 -29 – 125th Arcola Curling Club Bonspiel
April
Sat, April 12 – Lions Supper and Auction Sat, April 19 – Arcola High House – J.J. Voss
Ponderosa Barrel Racing Series was well attended
By Stephanie Zoer
by Jennie
and is held on her ranch which is located between Manor and Redvers on high-
way 13, and the event is named after the long time TV show, Bonanza.
Weber has been involved with horses for many years and hosts a great deal of events on her ranch throughout the year, mostly pertaining to barrel racing.
At Weber’s ranch, she has a large indoor arena, which is heated and liked very much by the competitors in the cold winter months.
In December, she added the Ponderosa series for all barrel racers who wanted to attend. It will run until April with the finals on April 19.
To add some more
fun to the event, on December 31 she held a gala race, asking those who attended to dress in a gown while running the barrels. It was solely left up to the rider whether they wanted to dress up or not, as not all horses appreciate this kind of activity with gowns.
Weber said the youngest rider is three years old and the oldest riders are well into their 60’s. Racers travel a considerable distance to join in on these events and an average of 35 horse and rider teams come out to join in the fun.
The events are held
every other weekend, with a few specials thrown in on the off Saturdays.
Barrel racers run a clover leaf pattern around three barrels, racing against the clock, and against each other. A barrel knocked down will give a rider penalties and it is added to their running time.
These horses are well trained and are built for speed. Not all horses are able to be barrel racing horses, but there are many that are bred especially for this sport.
Many parents, grandparents and friends come to watch the events and cheer on the competitors.
Weber offers those in attendance coffee and hot chocolate, but she also cooks them a hot meal, followed by dessert.
On April 12, another jackpot was added to the list, and it will have an Easter theme.
“It is a fantastic group that comes out and they often come with the
whole family,” said Weber.
Lisa Huynh and her daughter Kyra also attend the jackpots.
“They are always amazing,” said Huynh. “Jennie always hosts the best jackpots and makes home cooked meals for us to enjoy. Great people always show up, good competition and it is always nice to ride in a warm arena.”
Kyra also competes and debuted her American Quarter Horse (AQHA) stallion named A Nick of Honour (Harry) at the event. It was his first jackpot, and she was incredibly pleased with his performance. His temperament as a stallion is very laid back, but he knows his job on the barrels.
The next event is scheduled for January 18, to make up for a missed one on the 11, followed by another on January 25.
The jackpots are open to all who wish to attend and try their hand at the turn and burn event.
The Ponderosa Barrel Racing Series is hosted
Weber
On December 31, the Ponderosa Barrel Racing Series added some fun by having the racers wear gala gowns while they raced. Photo by Jennie Weber
Rangers hold project making Christmas brighter for kids
By Stephanie Zoer
Joining Girl Guides is a relatively easy task, and once joined can move up the ranks within the club.
The Stoughton Girl Guide club started in 2019 and Ella-Renn Slater and Cheyenne Lake joined right away, but being older they could go to the appropriate level, and they are now rangers.
Being in the rangers age group young women need to be between the age of 15-17 years and it is at this age that they need to do service projects to gain awards.
Cheryl Lake, one of the leaders and the Black-Gold District leader suggested to the two young women to raise toys for Christmas and to have them added to the hampers that were handed out during the season.
Decorated boxes were placed at some of the local businesses in Stoughton near the end of November, including Lakeview Insurance were Reine Clark is in charge. The challenge continued until December 17, 2024.
Clark challenged other businesses to get involved. The challenge was for local businesses and local area residents to donate a toy or two to the cause and for them to nominate someone else.
This went very well with over 40 toys being collected. Lake said it went so well that they
donated toys to the hampers and still have toys left over, as they were not needed in the hampers or were for a different age.
It took Lakes whole family all evening to wrap the gifts and label them with the proper age and gender on the wrapping.
“It is tough times for people, and I wanted to help out,” said Cheyenne. “It feels good contributing to the community,” said Ella-Renn.
The remaining toys will be handed out to the daycare and play school.
