Fine Lifestyles Southwest Sask Fall 2013

Fall 2013 | VOlUME 2 ISSUE 3

GREY CUP CElEbRation in

RideR

NatioN 2013

Kindersley: A Community Alive with spirit Gordon rAmsAy’s ChoColAte mArquise lisA drAder-murphy on FAll FAshion

SoUtHWeSt SaSK

October Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday 1

24-11 Hut Hut! Qualifier Draw 8PM

Pasta Extravaganza NEW

Thursday

Friday

2

3 Ladies’ Night

Saturday 4

Suite 33 Livin’ Up Lounge Horizons Supper Buffet

Rookie Night

5 Suite 33 Livin’ Up Lounge

Jo Dee Messina Sky Centre

Get Your Pink On | Win a Prize Basket 24-11 Hut Hut! | Win the Ultimate Trip to the Big Game

5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

6

Seniors Monday

7

Men’s Night

8 Players Club Birthday Party Slot Survivor Qualifiers 24-11 Hut Hut! Qualifier Draw 8PM

Pasta Extravaganza NEW

9

Rookie Night

10

Horizons Supper Buffet

11

12

18

19

Ladies’ Night David Cassidy Sky Centre

Get Your Pink On | Win a Prize Basket 24-11 Hut Hut! | Win the Ultimate Trip to the Big Game

13

Thanksgiving Buffet $9.95 5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

14

15

Thanksgiving Buffet $9.95

Seniors Monday

Men’s Night

16

17

Pasta Extravaganza

Ladies’ Night 24-11 Hut Hut! Qualifier Draw 8PM

NEW

Mahoney Livin’ Up Lounge

Rookie Night

Mahoney Livin’ Up Lounge

Get Your Pink On | Win a Prize Basket 24-11 Hut Hut! | Win the Ultimate Trip to the Big Game

20

21 Seniors Monday

5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

Men’s Night

22 Slot Survivor Qualifiers 24-11 Hut Hut! Qualifier Draw 8PM

23

Pasta Extravaganza NEW

Rookie Night

24

25

26

Ladies’ Night Get Your Pink On Draw 8PM

Get Your Pink On | Win a Prize Basket 24-11 Hut Hut! | Win a the Ultimate Trip to the Big Game

27 5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

28

29

Seniors Monday

Men’s Night Big League Poker Freeze Out

30 Pasta Extravaganza

24-11 Hut Hut! Grand Prize Draw 8PM

NEW

Rookie Night

Ladies’ Night 31 Spooky Specials at Horizons

The Nightrain A Tribute to Guns N Roses Livin’ Up Lounge

24-11 Hut Hut! | Win the Ultimate Trip to the Big Game

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mall location 1150 Central ave. N. • Service at the pumps • Laser car wash • Co-op oil for your vehicles: second to none • Travel needs such as cold drinks, coffee, bars, chips, deli sandwiches and subs • Fill your propane tanks • Need a newspaper, magazine, a lottery ticket, jug of milk, loaf of bread, butter?

• We welcome you to visit us at our service stations

Petroleum • Deliver bulk fuel to our Farm and Ranch customers • Deliver bulk fuel to our Commercial customers • Deliver home heating oil • 24-hour Card Lock, including Farm and Commercial • Full Line of Ag and Automotive Lubricants

You — the Customer — are #1 to us!

southside 350 2nd ave. s.e.

• Service at the pumps • Laser car wash • Co-op oil for your vehicles: second to none • Travel needs such as cold drinks, coffee, bars, chips, deli sandwiches and subs • Fill your propane tanks • Need a newspaper, magazine, a lottery ticket, jug of milk, loaf of bread, butter?

• We welcome you to visit us at our service stations

Welcome To The Haunted Hollow Feature of Shaunavon Florist and Garden Center Ron and Jacqueline of Shaunavon Florist and Garden Center love Halloween: like kids in a candy store with eyes as wide as saucers and thrill bumps racing up their necks.

Stop by and say “hello” to the life-size animated witch, choose your favourite pumpkin for carving and pie-making (grown in their own pumpkin patch), select your favourite spooky, cutesy or creepy Halloween décor (including your own animated creature), or grace your space with a bountiful, elegant, season-inspired floral arrangement.

Whatever you are looking for this fall and Halloween season, be sure to include Shaunavon Florist and Garden Center in your plans. Ron and Jacqueline are excited to “boo” you!

Shaunavon Florist and Garden Center 85 10th Avenue East Shaunavon 306.297.3350

FineLifestyles sOUtHWEst sAsK

WITH FINE LIFEstyLEs EDItOR sHerry lee

F

all and football are in the air! Welcome to this issue of FineLifestyles Southwest Sask., featuring some of the best products and services in the region to help enhance your lifestyle.

What a better cover and inside story at this time of year than our own great Saskatchewan Roughriders, who despite some setbacks, continue to surge towards winning the Grey Cup on home soil. Celebrations in Rider Nation started months ago, and the momentum is picking up for the Green and White, a team that we all believe to be carrying the Grey Cup formula.

Saskatchewan becomes more awash with green as the season progresses, and the exciting week of Grey Cup events and the big game approaches.

This issue offers some intriguing stories about the historic and astronomical beauty of Cypress Hills, the revival of the Lyric Theatre in Swift Current, an Eston-based author who recently won the coveted Leacock Medal, and the Eliminators Car Club’s annual Riverside Run and their determination to restore a vehicle of one of their former members.

We also feature the Town of Kindersley, where community spirit is very much alive. Every place has a story to tell, and Kindersley has made an impressive comeback from their devastating arena fire a few years ago. Pegged as one of Saskatchewan’s next cities, the motto “Work Hard, Play Hard” has obviously worked well for this progressive and growing centre, planted squarely in oil and farm country.

Our national columnists bring more to the table this issue: Lisa Drader-Murphy reveals vintage-inspired autumn fashion, Gordon Ramsay serves up mouth-watering Chocolate Marquise, Shell Busey provides advice on exterior doors, and Ken Beattie weighs in on good and bad garden bugs.

Enjoy this unique issue and the beautiful autumn season! finemags

@finemags

Advertising Consultant

Donna Salt, Advertising Consultant 306.772.1555 donnas@finelifestyles.ca

Donna has lived in Saskatchewan for 12 years, and in Swift Current for the past six. Donna loves FineLifestyles magazine and being part of the team. She believes in the Southwest and supporting local first, and feels blessed to be given the opportunity to help Southwest businesses grow.

Fall 2013 VOlUMe 2 IssUe 3 www.finelifestyles.ca Associate Editor Sherry Lee sherryl@finelifestyles.ca

Staff Writers Apolline Lucyk Courtney Tait Katrina Geenevasen Rebecca Schneidereit

Tobie Hainstock Tonya Lambert Trina Annand

Production Designer Elisa Malfitana

In-house Design Amber Moon Danielle Austin Deanne Bell

Lisa Redden Natasha Burkholder

Cover Photography Courtesy of Saskatchewan Roughriders

Photography Bobbi-Jo Knakoske Corla Rokochy Eliminators Car Club Jeff Swick Kindersley & District Plains Museum Layla Baird Lisa Klassen Megan Lust Mitchell Bohn

Myles New Newest Press Nicole Bateman Nicki Frison Paul Sinkewicz Saskatchewan Roughriders Swift Current Broncos Town of Kindersley Trevor Allen

Contributing Writers Brook Thalgott Devin Pacholik Gordon Ramsay Ken Beattie Lisa Drader-Murphy

Matthew Stone Megan Lust Paul Sinkewicz Shell Busey

Advertising Consultants Donna Salt donnas@finelifestyles.ca Brooke Watson brooke@finelifestyles.ca Crystal Reich crystal@finelifestyles.ca Randy Glascock randyg@finelifestyles.ca

Subscriptions wayne@finelifestyles.ca Fine Lifestyles Southwest Sask. is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs.

We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement.

All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2013 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Regina, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles Regina Ltd. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

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What’sInside

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FEATuRE SToRIES 8 24 26 36 42 6

Lisa Drader-Murphy: Vintage-Inspired Autumn Looks Chautauqua at the Lyric Gordon Ramsay’s Chocolate Marquise Roughriders 2013: Carrying the Grey Cup Formula Saskatchewan Summer Star Party, Cypress Hills FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

44 Spirits of the Trail: Cypress Hills History Comes to Life 48 Shell Busey on Choosing Exterior Doors 56 Good and Bad Bugs by Ken Beattie 66 Eliminators Car Club: Riverside Run and Restoration 74 Feature: Community Spirit Alive in Kindersley

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8 44

74 24

DEPARTMEnTS 8

Style

48 House and Home

17

Health and Wellness

57

Business

24 Arts, Dining and Entertainment

66 Wheels

32 Sports, Recreation and Travel

88 Service Directory

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

7

Vintageinspired autumn Looks Fall’s Palette is Awash in Emerald, Cranberry, Purple, Ochre, Aubergine

by Lisa DraDer-Murphy NatioNal ColumNist Photos Trevor aLLen Clothes Turbine model aMy Kerr hair Jay WeLLs

I

awoke today to a crispness in the air — the kind that tells me that summer is departing and autumn is around the corner. The summer has been full of visits to the beach, lounging by the pool, and warm evening BBQs in simple summer dresses and flip-flops.

As much as I love the carefree style that the warmer days encourage, there is a cocooning and comforting element brought in preparation for this transition to cooler days. The harvests are maturing and the colour of our Canadian landscape is changing. The trees begin to layer with a wash of warm and rustic tones. Hats, gloves and boots find their way to the front of the closet.

By Lisa Drader-Murphy, photo Jenn Gregory

This is the most inspiring seasonal change for me, imprinting these observations on the styles I create for the fall/winter collections. I favour supple vintage wools rich in colour and texture, layered for a more complex ensemble than we have been accustomed to. This season’s palette is awash in emerald, cranberry, purple, ochre, aubergine — all perfect for layering in reverie to the season’s bounty.

Photos Trevor Allen

In anticipation of the coming season, we captured some vintage-inspired autumn looks against the setting of my own home.

Featured are suits, capes and cardi-wrap jackets, punctuated by vintage-inspired wool fedoras, long leather gloves and tall boots.

To create your vintage-inspired fall look, layer lux-knit dresses with leggings and throw a light wool cape — pinned or open — over your shoulders. This gives you the option to stay warm or remove layers depending on those occasional warm fall days when the sun surprises us mid-afternoon. Wrap a brightly coloured textured scarf as a contrast to neutral tweed in camel or charcoal.

Have fun with a mix of vintage and modern styles in a variety of textures and autumnal shades. Light a fire and stay warm, in style. FLSW

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

9

Carla Knudsen

Classic glamorous swimwear in sizes 4-24, timeless pieces with cup-sized tops up to an E cup.

Sporty fun swimwear. Active-inspired fashion swimwear in sizes 4-16. Cupsized tops up to a DD cup.

Feminine, playful, sophisticated swimwear with unique design touches like beading, embroidery, laser cut-outs and crochet. Sizes 2-14.

All brands are sold as mix and match pieces and come in a variety of styles, bikini, tankini and one-piece. We also have a variety of coordinating cover-ups.

Quality Australian-made cup-sized swimwear up to an F cup. Vibrant prints and features like ruching and tummy control.

Quality Italian-made swimwear at a great price. Sizes 4-16.

Stylish mastectomy swimwear with coordinating cover-ups.

306.773.7702

101 - 1 Spring Drive, Swift Current | blueskylingerie.com | Serving the Southwest since 2010

Canadian diamonds:

Shining Bright andersboda 370 Centre Street • Shaunavon • 306.297.2385 • andersboda.ca

Canadian designers:

Elegance and Beauty Karley Smith, Langley, B.C.

Jon Klar, Toronto, Ont.

Keith JacK, Vancouver, B.C.

hillberg & berK, Regina, Sask.

Beautiful jewellery designed and handmade in Saskatchewan! Need we say more?

Jewellery inspired by nature's abundance and ever-changing harmonies.

Ancient Celtic symbolism blended with contemporary style and elegance.

Bright colours, bold designs, contemporary fashion that makes you smile.

Get the Volume Salon Vibe and make headS turn

by Rebecca SchneideReit PhotoS coRla Rokochy

O

ur clients are friends,” says Volume Salon’s owner, Jasmine Jones. “We cater to everyone.” Jasmine and her manager, RayAnne Cascagnette, offer services including men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts, plus hair colouring, manicures, perms, straightening treatments, updos, waxing and more.

“I like being able to supply everything to a client.”

Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday for advance appointments).

Volume Salon’s relaxed, “come-asyou-are” philosophy is evident from their downtown location. The Central Avenue space is adjacent to ample free parking, and the salon’s hours can accommodate customers from all walks of life (they are open Tuesday through

The salon is spacious, including a play area for clients with children in tow.

“We wanted somewhere people could bring their kid[s] to a hair appointment,” Jasmine explains. “And not have to worry about getting a babysitter.” Volume Salon even provides a birthday party special for

“

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

Volume Salon’s “vibe” is social and informal. Clients can relax or chat with other visitors — they can even take over the salon’s DJing. “We have an iPod and iPhone dock,” Jasmine says. “Whoever is in gets to pick their own music.”

kids on their big day: “We do hairstyles, nails and light makeup,” says Jasmine.

Jasmine and RayAnne’s bridal, graduation and prom up-dos are probably their crowning glory. Some salons eschew the extra skill and effort such elaborate styles demand, but “we like doing it,” Jasmine says. She’ll even adapt styles from photographs for clients. “It’s always fun. It’s like art.” Jasmine and RayAnne are adept at creating a polished row of perfect wedding or prom hairstyles, even for larger groups. “The biggest [group] we did was 12, and that was fine.”

For clients choosing their perfect special occasion look, Jasmine advises,

“braids are really in right now… curls are always a given.” She does note, however, that up-dos often benefit from the strategic use of colour (high-end colouring treatments are, of course, available at the salon). “[Colour] defines it… gives it more movement.” Hair extensions — which are offered at Volume Salon — can also invest up-dos with extra style. “I love working with extensions with up-dos.”

A trained esthetician, Jasmine personally provides Volume Salon’s nail services. Manicures with China Glaze or OPI polish, Brisa Gel and Shellac are all available. “I like doing the [nail] art, too,” Jasmine says, noting that she’s emulated nail designs from photos for patrons upon request. Jasmine also provides Volume Salon’s waxing services: both waxing and esthetics are offered in a separate room for privacy.

Volume Salon’s expansive interior offers room for future growth, so Jasmine is currently looking for stylists to add to the team. She’s hoping, she says, for “someone fun and energetic.” In the meantime, Jasmine and RayAnne try their best to make time for “refresher” courses on hair trends, and for hosting events at the salon.

Jasmine hopes the New Year will see Volume Salon stage another fashion show: they held a similar event a couple years past, showcasing about 30 models with great success. “We did their hair and makeup, and we borrowed clothes from other small businesses,” Jasmine says. “We probably had over a hundred people watching.” Luckily, you don’t have to wait for their next fashion show to get a style at Volume Salon to make heads turn. FLSW

Volume Salon 26 Central Avenue North Swift Current 306.778.4030

Main picture L–r Rayanne and Jasmine

Personalized Fashion

Tara Lee Heard, owner

in the Heart of Downtown Swift Current

Tare N’ Wear is a place where you can stop and shop, swing by to say hello, or just stop by to have a look.

There’s always something new for both men and ladies.

It doesn’t matter what age you are, Tara will find something for you. She carries a unique variety of clothing, sandals, purses, wallets, jeans, spring/summer and fall/ winter jackets, dresses for many occasions, belts, hats and even underwear. She carries different styles and only one of each size, making them more exclusive coming from many different parts of the globe.

