Advance Southwest | Vol. 107 | Issue 50

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2016

VOLUME 107 | ISSUE 50 | www.advancesouthwest.com

Claire puts on her best smile for the camera as she snuggles in to Santa Claus at the Swift Current Mall. Swift Current's own Cindy Lou Who! Photo by Andrea Carol

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ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Josiah sits on Santa's knee. He's not too sure what he thinks about Santa, but one thing is for sure … Santa is ready to slip down his chimney and leave Josiah some gifts. Photo by Andrea Carol

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

LETTERS to

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Eastend SCC Board Grant for “Buddy Bench” Contributed kate@advancesouthwest.com

The Eastend School Community Council (SCC) set a wellness goal to help encourage and support the students and teachers of Eastend School. They are focused on developing a safe and caring school environment for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Early last year, the Eastend SCC began discussing the idea of a Buddy Bench for their school yard. A Buddy Bench is a special bench located in a central area of the playground. Students who are feeling lonely, lost or HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Construction begins on Leader Integrated Health Facility Contributed kate@advancesouthwest.com

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simply looking for a friend can sit on the bench. Other students are encouraged to notice when a classmate is on the bench and may be seeking support. They can approach the Buddy Bench and offer to help out. The purpose is to eliminate exclusion and loneliness on the playground, while encouraging students to offer support to each other through inclusion and compassion.

The Eastend SCC has raised over $500 to put towards the purchase of a Buddy Bench. The Board approved $500 from the Chinook School Board grant program to fulfill the SCC’s goal to purchase a Blue Imp Buddy Bench.

Dick Warren Administrator Jim Warren Superintendent

Visit us online www.memorygardenscemetery.ca

Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit joined with residents of Leader and surrounding communities Friday at the official sod turning ceremony for the Leader Integrated Health Facility.

“I am pleased to join today with the community to celebrate this exciting milestone,” Ottenbreit said. “Our government appreciates the hard work of all partners to get this project to the construction phase. This new facility will bring health services under one roof and introduce a new integrated model that will enhance patient- and family-centred care.”

The new 16 bed integrated facility will replace the existing Leader Hospital, the Community Centre and Primary Health Clinic, and the Emergency Medical Services building. It will be connected to the Western Senior Cit-

izens Home, a long-term care facility in Leader.

“The integration of health services in Leader will result in improved access and overall better care to our residents and patients,” Cypress Health Region CEO Beth Vachon said. “The design process for this expansion has included input from patients, staff, and other stakeholders. It is a welcome addition to the community and we look forward to the many improvements that it will offer for years to come.”

Despite a difficult budget year, the provincial government continues to recognize the importance of capital investment in health care and will be contributing $9.6 million to the $12 million project. This represents 80 per cent of the total project cost; local fundraising efforts will cover the remaining 20 per cent of the project cost.

Construction on the new Leader Integrated Health Facility is anticipated to be completed in early 2018.

4

ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

| YOUR SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

AGRICULTURE

Redesigned Website for Sask Forage Council CONTRIBUTED kate@advancesouthwest.com

It was a bitterly cold night for Eastend’s Light Up The Valley celebrations, but that didn’t stop residents from enjoying themselves, singing Christmas Carols and riding on a sleigh. Photos courtesy Eastend Echo

The Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC) has released information gathered from their Fall Forage Market Price Survey. This comprehensive price survey is unique in the province and compiles forage price information from producers across Saskatchewan and nearby areas. Agricultural extension personnel, forage consultants, processors and other professionals are also interviewed and data is compiled on values, types, and volumes of forage crops trading during the fall period. Prices are tracked throughout the fall and winter and a follow-up report will be completed in the winter to reflect any seasonal price changes.

“The information provided in this report can be useful for producers for a variety of purposes,” comments Dave Kerr, the president of the SFC. “As forage and weather conditions vary widely across the province, so do prices and availability. Providing current price information at a point in time is helpful for producers establishing their cost of production, or who are looking at buying or selling,” he continues.

Across much of the province, forage yields were reported as being above average, although quality was below average. Abundant precipitation caused haying heartache for many producers who struggled to put up quality forage. Forage prices were near long term average values, having fallen from the previous years’ record high levels. As above average temperatures continued late into the fall, prices remained relatively steady and there were fewer transactions noted compared to the same time last year.

The full report, as well as a two-page infographic, can be accessed online on the SFC’s newly developed website. The website was recently relaunched and features information on resources, updated projects, upcoming events, and also incorporates information on the Saskatchewan Forage Network. The website project was supported by the Government of Saskatchewan Industry Organization Development Fund (IODF) initiative under the Canada-Saskatchewan Growing Forward 2 bi-lateral agreement.

“The SFC’s original website was developed in 2007.

Given that information technology has changed and we were interested in integrating our social media into our website, this was a good opportunity to redevelop our online resources,” says Dave Kerr. The new website can be accessed at www.saskforage.ca .

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

~ Brian ZinChuk ~

Check out our Would Obama be a slave today? year end sales!

southern Saskatchewan communities throughout his adult life.

There is a publication ban in place to protect the5 identity of the victims, and Chamberlin’s next court appearance will be April 13 at 9:30 a.m.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators invite people with additional information to come forward.

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doesn’t seem that long ago wrote a coldevelopment of a greater national spirit rather than Largewhen StorageI Bins P.O. Box 308, Eastend, SK. S0N 0T0 Fertilizer Bins n about a remarkable series published since 2011 an emphasis on “states’ rights,” which was one of Phone: 1-877-703-3374 cypresshills.mla@sasktel.net he New York Times on the U.S. War. Now, (2677)the causes of the war.

WWW.CORRGRAIN.CA TOLL Civil FREE: 1.844.850.CORR Russ Jewittsoon come to a Oscar Wiebe www.wayneelhard.ca pears, that Swift series will close.

It’s hard, in our current 21st century context, to Current, SK, 306 741 3751 Maple Creek, SK, 306 661 8789 russ.jewitt@corrgrain.ca oscar.wiebe@corrgrain.ca alled Disunion, the collection of pieces folbelieve that men would volunteer to fight, and in ed the developments of the Civil War in somemany cases, die for the cause of “states’s rights.” In g akin to real time, albeit 150 years later. As this context, those rights had a lot to do with slavnts unfolded throughout the course of the war, ery. But can you imagine anyone here today volunrequiresdiscussed plans to what specially designed orians anditanalysts impact they toteering to stop a bullet for provincial rights in Canada? Or even North Dakota rights across the meet your needs.

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LOCALLY & OPERATED • be self-motivating arkably short, that war working only lasted four Let’s consider some other what-ifs. What if the Getthe Bonnie for you • require minimal supervision s.

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Would North have taken gulllaketown.admin@sasktel.net Lioness ada, are gettingTompkins pulled into the Syria/Iraq ISIS shot at it, 10 to 20 years later? Would there have lict. been a series AGRICULTURE of continental conflicts for decades?

PEROGY SUPPER & SAUSAGE think that’s what stands out the most for me, If the U.S. had remained fractured into the 20th ng lived during at time when the U.S., and by century, what would the impacts have been globnsion, Canada, has been at continual war since ally? Would it have tipped the balance in the First 1 (As we’ve withdrawn from Afghanistan, it World War in favour of the Allies? Would it have MOVIE INFORMATION LINE • (306) 297-2241 • SHAUNAVON n’t take long to deploy to Iraw). To the people been the decisive player in the Second World War, “Movie Presentation at its Finest!” ur time, this has become the new normal. leading to its superpower status, or would it have SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2017been too concerned about a future conflict with its wasn’t always like this. In most cases wars

By Amanda Richmond need to make sure all your goals will be attainable.

Is and youroften homemade sausage Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Kindersley Disney shows offyour its old-fashioned magic with this traditional e relatively short brutal. One way or southern neighbour?

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Zinchuk is editor ofstrategy Pipelinewill News.

Where are we? Where do we want to be? thatCheck things may can website! alter the time line; re the blockade took hold to General Robert E. Hequestions can be reached at brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net outarise ourthat NEW and How do we get there? remain flexible. Be sure to measure your progress s style of command. One what-if centred on the A good business development practice is to create and recognize your achievements. Celebrate achieve-

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ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

Commentary RU R A L RO O T S

| YOUR SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

|

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

OPINION

All these delays have a cost Spirit of giving alive I and well

By Brian Zinchuk brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net

By

Christalee Froese

little bubble of an existence, the world is a pretIMyntymygiving and charitable place these days. view of the world was getting somewhat jaded and

a little too focused on those who like to separate people with walls, rather than uniting them with love, as I overdosed on USA election coverage last month.

Thankfully, the Christmas season and the amazingly gracious people in my community have helped to bring what’s really important back into clear view.

It started with Mrs. Wendy Weichel’s Grade 6/7 class at Montmartre School who again volunteered to raise food and awareness about our local adopt-a-family program (joyously called Project Happy Christmas). Then Pharmasave owner Crystal Dusyk jumped on board, offering to coordinate Project Happy Christmas for a fourth year in a row. But neither of these developments surprised me…I know these ladies and I know the lengths they will go to in order to support those in need!

What did catch me off guard was the response to a little email I sent out to friends and family. The email asked for three people to come forward to adopt the three children that had yet to find families.

Within one hour, I had pledges from three families to buy $100 in Christmas gifts and clothes for local children in need.

By the end of the day, I had two more offers of support—this allowed a fourth family to be adopted by Project Happy Christmas.

And then, I received this email from a busy local mother of four who not only runs a household and a farm, but manages to get her kids to hockey, dance and 4-H (and on time): “Oh my gosh this was on my to do list and even when I seen you the other day it didn't clue in!!! Yes please how can we help!? We aren't getting the parents anything??