The club is always working on projects and on May 10 they will hold their Trefoil Tea. This will
also host a bake sale and girl guide cookie sales.
Cheyenne and EllaRenn have plans on going to Iceland and Switzerland in 2026. To raise funds for this, they must sell girl guide cookies. Their sales are kept separate as the trip must be paid for with 25 percent of their girl guide cookie sales.
They will spend two days in Iceland and the remainer in Switzerland in the town of Adelboden, were the World of Associations Girl Guide Centre is.
The two young women will be holding more fund raisers this summer, which may include a car wash or bake
sale. Each ones trip will cost around $6,000.
Another project they must undertake is a nature themed event, which in the past years has helped the New Hope Pioneer Lodge plant flowers and vegetables in the flowerbeds.
The girl guide group is working on a district badge. Each girl draws what they feel girl guides is about and each club including Lampman, Midale and Estevan will submit their badges.
One badge will be selected, and the winner and her club will be awarded a pizza party, which all clubs are working hard to earn.
Girl Guides offers a safe environment for young women to enjoy making crafts, playing games and learning all about camping. There is something for all ages from 5-17 years of age.
Girl Guides always offer a safe and fun time for the girls, while they play games and enjoyed some home baked cookies that they made.
Photos by Stephanie Zoer
From left, Ella-Renn Slater and Cheyenne Lake are rangers with the Stoughton Girl Guides and are always offering help to the younger group. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
The power and complexity of change
Stephanie Zoer
Just a few words
Change can be a difficult word for human existence, an inevitable and constant force that shapes lives, societies, and the world at large.
While the concept of the word may seem simple at first glance, its implications are profound and multifaceted.
Change can bring growth, innovation, and progress, but it can also provoke resistance, fear, and uncertainty.
At its core, change refers to the process of becoming different. This could be a shift in circumstances, perspectives, behaviour, or conditions.
It can be internal, involving personal growth or mindset transformation, or external, impacting the environment, relationships, or societal structures.
Change is neither inherently good nor bad, it is neutral until given meaning by those experiencing it.
A career change can be an exciting opportunity for one person and a stressful challenge to another.
When one tires of their job and seeks new employment, this change comes in many forms. It can be exciting to have a new boss, new friends, and a different routine, but it is a change that the person was looking for.
For others that may have lost their job it can be a stressful change, as they were not seeking new employment or meeting new people, they did not want a different routine. The change is a challenge for them.
Personal change involves self-improvement. Learning or evolving in response to life experience. It could be adopting a healthier way of life by dieting, going to the gym or personal growth by changing our attitudes and becoming a more positive person. This change can give us less stress and a fruitful mind.
Changing our attitudes can be difficult, especially when we think it is someone else’s attitude that needs changing.
Some people are controlling, bossy and need to be right, asking for such a change is an issue that the person themselves may not see.
I remember as a child my mom saying for us to change our clothes. What was the purpose of this? As a kid we saw nothing wrong coming home from school and going to the barn to do chores, but for my mom the change was important. It kept our school clothes in better shape, wearing our old worn out clothes to the barn made sense. It was important for her, as clothing was expensive and keeping our good clothing lasting longer meant less expenses for her and the family.
It was the same on Sundays when we went to church. We did not darn go out and play in our church clothes. We changed as soon as we returned home.
This change was a simple matter, one that meant more to a parent than it meant to the child, yet the child did so without challenging the issue or questioning it.
There is also the change that we are not prepared for, and this one is the most difficult.
The loss of a loved one is a change that no one wants to go through, yet it is something that many experience every day in their lives.
This change can be sudden through an accident or one that we know is only a matter of time, but we do not want to accept it.
If only this kind of change was easy, but it is not.
When I received the call that my mom had passed away, we knew for several days that the call was coming. I thought it would have been easier. After all, she was 97, but this change, not having my mom to call, is still something I am not use to, although it has gotten easier.
Change is a powerful word, and it can be quite complex. It is a word that should not be taken lightly. After all, for some the changes are welcoming and for others it is a totally different way of life.
“Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”
Lessons
It can be a little sad for some to see holiday decorations come down and Christmas and New Year activities come to an end. There’s something about the colour, the coziness, the lights and the anticipation of gatherings that is a bit hard to say farewell to. But the spirit of celebration doesn’t need to end quite yet. A festive event is right around the corner because Sunday is National Popcorn Day!
I love popcorn. It’s a product our household buys in bulk because there’s no worry it won’t get used in a timely manner. One of the few pictures I still have on my phone from the pandemic is my daughter holding up an empty box after discovering we had run out of popcorn. I doubt it had ever happened before, and certainly hasn’t happened since, but it was the fallout of a time when we were limiting the number of shopping outings.
Popcorn is a rather remarkable treat. It is high in fibre which makes it a satisfying snack as well as helpful with digestion and even lowering cholesterol levels. It contains antioxidants that can help blood
circulation, is gluten free and is naturally low in calories and fat. This is not news of course, but I did learn this week that the crunch of popcorn triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical message in the brain that causes feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Of course it’s not all great news. When you add butter and salt (and eat popcorn as intended) it can lead to water retention and high blood pressure, and we’re warned that unpopped kernels can damage our teeth.
Beyond its popularity as a snack food, and an absolute requirement for many when it comes to movie watching, there are things we can learn from the rather humble popcorn kernel. When it comes to popcorn, a little goes a long way. Just two tablespoons of kernels produces four cups of the snack. Similarly, a little bit of kindness can produce quite the bounty. It has been suggested that a single act of kindness can impact up to 125 people in a day. How? Kindness spreads like a chain reaction so if you are kind to someone it increases the likelihood they will be kind to someone else and so on and so on.
Popcorn is relatively cheap. Depending on the brand, for as little as 25 cents you can pop enough kernels to create a good-sized snack. That’s good value for the money. The same can be said of far more consequential things. In developing countries, $10 can bring clean water to one person for a whole year. In places like Cameroon, Kenya or Sudan, as little as $6
can provide bug nets to slow the spread or malaria, or buy vitamins and simple medicines. In regions affected by natural disaster, $5 will cover a life-saving course of antibiotics. For just $1 per day a malnutrition centre can be restocked to nourish 64 children. A little does indeed go a long way.
But perhaps the best lesson we can learn from popcorn is the amazing, untapped potential contained within the single kernel just waiting for the opportunity to be realized. However, it doesn’t come easy. In fact, until the kernel is placed under intense heat and pressure it will remain but a kernel. But when the pressure inside gets high enough, the kernel explodes and turns into a fluffy piece of popcorn. No pressure and heat? No popcorn. Sometimes the same can be said of us. As hard as it may be to undergo, sometimes it isn’t until we endure intense heat and pressure in life that we become who we were meant to be. We need to be put through a refining process to see what we are truly made of and what we might be able to accomplish.
So the next time you munch on a handful of popcorn or simply take in its aroma, think of what it took for those kernels to become something greater than they once were. Then think of the amazing ways we can impact our community and our world once our hard shells are removed and everything that is imaginable becomes possible. Kernels pop one at a time and our world changes one act at a time. Happy National Popcorn Day! That’s my outlook.
- Nelson Mandela
Shelley Luedtke
from a favorite snack
New mayor was always connected to his home town
By Stephanie Zoer
Stefan Clark had lived in Stoughton most of his life, and when he did leave for a short time, he was always connected to his roots in the small southeastern town.
His generation of family goes back to his great grandfather, grandfather, father, Clark and now his children.
Clark attended the Stoughton Central School and after graduating in 2000 and taking a year or two off, then went to the University of Saskatchewan to receive his Bachelor of Science degree, which is a four year course.
Upon completion of the degree the geologist went to work and has done many interesting jobs in his field dealing with diamonds, gold, and silver.
After returning to his home town he married Reine Clark, whom he had known all his life.
They have two sons,
Nixon, who is eight years old and Parks is now four years old.
Keeping things in the family, they bought their grandparents home and remain living there.
Clark comes from a family that has always been heavily involved in the town, with them being in council and having the mayor position.
While they were in the position, they saw the water plant being built in the 1960’s, helped with getting the streets paved and getting the rink and curling rink built.
