Meridian Source - April 6, 2023

Farm woman reaps Alberta Ag award

“Terra is the epitome of a successful female farmer. Her passion for her work and her mission to educate and inform the public about her life, agriculture, and food industries is a major contribution in making agriculture a better place for women.”

That’s how local farmer/wife/entrepreneur/mother Terra Weaver was described by the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) after recently becoming one of seven recipients of this year’s Women in Ag Award, presented at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary from March 12-14.

“I was absolutely shocked,” said Weaver, explaining a lot of people have asked what her first thoughts on winning were.

“I got this call and my phone said AFSC and AFSC is our crop insurance deliverer and they also have some of our loans, so when I saw that number come

up I thought I missed a deadline for something … so I’m scolding myself, and then the lady on the other end of the phone introduced herself and told me I had won this award.”

The AFSC Women in Ag Award acknowledges and honours the passion and commitment of women in agriculture and agribusiness in Alberta. It also celebrates the growing presence of women in this industry.

This award showcases the women who are making a difference in agriculture and helping preserve, nurture and transform this everchanging sector.

Raised in the city with a love for animals, Weaver earned a diploma in Animal Health Sciences and worked as a vet tech.

Weaver has been married to a fifth-generation farmer for over 32 years and has devoted her life to regenerative agriculture.

She plays a very hands-on role in the family farm and is directly involved in all aspects of the operation.

“I’m a full partner on the farm,” she said.

“We have grain, cattle, sheep, bees and some laying hens, so the farm is my nine-to-five Monday through Friday, but I also have a side gig with Kelly Sidoryk called KT and Company, which I love. KT and Company is also another reason I was nominated for this award.”

Weaver explained she and Sidoryk were the ones who originally brought the idea for Harvest Feastival to the Lloyd Ex, which is now an annual event.

Weaver is also heavily involved with 4-H and volunteers as a judge for many of its events.

Still in shock after receiving this honour, Weaver started telling the story of finding out who actually nominated her.

“When I found out Dave Davies and his sister, Cecile McCleary, nominated me, I went to thank them and they told me ‘Everything you do is about creating community between urban and rural,’” she said. “I thought about it and realized I never

set out to accomplish that, but when he put it that way it made a lot of sense.

“I’m always wanting to connect the farmers to the town people, and vice versa.”

Weaver also noted this is only the second year the award has been given out and she expects it to grow in the future.

When it comes to a women’s role on the family farm, Weaver says it hasn’t really changed over the years.

“I think what’s really changed is women having visibility on the farm, and maybe that’s

because women are starting to speak up a little more and saying ‘hey, I’m a part of this, too,’” she said.

“Women have always been equal partners in their farming operation, doing equal jobs. They might be cooking meals to take to the field, that is a partnership in your agricultural business.”

Weaver also credits having grown up in town for her unique perspective on farming as a whole.

“I have this interest in creating a connection between town and farm because I have a unique perspective in

that way,” she said.

“I can’t really speak as though I know what farm women have always been like, but I know for myself, my role hasn’t really changed, but I have noticed over the 30-some years I’ve been married and working on the farm, I’m more visible being a farmer and not someone who’s on the sidelines watching ... I’m driving the bailer and fixing fences, and men and women are supporting each other in that way to create an equal partnership on the farm.”

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster’s Terra Weaver, fourth from right, was one of seven women to be honoured with the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Women in Ag Award at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference in Calgary in March.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Vermilion recognized for budget excellence

The Town of Vermilion can add transparency in budgeting to its list of name recognition.

The town is a recipient of a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2023 budget by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

“The award represents a significant achievement by the entity,” said the GFOA in a news release.

“It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.”

The GFOA, based in Chicago, represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada.

This is Vermilion’s first GFOA budget award since it was introduced in 1984.

To earn recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide,

and communication tool.

A Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation also goes to the Finance Department designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program.

The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

The GFOA advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 22,500 members and the communities they serve.

Vermilion’s budget went into affect Jan. 1.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

Kid earns money as drone pilot

Young Jake Tremmel is flying by the seat of his pants with a bird’s eye view of the world.

The 12-year-old Grade 7 student at Bishop Lloyd Middle School is practising to be a better drone camera pilot while earning a few bucks taking aerial photos and videos.

The youngster recently took some video of a cardboard sled derby at Mount Joy Snow Resort where he talked about his passion for drones.

“It’s something I really enjoy,” he said while holding a portable drone in one hand.

He was invited to use it to record the derby by his elementary school principal, Sheldon Gallagher, who is on the Mount Joy board.

“That will be fun having Jake taking pictures of the event,” said Gallagher on derby day.

Jake bought himself an updated DJI Mini 3 Pro portable drone that

weighs just 249 grams.

The larger propellers, an aerodynamic body tilt, and a powerful obstacle-sensing system contribute to its increased flight time and safety.

ter their drones or get a drone pilot certificate to fly them based on their weight, but Transport Canada requires they be flown safely.

Jake says the learning curve for him was pretty quick on his family’s rural property.

“It probably took me a couple of days. It’s pretty easy to fly if you get the right one,” he said.

His DJI drone retails for about $1,200, which he paid for as a member of 4-H.

I send it to whoever wants it,” he said.

Jake says he’s not usually busy in the winter, but he’s starting to get a lot of advance bookings.

He has landed a summer job as a drone camera pilot with the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA).

“I will follow them around this summer with their tour,” he said.

The gimbal has a large tilt range for lowangle and vertical shots for endless creative possibilities.

“It’s pretty good,” said Jake, who is turning it into a paying hobby.

“I take aerial photos of properties. I check on livestock, I do gutter checks and roof checks and special events. It’s a real good money-making thing.”

Micro drone pilots like Jake don’t need to regis-

He’s also purchased an iPad to edit the footage.

“I edit it at home and

“It will be a good time because I actually did it for the finals last year. If you saw the drone up there, that was me.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Jake Tremmel recently piloted his drone to take pictures of cardboard box racing at Mount Joy Snow Resort and has a summer job using the drone to photograph chuckwagon races.

I take aerial photos of properties. I check on livestock, I do gutter checks and roof checks and special events.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Dolly Parton books needs sponsor

The Lloydminster Learning Council Association is hoping an Alberta sponsor will step up to bring books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to more families with children up to age five.

That was one of the reasons for a presentation by Helaynea Croke, Learning Council program coordinator in Lloydminster, at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday lunch meeting.

“We are here today to

He teamed up with Videre Images’ Jason Whiting, who he is quick to credit for helping him to capture the drone video footage at Halstead Downs for live-streaming.

“I really appreciated his help because, without him, I probably wouldn’t be here where

hopefully acquire some Alberta funding to open that up to the Lloydminster Alberta side as well,” said Croke.

Another reason she said is to spread awareness about the importance of literacy in early childhood, and hopefully get more books in the hands of children.

“Families are able to sign up for a monthly age-appropriate book and it’s absolutely free,” said Croke.