Maybe some gift cards to help?? If not we would like to actually adopt all 3 families! Some people are so less fortunate than us and we literally take life for granted some days!! The holidays can be very stressful especially when the day-to-day bills and exceeded stress all add up!

Thank you so much for this reminder email!”

This letter warmed my very insides and made me realize that as a whole, people are kind, considerate and generous.

I must mention that this is the third project of this kind (that I know of – there might be more) that my dear community has supported this season. Local mom Brenda Stoppler headed up a group who sent 99 shoe boxes of gifts and essential items to overseas countries.

Another local super-mom, Krista Brown, organized a collection of toys and activities to be wrapped and dropped off at a children’s hospital ward in Regina.

So, when I find the strength to turn off the TV news and all of the angst it brings into my living room, I am left to focus on the generous spirits whom I live amongst.

I know each of your communities have these giving programs and generous souls too.

Let’s focus on them this season, and thank them for making the world a brighter place (not only for those they support, but for those of us who are buoyed by the mere existence of such generous souls)!

was enthralled with a recent series of news stories the National Post ran called Arrested Development. The four-month effort looked into 35 various projects worth $129 billion that have been stalled by red tape or resistance to the point where many have simply died off. Others wait in limbo, and each day, their likelihood of completion diminishes.

These pieces coincided precisely with a premise I’ve maintained for years – we’ve become a nation of it can’t be done. We’re now Can’tada.

One piece in particular struck home, because it played a direct part in my life. I was at my prime in 2000 at the end of the massive Alliance pipeline project. That megaproject from Fort St. John, B.C., to Chicago, and was of a similar scale of the original proposal for the Keystone XL pipeline. I was 25 years old, and while I had flunked out of university and was unsuccessful in getting my virtual reality training simulator project off the ground, I was in great physical shape, and on my way to getting a trade as an excavator operator. I recall our union boss talking about how it was important to get your training, boys, because when that Mackenzie Valley pipeline goes, it’ll take every pipeliner in Canada to build it and several years to get it done.

Given we had bought a house for only $118,000 in 2001, and that I had made more money on the Alliance job than I could have ever dreamed, it was not unrealistic for me to calculate I could have paid off my

mortgage on that one Mackenzie Valley job – or at least put a very, very large dent into it.

So I took my training. The union local, flush with cash following several years of big projects for TransCanada, Enbridge and Alliance, set up its own training school called Operating Engineers Training Institute of Saskatchewan (OETIS) for precisely this purpose. I was in its first series of classes, then its second, earning my second year (of two) apprenticeship card for pipeline equipment operator (excavator).

I was doing small pipeline projects and working for local contractors when they had work. I figured I was ready to “break out” as an excavator operator by the time the Mackenzie Valley pipeline project would go.

Any day now, we thought. It was already 2003, and the union boss expected, back in 2000, that it would go ahead the next year or two.

Any day now.

So I waited and waited, paying union dues while doing other work, with the expectation that this project would happen. In 2003 I was offered a job in the newspaper business, with the Battlefords News-Optimist. For the first few years in the back of my mind I expected I might end up back on the pipeline – this pipeline, any day now.

The delays went on and on. I had taken a 50 per cent pay cut by giving up pipeline work, but at least I was working. Eventually, I took a withdrawal card from the union, and stopped paying dues.

The pipeline was finally approved in 2010, by which time I had long moved on with my life – now working as editor of, ironically enough, Pipeline News. But the world had

changed. A few years before, natural gas was selling for $10 a gigajoule, and Mackenzie Valley promised a bonanza. But the horizontal, multi-stage fracking technique overtook the gas business, developing tremendous gas resources in the American northeast. Suddenly, gas dropped to $2 to $3 a gigajoule, and stayed there. The opportunity for Mackenzie Valley had been lost, for everyone involved.

As the National Post pointed out, Inuvik, the originating point of the pipeline, lost out tremendously. The pipeline, proposed first in the 1970s, is now likely never going to happen.

Billions of dollars that could have flowed into the northern economy if that pipeline had been built are now gone.

In my case, the house did not get paid off. If the project had gone ahead, followed by Keystone XL, Northern Gateway and then Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion, maybe I would be digging ditches today instead of writing newspapers.

But this is just one example. Be it Northern Gateway, Keystone XL, Ontario’s Ring of Fire, countless mine projects, gas development in New Brunswick and Quebec – all of these things have been stalled, or killed, cutting off countless billions in economic activity that would last generations. Billions would have flowed into the economy, and into government coffers by way of taxes and royalties. We fought world wars in less time than many of these projects have been studied.

Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News. He can be reached at brian.zinchuk@sasktel.net.

Email comments to LCfroese@sasktel.net and follow Christalee Froese’s 21days2joy Blog at 21days2joy.wordpress.com.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Advance Southwest.

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7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

A S K YO U R L I F E

Q: What rituals give your life meaning?

By Madonna Hamel

madonnahamel@hotmail.com

L

ast week Fr. Joe decided to change mass time from 8pm to 4pm. He wanted to get back to Mankota before dark. He’s tired of hitting animals on the road, he said. Last week it was a deer. The week before a cow.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to mass because of work, so the change worked for me. When one of the altar girls padded over in her mismatched socks to light a candle on the Advent wreath I got a bit of a jolt. “Wow!” I thought. “I haven’t made one of those wreaths in years! That used to be such a beautiful part of my Christmas season.” As if reading my mind, Theresa turned and asked me if I’d like to light the next one next Saturday. Would I? Within certain monastic traditions everyday acts are as important as holy rituals, because their job is to honour the sacredness of life. Indeed, if life is holy, it would follow that every little piece of the whole is holy too. As I get older it’s the simple daily rituals that hold the most meaning for me: knowing I can talk to a friend or a sister at the end of a hard day, walking to the bend in the road and then returning as the sun lights up the sky, that first hot cuppa in the morning with my journal and the sunrise, a hot bath with a book, candles in the dark, music playing while chopping vegetables, a poem a day.

Each one of these gestures or acts is easily achieved, requires no great fortune, earns no big accolades, takes no monumental effort. They are the stitches that pull the pieces of life together, as essential as the thread that links the patches of a quilt. Without them the ragged fabric of my life would fall around me, un-unified, unbound, disconnected, unable to wrap and swaddle me in the bigger blanket of a life. Without them life would feel empty, fragmented, senseless and unhinged.

Joseph Campbell writes: “Society has provided children no rituals by which they become members of the tribe, of the community. All children need to be twice born, to learn to function rationally in the present world, leaving childhood behind.”

To be able to acknowledge life’s big transitions through ritual helps us to let go of our old ways of being. In Val Marie one of my favourite rituals is the giving of a gift to the high school graduates. The first time I learned of this ritual I was taken aback to find out that every member of the village gives something to every grad. But, of course, that makes sense: everybody knows the grads, there are only a couple of them, after all.

And every Christmas The Lions put on a supper wherein seniors eat free, another acknowledgement of a phase of life. For me, the seniors are the most entertaining bunch in this town. So, I make sure I make it to coffee every Wednesday at the Seniors’ Centre. (Which for some reason we are supposed to call the Community Centre, but nobody does.) Besides having the best coffee, goodies, and view of the late afternoon light on the hills, the Centre has the best stories. And we need to tell each other our stories, because when we do we are telling each other what has meaning for us,

“

what makes us feel alive in the world; we are telling each other who we are.

Storytellers require story listeners. And if there is one thing living in Val Marie has taught me is to take the time to listen to the stories. Living on “Prairie Time” has taught me that listening to others is a gift I not only give them but myself. Often when we are young we arrogantly believe we are doing some old guy a favour by politely standing still and listening to him tell us about the old days. But what we are gaining, besides a glimpse of the world from a new perspective, are the gifts of patience, respect, connection and engagement, and eventual delight. Of course, if the old guy or gal is just whining, hoping to drag you into a slander-fest, then it’s no longer story telling. And he or she is no longer an elder, just a miserable old coot.

I had a nephew once ask me how to win over a young woman. “That’s easy”, I said.

“At the beginning of every day tell her she is beautiful and at the end of the day ask her how her day went….and mean it. If you don’t mean it, you might want to ask yourself why you are interested in her in the first place.” If we ‘mean it’, we take a moment and truly see the beauty in others.

We quiet our distracted brains and are touched by the stories that touch our loved ones. We keep love alive through the ritual of listening, over a cup of tea, a glass of wine, a ride home, a walk after supper, a snuggle on the couch.

Being that it’s Christmas-time, let us not forget the seasonal rituals, the ones that can shift us out of pettiness, cynicism, mean-spiritedness, and just plain grumpiness.

If we allow for their collective magical potential, Christmas rituals can move us into a state of good-will, sharing genuine tidings of comfort and joy, or, at least general familial merriment. For me the lighting of Advent candles, the pulling out of decorations, digging out mom’s shortbread recipe, putting Handel’s Messiah on the stereo, cuing up ‘A Christmas Carol’ are all rituals that put me in a mood of good will.

The power of ritual is to allow us to enter into the larger Stories, or Myths, of transition, transformation, inevitable changes. I grew up going to Sunday mass, not something that, as a child, I would have chosen for myself. It was only later that I realized that every ritual gesture in the mass is a template for creating transformative and meaningful gestures outside the walls of the church. But you only get out of a thing what you bring to it. I’ve since come to appreciate how the rituals of the mass have helped me be open to Life’s Luminous Mysteries.

And then there are the special rituals you celebrate with only a few people, binding them as friends, couples, families. We may not see them as rituals, but we profoundly miss them when they are gone. Every New Year’s Eve my family choses a new word to bring into the new year. We write it on a piece of paper and carry it around with us, sometimes for days. The night of the eve we write a word from the past we wish to release and burn it in a bonfire. Then at midnight we ring in the year by shouting out our new words.