“There is a lot of history in this town, and I want to see it being preserved,” said Clark.
In 2016 Clark ran for council and was successful in his election and sat the term for four years. He ran again in the following election and once again received a seat on council.
Clark felt it was time to run for mayor, as the former mayor was not running again. Once again,
Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, and the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus, if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right. (Søren Kierkegaard).
Literally and metaphorically Kierkegaard makes sense. We are in January, a month known to be depressing. I just got off the phone and sent an email trying to address the depression and struggle involved with ill health and difficult circumstances some of my friends are facing. Part of my message to them: Look for the sun in January. It is normally a depressing month, but as Christians we have an edge because Jesus cares for us.
We know that Jesus wept on occasion. He wept over Jerusalem; he wept at the loss of his friend Lazarus, and he wept in Gethsemane at the very human prospect of pain and suffering. We often hear the expression “men don’t cry,” but God does. The incarnation of Jesus was to bring us the love that God has for his creation.
I was struck this past Christmas by the presence of ox and lamb in the creche. The old bloody sacrifices on the altar of the temple were coming to an end. The new sacrifice of love in the lamb of God would fulfill Hosea’s prophecy, “I desire mercy, not sacrifices” (Hosea 6:6). “But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13).
Compassion! The sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress, together with a desire to alleviate it! The poor, the sick and the suffering are always close to the heart of Jesus. The greatest saints were close to the suffering of Jesus and partook of his suffering. Our Lord said to St Bernard, “I will remit all the venial sins, and I will no more think of the mortal sins of those who honour the grievous wound on my right shoulder, which caused me unutterable pain when bearing my heavy cross to Calvary.”
Empathy! The ability to share someone else’s feelings or experience by imagining what it would be like to be in that person’s situation. Jesus allowed some of his saints to share the pains of his crucifixion. St Francis of Assisi, St Catherine of Sienne and Padre Pio are some of the well-known saints who suffered the stigmata, the wounds of the crucified Christ. Being close to God means joy. “Nothing is wanting to him who possesses God,” said St Teresa of Avila. Michael Angelo’s Pieta [from the Latin pity] is perhaps the greatest work of art depicting empathy and compassion. The Virgin Mary confronts the reality of the death of her son. Yet it is serene and tranquil, and Mary is graceful in her acceptance of it. Mary tilts her head toward Christ, while his head is thrown back in the helplessness of human death. Mary’s exposed left hand invites us to meditate on the death of her
he was successful in the election and is now the Mayor of Stoughton.
The town has just received a new water plant, and he wishes to continue with the up-
grades in town.
“It is important to have a good water source in your town as this is attracting to new people,” he said.
This plant is 75 per-
while delicately recognizing the newness of
Jane Merczewski (Nightbirde), dying of cancer, said: “If something so impossibly catastrophic and unimaginably awful can happen, then doesn’t it also mean that something impossibly
and redemptive can happen.
cent paid for with grants and funds that they have saved and through the R.M. of Tecumseh.
Clark feels it is important to fill the gap between the people who have lived here all their lives with the newcomers.
“We have a lot to offer in this town, with our pool, rink, curling rink and golf course,” said Clark. “We have great soccer fields with several of them new.”
“We need to preserve what we have and maintain them,” Clark said. “These buildings belong to the town, and we need to keep them in great condition for the next generations.”
As the mayor he wants to see the signs coming into Stoughton dressed up and more appealing, and also do some work on the main street. He said many of the sidewalks are still asphalt and they need fixing. There will be lots of planning and
grant writing to get these projects done. They want to give back to the businesses by working with them, as he feels they are always giving to the community. Many of these times it is through donations to the organizations that are in town.
The focus will also be on volunteers, and getting the younger generations involved more, but we also need to take the pressure off of them and that will be through the town.
The rink, curling rink, pool and golf course all have their own boards, but the financial end will go through council, this will help with the volunteers focusing on other issues that need taken care of.
He looks forward to his term as mayor and hopes to work with the council and community in making Stoughton the place that people want to live.