Currently, the book program is only available to families living

I am today,” said Jake. Whiting says they worked together to showcase the CPCA finals with him operating the livestream and Jake flying the drone.

“His drone control and capabilities are quite impressive,” said Whiting.

“It seems like he’s done well at practis -

in the Saskatchewan side of the city and surrounding rural areas, thanks to sponsorship from SaskPower.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this without our generous community funders,” said Croke.

There are 430 Saskatchewan children currently enrolled to receive 12 free books a year from the Imagination Library, with the books selected by experts in early education.

Roughly $9,480 a year is needed to sponsor an additional 200 Alberta kids in the program.

ing and is able to operate that drone very smoothly and effortlessly, which is pretty cool.”

He says drones are such a big part of today’s world in both photo and video.

Whiting downplays his mentoring role, noting he and Jake didn’t dive too deep into

Croke says the program reduces barriers to books, prepares toddlers for school, helps with language development and provides equal access to books for families with young children.

It also helps families that otherwise may not be able to afford books for their kids.

“I think it is really impactful in that way because there are a lot of different barriers to access books,” said Croke.

technicalities being so focused on covering the races that day at the Downs.

“If anything, I just gave him some good tips on what people might want to see if they were watching a live race or something like that, to slow the pace down to keep things centred,” he said.

DRONE JAKE FROM PAGE 3

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Helaynea Croke, program coordinator with the Lloydminster Learning Council Association, is hoping to find an Alberta sponsor for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which currently provides free books for children up to age five on the Saskatchewan side of the city and surrounding area with sponsorship from SaskPower. She spoke about the program at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster meeting on Monday.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

BBBS pumped for return of Poutine Week

It’s almost Poutine Week in the Border City, which means it’s time to stop counting those calories and think of the good that comes from plowing through a plate of poutine.

Poutine Week takes place from April 11-17 with 10 different local restaurants offering featured poutines.

For every featured poutine sold throughout the week-long campaign, $3 will be donated to support Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Lloydminster

mentoring programs.

Lloyd’s first Poutine Week in support of BBBS was held in 2019, and since then, Jacqueline Weed, the organization’s director of service delivery, said the community support has consistently increased.

“The reception the first year we hosted it was great,” she said. “We had six restaurants over eight days and everyone was super excited. With 10 restaurants on board this year, it’s great to see it grow.”

Featured poutines can be found at Cedar

Kabob, Flavours and Rolls, Wing’n It, Rolling Green Fairways, The Proper, Cheers Restaurant and Lounge, Mr. Bills Family Restaurant, Rusty’s Grille and Lounge, Spiro’s, and Osmow’s Shawarma.

“Each restaurant offers a different poutine, and some even offer up to four different kinds to choose from. It’s great that everybody is so excited to jump on board and support us by donating $3 from each of those featured poutines,” said Weed.

The Proper will feature Sheppard’s pie

poutine, Spiro’s will feature Yiama’s poutine, Wing’n It will feature a loaded poutine, Osmow’s will feature chicken, beef, lamb and mixed shawarma poutines, Rusty’s will feature cheeseburger, cheese steak and BBQ beef poutines. Flavours and Rolls will feature perogies, beef brisket and mac and cheese poutines, Rolling Greens will feature brisket and Mexi poutines, Mr. Bills will feature BBQ roast beef and bacon mushroom burger poutines, Cheers will feature a classic, chicken tender and steak and onions poutine, and Cedar Kabob will feature a chili poutine.

Weed also explained the timing of the campaign couldn’t be better as there’s a constant need for funding in the community.

“We always have a waiting list for kids wanting to meet and spend time with a mentor,” she said. “The funding also supports

Elm Pruning Ban now in effect

The annual ban on pruning elm trees in Saskatchewan began April 1 and runs until Aug. 31.

The ban is in place to protect the province’s elm trees by helping stop the spread of Dutch elm disease (DED).

DE D is caused by a fungus that’s spread by elm bark beetles. With warmer weather, these tiny beetles become more active and are attracted to fresh cuts on trees, making an infection more likely.

In addition to respecting the pruning ban, there are other things you can do to help protect your community’s elm trees.

Pruning your trees before or after the ban period helps keep them healthy and better able to resist all kinds of diseases, including DED.

Elm bark beetles

breed in dead and dying elm wood, so eliminating their habitat with proper pruning helps reduce beetle numbers.

Church Directory

the matches we currently have, but there’s always a need in the community.”

Not sure which poutine sounds right for you? Why not try them all?

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

This is no joke: Alberta RCMP April focus on speed

Vermilion RCMP would like to remind drivers the traffic safety focus for the month of April is speed.

It’s easy for drivers to fall into the temptation of speeding to save a few minutes off their drive. However, speeding can be dangerous.

Speeding increases the risk of a collision occurring and the higher the speed, the

more severe that collision will be.

When road and weather conditions are unfavourable, drivers should remember to adjust their speed accordingly. Driving at a safe speed, whatever the conditions, increases the safety of everyone on the road.

“Alberta RCMP Traffic is committed to enhancing public safety by reducing harm and hazardous behaviours

on Alberta roadways through strategic partnerships, enforcement, education and crime reduction initiatives. “ said Cpl. Trevor Schmidt of the Alberta RCMP St. Paul/Vermilion Traffic Services Unit.

Speed Facts

• In 2020 in Alberta, 57 people were killed and 1,128 were injured in collisions involving at least one driver travelling at an unsafe speed (ie. a speed too great for

the given conditions).

• More than one in four fatal collisions involved one or more speeding drivers.

• Based on rates per 10,000 licensed operators, drivers aged 20-24 were more likely to have been speeding at the time of a collision than drivers in older age groups.

“When we are looking at rural Saskatchewan, potentially mom and dad can’t make it to the library if it’s only open three days a week if mom and dad are at work.”

Croke says the program really takes a lot of the pressure away from parents to be able to sit down and read to their kids.

She says the Learning Council as an affiliate covers the cost of the shipping and Dolly Parton, the American country music icon, covers the purchase of the books.

• Speeding may cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Drivers involved in casualty collisions who travelled at an unsafe speed were three times as likely to run off the road as drivers who were not speeding.

• Speeding increases the distance needed to safely stop a vehicle.

“She is the funder of the books,” stressed Croke.

“The books are handled by our federal partner. They come out of Ontario and they are mailed by them.

Once you get the book you get to keep it.”

Croke says families in Saskatchewan can register for the program at the Learning Council website at lloydlearningcouncil.ca or drop into the office and sign up.

The program kicked off at the Learning Council in September 2022.

For example, on a dry road, it takes an average vehicle travelling 40 km/h about 26 metres to stop and at 80 km/h, it would take about 69 metres.

- Speeding past emergency vehicles with their lights flashing results in fines that are double the price.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

The first book takes about eight to deliver due to administrative processing.

Croke says the Imagination Library is the latest of many programs the Learning Council provides.

“We wear a lot of different hats here. Our mandate is we promote life-long learning in Lloydminster and area from birth to seniors,” she said.

“So we have family literacy, seniors’ programming; we are welcoming to newcomers and we have a lot of English language programming.”

