Meridian Source - May 21, 2020

Lloydminster Girl Guides would like to give an EXTRA-SPECIAL THANK YOU to Sobeys & Safeway in Lloydminster for supporting and helping us out by selling our Spring Vanilla & Chocolate - Girl Guide cookies in their stores. Your thoughtfulness means so much more than any words could show. Because of COVID-19 our girls, parents & leaders could not go door to door this spring.

We are asking our Girl Guide Cookie customers to please support Sobeys & Safeway and buy them at their stores. The cookies are $5.00 per box.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 47

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

SEE PAGES 9-15 FOR the SPRING INSIDE OUT HOME & GARDEN Special Section

Come on in, we’re open!

TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

..................................

The Border City is open for business.

May 19 will be a day to remember for retail services in Lloydminster as business owners were permitted to reopen to the public, pending the necessary PPE, under Phase 2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

LloydMall was one of such local retailers and was excited to open the doors to the public on Tuesday.

“For me, it’s time for some sort of new normal, and since we don’t have many (COVID) cases in Lloydminster, I feel we’re safe to reopen,” said General Manager Kim Richer.

“A lot of businesses really need to reopen and get that normalcy back in the community.

We’ve all been cooped up, and I think we’ve done our part.”

Richer noted malls in provinces such as Manitoba also recently reopened and saw roughly 20 per cent of their normal traffic in the first week, and 30

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Olympia Trencevski, Senior Director, Property Management, Triovest, and Kim Richer, General Manager at LloydMall, were over the moon on Tuesday afternoon as retail operations in the Border City were permitted to reopen under Phase 2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. The mall is currently open daily at noon and roughly 50 per cent of businesses have the necessary PPE to serve customers.

per cent the second.

“The community’s not going to rush in,” she said. “They’re going to come back in slowly and get comfortable, see that the

stores have their procedures in place and make sure everybody is comfortable.”

To prepare for its reopening, LloydMall has increased cleaning

procedures, installed floor decals and signage reminding shoppers of social-distancing protocols, as well as increased security, which will act as a mobile procedural

reminder.

“We’ve had to remove all of our seating as we’re no t al l o w e d to have food-court seating, to prevent gathering. So the idea is to come and

get what you need and carry on,” she said, noting food court tenants will reopen once restrictions on larger crowds are lifted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

2

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Slow and steady wins race for SHA MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

On Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) began to resume some health services in varying parts of the province as a cautious first step toward reopening the health care system.

“It’s a delicate balance we begin today toward a ‘new normal’ while still responding to the realities of a global pandemic,” said SHA CEO Scott Livingstone on Tuesday.

“Teams have and will continue to balance service resumption plans with the necessary health system capacity required for COVID19 and non-COVID-19 patients; including the need for ongoing expanded testing capacity, long-term contact tracing demands and maintaining the ability for the foreseeable future to surge to meet the requirements when localized outbreaks happen.”

May 19 marks the first day of phase two, with a focus on resuming a few every-day services such as outpatient physiotherapy appointments, kidney health services, some laboratory services, home care (e.g. bathing services) and expanded immunizations.

As part of taking an approach that is tailored to health system readiness in various areas of the province, it should be noted not all services listed in phase two will

begin immediately.

The services listed in phase two of the plan, beginning May 19 are subject to an approval process that ensures service resumption is undertaken in a considered, thoughtful and safe manner.

Some areas of the province will be ready to resume services, while others are not yet ready.

In many cases, the public can expect their health care experience to be different when compared to pre-pandemic times, due to additional measures to protect patients and staff.

These include the adaptation of waitingroom practices to promote physical distancing, additional emphasis on virtual care, wherever possible, and additional screening at health care facilities.

The SHA is asking for patience, as these practices are necessary for safety reasons, but may cause delays and inconveniences for patients seeking care as services resume.

Phase two will also include an expansion of surgeries beyond “three-week urgent and emergent cases” to now include “six-week urgent cases”.

A pause on nonurgent and elective surgeries two months ago was necessary to minimize risk to those not needing urgent care, while ensuring hospitals had the capacity

SHA CEO Scott Livingstone. File Photo for a surge in COVID patients.

While that need has not changed, the SHA also recognizes the importance of cautiously increasing surgeries for the physical and mental well-being of those on waiting lists.

“A patient’s priority on the surgery list will be determined based on a clinical assessment by their physicians in consultation with the patient,” said SHA’s Physician Executive of Integrated Health, Urban, Dr. Rashaad Hansia.