What are the rituals that have guided your life thus far? Are there some you would like to create? Now’s a good time.

Here’s to the ritual of sharing stories in a happy new year.

And then there are the special rituals you celebrate with only a few people, binding them as friends, couples, families.

T R AV E L S with C L E O

Kerry & Cleo

Where is the spirit?

By

I

Cleo Morvik

t's been hard to get into the holiday spirit while in Australia. There are the occasional reminders that Christmas is fast approaching, such as tinsel and ornaments decorating the green ferns in the city planters, lit-up metal Christmas trees in store fronts, and hearing the occasional holiday wishes passed between friends as they part ways in the streets. These clues are a bizarre contrast to the commercials on TV for the perfect pedicure tools to show off your toes on the beach, and the hottest deals on vacation packages for the summer break from school, and outdoor furniture to enjoy in the sunny weather, and of course the sunny weather itself.

I shouldn't be too shocked though, since it's mainly the sunny weather that brought us here, to Australia. Today more specifically, 'here' is Cairns, Queensland, Australia. We arrived in Cairns two days ago, via a flight from Sydney. It was in the Sydney airport, waiting in line for the baggage drop, that I witnessed another reminder of the holiday spirit, and what that truly means.

Kerry and I got to the airport a little after 10:00am for our noon flight.

Quite a reasonable departure time, we thought. We were also happy to be escaping the city as it experienced some record high temperatures, and obviously excited to get to our new destination – the home of the Great Barrier Reef. We easily found our airline's desk and matching electronic kiosk where we printed our boarding passes and even the baggage tag for Kerry's luggage. No problems there.

Then we stood in the wrong line for a couple minutes, and laughed when we realized what we were doing, and were quite content to move to the much shorter line, one over. Our good moods dwindled a little when we noticed our line was not moving very quickly, but what can you do, right? As luck would have it, an attendant came along and ushered us into another line to the left, much shorter again! Our one airline now had two queues on the go. We were nearly to the front our our lineup when I overheard a lady in the next

line over, speaking to what looked to be an older woman and her grown-up daughter. In a harsh tone, she brought to the mother-daughter duo's attention that she was, indeed, in the lineup for the baggage drop, insinuating that the other two ladies must be trying to budge in front of the line, as they walked to the beginning of the two lineups and created a third.

The daughter quickly explained that an attendant had told them to form the front of this third line. The other lady, the lady who was indeed in line, scoffed and remarked how unfair it was that they were sent to the front of a new line. Again, the daughter replied that she and her mother were simply doing as told. A few more comments were made between the two of them, but as I realized I was beginning to gawk at the unfolding scenario, I quickly turned away and reminded myself that it was none of my business. As I was trying to mind my own, I heard one more line from the daughter, attempting to explain that, hey, at the end of the day we're all getting on the same plane at the same time, so what does it really matter? I suppose I had to agree with her, but the lady, you know, the one who was in line, obviously did not agree, judging by her even bigger scoff.

It was then that a man, in a totally separate line for a totally different airline said, to nobody in particular it appeared, “Where is the Christmas spirit?” He turned and asked the kid next to him, “Have you seen it? Is it up there?” He pretended to glace around, searching for something. Everyone around who had heard the whole kerfuffle couldn't help but smile. Including me.

So where is the holiday spirit? I know it can be hard to find sometimes. Like when your hotel room's shower water gurgles up through the drain on the floor and floods your whole room. Twice. A difficult time to locate that darn spirit. On the other hand, needing a shower because you spent the day in the salty ocean water exploring the reef and all its beauty?

Not so difficult after all.

8

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

SEASON 'S GR EE TI NGS

2016 Christmas message from Premier Brad Wall

C

hristmas often brings out the best in people.

We open our hearts. We look for opportunities to give. But what is really amazing is the number of people who keep this Christmastime spirit alive the entire year.

I may be completely biased but I happen to think we have an abundance of those people in Saskatchewan. Like employees at a Saskatchewan oil company, who in the middle of great financial stress in their industry, lent a helping hand. They raised more than $130,000 to help an injured co-worker and his family when they needed that support the most.

Like the 100 year-old gentleman from Maple Creek who is not sure how many years he has been volunteering. Maybe 40. Maybe 50. Maybe even 60.And he says he’s gonna go on as long as he can.

And I believe he will. Like the community of Meadow Lake who banded together to raise money for a local musician facing a medical crisis. She gave the gift of her love for music to others. Now a gift of love is returning to her. I am so proud to be a fellow citizen of this province.

I can’t say enough about the many, many people in our province who give of their time and energy to those in need of some help and maybe even some encouragement. People who understand what it means to shine a light into someone else’s life. Knowing that one small candle in the midst of darkness can spread light and hope. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of a tiny baby. The Light of the World. The Son of God who stepped down from heaven and came to walk among us. To heal us, to love us, to live as we live.

And His message of love and peace has not changed in over 2000 years. It is still the message of Christmas today. Joy to the world. The Lord has come.

This year let’s continue to share joy and peace, and spread love and good will to those around us.

Together let’s shine our light and make a difference.

So from me and my wife Tami, and our family, and on behalf of my colleagues in the Government of Saskatchewan:

Sharlene Holderbein (Left) and Betsey Ryan (Right) give their time to collect for the Salvation Army at the Swift Current Mall. Thank you to these great ladies and the Salvation Army for giving back to the Southwest. Photo by Andrea Carol

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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May the blessing of peace, The beauty of hope, the spirit of love, and the comfort of faith be your gift this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Blessings to you and your family, from Darwin and Lorrie

Temporary Disruption of Services Please be advised that there will be a temporary disruption of services from December 22, 2016 at 8:00 am to January 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm at the Eastend Wolf Willow Health Centre During this time there will be no LAB/X-ray services available.

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Merry Christmas Merry Christmas!

The Swift Current Community Youth Initiative (SCCYI) at THE CENTER would like to thank the southwest community for their encouragement and support and would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

ADVISORY

Stay safe on the ice this winter

Thank you for your business in 2016 HOME FURNISHINGS

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With colder temperatures now in Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Environment is reminding people to check for safe and sufficient ice if you are ice fishing or enjoying other winter activities.

Ice thickness depends on the waterbody and the surrounding conditions.

Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness and ice strength can vary considerably from one area to another.

It is important to test the ice thickness before you travel on it. There should be at least 10 cm (4 inches) of ice to walk on, 15 cm (6 inches) to drive a snowmobile or ATV on, 20 cm (8 inches) to drive a car or light truck on, and 30 cm (12 inches) to drive a heavy

truck on.

Any activity on ice comes with a risk.

The ice thickness is a guideline for individuals to make a decision about whether to venture onto the ice.

Ice thickness also cannot be the sole measure of whether it is safe to go on.

Clear hard ice is the only ice that is recommended to travel on.

Avoid ice that: • is slushy in appearance; • has thawed then froze again; • is near moving water; • is layered, caused by sudden temperature changes; and • has structures on it, such as pressure ridges.

Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing for more information in the 2016 Saskatchewan Anglers’ Guide.

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Read the latest issue, on Issuu. Available online every Monday, for free.

Download the Issuu app today on your iPhone or Android device and search "Advance Southwest."

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

COMMUNITY

FCC contributes $122,750 to 253 4-H clubs across Canada Burnham 4-H Community Club and Val Marie 4-H Light Horse Club among recipients Contributed kate@advancesouthwest.com

The Farm Credit Canada (FCC) 4-H Club Fund is providing $122,750 to 253 4-H clubs across Canada to support various local events and activities. In Saskatchewan, 34 4-H clubs received a combined total of $17,000.

The fund is part of FCC’s annual $250,000 contribution to 4-H Canada.

This contribution, in addition to supporting local 4-H activities, supports national as well as provincial 4-H initiatives.

“At FCC, we take a longer-term view of agriculture. That’s why we’re proud to partner with 4-H in preparing young people for a possible future in this strong and vibrant industry,” said Todd Klink, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer at FCC. “4-H programs open up so many doors and possibilities for young people who may be interested in farming or one of the many agriculture-related careers.”

The FCC 4-H Club Fund awards up to $500 for projects such as achievement days, horse clinics, field trips,

public speaking workshops and purchases of equipment, just to name a few. The next application period opens in fall 2017.

“We are thankful to FCC for their continued support of 4-H in Canada, and the unique and valuable opportunities they help to provide for our members at the grassroots level,” said 4-H Canada CEO, Shannon Benner. “This generous partnership is indicative of FCC’s commitment to youth leadership in agriculture, as we continue to help empower and build responsible, caring and contributing young leaders who are passionate about making meaningful contributions to the world around them.”

To view the list of recipients, visit www.fcc.ca/4-H. 4-H Canada is a not-for-profit organization that provides young Canadians with the tools and guidance to build leadership skills in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. It has close to 25,000 members and 7,400 volunteer leaders. To learn more about 4-H Canada, visit 4-h-canada. ca.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

A RT S & C U LT U R E

LISTENING TO THE WORLD’S GREAT WRITERS The International Festival of Authors

by Madonna Ha mel

T

here is nothing more soothing, more intimate, more cozy on a cold night, than being read to. You can feel the words lap up on the shores of ears, and sometimes, with the best of readers, the words move like the gentle fingers of a skilled masseuse, undoing the knots, releasing the day’s complaints into the story at hand.

Other times, the reader is so passionate about the subject matter that you perk up, pull out your pen, take note, and bristle with questions and concerns you never knew you had. Either way, to be read to is an act of life and love that shouldn’t end after childhood.