DOLLY PARTON FROM PAGE 4

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Ecoplast reshuffles its core business

Ecoplast Solutions is having an onsite blowout sale of its small sheds and buildings this month.

The clearance is part of a new strategy by the Lloydminster company to move into a new shop to focus on

manufacturing structural panels made from recycled plastic bottles for its core housing market.

“We’re changing shops more suited to our needs. We’re always updating and working on ways to improve the processes and manufacturing,” said Ecoplast’s

managing partner Kelly Rogers.

The company is leasing the space at 620848 Street to enable more efficient operations, north of their current location at 4604-62 Ave. where the yard sale is taking place.

“We’re not going to

be doing as many small sheds and structures. Our focus is building panels for housing and builds where you get the full value of the product,” explained Rogers.

Ecoplast building panels create a sealed structure with a builtin vapour barrier, air barrier and insulating material.

Rogers notes insulation means a lot more when you are building a house than a shed.

“In order to get the full cost savings and low maintenance and your money back on your energy bills, it is just way quicker on the housing,” he said.

Rogers believes high energy costs are a huge factor and selling tool for choosing an Eco -

Emergency Vehicles include tow trucks, ambulances, fire trucks and police vehicles.

When passing emergency vehicles with their lights flashing motorists travelling in the adjacent lane must slow to 60km/h and if it is safe to do so, move over a lane to ensure tow truck operators and first responders have room to work.

- Speeding in construction zones with workers present will result in fines of double the usual amount.

Construction zones may still be in effect without workers present due to markings not being painted on the road, uneven road

plast home.

“That’s been a huge factor, especially this winter; it was a long winter. Everybody saw their energy bills sky -

surfaces or other hazards due to the construction not yet being completed.

- Speeding in school zones poses a grave hazard to children. Slowing to 30km/h provides drivers with substantially greater reaction time.

School zones are in effect on school days only from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. If the municipality does establish times different from these, the times will be posted beneath the school sign.

The school zone ends where a traffic sign indicates a higher maximum speed or end of the school zone.

- Playground zone

rocket at one point or another. It’s definitely driving a lot of interest in it now,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

speed limit is 30km/h every day of the week between 8:30 a.m. and one hour after sunset. These hours may vary for different towns and cities according to municipal bylaws.

If the times are different they will be posted beneath the playground sign. School zones end where a traffic sign indicates a higher maximum speed or end of the school zone.

Demerit Points associated with speeding violations: 2 Demerits (from 1 to 15 km/h over the limit), 3 Demerits (from 16 to 30 km/h over the limit), 4 Demerits (from 30 to 50 km/h over the limit), 6 Demerits (exceeding 50 km/h over the limit).

RCMP FROM PAGE 6

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source A contractor was at work on Tuesday at a two-building duplex project by Ecoplast Solutions that will house four families. The project will repurpose more than one million plastic bottles, used to make the foam core structural panels acquired by Ecoplast. The local company is moving to a new shop next month to focus on the housing market and is selling their small sheds.

Local company expanding into new shop

Ecoplast takes closedcell, high-density structural foam made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, laminates it, adds skins and engineers it into panels.

“As we grow our portfolio of builds and houses, then people start to see for themselves examples of what we’re building,” said Rogers.

“They become more confident in the product and also come and see them and get educated on how it works and what it looks like in real life. The more we build, the more it helps to sell more in the future.”

Ecoplast is currently building two duplexes on the Saskatchewan side of the city with lots on the go in other parts of Alberta and more in

the works in different parts of Western Canada and Saskatchewan.

The company has also acquired a full builder’s licence in British Columbia where they have a few projects in the planning stage.

“It should be a pretty busy spring and summer,” said Rogers who notes they will be hiring more staff for manufacturing and assembly

Alta. GDL drivers no longer tested for Class 5/6 licence

dors Devin Dreeshen.

as they ramp up panel production.

The company will also be celebrating its third year of operations in Lloydminster in August.

“We started up right in the middle of COVID in 2020. Considering it was a pretty quiet first couple of years to get

going, we are starting to make this happen now,” said Rogers. “All the fruits of our labour are starting to produce.”

Ecoplast is on the shortlist for an Emerald Award from the Alberta Emerald Foundation in the infrastructure category for their environ-

mental building solutions that fight climate change.

The recipients will be named in June and receive a $2,000 grant to support their work or to donate to an environmental charity of their choice among other recognition.

As of April 1, eligible drivers currently in the GDL program will save $154 by not having to take an advanced road test to get their full Class 5 or Class 6 Alberta driver’s licence.

“There are close to half a million drivers who will benefit from this,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corri -

“These changes will help GDL drivers exit the program and apply for other classes of driver’s licences whether it’s for a semi-truck, gravel truck or bus.”

Over the past five years, about 65 per cent of drivers did not take their advanced road test and 99 per cent of motorcycle riders did not take the test. Moving for -

ward, all restrictions of a GDL licence will remain in place until a driver has received a letter from the government indicating that they have exited the GDL program.

“This is a good common-sense approach that cuts red tape,” said Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

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Through the reader’s lens

Top: John Van Cleemput Submitted to the Meridian Source

Thank you, John, for sending in this great photo you titled “ Go away, it’s my turn!”

Bottom: Mike From Canmore

Submitted to the Meridian Source

Thanks, Mike, for sharing another great photo from Canmore with us!

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Word on the street ...

Guess what, everyone, we’re bringing streeters back!

The idea is simple, and quite a bit of fun. We go out into the community and ask the same

question to five random people. Streeters will be a regular thing in the Source , so if you’re approached with a questions by our editor, Taylor, play along!

Taylor took the opportunity

This week’s question ...

to ask this week’s question at a few different locations and was pleasently surprised with the answers.

Let’s keep the conversation going!

If you got a tattoo today, what would it be?

- I don’t currently have any tattoos and I would not get one today.

- I don’t have any tattoos, but if I were to accompish something ... like the Olympics, I’d get the rings.

- I would get my kids’ names, Rayelle, Madalyn and Beaudin.

- “Time and Fate.”

It comes from the book A Starless Sea, and the quote is “But occasionally fate can pull itself together and time is always waiting.”

- I wouldn’t get one today, mainly because I already have the meaningful ones, like my sobriety date, March 14, 2017.

Rhonda Eric Kaleen Eliza Patrick

Leeway from Lloyd: Feds rob us despite grocery rebate

Maybe lottery tickets are too risky, so I might actually buy some groceries while the going’s good.

Of course, we all know real food inflation is more like 40 per cent based on our experience of what we buy.

It’s good news the 2023 federal budget will give Canadian taxpayers a grocery rebate that we can blow on anything we want, including food.

Eligible couples with two children will receive up to $467, a senior will receive $225, and a single person will get $234.

Being a senior and a single person, I hoping to double dip right off the hop and plow it all into lottery tickets to hit the jackpot!

Fortunately, all of us will have a couple of months to finetune our spending plans before the money appears in our bank accounts.

