Meridian Source - December 1, 2022

Dodge the Stigma hits youth mental health target

What do you get when you combine 120 play ers, 12 hours of play, and a lot of really bad movie puns? An aweinspiring fundraiser for youth mental health, that’s what.

From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, the Hoop Factory was the place to be as the Lloydminster Region Health Founda tion (LRHF) hosted its 12-hour Gift to Health fundraiser.

This year’s fund raiser consisted of a dodgeball tournament, appropriately named Dodge the Stigma, and raised a total of $295,234, with dona tions still coming in.

“Over the years, the goal of the Gift of Health has changed,” said LRHF CEO Stepha nie Munro.

“Last year we raised money for diagnostic imaging. This year, and we see this as our big gest need, we’re raising money for youth mental health as well as a TIMS machine for the speechlanguage and pathology department at the Lloy dminster Hospital.

“We’re raising money

for healthcare, but it’s so much more than that, we’re building community.”

Munro explained the pandemic played a large role in the selec tion process for where funds would go from this year’s fundraiser.

“It’s not just adults suffering from men tal health. The youth of our community, and the youth of Canada as a nation have really suffered, and it shows through the statistics,” she said.

“Having said that, today has been such an amazing day. There’s so much excitement and energy in the room, it’s amazing. It’s also been amazing being able to have all of these people come together after two and a half years.”

Munro says more proactive work needs to be done in regard to youth mental health, which is exactly what the LRHF is currently in the process of.

“We’re trying to come up with programming we’re going to be able to utilize and resource for youth in our community as an essential item,” she said.

“We’ve been working closely with the Lloy dminster public and Lloydminster Catho lic School Divisions to collaborate and really look at what youth men tal health program ming looks like, and what’s the best use of the funds, whether that goes through the school system or communitybased programming.

“We’re not exactly sure what that program ming will look like, but

we’ve been asking dif ferent user groups for their perspective.”

The day’s MC was none other than local runner and big-time fundraiser Mikey Dubz (Mike Welygan), who has played a pivotal role in the Gift to Health over the years.

Two years ago, Dubz ran on a treadmill for 12 hours straight while Shawn Newman of the Shawn Newman Pod cast live-streamed the

entire time. Last year’s Gift to Health consisted of 12 local residents running on treadmills for 12 hours straight alongside Dubz at the Lloyd Ex.

This is the kind of fundraising growth Munro is hoping to see more of in the future, but as for right now, she’s thankful for every one who made this year’s Gift to Health such a success.

“The Hoop Factory’s

Tanner Brightman and Chris King have been amazing,” she said. “I asked about using the facility for the event and there was no hesita tion. They fully comped the space for us, and we can’t thank them enough.”

Munro also wanted to thank Cenovus Energy, Synergy Credit Union, Boundary Ford Gives, CNRL, Maz Entertain ment and Kolab Print Co, to name a few.

Photo by Sierrah Bennett

The Cenovus Energy Ballsangas were all smiles after winning the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation’s Dodge the Stigma fundraiser, all while raising money for mental health initiatives in the Border City.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Lloyd leaders royally honoured

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aal bers and councillor Glenn Fagnan have been given the Royal treatment.

Aalbers is on the list of recipients for a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal from Alberta Munici palities (ABmunis) as a sitting mayor and Fagnan as a community builder.

Neither of them was among the 150 Albertans from central and north ern Alberta to receive their medals in person at the Westin Edmonton ball room on Sunday.

Medals were also given to past ABmunis presidents and lifetime members.

“This is the most memorable hon our I have received as the mayor of Lloydminster, and I can only hope to serve our region with a fraction of the Queen’s dutifulness,” said Aalbers.

Fagnan was totally unaware of the award and says he is not one for indi vidual awards, anyway.

“I’m just a small cog in a wheel. I work with some tremendous volun teers. I’m just a regular guy and I guess they pulled my number,” he said Tuesday.

The citation on his medal read as follows: “Glenn is the executive director of Border City Connects. He has contributed countless hours to serving the residents of Lloy dminster. He serves on the Olive Tree board and was instrumental in the purchase of a permanent build ing and establishing a community kitchen to serve those in need.”

Fagnan was notified he is receiv ing one of 70 Platinum Jubilee pins in the riding on behalf of the federal government for his outstanding vol unteerism and positive contributions to those around him in a letter from Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs on Nov. 17.

The Government of Saskatche wan struck 7,000 Jubilee medals to commemorate the Queen’s 70-year

Edmonton Mayor Amerjeet Sohi, right, and all sitting mayors in Alberta, including Lloydmin ster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal presented at a ceremony attended by Sohi in Edmonton.

Lloydminster councillor Glenn Fagnan also received a medal.

anniversary.

The Government of Alberta also struck 7,000 Platinum Jubilee med als to commemorate Her Majesty’s unsurpassed reign.

“I thank the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan for striking a medal in honour of Her Majesty’s 70-year history as our monarch,” said Aalbers.

“She continues to touch the lives of many, and her commitment to the people of the Commonwealth has left an indelible mark in our hearts.”

