FineLifestyles Estevan Weyburn February/March 2012 by Fine

FineLifestyles FEbruary / March 2012 || VoluME 1, iSSuE 2

W. BrEtt Wilson Dichotomy in Denim

Profiling many of Estevan’s and Weyburn’s Fine Businesses Q & a with hip hop Star claSSiFiEd chEF Gordon raMSay recipies KEn bEattiE cnada’s Favorite Gardener oil and GaS coluMn with Geologist Jennifer cugnet EntErtainMEnt calendar

Weyburn/Estevan

Budget Blinds is Estevan & Weyburn’s #1 choice for all your window covering needs!

Budget Blinds is North America’s largest window covering company, which provides the competitive edge on products and buying power.

Meet your local sales consultant natalie Gray Budget Blinds Consultant Estevan, Weyburn & Area 534 University Park Drive, Regina, Sk. e: natalie@yourbudgetblinds.ca www.budgetblinds.com

Locally owned and operated, Leanne Fisher is proud to call Saskatchewan home again after moving to Alberta for college 13 years ago! “If you ask any of our staff why we do what we do...they will all answer...because we get to meet so many great people”! Our staff makes the difference! In addition to providing customers with education about each product at a competitive price – our staff truly cares about facilitating a fun, professional in-home atmosphere to make the window covering process easy! If it’s having product air shipped and installing at 11 p.m. on a Friday night to prepare for a wedding the following day, or aiding an elder customer with cleaning her windows while we’re up on the ladder – we are different – we go the extra mile! We are out to change how you buy window coverings! Shop where your windows are. We come to you! Explore fabrics, materials, choices and features from hundreds of product styles and colors. We measure so you get the perfect fit, and then provide professional installation to ensure a beautiful view!

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306.842.6531

Saskatoon, SK p: 306.683.0008 tf: 866.431.3490 FineLifestyles 3 www.directbuysaskatoon.ca ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

InnovatIon on DIsplay partners proud of unique oil industry education centre Since the concept was initially discussed, there has been great excitement around the newly opened Weyburn Energy Innovation Centre. Originally conceived by the South East Regional Economic Development Authority (Sereda), the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Weyburn, the centre was designed to be not only a historical display, but a dynamic exposition of the future energy production in Saskatchewan. During the grand opening in September of 2011, the partners in the Weyburn Energy Innovation Centre fondly looked back at the road that arrived at opening day. Representatives from Cenovus Energy, Apache Corporation, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC), as well as, local agencies talked about the need for such a facility for South Eastern Saskatchewan—and indeed for the entire industry. “One of the driving factors behind this initiative was to provide the world with access to information about what is happening in our backyard,” explained Jenna Wilchuck, Sereda marketing coordinator. “There is incredible innovation in energy production that is being developed right here in 4

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Saskatchewan, and our goal is to not only showcase it, but to celebrate it and encourage it,” added Wilchuck. The Weyburn Energy Innovation Centre—as its tagline states—explores the processes of C02 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery. With the support of the PTRC at the University of Regina, Cenovus and Apache have created the world’s largest C02 miscible flood. Here, the C02 captured from power generation plants is injected into mature oil fields to enhance oil recovery and to store the C02 in the formations rather than have it drift off into the atmosphere. Norm Sacuta, Communications Manager at the PTRC, explains that the centre is unlike no other in the illustration of oil recovery, but that there is much more to it. “Although we clearly illustrate how C02 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery works, we also took great pride in showing everyone how Saskatchewan is leading the world in this process,” said Sacuta. The City of Weyburn was also a large player in the development of the centre— providing a large portion of the second floor of City Hall for the display. “The City of Weyburn was proud to be involved in

this process for a number of reasons,” explained Weyburn Mayor Debra Button. “Clearly the economic prosperity of our region is largely linked to the energy sector—and many of our residents are employed in companies like Cenovus and Apache. We also took effort to do a bit of a historical journey in the centre so that everyone can see how the energy sector has evolved in Saskatchewan and how exciting the future is.” The Weyburn Energy Innovation Centre is located on the second floor of City Hall at 157 3rd Street in Weyburn and is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday. For more information, please contact Jenna Wilchuck at 306-842-8003 or marketing@weyburn.ca. FLEW

South East Regional Economic Development Authority & Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Jenna Wichuck, Marketing Coordinator 11 - 3rd Street NE Weyburn, SK S4H 0W1 p: 306.842.8003 e: tourism@weyburnchamber.com

the processes of C02 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery S E E H O W T H E E N E R g y S E C T O R H A S E V O LV E D

VISIT US TODAy! For information contact: Jenna Wichuck, Marketing Coordinator south East Regional Economic Development authority

p: 306.842.8003 e: tourism@weyburnchamber.com

First Word WITH FINE LIFESTYLES EDITOR THOM BARKER A couple of months ago I got a press release announcing Hedley’s 2012 tour. I thought, “great! I can use that for our Regina or Saskatoon Entertainment Calendar.” When I started going through the list, though, the first Saskatchewan date I found was Estevan on February 18. That’s a pretty nice feather in the cap for the new Spectra Place events centre, which Estevan’s own Roxy Blackmore writes about in this issue. Some of the other venues on this tour include Montreal’s Bell Centre, Vancouver’s Rogers Centre, the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, and Calgary’s Saddledome. Touring with Vancouver’s pop superstars is another bright light of Canadian music from the opposite side of the country. Classified, aka Luke Boyd, is an acclaimed hip hopper from Enfield Nova Scotia (about 40 kilometres from Halifax), where he still lives with his wife and two children. One of the greatest things about this business is getting to talk to artists such as Classified. No, I am not a devoted rap or hip hop fan. I do, however, pride myself on judging everything on its own merit and consequently have a select representation of the genres, which now includes Mr. Boyd, on my iPod As you will read in my Q&A with Classified in this issue, he is a thoughtful, articulate young man who eschews many of the trappings of his industry. Just a really nice, small-town Canadian kid—yes, I have earned the right to call 34-year-olds kids. He also has a knack for laying down some phat beats and spitting some fly rhymes. That terminology is probably already out-of-date, but for those of you in my generation, it roughly translates to writing and singing groovy tunes. This is only our second issue of Fine Lifestyles Weyburn-Estevan, but I am really excited about how it is developing. And it seems like many of our readers are too. We welcome feedback of any kind and I hope you will help us make this your magazine by corresponding. Send your comments to letters@finelifestyles.ca.

A message from W. Brett Wilson Although I moved thirty years ago, I still think of Saskatchewan as my homeland –– the people and places of this province are planted firmly in my heart. I have great respect for my prairie roots, and attribute much of my success in business to the lessons I learned from my fellow flatlanders –– some of the most resourceful, respected and principled people anywhere on Earth. Two of those fine people are my parents, who role-modeled for me what it means to give back. I have simply followed their path. They gave their time and talent. I have been blessed to be able to give money as well. Along with my own efforts, I have been impressed to see the many philanthropic initiatives by friends and colleagues that are helping to keep Saskatchewan great. Saskatchewan has changed a lot in the pas three decades. What hasn’t changed is its positive attitude and reputation as one of the best communities in the world. I am delighted to be part of this publication that celebrates this beautiful province and its people. Enjoy! W. Brett Wilson

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Your Consultants

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Brooke Watson Co-puBlisher Brooke is part owner and co-publisher of Fine lifestyles Weyburn/estevan. she received her advertising/public relations diploma in lethbridge in 2007. Brooke began her career with the company in August 2009 as an advertising consultant for the newly launched Fine lifestyles regina. the magazine had amazing success in regina and then in saskatoon. When the possibility of expanding into the Weyburn/estevan market arose, Brooke jumped at the opportunity to become a partner in the venture anticipating the success in this area would be just as great. With the launch of the first issue in december, there has been an overwhelming response of positive feedback. Brooke is very happy to be calling Weyburn home once again. p: 306.551.4789 e: brooke@finelifestyles.ca

Britany Watson Advertising ConsultAnt Britany has been with Fine lifestyles since september 2011 during the early stages of the creation of Fine lifestyles Weyburn/estevan. she grew up on a farm in Minton and has lived in Weyburn since 2003. With a diploma and work experience in business administration, Britany was approached to join the team by her sister Brooke, co-publisher of the Weyburn and estevan edition. Britany was already familiar with the magazines’ success in regina and saskatoon and thought it would be a great fit for this community. Britany is recently engaged to Chad Culham and the couple looks forward to raising their family in the community that she considers home. she feels blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this exceptional publication. p: 306.861.1255 e: britany@finelifestyles.ca

Subreena Kaban Advertising ConsultAnt subreena originally approached Fine lifestyles with the intention of being a freelance writer and photographer for the publication. But co-publisher randy liberet immediately recognized she would make an excellent marketing and advertising consultant, based on her professional background and extraordinary compassion for the people in estevan. “i’m glad i took that plunge, because i’ve found it so rewarding to be in a position to help people’s businesses grow,” she says. With respect to her new career, she feels blessed to have a very supportive husband, Kevin, who is a business-owner in estevan. subreena’s beautiful children Kolby and landon keep her grounded, focussed and remind her to laugh while her mother Bridgette and grandmother Jane encourage her to be kind and compassionate. to the community at large, subreena is grateful: “thank-you for embracing our efforts and trust. i look forward to helping you all in your successes!” p: 306.421.6234 e: subreenak@finelifestyles.ca

February / March 2012 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2 www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca

Associate Editor Quinn Bender quinn@finelifestyles.ca

Contributing Editor Ryan Holota ryanh@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Tracy Y. Hahn tracyh@finelifestyles.ca

In-house Design Joni Gaudette joni@finelifestyles.ca Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca

Cover Photography Dean West

www.deanwest.com

Photography Brent Hume www.artsask.ca/en/artists/brent_hume Erin Tollefson Heather Fritz www.heatherfritz.com Jennifer Lacharite Jon Gillies www.imagesbygillies.com Melanie Hiske melaniehiske.blogspot.com Shawn Fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com Vanessa Paslawski

Contributing Writers Alexandra Walld Jade Ivan Jennifer Cugnet Jennifer LaCharite Ken Beattie

Mackenzie Brooks Roxy Blackmore Sheena Koops Tammy Robert

Advertising Consultants Britany Watson (Weyburn) britany@finelifestyles.ca Subreena Kaban (Estevan) subreenak@finelifestyles.ca

Publishers Randy Liberet 306.540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh 306.541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca Brooke Watson 306.551.4789 brooke@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove, Regina, SK, S4V 2S4 Fine Lifestyles Estevan/Weyburn is published six times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. publications are copyrighted 2011 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Estevan/Weyburn, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Featured Contributors Photographers

Writers

Melanie Hiske

Jade Ivan

Melanie Hiske has come a long way since snapping her first picture with her Dad’s Polaroid in the 1980s. She has won first place titles for her photos at the Estevan and Moose Jaw fairs and exhibitions. She has had her work in Estevan Chamber of Commerce publications, as well as, Saskatchewan Tourism publications. She also has done work for Galleries West magazine and has had pictures included in Chamber of Commerce calendars. She was chosen in 2009 by OSAC to submit a proposal for her photos of “Everyday Objects” for the Arts on the Move Program. In 2011, her work was chosen for the People’s Choice Award for the OSAC Adjudicated Art Show in Estevan. Melanie lives near Estevan with her husband and two kids. melaniehiske.blogspot.com

Jade grew up in Weyburn on a small farm. After completing high school at the Weyburn Comprehensive School, she is now attending her final year of university with the University of Regina. Upon convocation in June, 2012 she will have a Bachelor of Arts in English as well as a Bachelor of Education. She is currently teaching in Fort Qu’Appelle for her internship as well as curling with the University of Regina varsity team. Jade is an active community member with 4-H and curling and has volunteered abroad in the Dominican Republic. She spends spare time visiting with family and riding horses.

Jon Gillies

Roxy Blackmore

Jon has been an avid photographer his entire life. He pursued his interest into a profession and has received extensive training and experience. He has graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art and an Education degree majoring in Arts Education. He continues to keep current, and has travelled internationally to receive the latest techniques and trends in the photography world. He shares his passion and knowledge with others in his photography workshops. From nature to people, Jon captures the light, plays with unique perspectives and the latest special effects to make his images stand out. www.imagesbygillies.com

Roxy Blackmore has resided in Saskatchewan for the past 12 years. After graduating high school in Banff, Alberta, she moved to Vancouver B.C. and studied acting at Alex Bruhanskis Acting Studio. It became evident to her that the majority of the general population in the downtown core was also an ‘up and coming actor,’ who were also making cappuccinos and starving on the side. After ‘finding herself,’ she graduated from the two year broadcast/journalism program at Lethbridge Community College in 1999. She is currently a marketing professional with a background in radio news reporting and broadcasting. She still makes an impressive cappuccino.

Brent Hume

Dani Stobbs-Gallipeau

Brent Hume is an accomplished documentary photographer who received his formal education at David Thompson University in Nelson, British Columbia where he completed the Photography Certificate Program. He has had three solo exhibitions which have been displayed extensively at galleries throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba including The Mackenzie Art Gallery and Dunlop Art Gallery in Regina. The focus for Brent’s exhibits has been to document the lives and experiences of rural people, as well as, different aspects of the farm community. His work has also been included in group exhibitions which have travelled in weestern Canada and also to Europe. Brent’s photographs are a part of several permanent collections including the Canada Council Art Bank. He is also an organic farmer who lives near Carlyle, Saskatchewan with his family. brenthumephoto@gmail.com

Originally from England, Dani moved to the prairies in 2006 and has been living in Estevan for the past five years. She was the voice behind Teatime, a column from a local newspaper for over four years and led an initiative to promote community morale with the creation of three murals on the hockey rink building. Dani married Canadian boy Matthew and they are now enjoying the blessing of their baby son Finley-Stephen. Her ‘happy place’ is either with a camera or pen in her hand, at a piano or sipping a large cup of English tea.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

www.12stonedance.blogspot.com

What’sInside

60 31 26 GT/CS REVIEW

ROASTED CHICKEN Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Laurier Gordon Ramsay:

INGREDIENTS:

PREPARATION:

• 1 each Whole Chicken, Grain-fed & free-range preferably

1. Ask your butcher to truss the chicken for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

• 1 teaspooon Thyme, picked

2. Preheat your oven to 400o F.

• 1 1/2 Tablespoon Kosher Salt • 1/2 teaspoon By Ryan Holota. Photos by Shawn Fulton • Cracked Black Pepper

ne hundred kilometres per hour

comes up in about 4.6 seconds. • 10g Butter

3. Pat chicken dry, inside and out. Season the inside of the chicken with a tablespoon of kosher salt and the cracked blacked pepper. 4. Place the chicken in a roasting tin and

back to the original GT/CS built for Califorof its speedometer (which Ford has elecseason the outside lightly with the nia Ford dealerships in 1968. Equipped with tronically limited to 155mph). There aren’t butter, the remaining kosher salt and Ford’s hot new 5.0 engine and a 6-speed enough corners. Boy racer dreams aside, it thyme. manual transmission, we would have been takes a lot of confidence to go into a hard stupid to say no. corner at5.100mph aggressively come Roast and in the oven for approximately one out under power. car isthe so good hour,This or until juicesthat run clear when you would need to be doing something the chicken is pierced in the Drivetrain thickest egregiously stupid to thigh. get intoIftrouble withaitthermometer, part of you have on a public road. The new 5.0 is amazing. Dubbed the ‘Coycook until it is 180°F at the thigh. ote’ engine within Ford, it is loosely based on Ford of Canada was kind enough to let Fine the ‘Modular Engine’ architecture that Ford Lifestyles drive a 2012 Mustang convertible has been using for a while (the 4.6, 5.4, 6.8 for a few days last fall. Not just any convertare Modular Engines), but with a number of ible, this was a GT/CS (GT/California Spevery important changes. An all-aluminum cial), a trim package add-on that harkens block and new crankshaft and bore diame-

FEATURE STORIES

dEpARTmEnTS

60 COVER STORY: BRETT WIlSOn

10 STYlE

26 ChEF GORdOn RAmSAY RECIpIES

26 ARTS, dInInG And EnTERTAInmEnT

40 SpORTS RECREATIOn And TRAVEl

Q&A WITh ClASSIFIEd

The traction control system is almost perfect, allowing just a bit of wheel spin—enough to make you feel cool, while still planting the power to the ground and getting you moving. If you had the space, a quarter mile would go past in about 13 seconds, and you’d be travelling 110 miles an hour. That’s the thing about driving a car like this—you will never find its limits in Saskatchewan. Legalities aside, the roads are not smooth enough to explore the high end

36 EnTERTAInmEnT GUIdE

58 BUSInESS

2012 mUSTAnG

70 GEOlOGICAllY SpEAkInG: WITh JEnnIFER CUGnET

WhEElS

78 hOUSE And hOmE 115 hEAlTh And WEllnESS

86 kEn BEATTIE

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

By Jade Ivan Photos by Jon Gillies

“

Active WeAr cAn be FAshionAble

hen you walk into Soul Performance Wear, we are happy to see you, excited to help you and confident you are going to find fashion fit for your life. If you don’t love it then I don’t want you to buy it,” says Tammy Lawrence-Bhimji after a warm greeting and enthusiastic introduction to her new business located on Main Street in downtown Weyburn. Tammy, a mother of two, owner and dance instructor at The Dance Zone School of Dancing, has always had an interest in fashion and she truly wants to see others live long, healthy and meaningful lives.

Fashion for Living “Our store is designed to give you encouragement and to make you feel good about being you,” Tammy says, her passion evident. “I have always had an interest in clothing and been fashion savvy, but my lifestyle 10

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

dictated a way of dressing that was not off the New York runways so I decided to offer women the opportunity to dress for their lifestyles while keeping their individual style” she continues. Also an experienced journeyman hair stylist, Tammy can relate many of the

same concerns women have with their hair to their clothes. “I invested six months into doing personal research on what women want in and out of their clothes, as well as, how I could bring a twist to the sweat pants

look for a reasonable price,” explains Tammy. “Looking good can mean feeling good. Women want a good look to be easy to achieve, and not cost a lot. Being in the hair industry for a long time, it was easy for me to take my conversations from the salon to the store. Thus Soul Performance Wear was born: fit, function and fashion all in one.”

Live, Love, Dance Soul Performance wear opened its doors on October 1st, 2010, but within a year, needed a bigger location. On November 1, 2011, it re-opened at its new, larger location in the downtown core of Weyburn. The new store boasts large windows with lots of natural sunlight, room to walk and words of wisdom adorn the walls. “Be bold,” “live freely, and “life’s not a race,” are placed strategically around the store. Of all of them, Tammy’s favorite saying is “live, love dance.” Tammy is not only passionate about fashion and feeling great in your clothes, but she is also dedicated to enhancing her knowledge. She attends buying markets and fashion shows every season in Saskatoon, Edmonton and Vancouver in order to meet leading fashion representatives that know first-hand what the Canadian fashion market has to offer. Tammy has developed sincere friendships with fashion representatives because of their desire to truly serve

customers. These friendships have helped Tammy provide her customers with what they want and will end up falling in love with. Soul Performance Wear specializes in echo-friendly fabrics and Canadian design and manufactured yoga-inspired apparel for children, teens and women. Tammy supports and promotes customer health and wellness by “going green.” Clothes at Soul Performance Wear feature clean lines, subtle logos and hidden features along with a uniquely flattering fit in a variety of styles appropriate for all ages and body types. Tammy makes sure to carry casual and active wear in sizes up to 3XL and are one of Weyburn’s only stores to carry plus-size fashion.

Get Active Active wear is an essential component of Soul Performance Wear because Tammy believes we need to be active to feel great. She is very excited to extend active wear-inspired lines to boys’ fashions called Peekaboo Beans. These items are reversible, adjustable, and mix and match for easy decision making and layering options for the inconsistent weather we all know and love here on the prairies. Peekaboo Beans design ingredients make for a playful line leaving a legacy of healthy, happy beans ages 12 months to size eight.

shoes given to children in need. Blake later returned to Argentina with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers. Tammy and Soul Performance Wear are very excited to support TOMS shoes and help children in need. Tammy’s education as a dance instructor has made the TOMS purpose dear to her as she understands the importance of shoes that fit properly, in and out of dance class. Tammy and her staff are trained to fit all sizes of feet to ensure a proper fit.

For everyday people looking to make a transition in their lifestyles, Soul Performance Wear carries timeless fashion lines such as Mandala Sky, Silver Icing and Echo Rain. Popular active wear lines such as Karma, Tonic, Bench Yoga and Mondor that meet the specific needs of athletes specializing in dance, figure skating, gymnastics, yoga, and fitnessrelated activities. From fitness enthusiasts to business women, stay-at-home moms, students and everyone in between, Soul Performance Wear has something to offer everyone.

Giving Back This winter’s spring-like weather has Soul Performance Wear excited to become a part of TOMS family and the One for One movement helping everyday people make everyday choices that improve the lives of children. In 2006, traveller Blake Mycoskie be-friended children in Argentina finding they had no shoes to protect their feet on the rocky terrain. With a desire to help, he created TOMS Shoes: a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new

“Often customers come in to the store saying: ‘I saw this dress on my friend last weekend and she said she got it here. I have to have one!’,” says Tammy. “The clothes truly speak for themselves with their trendy, fashion-savvy appeal. Soul Performance Wear is available for these must-have shopping trips Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is also open extended hours for community events such as dance competitions, skating festivals and charity events. “As Soul Performance Wear grows, we

are always looking at what is up and coming in fashion, the newest material technology and what people are looking for,” says Tammy. If we don’t have it, we will do our best to find it.”

Proudly Local Soul Performance Wear wants people to realize they don’t need to drive all the way to Regina or Saskatoon to shop. Customers can find exactly what they need at Soul Performance Wear where upscale shopping meets the small town touch of customer service and personal appreciation for each customer. “Our store is designed to give you encouragement and to make you feel good,” says Tammy. Soul Performance Wear is fashion fit for you. FLEW

Soul Performance Wear 42 3rd Street NE, Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4A O9V p: 306.842.4947 e: soulperformance@live.ca

“Our store is designed to give you encouragement and to make you feel good,” says Tammy.

soul PerFormAnce WeAr is fashion fit for you. 12

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Get Some blinG on merchants in Fine Jewellery Just how many memories has Melle Jewellers helped to create? That’s probably impossible to count. by Ryan Holota Photos by melanie Hiske

ay 1, 1985 was the first day that Donna Melle and her brother Terrance opened the doors to Melle Jewellers. The jewellery business was not a business Donna had thought much about. Donna and Terrance had a family friend in Winnipeg who was highly involved in the industry, Terrance had taken a gemmology course and together Donna and Terrance appreciated detail and had an innate talent for choosing beautiful items. As they say, “the rest is history.” Twenty-seven years later, Melle Jewellers is the oldest jewellery store in Estevan owned by one proprietor – that is a huge accomplishment. This experience allows Donna the privilege of having suppliers who offer style, sophistication, and service and giving her extensive knowledge and expertise in the jewellery industry, as well as having a keen eye for great quality and unique designs in the product she sells, knowing the current trends and how to best meet the needs of her customer base which reaches far beyond Estevan.

Diamonds – A Girl’s best Friend Melle Jewellers has a large selection of diamond engagement rings, wedding sets, anniversary rings, tennis bracelets and earrings. When faced with diamonds, a lot of buyers stress over the details such as cut, clarity, and carat weight. Donna Melle can answer all of your questions and explain all the important information to you so that you can make the right decisions for your lifetime purchase. Melle Jewellers also carries Canadian produced diamonds which is a wonderful complement to the store’s inventory. Today’s consumers are aware and knowledgeable about Canadian diamonds and have a desire to purchase their ‘own’ product. In recent years, coloured diamonds have emerged as a unique and attractive alternative to the classic white diamond. Customers are looking for alternatives to the classic diamond by experimenting with the latest trend – the black diamond. Unusual and sleek, the black diamond

offers its wearer an edgier image. These captivating gems offer a touch of elegance that is decidedly modern. Melle Jewellers has a selection of black and other coloured diamonds that are worth your attention.

Pearl Power Once upon a time, pearls came in only one variety – white and round. This classic offering is still available, of course, but today’s pearls also come in a broad selection of beautiful hues. Think of cultured or freshwater pearls in lavender, peach, and pink. These choices offer women the opportunity to make a statement and are guaranteed to become an heirloom. Choose from classic strands or bracelets and rings – some sassy, some sophisticated – to set your collection apart.

Colour me beautiful One thing that has always differentiated Melle Jewellers has been their selection of coloured gemstones. If you are shopping for that perfect birthday gift, the birthstone ring, Melle’s has an elaborate and wellorganized month-at-a-glance display. From FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

January through December, garnet to blue topaz – they are all available in a variety of gem sizes and settings. This shopping experience has just become very easy. Coloured gemstones, arranged in interesting, eye-pleasing shades are nothing short of spectacular. They allow for bolder designs and attractive price points. Expand your jewellery collection with coloured gems such as Kunzite, Tanzanite, Tourmaline, and Fire Opal in cuts such as checkerboard or cabochons. From classically demure to contemporarily bold. The most vibrant colours nature creates: juicy orange, vibrant purple, to cool blue. Melle Jewellers can help you update your accessories and perhaps introduce you to a whole new world of gems.

Gold Rush As the price of gold continues to rise, it becomes one of the most expensive components on jewellery. While there is never a replacement for quality gold jewellery, which is always in Melle’s inventory, there are some beautiful new alloys on the market. Many of them are hypoallergenic, non-tarnishing, and more durable than gold, in addition to being less costly. Sterling silver has been a favourite jewellery item for all of history, but its use as a setting for precious gems has been

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

increasing as of late. What was once reserved for earrings and chains has now become an integral part of very elaborate pieces, often mixed with gold to create stunning contrast. Stainless steel is also growing in popularity, especially in men’s jewellery.

Fashion Jewellery Fashion jewellery has always been popular. These pieces are larger and often more elaborate pieces crafted into beautiful shapes and designs, but without the expense of precious metals and settings. Fashion jewellery is affordable enough that you can purchase a piece for specific events that you may be attending. This jewellery often becomes some of a person’s favourite pieces because, unlike expensive jewellery, you can wear it as often as you want, with little regard for it being damaged or lost. As the seasons and styles change, you can count on Melle Jewellers to always have the latest pieces in stock for you to try.

All About You - Service, Repairs, Custom Creations Andre has been repairing and designing jewellery for Melle Jewellers for twentyseven years. Born and trained as a jeweller in Belgium, Andre moved to Canada decades ago as a Master Jeweller. The Melle family knew Andre before the jewellery store opened, so naturally, he became the person to fulfill all of their craftsmanship needs. Andre creates custom pieces for Melle Jewellers’ customers. Sometimes, despite the vast selection, customers want a piece that is similar to something in stock, but with a larger stone or different setting. When clients want something unique, a one-of-a-kind design, just for them, Andre can create the piece by hand carving the shapes in wax and then pouring molten metal to create the final piece before hand-polishing and setting the gems.