Instead of giving us a grocery rebate, how about gifting us a homeless kit with warm socks, as that’s what we’ll all need when we declare mass bankruptcy.

According to Statistics Canada’s latest inflation report, food prices rose 11.4 per cent year-over-year in January, nearly double the rate of inflation of 5.9 per cent and up from 11 per cent the previous month.

Some people will probably spend half of their rebate to fill up their gas tank just to drive to and from the grocery store.

The rebates expected are exactly what the Liberals offered through last fall’s doubling of the GST credit, a boost that was estimated to cost $2.5 billion and got all-party backing.

It’s pathetic, though, that the Liberals decided to increase alcohol taxes on April 1 by 2 per cent and the carbon tax to 14 cents per litre of gas in Alberta.

The carbon tax will cost the average household between $402

and $847 in 2023, even after that rebate, according to the Parliamentary budget officer.

There are five federal tax hikes in 2023 so the latest grocery rebate will leave all of

us poorer by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around.

Governments need to stop creating inflation through taxes no one can afford and cut expenses.

Instead of giving us a grocery rebate, how about gifting us a homeless kit with warm socks, as that’s what we’ll all need when we declare mass bankruptcy.

File Photo

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Square Dancing

Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 511549 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

Lone Rock Family Easter Dance

The Lone Rock Family Dance is being held on April 6 from 7:3010:30 p.m. at the Hall.

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email

Cost is $5/person –Bring the kids, chat with friends! Enjoy dancing to the music supplied by DJ Chris and a visit from the Easter Bunny!!

Kaiser Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Kaiser Tournament on April 6. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/ person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Easter Riding Clinic

when she was 14 years old. Since then she has been lucky enough to spend time learning from many great trainers, of both English and western disciplines. For more info on the clinic, contact the Lloyd Ex at 306825-5571.

Easter Pysanky

49 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50/person and attendees must be at least 12 to attend.

Legacy Monthly Supper/Dance

3” wide version

The Lloyd Ex Light Horse Committee is pleased to present clinician, Jess Holloway for an Easter Riding Clinic from April 7-10 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Holloway was raised on a farm in Cabri, Sask and started her first colt

WANTED

Danish and Brazilian Modern Furniture

We pay top dollar for teak and rosewood furniture from the 1950s - 1970s.

All types and conditions. Single items or entire estates. Call today!

250-886-7335

danishmodernfurniture@gmail.com

WANTED

Danish and Brazilian Modern Furniture

We pay top dollar for teak and rosewood furniture from the 1950s - 1970s.

All types and conditions. Single items or entire estates. Call today!

250-886-7335

danishmodernfurniture@gmail.com

Come out to the Lloydminster Museum and Archives from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 8 for Easter Pysanky. Learn the traditional methods of decorating Easter eggs using Ukrainian Pysanky techniques and tools. Book your spot now at www.lloydminster.ca/ easterpysanky. Only $5 per egg, and drop-ins are welcome based on availability.

Legacy Bus Trip to Rock of Ages!

Tickets are currently on sale for the Legacy Centre’s bus trip to the Mayfield Inn dinner theatre on April 12 for the production of “Rock of Ages!” Leave the Legacy at 7:15 a.m., arrive at the Mayfield Inn for brunch and the show, and return to Lloyd around 5:30 p.m. What a great “day away!” Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Comedy/Dinner Night

Shine Christian Academy is hosting a fun-filled evening with comedian Leland Klassen – Just for Laughs and Winnipeg Comedy Festival guest on April 14 at City Church, 5115

The Legacy Centre is hosting its monthly supper/dance on April 14. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then dance the evening away to the tunes of Memory Lane. Cost is $25/person. ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY. Please purchase or reserve you tickets before noon on Thursday, April 13. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Lashburn Senior Centre Crib Tourney

The Lashburn Senior Centre is hosting a crub tournament on April 17. Teams and singles both welcome. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play, lunch is available for $10. For more information, please call 306821-2457.

Managing High Blood Pressure Class

The SHA is hosting a “Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure class on Aril 18 from 9-11 a.m. at the Prairie North Plaza –Suite 109. To register, please call 306-8206262. The class is free of charge.

Jubilee Jems Spring Tea

The Jubilee Jems Spring Tea will be back at the Jubilee Home on April 20

from 2-4 p.m. The tea will include a bake sale, mystery parcels, grocery hamper raffle, and more. All funds raised support resident comfort.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades Tournament on April 20. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person. Lunch is also available for $12/ person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Last Jamboree/ Dance till Fall

The Legecy Centre is hosting its last jamboree/dance until fall on April 21. Doors open at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then the jam begins! Cost is $15/ person at the door. All members and guests welcome! All interested musicians welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Book & Bake Sale

The Moose Lodge (5213 57 Street) is hosting a book sale and bake sale on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds to support local community projects and the Moose Lodge Building Fund. For more information, contact Susan at 780872-1871.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage Doubles Tournament on April 27, bring a partner! Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person.

Lunch is also available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

The Rocket Man & The Piano Man

The Rocket Man (A Tribute to Elton John) and The Piano Man (A Tribute to Billy Joel) will be on stage at the Vic Juba Theatre on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60/person and available online or at the theatre’s box office, 780-872-7400.

Spring Fling Sale

The Lloydminster Potters Guild will be hosting their annual Spring Fling Sale on Sunday May 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives. Meet the Artisans and shop hand-crafted pottery.

She Shed Raffle Returns!

The She Shed Raffle at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 is back! Support the Lloydminster Legion by getting your tickets for the She Shed Raffle! The grand prize is a shed valued at over $11,000. or $5,000 in cash! Get your tickets today to be in for the early bird draw. Tickets are $10 each and available at Cliff Rose for Clothes, Midway Towing or any Legion member. Grand prize draw is July 1!

- Do you have an upcoming event you’d like to see in our community calendar? Email taylor@meridiansource.ca for more.

Punk Drunk Cabaret to vibrate Lloyd

at 7:30 p.m.

The band is emerging from three years of enforced idleness during the pandemic with the same immersive DNA that Lloydminster fans crave each time they perform here.

Randy X Bailer, the lead singer and guitarist, thinks Shot Out From A Cannon will do the trick.

“I felt it had to be a particular song, but that was the go-to,” said Bailer.

something we’ve done in the past,” he said.

Bailer thinks having to forcibly rest with no live performance kind of gave the group time to refuel itself to get back on track.

“It got everybody talking again—do we want to move forward and how do we want to do that,” explained Bailer.

A void filled by the departure of two mem -

bers has been filled by Red Deer’s Rob Ducharme on keyboard and percussion and Teddy Roy, the bass guitarist.

Bailer says that just changes “the depth” of what they do, with the music more cinematic than ever.

“There’s a great depth of sort of the theatrical and the cinematic to what we’re doing than maybe what we were doing in the

past,” he said.

He describes steampunk for example, as a more theatrical and immersive type of experience.

Shot Out Fr om A Cannon shouts Punch Drunk is back doing normal things they used to do.

