Fine Lifestyles South West Winter 2013

SOUTHWEST SASK

WINTER 2013 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4

SWIFT CURRENT

TURNS 100:

Something!

1 of 1 Let the Centennial Celebrations Begin

YEARS U C R R T F ENT I W S CENTRAL SCHOOL: A CENTURY OLD AND STILL GOING STRONG CELEBRATION AT THE CHRISTMAS TABLE

SP ECIA L COL LECTOR ’S EDITION

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

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December Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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2

Wednesday 3

Seniors Day

5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

Thursday

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Horizons Supper Buffet

Rookie Night

Men’s Night

Friday 5

Ladies’ Night

Five It Up Draw 8PM

Saturday

Small Business Christmas Party

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Small Business Christmas Party

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Tommy John & Idle Rains Livin’ Up Lounge

Tommy John & Idle Rains Livin’ Up Lounge

Small Business 13 Christmas Party Motown Revue

Small Business 14 Christmas Party Motown Revue

Trick Ryder Livin’ Up Lounge

Trick Ryder Livin’ Up Lounge

Five It Up | Win $5,000 Cash A Toast To 5 Years! | Win A Trip to Vegas & $1,000 Cash

5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

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9 Seniors Day

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Slot Survivor Qualifiers Horizons Supper Buffet

Rookie Night

Players Club Birthday Party

Men’s Night

Ladies’ Night

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Five It Up Draw 8PM Five It Up | Win $5,000 Cash

A Toast To 5 Years! | Win A Trip to Vegas & $1,000 Cash

15 5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

Seniors Day

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17

18

Horizons Supper Buffet

Rookie Night

Men’s Night

19 Ladies’ Night

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The Rockin' 58s The Rockin' 58s Livin’ Up Lounge Livin’ Up Lounge

Five It Up Draw 8PM Five It Up | Win $5,000 Cash | Win theAUltimate Trip to Big Game A24-11 ToastHut To 5Hut! Years! | Win Trip to Vegas & the $1,000 Cash

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Seniors Day

5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

Christmas Day 25 Holiday Gift Horizons Supper Buffet

Men’s Night

26 Ladies’ Night

Five It Up Draw 8PM Five It Up | Win $5,000 Cash A24-11 ToastHut To 5Hut! Years! | Win Trip to Vegas & the $1,000 Cash | Win theAUltimate Trip to Big Game

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5 for $5 All Day Breakfast

30 Seniors Day

Men’s Night Big League Poker Freeze Out

New Years Eve

27 FOXX Worthee Livin’ Up Lounge

Sky Centre

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5th Anniversary Duelling Pianos FOXX Worthee Livin’ Up Lounge

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Powder Blues Sky Centre Thunder Rose Livin’ Up Lounge

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Toast To 5 Years Draw 12:30AM A Toast To 5 Years! | Win A Trip to Vegas & $1,000 Cash

1401 N Service Rd E - Swift Current, SK 306.778.5759 Living Sky Casino: 1401 North Service Road E. Swift Current, SK, S9H 3X6 Phone: (306) 778-5759 www.LivingSkyCasino.ca Promotionswww.LivingSkyCasino.ca subject to change or cancellation at Management’s discretion. Prizes may not be exactly as shown.

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Southwest Sask

Play Responsibly

Play Responsibly

Live it up.

“…as visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.”

Well, maybe not sugarplums, but there certainly were magnificent visions of creating a grand Christmas showcase that would warm you from the inside through. As you browse through the Christmas displays, you’ll be taken back to simpler times with the heritage décor, to a warm cabin fireside with rustic decorations, to a frosty winter morning with ice and snow, and to the glitter of a sparkly Christmas.

You can help tick off your list with a beautiful evergreen arrangement or poinsettia, a real live Christmas tree, a gift for your gardening enthusiast, a bouquet of flowers for your hostess, Laura Secord chocolates, flavoured popcorn, gourmet cookies or a custom corporate gift for your employees.

Shaunavon Florist and Garden Center 85 10th Avenue East, Shaunavon, Sask.

306.297.3350 Like us on Facebook

We truly love this season and can hardly wait to share it with you.

FineLifestyles Southwest Sask

WITH FINE LIFESTYLES EDITOR SHERRY LEE

A

s 2013 draws to a close, we bring you this seasonal issue of FineLifestyles Southwest Sask. On the cover are some historic images of the City of Swift Current, which is entering a year of exciting Centennial celebrations.

Historic centenary events make us sit back and reflect on our communities, and how they’ve grown from small beginnings and big dreams to become successful, bustling centres of commerce and great places to live. People from throughout the great Southwest regularly encounter each other on the streets, at events and inside the businesses of Swift Current; visiting intermingles with getting business done in the friendly laid-back atmosphere of this trading hub where “life makes sense.” We congratulate Swift Current on 100 years of growth and progress; the foundation is firmly laid to launch into the next century.

Central School in Swift Current has also reached its 100-year mark.

This sentinel to the glorious architecture of its era has been home to many generations of learners and teachers, and clearly continues to house progressive thinkers. We highlight the history and a recent success of this long-standing school: winning the Majesta Trees of Knowledge Grant to create an outdoor classroom.

Be sure to curl up with this issue over the holidays. We bring you the story of Swift Current’s unique and innovative Maverick School. Enjoy reading about warming trends for your home with Meredith Heron, cruising sun-splashed islands with Ken Beattie, and stunning supercars that kindle the imagination. Find out more about setting the Christmas table and accommodating dietary restrictions during the holidays, and try out the Wine Guy’s suggestions. Maybe Lisa Drader-Murphy will even convince you to don a houndstooth garment this winter.

Whether you are at home or away during this special season, enjoy every moment with family, friends and colleagues. We wish you a joyous holiday season; may 2014 be your best year yet! finemags

@finemags

Donna Salt, Advertising Consultant C: 306.772.1555 donnas@finelifestyles.ca

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

Winter 2013 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 www.finelifestyles.ca Associate Editor Sherry Lee sherryl@finelifestyles.ca

Staff Writers Alyssa Rudyck Apolline Lucyk Courtney Tait Rebecca Schneidereit

Tobie Hainstock Tori Stafford Tonya Lambert Trina Annand

Graphic Design and Layout Natasha Burkholder

In-house Design Amber Moon Brittany Lloy Brittany Pickrem

Elisa Maltifina Lisa Redden

Cover Photography Photos courtesy of Swift Current Museum, Pioneer Co-op and Dickson Agencies

Photography Bobbi-Jo Knakoske Central School, Swift Current Corla Rokochy Geoffrey Creighton Jean Cyca Lisa Klassen Megan Lust

Meredith Heron Navy League of Canada Nicki Frison Oceania Cruises Sherry Fennell Swift Current Museum

Contributing Writers Gordon Ramsay Ken Beattie Kim Patzer Lisa Drader-Murphy Megan Lust

Meredith Heron Michelle Hatzel Paul Sinkewicz The Wine Guy

Advertising Consultants 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.

Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060 Return Undeliverables to: 3440 Balsam Grove; Regina, Sask; S4V 1H1

GET ON !

D R A O B

259 ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADETS CORPS DRYLANDER

• For youth ages 12-18 • Jointly funded by Department of National Defence and Navy League of Canada • The program fosters the development of leadership skills, good citizenship and physical fitness.

• Can be involved in music, biathlon, marksmanship, recreational sports and summer employment.

Sea Cadets specialize in sailing, seamanship, shipboard life, naval communications, power boat handling, boat repair and marine engineering. Selected senior cadets can attend international exchanges, sail aboard a Tall Ship, participate in ship deployments aboard Canadian Navy and Coast Guard ships, or compete for a chance to participate in annual sailing regattas!

“It is an extreme rarity that a boy from the Prairies is given a chance to sail on two oceans with people of different cultures and to see many different parts of the world.”

—Former Sea Cadet Colin McRae, Alberta

Visit www.cadets.ca or email 259sea@cadets.gc.ca.

128 NAVY LEAGUE CADETS CORPS PRAIRIE SCHOONER

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

• For youth ages 9-12 • Goal is to support, encourage and develop community values • Participate in various recreational activities throughout Saskatchewan, encouraging teamwork, community service, volunteering and skill development • Take part in sailing activities, Remembrance Day ceremonies, community fundraisers, range training, and other wonderful activities

Visit www.scnavyleaguecadets.weebly.com or email nlprairieschooner128@gmail.com.

Cadets pa 6:15 p.m rade Wedne sdays . to 9 p from .m. Bot trained h grou officer ps have s that volunt are scr eers eened dedica develo ted t pment o y , outh often their t volunt ime on eering weeke and nds, e throug vening hout Unifor s the s ms are umme provid upon r r. e d to c egistra adets tion.

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

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What’sInside

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FEATURE STORIES 8

Community Spotlight: Fresh Start

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Lisa Drader-Murphy: For the Love of Houndstooth

FEATURE: Swift Current Celebrates 100 Years

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Megan Lust: Accommodating Dietary Restrictions

Central School: A Century Old and Still Going Strong

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Meredith Heron on Warming Trends

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Community Spotlight: Maverick School

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Supercars Making Inroads

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Cruise Sun-Splashed Isles with Ken Beattie FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

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10 12

d. These woven woolens remained pular in and around the Scottish wlands into the 1800s, where the pherds wore houndstooth as a heavy er garment.

cording to John Telfer Dunbar’s “The stume of Scotland,” houndstooth was ginally made on woven wool cloth, it has since made its way to tweed other fabrics. By the 1930s, upperss city folk were wearing houndstooth a status symbol — a far cry from its tlefield beginnings. Since then, the ssic woven pattern has found its way o numerous couture collections by likes of Christian Dior, Chanel and is Vuitton. While it did experience respectable level of popularity, undstooth did not become truly iconic il Christian Dior used it in a pair of rt shoes in 1959.

56

the years, and in the 1930s, the pattern was adopted by the upper class as a symbol of wealth. During the 1960s, houndstooth dominated the international fashion scene, from the famous court pointed shoe on Christian Dior’s ads to the runways of Ann Klein and Geoffrey Beene. By the mid-90s, fashion houses of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Moschino regularly featured the iconic weave.

The traditional pattern has found its way into many fibres and weights and has become a recurring fashion theme. Once used exclusively for overcoats, it can now be seen in dresses, skirts, scarves, hats and home décor items. I love styling this enduring trend head to toe or mixing it with bright solids like crimson and teal.

For those who prefer only a nod to the DEPARTMENTS weave, a handbag or fedora is perfect for e interesting graphic nature of the finishing a winter look. ave has inspired many designers over

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Style

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House and Home

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Health and Wellness

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Arts, Dining and Entertainment

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provision of structured programming of us can do small things, with great love!

Sports, Recreation and Travel 80 Fresh Retail Marketplace Directory Start has blossomed into a strong for its clientele. Youth have access to —Mother Teresa

58 Business GETTING A FRESH START 70

Not all of us can do great things, but all

T

his is the mantra of Swift Current’s vibrant outreach ministry, Fresh Start. Since its inception in 1999, Fresh Start has committed its energy and expertise to Swift Current’s less fortunate. The ministry was borne out of East Side Church of God and

Wheels PHOTOS CORLA ROKOCHY Mission and Work

A major focus at Fresh Start is the

non-profit organization that offers employment, education and life skills empowering services to a unique mentoring. Programming also targets demographic in the Swift Current families overwhelmed by the demands community. “Our efforts target struggling of parenting. Intensive support services youth, families and the community help families develop new strategies that at large,” says Sally Wiens, executive better serve and maintain the family unit. director of Fresh Start. “The goal is alwaysFineLifestyles Southwest Sask 7 For the community at large, Fresh Start to meet their present difficulties with

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

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

GETTING A FRESH START PHOTOS CORLA ROKOCHY

N

ot all of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things, with great love! —Mother Teresa

This is the mantra of Swift Current’s vibrant outreach ministry, Fresh Start. Since its inception in 1999, Fresh Start has committed its energy and expertise to Swift Current’s less fortunate. The ministry was borne out of East Side Church of God and has since grown into its own dynamic, non-profit organization.

Mission and Work Fresh Start has blossomed into a strong non-profit organization that offers empowering services to a unique demographic in the Swift Current community. “Our efforts target struggling youth, families and the community at large,” says Sally Wiens, executive director of Fresh Start. “The goal is always to meet their present difficulties with optimism, hope and inspiration for a better tomorrow.”

A major focus at Fresh Start is the provision of structured programming for its clientele. Youth have access to employment, education and life skills mentoring. Programming also targets families overwhelmed by the demands of parenting. Intensive support services help families develop new strategies that better serve and maintain the family unit.

For the community at large, Fresh Start has also developed “Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen” and the “Fresh Start Food Bags.” This soup kitchen is offered one

L-R Jim Appleyard (board member), Pat Olsen (board member), Sally Wiens (executive director), Jerry Reimer (board member)

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

day a week. This initiative has clearly resonated with individuals, businesses, churches and community groups in and around the city; their incredible dedication to volunteerism and financial support are the mechanisms that drive the soup kitchen. This generosity results in a warm, meaningful evening for soup kitchen guests.

The “Fresh Start Food Bags” were established to encourage healthy eating by providing easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables at a reasonable cost. Fresh Start staff purchase fruits and vegetables by the case lot, offering significant savings to patrons. The produce is sorted and packed by volunteers, and all patrons need to do is pre-pay, pick it up and enjoy!

Exciting Upcoming Projects Fresh Start is always enhancing services and looking towards the future. “We recently purchased a beautiful, new home in the city that will be available early next year for youth,” effuses Wiens. “It will be a safe, supported, fully supervised home, with room for four occupants.” This new home enables Fresh Start to provide a continuum of services for youth: housing, employment, education and life skills mentoring.