Medals in Alberta are being distrib uted to worthy recipients on behalf of the provincial government by numer ous partner organizations, including ABmunis.

Trina Jones, Alberta Municipali ties’ vice president of towns, extended her sincere congratulations to all the mayoral recipients at Sunday’s cere mony including Aalbers.

“As the mayor of legal, she said she understands, first-hand, the roles and responsibilities of a mayor, and said they were all so deserving of this hon our,” said an ABmunis spokesperson.

ABmunis will host a similar medal ceremony in Calgary on Dec. 4 for about 100 more medal recipients from central and southern Alberta.

File Photo

Students lead 25th Rudolph charity

what they need them selves.”

Jeffery says Interval Home also needs baby diapers and also hopes to provide a present for every kid who went there this year or is cur rently there.

“Also, we try to get enough soap and sham poos the basic daily supplies to last them until next Christmas,” he said.

Jadidizadeh relishes the opportunity to help provide a charitable need in the community.

“This goes to a very important cause help ing women and chil dren fleeing domestic violence,” she said.

Rudolph’s Roundup charity drive has become a Christmas tradition for leader ship students at Lloyd minster Comprehensive High School.

The 25th annual pro gram in aid of the Inter val Home for women seeking shelter from domestic violence is coming to an end on Dec. 2, but the goodwill is likely to continue for years to come.

The school-run pro gram includes com munity donation boxes that are available until Dec. 9.

“We’ve been involved in a lot of charities over time. This is one that has continued for 25 years,” said leadership teacher Dwayne Jeffery.

“It’s one the whole community knows about; it’s one kids know about,”

He says there are about 72 kids in the leadership program and everyone has a role to play.

“It’s run by a group of

12 core kids and every kid in our leadership group works one day and promotes it in the school,” said Jeffery.

This year’s mile stone drive has been led by Grade 12 students Reese Hassall and Delara Jadidizadeh.

We’ve been involved in a lot of charities over time. This is one that has continued for 25 years.

Their project goal is to raise $10,000 includ ing cash and the esti mated value of donated items.

“I think we are very capable as a school and a community to eas ily break the $10,000 goal,” said Hassall.

“All of our leadership class is involved...so a lot of support.”

Jeffery notes students raise money over a twoweek period with class competitions and the

placement of more than 20 boxes in the commu nity to collect items and donations for the Inter val Home.

Last year, Hassall was involved in collect ing some of the items, but this year she and Jadidizadeh toured Interval Home to learn about their needs from Rudolph’s Roundup firsthand.

“It made very much real to see what items the women and chil dren are most in need of,” she said.

“Mostly, it would be clothes and bedding along with dollar dona tions so they can buy

“I think it’s really important as a school that we do this fund raiser.”

The teen thinks it helps that Rudolph’s Roundup is recognized in the community after 25 years of operation.

“Most people in the community are aware of it, so if anyone wants to donate or help the cause they can,” said Jadidizadeh.

In recent years the high school has extended the program to middle schools.

“We do a K-6 colouring contest for Rudolph’s Roundup just to get kids to know

about

program when they’re young,” said Jeffery.

the

“And we give raffles for them later on in December.”

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Rudolph’s Roundup Grade 12 student leaders at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School, Reese Hassall, left, and Delara Jadidizadeh, coordinate the collection of donated items for the Interval Home from fellow students.

“

Kiwanis Festival of Lights brighter than ever

Thanks to the hard work of the Lloydmin

ster Kiwanis Club, par ticularly the club’s sec

retary, Vera Gallant, this year’s Festival of Lights of bigger and better than ever.

Gallant explained 10,000 new lights were purchased for this year’s festival, bringing the grand total to somewhere in the neighbourhood of 17,000 lights.

“My heart is so full knowing we can bring just a little bit of joy to this community, and to families,” said Gallant.

“This is a lot of work, but it’s a labour of love and every minute we spent on it is worth it if we can make someone’s life just a little bit hap pier, especially during this season.”

Gallant also noted

she and other Kiwanis members have been hearing lots of talk about the rising cost of living, and the hope is, a quick trip to the park might help alleviate some of the stress.

“Hopefully, even if it’s just for a little bit, we are surrounded by a place of peace, joy and love, because all of this is truly a labour of love.”

Counc. Jonathan Torresan was on-site

representing the City of Lloydminster and explained no matter the age, the Festival of Lights can put a smile on anyone’s face.

“This is something nice for our community that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re talk ing about an 18-monthold or an 81-year-old, everyone can enjoy this, especially around the holiday season. It’s something really posi

tive in our community that adds to the quality of life,” he said.

“The Kiwanis Club is the star of the show here. They put this event on and organize the countless numbers of volunteers and con tributions.”

The Lloydminster Kiwanis Club is cur rently seeking new membership. Anyone interested can reach them on Facebook.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

A young Lloydminster resident flips the switch at Kiwanis Park on Sunday evening to officially kick off this year’s Festival of Lights.

This is a lot of work, but it’s a labour of love and every minute we spent on it is worth it.