“The one thing that’s never changed for us is that energy,” said Bailer.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Shot Out From A Cannon. That’s the name of a new single and video by Punch Drunk Cabaret from Central Alberta as well as a statement the band is back.

The alternative group is bringing a renewed high-energy cocktail of rockabilly, steampunk swing, garage blues and ‘80’s inspired rock to the Vic Juba Community Theatre the evening of April 6 starting

“I felt like it had to be a statement. It does kind of speak to a certain time of where we’re at.” The video just came out last week on YouTube without much fanfare yet with plans to release and promote it heavily on Facebook.

Bailer says the early reaction is good.

“One of the greatest compliments is kind of ‘you guys are back eh.’ The public isn’t taking it as something that is a massive change from

Supplied Photo The revitalized Alberta band Punch Drunk Cabaret will rock Vic Juba Community Theatre on the evening of April 6 starting at 7:30 p.m.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

“We just don’t know how to do it any other way. I think what’s happened over the years is the band has certainly evolved. We just continually work on building a show that’s immersive.”

He says at first they took it as being just a stop between Edmonton and Saskatoon.

“Every time we played there the place was filled and people would come out in steampunk outfits. They would dance from the first song to the end,” he said.

“Lloyd was always a great stop for us so it was really disappointing when The Root went under.”

Stolen property, drugs and firearms recovered in CVR

Dodge Ram 1500;

- 1994 Ford Ranger;

Lloydminster fans dove into that when they first played in Lloyd at the now-defunct The Root in 2017.

“It was outstanding,” recalled Bailer.

“The Root wasn’t very big and we didn’t know much about it.”

Bailer tells Lloydminster fans if they loved the group 10 years ago, they will not be disappointed when it showtime again at the Vic Juba.

“It’s not like we’ve moved past where our roots are. We’ve just kind of added to it,” said Bailer.

On March 30, Alberta RCMP Traffic-Vermilion, with the assistance of Vermilion RCMP, Eastern Alberta District-Crime Reduction Unit, and Alberta RCMP Auto TheftNorth, conducted a search warrant on a rural property in Vermilion River County. One subject was located on the property and arrested.

The following vehicles were recovered:

- 2000 Dodge Dakota;

- Chassis of a 2018

- 2004 Honda TRX 450 ATV;

- 2006 Honda VT75 Motorcycle; and

- 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer.

Additionally, the following notable items were seized:

- .22 calibre rifle;

- 12 gauge shotgun;

- Over 164 grams of illicit Cannabis.

Greg Michael Wilson, 31, and Keisha

Rai Sharp, 26, both residents of Vermilion River County, have been jointly charged with:

- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under or Over

$5000.00 x3

- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

- Possession of Illicit Cannabis

- Possession of greater than 200 but less than 1200 cigarettes Tobacco Tax Act)

Wilson has also been charged with:

- Possession of a Firearm Contrary to an Order

Sharp has also been charged with:

- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under or Over

$5000.00 x2

- Transporting Cannabis in an Open Container within Reach of an Occupant of a Motor Vehicle

Wilson was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Alberta Court of Justice in Vermilion on April 17. Sharp was released with conditions and is also set to appear in Vermilion on April 17.

“Albertans have told us this was red tape - we listened and are addressing it. This change will also help make driver’s licences more affordable for Albertans.”

Starting April 1, drivers who have an urgent need to exit the GDL program – needing a non-GDL licence for a job, for example, – ca n go to a registry agent office to confirm their eligibility.

If the registry agent determines a driver is eligible, they will exchange the driver’s GDL licence for a nonGDL driver’s licence free of charge.

On June 25, the Government of Alberta will

implement technology that will automatically exit eligible Albertans who have demonstrated safe driving behaviours from GDL drivers to non-GDL status.

GDL drivers must

have no suspensions or demerits within their last 12 months of probation, including zero tolerance for any alcohol and/or drug consumption.

Drivers who exhibit poor driving behav -

iours and incur demerits, or are ticketed for other unsafe driving offences during the last year of their probation will have their probationary period extended for an additional year.

GDL FROM PAGE 9

It’s not like we’ve moved past where our roots are. We’ve just kind of added to it.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

A laugh a minute

a laugh at work, it ain’t worth goin.’”

The ability to laugh at ourselves or the problems we encounter is fundamental to enjoying a good life.

It develops your mental and physical health, improves your quality of life, and helps you to remain cheerful, even when there’s nothing to be cheerful about.

You can get by without it, but life’s a heck of a lot easier if you can see the funny side.

Sometimes you meet people that appear to have zero sense of humour. The last time I stayed in a hotel, I spoke to one. She slumped on a wheelie desk chair behind the counter, staring blankly at her phone.

Lank hair covered her face as she methodically peeled the cellophane off a Twinkie and gummed it down. I know this because I stood there waiting while she did it.

This girl was entirely devoid of fun (apart from the Twinkie ‘cause they’re kind of cool).

Granted, her job as a front desk clerk in a low-budget hotel wasn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, but hey, you can improve any situation with a smile.

To quote a fellow called Lloyd, one of the men I worked with hauling cow manure (also a job not known to provide a honkin’ good time), “If you can’t have

But I digress. After what seemed like an age, this pretty young woman pedalled forward on her rolling chair and looked at me with disinterested, expressionless eyes.

“Yeah, whaddya want?” she mumbled, specks of imitation cake tumbling to her lap.

“Well, I was hoping to check in.” I patted my suitcase, feeling a little surprised that this fact wasn’t perfectly obvious.

With a groan of annoyance, she rose to her feet and leaned over the desk, eyeing me up and down.

“All right if I put ya on the third floor?” she asked finally.

“Sure,” I said with a laugh. “Why? Do I look like someone who might have trouble climbing the stairs?”

Her eyes narrowed, and she brushed a lingering crumb to the floor with a grim look of distaste. “Maybe. Elevator’s around the corner.” Sliding a plastic room key across the weathered counter, she turned away and flopped back into her chair.

Must be a fun girl at parties, I thought, hurrying away.

As an additional piece of this tale, my husband Tom has a zany sense of humour. When I reached the third-floor room, he was already watching TV. (Tom took the elevator with the suitcases, and I ran

up and down the stairs, twice, just to prove I could.) Take that, crabby front desk lady.

As you may recall, this was a low-budget hotel. It was the only one available late at night, near the airport. There weren’t any tiny shampoos, no complimentary breakfast, and only one thin blanket.

Heck, there was barely a bathroom. Once inside the facilities, patrons were forced to press themselves against the opposite wall and use a foot to shut the door.

Anyway, I awoke the following day to find Tom on hands and knees with his portable coffeemaker plugged into the only electric socket in the room. He’d found it under a large wooden table nailed to the floor.

As Tom crawled across the carpet with his steaming mug of java he looked up at me and grinned. “Isn’t this great? All the comforts of home.”

To reach Helen, or learn more about her books go to helentoews.com

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

File Photo

“High above, on St. Patrick’s spire, the setting sun had turned the weathercock into a bird of fire. Phoenixlike, he flamed against the cloudless sky, looking down upon our miniature school world and all the golden fields of Fairacre.”