Watches No jewellery store is complete without a range of men’s and women’s watches in a variety of price points and styles. Melle Jewellers is an authorized dealer for Citizen, Seiko, Pulsar, Esprit and more. From classic to elegant, from fun to sporty, Melle Jewellers has a time piece for everyone.

making Good things better Melle Jewellers is also a dealer for Eisch Glassware and Stemware, a line of breathable wine glasses. Breathable wine glasses? Yes. Through a special manufacturing process that changes the molecular structure of the glass, wine poured into an Eisch glass for just a few minutes will show signs of aeration comparable to a wine that has been decanted and aerated for 1 to 2 hours. The original flavour and character of the wine stays the same, but the wine becomes more flavourful and deep. These glasses have been tested by some of the world’s top sommeliers, and have been proven to enhance the flavour of any wine.

looking Forward Today’s consumers are savvy, knowledgeable, and much more aware of what they like. Their tastes are more refined and precise, and they want to spoil themselves. Whether your needs are simple or elaborate, let Melle Jewellers be your source for quality jewellery. Precious

and affordable. Now and forever. You deserve the best … Donna and Shirley love to make people happy and they don’t want people to feel like jewellery has to be a luxury. Stop in to shop, to browse, or just to say “Hi!” to Donna, Shirley, and Jorge (Donna’s pet dog). Donna and Shirley will always extend friendly, knowledgeable service. They look forward to helping new and existing customers with whatever they need. Here’s to getting some ‘bling on it’. Melle Jewellers is located at 1223 4th Street in Estevan. They are open on Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach them by telephone at (306) 637-4006. FLEW

Melle Jewellers

1223 - 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0w8 p: 306.637.4006

From left to right: Chelsi Melle, Melanie Hiske, Jennifer Pettitt and Sharon Hansen

Global Style and UniverSal QUality the best of women’s fashion featured at two estevan stores. by ryan Holota Photos by Melanie Hiske Jenny Joans is where women can satisfy all of their fashion cravings. Since 1993 Jenny Joans has been Estevan’s destination shop for wearable fashion and haute couture. “Everything in the store is on trend,” says founder Jenny Joan Pettitt. “Plus, we provide quality, current basics and staples. We carry a huge selection of brand-name and designer clothing – not just because of the names, but also because of the quality of the pieces. “Literally every piece in the store is hand selected to bring in the best style and value for my customers,” adds Pettitt. “I do a lot of travel to keep on top of global trends, and I have long-standing relationships with fashion buyers. These relationships allow me to get what’s hot at great prices – savings that I can pass on to my customers.”

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

the brands Jenny Joans carries world-famous brands such as Guess and Silver Jeans, as well as smaller designers that focus on quality and style. Because Jenny is always on the lookout for great styles, they also carry items from up-and-coming designers, such as the Canadian company Pink Martini. One new brand that Jenny Joans is carrying is Vero Moda – this new line is huge in cities such as New York, Barcelona and Paris – now you can buy it right here in Estevan. The prices are reasonable too, with pieces starting at as low as $20. Jenny Joans also carry items from Mexx, Miss Me, Kensie, B.B. Dakota, The North Face, Esprit and several others—too many brand names to mention. The best thing to do is to head down to the store and view our selection for yourself.

What’s Hot right now?

if at First it doesn’t Fit

Styles are always changing, that’s why Jenny Joans is constantly searching for the latest trends and the hottest looks. “For the spring season, anything vintage inspired is really popular,” says Pettitt. “Looks from the 1950s and 1960s are great. These items have really ladylike shapes and silhouettes. Pleats are also really big this season. The popular colours for spring are pastels and items that have a lot of colour-blocking on them. In addition, items that are modern representations of the 1920s style are very popular. Asymmetrical looks with one shoulder are also very big in Estevan right now.

Not everything fits perfectly the first time you try it on, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear the pieces that you love. Jenny Joans provides alterations for their customers to make everything fit perfectly.

“The [hottest] colour for spring is tangerine – a really bright and fabulous orange. Florals are another trend that has worked its way from high fashion to wearable fashion, and the patterns are gorgeous.”

“Our seamstress is incredibly talented,” says Pettitt, “She can do amazing things with a needle and thread. We can take things in, let things out, and tailor the shape of an item to flawlessly compliment your body.” The associates at Jenny Joans will often suggest an alteration to an item if they feel that it would make the piece fit better. “Not everybody is an even-numbered size, like a six or an eight. Some people are in between,” says Pettitt, “but we want everybody to look amazing.” Often,

the difference between looking good and looking fantastic is as simple as pulling in a seam or moving a button.

Shoes even Carrie bradshaw loves In Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw once remarked, “It’s hard to walk in a woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then – to make the walk a little more fun.” At Jenny Joans, they couldn’t agree more. Their shoe department is full of great styles from brands like Nine West, Steve Madden, Kenneth Cole, Guess, Chinese Laundry, Seychelles and Ugg, in styles that range from everyday casual to night-out-onthe-town-omg-look-at-those-beautifulshoes. Whether you’re looking for a great pair of shoes that you can wear with almost anything, or a glamorous pair for a specific event, you’ll find what you need in the shoe department at Jenny Joans.

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it’s all about you Who shops at Jenny Joans? People just like you. From tweens to fashionistas of all ages, Jenny Joans has the look that you’re looking for. “We carry the latest fashions, and we keep our location and our customers in mind when we look for styles to carry,” says Pettitt. “Because the staff is so great, we really get to know our customers, and we often keep our dedicated customers in mind when we’re looking at new items. We know what they like, so we shop specifically for them.” Sometimes, all you’re looking for is a great pair of jeans to compliment your assets. Jenny Joans’ associates are well-schooled in the fit of each style in the store, as well as the world of fashion. They can help you find the exact item that you’re looking for. From pants to tops, they have the pieces to make you look great. Other times, you have a big event coming up and you have no idea what you’re going to wear. In that case, Jenny Joans’ associates can help

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

you assemble an entire ensemble, from top to bottom, so that you look your best. The entire store is arranged by colour palette, making it simple to find pieces that complement each other really well. Items from various designers and styles are mixed together so that you can create looks that are uniquely you, while still looking like you stepped out of the pages of your favourite fashion magazine.

Where to Find them Jenny Joans is the hottest clothing store in southern Saskatchewan, and you’ll only find them in one city – at 1225 4th St in Estevan. You can also find them online, just point your browser to www. jennyjoans.com or search for Jenny Joans on Facebook. You can also call them at (306) 634-1033 to speak with one of their fabulous associates. They also ship merchandise to you anywhere in Canada.

Jenny Joans • Formality 1225 - 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 2J4 p: 306.634.1033 e: jenny.joans@sasktel.net www.jennyjoans.com

the Formal Sister You know and love Jenny Joans, Estevan’s must-stop shop for the latest and greatest fashion items. Now it’s time to meet Formality, the place for formal dresses in Estevan and area. Whether you are searching for a graduation dress, mother of the bride dress, bridesmaid dresses, or shoes and accessories, Formality is where you need to go. “We did a lot of research in to the market before we opened our sister store,” says manager Chelsi Melle. “They keep a very close eye on our inventory to make sure

you’ll always Stand out From the Crowd At Formality a strict eye is kept on what’s happening in the community, while the store’s associates look out for their customers’ interests. “We have a store policy to never sell the same dress to two people for the same event,” says owner Jenny Pettitt. For Melle, this store has fulfilled a lifelong dream. “All my life I’ve had a love and interest in formal gowns, from prom to bridal. I love the look, design and specialness of each gown.

that everything is unique and on trend. We just don’t have a lot of filler dresses in the store.” What they do have has been carefully chosen to make the women of Estevan look as beautiful as possible. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the store, they have access to thousands of designer dresses that can be brought in just for you. Featured dresses include designers Tony Bowls and Alfred Angelo, as well as up-and-coming designers like Blush and Precious Formals.

it’s not too early It may be early in the year, but it’s never too early to start thinking about dresses for your big occasion. It can take as long as 12 weeks to order a gown in for fitting, making the time between now and graduation, or a wedding, much shorter than it may seem. You can visit the store online at www.formality.ca, or just head to 1211 4th Street in Estevan. You can also give them a call at (306) 636-7001.. FLEW

“Southern Saskatchewan desperately needed a formal dress store where women could get access to the latest fashions at a broad spectrum of price points,” adds Pettitt. “Formality brings all the style and sophistication of places like New York and Paris right to our front door. It’s about time.”

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

o by Phot ie Hiske n Mela Photo

by Bria

n Zinc

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This is Your ChamBEr of CommErCE

Photo by ke His Melanie

f you’ve ever wondered what your local Chamber of Commerce is doing or what it represents, you’re not alone. Many business members are actively involved with the Chamber and receive tremendous return on their investment, while many others participate for one particular benefit or simply to support the local organization, without really knowing why. The Chamber of Commerce is a memberbased organization that advocates on behalf of the local business community, providing a direct line of communication between the business community and your municipal, provincial, and federal governments. As stated in our mission statement, “The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is a diversified, member-driven group of businesses striving to improve the business climate and community well-being.” With this statement always in mind, our goals and priorities are all aligned with trying to help create the greatest business climate for our members and the local business community. 20

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Advocating for the Estevan Community Your Benefits The Chamber of Commerce provides a number of benefits for its members and the community as a whole. Chamber members have exclusive access to one of the most cost-effective and comprehensive group insurance plans (www.chambers. ca) available to businesses. The plan covers any business, including agricultural producers, with anywhere from one to 200 staff members. Member retailers and wholesalers can also take advantage of the TD Merchant Services preferred pricing program; this program offers great debit and credit transaction rates regardless of the financial institution with which you conduct business.

Your Voice The Chamber also provides a line of communication to its members. The monthly e-newsletter keeps members current with Chamber activities and priorities while also informing members about business seminars and learning

opportunities that are being made available to the local business community. As the voice of the Estevan business community, the Chamber also provides a direct line of communication with the local municipal governments. Businesses often voice their concerns to the Chamber. When that collective voice is brought forward to municipal officials, it is generally well received and many of the city’s development plans result from input provided by the local business community through the Chamber of Commerce. As such, your membership is not only an investment in your business, but also an investment in your community’s wellbeing.

Your Events The Estevan Chamber hosts a number of events each year that are geared toward showcasing and celebrating Estevan’s business community and providing information or training to the business community. For the past 47 years, the Chamber has worked with the Estevan

Exhibition Association to host the Farmer’s Appreciation Dinner. The event showcases the impact made on the local economy by our agricultural sector and features the presentation of the Farm Family of the Year Award, presented to a farming family that has demonstrated a significant contribution to both the local agriculture sector and to their community. Working in partnership with the Estevan Rotary Club and the Estevan Lions Club, the Chamber hosts an annual tradeshow intended to showcase Estevan’s retail sector. While Showcase attracts vendors from all three prairie provinces, local retailers, service providers and homebased businesses consistently attend and feature their product and service before more than 3,000 attendees over the three day weekend. The Chamber’s newest event, reintroduced in 2011, is the Estevan Business

Excellence Awards (EBEX) Gala. Devoted to showcasing and celebrating success in Estevan’s business community, awards are handed out to businesses for excellence in a number of categories, such as environmental leadership, customer service, new business venture and business leadership. Lifetime achievements are also recognized with induction in to the Morsky Family Hall of Fame for Excellence in Business. The EBEX Awards Gala is scheduled to take place every second year at Spectra Place, with the next taking place in the spring of 2013.

Your advocate The Estevan Chamber also works in partnership, under contract, with the City of Estevan and RM of Estevan #5 to perform economic development and tourism development and marketing; as such, the Chamber works on business retention, expansion and attraction, while

also committing to various projects that help further the community’s economy and tourism sector. With the present strength of the local economy many of the current priorities revolve around ensuring long term sustainability of the existing business climate and identifying further opportunities for diversification of the local economy. If you think the Chamber might be able to help your business or you’d like more information, the new website (www. estevanchamber.ca) and facebook page will keep you up to date with the Chamber’s activities, events and benefits. As a growing organization in a growing community, the Chamber is working to benefit a wide variety of stakeholders that want to help improve the local business climate and develop a greater community well-being. FLEW

Photo by Brian Zinchuk

Estevan Chamber of Commerce 322 - 4th Street Estevan SK Canada S4A 0T8 p: 306.634.2828 e: michel@estevanchamber.ca www.estevanchamber.ca

Photo by Brian Zinchuk

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

OFF WITH THE MUNDANE, ON WITH THE UNIQUE By Jade Ivan Photos by Jon Gillies

re you tired of drudging through crammed parking lots into mundane stores full of mass produced merchandise? Tired of parading down aisle upon aisle of the same old boring items that all your neighbours and their dogs already own? If so, step aboard the time and space travel machine, destination: the perfect store for you. The perfect store to take shopping from the mundane and meaningless to the exciting and inspirational, the store that breathes individuality. Walking into The Void is a breathtaking experience like walking into a different time era. The building drips with character and class while exuding a comfortable, homey environment. The old-fashioned feel perfectly juxtaposes the unique edgy and fresh products. This one-of-a-kind shopping experience truly makes one think theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve walked into a different era, a different town or an entirely different world. No time or space travel machine necessary. All you need for this old world character meets fun, fresh new world shopping experience is the funky little store in Weyburn.

All you need is

The VoId The Void remains a family-owned and -operated business grown out of passion for the unique and different. Even after moving to a new location, they kept their funky, fun appeal and coupled it with a completely different shopping experience than what people are used to. The new location on the corner of 6th Street and 22

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Souris Avenue in Weyburn incorporates elegant style and a comforting, relaxing, old-fashioned vibe with an inspiring and almost spiritual shopping experience. The space not only evokes a sense of calm, but generates a deeper spiritual element or feel with products, lighting and images that give off a peaceful bliss. The space emulates the therapeutic notions of a spa-like environment. At the same time, Chantal has managed to maintain a fun, funky and fresh environment that seems to lift the spirits with its playful vitality. “I walked into the building and forgot I was in Weyburn because of the feel and character of the space. The entire

shopping experience was like nothing Weyburn has to offer. The products are unique, beautiful and truly one of a kind. When I walked out it almost shocked me to remember I was in Weyburn. It felt like a European boutique or a tourist attraction in Banff,” says Kolynda a Weyburn local.

Something for everyone The look and feel of The Void is not the only intriguing aspects, however. The Void carries something for everyone. The products range from baby and toddler necessities, clothing, gift lines, Christening gowns and many different clothing lines for toddlers up to size six to body jewellery and home décor. The store

truly sells a little bit of everything meaning you can find the perfect gift for everyone on every occasion. Chantal never orders products in large quantities meaning each item is unique upon purchase and you will likely be the only one in town to get it. Chantal and Anita attend several product shows all across Canada meaning they are always ordering funky, trendy and fresh new items off the beaten path of typical stores. Anyone looking for a great product or great gift will find something at The Void. “Many people stop here from out of town; tourists and travellers enjoy the shop because it is unique and different.

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I’ve even heard of people driving here for specific gifts they know they cannot find anywhere else,” says Chantal proudly. “I’m also happy to note that people drive here specifically for the Good Works Leather wrap bracelets.” Chantal spends a great deal of time finding the perfect items for The Void and setting them up in a funky, aesthetically pleasing way.

Shop in Comfort “The Void has such a comfortable environment,” says Lyndsey, a staff member. “I always chat with people who say they’d love to live here, just move on in, take their shoes and coats off and have coffee all day long. It just has a fresh, inspirational quality to it. Children often come in and take off their shoes and jackets thinking it is someone’s home; it’s that comfortable here. The Void is just a fun, peaceful place to be. For example: there is a sign reading ‘unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy.’” Chantal and her staff work hard to ensure people enjoy their shopping at The Void. There you can find the perfect item for that special someone and have a fun, personally pleasing experience while doing it and enjoy a few laughs. If you need a break from the mundane world of commercialized, mass market production, and stale old shopping experiences. Step into a new world; an old-fashioned character shop mixed with a trendy, funky, and inspiring repertoire of products and layouts. There is no need for a space travel machine or a time machine, all you need to do is step into The Void. FLEW

The Void 38 - 6th Street Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 1A8 p: 306.842.4499 e: thevoid109@hotmail.com 24

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ROASTED CHICKEN Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

Recipe courtesy of Laurier Gordon Ramsay:

PREPARATION:

• 1 each Whole Chicken, Grain-fed & free-range preferably

1. Ask your butcher to truss the chicken for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

• 1 teaspooon Thyme, picked

2. Preheat your oven to 400o F.

• 1 1/2 Tablespoon Kosher Salt • 1/2 teaspoon • Cracked Black Pepper • 10g Butter

3. Pat chicken dry, inside and out. Season the inside of the chicken with a tablespoon of kosher salt and the cracked blacked pepper. 4. Place the chicken in a roasting tin and season the outside lightly with the butter, the remaining kosher salt and thyme. 5. Roast in the oven for approximately one hour, or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced in the thickest part of thigh. If you have a thermometer, cook until it is 180°F at the thigh.

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HELLO DOLLY SQUARES Yields 12 Squares

INGREDIENTS: • 56 g Unsalted Butter • 87.5 g Graham Crumbs • 175 g Coconut, Shaved • 160 g Walnuts, Chopped

Recipe courtesy of Laurier Gordon Ramsay

PREPARATION: 1. In a pan melt the butter and add the graham to form a crust. 2. Spread the crust over a rectangular mold and place the shaved coconut on top followed by the chocolate chips and then the walnuts.

• 1/4 Can of Condensed Milk

3. Pour the condensed milk over the whole preparation and cook at 400o F for 30-40 minutes.

• 160 g Chocolate Chips

4. Allow to cool and cut into squares of 2 x 2 inches.

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Honest LocaL Food at Honest Prices hen asked to describe the foundational beliefs of Western Prime Meat Processors, co-owner and operator Mike Guest immediately responds, “supporting local farmers and producing high quality food products.” Western Prime Meat Processors opened in September of 2004 in response to Weyburn’s need for a meat processing plant. The borders were closed and local Weyburn farmers needed a modern facility to handle all kinds of animals. Guest, a believer in keeping business at home and developing the local community, took on the challenge by opening Western Prime Meat Processors. 28

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Mike Guest ensures high quality products by specializing services for each customer. Western Prime Meat Processors buys all classes of livestock directly from local producers in order to support local farmers. Along with a full line of beef products including jerky, sausage, steaks, roasts and hamburger to name a few, Western Prime Meat Processors also package pork, bison and lamb. “We’re here to help,” says Mike. “We do our best to process whatever the customers need quickly and efficiently producing customized products.” New products are constantly being added to Western Prime Meat Processors freezer.

By Jade ivan Photos by Vanessa Paslawski “We are currently converting everything over to be gluten-free and low in sodium. We want people with allergies and health concerns to have local, healthy options ready and available to them at all times,” says Mike. “All our processing is done right here meaning we can form and create products to meet specific customer needs. Customers always come first. We produce honest food at honest prices.” After travelling to Germany and Europe to gain more expertise and knowledge Mike Guest has adapted Western Prime Meat Processors into a modern, custom processing business that can do things

differently according to customer requests. Customers can sit down with Mike and the Western Prime Meat Processors professional staff in order to generate perfect products that meet all their nutritional requirements. Mike and his team work hard to ensure a variety of products are available to those with special food requirements or allergies. “You can always just give us a call or come on in and we will try to do whatever we can to meet your needs,” says Mike. Customer health and wellbeing is important to Western Prime Meat Processors and they work hard to generate new ways to help customers.

Waste not, want not Not only does Mike continually improve the products processed, he has also initiated a modern way to deal with waste. All waste and by product at Western Prime Meat Processors is used to generate energy and fertilizer. It is the only business using anaerobic digestion process and equipment in Saskatchewan. “We want to keep things clean and healthy for the environment as well,” says Mike. “We try to waste as little as possible.” In order to ensure high quality products Western Prime Meat Processors is the only local food producer that has the Canadian Food Inspection Agency examine all its products. “We want a third party to come in and make sure everything is top quality,” says Mike. “We have an added investment in our products. We are one of the only places to buy local meat products and allow customers to order specific products meaning we want to ensure food safety and quality.” Western Prime Meat Processors is also putting in an oven meaning they can have meat cooked and prepared for customers to sample and buy. “We want our customers to enjoy coming here and always find something new that they really like,” says Mike with a chuckle. Along with supporting local farmers and producers Western Prime Meat Processors supports the community in

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any way possible. “We support all local 4-H clubs in any way we can whether that includes processing cattle or supplying product for barbecues and fundraisers,” says Mike. “We try to support 4-H in general, including horse clubs and whatever other clubs need help,” he continued, “4-H really helps develop our local community and agricultural industry. By supporting 4-H we are trying to support and develop our local community, local farmers and local consumers.” Local 4-H’ers and producers can book their cattle to be processed by calling Western Prime Meat Processors at 8424448. “I really enjoyed being able to book my steer in ahead of time so that my buyers could take the steer in to be processed immediately after the sale if they wanted,” says a local Weyburn 4-H Beef Club member. Outside of 4-H, Western Prime Meat Processors supports several other community programs. “We sponsor minor ball, the Weyburn Beavers, curling and all kinds of community fundraisers,” says Mike. Western Prime Meat Processors supplies food and sponsorship to several small town curling bonspiels

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and is always ready to hear and develop a new fundraising ideas. “Like I said before: we are here to help,” says Mike. “Everything to do with Western Prime Meat Processors is local. Our donations, our purchases and our sales are all geared toward the local community; business needs to stay at home and support community development,” says Mike. If you agree with supporting local farmers and producers and taking part in community development, then Western Prime Meat Processors is exactly what you need. Whether you have cattle, pork, bison or lamb to be processed or are looking to buy specialty meat products designed specifically for your nutritional needs, Western Prime Meat Processors has exactly what you need. Western Prime Meat Processors are here to help by producing honest, local food at honest prices.w. FLEW

Western Prime Meats 3 - 22nd Ave. SE, Weyburn, SK S4H 3J9 p: 306.842.4448 e: westernprimemeat@sasktel.net

Nova Scotia rapper

Classified (aka Luke Boyd) has been a mainstay of the Canadian hip hop scene for more than a decade. Leading up to his performance in Estevan on February 18, he took some time to rap with Fine Lifestyles editor Thom Barker.

ip hop started as an American urban phenomenon. How does a kid from Enfield, Nova Scotia wind up in that world? Hip hop has grown to a very universal type of music that’s basically anywhere now. You can hear it in Russia, rap is coming out of Sweden, everywhere now. I think just over time of it growing, the same way as Rock ‘n Roll grew and spread, hip hop has kind of crossed over from the urban community and now it’s more of a global, worldwide thing where a small town kid can do it, just about anyone from everywhere can turn any pop song nowadays. When you started it was still pretty counterculture, though, do you think it’s become more mainstream?

I think in the last 10, 15 years it’s really blown up to more of a mainstream thing. When I started it was just me and three or four other people listening to hip hop at my high school. It definitely wasn’t as crossover as what it is now, but I just heard a couple of hip hop songs,wondered what it was about. You didn’t have to learn to play a guitar or a certain type of instrument, you could just sit down and kind of start writing your thoughts down. It took me a while to get my rappin’ to a point where I thought it was good enough that people would enjoy it, but it was just something I loved doing.

same boat whether you’re living in Vancouver, Toronto or Halifax. I don’t think it makes a difference that way. It wasn’t like I did this to become a millionaire. It’s great to be able to have this as my job and support myself, but it wasn’t like “I’ve got to leave everything.” I’m close to my friends I grew up with and I’m really close with my family and stuff, so it wasn’t like “oh, I’ve got to head to New York or I’ve got to go to L.A.” It was something I enjoyed doing and I started getting some shows, started doing a lot of touring, so I’m on the road a lot anyway. But I think just with the Internet and everything you can do a lot from anywhere in the world.

You still live in Enfield. Wouldn’t a larger centre like Toronto be better for your career?

Where did the name Classified come from?

I think Canadian hip hop is kind of all in the

It was just something I came up with FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

when I was 15 years old. Every rapper had a name coming out and I wanted something clever and I thought about Classified and thought, “aw, that’s cool, you could play a lot of different things off that.” And even with my style now, a lot of people try to categorize hip hop artists whether they’re underground or whether they’re mainstream; they try to classify it a certain way. I’ve always found my music was kind of right in the middle. I like to think I’m kind of classified between the two. You were 18 when your first album came out, now you’re 34 with your own family, has your perspective on life changed? Night and day, hell yeah. I think just even having kids and just kind of growing up, even just travelling outside of Canada and seeing the rest of the world just opens your eyes, gives you different values, different perspectives. A lot of things that were important back then aren’t so important now. Some things that weren’t important then are a lot more important now. It’s just growing up, I think. Can you give me an example? When I first came out, it was all about, “I want to get love from that hip hop community.” I wanted to feel accepted in that circle of people and people who were doing it. As you get older, you find… you don’t care as much any more. Even writing songs, like something that I would say now, like being insecure about something blah, blah, blah… I wouldn’t say that back in the day because it’s not cool, it’s not hip hop; hip hop artists are cool and it’s not cool to be insecure or whatever. But now, as you grow up, you kind of go, “okay, it’s not a big deal, it’s how people live, people can relate.” Today it’s more about being yourself and people are going to accept you for who you are or not. You have released 14 albums in 16 years, which is pretty prolific considering the vast majority were self-produced. How did you keep up that pace during the lean times? I loved it, man. Even now, like, as soon as finish this interview, I’m going up to work on a beat. I enjoy doing it. I think any artist 32

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

who gets into music to get rich is doing the wrong thing. You’ve got to love what you’re doing. When I wasn’t in school or working my job, I was in my studio makin’ my beats and breakin’ my raps. I’d finish an album and I’d just put it out. I wouldn’t think I had to get a big record label to put it out or have some big plan. I think if you would have told me it’s going to take you 12 albums before you get a record deal, it

would have probably frustrated me. But the way it came, it was just, like, another year, make some more music, put it out, just kept climbing up and kept excited. Did you ever think about packing it in? Not really. I guess there were times I was, like, “how long am I going to do this? Am I going to be touring around Canada and

the world when I’m 50 years old? I think I’ll always make music. Like I said, I’ve always enjoyed going into the studio by myself, turning on the drum machine, start banging out some beats and writing my thoughts down. I think I’ll always do that. I don’t know if I’ll go on tour, you know, when I’m 50 years old. Maybe I will, but I see myself as more of a producer, playing the role of writing songs with younger artists coming up. You are with a major label now (Sony). Has it changed your life or your music at all? Not really my music. When I signed with Sony I think I was on my 12th album so I had in my mind what I think my music should sound like and it’s kind of grown up. Signing with Sony just really helped get a team behind it, you know, people who sell music for a living instead of me and my boys trying to run a label out of my basement. A team of people all over the world, all through Canada and industry connections. Wow, what a big important thing, to get on the MuchMusic Video Awards, the Juno Awards. Sony really helped hook a lot of that stuff up. You’ve been quite critical of the industry and some other artists, has that caused you any trouble? Oh yeah. It’s usually those people who want to pop bottles and jump up on the tables. I don’t know, that’s why I put that shit out there. I want people to know there’s another aspect to the music. If you ask the average fan that just listens to the radio what hip hop is about, they have a really derived point-of-view what hip hop is. There’s another whole aspect to hip hop. That’s kind of what I want to bring to the mainstream. You’ve got that flashy bullshit in the club stuff, but at the same time you have artists that put a lot more thought and lot more into the music. [I’m] just trying to show that other side of it. FLEW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Chef DaviD spiCing it up at eDDie Websters ddie Webster’s Dining room and Lounge in estevan is at the cutting edge of the city’s dining experience, and with the addition of an exciting new chef, that experience is about to escalate further.

says sorichetti. “he also draws a lot of inspiration from his family background. his style is inspired by all cuisines—in fact, Chef David has his own [personal] style as well. this helps him create some very interesting recipes.”