Stefan Clark was on the Stoughton town council for eight years before deciding to run for mayor. Photo by Stephanie Zoer
Souris Moose Creek Wildlife Federation
By Stephanie Zoer
The Souris Creek Wildlife Federation (SCWF) had always held a Big Buck night before COVID hit, it was then shut down for several years.
In the spring of 2024 Zac Martens, Nolan Batt, and Mark Cogswell, who are part of the SCWF board, were sent to the Henry Kelsey Scoring clinic in Moose Jaw to obtain their scoring license. This two day course gave them the opportunity to do their own scoring at the branch if they held another big buck night.
They felt the time had come for them to be able to hold another big buck night and it was held on January 8, at the Oxbow Legion with a sold out crowd.
The meal was provided by Southeast Butcher Block offering beef on a bun with several side dishes as well.
With a crowd of 60 people, most of the people in attendance were hunters.
Nolan Batt said it took a great deal of planning, with several phone calls to vendors, caterers, and even between the committee members trying to get the event up and running.
They are glad they did it and hope to keep the event running as an annual one, like it was before.
Batt, Martens, and Cogswell are hunters and often go out together for the hunt, but they are also friends.
Each species has their own way of scoring. For example, any animal that has antlers is scored by the Henry Kelsey
scoring method which includes length, width, and mass. The highest score receives the price.
To apply to enter the big buck night for the competition, first one needs to be a
member of the SCWF, next one contacts one of the scoring members and are told the day for drop off, or if scoring has already been done a copy of the score sheet and photo of the skull takes place with
the person’s name.
A person must also be of legal hunting age to participate in the event.
There are many categories including walleye, typical and non-typical whitetail deer,
typical and non-typical mule deer, elk, moose, and ladies and junior plaques.
Also, whether the animal was taken by rifle or archery, and several different fish are included in this if they have them.
With the many categories these are the winners that were presented plaques.
Rick Wainman took the walleye with a 27 ¾” fish, Roberta Carpendale took the typical whitetail deer rifle at 166 5/8”.
Joh Parker won the nontypical whitetail deer rifle with a 178 3/8” measurement.
Coty Pranke took the nontypical mule deer at 174 3/8” and the typical mule deer with a 204 1/8” score went to Travis Markowski.
The typical whitetail deer muzzleloader with 165 2/8” went to Zac Martens, and the typical elk went to Marlin Cogswell with a 289 5/8” score.
The moose with a 132 6/8” score went to Kevin Kirby, while the whitetail deer archery went to Harlan Martens with a score of 141 7/8”.
Ladies non-typical whitetail deer scored at 129 7/8” by Leia Martens, and Sydney Parker took home the ladies typical whitetail deer with a 134” score.
Hunter Kirby had a 154 4/8” score with his junior mule deer and Kane Boyes junior whitetail deer scored 140 3/8”.
They hope to continue with the annual event and that it grows stronger every year.
From left, Marlin Cogswell receives the trophy from Zac Martens for his traditional elk. Photo by Nolan Batt
From left, ladies typical whitetail deer scored 134” and was won by Sydney Parker, presented by Zac Martens.
From left, Hunter Kirby took home the junior mule deer with a score of 154 4/8”, presented by Zac Martens.
Photos by Nolan Batt
From left, the junior whitetail deer scoring at 140 3/8” went to Kane Boyes and presented by Zac Martens.
Souris Moose Creek Wildlife Federation Big Buck night
From left, Rick Wainman winner of the walleye division with a score of 27 ¾” with Zac Martens.
From left, the winner of the typical whitetail deer rifle with a score of 166 5/8” went to Robert Carpendale presented by Zac Martens.
From left, Jon Parker was presented the non-typical whitetail deer rifle by Zac Martens with a score of 178 3/8”.
From left, the non-typical mule deer with a score of 174 3/8” went to Coty Pranke, presented by Zac Martens.
From left, Travis Markowski received the typical mule deer with a 204 1/8” score by Zac Martens.
From left, Zac Martens won the typical whitetail deer muzzleloader with a score of 165 2/8”, presented by Marlin Cogswell.