Fresh Start is also very excited about their upcoming move. “We have finalized the purchase of downtown property that will soon become Fresh Start’s new home,” Wiens adds. “The entire organization is extremely pleased to own and operate their new space.”

To learn more about Fresh Start, feel free to call or visit their website, or drop in to their new office in Swift Current to see how you can help make a difference.

Fresh Start 214 - 1st Ave. NE Swift Current 306.773.8168 www.freshstartsc.ca

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

9

For the Love of

HOUNDSTOOTH

BY LISA DRADER-MURPHY, NATIONAL FASHION COLUMNIST PHOTOS GEOFFREY CREIGHTON MODEL SARAH MURPHY

A

Lisa Drader-Murphy, photo Jenn Gregory

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

s winter hints at arriving, one of my favourite fabrics to work with is supple woolen traditional houndstooth (or hound’s tooth).

Referred to by the French as “pied de poule” and to North Americans also as “dog’s tooth.” This classic weave can be found in almost everyone’s closet. It is androgynously embraced, succeeds in any scale, and may manifest as comfortable tradition or cutting edge.

Houndstooth is characterized by a large checked pattern, broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, with notched corners suggestive of a canine’s tooth. An example of a tessellation, houndstooth is most often in black and white. A tessellation is the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes, called tiles, with no overlaps and no gaps. In mathematics, tessellations can be generalized to higher dimensions.

Another mathematical idea that can

be portrayed through tessellations is symmetry. Their repetitive nature is both soothing to the eye and creatively stimulating. Tessellation designs are seen regularly on textiles, woven, stitched or printed, houndstooth arguably being among the most recognizable.

Houndstooth originated in Scotland, some believe as early as the fourth century, when tartans were worn to identify clans in battle. During this time, houndstooth was one of the few plaids with no designated clan. Consequently, wearing the pattern became a sort of strategy for peace — perhaps akin to sporting the blue and white of the United Nations. (Ironically, this pattern was part of Scotland’s lead in the creation of camouflage cloths.)

The pattern made a resurgence in the 12th century, emerging on fabric in the Scottish Lowlands, and in variations such as the Glenurquhart Check and Glen

Plaid. These woven woolens remained popular in and around the Scottish Lowlands into the 1800s, where the shepherds wore houndstooth as a heavy outer garment.

According to John Telfer Dunbar’s “The Costume of Scotland,” houndstooth was originally made on woven wool cloth, but it has since made its way to tweed and other fabrics. By the 1930s, upperclass city folk were wearing houndstooth as a status symbol — a far cry from its battlefield beginnings. Since then, the classic woven pattern has found its way into numerous couture collections by the likes of Christian Dior, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. While it did experience a respectable level of popularity, houndstooth did not become truly iconic until Christian Dior used it in a pair of court shoes in 1959.

The interesting graphic nature of the weave has inspired many designers over

the years, and in the 1930s, the pattern was adopted by the upper class as a symbol of wealth. During the 1960s, houndstooth dominated the international fashion scene, from the famous court pointed shoe on Christian Dior’s ads to the runways of Ann Klein and Geoffrey Beene. By the mid-90s, fashion houses of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Moschino regularly featured the iconic weave.

The traditional pattern has found its way into many fibres and weights and has become a recurring fashion theme. Once used exclusively for overcoats, it can now be seen in dresses, skirts, scarves, hats and home décor items. I love styling this enduring trend head to toe or mixing it with bright solids like crimson and teal.

For those who prefer only a nod to the weave, a handbag or fedora is perfect for finishing a winter look.

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

11

How to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions with Ease

BY MEGAN LUST

Sharing a dinner table, let alone a family feast, with someone who has special dietary requirements can be a challenge. It can be downright nerve-wracking.

Put those fears behind you and embrace your next family dinner with an arsenal of tips and recipes for a happy and festive feast for all.

Be Aware of CrossContamination

If you’re serving a guest with celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, crosscontamination can be a very real threat.

Kindly educate the guests on the importance of not double-dipping or using the same utensils for spreading, dipping, scooping which have touched something with gluten or other allergens.

Know What You’re Serving

If you’re making Auntie Greta’s famous pumpkin pie, make sure you know what ingredients are in it for all guests invited.

Some of your dinner guests may have dairy, egg, gluten or other allergies that you’re not aware of. If you’ve purchased a food item, it might help to keep the ingredients list handy for any who may need to check it (though you might not be able to pass off a storebought pumpkin pie as your own homemade this way!).

Be Inclusive

Nobody likes to be the odd person out at the dinner table. Nor does a person enjoy feeling awkward for having special dietary requirements. Providing a few special glutenfree and plant-based dishes for everyone to enjoy, especially those who might not be able to partake in anything else, is a wonderful way to share your hospitality.

planning you may find that with a few substitutions to your regular recipes they can easily become gluten-free and/or vegan and still taste amazing. Why not share the load and ask other family members or guests to each prepare a single dish to bring to share?

Of course, you can choose to create an entire meal that is completely gluten-free and plant-based!

Traditional autumn and winter family feasts generally include things like turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy with stuffing. There’s no need to try and replace the turkey with a faux meat substitute that’s not gluten-free when you can serve up something hearty and satisfying, and equally as festive, as Wild Rice & Pear Stuffed Acorn Squash.

Enjoy the following recipe and over a dozen more gluten-free and plant-based recipes, appetizers, soups, side dishes, gravy, desserts, and much more in my complementary Family Feasts Cookbook available for download at www.TheGlutenFreeVegan.com.

Megan Lust is a freelance writer and foodie, with a focus on gluten-free and vegan recipes. Visit her blog at theglutenfreevegan.com or her FB page for more healthy eating ideas and recipes. megan@theglutenfreevegan.com

Make It Fun!

It might seem like a lot of extra work to prepare an entirely separate menu of glutenfree vegan items but with a bit of advance

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FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

Wild Rice & Pear Stuffed Acorn Squash A hearty and flavourful vegan and gluten-free main course so filling you won’t miss the turkey. Serves six to eight people.

INGREDIENTS

P R E PA R AT I O N

4 acorn squashes 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper, sprinkled 1 cup brown and wild rice mix ¼ cup wild rice ½ cup red lentils 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 rib celery, chopped ½ large white onion, chopped finely 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large, firm Bartlett pear, unpeeled, chopped finely ¼ cup dried cherries, chopped ½ cup hazelnuts (or pecans), chopped 2 - 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.

2. Cut acorn squashes in half width wise and scoop out and discard the seeds and stringy bits. Drizzle the first amount of olive oil over the flesh side of the squash halves. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place squash flesh side down on the baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 350°F. 3. Meanwhile prepare the stuffing mixture by first rinsing the rice and lentils using a sieve to remove any extra starch and any foreign materials. In a large saucepan heat vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat and add the rice and red lentils. Let boil, uncovered, until the liquid is just barely below the rice, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer until all liquid is absorbed. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes in total.

4. While the rice is boiling, heat the second amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onions, garlic and celery until they begin to soften ¬ about 6 to 8 minutes. Add in pear, dried cherries and hazelnuts. Sauté an additional 3 minutes. Do not let the pear get too soft. Add thyme, salt and pepper.

5. Add the cooked rice and lentil mixture to the skillet. Toss to combine all the flavors.

6. Stuff the cooked squash halves evenly with the mixture. Place in a large baking dish, cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Serve hot with your favourite side dishes.

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

13

Jackie

“I can play with my kids” After I went to a school function for my oldest son, the boys in his grade started saying mean Weightloss Forever things about how fat I was. My son got into a fight 1 of 2 got suspended from school.

I had been waiting for approval to have the surgery in Regina.

I had lost a little weight before I heard, and then was told at 265 pounds, I was “not fat enough” to qualify. I was on the waiting list in Winnipeg, and called once a month to check. I was always told no and to call back. I did, for two and a half years. Finally one day they told me that they couldn’t understand why I kept calling since they never take out-of-province clients. I was so discouraged.

One night, I was sitting with my daughter on her bed and I caught sight of myself in the mirror. The absolute embarrassment and shame I felt was devastating. I never realized how big I was until that moment. When I started to cry, my 12-year-old daughter Maddy told me I was beautiful even though I was overweight.

That is when I decided I needed to do something. When I heard about WLF, I hoped it wasn’t too good to be true.

All I can say about WLF is “Wow!” The support from everyone has been phenomenal. Not once did I get the feeling they were too busy to help or listen. Not only is Bonnie my facilitator, she is my friend. I am thankful for her every single day. My surgery was awesome. I was expecting it to be painful afterwards, but other than a little soreness, I had no pain.

Now I can go for walks with my kids. I can play volleyball with my daughter, and paintball with my boys.

People don’t look at me with disgust. I love walking into a store and finding clothes that fit. I have more confidence, and am so happy to see the reaction that people have when they see me now. I love my life.

Jack

ie be

fore

Clothing The Sandbox, Broadway & 9 Ave, Hair & Make-up Angles Salon Spa, Midtown Plaza th

www.weightlossforever.ca 14

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

Dr. le Roux

Physician, heal thyself – with help from WLF I’m a family physician. Like many of my patients, I have struggled with weight for a long time, despite trying many diets and exercise to lose weight. I had hypertension, daily heartburn and shortness of breath with any exertion. As a physician, I knew well the health risks of obesity.

Melanie and Dr. Pompa have changed many lives. Now I have had over 100 of my own patients who had surgery through WLF. Having gone through the weight loss surgery myself makes a huge difference in how I counsel patients struggling with obesity.

I understand what hard work it is to go through this process, but patients can also see the difference it made in me. I can more easily discuss with patients my experience with Dr. Pompa and her staff at the hospital. I am also able to help patients through the post op stages. It brings me great joy to see the trust that patients have in me when they realize that I was a patient myself.

It feels good to have patients and friends compliment me on how well I look now. I enjoy having more energy and being able to exercise without limitation. Going up and down stairs is easy!

It is wonderful to be off my blood pressure medication, to have no heartburn (which I had daily before!) and to have a normal cholesterol level again.

Surgery seems like a drastic procedure to lose weight, but doing it with the support of the team at WLF and Dr. Pompa, this has been a success when nothing else worked before.

I am forever grateful for this opportunity to improve my life and health, and to continue to support and counsel my patients who struggle with obesity.

Dr. le

Roux

befo

re

www.weightlossforever.ca

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

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client’s needs!

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FineLifestyles

Red Light • Mystic Spray Tanning • Lash Extensions

Southwest Sask

SOUTHWEST

Winter 2014

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

JANUARY/MARCH 2014 January 15 Credit Union i-plex Centennial Celebrations Kick-off

February 15 Lyric Theatre Belle Plaine

March 22 Lyric Theatre New Country Rehab

January 18 Lyric Theatre Wool on Wolves

February 21-23 Gull Lake 9th Annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore

March 28 Sky Centre Women of Ireland

January 29 Norman Ritchie Community Centre, Kindersley Del Barber

March 6 Sky Centre Buffy Sainte-Marie

March 1 Kindersley Elks Hall JJ Voss

January 29 – Feb 2

March 6 Lyric Theatre The Once

March 19 Centre Street United Church, Shaunavon Infinitus

March 7-9 Swift Current Ag & Ex Step into Spring Home & Leisure Show

March 20 Norman Ritchie Community Centre, Kindersley Infinitus

Wickenheiser Centre, Shaunavon 2014 SaskTel Tankard Prov. Men’s Curling February 7 Sky Centre The Elmer Iseler Singers

FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

17

Why Whine at Winter When You Have

WINTER WINE? A

ll around the Northern hemisphere, wine and food lovers are finally letting go of the last few straws of warm sunshine, crisp, clean whites and BBQ marinades, and instead looking towards a future filled with red wine and roasts. For those of us living north of the 49th parallel, the phrase “winter warmers” certainly means more than most others places where snow is just for Christmas!

So, what is a winter warmer? Think deep luscious wines, the equivalent of a hearty bowl of soup, with the comforting ability to both warm and nourish the soul on particularly blustery days. Winter wines are those that will help take the nip out of the air, giving you a toasty warm feeling all over.

You might go for an elegant, full-bodied and deeptannined Cabernet Sauvignon from California.

French Cabernets are always good, but recent vintages coming out of Napa, in particular, have an awesome amount of fruit. Some prefer an earthy Argentinian Malbec, with a hint of dusty saddle. My personal winter favourite is the dark, sumptuous fruit of an Aussie Shiraz . . . mostly to remind me of the heat of the summer sun!

Reisling, particularly German, is another fine choice when it comes to winter wines. While still crisp and fruity as you would expect from a summer choice, it is intense with a typically rounded finish ― perfect for those late winter lunches on the weekend when you’ve slept in and decided to spend all day inside.

While still served slightly chilled, it’s a perfect match for seafood or shellfish, or for when you want to just nibble some cheese in front of the fire.

Of course, being stuck inside all day is not just an excuse for drinking more wine. It is also a great opportunity to hone your culinary skills. Most winter dishes require some intense work at the beginning, followed by a long, relaxed period of cooking which, of course, is when you get to drink the wine!

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Roast of Lamb This is possibly my favourite roast dinner, not only because of the wonderful meal at the end of it, but also because of the wonderful aromas that fill the house while it is cooking, and the perfect excuse to open a bottle of winter–warming wine.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

 1 leg

Set the oven at 425°F. While it is warming up, take a small knife and make inch deep insertions into the fatty side of the lamb in a grid pattern, leaving gaps between of a couple inches or so. The idea is to cover as much of the surface as you can. Into each slit, tuck a sprig of rosemary and a sliver of garlic. I like to then rub the whole leg with a decent extra virgin olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

of lamb, bone in, weighing 4 or 5 lbs., room temperature

 1 bag of potatoes, preferably from the garden,

peeled and cubed into half inch pieces  fresh

rosemary, some chopped and some left on the sprigs

 dried sage, about a handful  1 head of garlic, half of the cloves peeled and

sliced, half of the cloves left full  salt and pepper

Place the prepared leg into a roasting dish, along with the full cloves of garlic and any remaining rosemary, then into the oven for 30 minutes to sear.