Last month I covered the 37th edition of the International Festival of Authors in Toronto where I was read to by some of the finest writers in the world. Every reading at the festival began with an acknowledgement of the original native keepers of the land. Then, courtesy of PEN, our attention was drawn to an empty chair bearing a photograph of a writer who is imprisoned for speaking out against oppression. Then began the readings.

Using the theme titles as a guideline for my choices I attended an event entitled: Immersive Settings. Gail Anderson-Dargatz read from her new book The Spawning Grounds. Having read her A Recipe for Bees, I was eager to get more of her relaxed poetics. Her language flows easily, moving us through water, over land, in and out of the bodies of people and beings. “Yeah, yeah, I know, “she jokes. ‘It’s the same old story of boy meets fish.” The landscape of the Shushwap/Thompson area of BC is one of the main characters in the novel and we see it through the Gold Rush, the present day, and the near past.

Under the same theme Sharon Butala read from her new novel Wild Rose.

Seeing that I am immersed in homesteading culture in my own writing around women’s aprons, and having loved her early novels about prairie women, I was intrigued by this story of a young woman from Quebec in the late 1800s escaping her strict life at home by marrying quickly and heading to what was then the Northwest Territories, and is now Grasslands National Park. The young woman is soon abandoned by her husband and must learn

to fend for herself. “It’s time,” Butala said, with a wry smile, “that we treated Franco-Canadians in the west with a little respect. The aboriginal languages and French were the first languages spoken there, after all.”

The following evening is a panel of women writers discussed how their work “pushes the boundaries of female characters”. One of the most gripping was by the Australian Charlotte Wood.

The Natural Way of Things was inspired by true stories of a brutal prison for ‘girls in trouble’ in New South Wales.

The novel begins with two young women who, upon waking from a drug-induced sleep, realize they’ve been put in a kind of camp in the middle of nowhere with a group of other young women. What they all have in common is having made the mistake of sleeping with a powerful man. “Throughout the

"The Natural Way of Things" by Charlotte Wood

novel nature is a redemptive source”, said Wood after reading. Wood drew vigorous nods of agreement from the panel when she said: “Often, as a woman, I don’t know how to deal with power as a woman.” This is a novel that attempts to understand what power is and how it can be used and abused.

The next night author Guy Vanderhaeghe spoke with David Adams Richards about his new novel, Principles to Live By. The novel deals with trauma in the life of a police officer. It is rooted in the Mirimachi region of New

Brunswick, as are all his novels, but its characters’ choices have far reaching effects. Richards’ characters’ actions have consequences that take time to reveal themselves. His protagonists are “not Orthodox”, as Vanderhaeghe put it, “but they are dedicated to the life of the spirit”. “Yes”, agreed Richards.

“The basis of this novel is the difference between hubris and humility.” To young writers he advised: “Write how you feel about the world, not how others tell you should feel. Because you know your own moral compass. And if you don’t, you should.” I asked him if redemption was a theme in his work. “It has to be,” he replied. “We have to forgive and be forgiven.”

Every year the festival, in conjunction with Humber College, invites a guest speaker to address the themes of ‘truth and lies’. This year the American author Chris Hedges presented The Price of Truth in a Post-Fact World. Hedges calls America “the most self-deluded population on the planet” because it “prizes emotionalism and sensationalism are over truth”. In his prescient Empire of Illusion (2009)he described American elections as becoming more and more like Wide World of Wrestling matches because “political, intellectual and cultural discourse has been replaced with spectacle” and “verifiable facts don’t matter as long as you have an audience.” Hedges spoke one week before Trump’s election. Trump, he said, is a response to a movement that has already been happening. The movement is “a retreat into a mythical past.”

“And”,he warned, “an inability to distinguish between myth, reality, fact and fiction is a sign of collapse.” The removal of rights, the celebration of guns and wealth, the lust for the Apocalypse by fundamentalists Christians, are all topics addressed by Hedges in his books.

As a veteran war correspondent he has witnessed soldiers get caught up in the exhilaration of violence.( War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning). As a minister he reminds us that “Jesus did not come to make us rich”. (American Fascists).

In his latest book, Wages of Rebellion, he explores what it takes to be a rebel in modern times.

I left the Hedges talk thinking about themes in both Canadian and American writing. For decades Survival has been a dominant pre-occupation for us

"The Spawning Grounds"

by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

"Wild Rose"

by Sharon Butala

"The Parcel"

by Sharon Butala

"Wages ofRebellion: The More Imperative of Revolt"

by Sharon Butala

"Do Not Say We Have Nothing"

by Madeline Thien

"Principles to Live By"

by David Adam Richards

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

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Merry

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“ I wish for you this

Christmas an opportunity to share a story or two with those you love. above the 49th. While authors in the States repeatedly look for Redemption. I was eager to see how the next group of authors would address the latter at a panel called: Stories of Redemption. By far and away the most riveting read for me was by Anosh Irani from his book The Parcel. The title refers to the name given to a young girl who is trafficked to a brothel and must be prepared for her new life as a prostitute. The story is told through the eyes of Madhu, the one who must prepare her. Although a difficult story, it is told with such poetic tenderness that a kind of redemption does occur, although Irani prefers to use the word ‘healing’. I know a kind of healing recognition occurred in me when he read a section wherein Madhu, the older, former prostitute recalls the day when men dropped at her feet, showered her with gifts and attention.

“Those were the days,” Madhu says.

“May they never return.” The ambivalence women often feel around sexual attention was perfectly captured by that one paragraph.

The theologian Marcus Borg wrote: “ ‘Redeem’ is a word that needs redeeming ” . It has lost its ancient and biblical meaning which is ”to set free from slavery, bondage, captivity”.

It is not about “being saved from our sins”. The panel seemed uncomfortable with the word, which made me

wonder why it was chosen in the first place. “Most of these titles we just come up with over beers!”, one writer glibly responded. Another stressed that “it’s not real, it only happens in movies. I prefer the word ‘rescue.’”

Yet another added: “I’m not even sure it exists in everyday life.” But, it seems to me, as writers, we could, and even should, salvage the true meanings of our language, redeem Redemption, before we become captive to the many contemporary forms of cultural slavery and bondage.

My last evening was one I awaited all week. Madeleine Thein was reading from Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I met Madeleine when her book Certainty came out and I interviewed her for CBC. We both lived in Quebec City at the time and became friends, talking about books and playing baseball. She got me a writing gig at the Globe and then her stunning novel Dogs at the Perimeter came out. Do Not Say We Have Nothing is her third novel. It was nominated for the Man-Booker and won both the Giller and the Governor General’s awards. And I just happened to be in town to hear her read from it. To hear Thein read you either lean in, like a child listening to a small bird sing or lean back to listen to a confident, yet weary jazz singer sing. But either way, there is a song. Her novel is about keeping truth alive in our stories through music, through choosing carefully what to include and what to exclude in a time and place where everyone is being watched, in this case during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.

While I couldn’t possibly listen to all the authors at the festival, I did revive my love of reading aloud, and being read to. I wish for you this Christmas an opportunity to share a story or two with those you love.

Whether you pull down Dicken’s Christmas Carol from the shelf, or read Uncle Phil’s latest circular letter, may the words you share be full of laughter love and music to your ears!

Losing a loved one is a time for family.

It’s been our privilege to serve the families in our area for generations past, and generations to come.

WARREN’S Funeral Home 126 2nd Ave N.E, Swift Current, SK S9H 2C7 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606

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Contestants supply 10 lbs of cooked sausage.

Please pre-register by January 10, 2017. Call Ruth 306-672-3944.

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$15.00 - Adult $5.00 - 5-11 years Preschool - Free

By January 10, 2017 Available at Tompkins Cypress Credit Union, Bette 306-622-4938 or Ruth 306-672-3944 or any Lioness member.

PRIZES FOR JUDGES CHOICE AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE!

14

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

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Saskatchewan Population Continues to Grow CONTRIBUTED kate@advancesouthwest.com

Saskatchewan continued to experience steady population growth in the third quarter of 2016, according to Statistics Canada’s latest quarterly population estimate. There were 1,155,393 people living in the province on October 1, 2016, 4,761 more people than in the previous quarter, and up by 18,007 people over the past year.

“Our province continues to attract people to the many opportunities available here,” Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our resilient economy and its investment opportunities speak to the continued strength of our province.”

The Statistics Canada numbers reflect a decade of sustained growth for Saskatchewan, which has seen an increase of 162,000 people in the past 10 years. This number represents the highest growth in any 10 year period in the province over the last 84 years, since between 1922 and 1932.

“The numbers show the strength of our province, which continues to thrive, despite challenges in the resource sector,” Harrison said. “With more people calling Saskatchewan home now than ever before, it proves that Saskatchewan is a great place to live, work and to raise a family.”

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Giving back

Sanford delivers truckload of toys to the Ronald McDonald House

by Kate Winquist

C

hristmas is that time where people certainly think of others and of people in need.

Last year, Marion Sanford and her husband loaded up their pickup and made the five hour trip to Saskatoon where they made a donation of toys to the Ronald McDonald House. It was a way of giving back to the place they called home for nearly six months in 2015 after a devastating ATV accident claimed the life of their son Blaine and left younger brother Rhett badly injured.

The Sanford’s decided to keep the toy drive as part of their Christmas tradition, but this time it got bigger - much bigger. The Sanfords teamed up with Innovation Credit Union, setting up collection boxes throughout the province. When they made the trip this year with family, friends and volunteers, they needed Innovation’s MAC truck to haul it all.

“I don’t think the Ronald McDonald House realized the extent of what we were doing,” said Marion.