“It’s not based only on the type of surgery needed. Given the complexity of the work involved to resume surgical services in as safe a manner as possible, we won’t see a significant increase right away. What we are seeing is surgeons working with their patients to assess their needs and determine who qualifies for the six-week urgent category, then scheduling those for today and in the weeks ahead.”

The priority of surgeries resumed is being

done in collaboration with surgeons and based on their assessments of patients and recommendations.

The availability of bookings for each provider is being balanced across all surgical specialt ie s, and consid ers the availability of appropriate post-surgical care such as nursing and therapies.

Medical imaging departments are also cautiously increasing CT, MRI and other diagnostic testing to enable non-urgent and elective exams.

However, surgery bookings and the other every-day health services resuming today, and in the days ahead, will not be resumed based on a one-size-fitsall approach.

Service resumption will vary based on a multitude of factors, including considerations around localized outbreak status, capacity, requirements around adhering to public health orders and other factors used t o ensu re saf et y and readiness.

Photo Enforcement Locations for

May 22 - June 5

May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 5

College Dr. / 57A Ave. 66 Ave. / 41 St. 70 Ave. / 41 St. College Dr. / 29 St. Hwy 16 / 62 Ave. 62 Ave. / 56 St. 52 St. / Husky Refinery College Dr. / Bud Miller All Seasons Park 12 St. / 59 Ave. Hwy 16 / 66 Ave. College Dr. / 57A Ave. 52 St. / Husky Refinery 57 Ave. / 40 St. College Dr. / Bud Miller All Seasons Park Hwy 16 / 66 Ave.

· Additional locations may be photo enforced on the above dates · Photo enforcement may not operate on all dates listed above

lloydminster.ca/photoradar

3

4

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Province lifts limitations on filling scripts MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Effective yesterday, the Saskatchewan government has lifted the supply limits on prescription drugs.

“

As we navigate the unknowns presented by COVID-19, ensuring the availability of medications for all Sask residents is a priority.

Restrictions were originally introduced to guard against drug shortages.

Saskatchewan residents who have prescriptions for longterm medications will be able to fill prescrip-

tions as they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, except in limited situations where a specific drug remains in short supply.

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in significant shortages for certain drugs and uncertainty regarding the overall Canadian drug supply.

To manage drugs in short supply and prevent further shortages, Saskatchewan took decisive action to manage the drug supply to ensure all patients, especially those most vulnerable, would have continued access to necessary medications.

On March 18, Saskatchewan, along with many other provinces and territories, limited prescription fills to one m o n t h t o e n s u re t h e

File Photo continued supply and to prevent the stockpiling of prescription medications, with some exceptions for drugs on a specified maintenance list.

“As we navigate the unknowns presented

by COVID-19, ensuring the availability of medications for all Saskatchewan residents is a priority,” said Health Minister Jim Reiter.

“Today, the drug sup-

ply is in a more stable position due to the actions of pharmacists, patients and other stakeholders in response to the prescription limits. We sincerely thank them for their support and understanding.”

The supply limits did not affect most Saskatchewan residents, as 87 per cent of prescriptions are filled for a 34-day supply.

No new COVID-19 cases at Lloyd Hospital SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY

..................................

There have been no new cases of COVID-19 reported related to the Lloydminster Hospital cluster since May 7.

Ongoing risk assessment by public health and the Medical Health Officer will continue, and existing screening, testing and outbreak protocols will continue to be followed.

It is everyone’s responsibility to selfmonitor, which means paying attention to new symptoms and monitoring your temperature.

Information and reference sheets to assist in self-monitoring can be found at saskatchewa.ca/covid19.

Self-monitoring does not mean you must

self-isolate, but rather to have a plan on how to quickly self-isolate if developing a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

“

The current guidelines at the Lloydminster Hospital remain in place until otherwise notified.

If symptoms develop, call HealthLine 811 or your healthcare provider for evaluation and advice.

It is important for everyone to continue to follow the guidelines for hand washing, physical distancing, self-monitoring and

self-isolating shared by provincial and municipal governments to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our most vulnerable populations.

Together, we can make a positive difference in our community by reducing the spread.

The current guidelines at the Lloydminster Hospital remain in place until otherwise notified.

These guidelines, which were effective April 29, include cohorting patients in separate units in the hospital.

COVID-19 patients will continue to be admitted to the Lloydminster Hospital and non-COVID-19 patients requiring admission may be diverted to

another hospital.

Key emergency department, emergency surgical and obstetrical services remain available at the hospital, and the public is reminded to access emergency and obstetrical services at the Lloydminster Hospital when required.

Visitor restrictions remain in effect as they are for all Saskatchewan health facilities.