Drop the cubed potato into a pot of simmering water along with the dried sage.

Reduce the oven to 300°F, and cook for 20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 20 minutes until the core temperature reaches 250°F. Meanwhile, drain the potatoes and place them onto a roasting pan, spreading the sage amongst them. Let them dry for the next hour, and once dry, drizzle generously with oil. Throw into the oven for the last hour, or until the outsides have nicely browned.

Take the lamb out of the oven and let rest for another 20 minutes. This should cook the lamb to a very English medium-rare. The pan should also be full of juicy bits for making au jus; just add red wine, stir and reduce by half.

As a final indulgence, a little bit of mint sauce on the side is never a bad thing.

The Wine Guy is a recent immigrant to Saskatoon (he fell in love with a Saskatchewan gal) and is delighted at the range of wines available here. His observations have been featured in publications such as Wine Spectator, Food & Wine Magazine, a variety of Sunday supplements and various blogs. The Wine Guy is fully committed to the grape cause.

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

Celebrating Five Years of Entertainment in Southwest Saskatchewan

By AlyssA Rudyck Photos BoBBi-Jo knAkoske

T

his year the Living Sky Casino (LSC) in Swift Current will celebrate its five-year anniversary.

In honor of this milestone, Living Sky will celebrate throughout the month of December, giving away five weekly $5,000 cash prizes. On Saturday, December 28, they will serve cake and refreshments, feature $5 items on the restaurant menu, and host a free Dueling Pianos show for guests to enjoy. Their weekly Livin’ Up Lounge entertainment will feature FOXX Worthee, and in the Sky Centre, UFC fans can enjoy the UFC 168 fight on the biggest screen in Swift Current.

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“Our team is proud of LSC, and its accomplishments over the past five years in Swift Current,” says Lionel Tootoosis, Living Sky Casino general manager.

“Our sponsorships, partnerships and volunteerism all add to making Swift Current a great place to live and do business. Living Sky Casino is excited to be a big part of the Swift Current centenary celebrations and we look forward to our future successes.”

Since its opening in 2008, Living Sky Casino — the sixth property operated by the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) — has

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

experienced tremendous growth, playing host to numerous big events and exciting shows.

“The Sky Centre is an entertainment hub for Swift Current,” says Tootoosis.

“We have built a reputation as one of the top entertainment destinations in the Southwest, and our Players Club is one of the largest and fastest-growing membership bases among all SIGA casinos in Saskatchewan. LSC serves many guests due to its regional location in the Southwest on Highway 1, including tourists, RV enthusiasts, seniors and gamers of all ages who visit our casino

for gaming fun, lounge acts, concerts, UFC fights and other events.”

A casino and performing arts and convention centre, Living Sky not only offers a variety of entertainment and gaming options, including table games, lottery, and a wide range of slot machines, but also provides patrons with a space to host private functions. Their performing arts theatre, with its multipurpose design, can accommodate gatherings from conventions to weddings, and everything in between.

Recently, SIGA also invested in a new slot operating system to enable fun new bonus features on Living Sky’s slot machines, many of which have progressive jackpots in the tens of thousands to be won. “Table players will delight in the change, as we now have table tracking to reward our table players much the same way our Player’s Club members earn rewards from playing on the slots,” says Tootoosis.

“Our new slot product has refreshed the casino gaming floor, and more is on the way in December.”

At Living Sky Casino, they take pride in showing their patrons a great time, focusing on outstanding customer service, and listening to their customers’ needs to ensure that every customer experience is a positive one.

“Our strength is in our people and the delivery of our First Nation hospitality model for customer service,” says Tootoosis. “We take pride in operating under our First Nations’ values, and this family and hospitable environment makes for a great workplace that also translates into an exemplary gaming experience for our guests. Our team prides itself on service… we respond to customer comment cards, online comments and feedback from our guests… to ensure that we deliver on what we promise.”

Living Sky Casino 1401 North Service Rd E Swift Current, SK S9H 3X6 306.778.5759 www.LivingSkyCasino.ca | MIDDLE Lindsay Sletten, red seal chef serving customers RIGHT Lionel Tootoosis, general manager

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

Superb Gluten-Free Curries to Sizzling Kabobs

BomBayman’s Has it all

By Tonya LamberT Photos bobbi-Jo KnaKosKe

L

ast December, the people of Swift Current and area received a surprise Christmas gift all the way from Mumbai, India. Jyubeen and Mittal Kacha, recent arrivals to Swift Current, opened their restaurant, Bombayman’s, on the lower level of Chinook Centre across from the Lyric Theatre on Central Avenue North.

Wrapped in the creative artwork and designer decor of Mittal, Bombayman’s brought the full-bodied flavours and tantalizing aromas of East Indian cuisine to the Saskatchewan prairies, easily accommodating up to 70 people.

Owner Jyubeen Kacha has worked in the hospitality industry in India, England

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and Canada for the past 15 years. A former chef at some of India’s best fivestar hotels, Jyubeen brings a wealth of experience and talent to Bombayman’s.

Trained in the preparation of both East Indian and Canadian food, Jyubeen is equally adept at cooking up a complex curry or a scrumptious steak.

Jyubeen prides himself in using only the freshest ingredients, making everything from sauces to dough from scratch. His light and fluffy naan bread, made from Jyubeen’s own secret recipe, is quickly becoming known throughout the region, as are his mouth-watering butter chicken and sizzling kababs. Just ask Kristen

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

Friesen. “I love this restaurant. The staff is very friendly. The chef even came out to ask us how we liked our meal. The food is well priced, and the butter chicken and garlic naan are amazing,” says Kristen.

Jyubeen’s curries also receive rave reviews. “I live in England part of the time, and Canada the other. England is renowned for its curry houses. So I eat a lot of curries. At Bombayman’s, when I tried each curry that we ordered, I was in shock. It was the best curry I’d ever tasted. The flavours had layers like I haven’t experienced in such a long time.

Spice, herb, creamy, soft textures that just made me melt,” states another satisfied

L–R Rhea, Mittal and Jyubeen Kacha, Caitlin Hueser and Bipasha Das

and discerning customer. Not only are they delicious, Jyubeen’s curries are also gluten-free.

Bombayman’s offers customers the choice of selecting either the daily lunch or supper buffets (Monday to Saturday) or ordering directly from the menu.

Jyubeen and Mittal are now offering a daily lunch special consisting of two curries (one meat and one vegetarian) served with naan bread, a salad, a snack item and dessert. Dishes can be prepared to suit individual tastes: mild, medium, hot or very hot. Now a fully licensed restaurant, guests of Bombayman’s can choose to enjoy their favourite drink from the well-stocked bar or be adventurous and sample an East Indian beer. “It’s nutritious and delicious — a place where you can feel good about eating out. We love Bombayman’s!” says Staci, another satisfied customer.

Bombayman’s Restaurant is open seven days a week, with reduced hours on Sundays. Their prices are competitive, the service great and the atmosphere inviting. Bombayman’s also caters parties and events. Whether you are a resident of Swift Current or just passing through town, you are encouraged to come and try the flavourful foods.

Bombayman’s Restaurant 5L–240 Central Avenue North Swift Current 306.773.8317 bombaymans.77@sasktel.net www.bombaymans.com

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CREATING ATMOSPHERE

&

Celebration at the Christmas Table

BY KIMBERLY PATZER

T

he wondrous scents of Christmas waft through the house, filling the air with festive delights. You eagerly await your guests to arrive so that together, everyone can enjoy the turkey with all its trimmings.

There is something sacred about sharing a meal with others. Meals are a time for celebration and a time to share love and laughter. Those who come to eat at your table are there because they are special to you; there is no better reason than that to take special care and thought in decorating the dining room table.

Allow your style to influence the final outcome of how you dress your table. Do not feel confined to the traditional red and green; choose colours that will enhance your space without creating a distraction.

A simple colour palette that is both elegant and classy, and that will enhance any style, is green, gold and white.

To create a formal atmosphere, use a white tablecloth to lend sophistication and a sense of occasion. If you wish, add a table runner to top the tablecloth. You may choose a more casual setting with a table runner alone, or even less with only placemats. The atmosphere that you

select is entirely up to you, but remember that atmosphere is everything.

You are now ready to set the table. A great table setting enhances your formal or casual atmosphere with festivity, but what does it mean to “set a table?” To set a table is to properly place dishes, flatware and glassware. A basic formal setting looks elegant, but allows guests to feel at home.

Place the dinner plates two inches from the table’s edge. If you are serving soup, place a soup bowl on each dinner plate. The bread plate goes slightly above the fork to the left of the dinner plate with a butter knife set across it. The cutlery or flatware is set out in the order that the guests will use it, working from the outside in. Forks are on the left side while the knives and spoons are on the right side. You can either place the dessert fork at the top of the plate or on the left side closest to the plate. A water glass is placed above the dinner knife while a wine glass or two is staggered around the water glass. A napkin is either placed to the left of the plate under the forks, tucked inside a drinking glass or rolled into a log and set on the plate encompassed by a napkin ring.

You now have a beautifully set table awaiting only the final touches for

entertaining your guests. Choose a centrepiece that is in keeping with your colour palette and your style. Some examples are glittered candles of varying sizes and shapes, an evergreen arrangement, tree ornaments in a glass bowl or a simple, yet elegant, bouquet of fresh flowers. The sky is the limit!

To honour your guests, give each setting a place card with a guest’s name on it and set it either on the plate or just above.

Again, depending on your style, you could attach each place card with a pine cone in dazzling gold glitter, a glass tree ornament, or with a napkin and greenery (like cedar) wrapped in gold thread.

Lastly, to finish off your masterpiece, decorate each chair in keeping with your overall theme. You may choose a chair slip cover, a simple bow with a mistletoe or some tinsel with jingle bells.

I have given you a frame to work with, and now you can let your creativity take over to create an atmosphere that you, your family and your friends can enjoy as you share this special meal together.

From my dining room table to yours: Merry Christmas!

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Sun Splashed ISLES

BY KEN BEATTIE PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCEANIA CRUISES

Dr. Ken Beattie, NPD, Ph.D. Enrichment Speaker

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B

rand new in May 2012, Oceania’s Riviera and her sister, Marina, are touted as the most sophisticated and elegant ships to debut in the last five decades. Comfortably midsized — which really means that the ship has a guest capacity of 1,250 passengers and a staff of 800 — appeals to a great many cruisers because these ships are not gargantuan as many of the new vessels are. This equates to a guest to staff ratio of less than 2-1; how do you spell “pampered?”

Personalized service has been long a hallmark of Oceania Cruises, yet not “over the top” and artificial — just simply, excellent. I have yet to learn how the staff can learn first names, your preference for “shaken or stirred,” and who you are travelling with — usually by day two of the voyage. Perhaps there is a secret code that is transmitted via some shipboard social media, or perhaps our trusty cruise cards are each embedded with a microchip. No matter their process, the results are awesome; you will feel appreciated and welcome aboard any of Oceania’s vessels the moment you set foot on the ship.

The Oceania Cruises experience is chatted up in many cruise circles, but for those who have yet to savour a voyage with Oceania there is no need to be overwhelmed by descriptions of elegance, designer touches and the upscale ambience of Riviera or Marina. The tone, cadence and shipboard ambience is very relaxed — often referred to as “country club casual.” Of course, there are many different passengers aboard, some who prefer to dress formally for special occasions, photography or just because they like to. Others will appear at any of the six open-seating gourmet restaurants neat and tidy with or without a jacket or tie; whatever suits your style and comfort level is just fine. Naturally, common sense prevails, so parading into a grand buffet in your flip flops and wraparound over your swimwear may raise a few eyebrows on your way out.

Extra surcharges to dine in these specialty restaurants are nonexistent, but because they are quite popular, reservations are usually required. There are many times that we feel like dining on deck or even in our stateroom; it matters not where — the food is considered the best at sea.

Having a burger and fries on deck at The Waves Grill or lighter fare at the Terrace

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Cafe on the 12th deck often hits the spot perfectly, and the pool is not too far away.

On tropical itineraries such as the Sun Splashed Isles, eating on deck is very pleasant. There always seems to be a breeze, no matter what the temperature, and in February if it’s not snow, it’s good!

Sun Splashed Isles is a great 10-day itinerary from Miami return, departing February 22, 2014. I will be presenting onboard as part of Oceania’s enrichment program for the duration of this cruise. Our ports of call lend themselves so beautifully for storytelling, weaving all manner of myth, mystery, medicines and history of the Caribbean.

Not only are you able to work on your tan, but you may also learn quite a bit about this beautiful part of the world.

The new Bon Appétit Culinary Centre is the only hands-on cooking school at sea.

Massimo, a well known and fantastic chef, is scheduled to be on this cruise, so all “foodies” are welcome to join me and learn the art from a master. The Artist’s Loft offers a wonderful opportunity to learn or hone your creative skills from the artists-in-

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residence program; perhaps a watercolour expression of Tortola will be your souvenir.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and St. Barts will certainly deliver the consummate Caribbean image on any level. Tortola, the Dominican Republic and finally to Nassau, Bahamas, completes this idyllic island sojourn with a return to Miami for your connections home. First time cruisers: this is a wonderful itinerary for

you to discover how fantastic cruising can be. Start with Oceania and you will realize that you are home. I look forward to welcoming you on the Sun Splashed Isles itinerary aboard Riviera in February.