Brands such as Unik and Schwiing; Hong Kong styles; Rusty from Australia; European styles such as Buffalo, Karv and Rufen; Spanish styles: Smash; Finland: Makia, and the list goes on. Tara is always bringing in something new, fresh and fun! Her many clients come from Swift Current, Gull Lake, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Edmonton — this store has wide appeal!

Entering her 9th year in business in Swift Current, with 6 of those in Tare N’ Wear, Tara puts it this way, “Without your business, there wouldn’t be my business.”

Tare N Wear 114 Central Ave N, Swift Current | 306.774.4610 | tarenwear@live.ca |

Tare N’ Wear

Saskatoon Entrepreneur Overcomes Weight Struggle to Compete in Mrs. World Melanie Wildman, owner and founder of Weight Loss Forever, will be making her mark on the world this September. She’s flying to China to represent Canada at Mrs. World “For me, struggling with my weight, I didn’t think this was something I could ever do. It’s a great message to send out about overcoming obstacles you never thought you could,” effuses Melanie. “I think we’re changing the perception of what obesity is and what solutions are possible.”

Years after her own bariatric surgery, Melanie has already been crowned Mrs. Saskatchewan, Mrs. Canada and first runner up for Mrs. Globe. “I wanted to compete in the Mrs. Canada pageant to show that this is possible – that you can transform your life, you can do this.”

Her motivation, work ethic and compassion have been an inspiration for all that pass through the doors at WLF. “Pageantry is a peculiar mix of ideals, beauty and business.

It encourages confidence, public speaking, poise and above all, facing your own fears and exploring your limitations. The life experience a young woman gains through the pageant system is invaluable,” says Melanie.

“My grandmother, Ida Peppin, was a pageant director in PEI. She was an astonishing woman with grace, steely willpower and a sparkle that everyone who knew her instantly became a part of,” explains Melanie. Melanie spent many years believing she couldn’t follow in the footsteps of this exceptional woman, but now, with lots of help, support and hard work, she is.

“It’s not about the title or about winning, but about expanding who you are and how you present yourself to the world,” remarks Melanie. It is this confidence and determination that she gives to others through WLF. Mela n she l ie befo re ost 1 00 lb s

www.weightlossforever.ca

Julie Changes Lives, Starting with Her Own I had lost hope. I decided everyone would be better off without me. I couldn’t stand the thought of them having to bury me at 480 pounds, but I knew that’s where I was headed. I wasn’t the kind of mom I should have been. Not only did I suffer, but for many years my kids suffered too.

I hadn’t even considered weight loss surgery because I didn’t think it was for regular people. One day I saw an article for WLF in this magazine, and I decided to go for it.

I had done every diet, every program out there, and I was on a short path to death. I jumped in with both feet. I had seen other peoples’ results and I knew I wanted that for myself.

Since I had my surgery, I have lost 267 pounds.

I feel phenomenal!

I wake up every day happy. I used to wish I wouldn’t wake up, and now I’m excited every morning. I can do things today that I never thought I could do again — I recently went on a swing for the first time in 25 years! I’m three years out and I still find things I can do now that I couldn’t do then.

I used to have a different job but I knew that I wanted to do something that made a difference.

I wanted to help change lives. That’s why I work for WLF now. I want others to know there’s hope and not to give up.

RIGHT L–R Melanie Wildman, CEO of Weight Loss Forever; Julie Creelman, Chief Operations Officer of Weight Loss Forever

Julie she l before ost 2 67 lb s

www.weightlossforever.ca

A Physician’s Journey of Hope “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honour your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” — O p r a h W i n f r e y

I

am a family physician and, like many of my patients, I have struggled with obesity for many years. As a physician I know the complications of obesity and I deal with it on a daily basis. Sadly, those complications often lead to morbidity and premature (and preventable) death.

I have tried every diet known to mankind, exercise, fasting and yet nothing worked to keep the weight off.

Then I finally met Melanie Wildman, founder and CEO of Weight Loss Forever, about three years ago. That is when my journey to the VSG surgery began.

I heard Melanie’s story and saw her remarkable transformation.

I read voraciously about WLF, obesity, the pre- and post-op program, the surgery, about Dr. Pompa (and her impressive credentials and experience) and the hospital itself. In my practice, I started seeing and counseling patients going for this surgery through WLF and I have since seen over a 100 patients who have had this surgery.

I have met Dr. Pompa and her sister, Lili, in person in Saskatoon about eight months after my initial visit with Melanie. I talked to Dr. Pompa about the program and was impressed by her and Lili’s honesty and integrity. They corroborated what I have researched before. I could see that WLF has done a tremendous amount of work to help patients make informed decisions about surgery, why it is done, who does the surgery, the facility, with thorough preop guidelines (including causes of obesity, healthy eating, emotional eating, hunger versus craving, etc.), surgery guidelines and excellent post-op guidelines and support.

I have seen many times how patients lives were transformed with this surgery: how their type II diabetes went away, their

hypertension went away or improved significantly, arthritis improved, to name just a few. Not to mention the joy it brought to their lives.

L–R Dr

Le Rou

As a physician, I had great difficulty imagining myself as a patient. It wasn’t until I attended an evening with Oprah with Melanie and Dr. Pompa, that I was finally convinced the power to change is within me. Dr. Pompa gave me a quote of Oprah’s, which I put on my office wall. It reads: “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honour your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.”

That is also when I realized that Melanie and Dr. Pompa are my “Oprah.” Their dedication, their commitment, their love for what they do and their deep caring for us as patients, convinced me they are following their path and it was time for me to do the same.

I lost 43 lbs before surgery by eating healthy, doing exercise, being mindful of my thoughts (hunger versus craving), being kind to myself and loving the goal I had in my focus.

The hospital was more than I could dream of. It wasn’t hard to see why they have the “Center of Excellence” designation.

Dr. Pompa was so kind and so was her staff. They were all attentive, gentle and so caring. It is hard to explain the level of care I received there compared to care we receive in Canada. Dr. Vasquez (Internal Medicine) and Dr. Torres (Anaesthetist) were both thorough in their assessments and answering my questions honestly.

Connie, my facilitator, was there through the whole process and explained every step in detail. I just knew I was in the best hands.

x lost 5

3lbs so

far; Dr

Pompa

, MD, P

hD, AF ACS

I even got to meet Lili again — so kind and loving. She decorated the hospital with paintings by Alejandro Martinez-Pena, one of which hung in my hospital room.

It is incredibly beautiful. It gave me so much peace to stare at that painting and sometimes even made me forget about being in a hospital!

One thing I never doubted was that I was in the hands of the best bariatric surgeon in North America. Needless to say my surgery went well and Dr. Pompa even repaired a hiatus hernia — which I did not even know I had!

I am happy to report my blood pressure and lipids are normal now (without medication) I am at much lower risk for developing diabetes and heart disease, I have no heartburn, no headaches and my uric acid is normal (no gout).

I am happier than I have ever been, I sleep well, I am motivated and I am excited to see friends and meet new people.

Most of all, I feel I am in a much better position now to counsel patients about obesity, the journey to a healthy weight and the tool VSG surgery plays in this. I have been there!

I am forever indebted and grateful to Melanie and Dr. Pompa, whose love touched me in such a profound way and for helping me to transform into the person I thought I would never be. I thank the universe every day for allowing our paths to cross. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

www.weightlossforever.ca

Natural SweeteNerS A Better Way to Enjoy Your Sweet Treats

by Megan Lust PhotoS CourteSy of Megan Lust

W

ith rising concerns about health, it seems everyone is looking for a better way to satisfy their sweet cravings without using sugar. More and more people are turning to so-called “natural” sweeteners as a substitute for regular sugar.

Are these natural sweeteners healthier than regular sugar?

Let’s examine a few of the more common “natural” sugar substitutes in comparison to sugar.

Granulated Sugar: Refined white sugar can come from sugar cane or sugar beets. By the time it has been refined it is pure sucrose.

The refining process is quite extensive. Calories per 100 grams: 387 Honey: Arguably the least processed of all the natural sweeteners, honey contains vitamins and minerals such as B2, B6, iron and manganese. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and contains antioxidants. Honey’s glycemic index is higher than agave with similar calorie count (about 60 calories per tablespoon). Strict vegans usually avoid honey. Calories per 100 grams: 304

Agave Nectar (and Syrup): Agave syrup is low on the glycemic index (meaning your body absorbs it more slowly and your blood sugar typically doesn’t spike) but there is debate about its health benefits due to the high fructose content. While from the same plant and a similar-looking product, agave nectar and agave syrup are different. Agave nectar is less refined than agave syrup and purported to be healthier. Both are vegan and in many cases raw. Calories per 100 grams: 310 Stevia: Who knew a little grean leaf could provide something so sweet — and be completely calorie-free? Just make sure you’re buying pure stevia — not the variety mixed with sugar alcohols —for the most natural sweetness and best flavor. Expect to use an eighth of the amount of stevia where recipes call for sugar, which can wreak havoc on your baked goods. Calories: 0 Maple Syrup: Another hardly-processed natural sweetener which is high in antioxidants, zinc and manganese, maple syrup can usually substitute for honey or agave in baking — and on pancakes and waffles, of course. Calories per 100 grams: 260

Coconut Sugar: Another natural sweetener that is low on the glycemic index but is also one of the least refined sugars, coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm bud.

It is rich in vitamin B8 and potassium. Coconut sugar has a

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Southwest Sask

subtle caramel flavour and bakes up like a dream in place of regular sugar cup-for-cup. Calories per 100grams: 375 What natural sweetener you select largely depends on your own health and dietary needs — as well as your budget. Typically natural sweeteners (like anything that is touted as healthy and natural these days) the cost is going to be higher than regular ol’ granulated sugar.

If you’re a strict vegan, you’ll probably avoid honey but prefer agave, maple syrup or coconut sugar. If you’re diabetic or have blood sugar issues then choosing a low-glycemic natural sweetener like agave or stevia is probably a wise choice. If minimal processing is your preference, then stick with honey or maple syrup as they are the least processed of all the natural sweeteners. If you’re an avid baker, stevia may be difficult to work with since it packs a sweet punch with very little, and coconut sugar might be a better choice.

Regardless of what type of sweetener you prefer to use to suit your own health and dietary needs, it’s still a sweetener and should be used in moderation. At the end of the day sweet things should be meant as a treat. So enjoy it, my friends.FLSW Megan Lust is a freelance writer and foodie, with a focus on gluten-free and vegan recipes. Visit her blog at www.theglutenfreevegan. com or her Facebook page for more healthy eating ideas and recipes. megan@ theglutenfreevegan.com.

PInA ColADA CuPCAkES WITh ToASTED CoConuT FroSTIng

by Megan Lust

Indulge in a moist pineapple cupcake topped with toasted coconut frosting.

You’ll be surprised it’s both gluten-free and vegan. margarine. Add applesauce and beat until well combined and fluffy.

Ingredients Cupcakes:

3. In a small bowl combine sour non-dairy milk with baking soda. Let sit at least five minutes.

1 ⁄2 cups coconut sugar 1

4. In a separate bowl sift together brown rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum and baking powder.

⁄2 cup vegan margarine

1

⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1

⁄2 cup tapioca starch

5. Alternate adding non-dairy milk mixture and dry mixture to the creamed sugar mixture, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.

1 1⁄2 teaspoons xanthan gum

6. Add salt and vanilla extract.

2 teaspoons baking powder

7. Fold in the reserved pineapple juice. Stir until completely combined.

1

⁄2 cup sour non-dairy milk (1⁄2 cup non-dairy milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice)

8. Fill cupcake liners half way and place about four or five pineapple tidbits on the top.

2 teaspoons baking soda

9. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and tested for doneness.

1 1⁄2 cup brown rice flour 1

⁄2 teaspoon salt

1

1 - 8 ounce can pineapple tidbits, drained and ⁄2 cup juice reserved

10. Let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting with Toasted Coconut Frosting.

Frosting:

Frosting:

⁄2 cup shredded coconut (preferably unsweetened)

1. Preheat oven to 300ºF. Sprinkle shredded coconut on a baking sheet. Place in oven for five to 10 minutes until coconut is just lightly toasted. Set aside for garnishing.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1

1

⁄2 cup butter-flavored vegan margarine

1

3 cups icing sugar ⁄4 teaspoon coconut extract

1

⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1

2 to 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk (coconut, almond, etc.)

Directions Cupcakes: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl cream together coconut sugar and vegan

2. In a medium bowl beat the vegan margarine with icing sugar. Add coconut and vanilla extracts.

3. Add non-dairy milk one tablespoon at a time, beating the frosting each time, to reach the consistency of a stiff frosting.

Add more non-dairy milk a little at a time, as needed.

4. Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large tip, or use an offset spatula to frost the cooled cupcakes.

5. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Makes 24 regular sized cupcakes with frosting.

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ABOVE l–r Alexis, Amanda, Roberta and Jim

Smart tanning and Friendly Service

By Courtney tait PhotoS BoBBi-Jo KnaKosKe

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ant to find a salon with friendly, certified staff who help you tan the smart way? Located on Central Avenue North, Fabutan features six private tanning beds that mimic natural sunlight, giving you a golden glow and vitamin D boost in a controlled, relaxing environment.

“We had a tanning bed in our house growing up,” says Amanda. “We’re a family that loves the sun and being outside.” The Barber’s enjoyment of tanning led to becoming Fabutan franchisees, and they now own seven branches located in Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. “It’s something that we’re really passionate about.”

Founded in 1979, Fabutan is a Canadian company providing coast-to-coast tanning and other services, with 130 branches across the country. Jim and Roberta Barber opened the Swift Current location in 2000, and their daughter Amanda became a co-owner in 2011.

The first tan is complimentary to Fabutan clients, who are given a tour of the studio and educated on exactly how their skin tans in Fabutan beds. The company makes its own exclusive bulbs with 95 per cent UVA and 5 per cent UVB light, which are changed every 500 hours for

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optimal results. “The light they produce is very similar to a normal summer day,” says Amanda.

The Fabutan staff are smart-tan certified with extensive knowledge on different skin types, enabling them to create a suitable exposure schedule for each individual customer. “We don’t let our customers tan within a 24-hour period, so we make sure we’re not overexposing our customers,” says Amanda. “The most important thing in tanning smart is moderation.”

For customers who want an alternate boost of colour, Fabutan offers a Mystic

tanning HD booth, which gives a fullbody spray within four minutes. The spray tan features four colours: glow, light, medium and dark, with results lasting five to10 days. “Mystic tanning is a good option for people with allergies to sun, women with high-risk pregnancies or people who can’t get as dark,” says Amanda.

Interested in anti-aging services?

Fabutan recently added a red light treatment room to their studio. The full-body anti-aging therapy bed uses red light bulbs to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promote collagen production, repair skin cells, decrease inflammation of body and facial acne, diminish scarring and pore size and improve skin tone and texture.

The company is one of 10 studios in Canada that offer Hush Lashes: semipermanent lashes available in more than 600 kinds. The lashes are applied by certified lash technicians, with various

colours, curvatures, thicknesses and lengths. “We match the lashes to the client’s eyes, and make sure they look good and natural,” says Barber.

Fabutan makes several of its own products, including lotions which help speed up the tanning process. An anti-aging skin care line, hair perfume, and teeth-whitening kits are also available, and many of the company’s service packages and lotions offer Air Miles® rewards.

“We’re very friendly and knowledgeable about what we have to offer,” says Barber.

“For our clients, coming here feels like they’re going to a friend’s house. It’s a friendly place to visit, and we’re always there to help them.” FLSW Fabutan 148 Central Avenue North Swift Current 306.773.5222 www.fabutan.com

Chautauqua at the Lyric

By Tobie HainsTock

Huff, Princess and the Pea, along with local performances prior to the plays.