“in the next few months customers will see a dual focus at eddie’s,” says general manager James sorichetti. “now that Chef David Charles has joined us, there will be some fascinating new dishes. in addition, as the mixologist, i’ll be creating some really fun new drinks to complement them.”

the new menu featuring David’s dishes will be redrawn by up to 70 per cent by mid-March. “We’ll keep some of our popular favourites. the sushi saturdays will stay, for example, and customers will still be able to order such items as the applewood smoked striploin, the grilled pacific salmon with lemonchello reduction, the prosciutto capellini and the carmelized lemon tart.”

David has a significant amount of experience and a varied background that will serve him well in his work in estevan. “he originally comes from saint vincent and the grenadines in the Caribbean, but he moved to Ontario when he was 13,” sorichetti says. “he’s travelled and worked as a cook at many locations, including Ontario, b.C., and new York. “ David’s experience has influenced him significantly. “he has an open mind on different flavours, styles and recipes,”

James sorichetti, restaurant general Manager Chef David Charles, executive Chef

the new menu is developing out of the previous menu. “We were excited about it, and so were our customers,” says sorichetti. “now we’re just kicking that excitement up a notch with new items. One thing we’ll introduce will be more seafood--not the usual shrimp or scallops, but something different.” in addition to the new menu, a new spotlight will shine on the drinks. “We’re about to start expanding our selections

By Amy Nelson-Mile Photos by Brent Hume

of spirits and liqueurs,” sorichetti says. “We’ll be working with small distilleries around the world, telling their stories (such as the family history of the business) in the same way that we do now with wine. it’s going to be very interesting.” the drinks will now be highlighted just as the food is. “We’ll have weekly specials and features, some of which will be influenced by the seasons. for example, in the fall we’ll have a cocktail with poppy seed and parsnip puree.” sorichetti loves getting creative with the drinks. “Customers will be able to have drinks at eddie’s that they won’t find anywhere else—and the drinks will complement Chef David’s wonderful food. it will be a truly unique experience.” eddie Webster’s is located at 122 4th street in estevan. to reach them call 306-634-5656 or email eddiewebsters@ deejayscorp.com. they are open Monday—thursday from 11:00 a.m.— midnight; friday and saturday from 11:00 a.m.—1:00 a.m., and sunday from 4:00 p.m.—11:00 p.m.

from left to right: Wesh binalla, Dindo coronel, Chef David Charles, ariel balbuena, alex Williams, James senires

Zamboanga Monkey Tail

Rattlesnake

1 oz spiced rum 1 oz black rum 1/2 oz cherry brandy 1 oz fresh lime juice 1 oz fresh pineapple juice 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup a dash of pomegranate syrup (grenadine)

2 oz Canadian whiskey (i like forty Creek) 1 oz lemon juice 1/2 oz pure maple syrup 2 dashes of angostura bitters 1/2 oz egg white a pinch of poppy seeds

pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake! strain into a Collins glass full of ice and garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherries.

pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until the egg white gets foamy. strain into a cocktail glass half full with ice. use any garnish you feel works. fLeW

eddie Webster’s 122 4th street, estevan, saskatchewan s4a 0t4 | p: 306.634.5656 | e: eddiewebsters@deejayscorp.com

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR winter 2012

FEBRUARY ESTEVAN

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

WEYBURN Feb 1-March 23

Feb 19

Estevan Art Gallery and Museum Hybrid by Tim Moore

Grace United Church U of S Greystone Singers

Feb 18

Feb 19

Spectra Place Hedley

Crescent Pt Place Rink Garrett Dempsey Benefit Hockey Game

Feb 19

Feb 23

Spectra Place SJHL Weyburn vs Estevan

Royal Canadian Legion Taste of Congo

Until Feb 29

Feb 25

Estevan Art Gallery and Museum The Prairie Sea

Weyburn Public Library Sorority of Little Women

MARCH ESTEVAN

WEYBURN Mar 8

Mar 2-4

Estevan Chamber of Commerce Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Appreciation Dinner

Lake Alma Rink Lake Alma Funspiel

Mar 9

Mar 6

Spectra Place Paul Brandt

Weyburn Comprehensive Cafetorium Beverley Mahood, Weyburn Concert Series

Mar 24

Mar 15

Estevan Comprehensive High School Mile Zero, String Quartet

Weyburn Public Library Joys of Travel

Mar 23

Mar 28

Estevan Comprehensive High School Brent Butt Live

Weyburn Comprehensive High School Harlem Ambassadors Basketball FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Learn Life Lessons through sport at the schooL of

“Hard work gets results.” By Ryan Holota trong words from Ari Taub, founder of Hard Knocks Fighting, the leading Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events promoter in Canada. He should know. As one of the nation’s leading freestyle wrestlers, Taub first made it onto Canada’s Olympic Wrestling team in 1992, but was injured. “My doctor at the time told me that I had bone spurs in my neck – basically if I ever wrestled again these spurs could puncture my spine and kill me or turn me into a paraplegic.” With his Olympic dreams dashed, Taub returned to school and became a lawyer. He remained involved in the sport of wrestling as a coach. Finally, during an MRI in 2001 the truth was discovered: Taub had never had a neck injury, and there was no problem with him wrestling. Taub immediately went back into training, and was back on the Canadian National wrestling team by 2004. He competed at the World Championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007, and won the right to represent his country at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. “I began to realize just how many life lessons I had learned through sport,” explained Taub. In 2009, Taub and his training partner put on their first MMA event using the skills they had honed from hosting wrestling tournaments. The first show that we did outside of Calgary was in Medicine Hat. The morning after the show, the number of MMA fighters in the city doubled. People 38

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

“I began to realize just how many life lessons I had learned through sport,” explained Taub. who had been sitting on the sidelines, watching from their couches – they got up and went down to their local gym.” In 2011, Hard Knocks fighting accomplished something that put them on the national map – five shows in four cities in just 10 weeks. It was a monumental undertaking that gained them international recognition. Every time they had a show, they got people excited at the grassroots level.

Taub was thrilled that they were having such a positive influence on their markets. “The lessons that you learn about hard work and discipline in sport are hard to learn anywhere else, but they apply to every aspect of your life. You can learn a lot about life in training, but if you really want to take those life lessons to the next level, you need to get into the ring yourself. Now, people dream about making it to the

excitement and entertainment of MMA fighting back to Spectra Place on March 3, 2012. There’s still time for aspiring fighters to get involved. Businesses who want to get involved in spreading Taub’s message of “Life Lessons Through Sport” or to help bring the excitement of full contact MMA to Estevan also have time to get involved.

UFC, just like kids dream about making it to the NHL. At the beginning of the MMA movement you could win a few fights and get into the UFC. That’s not the case anymore. Just like hockey players need to play thousands of games before they can ever get into the NHL, MMA fighters need to compete in hundreds of fights to build the skills and name recognition that they need to do this as a career. But there hasn’t been an outlet for people to do that, until Hard Knocks Fighting came along.”

If you’d like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities with Hard Knocks Fighting or purchasing VIP tables contact Cord Crowthers at cord@ hardknocksfighting.com. To buy tickets to a night of excitement that you will never forget, visit the Junior Bruins ticket office at Spectra Place, or pick them up at local businesses. Visit www.hardknocksfighting.com to see a list of fighters and sponsors. FLEW

If you want to learn more about “Life Lessons Through Sport,” or are interested in having Ari Taub speak to your school, youth group, or church, contact him at info@hardknocksfighting.com.

Hard Knocks Fighting features local fighters matched with comparable talent from other cities in Canada giving those locals who train hard the opportunity to get into the cage and work on their record.

Hard Knocks Fighting Championship Suite 210 - 701 14th Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 2A4 p: 403.710.6683 e: info@hardknocksfighting.com www.hardknocksfighting.com

Hard Knocks Fighting held its first event in Estevan last fall, and is bringing all the

Hard KnocKs 21 LivE MMa Wade Baldwin • 240lbs / 6’2” Training at Estevan Combat Sports, Baldwin is excited for his second amateur bout with Hard Knocks Fighting. “I’m going to relax, focus on my competitor, and win.” Baldwin has been training with a mixture of Muay-Thai Kickboxing and jujitsu for 3 years.

Derek Daku • 240lbs / 6’ 3” With a long history of kickboxing, Daku began training in Muay-Thai kickboxing and jujitsu four years ago at Estevan Combat Sports. In his first MMA fight at Spectra Place, Daku leveled his opponent in 1:28. Daku is highly competitive and looks forward to his next fight. “When they lock you in the cage, there’s only two ways out: winning or losing. I’m going to win.”

HK 21

Photos by Brent Hume

EstEvan

Fighters March 3, 2012 • 7pm – 10pm at spectra pLace doors open at 6pm sharp.

THE PRIDE OF WEYBURN Half a century of Red Wings hockey By Edward Willett. Photos by Erin Tollefson

top any hockey fan on any street in any city in Canada and ask him the first thing that comes to mind when he hears the name “Weyburn.” Chances are, it will be “Red Wings.” For half a century, the Red Wings have been the pride and joy of the city of Weyburn, the “insignia” of the city, as Head Coach Dwight McMillan puts it. He should know, because with the exception of a very few years, he’s been involved with the team from the very beginning. McMillan came to Weyburn from Lashburn in 1961 to play on the very first Red Wings squad after the team was formed by a group of civic- and hockeyminded businessmen to join the brandnew Western Canada Junior Hockey League.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

“Coming in here to a packed Colosseum, playing to 2,000-plus people, people lined up to get tickets—it was really exciting,” McMillan recalls. In the 50 years since, the Red Wings have put Weyburn on the hockey map, he says. “I walked into a rink one time in New England, and this guy saw me and said, ‘You’re from Weyburn? I’ve heard of the Weyburn Red Wings.’”

“An iconic franchise” “The Red Wings are a kind of iconic franchise in junior hockey,” says General Manager Ron Rumball, who has also been involved with the team for most of its 50 years. “The Red Wings have become one of the premier junior hockey teams in North America, due to the success they’ve had on the ice and off the ice.”

No other team has won as many SJHL league championships as the Red Wings (nine). They’ve also racked up two national championships, in 1984 and 2005. They’ve become an integral part of the community. One good example: jersey nights to raise money for breast cancer and the Weyburn Hospital. The players wear special one-game jerseys that are auctioned off for charity. Three “Pink Jersey” nights have raised around $48,000 for breast cancer; the Weyburn Hospital jersey night raised $19,150. And yet, the Red Wings almost failed to survive one decade, let alone five. In 1968, due to the enormous travel costs incurred playing in the far-flung Western league, the team was roughly $38,000 in debt. Local businessman and athlete Dan

Garinger, working with Laing’s Beverages, saved the team and spearheaded its transfer to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. “About ten or so new people got on the board of directors in 1968, I being one of them,” Rumball recalls. “I’ve been involved ever since.” Rumball and McMillan had coached Weyburn’s Junior B team in 1966 and 1967, winning the championship both years. In 1972 they were hired as general manager and coach of the Red Wings, respectively. For several years Rumball alternated as general manager and director of scouting with Ray Belanger. McMillan has coached the team ever since, except for a brief period in the mid-1980s.

Many changes Both men have seen a lot of changes in their decades with the team. Being general manager used to be something he could do part-time, Rumball remembers. Now, it’s full-time. “Today, there are 134 teams in the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Everybody is competing for the Royal Bank Cup, from Yarmouth to Prince George.” It’s not just the competition that’s nationwide. So is the exposure. “Every game we

play is on Live Sports,” Rumball notes. “For a fee you can sit at home and watch a junior game on your computer.” But there’s a downside: pretty much every game from every hockey league, including the NHL, is also available online. “You never have to move from your armchair,” Rumball says. “It has certainly cut deeply into the ticket-selling operation.” Another change is the teams, which could once recruit Europeans, but are now limited to North American players. As a result, competition is fierce. “There’s a lot more work being done into recruiting,” McMillan notes. “And I don’t know if teams have as much depth now as they used to have; the talent is more spread out.” Costs continue to escalate as well. With a budget of just over $400,000 a year, the team currently spends well over $1,000 a day, even though it doesn’t play yearround, and even though the players aren’t paid. And yet, year after year, the Red Wings meet the challenges. And once a Red Wing, always a Red Wing. At a 50th reunion celebration in August, between 350 and 400 people turned out, including many members of the original 1961 team, McMillan among them.

The greatest reward Back then, he was a young man just starting his hockey career; now he works with other young men just starting theirs—and that’s what he finds most rewarding. “I really enjoy working with the young guys to get them to play as good as they can possibly play. They have to have the desire to play the game and want to be the best they can be.” McMillan doesn’t expect to coach much longer, but he would like to achieve one more goal: “I think I need something like 38 wins to become the second-most winning coach in North America. I’d like to accomplish that mark.” And once he retires? “There are some very good people running it,” he says. “You’ve got Darcy Pindus, an outstanding coach that I assume will take over, and Tyler McMillan. It’s in good hands.” McMillan is proud of his role in the Red Wings’ first half-century, and he makes sure his players are proud to play for the Wings and to represent Weyburn. “We just hope the city is as proud of us and does as much to promote us as we do to promote the city of Weyburn.” There’s not much doubt about that. FLEW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacations Photo courtesy of GEM Events

NEW SPORTS AND LEISURE SHOW FOR REGINA! By Caroline Gillies ith spring in the air the Spring in2 Summer Sports and Leisure Show is coming to Regina. On March 2, 3, and 4, at the Canada Centre Building at Evraz Place, the Spring In2 Summer Sports and Leisure Show will be your opportunity to make the most out of summer. The show will showcase holidays, resorts, cottage life, casinos, lodges, RV dealers, boats, houseboats, hot tubs, spas, golf resorts and accessories, hobbies, home accents, jewellery, photographs and art work just to name a few. Exhibitors will join us from all across Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Montana. There will be an operational garden G-scale model-railway rest stop that

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

covers over 800 square feet. This is an area for people to slow down, catch their breath and relax. The childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area will include interactive games and activities, much like that of a carnival, with proceeds going to the Chili for Children program in Regina. The event will also showcase a prairiewide photographic competition and art sale. The competition is open to amateur photographers with $1,500 in prizes for the six categories, which include spring, summer, landscape, animals, plants and creative images. It will be judged prior to the show and awards will be posted for all to see. If that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough just wait until the $5,000, seven-day Shuswap Lake houseboat vacation, courtesy of Twin

Tyler Gillies fishing Photo courtesy of GEM Events

Anchors, is drawn as a door prize on the last day. One lucky winner will be able to enjoy this extravagant experience with up to 14 friends on a 60-foot houseboat complete with hot tub, slide and more. The Spring In2 Summer Sports and Leisure Show is proudly run by GEM Events-Trade Shows of Regina. Gem Events is a relatively new company, but not to event planning. This family-owned company has extensive experience in planning and organizing events ranging from local charities, to both national and International events, as well as trade shows and fundraising events for sports and schools. CEO Mary Gillies has over 25 years of experience in planning and managing events. Jon Gillies, her husband and partner, brings years of committee experience, public speaking and planning to the company. Family members Kim, Caroline and Jon Gillies are active in ensuring success through their backgrounds and experience in marketing, web site development

and the graphic/photographic fields. Diamond Show Sponsors— Regina Hotels Association, Leader Post and Jack FM—are providing funding and assistance with marketing of the Spring in2 Summer Sports and Leisure Show. “This is going to be an awesome show,” Mary Gillies, “that will provide a lot of benefit to both guests and exhibitors. It’s the kind of event that you will look forward to attending each and every year. It’s really an event that is going to build a reputation as the must-see spring event in southern Saskatchewan.” FLEW

When: March 2-4, 2012 Where: Canada Centre Bldg, Evraz Place For discount coupon visit our website. For exhibitor information contact Mary at GEM Events

GEM Events 306.789.9087 fax 306.790.9628 gemevents@sasktel.net www.gemevents.info www.springin2summer.ca twitter.com/#!/GEMeventsSK The GEM Events Team L to R: Jon F. Gillies, Caroline Gillies, Mary Gillies, Jon Gillies and Kim Gillies Photo by Shawn Fulton

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Boosters ConneCt Communities with resourCes By Jade Ivan

ur work increases community pride and builds a sense of community,” says the Southeast Connection Sport, Culture and Recreation District. Many people are not aware of the many community supports provided by the Southeast Connection, but without these vital supports our communities would not be the same. The Southeast Connection is a non-profit, communitydriven organization that facilitates community development and coordinates district networks in order to increase access to sport, culture and recreation programs and services that enhance the quality of life and community vitality. In essence, Southeast Connection strives for increased community development and health. Southeast Connection envisions all communities vibrantly engaged in active, creative and healthy lifestyles. The organization’s staff members and 44

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

volunteer board of directors truly care about the people of their communities and want to respond to global pressures and hardships in order to support these communities. Southeast Connection recognizes the importance of healthy, well-rounded lifestyles and sees sports, culture and recreation as a fundamental backbone to a happy, healthy life. Southeast Connection works with community groups, municipal leaders, teachers, coaches, and artists to build better, healthier communities. They enhance the community capacity by supporting the development of leaders and volunteers with training and leadership opportunities including fitness leadership training, coach development, HIGH FIVE training, “Take the Lead” and grant writing workshops. The primary role of these supports is to help develop communities and organizations in order for them to meet their sport, culture and

recreational needs. Using recreation, parks, arts, culture, heritage and sport as a catalyst, they strengthen community leadership and collaboration. The district also offers the Youth Experience Program (YEP) as an initiative to enhance and provide opportunities for economically challenged youth through the provision of community-based sport, culture and recreation field trips. Trips often include the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Roughriders games, or the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Southeast Connection has recently expanded its focus on youth to increase children’s physical activity in the after school time period. The Active After School Project, funded by the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association’s Enhanced Member Support Initiative, focuses on building the capacity of southeast communities to offer accessible opportunities for children by engaging them in physical activity

during the critical after school time period. Southeast Connection recognizes these positive and active experiences as necessary building blocks for healthy young leaders. The district also works with Sask Sport, SaskCulture and Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Southeast Connection is one of nine districts in the province and covers the southeast geographical area including 95 communities around the Weyburn and Estevan areas. It has three staff members available to visit communities and meet with groups in order to network and provide information on programs and services available to them. These staff can be found in Weyburn, Moosomin and Oxbow and work to assist communities with accessing funding for sports, culture and recreation initiatives. Joni Hagen, Nicole Clow, and Tyler Jones can connect communities

and share information on provincial and national initiatives. They are a conduit between provincial organizations and grass roots communities working to build relationships between other sectors including health, economic development, and education. Joni, Nicole and Tyler celebrate the work and achievements of community volunteers and realize that successful endeavors would not thrive without these volunteers at the grassroots level. The District works hard to provide support and resources to these volunteers. The benefits of sport, culture and recreation are endless and have the potential to address some of the crucial issues facing our communities’ health, well-being and quality of life. Southeast Connection strives to advocate for this sector and increase awareness of the benefits of sport, culture and recreation.

Southeast Connection Sport, Culture & Recreation District Box 370, Weyburn, SK S4H 2K6 p: 306.842.2188 e: jhagen@southeastconnection.ca www.southeastconnection.ca

“Southeast Connection strives to build creative, active and healthy communities. Join us!” FLEW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

SPECTRA PLACE CATAPULTS ESTEVAN TO THE BIG LEAGUE By Roxy Blackmore. Photos by Angela Clements

Spectra Place is the epitome of a mission well-accomplished by a dedicated community. It is far beyond just a rink. When you are in Spectra Place, it is legitimately a euphoric feeling.

s the lights grew dim and the illustrious intro to Tom Cochrane’s hit “Big League” resonated the massive new Spectra Place, perhaps the legendary Canadian rocker was sending a message to the people of Estevan. Welcome to the next level. Emotions ran high for the inaugural event of the $20 million facility featuring Cochrane and the equally iconic Kim Mitchell. My 11-year-old sat slack-jawed, genuinely flabbergasted that this grand setting is where he would play his first year of Pee Wee hockey. I couldn’t help but cry—a combination of nostalgia for the music and unspoken gratitude to the dedicated individuals in this modest community and their tireless

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

spirits that made Spectra Place a reality. They were the reason I and 3,000 others were taking part in this phenomenal experience. Proof, that with mutual dreams and fierce determination any goal is attainable. Roy Ludwig is a councillor for the City of Estevan who was a member of the rink committee from the very beginning. He was there when the idea for the rink was initially brought before council 10 years ago. “At that time the number that came up was $10 million to build such a facility,” said Ludwig. “That’s a massive amount of money for a city this size.” But city Manager Jim Puffalt was persistent with the vision and brought it back to the table in 2006. “As daunting as it

seemed, we all knew we needed this,” Ludwig explained. “Up until this point the main rink was the Civic Centre, which was built in 1957. It was pretty worn down. The money it would cost to repair it was tremendous. We decided take a run at it. Council was 100 per cent behind the idea. Without that support this dream would have been dead on the paper. “We formed a committee with people from all walks of life. We realized we would need help from both the federal and provincial levels of government. In order for that to happen, we had to make it larger than life with events like fairs, concerts and even ballets. After putting a plan in place, we were fortunate enough to receive $13 million in government funding. The remaining $8 million was achieved through vigourous fundraising and community support. This is the biggest project we have ever seen in our community.” And as important as it was that council got behind the project,the community’s support was just as essential. Everything in Spectra Place is sponsored—from the seats, to the coffee cups to the ice itself. Hundreds of community members and businesses are acknowledged on the giant donor wall in the spacious foyer. Spectra Place is colossal, it measures 100,000 square feet. The design is flaw-

less. Not a detail was overlooked from the running track, to the 24 private box seats to the contemporary bowl design that seats up to 2,650 people. Of course, the primary beneficiaries of the new arena is the hockey community, which is positively pulsating with excitement. Jeff Pierson, president of the Estevan Bruins Hockey Club was also a member of the building committee. His pride shines through when he speaks of the new venue. “The opportunities for Estevan are infinite [with] Spectra Place,” said Pierson “This venue makes our hockey club look very attractive to potential recruits. The dressing rooms are unbelievable; they are all oak and genuinely comparable to that of the N.H.L. We are so relieved to have a third ice surface in the city for our community. It has helped all levels of hockey in Estevan. “To say our team is proud to have this as their home ice would be a blatant understatement. Estevan is now a place that all teams want to play in; they get excited to come here. From the minute you walk in, you feel like you are somewhere else altogether. I have toured hundreds of people through Spectra Place and the every time they are awestruck. It’s a credit to our city. I am there almost daily and I am still blown away, every time.” In October of 2011, the Estevan Bruins

organization hosted the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Showcase. All 12 member teams played there for three days, in what was the first major hockey event for Spectra Place. Garth Forrester s is the events manager for Spectra place and was also a part of the building committee. “We began booking events right away,” says Forrester. “We started with the final fundraiser, which featured Toronto Maple Leafs Manager Brian Burke. We’ve since hosted Tom Cochrane and Kim Mitchell, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce Ebex Awards, Estevan’s High School graduation, a bridal show, a Doc Walker concert, the Rotary Club’s Annual Lobster Fest and mixed martial arts group Hard Knocks out of Calgary.” “We have many remarkable shows on the horizon with Hedley coming in February, Paul Brandt in March and Hard Knocks returning soon. This facility truly offers something for something for everyone in every age group.” The dream that once was a ‘daunting task’ has become a surging pulse at the heart of the energy city. Spectra Place is the epitome of a mission well-accomplished by a dedicated community. It is far beyond just a rink. When you are in Spectra Place, it is legitimately a euphoric feeling. FLEW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

EstEvan GoEs ExtrEmE Board shop is beyond the usual one are the days when Board shops were shabby hangouts that sold only skateboards. XS-iV (sp Excessive) in Estevan is a firm validation that the industry has evolved into an authentic active lifestyle. An energetic, youthful vibe immediately hits you when you walk in. Music is pumping; a unique bench made out of well-worn much-loved skateboards rests by the counter where on any given day you will find a small gathering of teens chit-chatting about sports and fashion. The walls are splashed with images of athletes performing extreme sports. A 48

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

gigantic assortment of the hottest brand name clothing, and rainbow of shoes surrounds you wall to wall. What started as a body jewellery hobby for Judy Istace has evolved into the only extreme sports store in Estevan. She opened a small shop in 2002 that proved to be extremely lucrative. She and her husband Chris soon began bringing in more products catering to their young clientele. “Our customers were saying, you are selling jewellery why not start piercing?” says Judy “I did extensive research, met with other people in the business and started piercing.”

By Roxy Blackmore Photos by Melanie Hiske

All the while, the inventive duo was listening to their customers, and what their needs were. They recognized the potential for a skateboard shop in Estevan, but in order to do that, they knew they would have to relocate to facilitate the product the customers were asking for. In 2004 they opened XS-iV. Over the years XS-iV has evolved to a full scale extreme sport shop. “People who visit for the first time are often under the assumption that we only sell skateboards and ripped jeans and t-shirts. In reality we cater to everyone from tots to adults,” says Chris. “Our biggest sellers are clothing and

footwear. It’s about being ahead of the curve. We want to be the ones saying, this is what you’re going to be wearing next year. We buy our products over a year in advance. Right now we are in the process of ordering winter gear for next season.” Due to the overwhelming success of the store, they have opened an identical one in Weyburn. Both locations offer something for everyone. Men and women can choose from lifestyle lines including Nomis, DC, Volcom, LRG, Element and the very popular RDS, or Red Dragon, a popular skate culture brand out of Vancouver. They offer an impressive range of shoes in every style and colour from high heels to skate shoes, including, Osiris, Fallen, Vans, DC, Sanuk, Reef and Tom’s among others. The basement at XS-iV in Estevan is packed with a full range of skateboards and all the necessary replacement parts, motocross equipment, snowboards, goggles, boots, and most recently BMX bikes. “Customers were moving away from skate boards and into BMX,” says Chris “We discovered they were going online getting their bikes. We wanted to give them the opportunity to shop for what they needed at home. I searched through Canada trying to find what the best brands were. I made contacts, and the next day we were set up. Within the first two weeks we had to make four more orders.” The youthful atmosphere is due largely to the staff in the store “We treat our staff as much as we can like friends,” says Chris “We try to hire the teens in Grade 10. They know our products. Also, this way we have them here for at least three years before they graduate. Most of them return to the shop to work during their breaks and holidays after they have gone away to college. “ This innovative team takes their customers concerns to heart in the community as well. Chris played a huge part in getting the current skateboard park up and running in in 2006. “The kids were saying that people wouldn’t take them seriously,” says Chris. “They asked if I would represent them and I said absolutely.” The Istaces have created a mutual respect with their customers that can only be FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

achieved with a small business. “We have confidence in our product and our service,” says Chris. “We have individuality. We don’t have 50 coats in the same color. It’s our responsibility to be competitive, and to support our community. We have never turned anyone down for a donation. We can, and do give discounts on the spot, we can support your local cause without having to call head office and wait for an answer. We have personal VIP cards for our regulars. If they come in and show their card, they are getting a discount, it doesn’t matter what they are buying.”