Ken Beattie is the Manager of Habitat Programs for the Canadian Wildlife Federation. kenb@cwf-fcf.org For more information or to book your trip visit www.oceaniacruises.com

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

Pack the ‘Plex Car Giveaway

6 PACKS 6 tickets for the price of 5 12 PACKS 12 tickets for the price of 10

TICKETS FOR 8 KIDS, 2 ADULTS DQ ICE CREAM CAKE SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFT VISIT BY CHARLIE HORSE VIDEOBOARD RECOGNITION SPECIAL BIRTHDAY CARD

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

TEACHING THE

LOVE OF DANCE

BY COURTNEY TAIT PHOTOS CORLA ROKOCHY

F

or 40 years, Renee Skeoch, owner of The Backstage Dance Co., has been imparting the joy of movement to her students. “Seeing the happiness on a student’s face when they’re dancing is the best,” she says. “A lot of our students have developed a life-long love of dance.”

Offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre, the studio features four instructors as well as assistants for larger classes. Young and adult students hone their skills in a studio

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with a 16-foot ceiling, mirrored wall and two walls of ballet barres. But the encouragement they receive during class is what makes The Backstage Dance Co. truly stand out. “My philosophy is that it doesn’t matter what you’ve been given physically; if you really want to dance, you can make it happen,” says Renee. “We offer a positive, down-to-earth attitude and atmosphere.”

Originally established in 1966 by Doris Sitter as The Swift Current Studio

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

of Dance, the studio was taken over

by Renee in 1988 and renamed The Backstage Dance Co. For more than a decade, it has been run out of its current location, a century-old theatre building that was at one time a venue for live performance. Backstage instructors teach ballet with the internationally-recognized Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and the Canadian Dance Teacher’s syllabi for tap and jazz. Students advance through taking exams. Classes are typically offered four to six days per week from

September to June, with a year-end recital showcasing the students’ progress.

Though dance requires hard work, dedication and sweat, Renee considers the art form to be therapeutic. “You can forget your problems and just focus on dancing, something that’s joyful physically, spiritually and emotionally,” she says. When students feel frustrated due to challenges, the Backstage instructors encourage them to continue working and not give up. “They develop a sense of personal accomplishment from mastering these skills,” says Renee.

Because dance performance requires confidence on stage, Renee believes it creates a sense of confidence off stage as well. “A lot of students who have taken dance find when involved in public speaking, they may or may not be nervous, but they’re able to look selfassured and in command,” she says.

To meet the ongoing needs of young students, the dance syllabi followed

by Backstage are continually evolving.

Renee says the Royal Academy of Dance is currently modifying their syllabus to increase the physicality of the exercises — a response to the decrease in exercise children are getting in the informationage era. One of the focuses of Backstage this fall has been encouraging students to use the strong posture they learn in dance class throughout their everyday life. “You can really fix almost any posture problem by how you develop your muscles,” says Renee. “To me, good posture and a balanced, healthy body are vitally important.”

Whether you’re interested in dance for yourself or for your child, The Backstage Dance Co. welcomes you. “I hope every student will cultivate a love for dance,” says Renee. “That is the most important thing!”

The Backstage Dance Co. 37 Central Ave. N. Swift Current S9H 0K8 306.778.2205 backstage@sasktel.net www.thebackstagedanceco.ca Renee Skeoch instructing jazz in the B Level Combo Class (Tap and Jazz)

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

WHERE LIFE MAKES SENSE:

Swift Current Celebrates 100 years

BY COURTNEY TAIT PHOTOS COURTESY OF SWIFT CURRENT MUSEUM AND CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT

A

swiftly flowing creek, a railway and a boom of business and agriculture marked the early days of Swift Current. It has grown from a late 19th century village to a thriving city, now known as a community “Where Life Makes Sense.”

First Nations were the first people to make use of the Swift Current Creek, hunting and camping on its banks for centuries. Settlers began arriving in the 1870s, erecting tents and stone dwellings. In 1882, construction for the Canadian Pacific Railway reached the area. The Swift Current creek

supplied water for the CPR’s steam engines, and a terminus was created to provide maintenance for the engines.

Once lumber was able to be transported to the area, wood-frame structures were built. One of these buildings was Swift Current’s first business, a general merchandise store opened by Fraser Tims in 1882. “It sold everything from soup to nuts, covering the needs of the settler,” says Lloyd Begley, manager of the Swift Current Museum.

Swift Current became known as a centre for business in the Southwest.

The community’s location on the

Battleford Trail, and ox-cart route, made it an important shipping point for merchants. “If you needed to get to Saskatoon or Regina, you had to take the Battleford Trail,” says Begley. By 1907, the community became a town, with a population of 550. Seven years later, on January 15, 1914, Swift Current was incorporated as a city. The boom years had begun.

Walk through Swift Current today, and you can view some of its early history through the buildings that remain. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is the First United Church, built in ABOVE Central Avenue, Swift Current, 1980s

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CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

1912 as the Knox Presbyterian Church. The oldest commercial business and building is The Imperial Hotel, built in 1903. The centre of Swift Current’s vibrant arts community is The Lyric Theatre, built in 1912. The Lyric originally hosted vaudeville shows and functioned as a movie theatre from the 1920s to 1981. After decades as a bar and nightclub venue, the theatre was taken over in 2005 by Southwest Cultural Development Group, who re-opened it as a venue for theatre, music and other live performance. “The Lyric has become the hub of the cultural community in Swift Current,” says Gwen Uher, president of the Southwest Cultural Development Group. “It has provided the space for people interested in the arts to practice and perform.”

Agriculture was the earliest major industry in the area.

A large ranching operation known as the “76” ranches stretched from the U.S. to Alberta, and included 10 ranches between Swift Current and Calgary. What is now Kinetic Grounds was at that time a grazing area for sheep raised on one of these ranches. “The 76 ranches was an enormous operation,” says Begley. “It provided employment for hundreds of men, from cowboys and ropers to camp hands.” Frontier Days — Swift Current’s annual rodeo and exhibition — was created in 1938 as a celebration of agriculture.

In 1952, the Fosterton Well was drilled 30 miles northwest of the city, the first successful oil discovery in the area. This led to the creation of Swift Current’s oil and natural gas industry, which continues to thrive today.

The Swift Current Museum hosts an afternoon “Lunch and Learn” program as well as an evening talk called “History by the Pint” each Wednesday, giving residents a chance to learn about the city’s history. Throughout the 2014 Centennial Year celebrations, the museum will display a series of exhibits throughout Swift Current, highlighting the city’s diverse past.

Where Life Makes Sense In the last decade, there has been a demand from the residents of Swift Current for the city to grow, according to Mayor Jarrod Schafer. “They didn’t want to have a community that’s stagnant any more, that remains small,” says Mayor Schafer. “They wanted to see new businesses and new population, and they wanted their local government and organizations in the community to champion that and do all they could to attract it.”

This shift in thinking was shown in part through an organization made up of residents and businesses called Action Swift Current. Working with City Council, the group created a new slogan for the city: “Where Life makes Sense.” The motto came from looking at the City’s strengths, which were categorized into eight pillars, including education, recreation, health, accessibility and affordability. The combination of the eight pillars makes for a community where it makes MIDDLE Modern News, 1952

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sense to live. Swift Current’s high quality of lifestyle can be experienced through a multitude of recreational activities.

Chinook Parkway runs alongside the creek, offering 22 km of hiking trails.

City parks, indoor and outdoor ice rinks and an aquatic centre provide a realm of leisure. Hockey games and other sportrelated activities for all ages are available, along with theatre and music events hosted at the historic Lyric Theatre, and art exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Swift Current. There’s an exceptional amount of activities that families and individuals can participate in,” says Mayor Schafer.

Two new schools are in the process of being built in Swift Current. The city’s college has grown in the last 15 years from being a small community college to a large regional college, where many students can complete their first two years of university classes. The modern Cypress Regional Hospital is just six

years old, and plans are in place to build a new 225-bed long-term care facility.

“We have some tremendous facilities that don’t differentiate us that much from larger centres,” says Mayor Schafer.

Culturally, the face of the community has changed in the last two decades, with a large number of newcomers moving to Swift Current. “We’ve seen a real growth in our culture, and a vibrancy in celebrating different cultures and various forms of art,” adds the mayor.

The agricultural industry continues to be critical for the development of Swift Current. “It has progressed significantly over the last decade,” says Marty Salberg, Swift Current’s director of business development. “Not only we are we strong in the wheat area, we’ve got pulse crops with peas and lentils. That’s been very important for the community and our entire area.”

The energy sector is also strong. “We’re seeing a lot of activity in the oil industry in Swift Current and throughout the entire Southwest,” says Salberg. Swift Current’s location on the Trans Canada Highway benefits its tourism industry, with businesses such as hotels, eateries, and The Living Sky Casino attracting people to the area.

Salberg says the City wants to continue to ensure that both employers and employees have what they need, from properly zoned and serviced land to amenities such as health care, recreation and cultural facilities. “We want to continue moving forward on making this a choice location to live, work, invest and play,” says Salberg. “We have a wellrounded community, and a very good foundation to build upon. I think that the folks who were around when Swift Current was incorporated into a city would be proud. It simply is a superb place to live.”

TOP L-R Elevators on Railway St., c. 1970, Golf course, photo by Chuck Audette BOTTOM L-R Doc’s Town, photo by Jason Finkbeiner; Woolworth’s, 1920s; and Peace Parade on Central Ave., 1919

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CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

Celebrating 100 Years The slogan for Swift Current’s Centennial Year is “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Welcoming The Future,” and residents will have the opportunity to do all three in 2014 through a variety of events organized by the city’s Centennial Committee.

At the Centennial Day Extravaganza — to be held at Innovation Credit Union Iplex on January 15 —attendees can experience Swift Current’s history as they walk through 14 exhibit booths, each one featuring a different decade.

Interpreters will be dressed in clothing that reflects the decade they represent, and the booths will feature images that replicate the decade and tell the stories of its time. Complementing the historical exhibits, a performance featuring dance, theatre, visual arts and music depicting each decade will be kicked off with dignitary addresses, and a celebratory

cake cutting and balloon drop will follow.

Kids can enjoy going back in time through historically popular games and crafts.

“We’ll be introducing the history of Swift Current in an easy way for people to absorb it and have some fun with it,” says Erin Gehl, project coordinator of the Centennial Committee.

In conjunction with Frontier Days, the Centennial Homecoming Weekend will take place June 28 and 29, with some activities on June 26 and 27 as well. The Centennial Pavilion will present historical images of Swift Current and provide entertainment. Traditional food, music and historical displays from various cultural groups in Swift Current will be featured in the Multicultural Pavilion, and Centennial-themed visual art will be shown in a heritage exhibit. A highlight of the weekend will be the Saturday evening concert and fireworks display.

A favourite holiday event in Swift Current is the annual tree lighting. Set for November 28, 2014, it will be a part of “Light Up the Future,” the centennial celebration’s final event. Choirs, music and a winter light parade featuring various Swift Current businesses will be featured as part of the celebrations. The Lyric Theatre will host a Festival of Trees inside the theatre, with individual trees decorated to represent each decade. ”For a lot of folks that have left and haven’t been back in the last 10 years, Swift Current is a community that has changed drastically,” says Mayor Schafer. “To see the difference and get excited about where the city is headed is something we should be proud of and celebrate, and the best way to do that is to take part in these events. Swift Current is a community with a unique past and an exciting future.

ABOVE Central Ave., c. 1950s

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

WELCOME TO THE NEW STANDARD MOTORS

BY COURTNEY TAIT PHOTOS BOBBI-JO KNAKOSKE

W

elcome to the new Standard Motors” may be a surprising slogan for a business that’s over 100 years old, but 4th-generation owners, Mark and Ryan Plewis, are bringing a fresh approach to Swift Current’s long-standing dealership. “We have an invigorated effort to be very competitive,” says Ryan.

“

Standard Motors is known for its exceptional service and value. Bringing new ideas to the business is about maintaining everything from the past that people love, and being as competitive as possible in the current market. With a team of 50-plus staff, Standard Motors offers new and used GM vehicles, an award-winning full service department, a parts and accessories department, and an off-site body shop. Customers from

Swift Current and across southwest Saskatchewan come to the dealership not only for its selection and automotive services, but for its outstanding customer service.

Opened in 1910, Standard Motors has been a part of the Plewis family heritage since the 1930s, when Barney Plewis, Mark and Ryan’s great grandfather, became a partner in the business. His sons, Leon and Morris, eventually joined him in running the company. In the late 1980s, Leon’s son, Jim, became the sole owner of Standard Motors and serves as its current president. Jim’s sons, Mark and Ryan, became partners with him in 2013.

During his time as an owner of Standard Motors, Barney Plewis’ work as a

p h i l a n t h ro p i s t b e n e f i t e d t h e community. Among other charitable actions, he bought Swift Current’s Royal Bank building and donated it to become a centre for senior citizens.

“Barney was involved in the business during the depression and believed strongly in helping people out,” says Mark. “That’s what really established Standard Motors as the kind of organization it is today.”

INSET Photo courtesy of Swift Current museum

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CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

Standard Motors supports a number of sports and cultural groups in Swift Current. The company has also supported the Regional Hospital with a donation of $50,000 to the Noble Irwin Foundation, and the Lyric Theatre, with a donation of $50,000 toward its renovations.

Standard Motors is the title sponsor of Market Square, and is a platinum sponsor of Swift Current’s upcoming Centennial celebrations. “We try to support all facets of what makes this community a good place to live,” says Ryan. “We believe that a business needs to be a strong community partner.”

As one of the oldest businesses in Swift Current, Standard Motors values both its loyal clientele and its staff. “Our staff is what makes us successful,” says Mark.

“We pride ourselves on treating staff well and are always striving to be among the region’s employers of choice.”