“

Border trips up psychologists

It’s not easy to see a psychologist in Lloy dminster for a men tal health appointment with long wait lists and cross-border issues to deal with.

There is a limited amount of resources in terms of the services which are available to the public health care system, which are free of charge, but difficult to get into.

Only five registered psychologists in the city were free to turn up at a town hall meeting held at Spiro’s Family Res taurant last Thursday to discuss the demand for services and some unique bi-provincial challenges in the area.

The meeting was an opportunity to commu nicate local concerns to Dr. Robert Spelliscy, registrar and CEO of the College of Alberta Psychologist (CAP) and Judy Malone CEO Psy chologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA).

The high demand for services in a postCOVID environment and jurisdictional bor der issues were two of the key issues conveyed to CAP, which regulates the profession and PAA that serves members.

“I do think, cur rently, there is a very high level of demand for mental health ser vices,” said Lloyd psy chologist Michelle Hamilton, who coordi nated the meeting.

“There is a limited amount of resources in terms of the services which are available to the public health care system, which is free of charge, but difficult to get into.”

Hamilton says even in terms of the private sector, psychologists like her who provide services through a pri

vate clinic are limited in terms of how many cli ents they can see.

“Everybody’s very fully booked,” she said.

Hamilton runs a pri vate practice, Beyond Balance Counselling and Consulting.

She says issues from the impact of COVID restrictions and iso lation and differences of opinions and atti tudes around vaccina tions have taken a toll on people.

“This has led to anx iety and depression. There’s a lot of delayed response to the losses that were involved in some of what we had to give up during that time,” she said.

Psychologist Christy Hunt, who runs her Integrated Therapies and Performance from HPS practice, thinks demand also stems from increased awareness and multiple formats for people to reach out.

“COVID allowed us to expand to online con nects so we can access people better, and more rural areas can have that connection online,” said Hunt.

She thinks there is also more awareness around getting people in referring from other agencies like school divisions or commu nity agencies —adding there’s always people waiting for services.

Lake wants CAP and PAA to know the bi-

provincial status of Lloy dminster is one thing she thinks has been par ticularly challenging at times for her profession.

She says many local psychologists are regis tered in the province of Alberta and practice in Alberta, but the city is under the jurisdiction of Saskatchewan health and education and so many other things related to the Lloyd minster Charter.

“At times it has been difficult and conflict ing, especially during the pandemic. Some of the provincial mandates weren’t consistent,” said Hunt.

“Especially during the pandemic, I was trying to reach out and talk to some politicians and some of the commu nity leaders in terms of these issues.”

Hunt says this was the first time CAP and PAA has come to Lloyd minster and made more aware of the bi-provin cial hurdles.

“Historical issues that we’ve always faced here

are clients that come from both sides of the border and registration difficulties.”

Hunt says it took her a year to get her Alberta registration acknowl edged in Saskatchewan to be able to practice within the same realm in the province.

She says they wanted CAP and PAA to realize the border means regis tering in both provinces, which is a difficult pro cess, and how that’s a barrier to providing ser vices to our community.

“So, it’s really lovely to have the college come and talk with us about some of our very unique border city issues,” said Hunt.

She is hoping the meeting will eventually result in less red tape for Lloydminster psycholo gists to work with clients from both provinces.

“That would help us have more psycholo gists in our area and shorten the wait list if some of that red tape wasn’t in the way,” said Hunt.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster psychologist Michelle Hamilton, who operates the Beyond Balance practice, chats with Dr. Richard Spelliscy, CEO of the College of Alberta Psychologist, about some of the pro fessional challenges in our bi-provincial city during a meeting of local therapists at Spiro’s Family Restaurant on Thursday.

Business coach advocates systems

coach, Glenys ReevesGibbs, coach of Project Gazelle.

Reeves-Gibbs intro duced her at Rotary as a past president of the Langley Central Club in B.C., which she joined 25 years ago.

“At the time of Rotary, she owned a small travel business in Langley and that’s where her entrepre neurial story began,” said Reeves-Gibbs.

sionate about small business since I sold mine. I’ve been helping business owners since then,” she said.

Rasmussen says about 51 per cent of small businesses in Canada don’t make it to year fives.

“It took a pandemic for the world to rec ognize how important small businesses are to our economies,” she said.

to make a successful business,” she said.

Rasmussen is expect ing the release of her second book in January called Small Business Big Opportunity.

Reeves-Gibbs says her friend was the per fect professional to address Project Gazelle, a federally funded pro gram through the Wom en’s Entrepreneurship Strategy to support female entrepreneurs.

on their businesses to develop them,” she said.

“We’ve also either enhanced or developed six co-working spaces throughout the area.”

The project will be completed at the end of March.

Beverlee Rasmussen, a certified executive coach, killed two birds with one stone during her extended weekend visit to Lloydminster.

On Monday, she spoke to the Rotary Club of Lloydmin ster about the concept of business systems or processes for small

business owners as a key to success.

Her presentation fol lowed her weekend key note talk and workshop on systems for female entrepreneurs enrolled in Project Gazelle offered through Community Futures in Lloydminster.