Leading a double life

These are the final sentences in a 1950s book titled, Village School.

This fictional book written by Miss Read and illustrated by J. S. Goodall takes place in the United Kingdom. Handwritten notes revealed, “The town called Caxley, is really Newbury, in Berkshire. Miss Read is a Mrs. Dora Saint and is the

headmistress at Chieveley, and her husband is a master at Newbury Grammar School.”

Mrs. Dora Saint is the author of the “Miss Read” series of books about village life.

She was advised by her publisher to create an alter ego and write under a different name.

As many of us are country folk at heart, this country setting can

be summed up quite well by a quote from English writer Walter de la Mare, “Even a Cockney’s starven roots may thirst for soil.”

Authors often write under pseudonyms; this double life adds to their success.

Mark Twain is a popular American writer who wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn amongst many others. His real name was Samuel Clemens. Working as a riverboat operator on the Mississippi, historians believe his pseudonym name likely came from a nautical term.

“Mark Twain” was called out by a crewman on a riverboat to indicate a water depth of two fathoms (12 feet).

As the early settlers arrived in the Lloydminster area, many came from the United Kingdom. These British settlements with their

diverse cultures and traditions developed into villages, towns, and cities.

Renaming these settlements added an air of mystery as to their actual origins.

How did the early settlers name their settlements? Answers include being named after community founders, railroad influencers or employees, natural environment, Aboriginal origins, and the list goes on.

Blackfoot was renamed in 1909; its original name when the post office opened in 1905 was Blackfoot Hills. One of the early settlers in the Marwayne area was the Marfleet family.

The settlement name came from the first part of this family name and from the Wainfleet community which they came from in England.

Vermilion was originally named Bre -

age after a village in England. It was later renamed after the Vermilion River; its red clay components were used as a pigment.

Lewis Stringer homesteaded with his family and once the area post office was established, the settlement was called Stringer.

When the Canadian Northern Railway came through, this settlement was relocated and renamed Marshall after a railroad employee.

Wirral was renamed Lashburn after a railway solicitor whose last name was Lash; burn was the Scottish name for a nearby small creek.

Throughout history, there is a story behind the naming of every settlement. The challenge though is that memories may differ from one generation to the next as to how the name came about and conflicting answers may arise.

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

It’s the little things in life

And that my friends, cannot help but make our world a better place.

Vern McClelland is an associate bro -

ker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Com -

ments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

I was having coffee with an old friend one afternoon at his house.

Well, to be accurate I was having coffee while he was smoking his pipe while sipping on Scotch and water.

The night before he had asked me to drop by for a chat which I found to be a rather interesting request since I had just visited him in the hospital several days before.

You see, he was dying and wanted to spend as many days at home as he could, so had checked himself out with the blessing of his family physician and the support of his spouse.

We all knew his time was limited; you could see it in his skin colour.

Pancreatic cancer is a tough diagnosis.

The two of us discussed a wide range of topics that day, but I knew there was something he wanted to say so waited patiently.

Turns out there were two things on his mind. The first being, would I give his eulogy?

If you have had the privilege, you know it can be one of the hardest 10-minute speeches you will ever deliver.

I mean, how do you properly summarize a person’s life in such a short period of time?

The second message was his advice to me.

“Remember Vern,” he said, “It is the little things that mean the most!”

He went on to say that it was only when coming to the realization his life would soon be ending, how important it was to appreciate the here and now.

Things like taking a walk in the fresh air,

hearing the birds sing in the morning, dinner with all the family at the table, a child’s laughter, or a good night kiss from a loved one.

In other words, pay attention to what you are experiencing now, rather than diving back into the past, or worrying about what may be ahead.

I think we would all agree there is a time and place for considering actions to take for the future, but like the old saying “If you want to hear God’s laughter, tell Him your plans!”

My friend’s message, although delivered to me years ago, still guides me today.

Peace of mind will lead you to the achievement of the important goals of life.

It’s also contagious because striving to be positive helps others to draw from your energy and create their own.

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

File Photo

A moment with the Mayor: Council is open to you

council meetings. All council and governance and priorities committee meetings (GPC) are open to the public. We typically meet twice a month for regular council meetings and a third time for a governance meeting. The latter allows us as a

If you ever want to get involved in an item that could affect you, watch for city advertising in the newspaper or online at Lloydminster.ca/news.

pen within a term, councillors are debated during the election process. Usually, an event is hosted in advance of elections to learn more about the individuals on the ballot. Regarding formal, in-person discussions with myself and council, if you or your

experiencing issues and looking to resolve them.

We’ve seen a large increase in concerns regarding federal laws, particularly the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As city council and administration, we’re here to help everyone understand their We typically

Estate

Masking no longer requirement for SHA patients

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is moving back to routine infection prevention and control protocols effective Tuesday and masking will no longer be required for patients/residents, staff or visitors.

Masking will be optional in all SHA facilities including administrative offices, hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. These changes are supported by Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include masks, gowns or gloves, will still be required for staff and visitors during outbreaks or in specific high-risk clinical areas as per SHA infection control policies.

Masks will continue to be made available to healthcare staff, patients/residents and visitors who wish to wear a mask.

Physical distancing measures will also end. There will no longer be restrictions on food sharing and food

donations.

Privately-run physician’s offices, clinics and other non-SHA facilities set their own policies regarding infection prevention and control, including policies requiring masking onsite.

Masking will no longer be required for patients/ residents, staff or visitors.

Public health orders requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for access to businesses, workplaces and other venues ended on February 14, 2022.

Many jurisdictions around the world, including Canada, have ended proof of vaccination entry requirements for international travellers.

As the need for proof of vaccination has declined considerably, eHealth Saskatchewan is decommissioning the SK Vax Wallet mobile device application.

File Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Should I buy my Pesos now?

As one of the 53 million tourists that visit Mexico every year, I’m faced with the question, “Should I buy my Pesos now or should I wait?”

Rural Municipality of Britannia No. 502 2023 Spring Ratepayers’ Supper & Meeting

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Hillmond Memorial Hall | Supper at 6:00 p.m. General Meeting to follow at 7:00 p.m.

There is no cost to R.M. of Britannia ratepayers, however, those wishing to attend the supper must indicate their intent by calling the R.M. of Britannia office at 306-825-2610 no later than April 21 at 4:00 p.m.

As Canadian snowbirds, we spend the winter months in Mexico at a casa we own, so our seasonal expenses add up when considering house maintenance, property taxes, HOA dues, utilities, car costs, groceries and planned dental expenses.

It’s worth doing a little homework to forecast the best rate. So how often do I hit the bull’s eye? Well, it’s like winning an argument with my wife. It’s rare.

Currency forecasting is a mug’s game most of the time. There are sooo many factors that go into predicting exchange rates in the

short term that make it challenging. However, trends do develop over time and that’s when I’ll step up and buy.

I’ve spent many hours researching economic figures and trends and I’ve studied (and passed the exams!) all the theories about how the currency cross rates (MXN/USD) are supposed to behave.