Standard Motors’ success throughout its history gives it a strong foundation for moving forward and creating changes that keep it competitive. The company is focusing on attracting new customers while continuing to take care of its current clientele. “We want customers to have the absolute best experience and value we can give,” says Ryan, “and to be the dealership of choice for people in many different ways.”

Standard Motors 44 2nd Ave. Swift Current 306.773.3131 standardmotors.ca

TOP The New Standard Motors team

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

DICKSON AGENCIES: A Rooted History of Growing the Community

BY TORI STAFFORD PHOTOS CORLA ROKOCHY

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s Swift Current and area residents prepare to celebrate the City’s centennial, it is a reminder of the rich history of this community. For managing partner Kevin Sutter and his colleagues at Dickson Agencies, the centennial celebrations are a reminder of just how rooted in this community their company is.

Founded in the 1920s by Frank James Dickson, who moved to Swift Current from Manitoba in 1913 — even before the city had officially incorporated — Dickson Agencies has never changed its objective: offering solutions to all of the insurance needs of those living in the Swift Current area.

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That is not to say the company hasn’t changed over the past 100 years. As the City of Swift Current has grown and evolved, so too has Dickson Agencies.

“We’ve definitely changed and adapted to suit the customers’ needs and offer the most up-to-date services,” Sutter says of the insurance brokerage, which now has nine full-time employees working to serve the community’s needs.

Dickson Agencies is proud to serve as a one-stop-shop for those in the area, offering insurance solutions for everything from small businesses to mobile homes.

“We’re talking about everything insurancewise as far as agriculture, home, business, oil field, tenant, auto, travel, health and

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

more,” says Sutter. “And we’re also a motor vehicle license issuer for the Province of Saskatchewan.”

Licensing vehicles and other services are available online as well now, Sutter points out, noting that not all insurance needs require face-to-face interaction these days. Dickson Agencies’ website also offers Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) database searching, to find out if a vehicle has been in an accident, and free e-quotes through SGI online services.

But despite the uptake in online services, Dickson Agencies works hard to ensure regular face-to-face time with members of the community. Giving back to the Swift

Current area and fostering its growth has always been an important part of what Dickson Agencies does, Sutter expresses.

From local minor sports to the Art Smart program at Maverick School, Dickson actively supports local youth programs every year.

Additionally, Dickson Agencies hosts an annual golf tournament in support of the Ponteix and District Ambulance Service Association. For the past five years, this tournament, put on entirely by the staff at Dickson Agencies, has helped the association raise the $8,000 required annually to maintain service to their community. This past year, the event raised $12,500; in its five years, the tournament has brought in $37,000 for the cause.

When the Royal Canadian Legion of Swift Current announced it was in need of funding for desperately needed renovations, Dickson Agencies employees put their heads together and created what they now hope will be an annual event: Swift Current’s Oktoberfest, which, along with donations from local businesses and the community, raised more than $70,000.

“Dickson Agencies has been involved in growing and developing Swift Current since our inception in the 1920s,” says Sutter. “We are proud to carry on this tradition today through our community involvement initiatives.”

Dickson Agencies 105 Central Ave N. Swift Current 306.773.0624 dicksonagencies.ca LEFT, FRONT ROW L-R Alisa Hudson, Lorrie Cloutier, Lyndsy Ford, Jessica Therrien, Kevin Sutter BACK ROW L-R Omer Houde, Melanie Johnson, Brandi Bitz, Scott Cassidy TOP SCBEX Awards, October 2013: Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, Medium Business Award Class L-R Alisa Hudson, Scott Cassidy, Brandi Bitz, Kevin Sutter, Melanie Johnson, Lorrie Cloutier

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

TOP LEFT photo courtesy of Swift Current Museum

PIONEER CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION LTD. Serving the Great Southwest

BY TORI STAFFORD PHOTOS BOBBI-JO KNAKOSKE AND COURTESY OF PIONEER CO-OP

F

rom its earliest beginnings in 1936, Pioneer Co-operative has established itself in Swift Current and surrounding communities. It has grown by meeting the needs of the agriculturally-rich area, working for and with the community to bring its members the products and services they need and value.

With locations in Swift Current, and 14 branches in the surrounding area, Pioneer Co-operative aims to be there for its members, wherever they are.

The Wheatland Mall location offers a

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department store for everyone’s needs.

The Food Store handles a full array of fresh and quality grocery products including bakery, deli, produce, meat, dairy and grocery. Their Mall Pharmacy provides member customers with a professional and knowledgeable staff to care for health and wellness concerns.

From basics to high-end designer fashion, Pioneer Co-operative carries the latest trends and timeless classics in men’s wear, ladies’ wear, children’s apparel and a footwear department.

The Wheatland Mall location is home

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

to the Pioneer Co-op Home Centre, offering home renovation, building and fix-it solutions under one roof, including journeyman electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics and sheet metal trades. Along with their hardware, floor coverings, building materials and plumbing and heating departments, they carry giftware, housewares, appliances, sporting and seasonal goods. Add in a full-serve service station with a touchless car wash, and the Wheatland Mall Pioneer Co-op provides a one-stop shopping experience. Not forgetting

the south end of the city, Pioneer Co-operative’s Southside Shopping Centre location offers a full Food Store with pharmacy, full-serve service station and touchless car wash.

Hodgeville, Kyle, Maple Creek, Morse, Ponteix, Sceptre, Stewart Valley and Tompkins, it may seem like a lot of locations offering a wide array of services and products. That’s because it is.

Swift Current is also home to the Pioneer Co-operative Agronomy Centre, Agro Centre and Petroleum Department. It houses crop protection and fertilizer crop production solutions, bulk fuel, farm hardware (from grain storage and augers to aeration equipment) and farm equipment rentals. Located alongside the Agronomy is the Co-op Tire and Repair Shop, which services the Pioneer Co-operative fleet of vehicles, and also offers tire sales and repairs and auto repair services to members.

Pioneer Co-operative takes on the needs of its members, which is why it has grown to have so many locations and branches. Serving the needs of their 23,000 members could not be accomplished without the loyalty and commitment of the association’s 500 employees — an extension of their forefathers who saw the need to provide local communities with the Co-operative way of doing business… “You’re At Home Here!”

With branches located in Abbey, Cabri, Consul, Frontier, Gull Lake, Herbert,

Pioneer Co-operative has grown alongside the Swift Current community for 78 years in the most economically

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

viable way possible, says Stuart Dyrland, general manager. “One of our main goals is to provide services to our membership. A lot of our membership is in the surrounding areas of Swift Current, but we have a lot of members in the city as well. And everybody is equally as important,” Dyrland adds.

“We have the utmost appreciation of our membership and their support of us.”

Pioneer Co-operative’s home office is at 1150 Central Avenue North in Swift Current; phone 306.778.8800. For a full list of locations and branches and to learn more, visit www.pioneercoop.ca.

1150 Central Avenue North Swift Current pioneercoop.ca

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

Powley Residence

Built in 1912, this fine building is an outstanding example of residential revival of Queen Anne architecture. Built in 1912, its grand style and size reflect the prominence of its builder, H. C. Powley, during the economic boom of the period. Its interior still retains original hardwood furnishings. It is interesting to note that at one time the house had its own electric plant, water and sewage systems. Used as a residence until 1956, it was converted for use as a funeral home that same year. It was designated as a heritage site on May 6, 1985.

Funeral Director, Jim Culham

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“ 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

Swift Current Funeral Home 233 Lorne Street E. Swift Current

P: Dan and Nancy started the Swift Current Funeral Home in fall, 1998. Dominick joined the family business in June, 2008.

306.773.8355

E: scfh@sasktel.net FineLifestyles

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

EXTRAORDINARY KICK-OFF Swift Current Celebrates 100 Years in 2014

BY GAIL JANSEN-KESSLAR

T

here’s one committee in Swift Current that’s been hard at work behind the scenes for more than a year. At 5 p.m. on January 15, 2014, when the doors swing wide at the Credit Union i-plex, the fruits of their labour will come to bear, as the Centennial Day Extravaganza kicks off the City’s yearlong centennial celebrations.

kick-off to what will be an extraordinary year for the people of Swift Current.”

As a free event that looks to invite every man, woman and child in Swift Current to experience the sights and sounds of the Centennial in a way never before seen, it will truly be the party of the century, says Dave Spencer, the committee’s other co-chair.

A fun family event that’s touted as one that has “something for everybody,” this one really does. A celebration at its best, it has standard festival-styled fair in the form of hotdogs, artistic activities for children to wrap their minds and hands around, and not-so-standard fare in the form of showstopping entertainment from across the wide spectrum of talent the city offers.

“We’ve been working on a number of different initiatives for the City’s centennial year,” says Pat Friesen, cochair of the Centennial Committee. “But we wanted to ensure that this one, this first one, which will be held on the actual day the town became a city, was the

“It was important to us,” adds Spencer, “that this event be a free one, open to absolutely everyone who wants to take part because everyone should have a chance to celebrate this wonderful city that we live in and the rich history that we come from. It’s going to be an amazing celebration.”

Unlike most festival atmospheres, it also has an educational component based on the City’s extraordinary history, and you can’t forget the cake — it wouldn’t be a party without it! Nor would it be a party without the dedicated team of creative individuals from across the entire arts

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community who have given their time and dedication to fine-tune the elements of the extravaganza, right down to the very last detail.

“The Centennial Extravaganza has undergone many changes and shifts from its original conception,” says Kim Houghtaling, curator for the Art Gallery of Swift Current and one of the creative members of the team helping to pull the event together. “But we wanted it to be something the entire City could be proud of and something that everyone could enjoy, and so together, we worked at it and molded it until we got it just right.”

"Sponsoring the Centennial is our way of helping the City to celebrate and allowing it to showcase the incredible stories and events that have made Swift Current such a great place to live.” -Standard Motors

Designed in a unique format that will lead particpants on a walk through time, each decade of the City’s existence will be represented in booths featuring a multidimensional display that reaches out to all of the senses. Filled with furniture and artifacts of the era, and featuring images, articles and headlines that mark the decades’ most interesting moments and events, each booth will also feature media components and an interpreter well-versed in the period’s history and dressed in the clothing one would have seen “back then.”

For event-goers who are looking for something with a little more dramatic flare, the committee has you covered. As the historic walk winds it ways down to present day, a stage awaits where event organizers have created a showcase featuring a bit of theatre, a smattering of dance, a touch of music and a whole lot of fun.

The title of the event says it all: it’s a Centennial Day Extravaganza that will be both elaborate and spectacular — an event built by the people of the City, for the people of the City. Expect an event the likes of which Swift Current has never seen in its past 100 years, and something it probably won’t see for another century.

LEFT SEATED L-R Pat Smith, Dave Spencer (co-chair), Councillor Pat Friesen (co-chair), Elden Moberg STANDING L-R Councillor George Bowditch, Herb Butz, Travis Cuthbert, Kim Houghtaling, Lloyd Begley MISSING Councillor Gord Budd, Marty Salberg TOP L-R Terry Reidle, Mark Plewis, Jim Plewis, Councillor Pat Friesen, Ryan Plewis BOTTOM L-R Lionel Tootoosis, Living Sky Casino GM & Councillor Pat Friesen

“The Centennial is obviously a signature event for the community and we wanted to be a part of it. It’s a part of SIGA’s values that speaks to living together on the land and working together." -Living Sky Casino

CENTENNIAL DAY EXTRAVAGANZA JANUARY 15, 2014 | CREDIT UNION I-PLEX DOORS OPEN: 5 P.M.

EMAIL: INFO@CITYSC.CA

DIGNITARIES AND PERFORMANCES: 6:30 P.M.

WEBSITE: WWW.CITYSC100.CA

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CALL: 306.778.2723

PLATINUM CO-SPONSORS: STANDARD MOTORS LIVING SKY CASINO FineLifestyles

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

A Castle of Classrooms for a Century

By Courtney tait Photos courtesy of Central SChool

K

nown to local residents as the “castle on the hill,” Central School was built in 1914, the same year that Swift Current was designated as a city. Inspired by the Westminster Abbey in London, England, and designed by architect firm Reilly, Dawson, Hancock and Reilly, the building currently serves 320 students from pre-kindergarten to Grade 5, guided by the motto “Many Hands, Many Minds, Success for All.”

and was designated a heritage site in 1985. From the two gargoyles protecting its entrance to the masonry archways, bell tower and original oak woodwork, the building’s aesthetic celebrates the past and inspires its present students and faculty. “People are attracted to the beauty and majesty of the building,” says Cheryl Wilhelm, an educational assistant at Central School. “Being in the building affects your imagination.”

Featuring a crenulated tower in its centre, Central School is an example of Western Canadian Classic Revival architecture,

In 2012, Central School won the Majesta Trees of Knowledge Grant, a national contest open to Canadian schools that

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grants its winner $20,000 to create an outdoor classroom. Part of Central School’s vision for the project was to give students an outdoor environment for planting, growing, composting, creating, reflecting and moving. With the contest winnings and help of students, staff and community members, the school’s front yard (which previously was rarely used) was transformed into a landscaped area complete with a gazebo, stone tables and a vegetable garden. “Teachers take students out for story time, kids have gone out for art classes, and we’ve had a

at the Credit Union i-plex in January, an Alumni Talent Show in February to raise money for Telemiracle, and an entry in the Frontier Days parade. Central School will also profile some of its prominent alumni throughout the year. A special assembly will be held at the school in May featuring award-winning poet, Lorna Crozier, and former Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Dr. Lynda Haverstock, both of whom attended Central School in their youth. The assembly will be open to the public.

Principal Bryan Braun says a key aspect of Central School is its diversity. “We serve a variety of students with different economic status,” says Braun. Wilhelm adds that Central has always been a multicultural school, and has served students from countries such as the Philippines, Mongolia, Columbia and Mexico. Central School also has a Special Needs program which serves students with disabilities.