She was invited to speak on both occasions by her friend and fellow internationally-certified

After launching Somerville Travel in 1993 as a single mom, Rasmussen latched onto the concept of sys tems at a federal Busi ness Development Bank course as a way to grow her company.

After selling out for a profit in 1999, she rein vented herself as a sys tem business coach to help other entrepre neurs thrive.

“I’ve been really pas

She’s identified 52 sys tem competencies small businesses need such as leadership, operational, financial HR and mar keting systems and put them in a game board for teaching purposes.

Rasmussen has become an internation ally-recognized busi ness coach who has 70 new coaches in Lithua nia, for example.

She’s also published a Small Business Field Guide about how to build and sell a business.

“It’s the most com prehensive book on how

She says women only represent 16 per cent of all small business own ers but 51 per cent of the Canadian population is female, so women are an untapped market for entrepreneurship.

“Our goal is to intro duce entrepreneur ship to women. We’ve done that to over 2,500 women,” said ReevesGibbs, with Project Gazelle covering all of northern Alberta and northwest Saskatche wan.

“We have worked with over 1,800 women

Reeves-Gibbs says she met Rasmussen at an advanced coach ing class and they’ve become good friends through their shared passion for entrepre neurship.

That led to her invita tion to address Project Gazelle women over the weekend with her talk and workshop.

“People were very excited about the infor mation and it’s very easy to understand and easy to use to help build and grow businesses,” said Reeves-Gibbs.

In other business, Rotary donated $3,000 to the Border Paws Animal Shelter, which is set to open its new facility at the beginning of January.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Beverlee Rasmussen, an author and certified executive coach from Langley, B.C., holds up a copy of the first of two books she’s written about business systems during a presentation to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday. She was invited to deliver a talk and workshop for a group of women entre preneurs in Project Gazelle over the weekend.

PBR Winter Classic a buckin’ good time

The PBR (Professional

packed the Lloydminster Exhibition last

night

the toughest cowboys took on the ranked bulls of the PBR. Brinson James the Entertainer once again kept the crowd on its toes, and the night was capped off with a cabaret fea turing live music. Cole Wag ner of Valier, Montana, won the event with 15, marking his first-ever PBR win. Aus tralia’s Jake Maher finished the night in second with eight points, and Yellow Grass, Sas katchewan’s Aaron Roy fin ished third with seven points.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Bull Riders) Winter Classic

Saturday

as

Santa’s coming to town!

Santa and his elves are offi cially back in the Border City this weekend to help cele brate the 15th annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day, proudly pre sented by the Meridian Source since day one.

The fun starts at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Legion until 10 a.m.

Santa and the Grinch will both be at the Atrium Centre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 300 kids to visit

Santa or dare to visit the Grinch will receive extra goodies.

Carols and cook ies will once again be taking place from 1 -3 p.m. at Grace United Church.

Attendees are also encouraged to drive through the City Hall parking lot and grab a free hot chocolate!

If you’re hungry, head on over to the former Synergy Credit Union building and let the Lloydminster Fire Department serve you

a hot dog! The weiner roast will be going from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m

The Kinette Club is also inviting those interested to build gin gerbread houses with them at The Olive Tree at 3 p.m. There are only 100 houses available, so arrive early to make sure you get your hands on one!

The day wraps with fireworks at 5 p.m. at the Lloydminster Exhi bition, which should be visible from anyone on the north side of Lloyd.

Meridian Source File Photo

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Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Viewpoint

Leave it to Weaver:

Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge!

EDITOR Taylor Weaver

Did you know there was a 12-hour dodge ball tournament going on at the Hoop Factory this past Tuesday? If you didn’t, go back to this week’s front page and have a read!

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

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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

The Lloydminster Region Health Foun dation’s annual Gift to Health fundraiser brought 120 players to the Hoop Factory to play in the Dodge the Stigma dogeball tour nament, all in the name of raising funds for youth mental health.

And raise funds they did, with almost $300K being donated in the 12-hour window. Funds are still com ing in, however, so I expect that number will increase.

One of my favourite aspects of this job is the behind the scenes look we journos get while at community events, and this was no exception.

The amount of work that went on before, during, and after the event is astounding.

I also have to hand it Maz Entertainment for the amazing audio and video work throughout the day. That instantreply was pretty neat until I ended up on the big screen having my last play picked apart!

Oh, did I forget to mention The Source and Reid and Wright Advertising entered a

team? Well, we did!

During our first game, I’ll shamelessly admit I was that guy and took the game far too seriously. Thank fully I was able to shake the attitude and came back for our game against the team from 106.1 The Goat with a smile on my face, after all, the day was all about having fun and bettering the commu nity, right? That second game

was a lot of fun, but in the end, the Average Goats took the W.

I’m also not sure what they’re putting in the water at Bar Engi neering, but man oh man was their team good! (Great work to the Bar team on your silver medal!)

Lastly, despite the fact I hit the gym on a semi-regular basis, apparently I’m not hit ting enough leg day! Don’t forget to stretch!