From left, the moose award with a score of 132 6/8” went to Kevin Kirby, presented by Zac Martens. Photos by Nolan Batt
From left, Harlan Martens won the whitetail deer archery with a score of 141 7/8”, presented by Zac Martens.
From left, the ladies non-typical whitetail deer scored 129 7/8”, won by Leia Martens and presented by Zac Martens.
Submitted by Sean Choo-Foo
From snowmobiles to swimming pools
From March to July, 2023, I went to visit my fiancée Joyce Apostol on my second trip to the Philippines. I fell in love with the Philippines from the first time I stepped off the plane in February, 2020. I love the people, I love the culture, I love the food, I love the cost of living, I love the ocean, and I definitely love the weather.
One night we were discussing our future and our dreams. I casually mentioned to Joyce that if we bought property and built in the Philippines, we would be able to live a very good lifestyle that we would not be able to afford in Canada, and I would probably be able to retire a few years earlier. At this point it was just a dream, so we locked it in our memory vault and thought…some day, some way we will make our dream happen.
Fast forward to October 1, 2023, I was at home in Kenosee watch-
ing YouTube and our friend (Kevin) was interviewing another friend of ours (Tim).
Tim had hooked up with a local real estate agent, and they had purchased a block of land in Dauin, a suburb of Dumaguete, in Negros Oriental. The island is south of the capital city, Manila - one hour by plane. The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, many of them uninhabited. Dumaguete was number 7 in 2014 for Forbes top ten places to retire in the world, and Dauin is home to the best snorkeling and scuba diving in all of the Philippines.
Anyway, as I am watching the interview I remember thinking this is checking all the boxes. A large part of Dauin’s economy revolves around tourism, because of the fantastic scuba diving, there are many small resorts, terrific restaurants, a golf course, live entertainment venues, deep sea fishing, fantastic hospitality, and a good mix
of locals and expats. It feels like an Asian Kenosee-Lake, the perfect home away from home!!
The property itself is about a quarter of the way up a mountain, which expats like
because it cools off at night. It is a five minute drive from the ocean, the roads are cemented, and in Dauin, the traffic is not nearly as congested. There is also a hospital only 15 minutes away. The only question left was the price. When they announced it, I nearly fell over. Not only was it affordable, but it was doable. I got on the phone with Joyce, told her to watch Kevin’s channel (too much time on my hands) to see what she thought. She called back after she watched it and she was as excited as I was.
We decided we were going to make our dream a reality, so we contacted Tim’s partner and told him we would take it sight unseen. I normally would not suggest this, but when I got ahold of him, they only had one property left, so we decided we wanted to secure it! He said he would let the owner know in the morning as it was quite late, in all the excitement I had forgotten about the 14 hour time difference.
When he finally got ahold of us, our dreams were crushed. The owner had someone contact him directly and he had already agreed to sell to that potential buyer. As they say, Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Sensing our disappointment, he said “Give me an hour. I have an idea.”
After waiting a very long hour, he said he contacted a farmer that owned property on the other side and if we were interested, he would sell us 1500 square meters (just over 16,000 sq. ft.)
Joyce caught the first flight from Manila and viewed the property. Our dream was still alive. We made a conditional offer, and it was accepted!!
Joyce had to get back to Manila for work, so she flew back to Dumaguete on October 15, went to the lawyer’s office, signed the papers and BOOM! Just like that we were property owners in the Philippines.
By Stephanie Zoer
Every day, up to twenty people lose their lives to drug overdoses, which is heartbreaking and shocking, and deserving of the attention that it receives. This is up to 3,000 lives annually.
However, according to a resent study done by Regency Robotics, there is a killer out there that has an even higher number, and takes the lives of 38 people each dayover 14,000 annually.
This killer receives much less attention, and it is due to hospital acquired infections (HAIs) caused by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a super bug that is not af-
fected by drugs. Shockingly, according to this study HAIs is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. If these numbers are accurate, then by 2050 this death toll will reach between 256,000 to 396,000 people.
In 2019, just before COVID-19 shut down the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared AMR and HAIs as a global crisis.