But all of that is theory and more pertinent for periods longer than a year.

Trying to make sense of inflation differentials, GDP forecasts, central bank policy, employment trends and interest rate movements is mind-numbing.

After decades of crunching numbers, I have found the best way to do this is to just look at the daily chart, see where the trend in the peso vs U.S. dollar is headed and buy smaller amounts if the

trend is in my favor (increasing) or step up for a larger amount if the trend is moving against me (declining). Either way, I prepare myself for “buyer’s remorse”, the act of lamenting that I should have bought more or less in hindsight and beating myself up over it.

So, what am I thinking currently? Well, looking at the USD/ MXN chart the rate is about MXN19 to 1 USD which is the same as it was in 2020 just before Covid started.

Looking back further it was MXN13 in 2015; MXN19 looks pretty good. But wait. During Covid it got up to MXN25.75 – known as “the good old days.” That was a 35 per cent premium over today’s rate. My buyer’s remorse just kicked in. I should have bought more.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

CAM RENAUD SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Local martial artists medal big in Calgary

Ask any of Eliza Ma’s students and they’ll tell you she’s happy, but 12 hours of recent open competition in Calgary resulting in 18 medals has her beaming.

Ma and her husband, Lucas, own and operate The Art of Taekwon-Do and Kung Fu Club and took 12 of their athletes to Calgary for a competition on March 25.

“I think we can do a bit better… I’m never happy, that’s what everyone says,” said Ma with a laugh. “But I’m very proud of them, and for many of them, it was their first tournament or their first tournament since COVID.”

Ma also explained the club’s youngest competitor last weekend was five and their oldest was 17.

“It was an open mar -

tial arts tournament, so there was Kickboxing, Muay Thai, TaekwonDo, Kung Fu and weapons,” she said.

she’s always pushing for more.

I’m very proud of them, and for many of them, it was their first tournament, or their first tournament since COVID.

“A lot of tournaments here only do their own association ... so, only Taekwon-Do or only Karate, but I think to know if you’re good or not, you want to compete in every martial out.”

Having her students return from competition with 18 medals is definitely something Ma is proud of, but

“Most of our athletes enter four to five divisions per competition because they do a hand form, a weapon, they fight, and they usually do some type of creative musical division to round out the whole thing,” she said.

Ma also noted Calgary was the first fullscale tournament since COVID, which drew roughly 350 martial artists.

In Calgary, The Art of Taekwon-Do and Kung Fu Club members to medal, and how many medals they won, were as follows: Zoenela Herath - 3, Naomi Brand - 1, Xander Ortanez - 1, Yeohaun Ortanez -2, Reigen Phillips -1, Spencer Phillips -2, Mary Antonette Senense - 1,

Marti Henardino - 0, Sofiia Ozymchuk - 3, Owen Bondy - 1, Tristan Conroy - 2, William Woodland - 1.

“We had a fantastic time in Calgary and we’re now looking at future competitions,” said Ma.

“Two of my girls who compete are black belts, so my focus is now com-

ing into coaching and judging as they come to the age where they can be there for the kids instead of us, then we can go in and judge.”

To prepare for Calgary, Ma explained athletes trained four days per week for two months prior to competition, “and the expectation is we bring home

at least as many medals as people ... that’s my rule,” she said. “So, I’m never happy, but technically, I’m happy ... I usually prefer to double on medals with everyone.”

As far as the competition went, Ma said Calgary never disappoints.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Supplied Photo

“Calgary brings in everyone from Red Deer, B.C. and Edmonton,” said Ma.

“It was great seeing clubs who have been going to Calgary for years, as we have, and it was definitely a very tough competition; it’s always tough and you need to be very good in order to win.”

With a total of 18 medals coming back to the Border City, Ma noted that says something about the calibre of martial artists we have here.

“I think what makes us so different than other clubs is we’re very much a family environment,” she said.

“Our kids are quite close to us and come to us about their lives, and in turn, we know how to coach them because we know them

very well ... in doing that, they want to be here, they want to learn, and they want to succeed.

“They also constantly push each other to do better, and I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve done so well.”

Running the club with her husband for the past few years has also been eye-opening for Ma.

“In martial arts, there are not a lot of women, and I’m proud of that, but having Lucas here has been great because he’s brought more boys to the club ... that element was missing until this year, and the majority of our students are now boys, it’s wonderful,” said Ma.

The club heads to Red Deer on May 27 for another competition.

Barons shine at badminton tourney

The Barons badminton team kept busy on March 31 as they hosted their home tournament at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School. The team played with heart and skill and the results were as follows. Women’s Singles: Emma G, gold, Katherine T, silver, Men’s Singles: Sam Rawluk, silver, Men’s Doubles: Tristan S and Lee M, gold, Jared M and Parker S, silver, Women’s Doubles: Rhyzel G and Nikka B, gold, Mixed Doubles: Andrew C and Addy G, gold, Ryann R and Mehtaab S, bronze.

Supplied Photo

At this point, the 5-year average is about MXN20 but I’m not convinced that average will hold into the future.

The Mexican banks are forecasting a rate range for 2023 of MXN19 to 23 but new forces are at play which may render that forecast obsolete. The floor at 19 may not hold.

Strong U.S. employment data, stubborn inflation and forecasts for yet higher U.S. interest rates theoretically support the case for a stronger USD. So why is the peso continuing to strengthen against the U.S. dollar?

Ironically, those textbook axioms on how currencies should behave vis-a-vis each other aren’t holding true right now.

The peso is gaining against both the U.S. and Canadian dollars. Historically, higher interest rates in one country should lead to a higher exchange rate for that currency but a very interesting phe -

nomenon is happening these days.

Covid created supply chain disruptions caused by the China covid lockdowns and incentives by the U.S. government to move production back to North America are having a major effect on the Mexican economy.

Much of the manufacturing that was done in China is moving to Mexico (called “onshoring”) and it’s in the billions of dollars for Mexico as new factories are built.

Mexico is aggressively courting large U.S. companies with competitive labor rates, labor availability, quality of goods produced, delivery lead time, and logistics costs.

The move into Mexico by big U.S. manufacturers is causing an unprecedented demand for MXN so personally I think the peso will continue to strengthen and the Mexican banks’ forecasts are wrong.

I’m a buyer of pesos

at 19/USD believing it’s headed to the 17 range by year-end especially as talk of the U.S. Fed halting rate hikes later this year comes into effect.

Mexican interest rate moves tend to lag the U.S. move so Mexico is likely to have higher rates longer. That supports the peso strength argument, too.

For tourists coming to Mexico for a week or two, you will just be stepping up and buying what you need.

Some Canadians first buy U.S. dollars and then convert the U.S. dollars to pesos. That’s a mistake because you are double converting and paying 2 sets of commissions.

The best way for Canadians to get small amounts of pesos is to just use your debit card in the bank machine here.

The alternative is to go to the currency exchange (Calforex) if you live in a larger city or see what your local bank has.