Arrive alive this holiday season

Saskatchewan drivers will notice an abundance of impaired driving checkstops across the province throughout the holiday season.

“Checkstops are an important enforcement tool and a highly visual reminder to drivers about the importance of planning a safe ride home,” said Minister Responsible for SGI Don Morgan.

“Impaired driving is a persis tent and deadly problem which requires ongoing enforcement. SGI is providing additional fund ing to police agencies to conduct more than 40 checkstops this December in order to keep our roads safe.”

Checkstops can occur any day of the week, on a municipal street, in a city, in a town or on a highway.

Police also use less conspic uous tactics to catch impaired drivers, and the public is encour

aged to call 9-1-1 to report any motorists they believe are driv ing under the influence of alco hol or drugs.

The bottom line is this: if you drive impaired anywhere in Sas katchewan, there is a strong chance you’ll be caught, arrested and charged.

Roadside alcohol screening

Under federal legislation, spe cifically Bill C-46, which took effect in 2018 - police can legally demand a roadside breath test for alcohol from anyone they legally stop.

A trained officer will make a formal demand that someone provide a breath sample into an approved screening device.

There is no requirement for reasonable suspicion for the offi cer to make a demand.

People who refuse a test can be charged with a Criminal Code offence, with penalties that are

the same or greater than those for impaired driving convictions.

If you’re not driving impaired, the breath test just takes a mat ter of seconds, and drivers who pass are on their way quickly.

“We appreciate the cooper ation of drivers who may be pulled over for our checkstops,” said Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Traffic Services Division Supt. Grant St. Germaine.

“Please be assured that a demand for a breath sample is not an accusation; it’s sim ply standard procedure to help ensure that people are driv ing sober. We use all the tools we have at our disposal to try to keep our roads safe - roadside breath tests being one of them.”

Drivers are reminded to only drive if they are sober, and to find a safe ride home when they’re impaired.

Leeway from Lloyd: Smith kickstarts electioneering

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Looks like the Alberta election campaign has got a head of steam fol lowing Premier Danielle Smith’s first televised address last week prom ising some measures to relieve the financial bur den on residents.

Some of her promises such as providing every family with kids under the age of 18 earning less than $180,000 with $600 per child, $600 for seniors and for those on Assured Income for the Severely Handi capped have a shelf life of six months.

The next election is scheduled for May 29, 2023. Coincidence? I think not.

The UCP is also prom ised a further $200 elec

tricity rebate into 2023 and additional funding for food banks as part of a proposed Inflation Reduction Act.

The Alberta govern ment is also suspend ing the provincial gas tax for at least the next six months in cam paign-like measures that appeal to voters.

Smith also prom ises to create a better healthcare system with a health reform action plan.

“The answer is not the opposition’s plan to throw billions more into the system. They already tried that once,” said Smith. “It failed and almost bankrupted the province.”

NDP Opposition leader Rachel Notley also provided a detailed reaction statement not ing her party “isn’t buy ing it, “ and says voters

shouldn’t either.

“Many people won’t remember, but six months prior to the last election, the UCP voted to increase benefits for vulnerable Albertans, only to then break that promise within weeks of taking office,” she said.

“What we just heard was Danielle Smith claiming she is going to undo the affordability crisis the UCP govern ment has contributed to by reversing their own bad decisions.”

If that doesn’t sound like campaign rhetoric, nothing will with the legislature back in ses sion since Nov. 29.

Smith also vows to make her sovereignty act the first piece of legisla ture in her party’s fight with Ottawa and their perception of the federal government’s intrusion on Alberta rights.

“As Albertans, we must no longer ask per mission from Ottawa to be prosperous and free,” said Smith.

More than likely if the UCP wins, however,

every constitutional challenge will end up in court when the focus should be on working co-operatively within Confederation.

Who knows, this

might even lead to a reverse freedom con voy on the steps of the Alberta Legislature led by a crusading Trudeau! Now that would be a sight to see. Honk now!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

Playschool Pre-registration

Southridge Play school & Kindergym has opened up their registration for the fall 2022-2023 classes.

They offer one day a week for three-yearolds and one or two days a week for four and five-year-olds. They have also qualified for the Affordability Grant!

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

For more information please call Mrs. P at 780-872-9523.

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57

Church Directory

Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednes day. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Square Dancing Introduction

An intro to square dancing will be held at the Bioclean Aquatic Centre from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from Oct. 5 to May 31, 2023. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. The first evening is free! Visit us online at squaredancelloyd.ca for details.

Light the Lights

Big Brothers Big Sis ters Lloydminster is encouraging residents to help ignite a little spark this holiday sea son with its Light the Lights campaign. From Nov. 16 to Dec. 23, BBBS will be bright ening up its office, and you can help. BBBS will be putting up strings of lights and donations are being accepted to get your name put on a strand of lights. Once a strand is full of names, the strand will be plugged in to light the lights. Donations can be made for yourself, as a family, as a gift for someone, in memory of someone, sponsor a strand as a business, get the kids involved ... the possibilities to make a difference are endless! Call 306-825-5757 for more details. Donations of $20 or more are eligi

ble for a tax receipt.