The diversity of the school and its individualized approach to teaching and learning are represented in the “Many Minds” aspect of its motto. An element of the school’s kindergarten program is interest-based learning, in which teachers ask each student what they’re interested in, then help them explore those particular interests. This approach gives students the opportunity to take ownership over their own learning.

“We’re trying to teach individual students at their level,” says Wilhelm. “We want everyone to grow from where they’re at.”

multicultural supper where we prepared vegetables from the outdoor garden and served them to parents and the school community,” says Wilhelm.

Swift Current residents and visitors will have a chance to tour the school at its open house event during the city’s homecoming weekend in June 2014. Historical displays put together in part by Grade 5 students will feature images of the past along with daily attendance registers. “The attendance records paint a picture of what the school was like,” says Wilhelm. Temporary closures of the school are noted in these

records, which occurred during such historical events as soldiers coming home from World War I, epidemics of scarlet fever and polio, and a visit to the area by the Prince of Wales. An increase in absences was noted during the Depression years, when students often lacked the proper clothing or shoes to attend. Some visitors will likely see their grandparents’ names in the attendance records, giving them a personal connection to the school’s legacy.

Other Centennial events featuring Central School will include a display at the City of Swift Current Centennial Extravaganza

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

From creating an outdoor classroom and organizing Centennial events to putting on exceptional music performances in the school’s original auditorium, the castle on the hill continues to thrive, 100 years after its doors first opened. “We all come together and support each other,” says Braun. “It’s a real community.”

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE Central School exterior photo by Jean Cyca.

Kindergarten students participating in dance in outdoor classroom; Grade 2 students playing pipe drums in music area of outdoor classroom; flower bed in outdoor classroom.

Names of plants labelled on painted rocks; students played a role in preparing the beds with new soil, planting and weeding; Grade 5 students playing chimes in outdoor classroom. Student and Vice-Principal photo

by Corla Rokochy, Old school photo courtesy Swift Current Museum

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Warming Trends

BY MEREDITH HERON

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A

s the summer sun starts to fade, I pull out my riding boots and fall wardrobe and wish I had a fireplace to cozy up to.

Living in a Victorian home built in 1856, I think it is criminal that my house is without an actual fireplace. As fall arrives each year, I mourn this missing architectural feature.

However, there is hope. As a designer, I’ve watched new technologies regarding faux fireplaces come and go. I recall my grandparent’s electric fireplace: it was a log with a lightbulb that flickered to simulate flames, glowing orange and deep red where the

embers seemed to glow. So, you can imagine how I greeted the new electric fireplaces on the market: serious “side eye.” Year after year, I’ve watched them get better and better, and I have finally specified and had one installed for a client. “Doubting Thomas” no more!

Our clients own a century home and contacted us after seeing on my Instagram feed some custom cabinetry we had designed for a narrow Victorian. I kid you not: Instagram is a great way to stalk designers like myself if you are so inclined (I’m @meredithheron). They wanted to recreate what I had achieved in my clients’

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here. A simple warm “greige” on the ceiling and the contrast between the lead gray walls and ceiling isn’t so noticeable.

The wall colour on the ceiling would have been too cave-like — not a good look. The contrast between matte wall paint and high-gloss lacquer adds depth without making the space feel narrow; in fact, it widens it all the more.

project in their own den, which is a former bedroom turned media/den. The room itself is tiny by den standards: 10-feet-by12-feet at most. The plan is to add built-in cabinetry to house an impressive book collection, along with holding audio visual equipment to allow for movie screenings.

The clients are huge movie buffs, and the room is also to double as a screening room for their business which they need instead of renting a separate space.

There was an existing former woodburning fireplace, but as soon as our contractors got into the room, they discovered it was near collapse, so it had to be carefully removed. We were initially on the fence about whether or not to replace the fireplace, but decided that the space needed it once we got the drawings put together. Our only choice was to go with an electric fireplace because we didn’t have the room to vent, nor did we want to grow the budget that much to suit. To make up for the small scale unit we needed to go with, we chose to design an elaborate mantle that would integrate into the rest of the millwork. I knew that I wanted a high-gloss lacquer finish, but my cabinet maker wasn’t so sure. A quick sample made up by the spray shop, and we were good to go.

The secret to working with a small space is to reduce contrast where it counts. I find that if you have dark floors, opting for dark walls is a great way to expand the space. I don’t believe in cutting the wall colour in half or three-quarters and painting the ceiling that colour. If you are going to go with a very dark wall, then you should at least add a colour or a stronger neutral to the ceiling as you see we did

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We chose to colour block the books on the shelves because the clients own many antique books that have colourful spines, but they’ve worn with age into a more mutable palette. We’ve mixed in family heirlooms which are both sentimental and a nice break from all books on the shelves. I love shopping from my clients’ own homes not only

because it is good for the budget, but because this is how we weave the story of the client throughout the space.

This room could easily be recreated in a condo, so if you are downsizing, don’t think you have to downsize style, function and drama into your new space. There’s always room to build up and visually increase the space you have with a little creativity.

Meredith Heron Design is a residential design firm that works on a variety of projects across North America including Western Canada. We are booking new projects for 2014. If you are interested in working with Meredith or her team please contact info@meredithheron.com and tell us about your project.

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

How Do I Take the over 10,000 lb. to 5 / inch piles that can support more than 40 tons each, Posts Out of if necessary. Soil strength is critical My Basement? to any design with piling and there What Does The Building are huge applications for these types EXPERT Advice Code Say About of foundations. Other piling options require massive pieces of specialized Garage Foundations? equipment, lots of manpower and lots 1

Screw Piling Offers Advantages for Foundations

2

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 canThis have steelbe done by much trickier. Often, floor joists change to plan thepiles work. should pile caps welded in place an engineer andimmediately the process needs to directions in additions because it was after they The are building installed, and a building informs him that To keep this project involve three inspector items: easier to construct at themoving, time. 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 1. Fullythe evaluate how the existing framing building code, and a challenge is hired the to help.

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When foundation designs, screw pilingleave andan at theCastle design stage engineering, may unhappy two columns were builtvary to accommodate A design detail for the work to be done operates aslab-on-grade screw piling service concretewhich foundation.multi-skilled He seven feet, so now this is starting to look contractors can commit to and building inspection services to clients water and sewer construction services owner with unwanted cracks or settlement congested load points. Renovations will need to be drawn up for the building provides allbuys the anecessary standard engineering 26 ft. x 28 ft. garage like an expensive Recall this aCrownissues a range of services, schedules andadditions costs,that can forisbe West Continental.

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FLSW to older homesproject. with permit application and for the contractor throughout southwest Saskatchewan.. 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 Screw topiles and linespiling. 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 a heavy Next, he 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.

FineLifestyles Southwest Sask 51 helix welded near the bottom end.

West Continental Group from Vancouver,

WEO

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

LAYERING WITH BUDGET BLINDS

W

inter is here and what better topic than layering! We happen to love layering our window treatments. Sometimes, homeowners only look at window treatments for basic necessities such as light control, privacy and energy efficiency. When you layer, however, you not only take care of these necessities, but also add depth and dimension to give the space true character.

There are three basic layers for window treatments: • Layer One will be your privacy item: this can be a blind or shade.

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• Layer Two will be long side panels or even a sheer drapery that can give the soft light and touch of privacy you desire.

• Layer Three will be the top or final treatment. This third layer will vary based on what treatments you use for first and second layers.

To figure out what type of layering and treatments will best fit your needs, ask yourself the following questions: • How much privacy is needed in the space? Does it vary by the time of day?

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

• How much light control do I need?

Do you need light filtering, room darkening, or a combination of the two?

• What types of textures and colours do you prefer? When thinking about texture, consider woven woods, linenstyle fabrics or fabrics that have a more unique texture and feel.

It’s important to consider the space itself when determining how little or how much layering it needs. If you’re working with a very small space, you may want to skip heavy layering and keep things on the lighter side. On the other hand, if you have a very large space that seems empty, multiple layers can do wonders for it.

When working with layers, remember to be open and creative. If you need some help, ask the experts at Budget Blinds.

Also, there are hundreds of sites out there, including Houzz and Pinterest. Using sites like these will allow you to see many different types of layered treatments and can help get your creative juices flowing.

Budget Blinds loves to help you with your window covering needs. With the addition of their fabulous Inspired Drapes collection, they can achieve all kinds of fabulous looks.

I felt the service that Budget Blinds provided was exceptional. It was so nice that they bring samples which allowed me to see product in my home. The installer came in and was very clean and professional.

We would recommend Budget Blinds to anyone!

—Anne .B.

Budget Blinds proudly serves Southwest Saskatchewan including Swift Current, Kindersley and all areas in between.

They bring the store to you, taking the guesswork out of choosing window coverings and finding the right fit for your windows.

CALL 773.7851

Budget Blinds Swift Current 306.773.7851 www.budgetblinds.com/MooseJaw

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

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ü Traditional, contemporary elegance. ü Solid maple cabinetry using appealing stains, lacquers and glazes to achieve the most beautiful effects. ü Charming details enjoying maximum enjoyment of the kitchen. ü Integrated appliances create clean finished lines that are pleasing to the eye and functional in design. ü Welcoming classic look of a family kitchen to appreciate for many years to come. ü Impressive granite countertops that add an exceptional overall look.

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306.463.2350 | www.kindersleycdc.ca FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

Dream the Dream, Live the Dream

CUSTOM DESIGN CABINETRY 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

911C 9th Ave West, Kindersley FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

55

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

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Opening New Doors in Education

BY APOLLINE LUCYK PHOTOS KRISTA ERICKSON

S

ince October 1993, Maverick School has been offering students the opportunity to learn in an open environment, to have a say in the direction and regulation of their school, and to take full responsibility for their secondary education.

Maverick was initially led by Steve Small, the school’s first principal and teacher for six initial students. The demand for Maverick’s unique learning style grew, and more teachers were hired to accommodate the growing student body.

Current enrollment is 63 students with 4.8 teachers, along with a strong base of

support staff and a student counsellor to provide additional student services.

This student-driven school operates under the guiding principal “Freedom = Responsibility.” “Since it began 20 years ago, the students have always made the rules at Maverick,” says Jayne Nicholson, principal. “Once in the fall, and again in the spring, the students review policy. They identify what they want to discuss, and any changes they want made. Every staff and student gets one vote, and rules are changed through that format,” explains Nicholson. Students

have an equal stake in the school; they are comfortable speaking up and have a strong sense of school pride.

The variety of courses is impressive, including a beautiful music room full of instruments. “When I came to Maverick two months ago, I had never played the piano in my life,” says Erica Stadnyk, a new student, “and I have learned four or five songs in the time that I’ve been here.”

The school also offers hands-on learning, such as outdoor education courses, and a biology class taught on excursions to Val Marie at the Prairie Learning Centre.

ABOVE Outdoor Education at Boreal Forest Learning Centre at Ness Creek PHOTO John Murray

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Students build strong relationships with their classmates and teachers. “There’s nothing top-down at Maverick,” says Nicholson. “We are on a first-name basis with every student.

We know our students very well, and those strong teacher-student relationships are really key to having our students feeling safe in school, and being able to work through those issues that may have held them back in the regular school system.”

Most Maverick courses are administered online, allowing students to work at their own pace and take responsibility for their coursework and assignments. “When I came to Maverick, I wasn’t the greatest independent worker,” says student, Jack Tonner, “but I got better at it as I did the online coursework.”

Another student, Coralee Farrow, says Maverick has provided the opportunity to work on her self-discipline and take ownership of her education. “I had to adjust to getting up on time, and getting myself to school because there was no one who was going to tell me to do it,” she reflects. “It took a couple years, but now… I’m highly motivated to graduate. I want to be here every day… to be working as hard as I can — not because someone else told me to, but because I decided to.”

Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Maverick is its welcoming atmosphere. “Ever since coming here, I’ve changed a lot as a person,” says student Lane Theise. “I’ve grown a lot… a lot more open and talkative. I used to be a bit of a shut in; now I’m a lot more confident and happy about myself.”

“You come in here and nobody judges you, nobody does anything (hurtful) to you,” says Tonner. “They want you to smile; they want you to be happy; they want you to enjoy coming here. And I would say pretty much everyone does enjoy coming here.”

TOP Heart of Maverick; Initial Leader and Direction Setter, Steve Small MIDDLE Drama Performance at Our Coffeehouse and Art Auction BOTTOM Painting Workshop with Jennelle Carlier FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

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RECRUITMENT AND RETAINING Some of the Best Employer Practices

BY MICHELLE HATZEL

I

n 2013, Randstad, a global human resource staffing and recruitment service, identified the top five most attractive components of employment for job-hunting Canadians as: salary, work atmosphere, job security, work-life balance and convenient location.

There are several ways in which a business can offer incentives for recruiting and retaining personnel.

According to Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Employers series, bonus payments and profit sharing help employers increase base salary offers and keep quality staff. Progressive compensation packages include additional health care benefits, phased-in retirement

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plans, compassionate leave, employerpaid maternity and parental leave and wellness plans.

such as; job sharing, telecommuting, shortened and compressed work week options and paid days off.

Some of the best employers promote community involvement and volunteerism — even paid volunteered days off from work. They make environmental initiatives that can extend to paper-free processes and pay their staff’s city transit passes.

Actively promoting employment equity also helps foster well-being and inclusion of personnel — an important factor for creating a healthy workplace atmosphere.

Attending to the on-going support, mentoring, training and education of personnel offers mutual benefit to employees and employers alike. Creating a skilled team of professionals leads to better representation of themselves and the business for which they work.

In helping employees achieve work-life balance, progressive employers may offer flexible work options when possible,

Some of the best employers in Saskatchewan today are those that invest in the development and well-being of their staff, ensuring that they have the right people and the human resources to meet the demands of their business.