Multiple drug resistant organisms (MDROs) are pathogens that increasingly defy antibiotics. Currently one in nine patients in Canadian Hospitals contract an HAI.
This creates a strain on families, health care workers and the system which is already overwhelmed.
In 2018, HAIs cost Canada $1.4 billion dollars annually, a number that could soar to $120 billion by 2050. Regency Robotics said that Canada today spends $1.3 million annually combatting HAIs and that is expected to increase to $117 billion annually.
Healthcare professionals, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Environmental Service Teams (EVS) work tirelessly to prevent these infections, but human limitations inevitably result in missed spots during disinfections, which is not something they do deliberately, but it happens.
The Ultraviolet “C” (UV-C) light has proven germicidal properties and is capable of destroying the RNA and DNA of pathogens within seconds. This was a study in the American Journal of Infection and that it can eliminate 99.999 percent of pathogens in the areas the UV-C light could reach.
In New York and California, they have used
HEALTH & Seniors
Drug overdoses cause less deaths than hospital acquired infections according to a new study
the older model pushcart UV-C devices and saw HAI reductions of 20-34 percent. However, these older models were limited with low power and a long cleaning times which took nearly an hour to disinfect one single room.
There is now a newer autonomous UV-C robot that is a game changer according to Regency Robotics. This self-driving robot can disinfect a single room in less than nine minutes, safely and consistently, by follow-
ing the same path every time.
They ensure comprehensive 360 degree disinfection of air and all surfaces, getting to the unintended omissions and protecting both the patients and staff.
A 25 per cent reduction in HAIs at an average hospital in Saskatchewan could save $350,000 annually and potentially save three lives per hospital each year.
Saskatchewan has roughly 70 hospitals and
savings could be $24 million annually in HAI related costs and prevent over 210 deaths a year. With 14,000 deaths happening annually from HAIs, Regency Robotics feels that with the UV-C robots this number can be decreased, and lives will be saved. They feel the UV-C is a game changer that will save lives, alleviate the enormous financial pressure on our already straining healthcare system.
Hospital rooms are the number one cause of hospital acquired infections caused by antimicrobial resistance, a super bug not a ected by drugs. Photo sourced from the Internet
Sean Choo-Foo and his ancée Joyce Apostol. Photo supplied by Sean Choo-Foo
A10 » CHOO-FOO
Choo-Foo journey in the Philippines
We sat on our property until I could fly out. We cleared the bush, hired our contractor, filled out various permits, ordered our supplies, got our blueprints printed up and we now have just completed Day 21 of our build.
We are building a 140 sq. metre (1500 sq.ft.) bungalow style house, on our 1500 sq. metre property. We have 12 coconut trees, palm trees,
Email: sales@agproseeds com
NOW HIRING:
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires SHOP LABORERS
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and we will be planting lime, papaya, banana, mango, and jack fruit trees, overlooking the jungle, and a beautiful view of the top of the mountain. Our house and pool should be
completed by the end of June 2025.
If you wish to follow us on our journey we have started our YouTube channel, “Fooman in the Philippines.” It will show the progression of our
build, and “ A day in the life” so to speak. Please like and subscribe. We can also be contacted by email at Foo_man00@ hotmail.com if you have any questions. Stay warm everyone!!
Duties involve cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/ maintenance area, and general laborer duties. Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided. Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844 I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know 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
Choo-Foo’s house will overlook the jungle and have a beautiful view of the top of the mountain. Photo by Sean Choo-Foo
Safety guidelines when out snowmobiling this winter
Submitted by Troy Foster
Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club would like to remind snowmobilers to be mindful of their riding limits and maintain safe speeds when out on the snowmobile trails. It is advisable when riding in the Moose Mountain Provincial Park forest to stay on marked trails and be sure to have warm clothing and extra food and water in the event of an unexpected stay in the Backcountry. If you do venture off the trails this winter know where you are in case an emergency arises. And as always, ride with a friend who can contact emergency services in the event of an accident.
