FineLifestyles Parkland Summer 2012

FineLifestyles SUMMER 2012 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

YORKTON & AREA

DAVID RODNEY FROM YORKTON TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD

NEW SKATE PARK A DREAM BECOMES REALITY FOOTBALL NIGHT IN SASKATCHEWAN DANCING TO THE STARS KEN BEATTIE ON SUMMER GARDENS

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Fax: (306) 783-7111 www.cooperators.ca

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Welcome Message The people of Yorkton are famous for being the greatest of hosts and once again wish to extend a heartfelt community welcome for the launch of Fine Lifestyles Magazine.

As a community proud to boast of our quality ‘Lifestyle’ the magazine will be a new and exciting addition to our already vibrant arts and cultural community.

I wish you every success as you venture in Yorkton “Where Good Things Happen”.

MAYOR JAMES WILSON City of Yorkton

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FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

FirstWord

FineLifestyles YORKTON & AREA

WITH FINE LIFESTYLES EDITOR MARYANN yeomans

Summer 2012 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

Welcome to the very first issue of Fine Lifestyles Yorkton & area. Ever since word started spreading about a new publication being brought here, I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback. It’s no wonder, as the city is growing and prospering like never before.

Everyone appears excited about the future, and smiling faces seem to greet you on every corner. Words cannot express how honoured I feel to be involved in bringing our publication to such a wonderful area. I hope that Fine Lifestyles Yorkton & area will help to continue the renewed optimism of the community.

With each issue of Fine Lifestyles, we plan to show you some the best of what southeastern Saskatchewan has to offer. The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce says there are nearly 700 businesses in Yorkton alone and that number seems to be growing daily. We profile many of these local businesses in this inaugural edition.

Inside this issue you will see the winners of the Celebrate Success Business Awards. You’ll also learn about Yorkton’s new skate park, a $300,000-plus project that will transform a flood-damaged area in the west part of town. Our cover story is a profile on one of the most famous people to come from Yorkton, David Rodney. Not surprisingly, David is a bit of a legend around these parts. He is a member of the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame, the first Canadian to climb Mount Everest twice, and the only Saskatchewan native to do it. He is also the recipient of awards and distinctions from around the world. Add in the fact that he’s currently serving his second term in the Alberta Legislature and you’ve got the background for a great profile of a fascinating man.

The motto of the city of Yorkton is “Where good things happen.” I believe you will find Fine Lifestyles Yorkton & area to be one of those good things.

Like us on Facebook.com/finemags Follow us on Twitter: @finemags

www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Maryann Yeomans editor@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Laura Grzyb laurag@finelifestyles.ca

Staff Writers Nykea Behiel nykea@finelifestyles.ca Sarah Ferguson sarahf@finelifestyles.ca

In-House Design Tracy Hahn tracyh@finelifstyles.ca Amber Moon amber@finelifestyles.ca Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca

Photography Carol Gillis www.carolsphotography.net Morris Stakiw www.facebook.com/AvalonFraming Jessanna Jones www.jessannajones.com Mitch Hippsley www.theartoflife.ca

Contributing Writers Shannon Deveau Edward Willett Ope Okunolo Shell Busey

Kevin Lee Suzanne Huber Ken Beattie

Advertising Consultant Grant Ottenbreit granto@finelifestyles.ca

Publisher Wayne UnRuh 306.541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca Randy Liberet 306.540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, SK S4V 2S4 Fine Lifestyles Yorkton and area is published six times a year by Fine Lifestyles 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, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2012 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles, 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 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.

What’sInside

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53 FEATURE STORIES 4 Mayor’s Message 17 New Skate Park 28 Ken Beattie 53 Most Romantic Day 66 Battling Dragons 70 Football Night in Saskatchewan 74 Events Calendar 76 Cover: David Rodney: From Yorkton to the Top of the World 84 Dancing to the Stars: Anya Garnis 94 Cruise the Spirit 8

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

48 DEPARTMENTS 14 Health and Wellness 28 House, Home and Real estate 48 Style 59 Business 68 Leisure, Travel and Sport 88 Dining & Entertainment 91 Wheels

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Forever FiT: MAking yoUr FiTness dreAMs A reAliTy By sarah Ferguson

W

hen you look good, you feel good. At Forever Fit, they know that a healthy lifestyle can help you look and feel your best. Forever Fit’s expert staff and first class gym facility can provide you with everything you need to achieve your health and fitness goals.

Craig and Cam Mehling are the founders of Forever Fit and have been devoted to athletics for their entire lives. After

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FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

Photos By Carol’s Photography

working out in a variety of gyms over the past 15 years, the two brothers have firsthand knowledge and know what good fitness is all about. Using their industry expertise, they worked together to create a top of the line gym facility that offers a comfortable, fun atmosphere and high quality service to people of all ages experienced or inexperienced. Whether your goal is to lose weight and tone up, improve your cardiovascular system, train for your next season of sports, or

just to de-stress your life, Forever Fit’s clean friendly environment and state of the art equipment can make achieving your fitness goals easier than ever.

The impressive 6,400 square foot facility features a main gym area with a vast selection of cardiovascular equipment, including: treadmills, elliptical trainers, bikes and steppers as well as free weights and machines. The large selection of dumbbells and variety of

different benches (flat, incline, decline, seated and roman chair,) squat racks and weighted machines ensure that they will meet all of your fitness needs. Forever Fit is proud to carry Free Motion Fitness equipment, considered to be a top of the line brand in the industry today.

Forever Fit’s facilities are luxurious and roomy—they offer full service washrooms, spacious showers and complimentary towel service to all of their valued customers.

To help you achieve your fitness goals, Forever Fit has two professional certified trainers (one male and one female) on site who are available for personal consultation. Training programs are tailored specifically to help you meet your fitness goals.

Forever Fit also offers a range of sports nutrition supplements that are for sale to the public. They have a variety of whey protein, pre-workout powders and fat loss supplements for your consideration.

Forever Fit’s custom-made clothing line will make your workout a comfortable, enjoyable experience. Fabulous short and long sleeve t-shirts and hoodies are available for purchase.

The gym also features a group fitness area that contains a world class fitness studio, where they conduct fitness classes and group training. They offer bootcamp, step, sculpt classes, Zumba and kettlebell classes that always fill up fast! sign up today and experience what these popular fitness options can do for you!

Zumba is Forever Fit’s hottest class,

incorporating fitness and latin dance. in May 2011, Forever Fit hosted their first Zumbathon with all proceeds going to the Health Foundation. over 120 people participated raising nearly $2000 for the worthwhile cause.

Forever Fit believes in giving back to the community. Forever Fit recently hosted a three hour interactive latin dancing Zumbathon, and all ticket proceeds went directly to benefit a struggling orphanage in Uganda. Forever Fit is very proud to have raised over $1,800 for the orphanage, thanks to the help of their clients.

The orphanage is located outside of iganga and has 100 residents. The orphanage workers have selflessly dedicated their lives to the orphaned

children, and needed help to keep the orphanage running. Currently, the orphanage does not have running water, dependable electricity, or a nutritious, reliable food source.

Forever Fit recently donated $5 towards Brayden ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer for every person that attended their fitness classes during a one week period. The fundraiser was a huge success and definitely assisted in the impact that this great charity has on the battle against cancer.

Forever Fit’s mission is to remain yorkton’s premium fitness facility.

The Forever Fit staff are personable,

courteous and dedicated in meeting and exceeding customer expectations. They are committed to maintaining a facility that is clean, bright and upbeat. Forever Fit recognizes that their customers live busy lives and therefore provide flexible hours of operation with access from 4 am - 11 pm. new comers can enter the facility confidently knowing that Forever Fit’s knowledgeable staff will provide a beginners ‘orientation’ of the entire facility.

Forever Fit was honoured to have been recently nominated for the yorkton Chamber of Commerce Celebrate success Awards for “young entrepreneurs of the year” and

“Best new Business venture.” These nominations were very special for Craig and Cam Mehling as they strive to offer a great facility backed by great service.

Forever Fit understands that your health and comfort are a priority. visit Forever Fit today to make your fitness dreams a reality. FLY

Forever Fit 79 Broadway Street West Yorkton SK S3N 0L9 306.782-7770 myforeverfit.ca

YORKTON SKATEPARK

roup g l l a m s that a an t b u o d Never zens c t is i t i c l u f i ht of thoug world. Indeed, he as. change t ing that ever h ad th t Me t) rgare the only – Ma nthropologis A ican

(Amer

A LOCAL DREAM BECOMES A REALITY

By Shannon Deveau

T

hey say good things happen in Yorkton – and they do. Amidst destruction and displacement has bloomed a new project that will be a lasting legacy of dedication, determination and camaraderie.

In July of 2010, the City of Yorkton made national headlines – not for the good things – the city suffered a catastrophic flood that might send some communities spiraling in despair. In Yorkton though, it brought residents together and spurred positive change.

The flood affected over one third of the city’s residents including the downtown

core and its many businesses. Fast food restaurants closed their doors and had to be rebuilt completely.

With houses under water and debris floating, it was nearly impossible to see past the devastation at the time. Fourteen homes along Brodie Avenue were destroyed yet one local group was still able to see opportunity.

They became the Yorkton Skate Park Committee and so the idea for a new Yorkton skate park was born.

Great ideas don’t come to fruition without effort and dollars. It’s been two years of hard work, rallying for support and

persistence but it’s all paid off. Listening to Yorkton youth and taking the lead, local businessmen Dave Nussbaumer and Jason Farrell of Farrell Agencies in Yorkton applied to Canada’s Aviva community fund with an idea. The City of Yorkton came on board and said if the proposed park – which includes green space, a park like setting and an entertainment stage won the $150,000 top prize from the Aviva community fund, it would match the amount dollar for dollar.

Community members came together, creating a video and using word of mouth and the power of Facebook and Twitter got people online and voting FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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for the project. Together the city’s residents and a determined committee conquered the odds and the Yorkton project won out over other projects across Canada, taking the top prize of $150,000.

“A lot of people worked super hard at it, a lot of kids out on the street getting people to vote,” said Aaron Kienle, skate park committee member and coowner of Cab Clothing Skate and Snow in Yorkton. “At every stage of it I was a little skeptical. I didn’t know if we could pull this off and so for it to have actually happened, it’s quite a crazy thing. The skate community in Yorkton is growing.” Kienle says when he was a child local kids skated in the Co-op parking lot, where they built a few make shift jumps. Following that was a small wooden skate park, and then another larger one, yet still not the size a growing community like Yorkton needs. “With the funds from Aviva and the City of Yorkton’s promised share, the project is definitely on its way,” he said.

“We’ve seen it first hand, the skate community has grown and something like this is going to explode it. It’s awesome. It’s a great thing for everyone who skateboards, and for everyone who is currently involved. Everybody has got to be on cloud nine.”

“A community is only as strong as its volunteer,” said Nussbaumer. “What started out as a community project quickly became both regional and then provincial in terms of the amount of support and votes we received. That’s what really pushed us over the top to make us a finalist in the competition.”

The funding and good news didn’t stop there. Following the Aviva announcement, the Yorkton Skatepark Committee was also successful in obtaining an additional $50,000 from the Community Initiatives Fund for a total of $350,000 for the development of the Skateboard, Bike and Walking Park as part of the Brodie redevelopment project.

After many community consultations a final design has been unveiled and the new park is expected to be complete and ready for use by this September.

Based out of Calgary, New Line Skateparks has completed over 150 concrete skateparks across Canada, the U.S. and Europe over the last 11 years. With a price tag just under what the community has rallied to raise, the New Line has brought its expertise to Yorkton and a local dream will soon be a reality.

“We’re proud of what our community has achieved in supporting this project.

It really reflects what can be accomplished when people work together,” concluded Yorkton Mayor James Wilson. FLY THE AVIVA COMMUNITY FUND recently presented the City of Yorkton with the cheque for $150,000 to be used for the Yorkton Skateboard, Bike and Walking Park to be developed on Brodie Ave. Pictured during a recent celebration event, Nathan Grayston, Co-chair of the Yorkton Skateboard Association, jumps over Joanne Lemma, Aviva Vice President of Business Development, Mayor James Wilson and Dave Nussbaumer of Farrell Agencies.

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FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

NUTRITION AND FITNESS EXPERTAdvice Five Foods to Maximize Fat Burning

By Tracy Belzner Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist

Naringin is the flavonoid that gives grapefruit its bitter taste and has fat burning properties.

Try half a grapefruit with your breakfast to reap the benefits.

306.641.6404 tracy.belzner@hotmail.com

Eggs - Fat Burning Components: Healthy fats, Protein

Summer is almost here. If you want to shed those winter pounds so that you can feel confident and look great, nutrition is essential. Supermarket food choices can be overwhelming. Try to choose whole foods that will aid in fat loss, without sabotaging efforts. These five, easy to find, heroes of the grocery store, will provide that extra edge for fat burning. When wholesome foods are both economical and readily available, it is easy to include them in your daily diet.

The high quality protein and healthy fat found in eggs, controls how fast your body absorbs calories. Having eggs for breakfast will keep you feeling fuller, longer.

Salmon - Fat Burning Component:

Antioxidants, CLA

Omega-3 fatty acids

With their powerful antioxidants and seeds containing CLA (conjugated linoleic acid,) pomegranates speed up your metabolism and burn more fat.

Omega –3 fatty acids stimulate genes that promote fat burning, and block genes that cause fat storage.

Grapefruit - Fat Burning Component: Naringin

Dairy - Fat Burning Components: Calcium, Protein The calcium in dairy slows fat storage and the protein will keep you feeling full longer.

Pomegranate - Fat Burning Components:

Also try: Avocado, Ginger, Chili Peppers, Green Tea, and Tofu. FLY

Your Fitness Equipment Headquarters!

If you’re looking for quality fitness equipment, including brands like Progression, Free Motion, Nautilus and Bowflex, come to Flaman Fitness. Questions? Concerns? Don’t worry—we’re always ready to help! Flaman operates fitness retail stores in every province across Canada.

Introducing Silver Icing Activewear - If you are looking for luxurious moisture wicking activewear at a great price check out the new Silver Icing clothing that is now available in Yorkton exclusively at Flaman Fitness. It is suitable for yoga, Pilates, the gym or just lounging around. Come try some on!

For all your fitness needs, visit Flaman Fitness or check out our website at www.flamanfitness.com

Bay 11 385 Broadway St. E, Yorkton Tel: (306) 783-7229 Toll Free: 1-888-296-2626 Fax: (306) 783-7231 www.flamanfitness.com

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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THe SounDS of ReASSuRAnCe: ADvAnCe AuDIoLogY By: nykea Marie Behiel Photos By: Jessanna Jones Photography

D

r. Lesley Boorman at Advance Audiology Hearing Aid Clinic in Yorkton has made improving people’s hearing her life’s work. Her goal is for people to lead productive and fulfilling lives, unaffected by hearing loss insecurities.