The plays were all very different from each other — offering something for everybody. True to the 1920s theme, volunteers donned bowler hats, arm garters and suspenders, and homemade pies and refreshments were served.

The Chautauqua took place in Swift Current’s historic Lyric Theatre.

According to Gwen Uhr, president of the board of the South West Cultural Development Group, the theatre was built in 1912 during Vaudeville days.

With the dawn of moving pictures, the theatre upgraded to accommodate silent films until “talkies” were introduced to the entertainment industry.

The Lyric hosted movies for many years.

“Many local people have fond memories of the Lyric,” says Uhr, “a lot of couples remember their first date there.” In the 1980s, the theatre was bought and converted into a night club. “The main floor of the building was changed, but the upstairs and downstairs still have the original character of the building,” she explains. It remained a nightclub, changing owners over the years until 2003, when it closed and sat empty for a while.

In 2005, a group of young city residents bought the Lyric with the plan to make it a central hub of visual and performing arts. Officially reopening in March 2006, the Lyric has since been the location of many arts programs, as well as a venue for entertainment acts and festivals such as the Chautauqua. Other programs include:

F

or the sixth year running, Swift Current residents and visitors enjoyed the mixture of entertainment provided by the Chautauqua Festival. This step back in time to the 1920s style of travelling shows ran July 11 to 14, 2013, entertaining patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

Six delightful one-act plays were performed from Thursday to Sunday at this well attended, popular event.

Shows included Fool’s for Love, More Power to your Knitting, Nell!, Sound and Fury’s ‘Hitchcocked,’ Grim and Fischer,

•

•

•

Open Stage Night: provides local up and coming musicians an opportunity to present their music to an audience.

Youth Talent Night: offers middle school and high school musician the chance to be heard on stage and receive the encouragement and support of the community.

Write Out Loud: a popular evening where nationally and internationally recognized authors read selections of their works to

an audience. It may also include musical performances.

•

The Lyric Song Exchange: an evening which allows songwriters to perform and collaborate with other songwriters.

It doesn’t stop there; the community supports the arts, and new and exciting things are always happening at the Lyric.

Over the years, the Southwest Cultural Development Group and their volunteers have dedicated long hours to transform the Lyric. “We’ve been so fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers,” comments Uhr, as she reflects on the fundraisers and events that have taken place to bring the Lyric to the place where it is today.

It is with gratitude that Uhr recalls them receiving the Canadian Heritage Grant in 2012, a $500,000 matching grant. The community had to raise $250,000 to qualify; through the Living Legacy Campaign, many businesses and individuals came forth and the amount was raised. “If it hadn’t been for the support of the community and volunteers, we wouldn’t have been able to meet our fundraising goal,” expresses Uhr. This allowed the group to get the repairs done that would make the theatre structurally sound. “Now, it should last another hundred years,” she says.

Fundraising continues to be an ongoing commitment, and Uhr notes that regular maintenance and upkeep are required.

Through it all, the citizens of Swift Current and area continue showing their support for the Lyric Theatre. “We are hoping to become the downtown cultural hub of Swift Current,” Uhr adds.

For more information about the Lyric Theatre, visit www.lyrictheatre.ca FLSW

OPPOSITE Edmonton’s Small Matters Productions in Fools For Love PhOTO by Jessi Gowan, Prairie Post abOvE TOP TO bOTTOm Saskatoon’s Wide Open Children’s Theatre in The Princess and the Pea PhOTO by Jessi Gowan, Prairie Post; the Lyric Theatre in Sept. 2013; the historical Lyric Theatre, c. 1927 PhOTO courtesy Swift Current Museum; a Chautauqua visiting Swift Current in the 1920s PhOTO courtesy Glenbow Archives

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southwest sask ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

october - December 2013 October 1 Living sky casino Red Green’s How to Do Everything Tour

October 16 allied arts council @ sky centre Connie Kaldor

November 5 Plaza theatre, shaunavon Speed Control

October 1 Lyric theatre LeE HARVeY OsMOND

October 22 centre st. united church, shaunavon David Myles

November 8 west central events centre, kindersley Alice Cooper’s Raise the Dead Tour

October 4 Living sky casino Jo Dee Messina

November 2 Norm ritchie centre, kindersley Lizzie Hoyt

November 12 – December 10 swift current museum History of Métis in Southwest Sask.

October 5–6 kinetic Park Fall into Christmas Fine Art & Handcraft Market

November 2 Gull Lake community hall Ducks Unlimited Banquet

November 16 allied arts council @ sky centre Shumka Dancers

October 9 Norm ritchie centre, kindersley Old Man Luedecke

November 2 – December 29 art Gallery of swift current Reinventing Consumption

by Ian Johnston

December 2 allied arts council @ sky centre Quartetto Gelato

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Cassie Stocks’

Dance, Gladys, Dance Surrealist Success for Eston author

BY DEVIN PACHOLIK PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEWEST PRESS

W

inning the annual Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour is an incredible feat; for someone to win the Leacock Medal with their first novel — like Cassie Stocks of Eston, Saskatchewan for Dance, Gladys, Dance — it’s downright inspirational. Even the author states, “I’ve always lusted for a Leacock Medal.”

Eston waited anxiously for the announcement in June, 2013. As Stocks says, “The whole town, from coffee row to the grocery store I was working at, was curious to know what was happening.

When I won, the whole town was ecstatic — kids were applauding at the school.”

Stocks admits it was a challenge. “It was a long process. I was a single parent, working and going to school fulltime. A lot of the book was done in 15 to 20 minute chunks with a great deal of caffeine.”

The imaginative plot is laden with humour and sarcasm, and Stocks describes her comedy-charged style, “It is my natural inclination to bring humour into my life and work. I heard someone say, ‘Humour may be a coping mechanism, but it’s a

damn fine one.’ It’s a natural way for me to deal with some of life’s issues. There’s always some humour to be found.”

This is not to minimize the intellectual merit of Dance, Gladys, Dance. The protagonist, Frieda, listens to the story of Gladys, a spirit in distress whose life was defined by repression. Frieda is meant to reconcile the mystery of Gladys’ downfall while somehow finding the energy to reconcile the relationships around her.

As we learn more about Frieda, we find out her own past is mottled with disappointment at the hands of men.

Amid the sarcasm and depravity, Dance, Gladys, Dance makes some pointed feminist and social commentary.

Stocks underscores the importance of political storytelling, saying, “I think all art is activism. The act of creating is a participatory act in creating culture. You are creating a part of what you would like to see or how you would like things to be. It changes the face of our culture.

Even a painting that hangs on the wall changes the world. It’s incredibly important for people to have the time

and the belief in themselves to create.

Art gives us a voice.”

As a Saskatchewan author, Stocks believes finding that voice is essential. “I’m out in the middle of the prairies. It’s a strange feeling. You are working in isolation, even though you are working in a community.

You rely on your work, not necessarily on your connections. It’s a bit liberating.”

What’s next for Stocks? “I’m twothirds through the first draft of another novel, which so far is titled The Amazing Adventures of Mattress Boy. It’s about a boy growing up in the 80s. He watches the movie Hair and becomes enamoured with the idea of the 60s and the hippies.

He goes looking for those hippies.” Like Dance, Gladys, Dance, this next humorous and dark novel deals with issues such as mental illness and street culture.

For now, the author cherishes her success with Dance, Gladys, Dance. This emotional novel of unforgettable characters has brought this author from Eston, Saskatchewan into the limelight. FLSW

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Let ’er Buck!

Broncos’ Coach Likes Spirit of Young Stallions

By Paul Sinkewicz Photos courteSy of Swift current BroncoS

W

hen the Swift Current Broncos took to the Credit Union i-plex ice after the long summer, head coach and GM, Mark Lamb, saw more from his charges than most observers ever could. The gratifying slap of the puck after a bladeto-blade pass, hungry forwards charging up the ice, feisty defenders pinching into the boards —that’s the stuff that gets the hockey heart beating faster in August and September.

But Lamb was seeing things that spoke to what kind of team he will command

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in March when playoff positions are on the line, and April when his young men will have to gut-out an overtime win to advance. What Lamb, his coaches and 2,600 empty blue seats saw was conditioning, spirit and a desire to reach the next level of excellence in the WHL after a heartbreaking first-round playoff ouster last season.

“Training camp went really well. All the guys came back in really good condition, which is very important,” says the fifthyear Broncos coach. “They came back in good spirits, feeling good about

themselves. We have a lot of good young players and we’re really optimistic about the season.”

The younger players have fared well early in the season. Lamb’s coaching philosophy has been to recruit based on the quality of the individual as much as finesse. After all, “shake-and-bake” can carry a team only so far, and then character and mental toughness have to take it the rest of the way.“You want to build with all kinds of character and dedication, and you have to do that through the draft,” says Lamb. “You have

to have a plan for what type of team you want and what type of players you want on your team to have success.”

Lamb is intent on striking the right balance. To help forge the Broncos into a winning squad, he will be relying on veterans like 20-year-old center Graham Black, 19-year-old winger, Coda Gordon and 18-year-old defenceman, Dillon Heatherington. Add to that his ace-inthe-hole behind the mask. “Our goalie, Eetu Laurikainen, is one of the best goalies in the league, so we have a lot of the pieces we need coming back.”

During last season’s first round of the playoffs, the Broncos bowed 4-1 to the Calgary Hitmen. Only six goals were the difference in those four losses — two in overtime. Lamb sees that experience as a reason his returnees have come back stronger, faster and mission-ready.

Returning to help Lamb lead that mission are assistant coaches, Darren Evjen and Jamie Heward, and when those three heads are put together, the hockey — and life — experience can’t be calculated.

“They both have a lot to add, and not just on the ice, but off the ice too,” says Lamb.

Evjen has coached at the Midget AAA, SJHL and WHL levels and is also a schoolteacher, which helps keep the players’ academics on track. Heward played 18 years of professional hockey after his WHL career and is also responsible for player development.

Lamb played with the Oilers’ organization during the maelstrom that was “The Trade” and went on to win the Stanley Cup with the team without Wayne Gretzky in 1990. He was with six NHL teams for 403 games and was assistant coach for the Oilers and Dallas Stars before joining the Broncos in 2009.

So, it’s safe to say the Broncos brain trust knows hockey. The trio has seen every way a puck can bounce in this crazy game we all love so much. “It’s a lot of hard work, and there’s a lot of stress involved, that’s the hockey business,

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and especially the coaching business,” says Lamb. “But we love dealing with the kids and trying to help them reach their goals. And we love how they’re so willing to take the knowledge and try to apply it in practice. It’s really gratifying when you see a kid that really wants to learn and improves over the years. From what I’ve seen, I think we’re going to have a real good squad this year.”

Broncos’ fans can look forward to a fun, new promotion for the 2013-14 season.

Saturday Night Sellouts consists of four Saturday home games during the regular season, with major prizes given away each night to one lucky fan. The games are Oct. 5 versus the Prince Albert Raiders, when a Disneyland trip will be given away; Nov. 2 versus the Saskatoon Blades when a $2,000 Shopping Spree is on the line; Jan. 18, 2014 versus the Kootenay Ice when someone will walk away with $2 from every seat sold,

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up $5,740; and March 1 versus the Lethbridge Hurricanes, when a $32,000 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe Pony Edition will grace the garage of one lucky Broncos fan.

“Last year, we were close to selling out our home opener and we did have a sell-out for the last game of the regular season,” says Dianne Sletten, assistant general manager of business operations. “We want to create that atmosphere at more games this season, and thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we think we will be able to achieve that with this exciting promotion.” FLSW Swift Current Broncos 2001 Chaplin Street East 306.773.1509 s.c.broncos@sasktel.net www.scbroncos.com ABOVE right Mark Lamb right Dianne Sletten

Trip Giveaway Christmas Shopping Spree Pack the ‘Plex Car Giveaway

Al Ford “Mr. Versatile” Running back, tight end, wide receiver, defensive back, punter and kick returner, 1966 Grey Cup

Roughriders 2013:

Bob Poley “Polecat” Offensive lineman, 1989 Grey Cup

Carrying the Grey Cup Formula

By Paul Sinkewicz PHOTOS courteSy of SaSkatchewan roughriderS

Chris Szarka “Canuck Truck” Fullback, 2007 Grey Cup

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Three former Roughriders offer their unique perspective on the 2013 team, which set a torrid pace to start the season and look to have all the ingredients to make a run for the Grey Cup. Each represents one of only three championship Riders teams: Al Ford (1966), Bob Poley (1989) and Chris Szarka (2007). They share their thoughts on the current season, and compare it to their own championship experience.

Corey Chamblin, head coach

F

ormer Roughriders player Alan Ford knows something about the alchemy that must come together to create a championship CFL team.

Between 1965 and 1976, he was on five squads that made it to the Grey Cup game, but the stars aligned for him only once. Along with legends like Ron Lancaster and George Reed, he hoisted the silver mug in 1966, securing Saskatchewan’s first title, but never again. Ford sees similarities between his 1966 team and the 2013 incarnation of the Roughriders.

“What I’ve noticed is the way head coach Corey Chamblin talks about his team and the togetherness of the team,” says Ford. “Back in 1966, that was the same theory that Eagle Keys used too — that we needed to do things together outside of practice. I would say 75 per cent of the team had their permanent home in

Saskatchewan back then, and I think that togetherness during the offseason helps you build your team.”

Chamblin’s “team-first” approach seems to be paying dividends, as the Riders rocketed out to the best start in club history, and star running back Kory Sheets followed his posse of bodyguards on the offensive line to a torrid start that drew comparisons to hall-of-famer Mike Pringle.

Bob Poley and Chris Szarka also brought glory to Rider Nation, in 1989 and 2007 respectively, and agree this year seems special, thanks to the blend of personalities and team cohesiveness.

“I think we also had a great mix on our team,” says Poley. “There were no huge stars. Kent Austin had only been in the league a few years, and the same with Tom Burgess. We all believed in each other and that took us to our goal.”

Szarka’s experience in 2007 was similar: “We were such a tight-knit group. We were together in every aspect and we always celebrated everybody’s success because it meant we were all going to be successful. This year’s team also seems to have a lot of confidence in each other.”

Having something to prove may be a part of the winning formula. In 1966, Ron Lancaster was a talented, but unproven, quarterback with a chip on his shoulder after being sent west by Ottawa. He was struggling to earn credibility with a team that had never won. “I think Ronnie’s whole career was about proving something, because he was undersized for a quarterback, so nobody gave him a chance that he could be a regular starting quarterback,” says Ford.

Darian Durant is looking to erase the memory of Grey Cup losses in 2009 and 2010, and secure his place in

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Roughriders history with a win in the big game. Likewise, Sheets attacked the 2013 season stinging from the lack of appropriate respect he received after his rookie season, when he finished only 180 yards behind league leader Jon Cornish, but largely escaped the spotlight due to the Riders’ 8-10 record.

Szarka says that burning desire to prove something fuelled him and guys like Andy Fantuz, Scott Schultz and Eddie Davis on the 2007 team.

“They were all great personalities around the locker room. All of our veterans were. A lot of us had been through a lot of struggling years in Saskatchewan,” says Szarka.

That sense of pride carried over to special teams, which the former Canadian fullback says was one of the factors that led to success. He thinks the same thing may be in evidence on the 2013 team.

“On our squad, it was the first time in a long time that guys took pride in being on special teams. Even the starters that played on special teams took pride in what they did. What I see so far from the Riders nowadays is that same kind of

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intensity. Special teams is all about effort more than skill, and I see those guys making those same kinds of efforts.” With the likes of Levi Steinhauer, Paul Woldu and Graig Newman sacrificing their bodies to limit returns, the Riders can boast some of the best special teams in the league.

Poley also knows by the weighty ring on his fingers how special teams can turn the tide. “These guys are doing a phenomenal job. In 1989, we had great cover guys like Dan Rashovich and Glen Suitor, and that’s what you need to win.