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

XS-iV is continually giving back to the community to groups such as Trackside Motocross Club, minor hockey, soccer, Estevan Motor Speedway, Estevan Bruins and, last summer, helped relieve some financial burden for flood victims in the form of a donation though the Kinettes Club.

With their laid-back attitude, personalized approach, and their passion for what they do, they have an undeniable advantage over any competition which may come their way. They genuinely offer something unique for everyone, true to their motto: Beyond the usual. FLEW

The hard working couple is truly unstoppable; they welcome any challenge, most recently, opening a sports store in Spectra Place Rink & Events Centre housing high end quality gym gear.

1230 - 4th Street, Estevan, SK S4A 0W9 p: 306.634.6774 e: info@xsiv.ca

XS-IV

#7 - 3rd Street NE, Weyburn, SK S4H 0W1 p: 306.842.6776 www.xsiv.ca

GT/CS REVIEW

By Ryan Holota. Photos by Shawn Fulton ne hundred kilometres per hour comes up in about 4.6 seconds. The traction control system is almost perfect, allowing just a bit of wheel spin—enough to make you feel cool, while still planting the power to the ground and getting you moving. If you had the space, a quarter mile would go past in about 13 seconds, and you’d be travelling 110 miles an hour. That’s the thing about driving a car like this—you will never find its limits in Saskatchewan. Legalities aside, the roads are not smooth enough to explore the high end

of its speedometer (which Ford has electronically limited to 155mph). There aren’t enough corners. Boy racer dreams aside, it takes a lot of confidence to go into a hard corner at 100mph and aggressively come out under power. This car is so good that you would need to be doing something egregiously stupid to get into trouble with it on a public road. Ford of Canada was kind enough to let Fine Lifestyles drive a 2012 Mustang convertible for a few days last fall. Not just any convertible, this was a GT/CS (GT/California Special), a trim package add-on that harkens

back to the original GT/CS built for California Ford dealerships in 1968. Equipped with Ford’s hot new 5.0 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, we would have been stupid to say no.

Drivetrain The new 5.0 is amazing. Dubbed the ‘Coyote’ engine within Ford, it is loosely based on the ‘Modular Engine’ architecture that Ford has been using for a while (the 4.6, 5.4, 6.8 are Modular Engines), but with a number of very important changes. An all-aluminum block and new crankshaft and bore diameFineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

ter have increased the displacement to 302 cubic inches, allowing Ford to bring the 5.0 moniker back from the dead. The engine is topped with all new DOHC 4V heads that provide incredible flow, and feature Ti-VCT technology. Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) allows the computer to advance and retard each pair of the 4 camshafts in the engine independently of the other in order to optimize power, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Make no mistake, this engine is as high-tech and advanced as they come. Producing 412 horsepower on pump gas, this is the stuff that performance guys dream about. Backing up the power is a Getrag MT-82 6-speed manual transmission. There are stories of this transmission being problematic for some people, but the transmission in the car we drove was excellent. A little vague when shifting into gear perhaps, but we never missed a gear the entire time we drove the car. It shifted smoothly, and the extra-deep overdrive in 6th gear was appreciated on highway stints.

Interior It’s not until you sit down inside the 2012 Mustang that it hits you: this car is big. The passenger side door is waaaay over there, and you sit very low inside the car. The dash and the interior panels surround you. Thankfully, they are all beautiful to look at. The gages are large and easy to read, and well-lit at night. The shifter and radio are both within easy reach, though Ford has failed yet again to deliver a cup holder capable of holding a Slurpee in the Mustang— a can of pop fits just fine, but anything taller is right in the way of being able to grab the shifter.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

The seats are very supportive, holding you tight even in hard turns, and comforting over rough roads. The extra size makes for a lot of extra room inside too. The rear seats are usable, if tight for adults. Two car seats fit with no trouble, and with the convertible top putting the kids in them is easy. Of course, the Mustang was also equipped with Ford’s Sync, a voice activated control centre for music, mobile phones, and more.

Overview It’s no longer enough just to be fast. Today’s automobile buyers demand horsepower, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Today there are minivans that have 270hp. A performance car can’t just be quick, they have to be FAST. And quiet. And spacious. From a strictly performance standpoint, the new Mustang is a hit. The new Camaro can’t quite keep up with it, and the new Challenger will be left in the dust. With a sticker price

of $48,000 as tested, the Mustang puts you squarely in Porsche 911 territory, and probably in first place between the two, for less than half the price. But the 2012 Mustang is much more than just a solid performer. It is truly of a new breed of automobile, one that can be driven fast, used to commute daily, and still keep the driver and passengers comfortable and safe. It’s one of the best cars that I have driven in years.

the showroom floor. While my Mustang has had a fair share of modifications and improvements over the years, it still does not come close to matching the new car for power.

Looking Back 25 Years My Mustang experience dates back to January of 1994, in my senior year of high school. That’s when I bought my first car, one that I still have today. Over the years it has served a wide variety of needs: date car, commuter car, pickup truck, and finally, hot rod. It’s a Mustang. A 1987 LX Hatchback, with T-tops. My Mustang shines an interesting perspective on the 2012 Mustang that I drove for Fine Lifestyles. For one, it is also has a 5.0 engine, though there is nothing in common with the 5.0 engine in the 2012 Mustang besides the name. The 5.0 in my 1987 is a cast-iron pushrod engine based on the Ford 289, and the 260 and 221 before that. It can trace its history back as far as 1962. The new 5.0 is a completely different animal. All aluminum, and with dual overhead cams, it represents the pinnacle of drivetrain engineering at Ford. My 5.0 had a factory rated horsepower level of 225; the new 5.0 has 412 right off

On the other hand, the new Mustang appears to have been dipping into the Halloween candy; it tips the scales at almost 1,000 pounds more than the 1987 version. Much of it is safety and convenience related— airbags, added structure, and the convertible top mechanisms. Let’s not forget that the car is big, really big actually. Weight is a great equalizer in the horsepower game. The 1,000 pound difference is equivalent to about 100 horsepower. That weight does have some advantages though, especially in traction. With the limited modifications to my car, traction is essentially non-existent. Full throttle in first or second gear results in tire spin. Apply throttle too early in a turn and the back end swings wide, and it doesn’t auto-correct, you need to drive it straight. In contrast, driving the 2012 Mustang is easy. It simply hooks and goes. The traction control allows just enough wheelspin for you to feel dangerous, but without wasting tires. Even with the traction control turned off, the car simply goes where you point it. The added structure also makes the new Mustang much quieter to drive. My car, which features several welded on structural enhancements, still shakes and rattles over bumps and train tracks. The new car is almost eerily quiet – more like a minivan than

a muscle car. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, however. My car, which has a DOT approved exhaust that is well-within legal noise levels, can get grating on long trips. Conversation is best replaced by a loud stereo. In contrast, the new Mustang is silent at idle, but really roars once you step on the loud pedal. Maybe too quiet for a 19-yearold, but very nice for this 35-year-old with two kids. Finally, the clutch pedal is simply amazing. My ‘87 features one of the most popular high-performance clutches on the market. It’s heavy. Being caught in stop and go traffic for a while makes your leg ache. My clutch is perfect for the 300hp range, and at about 450hp even it becomes too weak to use reliably. But the clutch in the new Mustang is MEANT to handle more than 400hp, and the pedal is soft and smooth. It is able to do this because it is hydraulically enhanced— which is fine with me and my left leg. I’ve had my Mustang for almost 18 years— more than half of my life. I don’t plan on ever getting rid of it, and I certainly wouldn’t replace it with a new Mustang. However, it would sure look good sharing garage space with a 2012. I’m not sure which one I’d drive more. FLEW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Custom Glass needs done RiGht ric Shier is hunched over a work bench, carefully scribing a curved line onto a piece of safety glass. Pouring liquid from a bottle onto the surface, he ignites it and carefully—skillfully—removes the excess glass while nearly-invisible flames leap above its surface. He extinguishes the flame with a puff, and moves the entire piece over to a wetsander. Within moments the shape is done. A perfect curve cut into each corner of a piece of safety glass. “This is the same type of glass that is used in an automotive windshield,” he says. “But this isn’t for a car. It’s a new window for the cabin of a piece of equipment used on an oil site. You can buy them premade, but there’s no reason to go to the expense and time of bringing in a piece like that when I can make it in the shop.” 54

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

This piece of glass will eventually be held in place with a rubber gasket, covering much of the craftsmanship. Other pieces like it, however, are glued into place, and the corners and edges will be visible for everyone to see. This kind of craftsmanship is what DUN RITE Glass has become known for, and is one of the reasons that so many businesses rely on DUN RITE for their glass-replacement needs. Shier has been with DUN RITE for nearly a decade, and has owned the company since 2007. He grew up in the Estevan area on a farm just 15 minutes north of Oxbow. He and his wife, Tara, have been married for five years and have a three-year-old girl named Rowyn. They are expecting their second child in July.

By Ryan holota Photos by melanie hiske

automotive Glass At any glass shop, most of the work revolves around replacing windshields, window glass and mirrors. DUN RITE is no exception. They carry more than 50 different types of windshields, all carefully selected to fit the most common models of cars and trucks in their service area. And if they don’t have exactly what you need, they can get it for you within one day. “There have been hundreds of different types of cars produced, but we know what people drive and try to keep our inventory stocked to their needs. For some vehicles, like GM trucks, we buy the windows in packs of 10 because there are so many of them on the road; we know that we’ll be changing a lot of those in a week.”

It takes a few hours to change a windshield and let the adhesive cure, so while customers wait, DUN RITE offers courtesy vehicles. “Especially if you’re from out of town, you don’t want to spend half your day in our waiting room. So you can take a vehicle and drive yourself around town, do some shopping, get a bite to eat, all while we take care of your car. And if you’re in town, we’ll come straight to your home or place of work and pick up your vehicle, repair it, and drop it off again when it’s done. We also provide rides in town if you want to drop your vehicle off and then wait at home for it to be finished.”

Custom Glass “Most of the work that we do is automotive glass replacement,” says Shier, “but we do a lot more than that.” DUN RITE also does commercial and residential glass work, including the installation of UV and shatter-resistant films on windows. These are especially popular for commercial locations that may have large windows for display purposes. They can also handle glass replacement in broken windows and doors. Another market that DUN RITE serves is the custom glass market. From replacing the glass on construction equipment like wheel loaders, motor graders and drilling platforms, to glass windows on office trailers and whatever else you may need, DUN RITE has you covered. They can work in sheet glass, lexan, or safety glass to suit the job at hand.

Bringing the Glass to You DUN RITE glass has two mobile units to bring the glass right to your work site. These mobile units are completely equipped to service your needs right on the jobsite or in your yard. They make regular trips out of Estevan to service their customers, keeping everybody safe and seeing clearly through their glass. FineLifestyles ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

tinting and accessories Glass tinting is a natural fit for an auto glass shop, of which DUN RITE is very proud. While some people think that window tint is a simple process, the prevalence of bubbled up window tint on the streets proves otherwise. Window tinting is as much an art as a skill, and learning to get it just perfect takes a lot of practice. DUN RITE has tinted thousands of windows since they’ve been open, and have learned which products and techniques provide the best results. While your car windows are being tinted, maybe its time that you took a look through some of the automotive accessories that DUN RITE offers. They carry grill guards, vent covers, bug deflectors and many more items that help to make your vehicle stand out from the pack.

automotive detailing Sharing space with DUN RITE Glass is Auto Shine, the automotive detailing side of Shier’s business. Much more than just a carwash, Auto Shine is a complete automotive detailer. They offer a multitude of interior and exterior wash and protection options using Car-Brite and Zep product lines. Interior options range from a simple cleaning to a complete shampoo, cleaning every detail from the headliner to the dust in the ashtray and removing all those lost French fries from between the seats. Everything is first cleaned and then protected to keep it clean longer and prevent damage caused by harmful UV rays. Exterior wash options include washes and waxes, and include details such as cleaning the glass, headlights, and wheels. If your car needs an extra little bit of TLC they can even polish those faded and yellowed headlights back to a crystalclear showroom look. Auto Shine can also polish those aluminum and chrome wheels right on your car, bringing back the sparkle and shine that months of road salt, muck, and grime have hidden and tarnished. 56

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Whether your windows are broken or you just want to have your car or truck cleaned, give them a call at 634-6093. Better yet, just pop by their location at 1302 4th street. Much of what they do can be done on a drop-in basis. They’ll be waiting for you. FLEW

Dun rite Glass 1302 - 4th Street estevan, SK S4A 0X2 p: 306.634.6093 e: dunriteglass@gmail.com

MILEAGE. POWER. RELIABILITY. • DPF Deletes • EGR Deletes • Exhaust • Programmers • Lift Kits • Engines • Transmissions • 318 Queen Street, Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 2K1 FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

CAThedrAl InsurAnCe

By Ryan Holota Photos by Melanie Hiske

he staff at Cathedral Insurance Brokers is as diverse as the types of insurance they offer. They do, however, have one important thing in common: A passion for making sure your insurance needs are met in an objective, stress free, courteous way.

Doug Trapp was born in Balcarres. he is a former professional hockey left wing who played for the Whl regina Pats. he remains extremely dedicated to the sport with all of his spare time being spent watching his three sons play hockey. his professional history also includes real estate and business proprietorship. he purchased Cathedral Insurance brokers in 2008 and specializes in commercial lines insurance. 58

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

George Sereggela was born in estevan and has lived in saskatoon, regina and Calgary, but he still calls estevan home. he has Commerce and law degrees from the university of saskatchewan. he practiced law between 1988 and 2006. A desire for a change saw him relocate to Calgary only to return one and half years later to join friend doug Trapp as owner of the business. he specializes in commercial lines insurance.

Andrew Tait was born in Grenfell and has lived in every province west of saskatchewan. he has been in the insurance industry for over eight years obtaining his CAIB designation in 2008. he specializes in oilfield and commercial lines insurance.

Gloria Bill has lived in estevan for 28 years. she and her husband Brian have four children. she joined the insurance industry five years ago. her priority is building client relationships. she enjoys working most with her senior clientele with whom she has a special bond. her pastimes include gardening, home renos, swimming and cheering her children on at sporting events both nationally and internationally. Judy Forseth has 15 years experience working in personal and commercial lines insurance. For seven of those years, she worked in stettler, AB before returning home. she has been married for 36 years and has four children and eight grandchildren. When she’s not working, she enjoys scrapbooking, camping, yoga, gardening and spending time with family and friends. Melissa Brock was raised in Frobisher where she recently purchased a home with her significant other. she has six years office experience and is new to the insurance industry enjoying all the learning that goes with it.she enjoys entertaining, renovating her home and is anxious for summer barbecues with friends and family. Cathy Knight was born in Trenton, On. she moved to regina in 1991 and then stoughton in 2011. she has three children. she enjoys reading, camping, motorcycling and spending time with family. she has 15 years experience in the insurance business as a personal lines broker.

Cathedral Insurance Brokers 10 Beefeater Plaza 910-13th Avenue N, Estevan, SK S4A 2J4 tf: 1.800.663.2671 www.cathedralinsurance.ca

Twyla Tide – comptroller. Twyla was born and raised in estevan. After spending 10 years in saskatoon in the accounting field, she returned to estevan with her husband Alf and their two sons. she joined Cathedral Insurance four years ago when ownership changed. “Friendly clients and co-workers make Cathedral Insurance a great place to work,” she says. Edrina Sinclair was born and raised in estevan. she left for ten years after high school, but returned with her husband William to raise their four children. she was a stay-at-home Mom for 13 years after which she worked as an education assistant for 11 years in the public school division before joining the team at Cathedral Insurance. she values friendly customer service and enjoys meeting new clients every day. Roxanne Murray grew up on a small acreage by Porcupine Plain. After graduation, she moved to estevan with her family. she has a background in the hospitality industry and as a medical office assistant. she has found her niche in the insurance profession. As a personal lines broker, she specializes in home, auto, and travel insurance. she spends her spare time doing renos, camping, country dancing and gardening. Cathedral Insurance Brokers are committed to acting in the best interest of their clients by providing insurance products and services that meet individual needs and desires.

Zoe Motor Licence Issuer

Courtney Motor Licence Issuer

The highly dedicated, friendly staff is made up of saskatchewan people, helping saskatchewan people manage their risks. They are ready to handle all of your insurance needs. FleW

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

PHOTO BY Jason Stang

DICHOTOMY IN DENIM The publicly private and privately public life of W. Brett Wilson By Thom Barker with files from Quinn Bender

Brett Wilson: The Dichotomy

When Brett Wilson enters a room, dressed in his trademark jeans and leather jacket, he is immediately the centre of attention and, usually, late. That is standard operating procedure for the oil tycoon, philanthropist and Canada’s favourite capitalist according to Robin Murray, Wilson’s personal assistant, or as she is officially known at Prairie Merchant Inc., manager of Brett wrangling and fun.

On the surface, Wilson appears to be a bit of an enigma. Anyone who follows him on Twitter knows he can be downright cryptic. He is refreshingly candid about some aspects of his life. He will talk easily and at length about his battle with and recovery from prostate cancer. He is upfront about struggling with depression and a possible bi-polar tendency. He admits to binge-drinking, although he differs with the experts on its definition saying he never had an alcohol dependency just “an inappropriate style of drinking.”

Taller and lankier than he appears to be on TV, Wilson exudes the confidence and relaxed demeanor of someone comfortable with his celebrity. And although constantly besieged since his starring role on CBC’s Dragons’ Den by people who want a piece of him, he is gracious with his time and, once engaged, has the uncanny ability to make you feel like what you and he are doing is the only thing in the world that matters to him.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Wilson in his Calgary office at Prairie Merchant Corporation. Photo courtesy of: Cynthia Robinson www.cynthiarobinsonphotography.ca

“I wasn’t a binge drinker, but when I drank, I drank until the party was over,” he said. “I quit by choice and, in fact, I still drink on occasion. I had one beer last summer with my son on his 19th birthday and I had half a glass of wine on a first date with someone two years ago.”

Any discussion of his love life or his family is off-limits. When he was dating Sarah McLachlan, even when they were seen together in public, he was coy about their relationship answering questions from reporters with evasive answers like: “Anyone can see we spend time together.”

ample, the fact that despite being touted as one of Canada’s wealthiest individuals, he doesn’t even appear on the Top 100 list, saying those lists are little better than guesswork.

Wilson is also outspoken on the subject of his former Dragon’s Den co-stars. On Kevin O’Leary: “What you see is pretty much what you get. A lot of people recognize Kevin doesn’t do any deals, doesn’t have any experience doing deals, doesn’t really know what he’s doing. But he has the gift of the gab.” Jim Treliving: “A class act.” Robert Herjavec: “Smart, but had it easy.” Arlene Dickinson: “A tough nut.”

He only mentions his kids in passing, or in the context of his own parenting philosophy. For example, he has told his children they are not going to inherit his money. “I’ve got a very clear view that unearned wealth is almost always destructive,” he said. “Why would I challenge my children to take on the legacy of the wealth I’ve created? I don’t mind helping them. They might have a running start, but they still have to have the same core values of honesty, integrity and a sense of value for hard work. I have no concern with my three children that they don’t sense the value of what they’re on this Earth for and none of them are sitting waiting for the next handout. ”

William Brett Wilson was born on Canada Day, 1957 in North Battleford. He reminisced that his best memory of growing up was the simplicity of life.

And he takes no prisoners when it comes to criticizing public figures such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates. “When the two of them went out to the rest of the billionaires in the world and said ‘we’d like you to consider committing to give away half your wealth.’ I thought, ‘bullshit, you give away all of it.’ How incompetent are the children of the billionaires if the billionaires have to commit to giving them half of it? How many kids need half a bill’ to get by on, except to protect the legacy of the father?” On the other hand, Wilson is notoriously silent on certain other personal topics.

Wilson has a very simple explanation for this public-private disconnect. “Girlfriends and children and family involve two people,” he said. “I look at the things that involve others as a shared story and it’s not mine to tell.” He also avoids any discussion of his actual financial worth. He dismisses, for ex-

Brett Wilson: The Bio

“One [memory] that I’m really proud of in terms of small town roots, was the fact that our front door was locked, so people would know we weren’t home, but the back door was always open in case you needed to get in the house. It was the degree of comfort and safety and security you felt in a small town in Saskatchewan. That’s sort of the thematic, but my fondest memories are of spending summers out at Jackfish Lake.” It wasn’t all comfort and security for the young Brett, though. “I ended up being accelerated a grade. I took three grades in two years and I was small for my age. I was probably emotionally immature even though I was intellectually adequate to be where I was, so the disconnect between being in Grade 4, one of the smallest kids in the class—I would FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Wilson at his annual garden party with a group of people from Dragons’ Den who he has invested in. Photo courtesy of: Cynthia Robinsonwww.cynthiarobinsonphotography.ca

Wilson chows down for Thanksgiving dinner with Defence Minister Peter MacKay and Canadian Forces personnel in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Wilson with Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed and co-commander of Operation Western Front (OWF), Warren Spitz at the Vancouver gala in March. OWF raised $1.5 million for Canada’s soldiers and their families. Photo credit: Mark Kinskofer, Vision Photography

I wanted to play the game, I had to step up the game.”

stock brokerage firm providing financial services to the energy sector. Wilson no longer plays an active role in the FirstEnergy having “retired” in 2007 and stepped down as Chairman in 2008. These days, he conducts most of his business through Prairie Merchant Corporation, a private holding company with offices in Calgary.

The insecurity followed him until enrolling at the University of Saskatchewan in civil engineering gave the then-17-year-old a fresh start.

Wilson has joked that he was a solid C engineering student, but his B.Eng. got him started. He spent three years in the Alberta oilfields as an engineer. But that was the early 1980s. As the oil boom of the 1970s quickly turned to bust, Wilson enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration program at the University of Calgary where, in 1985, he was the first person to graduate with a specialization in entrepreneurship.

“Nobody really cared how many grades you did, or how old you were. We all looked roughly the same. I discovered I was in a room full of guys wearing ratty jeans, old runners, t-shirts that were a little bit worn and probably three days overdue in terms of being washed and [who] had just as many pimples as me. The engineering class was full of people just like me, so while I fit in I also discovered I had to start doing a little more homework because these guys were pretty sharp and if

He quickly put his new degree to work as an investment banker with McLeod Young Weir Limited (now ScotiaMcLeod). As the pendulum of the oil industry swung back to boom in the early 1990s, Wilson combined his oil industry background with his investment banking experience by co-founding Wilson Mackie and Co., a broker of oil and gas deals. In 1993, he co-founded FirstEnergy Capital with Rick Grafton and N. Murray Edwards. The Calgary-based company remains a leading

have been the smallest if I was in Grade 3—[was that] you’re just that much smaller, you’re that much slower, you’re that much more immature. There’s a gap and it’s a larger gap than people realized. It was really disconnecting, disconcerting and frustrating, so a lot of my memories in terms of growing up were around the challenges of fitting in.”

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Brett Wilson: The Enlightenment Brett Wilson has famously said his wealth came at too high a price. “My parents were the classic community-minded citizens,” he explained. “I just thought that was the rule. I didn’t think about it until I got out into the real world and discovered I had to make some choices of my own. In my parents’ model, I felt that they cost themselves some money by dedicating themselves to their children and to their community. I wasn’t going to

make that mistake, so guess what? I made the mistake the other way and over-dedicated myself to making a dollar.” In 2001, his 20-year marriage to engineering classmate Pamela Janzen was one casualty. “My ex-wife asked me more than once ‘how much is enough?’” he said. “I love referring to that line from the Aristotle Onassis movie where Jackie Kennedy asks, ‘but, how much is enough?’—because she clearly wasn’t seeing him—and he just looked at her, took out a cigar and said ‘more.’ I used to think that was a great answer. Now I really think it’s pathetic because the only asset you’ve got that’s of any real value is your time.” Then, in 2002, came the bombshell that would set Wilson’s life on a different course. Cancer. Through his treatment for and recovery from the disease, and subsequent treatment for clinical depression, Wilson was able to see things in a different light. “I would have tried to live by a set of priorities I try to live by now—nobody’s perfect and I’m certainly far from perfect and the subtitle of my book (unpublished) is Still Making Mistakes—but setting priorities around your health, your family and your friends, might have allowed me to say ‘enough.’”