Although many people are not aware of their hearing health, it is important to get your hearing tested to set a benchmark for healthy audible range. “Hearing loss

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FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

tends to be gradual and people adjust to it unknowingly, though it can affect your overall health,” says Dr. Boorman. Those who struggle with hearing loss can strain to the point of incurring headaches and even develop adverse psychological side effects. It is demonstrated repeatedly that people tend to withdraw from conversations and social activities when they cannot participate as actively as they used to, prior to their hearing loss.

The decision of which health care provider to choose is vital to your wellness. It is important to be conscientious of the different roles hearing specialists perform before choosing the one that is right for you— someone credible, competent, and skilled. A hearing aid practitioner has a two-year diploma. An audiologist has a Master’s Degree in Audiology. A doctor of audiology has completed a Doctorate in Audiology. This extensive education

means the professional can diagnose, prescribe, and treat hearing loss, while their practice is held to stringent standards. Dr. Boorman is the only Doctor of Audiology in Yorkton.

Dr. Boorman also has the advantage of working independently, allowing her freedom to prescribe devices from a range of manufacturers. Her clinic offers hearing aids, Bluetooth technology, repairs, auditory assessments, custom molds, 45-day trial periods, a threeyear warranty, and two-year supply of batteries when you purchase hearing aids.

Dr. Boorman has gone through an extensive education process, and has worked in both the public and private sector, as well as for a major manufacturer of hearing aids. Dr. Boorman completed her Masters of Clinical Science in Audiology in 1998. She worked for the public sector responsible for hearing evaluations, auditory nerve assessments, and balance testing. Wanting to expand her experience, Dr. Boorman was employed at an established hearing aid manufacturer for five years, where, she was very successful training audiologists from Manitoba to British Columbia, and being sent as far as Denmark to learn about new hearing aid technology.

Always knowing that the clinical practice

and working with clients was her true passion, Dr. Boorman moved back into private practice fitting hearing aids in Yorkton in october of 2008.

At Advance Audiology Hearing Aid Clinic, Dr. Boorman assesses the needs of each client rather than applying a universal approach. Her strong counseling abilities ensure that each client has a chance to voice concerns, alongside her own thorough assessment to see what adjustments are necessary.

Because of her wealth of experience, Dr. Boorman understands the intricacies of how the devices work, making her able to assess their efficiency. She is able to reward her clients with longer warranties than other clinics because of her positive rapport with the manufacturers. from advanced hearing technology to protection for industrial workers and musicians, Dr. Boorman fits hearing devices to individuals and lifestyles, not just to ears. FLY

A dvance Audiology H earing Aid Clinic

Advance Audiology Hearing Aid Clinic 381 Parkview Rd, Yorkton SK 306.783.7076 advanceaudiology@sasktel.net www.advanceaudiologyonline.com FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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79 Bull Crescent, Yorkton, SK, S3N 3Y6

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Mon. to Fri. 9 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 3 pm • Closed Sundays 41 Broadway Street West (Parker Quine Building) • Yorkton, SK louckspharmacy@sasktel.net • 306-786-6636

One Of THe TOp 10 bariaTric HOspiTals in THe wOrld A Canadian First, Weight Loss Forever Achieves Center of Excellence Designation

By Karin Melberg Schwier

By Karin Melberg Schwier

A

fter a grueling two-year review by the American Surgical Review Corporation, Weight Loss Forever (WLF)’s hospital was recently designated as an International Bariatric Center of Excellence, one of only 18 in the world. WLF met and exceeded stringent requirements in three areas: the hospital, the surgeon, and the bariatric program.

Melanie Wildman, President & CEO of WLF, says, “We’re a world-renowned bariatric hospital with exceedingly high standards, excellent patient care and compassionate support. What is at stake is our patients’ health and well being, and our license. It’s our dedication to our patients that make us one of the top 10 bariatric hospitals in the world,” she adds.

WLF’s Chief Bariatric Surgeon is Mayo Clinic-trained Dr. Liza Pompa, MD, Ph.D, AFACS. She is board-certified in the United States and is the first female in the world to be awarded Surgeon of Excellence.

TM

WLF encourages people to do careful research and has developed the guide How to Research Your Surgeon. Patient safety is the primary consideration.

Their hospital and medical staff are held to rigorous standards and unannounced, independent inspections.

WLF’s patients include doctors, specialists, government officials, lawyers, teachers, mechanics and farmers. Obesity is the #1 preventable cause of death in Canada. WLF’s award winning support program gives patients the tools they need to achieve long-term success – and surgery is just one part of the solution.

Over the last four years, over 800 patients received surgery and support through WLF’s program. There are offices in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Lethbridge and Fredericton, NB, with specialists throughout the country. FLY Take a tour of the hospital here.

Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever

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humBoldt man makes a dramatic change for the Better

chris hergott After

I

’ve always struggled with my weight from childhood. I continuously tried to diet on my own with some success, but I always gained it back plus more. Finally last year I hit my highest weight of 283 pounds. I’m 5’11” and I knew I was only going to go much higher if I didn’t do something.

I have a lot more energy throughout the day. My history of depression is now completely in control. Food no longer has power over me. I don’t feel the hunger or the cravings like I used to, especially for junk food. I now eat a healthy amount and I am very satisfied for a long time. I know I’ve added many years to my life and that every one of them will be so much better. The sleeve was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel so good about myself and my only regret is not doing it sooner.

I had a very easy recovery and quick results. WLF has been terrific; they would call me every day and the support has been amazing. They were extremely thorough and very honest. I recommend the entire team at WLF to anyone. The experience has made me into a new healthy person, one that I will be the rest of my life. FLY

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Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever

chris hergott Before

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LOSInG OBeSITY, GAInInG HeALTH

Jason everett After

.J. “Jason” Everett struggled with obesity most of his young life. Always a big guy, Jason assumed his European background was the reason for being of good, solid stock. But “there were never limits on eating in my family,” he explains. “I was always physical, so it wasn’t until I was in mid 20’s when things really got out of hand.” Suddenly it was far more serious than just being a “big guy.”

High blood pressure, diabetes and, Jason says, “all the ‘large person’ health problems.”

Jason is one of the 1% of patients who experienced a post-surgery complication. “My facilitator Julie was right there with me. Melanie drove down from Saskatoon and my doctor was on a teleconference with Dr. Pompa to share the information about my surgery. When I had a hospital stay, the Regina support group met at the hospital so I could attend.

I was also so pleased with all the support from everyone on the WLF website and Facebook group, patients and facilitators alike. I couldn’t go to the Christmas party in Saskatoon so they even made me a video greeting and I was so happy. It felt like I was there with everybody.” Jason says he still feels “completely taken care of” throughout the journey.

“I just moved to Saskatoon and got a job right away at a tire shop,” Jason says. “Life is physically so much easier since I’ve lost over 145 pounds since October of last year. I am embracing a whole new life and outlook, enjoying meeting new people in Saskatoon, and happy to be telling my story.”

Another exciting chapter in Jason’s story is completing his first fun run, the Bridge City Boogie 5 km, in June. FLY

Jason everett Before

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever

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FROM THe GReeK PLASTIKOS, WHICH MeAnS TO MOLD OR SHAPe

Plastic surgeon’s Passion far more than skin deeP

By Karin Melberg Schwier

“Plastic surgery combines both art and science, and both are fields I am passionate about,” Dr. Rodas told Fine Lifestyles. “It is a profession where you can change and improve lives.”

“Plastic surgery involves reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. There still exists a misconception of vanity that is not applicable any more,” Dr. Rodas insists. “This profession is much deeper than the concept of aesthetics alone.”

“Plastic surgery gives priority to the functionality of the body. Selfesteem is very important and is no longer a taboo subject,” explains Dr. Rodas. “Changes in body contour, combined with psychosocial aspects, may lead to embarrassment or difficulty in everyday life. The goal of plastic surgery is to improve a person’s quality of life.”

He encourages potential patients to become well informed about plastic surgery and research their surgeon.

“One of the most common misconceptions of plastic surgery is that it’s magic,” Dr. Rodas explains. “We are working with living tissue so it is very hard to predict a perfect result since there can be slight asymmetry, for example. Another misconception is that surgery is always complication-free since the plastic surgery patient is healthy,” he adds. “As in any procedure, there is a risk, but with a qualified, experienced surgeon and team these can be managed correctly.”

Dr. Marcos Rodas

Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever

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FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

“When patients come to us, they always receive the best care available,” says Dr. Rodas.

“Our patients are not treated as a business, but with human care and kindness. The beautiful results and word of mouth from our patients is the reason we are in such high demand today.” FLY (A plastic surgeon for nearly 18 years, Dr. Rodas has presented a variety of courses, and national and international medical conferences. He is also Board Certified by the Mexican Association of Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and of the Baja California Association of Plastic Surgery. To learn more about Dr. Rodas’s credentials, or if you wonder if you are a candidate for this type of surgery, visit www.weightlossforever.ca, and click on Plastic Surgery.)

mom of three gets a lift to her face and her confidence

carol caron After

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arol and Lloyd her husband of “35 memorable years,” work together in their own construction and roofing business. The 53-year-old mom of three grown children started thinking about a facelift.

Says Carol of her experience, “They gave me a great information package and all my questions were answered. Of course, I could access WLF on Facebook and online. It didn’t take me long to decide to have the facelift surgery.”

Carol calls WLF her family for a reason.

Their support before, during and after the surgery, and throughout recovery was “heartwarming, and above and beyond anything I ever expected.” She learned about Dr. Marcos Rodas, the plastic surgeon at the WLF Centre for Excellence, and was comfortable with him from the beginning.

“Meeting him in person to discuss my concerns and hopes helped me relax and completely trust him,” says Carol.

“My husband was with me and was so impressed with everyone and how they all responded immediately to any questions or concerns he had, too.

Dr. Rodas included him and asked his thoughts when options were outlined.”

Any regrets? Not one. Lloyd says he “can’t believe that he is lucky enough to hang out with such a young sexy chick,” Carol laughs. More importantly, she says, “I think I look and feel so much younger, a smaller version of myself at 40.” FLY carol caron Before

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Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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GOLDILOCKS WEATHER AND OUR SUMMER GARDENS 28

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

By Ken Beattie

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am just as guilty as the next person for complaining about the weather. It would seem that this favourite Canadian pastime provides absolutely a `no win situation’ for the most part. We complain about a bitterly cold winter, the saving grace of course that it is a dry cold. Spring erupts momentarily and pops into immediate summer, we complain about the insects and early, intense heat.

Summer breathes her sultry breath over the prairie provinces and still be kvetch because we have to water our gardens so much, or it is just too hot to work in the garden. Safe to say we are rarely satisfied... agree? This Goldilocks approach to the weather and how it relates to the garden is not strictly a Canadian “eh” thing, but is celebrated worldwide. After all, what else could be to blame for our `misadventures, failures and otherwise oops moments’ in the garden other than the weather?

Summer 2012 will doubtless go down as a rather curious season in the garden, thanks to the unnaturally moderate winter across the Prairies. Whilst in

Saskatoon at the end of March, I saw that the tulips were poking their heads out, lilac buds bursting at the seams and the warming winds coaxed the turf to dry up and start growing. Within a few days of this balmy incident the mercury dropped across the prairies to normal, and in some cases below normal, temperatures culminating with a dump of wet `heart attack’ snow. So now what of all those perky spring plants? In the weeks following, the temperatures were up and down like the proverbial pump handle, coaxing buds open then slamming them with frost and -10C nights.

Those gardeners who, during the mild doldrums of March, decided to clean the leaves and winter detritus from their perennial flower gardens may be affected. Often referred to as `Virgo Gardeners’ (those who are driven to clean and tidy the yard to within an inch of its life in the fall) will also certainly see the negative results of the revolving weather patterns. Having left all the leaves, rakings and grass clippings on the beds would have provided an

excellent blanket for the emerging bulbs and perennials. I know, I know, that urge to clean and tidy is hard to suppress, but in a year like 2012, it would have been a good thing to let nature look after herself. The flip side to this slithery approach to the garden is the plants will definitely push their way through the mulch blanket and in doing so, stretch to the depth of the covering. This stretched growth is terribly soft and when one does remove the blanket, tissue can be torn and if a cold snap foists itself thereafter, the soft growth freezes more rapidly.

There is, however, some good news associated with a cold snap after a spring thaw. The all too familiar cankerworm

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hatched earlier than usual this March due to the warmer weather. Unbeknownst to the pregnant mamma cankerworm, diligent prairie gardeners had applied sticky bands to the appropriate trees catching an overly healthy crop of bugs.

Those who escaped the sticky bands and made their way to the elm tree tops, birthed their batch of babies sticking them to the branches awaiting the new foliage to supply a ready food source.

Apparently temperatures below -8C are lethal to cankerworms and many other bugs as well. So the story is, if the cankerworm mom made it to the tree tops without freezing and laid her eggs, they possibly were frozen...yay! Please don’t think that I am guaranteeing lower bug populations, I just wanted to give everyone a bit of hope. Cankerworms and the caterpillar-type insect so prevalent in prairie cities and towns can be dealt with very effectively using non toxic products. For years municipalities have sprayed a bacterial mixture on city trees, usually with or followed by a soap spray to control pests. The general public can and have been for some time using a product under the trade name Dipel® as well as the timely application of sticky bands. Keep up the fight!

Lily beetles are becoming a sizeable pest problem also, and this season looks favourable for them, not so for the lily gardener. A winter void of excessive freezing allows the lily beetle more of an opportunity to survive at the base of your prized lilies. As the sun warms the surrounding soil and the lilies start to put their noses through, the beetle is not far behind. Unfortunately it is unlikely that the fluctuations in temperatures were timed to the gardener’s benefit, so be on the look out. Speak with your

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local garden centre professional to seek what current products are being recommended for this virulent pest as well as the cultural tips to reduce the population. Thankfully, my garden is still void of this voracious beetle and my few lilies still perform remarkably well. When the time comes in the nottoo-late spring, I cultivate lightly around my emerging lilies hoping to disturb any larvae that may be snuggled close to my plants.

Wasps have and most likely will continue to be a problem after a mild winter. Apparently the queens didn’t die off as a result of warmer conditions and, of course, went about their duty of producing new wasps... all winter long. These insects are not necessarily a plant pest, but for the avid gardener are a definite deterrent to working outside for very long without protection or controls of some sort.

Within all of this, we gardeners will persist and we will be successful in our summer gardens. Our perennials will have been tested and toughened, the bulbs once again bloomed and our turf, none the worse for

wear. Enjoy your garden and try not to be a slave to it this season and always remember that there will be next year to start all over again. FHS

Have a great summer and happy gardening!

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We have captured the best of all shopping experiences and eliminated the hassles associated with shopping for window treatments. With a wide variety of products and manufacturers for consumers to choose from, you will enjoy the benefit of shopping from home while a professional helps you choose the window coverings that will best fit your need and style.

We bring the product samples to your home or office, where you can pick from a wide variety of our products’ fabrics, textures and colors. You can get a feel for the exact window treatment you want in the exact room you want it installed.

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We have a rich selection of quality window treatments, including: shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and window film. Budget Blinds works with leading window covering manufacturers. Budget Blinds also has two private label brands that are exclusive to us - you won’t see these products anywhere else.