Of course, we had a great kicker in Dave Ridgway and a fine punter in Terry Baker, and that helps a team so much. Milo is much the same as Ridgway — the kid doesn’t miss too many.”

One huge intangible for the current edition of the Riders is the pressure they face as the hosts of the Grey Cup game.

Ford, Poley and Szarka agree the screws will be tightening on the team as playoffs loom, but once they’ve protected their home locker room from the threat of interlopers, the Grey Cup game will take care of itself.

“I always felt the pressure was getting to the Grey Cup,” says Ford.

“Once you finish with the Western Final, when you get to the Grey Cup there wasn’t as much pressure as there was getting there.”

How the Riders handle adversity, be it through injuries or tough losses, will likely play the biggest role in their success or failure. “We had the same type of squad,” says Szarka. “In 2007, we did a lot of coming from behind in the fourth quarter. We never really felt like were out of it. That year we did some good things, but we had some stumbling moments too, and I think that made us stronger and mentally tougher.

I see that same kind of presence from this team.” FLSW

Third Time’s a Charm:

Grey Cup 101 Organizers Build on Past Hosting

By Paul Sinkewicz PHOTOS courteSy of SaSkatchewan roughriderS

Obviously Neil Donnelly has been doing something right. The executive director of Grey Cup 101 in Regina is in the “catbird seat” with the Saskatchewan Roughriders exploding for their best-ever record in the first half of a season, and ramping up the Grey Cup heat in a football-crazed province always on a rolling boil. Sold out since July and hotels booked up, Grey Cup 101 promises to inject significant dollars and spirit into the local economy.

Neil Donnelly, executive director of Grey Cup 101

E

verything planned for this year’s Grey Cup Festival, which runs Nov. 20 to 24 in Regina, is predicated on lessons learned in 1995 and 2003, when the city last hosted the CFL championship. Donnelly was a volunteer at both. “Because of the experience at that 2003 game, we’ve done some things differently. Our seating structure is not as high as it was, and there’s wrapping going around the outside of the temporary stands to cut down on the wind that can penetrate from below. So, we are learning from some of the experiences we had to make the experience that much better for people this time around.”

While 52,000 fans watched the 1995 game live, and almost 51,000 fans in 2003, seating for 2013 was capped at 45,000 to make sure the fan experience will be better than ever. Organizers also

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made sure the seating was fully in place in time for the Labour Day game to allow them to work out bugs and ensure high service levels.

Donnelly said organizers took some risks this year in the Grey Cup 101 festival in doing a few different things, as a result of knowing how it had run in the past.

Evraz Place is hosting nightly concerts at Brandt Centre, as well as all the team parties.

One of the biggest changes, from a festival perspective, will be the single pass to gain access to all the individual team hospitality rooms. Called the Crescent Point Energy Zone, all the traditional team parties will be under one roof at Cooperator’s Centre at Evraz Place. So if the line is too long at Riderville, fans can easily swing by the Lion’s Den venue for example, or take in Touchdown Manitoba or Tiger Town.

“When our committee went out to Toronto this past year, line-ups were mentioned by fans a number of times,” says Donnelly. “There were long lines

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in 2003 to get into Riderville, and, quite frankly, the other parties weren’t as successful. We wanted something that would allow people to go into other teams’ parties, rather than standing in line at Riderville without having to pay additional pricing.”

for three prizes totalling $100,000 for health and wellness initiatives. An education supplement, prepared by professional educators, was sent to all schools in province, and provides a learning opportunity for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Donnelly says that given the Team Party Pass sales so far, it’s sure to be a success.

Donnelly says these initiatives are just another way to engage the province, and he’s hoping they will also spur school rallies and local Roughrider spirit days.

“Once these things start to happen, they take on a life of their own and then we’ll see things popping up across the province for sure.”

Downtown Regina will be the other hub of Grey Cup 101 activity, with the Telus Street Festival, the Nissan Family Zone and the Mosaic Underground Tent at City Square plaza. On top of Canadian music celebrities like Serena Ryder and the Sheepdogs performing at the game, Grey Cup 101 will be bursting with entertainment.

The theme — Celebration in Rider Nation 2013 — is a nod to the provincewide support the team enjoys.

Organizers have made a concerted effort to spread the festivities around.

The Richardson Pioneer Rider Nation Community Celebration attracted entries from 29 communities vying

The organizing committee is also sponsoring a competition to dress up neighbourhoods, homes and businesses for Grey Cup 101. “This will be a great way for people to show their pride and their spirit for the event.” FLSW

SECOND ROW MIDDLE PHOTO Jim Hopson, Riders president & CEO

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Beneath the SkieS of CypreSS hillS: the 17th annual Saskatchewan Summer Star party

By Rebecca SchneideReit Photos couRteSy Jeff Swick

A

ugust 8 to 11 marked 2013’s Saskatchewan Summer Star Party (SSSP), held courtesy of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s (RASC) Regina and Saskatoon Centres. For the 17th year, stargazers from across the continent converged at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park to drink in the Big Dipper, admire Cassiopeia and pinpoint Polaris — plus listen to lectures, sign up for workshops and socialize.

“In some ways, it’s like a family reunion, because you know many of the people,” says Barb Wright, 2013’s SSSP chairperson. “Once a year, that’s when you see them.” This year’s SSSP featured speakers including Erica Bird and Jennifer Newman; photography workshops by Alan Dyer and Tenho Tuomi; plus stargazing binocular walks, a barbeque and banquet and more.

An annual astronomical art display was also presented. The art show was added thanks to popular demand, notes Wright. “A lot of the wives of astronomers were quilters… we decided to start displaying some of these quilts, because they were often astronomyrelated… it grew from there.” These days, the art displayed ranges from cross-stich to astrophotography.

that they’ve special there.”

got

something

very

The SSSP, Petriew says, is an ideal spot for astronomers of all ages and levels of experience to scan the heavens: it’s “a great window to the universe for anyone that has an interest in the night sky,” he says. Furthermore, Petriew notes, Cypress Hills offers plenty of earthbound entertainments. “You can do fishing or horseback riding or golfing — all kinds of different things… the [SSSP] schedule is not jam-packed. It’s very relaxed to allow time to enjoy the park’s activities.”

Cypress Hills has been the SSSP’s home since the gathering’s 1997 inception.

“It’s the highest elevation between the Rockies and Labrador, and there aren’t any big centres around it, so light pollution is quite minimal,” explains Wright. “Because of the elevation, there’s less atmosphere to look through.”

While the SSSP’s pace is leisurely, the party is still the site of learning and even momentous discovery. One “Friday night/Saturday morning” at 2001’s SSSP, Petriew says, he was stargazing solo when he noticed something strange in his telescope. “My friend Richard Huziak from Saskatoon stopped by and said, ‘hey, what are you looking at?’ I said, ‘well, I’m actually looking at something, but I don’t know what.’ ” Huziak and Petriew quickly guessed that the strange object was a comet; a previously unknown solar body — now named Comet Petriew — had been discovered.

The park has embraced its status as a stargazers’ sanctuary: a dark-sky preserve since 2004, Cypress Hills maintains an observatory and resident astronomer, as well as welcoming the SSSP yearly. “The park sets aside one of the campground areas just for us,” effuses Wright. “There are no street lights. All of the lights are shut off.”

Astronomer and SSSP veteran Vance Petriew agrees. “The park really is so supportive,” he says. “They’ve realized

The SSSP entertains hundreds of guests yearly; however, it remains a labour of love on the part of Regina and Saskatoon RASC volunteers. “Without them… an event like [the SSSP] wouldn’t happen,” says Petriew. But the stars glittering from Cypress Hills’ skies make the work worth it. “There’s so much to see. There are galaxies and nebula, and constellations to pick out, and the stories behind the constellations,” says Wright. “The sky is so fascinating.” FLSW

opposite The Milky Way top to BottoM Daytime at SSSP; the observatory; all types of telescopes show up at SSSP

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of Spirits the Trail Brings Cypress Hills' History to Life

By Rebecca SchneideReit

J

ames Walsh and Sitting Bull, horses and wagons — in July 2013, Cypress Hills’ history lived and breathed in Burning Sun Productions’ Spirits of the Trail (directed by Philip Adams).

Playwright Ken Mitchell’s open-air odyssey into the past visited seven communities over the summer, reenacting the 1870s alliance between the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) and Sioux seeking refuge in Canada after the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

“It goes back quite a ways,” Mitchell says of Spirits of the Trail. The first version of the script, then entitled The Medicine Line, was penned for a 1974 CBC radio production. “I rewrote it as a stage play… and it won a provincial competition,” Mitchell says. “It just kept developing… there’s been about 12 or 15 drafts of it, probably, completed over the years.”

A successful 2008 production of The Medicine Line in Moose Jaw spurred the creation of Spirits of the Trail, a condensed, portable version of the play.

Spirits of the Trail, like The Medicine Line, depicts NWMP Inspector James Walsh — who lent his name to Fort Walsh — as he encounters and befriends Sioux leader, Sitting Bull. “The play begins with the

arrival of the Sioux, crossing the border, and ends with Walsh… finding out that Sitting Bull has been shot to death in the United States,” says Mitchell. In the interim, audiences witness budding romance, chases on horseback, dramatic farewells — all based on history. “We try to stay to absolute historical accuracy.

We call it a ‘real west’ show.”

Mitchell acknowledges, however, that Spirits of the Trail is entertainment, not “a historical record.” One climactic moment — Sitting Bull’s horse reacting to his death, miles away — is based on local legend: “According to Mounted Police folklore… at the moment when he [Sitting Bull] was shot in South Dakota, this horse cried out… a horse that he’d left with the North-West Mounted Police,” Mitchell says. In Spirits of the Trail, that tale is dramatized as a spotlit horse rears and whinnies. “We have a good wrangler who trains horses to do these kinds of things.”

Mitchell sees the story of the relationship between the NWMP and the Sioux as a vital chapter of the local historical narrative. “We had a very different frontier culture in Canada than they did in the United States… I felt we had

to celebrate that difference,” Mitchell says. And although Mitchell has been tinkering with The Medicine Line and Spirits of the Trail for decades, he’s not ready to leave the story yet. “It’s been, already, about 40 years in development, and it may take 40 more to get there.”

Mitchell hopes that The Medicine Line’s next incarnation will be an annual production in Moose Jaw’s onetime Wild Animal Park — part of a larger plan to invest the park with new life.

“Our aim is to reclaim it and develop it as a heritage park,” says Mitchell. “Bring back the buffalo… and do this production every year as a tribute to the past.” In many areas, such regional productions have proved viable tourist attractions.

“There are probably about 50 or 60 of these outdoor theatre productions across the United States, all celebrating historical incidents in their past, and as far as I know, we don’t have a single one in Canada,” says Mitchell. “I want to change that.” FLSW FACING PAGE Pageant along trail to Beaver Creek TOP LEFT Characters Bull, Raven and Walsh at Council BOTTOM LEFT Characters Leveille, Clayton and Walsh at Fort Walsh TOP RIGHT L–R Mitchell and Matsalla take a break at Fort Qu'Appelle

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ABOVE L–R Morgan Ries; Taylor Harder; Damon Koebel; Garry Koebel, owner; Kristen Simonson, owner; Olivia Koebel

Discover Timeless Toys aT spuTTergoTch

By Courtney tait phoTos Corla rokoChy

W

here can you find a lifesized stuffed moose, more than 125 brands of toys, books and games, and a stockpile of vintage candy?

Welcome to The Sputtergotch Toy Company, owned by husband and wife team, Garry Koebel and Kristen Simonson. The store specializes in high-quality, safe and affordable toys aimed at facilitating a creative and educational experience for kids. Opened in 2011, Sputtergotch

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features more than 3,000 products, with new brands and items continually added to the selection. “Kids are starstruck when they come in,” says Koebel.

“People often say they can’t believe there’s a shop like this in Swift Current.”

A former investment advisor, Koebel was inspired to open Sputtergotch after he and Simonson felt challenged finding unique toys for their kids. “We were frustrated with the lack of variety and quality of children’s play things,” says

Koebel. “The big-box variety, massproduced toys lacked the creativity and play value we wanted.”

The duo spent two years researching the market, a process that included a toystore tour of western Canada. “We came across companies a lot of people hadn’t heard of, with toys that weren’t massproduced,” says Koebel. “They have an educational component or encompass a child’s creativity.” Sputtergotch features North American and European brands,

many with an ecological component, and always with a solid safety record.

The toy industry can be considered on a spectrum, with electronics at one end and classic toys like the slinky at the other. You won’t find video games at Sputtergotch, as the business focuses largely on play things that take kids away from the TV and game boxes. Encouraging exploration, interaction and creativity, they offer a board game selection of close to 250 titles, Lego products and other construction toys, science-related kits, arts and crafts, and a book section.

With several other departments including dolls, vehicles, puzzles, dress-up, toddler toys and scooters/ balance bikes, there is something for just about everyone. And yes, they even carry slinkies.

Often referred to as the birthday headquarters, Sputtergotch is a mustvisit destination for kids’ birthdays and holidays. Parents, grandparents and kids can venture to the store on family excursions, finding play items for newborns to pre-teens and even for “big kid” adults, with model kits, snow fort building gear, and remotecontrol helicopters available. The staff specializes in helping customers match the right gift to the child.

The store’s vintage candy section features old-fashioned candy, taking Sputtergotch’s sweet-toothed customers back in time. And the name? It was sparked by the owners’ twins, who always pronounced their favourite dessert — butterscotch pudding — as “sputtergotch.” Koebel explains that “we wanted a name that was memorable

and encompasses of childhood.”

the

innocence

Sputtergotch has contributed more than $14,000 to the Swift Current community through donations, sponsorships and door prizes for multiple organizations and events. In 2012, the business was featured in Today’s Parent magazine as one of the top independent stores in Canada. Their role as a neighbourhood toy store is important to Koebel and Simonson. “We love kids,” he says, “and we really enjoy the interaction with families. It’s a happy experience. We want our customers’ experience to be a good one, and we enjoy creating that.” FLR The Sputtergotch Toy Company 113A Central Avenue North 306.773.8697 www.sputtergotchtoys.com |

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Choosing ExtErior Doors

By Shell BuSey

I

know a number of homeowners today are choosing to upgrade their front entrances.

Replacing old doors not only improves the look of your home both inside and outside, but it makes it more energy efficient as well. Entry doors can be a prominent focal point, making it worthwhile to update old entrance doors to enhance curb appeal, as well as to improve energy efficiency and minimize required maintenance.

An entrance door is any door that exits to the outside from the home or allows access inside the home. An entrance door does not have to be the front door: it could also be a side door, patio door or garage door.

Well folks, you have to be careful what you buy, especially with respect to security, door quality and energy efficiency of the new door. There are many choices available when purchasing entrance doors, but you must seek out the best value within your budget: good, better, best. Here are some guidelines to follow: • Wood doors come in a variety of different styles, such as solid wood, plywood-faced and hollow doors.

Wood doors look great, but do require the most maintenance of all doors types. Make sure the wood door is professionally finished to maximize its life span. Keep in mind that you may have to strip, sand and re-stain the door every few years, depending on how it is affected by the elements.

• Metal-insulated doors are another common choice for entrances. When selecting a metal door, there are many grades available. However, they do look very similar to one another so it can be confusing to tell them apart. I recommend that you pick the door up so you will feel the weight difference between the different qualities of metal doors.

• Fibreglass-insulated doors are very popular and I think they give you the best bang for your buck. They are durable, can be stained or painted and are insulated. These doors are available in a wood-grain finish that offers the appearance of real wood, but will never rot, making the doors maintenance-friendly.

• The best door frames are: a composite frame with a composite sill, and aluminum clad with a built-in drainage system.