Photo by Heather Fritz

Brett Wilson: The Present Today, Wilson is one of the leading champions of Saskatchewan business. He is a University of Saskatchewan Top 100 Alumni, and recipient of the Order of Canada for his business and philanthropic achievements. As the top deal-making panellist on Dragons’ Den, Wilson frequently followed his heart by investing in fellow Saskatchewanians. He was cut from the show prior to the current season and makes little effort to conceal his disappointment with the unrealized potential of the program. He lauds Dragons’ Den for its effect on Canadian youth. It set them ablaze with entrepreneurial thinking, giving them licence and confidence to pursue their ideas regardless of age. It was for this reason Wilson accepted a new role on his own reality show, Risky Business, which he premiered in Saskatchewan at an event called Pitch Party IV for 1,000 business students . Wilson landed the role just days after his dismissal from CBC, when a casting call was issued for a Brett Wilson-like entrepreneur to host a new reality-investment program. “I thought, well, I’m like Brett Wilson. Why don’t I give them a call?” Wilson hopes the new show will continue to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, but, unlike the Dragons’ Den format,

he aims to highlight the process of investment and showcase the outcome for the benefit of budding entrepreneurs. “Today this province has a tonne of opportunity and the right mind-set to take advantage of it. It comes from the cold, harsh prairies that turn out a pretty high calibre of people. They understand adversity; they understand that the value of a hard-day’s work is how you eat. There’s very little second- or third-generation wealth here—no sense of entitlement. Saskatchewan was built by the original entrepreneurs: the hunters, the trappers, the fur traders, the farmers. These weren’t people who had pension plans and family wealth. They came out here to stake their wealth. That’s really the essence, the bloodstock, that’s continued in Saskatchewan.” Although still a long way from true retirement, Wilson’s passion these days is helping others. He describes himself as a “serial philanthropist.” The litany of causes he has championed and continues to support is far too lengthy to list, and will undoubtedly continue to grow. He doesn’t see it as selfless though. “People talk about the finest and purest giving being altruistic,” he said. “But altruistic giving makes you feel good so it’s not altruistic because you got something out of it. I get a great buzz out of helping people be better.” FLEW

The new era begins for indusTry Training in saskaTchewan

State-of-the-art facility to provide local education in the booming energy sector By Roxy Blackmore Photos by Melanie Hiske much anticipated provincial energy training facility will soon be opening its doors at 532 Bourquin Road in Estevan. The Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute will be starting classes in February 2012. The state of the art facility will offer energy and oilfield education for thousands of students, adding significantly to the training capability in Saskatchewan, with anticipation to retain the population while offering the compulsory training in the vicinity. The $14 million facility was made possible through strong partnerships with the provincial and federal governments and the industry sector. It is a stateof-the-art 44,000 square foot building consisting of eleven classrooms, three labs for onsite analysis and research, and a lecture theatre that can seat up to 250 people. Equipped with leading edge technology, Saskatchewan’s new Energy Training Institute has promise to become one of Canada’s most innovative and efficient educational institutions. “Estevan is an active industry-orientated community,” says Marla Smith, acting executive director for the Southeast Education Foundation. “It has a tremendous amount of employers. We now have the opportunity to educate students locally rather than having them go elsewhere to proceed with their courses. This new facility puts Saskatchewan in a very prominent position for industry and energy training. Our programs and training initiatives will assist in strengthening the economy of the region we serve by providing a highly educated workforce. The vision behind the college was very much driven by the industry. What the needs are and how we can fill those needs.” Saskatchewan’s new Energy Training Institute will not only provide the opportunity to train employees locally, but provincially and internationally. It will highlight specialized training and skill development to meet the diverse needs of employment sectors including oil and gas, trades, mining, manufacturing and the studies of alternative energies. The new facility will not only offer classes that had been previously available at the Southeast Regional

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

College, but will also feature new curriculums that many people had to travel to locations like Nisku or Calgary in Alberta to obtain. “Employees don’t need to be gone for an extra two days consumed with travelling to get their courses,” says Smith “A lot of the students had to go out of province to get skid car training or defensive driver training. We bought a skid car package and we have developed the curriculum. We are offering the community the opportunity to keep their husbands, wives, and children home to study rather than be away. They can go home to their family at the end of the day. We want to keep people at home; they can get their training here, graduate here, and then find employment here.” With the recent oil boom, southeast Saskatchewan is the dominant centre for the drilling and service sector of the oil and gas industry. There are a number of large petroleum-based producers that maintain the operation of producing oil and gas wells. Coal mining, coal energy and power generation are all centred in southeast Saskatchewan. The Southeast region is also known and globally recognized for CO2 injection, new technologies in fracture stimulation and the Bakken formation. “The industry in southeast Saskatchewan is growing exponentially,” notes Smith “New rigs and new businesses are arriving here daily. We really need to be on top of that, to offer these organizations the ability to train their staff locally. With the demand that is coming up in the next five years when the baby boomers start to retire, the job opportunities are going to be enormous and we want to be able to train the up-and-coming workforce.” The Early Safety Training program is designed to provide southeast Saskatchewan youth with safety training and skills that they can apply their entire lifetime, both on and off the job. This training is highly recognized and valued by most employers, and provides students with a leading edge in obtaining summer or full-time employment. FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Continuing Education The new facility has brought in an array of new courses for the industry. Saskatchewan Energy Training Institute in Estevan is excited to be offering a new suite of specialized technical and trades courses for career advancement in the energy sector. Each of the following certificate programs will be offered at the Estevan campus:

• Electrician • Oil & Gas Terminology for Office Professionals • Oil & Gas Field Operations • Oil & Gas Production Accounting • Power Engineering • Rig Technician Apprentice

“We’ve based our criteria on the demand of the industry,” says Smith “The building and the curriculum is very modular. Five years down the road we may need a different component and we can very easily take a part or modify what exists to fit that in. Estevan has offered energy training for 22 years, but now the boom is here and the industry is blowing up and there are all kinds of opportunities for training and education.” With classes at full capacity and the demand getting even bigger, the new Saskatchewan Training Institute promises to be an educational trailblazer for the industry backing up their motto: Education and safety are the best investment with the greatest returns. FLEW

For More Information Contact: Marla Smith, Acting Executive Director, Southeast Education Foundation 8 – 4th Street Weyburn, Saskatchewan p: 306.848.2527 e: msmith@southeastcollege.org

532 Bourquin Road Estevan, SK p: 306.634.4796 www.southeastcollege.org

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Jody Holzmiller, Acting CEO, Southeast Regional College p: (306) 848-2512 e: jholzmiller@southeastcollege.org

From Left to right: denise Brooks and robin dowhanuik of Crown Advertising.

Crown Advertising hen Crown Advertising opened its doors in 1988, founder Rod Fagerheim probably didn’t think it would grow to be one of the largest companies of its kind in southern Saskatchewan, but that is exactly what it has become. Over the past 24 years, Crown Advertising has built a reputation of delivering the very best quality products to its customers, as well as a reputation as being the type of company that supports their community and surrounding areas When the time came last year for Fagerheim to get out of the business, he had several options. Close down, sell to an investor, or partner with an outside business person and hand over the reins. None of those options would have been consistent with his leadership style or the family atmosphere that he nurtures with Crown Advertising.

So, he offered his business to his employees. Denise Brooks being there for over 10 years new it was something she wanted to do and partnered up with Robin Dowhanuik. Working together they were excited to keep the business a part of Estevan and to keep the feeling of the business the same. When asked what the first thing that they changed about the business when they took over the reply was quick, “Nothing. We didn’t change anything, and we have no plans to change anything. In fact, we want to keep the business going in just the way that it is.” Strong words of support for the previous owners management style. Crown Advertising has grown into a 5900 square foot facility. They have a 1400 square foot showroom and 3500 square foot production and storage area. This allows them to do a large part of the work

By Ryan Holota Photos by Brent Hume

in house. “We love that we get to employ so many of the people of Estevan at our place of business,” explains Dowhanuik. This gives us the capability to have better control over the quality of the products that we produce, with our company being focused on customer service if you tell someone you can get it than we have to make sure it is here in a timely matter that meets their event date or company needs. The reason they can do such a wide array of services and deliver all of them in a professional manner with top quality results is because of the quality of the staff. Crown Advertising employs 14 full-time people in Estevan, all of them very skilled at what they do. The staff is now all women, which is something you don’t see a lot of in a business. By surrounding yourself with dedicated and loyal employees they FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

are what make the items come to life. Some of their employees have been with the company for more than 10 years, with that you know you will get the very best workmanship, no matter what products you are having made. With inhouse graphic designers, and a load of experience, Crown Advertising can gather information about you and your company, and create a new logo and brand identity from scratch. These long term employees, such as Karen Mack, Carla Clark, and Mary Ann Sauter, have been with the company for so long that their presence has become part of the culture of the company. “Every one of our employees , whether they’ve been with us for 20 years or 20 days, contributes to the way that we do things,” says Brooks. “Like Rod before us, we work together as a team with everyone’s input counting.” Their list of promotional products is almost endless. “I don’t know exactly how many different items we can personalize for teams, businesses, and individuals,” says Dowhanuik “but the number is in the thousands. We do all of the normal things that you might expect a promotional company to do, things like pens, shirts, coffee mugs, but we also do things that you might not expect, like camping chairs, cellphone screen cleaners, binders, playing cards, coveralls, and even Ipods. Basically, if you can think of it, we can do it.” We offer products that cover a wide variety of price point and quality levels,” adds Brooks. We have worked with our suppliers to bring top tier merchandise to our clients. Such as Helly Hansen and Underarmour clothing to our customers as an additional option. The talents and offerings of Crown Advertising don’t end with promotional items. They have a digital printing press that allows them to produce an almost unlimited variety of printed products. From business cards to banners and from decals to lease signs. If you are looking for a sign they can help you with that also, interior signs, magnetic car signs, tradeshow signs, and more. They can 68

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

help you customize and produce anything that you need to promote your business, event, charity or team. In the age of outsourcing, Crown Advertising could have cut back and sold things other people made, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not their style. Next time you need something for your business, team or event, stop by and visit the folks at Crown Advertising. They can be found at 405 Kensington Avenue and on the web at www.crownad.ca. Better yet, give them a call at 634-9846 and find out how they can help you today. FLEW

Crown Advertising 405 Kensington Ave., Estevan, SK S4A 2K9 p: 306.634.9846 f: 306.634.2465 e: promo@crownad.ca www.crownad.ca

FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

t o

Photo reconstruction of North America approximately 385 million years ago. Map courtesy of Ron Blakey, NAU Geology. ©Ron Blakey

TropIc of SaSkaTchewan Balmy temperatures, coral reefs, ocean waters… Saskatchewan had it all GeoloGICally SpeakInG

By Jennifer Cugnet

t’s the time of year when many of us travel south seeking warm weather, sandy beaches, and ocean waters. The words ‘tropical’ and ‘Saskatchewan’ normally don’t go together. However, if you were to travel back in time 350 to 400 million years, you would find warm weather, sandy beaches, and ocean waters right here in southeastern Saskatchewan. It’s strange to think that this land with hostile, frigid winters was once covered by a marine sea containing coral reefs in a warm tropical climate, similar to that of the Caribbean today. I’d heard of this concept before at a young age, and it sounded like a myth or made-up story. I didn’t know if there was scientific evidence to back up this claim, but I hoped it was true because it sounded so interesting. 70

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Studying geology in university, I learned that this claim was true. There was a period of time in the geologic past, known as the Devonian period, when Saskatchewan was located near the equator and almost the entire province was covered by a salt water sea called the elk point Sea. even though this environment existed eons ago in the past, remnants of it are preserved today in the rock record. These rocks do not reveal themselves at the surface in southeast Saskatchewan– they are hidden 900 to 1,400 metres beneath our feet. Long before dinosaurs ever walked on our planet, the elk point Sea extended down from the northwest Territories, across the prairies, and into north Dakota. During this time, the carbonate rocks limestone and dolostone that host oil and gas deposits, and the salt that hosts our potash deposits, was being formed.

Limestone and dolostone, composed of calcite, aragonite, and dolomite minerals, saw widespread deposition across Saskatchewan during the Devonian period. carbonate particles that formed within the sea waters settled, and over time became a thick deposit of sediment that lithified (hardened) to become vast beds of rock now buried underground. These carbonate rocks required salt water and warm temperatures for their formation. fossil remains of ancient plants and organisms such as crinoids, gastropods, brachiopods, stromatoporoids, and corals are commonly found in carbonate rocks, indicating a bounty of sea life that once thrived in the ancient elk point Sea. These rocks often contain tiny open pores (holes) that provide space for oil to migrate into, making ancient reefs a popular target for oil exploration.

while oil is a much sought after commodity in the province, so is potash, and it formed during the Devonian period in a type of carbonate rock called an evaporate. however, unlike limestone and dolostone which formed in shallow sea water, potash formed under much different circumstances. at one point, the opening to the elk point Sea became choked off and the sea water evaporated in the hot arid climate. when the water evaporated, all that remained was a layer of salt crystals. These salt crystals include sodium chloride (table salt) and, in Saskatchewan, potassium chloride (potash). Saskatchewan’s landscape at this time would have looked similar to the Bonneville Salt flats of Utah. after a few million years of incoming salt water evaporating out of the basin, a salt deposit over 200 metres thick remained, that geologists refer to as the ‘prairie evaporite.’ The prairie evaporite is located approximately 1,000 metres below the surface and extends roughly from the canada-US border up toward Saskatoon and across to the alberta border. The province’s potash resources are contained within the prairie evaporite. So how do geologists know which rocks come from which environments? The theory of Uniformitarianism is used, which, in general terms, states that the present is the key to the past. During the late 1700s, a Scottish naturalist named James hutton theorized that the processes shaping our physical world—wind, erosion, ocean currents, freezing and melting, for example—operate the same today as they did throughout earth’s history. Thus, when a geologist observes limestone deposits being generated in warm shallow salt-water bodies today, they infer that limestone rock formed the same way millions of years ago. Thus, it is inferred that a salt water body must have existed in Saskatchewan in order for our limestone rocks to have formed. Decades of exploration for oil and potash in the province have provided us with a wealth of sedimentary rock samples from the subsurface. These samples were, and continue to be, catalogued and

stored at the Subsurface Geological Lab in regina. when researching our ancient past, geologists “read” these rocks to reconstruct the environments that have been present in our province through time. while working on a drilling exploration project, it was my job to collect core samples (long cylinders of rock cut while drilling and brought to surface) and analyze them. My colleagues told me that Devonian rocks were exciting to work with as they contained a plethora of fossils. Luckily we drilled that section during my shift and I got to see for myself the fossil bed remnants from an ancient coral reef.

elk point Sea it formed in. The feeling was surreal. I was smelling salt water from an ocean that existed before most walks of life ever evolved. I was staring at fossils that had once been part of a vibrant reef. I was holding the proof that the magical world I had dreamed of as a child actually existed. fLew Coral fossils in Devonian-aged limestone rock.

It was a remarkable moment for me as a geologist—I was the first person on the planet to see this piece of 350 million year old rock. The rock itself smelled like the ocean – amazingly it still contained droplets of sea water from the ancient

Jennifer displaying a sample of potash.

Jennifer Cugnet is a Geologist from Weyburn. Since graduating with Honours from the University of Regina, she has been working for Rutten Geological Consulting. In her career she has experienced a wide spectrum of projects, ranging from multinational potash companies’ mine expansions, to small family-based oil companies drilling their first well. Jennifer has been fascinated with rocks since a young age, and with her husband Matt has enjoyed studying them from the deserts of Qatar, to the oilfields of Ukraine and back to the Saskatchewan plains. Jennifer is a proud member of the Saskatchewan Geological Society and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Ammonoids were among the most abundant creatures that occupied the tropical Devonian seas that once covered Saskatchewan. FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

EXPERT Advice I Have a BusIness Plan – now wHat?

You have a great business idea. You’ve developed that idea into a feasible business plan. Now what? Often, the most daunting question facing potential entrepreneurs at this point is: “Where do I go now?” Inevitably, the focus of the business planning process moves to securing financing for your business venture. One of the biggest issues faced by small businesses is the inability to access sufficient credit and capital. Who is willing to provide you with the money to make your business a reality? Depending on your individual circumstances and your business requirements, the options available to you may be plentiful or slim. When searching for a business financing package that suits your needs most people recognize their local banks and credit unions as possible options. But often banks and credit unions are unable to meet all of your business financing needs. Additional financing solutions are a phone call away!

Laura Small, M.B.A. CEO, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

108-502 Cope Way, Saskatoon, SK 306.477.7173 100-1919 Rose Street, Regina,SK 306.359.9732 info@womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca www.womenentrepreneurs.ca

Cory Harkness

General Manager, Sunrise Community Futures Toll free: 877.851.9997 Direct: 306.842.8803 sunrise.cfdc@sasktel.net www.sunrisecommunityfutures.com

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Sunrise Community Futures and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan are nonprofit developmental lenders that each offer start-up and expansion loans of up to $150,000 to small business. But what if you need more than $150,000? Not only can Sunrise Community Futures and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan be alternatives to banks and credit unions, our two business development organizations can also work either together or alongside your primary financial institution, financing the portions of your business venture that banks and credit unions simply cannot.

“Our offices provide solutions to the challenges that new entrepreneurs face in accessing capital,” comments Cory Harkness, general manager at Sunrise Community Futures. “We spend the necessary time with new business owners to discuss financing options and find the best fit for them and their business. We regularly work with banks and credit unions as a supplementary, secondary lending partner in larger financing projects. Our goal is to reduce barriers to accessing capital in order to create sustainable, successful small businesses in our region. We are your access-tocapital consultants.” Sunrise Community Futures is a non-profit organization that assists entrepreneurs in southeast Saskatchewan with making their business dreams a reality. Offering business planning assistance and cash flow projection development, hosting assorted business training sessions and providing loans and access to capital information, Sunrise Community Futures wants to help you acquire the resources necessary to run a successful business. Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization that serves women-owned businesses across Saskatchewan. By providing support services, expertise and financing, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan can assist you in making your business everything you want it to be in a comfortable learning environment. It is important to acquire the skills and support you need to work on your business rather than just in it. FLEW

$1,000 and a D r e a M

A powerful start to a business t has been said that cooperation built the west. It was on this notion, and $1,000, that the Weyburn Co-op began. But, did the pioneers in the 1930s realize that $1,000 and a dream would have grown into a business that employs 165 people and generates over $62 million in revenue?

Whether it’s forty below or raining cats and dogs, you can count on high performance service at Weyburn’s only full service gas stations, featuring pump and propane service at three convenience store locations. Crossroads is home to our 24/7 card lock and bulk fuel.

Probably not, but then they never expected a tiny settlement on the “Soo” line in 1899 to be the opportunity city of the 21st century either.

The Marketplace Foods and Pharmacy location goes the extra mile to make your shopping experience pleasant. Our personal shopping program is very popular with customers who are unable to get into the store on their own, combined with our C.O.D. delivery service. Our four pharmacists offer private consultations and in-store clinics to suit your needs.

Membership Benefits At Weyburn Co-op we truly value the membership philosophy. The elements of this are Personalized Service, Quality Co-op Label Products, Equity and Cash Back and Your Community Builder. It is through the support of our membership and customers that we are able to fulfill our goal of providing these benefits to the citizens of Weyburn and surrounding area.

Personalized Service We pride ourselves on delivering what our customers deserve.

Building your future is easy at the Coop Home Centre as the experienced sales staff offer free estimating for any size project from decks to new home construction.

Outdoor Adventures is the place to go for the hunting and fishing enthusiast, where you’re sure to get expert information.

High Performance Service.

Weyburn Co-op Pharmacy.

Downtown in the Metro Centre at Expressions, the sales staff’s attention to detail makes your clothing purchases a breeze, co-ordinating the latest in seasonal fashions. FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Quality Co-op Label Products From high performance gas and lubricants, when you see the Co-op label you know your vehicle is running on the best fuel and lubes available. Harmonie, Co-op and Co-op Gold label products are developed with you, the consumer, in mind, offering great pricing and quality equal to national brands.

View, Ag Society grandstand, Triple C Centre, Crescent Point Place and so much more. We pride ourselves in the support we provide to various recreational activities in and around Weyburn. This support also includes the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL and the Weyburn Beavers of the WMBL.

A typical grocery cart filled with Co-op label products showed a 25 per cent savings than a cart filled with comparable national brands, offering great products and great savings for consumers.

Without a doubt the future of any community lies within its youth. Weyburn Co-op works with local day cares to assist them with much needed fundraising through an innovative gift card program in addition to discounts on food items to keep the cost of feeding children in line.

Community Builder

equity & Cash Back

We are dedicated to building a stronger community through our sponsorship programs.

Each year Weyburn Co-op makes a general cash repayment to our members based on their prior yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purchases. By returning a portion of our profits to our customers we inject a significant amount of money back into the local economy that helps to foster growth and prosperity. Equity includes all profits from refining, wholesaling and retailing.

Our support ranges from supporting groups on our community events deck to donations to some of the larger projects in our community, such as the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, Tatagwa

Weyburn Co-op Card Lock. 74

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accomplishments As we look forward, 2012 is designated International Year of Co-operatives, recognizing the contributions of Coopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s around the world. Looking back at our own Co-op over the years, the Weyburn Co-op was awarded the 2006 Chamber of Commerce WEYBEX award for community involvement. In 2007,

Chamber of Commerce WEYBEX award.

Co-op Equity and Cash Back.

Weyburn Co-op was the recipient of the Corporate Leadership award from the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council in recognition of leadership in waste minimization. In 2010, General Manager Don Kraft received the Chamber of Commerce WEYBEX Business Leader of the Year award and was a finalist at the provincial ABEX awards. Two members of our management team have received the Chamber of Commerce Golden Spike award for community leadership. Weyburn Co-op has had a long standing place in the list of Saskatchewan’s list of the top 100 businesses. The awards and recognition, both minor and major for the Co-operative have been many over the years confirming their role as a community builder. At the end of it all, it’s more than just about money. We are extremely proud of the active roles our employees take with community organizations, front & center with a variety of projects & organizations.

Our Future What’s more satisfying than seeing a smile on the face of a child? At Weyburn Co-op our Kids Club delivers that satisfaction. Our Kids Club has 475 members who take part in a variety of fun events throughout the year. Kids can get a free treat from any of our departments when shopping with mom or dad. Without a doubt, our Marketplace bakery donuts are the most popular treat. All members receive a birthday card and are entered to win the Kids Club birthday of the month featuring Deli pizzas, a cake, Co-op Gold pop and ice cream. We host several events annually that create excitement for all ages.

All of these events feature a visit by Cooper the Bear our Co-op mascot. Kids love the opportunity to hang out with Cooper for a high five or just a cozy bear hug. On June 26, 1929, J.S. McGowan, E.M. Robins, J.E. Powers, J.N. Rinehart and D.F. Coleman signed the first Weyburn Co-operatives Association Limited “Memorandum of Association,” receiving capital stock of 100 shares of $50.00 each. Now, 83 years after the signing, the idea that “co-operation built the west” is what makes Weyburn Co-op a business with a difference, combining a unique shopping experience with community involvement. The future looks bright for the Weyburn Co-op, the city and their long-standing friendship. FLEW

Weyburn Co-operative Association Ltd. 215 - 2nd Street NE Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 0V1 p: 306.848.3677 e: office@weyburncoop.com www.weyburncoop.com

Weyburn Co-op Community Deck.

Weyburn Co-op Kids Club. FineLifestyles ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

LegAL Advice WiTh A coMMuNiTy heART By Jade Ivan ore than 40 years ago, a young man had a dream to provide rural Saskatchewan with friendly, efficient and cost-effective legal advice. Stafford Nimegeers wanted to help people by providing timely legal advice to those in need. Tom Schuck joined in 1971 followed by Ron Wormsbecker in 1974 and Greg Bobbitt in 1976 and with that NWSB was born. NSWB has since grown into one of the largest rural law firms in Saskatchewan with many trained legal assistants and experienced lawyers in all areas of the law. With the addition of more lawyers to the firm, Tom Schuck, Mike Weger, Norma Buydens, and Andre Wilkins work hard to provide legal services in areas including Corporate, Estate Planning, Oil and Gas, Criminal Law, Real Estate, Family Law and Civil Litigation. Each one of them maintains on-going education in each area in order to best serve their customers. Staff at NSWB is second to none, armed with a high-class computer system and their own IT to do programming on all documents making them quick and efficient while decreasing the cost to their

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clients. They also employ legal assistants to increase efficiency and low costs. NSWB not only offers low costs, they ensure quality legal service in a timely manner. NSWB remains committed to their customers beyond the legal field. They are passionate community volunteers and supporters providing donations to many organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Cancer Society and the Weyburn Communithon. They have given a $3,000 donation to the Triple C Centre and plan on donating $500 more after 500 “Likes” on their Facebook page. NSWB is more than a law firm. They are a community-minded organization focused on customer service and customer support outside the office. They donate their time at blood donor clinics and sponsor prizes for many charity events, such as curling bonspiels, school activities and even a bull rider in the provincial rodeos. NSWB has grown throughout the last 40 years, but their principles and foundations remain the same. They believe in getting work done quickly and effectively in order

to save clients’ money. They believe in hiring experienced staff with passion and knowledge in all areas of the law, and most of all they believe in supporting their community. FLEW

Nimegeers Schuck Wormsbecker Bobbitt

Barristers & Solicitors 319 Souris Ave. NE Weyburn SK p: 306.842.4654 e: law@nswb.com www.nswb.com

(L to R): Back Row: Andre Wilkins, Norma Buydens, Mike Weger. Front Row: Tom Schuck, Ron Wormsbecker

EXPERT Advice When Choosing a FinanCial advisor, ask the right Questions How do you choose a financial advisor? Like most people, you probably are busy with your work and family, and may not have the time or expertise needed to thoroughly understand the investment world.

Here are a few questions to consider when choosing a financial advisor: What are your credentials?

Can you provide me with references?

Make sure anyone you might work with has all the necessary securities licences.

Don’t be too shy to ask for references. A reputable financial advisor will be happy to give you some names of people you can call to ask about a financial advisor’s style, responsiveness, etc.

Are you or the firm you represent affiliated with regulatory organizations?

Tyler Knibbs

Your Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Edward Jones, Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

461 King Street - Unit 3 Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 1K6 p: 306.634.4870 e: tyler.knibbs@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Ask whether the advisor or the firm he or she represents is regulated. This usually means client assets are protected in some way.

Your association with a financial advisor is one of the most important business relationships you’ll ever have. Making the right choice today can pay off into the future.

How will you communicate with me? You’ll want an investment professional who is easy to contact and who keeps you informed about your portfolio.

About Tyler Knibbs Raised in Stoughton, Tyler Knibbs received a scholarship to Nebraska, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in the York College Psychology and Business program. After working as a Lumber Trader/Exporter in Vancouver for seven years, he was hired by Edward Jones and moved back to the Estevan region in 2006.

Along with his wife Nancy and his children James and Jenna, the Knibbs family loves the Estevan region and are passionate members of the community. Involved in sports and community service, Tyler is the President of the Estevan Rotary Club and on the Board of Directors for the Estevan Bruins. FLEW FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Style that will blow you away By Tobie Hainstock olleen Kickley was first bitten by the ‘beauty bug’ while attending her high school’s cosmetology program. She accredits this to her teacher, Ed Brittin who had a talent for making every class fun and interesting. After studying at Hair Design Academy in Moose Jaw, Kickley fell in love with the trade. “It’s what I was meant to do,” she expresses. As the years past, Kickley continued in her chosen profession with the underlying knowledge that one day she would have a salon of her own. “When my two daughters took their hairdressing (training), I felt my dream would come true,” says Kickley. That dream did come. After daughter Rachelle completed her course, the two ladies decided to make it happen.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Photos by Brent Hume “We started Blown Away Hair Studio in August 2009 in a little shop which was about 900 square feet. There were seven stylists and two nail techs at the time,” she recalls. About a year later, it was clear that an expansion was necessary. “After a lot of ‘sweet talking’ to my husband, I convinced him to build us a shop,” states Kickley. It took three months of hard work but a big, bright and beautiful new salon was the new home of Blown Away Hair Studio. Since the move, Blown Away Hair Studio has grown immensely. They continue to serve a wide variety of clientele, offering a full range of services including cuts, colours, highlights, low lights, perms, sets, chemical straightening, extensions and more. Is a graduation or wedding in

your future? The staff at Blown Away can make you look and feel like the princess you really are. With quality styling tools and products by Kenra, Joico, Moroccan, Osis and more; your hair will have that rich healthy look that you long for. Other services provided at Blown Away are acrylic and gel nails, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, relaxation massages, reflexology, waxing, facial treatments, manicures, pedicures, ear piercing, tooth gems and more. Today this exciting facility features 12 cutting stations, an esthetician room, nail room, waxing room and laser room. The staff of 14 features: Colleen Kickley – 26 years, Rachelle Kickley – 5 years, Angel Erickson – 27 years, Teresa Stregger – 26 years, Cherylee Forster – 16 years, Taylor Kickley – 2 years, Joyce Halladay

– 39 years, Lindsey Molstad – 9 years, Tracy Hunt – 11 years, Faye Veroba – 45 years, Melissa Mosely – 6 months hair and 2 years nails, Mandee Frank – 5 years nails, Jessica Thorkelson – 2 years esthetician, Joanne Howard – laser and skin rejuvenation. According to Kickley, the staff at Blown Away like to stay on top of their trade by consistently furthering their education and taking part in hair shows in Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Las Vegas, Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver. When you visit Blown Away Hair Studio, you are sure to get the most current look. Kickley is pleased to share that recently some of the girls had the privilege of traveling to Winnipeg and meeting Tabatha Coffey from the TV show Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. Truly an experience they will never forget. Convenient service is a priority for

Blown Away Hair Studio; therefore, you won’t find set hours posted on the door. “Usually someone is there from 7AM to 9PM,” explains Kickley as she goes on to say that sometimes they are on the premises earlier or later depending on the clients’ schedules. On Saturdays, the shop is usually open around 8:00 and remains open until the clients are done. Don’t have an appointment? Walk-ins are welcome. So, why do these incredible talented professionals do what they do? When asked what they like most about their jobs, they commented that they love to help people feel better about themselves. Meeting wonderful people everyday and building great relationships are the perks of the business. For Kickley beauty is more than a job, it’s her passion. “I love hairdressing,” she expresses, “I look forward to getting up in the morning and doing what I love best which is making people feel and look good.” For more information or to book an appointment, call Blown Away Hair Studio at 306-634-3635 or check them out on Facebook. FLEW

Blown Away Hair Studio 2 - 102 Souris Avenue, Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 1J3 p: 306.634.3635

FineLifestyles ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

UNLIMITED INCOME? If you’re an advertising sales professional not making over $100K/year or just want to check out what we’re all about, we should talk! Fine Homes/Lifestyles magazines invites you to apply with resume to: randy@finelifestyles.ca, today! (we’re also accepting applications from contract photographers, writers & designers)

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

FineHomes SASKATOON

-Estevan, SK.-

- 501 Nesbitt Drive -

- 306. 634.8813 -

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15,000 Sq.Ft

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Purchase a home from Ryan Rosengren, with RE/MAX Progressive (306.634.2628) and ask how you can receive â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contractor Pricingâ&#x20AC;? on appliances, electronics and furniture. * Some conditions apply.*

BUYING or RENOVATING?