So if you’re in the market for new window coverings be sure to give us a call for your FREE In-home consultation, we’ve got style for every point of view,

Yorkton: 306 783.1699 Melville: 306 728.4575 dlrampone@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com

Launa Koch

The BeST DeSIgN ADvICe To MeeT Your LIFeSTYLe

By Sarah Ferguson

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or interior designer Launa Koch, an empty room is full of possibilities.

In November 2010, Koch opened 5624 Design in Yorkton, and her list of clients has been growing ever since.

5624 Design specializes in interior design services for residential and commercial properties. Whether a client has difficulty visualizing a space, or needs help decorating and choosing colours for 32

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

Photos By Carol’s Photography

that special place in their home, Koch’s expertise can help her clients make the best design choices for their lifestyle.

Koch has extensive experience in helping with specialized renovations, and can provide valuable insight to individuals who need home design advice. She also specializes in helping her clients create unique, custom designed spaces.

She also draws inspiration from her mother, who teaches art at the regional high school.

“My mother also did some interior design

over the years,” she said. “It’s a family thing—design runs in my blood.”

Koch is an expert in the field of modern and contemporary design, and excels in giving a space that “big city style.”

Colour psychology plays a large role in how she chooses colours for her clients.

“I feel that certain spaces make us feel comfortable or uncomfortable mostly because of the colours in the room,” she said. Materials, textures, and patterns also influence her designs.

Koch is known for her ability to tailor her designs to a customer’s specific needs. using her extensive knowledge of color design and planning skills, she can customize a space based on the personality of her customers.

“From my education, I’ve learned a different way of doing design,” she said. “I don’t rely on magazines; instead I rely on how the client feels, and so far, my approach has been very successful.”

She begins by talking with the client about what their particular needs are and how they would like their space to function. Next she discusses how they would like the space to feel. Then she develops a design concept based on customer preferences.

Koch does her best to find a basic personal concept for every client she works with. “everything I choose for a project moves around that concept,” she said. “It all makes sense together, and it all has the same flow and feeling . . . it’s important for people to have a space surrounding them that they love.” FLY

“I try and find something to connect my clients with the space, be it a particular colour, a concept or theme,” she said.

“The connection that a client has with the space is the most important part of the design process.”

In January 2011, Koch was chosen to be the main designer for Melrose Place restaurant in Yorkton. using her expertise and creative flair, she redesigned the interior of the 7200 square foot restaurant, helping to advise on color schemes, wallpaper designs, lighting, fabric and flooring.

Koch attended the university of Manitoba where she studied environmental and interior design, and her education gives her unique insight into the preferences of her clients.

5624 Design 306.521.1300 launa@5624design.net www.facebook.com/5624Design

IN BOTH WORKMANSHIP AND PRODUCTS THE NAME SAYS IT ALL: EVERLAST

By Ope Okunola

Photos By Morris Stakiw

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ith today’s busy lifestyle, people require a maintenance-free exterior to their home. Combining incredible performance, extreme efficiency with superior durability, the high quality products and cutting-edge services offered by Everlast Eaves & Exteriors have been providing solutions for many home owners in and around Yorkton for over twenty years.

For more than a decade, the company has earned the well-deserved distinction of Gentek Premium Renovator Gold Club Member by demonstrating a commitment to a uniform standard of excellence in service, workmanship and professional business ethics.

Top-of-the-line With extensive experience in all areas of exterior renovation, Everlast Eaves & Exteriors is an Authorized Dealer for Gentek Building Products. The company provides for one-stop shopping, with a great selection of colours and styles for siding, windows, doors, soffit, fascia, eavestrough and cladding. These products are designed to ensure a lifetime of low maintenance and fresh, beautiful looks.

Energy-certified, Gentek Regency and GrandRiver by Vinylbilt windows are clearly one of the most significant investments that can be made in a home. These windows are listed in a Consumers Digest Best Buy Report as products that offer the most value for money. They are the ultimate in vinyl window technology. The

heavy duty vinyl frames combined with insulated Low-E glass and argon gas make these windows highly energy efficient and incredibly durable.

The company offers pre-finished steel doors from Advance Door Systems which not only improve the curb appeal of a home, but also increase security and energy efficiency and are specifically engineered to withstand Canada’s harsh winters. A wide range of doorlite, sidelite and transom style doors are available in durable steel or fibre glass panels with options that include the popular internal blind system. Everlast also replaces many existing patio doors with either a much improved PVC door or steel insulated garden door with a wide array of glass options.

Money saving The quality Gentek, Kaycan and Mitten vinyl siding products are simply invaluable. Apart from being light weight and easy to install, their benefits include reduced energy bill, high thermal resistance, very low water absorption, reduced chances of mildew and reduced street noise.

Soffit, fascia and cladding make up a huge part of Everlast’s business. The highly experienced and knowledgeable installation specialists ensure proper attic ventilation from the eaves to help the shingles to battle mother-nature through severe Saskatchewan winters. The company also provides custom flashings as may be required.

Distinguished workmanship Another area in which Everlast Eaves & Exteriors continues to distinguish itself in the exterior renovation business is eavestrough installation. Offering a variety of colours to suit particular projects and tastes, the company specializes in screening for eavestrough, prepainted seamless eavestrough, and advanced fastening system that can be affixed to any type of roof or structure.

“Everlast Eaves & Exteriors guarantees 100 per cent satisfaction and that each job meets exceptional appearance and the highest level of quality. We stand behind our work,” says Lynton Evans, co-owner of the company.”

“We offer quality service, quality products, and quality workmanship. We will provide you with the most cost effective solution, and we will not sell you more service than you need,” Evans’ partner, Jeff Morley, adds.

In the home exterior renovation business, the name Everlast Eaves & Exteriors Ltd. remains synonymous with integrity, responsibility, confidence, quality and value. Everlast Eaves & Exteriors are careful, caring, and completely reliable. The exterior renovation experts affirm that their focus will continue to be on integrity, energy efficiency, and visual appeal. FLY

Everlast Eaves & Exteriors Ltd. 130 Livingstone Street, Yorkton, SK S3N 3A8 Phone: 306.786.7055 • Fax: 306.782.7371 everlasteavesandext@accesscomm.ca www.everlasteavesandexteriors.com FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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YORKTON PLUMBING AND HEATING

By Kevin Lee Yorkton Plumbing and Heating strives for new and innovative ways to look after your plumbing and heating needs.

Professional, skilled and educated technicians are dedicated to providing you with the service you need with a dedication that has enabled them to become an award winning company.

in Saskatoon. In March of 2012, he received the Young Entrepreneur award at the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Success Awards. Both awards recognize entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who have achieved success in the start-up and operation of a new or existing business.

Not one but two awards have been awarded to Justin Yawney, the owner/ manager of Yorkton Plumbing and Heating. In 2011, he was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, one of the ABEX Awards hosted by the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

What began as a company with one person in 2007 has grown to over

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35 people with a fleet of over 29 trucks. The crews are ready 24/7 for performing commercial, industrial and residential plumbing. The staff of talented plumbers, office personnel and management work from a modern office, showroom and warehouse conveniently located in Yorkton on Sixth Avenue North, just south of York Road and west of the Highway 9 intersection.

Yorkton Plumbing and Heating is family owned and operated, which means the owners are active in the daily operations, providing technical advice and involvement with the employees.

Personnel are the top priority of management, and every effort is made to provide a friendly and stable work environment for all employees.

Always striving for new and innovative ways to conduct business, a dedicated management team, along with talented employees, guarantees success.

The strength of Yorkton Plumbing and Heating is a direct result of the commitment and dedication of their employees.

Yorkton Plumbing and Heating serves all of Yorkton and the immediate area with residential and technical services.

Their trucks are fully stocked and ready to handle any emergency 24 hours a day. If you have an emergency water heater replacement—no problem. Their professionals help with water line leak detection and certified backflow prevention testing. They have major brands of fixtures available and are water filtration specialists.

The company provides a 24 hour emergency response phone number which you can call and have a plumber out to your house or business within a few hours. Special rates apply for afterhours or emergency service.

Residential and commercial services include: • Plumbing • Heating • Central air conditioning • Water softeners • Sheet metal work • Gas fitting • Fireplace installation • Backflow certification • Water line replacement • Plumbing and heating inspections • Gas barbecues and hookups • Radiant heaters • Water lines • Sewer lines • Faucet repairs • Faucet installs • Toilet repairs • General plumbing and heating repairs FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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Are you in the process of doing some renovations? Drop by the shop and choose your plumbing fixtures from the company’s showroom or browse through their catalogue to find the model and style that suits your needs. The experienced staff at Yorkton Plumbing and Heating will provide installation of all fixtures, such as: lavatories, water closets, faucets, kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, bidets, and bathtubs. Estimates and maintenance programs are available and all work is warranted. Yorkton Plumbing and Heating can provide references from past customers, and will ensure that their work area is cleaned up prior to departure from your home or office. FLY

Yorkton Plumbing 359 Sixth Avenue North, Yorkton SK 306.782.4588 www.yorktonplumbingandheating.com yorktonplumbingheating@sasktel.net

(L-R)Trina Stechyshyn, Vange Vallaster, Cheryl Kustra, Deb Schmidt

“MEET THE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN OF ROYAL LEPAGE PREMIER REALTY” HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO TM...

ROYAL LEPAGE PREMIER REALTY

By Shannon Deveaux

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Photos By Carol’s Photography

he team at Royal LePage Premier Realty in Yorkton has the intellect and commitment to ensure you get the best property for your investment. “We’re knowledgeable about the community, we are well researched and focused on customer service,” said Deb Schmidt. “We work on the clients schedule to best accommodate their needs.”

Royal LePage Premier Realty takes the guesswork out of property shopping and it saves the consumer or seller both time and money in the long run. “We get to know our clients. That’s the benefit of utilizing a professional realtor. There’s security in it,” added Trina Stechyshyn.

A professional realtor can help match a buyer to a seller. “A qualified realtor can narrow down the search to affordable properties that suit your budget,” said Trina. “We want to make sure of the best fit. We know the community. We’ve got the information on schooling, zoning, and what similar properties have sold for in the area. We can help you with your decisions and the negotiations.”

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Meet the Team With more than 30 years of experience, award winning realtor Vange Vallaster knows real estate and how to find the perfect fit for her client. Licensed in residential, farm, commercial and specializing in corporate relocations, she is seasoned, knowledgeable and loves what she does. Vange, with her knowledge of the industry, can help you establish the fair market of your property to ensure you are receiving the best value. Vange will select properties in your price range, guide you through these properties and help you select the one that best suits your needs.

Vange has been effectively marketing properties in this area for years and you can count on her expertise whether you are buying or selling.

Trina Stechyshyn knows real estate is her calling. Accredited in interior design, she has worked with home builders and she can be the go between to ensure you get the best deal. Together, she will work with you to find you your most suitable property.

Yorkton is the third largest trading area in Saskatchewan and Deb Schmidt can showcase the city with confidence.

Schmidt believes real estate is much more than buying and selling houses.

“It’s about the people ... I pride myself on offering personalized, professional service with careful attention to detail,” Deb said. “I am very experienced in corporate relocations. Please let me be of assistance. “ In today’s fast paced world you need realtors you can trust and that will confidently guide you step-by-step through one of the biggest decisions you

Lyle Walsh General Manager

will make in your life. Cheryl Kustra is a realtor that is involved in her community with sports and her past work of 13 years at Parkland College. Cheryl has a passion for real estate and she is committed to providing you with the best possible real estate experience. Cheryl assures you that your buying experience will be enjoyable. You will be treated to her friendly approach, her knowledge of the community and benefit from her ability to help select the right property for you.

dealerships. The world of real estate is interesting, fast paced and growing and Walsh ensures Royal LePage Premier Realty has what it takes to meet all your real estate needs.

“Drop by, the coffee is always on”, says Walsh. The Royal LePage Premier Realty team is always ready to help, as “Helping you is what we do”™. FLY Royal LePage Premier Realty 45C Palliser Way, Yorkton, SK 306.783.9404 info@royallepageyorkton.com www.royallepageyorkton.com

General Manager, Lyle Walsh joined Royal LePage Premier Realty in December of 2011. Prior to this he spent more than 35 years in management and ownership positions. He’s also spent several years in the agriculture business, selling machinery and managing

Lyle Walsh

Terry Chaikowsky

Vange Vallaster

Deb Schmidt

Lawrence Doll

Trina Stechyshyn

Cheryl Kustra

Murray Arnold

General Manager 306 621-9885

Broker 306 621-7363

Realtor 306 621-7272

Associate Broker 306 621-3689

Realtor 306 621-5142

Realtor 306 621-7269

Realtor 306 621-4454

Realtor 306 621-5018

Dustin Krepakevich, Field Operations Manager; Shelly Ross, General Manager; and Kelly Stoll, Owner .

Piece of Mind Photos by Carol’s Photography.

ith more than 30 years of service in the security industry Gardon Securities has a solid reputation for a fast, efficient response to every alarm. Gardon’s professional operators are trained to act quickly, with precision and confidence, whenever our Monitoring Centre receives an alarm. No recorded messages: you are always greeted by a live operator located in Saskatchewan.

“Somewhere along the line the personal experience has left the security industry,” says Gardon Securities owner Kelly Stoll. “We all experience frustration contacting service providers: press one for this department, press three for this service...

Home and business are personal, and people deserve to know and trust the people who provide them, their families, their loved ones and their staff with that most crucial service.”

To ensure an accurate response, Gardon’s advanced monitoring equipment interprets and records each signal, while operators rapidly access information to relay vital facts to the authorities.

Gardon Securities’ quality and performance meet or exceed the Canadian Standards Association’s strict requirements for electronic safety and security equipment. Gardon uses DSC product, the finest equipment in the industry, and maintains telephone, cellular and internet monitoring using triple-redundant systems. A telephone line is no longer required to have a monitored alarm system.

Gardon Securities is one of the few companies in Saskatchewan to offer all three monitoring options.

Many insurance companies offer a discount of up to 25 per cent off your home policy when you have a home security system. A monitored security system offers peace of mind. If you travel, the stay mode feature allows you to be protected from home invasions even while loved ones or pets roam freely inside your home. Gardon Securities’ monitored systems also provide protection from intrusion, fires, floods, carbon monoxide gas and damage due to low temperatures. FLY

35 Betts Ave, Yorkton, Sk, S3N 1M1 p: 306-782-0211 tf: 1.888.782.0211 e: admin@gardonsecurities.com www.gardonsecurities.com

Photos: (1) Dustin Krepakevich, Field Operations Manager; (2) Keypad for security system ; (3) Gardon Securities Head Office.

THE SUITES ON BRADBROOKE: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME Written by Shannon Deveaux. Photos by Carol Gillis.

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he has worked in Fort McMurray and has a husband who travels with a career in the construction industry, so if there’s anyone who understands the demands of working while living out of a suitcase, it’s Marlene Swan.

Relatively new to the Yorkton area, Swan, in partnership with her husband Ben, has created a veritable oasis for commuting workers. Fully and tastefully furnished one and two bedroom executive suites in a convenient, accessible location, offer all the comforts of home and a new option for the work weary traveller.