• If you’re putting glass in the door, make sure it’s safely glass. In some cases you will be advised to use high-quality laminated glass in sidelights (glass beside entrance) for security reasons.

•

You have two choices with how your door opens: in-swing and out-swing. Most doors today are in-swing, meaning they swing in to the inside of your home. If you do have an outswing entrance door, make sure you have security pins in the door hinges to stop an intruder from removing the hinge

pins and removing the door. Note: out-swinging doors can add security because breaking the door inwards is very difficult.

• There are many different options of door hardware you can choose, available in different finishes such as: brass, brushed nickel and antique. However, do not forget to address the security performance of new hardware; consider a threepoint locking system with locking bolts at the bottom, middle and top of the door.

When considering a replacement entrance door system, be sure to keep these features in mind: security, maintenance and energy efficiency.

For more home-improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s Ask Shell Coffee Break go to www.

AskShell.com. FLSW

Quality Furniture, Appliances and Electronics After 37 years, it seems like not much has changed at Fine Furniture Oasis. Sure, the floral crushed velvet sofas are gone, but the coffee is still on and the welcome mat is always out. Murray Wiens still owns and operates the 15,000 sq. ft. whole-home shopping experience, along with his daughter, Melanie, providing the same exceptional service and hometown feel that Swift Current and area shoppers have come to expect.

Whether you want an accent piece or a whole-home makeover, their friendly knowledgeable staff will make your vision a reality. Special orders are always welcome, but with 11,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, their courteous and efficient delivery staff can quickly deliver and set up your purchase. Out of town? Don’t fret; they regularly deliver within a 150 kilometer radius.

Showcasing brands such as Ashley, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, Toshiba, DeFehr, Winner’s Only, Dimplex, Sealy, Serta and customizable Canadian-made options Palliser and Makowood.

Selection, value, service: Fine Furniture Oasis is still the “Furnish More Store.”

Fine Furniture OAsis 145 - 2nd Ave N.W., Swift Current 306.773.2824 www.finefurnitureoasis.ca

FrOnt tO bAck L-r Melanie Ross, Diane Clark, Katie Suttill, Murray Wiens, Josh Dusseault, Shawn Hyde, Shelby Brooks, Darlene Price, John Rohas, Evan Lyste missing John Gonzales

over 10,000 lb. to 51/2 inch piles that can support more than 40 tons each, if necessary. Soil strength is critical to any design with piling and there are huge applications for these types of foundations. Other piling options require massive pieces of specialized equipment, lots of manpower and lots of space. Concrete piles, for example, require drill trucks, labour to assemble rebar and cement trucks. After all that, concrete needs time to cure and the project usually entails another round of concrete to construct pile caps or grade beams. Steel screw piles can have steel pile caps welded in place immediately after they The are building installed,inspector and a building informs him that To keep this project moving, a few can literallya be moved into position basic thickened edge the slab will not phone calls are made, and an engineer same day. satisfy the building code, and a challenge is hired to help. The owner wants the is born. Here is what contractors and lowest cost foundation possible to fit When we homeowners bought our need first to excavator know: the building package he purchased in 2007, piling was not even a last week. At the design stage, the 9.35 of thewanted National Building consideration.• Section Customers owner and contractor can hopefully Code (NBC) states that small design-build water and sewer systems appreciate some of the decisions that single-storey garages less constructed to keep up to thedetached growth of are needed to properly construct a than 55soon sq. m can bethat supported on their community.

We learned suitable garage foundation for that wood mud sills,for as many long as they are one of the next bottlenecks specific site. The following items need constructed masonry. customers wasnot piling servicesofto get to be addressed: Erroll Castle, P.Eng. their foundations started.

Since these • 55 sq. m is 592 sq. ft., which equates Erroll Castle • What is the soil and drainage like needed to be engineered was a However, to a 22 ft.asx well, 27 ft.itgarage.

Castle Design Services Ltd. for that location? Is it an expansive logical addition to the list of services we Castle Design Services your 26 ft. x 28 ft. garage totals 728 Swift CurrentLtd clay that will shift and heave with could provide.

P.O. Box 1572, Swift Current sq. ft., and that “rings a bell” for 306.774.8168 seasonal moisture and frost?

P: 306.774.8168 | F: 306.778.2570 the inspector. Buildings larger than f: 306.778.2570 Castle’s niche market has taken onfoundations a new erroll@cdinspec.com 592 sq. ft. require to be • How high is the groundwater table? erroll@cdinspec.com level with the demand in housing so highstandard. constructed to a higher • What materials and equipment does that developers have hired on for the full the contractor have access to? (gravel, range of engineering and construction The frustrated owner now has two piling drills, screw piles, compaction that can be handled by one individual. options to satisfy the inspector and get equipment or treated lumber) Some of the projects in planning stages his permit: currently include apartment buildings CASTLE • What is the largest expected load to • Option 1: follow Part 9 Section of the for Quest Developments in Humboldt, be stored in the garage?

NBC and construct his foundation condominium units for Crown West ith the huge amount of or and a Continental in accordingly, Swift Current Ultimately, money and resources will need very year it seems like construction activity in building new project •inOption Shaunavon.

Erroll 2: hire an will engineer to to be balanced between combinations of inspectors andin engineers get to Saskatchewan the be working with Lorena Magnuson design foundation and for his 26The ft. xhospitalcompacted fill, concrete entrance walkway in Swiftthickness, Current concrete teachthecontractors and owners last few years, demand for his team of investors and developers in 28 ft. garage. reinforcement is supportedstrength, on screw piles installed bysteel, Castle.screw piles, professional trades and engineers about garage foundationhas design. Shaunavon This to construct a multi-phased concrete piles, grade beam or thickened been incredible.

Castle, P.Eng., summerErroll has been no different.

Section on 9.125thof Avenue. the NBC housing complex Thestates that edge slab options. A detail for a thickened a farm boy and civil engineer from foundations for like non-heated need critical piece in projects this willstructures be Chelsea Green on very Southwell Railway edgeproject slab may be possible, but A typical projectmainly goesonsomething south of Webb, is focusing to be at leastdeep four feet deep and than to deliver on designs, services andnot lessin Swift Current.

Castle attention needshas to provided be given ato the base like components this. A fellow a architectural of wants projectsto build depth ofthat frost penetration. planning inthe a budget can be lockedHistorically, general runbelow of engineering, the floor andinspections, the rebar in it. Shortcuts detached, two-car garageand on a simple and their foundations.

Erroll owns ourconstruction frost depth begins. levels vary from four to down before When foundation pilingleave andan unhappy atdesigns, the designscrew stage may operates aslab-on-grade screw piling service concretewhich foundation.multi-skilled He seven feet, so now this is starting towater look and owner contractors can commit to sewerwith construction services unwanted cracks or settlement provides allbuys the anecessary standard engineering 26 ft. x 28 ft. garage like an expensive project. a range of services, schedules and Recall costs,that this foris aCrownissues West Continental. in the years to come.Erroll FLSW and equipment helpthecustomers packagetofrom local lumber store garage.to Attached on the projects aredetached always going be easiergarages, for understands the costs, the permitting with foundation piling.

Screw topiles and lines up a friend do the work. other hand,with. require very specific support Castle engineering,and screw piling and the investors to work process, theErroll needs ofprovides the customers, are basically Next,aheheavy appliesduty for a screw building permit and connection details with the househas anda greatbuilding clients throughout rapportinspection with theservices other to trades constructed from a heavy Lyle McDonnough, president Crown and figures life ispipe good.with a will cost more moneyof to construct. on location.southwest Saskatchewan. helix welded near the bottom end.

West Continental Group from Vancouver, B.C. has been working closely with You can count on Castle Design & Erroll with developments in Southwest Most piles that Castle installs range Marketing Services Ltd. Contact Saskatchewan, and specifically the FineLifestyles Southwest Sask 51 from 3 inch piles capable of carrying us today. FLSW

What Does The Building EXPERT Advice Code Say About Garage Foundations?

Screw Piling Offers Advantages for Foundations

WE

The SofTer Side

B

udget Blinds is excited to launch the “softer side� of the business – Inspired Drapes. They are experts in the area of window coverings, period: from blinds to drapery, they cover it all.

They offer exclusivity at the right price, bringing selection to your home for a smooth and easy shopping process.

to use more. These simple rules can ensure success when mixing patterns or prints in a room.

There is a growing trend to mix unique patterns and fabrics. Many homeowners find items such as a printed rug, printed couch or the dreaded printed bedspread, all in contrast to each other. And what is their first reaction? This place needs more solids! Sometimes solid colours are the best option, but additional prints can balance the room. If planned carefully, three patterns can work well together. With practice, you can learn

Pattern 2

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Pattern 1 Consider this carefully: it will be your largest scale print, making the strongest statement in the room.

Select a very different pattern that is half the size of the first pattern. If your first pattern is a large floral, for instance, then your second pattern could be a plaid or geometric shape that shares some of the same colours of your first pattern.

Pattern 3 The third pattern can be similar to either of the other patterns and use two or three of the colors found in those other patterns. For instance, a smaller floral print would work well with your larger floral or plaid pattern.

Pattern 4 If you choose to combine more than three patterns, think about using a tiny check.

A small-scale printed texture could also work as a complementary pattern.

Call for your free drapery consultation.

October is Inspired Drapes month, and Budget Blinds is offering 20% off your entire order of curtains, pillows and accessories.

BudgeT BlindS iS offering free CordleSS opTion for oCToBer

G

oing cordless” is a trend across several industries, but the movement in window coverings is not just about modern style and convenience. It is an issue of safety for homes with small children. Budget Blinds® wants to help parents understand the options available that promote safety and consumer education.

view dangling cords as playthings.

Each year, entanglement by window cords is a serious danger that can cause injury to small children or maybe even death.

Some styles of traditional corded window coverings pose a tempting hazard to infants and toddlers who

Choose Safer Window Coverings

“

There are simple yet critical steps parents can take to increase the safety in their homes.

Budget Blinds® recommends cordless treatments for homes where small children or pets live or frequently visit.

Cordless options include: • Shutters offer a classic and inherently cordless window covering option.

• Motorized shades can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button using a battery-operated remote control.

Budget Blinds of Moose Jaw/Swift Current is owned and operated by Jennifer Forrester. The company proudly provides window coverings to local homeowners and businesses, offering complimentary in-home consultations, professional measuring and precise installation services. Budget Blinds only partners with the most reputable vendors to offer a rich selection of quality window coverings that include shutters, blinds, draperies and shades. The company has been recognized as a leader in the franchise industry by organizations such as Entrepreneur, AllBusiness, Inc. and Franchise Business Review, and has been featured on Undercover Boss.

Call us today for a complimentary inhome consultation and receive free cordless upgrades for the month of October! FLSW

• Cordless cellular shades are a sleek and modern option, cordless cellular shades can be easily raised and lowered with one hand.

Budget Blinds Swift Current 306.773.7851

Jennifer Forrester, owner; Photo by John Morrell FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

53

Watch for our neW Lighting Lines anD st. genÉve BeD Linens arriving this faLL.

Sentiments Design Centre also provides design consulting services for both residential and commercial clients in Southwest Sask.

Share Ideas‌ Create Interest‌ Inspire Change 12-330 Central Ave N Swift Current | 306.773.6015 sentiments@sasktel.net | Like Us on Facebook

Kelsey Grose, CID Certified Interior Decorator sentimentsdesign@sasktel.net

Elsie Holderbein Proprietor & Consultant sentiments@sasktel.net

L–R Scott Forsyth (showroom consultant), Marilyn Day (showroom manager), Tracy Lewgood (showroom consultant), Mattea Felske (showroom consultant)

Inspiring… The Ensuite… where design dreams become a reality!

Visit us at our New Showroom: 678 Cornwall Street, Regina | 306-352-3626 | www.emcomw.ca monday–wednesday 9:30–6:00, thursday 9:30–8:00, friday 9:30–6:00, saturday 9:30–3:30

Join a great team!

We are expanding and looking for sales staff, editors, writers, designers and more.

If you have what it takes to work in the dynamic publishing industry, we’d love to hear from you: info@finelifestyles.ca

Good bug, Bad bug

By Ken Beattie

There is nothing quite like the changing of seasons, is there? oh yes, we have complained about the mosquitoes and black flies to start with, then on to the other pestilence of spring, followed by an outburst of disrespect for cankerworms, caterpillars and most sixlegged beasties in the summer.

the math considering all the personal effort, time and expense that goes into battling such a small percentages of garden enemies. What is more alarming, and oddly enough not realized by many, is that use of a control product is nonselective. Simply said, a control product applied to reduce or eliminate an insect population does not discriminate between good and detrimental insects — all are affected.

T

he odd aphid, thrip, lily beetle and the rest of the bug guild typically saunter into the late season, just to test our patience. To me, autumn is a somewhat more restful season — at least from the various plagues of the garden and landscape.

To put things into perspective: of all the insects that haunt your garden in Canada, only three per cent or so are considered detrimental. Maybe you would like to do

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You may say, “But I use organic products, or plant-based products to control insects.” Indeed. No matter the source — synthetic or natural — the products still affect the beneficial as well as the intended insects in your garden. I bring this to your attention not to discourage the use of any control product, but rather to inform you that your urban habitat (the garden or landscape) is a living, breathing entity. Mother Nature is remarkably well versed in insect

population control, and if observed with little to no interference of control products, will manage the outcome.

Of course, you can intervene by using mechanical means when undesirable populations increase; however, you will need to understand and recognize the life cycles of the beneficial bugs in your region of Canada.

One of the most beneficial insects in your garden is the ladybug.

Their seemingly insatiable appetite for aphids (50 to 60 per day) is only upstaged by their “teenager” stage: eating continuously. What you may not realize is that ladybugs overwinter under garden detritus, leaves and the like in your garden. It makes good sense then (take note tidy gardeners) that you leave what falls on the garden in place until the spring warms the soil. This method of garden housekeeping will allow the ladybugs refuge for the winter, and also protect less hardy perennials from harsh weather.

Turf is another area of the landscape that can use a bit of care in autumn. Heavier soils supporting turf often require a fall aeration and topdressing of compost or similar organic matter. This process allows for nutrients to seep to root level and below, affording air and water into the heavy soils. The organic matter will help to loosen compaction and add valuable microbes to promote good soil health. Of course, the worms will love this organic matter that is full of treats for them as well; the more worms that you have in the soil, the better.

It is during the shortening days of fall that many of us turn to our self-imposed score card: how did the garden look this year, what will I improve next year, and are the bulbs on sale yet? This is actually one of the great wonders of the garden and the mantra of many a gardener — there is always next year.

As the manager of habitat programs with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, I encourage you to drop me a note if you need advice at kenb@cwf-fcf. org, or go directly to our website www.cwf-fcf.org. FLSW

Central Energy Services Servicing the Oil & Gas Industry: 15 Years and Growing One stop multi-service trailer for fire, medical and air • Aggregate Sales • Boiler Maintenance and Inspections • Boiler Units • Excavation • Hydro-Vac • Pressure Trucks

• Safety Certification Training • Safety Equipment Sales and Service • Safety Trailers and Supervision • Spill Washing • Steamers and Wash Trucks • Vac Trucks

The Central Energy Services Staff

210 Seventh Street, Gull Lake

•

306.672.4499 •

www.centralenergy.ca

Let’s Socialize: Adding SociAl MediA to Your MArketing Mix

By Brook thAlgott

W

ith one out of three companies saying that Facebook alone is essential to their business, according to Social Media Today, you know you need get in on social media. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some steps.

»

Develop a strategy and pick networks. What business are you in? Business to client (B2C)? Business to business (B2B)? Analyze your customers and how social media fits into what you’re already doing. Ask yourself where your customers are, how they use social media, and where you need to be. Once you’ve determined where your customers are in the social media landscape, it’s time to pick the place your business needs to be.