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Well done is better than Well said realtor ryan rosengren perfecting the home-buying experience by ryan holota Photos by Melanie hiske

For ryan rosengren, with re/MaX Progressive realty in estevan, selling houses is more than showing a client a property. itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about getting the best â&#x20AC;&#x153;fitâ&#x20AC;? for his buyers and the best market value for his sellers.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

rosengren grew up in Midale and attended high school in estevan. after graduation he moved to lethbridge where exercise science was his initial career choice, but working as a trainer was a mixed blessing. “i really love working out and helping other people achieve their goals, but my enjoyment of the workouts waned when i spent all day in the gym. i’d always been interested in housing and investing in real estate, and after i’d moved to saskatoon i made some friends in the real estate market and decided to become a professional realtor™.” Working as a realtor™ in a large city like saskatoon allowed him to develop the skills he needed to be a success, but, in the Fall of 2011, the growth and opportunities in estevan lured him back. “estevan is such a thriving community and it’s great to be back here with the people i know. Plus my family is all here, so i get to see them more than once or twice a year.” the real estate market has changed dramatically over the past several years in estevan, and rosengren has positioned himself on the leading edge. “in the old days, real estate agents would offer a free home valuation in order to promote themselves. that’s a great sales tactic, but the reality is that a real estate agent has to be so much more than just a sales person in today’s market. it’s my job to be informed about prices, for sure, but i also need to be aware of the latest trends in the market, what’s hot in other markets, new developments that the city is planning and new housing opportunities in estevan. “it’s no longer enough just to sell a house,” rosengren continues. “i work very closely with my clients in order to be a consultant to them more than a sales person. When they find the right house, they’ll sell themselves on it, but i need to be able to ask questions and find out what features make the house right. on top of that, i need to know about financing options and legal complications that might arise in the course of the sale. “basically, it’s my job to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. i’ve developed a network of FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

professionals, from home inspectors to mortgage brokers, whom i know i can trust to do the right things for my clients.” rosengren has also developed relationships with other businesses in town. “lets face it – housing is expensive right now. by the time someone, especially a first-time buyer, has navigated all the fees and charges involved with buying a home, they sometimes don’t have much left over to buy furniture and appliances. i’ve negotiated a special arrangement with audio Video Unlimited for my clients to receive a discount on almost everything in their store. they’ve got a huge new building on Kensington that has appliances, furnishings, home electronics – pretty much anything a new home buyer may need.” if you are a first-time home buyer, rosengren wants to help you out in another way. “it’s really important to always have a home inspection done to make sure you aren’t buying something that has surprises,” he says. “this is especially true if you’re a first time buyer because you haven’t had the opportunity to build up any equity that could help carry you through if there was a surprise. so, if my client is a first time buyer i pick up the cost of the home inspection myself. it’s not cheap, but i believe that it’s the right thing to do to get my clients into the home that’s right for them.” rosengren goes on to say that it’s not just older buildings that need inspections. even people who are purchasing condos or new homes should consider getting one done. “it’s always better to be safe than sorry.” When it comes time to sell your home, rosengren has you covered there too. he’ll give you a free home valuation, of course, but he’ll also hire an interior design professional to come into your home and give you a free consultation. this consultation suggests a variety of things that you can do to improve the chances of selling your home. some people call this “home staging,” but rosengren simply calls it smart. “if doing something simple and inexpensive, like painting the interior of your home, can bring you a higher value, it’s just smart to do it. as a consultant to 84

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

my clients, i want to help them sell their homes not only as quickly as possible, but also for as much money as possible. it just makes sense.” Maintaining and building value in a home is a key priority for rosengren. as an informed professional, he knows that people are buying houses differently in today’s market. “there was a time when people would own two, maybe three houses in their entire lives. now though, prices are high, and people are upgrading when they can to take advantage of the market and to get into the home that they really want to live in. recent studies show that people are living in six or even seven houses through the course of their lives. that’s a big shift.” if you’re in the market to buy or sell a home and you’re looking for more in a real estate agent give ryan a call. he can always be reached at 471-8771, or by email at ryanrosengren@gmail.com. to view his listings, go to his personal website at estevanhome.com, which offers more than a dozen free, downloadable reports that you can access to learn more about the real estate industry, buying, selling and real estate investing. alternately, you view ryan’s listings through the re/MaX website at estevanlisting.com FleW

re/MaX realty ryan rosengren 902 - 4th street estevan, sK s4a 0W3 p: 306.471.8771 e: ryanrosengren@gmail.com

IT’S NO GAME Keep your plumbing and heating in playoff shape with OVI By Carol Todd

eyburn may well consider itself to be Rider Nation, but hockey is as much of the community’s make-up as CFL football. The spirit of, not only the many Saskatchewan hockey greats we’ve known, but of a certain Washington Capitals’ left winger as well, lives large in this southeast Saskatchewan city. Brett Pickering is a big fan of Alex Ovechkin, the Russian-born Capitals player; so big, in fact, that he shares Ovechkin’s nickname and even named his plumbing and heating business “OVI” in his honour. But, Pickering isn’t playing. His OVI Plumbing and Heating offers affordably priced work done with the highest level of workmanship. Pickering opened his own business in

2010 after working as a plumber for six years. He says he has always been interested in the plumbing industry. “I thought it might be a challenge. I like to work with my hands and thought this could be something I could build on,” he says. And, build he does, concentrating on new home installations. “Our main focus is doing all the plumbing and heating for new residential housing. That’s something I like to do, because you can set it up the way you want and the way you know will work,” Pickering says. With Weyburn undergoing a growth spurt, there should be plenty of work for quite some time. While OVI Plumbing and Heating does a lot of work with new construction, Pickering and his staff also bring their

friendly, competent service to existing homes as well. He points out that, if you haven’t done so already, it’s time to have your furnace inspected. “That way you make sure it’s running right, so you don’t find out about a problem when it’s minus-40,” he says. A properly maintained furnace, with clean filters, costs less and is better for the environment as less fuel is being used. So, whether you’re building a new home, or need work done on your existing residence, give OVI Plumbing and Heating a call. And, don’t forget the other Ovi. You’re guaranteed to score big either way. FLEW OVI Plumbing and Heating Brett Pickering 306.861.5307 FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

AMARYLLIS JUST NEEDS A LITTLE TLC By Ken Beattie

for one enjoy the barrage of festive plants that hit the garden centres and floral departments nowadays in early November. Among the most reliable of the festive offerings is the Amaryllis. This behemoth bulb hails from South Africa but for the last couple of decades it has been popularized in many other countries. The content of many fundraising efforts, the boxed bulb, is a sure fire and usually foolproof bloomer, redeeming many a black thumbed recipient. The kits typically contain a moderately sized bulb, soiless medium and a pot so that even the most novice of gardener, upon following the instructions, should enjoy success. Better garden centres will carry bulk bins full to brimming with enormous Amaryllis bulbs in a vast array of colour options. Safe to say that the bigger the bulb, the more blooms you’ll enjoy, so purchasing softball sized bulbs will afford you several stems that will proudly support four to five flowers each. One suggestion for using smaller, gift packaged bulbs is to plant several of them in one container, the results are spectacular. Amaryllis bulbs, hailing from a tropical climate, like to be warm. As simple as this statement is, remarkably, many bulbs are left in the car while someone finishes shopping or stored in the garage hidden from the intended recipient. Oddly, these bulbs tend not to bloom! If you must store your Amaryllis, keep it dark and at room temperature and no moisture. Once the bulb gets even a hint of water, it will start to grow. Container size is also important. The rule that I use is to select a pot (with drainage holes) that will allow me to place a finger snugly between the bulb and the edge of the container. The reasoning behind this is that a pot that is too large is typically kept too moist for the bulb and rot can set in. The Amaryllis doesn’t need a great deal of nutrient as the flower bud is already formed and the bulb itself is the food storage unit to support the blossoms. Given this fact, fertilizer is not required at least at

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Ken Beattie, affectionately known as Canada’s Favourite Gardener, is a graduate of the prestigious Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and is currently Director of Horticulture for Assiniboine Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, in Winnipeg. As a TV host, radio contributor and author, his easy exuberance and playful personality are well-known to enthusiasts from Saskatchewan to the Philippines.

this stage of growth for your Amaryllis. The most popular way that you will see these plants growing, is with approximately 1/3 of the bulb above the soil line in the pot, much like an onion in your vegetable garden. The bulb enjoys the heat and in its native surroundings, the sunlight on the bulb itself. A bulb that is buried too deeply often flowers very weakly and tends to rot quickly. After an initial watering to settle the bulb into the medium, allow the mix to dry before watering again. Overwatering at the early stages of root development can cause no end of fungal problems later on. You will notice that the roots of the bulb can be dried and wizen or white and fleshy. The juicy ones are alive and ready to be grown, the rest can be removed if you wish. The papery skin of the bulb drives the “neat ‘n tidy” gardeners to near distraction as they want to pick and pull until the bulb is perfectly smooth and clean. This is unnecessary but generally not harmful to the bulb if you are careful. After planting you can expect to see the flower bud emerging within about two weeks, often ahead of the foliage. Do not panic if the foliage emerges first and reaches for the ceiling! The leaves of the Amaryllis are long and strap-like, often requiring support. The more typical appearance is for the flower bud and stalk to emerge and grow at an alarming pace. This race for the sky provides considerable amusement for folks as they measure the growth rate, photograph their “Jack and the beanstalk” and reserve bragging rights of course with others. It is not unwise to stake your flower stalk in anticipation of the enormous flowers to follow. I have seen the result of an over exuberant Amaryllis that was not staked, and it is not a pretty sight believe me. I suggest that you rotate the plant so as to maximize its exposure to sunlight, this helps keep the flower stalk straighter also. The stalks are hollow, so avoid manipulation or tying the stakes too tightly as they can break; this is also another good reason for leaving the plant in one place in your home, they don’t travel well. Once the flowers have passed and new foliage starts to appear (about six to eight weeks), you can commence a feeding program for your Amaryllis. Understanding that the intensity of light from January until March is fairly low, the plant will not require massive amounts

of food. The object here is to increase the size of the bulb for next season’s blossoms so using a ration with a higher middle number is effective. Generally the plant will not bloom again indoors, but often, if planted into the garden will bloom in the summer. I used to grow Amaryllis in my Regina gardens annually and yes, this did turn a few heads when they are in bloom along side the Rhubarb. Lift the bulb(s) in the fall and store them warm and dry allowing their foliage to dry back. This natural ripening process allows the leaves to pump food into the bulb and signal the flower bud to start forming again. A rest period of at least eight weeks in warm, dry and dark conditions will prepare your bulb(s) for the next round of winter blooming. This season try Amaryllis for the first time or if you have had them before, attempt a new variety, a larger bulb or plant several into one container. Measure your success, take lots of photos and amaze the neighbours with a spectacular show of Amaryllis next summer. Happy Holidays and good growing. FLEW FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

From left to right: Back: Josh leBlanc, lori Gonas, matt dominguez, and lisa monteyne Front: mike deBruyne, melanie Peters, debbie clemens, and Jamie dyer

By ryan Holota Photos by erin tollefson

Better Homes & Gardens real estate siGnature service signature service n business, when you have a service you offer that you do better than anybody else in your market, it is called a Signature Service. For the agents at Better Home & Gardens Real Estate Signature Service, they feel everything they do is better than their competitors. You’ve heard the name Signature Service Real Estate before. They’ve just recently partnered with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate to form Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Signature Service. Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate is one of the leading lifestyle real estate companies in the United States and is now 88

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

bringing its unique and technologically advanced form of real estate to Canada and southern Saskatchewan. Rob Vanden Broek, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada notes, “No other real estate company can offer the benefits provided by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a brand whose namesake has personified a passion for the home since 1924. We are confident that this innovative brand and its branding, technology, training and service resources will provide an exceptional experience for homebuyers and sellers.”

“The opportunity to build and grow Canada’s first lifestyle real estate brand is incredible,” said Nelson Goulart, vice president of network services for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada. “We believe real estate is not just about the transaction, it’s about building long-term relationships. Today’s informed consumer is empowered with more information than ever before. They are not just looking for a home; they are also looking for a community to complement their lifestyle. “Agents and brokers need to deliver a more personalized, sophisticated level of service to deliver on that expectation. Our

goal at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Canada is to provide our network with all of the tools necessary to exceed those expectations. In doing so, we are also empowering our brokers and agents to differentiate themselves from their competition and to be their most successful.” Matt Dominguez, Director of Real Estate Relations for the Weyburn and Estevan locations (amongst others) adds, “In this marketplace, it’s easy for companies to get stale. We’re technology-based and use a lot of social media and digital marketing methods to help match buyers and sellers together. We also offer a lot of interactive online programs for homeowners—tips on maintaining your home, preserving and building value in your home, that type of thing. By focusing on the relationship and not just the sale, we strive to create a new community with our clients, and that’s something that never gets old.”

technology makes things easier At Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service, technology is used to make things easier. The agents all use email and accept text messages, making it simple and convenient to contact them. Have a question about a house? Send an SMS and get an answer without having to devote hour after hour to meetings. Each listing on their website typically has several pictures, allowing you to see the inside of the house instead of just one or two boring pictures of the outside of the home. And every yard sign has a QR code on it to take you directly to a webpage that shows all of the details for that house (download a free QR Code reader at www. scanlife.com). You have a busy life and time is short. Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service understands that, and they’ll do anything they can to save you as much time as you can. To learn more about how they can use technology to make the home buying process as easy as possible, contact your Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service realtor.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Signature Service Weyburn.

it’s a Busy market Weyburn and Estevan are growing at a rapid pace, and house prices have been climbing steadily for several years. That’s great for people who are already in the housing market, but it does present some challenges for those who are looking to enter the market for the first time. Thankfully, the real estate agents at Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service can help. In markets that are experiencing high rates of appreciation, sometimes it is best to start small and build your way up. Once you’ve built up some equity in your home, through paying down the mortgage or through market appreciation, you will be in a better position to get the home of your dreams. Our grandparents typically

bought several homes before purchasing the home they settled in for a long time, but prices in Saskatchewan have been so low until recently that home owners became accustomed to just buying the house that they wanted. In today’s market, getting to that place is much easier with the help of qualified professionals.

community involvement Signature Service Realty has always been involved in the community, and this community involvement will only get stronger in the coming months. From public speaking events to charity donations and volunteer time, the commitment to help build a better community is a focus in the new company. In the coming months Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service will be opening

a new office in Estevan as well as hiring additional realtors in every market to serve you better. To learn more about the ways that Better Homes and Gardens Signature Service can help you, check them out on the web at www.ssreweyburn.com or www. bhgressestevan.ca. Not only will you find all the great listings that they have, you can also enjoy their blog, learn more about the company, and pick up some great tips for homeowners. To contact a realtor in your area call (306) 842 – 5909 (Weyburn) or (306) 634 – 5900 (Estevan). FLEW

Signature Service Real Estate 29 - 5th Street, Weyburn, SK S4H 0V9 p: 306.842.5909 www.bhgressestevan.ca www.hgbressweyburn.ca

Pamela Maas

Melanie Loreth

matt dominguez

Jamie dyer

melanie Peters

Josh leBlanc

lori Gonas

mike deBruyne

lisa monteyne missing: Jackie Fitzsimmons

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Then and now Colour Trends

weyburn

3 0 6 . 8 4 2 . 7511

Weyburn Carpet One offers the trademark quality that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re familiar with for thirty years. Our experienced designers and installation technicians will help find the perfect solutions for your home.

131 2nd Street NE, Weyburn, SK S4 H 0T7 FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

Build personality into your home

By Mackenzie Brooks

The biggest financial decision you will make in your lifetime is investing in your home. After you make your decision and move your family in, it is time to make your house your own and personalize your space. Your home is a reflection of who you are, after all. So, who are you? Are you bold? Bright? Traditional? Neutral? Or, maybe you are the kind of person who needs some help deciding. These are some of the questions homeowners ask themselves when they make their home their own. Leanne Fisher and the team at Budget Blinds make personalizing your space easy. Their own personalities guarantee that

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

the process of matching your personality to your home is fun, and the results are fabulous. “I love going in to people’s homes and helping them discover how to get the most out of their window fashions,” said Leanne. “It’s a true privilege to meet and work with wonderful people. Complementing your home is easy when we have so many options, and our window fashion lines just keep growing.” New this year, and just in time for Regina’s annual spring Home Show is Budget Blinds’ new window stock panel program. Leanne’s team offers you pre-made panels in modern and hip fabric fashions

Leanne

Natalie

Sharon

Tracy

that show influence from around the world in colour and pattern. Your choice in the latest window hardware and curtain finials means that your window fashions are 100 per cent your own creation, and prices remain very affordable when compared to traditional custom window draperies. Window cling films for a decorative finish and added privacy also offer new choices for home owners that accentuate without detracting from your home’s architecture. “We are seeing a real resurgence in fabric as a décor choice,” said Leanne. “It’s exciting to be able to offer our clients thousands of fabric choices, not just in window fashion, but also in new areas like custom headboards and custom bedding.” The Budget Blinds team is currently gearing up to showcase their custom bedding at the Regina Home Show, and invite you to take advantage of their special discount deals available only by stopping by their display at the Home Show. “We are especially excited about our custom bedding,” said Leanne. “You can choose your own size, profile, custom tufting, hardware accents and our fabrics come in thousands of different colours, patterns and textures. We’re seeing sculpted and scalloped headboards that are right on trend with home décor spring fashion.” With Budget Blinds, there is no reason to be basic or boring. Say “so long” to beige. With so many choices, the team at Budget Blinds can confidently accommodate any price point. “That’s the best part of our job,” said Leanne. “We want to help you make the best choice, get you precisely what you want, and make sure you always stay inside the limits of your budget. It’s so great to see happy clients, and we are committed to making sure you have the best options presented to you and that your personality is always paramount in your window fashion choice.” To see the Budget Blinds team in action at the Regina Home Show, drop by their space and take advantage of their specials (available only at the Home Show) just in time for a spring renewal

for your home’s window fashions. Browse the thousands of fabric choices and let the personalities at Budget Blinds help you find your personality in window and bedroom fashion. Contact Leanne and the team at Budget Blinds at 949-2300 to renew your home this spring and find your windows’ perfect match, and yours too. FLEW

534 University Park Drive, Regina, SK Weyburn: 306.842.5328 Estevan: 306.634.5328 Regina: 306.949.2300 e: reginaadmin@yourbudgetblinds.ca www.budgetblinds.com FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

by ryan Holota Photos by brent Hume Lynn Chipley and Mike Reinheller.

Modern, AffordAble living Petterson Point in Kensington by Trimount developments hese days, construction in Estevan is pretty common, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve almost certainly noticed the development going on at Petterson Point. This area on Petterson Drive, right behind the Alliance Church and just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw away from the Canadian Tire and Sobeys stands out because of the size of the buildings and the level of construction taking place on site.

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Last summer, three foundations were dug and poured. Over the course of the last several months, the first building rose four stories above the foundation and has become the nicest and newest condominium unit in the City of Estevan. Now completely sold out with owners taking possession, the construction crews have begun working on the second building. Phase 2, as the developers call it, is a building equal to the first in terms of size,

appearance, location and amenities. These amenities include heated underground parking, air conditioning, and floorplans that are perfect for any family. Once this second building is complete, the construction crews will turn their attention to the third and final building of the complex. The foundation for this third building has also already been poured, and is waiting development as soon as possible.

About Trimount developments As cities grow, they begin to attract the attention of people from other places. As Estevan continues its growth, new residents are moving from Manitoba, Ontario, and even other parts of the world. Mike Reinheller, Jason Fleury, and Matt Rood recognized this community as both a hotbed of economic activity and as a community that desperately needed quality and affordable housing. They brought their company, Trimount Developments, and their considerable experience in building multi-floor residential buildings, to the city and people of Estevan. They approached the city council in 2010 with the idea of building a total of 117 new housing units. These units would range in size from 623 to 907 square feet, and start at as little as $174,900 in phase 2. The council unanimously approved their proposal. The basement of each of these buildings features heated underground parking. One parking space is included with each purchase of a two bedroom unit (those who purchase a one bedroom unit get an electrified parking space on the surface lot). Each building features five different floorplans, each of them designed to suit the lifestyle of potential buyers.

Petterson Point The smallest floorplan is 623 square feet and features a single bedroom and a single bathroom. From there you have the option of a single bedroom, single bathroom unit that also has a den â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for a home office or even a babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. There are three floorplans with two bedrooms. Each of these floorplans features two bathrooms, and they range from 814 square feet to 907 square feet. All of the units have balconies or patios (main floor) and each of them comes complete with six appliances: washer and dryer, fridge and stove, dishwasher, and over the range microwave. In addition, each of the units features radiant heating and air conditioning to ensure their owners comfort for years to come. Framing has

Jason Fleury - President/Site Superintendent.

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begun on the second building, and sales for the building are underway right now. “There has been a great demand for these units,” explains Reinheller. “The sooner you purchase in the construction cycle the better in terms of making upgrade selections to your unit. We offer three standard colour palettes with options to add laminate flooring, granite countertops, upgraded cabinets, flooring, and appliances. Options to add extra electrical switches, sink garburators, and ceiling fans must be selected early in the construction process before the walls are sealed up. There is lots of room to customize your suite to suit you just right.” Each building features a spacious lobby and an elevator. The grounds around the buildings will be beautifully landscaped, and the City of Estevan has a proposed nature reserve, complete with walking trails and paths adjacent to the development.

FineLifestyles ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

Why Pay outrageous rent? Over the past number of years, rents have steadily increased in Estevan as more and more pressure has been placed on the existing housing market. House prices have gone up. Despite mortgage rates staying at record lows, the lack of available inventory has driven house prices up, and people simply can’t find quality housing that they can afford. With the development at Petterson Point, the excuses have disappeared. “At our affordable price point,” says Reinheller, “you can purchase a unit, and after your mortgage payment and condo fees, still pay less than what it would cost you to rent. So not only do you save money month to month, but you are also paying off your mortgage and earning equity in your new home, something that you can never do in an apartment. And if the market continues to climb like it has, you will also be able to take advantage of those rising prices and sell someday for more than you paid. It’s really a win-win on every level.”

When Trimount Developments came to the Estevan market they partnered with Century 21 Border Real Estate Service to help potential buyers find the home of their dreams. Lynn Chipley and Terry Germain of Border Real Estate Service are consummate professionals who know the Estevan real estate market inside and out. If you’d like to talk to one of them about Petterson Point, give them a call at 6341020. Trimount Developments has created a comprehensive web site for Petterson Point. It shows all of the floorplans, the designs of the buildings, and shares more of the story of both Trimount Developments and Petterson Point. You can find the website at www. pettersonpoint.com. The sales centre is located at 304 Petterson. Please call Lynn or Terry and set up an appointment to view the Show Suite and begin the journey to Modern and Affordable Living. FLEW

Trimount Developments Estevan, Saskatchewan p: 306.634.4923 e: info@trimount.ca www.pettersonpoint.com

Photo by Jon Gillies

Agents: Sheila McKinney, Danielle Rubin, and Gillian Heisler

t’s 8:00 p.m. and while most people are settling in at home for the evening, the lights are on at Weyburn Security Co. Ltd. as one of Weyburn Security’s realtors works with a client. Like everyone else, they would prefer to work during office hours, but these realtors know that their clients also work during office hours, so they need to make themselves available when it’s most convenient for the client. It’s just one example of their strong commitment to doing what they love— selling real estate! And right now, real estate is booming! Weyburn has always been at the centre of a large agricultural area, but because we are located in the heart of the Bakken Oilfield, Weyburn has become a major centre for all businesses related to the oil industry. The last few years have seen this area explode with activity and become a vibrant and exciting place to live. Weyburn Security has been serving Weyburn and southeast Saskatchewan in real estate for over 40 years and is one of the top selling brokerages in the city. Real estate agents Sheila McKinney, Danielle Rubin and Gillian Heisler have over 40 years of combined experience in

LocaL agents make the compLicated worLd of reaL estate easy and enjoyabLe the industry, helping to create a valuable bond with their clients. When asked about being a real estate agent, Sheila McKinney, who has been a realtor for over 28 years—23 of those at Weyburn Security—admits that real estate is a very large part of her life. “I feel very privileged to be able to help people find their perfect home,” she says. “I don’t think there’s anything more special than a satisfied customer!” A lot of Sheila’s clients are referred to her by past clients, and past clients come back to Sheila over and over again because they know that she is 100 per cent committed to finding them exactly what they’re looking for. Danielle Rubin, an agent who began with Weyburn Security over eleven years ago, loves meeting new people and helping them to find their ideal space. Whether it’s a home, farm, acreage, or commercial space, she’s experienced and qualified to deal with all aspects of real estate. “My professional goal is to guide my clients through the complicated and sometimes formidable process of purchasing or selling their property with ease and confidence, so that they know they’ve made the best decision!” Danielle says.

The newest addition to Weyburn Security’s real estate staff is Gillian Heisler. Gillian moved to Weyburn in 2009 from Manitoba where she worked in both the real estate and agriculture industries.