Kaiser Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Kaiser tour nament on Dec. 1. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10 per person. Lunch is available for $12. Every one welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more details.

Christmas Supper and Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Christmas supper and dance on Dec. 2. Turkey and all the trimmings will be on the menu and entertain ment will be provided by the band Memory Lane. Cost is $25/person. PLEASE reserve or pur chase tickets before Dec. 1 at noon. Call the Leg acy office at 780-8754584 for more details.

Potters Guild Holiday Sale

The Lloydminster Potters Guild Annual Handmade for the Hol idays Sale is Dec. 4 (from noon-4 p.m.) at the new Lloydminster Museum + Archives (4207-44th Street). Drop by, meet the arti sans and enjoy shop ping the largest selec tion of handcrafted pot tery in the region.

Cash Bingo

The Marwayne Legion is hosting a cash bingo night on Dec. 7. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the first game is at 8 p.m.

Christmas with the Lloydminstrels

The Legacy Centre is hosting Christmas with the Lloydmisntrels on

Dec. 12. Performance begins at 2 p.m. Cof fee and cookies will be served after. Admission is by donation. Nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army food bank could be your donation! Everyone welcome! Call the Leg acy office at 780-8754584 for more details.

Diabetes Education Classes

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting diabetes edu cational classes start ing Dec. 13 from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. with Ses sion 1: “An Introduction to the Basics.” Classes are being held in Con ference Room #2 at the Prairie North Health Centre, Suite 115, 4910 – 50 Street. To regis ter please call 306-8204887.

Cribbage Tourney

A cribbage tourna ment will be held at the Moose Lodge on Dec. 11 Registration is from 9 - 9:45 a.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. Enter as a team or as an indi vidual. Players are guar anteed 12 games. Entry free is $10, lunch is $14.

Turkey Bingo

The Marwayne Legion is hosting a turkey bingo on Dec. 14. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. play at 8 p.m.

JAMBOREE

There will be a jam boree on Dec. 18 in the Islay Community Hall. Admission is $10, par ticipants free. Lunch will be served. For more info, call Dixie at 780744-2204. Funds raised support maintenance of our hall.

Early days of Mount Joy

Early on, skiing was a method of transporta tion and also provided recreational fun during the prairie winter.

According to history, Mount Joy was aptly named by one of the area’s early settlers, William Giles.

He lived nearby and said “it was such a plea sure to reach the top of the hill on his way home from town, that he thought Mt. Joy an appropriate name.” (Quoted from 75 Years of Sport and Culture in Lloydminster .)

It’s about 20 min utes’ driving distance from Lloydminster.

The Mount Joy Ski Club was formed in 1965 and was incorpo rated as a non-profit organization. In its first ski season, a small wood stove heated the loaned shed.

A deal was made for the use of the Sefton Park School as a cha let until such time as the club dissolved then the school would be returned back to the community.

Folks donated their time and transporta tion to move the school. There were 12 adult, 14 family and 17 student memberships originally sold.

Rope tows came from various sources in the club’s early years.

The first tow motor, including its pulleys, was rented from Ben ny’s, a business in Edmonton. The ½-inch tow rope was pur chased secondhand from the Wainwright Ski Club.

During the 1972-1973 season many improve ments were made to the ski slopes through a Winter Works Initiative Program.

These included “wid ening and clearing of new runs, picking

rocks, planting trees, building snow fences, ski racks and renovat ing the ski chalet.”

The ski chalet had power, a phone and was heated by a pro pane furnace.

The tows were driven by farm tractors just as agriculture was a driv ing force behind this area’s early settlement. Weather permitting, the ski hill was open on weekends.

The Mount Joy Ski Patrol soon began with training and direction provided by the Table Mountain Ski Patrol in North Battleford.

These were vigor ous training sessions which resulted in wellqualified patrollers and a patrol leader. Many others were eventually trained and the Patrol grew.

For transporting injured skiers, a cas cade toboggan was pur chased with funds from a local business.

There were chal

lenges throughout the first few years due to poor ski conditions and a short ski season.

Only a few patrollers were now fully quali fied in the use of tobog gan handling.

The Zone Award, Patroller of the Year trophy was presented to Hubert Fuchs during the 1975-1976 season.

Hubert also served as a patrol leader and was honoured for his contributions towards “recruiting, training and selflessness.” This ceremony was held in North Battleford.

With great anticipa tion for its best year yet, Mount Joy was in for a very busy 19781979 season.

Through assistance from the Communiplex

and a major expansion of the Ski Club, more recruiting and training was achieved.

There were now six qualified patrollers including Bill Wright, Bob Dennison, Neil Proctor, Peter Barnes,

Gerald Duhaime and Hubert Fuchs.

Peter was elected as Patrol Leader. The Mount Joy Ski Club is a wonderful example of a community com ing together for recre ational fun.

WHISPERS

Meridian Source File Photo

Freeze report relates to spring runoff

indicates most areas of the province are on the dry side going into the winter.