»

Generate content and set yourself up. Before you sign up, determine what you’re going to say and how often you’re going to say it. You’re going to need a steady stream of original content, as well as other content from sources that your audience will find useful and interesting. Start a list and keep adding to it as you grow. Be professional and make sure your page is attractive to your audience and reflects your brand. Keep in mind the simple things, like making sure your photos and logos are the correct size and that your contact information is correct.

»

Start socializing. Now that you’re set up, it’s time to unleash the content you’ve created. Determine a good schedule for posting, and follow it. Share your own content, and content from elsewhere. Not only does sharing content on social media give you exposure for your page, it can also increase traffic to you. Once you share on social media, those links are there to stay. As people share your content with their friends, more links come back into you.

An increase in links coming to your site means the higher up in search rankings you go.

»

Engage your audience and promote yourself. Start conversations; answer customer questions; be present online. As you build your presence and share your content, you’ll get to know what people like and what produces good reactions. Attracting followers requires more than just building a page. You have to tell people about it. Add your social media pages to your website and any traditional marketing that you do.

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»

Learn from it and keep going. The analytical tools provided by social media sites are invaluable – use the information you learn about your audience. Be patient. Good social media marketing takes time, and it pays off. As you build your presence, your followers will increase; you’ll see more traffic on your website. This will get your content in front of more people and some of these people will go on to become clients. FLSW

Brook Thalgott is a Regina-based writer and consultant.

Educated at the University of Regina, Simon Fraser University and BCIT, she has more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications and social media.

A Guide to Getting Started Facebook What’s Great About It With 700 million users, Facebook is a great place to get your feet wet and it’s good for many types of businesses.

How Do I Use It Update your status daily, post two new interesting business-related topics and like new pages weekly.

Ask people to comment, like, share and check-in.

Why Should I Use It After gaining 1,000 likes, the average company sees an 185 per cent increase in traffic and nearly 1,400 pages views a day.

PinTeresT What’s Great About It If your customers are mostly women, Pinterest is good for showcasing products. Retailers and artists do well here.

How Do I Use It Post your products and samples of your work.

Follow new boards and add new boards with 6+ pins weekly.

Why Should I Use It Recent reports suggest that buyers who come by Pinterest are 10 per cent more likely to buy, and spend 10 per cent more than those coming from other social sites, and 70 per cent more than those on a website.

TwiTTer What’s Great About It An excellent place to share content with savvy customers many times a day. A great place for businesses with lots to share every day – like restaurants and bakeries with daily features.

How Do I Use It Three tweets – business-related, promotional or fun/interesting – and retweet other content twice daily.

Follow new people every week.

Why Should I Use It Companies on Twitter double the amount of leads per month than those who don’t.

Linkedin What’s Great About It The place for the corporate – it’s a professional environment for networking, recruiting and sales.

How Do I Use It Update your profile and status.

Connect with new and follow new companies weekly.

Why Should I Use It One out of every two marketers have found a customer on LinkedIn in 2013.

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We Serve aS We Would WiSh to be Served PHOTOS BoBBi-Jo KnaKosKe

W

hen Dan Martens was in grade 10, he knew his calling was to help and serve people as a funeral director. It was in Swift Current Funeral Home’s current facility that Dan had his first tour of a funeral home, then owned by Mr. Jim Culham.

Swift Current and area was home to Dan and Nancy Martens and their families. When they moved to Nipawin, where Dan could start a career in fulltime funeral service and apprentice, his words were, “Someday, I want to own a funeral home in Swift Current.”

As entrepreneurs, Dan and Nancy have owned and operated Swift Current Funeral Home since 1998; the building itself is a century-old municipal heritage

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FineLifestyles

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site which has served the community as a funeral home since 1956. Dan notes, “This will be my 30th year in funeral service.”

Dan and Nancy’s son, Dominick, followed in his parents’ footsteps, graduating in 2007 as Dominick Martens, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Preneed Salesperson. He is an integral part of the business, bringing families a range of new and innovative ideas. Dominick has also spearheaded the updates and services available through the state-ofthe-art website, which contains helpful information on various topics, offers online condolences and video tributes.

This is crucial in keeping up with an everchanging digital trend.

It is their passion to honour life, ensuring that every person is entitled to a dignified final tribute. Families turn to them for compassionate, professional care and guidance while planning a loved one’s funeral. These families are often already struggling with loss, unable to think beyond the emotionally trying time. In addition, they are usually unfamiliar with the funeral-planning process. Therefore, families depend on Swift Current Funeral Home’s expertise and advice throughout the arrangement process. “Sometimes, offering a hug can mean more than words,” Nancy says. They provide families with various options and ideas to help them recognize the benefits of creating memorable, personalized life celebrations.

“The Calling of the Funeral Director is…

•

to be there when someone is in need

•

to be there no matter the time or conditions

•

to be there with words of comfort and genuine concern

•

to be there to give quiet guidance through the storm

•

to be there for the final tribute that honors life

… There is no higher privilege” — Doug Manning

“A key to success in our business is the ability to listen and just be yourself,” Dominick remarks. They feel that the combination of their skills and the staff’s diverse expertise make for a team that is professional, understanding, caring and willing to go above and beyond to assist families. “When families say ‘thank you,’ it goes beyond those two words,” Nancy comments. “It is intensely gratifying to know you have helped them through one of the most difficult times of their life.”

Through the years, Swift Current Funeral Home has added an aftercare program and assists families with ongoing support.

The home also prints its own celebrationof-life tributes and memorial stationery.

Possessing 60 years of combined funeral service, Dan, Nancy and Dominick have long-standing relationships with the families of the surrounding area.

All three agree, “We are going to continue to operate at a high level of personal service.” FLSW Swift Current Funeral Home 233 Lorne Street East Swift Current 306.773.8355 scfh@sasktel.net BACK ROW L–R Phil Henderson, John Wall, Alex Allan, Tim Ramage, Sylvia Martens FROnt ROW L–R, Dan Martens, Nancy Martens, Dominick Martens

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Did you know?

EXPERTAdvice Protecting your Property: Home, Tenant, Condo and Agro Insurance

Kevin Sutter, CIP Dickson Agencies 105 Central Avenue North Swift Current 306.773.0624 www.dicksonagencies.ca

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t Dickson Agencies we can provide coverage for all your home, condo, tenant or agro needs. We offer the following discounts on these products: • • • • • • • • •

Age/Loyalty Mortgage Free Above 3rd Floor Life Lease New Home Claims Free Security Higher Deductible Electronic Water Shut Off

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• If you are away from your premises for more than 10 consecutive days during the normal heating season you must do one of the following three things: • Shut off the water supply and drain all the pipes, attached fixtures and appliances • Have a reliable person check your home daily • Have your dwelling electronically monitored 24 hours per day by a company that monitors and responds to a low temperature signal.

• If your home becomes vacant or rented to others, you must notify us.

• Loss or damage to your home, outbuildings or belongings caused by a wood burning stove or fireplace insert is not covered unless inspected and approved by the insurance company.

• Your policy may extend to cover your unmarried student(s) while attending school and residing away from your dwelling.

• Some kinds of belongings and property have specific amounts of protection such as jewellery, bicycles and coin collections.

Liability • You must add liability coverage for additional exposures such as incidental business pursuits, motor boats over 25 hp, jet-propulsion personal watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles.

• Your home liability coverage extends to a place you live for a short time, but do not own. For example, a hotel or motel room.

Special Events • Host liquor liability for events such as weddings and anniversaries.

Agro Paks • Provides protection for your farming and ranching operations.

• We can customize a single package tailored to your needs, eliminating separate policies for your dwelling(s), belongings, livestock, buildings and contents, machinery, tools, grain, fodder, fertilizer, liability and more.

• Coverage can be purchased for damage

due to fire, lightning, windstorm or hail, vandalism and many other perils.

There are a number of options you can choose from to enhance your coverage:

Homeowner’s Guarantee • When you qualify for this option, the insurance company will guarantee repair or replacement of your dwelling on its original site with materials of the same type and quality — even if it costs more than the amount of your coverage.

Increased Limits • With this option, your single amount of protection is automatically increased to one-and-a-half times the amount that your home is insured for.

Watercraft and All-Terrain Vehicles • Add coverage for most boats, motors or jet-propulsion personal watercrafts and all-terrain vehicles you own.

Seasonal Dwelling • Get protection for your seasonal dwelling and belongings.

Farm Property Advantage • Covers your farm buildings contents, tools, tack equipment, miscellaneous farm property, debris removal, and voluntary firefighting insurance needs in one complete package and on a replacement cost basis.

Farm Produce Advantage • Provides protection for all your grain, produce, fodder, fertilizer and chemical insurance needs in one convenient package. FLSW Follow us on Twitter @DicksonAgencies

l-R Karen Bye, Chris Bye, Jeff Mittelholtz

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Improving Saskatchewan ONE TRUCK LOAD AT A TIME

Serving the oilfield since 1997, Dynamic Resources Ltd. can handle all of your waste management needs with fast, friendly service and a community-minded approach.

Dynamic Resources Ltd. provides much more than oilfielddriven service; the company can take on residential, industrial and construction services. The group offers specially designed bins, including one that has been developed to perfectly suit the needs of the oilfield. This bin has self-contained sections for used oil, glycol, oil filters and rags, allowing the products to be properly recycled.

Another unique product provided by Dynamic Resources is their MONSTER trailers. These all-in-one units fit all the possible amenities into one trailer, including light towers, generators, heated washrooms, garbage and fuel storage — perfect for construction projects and jobs that are in transit.

Dynamic Resources Ltd. provides service to all areas of the province from their five locations in Gull Lake, Estevan, Carlyle, Lloydminster and Kindersley.

888.847.7778 | www.dynamicresources.ca Serving all of Saskatchewan

EXPERTAdvice What’s Your Strategy?

L–R Michelle Schmiess, Jerrod Schafer, Kevin Patenaude

The Patenaude Schafer Group National Bank Financial Wealth Management 202 – 406 Cheadle St W Swift Current 306.778.4770 1.866.446.9444

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any people have investments; very few have an investment strategy. There are many reasons that this happens. Humans are emotional beings, and investing brings out a lot of emotions, namely fear and greed. Investors react to stories over coffee of tremendous investment success or cringe with stories of investment disasters and capital loss.

We see daily updates on business channels about the daily rise or fall of the TSX, or search the internet for predictions for the next “cannot miss” investment, or the necessity for gold as economies around the world collapse.

Experts with the exact same educational background and industry experience have opposite views on what will happen next. It doesn’t leave much hope for those with no training or experience.

Under those circumstances, it’s easy to react. There is always some person or some corporation waiting in line to sell a product that will “ease your fears” or provide the optimism of “rapid wealth.”

We end up with a bunch of investments and no investment strategy as people seek expertise — and there is no shortage of experts!

The result is savings that is a “collection of assets” rather than an actual investment portfolio. Unfortunately, many investors lose faith over time and quit monitoring, chase the top performers into cycles of frustration, or end up paralyzed with savings that aren’t aligned with their objectives.

In many cases, the overall objective should be quite simple. Are you saving for the future or do you require income from your investments? Following are some basic questions to ask yourself: • D o you need income from your investments? If you have RRSPs, you will be forced to take income even if you don’t require it, so how will you execute that efficiently?

• D o you have an income strategy for retirement? What steps are in place to protect the income you require and ensure the long term growth of your capital?

• A re you holding a significant amount in high-interest savings? If so, will you be spending it in the next six to 12 months? If not, why are you holding high-interest savings?

• D o you have a strategy in place to avoid a large tax liability from your RRSPs, RRIFs or pension?

• W hat is the reason for your investment allocation? Are you entirely invested in Canadian stocks? Do you know the allocation of your mutual funds?

Since 2010, and especially in the past 12 months, global investment markets have been “red hot,” while the Canadian stock market is inching forward. There are many headlines about the future of economies around the globe, unemployment, the end of quantitative easing and just recently, it looks as if Europe is pulling out of their long recession. What do you believe and how does it all impact you?

Many investors are simply waiting for the economic sky to fall, or have given up trying to get comfortable with their portfolio. Don’t let that happen to you.

Our team meets investors with many of the above questions unanswered.

We will work through a straightforward review of your current savings and build a strategy so you can feel confident that your investments have a purpose. If you have large amounts in high-interest savings or feel like your portfolio has just been “spinning its tires,” call The Patenaude Schafer Group today. FLSW The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. National Bank Financial is an indirect wholly-owned 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 Wealth Management is a member CIPF.

FineLifestyles

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“Riverside Run”

Roars:

Committed to Restore

By Matthew Stone Photos courtesy of eliMinatorS Car Club

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n the weekend of August 16 to 18, the Eliminators Car Club of Swift Current held their 33rd annual Riverside Run. Taking full advantage of the sunny skies, event attendees enjoyed one of the best turnout years in the club’s history. A total of 122 vehicles were registered, and guests were even treated to an appearance

by Saskatchewan Premier, Brad Wall, who brought his own Dodge Coronet. Premier Wall was also the honourary presenter of the Premier’s Choice Award for the Show and Shine Competition.

The Esteemed and Coveted Award went to Desmond Wiens of Hebert, Sask. for his 1970 Ford Boss 302 Mustang. Other winners included The Men’s Choice Award and Ladies’ Choice Award, both going to Allan Renz of Medicine Hat, Alta. for his 1955 Ford Crown Victoria. Best Truck Award went to Ken and Carol Ross of Lloydminster, Sask. for their 1954 Ford F100. The quality of show cars this year was at an alltime high, and so was the number of entries.

This was particularly good news for the Salvation Army, which collected food donations at the event.

It was also a good year for door prize winners, who took home poker sets, t-shirts, and the “Ultimate Garage Package,” which included hundreds of dollars in tools and accessories. All prizes were donated by local and surrounding area businesses.

“This year, we had a wide variety of different vehicles,” says James Gerrie, Eliminators Club president. “There seemed to be a lot more ‘rods’ than in past years, which basically would be any highly modified or customized vehicle, but would typically be a car from the 1920s or 1930s.”

The weekend kicked off Friday with registration and a meet-and-greet, followed by an evening wiener roast. The big events took place on Saturday, beginning with a poker run in which participants had to stop at different locations and collect a card at each location to create a poker hand. Saturday afternoon was the Show and Shine competition, with the evening marked by dinner, presentations, prize draws, and — of course — the famous Eliminators’ drag races.

Festivities capped off Sunday with brunch to bid farewell to all the wonderful people who participated as volunteers and guests to make this year’s Riverside Run truly special. Though the Eliminators Car Club has hosted several widely successful events in the past, none were quite like this.

“We saw many familiar faces,” says James.

“There are people that come to our event every year, rain or shine, but we also had lots of people who had never been here before, which we were very pleased to see.”

Founded in 1970 by a group of local car enthusiasts, the Eliminators Car Club is open to anyone who shares a passion for automobiles. But you don’t have to be an enthusiast to enjoy their events, such as the Riverside Run. They are open to the public and shouldn’t be missed if you enjoy a good time and good people. As well, the club celebrates all kinds of vehicles, everything from cars and trucks to motorcycles and dune buggies. But the club’s philosophy extends to more than just things that move — it’s about appreciating the work that goes into it and what that car represents.

That’s why, together, the club is currently restoring a 1951 Pontiac owned by long-time member, Les Loeppky, after his recent passing prevented him from completing work on his prized possession. The Eliminators have vowed to restore the car in Les’ memory, and to carry their message of inclusion and passion for automobiles to future generations.

“For me, I like building something custom because it is always more of a challenge,” says James.

“There’s no instruction manual. But more than that, the Eliminator’s car club is about promoting the car hobby, whether that is preserving, restoring or just enjoying the automobile.”