“I believe in delivering a high level of service, friendliness and professionalism to all my clients,” she says. Her strong sense of family and belief in a comfortable home ensures that she will strive to make that search for a new home an enjoyable experience for her clients. In 2012, Weyburn Security will be developing a new 24-suite condominium project in Weyburn’s downtown core. This new development is just one more example of how Weyburn Security is always ready to diversify and handle the challenges of a growing city. At Weyburn Security: Our Strength is your Security. FLEW

Weyburn Security 111 - 2nd Street NE, Box 609 Weyburn, Saskatchewan S4H 2K7 p: 306.842.2841 www.weyburnsecurity.ca FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

your blinds

Inspirations by Color has the largest selection of blinds in Estevan and surrounding area. Featuring top quality name brands such as Hunter Douglas, Graber/Springs Window Fashions, Shade-O-Matic, and Habitat, these blinds provide a touch of elegance to your home. In addition, each of these brands also carries a lifetime warranty guarantee.

Blinds aren’t only decorative – they also protect your home, carpets, and furniture from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Don’t leave the protection of your home to cheap blinds from a big box store. Come in and see us to get the most beautiful, best quality blinds at the lowest prices with the best guarantees!

Price Beat Guarantee! We not only match our competitors pricing, we’ll beat it by an additional 5%! See in store for details.

Inspirations by Color 1101 - 5th Street, Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0Z3 | p: 306.634.7008 | e: inspirations@sasktel.net 98

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EXPERT Advice What are the benefits to having good quality blinds?

Blinds are much more than just a way to keep a room dark. A quality blind will do this, of course, but it will also allow you to control the amount of light that enters the room, which is a major piece to consider when decorating a room. Blinds can also limit the amount of UV radiation that enters a room and provide added insulation for those hot summer days and cold winter nights.

Crystal Quilliams Inspirations by Color

Inspirations by Color 1101 - 5th Street Estevan, Saskatchewan S4A 0Z3

Higher quality blinds provide benefits over cheap products at each of these touchpoints. In terms of interior design, quality blinds allow you to carefully select the styles, materials, and colours that best suit your home and lifestyle. Every material has a different opacity, durability, and cleanability, and can be custom-selected just for you. Because quality blinds are better built and made

from heavier materials, they do a better job of protecting your homes interior from damaging UV rays. Better quality blinds also means better fitment. Rather than being made to a generic size and cut to approximately fit your windows, quality blinds are build to the exact specifications of your window in both height and width. That means you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any ugly bunching or stacking of material at the bottom of the window when your blinds are down or light gaps on the sides of your windows. Finally, high quality blinds also feature much better warranties than cheap blinds. Most of the time, high quality blinds are warranted for life, so they are truly the last blinds that you will ever need to buy. FLEW

306.634.7008 inspirations@sasktel.net

About Crystal Quilliams Crystal Quilliams is the owner of Inspirations by Color, a full service home decorating business in Estevan. Inspirations by Color carries furniture and decorative accessories, paint, fabrics, framing, and in home decorating consulations, as well as, the largest selection of blinds in Estevan

and the surrounding area. They feature brands such as Hunter Douglas, Shadeo-matic, and Jackson Blinds, Springs/ Window Fashions and Habitat Blinds. To get qualified expert advice when choosing your blinds, Inspirations by Color is the place to go!

FineLifestyles Weyburn/Estevan

Wireless Devices

By Sheena Koops Photos by Vanessa Palawski

NeW Age is the PlAce to be emember the good old days of rural party lines where your neighbours could listen in every time your motherin-law phoned? No. You don’t remember? Well, what about the rotary dial phones. You must remember them? Mayabe you remember the Motorola 550 Flip Phone, which came with its very own Motorola bag phone. Okay, now we’re talking. You have one in your closet and bring it out for trips down memory lane. Well, Jeff Chessall and New Age Electronics were there when Motorola was just cutting its teeth, way back in 1995, when New Age partnered up with Sasktel. “Sasktel has been a strong partner of New Age Electronics from day one,” says Chessall. “Sasktel has always been supportive and helped with our growth. We have seen the change in cellular phones, now called wireless devices. From the Analog Motorols 650 flip’s, Motorola 100

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Startacs small flip’s, and Motorola 3 watt Bag phones, to CDMA digital. Remember that? You could actually tell time on your phone, text message, and even start to web browse, and now with smart phones like the Iphone or the Samsung Galaxy, you can do all that plus check email, watch Netflix, listen to music, and even control your home lighting, multi-room audio system, and even the temperature of your house. Things sure have change in the past 17 years.” Not only does New Age sell Wireless Devices, they also carry Sasktel High Speed and Max Entertainment TV. “At New Age we deal with all types of people and businesses,” says Jeff Chessall. “From the Oil sector, farming community, small businesses, corporate accounts, to the family of five who all need a phone. In fact, the youth market has really became a big area for growth in wireless; it is not uncommon for a ten to fifteen year old to

have an Iphone. ”With a wide variety of device brands, such as Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, LG, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, and Novatel Wireless, you can be sure to get just what you want.“ There is always something new and exciting in the New Age Sasktel Department, with new devices, new accessories, and even new plans, there is always a good reason to come check it out. We also carry a large selection of OEM and aftermarket accessories for all our devices,” adds Chessall. New Age Electronics now has four fulltime Sasktel sales associates who are very knowledgable and professional. “Their job is to provide the best customer service possible to make sure the customer is looked after and happy. They are continually training to make sure they are up to date with the latest with Sasktel and with our many wireless device suppliers,” says Chessall.

The New Age cellular department also creates a large amount of traffic for New Age Electronics. “It is very common for a customer to come in for a phone and walk out with a TV, washer/dryer set or a new living room set of furniture,” says Chessall. A busy department like the Sasktel area complements other product in the store. One part of the family can be browsing phones while others enjoy the store’s latest merchandise.

technology of the day or be left in the dust with the dinosaurs. If you’re feeling like a bit of a dinosaur, don’t give up hope. For Weyburn and the surrounding area, Jeff Chessall and his staff at New Age Electronics are just the people you’re looking for. And as those who are embracing technology will tell you, New Age is the place to be. FLEW

New Age Electronics 300 Railway Avenue Weyburn, SK S4H 0A5 p: 306.842.0488 New Age Motorsports 450 Railway Avenue Weyburn, SK S4H 0A5 p: 306.842.7433 www.newagemotorsports.ca

This new age we live in has its ups and downs. We must either embrace the

”With a wide variety of device brands, such as Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, LG, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, and Novatel Wireless, you can be sure to get just what you want.“

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It Is stunnIng the DIfference a QualIty Door Makes By tammy robert Photos by candace epp

“If you can dream it, we can build it.” - Myron Guenther

hen renovating or building your dream home, it’s easy to forget how we enter and leave it. If you think that modern door design is a simple matter of open-and-shut traditional style philosophy, then GP Door Design is your destination to change all that. Their distinctive doors will be the center and modern accent in any house design. GP Door Design Inc., an entrepreneurial and innovative Saskatoon-based company, was born out of co-founder and contractor Myron Guenther’s desire to incorporate a unique high-quality door product into his own home. “I wasn’t happy with the door styles that were available,” says Myron, a finishing carpenter by trade. “I had decided that I wanted solid doors in our house, and thought I could try building them myself, to save a bit of money and be able to feature my own designs in my home.” Myron began by creating a prototype door in his garage, before incorporating

from left to right: arlen speakman, Myron guenther, kyle fillion and Jillian holladay

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them into his home. “Soon I was using my own home as a show home for builders, to display the kind of work I could do,” he explains. “Chris Oleksyn from O Homes asked if I could create doors for one of his show homes and now uses them in every one of his projects.”

When Myron started GP Door Design, the only other available custom door product was produced in Eastern Canada, and the selection of designs was limited. Today GP Door Design Inc., is supplying Western Canada’s leading manufacturer and supplier of solid-core, custom designed, high-end interior doors, each individually created with the individual customer’s desires and specifications in mind.

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With more and more homeowners asking Myron for his skilled, artistic creations, he knew there was a market for custom doors. He visualized a niche in the industry for high-end, modern and stylish doors, falling directly in line with all the current trends in contemporary new-home construction. “When you’re building a house you can customize just about every feature to reflect the owner’s unique style - why not the doors as well?” he asks.

“We use solid, premium MDF material combined with other mediums such as stainless steel, glass, laminates, and a variety of veneer and arborite choices,” explains Myron. “This combination allows us to produce high quality doors with a modern, sophisticated flair.” Don’t be fooled by the stunning exterior, a GP Door Design door offers much more than a pretty face. Look inside and discover engineering and craftsmanship exceeding professional standards. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is so designer-friendly,” he continues. “We can turn it into virtually anything the customer wants. It’s also very hard to damage, 104

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Contractors, home owners and commercial businesses are now able to order GP Door Design’s quality interior doors, incorporating virtually any design request imaginable while taking advantage of their quick turn-around delivery to any location at home in Saskatoon or across the country.

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easily fixable, paints and even stains great. Many people would not even notice the difference between a dark stained MDF door and a dark stained maple door, so cost is also a huge benefit.” Myron also points to the environmental benefits of MDF, which is a green-friendly product using predominantly all recycled materials.

MetrIc DesIgn

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When you open and close a door from GP Doors, the high quality craftsmanship is obvious. Being completely solid MDF means the doors are extremely heavy. The quality and feel of the entire home is improved instantly! Being solid MDF also gives homeowners the advantage of soundproofing. Use the quality and design of a modern interior door to control the feel and the flow of your home’s interior design. GP Door Design is where you will create the interior doors that represent that final touch, giving your home the exquisite look and feel Myron and his team believe all of their customers deserve - limited only by your imagination. Unlimited possibilities for graphics, creative hardware and even three-dimensional designs will ensure that your doors are not like any others. You can choose a door with the same design on both sides, or customize each side separately to suit the personality and decor of your spaces. “We always consult with the customer to find out their ideas first,” says Myron. “Some clients come to us knowing exactly what they want, others take advantage of the extensive collection of designs in our catalogue. We ask questions to get some idea of the style of the house, or overall design element they are looking to achieve. Our clients come to us with all kinds of different ideas and we welcome that absolutely.” Contemporary interior doors delicately balance form and fashion. GP Door Designs’ creations compliment a wide range of architectural styles, as well as design needs - offering standard or custom-sized interior doors. Their priority is producing products constructed with the highest quality craftsmanship while following cutting-edge designs, infusing beauty and character into everyday living. FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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Every entrance door has its own charm, which reflects the personality of its inhabitants, and needs to compliment the home’s exterior while perhaps demonstrating a little about nature of the interior design. “We also manufacture exterior doors,” Myron says. “The designs are endless and it’s a weather-proof product, customizable not only by design, but also by size. One of our designers will help homeowners create the entry way of their dreams.”

haven BuIlDers

The future for GP Door Designs is bright, Myron says. “We’ve grown to employ four people, and are moving towards selling

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our doors across western Canada, talking with distributors in key areas to help promote our doors and our concept of customization.” As for Myron, he couldn’t be in a better place. “I love what I do today, because it doesn’t feels like work. We get to help people make their homes their own.” There are so many choices at GP Door Designs. See them for yourself on their website, where you can start planning your next renovation or new home design right away. Or check things out in person by swinging by their Saskatoon showroom, located at 2210 Speers Ave. Inside, and assisted by Myron and his staff, you can see - and touch - for yourself examples of exactly what you can do with custom doors. Anything from different types of glass options to different types of designsthe options are endless. “When you walk through a home which has GP Door Designs installed within, you understand the difference right away,” says Myron, the pride evident in his tone.

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“The trend right now is towards ‘less is more,’” says Myron. “Clean lines and simple, elegant designs.” Whether looking for something one-of-a-kind or classic and timeless, the bottom line is that GP Door Design strives to please the customer, whatever they require. In fact, they recently completed a job where they created a piece of wall art to match the doors designed for the client’s house.

“You sense that the home looks and feels of a higher quality - there’s a sense of style that you might not even be able to pinpoint right away. But you will. One of the only moving parts in a home - we pass through doors every day of our lives.” For more examples of GP Door Designs creations, visit one of the homes available from their valued partners: O-homes, Fisher Homes, Haven Builders, Boychuk Construction, Soroski Homes, Ivory Homes, Valentino Homes, Touchstone Developments and Sparta Homes. “If you can dream it, we can build it.” - Myron Guenther FLEW

GP Door Design 2210 Speers Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7L 5X7 p: 306.955.9934 e: myrong@gpdoordesign.ca www.gpdoordesign.ca

EXPERT Advice Wealth ManageMent

Weyburn Credit Union Box 1117 - 205 Coteau Avenue Weyburn, SK S4H 2L3 p: 306.842.6641 www.weyburncu.ca

The past decade has been one of the most challenging times for investors and advisors alike. In today’s chaotic world, many investors no longer feel in control of their finances. Enter, Weyburn Credit Union’s Wealth Management Team. Yes, we have the same market conditions to work with as everyone else, but through ongoing education for both ourselves and our clients, we are working to help investors take back control over their finances. It all starts in developing a deep understanding of our clients’ personal and financial situations. This understanding is not developed overnight, but instead over a period of several years of working with one of our trusted advisors. Our team of eight investment professionals is among the largest, most highly educated teams you’ll find in the province. Our advisory team includes Certified Financial Planners®, a Personal Financial Planner, Canadian Investment Managers, a Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional and advisors with a multitude of other financial designations. Full service brokerage Credential Securities Inc. is led by Wealth Advisors Sean Purdue

and Jerid Corbett who cater to high net worth clients. We offer advice to clients with complex financial needs who require their advisors to develop customized financial strategies. Individual stocks, Real Estate Investment Trusts, preferred shares, government bonds, corporate bonds, mutual funds and GICs often find their way into our clients’ investment portfolios. Through the Credential Managed Account, we can also provide access to some of the most elite pension-calibre portfolio managers from around the globe. Because we have the ability to access such a vast array of investment solutions, we are truly able to manage risk and provide a highly customized level of portfolio management. Since we deal with very large portfolios all the time, we understand what these investors are looking for and can tailor investment solutions to their unique needs. For those investors looking for a high level of advice, but not in need of full service brokerage, our Advisors at Credential Asset Management Inc. are here to help. Kari Nikolejsin, Marj Wanner, Tony Gill and

Darla Brenholen offer access to various levels of financial solutions. Investment solutions including Mutual funds and Weyburn Credit Union term deposits are offered inside of various plans including Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) and Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). Saving for your child’s education? We can help guide you through the various plans available including trusts and Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). Heading up our Estate and Trust Services team is Ann Marie Johnson. Often one of the most neglected areas of our personal and financial lives is estate planning. This is unfortunate because one of the most important things we can do for our families is to structure our estate properly. Not only can this help save time, money and taxes, it can also alleviate family problems that often arise when you or a member of your family passes away. Ann Marie addresses needs ranging from basic to complex estate planning situations and also deals with estate administration. FLEW

Front row: Ann Marie Johnson, Darla Brenholen, Marj Wanner, Kari Nikolejsin Back Row : Sean Purdue, Tony Gill, Jerid Corbett.

Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. Unless otherwise stated, cash balances, mutual funds and other securities are not covered by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.

Nat ural, St unning and Durable

there is nothing like stone for lasting bearuty and functionality By Ryan Holota. Photos by Shawn Fulton

What factors make a business great? For most people, the first thing that comes to their mind is customer service. Price is important, of course, but exceptional customer service really makes people sit up and take notice, probably because it’s something that few of us see anymore.

Thankfully, if you’ve had countertops installed by CNG Stone, you’ve seen exceptional customer service. That’s because CNG Stone built its reputation on delivering customer service that goes the extra mile. Part of delivering exceptional customer service at CNG Stone is educating customers. “There are more than 600 colours of stone available, with between 60 and 70 colours that are used regularly,” explains Scott Tresek, owner of CNG Stone. “In addition to those colours, each piece of stone is different in terms of pattern and texture. No two kitchens are really ever the same. Granite is a natural product, and so it’s never perfect. There are pros and cons to it, as there is with every countertop material, so it is important to me that my customers understand the product, as well as how to care for it. 108

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There isn’t a lot of maintenance that is required, but doing it properly will ensure that your countertops will be beautiful forever. “Let’s face it, natural stone countertops come from the ground. None of them are truly perfect. And anybody can start a company, bring in a slab, and sell it to a customer. It could be stone from the same quarry as the stone we have. But buying a countertop is much more than just buying a piece of stone. You have the craftsmanship, the installation, and the service to consider as well.” Natural countertops are delivered in slabs already sliced and surface polished, but much more needs to be done. The kitchen must be carefully measured, the stone cut to size, the edges polished and sealed, and then all the pieces must be

installed. It’s a lot of work, and every flaw shows. CNG Stone has invested heavily in equipment and training to make sure everything looks amazing when they are done. The Production Manager, David Gray, is a lifelong stone worker who moved to Regina from Quebec just for the opportunity to work with CNG Stone. “This is the best place I’ve worked in my career,” he says, adding, “here, I have complete control over the quality of the product that we deliver, and nothing goes out the door without meeting my standards.” Because of all the colours and textures available, it is very important to see the actual slab that is going to be used in your home or business. CNG stone has you covered there, with more than 200 slabs for you to look at. Most of the granite in Canada comes from quarries in Brazil, but CNG has recently discovered some amazing quarries in Italy, and has recently imported an entire shipping container worth of stone from there. Bringing in large quantities of stone from

a single quarry has a lot of benefits to the end user, from price, to quality, and the ability to do larger kitchens and matching vanities. Still, in the world of homebuilding and home renovations, problems sometimes arise. That’s why some of CNG’s favourite referrals are from customers who have had snags on the job. “I’ve always believed that your reputation is the best asset a business can have,” says Tresek. “That’s why we go out of our way to do anything possible to build and protect ours.” “When we deal with issues head on, our customers know that we are truly working for them, and that sets them at ease. That’s why we have seams in our showroom, so our customers know what they are going to get.” CNG has two seams in its showroom for all to see. “This seam over here,” explains Tresek, “is the industry standard seem. It looks okay, but you can definitely see that it is there. This seam over here,” he

explains, pointing to the other side of the display, “ is what our seams look like.” A cursory glance doesn’t reveal a seam at all, but upon close inspection a faint line is seen in the pattern. “We have very experienced workers, and a very expensive seam setting machine,” Tresek states. “It is an additional cost for us, but it allows us to deliver a superior finished product. Of course, we work hard not to have seams at all, but sometimes it is inevitable.” With a showroom that is open six days a week to accommodate the busy lives we all lead, CNG stone makes it easy to discover the products you are looking for. Located at 1445 Scarth Street in Regina, CNG is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. If you need to learn more about stone products outside of those hours, visit www.cngstone.com, or check them out on Facebook at www. facebook.com/cngstone. You can also pick up your phone and dial (306) 5859876. FHR

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What Do Customers Say About CNG Stone? “As far as Scott and CNG Stone go, we’ve been incredibly impressed with their service and quality. We hadn’t had anything to do with them since we built our house in 2008, but when we contacted them to do some work in our basement last year they remembered who we were, what we had done, and treated us like family. I think CNG Stone is the best thing going for someone who is looking to have this type of work done. Ever since we dealt with them I recommend them to anybody who is looking for any type of stone or countertop work. We’re customers for life.” ~Brett and Amy Molde Weyburn

“We dealt with CNG Stone over the past few weeks during some major renovations in our home. CNG installed new kitchen countertops, new bathroom countertops, and a custom granite piece in our entertainment centre, and they were able to do all of it in just one day. CNG came down in the morning and they were done installing everything by about 5:30. We are very happy with the customer service that we received. They were very professional, great guys to deal with. We asked them to do a few extra things, drill some extra holes, and they handled everything without any questions and at no extra charge to us. We’d absolutely recommend them. The granite looks amazing and we’re very happy with the way that we were treated.” ~Terena Friess and Gil Blackstock Estevan 110

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“We were looking at countertop stores in Regina and came into CNG Stone. Their showroom had a nice layout and they had a great selection of stone to choose from. The staff was really helpful and gave us the information that we needed to help us select the best product for our kitchen. They came to our house and made all the templates, and when they installed the countertops everything went perfectly. They even installed the sink for us. CNG stone did a really nice job, and the installers were very friendly and good to deal with. CNG even followed up with a phone call after the installation to see how everything was working out, which really impressed us. We’d definitely recommend CNG Stone to anyone looking to have work done in their home or business.”

“We were having trouble with another stone supplier who left us hanging, and CNG Stone was able to come in and save the day. We’ve been dealing with them for six or seven months now, but we do a lot of kitchens, and CNG Stone has proven to be a fantastic company to work with. Their customer service is second to none, and they’re really easy people to get along with. You just couldn’t ask for better people. Their quality and turn around time is fantastic as well.” ~Ken Helfrick – Elite Kitchens Weyburn and Estevan

~R.J. and Trista Raynard Lampman

CNG Stone 1445 Scarth St. Regina, Sk. 306.585.9876 sales@cngstone.com www.cngstone.com

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Much More than roll ends By Ryan Holota Photos by Shawn Fulton

uestion Which flooring store has the biggest collection of in-stock flooring, including carpet, vinyl, tile, hardwood, and laminate? The friendly staff at End Of The Roll.

End Of The Roll, of course.

And that stock isn’t castoffs, unusual pieces, or discontinued flooring either. It is name brand, modern materials by the entire roll or palette. Surprised? ur name doesn’t really give the right picture of the store,” says Alison Elliott, owner of the Regina End Of The Roll. “Twenty-five years ago, the founder of our company had a high end flooring store in Vancouver, and he founded End Of The Roll as a way to sell his roll ends at a great price. We still do that, but we can also special order carpet for you, or sell you an entire house worth of flooring right from our showroom.” Of course, End Of The Roll does have an amazing selection of roll end stock—as of this writing the store has more than 200 pieces of vinyl that would be perfect for a single bathroom (from as little as $40), more than 100 pieces that would be perfect for a kitchen – and tonnes of other

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materials that can save you a lot of money on individual rooms. One of the biggest benefits of End Of The Roll, besides the excellent pricing, is that they have a massive inventory. When you walk in, the roll that you look at is the actual roll that your flooring will be cut from. “If you drive into Regina from Weyburn or Estevan, you can pick out your flooring, we’ll cut it for you that day, and you can take it home with you right then,” explains Elliott. “We get a lot of business from contractors and insurance repair specialists, as well as do-it-yourselfers, simply because our prices are so good and we are so quick. We also rent the tools that people need

to install the flooring, such as kickers and seam irons. We can also help you choose the right adhesvies, grouts, cleaners or other accessories you might need to do your own installation. “We’ve heard stories from our customers who have had damage to their homes from flooding or sewer backups, and they’ve told us other flooring stores have asked them to wait two, three, even four months for their flooring to come in and be installed. To me, that’s just too long,” Elliott continues. “These people have lives that are in disarray, their whole worlds have been turned upside down, and now they’ve got to live with a bare floor for months. It’s really sad, especially when we know those same people could have flooring today if they came to see us.”

You can Feel It When You Walk In Everybody is really happy at End Of The Roll. There is can-do attitude in the store that is present from the first time one of the employees speaks to you. In part, it’s because everybody is equal. All of the employees can talk to you about the products, handle the sale, drive the forklift to load the product, and give you advice on the installation and maintenance of your new flooring. And if you don’t want to do it yourself, they have 10 teams of installers just waiting to descend on your home and make the floors beautiful. Kids love shopping for flooring at End

Of The Roll too. No, they aren’t allowed to climb on the rolls of carpet, but there is a play area meant just for them with a sandbox and toys to keep them entertained while parents make their perfect flooring selection. “We can always tell if a family has been in our store before,” laughs Elliott, “because as soon as they walk in the door the kids make a beeline for the toys.”

Selection That Is Second To None If you can imagine a room in your home, End Of The Roll team members can

provide solutions for it. They even do tile for backsplashes and bathroom walls and showers. They have hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl, as well as unique products such as snap-together flexible vinyl that has the ease of installation of laminate, the durability and cleanability of vinyl, and the look of hardwood. Don’t forget the carpet: shag, berber, commercial, kangahyde, cut pile, loop, nylon, polyester…even environmentally friendly PET carpet that is made from recycled pop bottles. All in stock, and at as much as 50 per cent less than in other stores.

Concrete 12 x 24 porcelain tile, and Sculpted area rug.

Chocolate DuraCeramic™, glass mosaic backsplash and Summerside Stainmaster™ carpet. FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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Giving Back To Saskatchewan “I moved to Saskatchewan before moving to Saskatchewan was cool,” jokes Elliott. Originally from Edmonton, she and her husband moved to Regina in 1997 to open this store. Her husband, Lee, was born and raised in southern Saskatchewan, and being back in the province has been great for both of them. That’s not the only End Of The Roll connection to Saskatchewan either; the Vice-President of the company grew up in Wilkie, not too far from North Battleford. Like so many others in our province, both End Of The Roll and Elliott like to give back to the communities that support them. Corporately, End Of The Roll is a proud supporter of the Sunshine Foundation, a group that helps kids with critical illnesses and severe disabilities realize their dreams. Locally, Elliott and her team are proud sponsors of Rebuilding Dreams (formerly Regina Extreme Home Makeovers), and they sponsor a local hockey team. You may not be in the market for new flooring right now. That’s fine – just store the name End Of The Roll in your mind for a later date. However, if you are in the market for new floors right now, head to End Of The Roll as soon as you can. The store is located at 2410 Victoria Avenue East (that’s on the North Service Road that you can access via Fleet Street or Coleman Crescent). End Of The Roll does have a website (www.endoftheroll.com) with loads of information about how to choose new flooring, but you really need to get in the store and see the variety for yourself. Go check them out. Their prices, and selection, will really floor you. FLEW

2410 Victoria Avenue East Regina, SK S4N 6M5 p: 306.585.7655 e: regina@endoftheroll.com www.endoftheroll.com 114

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Tera Stevenson, owner of Shades of Bliss hair salon in Balgonie. Featuring Silver Maple laminate from End Of The Roll.

Much More than just exercise oga is much more than just exercise; it is a system of wellness that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual health. It is not a religion, nor is it a practice associated with any religion. Rather, it is a method of finding peace within your body and becoming aware of your self. Photos by John Gillies

Ashley Hodgkin took her first Yoga class when she was 13 years old. Almost immediately she recognized it was what she wanted to do with her life. After years of practice, her teacher Dawn at Barefoot Yoga Studio asked her if she was interested in learning to teach a class—an opportunity that Hodgkin jumped on. Hodgkin eventually travelled to California to study with Doug Swenson, a world-renowned master yoga practitioner, author, speaker, and philosopher. Returning to Weyburn in 2009, Ashley taught with her former teacher for a while, but knew that it was time for her to open her own studio. Sadhana Yoga was born. Sadhana is an old Sanskrit word which translates to “a means to accomplish something” and is the perfect name for her yoga studio. Ashley explains: “The Yoga I teach, vinyasa yoga, is designed to give the student a full body stretch and toning. Basically every system in the body is improved by a properly sequenced and mindfully executed yoga practice. The Yoga postures improve the body’s circulation of blood; the use of yogic breathing techniques increases the oxygen content in your blood. In this

way the practice improves the overall functioning of your body as a whole. Deep breathing also helps release endorphins into the body, which explains the typical sense of happiness and well-being among students after class.” Many students find that they leave yoga class on a natural high. Physically, students experience an increase in energy and vitality, improved strength, muscle control and flexibility, and relief from ailments such as arthritis, pain, stress, and more. The fluid movements and gentle stretches practiced in yoga also offer a natural remedy for aching muscles.