L-R Steve Reynolds, Brandon Lachowsky, Lester Mack, Kevin Martin

L-R Dean Galbraith and Jeff Belitski, owners

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

YOUR NEXT BOUQUET: TRENDY, CLASSIC & PERSONAL

BY ALYSSA RUDYCK

W

hether you are congratulating someone on reaching one of life’s important milestones, in the doghouse with your “significant other,” or heading to a special celebration, flowers remain the staple gift when it comes to showing someone how much you care. No matter what the occasion, Sheila Dillman and her friendly, informative staff at Grower Direct are here to help you personalize your next arrangement with their unique and affordable floral designs.

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PHOTOS BOBBI-JO KNAKOSKE

Owner and manager, Dillman, specializes in an assortment of gift and boutique items, ranging from gift and snack baskets to fair trade outerwear, candles and bath products. The staff’s specialty, however, is their modern bouquets and their team’s unique ability to truly individualize each arrangement with Grower Direct’s selection of unique, quality flora.

“We really, really try to make it personal for whoever is ordering the bouquet, in terms of colour, style and price,” says

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

Dillman, explaining that part of what allows her to keep costs down is her franchise pricing and ability to find a deal, without sacrificing quality.

“We have a lot of really modern and trendy flowers that most places don’t carry,” says Dillman. “I have people coming through the store from Ontario and B.C. and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this is in the cooler, and I really can’t believe it’s in here for this price!’ ”

Besides quality, affordability and style, what really sets Grower Direct apart is their outstanding customer service and the ability of the staff to stay on the cutting edge of modern floral designs.

At Grower Direct, they are sincere in their mission to help customers create something not only within their budget, but tailored to their specific needs and style as well. “[Grower Direct] is such a people business, and there is just no way I could do it without my amazing staff,” says Dillman. “The floral industry walks through people’s lives, from babies to grads, from weddings to funerals, and all of the good and bad events in between.

As a result we become very much a part of our customers lives. They actually become our friends.”

What some people may not realize is that Dillman’s store, while a part of the Grower Direct franchise, is privately owned. As someone who loves to support local causes, it is important to Dillman that people know Grower Direct is owned by a member of the community, and that they are a community-minded bunch. “I think most people aren’t aware of that… they assume it’s big business, and it’s not… a small-town feeling is what we try to bring across,” says Dillman, who makes a point of bringing in fair trade, local and Canadian-made products in an effort to help support small and familyrun businesses.

Grower Direct also does floral arrangements for weddings, helping customers to personalize their big day by customizing arrangements to fit each bride’s style, colour scheme, and, most importantly, budget. Whatever your occasion, let the team at Grower Direct help you live within your budget and put a trendy twist on a classic gift by adding a personal touch to your next bouquet.

Grower Direct Swift Current Mall Swift Current, SK S9H 3X6 306.773.4421 BACK ROW L-R Cindie, Shelley, Rhonda, Denene, Jessica, Kirstie FRONT L-R Sheila, Wanita MISSING Kerrie, Brenda, Kimicko, Brianna and Pat

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

COMMUNITY-MINDED AND MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS

BY G.H. LEWMER PHOTOS CORLA ROKOCHY

A

s a 16-year-old growing up in Quebec in 1977, Canadian Tire owner, Michel Dequire, vividly recalls how he was welcomed into the Canadian Tire family. “It was through my mother. She knew how much I wanted to work at the local Canadian Tire Store, so she marched down to the store and told the manager that I would be great for his business and that he should hire me or else.” Fast forward 36 years, and you’ll still find Michel on any given day working directly with the customers

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doing what he loves to do: offering the highest quality goods and services at the lowest possible price.

Located in the heart of Swift Current off Highway 1 in their recently remodelled 32,000 square-foot store, Canadian Tire needs little introduction to shoppers who are already familiar with their extensive selection of goods, expert service, great prices and friendly atmosphere. What makes this Swift Current location so unique and special is the positive inspiration and

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

support that Michel and his staff receive from people in the community.

“My staff’s number 1 priority is to listen to the customers to discover what they are looking for. Many of our customers are from the country and travel a long distance to shop, and we want to make sure that we have what they need in stock. If we don’t carry it, we will order it and have it available at our store as quickly as possible. I believe very strongly in word of mouth. We’re always trying to make our store the best it

can be by addressing the important needs that the customers communicate to me and my staff. Our philosophy is why waste a day travelling to Regina when you can find everything that you need here.”

The store has grown substantially since Michel and his partner, Maria, came to Swift Current in in 2007. It is now home to one of the most comprehensive hunting and fishing pro shops in southwest Saskatchewan, the largest garden center found in any Saskatchewan Canadian Tire store, and is the second largest home of Saskatchewan Roughrider merchandise in the province. Their seasonal housewares and Christmas decoration section is also second to none. It’s because of this dedicated commitment to quality and community that Canadian Tire was recently voted the “Number 1 Large Business” in Swift Current in October 2012.

“I believe that as a business owner I have an obligation to give back to the community. Being awarded the ‘Number1 Large Business’ in Swift Current meant a great deal to me and my staff. We are a sponsor for the Swift Current Broncos as well as Jumpstart, which has financially sponsored hundreds of local children who can’t afford to participate in sports. In a

small community, you try to help in any way you can.”

With all his experience in the retail business, Michel has learned that the most important detail: “By making a difference it means that I want the store to be the best it can be so it can help all of our customers in whatever way we can… not only by being a great place to shop, but by also being a supportive member of the community and its needs. I care passionately about Swift Current, and I want my store to reflect that value.”

Canadian Tire 1811 22nd Avenue N.E Swift Current 306.773.0654 LEFT BACK ROW L-R Kim Selanders, Bob Stennick, Tyler White, MIDDLE ROW L-R Simon Williams, Vicky Brown, Evan Wedrick, Rejean Lalonde, Ilze Mouton FRONT ROW L-R Mel Dyck, Linda Smith, Shannon Macwilliam, Shirley Friesen, Michel Deguire, Maria Presta, Monica Spetz, Beverly Henderson FRONT LEFT Bailey Johnston RIGHT Michel Deguire, owner, serving customers BOTTOM Shannon Macwilliam, general manager, assisting a customer

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS

H

ead home for the holidays and celebrate at Swift Current’s newest hotel, Home Inn & Suites.

Join us as we celebrate the New Year with exciting activities and events your whole family will enjoy.

Pool and Waterslide Birthday Parties SPLASHING GOOD TIMES ahead with the Home Inn & Suites pool party in Swift Current. Get the kids together to blow out the candles and make their pool party wish come true. There is no better birthday gift than a day of FUN!

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Small Group Parties We have multiple room types available for small group parties including our newest room, the Home Signature Suite, which has a kitchen, sitting area and pool table. It is great for small groups who want to do a potluck or get-together. Also available is the Bronco’s Theme Room, which offers a great living room area with large action shot wall murals, separate kids’ room with bunk beds and Xbox with games.

Hippopotamus Fundraiser Like the old song, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” this year we are encouraging people to GIVE a hippo. For every hippo you purchase for

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

$10 at the hotel, we will donate a hippo to local children in need. If you have a children’s organization in Swift Current or the surrounding community who could benefit from the donation of these adorable hippos, please contact Aimee Ritz at 306.249.2882.

With so much to do, plan a fun staycation at the Home Inn & Suites.

For more information, please visit www. homeinnsc.ca or call 306.778.7788.

HOME

INN & SUITES

The Spa It may sound obvious but taking time for yourself is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity. Over the busy winter season, take time to reconnect with yourself at The SPA at Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current.

Budget-Friendly

Home Suites Signature Facial: Designed for all skin types, this hydrating facial uses only natural organic skin products and the Clarisonic skin rejuvenator applicator.

Leaves your skin hydrated, nourished and luminous. 75 minutes for $80.

Anti-Fatigue Foot Soak and Massage: This treatment will relieve your tired feet and calves from a long day of shopping.

It includes a foot soak, sugar scrub and massage on the lower legs and feet for just $38.

Packages

Men’s and Women’s Haircut and Style: Enjoy a scalp massage with essential oils before any salon treatment followed by a shampoo with the refreshing Aveda hair care line. Prices start at $28.

Gifts

Exclusive to Swift Current Thai Herbal Compress Massage: This massage technique dates back several thousand years and incorporates knowledge gathered and passed on for generations concerning the medicinal effects of plants through application to the body. A rich blend of herbs is used to lightly release muscle tension. 60 minutes for only $85.

THE

SPA

Home Inn & Suites Swift Current

Customize your package to suit your needs.

We have side-by-side treatments available for couples so take time with your best friend or significant other.

The Spa has a multitude of gifts available for last minute shopping including gift certificates and gift packages which are up to 40% off regular retail prices.

Book your mini Spa-cation today and escape from the daily stresses of life!

The SPA at Home Inn & Suites 1411 Battleford Trail E Swift Current, SK S9H 5N5 306.973.4100 www.SpaHome.ca

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SOUTH WEST PIPE LTD.  In business since 2009  Operating in Gull Lake, Kindersley and Swift Current, SK  Locally owned and operated  Welcoming new crew in Swift Current  Storage, trucking and handling of OCTG  Very safety orientated

Serving all of Southwest Saskatchewan SWP South West Pipe Ltd | www.southwestpipe.net Swift Current, SK 306.773.1660 | Gull Lake, SK 306.672.4242 | Kindersley, SK 306.463.1515

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YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

CUSTOM DESIGN, PRINTING, and FINISHING

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HOME TO THE LARGEST DIGITAL PRESS IN THE SOUTHWEST FineLifestyles

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NOW

THEN

Leading Service Provider for the Oil and Gas Industry Since 1989 Fresh H20 (Hot & Cold) Hot Oilers Frac Trailers KCL & Xysol Sales Fresh H20 Trucks

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Steamers Hot Shot Service Pressure Trucks Chemical Trucks Methanol Sales & Rentals

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Kindersley, Sask | 306.463.3146 | www.hollandshotoillng.ca FineLifestyles

Southwest Sask

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

EXPERTAdvice The Investing Quandary

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

A

s 2013 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what will be a very interesting year for investors. Halfway through November, Canadian stocks (S&P/TSX) are up approximately 8% for the year, US Stocks (S&P 500) is up almost 26%, and even European stocks (EUROSTOXX) are up almost 16%.

While it’s been a good year for those with some equities, its hurts investors with “safe and stable” investments in bonds, represented by the DEX Bond Universe, which is down 1% for the year; high interest savings rate are peaking at 1.50% and you’re lucky to find a GIC or term deposit at 2.75% for five years.

Unfortunately for investors, this past decade has been difficult to say the least: historically low interest rates, political

fighting, multiple recessions along with events like Y2K, September 11 terrorist attacks, Enron/WorldComm corporate scandals, income trust changes, global financial crises, BP oil spill, earthquakes, debt ceilings and more.

These events are burned into the shortterm memories of investors. Investing is emotional, and it’s common to react to current news and recent experiences when making investment decisions. Of course, we’ve heard legendary investor Warren Buffet quote, “We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”

On October 16, 2008 Buffet penned an editorial in the New York Times entitled, “Buy American, I Am,” to which many scoffed as markets continued to fall and didn’t actually bottom until six months later in March 2009. Things had been so bad, many wondered if the world’s most successful investor had finally lost it.

Since 2010, the S&P 500, which represents US stocks, has outperformed Canadian stocks significantly. Many either don’t know it or choose to ignore it, waiting for “the other shoe to drop.”

Maybe we need to focus on the larger cycles than the day-to-day noise of the 24-hour news cycle or our most recent experiences with investing.

Think back to an example of the early 1980s with farmers who retired and sold

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

land. They had the good fortune of timing as the ’80s and ’90s were a great time to be an investor. Interest rates escalated, and according to Andex, US stocks grew at 17.50% and Canadian stocks at 12.20% in the ’80s and 20.8% and 10.6% respectively in the ’90s.

They were able to avoid problems of falling commodity prices, high interest rates, drought and the farming crises of the ’80s that had been preceded by better times, reasonable land prices, strong demand and low interest rates.

Sound familiar?

Since the great investment run of the ’80s and economic boom of the ’90s, the past decade has been tough for investors. We can’t predict the future, especially in the short term. However, we should not let our short-term experiences with investing impact our investment philosophy entirely. There is a much bigger picture, and it may benefit to look deeper into the past as we look to capitalize on investing the future.

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.

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Dare to Dream!

Supercar Vehicles Making Inroads on the Prairies

By Paul Sinkewicz

T

he air is so rarified in this world of bank-breaking vehicles that performance specifications become meaningless — like trying to comprehend a trillion stars in the sky, what does 750 horsepower even mean? Or, what does going from 0-100 km/h in less than three seconds feel like?

This is an exclusive club of cars beyond the comprehension of most people. The common trait of supercars is their very limited production runs, handcrafted quality and heart-melting beauty. They have more in common with sculpture than they do with transportation.

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L–R Aston Martin and Ferrari Enzo.

One of the least expensive, but most popular supercars is the Ferrari Enzo.

At only $670,000 US, it screams performance with its extremely low profile and large rear air scoops. It will reach more than 340 km/h — if you want to risk the jail time.

For a classic sports car look, you may want to dig a little deeper and pay the $970,000 price tag for the gull-winged McLaren F1.

But for real eye-popping reactions, check out the Lamborghini Veneno. Like something out of a future Batman movie, the car costs $3.9 M and requires a purgatorial stint on a waiting list, as only three are produced each year.

In the market?

Kulu Punia, owner of Calgary’s KULU Motorcar Inc., has been selling specialty cars since 1995. He occasionally ships one of his beauties to a customer in Saskatchewan or has a visitor from the province in his store.