The bank machine

here will charge you about 5 per cent, the same as Calforex or your bank so it’s about the same. Using a credit card will cost you about the same amount but introduces fraud risk at any of the smaller merchants. I always prefer to use cash unless it’s a big ticket item like the fridge I bought at Costco last year.

I also wanted to use

the credit card to get the extended warranty the card provides.

The bottom line is that instead of sitting in your kitchen trying to do endless hours of research, keep the analysis high level and stick to the charts because price action is the best culmination of all the analysis. Just go with the current trend and enjoy spending it. There is a good

chance that in a year from now, I’ll look back and say once again, “Darn. I should have bought more last year.”

- Cam Renaud is a Canadian ex-pat who spends much of his time living in sunny Cabo San Lucas. Renaud is also a frequent contributor of the Gringo Gazette, the Source’s englishspeaking sister paper in Cabo.

Enhanced physician incentive program in effect

program eligibility, can be found at saskatchewan.ca/ruralphysician-incentive.

The enhanced Rural Physician Incentive Program (RPIP) is now in effect to help attract more family physicians to rural and northern communities across Saskatchewan.

“The enhanced incentive of up to $200,000 over five years will help attract more family physicians to rural and northern communities across Saskatchewan,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said.

“Family physicians play an essential role in rural and northern communities as they support emergency departments, acute care beds, and other important services provided by local

health care facilities.”

The Rural Physician Incentive Program first launched in 201314. The new $200,000 incentive is more than four times the $47,000 incentive that was previously offered.

To enhance retention, the length of the program is increasing from four years to five years.

Eligibility for the incentive has also been expanded beyond new graduates to include physicians who take up practise in rural and northern communities following completion of the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment Program (SIPPA).

Mor e information on the enhanced RPIP program, including

NEWSPAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE

EARN EXTRA CASH

ONE DAY A WEEK

KIDS & ADULTS NEEDED

For available paper routes near you, contact us at 306-825-5111 or distribution@meridiansource.ca

Ex panding the Rural Physician Incentive Program is part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s nearly $100 million investment in 2023-24 to support the Health Human Resources Action Plan which includes several initiatives to recruit, train, incentivize and retain doctors and other health care professions. Initiatives specifically targeting physicians include:

• expanding medical residency seats through the University of Saskatchewan from 120 to 128 in order to train more doctors at home;

• providing postgraduate medical residency training sites

outside Regina and Saskatoon in the communities of Prince Albert, Swift Current, La Ronge, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and southeast areas of the province; and

• expanding the SIPPA program from 36 to 45 seats per year, and establishing a mentorship and support program for physicians who complete SIPPA.

• Increased funding for urgent care clinics offering afterhours and urgent care services to improve access for patients, and expanding eligibility for all community-based, fee-for-service family physicians to receive an additional payment per visit service, to incentivize family physicians to extend their office hours in order

Keep On Truckin’ offers above average wages, bene ts after 3 months. Email resume to keepontruckin@live.ca

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Four ways to fund your retirement

If you’re almost ready to retire, congratulations! You’ll be entering an exciting phase of life with the freedom to choose how you use your time.

There are several ways to help supplement your income and contribute to a savings plan while enjoying the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Rent or swap your home

For many of us, travelling is a key retirement bucket list item. One way to help fund your travels is to rent out your home while you are away. Depending on where you live, the size and

state of your home, and the cost of living at your destinations, you might be able to bring in more money than you spend while you’re away. There are also home exchange programs where you can swap a

stay in your home for free accommodations abroad.

Consulting fees

Not quite ready to give up on a fulfilling career one hundred per cent? Consider a second career as a freelancer or consultant. Finished your job as a community newspaper editor? Pick up some side gigs as a freelance writer.

Wrapped up your accounting nine to five role? Earn some pocket money by filing other people’s tax returns. Just remember that any extra income must be claimed on your tax return and may impact some of the tax breaks you might be eligible for.

Pass on your knowledge, for a fee

Many educators earn extra money by filling in as supply teachers after they’ve retired.

But they don’t have a lock on earning education dollars. Put the

years of knowledge you’ve gained to valuable use as a tutor.

Whether you worked in the sciences, technology or communications, you can help students of all ages boost their marks or even act as a paid mentor for people entering your old field.

Get a side hustle

Maybe you’d rather earn some extra money doing something completely different than what you did for your career.

Companies large and small are looking for salespeople to add to their workforce. Always had a passion for cars?

Contact local dealers and used-car retailers to see if you can join their sales team. If you’re interested in technology, explore your options in the retail world at major retailers that can offer perks like discounts and the potential for added commission.

Beginning April 17, the app will no longer accept updates. Effective April 30, the app will no longer be available in app stores.

COVID-19 vaccination records are still available on your MySaskHealthRecord (MSHR) account and can be printed or saved and viewed on your mobile device.

The QR code is also still available on vaccination records through

MSHR. COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available including a second bivalent booster for residents 18 years of age and older in long-term care facilities, personal care homes and assisted living facilities; persons over 80 years of age; persons 65-79 years of age who have not had COVID; and those who are 18 years of age and older who are immune suppressed.

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MASKS FROM PAGE 21

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

REQUIRED

IMMEDIATELY:

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp this spring with possibility of year round. Spring location: Arborfield, SK.

Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket.

Send resume and work references to:

Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

Email:

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS:

needed this spring for dozers, excavators, rock trucks: near Carrot River, Sk.

Camp/R & B provided.

Competitive wages.

Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to:

Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

Email:

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca

www.

brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING:

Parts Technicians, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment TechsJourneyman, Apprentices, CVIP/Truck Techs and RAP Students, Shop and Field positions available. View Open Roles www. rockymtn.com/careers.

Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

CLASS 1 DRIVER:

Hannah Transport Ltd., Acme, Alberta has an opening to haul anhydrous ammonia in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Spring and fall employment, hourly pay with overtime, safety bonus, paid cell phone. Training provided. Email: hannahtransportltd@ gmail.com. Phone: Brian 403-312-8396.

BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www. chateauvilla.ca, 306281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net

ROOMMATE

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN

HEATED... LIGHT

BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN

SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS

PEAS... BARLEY

CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP”

WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN

1-877-250-5252

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306873-0481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds. com, Email: sales@ agproseeds.com

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum refund

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help: 1-844-453-5372

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com.

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

FOR SALE

CERTIFIED SEED.WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – AB. Standswell, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds. com; 403-556-2609.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

Wanted old advertising: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi etc. Call 306-221-5908

“HUNTING FIREARMS BUYER “ Dealer paying top dollar in cash on inspection for hunting firearms / accessories / equipment. Red Deer, Alberta. Call or text to 403 556 0086.

BUY SELL TRADE GOLD, SILVER & PLATINUM! Bullion, Coins, Bars, Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling +. Also purchasing complete coin collections, old money, Royal Canadian Mint, Gold, Silver +++ Todd 250-864-3521.

EASTER IS A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS - NEW LISTINGS

THE HUNT IS OVER! HERE IS YOUR NEW CONDO!

A LAKE RETREAT!