Sadhana Yoga is located at 1776 1st Ave NE in Weyburn. They offer numerous classes per week, including drop-ins. You can also check them out on Facebook by searching for Ashley Hodgkin. To get in contact with Sadhana Yoga send an email to syoga@live. ca. You can also call at (306) 861-0528. FLEW

Mentally and emotionally, yoga students often exhibit improved focus, increased self confidence, and report living with a calmer and more stable emotional state. “Many people are intimidated by yoga— they think you need to be super fit, or that everybody in the class is going to look like a model,” Ashley says. “The truth is that yoga is for everybody, in shape or out of shape. Yoga is good for you; it makes you healthier no matter what state you are in when you first come to class.”

1776 - 1st Ave. NE, Weyburn, SK S4H 3E8 p: 306.861.0528 e: syoga@live.ca Find us on Facebook: under Ashley Hodgkin FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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Story and photos by Jennifer LaCharite

IntroducIng Iron Bar FItness the local gym you always knew hen Mandi Mazer and Brandon Hodgkin used to workout at Lu’s ‘Train’ Station while they were still junior high school students, they never thought that one day they would own the gym. In fact, the 26-year-old couple never planned on running a gym or moving back home to Weyburn for that matter, but after receiving an email from former owners Laura Weber and Sergej Sinicin informing them of their plans to sell the business, everything changed. “As soon as I read the email I called Brandon, I was so excited,” explains Mandi. “I told him, I think we should do this.” 116

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The couple moved from Regina and bought a house in Weyburn to expand their health and wellness careers, taking over the gym in August 2011. It was a fairly smooth transition for Mandi and Brandon thanks to the overwhelming support they received from the gym’s loyal members. Some have been around since the gym opened more than 30 years ago at 534 Fifth Street NE at the Weyburn Leisure Centre.

“We feel blessed to have such amazing members who continue to support us,” says Mandi.

One thing the customers definitely support is the new owners’ decision to keep the rates low. The monthly rate for adults is $35 and $23 for students, with no contract to sign. The annual rate is only $265 and taxes are included! There are also corporate/family rates available, and combination gym and swimming pool memberships for anyone wanting access to the pool, sauna, hot tub and showers. “The rates haven’t been raised in over 15 years and we have no plans to,” assures Brandon. Another way the new owners payed homage to the “old ways” was with the business’s “new” name. Iron Bar Fitness has actually been its legal name for

years and Brandon and Mandi decided to renew the “old” name. The name is not the only aspect that makes members consider the gym “old school”—it has its own unique, rugged ambiance and members don’t have to carry a special card to prove they belong. This gym relies on the honour system. Members sign in at the door, and guests only pay a $5 drop-in fee. The young couple is committed to living a healthy lifestyle, with a passion for fitness. Both are personal trainers with enthusiasm. Mandi will even bring it into her clients’ homes for personal training sessions. She prides herself in keeping her programs fresh so that clients don’t get bored.

“We rarely do the same program twice,” says Mandi.

Brandon shares the same views as Mandi when it comes to constantly varying workouts. He trains CrossFit, a core strength and conditioning program. Brandon has been certified as a CrossFit Level I Trainer since September and has trained CrossFit exclusively since the first time he tried it. “I fell in love with CrossFit immediately!” exclaims Brandon. “It embodies everything needed to create health and increase work capacity. What I was really impressed with was the emphasis on diet and nutrition, especially in regard to whole foods, balanced meals and the glycemic index.” Brandon says that no matter what your goals are, this type of training will “make you better at life.” Mandi’s expertise among the pair also includes nutrition. She is currently studying to become a Registered

Holistic Nutritionist at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. Mandi recently delivered a brilliant lecture at the Weyburn Public Libray, giving a presentation about the top eight ways you can improve your health through diet. It was very well received and there was a huge turnout, so be on the lookout for more. For anyone interested in improving their health, but having trouble getting started, call Iron Bar Fitness at 306-842-6164 or contact Mandi directly at 306-861-9395. FLEW

Iron Bar Fitness 534 5th Street NE, Weyburn, SK S4A 1A1 p: 306.842.6164 Mandi p: 306.861.9395 e: mandimazer@gmail.com Brandon e: brandon@usana.com

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Look and FeeL YouR BeSt! By Roxy Blackmore Photos by Shawn Fulton

Rejuvenate your face the easy way . . . ur face is how we greet the world every day. It is the part of the body that most represents a person’s identity, and is most often exposed for public view. As we age, we may at one time or another have what we perceive as being a flaw on our most recognizable asset. In recent years the popularity of aesthetic procedures to fix these imperfections has skyrocketed. Thankfully, fallouts from photo aging can now be repaired with laser systems that use broadband light to repair these defects through a process called photo rejuvenation. Candyce Bell is the owner of Bell Medical Aesthetics. She has extremely high standards for both her equipment and her staff. All machines at Bell Medical are 118

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Health Canada and FDA approved prior to use. The staff is professionally trained with a medical aesthetics certified RN, doctor and laser technician. “We are certified,” says Bell “That’s huge. We did not just buy a laser and open a clinic; we are trained.” One of the most sought after treatments at Bell Medical Aesthetics is the IPL, intense pulsed light, procedure using Almas AFT photo rejuvenation. Using relatively low-energy, short-pulse broadband light, imperfections such as erythema of rosacea, brown spots, birthmarks, broken capillaries, age spots and other discoloured signs of photo aging can be gently heated and eliminated, replaced by newer, younger looking skin.

Alma Lasers’ Harmony®XL machine is used for the AFT treatments at Bell Medical. “AFT helps to address different types of pigmentation issues,” says Bell “We have clients ranging in age from nine to 80 getting these treatments. It can involve a series of treatments depending on how much vascular pigmentation issues or colour pigmentation issues we are dealing with. “The difference in our treatments with AFT compared to other IPL treatments is that some IPL treatments have scattering of light so there is more of a risk of spikes and dips in the actual light delivered to the desired treatment area,” Bell continues. “Alma’s AFT has found a way to utilize the unused light and control it so you get a steady stream of light for more uniform treatments.

We can actually see the pigmentation change in the dark spot. Vascular areas will turn bright red or really deep purple so we know we’ve hit the proper level.” Unlike deep laser resurfacing and chemical peels, AFT is not accompanied by an extended period of redness and swelling. “We have had no adverse effects,” says Bell “The treated area may pop out a bit more for a week or two, but that’s the duration of your downtime. You can cover that up with make up immediately following treatment.” A majority of patients require no anesthesia for this procedure. “Some people describe the feeling as a warm rubber band snap,” says Bell “We have had clients that have gone elsewhere and have had to have their face numbed to avoid a painful treatment. Our treatment is not painful. If you have a lower pain threshold we certainly offer numbing, but usually it is not necessary. Bell strongly recommends having a free consultation before any treatment to discuss what is appropriate and what is achievable while maintaining realistic expectations to each client.

Before

After

She understands that having a procedure done for the first time can be frightening. “We are not about vanity, we are about restoration of self-esteem and looking and feeling your best,” says Bell “Removing a small blemish is not plastic surgery; it is a small accent that can boost someone’s self-esteem.” FLEW

Bell Medical Aesthetics 3 - 419 Kensington Avenue Estevan, SK S4A 2B4 p: 306.634.6789 e: cbell@bellmedicalaesthetics.com bellmedicalaesthetics.com FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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EXPERT Advice CoaChing by example

That was when she discovered Rhonda Britten’s Fearless Living program. “I began to come out of my shell and see a whole new outlook on life. Today I am a completely different person, I may look the same on the outside, however on the inside I have never felt so much joy and love. The gratitude that the present moment brings is what makes each day so special to me.” Stacey has been in business since 2007 and has a desire to bring awareness to what she has learnt through life coaching and how she can be a person of support for those seeking truth and wanting a change in their life. Coaching is usually done over the phone or Skype, and takes one hour per week. Stacey offers email support and group coaching, and lunch-in learns—and yes, she says there is homework. “Homework allows us to go deeper within ourselves and allows us to gain clarity about our life”.

Stacey Wempe, Life Coaching and Consulting Estevan, Saskatchewan p: 306.634.2553 e: stacey@supportyou.ca www.supportyoulifecoaching.com

What is your life story so far? Has it had a few bumps on the way? Maybe those twists and turns in life’s journey have been tragic, from which it sometimes feels like you could never recover. Everybody has a story. Stacey Wempe of Support You—Coaching and Consulting has a story, a story that has tragedy, but has brought her to a place of fearless living. After her dear brother Clinton was tragically killed in April 1997, Stacey Wempe found herself thinking she needed to support everyone else, but after seven years she came to realize that it was she who needed support too.

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One hour each week for twelve weeks is the minimum time required, but Stacey says it all depends on each individual and what they want to work through. Some clients she has coached for as long as a year. “Many of my clients express that because of coaching they have gained a greater self awareness, a more balanced life with less stress, more confidence, an increase in fun, more income, improvement of quality of life and better relationships”. It is clear to see why Stacey is successful in her coaching. Her compassion and soft nature shine through. She has a genuine

concern to see people reveal their true potential. What makes her authentic, is that she lives by what she coaches. “A coach is someone who supports clients in breaking down goals and projects and turning them into action steps to achieve their dreams,” Stacey explains. Life coaching is a sounding board to provide tools to handle every day life, and her clients will testify that they had wished Stacey was in their lives 25 years ago to provide them with her great listening skills, her non-judgemental character and the ability to enable them to think about what she presents them with. She is a self confessed, says one client, a “truth teller who will tell it how it is”. Stacey brings authenticity, integrity and accountability to her sessions.“Clients come out of each session knowing that they are enough; they acknowledge that they can overcome whatever life presents them with.” FLEW

Hideout for tHe Soul here is smell of incense in the air with a glimmer of candle light making its presence known in Estevan. This quaint, newly opened store on 12th Avenue beckons the call of a relaxing bath, filled with an array of bath salts, ambient music and a good book. Chantelle Stang of Soul Hideout is the owner of such a call. “Soul Hideout represents the idea that positive thoughts and actions, as well as, faith will change your life and how you look at it,” says Chantelle. “I try to cater to everyone’s needs as everyone has their own interests.” Whisk yourself away from the prairies as you open the door of this charming hideout, and find yourself browsing through what could easily be found in the likes of Vancouver or Winnipeg. It is clear that Chantelle has accomplished her vision of creating a calming environment for her shoppers. This is more than just a shop, but a shopping experience, where Chantelle takes the time to create a relaxing atmosphere from the moment you enter. Chantelle is ready to take the city by storm, and with her approachable character and product diversity it is no wonder that she

already has stock flying off her shelves. Trying to keep up with the demand of a city that seems ready for a change in its shopping needs, this hideout has every nook and shelf filled with products galore.

Chantelle wants to promote wellness and healing and is happy to pass on the knowledge she has to those who are interested.

“I had no idea the popularity of reiki, chakra and crystal healing was so widespread in Estevan and the surrounding areas, and I love the fact that so many more are eager to learn,” Chantelle explains.

“Learn to make time for yourself on a daily basis even if it is for 20 minutes a day. Relax, have a cup of my loose herbal teas or try one of the new seven chakra teas to clear a specific blocked chakra with your feet up, relaxed and listening to a meditative CD,” Chantelle advises.

Because of this interest, Chantelle keeps an assortment of products like healing crystals, yoga products, aromatherapy, astrology, feng shui, massage/exercise, along with a collection of metaphysical products to meet spiritual needs.

Soul Hideout reflects Chantelle’s philosophy for her own life. She likes to remind herself and echo through her store the words of Buddha. FLEW

Soul Hideout invites you to leave your worries and stress behind and move toward a more positive outlook.

#6 – 508 12th Ave, Estevan, SK S4A 1E6p: p: 306.634.SOUL (7685) e: Soulhideout@hotmail.com

“With our everyday lives spiralling out of control, we ask ourselves, ‘what can I do to change this?’ Our stressful lives always seem to be knocking at our back doors, we need to learn how to release this stress and heal our mind, body and soul, so that we can move forward in a positive manner.”

Soul Hideout

Melanie Wildman, President & CEO, Kim Heddon, Patient Facilitator, Marilee Lowe, RN, MN GNC (C), Patient Facilitator and Dr. Pompa, MD., Ph. D., AFACS, Chief Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon. Including the CEO, the Weight Loss Forever Staff in this photo have lost over 240lbs!

Starting the new Year with SucceSS

By alexandra walld Photos by heather Fritz

hen you know you need to lose weight, the road ahead can seem impossible. You’ve heard it all before, you’ve tried every diet out there—only to gain the weight back again. But the road to success is not travelled alone. With the right attitude, the right support system and the right plan in place, success is possible! The knowledgeable staff at Weight Loss Forever have already been there—they are all successful ‘losers’ and can help you find the permanent solution to weight loss you deserve.

“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” - Henry Ford 122

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Julie’s Story After an unhappy marriage, Julie Creelman, then in her 20s, found herself severely overweight and divorced with three kids. Feeling like she didn’t deserve anyone’s attention or affection, she devoted her time to her children. For many years, she struggled with her weight, losing a little and gaining back twice as much. Finally, Julie met someone who liked her just the way she was and instead of eating because she was upset, she began eating because she was content. In 2002, she and her family moved to Canada and she continued gaining weight. While she had no major health issues, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or sleep apnea, she couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without losing her breath and avoided travelling because she could barely fit into the seats. Last February, when Julie, her husband and friends went to the Dominican Republic, she spent most of her vacation in tears, dreading her bathing suit and the beach. Because she’d become an expert at hiding her feelings, no one knew how much the battle affected her.

“He said, ‘What price do I put on your health? Do you think I want to be alone in 10 years?’ It was the first time he vocalized he was scared. And I thought, ‘Who was I kidding?’” Within two months, Julie had contacted Weight Loss Forever, spoke with other patients about their journeys, researched Dr. Pompa, contacted the Mayo Clinic where the surgeon trained, and enlisted a friend in the United States to investigate the clinic in person. When the research came back positive, her concerns about getting surgery in another country vanished. At 46 years old, she had the procedure September 21, 2010 and has lost 218 pounds in less than 18 months.

“I was 430 pounds and I was devastated. I came home and said, ‘You’ve probably got 10 years left of being healthy and mobile before your husband is going to bury you,’” Julie says. “I’d given up and truly lost all hope. On the inside I was just devastated and falling apart. I want people to know it isn’t over. There is a choice they can make for life.”

“The genuine concern at the hospital was amazing; even in the States when I was paying for care privately, I never had that kind of care,” she says. “This works and it’s permanent. It’s changed every aspect of my life,” she says. “I like me for the first time in 25 years and can finally say I’m proud of myself and where I am today. I can’t change the past but I can certainly move forward and be positive about how great my life is now.”

Julie discovered her choice in the summer of 2010 when she read an article about Weight Loss Forever in Fine Lifestyles magazine. She thought it was too good to be true, that it would work for someone who had to lose 50 pounds, much less someone who had to lose 250 pounds. When she talked with her husband, she realized how much the situation affected him.

“What price do I put on your health? Do you think I want to be alone in 10 years?”

HIGHEST WEIGHT: 447 lbs CURRENT WEIGHT: 218 lbs TOTAL LOST: 229 lbs

- Julie’s Husband Rick

For more information, or to speak with a real patient, call (306) 352-8446 or email patientservices@weightlossforever.ca Regina Office Location: 136-1621 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S5 www.weightlossforever.ca or facebook.com/WLForever

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John’s Story John Grimsdale’s battle started when he was in high school. His weight started climbing and he ballooned up to 285 pounds. He tried to counter the gain with dieting and would lose weight but each loss was quickly followed by an extreme gain—over the last 30 years, he’d gone down and back up six times and it got to the point where his health was affected by his weight problem. “I was on five prescription drugs for diabetes, a couple for my cholesterol and a few for my blood pressure. My doctor was threatening me to do something; I had lots of risk factors and there was a good chance I’d drop dead one day,” says John. The 56-year-old had heard of Weight Loss Forever but had never considered it. Once his health was at risk, he started investigating Weight Loss Forever, the Sleeve and the other procedures. “If they told me to do a by-pass, stomach stable or Lap-Band, I would have said no—I knew a guy that had a stomach staple and he’s in worse shape today than before, and I didn’t like the thought of the Lap-Band, putting a plastic inside me. I knew exactly what I would and wouldn’t do,” says John. “I liked what I saw at Weight Loss Forever. I talked to people and thought about it for awhile. The cost was restricting but I decided that I had to weigh the costs for the rest of my life.”

When John decided to get the Sleeve, his family doctor was 100 per cent on board. He had researched the surgeon himself and said she was in the best class in the industry, which put John at ease when he went for his procedure on May 2, 2011. John has lost 107 pounds from his highest weight—20 pounds more than he hoped he would—and is down to a svelte 178 pounds. While John was successful

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with his weight loss, his main goal was regaining his health and eliminating prescription drugs. What he realized on his journey was that his weight loss and resolution of comorbidities were directly related. John is down to one prescription drug for his blood pressure and another for cholesterol—with half the dosage—and expects to be off both drugs soon. He is also on a prescription for acid reflux but no longer needs diabetes medication and has much less knee pain. “For me to be down to a couple of lightweight medications, from being on 14 a day, I met and exceeded all my goals,” says John. “I don’t realize how much I’ve changed but other people tell me. I’m the same guy; I’m just happier.”

HIGHEST WEIGHT: 285 lbs CURRENT WEIGHT: 178 lbs TOTAL LOST: 107 lbs

“I’m the same guy; I’m just happier.” - John

getting to know the surgeon Surgery is never something a person should take lightly, particulary when leaving the country to have it. But patients of Weight Loss Forever can be confident they are in the best possible hands as they make the decision to embrace their permanent weight loss solution. “Thousands of patients have travelled to have their surgery here, we are well known for the care and safety we provide, putting patients first at all times,” asserts Dr. Liza María Pompa, lead surgeon at Weight Loss Forever’s LIMARP facility in Mexico. “Our patients also attend support groups before surgery and meet with patients who already had surgery with us, so they are well-educated and get to hear others’ experience having surgery. It is not surprising how they always say it was the best care they have received in their life—for us it is standard care.” Dr. Pompa is a pioneer surgeon in metabolic surgery for diabetes and author of the book How Much Does Your Life Weigh? Over the past four years, she has performed more than 3,000 procedures and, together with Weight Loss Forever, elevated LIMARP to a Bariatric Center of Excellence and one of the Top 10 hospitals of its kind in the world. Weight Loss Forever is proud to be the first Canadian recipient of the designation. “We are very excited and happy,” says Dr. Pompa. “We just finished a rigourous site inspection by Surgical Review Corporation and they were impressed by how well we run our bariatric program, the qualifications of all our staff, the follow-up patients receive and last—but not least, that our hospital was specially designed for obese patients.” But while this stunning achievement allows patients from Saskatchewan to rest easy about the safety, efficacy and efficiency of the state-of-the-art facility and follow-up program, perhaps even more important is the attitude and compassion of the doctor and her professional staff. “I cannot describe the feeling when a patient says we have changed their life,” explains Dr. Pompa. “Just doing simple things they couldn’t do before or big things like changing their health drastically. It’s awesome! They transform into the person they always wanted to be in their life, just being a part of that is a blessing. “Obesity is a disease that can be treated as any other illness, our mission is to help as many patients as possible and change their lives in the most positive way. There is always an option for any person who suffers from obesity and we can provide each and every one of them.” FLEW

Weight Loss Forever For more information, or to speak with a real patient, call (306) 352-8446 Toll Free: 1-877-306-8891 or email patientservices@weightlossforever.ca Regina Office Location: 136-1621 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S5 www.weightlossforever.ca or facebook.com/WLForever

Dr. Liza Pompa, MD., Ph. D, AFACS Board-certified Bariatric Surgeon, United States and Mexico Winner, prestigious A.H. Robbins Award for Academic Excellence Bariatric Center of Excellence, American Society for Bariatric Surgery FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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It’s a new year! Invest in Complete Spa Services Available: • Hair Styling • Manicures • Body Treatments • Make-up

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Total Effects Day Spa, where it is all about you! Over 40 years of experience and knowledge. 138 1st Street, N.E., Weyburn, SK S4H 0T2 | Phone 1-306-848-0303

Olympia Fitness is locally owned and operated.

by Jade Ivan Photos by erin tollefson

because You Deserve It! Healthy Lifestyle, Fitness and rejuvenation under one roof lympia Fitness offers everything I need under one roof to improve my overall health and well-being,” says Shauna, a satisfied member at Olympia Fitness in Weyburn. “The variety of fitness classes offered daily and the fully-equipped multi-purpose room allow me to keep my exercise plan challenging and always changing.” She’s right. Olympia Fitness is Southeast Saskatchewan’s largest and most fully equipped gym facility emphasizing the value of year-round health and wellbeing. Olympia Fitness is more than just a gym; it offers big city gym amenities and services with a small town, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Olympia Fitness is second to none because you deserve a top of the line health and fitness experience. The 8,000 square-foot facility at Olympia

Fitness offers high quality training equipment ranging from traditional free weights and weight machines to a large, diverse selection of cardio machines. It also features a fully-equipped 1,200 square-foot, open concept multi-purpose room perfect for body weight resistance training, functional training using BOSU balls, stability balls and power bands, TRX or stretching out. Olympia Fitness offers a variety of fitness classes to members and nonmembers ranging from bootcamps that take fitness training to a whole new level, X-Fit for a full cross-fit experience, full body conditioning in the Power Hour, high intensity metabolic conditioning programs, and athlete in-season and offseason training programs. Or, why not try the fresh new challenge of Bender Ball and the Yummy Mommy

class where you can even bring your baby for a workout full of love, sweat and friendship. Each class allows you to challenge your body in a new way with innovative exercises designed by quality fitness professionals and personal trainers. Time constraints or too busy? No worries. Olympia offers fitness classes at many times throughout the day from 6 a.m. for the early birds or later in the evening for the after supper crowd. If you are looking to set up a gym routine or become familiar with the gym facility, Olympia’s experienced and qualified personal trainers are ready to give tours of the equipment, do personal appointments and answer any questions you may have. Once you have completed your workout, be sure to stop by the juice bar, which has a healthy menu ranging from FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

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protein/fruit smoothies to rice bowls, wraps and salads. The juice bar is available all day to members and nonmembers. Drop by for a quick workout and lunch or simply to eat. The menu is full of options to ensure you receive healthy and convenient choices. Appointments are available with the nutrition specialist to receive information on quality health choices and nutritional meal planning including those just starting into the fitness world as well as elite athletes and teams. The pro-shop supports healthy supplements as well with a variety of products that are tested and true. Olympia only brings in products their trainers and staff have tried and believe in 100 per cent. Olympia Fitness offers more than a gym, its staff truly makes Olympia a first-class training facility. “The personal relationships that I have developed with everyone at Olympia Fitness makes the gym feel like a second home,” says Preston Shupe a student athlete training with Olympia Fitness during his off-season. “It is a great feeling knowing that when I return home from playing hockey in the winter I have a firstclass gym to work out at. That makes getting to the gym easy for me.” Olympia has staff on at all times ready and willing to help you with your health and fitness needs. Staff members keep the space clean and bright with natural light and fresh air exchange. They work hard to maintain a friendly and comfortable space allowing you to work out at any time of the day in a healthy and safe environment. Olympia Fitness truly has something for everyone including students or those new to the fitness world, seniors and elite athletes. “Being a competitive power lifter means I spend many hours at the gym training to improve myself,” says teacher Ryan Fowler. “Olympia Fitness provides me with the perfect training facility for all my training needs. Olympia does a great job providing a high quality training atmosphere for high calibre athletes 128

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while still maintaining the comfort level of those new to the gym experience. The equipment selection will suit anyone’s needs and the wide selection of classes and training opportunities provides something for everyone. The entire staff goes out of their way to accommodate anyone who comes to the gym, giving Olympia an almost family feeling and atmosphere. I recommend Olympia as your gym of choice if you want to get started with a healthier lifestyle and need something new and refreshing.”

Why? Because you deserve it. Whether you want a casual, comfortable environment for exercise and fitness or you are an elite athlete looking to take your training to a new level, Olympia Fitness has exactly what you need If you are looking for top-of-the-line exercise equipment, challenging group fitness classes and highly trained professionals coupled with the body rejuvenation you deserve all under one roof, look no further than Olympia Fitness in Weyburn.

Olympia Fitness has extended hours to accommodate everyone’s busy lifestyle and fitness needs. During the week, they open at 5 a.m. for the early birds and don’t close until 11 p.m. for the night hawks. On weekends they are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and holidays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In fact, they are so dedicated to your health and well-being and providing an available healthy exercise option at all times that the only day they close is Christmas Day. Beyond fitness, Olympia strives to provide overall body and soul bliss. Two steam rooms, the only nine-minute high power tanning bed in Weyburn, the Advance Fit whole body vibration machine to improve circulation and increase your work out potential and an on-site registered massage therapist, Michelle Schmidt (available by appointment). FLEW

1623 1st Ave. NE Weyburn, SK S4H 3E7 Phone: 306.842.5111

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 129 FineLifestyles WEYBURN/ESTEVAN

NEw DawN wELLNEss CENTRE ew Dawn Wellness Centre was born in 2006 when Shelly Kievits graduated from school as a registered massage therapist. It was the dawning of a new career for her, as well as the dawning of a new type of healthcare for the people of Weyburn. Together with Linda Heibein, New Dawn Wellness Centre has brought alternative treatments to the community to help people who are suffering from a variety of ailments.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy The concept of treating medical conditions with lasers may seem like science fiction to some, but the reality is that lasers have been used in the medical industry for decades. Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) is a special kind of therapy that uses light energy units, called photons, to stimulate cells and return them to health. By changing the wavelength of the laser, the photons can be targeted to different depths of the body to treat very specific conditions. LILT stimulates the molecules that cells burn for energy. This process increases the production of serotonin, enhances the immune activity of the area being targeted, improves blood vessel dilation and reduces inflammation. In short, it targets cells that are causing problems and stimulates them back to health. This type of therapy is especially effective on common, persistent pains that people experience in slightly different points, and at different depths, in the lower back, shoulders and knees.

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FineLifestyles ESTEVAN/WEYBURN

By Ryan Holota Photos by Erin Tollefson

LILT also works for a surprising variety of other ailments, from carpal tunnel syndrome to ligament tears, bursitis and arthritis. Studies have even shown that it can effectively speed the healing of wounds and burns. LILT is pain free, has no known negative side effects and is non-invasive, non-toxic, fast and highly effective. Studies published in medical journals such as The Lancet and the American Journal of Sports Medicine have shown that patients who undergo LILT treatment heal faster and with less discomfort than those who undergo traditional therapy.

Contact Them Today New Dawn Wellness Centre is located at 134 1st Street in Weyburn. They can be reached at (306) 842-1717 or online at www.newdawnwellnesscentre.com. FLEW New Dawn Wellness Centre 134 1st Street, Weyburn, SK S4H 0T2 p: 306.842.1717 www.newdawnwellnesscentre.com

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SASKATOON LOCATION 15-901 1st Ave N, Saskatoon Next to Liquidation World FineLifestyles 132 1-306-665-8891 Weyburn/Estevan

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