The Eliminators Car Club holds weekly meetings at 7:30 p.m. in their clubhouse at 1255 North Railway West in Swift Current. Come and see what they are all about. FLSW Top Three picTures Les Loeppky’s 1951 Pontiac project boTTom Club member, Cory Schultz, in his 1967 Camaro and club president, James Gerrie in his 2008 Shelby Mustang.

Custom Designs for Your VehiCle with Top-of-the-Line Products

BY Trina annand Photos BoBBi-Jo KnaKosKe

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vehicle is far more than a way to get from “point A” to “point B.” Now, a car, truck, trailer or van can be the most important part of a business, functioning as a billboard and the hub of the company. Maintaining the look of the vehicle and marketing a business is more important than ever before, regardless of its size. With Southwest Custom Graphics’ wide variety of services and products, a vehicle can last for years — the perfect way to spread the word about a business or give a fleet of vehicles a professional look.

After accumulating 18 years of industry experience, Jason and Amber Duclos started Southwest Custom Graphics in 2007. With only three employees, the company has a true family feel that gives customers the one-on-one attention they deserve. This approach has created

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a strong word-of-mouth following for the business and has attracted loyal customers. “We don’t treat people like they’re a number; whether a project is large or small, we make sure the client gets exactly what they want. We take the time to give each client what they need,” remarks Amber. The company is dedicated to their customers and making the community a better place, sponsoring numerous teams and events in Swift Current, such as the Broncos and Indians.

With extensive expertise in all types of interior and exterior signs, Southwest Custom Graphics has the creativity and “know how” to make a business attentiongrabbing for all the right reasons. The family-owned business does far more than custom graphic design that can be placed on vehicles and turned into signs

or business cards and magnets. They offer 3M® film to protect a car’s finish, window tint for privacy and UV protection; they are also the exclusive provider of Rhino Lining in Southwest Saskatchewan. New to Southwest Custom Graphics, Rhino Linings are one of the top spray-in lining products on the market and have even been used for firefighting, construction and military applications.

The Rhino Linings at Southwest Custom Graphics come with a top-of-the-line nationwide, lifetime manufacturer’s warranty and even an installation warranty. The product can be used as a bed liner for a truck, trailer or cargo van because it resists slipping, impacts and abrasion. It can also be used as a coating for rocker panels and as extra protection and reinforcement for ATVs and boats.

Further customization and protection are available at Southwest Custom Graphics through their exclusive Sunguard® tint system and 3M Scotchgard™ Clear Protection Film. Through the use of this film, vehicles are fade-resistant, and the custom artwork of a business stays looking new for years to come. These services are not only for businesses; residential clients can also preserve the value of their vehicle with these unique services. “What makes our job exciting is coming in each day, meeting new people and seeing the challenges that they can provide us with. We’re here to provide the best product and service for our clients, old or new,” concludes Amber. FLSW Southwest Custom Graphics 306.778.7446 1443 North Railway Street, West Swift Current www.swcgraphics.ca Middle right Jason Duclos, and Kylee Rampton bottoMe right Amber Duclos with client, Dwayne Dyck

“We had Rhino Lining Sprayed in our service trucks. We throw in tools, tool boxes and equipment, and it stands up great and still looks awesome! Highly recommend Jason Duclos at Rhino Linings … one very happy customer.

—Armstrong Implements

We know that you appreciate a great value, and that your time is of great value… so, if you’re value shopping, don’t forget how close to home Shaunavon is!

Don’t spend hours to go vehicle shopping. Save time purchasing and when you need service: shop Shaunavon and save money! We’re located at 320 Highway 37 North, in Shaunavon, Sask., a booming town in the heart of the oil and gas industry and cattle country. It’s a great town, with a scenic drive, lots of amenities and many nearby attractions. We’re worth your drive!

We’re overstocked and our selection of trucks is fantastic! Our whole inventory is available at clearance prices to move them out and make room for the new ones arriving daily. Check this one out:

2013 Chev 1500 ext 4X4 v8 | Stock# T13141 MSrP $40,495 | Discount $15,000

Now $25,495 + TaX

Silverado is the rock-solid pickup people count on year after year.

It’s the truck with built-in strength, power and durability. The foundation is provided by the rugged, yet lightweight three-piece modular frame. The fuel

efficiency available with the Vortec 5.3L V8 is the envy of its class, with better V8 highway and city fuel efficiency than Ford F-150. Silverado is backed by the best coverage of any full-size pickup in Canada. The 2013 Chevy Silverado. Ready to prove itself to you.

Silver Sage Chev 320 highway 37 North, Shaunavon | 306.297.2772 Don’t forget to check out our brand new website found at www.silversagechev.ca

THE 2014 SILVERADO 1500 EXCEEDS THE HIGHEST OF STANDARDS

We’ve made it our life’s work to make Silverado the benchmark of full-size pickups. Everything from Silverado’s interior and exterior styling to ergonomics and performance have been re-engineered and reimagined to set the new benchmark for full-size ½-ton pickup trucks.

Our EcoTec3 5.3L V8 truck engine beats Ford F-150’s EcoBoost in both highway fuel efficiency and towing capacity. With our available EcoTec3 5.3L V8 engine, you keep the benefits of a largerdisplacement engine and get better fuel efficiency thanks to standard technologies like Active Fuel Management, Variable Valve Timing and Direct Injection. We think of it as “doing more with more.”

The end result is a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that is stronger, smarter and more capable than ever before.

Silver Sage Chev 320 highway 37 North, Shaunavon | 306.297.2772 Don’t forget to check out our brand new website found at www.silversagechev.ca

HomeGrown and ready to Help

by Matthew Stone PHOTOS LayLa Baird

S

outhern Pressure Testers Ltd. was started in 2003 by Lance Allen, Ray Lloyd and Dan McPhee.

Seeing the need for a locally-ownedand-operated pressure testing company for the burgeoning Saskatchewan oil business, these entrepreneurs started with one truck and a drive to create a service that until then had to be imported from neighbouring Alberta.

Southern Pressure Testers Ltd. is celebrating their 10th year in business, and now has more than 30 trucks in their

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fleet, including 12 blowout prevention (BOP) trucks. These units are capable of pumping slowly at two to three liters per minute, up to 20 litres per minute and a working pressure of 21,000 kilopascals (kPa). Their quality equipment and expertise makes them ideal for pressure testing blowout preventer equipment, as well as leak-off tests.

Among their various other services, they also pump chemicals into wells or pipeline, blow tubing drains, open frac ports, and test new wellsets and oil

batteries. These units have large triplex pumps and are capable of pumping up to 500 litres per minute at 35,000 kPa. Southern Pressure Testers can also do well servicing with their two flushby units.

Southern Pressure Testers Ltd. now has several convenient locations, and service not only southwestern Saskatchewan and across the province, but also Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia.

In the last few years, they have started upgrading their units to computerized data collection and transfer. Using this

cutting-edge data collection method, they can deliver well testing on the fly, printing the results right from their trucks.

“Data can be given right on the site,” says Dan McPhee. “This allows us to provide a faster service, and because we are a local company, we can be right on the site basically anywhere in Saskatchewan in a matter of no time.”

So, besides their efficient and expedient service, why use Southern Pressure Testers Ltd.? Their pricing is very competitive, and they often charge much lower rates than out-of-province companies doing the same thing. They are also accountable, because their employees are local people who live in and care deeply about the communities they serve.

“Just about everyone who works here is from within a 100-mile radius,” says Dan. “We know the areas we work in well, and our growth has meant we can provide more jobs to people right here in Saskatchewan.”

Southern Pressure Testers Ltd. also considers safety a top priority for its jobsites and personnel. Their commitment to safety is evident in the education and training provided to new and existing staff, which includes orientations, safe work procedures, hazard recognition and assessment-safe driving policies, safety equipment, along with incident and accident reporting. They possess a current COR certification and are registered with the ISNetworld and Complyworks organizations. Their WCB accounts are in good standing for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and they carry $5 million in liability, as well as automobile insurance.

“The only problem we are having right now is finding enough qualified candidates to fill the jobs,” says Dan. FLSW Southern Pressure Testers Ltd. Box 26, Gull Lake 306.672.3890 www.southernpressuretesters.com TOP L–R Ray Lloyd, Laurie Lloyd, Mike Lloyd, Amber McPhee, Dan McPhee, Kevin Moffitt, Kent Couch, Luke Probert, Kory Logan, Alvin Berger, GR Stringer, Corwin McMillan MIDDLE Kevin Moffitt RIGHT L–R Dan McPhee, Ray Lloyd

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

kindersley

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD indersley

K In e v li A it ir p S y it n u m Com

BY PAUL SINKEWICZ PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOWN OF KINDERSLEY AND KINDERSLEY AND DISTRICT PLAINS MUSEUM

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hey affectionately called it “The Barn.” Like the hockey rink in any small Canadian town, it was the heart of the community for 60 years. It was where fathers held their children’s hands as they stepped onto ice for the first time, and it was where they later cheered them on with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.

On a cold January day in 2010, the Exhibition Stadium burned to the ground, leaving Kindersley residents to grapple with the loss. But, like the industrious pioneers who beavered to build the town from scratch in 1909, it wasn’t long before modern day Kindersley residents shook off the heartbreak, began fundraising efforts and heard the sweet sound of hammers swinging.

Dave Lewis was part of that effort. After a long career in the NHL as a player and coach, winning three Stanley Cups along the way, Lewis came back to his hometown in 2010 to help raise funds for the new arena. “That’s where I grew up. I learned how to play hockey and learned a lot about life. I spent a lot of time in that arena with a lot of great people,” says Lewis.

In 1963, Lewis’ Bantam team won the provincial championship, and he says he still has pictures from that time in the basement of his U.S. home, where he is a coach with the Carolina Hurricanes.

“As a matter of fact, I still have the green jacket with the championship crest on it.

It’s something I’ve taken with me from Kindersley to New York to L.A. to New Jersey to Michigan to today. It meant a lot.”

In February of 2012, the 450-seat Coop Arena opened with seven full-sized dressing rooms, a 190-metre running track and multi-purpose meeting rooms.

Sports — be it on the field, the ice, or the diamond — have always played a key role in Kindersley. The town’s unofficial motto is “Work Hard, Play Hard,” so it’s LEFT PAGE: TOP Original Main St. Circa 1911 – a look down the first block of Main St from the perspective of the CNR Station.

BOTTOM Bustling Main Street Kindersley

TOP Baseball at Berard Field BOTTOM Baker Park

no surprise there are big plans in place to keep expanding the facilities available for the “Play Hard” part of the equation.

In 1909, a city of canvas sprung up beside the newly constructed Canadian Northern Railway tracks in east-central Saskatchewan. Within 35 days, 150 homes and businesses were built and operating. The settlement was named for Sir Robert Kindersley, a major shareholder in the railway. The town spread out from the intersection of Railway Avenue and Main Street, where there was a hotel and a restaurant to serve travellers and new arrivals.

“So many people were getting off the trains and building tents, it was

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

temporarily known as ‘Tent Town’ because the entire area — the wide open prairie — was covered with tents,” says Michelle McMillan, curator of the Kindersley and District Plains Museum.

“It’s astounding that so many homes and businesses were built so quickly. It was as an early source of pride for the townspeople, and that same drive and pride in being a Kindersley resident is still very prevalent here today.”

Historically, the bustling community at the junction of Highways 7 and 21 has gone through two major growth stages.

The first was based on agriculture after the railway passed through. Farmers arrived en masse due to free or cheap land promoted by the government

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

kindersley

LEFT - RIGHT, TOP - BOTTOM West Central Events Centre; Post Office; Motherwell Reservoir; Kindersley CNR Station (This station was constructed in 1915 and operated until approximately 1960. The building was a combination of a station and dwelling for agents and their family.); Rail Yards

anxious to populate the West. The railway spurred the town’s growth by bringing business owners looking to provide services and supplies. A lumber yard and livery barn were among the first new businesses.

The second period of growth came in the late 1970s and early 1980s when oil and natural gas were discovered in the area.

“That’s what is bringing population in and allowing for a second tier of expansion,” says McMillan. “We have generations

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of the original settler families, and now you have the new families in that second period of expansion.”

As the oil and gas sector has become supercharged with new drilling techniques and a hot provincial economy, Kindersley has been seeing more much more development in the past decade.

“It’s definitely a positive thing for us, because it’s allowing us to grow and expand and reach our potential,” says McMillan. “It’s kind of neat to see how it’s happened twice in our history.”

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

Kindersley is now at a crossroads in its history. According to Saskatchewan Health, it recently raced past the 5,000 mark in population, and city planners are laying the groundwork for as many as 3,000 new residents in the next 10 years.

It will mean new neighbourhoods, more commercial development and increased demand on services.

Mayor John Enns-Wind says it’s an exciting time to be on council. “There’s a lot of stuff that’s coming up that people have honoured us with the privilege of

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Arial View Kindersley; Barrage Concert; Show and Shine; Soccer Camp; Lunches Building (The first Café established on the corner of Main St. across from the CNR station.

Cafes such as this one were opened to provide food and shelter for visitors or stay over guests using the railway for travel. Boarding rooms were located on the second level.)

helping move into the future. We want to be a sustainable community, a green community, and one that is going to be here for another 100 years.”

Enns-Wind is himself a recent import, coming to Kindersley six years ago because of a job opportunity. He can vouch for the attractiveness of the community. “People might be surprised to learn we’re a fairly dynamic community,” says Enns-Wind. “There’s a lot of energy. We’re fairly ambitious and aggressive, we’re growing and we’re looking at expanding with an aquatic centre and a theatre and a field house — all this to enhance the quality of life here.”

The new aquatic centre, theatre, gymnasium and convention space are part of a planned multi-use facility that was delayed by the arena fire. The town recently finished a needs and operational assessment to outline the needs, costs and options for such a facility.

“Now, the next task is how we turn this thing into reality,” says Enns-Wind. “We have the numbers. We have the business plan. Now, how do we make sure we get the facility we need, as well as the funding that we need as well?”

As that exciting proposal wends its way through all the appropriate channels, other developments are already underway. The town is expanding with 77 new housing units and 60 new rental units being constructed by TriCon Developments. More housing and shopping opportunities will come from a

planned 115-acre multi-use development

by Marathon Properties. It will consist of commercial development, including a restaurant overlooking the Motherwell Reservoir nature preserve, and will also offer everything from executive housing to more affordable housing.

“The most important thing with the new residential and facilities development is that it will provide a lot of opportunity for — not just local businesses — but also other businesses who would like to make plans to locate here,” says EnnsWind. “We’ve been experiencing a bit of a housing shortage, and this will give them a clear indicator of where Kindersley is going to be in the future and how to plan for it.”

Rejuvenating the downtown core is also on the agenda.

In the fall, the town will hold a design contest for a new town square.

“This will be a different community, I think, in 10 years,” says Enns-Wind.

“We’re exploring how to revitalize downtown. We want to find out if there are design changes that we can make to preserve that small-town feel, and enhance our experience for people who not only live here, but for visitors as well.”

FLSW

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

kindersley

above photo by Lisa Klassen

Custom-DesigneD Cabinets Perfect for Your Space

by Apolline lucyk Photos nicki FRiSon anD liSA klASSen

I

n 1975, Tim Heese started building cabinets fresh out of high school.

Now, almost 40 years later, Heese has established his company, Custom Design Cabinetry, as one of the most trusted and successful custom cabinetry companies in the province. As Heese remarks, “I was trained at a time where the man framing your house would also be the one pouring the cement and doing the finishings. Nowadays, it’s much more specialized.” So, while

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Heese was originally trained in various aspects of millwork, his company now specializes in custom-fit residential and commercial cabinetry.