“We sell cars all over Canada, including a few in Saskatchewan,” Punia says.

He says in general his clients are between 45 and 50 years old and have reached the sweet spot in their lives where they’ve

earned a little money and are ready to start treating themselves.

KULU’s niche is the sports cars segment, although they have sold some sedans and high-end SUVs. Punia often deals with limited editions Ferraris — like Enzos or F40s and F50s — that get into the $1 million-plus range. But most of the transactions average around $100,000.

He says while it seems like a lot of money, the people he deals with don’t blanch at the price tag. “Generally speaking, to sell a $200,000 car is easier than selling a $50,000 car, just because people know exactly what they want, and if you have it they just go ahead and buy it. With people looking at $30,000 to $50,000 cars, they’re test driving five different cars at five different places, trying to arrange for financing or trying to trade in a car.”

He says high-end transactions are usually smoother because these are the type of people that if they see it and like it, they buy it and drive away. “And typically, [with] most of the stuff that we have to sell, there aren’t 10 other ones to compare.”

Saskatoon got its own premium car dealership in 2010. Bruce Duguay, sales manager at Porsche Centre Saskatchewan, says the province has really welcomed

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the brand. The Porsche dealership in Saskatoon has been open for three years — one year in its new location on Brand Road in the city’s south end.

“There’s been steady growth for Porsche sales over the last few years. When we started in 2010, we didn’t quite know what to expect from Saskatchewan’s market,” says Duguay. “And the year over year growth has actually been quite a bit higher than what we originally projected.

For example, this year we’re on track to sell about 66 new Porsches and about 25 certified pre-owned Porsches. We’ve definitely provided a healthy injection into the ultra-premium segment in this province.”

L–R TOP–BOTTOM Lamborghini Veneno, Lamborghini Reventon and Bugatti Veyron

Duguay says awareness has really grown in the last two years through word-ofmouth from its customers, who are often professionals. “It just gets around their industries that they had a great sales and service experience with us.”

The most popular Porsche in Saskatchewan is the Cayenne sport utility vehicle — especially the diesel model. It’s a year-round vehicle that seats five and drives and handles like a sports car, says Duguay. A new Cayenne can be had for about $60,000, but with options and a high-performance engine clients can spend up to $200,000.

Get behind the wheel For those who yearn to experience the world’s best automobiles, but have limited financial resources, there is a temporary remedy. GTA Exotics in Toronto (gtaexotics.ca) offers a variety

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of packages that allow members of the public to test drive Ferraris, Lamborghinis and other elite vehicles. At about $400-per-hour it’s an expensive treat, but promises to create fun memories.

One of its most popular offerings is the chance to drive six exotic cars all in one day for $699. Another package offers the chance to drive a police car in high-speed pursuit on a racetrack.

But be warned, your 1999 minivan probably won’t ever feel right after that day!

World’s Most Expensive Cars Here is a composite list of supercars as judged by the websites digitaltrends.com and thesupercars.org. The list does not include rare vintage vehicles — which may fetch more at auction — nor does it include concept cars or one-off projects. These are rare cars, but are, or will be, available to collectors with a fat enough piggy bank

Most ExpEnsivE Cars in thE World 1. Lamborghini Veneno $4M 2. W Motors Lykan Hypersport $3.4M 3. Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse $2.6M 4. Aston Martin One77 $1.8M 5. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster $1.8M 6. Lamborghini Reventon $1.61M 7. Koenigsegg Agera R $1.6M 8. Maybach Landaulet $1.3M 9. Ferrari Laferrari $1.3M 10. Pagani Huayra $1.3M 11. Zenvo ST1 $1.2M 12. McLaren P1 $1.1M 13. Hennessey Venom GT Spyder $1.1M 14. McLaren F1 $970,000 15. Ferrari Enzo $670,000 16. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321 FL

TOP RIGHT The Tisdale’s team BOTTOM LEFT Roger, Val, Courtney and Damon McKenzie SALES STAFF MIDDLE L–R Mike Cullen, Dave DeBusschere, Josh Bews, Kristin Hooper SERVICE STAFF BOTTOM L–R Brad Goddard, Mark Elliott, Ron Weenk, Trevor Ahrens, Tenille Daniel

YOuR COMMunITY-MInDED FORD DEALERSHIP Serving the driving public since 1955, Tisdale’s sits in the top 10% in customer satisfaction ratings among western Canadian Ford dealers. Over the years, Tisdale’s has donated more than $1 million to our community, and our loyal staff is here to serve you!

• • • • •

Great new and used inventory selection Full line of parts and accessories Certified technicians Vehicle financial services available Certified sales consultants

• • • •

Service loaners available Free shuttle service available Esso station with confectionary Restaurant

Tisdale’s Sales & Service Ltd. LocaLLy owned and operated 105–11th Avenue East, Kindersley 306-463-2686 | www.tisdales.com

YEARS

WORKING TO EARN YOUR TRUST

SWIFT CURRENT

TRUST. FOUNTAIN TIRE Committed to customers and the community, and proud to provide quality products and services.

NEW TIRES • Car/Truck • Farm/Tractor • Commercial Vehicle • Retread Tires • Industrial & Specialty • Mining • Tire Servicing

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TIRE SERVICES • Tire inflation • Balancing & wheel alignment • Tire rotation • Tire repairs & replacement • Nitrogen

MECHANICAL SERVICES Automotive Maintenance • Alignment/steering/ suspension • Air conditioning/heating • Automotive battery replacement • Brakes • Cooling system

• • • • • • •

radiator service Electrical Fuel injection Mufflers, exhaust system Transmission Vehicle inspections General maintenance & oil changes

CA

R C WIN A AV RE TER AIL PA AB CKA LE GE

1800 South Service Road West, Swift Current 306.773.8686 | fountaintire.com

YEARS SWIFT CURRENT

INNOVATIVE STOCK, INCOMPARABLE SERVICE

BY REBECCA SCHNEIDEREIT PHOTOS BOBBI-JO KNAKOSKE

B

efore Knight Nissan’s grand opening in late November, the South Service Road dealership (previously Knight Dodge) had already been serving clients for over a year, building its reputation for high standards and excellent service. Now that the company has made its official debut, new options have opened up for import fans shopping close to home.

Knight Nissan’s devotion to customer comfort, convenience and ease is palpable as soon as you see their recently renovated property. “We retrofitted the existing building,” says Joel Courchaine, managing partner. The resulting spacious seven-car showroom and 18-foot ceilings

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set the standard for the service to follow.

No matter who you’re talking to, Knight Nissan employees are unswervingly attentive and informative. That’s partly due to the dealership’s scrupulous employee education. “Nissan focuses on training and making sure everyone’s up to speed with new technology,” Courchaine adds. However, staff members aren’t merely trained to tell you about the latest models — they also listen. “We sit down with customers and ask them questions regarding what they liked about their old vehicle, and what they’d like in their new vehicle,” he explains. “We focus on making sure clients drive away with the vehicle they want.”

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

Careful questioning of customers often means Knight Nissan can find a perfect vehicle match in just a few test drives — obviously beneficial for anyone whose time is at a premium. Busy clients will also appreciate Knight Nissan’s flexible scheduling. “We’re willing to stay late. We’ve met customers after hours,” says Courchaine. “Time isn’t always on the customer’s side, so we try to make it easier.”

If you’ve got time to spare, however, don’t worry about feeling rushed at Knight Nissan. The dealership is happy to accommodate overnight, or even weekend, test drives. And those who want to know all their options will find

plenty of choices on the lot, which holds almost 200 new and pre-owned vehicles.

That number includes the Nissan Pathfinder, a hit with many clients. “The Pathfinder’s an outstanding SUV,” says Courchaine. “It’s an all-wheel drive, seven-passenger-capable vehicle. We sell tons, and they’re priced right. It appeals to all ages.” Although the Pathfinder is a definite crowd-pleaser, he does identify one group with whom it’s extrapopular: “moms in Saskatchewan,” who appreciate its ability to handle extreme weather while ferrying family members to and from work, school and practices.

SUVs like the Pathfinder are Knight Nissan’s forte. The more modestly sized Rogue could be perfect for a risingthrough-the-ranks professional or “even for a younger student,” Courchaine notes. “The Rogue feels like a car, but you get the all-wheel drive; it’s easy to park, maneuverable and affordable.” The Bluetooth- and cell-phone compatible Sentra will likewise charm the under-30 set. “It’s affordable, newly redesigned, with tremendous fuel economy and driver-focused technology for the ABOVE Joel Courchaine, managing partner (L), serving a customer

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

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younger crowd.” The opulent Armada is another highlight SUV — a familyfriendly seven-seater. “You sit up higher in the Armada, so you feel safe.”

Knight Nissan also carries substantial used stock, chosen for local appeal.

“We only hang onto vehicles we know Swift Current citizens will like,” says Courchaine. Each pre-owned model has received “an 85-point inspection” and, in addition, “we offer a lifetime engine warranty on all our vehicles — new and used.” But while Knight Nissan’s standards for their own merchandise are high, they’re generous with their customers. “We will take absolutely anything on trade,” Courchaine says.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for onsite, Knight Nissan can still help. “If someone wants something exotic, we’ll get it,” Courchaine affirms. “What’s

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on the lot is not all that’s available.”

Additional vehicles may be obtained from another Knight branch or hunted down at auction. Often, they can be acquired within 24 hours.

Alternately, you could just wait a few flips of the calendar to see what’s next.

“Nissan’s coming up with new, exciting stuff within the next couple years,” says Courchaine. The half-ton Titan — part of Knight Nissan’s extensive selection of trucks which “will pull 9,500 pounds” — is one model due for a makeover. “It’s going to be totally redesigned with a diesel engine.” A redesigned seven-seat Rogue will hit the lot even sooner, he adds.

Once you know what you want at Knight Nissan, “pricing is easy,” Courchaine emphasizes. In addition to competitive prices, “we offer deferred payment

CONGRATULATIONS SWIFT CURRENT ON 100 YEARS

plans on vehicles, and leasing is as low as zero per cent.” Nissan owners reinvesting in their brand have their loyalty rewarded with “a better interest rate, also as low as zero per cent.” Plus, Nissan’s generous “first-time buyers program” enables those still building credit to attain a first-rate vehicle such as Nissan’s Altima, Juke, Rogue, Sentra, Versa Note or Versa Sedan.

Knight Nissan knows how to thank customers. “Vehicle buyers get a 10 per cent discount in the parts department,” says Courchaine, “And your first oil change is on us.” Individual parts, like complete vehicles, are sold at excellent prices. Take Knight Nissan’s tires: “We can guarantee the best deal on tires, based on availability.” Various other accessories are, of course, also available.

Unlike some import merchandisers, Knight Nissan’s vehicles may be serviced in-house in Swift Current. And like the showroom, the shop is recently updated, featuring up-to-the-minute alignment machines and vehicle hoists. If they’re waiting on a simple job, customers can kick back in Knight Nissan’s renovated lounge, which boasts a LED television and trendy Keurig coffeemaker.

If servicing a particular vehicle will take a little longer, Knight Nissan will provide a complimentary loan car until your own vehicle is ready. The dealership won’t neglect your car’s exterior while tending to its interior, either: each vehicle is detailed before being returned to its owner. Finally, Knight Nissan offers a complimentary shuttle service to all clients.

If you haven’t stopped by Knight Nissan yet, go see what’s available. After all, even if you’re not currently shopping for a vehicle, you want to feel informed when you need to make that purchase. “Check out the new facility,” Courchaine invites.

“Come for a visit; come for a coffee. We just want to talk to people about the brand, show them something new. We get lots of referrals.” Readers, consider this yours.

Knight Nissan 1420 South Service Road East Swift Current 306.778.7000 www.knightnissan.ca TOP Dave Chan, general sales manager serving a customer LOWER MIDDLE Terry Martens, sales specialist, and Kris Stusrud, marketing director, visiting with a customer BOTTOM Members of the Swift Current Broncos checking out a new vehicle

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SOUTHWEST SASK

RETAIL MARKETPLACE

DIRECTORY

Serving Southwest Sask. for 48 Years

Premier Accommodations in Swift Current

Pharmasave 390 Central Ave North, Swift Current | 306.773.7261 www.pharmasave.com | pharmasavelivewell@gmail.com |

BEST WESTERN PLUS Inn & Suites 105 George Street, Swift Current | 306.773.4660 www.bestwestern.sk.ca

Our Quality and Service is Clear

Look Younger and Feel Better

Glacier Glass 410 Quebec Street, Regina | 306.545.3990 www.glacierglass.com

Natural Radiance Facial Rejuvenation 306.774.4560 www.naturalradiance.ca

You Should Hear What You’ve Been Missing

Fast and Reliable Computer Support

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

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

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.

Glacier Glass offers home and auto glass, commercial windows and doors, window and screen repairs, vinyl fencing, and ENERGY StaRÂŽ rated PVC windows and doors.

Hearing is an integral and beautiful part of life. Feeling alone?

Get your hearing checked with an expert and experienced hearing practitioner. Call Adele today.

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Recently renovated and updated for your comfort. Five jacuzzi suites, exercise room, Mediterranean-themed pool area, comfortable lobby, breakfast room featuring complimentary hot breakfast for guests.

Non-invasive, improves skin tone and texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

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

Tired of computer issues? Call us today.

Something 1 of 1 Modern, Sustainable and Custom Homes

Purveyors of Neat Stuff

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

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

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

Committed to perfection.

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

Sacred friends. Joanne Boutiere, World Wide Purveyor.

check out our

new website!

Filler

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Join a great team!

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

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T SASK SOUTHWES E3

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CONSTRUCTION Swift Current’s 2009 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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Swift Current, Kindersley and all areas in between 306.773.7851 FOR A FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION! 84

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