Tammy Forrester, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House was astonished by the generosity of southwest Saskatchewan.

“It’s hard to imagine and believe the community coming together like that and supporting her and her family and others from that part of the province that have used the House.”

For the Ronald McDonald House, the donation couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We’ve always had a good influx of toys that help replenish our toy cabinet and toy storage area, but we were feeling like we were actually going to have to go out and buy some toys. That was a bit foreign to us, said Forrester. It was perfect timing.”

For Sanford, it was a great feeling to be able to give back.

“I didn’t realize when I offered the toy drive to the Ronald McDonald House, how desolate they were and how stressed they were feeling, so that was an awesome feeling, because we got to sit and have supper with many of the families that were staying there last night. It just breaks your heart because they’re such beautiful little souls. I know there’s many other places to donate - but these children didn’t choose and their families didn’t choose for them to be here.”

Sanford is very humble and is quick to point out

that the toy drive was a southwest effort.

“I am so happy that I live in a place that has hearts bigger than Canada. From Swift Current down, to Val Marie to Frontier, up to Leader, east and west. The southwest is unreal.”

Forrester is grateful for all the work that Sanford has done for the Ronald McDonald House.

“From our perspective, we see someone that has had a real experience … a tragedy, a medical illness, an issue with their child and their children. We have lived with them at the House for a period of time and hopefully have supported them in a way that they can sort of reflect on that. I think Marion sort of summarizes that by saying the House was there when she needed it. It was the glue that kept her family together and if that’s what this House can do for families that is what we are here for. We are here for that extra support. They go to the hospital for their medical support, but they can come back to the House for their love and care and hope and familial support. We’re just so grateful, that in Marion’s case the House was doing exactly what it needed to do for her and her family. But beyond all that, Marion, in her community raises awareness, lets other families know that this is a place that they too can access when and

if ever found in a situation that required medical treatment for their child. I think that is very helpful for us as well because we want to be able to support families right across the province in all corners of this province of Saskatchewan, not just the toy donation, but really all the other work she does in making sure that people know this place is available for them is just wonderful work.”

“I went with the toys this year and cooked supper, but anybody can do it. You want the most amazing day of your life? You get a few friends and family together - it felt like Christmas day, said Sanford. It’s easy for me to do these things because I’ve never walked alone. Even before Blaine passed away … we were loved. We were loved even more through our circumstances. We still have everybody always holding us up when we need it. I am so proud of my home. I just love my community and there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do for any one of them.”

(Behind) The Fun Forest is the toy room that kids get to visit upon check out from the House. This is where they get to choose their toy to take home. All kids of the House get a visit to this room – not just the sick child but their siblings too. (Front) Marion Sanford talking with CBC and Global News.

16

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Maverick School celebrates the season

By Andrea Carol andrea@advancesouthwest.com

The 22nd Annual Maverick Christmas Luncheon was hosted at Bridgeway Community Church on Friday. Educational Assistant Alisa Meyer, coordinated the event as it is Maverick's way of celebrating the season with their community.

Principal Jayne Nicholson and student Ty Brady emceed the event. Entertainment was provided by students accompanied by Al Hudec on the guitar and Glenna Switzer on the keyboard. Jack Tonner joined Al Hudec with his bass guitar. A delicious turkey dinner was prepared by Maverick staff and stu-

dents and was enjoyed by everyone who attended including families, partners and community members.

"Bridgeway Community Church congregation has provided kitchen tools, small appliances, upright freezer, gift cards, Christmas food hampers, sound proofing for the music room at the former location and the use of their facility for the banquet every year. They also drop off baking for the students every month," said Principal Jayne Nicholson, "They've been incredibly generous and supportive!"

Maverick School is an ever evolving school for highly independent youth and in its twenty-third year has much to celebrate.

Happy Holidaysfr!om all of us at...

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

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Alan and Glenda Johnson pose in front of the Knox United Church on their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Photo provided.

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Kate Winquist kate@advancesouthwest.com

I had a lady come into our office yesterday asking if she could submit a photo of her parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. We were past the deadline for tomorrow's edition, but I gave her my email address and said that we could get it in for our Dec. 19th paper.

I received her email today and I must admit, it made me well up with tears. This was the email …

"Back in June my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and the only thing that he asked from me was that if he was still around on his 50th wedding anniversary to take him and my mom back to Gull Lake because this is where they met and were married. So today, December 10th, was that day. I took a picture of them in front of the United Church where they were married.

Here is the picture of my parents Alan and Glenda Johnson 50 years later. He also asked me to stop in to see you guys. Would you be able to let me know if you are able to put it in your paper and if we could purchase a copy.

Thank you so much. This would mean a lot to them."

Annetta Labash

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Happy 50th Anniversary, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and God bless you this Christmas season. Thank you Annetta for honouring your father's wish.

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Regional Health Authority Meeting

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The meeting is open for the public to attend and observe.

Individuals or groups of individuals wishing to have an audience must request same in writing stating the nature of their business. Please write to the Chairperson of the Cypress Regional Health Authority care of the Cypress Health Region at 429 - 4th Ave. NE, Swift Current, SK S9H 2J9.

• Meetings are scheduled in various locations throughout the Health Region and are usually held the second week of each month. Please note there will be exceptions to that guideline.

For further information please contact the Health Region Office at 306-778-5104.

18

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

BOOK R EV IEW

“Fun on the Farm … True Tales of Farm Life"

From the Board, Management and Staff Holiday Hours: Saturday, December 24th Closed at 3:00 PM Monday, December 26th Closed Tuesday, December 27th Closed Saturday, December 31st Closed at 3:00 pm Monday, January 2nd Closed

Compiled and edited by Deana J. Driver Review By

Shelley A. Leedahl

E

ven if they've never lived on a farm, I'm going to take the bull by the horns and suggest that most readers will get a chuckle (and perhaps a nostalgic lump in the throat) from Fun on the Farm … True Tales of Farm Life!, a light-hearted anthology concerning the trials, tribulations, and tricks (including many practical jokes) inherent in farm living.

DriverWorks Ink publisher, editor, and writer, Deana J. Driver asked for submissions of "stories, poems, and memories," and two dozen folks responded-including published writers Bryce Burnett, Jean F. Fahlman, Mary Harelkin Bishop, Ed Olfert, and Marion Mutala-to recount the good old days back on the farm. Other writers I'm unfamiliar with also made generous contributions: Peter Foster (Craven, SK) has four accounts, Regina’s Keith Foster's work is found six times, and Laurie Lynn Muirhead, from Shellbrook, appears seven times.

Many of the writers shared shenanigans in which they did something foolish, innocently or otherwise. Jean Tiefenbach and her brother thought it a wise idea to tip the outhouse over and wash it for their mom on Mother's Day. Eleanor Sinclair was showing off her (underaged) pickup driving skills to a friend and sunk the truck up to its running boards in the mud of a slough bottom while a threshing crew looked on. Leo Moline was adept at playing practical jokes on the threshers who came to his farm, and they got even by nailing him to the granary.

"They nailed my wristband through my shirt and stretched me out spread-eagle on the west side of the granary wall, in the sun and dust."

Cow pies, machinery mishaps, animal high-jinks, and outhouses are common threads, the latter I suppose because they are particularly unforgettable. In his poem, "Cat in the Can," Keith Foster admits that "We were terrible kids," but fortunately the cat in question survived the outhouse adventure. Muirhead shares

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an outhouse story via poetry: "we girls stuck it out together/through nightmares and thunderstorms," she writes. In her comical prose piece, "You Waved, My Lord," Fahlman also gets poetic: "One of the prettiest sights on earth is watching the sun go down in a red blaze, harvest dust hanging in the air, shimmering, as twilight settles over the field."

Clearly most of these stories concern decades-old experiences, and that's one of the values of a book like this. We're reminded of the hard work, large families, and the ingenious thriftiness of our rural friends, ie: manure banking around a home's foundation to help keep drafts out.

And then there are the characters, like Mrs. Anderson, an independent elderly woman who lived in a refurbished granary. She "canned" her pony after he'd done the summer work of hauling firewood out of the grove.

The book's contributors seem to agree with Marlene Hunter, who writes that the farm "was a wonderful place to grow up". As one who grew up in town, it's also pretty wonderful to read about how the kids who took the bus made their fun.

LET TER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, I would like to give a “Big Hug” out to the special folks at Admiral who keep our Community Christmas Party alive. “Small But Mighty” still applies!

We start our program around 3:30 PM with a Christmas reading and carols sung by young and old. Next comes musical talent by young and old plus some high-stepping line dancers that are slightly old. There is a craft table available for children’s entertainment.

The pot-luck supper is delicious.

Santa comes in with a cheery Ho Ho Ho and candy bags for the children.

This year the Ruest Family had four generations there.

I think these old customs are well worth keeping up and are fun for all ages. There is lots of visiting, lots of room for more people. Think about coming next year.

Happy Holidays everyone.

Linda McCann Duclos Admiral P.S. We love the Advance paper and look forward to it.

2:00 - 4:45 5:15 - 6:45 MONDAY 4:00 - 6:00 6:00 - 7:45 8:00 - CLOSE TUESDAY 4:00 - 5:00 5:00 - 7:30 WEDNESDAY 4:00-6:00 6:00 - 7:45 THURSDAY 4:00 - 7:30 FRIDAY 1:30 - 3:00 3:45 - 4:45 5:00 - 6:00 6:15 - 7:00 8:00 - CLOSE SATURDAY 2:00 - 4:00

PUBLIC SKATING MAPLE CREEK BROOMBALL PUBLIC SKATING SHINNY TIGERS HOCKEY ORGANIZED SHINNY (PAUL TONEY) PUBLIC SKATING PUBLIC SKATING SHINNY PUBLIC SKATING SCHOOL SKATING PUBLIC SKATING CANSKATE POWER SKATING TIGERS HOCKEY PUBLIC SKATING

* Public Skating and Shinny times subject to change, dependant on ice rentals.