Based out of Kindersley, Custom Design Cabinetry makes all their cabinets from scratch in their workshop in Kindersley.

They service homes all over the province, often working on homes in northern communities such as Turtle Lake and Prince Albert, and in Alberta as well. The

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

success of Custom Design Cabinetry is credited to the dedication, knowledge and excellent working rapport Heese’s staff practices each and every day. “This business is based on solid teamwork,” says Heese.

Christine Jackson, one of Heese’s designers, believes that one of the most outstanding things about Heese is his customer service. “He really works closely with the customers to make

sure they are entirely satisfied with the cabinets we are building for them.” She attests that “the beauty of this business is if you have an idea, no matter how intricate or difficult, Tim can find a way to build it.” Tim is a very open-minded and ambitious entrepreneur, she adds.

“When he first hired me five years ago, I started with sanding doors. But he gradually taught me more and more, and after two years, I was designing customers’ kitchens, and now I have designed and helped build my dream kitchen and get to enjoy it every day.”

Jackson’s kitchen has many features in it that were designed especially for her.

Custom Design Cabinetry offers a wide variety of lacquered cabinet finishes, as well as all styles of wooden doors, including maple, oak and hickory varieties, which they finish according to the client’s preference. And while other cabinetry companies may use standard measurements for all of their cabinets and simply fill in the extra space, all Custom Design Cabinetry furnishings are fitted to the exact measurements of the customer’s home. The first thing they do when they get a call is visit the customer’s home; they welcome customer input at every step of the process, from the initial computer layout to the installation of the finished cabinets.

Whether you are building a new house, remodelling your kitchen or bathroom, or developing commercial property, Custom Design Cabinetry would love to help by installing the perfect cabinets for your space. FLSW

Custom Design Cabinetry 911C 9th Ave W Kindersley 306.463.2350 info@kindersleycdc.ca www.kindersleycdc.ca

top back L–R Ken Tyrrell, Kim Pincemin, Mohomed Hireche, Morgan Mills, Ian Olivier, Riley Pincemin, Jeroson Pacis, Christine Jackson, Harvy Espniosa seated L–R Tim Heese, Kyle Heese MIddLe Kim Pinceman, receptionist MIddLe RIGht photo by Lisa Klassen

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kindersley

BACK L–R Tyler, Deb, Pat, Jen, Brad FRONT L–R Jaymie, Carter, Jayden, Trisha, Nathan, Terrell, Rylen PHOTO by Christina Ginther

Hot oiling is Just tHe Beginning at Holland’s

By Rebecca SchneideReit PHotos nicki FRiSon

N

aturally, Holland’s Hot Oiling Ltd. can provide clients with hot oil trucks; that’s their name, after all.

In fact, they’ve got seven hot oiler trucks available. However, hot oilers aren’t the extent of Holland’s service; they’re just the beginning. This long-established Kindersley company also offers boilers (two), chemical trucks (two), a flush by unit (one), rod rigs (two), steamers (three), tridem oil trucks (10), tridem water trucks (15) and a superbee oil tanker. “[Customers] can call one place and book all that equipment,” explains Jaymie Holland, senior manager, “and have the job done in a timely manner.”

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If the company provides such a wide range of services, why is it called Holland’s Hot Oiling Ltd.? “We don’t just consider ourselves a hot oiling company any more, but the name just stands in itself,” explains Jaymie, whose parents — Pat and Deb Holland (retired since June) — “started the business back in 1989 with one hot oiler.” Since then, Holland’s has grown tremendously. In addition to the fleet outlined above, the company maintains an extensive selection of rental equipment including “Porta Potty” and garbage wagon units, generators, light towers, office trailers, wellhead scaffolding units and more. And they’re

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

still adding services. “We’re just growing it more and more every year,” Jaymie says.

Since Holland’s has never been bigger, it’s no surprise that they’ve also never been busier. But, Jaymie says, the company makes an effort to accommodate all its clients. “We’ve got our friendly, experienced staff doing our 24-hour dispatch… [they’re] answering the phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for us,” he says.

“We aim to please — and it all starts from the dispatch, who might just have the toughest job of us all.”

One of the best things about his career at Holland’s, says Jaymie, is hearing clients express satisfaction with the business’s roster of drivers, managers and office staff. “Just hearing the good things about our staff,” he elaborates. “Knowing that… the people you’ve got working for you are doing the bang-up job that you expect.”

Holland’s works on an “owner-operator model”, which encourages employees to take responsibility for — and pride in — their work. Many Holland’s staff members have been with the company for some time. “We’ve got a great team here… [we’ve got] staff with a lot of experience, and most of their experience has been with us.”

has now assumed that mantle. “I stepped in as president four years ago.”

Over the years, Holland’s has supported various other groups and causes: “the museum, local clubs in town, non-profit organizations,” Jaymie lists — not to mention youth and seniors’ sports, and the rebuilding of Kindersley’s ice rink.

In addition to two decades of professional service in the Kindersley area, Holland’s is also known for their longstanding community and charitable involvement.

“We’re definitely one company that stands behind the community,” Jaymie says, adding, “My dad is a past president of the West Central Saskatchewan Oilmen’s Association.” Jaymie himself

Holland’s Hot Oiling Ltd. 1019 8th Avenue West Kindersley 306.463.3146

Kindersley locals know what they’re getting when they hear the name Holland’s: courteous, punctual, safe service that dates back over 20 years. “Our name stands in itself,” Jaymie confirms. “We’re known to get the job done… in a safe manner and with a smile on our face.” FLSW

TOP RIGHT Matt Zink, water truck driver ABOVE L–R Brian Johnson, supervisor; Lisa Johnson, office manager; Rob Faubert, shop supervisor; Jaymie Holland, senior manager; Curtis Sackville, safety supervisor and Cory Moser, water truck driver

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

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kindersley

ABOVE l–r Damon, Courtney, Val and Roger McKenzie

A Community-Minded Dealership

Putting the Customer First

By Courtney tait Photos niCki Frison

A

t first glance, Tisdale’s Sales & Service Ltd. may appear to be a standard Ford dealership: it offers a line of new and used cars from the Fiesta to the Fusion, a range of SUVs including Escapes and Edges, Superduty trucks and the ever popular F-150 Supercrew. But the busy Kindersley business also features a full service department, a line of parts including tires and accessories, a gas station, a next-door restaurant and nearly 60 years of history. The key to its success?

Exceptional customer service.

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“Our staff are very loyal, very engaged and focused on looking after the public,” says Tisdale’s owner, Roger McKenzie.

“When the customer comes in, whether it’s to buy a vehicle or fill up with gas, they feel welcome and comfortable.

People like dealing with us.”

Opened in 1955 by Norm Tisdale, the company was taken over by John Boquist in 1977. McKenzie started working at Tisdale’s in high school, washing cars and doing odd jobs before becoming a full-time employee in 1987.

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

He became a partner in 2004 and bought the dealership five years later.

“People respect that the business has been around for so many years,” says McKenzie. “We have a lot of longevity with staff, and customers know the people that work here. You can’t beat experience as far as knowledge. Our staff are very knowledgeable.”

Customers interested in purchasing a Ford and/or trading in their old one can sit down with a sales consultant to discuss their options and what kind of

vehicle will work best for their needs. If the company doesn’t have your desired model in stock, they will bring one in the next day. Tisdale’s prides itself on providing service for both the Kindersley area and the smaller towns surrounding it, and across the Alberta border. “Our consultants are willing to go out to the communities and do business on their customers’ terms if it makes it more convenient,” says McKenzie. “It’s going that extra mile for people that will help your business.”

Tisdale’s has a base of clients who are loyal to both the dealership and the brand, some who have having been buying vehicles from the company for more than 50 years. ”All the Ford product is good,” says McKenzie. “I’ve seen over the years they’re more troublefree today than they’ve ever been. They have better engines, they’re better for the environment, and the technology is better, along with safety options.”

And the prices? McKenzie emphasizes that people need to have value, along with getting a vehicle that suits their lifestyle.

“I don’t want anyone to pay more money from our dealership,” says McKenzie. “As a competitor, I understand the value that people need to have. We won’t lose a deal over price.”

Since its inception, Tisdale’s has contributed over $1million to Kindersley and the surrounding areas in donations to various events and charities. “We’re known to be a community-minded business,” says McKenzie. In the market for a Ford, or need your vehicle serviced?

Tisdale’s welcomes you to visit the dealership, experience its outstanding service, and deal with a knowledgeable team you can trust. FLSW Tisdale’s Sales & Service Ltd 105-11 Avenue East Kindersley 306.463.2686 www.tisdales.com tOp right Tisdale’s Sales & Service Ltd crew

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kindersley

Galbraith Family on leFt l–r Dean, Sheila, Marianna and Michael belitski Family on riGht clockwise From top Kolbi, Kabri, Jeff, Karmyn and Lindsay

Smart CarS to Big rigS: Big or Small, We Do Them All

By Apolline lucyk PhotoS nicki Frison

D

ean Galbraith and Jeff Belitski have brought a vital new service to the town of Kindersley: a quick oil change franchise that services everything from smart cars to big trucks.

Dean and Jeff started planning to open the franchise almost two years ago, when they realized there was a strong demand for the service in the Kindersley area. As Dean reflects, “I had been to a similar business in Alberta. I realized that Kindersley really needed this service, and we could do it much better.” Soon after, Galbraith and Belitski decided to open

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a Great Canadian Oil Change franchise right in Kindersley.

Belitski’s franchise will be the first in the Kindersley area.

The Great Canadian Oil Change (GCOC) is a trusted Canadian franchise company that specializes in quick oil changes, with an average service time of only 10 minutes. They are warranty approved, and no appointments are necessary.

Customers can simply roll in from Highway 7, and get their oil changed without losing much travel time.

There are numerous GCOC locations around the country, but Galbraith and

Comfort and convenience are paramount at Kindersley’s Great Canadian Oil Change. The service is set up in the drive-through style. When someone pulls in, they receive a complimentary coffee and newspaper, and can simply relax in their car while the technician changes their oil. And they provide other services besides oil changes. As Belitski remarks, “We do a check-up while we’re down there, and if there is something

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

else that needs fixing, we always let the customer know. Then, if they want us to fix it, we will.” Galbraith and Belitski can also do other routine maintenance for their customers when desired. For example, they will change the windshield wipers or top up their washer fluid while the customer relaxes in their car. Prices are affordable, and the customers always come first.

Kindersley’s Great Canadian Oil Change is especially unique because they are the first quick oil change franchise in the area to service semis and big trucks, along with smaller vehicles such as cars, trucks and RVs. The franchise is equipped to service any vehicle that comes its way.

Belitski knows that vacationers, semi drivers and local commuters passing through Kindersley will be happy to have the option of having their oil changed quickly on the way to work or between cities. He remarks, “It is so convenient to

be able to get your oil changed without even leaving your car. I always stop at these types of services when they’re just off the highway.”

Since the franchise is just starting off in Kindersley, their hours are subject to change. However, they are open Monday to Saturday during the day, ready to service all types of vehicles. They are located in just behind the Super 8 motel in Kindersley. Come and get your 10 minute oil change today! FLSW

The Great Canadian Oil Change 509 14th Ave. E. Kindersley 306.463.1400 www.gcocltd.com/home

top riGht l–r Dean and Jeff with customer Ian McKenzie

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

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kindersley

An ExcEllEnt choicE for tubulAr StorAgE

by Matthew Stone PhotoS Mitchell Bohn

A

s a leading provider in tubular handling and storage, SWP South West Pipe Ltd. takes pride in being the best at what they do. Locally owned and operated since 2009, South West Pipe is dedicated to serving the needs of their customers each and every day with their mix of dedicated and flexible employees and their outstanding service model. Coowners and managers, Jody Lussier of Kindersley and Edgar Pearson of Gull

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Lake, work side by side in running this successful company.

“Our guys are experts,” says Jody. “None of our employees are trained to focus on a single issue. They are versatile problem solvers who can get the job done, whatever that may be.”

With two locations in Kindersley and Gull Lake, South West Pipe provides a storage facility for oil-

SPECIAL FEATURE KINDERSLEY

and gas-related tubulars, casings and float equipment. They offer storage solutions for tubular companies anywhere in southwest Saskatchewan, and they know how important it is to succeed in that role of making sure the right equipment is stored properly and delivered to their clients on time. All orders can be tracked on their website, and they provide speedy trucking to and from the yard and the location or hotshot.

They also have rail spurs at both sites for offloading casing and tubular, and offer 24/7 customer service. They can be contacted anytime — day or night — and are ready to help you solve any issue.

“Tubular companies trust us to get the product out accurately and on time,” says Jody. “Their customer is our customer, and we are going to make sure we do our part so that everything runs smoothly.”

South West Pipe is deeply committed to a safe and healthy working environment for their employees, subcontractors and clients. They strive to eliminate any foreseeable hazards which may result in property damages or personal injury. Certified by ComplyWorks and Enform, South West Pipe has prioritized the development of a system that ensures a good safety policy is carried out.

“South West Pipe is a great place to work,” says employee, Thomas Dale.

“Safety is huge. Jody is a great boss to work for, and he’s very strict about making sure we have the proper equipment and follow the proper procedures so none of us get hurt. That being said, it’s still a lot of fun. Every day is different.”

For a good, reliable company in the Saskatchewan oilfields, anything is possible right now, and both Jody and Edgar expect busy times ahead for South West Pipe. As for expansion plans and company growth, Jody admits, “I don’t think too much about that. Sure, I love seeing this company grow, but I’m committed to the customers and employees we have today. I want to make sure we are maintaining, and even exceeding the high standards we have for ourselves. If we do that, the rest will follow.” FLSW SWP South West Pipe Ltd. P.O. Box 209, Gull Lake 306.463.1515 jodyl@southwestpipe.net

Staff picture L–r Alisha Lloyd, Jody Lussier, Doug, Dale, Thomas Dale, Robert Finlayson, Ron Hall

SOUTHWEST SASK

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As a partner in our community, we are open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight. Delivery is free with prescriptions; a pharmacist is always available.

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You Should Hear What You’ve Been Missing

Purveyors of Neat Stuff

Swift Hearing Centers Inc 106-12 Cheadle St W, Swift Current | 306.773.1425 www.swifthearing.com | swifthearing@sasktel.net

Kokopelli’s 1-244 First Ave. N.E., Swift Current, Sask. | 306.773.8035 kokopelli@sasktel.net | www.kokopellis.ca

Glacier Glass offers home and auto glass, commercial windows Non-invasive, improves skin tone and texture, reduces fine lines Kokopelli’s and doors, window and screen repairs, vinyl fencing, and ENERGY and wrinkles.

1-244 First Ave. N.E., Swift Current, Sask. | 306.773.8035 StaR® rated PVC windows and doors. kokopelli@sasktel.net | www.kokopellis.ca

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Awakening the power within your heart. Sacred space. Sacred gifts.

Sacred friends. Joanne Boutiere, World Wide Purveyor.

SOUTHWEST SASK

Retail marketplace

DIRECTORY

Fast and Reliable Computer Support

Modern, Sustainable and Custom Homes

Intricate Networks Inc. 6-1081 Central Ave N, Swift Current | 306.778.0800 www.inetx.ca |

Zollhaus Builders Ltd. 741 Highland Drive, Swift Current | 306.741.1955 zollhaus@shaw.ca | www.zollhausbuilders.com

Intricate Networks provides computers and support to both businesses and home users in Southwest Saskatchewan.

Tired of computer issues? Call us today.

The term “custom” has been trivialized. Our goal at Zollhaus is to create homes for our clients that are truly custom.

Committed to perfection.

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TriKooT real esTaTe services lTd. Terry Highet, Broker/Owner 2–145 1st Avenue NE, Swift Current · 306.773.4624 · info@trikoot.ca

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