Surrounded by warm colours, a spacious layout and modern décor, tenants, both long- or short-term, can unwind at the end of the day in a bachelor, one- or two-bedroom suite. Each unit comes completely furnished and fully equipped with linens and cutlery, pots, pans, double beds and a pull-out bed in the living room, flat screen televisions, parking, all utilities, full cable and Internet included.

An on-site caretaker who offers a full line of cleaning services rounds out the package and makes it a palatable option for a variety of travellers.

“Our market caters to people who are coming in from out of town, doctors, construction workers, business executives and tradesmen.”

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Individuals and families relocating to Yorkton have also found comfort within the walls of the Suites on Bradbrooke while they take their time to find that perfect home. For the husband whose business takes him away for an extended period, it’s the perfect setting for the family to come visit.

“We’ve had a lot of international traffic as well and from right across the country,” says Swan.

Even local seniors are discovering the benefits of the newly renovated and decorated suites. With no grass to cut, no snow to shovel and customized maid service option if one so chooses, it’s the ideal set up.

“They can cook their own meals, they can put a barbecue out, there’s a lot more flexibility for comfort where you may not have that at a hotel,” adds Swan.

She’s in the business of providing all the comforts, without any of the worry or hassle.

“It’s a very cost-effective alternative to maybe living out of a suitcase in a hotel.

A person can literally bring their suitcase and a toothbrush and settle in. We have people who come for a year, others for three months. We cater to a very unique market.”

Having created similar, successful setups both in Drumheller and Fort McMurray, Swan says she and her husband had

been searching for a new location to offer the needed service. Originally from Saskatchewan, when a Yorkton opportunity presented itself she says they jumped at the chance. “This truly is where good things happen. It’s been like a warm hug. There are phenomenal people who are warm, eager to help, hospitable. I’m from Saskatchewan originally so it’s like I came home.”

To turn an aging apartment complex into a welcoming executive living atmosphere was no easy feat but the Swans rolled up their sleeves, opened up their pocket books and went to work. Today she says they have the best tenants in town, “hands down”, and she is proud of the accomplishment and being able to provide the optimum accommodation.

Lynne Corriveau (Staff Member) & Marlene Swan (Owner)

“Previously, Yorkton didn’t really have anything like this. You don’t have to worry about hooking up utilities or hauling furniture around. You just settle in.”

The goal now, says Swan, is to create an outer exterior that matches the warmth and design of the interior. It’s been an ambitious project but a rewarding experience just the same. “It’s our hope that you enjoy your time here as much as we do,” she concludes. FLY BenMar Holdings Inc. Box 1480, Yorkton, SK, S3N 3G3 Phone: 306-783-1919 www.thesuitesonbradbrooke.com

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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STYLE QUALITY DISTINCTION Experience SveinCo and Discover All the Possibilities.

Custom Cabinets Designer Kitchens

Custom Home Audio/Visual Control 4 Dealer 306-621-2140 • www.sveinco.com

SPECTACULAR WEDDINGS & EVENTS WITHOUT THE WORRY Written by Ope Okunolo. Photos by Carol Gillis.

Makeup by Bailee Graves & Heather Gillespie using BBG cosmetics at Pretty Face make up Studio. Hair by Heather Gillespie.

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ne of the most striking qualities of Kristin Weber-Karcha, owner of Memories to Last a Lifetime (MTLAL) is her love and passion for her job. A member of the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC), Kristin’s ingenuity from childhood culminated in the establishment of Memories to Last a Lifetime in Yorkton about three years ago. Today, she has carved a niche for herself in the event planning industry and the spread of her clientele tells her success story. She has customers all over Saskatchewan, and the business takes her even as far as Manitoba.

MTLAL is dedicated to creating a dream event for any occasion, with services including planning, decorating and

coordinating everything from Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Galas and Fundraisers, Christmas and Staff Parties to Graduation and Sports Banquets. One of the advantages of using a planner such as MTLAL is, in Kristin’s words, “we know the industry, where to get things, we can save you time and, by helping you get better prices, we also save you money.”

The take-down services of Memories to Last a Lifetime are particularly popular amongst couples. This service obviously derives its value from the fact that most people don’t want to be bothered about having to dismantle everything hours or even a day after the ceremony, which is the requirement of most event centres.

Staff of Memories to Last a Lifetime.

Left: Laureen Weber, Behind: Kristin Weber-Karcha, Front: Heather Kuspira, Missing: Lindsay Weber FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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Custom Weddings Wedding packages provided by the company vary to suit the needs and budget of each client, irrespective of whether it is a traditional, home, destination or ‘quirky’ wedding. From Kristin’s point of view, a beautiful wedding is possible with any amount of money; you just need a spending strategy to suit your tastes (and, of course, your purse).

Two unique packages offered by MTLAL are Day of Coordination and Full Coordination. The Day of Coordination involves on-site coordination on the day of the wedding. In Full Coordination, the company proposes a plan with a variety of options for the client to choose from.

Once MTLAL is given a go-ahead, the company goes into action right away, keeping the client updated regularly.

“We will be by your side from the moment you say ‘yes’ to the day you say ‘I do,’,” Kristin said. We will make your day happen, the way you want it to be, the way you’ve always dreamt of.”

Memories to Last a Lifetime is a onestop store, having an extensive inventory of rental items to suit every budget and event. Items carried in the store include vases, candleholders, mirrors, candelabras, cake stands, backdrops, votive walls, floor pieces and linens.

Drapings and chair covers are available in basic colours of black, white or ivory.

Other colours and luxury materials such as satin, pintuck, damask, taffeta, and spandex are also available on request.

For that ‘wow’ look, Bling Bands, one of Kristin’s exquisite creations are particularly popular with customers.

Something New Also available in the store are exquisitely crafted wedding gowns such as Blue by Enzoani, ADK by Eddy K, Mia Solano and Private Label by G Signature Plus, James

Clifford and Sottero and Midgeley. It is the place to shop for bridesmaid gowns, flower girl dresses and formal wear to suit every taste. “We want to stand out in customer service, and products,” says Kristin. “We are always looking out for the best dresses and newest decorations. If we don’t have it, we’ll find it.” Formally trained in decorating, Kristin keeps track of changes in the industry by networking, attending workshops and conferences. Last year, she was in The Bahamas for a conference on destination weddings and Changing Trends in the Wedding Industry.

MTLAL is a family-run, family-friendly business. Family members form the core staff, with part-time and casual staff coming in when the need arises. Kristin admits that entrepreneurship runs in her family, her dad and uncle having been in the lumber business for decades. While her sister is in charge of finances and orders, her mom is in the store at least one day a week to help. Even the men in the family join the ladies for event takedowns.

Memories to Last a Lifetime: Guaranteed For Weber-Karcha, the challenge of coordinating events, especially weddings, is the very thing that gives her joy: making people happy and putting a smile on their face. According to her, every bride is special, and every wedding is unique. She adds that she not only remembers every wedding, she is grateful to having been involved in every one of them.

How many jobs can she handle at a time? Kristin replies that MTLAL has coordinated six weddings the same weekend. In fact one of the six weddings was one that involved transforming a skating ring into a wedding ceremony and then a reception venue, with over 18,000 feet of white draping. While she recommends early planning for any event, she guarantees that even at short notice, Memories to Last a Lifetime would certainly deliver, doing all to bring joy to the hearts of their clients! FLY

From Kristin’s point of view, a beautiful wedding is possible with any amount of money; you just need a spending strategy to suit your tastes (and, of course, your purse).

Memories to Last a Lifetime 33 Broadway Street East Yorkton , SK Phone: 306-782-3424 Email: kristin@mtlal.com www.mtlal.com

(L-r) Karling Baluk, Bailee Blair Graves, Heather Gillespie

Come Get Your PrettY FaCe on

By Krista Gordon

Y

Photos By Jessanna Jones Photography

orkton is home to Pretty Face makeup Studio, founded by Bailee Blair-Graves.

BlairGraves is no stranger to the beauty and fashion industry, she has spent years on and behind the stage. Graves gained experience through modeling, education and research. Her education includes courses in ottawa, Canada and Barcelona, Spain.

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after years of researching and testing various products Bailee has developed her own cosmetic line called BBG Cosmetics. most of the products in the BBG line are Canadian made. “our foundation is our most successful product� she said. not surprising, as many women know a really great foundation is hard to find. Customers are always welcome to come into PF Studio at any time to test all of their products.

Pretty Face makeup Studio is first and foremost a cosmetic studio, but also provides esthetic services such as lash extensions, teeth whitening, spray tanning and waxing.

Blair Graves says it is not about caking on make up and transforming people into something they’re not, or forcing people into a look they find hard to maintain, but instead it’s about bringing out a client’s natural beauty and making women feel and look comfortable and confident with who they are.

Bailee and her PF Studio team have earned a respectable reputation doing on site location make up all across Saskatchewan and manitoba. as her business continues to grow and succeed, Bailee has big plans for the future. “We’re looking into franchising and extending into manitoba,” she said. “It is very exciting!”

Be sure to find us online at pfstudio.ca or “like” us on Facebook. PF Studio also has an online store for the convenience of their out of town clients, and for convenient shopping. FLY Pretty Face MakeUp Studio 19 Broadway Street E 306.783.6253 pfstudio@sasktel.net www.pfstudio.ca

All About Flowers Ltd

For fresh, high-quality flowers in Yorkton, you can count on All About Flowers Ltd. Our professional staff of florists in Yorkton will work with you to create beautiful, unique gifts for your special occasions. Not only do we provide flower delivery in Yorkton, we can deliver nationwide as well through our trusted network of florists. We even offer same day flower delivery at no extra cost for those last-minute gifts!

Send a smile today!

All About Flowers Ltd 146 Broadway St. E. #6 Yorkton, SK S3N 3K4 306 782-4222 888 782-4222 www.yorktonflowers.com

Owner: Stephanie Buckle

Staff (back l-r) Curtis Sarafincialn, Stephanie, Allona Zeiben, Elsie Shipowick  (front l-r) Candace Tarr, Debra Skalicky

THE MOST ROMANTIC DAY

By Nykea Marie Behiel

E

very bride wants to plan the a beautiful and remarkable wedding. As a wedding planner at Memories to Last a Lifetime in Yorkton, Kristin Weber needed her wedding to live up to her own visions, and showcase what she could do from a business perspective.

From the moment she said “yes,” Kristin had a vision she kept focus on, regardless of obstacles and disagreements.

“My wedding needed to be different, with details galore,” says Kristin excitedly. It was unique and beautiful, and a night of charming entertainment for her more than 400 guests.

The curling rink was adorned with more than 120 20-foot sheer white drapes hanging from the ceiling. This process alone took scissor lifts, four people, and an entire day to setup and demonstrates Kristin’s attention to detail. Satin and taffeta linens imported from China covered the tables, along with three different live floral centrepieces. Kristin chose fuchsia and orange, inspired by the bold and vibrant colours of an East Indian wedding. Her wedding knowledge and research spans traditions from around the globe.

Her wedding cake was the definition of elaborate—a four foot, five tier cake, fitted with a chandelier between tiers and a Swarovski encrusted topper. The cake was comprised of three delicious layers, including white butter cake with lemon curd and raspberry puree. Guests were also welcome to indulge in a candy buffet, complete with alltime favourites, from Big League Chew to blue whales.

“I remember waking up on my wedding day after a sleepless night to pouring rain,” Kristin says. Having experienced this challenge through other weddings, she didn’t panic.

“I called my wedding planner (yes, even wedding planners hire wedding planners,) and told her to buy as many black umbrellas as she could find,” she says by making the best of everything.

Her day planned down to the minute, Kristin oversaw every aspect of her wedding. Jody at Cutters turned bed head into wedding hair, and Bailee at PF Studio prettied FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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Kristin’s face for her trip down the aisle. At this point, most brides would go home, slip on their dress, and take a few minutes to relax before making their journey to the service.

Not Kristin. Her sister drove her to the venue, which they had been decorating for four days, so she could assess the progress. Thankfully, it was all coming together just as she had pictured it. Finally Kristin could go home to get dressed.

Throughout the year of planning and intense weeks of organizing leading up to her big day, the realization that it was really her very own wedding only sunk in when she pulled up to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. She got out of the car, out came the umbrellas, and her family and friends marched her into the church. Recognizing that she was going to be walking down the aisle hit Kristin hard. All the emotion that had been building up poured out through her tears.

“St. Mary’s is by no means a short trip down the aisle, but it was worth every blubbering step when I met up with my future husband at the altar,” says Kristin. Garrett Karcha had been there for her at every step, and let her plan their wedding exactly as she had envisioned.

A limo bus with room for 12 and a lovely leather interior drove the wedding party around for pictures and a tour of the city. While they drove around, Kristin’s three (yes, three) planners and staff set to putting the final touches on everything so the evening created memories for all guests.

A traditional Ukrainian band, accordion and fiddles in tow, greeted visitors. The cinder walls were draped to create an elegant ambiance. The curling rink was unrecognizable, having been transformed into a beautiful event centre—a false wall on one side, 12 white manzanita trees decked in crystals on the other. Once guests identified their tables, drapes were parted for them to enter a room aglow with orange and fuchsia lighting.

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Guests were given a chance to mingle and look at the décor, then sample the bride and groom’s signature drinks at the cocktail and martini bars. Although thoroughly planned, an element of spontaneity remained in Kristin’s wedding. The bridal party made a grand entrance with a dance routine they had thrown together the night before. Kristin’s background in dance permeated several other aspects of the night as well.

Before given the opportunity to feast on the amazing prime rib dinner, guests had to dance. Each table was given a number to correspond with an action song, like the YMCA, Macarena, bird dance, hokey pokey, and the Mexican hat dance, and had to perform to earn their supper.

After dinner, guests were treated to two dance performances. One performance was from Dance Innovations, a Yorkton studio where Kristin used to teach, and the other from Extravadance Studio, the

studio Kristin owns and operates out of Canora.

The cake was cut, and the Joe Show band entertained guests until late in the night. Kristin’s guests left impressed, happy, and tired. “It was all over much too quickly, but it was just as beautiful as I’d imagined,” says Kristin.

The hours of Internet research to determine every detail have now become a memory. Each perfect linen, fragrant flower, and elegant stationary worked together to create the flawless atmosphere for Kristin’s perfect wedding day.

Almost a year later, Kristin’s wedding memory stays strong but she and Garrett are ready to make some new memories.

Kristin and Garrett have just spread their most romantic day into a lifetime of celebration with the arrival of their newborn baby boy. FLY

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SHerrInG GolD JewellerS: leT Your ImAGInATIon SPArkle

By Shannon Deveaux

T

rendy, traditional, personal and timeless, if you’re looking for that perfect piece of jewellery, you’ll find it at Sherring Gold Jewellers.

Born and raised in Yorkton and with a background in mechanics, Bryce Sherring may not have started out an expert in the field but today he’s a master of the trade and business is booming.

It all started as a dream. Tired of coming home in filthy mechanic clothes he says 56

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Photos By mitch Hippsley

he went for a career assessment and that’s when clarity struck.

“At that moment I just happened to be staring across the street and I saw this jewellery store... all I could think was that I want to be a Goldsmith.”