Winter hasn’t even begun yet, but the Water Security Agency (WSA) has released its Conditions at Freezeup Report for the year, which could factor into spring runoff in 2023. The 2022 report

WSA notes while some areas of the prov ince experienced higher than normal spring and early summer precipita tion, the last half of the summer and early fall were dry resulting in drier than normal soil moisture conditions at freeze-up.

However, most larger water supply reservoirs

across southern and central Saskatchewan have adequate supplies.

WSA issues the Con ditions at Freeze-up Report during the late fall/early winter period.

Freeze-up conditions, in combination with the winter snowpack, become the initial base for the spring snowmelt runoff forecast.

This report gives an early indication of areas that are more vulnera ble to potentially above

or below-normal runoff in the spring.

There is a concern about surface water sup ply issues in the south west if winter snowfall is below average.

However, the south west and east-central portions of the province experienced two signif icant snowfall events this fall that melted, improving near-surface soil moisture.

The agency notes there are no areas

where it believes that there is a heightened risk of above-normal spring runoff in 2023.

WSA says this is not a spring runoff forecast, as winter snow accu mulation is an integral component in the run off yield during the melt and is impossible to predict at this juncture.

This assessment is compiled with data from various sources includ ing Environment and Climate Change Canada

and the U.S. National Weather Service.

WSA is anticipating near-normal tempera tures but larger snow packs this year based on historical data.

Snow surveys in Feb ruary will help deter mine if the moisture will infiltrate into the soil or run off toward reservoirs.

The initial Spring Runoff Outlook for 2023 will also be issued in early February.

New legislation allows for electronic wills, improves justice accessibility

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

On Monday, the Sas katchewan government introduced The Wills Amendment Act, 2022 , which will enable the creation of electronic wills and use of elec tronic signatures and remote witnessing. An electronic will is a

reliable document that, once stored, can be eas ily retrieved for future use.

The Act sets out the criteria that must be met for an electronic will to be valid in Sas katchewan, as well as provisions for revoking an electronic will.

“As many daily legal

transactions already rely on the use of electronic documentation, it makes sense to modernize leg islation to provide peo ple with the option to create a legal and valid electronic will,” Minister of Justice and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. “These amend ments don’t require that

anyone create an elec tronic will instead of a paper will. Paper wills are still completely valid in Saskatchewan.”

To be valid, an elec tronic will must be in electronic form and signed electronically by the testator before two witnesses, one of whom is a lawyer, who also attest to and sign the will.

If an electronic will is revoked it cannot be

revived, and a new will must be created.

This legislation aligns with recommendations made by the Uniform Law Conference of Can ada and recent changes made to will legislation

in other provinces.

As with a paper will, the creation of an elec tronic will requires that someone be over 18, of sound mind, and free from undue influence or pressure.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Sports

Raiders snap six-year streak with Alberta Bowl win

wing, who is also one of the Raiders four cap tains, was also ecstatic with the win.

said.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The Holy Rosary Raiders football team made history last week after winning the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) Tier III Provincial Champi onship, also known as the Alberta Bowl.

After beating the Stur geon Spirits 42-7 in the semi-finals, the Raid ers travelled to Calgary last Friday to take on the Strathmore Spartans, a fairly unknown team to the Raiders. But, despite many unknowns, the Raiders shut out the Spartans 44-0.

For the Raiders, this provincial title was almost a decade in the making, not to men tion the fact the Raid ers have lost to the Cochrane Cobras in the finals for the past six years.

The last time the Raiders won the Alberta Bowl was in 2014 when they played in Tier IIII before moving up to Tier III.

From 2015 to 2021, with no season in 2020, Cochrane successfully beat the Raiders each time they met in the finals.

This was the team’s 10th trip to the Alberta Bowl since 2008, and they’ve gone every year since 2013. The Raiders also set an Alberta Bowl record for most appear ances in the bowl.

“We controlled the game right from the very start,” said head coach Vince Orieux of Friday’s game. “We had a bit of trouble on our first offensive series, but our defence went in there and had a good stop. Our offence kind of took over and we

scored on our second drive.”

The win was also bit tersweet for the group of Grade 12 students who will be graduating in the spring.

“This particular group of Grade 12s, when they were in Grade 7 they won Peewee provin cials, when they were in Grade 9 they won the Bantam provin cials, and now in Grade 12 they’re able to finish by winning a provincial championship,” said Orieux.

“They’ve been play ing together for a while. They know each other and there’s a real strong history of championship football on that core group.”

One of those Grade 12 students is quarter back Matthew Cava nagh, who couldn’t think of a better way

to end his high school football career.

“It was a big one,” he said. “It was really important to finally end our six-year los ing streak, and to get it done in a 44-0 shutout feels amazing. We came out hungry and wanted to win that game. Every single guy on that team came out firing and focused, and we did anything we possibly could do, right.”

Looking back on his high school football career, Cavanagh was quick to talk about the Raiders’ coaching staff.

“I’d argue we’ve got one of the best coaching staff in the province,” he said. “They know how to build a team, they know how to make a man. They build us up and we execute for them.”