Please check the Tompkins Skating Rink Facebook page prior to skating to check for changes.

Take in a Game Over the Holidays!

Whitemud Hockey League Schedule subject to change without notice

DECEMBER 23 (Friday) Gull Lake Greyhounds at Cabri Bulldogs 7:30 PM at Cabri Rink Complex

Frontier Flyers at Shaunavon Badgers 8:00 PM at Shaunavon Rink Complex

DECEMBER 30 (Friday) Maple Creek Hawks at Cabri Bulldogs 8:00 PM at Cabri Rink Complex

Shaunavon Badgers at Gull Lake Greyhounds 8:00 PM at Gull Lake Rink Complex

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the WMHL!

Thank You.

It is heartwarming to see how the ranching community has supported the aims of the Arnal Boys Memorial Bursary to fund the business projects of the young farmers in the south west.

For the third year in a row Crescent Point has donated back the heifer for resale at the Rock Solid Bred Heifer Sale in Swift Current. We would like to thank Calvin & Susan Siegle for making the final purchase of the heifer. Thanks go to the consigners in the Rock Solid Sale and Diamond K Cattle Co.

Others donating money to the bursary at this event include: A. Sparrow Farms Ltd., Loganbush Charolais, Labatte Simmental, Duralta Farms, Robert Laycock, Boyd Lines, B&A Petroleum Ltd., Stolson Farms Ltd., Cypress Park Resort Inn, Ebon Hill, Bill & Nadine Armstrong, Topham Red Angus, Herter Simmental, Cal Ramsay, Prairie Harvest, Don Bochek, Tyler Smyth, Betty Miller, Taylor Red Angus, Joe & Evelyn Burgess, Stuart Ranch, Ken, Corrinne & Justin Hassett, BG Plus Mechanical.

Arnal Boys Memorial Bursary

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19

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

COMMUNITY

Preparations for 5th Annual Winterfest underway

By Kate Winquist kate@advancesouthwest.com

While most communities are winding up their Christmas events, the Gull Lake Winterfest Committee has been busy gearing up for Winterfest 2017! The event is set to take place on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 and promises have plenty of fun for everyone.

This will be the 5th annual event which has been gaining popularity each year.

Gull Lake Recreation Director and Winterfest Committee member, Sara Kuntz, says there are plenty of new activities to keep the whole family entertained.

“This year we will have horse drawn sleigh rides and professional snow sculptures, which we think will be positive additions. I would like to stress that this is a family event and we’ll have something for everyone, so bring your kids and bring your grandma and grandpa,” Kuntz said.

Winterfest kicks off with a pancake

brunch in the morning and will be followed by a day of fun including children’s entertainer Keegan Duck, a chocolate-chip cookie bake-off, cookie decorating, craft station, mini-golf, pie eating contest, snow luge and tobogganing (Weather Permitting), street hockey, tombola table, and a scavenger hunt There will be lunch in the afternoon and hot chocolate available throughout the day. After a full-day of fun activities stick around for a Beef-on-a-Bun supper. After supper, enjoy the Bonfire with S’Mores, and a spectacular fireworks show. More details about Winterfest 2017 will be available in the coming weeks.

The Winterfest Committee has room for more members and can always use plenty of volunteers. If you are interested in sitting on the committee or helping with the event contact the Town Office at (306) 672-3361.

“We’ve received great support from Gull Lake and area - we are very grateful,” concluded Kuntz.

Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve until 3:00 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day, Dec. 28th andNew Year’s Day.

Best wishes at christmas We hope your holiday �hines!

Thanks f� all you’ve done to make our year one to remember.

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SWIFT CURRENT 1-888-875-8188 MAPLE CREEK 1-877-662-2617 OR GO TO WWW.CYPRESSMOTORS.COM There will be a wedding ing $860/month. Senior housing has different NOTICE OF RECORD DATE There willhonouring shower A D VA NbeCaEwedding S Chris OUTH W ECall S T306-672-8058. housing has different rates.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

17 17

rates.

Call 306-672-8058. tn Larson and 12 Kendra Ostrovsky, June at 2:00 PM tn Notice is hereby given that June 20th, 2016 is the vsky, 12 at 2:00 PM ROYAL LePAGE FORMUat theJune Simmie Hall.

Please Notice hereby given that June 20th, 2016 is the CALL at the Simmie FORMURecordisDate for the determination of the shareconsider this Hall. yourPlease invita- ROYAL LA 1 hasLePAGE rental apartments C Record for the determination theAnnual shareconsider 1 has rental apartments tion. 22-1cthis your invita- LA available in Gull Lake. For holdersDate entitled to receive Notice ofofthe FA LRL OServices tion. 22-1c available in GullgoLake.

For further details to www.

Vac Septic Truck and Sewer Cleaning holders entitled to receive Notice of the Annual P F Meeting of South West Terminal Ltd. to be held on O R I C There will be a bridal further details go to www.

IR N Septic Truckforand Services swiftcurrentsask.ca, call PRpump Book Now yourSewer septicCleaning tank outG To learn or reserve your advertising space, speak today!

Meeting South Terminalto Ltd.Andrea to be held onCarolVac July 21st,of 2016 . West I C There will bemore a Delina bridal shower honouring I N swiftcurrentsask.ca, call 306-773-7527 or email Book Now for your septic tank pump outG To learn more or reserve your advertising space, speak to Andrea Carol today!

July 21st, 2016 .

Cell: 306-741-2448 ce: 306-672-3373 | Email: andrea@advancesouthwest.com shower honouring Delina McGuire, bride-elect of| Offi 306-773-7527 or email f1@swiftcurrentsask.ca.

On Call 24 Hours 306-625-3689 152 Centre St., Ponteix DATEDandrea@advancesouthwest.com this 24th day of May, 2016 Cell: McGuire, bride-electJune of| Office: 306-672-3373 | Email: Connor306-741-2448 Langridge, f1@swiftcurrentsask.ca.

On Call 24 Hours 306-625-3689 152 Centre St., Ponteix We are also on kijiji tn DATED this 24th day of May, 2016 Connor Langridge, 14 at 7:00 PM at theJune Sim- We are also on kijiji tn

BY ORDER OF LIVESTOCK FOR SALE 14 7:00Please PM at the SimmieatHall. consider THE BOARD BY ORDER OF LIVESTOCK FOR SALE mie Hall. invitation.

Please consider this your 22-1c Swift Current & District For Sale. Purebred Angus Rhonda Undseth, THE BOARD this your invitation. 22-1c Swift Current & District Sale.

Angus Bulls.

2 Purebred year olds and RESERVE THE DATE: For President Rhonda Undseth, 2 year oldsrepreand yearlings.

Sires RESERVE THE7th DATE: President Autumn House Annu- Bulls.

OF COMMERCE represented: FinalSires Answer, PioAutumn 7th Annual Golf House Tournament & yearlings.

OF COMMERCE Final Design Answer, 878, Pioneer, New al Golf Tournament & sented: Supper, Saturday, July A D V O C AT E | D E V E L O P | C O N N E C T Tompkins Housing Authority neer, New Design 878, Special Focus, Prime Cut, Supper, Saturday, July 23rd at the Meadowvale A DVO C A T E | D&ESupporting V E L O P |Businesses CONNECT Representing Tompkins Housing Authority Focus, Prime (red) Cut, Cherokee Canyon 23rd the Meadowvale Golf at Course, Gull Lake. Special Check out the benefits Representing & Supporting Businesses Canyon$3500. (red) and Net Worth Golf Gull Lake. Cherokee PhoneCourse, JoAnn at 306-672Check out the benefits “TheWorth Advance” and $3500.

Fleet Net discounts.

306-672Phone at 306-6723711 orJoAnn 306-672-7617 for Search www.swiftcurrentchamber.ca “The Fleet 306-6727786.discounts.

13-12pAdvance” 3711 306-672-7617 for Search moreorinformation.

Everywww.swiftcurrentchamber.ca more information.

Every-a 7786. 13-12p one welcome.

Support SERVICES one Support a greatwelcome. cause! 23-1c We have a 2 bedroom suite , freshly painted SERVICES QUALIFIED TREE CLIMBER • FREE ESTIMATES Twisted Wind RV & Mini greatQUALIFIED cause! 23-1c We 2 bedroom suite , freshly painted forhave rent.aKitchen/Dining, living room, large TREE CLIMBER • FREE ESTIMATES FOR RENT • TREE & HEDGE PRUNING Twisted Minix Storage. Wind Units are& 10’ FIND US ONRV FACEBOOK for rent.

Kitchen/Dining, living room, large bathroom,Large storage room, 2 bedrooms.

FOR RENT •• TREE TREE&REMOVAL HEDGE PRUNING Units are 10’ or x 15’ and rent $80/month FIND US ON FACEBOOK GULL LAKE HOUSING Storage.

HAZARD TREE ASSESSMENT bathroom,Large room, 2neighbours, bedrooms.

Well maintainedstorage units, friendly •• TREE REMOVAL 15’ and rent $80/month or $840/year plus GST. Call •• HAZARD SERVICE LINE CLEARINIG GULL LAKE HOUSING (Price & Kings Manor) has TREE ASSESSMENT Well maintained units, friendly neighbours, !

QUIET community. Easy access to the senior 24/7 & EMERGENCY SERVICE plus GST. 306-297-9382 and Call ask •• SERVICE LINE CLEARINIG (Price Kings Manor) has $840/year suites for rent.