Dressed in his mechanics clothes, he set off across the street and applied for a job.

“I talked to the jeweller there in my mechanical gear and I asked, ‘would you

be interested in hiring me? I’d really like to get into this.’ He was looking over my shoulder like it was an episode of candid camera and basically said ‘you’ve got to be joking.’”

Persistence paid off though and after repeated return visits he got his foot in the door. For Bryce, a new career unfolded, as did the journey towards owning his own store which has become Sherring Gold Jewellers.

“we really do care. we treat everybody as best as we possibly, humanly can and we really stress that,” said Sherring. “my staff is so caring about who walks through that door. They really, truly go all out for each customer. Jewellery is personal after all.”

“Jewellery is nothing if it isn’t meaningful for the customer wearing it,” added Sherring. “The minute you buy it, it becomes and heirloom. The clock starts ticking. It’s surprising how many people are sentimental about their jewellery.

It took working with the consumer on a one to one basis, to truly understand how passionate people are with their jewellery.”

A certified goldsmith for the last 26 years, Sherring opened Sherring Gold Jewellers 14 years ago and he hasn’t looked back. “we pride ourselves on “the special touch” that we are able to give to customers,” said Sherring. “our policy is ‘If you don’t love it, you can’t have it!’” He specializes in creating custom jewelry, but it’s his friendly demeanor and his willingness to work personally with customers that has made Sherring Jewellers one of the most prominent jewelers in southern Saskatchewan.

“when we leave this great planet what do we leave behind?” he went on to explain. “The most personal things are on our body, and it’s jewellery. That jewellery doesn’t have to be expensive either.” with an extensive and dazzling array of pieces on hand to suit every taste and occasion, Sherring also specializes in custom work. A complete handcrafting studio right on the premises allows fully-trained and experienced craftsmen to help you design your new and old jewellery. using top of the line

technology, goldsmiths with over 30 years of experience, can create custom designed pieces that reflect you and your individuality.

Sherring Gold has grown from a small goldsmith operation to a jewellery store that’s second to none and now Sherring says the plan is to go more high tech. He said that a new 3-D design program will allow customers even more involvement in creating their perfect piece. up until now he says moulds have been handmade and used to create uniquely designed jewellery. now with a new CAD program, everything will be done on the computer. A three dimensional image allows a customer a virtual view of their new jewellery. “You can basically do everything but wear it.” Sherring said.

“Customers can make changes with the click of a mouse.” “like a diamond, Sherring gold has many facets.” FLY Sherring Gold Jewellers 91 Broadway St. East Yorkton, SK S3N 0L1 Phone 306.782.GOLD (4653) Fax 306.783.7464 Toll Free 1.866.605.4653 sherringgold@sasktel.net

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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Toronto departures. Price shown is per person, based on double occupancy including the 90-day Early Booking Promotion. Price does not include taxes and fees, and is subject to availability at the time of making new individual bookings. Price includes: roundtrip international airfare, domestic flights, transfers, accommodation, sightseeing and select meals as noted in the tour itinerary. Inquire with Marlin Travel for add-ons from Regina and Winnipeg, rates will be subject to change and additional supplements will apply. For complete description and terms and conditions, refer to the Transat Discoveries 2011-2012 brochure or visit transatdiscoveries.com. Transat Discoveries is a division of Transat Tours Canada Inc., and is registered as a travel wholesaler ON #50009486) with offices located at 191 The West Mall, Suite 800, Etobicoke, ON, M9C 5K8. // May 3, 2012

Yorkton Chamber of CommerCe Celebrate Success Business Awards held March 14, 2012 All photos by Shannon Deveau

Business Expansion Award Sponsored by the Bank of Montreal

Crusader Drilling

Award of Excellence Sponsored by ParkerQuine LLP

Business of the Year Sponsored by SaskPower

Ram Industries Harley Davidson Yorkton

Community Involvement Award Sponsored by Cornerstone Credit Union

Yorkton Aircraft Services

TD Canada Trust

Customer Service Award Rusnak Balacko Kachur Rusnak

Sponsored by RBC Financial Group

Farrell Agencies

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59

Community Merit Award Sponsored by SaskTel/Direct West

Diversity Leadership Award Sponsored by CIBC

McDonald’s Restaurant

Yorkton Exhibition Association

Property Restoration Award Sponsored by the City of Yorkton

Access Communications

Yorkton Hotel

New Business Venture Award

Yorkton Terriers

Sponsored by Key Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC Inc.

Richardson Plumbing & Heating

Young Entrepreneur Award Sponsored by TD Canada Trust

Justin Yawney, Yorkton Plumbing and Heating 60

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

Work and Family Balance Award Sponsored by the Parkland Mall

Yorkton Co-op

To promote and protect the interests of members and businesses in Yorkton and district The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce proudly serves as the “voice of business in Yorkton.” Join the 400 businesses who are members of the Chamber to strengthen the voice of the business community.

(left) Sherry MacDonald, Director of Marketing & Administration; (rignt) Juanita Polegi, Executive Director

www.yorktonchamber.com Tel: (306) 783-4368

Greg Ottenbreit, MLA Yorkton Constituency yorkton.mla@sasktel.net 306-783-7275 www.gregottenbreit.ca

Left to Right: Troy Dudziak - Manager of Professional Services, Tony Melaragno - Senior IT Support Engineer, Dwaine Senechal - IT Support Technician, Patricia Rawlick - Web Service Manager, Kevin Rawlick - President/CTO. Missing: Leah Scriven - Controller/Dispatch

RAWTEC SUPPLIES THE PEACE OF MIND ONLY A PROFESSIONAL I.T. FIRM CAN OFFER

By Nykea Marie Behiel. Photos by Carol Gillis.

ou wouldn’t think of sending your accountant to fix the leaky pipe in the basement, your first thought would be to call a plumber. So why would you expect them to be an expert when the computers crash?

A number of years ago, Kevin Rawlick realized that there is a need in today’s small- and medium-sized business world that was going largely unfilled. As

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a result, business owners were spending more than necessary when it comes to technological needs.

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Rawlick moved south of the border 15 years ago to take advantage of a hockey scholarship. He eventually settled in Ohio and accepted a job with an accounting firm as a Network Administrator. Kevin spent a few years acquiring and refining

his skills as in internal IT consultant before creating RawTec Consulting, a firm dedicated to customer service and simplifying technology for businesses.

After establishing a loyal clientele in Cleveland, Ohio, Rawlick had the opportunity to do some work in Yorkton.

“We were able to do the fix remotely from Cleveland,” he says “that was kind of a foot in the door.”

“We take care of your network so you can take of your business.”

Rawlick had often considered moving back to Saskatchewan, he wanted his children to experience life as he had growing up. After speaking with local business owners, Rawlick discovered there was a definite need for an IT firm in Yorkton. It was the chance he was waiting for to expand his company. With a successfully established business in Ohio and a capable partner at the helm, he packed his bags and relocated to Saskatchewan with his wife, Patti, and three children.

Full of opportunities, Rawlick is thrilled to be in Yorkton. However, he has noticed that many business owners are not proactive in regards to IT, but rather wait until a problem arises. This is costly in both dollars and time. When a system crashes, someone on staff, usually not trained in IT, tries to fix the problem. Between time, parts, and a lack of knowledge, businesses often spend more money than if an IT company was hired to manage the system properly.

“Employees should be doing what they do best rather than fixing computers, but unfortunately, that’s who most often gets coerced into it,” Kevin says.

RawTec works with clients to find solutions that meet individual needs.

Taking a proactive approach, they save business owners money by increasing productivity and minimizing downtime.

RawTec provides services that span the continent, with clients in Atlanta Georgia through to Western Canada. RawTec is a leading provider of IT application and infrastructure solutions for organizations across North America.

“At the end of the day, and I know it’s a cliché, but we really build a relationship with the company and every relationship is unique. The only thing that remains consistent is our focus on our clients, return on investment (ROI), and total cost of ownership (TCO)”, says Kevin.

RawTec customizes, optimizes and provides technological assurance. They don’t just fix computers—they provide peace of mind.

How much would you pay for total peace of mind? Costs are minimal, says Rawlick, and customers in turn are provided with 24-hour, seven-day-a-week assurance their systems will always be up and running. This is a guarantee successful businesses cannot go without.

“Our sole purpose of existence is to build trustworthy relationships while providing Information Technology solutions to our clients that create the best return on their investment, maximize their production and facilitate their growth.” – Kevin Rawlick echoes RawTec’s mission statement. FLY

From server/network installations, helpdesk, remote backup, system monitoring, Voice Over IP (VOIP) solutions, and web design, RawTec works with its clients to ensure profitability and performance. An exclusive dealer of Star2Star VOIP systems, RawTec can provide your business with a professional and reliable way to manage communications.

Dwaine Senechal, IT Support Technician

RawTec Consulting P.O. Box 1441, Yorkton, SK S3N 3G3 p: 1.877.373.0088 e: sales@rawtec.com www.rawtec.com

Kevin Rawlick, President/CTO

EXPERTAdvice FINANCE DeBT RePAyMeNT: A Source of High Returns

to interest rates so rising rates would present painful losses. Stocks, mutual funds, pooled funds and eTF’s all have potential for greater returns, but these investments carry additional risks that may not be suitable for everyone and always require careful study.

While most savings options appear gloomy, there is a guaranteed return that every Canadian carrying debt is able to access. Just pay off debt.

If you could access money that is used to pay off debt anytime, then theoretically you would pay down your debt until other investments provide a risk adjusted return equal to your after tax return.

However, there is no guarantee you will be lent or have access to the money potentially needed for emergencies, future projects and retirement. This means that saving money using savings accounts, term deposits, stocks and bonds is still very important.

According to a recent Stats Canada study, the average Canadian household debt in 2009 was $114,400 including credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages and all other types of debt. Interest rates carried on debt can be very high.

Paying off debt is one way to strengthen personal finances and considering the after tax alternatives, it is very effective.

All financial plans should focus on debt repayment as a key strategy to accomplishing your long term goals. FLY

you can earn a guaranteed rate of return that is greater than the carrying interest rate on your loan. All potential investment returns should be measured on an after tax basis, this allows fair comparisons of investment returns like interest, dividends and capital gains.

Table 1: Impact of debt repayment per $1000, assuming a 35% marginal tax rate.

By Michael Peterson Investment Advisor National Bank Financial Sapara Wealth Management When Mark Carney, the governor of The Bank of Canada speaks, Canadians would do well to listen. Carney, has publicly suggested Canadians save more of our money and pay down our debt.

His suggestions certainly deserve action, and the benefits of saving money in a low interest rate environment do exist, but they need a clear explanation.

Low interest rates by definition encourage people to behave exactly the opposite of Carney’s suggestion. Low rates discourage saving, and encourage spending and accumulation of debt.

Savings rates are low, so why save?

Fixed Income securities aka bonds, have their market value inversely tied 64

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Carrying Interest Rate

Annual Savings

Implied Tax Adjusted Return

3%

$30

4.05%

5%

$50

6.75%

8%

$80

10.80%

Disclaimers National Bank Financial is an indirect whollyowned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada.

The National Bank of Canada is a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX).

National Bank Financial is a member on the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. The particulars contained herein were obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but are not guaranteed by us and may be incomplete. The opinions expressed are based upon our analysis and interpretation of these particulars and are not to be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein.

Please consult a tax expert for your individual tax circumstances.

Cast of Dragons Den (L-R) Jim Treliving, Kevin O’Leary, Arlene Dickinson, Bruce Croxon, Dianne Buckner & David Chilton. Photo courtesy of CBC.

Women entrepreneurs AGm With DrAGon’s Den success

By Sarah Ferguson. Photos by Shawn Fulton.

n fairy tales, heroes slay dragons, and find treasure that will make them rich.

In Saskatchewan five heroes have slain some dragons of their own to come up with millions—and their stories are no fairy tales.

On May 11, at the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Conference, a crowd of the province’s most ambitious women gathered in the Regina Travelodge to hear from five Saskatchewan entrepreneurs who made their way onto the CBC hit series Dragons Den, battled the dragons, and won.

Dragons Den attracts over 2 million viewers on average, and features aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch business concepts to a panel of Canadian multimillionaires in the hopes that they will invest. When Saskatchewan-born businessman W. Brett Wilson joined the dragons, the show became a household favorite. Though Brett left the show in February 2011, the five Saskatchewan businesses that shared their successes at the conference stand as testimony to his support and legacy.

3twenty Solutions

Hillberg & Berk

Brian McCrea is the co-founder and CEO of 3twenty solutions, a Saskatoon-based company that builds modular camps and offices for the mining, oil and gas industry. Brian and his partners appeared on Dragon’s Den and hit the jackpot when they gained Brett Wilson as an investor.

Regina resident Rachel Mielke has taken the fashion and jewelry industries by storm. She was named the Regina Chamber of Commerce’s entrepreneur of the year and received the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award. She was also recognized by the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneur’s Association as one of Saskatchewan’s emerging businesses. Mielke won over the Dragons in 2008 and gained the support of Brett Wilson. Today Hillberg & Berk has earned over $2 million in revenue, and Rachel couldn’t be happier.

The idea for his company started while he was completing his business degree at the University of Saskatchewan. “I knew I was an entrepreneur, but I didn’t have a business idea,” he said.

Then Brian met Evan Willoughby, an engineering student and, eventually, the two students decided to work together. Evan was convinced that they could make money by turning shipping containers into buildings. When Brian and Evan heard about Dragons Den auditions in Saskatoon, they decided to take the plunge. They were well received by the producers, but obstacles arose. “They said ‘You can come to Toronto but you’ve got to bring the container with you’—and a typical shipping container is 40 feet long,” Brian said. The men built a ten foot container to take with them instead, after drumming up sponsorship from Cameco. “We hitched it up to the one tonne diesel box and drove to Toronto,” he said.

After parking their container in the shipping zone of the hotel for three days, Brian and his partners “Shook hands with Brett, and did the deal.” 3twenty Solutions eventually landed a $500,000 deal with Claude Resources, a supply giant in the mining industry, and the rest is history.

To date, 3twenty Solutions has built 70 bedrooms for mining camps. “We’ve gone from 3 guys and 3000 square feet to 15 guys and 14,000 square feet,” Brian said. The company is on target to build about 200 bedrooms this year, and is expanding their market to China, Australia and South America. “We want to tackle the residential market in the future,” Brian said.

Born and raised in Regina, Rachel was always interested in the creative arts. Rachel marketed her jewelry under the name Urban Pearl Accessories in 2005. In 2008, Rachel was able to quit her job and run her business full-time. Then she was asked to attend the Oscars gifting lounge in Los Angeles. There were a few challenges in getting there, but Rachel overcame them.

“I had to take out a loan and sell most of my stock to go down there, which was a big risk,” she said. In the end, the exposure paid off, and helped publicize her brand across Canada.

Then Rachel learned that Dragons Den was coming to Regina.

As soon as she auditioned, Rachel was told that she was going to Toronto. “I spent the next several months preparing more for Dragons Den than I had prepared when I first started my business!” she exclaimed.