Every year we see where snowmobilers have left the trail crashing into the brush and trees. While most of these incidents are never reported and don’t require first responders, there are cases when a rescue is required. If an incident happens and you need first responders, your first call should be 911. The people at the 911 call center already know who to contact and dispatch in the Moose Mountain area. The better the details of the accident location will get help to you sooner.
The Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club is preparing to get emergency supplies into key
shelters incase they are needed.
*Some tips if you have an emergency.
- If there is no phone service, send someone for help immediately. Most areas of the park have cellular coverage. If not iPhone 14 and above have Satellite Texting during an emergency.
- If the injured victim is awake and responsive, ask them to tell you what is wrong. If what they say makes you suspect a spinal injury, do not move the victim since moving them could risk injuring them further. If the victim is not responsive, always presume they may have a spinal injury and never move them.
- If available use a first aid kit and follow these guidelines whenever dealing with injured persons: Always remain calm. Don’t overstep your abilities or training—you should take at least a basic first aid and CPR course to help you be better prepared in the event of an emergency. If there is major bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound to help slow or stop it. Evaluate the victim for shock, which could occur immediately following a crash, anytime a victim is or was unconscious following blunt trauma or severe jarring of the body, or if a person has broken bones. Stabilize the injured person and keep
them as dry and warm as possible. Don’t move an unconscious victim unless there is no alternative.
Don’t attempt to set broken bones. Don’t allow an injured person to drink alcohol since it causes the body to lose heat and can induce hypothermia; alcohol could also cause complications for medical staff who later have to treat the victim.
Don’t take any drugs or medications; this decision should be deferred to medical professionals.
Shock
To treat shock, have the victim lie flat on their back with their legs elevated, keep them warm by covering them with extra clothing or blankets.
Frostbite
Frostbite occurs when your skin actually freezes. It can be prevented by wearing proper clothing and ensuring protective gear like helmets, face shields, and facemasks cover all skin when riding.
It is important to recognize warning signs and promptly take action. Watch others in your group for exposed skin that shows signs of discoloration. Also beware of your own skin becoming numb or having a burning sensation. If skin becomes frozen, allow it to warm slowly and do not let
This map shows all the snowmobile trail in Moose Mountain Provincial Park and leading to the communities surrounding including White Bear. Areas where trails intersect on the map are Junctions which have a lexan map holder with the latest map marked with your location. There are 120 km of marked and groomed trails inside the Moose Mountain Provincial Park which are each are numbered for identification. Park trails are numbered P346 using a A to H to identify them on the map. The Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club also marks and grooms 325 km of trail outside the Provincial Park connecting the communities using 311 A to H to identify them on the map.
it refreeze once it has warmed. Never rub the skin with frozen snow. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hypothermia
The first signs of hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering and slurred speech, which is followed by delirium and unconsciousness. A person can die if hypothermia is not promptly treated.
Warming the victim is the only treatment for hypothermia, so begin warming them immediately once they begin to show signs. Do whatever you can to get the victim warm by building a fire, hugging them, huddling close together, or wrapping yourself together with them in a blanket or sleeping bag.
There are 9 shelters inside the Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Regardless of where you are on the trails in the park you are no further than a maximum of 8 km from a shelter. The
Full Gospel Church Welcomes You 202-4th St W. Service Schedule: Sunday morning Service 10:30 a.m. Jesus Still Heals Today Wed. evening Bible Study 7:30 p.m 306-453-2512
Pastor Rodney & Gail Cox
Church of Our Lady, Carlyle
Father Chris Juchacz
Carlyle: Sunday at 11 a.m.
Kenosee: Saturday at 5 p.m Forget: Sunday at 9 a.m. 306-453-6200
Arcola-Kisbey United Church Worship Times: 10 a.m.
KISBEY:
only time a shelter is further is when you are on P346B Boundary. In that case the Park Core area, Kenosee Village or the Bear Claw Casino is your closest choice.
All Shelters have our club maps mounted on the north wall and junctions have maps mounted in lexan map hold-
ers. Please use these so you know your location. YOU ARE HERE stickers are attached to all these maps. We are currently looking at numbering the junctions in the park to better relay your location to emergency personnel. Check out our Facebook page for updates and more information.
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ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO.271