All one QUIET Easy access to theelse senior centrecommunity. and post office. someone do COMPLETE Heating, Cooling Barristers & Let Solicitors • 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE 306-297-9382 for Megan. tn suites for rent.

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No smoking. ! ! and ask & Electrical Services Shop Heating, Cooling 51 1st Ave. N.W., Swift Current, SK. S9H 0M5 centre and post office.

Let someone else do COMPLETE Heating, Cooling your yard work and snow removal for you.

Barristers & Solicitors Joel Shaw Joel Shaw Joel Shaw bedroom. No smoking. for Megan. tn Phone 773-2891 Fax 778-3364 Journeyman Refrigeration - 1st Ave. N.W., Swift Current, SK. S9H for 0M5 you. your51yard work and snow removal Journeyman Refrigeration We & areElectrical your one stop shop forShop air condiServices Journeyman Refrigeration John Flottvik • Professional Tree Climber General Gas Fitter & Electrical Services Shop anderson.company@andlaw.ca General Gas Fitter Phone 773-2891 Fax 778-3364 tioner and furnace installations, repairs Heating & Cooling Specialist General Gas Fitter For an application or more information John FlottvikHeating • Professional TreeHOME Climber & Cooling Specialist 306.971.3957 &one annual servicing!

James G. Anderson, anderson.company@andlaw.ca Q.C. James M. Peltier Joel P. Freisen WeTREE are your stop shop for air conditioner SERVICES Heating & Cooling 712 North Railway StreetSpecialist W For an application or more information please call e your one stop shop for air conditioner Neil Gibbings Erin 306-671-0015 A.M.Connick RyanP.J.Freisen Plewis 306.971.3957 HOME 306.750.6282 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE • SERVING SWIFT CURRENTrepairs & AREA CELL James G. G. Anderson, Q.C. James Peltier Joel and furnace installations, Swift Current, SK S9H 0A3 TREE SERVICES We service what we sell plus more!

Morris A. Froslie Tyler McCuaig KevinJ.N. Hoy please call 306-671-0015 Phone: (306)773-1308 Neil G. Gibbings Erin A. Connick Ryan Plewis 712 North Railway Street W and furnace installations, repairs & annual servicing!

306.750.6282 CELL 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE • SERVING SWIFT CURRENT & AREA

New Service Offered New Service Offered

Stay Stay connected connected with us us on on with Facebook Facebook

Chamber Chamber

2 Bedroom Suite 2 Bedroom Suite for Rent for Rent

MPLETE

Viking Viking

joel.shaw@shawselectrical.ca

And stay connected with your southwest newspaper And stay community connected with your southwest Search “The newspaper Advance” community Search “The Advance”

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pass isrecycle on to someone else to enjoy.

Please your newspaper or Taking care the planet is to eveyone's pass is on toof someone else enjoy. respnsibility!

Taking care of the planet is eveyone's respnsibility!

• Farm • Hail • Auto • Home • Health & Travel • Commercial (Including Oilfield Operations) • Farm • Hail • Auto • Home • Health & Travel In Frontier for over(Including 25 yrs. WeOilfield are an SGI Motor Issuer • Commercial Operations)

colleen@frontiersouthwest.ca In Frontier for over 25 yrs. We are an SGI Motor Issuer 305 Centre St., Frontier, SK 306-296-4477 colleen@frontiersouthwest.ca www.frontiersouthwest.ca 305 Centre St., Frontier, SK 306-296-4477

www.frontiersouthwest.ca

PRODUCTION AND DRILLING EQUIPMENT RENTALS PRODUCTION AND DRILLING EQUIPMENT RENTALS Low Profile Tank Flare Tanks Frac Manifolds

Low Profile Tank Flare Manifolds Slip Type Elevators Light Tanks Towers FracShale Tanks Slipriderenergy@sasktel.net Type Elevators Light Towers Shale Tanks • Fax: 306-672-4082 riderenergy@sasktel.net • Fax: 306-672-4082

Call 24 Hours Call 24 Hours 1-888-71-RIDER (7-4337) 1-888-71-RIDER (7-4337)

Morris A. Froslie

Tyler McCuaig

Kevin N. Hoy

RAND --- RAND

GORDON KOZROSKI REALTOR GORDON KOZROSKI

Memory Gardens Gardens Cemetery FARMLAND WANTED Memory Cemetery De-Kor FARMLAND WANTED

Owners

Cell: (306)774-3383 Swift Current, SK S9H 0A3 joel.shaw@shawselectrical.ca Phone: 1(306)773-1308 Cell: 1(306)774-3383

Check out our website at www.shawselectrical.ca

Garnet & Kim Klassen

Support Support RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • “MEET OR BEAT” PRICING • SENIORS DISCOUNT • GUARANTEED WORK Community.

712 North Railway WORK Street W & annual servicing!

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • “MEET OR BEAT” PRICING • SENIORS DISCOUNT • GUARANTEED We service what we sell plus more!

Community.

Swift Current, SK S9H 0A3 Support Phone: 1(306)773-1308 Check what out our we website www.shawselectrical.ca We service sellat plus more!

Support Local.Cell: 1(306)774-3383 Local. ut our website at www.shawselectrical.ca joel.shaw@shawselectrical.ca Like us on Like us on Facebook Facebook

REALTOR

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Swift Current, Saskatchewan Call today!

Real Estate Centre Phone 1-800-267-6606 Swift Current, Saskatchewan SERVING SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN Real Estate Centre Phone 1-800-267-6606 A CARE Framing TRUSTEDArt CEMETERY for Happy Walls

Gallery & Framing Cell: 306-672-7463

SERVING SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN NEEDTRUSTED AND PRE-PLANNING AACARE CEMETERY Office: 306-821-6112 OR 780-875-5581 Cell: 306-672-7463 CEMETERY SERVICE 5A 1071 Central Avenue North A NEED AND PRE-PLANNING Office: 306-821-6112 OR 780-875-5581 Owned and Operated WarrenSask. & Sons Ltd. Swiftby Current, S9H 4V2 CEMETERY SERVICE Owned and Operated by Warren & Sons Ltd. Dick Warren, 306.773.3810 Administrator Jim Warren, Dick Warren,Superintendent Administrator dekor@sasktel.net Jim Warren,email Superintendent facebook Dekor Framing

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Serving the family for generations Serving family Losing the a loved one is afor time generations for family. It’s Personal

been Losing our privilege toone serve the families in ourIt’s area for a loved is a time for family. counselling beengenerations our privilegepast. to serve the families in our area for And generations to come. services generations past. And generations to come.

Warren’s Warren’s Funeral Home • Mindfullness Counselling Funeral Home 126 2nd Ave N.E, 126 2nd Ave N.E, • Solution Focused Counselling Individual Adult Therapy Swift Current

Swift Current, SKN.E, S9H 2C7 • Cognitive Behavioural Theray Swift Current, SK S9H 2C7 126 2nd Ave N.E, 126 2nd Ave Swift Current, Current, SK S9H S9H 2C7 2C7 306-773-8831 Swift SK Laura Vilness, M.Ed

690 690

1-800-267-6606 Registered Psychologist 306-773-8831

email1-800-267-6606 vilnesscounselling@gmail.com

phone 1.306.661.7109

Underground Underground Sprinklers Sprinklers * Installation & Service

The East Side family is a fellowship withEast a vision: to share love, grace The Side family is athe fellowship and transforming power Jesusgrace with a vision: to share theoflove, Christ with our community. and transforming power of Jesus Christ with our community.

* Installation & Service Sunday Times:All Types * WeService Service of Sprinkler •Sunday Service Times are 9:15 am & 11:00 am Service Times: Weavailable Service • Kids* Place for both servicesAll Types of Sprinkler Systems * Farms & Acreages Systems * Farms & Acreages

• Service Times are 9:15 am & 11:00 am JuniorPlace Youth Sundayfor School 11:00 am •• Kids available both atservices One Summer ServiceSchool at 10:00at am •• Junior Youth Sunday 11:00(Julyam3rd – Sept. 11th) • One Summer Service at 10:00 am (July 3rd – Sept. 11th)

Mike Greenlay Mike Greenlay (306) 297-3840 (306) 297-3840

Phone: (306) 773-4889 | Fax: (306) 773-9080 | 2105 Adams Street, S9H 3X6 Office Hours: Monday| -Fax: Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm &Adams 1:00 pm - 5:00S9Hpm3X6 Phone: (306) 773-4889 (306) 773-9080 | 2105 Street, Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00 am 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm Visit our website: www.eastsidechurch.ca 5:00 pm Visit our website: www.eastsidechurch.ca

P H OTO PH o fOt h S

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21

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Province-Wide Classifieds

S PI R I T UA L G L E A N I N G S

While Heaven and Nature Sing By

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Bosch 800 watt Mixers $399 & up VITAMIX Blenders, Kitchenaid Mixer attachments, BUNN Coffee Makers, Perogie makers, LEFSE supplies, Vacuums Call 1-888-692-6724, shop online www.hometechcanada.ca Hometech 375 Broad St, Regina

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Good news GIVE THE GIFT OF

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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a Year

GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS SHIPPED ANYWHERE IN CANADA KIDS AWAY TO SCHOOL? FAMILY THAT WANTS TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE SOUTHWEST?

Send them a piece of home.

CALL 306-672-3373 OR EMAIL KATE@ADVANCESOUTHWEST.COM BOX 628 GULL LAKE, SK S0N 1A0 We accept Visa MasterCard

Joyce Sasse

Conservationist Charlie Russel, who lived in the midst of grizzly bear heaven in the Kamchatka Peninsula (Russia) for eight summers, told a touching story about a nine-month-old cub whose mate was killed by a predator male.