“When you get out there, you have ten cameras on you and five business moguls staring you down.”

Rachel bartered with the dragons, but all five said they were out . . . or so she thought. After leaving the set in a daze, she went back to her hotel, not realizing that she had a deal. “I shook all the dragons’ hands and Brett said ‘I’m going to do a deal with you outside Dragons Den’ but I didn’t hear him because I was so nervous,” she said. In the end, both Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickenson decided they wanted to invest in Rachel’s business.

“It’s been really great working with them,” she said.

Contestants from Dragons Den at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. (L-R) Bryan McCrea (co-founder 3twenty Solutions), Rachel Mielke (owner of Hillberg & Berk), Corla Rokochy (founder of Snappy Socks), Erin Johnson (founder Greener Living Products), Patti Hack (member of Breast Friends), Anne Reynolds (member of Breast Friends) & Laura Small (Emcee and ceo of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc)

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Panel speakers at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. Anne Reynolds & Patti Hack from Breast Friends

Snappy Socks

Greener Living Products

Swift Current resident Corla Rokoschy is a mother of five, and president and founder of Snappy Socks. When Corla appeared on Dragons Den, she walked away with a deal from Arlene Dickenson and Brett Wilson.

Erin Johnston holds a degree in human ecology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Married with two children, Erin was a stay at home mom washing cloth diapers when opportunity came knocking. In 2007, Erin and her husband Matt started Greener Living Products, a business devoted to organic cleaning products.

Corla has worked as a photographer for 16 years. “Dragons Den was something we sat down every week to watch as a family,” she said. When Corla heard that auditions for the show were being held, she jumped off her couch and onto the Internet.”

I told my family that I was going to audition for Dragon’s Den because I wanted to be on it!” she said. Auditions were to be held in Saskatoon, so Corla got a babysitter and drove for five hours to give it a try. She needed an idea to pitch to the dragons, so she decided to work with socks. “I spend seven hours on average sorting socks for my family,” she said. Corla came up with the idea of keeping socks snapped together in the wash to save time. “At the audition, I dumped a pile of socks on the table and told them how many socks I have to sort every week,” she said. The pitch worked. “We found out we were going to Toronto, and I had to round up money to fly the seven people in my family out there,” she said. “I realized not many people get this opportunity and this is a gift that I have to take seriously.”

Erin is a Home Economics teacher. Her Family moved to Melfort in 2008. The idea for her business started when her first daughter was born, and Erin decided to use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. “I love cloth diapers, but I needed the right laundry detergent to clean them,” she said. Through trial and error, Erin tried several detergents with little success.

“Then I went online and came across soap nuts,” she said. “They worked! There was no smell at all.”

Back then, Erin and her husband lived in B.C. and she was sewing and selling cloth diapers at the local farmer’s market. “People were asking me how to wash them, so I thought why not bring in some soap nuts . . . I added samples to the diapers and people loved them,” she said. Erin said many of her customers were people who had skin conditions or allergies to perfume.

Over the next few months, Corla did her research. She admitted she was nervous when it came time to face the dragons, but her sense of humor remained intact. “Right before they send you down, they say ‘There are 13 cameras on you that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars per second,’ ” she said, “and if you’re boring, the director’s just going to yell ‘cut!’ and then you won’t even go to air. Good luck!”

With the help of her husband, who has a “techie background,” Erin set up a website to sell her detergent. “There were no Canadians selling soap nuts, so I figured we could sell them online,” she said. Eventually, the demand became large enough to facilitate a supplier. Shortly after their move to Melfort, a friend advised Erin to try out for Dragons Den, and she was dumbfounded. “I said to him ‘I don’t own a TV what are you talking about?’ ”

Kevin O Leary, Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickenson all offered Corla money for her business. In the end, she decided to work with Brett and Arlene.

Still, Erin and her husband continued to reinvest their money into their business and in March 2010, they auditioned for the show. To get ready to duel with the dragons, they watched every episode of the show online. “We also made sure that we knew our numbers,” she added. “I didn’t think we would get a deal, but Brett loves the smaller businesses and he said he would do it.”

Snappy Socks has come a long way in the past year. “We’re going to be distributing our product across the U.S., with Toys R Us Canada and in 100 stores across Canada,” Corla said.

Erin now reports that since her appearance on Dragons Den, she orders 2500 kilograms of soap nuts at a time. “We go through it all in a just a few months,” she said. And the exposure provided

by Dragons Den has helped her business gain momentum. “It’s growing slowly,” she said.

Recently, Erin Got a call from a movie company in Hollywood.

“They really wanted our product . . . they were doing a shoot in New York City, and there were requests for organic laundry detergent, so they called us,” she said. Erin and her husband have since worked out a deal with the company, who also plans to use their detergent in some of their other projects.

“Four years ago we had soap nuts in a baggie stapled to a little business card, and now we’re in Hollywood—I can’t believe it!”

Breast Friends Patti Hack and Anne Reynolds are wives, mothers, and former educators. They are also two of ten “Breast Friends” who envision a cure for cancer. Patti runs the office for “Breast Friends” in Foam Lake, and was a teacher and school administrator for 32 years. She retired in 2008. Anne Reynolds was secretary for the elementary school in Foam Lake and retired from that in 2007.

Anne is the secretary for Breast Friends, while Patti runs the group’s office.

Breast Friends are a team of ten rural Saskatchewan women who write and publish cookbooks. They pride themselves on raising money for cancer exclusively through their cookbook sales.

The idea started when the group put on a five course meal that was so good, guests kept asking for the recipes. “Patti got us together and said ‘Let’s raise money for cancer by making a cookbook’” Anne said.

The friends typed out their book For the Breasts of Friends and sent it off to a publisher. There were 2500 cookbooks ordered, and all of them sold immediately. Six weeks later, more books arrived and they sold out in three days.

“We knew we were onto something, so we got technologically literate,” Anne continued. “We bought computers, made a website, and did some speaking engagements across Canada— that got us sales.”

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Then, one of the group’s members lost her husband to melanoma.

“It broke our hearts, so we decided to do a second cookbook that was aimed at other kinds of cancer,” Anne said. For the Breasts and the Rest of Friends became a national bestseller.

While travelling, the friends got many emails from cancer survivors. These became the inspiration for their third book, Breast Wishes. “That book was going to be our swan song,” Patti said.

By that point, Breast Friends had raised over $1 million for cancer.

But another idea arose one day when Patti was driving to Regina.

“I found out about Dragons Den auditions and I asked myself how we could get on the show,” she said. “We’re non-profit, so we had a different approach—we wanted marketing advice, and to make the book more national than regional.”

When the ten breast friends showed up in the Dragons Den studio, Patti said that, “she saw the dragons eyes glaze over. We started telling our story, though, and as they learned more, they sat up straighter. When we mentioned the $1 million dollars, they sat up very straight!” By the end of their meeting, the dragons were so impressed that they offered the friends $50,000.

The friends decided they would take the money and donate it to the charity of the dragons’ choice. We ended up taking the $50,000 they gave us and splitting it into five $10,000 cheques which they gave to charity. “We never saw a dragon,” Patti said.

“By the end of it, they were all crying, we were all crying and they were all eating our cookies.” After the episode aired, the friends were inundated with phone calls and emails. “We set up command central in our community church,” Anne said.

“Volunteers came to help us package books. We got thousands of orders.” The popularity of the cookbooks was so enormous, that the Foam Lake post office was overwhelmed. “We wrapped them and stamped them in the church so the post office could just run them through.” Financially, the Breast Friends said Dragons Den gave them a boost in sales, but it also made the name Breast Friends a national one. “We get orders from Kentucky to Ohio now,” Patti said. “It’s been a great experience for us.” FLY

Contestants from Dragons Den at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. (L-R) Patti Hack, Erin Johnson, Corla Rokochy, Bryan McCrea, Rachel Mielke

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CROWD GATHERS FOR FOOTBALL NIGHT IN SASKATCHEWAN By: Jeff Schneberk

T

he 6th Annual Football Night in Saskatchewan (FNIS) banquet was held at St. Mary’s in Yorkton by the local minor football association.

It marked the end of a very busy day of football-related activities.

Earlier in the day, former Yorkton Regional High School graduate and Saskatchewan Roughrider cheerleader Brittany Thies held her annual cheer clinic, and several Rider players were on hand to give a clinic for defensive and offensive linemen. The event has proven to be an excellent fundraiser for the minor football association in Yorkton, helping to overcome the high costs of operating which includes equipment for players as young as grade 6-7, field rentals, 70

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officiating crews as well as bus trips to surrounding cities, such as Regina, Estevan and Weyburn.

Part of what makes FNIS so special for the locals is that they get a chance to sit down for a few hours on a Saturday and listen to some of the biggest names from the CFL Riders give their take on everything. Last year, Wes Cates highlighted the night. Three weeks ago, it was quarterback Darian Durant who was invited to speak.

Durant has guided the Riders to back-to-back Grey Cup appearances. He also has a year of NFL experience. Arranging for Durant to attend the Yorkton celebration was former newspaper sports editor and Saskatchewan Roughrider PR Sheri Trapp. As the night went on, both would speak, and both would speak nearly 100 percent about the other.

Roby Sharpe, president of the Yorkton Minor Football Association said he was a little surprised that Durant talked more about working alongside Trapp, rather than how things are shaping up for the 2012 CFL season. “He came as a favour to Sheri,” said Sharpe. “I know they are close.”

Durant, who has been at the head of the Rider offence for the past six seasons, is getting ready for his seventh year on the team. He could easily be trying out with a group of rookies somewhere else in the CFL had it not been for Trapp’s work. “At the end of 2006, I was ready to give up on football,” explained Durant. “(Then) I had a talk with Sheri.”

“Don’t quit,” Trapp told him at a time when things weren’t looking so hot for one of the most talented and popular Rider quarterbacks ever to dress for the Green and White. “You’re a special guy,” she said.

While Trapp was onstage that night, she tried to sum up Durant in one word but the former newspaper sports editor said she could not come up with one. Apparently that would have taken a lot of time. “Darian, I am so

Darian Durant & Darcy Zaharia Vice President Yorkton Minor Football and Regional High School Football Coach FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

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are the reason I “You don’t ever want to leave Saskatchewan. This is the best place to play in the CFL hands down

”

- Darian Durant

proud of what you have become. I tried so hard to come up with one word to summarize him . . . but that is impossible.”

Durant told the audience that she helped him through one of the toughest times of his life. If it hadn’t been for her, he said he may not be helping the Riders to get back to the Grey Cup for what could be the third time in four years.

The future of the CFL club appears to be in pretty good shape for the future. Durant made it clear that he wants to stay put. “You are the reason I don’t ever want to leave Saskatchewan. This is the best place to play in the CFL hands down,” closed Durant.

Since the inception of the FNIS banquet, a football program has been developed to allow local youngsters, not just in Yorkton, but all over the surrounding area, the opportunity to be exposed to the great game of football.

The FNIS banquet helped to put more than $50,000 into Yorkton’s minor football system. FLY

Roby Sharpe

Jordan Matechuk

President Yorkton Minor Football and Regional High School Football Coach

CFL player and former Yorkton Regional High School Football Player

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Sheri Trapp

OVER 200 VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM AT www.thoens.com

3 generations L-R: Brooks, Keith & Carter Washenfelder.

Thoen’s Sales and Leasing in Yorkton, a satellite store to Wynyards Chrysler dealer Thoen’s Service Limited, has been serving the Parkland area for the past 25 years.

Locally operated by father and son Keith and Brooks Washenfelder since 1988, Thoen’s Sales and Leasing is proud to have served generations of families quality vehicles through the past quarter century.

Thoen’s also provides a rental service with many types of vehicles including cars, trucks, vans, and suv’s.

Rentals by the day, week or month, Thoen’s has the vehicle to make your destination a comfortable one.

Proud to be a family business.

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From our family to yours, we invite you to come see why Thoen’s Sales and Leasing has been serving generations of customers for 25 years in Yorkton.

75 East Broadway Yorkton, SK, S3N 0K8 Phone: 306-782-3456 www.thoens.com

June 1

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WMBL: Yorkton @ Melville -

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Dollars for Scholars Golf Classic - 11 am

WMBL: Weyburn @ Melville x2

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Deer Park Golf Course - Yorkton

Yorkton Relay for Life - begins 7 pm Century Field

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WMBL: Yorkton @ Melville Gord Bamford - 7 pm

Horizon Credit Union Centre-Melville

6 7 WMBL: Regina @ Melville

8 WMBL: Regina @ Melville CPCA Chuckwagon Races - Noon Cornerstone Raceway, Exhibition Grounds - Yorkton – Noon

WMBL: Saskatoon @ Melville x2 Yorkton Relay for Life - ends 7 am

9 WMBL: Melville @ Yorkton CPCA Chuckwagon Races - Noons

Century Field - Yorkton

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Cornerstone Raceway, Exhibition Grounds - Yorkton – Noon

WMBL: Melville @ Weyburn Movies at the Museum - 2 pm

PowWow

Horizon Credit Union Centre - Melville

10 WMBL: Swift Current @ Melville CPCA Chuckwagon Races - Noon Cornerstone Raceway, Exhibition Grounds - Yorkton – Noon

PowWow

Horizon Credit Union Centre - Melville

Western Development Museum – Yorkton

16 WMBL: Yorkton @ Melville

17 WMBL: Melville @ Weyburn Father’s Day - 2 pm

WMBL: Melville @ Regina WMBL: Moose Jaw @ Melville Railway Daze

WMBL: Edmonton @ Melville

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Western Development Museum – Yorkton

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Western Development Museum - Yorkton

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Movies at the Museum - 2 pm

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Various Sites throughout the city - Melville

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WMBL: Melville @ Yorkton Canada Day Picnic - Noon to 4 pm

WMBL: Melville @ Swift Current Yorkton Exhibition Summer Fair

Shakespeare in the Park

Western Development Museum grounds - Yorkton

Canada Day Celebrations Centennial Park - Melville

7:00pm Rodney Ridge at Roslyn Hill - Yorkton

Yorkton Exhibition Grounds

8 WMBL: Melville @ Weyburn x2

9 City Council Workshop & Meeting 6:00 pm Workshop, 7:00 pm Meeting Melville

10 WMBL: Regina @ Melville

11 WMBL: Melville @ Yorkton

2 WMBL: Melville @ Regina

3 4 WMBL: Moose Jaw @ Melville Yorkton Exhibition Summer Fair Yorkton Exhibition Grounds

5 WMBL: Melville @ Regina Yorkton Exhibition Summer Fair Yorkton Exhibition Grounds

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7:00pm Rodney Ridge at Roslyn Hill - Yorkton

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6:00 pm Workshop, 7:00 pm Meeting Melville

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WMBL: Medicine Hat @ Melville Chamber Business Breakfast

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7:30 am Painted Hand Casino - Yorkton

WMBL: Melville @ Okotoks Railway Daze

Various Sites throughout the city - Melville

28 WMBL: Melville @ Lethbridge Railway Daze Various Sites throughout the city - Melville

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DAVID RODNEY: FROM YORKTON

TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD

By Edward Willett

D

avid Rodney has twice stood atop Mt. Everest, the only Canadian to do so more than once. International keynote speaker, documentary producer, author, adventure guide and educator, he was recently re-elected for a third term as MLA for the constituency of CalgaryLougheed, and named Associate Minister of Health for the province of Alberta.