Wide receiver and cornerback Tyler Ger

“It was the biggest win we could have got ten and it feels really good,” he

Supplied Photo

The Holy Rosary High School Raiders broke a six-year losing streak by winning the ASAA Tier III Provincial Championship last Friday night in Calgary when they shutout the Strathmore Spartans 44-0.

Raiders ladies earn provincial v-ball bronze

went really well as the entire team was able to gel right from the beginning.

“I think at the beginning of the year if someone said we were going to be the bronze medalist, it would have been unexpected.

“We played lots of tournaments this year and did well in all of them,” she said.

strong group of Grade 10s, like, exception ally strong. The stron gest we’ve ever had in the school. There’s also a core group of Grade 11s,” he said.

“I think at the begin ning of the year if some one said we were going to be the bronze medal ist, it would have been unexpected.”

Johnston also noted the girls won 50 matches this year and carry an 800 win per centage, “which is really good at the level we’re playing at.”

The Holy Rosary Raiders girls volleyball team recently returned from Lethbridge sport ing some new hardware around their necks and big smiles on their faces.

The girls travelled to Catholic Central High School from Nov. 24-26 to compete in the Alberta Schools’ Ath letic Association 4A vol leyball provincials, and despite the tough com petition they faced, the

ladies went home with bronze medals draped from their necks.

“The weekend was so much fun,” said team captain Morah Williams after a school-wide cel ebration of sports suc cesses on Monday

morning.

“We went last year and we lost out Satur day morning, but this year we went all the way. Everyone was so nervous, but I thought the experience was a lot of fun, and we met a lot of great people, too.”

Matthews explained she thought the season

Brad Johnston, one of the team’s coaches, couldn’t be prouder of his squad’s accomplish ments and growth on the court throughout the year.

“This was an excep tional year for us. We started with nine rook ies, so we were a young team, but we’re lucky because we have a really

“It’s been an excep tional season, and I think we were expect ing to do well this weekend, but we lost in a close semi-final game. We had a real shot of being in the final,” said Johnston.

“I would say that was one of the stronger AAA girls’ provincials I’ve seen in a number of years, and it was much stronger than it was last year.”

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Supplied Photo

Careers

Operations resume at Uranium mine, Key Lake Mill

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Saskatchewan-based Cameco Corporation has resumed production from its McArthur River mine and Key Lake mill facilities, with Premier Scott Moe and MLA Jim Lemaigre in atten dance to celebrate with employees and northern leaders.

After announc ing plans earlier this year to restart opera tions, Cameco recently

announced that the first pounds of uranium ore were mined, then milled and packaged for distribution.

“The announcement by Cameco to resume production at its McAr thur River mine and Key Lake mill further positions Saskatche wan as a critical and sustainable supplier of fuel and resources the world needs,” said Pre mier Scott Moe. “Con gratulations to Cameco

on this achievement and for providing over 700 jobs to our prov ince’s northerners.”

The mine and mill currently employ approximately 730 peo ple, more than half of which are of Indigenous heritage.

Cameco is planning additional hiring for the sites going forward and is striving for a yearend workforce that has a higher representation of women and Indige nous people than from pre-shutdown levels.

“Cameco is a leader in Indigenous engage ment and involvement, providing vital oppor tunities and partner ships with members in our communities,” said MLA for Athabasca Jim Lemaigre.

“The resumption of operations at McArthur River and Key Lake is

great news for North ern Saskatchewan, from employment to procure ment. I look forward to further engaging with Cameco regarding their future in Saskatche wan’s north.”

Saskatchewan was the third-largest global producer of uranium in 2021 and the out look is very strong for 2022, with interest hav ing increased consider ably over the past year

as countries are seeking safe, reliable and clean energy products.

Offering a stable and secure environ ment, Saskatchewan is a leader in critical mineral production, and second among mining investment attractiveness in the world according to the 2021 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Min ing Companies.

The Government of

Saskatchewan contin ues to look at the devel opment of Small Modu lar Reactor (SMR) tech nology, as laid out in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, to be fueled by Saskatchewan uranium.

As Saskatchewan looks to provide fami lies and businesses with safe and reliable basel oad power, energy secu rity remains a top pri ority for the provincial government.

McArthur River mine. File Photo

SERVICES

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111

admin@meridansource.ca

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-716-2671.

3 QUARTERS OF CROPLAND South of Weyburn, SK. Distressed sale. Priced below market at 1.27 x assessment, with a 4% return with lease. $594,800.00. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.

Classifieds

FEED AND SEED

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AUCTIONS

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CUSTOM HOMES

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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FEED AND SEED

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LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta read ers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.

CAREER TRAINING

LOOKING FOR A REWARDING CAREER?

Massage Therapy offers many options. Study full time or in a distance format. Contact the Alberta Institute of Massage for details at www.albertainstituteofmassage.com; phone 403.346.1018.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATORS REQUIRED:

motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, graders, rock trucks. Lots of work all season.

Camp job; R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEALTH

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AGRICULTURE

NOTICES

ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF LLOYDMINSTER:

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