The orphaned cubs were star players in the BBC Documentary Russel filmed during the summer, as a summary of his “Grizzly Bear Co-Existence Study”.

On the third day following the killing, after what was obviously a time of mourning, the young cub insisted his human companions follow him into the wilderness. For some time he (and they) searched the familiar places to confirm his mate was not to be found.

One last time “he waited for we faltering humans to catch up”. “After eating some of the rolled oats and sunflower seeds we carried,” he watched as we turned back, our hearts torn and heavy. But the time had obviously come for the strong, sleek youngster to strike off for the snowy peak to hibernate.

He spelled it out so clearly, “with a bravery that I’d never seen in an animal before”.

“And heaven and nature sings”, the Christmas carol proclaims. Theologian Thomas Berry would say “Ah ha.

See how nature and human nature interconnect!”

He would remind us that we are one among thirty million species on earth. Thinking only of our superiority has been like a debilitating virus inflicting much of the human race. But if we can reawaken our gift of curiosity, and with humility view our complex relationship with the Universe, we will be gifted with passion and re-energized.

Re-discovering the wonders of life will make each day a profound adventure. Our work, our learning, and our own growth will be fed by curiosity and excitement.

When the time comes our youth, too, will leave the home place. The prayer is that they have such a sense of connectedness with their rural heritage that they will know who they are and where they belong.

This Christmas, as you share the spiritual gifts of the season, sing out “repeat the sounding joy … while heaven and nature sing.”

NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF AUVERGNE NO. 76

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nomination of candidates for the offices of: Reeve will be received by the undersigned at the municipal office during normal office hours until Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. local time.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the Municipal office.

Dated this 19th day of December, 2016.

Melanie Huyghebaert Returning Officer

RM of Gull Lake No. 139

Gravel Hauling Tenders The Rural Municipality of Gull Lake No. 139 is accepting tenders for the hauling of a minimum of 15,000 yards of crushed gravel within the municipality. Gravel program typically starts after spring break up until September (weather permitting). Please state separate costs for the loading of crushed gravel, hauling of crushed gravel, loading of pit run and hauling of pit run. Gravel pits are located on the SE-02-15-20 W3M, NE 03-15-21 W3M and NW 35-14-20 W3M. Tenders for the service of gravel hauling as stated above will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on January 9th, 2017. Must comply with weight restrictions and haul legal loads. Lower or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

If further details are required to submit a written tender please contact: R.M. of Gull Lake No. 139 Box 180 1184 Conrad Avenue Gull Lake, SK S0N 1A0 Phone: (306) 672-4430 Fax: (306) 672-3879 email: rm139@sasktel.net

22

ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

| YOUR SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & CULTURE

|

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

306.741.3193 | WWW.ABBIESREALWEALTH.COM

ABBIE HOUSTON

ACP

REALTOR® RE/MAX OF SWIFT CURRENT (306) 778-3933 EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

ABBIEHOUSTONREALTOR

RE/MAX OF SWIFT CURRENT REALTOR ABBIE HOUSTON

WESTERN WEAR & BOOTS

COWTOWN CANADA

1B - 306 CENTRAL AVE NORTH PHONE 306-778-1010

HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 9 AM - 6 PM CLOSED SUNDAYS

Paintings by local artist June Busse are on display at the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre until December 28. Photos by Kate Winquist.

Retrospective of local artist June Busse Kate Winquist kate@advancesouthwest.com

Shaunavon teacher and art inspirer, June Busse, who has instructed hundreds of students over the course of many years, is exhibiting a range of her paintings at the Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre until December 28.

Busse waa honoured at a reception earlier this month, where several guests were able to meet with Busse, enjoy some goodies and admire her work.

“Drawing and painting has always been my biggest dream. Not to display; just to be able to do it,” Busse said in her artist statement.

Busse has enjoyed teaching art to people of all ages and all walks of life for the past 33 years.

“I still particularly enjoy that feeling of remembering when one of my students gets that “OH MY” feeling when they grasp something they have been battling with forever and finally get it.”

For more information contact the Grand Coteau Heritage and Cultural Centre at 306-297-3882 or visit their website: http://www.shaunavonmuseum.ca/

JAE’S PHARMACY Locally Owned and Operated Primary Health Care Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Assessments Healthy Lifestyle Counseling Medication Reviews Integrated eHealth Records Chronic Disease Management Compliance Packaging

Phone: (306) 297-1333 Fax: (306) 297-1335

You’re never too old to for a picture with Santa. We’re not sure if Andrea made the naughty or nice list though.

Only Santa knows for sure. Photo by Santa’s Elf

Jaelee Guenther, BSP Primary Care Pharmacist

335 Centre Street - Shaunavon, SK

#49 - 2 Avenue West, Shaunavon

Wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

48863

Congratulations to Brittany Gabrielle Curtis, daughter of Barbara Olsgard.

She was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with great distinction, from the University of Saskatchewan in June 2016. She is currently employed at St. Paul’s hospital in Saskatoon. We, her family, offer her our love and best wishes on her achievement.

(306) 297-3558

We thank all of our customers for your business and patience as we continue to grow, and look forward to serving you in the new year!

We will be closed Dec 21 -Jan 03

ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

| YOUR SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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23

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

Doyou struggle with neck and back issues?

We’vegota solution!

Shawna Legault, BSc. PT, cred. MDT has been newly certified in the McKenzie Method, which is a new and innovative way to treat these issues! She is one of a very select group of therapists in Saskatchewan that is accredited in the McKenzie Method, and the only one in Swift Current!

Swift Current Physical Therapy & Acupuncture

www.scphysio.ca

NO. 203 – 406 Cheadle St. W. Swift Current, SK S9H 0B6 (306) 778-3384

H O M E & GA R D E N

Azaleas By

A

NOW IS THE TIME.

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • CRITICAL ILLNESS

KIRSTIN RONDEAU

208 CENTRAL AVE. N. SWIFT CURRENT, SK. S9H 0L2

CELL: 306-774-5900 • KIRSTIN@WWSMITH.CA

ASSOCIATED WITH JACK BRAWN INSURANCE SERVICES

YOU A V WISH ERY E W

MERRY

CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

de Jong & Associates

Chartered Professional Accountants, Prof. Corp.

Swift Current, SK • (306) 773.1807 SERVICES: REVIEWS, AUDITS AND CORPORATE TAX

Sara Williams

zaleas have been available as winter houseplants for decades, but their popularity seems to have always lagged behind that of poinsettias or amaryllis. They're at their peak for almost the same period, but their requirements are more exact and they have never been as iconic of the holiday season. Yet they offer their own unique freshness.

Most of the azaleas found in florist shops have been developed from Rhododendron simsii, native to China. The original species grows at an altitude of 1600 to 9000 feet in a cool, moist environment in acidic soil, forming the understory below tall trees. The species is an evergreen shrub reaching up to 6.5 feet in height with oval leaves and fluted flowers ranging from white to dark red.

From Canton or Hong Kong, it made its way to Europe Much of the early hybridizing was carried out in Belgium, France and Germany. Today, its hybrids are about 18 inches in height and spread and are available in wide colour range including red, pink, white, purple, rose, salmon, crimson, violet and bi-colours. The flowers are in small clusters of two to five and may be single or double.

By the reign of Queen Victoria, it had entered the British parlor. The Victorians loved azaleas and went on to develop hundreds of additional hybrids. It suited their homes perfectly - a lack of central heating made cooler night temperatures the norm. Britain is often humid and lace curtains provided indirect diffused lighting. And if one was fortunate enough to have a parlor in that era, there was generally also a gardener to look after plants.

Our homes, though well suited to the prairie climate, are not as

well suited to potted azaleas. Their requirements include cooler temperatures, filtered sun, frequent watering, misting to prevent the buds from drying out, and acidic soil.

A temperature of 15 to 18°C will prolong flowering. Not easy in a modern home, but there may be a north or east wall which may be a bit cooler than our normal 21°C. Also keep in mind that hot air rises, so the lower the plant is placed, the cooler it is likely to be. Any bright area not in direct sunlight will most likely qualify as "filtered light," especially during the winter. By placing the pot on a tray of pebbles, small rocks or marbles filled with water, you will be promoting a higher humidity. Misting will also increase the humidity. Never allow your azalea to dry out. Check it daily. If the media in which it is planted appears dry, water it. Remove the blossoms as they fade.

When selecting an azalea, look for one with only a few flower buds already open. Leave those with all tight unbroken buds or those already in full bloom. The flowers should appear healthy and be at different stages of development.

Check the leaves. If yellowed or the undersides have evidence of whiteflies, spider mites or mealy flies in residence, don't take it (or them) home. Blooms should last about two to four weeks. The warmer the room, the shorter the bloom period.

If you share your home with toddlers or pets who are prone to eat houseplants, please note that azaleas are toxic. Both their leaves and flowers contain andromedotoxins.

(Azaleas and rhododendrons were once so infamous for their toxicity that to receive a bouquet of their flowers in a black vase was a wellknown death threat.)

Sara is the author of numerous gardening books, among them the revised Creating the Prairie Xeriscape. And with Hugh Skinner: Gardening Naturally; Trees and Shrubs for the Prairies, and Groundcovers & Vines for the Prairies. Expect Fruit for Northern Gardens with Bob Bors in November, 2017. This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@yahoo.com; www.facebook.com/saskperennial). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions, workshops, tours and other events.

24

ADVANCE SOUTHWEST

| YOUR SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

|

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2016

FROM ALL US US AT ADVANCE SOUTHWEST Happy Holidays!

The Advance Southwest office will be closed From December 19th to January 5th our next issue is january 9th, 2017