And it all started in Yorkton.

Born in Mankota, Rodney was in Grade 1 at St. Paul’s Elementary School in Yorkton when he admired a painting his grandfather had of an alpine scene, wondering what the world would look like from the top of one of those mountains. That wonder planted a seed that would bear fruit on Mt. Everest three

decades later. In Grade 5, Rodney’s class went skiing—and Rodney discovered something else he liked about alpine life.

Teaching and climbing

But school days in Yorkton sparked more than just an interest in mountain climbing. He remembers his Grade 9 English teacher asking, “Who will write a book? Who will make a film? Who will be famous?” Rodney raised his hand several times over. And his Grade 10 social studies teacher impressed him with the comment that “government, when done well, is one of the most important ways to effect social change.”

Rodney considered both law and medicine, but wasn’t convinced either was his true calling. From a former vice-principal, he sought the name of the headmaster of a school in the West Indies the Sacred Heart student council had raised money for, and at the ripe old age of 20 spent six months working full-time as an educator on St. Vincent Island. “Living in a postcard,” with a fulltime job, Rodney realized “the world really is your oyster—provided you work to make it so.”

“We had incredible educators and role models at SHHS,” Rodney recalls. “We were taught about finding out what our mission, our vocation, our calling in life truly is—and to determine what skills and expertise are required, then go out and get them.”

Returning home, he obtained his B.A. and B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan, then moved to Calgary as a special educator. Over the next few years, he taught at several different kinds of schools. “And all this time I was climbing mountains.”

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His twin skills of teaching and mountaineering came together perfectly in 1997. A Canadian software group wanted to be involved with a joint Canadian/American Everest expedition, and the climbers realized they needed someone who knew both education and climbing. They called Rodney.

“I was on sabbatical, so I had time to go on an Everest expedition (which takes three months), and I had just climbed the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas [Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina].”

Rodney created a new interactive website, Adventure Everest, “the first of its kind in the world, copied every year since—which I choose to take as a compliment, rather than as form of copyright infringement,” he says with a laugh.

He created a curriculum offering a lesson a day for Grades 1 to 12, posted a daily expedition update, and corresponded with students from around the world.

“What that experience showed me was that even though I was only a support team member, it wasn’t an impossibility for a person like me to assemble the right type of team and end up on top of the world.”

First Saskatchewanian on Everest Two years later, he did just that, finding investors to finance an expedition that made him the first—and so far the only—Saskatchewan person to summit Mt. Everest. He jokes that it’s not all that different from the prairies. “In the wintertime around Saskatchewan it 78

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He adds; however, that you’d also have to suck out two thirds of the air, multiply the ultraviolet radiation by 10, and throw in rock falls, avalanches, and three-mile vertical drops. Everest can kill you in many different ways, he says, and one member of his 1999 expedition, Michael Matthews, did not return from the mountain.

Rodney parlayed his Everest success into professional speaking engagements around the world, as well as books, documentaries, and international adventure guiding. On treks to the Mt. Everest base camp, he’d thank his Sherpa friends for helping him achieve his dream, and ask them about theirs.

Reserved and polite, they wouldn’t answer; but as he returned year after year he earned their trust (along with the nickname “Sherpa Dave.”)

It’s a grim reminder that there is still nothing commonplace about climbing the world’s highest peak. “Of every 11 people who attempt it, only one gets to the top,” Rodney notes. When he climbed it, one out of every five people who reached the top did not survive the descent. But in 2001, he reached the summit a second time, the only Canadian to ever do so.

They told him they dreamed of their children being able to get other kinds of jobs than as climbing Sherpas or helping people on treks. In response, Rodney started the Top of the World Society. “For over a decade now we’ve been sending Sherpa kids to school and to post-secondary education,” Rodney says. “The Sherpas have made a huge positive difference in my life. Through

can easily be forty below with howling winds, snow and ice. Bend it vertical, and that’s Mt. Everest!”

this society I trust we’ve been able to give back a little bit.”

Provincial politics Giving back is also the motivation for Rodney’s tackling of a metaphorical mountain, Alberta provincial politics.

“I was strongly encouraged by all sorts of folks—educator friends, community leaders, others who had heard me speak—to run. I was told I’d be supported if I ran for mayor or as an MP, but I looked at the ministries that the provincial government is in charge of and I thought that was the best place for me.”

When a seat came open in southwest Calgary, an MLA asked Rodney if he’d consider running to fill it. He won the nomination, and then the election. He’s been re-elected twice since. “It is such a thrill to help individual constituents

every day with whatever their issues happen to be: whether they’re students, seniors or anyone in between,” says Rodney.

He’s “humbled and proud” that he’s had more private member bills passed than any other MLA. He’s particularly proud of The Smoke Free Places Act and an act which proclaims the second weekend in April Alberta Get Outdoors Weekend, to remind people at the end of a long winter that “this is a perfect time to get outside and go on a walk, go golfing, go skiing, go back to the farm, go back to the forest, wherever it is.”

As the newly minted Associate Minister of Health, says Rodney, “It is my honor, obligation and duty to create the environment in which it is more attractive and easier for people to do what’s best for them. What I want to do is work with all sorts of groups across the province to encourage individuals to choose what is best for their physical and mental health.”

Family life But the most important thing in his life isn’t his government work, but his family. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two children: Dawson, four, and Evan, two. (Not to mention a dog named MacGyver.) “I want to be the best husband and father I can possibly be.”

From the flatlands of the prairies to the top of the world, from schoolteacher to mountaineer to MLA, David Rodney’s life has been an extraordinary journey.

But, he says, “I will forever treasure the fact that I was raised Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Some of the finest people on the planet live there.” FLY

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For over 70 years Yorkton Co-op delivers quality, service and value

COOPERATION BUILDS COMMUNITY Written by Kevin Lee. Photos by Carol Gillis.

I

t all began in 1940. A small group of Yorkton residents incorporated the Yorkton Co-operative Association Limited, for the purpose of livestock marketing. Those early members soon realized that they could get greater purchasing power by buying as a group.

By the end of the first fiscal year, the Co-op was delivering fuel in drums to 70 members, and had accumulated $347 in capital. The net profit in that first year was $101.

From that beginning, the Yorkton Co-op has now grown into one of the largest and most successful businesses in east-central Saskatchewan. Its annual sales volume has placed it on the list of Saskatchewan’s top 100 companies for many years. Over the years, the Co-op has expanded into other commodities

and a wider trading area through a series of amalgamations with other retail co-ops.

The Yorkton Co-op owns and operates a Food Centre, an Agro Centre, two Gas Bars, and two Cardlock fuel outlets in Yorkton; a Food Centre and Gas Bar in Kamsack, an Agro Centre and Gas Bar in Theodore, an Agro Centre in Ebenezer, Cardlock fuel outlets in Rhein and Theodore and a keylock fuel outlet in Dubuc.

Member-owners have ensured the continuation and growth of the Yorkton Co-op by patronizing its services and participating in its activities. Today, the Co-op boasts annual sales over $81 million, and 15,000 members!

The Grocery Department at the Yorkton Co-op is very competitive because it

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delivers quality, service and value every day to all its shoppers. Take a look at these features and advantages; •

Large selection of national brand products

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High quality value-priced everyday products

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Hundreds of in-store specials

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Grocery delivery provided three days a week

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Carpet cleaner rental

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Reverse osmosis bottled water

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Hassle-Free Guarantee

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Charge accounts for businesses and non-profit organizations

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Warehouse Sales

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10 for $10 sales

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Bulk foods

In the Meat Department they have a large selection of fresh, smoked, prepackaged and frozen meats, including sandwich meats, local specialty products and seafood. A modern smoker on the premises provides fresh, smoked products in-store. Signature products, including a popular selection of sausage available only at the Yorkton Co-op Marketplace. Custom cuts, they do that too. Just ask and they will make it happen.

In the Deli they have products that are available at a full-service counter seven days a week. Planning on having a party?

Yorkton Co-op can look after your needs whether you’re serving 15 people or having 150 guests. Just give the Co-op a call and they will do the rest.

In the bakery they bake fresh seven days a week. Fresh bread, buns, cakes, cookies, pies and other assorted pastries are waiting for you.

In the Produce Department Yorkton Co-op carries the largest selection of ready-to-serve value-added produce and meal solutions in Yorkton. Visit the produce department to see the many fresh seasonal fruits, cleaned and ready to eat right out of the container. Need a specialty basket? They make them all to fit your budget and your needs.

If it’s giftware you’re after, check out the large selection near the customer service counter. Mugs, planters, candles – Yorkton Co-op has it all. The store is your official Saskatchewan Roughrider sales outlet with all kinds of gear ranging from jerseys to headwear, cups, banners and all other kinds of collectible gear. If it’s spring or summer yard ornaments you’re after, they have that too. Even water fountains! Come and see the large selection today.

Dedication to the customer has made the Yorkton Co-op an award-winning

business having won the Community Involvement Award at the Celebrate Success Awards held in Yorkton by the Chamber of Commerce. The Co-op’s Local Donations programs provides products, services or cash to more than 250 groups per year. In fact, more than $60,000 will be donated to groups and organizations in 2012. Some of the larger donations over the past years have included $50,000 to The Health Foundation and $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity – Yorkton.

Co-operation builds stronger communities and the Yorkton Co-op is continuing to move forward in all facets of our food business to serve you, the customer, better and better with each new day. FLY Yorkton Co-op Box 5025, 30 Argyle Street Yorkton, SK, S3N 3Z4 www.yorktoncoop.com

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Dancing to the StarS:

A Conversation with Anya Garnis

By Carol Rogers

S

eneca said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Anya Garnis is ready for life’s opportunities because of her talent, determination and passion.

The professional dancer, choreographer and actress captivates audiences with emotional and powerful performances in the competitive and professional spheres.

While she had good fortune along the way, it is Garnis’ tenacity and love of performance that enable her to recognize her chances and fulfill her artistic vision.

Following her heart, opportunities present themselves. “You know, when they say it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be,” she says. “That has been the case for me so many times.”

The Early Years Garnis was born in 1982 in Latvia and soon after moved to Magadan, Siberia with her parents. She began gymnastics at four years of age showed great promise. She was chosen to prepare for the Olympics, and trained for over four years. She remembers at times crying and not wanting to go.

But it was her mother’s influence she remembers that kept her going. She would say, ‘it’s okay, it will get better’ and encouraged me to go on,” Garnis recalls. “She would also say, ‘you’ll thank me for this someday,’ and I do.”

Eventually, Garnis began to suffer from colds and flu and was unable to keep up with the six hour a day training schedule. Ultimately, her doctors decided it was best for her to stop gymnastics and look for a different activity that would be easier on her health.

“I went to a summer camp when I was eight and they did this ballroom dance performance one night. All the girls were wearing glitters and sparkles and I was sold,” she recalls.

A few days later, Garnis enrolled in a ballroom dance class. After five years, she suddenly found herself without a partner. Her mother approached a coach who worked at Fiesta, a well-known dance school in Kemerovo in western Russia. There were no openings at the school at that time, but the coach told her that if a space opened up for Garnis, she would let them know. Three weeks later, they called and offered her a spot.

There was no time for delay—if Garnis wanted this chance, she had to take it.

“I was in the ninth grade and it meant leaving home. My mom literally packed my bags, we flew to this town far from home and she helped me get situated.

At 13, my whole life changed.”

Looking back, Garnis credits her parents’ strength during that time. “It was the hardest time of my life. My grandmother

died, my grandfather was sick, my parents were trying to help my family and still had the courage to drop me off to give me what was best.”

The school was demanding and had a rigorous schedule. The coach was very serious about dance and academics.

Students studied every day until 3pm and then danced from 5pm to 10:30 pm. There was little emphasis placed on personal desires and creativity.

“I’m grateful to my parents for guiding me. During my teen years I wanted to quit so many times, and when you start so young, you often find that you want to stop or break from it early on. But I had a great support system in my family and still do.”

The years at Fiesta left an indelible mark on Garnis. “I came there as a little girl

and left as a young woman. It definitely prepared me to be stronger.”

After graduation, Garnis moved to Moscow to be with her parents and extended family and took some time to consider her future.

Unsure of what to do next, she enrolled in law school in Moscow and studied for two and a half years. In 2001, she got a call from a friend who was living in the United States. He told her about a dance a studio looking for a couple to work for them and represent them in competitions. Initially, Garnis turned town the idea, but her interest lingered.

“Honestly, I never had the passion for law, even though I’m really good at the arguments!” Garnis laughs. “I did it because my parents wanted me to. They taught me that study and discipline

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would pay off later. And the mentality was different at that time, it seemed like futures were pre-set. You are going to be this or that.”

When she told her parents of her friend’s phone call, their response surprised her. They told her to go.

So, Garnis and her dance partner—Pasha Kovalev, who she knew since high school—packed their bags and moved to New Jersey.

Living Her Dream Garnis’ early years in the US were transformational. She began to see her life and her future in new ways.

“To make the decision to leave home and leave my family, I had to be very serious about what I do,” she explains. “In the competitive world, you have to be focused. You have to have tunnel vision and say ‘this what I want to do.’ But, you also have to allow yourself to dream big. As a kid I did that all the time, but for a while I stopped because I had to do what I had to do—study and dance. And the competitive world is very expensive—you have to plan things out. Finally, when I came to the US I realized I did have a choice. I became a professional dancer and but also thought about what else I wanted. I knew I wanted to act and started being opening to this idea. I could dream and I could take risks, so, I started taking acting classes in New York”.

As she reconnected to her love of performance, Garnis heard about So You Think You Can Dance and felt compelled to try out.

“In 2007 I decided to audition for So You Think You Can Dance because I felt that what I wanted to express myself and not focus on trying to impress someone, like you do in the competition world. It was about the artistry and that is missing from the competitive world, even now.” Her partner, Pasha Kovalev, was not interested in auditioning at first and only reluctantly joined her to support her as a partner in her audition.

“I wanted to be as far from the ballroom world as possible—I wore no makeup, had my hair in a ponytail and Pasha wore jeans. We just wanted to be true to ourselves. We auditioned with our competitive Cha-Cha routine.”

It worked. The pair won over audiences and judges in the show’s third season with their powerful routines and made it to the top 12 dancers.

During this time, Garnis had a chance meeting with a childhood idol, Jason Gilkison, who was choreographing the innovative, international-style ballroom dance Broadway show, Burn the Floor. Six months later, Gilkison asked Anya to join Burn the Floor but, because of scheduling conflicts, she had to decline. Life, however, has a way of presenting you 86

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co-stars, Garnis grew to respect them as individuals and professionals. “Tom Cruise is the most committed person.

He is so professional—you can see why he has had so much success. He was very respectful and thanked the dancers, telling us we made him better.”

Anya feels fortunate to have had the opportunities she has, but knows that she worked hard to reach her goals.

Nothing comes without work and success is there if you truly want it.

Her advice to young performers is rooted in her past experiences. “No matter what you do, stay true to yourself,” she advises. “Know what your talent is and believe in yourself. It’s important to the keep the joy of it—I wish I knew that when I was younger.”

what you need, and three weeks later, the producers called again.

“They called back and asked for Pasha and I because Karina Smirnoff and Maxim Chmerkovskiy (from Dancing With the Stars) were leaving the show,” Garnis explains. “Two weeks later we were on Broadway.”

Garnis and Kovalev were with Burn the Floor on and off for a year and a half.

Looking back, she feels it was the best decision she ever made as an artist. “It inspired me,” she says. “It was probably the hardest job I’ve ever taken on because it was a lot of work. I have so much respect for the dancers in that show.” Anya was also was a dancer on Dancing With the Stars, the Oscars, the Emmys and on Idol Gives Back.

In fact, she enjoyed Burn the Floor so much that she when she finished So You Think You Can Dance All Stars in the summer of 2010, she jumped at the chance to rejoin the troupe because they were performing London’s West End. “I had always wanted to perform in the West End. It was on my bucket list,” she explains.

While performing in Burn the Floor on Broadway, the company would often go see other Broadway shows. One in particular, Rock of Ages, became Garnis’ favourite.

So, when she got a call from contemporary dance choreographer Mia Michaels about an opportunity to appear in the film version of the show, she didn’t hesitate. At first, it looked like the timing would not work with her schedule; but again, fortune was on her side and director Adam Shankman requested an audition tape.

Fittingly, she won the role of a feisty dancer named Destiny in a story about making in the entertainment industry.

Appearing alongside Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige and Julianne Hough was “Beyond what you wish for,” she says.

The days were long and the work was hard, but Garnis loved every minute of it. “Mia Michaels’ choreography is never easy but it’s beautiful, and Adam Shankman was very supportive,” she says.

Currently, Garnis is performing eight shows a week with ‘NSync’s Joey Fatone in Dancing with the Stars Live in Las Vegas. The schedule is busy but Garnis loves the show and the chance to work Fatone.

Looking ahead, Garnis’ focus is on acting and is open to what the future holds.

There’s more on her bucket list, she says, but she’s not saying what right now. You never know when an opportunity will present itself, but with Anya Garnis, you can be sure she’ll be ready for it. FLY

Keeping up with Anya Garnis Anya Garnis is currently appearing in Dancing With the Stars Live in Las Vegas from April 13 to July 7 at the New Tropicana Theatre.

Her movie, Rock of Ages, opens in theatres on June 15 and stars Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige. It is rated PG-13.

That feeling of support permeated the set. Although initially star struck by her

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Lots of great reasons to listen...

Rockin’ Big Breakfast Daily at 6 am With Doc Hay & Jordan Patzwald The Trading Post Daily at 11:30 am With Scott Fitzsimmons & Michelle Walker

The Filipino Hour With Rodel & Jobert

Aboriginal Showcase With Angus Vincent

The Ukrainian Hour With Father Kushko

Plus... great family friendly music !

On The Land With Jack Dawes

The Rock98fiveFM 395 Riverview Road Yorkton, SK 306.786.7625 www.therock985.ca

ARIGATO SUSHI & RAYZR’S PUB AMAZING MENUS – AMAZING ATMOSPHERES!

By Nykea Marie Behiel

N

ew and old come together to create a dynamic business duo in downtown Yorkton.

The 110-year-old Yorkton Hotel on Second Avenue has a long history of serving people, and has recently been revitalized to better suit the needs of its clientele.

The renovations have brought the Yorkton Hotel to life. First time visitors come out of curiosity, then return for the great food, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly customer service.

This unique old building houses two special businesses—Arigato Sushi

Photos By Jessanna Jones

Japanese Restaurant and Rayzr’s pub.

Although separate, these two businesses work together to address the growing demand of their sophisticated customers.

These two establishments have heard the needs of the community, and provide what the citizens of Yorkton seek.

Oh Jin Kwon and his brother Kai came to Yorkton with plenty of experience from cities around the world. With over 10 years of experience, they have worked in Toronto, Vancouver, Japan, and Australia before coming here to open Yorkton’s first sushi restaurant. Although they have only been open six months, Jin has already had positive feedback and return customers. Everything is freshly made from high quality ingredients.

Their focus on excellence and authentic Japanese recipes sets them apart from any other restaurant in Yorkton.

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The sushi and hot dishes are excellent, and the atmosphere is friendly. You can dine with a selection of Japanese beer and sake, or choose from the domestic bar menu. At Arigato, you have the freedom to dine in or take out. Jin and his team work with the freshest ingredients, assuring you a positive dining experience every time. Working in tandem with Rayzr’s pub, the Japanese menu items are also available in the bar.

In another nook of the hotel, Rayzr’s Pub houses an urbane crowd. “It’s an extremely relaxed atmosphere, not your typical bar scene,” says Ray Sharp, owner. Rayzr’s is unique in many ways, and is home to a different demographic than you find in most bars. It is laid back and friendly, a place where you get great value for your money. The laid back atmosphere creates a great place to host any celebration; birthday, anniversaries, reunions, or whatever suits your needs.

At Rayzr’s, you have the freedom to order from the Arigato menu while sitting in the pub, or choose from Rayzr’s selection of traditional pub fare.

Rayzr’s boasts a huge selection of beer, and a great adult atmosphere for lunch, or to relax after work. They also serve AAA Sterling Silver steaks, ribs, and the largest wings in town. Rayzr’s provides upscale service without upsizing prices, leaving you the ability to enjoy yourself more freely.

Whether you want to enjoy your meal in Yorkton’s first authentic sushi restaurant, or bask in the comforts of a quiet pub, the Yorkton Hotel offers two incomparable businesses that cater to your needs. FLY Arigato Sushi Japanese Restaurant 306.783.8282 Rayzr’s Pub 306.782.2947 14 Second Avenue North Yorkton, SK S3N 1G2

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The Staff at Farrell Agencies Yorkton

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO INDUSTRY LEADER: FARRELL AGENCIES Written by Shannon Deveaux. Photos by Carol Gillis.

I

t started as a one man basement operation in 1974. But from humble beginnings Farrell Agencies has grown into one of the leading insurance brokerages in western Canada, representing world-class companies that have a long-standing commitment to western Canada.

Born and raised in Yorkton, a young Dave Farrell headed west to Vancouver thinking that’s where the proverbial brass ring

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may lie. But when opportunity knocked at home Farrell answered, packing up his things and making the move back to Yorkton.

With a background in life and group insurance sales he purchased the assets of an insurance company called Tonkin Agencies. His first office was manned out of his basement in Yorkton.

“The business began to grow and it continued to grow,” says Farrell’s son, and now President, Jason Farrell. Operations

moved from the basement to a Broadway location and then subsequently to the space Farrell Agencies occupies today.

A partner since 2002 along with Dave Nussbaumer, together the pair now leads an agency that has sprouted into one of the leading, independently-owned insurance brokers in Saskatchewan. A one-man operation has evolved into a company with a dedicated staff of 25.

Farrell Agencies is a full-line insurance broker offering insurance products for

auto, farms, commercial, small businesses and homeowners. They provide bonding, are agents for Blue Cross insurance, and are also an SGI motor licence issuer.

Expansion hasn’t come with a sacrifice of service.

Strong family values and an unwavering commitment to customer service are qualities that set Farrell apart from any other broker out there. In fact, Farrell Agencies was awarded the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Success Award for outstanding customer service in March of this year.

Jason Farrell - President

Farrell Agencies offers a cheque of $150,000 which will be used to help fund the building of a new skateboard park in Yorkton.

“We attract and hire people who have the same mind set and place the same priority on customer service as we do,” says Jason. “Every day, every transaction, every person we deal with, we ensure that individual is satisfied.”

There’s a trust and a rapport that develops between client and broker and that’s what both he, his partner and his staff strive to maintain. There is no such thing as a customer that is too big or too small believes Jason, who says his company is uniquely positioned to serve all needs.

“The misconception is that the larger multi-national insurance brokers can best serve a large, commercial client’s needs but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The relationships we build enable us to successfully compete daily with the multi-nationals.”

It’s a people business with a people focus Search for Farrell Agencies Yorkton on Facebook

Dave Nussbaumer - Owner

and that’s what Jason keeps in mind as the agency continues to grow and expand services. Community involvement is a priority and the local business strives to keep a pulse on its surroundings.

Farrell, Nussbaumer and the agency’s employees are active in the community, giving back whenever and wherever possible. “It’s part of our culture. We’re able to do what we do as a business because of the trust our customers have in us. In return, we give back our time and resources to the same community that supports us.”

They are coaches, they are parents, they bring events to the city, and they raise funds for worthwhile causes. Farrell’s, in fact, is in no small part responsible for the development of a new state-of-theart skate park coming to Yorkton. Dave Nussbaumer entered a contest, rallied community support and as a result Yorkton was selected as the winner of the 2012 Aviva Community Fund contest with a prize of $150,000 which will be used to help fund the building of the park.

“We are humbled by the success we’ve had. We don’t take it for granted—ever.

We’re proud to be prairie-based and we’re fortunate to be in an economy that’s progressing. Our plan is to progress right along with it.” FLY Farrell Agencies Box 758, 41 West Broadway Yorkton, S3N 0L6 (With branch offices in Bredenbury, Churchbridge, and Foam Lake.)

Phone: 306-783-4477 Toll Free: 1-800-268-3675 Email: farrell@farrellagencies.com www.farrellagencies.com

Cruise the spirit

By Sarah Ferguson

The variety of old automobiles cruising the highway east of Yorkton was impressive. A long white ’63 Mercury Convertible led the pack. Behind it drove a variety of other models, wearing nameplates like Studebaker, Cadillac, Comet and Chrysler, representing decades of automobile history.

The cars belonged to members and friends of the Yorkton Antique Automobile Association, who were on a cruise as part of their provincial tour last summer.

This year, the association invites local residents to indulge in their passion for the old car hobby at their tenth annual 94

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

Cruise the Spirit Car Show Weekend at beautiful Good Spirit Provincial Park from July 6-8.

The event draws a variety of vehicles and spectators from the parkland, the province and Manitoba and is supported by many local sponsors. There is free park admission and camping for participants as well as a Saturday night barbecue. There are also door prizes and draws for spectators.

Participants can park their vehicle in the display area then hit the beach, eat some ice cream, buy a t-shirt, swim or fish, and best of all, admission is free.

The organizers encourage enthusiasts to bring out their vehicles and include them in the show, even if they aren’t perfect!

History of the Car Hobby in Yorkton The Yorkton Antique Automobile Association was started in 1965 by a local group of antique car enthusiasts.

Today, several are still active members.

The association’s 48 members list over 110 classic, antique and special interest cars among them.

“The old car hobby cuts across many social and economic boundaries,” says

Jim Davies, current president of the club “A love of cars brings enthusiasts together, creating a community spirit that anyone can appreciate, especially during the Cruise the Spirit Car Show.”

An Enjoyable Hobby An old car hobby is a favorite pastime for many long time car enthusiasts in the area, but it’s also one that new hobbyists can enjoy. “Much of the fun is in the project itself,” Jim says. “Assembling something that eventually will come to life and move down the road under its own power is what drives many to get involved.

CruiSE tHE Spirit 2012SomE FEAturEd CArS A Family Heirloom One way that many antique car enthusiasts get involved in the hobby is when they acquire a family heirloom. Yorkton residents Gary & Val Robertson entered the hobby this way, when they acquired their 1962 Valiant sedan from a family member.

The Robertsons have owned the Valiant for over ten years, and have treated it to some mechanical and cosmetic refurbishing along the way.

Another interesting vehicle on display at the show this year is Gary’s 1947 “Whizzer” bicycle. The Whizzer was originally called “America’s finest motor bicycle” and is powered by a small gas engine attached to it.

Glory days Merle Gorski had an old Willys Jeep when he was young, so when one turned up locally about ten years ago, he had to check it out.

Merle’s restored 1952 vintage Willys M38 military Jeep is powered by a 134 cubic inch, four cylinder engine known as the “Hurricane.” He also keeps it in honour of his uncle who fought in WWII. Merle’s Jeep is often used in parades and other military related shows and functions.

A Familiar Family machine Jim Davies loves antique cars and especially old Chevys. “My folks bought a ‘64 Chevy Belair sedan in 1966,” he said. “I recall several long road trips in it from Ontario to our summer place at Good Spirit Lake,” he said. “Then when I was thirteen, I fell in love with a 1964 Impala SS hardtop that belonged to an uncle in Winnipeg.”

Davies purchased the car in 1977 after his graduation. He still owns the hardtop but his current ride of choice in the summer cruising season is another 1964 Chevrolet: a nine-passenger Belair station wagon. The Davies family has enjoyed the wagon for 24 years

other Events The club will follow up the Good Spirit Lake event by taking part in the annual Yorkton Theshermans festival on the August long weekend. Members of the association also take part in the Yorkton Exhibition Parade, and the Yorkton Short Film and Video Festival. On October 12-13 the association hosts the “Last Chance� antique/collectible and 96

FineLifestylesYORKTON & AREA

automotive swap meet, which features a variety of antique collectible items to choose from.

Last year, the club began sponsoring a scholarship at the Yorkton Regional High School for a student entering the automotive trades. FLY The Yorkton Antique Auto Association meets at the Western Development museum in Yorkton on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 pm.

For more information, contact Jim Davies , President Yorkton Antique Automobile Association 306 786.6265) jld48@hotmail.com

The YORKTON HOTEL At Tantalize Tan you’ll find the finest in premium sun beds and professional skin care products.

Our professionally trained staff will ensure that you will achieve your tanning goals.

Two businesses working in tandem providing services for each other. The pub provides beverage service for the Japanese restaurant and the restaurant provides food services for the pub.

Fresh and authentic Japanese recipes.

Rayzr’s exceptional meal and beverage value. Offering a unique lounge experience from ribs to sushi.

Arigato Sushi Japanese 14 Second Avenue North Yorkton, SK S3N 1G2 1 306.783.8282

Rayzr’s Pub 14 Second Avenue North Yorkton, SK S3N 1G2 306.782.2947

Tantalize Tanning Studio 77 Broadway Street West Yorkton, SK S3N 0L9 1 306.782.5757

50 Broadway Street West Yorkton, SK S3N OL7 P 306-782-2638 F 306-782-2625 kmauto@sasktel.net

KM Auto Care is a full service motor vehicle repair shop. We aim to make your visit as convenient as possible and keep your vehicle in great shape so its safe and dependable as possible.

OUR SERVICES: •SGI Vehicle Safety Inspections •Air Conditioning •Batteries •Brakes •Engines •Authorized Dealer for TransTech •Lift & Leveling Kits •Fluids & Filters •Flushes: Transmission, Radiator, Power Steering, Brake, Heater Core •Heating & Cooling •Starting & Charging •Steering, Suspension & Alignments •Tune Ups & Auto Maintenance

•Belt & Hoses •Transmissions

Kelly & Michelle Minken

306.783.4922 • Yorkton

carol@carolsphotography.net www.carolsphotography.net

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