The health and safety of patients and the employees who care for them is of utmost importance to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and keeping the people we serve and our employees and physicians healthy and safe is paramount to the work we do each and every day.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

LloydMall welcomes shoppers FROM PAGE 1

“It’s not worth it for our food-court tenants to be open right now because there is nowhere for people to sit and eat, and a big part of coming to the mall, for many people, is getting something to eat, and my seniors want to come and have their cup of coffee and visit,” she said.

“Those kinds of things will help bring back more of that normalcy, and hopefully it doesn’t take too long.”

Some businesses throughout Lloyd have yet to receive their necessary PPE and cannot reopen quite yet, something LloydMall retailers are familiar with.

“We have maybe 50 per cent of stores open this week, and we are hoping to see more open as we go,” she said. “We’re posting that information on our social media pages, but things are changing

every day.”

For the time being, the mall will open daily at noon, a message Richer explained is important for the health and safety of shoppers and mall employees.

“We’ve been in the city for 47 years and we really want to remind everyone to shop local, support local, whether that’s us at the mall or another local business.”

Richardson’s Jewellery, a business that has served as a gleaming staple in the community for many years, was over the moon to welcome customers back to their counters on Tuesday.

“We missed seeing people; talking to people, and it’s great to be able to say ‘welcome back’,” said manager Matt Fisher.

“I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots of people who have been waiting to get their watch fixed

just like there are many people who are excited to get a hair cut.

“If they’ve missed a special event, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, we’re here to help them celebrate that the way they were meant to be celebrated.”

As PPE arrives, more LloydMall retailers will continue to reopen, but with safety being top of mind, slow and steady is what’s going to win this race.

Editor’s Note - During my 15-minute walk through LloydMall on Tuesday, the overall sense of positivity and high morale from staff, and especially on-duty security, was palpable, and I commend everyone involved on their hard work thus far.

As one security guard said to me with a bright smile, “We’ll get through this together, so let’s all stay positive.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

5

6

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

What’s sense got to do with it?

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

“I like collecting sticks,” the little boy responded, after turning his head to one side and tapping a thoughtful finger on his chin.

The children had been asked what their favourite outdoor activity was, and we’d received the usual answers: riding bikes, playing with friends, visiting the playground. This was

unexpected.

“Sticks hey?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he replied carelessly, “but not so much anymore since Mom told me I had too many damn sticks. She says the backyard is full of ‘em.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice confidingly, “I got a lot of sticks.”

I hid my smile, but got thinking later about my own youthful outdoor activities.

I used to like cycling and lately have taken it up again, in order to

stave off obesity during this pandemic.

It’s been good.

Daughter Aliyah and I pedal down our road in the crisp evening air discussing everything from Shakespeare to Charolais cattle. (Okay, we don’t really discuss cows. I threw that in to please Dad.) On our latest excursion, I told her of a bike ride, taken years ago with my brother Bill.

He’s five years younger than me, yet we were inseparable.

Of course, as the oldest, I took the lead when it came to important decisions.

Stuff like whether to: swing on the corral gates (after we’d been expressly forbidden), climb on the stack of square hay bales (also prohibited), or cross the creek on a raft made from an elderly tire tube and a hunk of rotting plywood. Often—alright— usually, these choices ended in disaster.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

What’s sense got to do it with cont.

FROM PAGE 6

But I digress. One afternoon, when I was about 12, we found ourselves pedalling far from home. Dad was fixing fence in a far pasture and we meant to surprise him.

Refreshments, consisting of a thermos of coffee and a roughlymade peanut butter and honey sandwich, jangled in my metal bike basket.

Laughing, we rounded the bend

beside a thick poplar bluff and gazed down the road ahead.

YIKES! Trotting toward us was an insignificant animal with a powerful presence. A skunk. He stopped, we stopped— the whole world stopped as we eyed one another not 10 feet apart.

From the corner of my mouth, I hissed, “When I give the word, drop your bike and run.”

Likewise, Bill addressed me sideways, his lips barely moving, “Wouldn’t it make more sense to ride our …”

“NOW,” I hollered as my bicycle clattered to the turf and I sprinted away. Still doubting this wisdom was Bill, running close behind.

Perhaps similarly questioning my sanity was the skunk, who also took his leave, but with far less drama.

“I still think we

shoulda ridden our bikes home,” Bill grumbled from a nearby hill as we paused to pant. “And what about Dad’s lunch?”

It was a reasonable question, but one I wasn’t prepared to entertain until that evening when our irri-

tated father returned from the field.

“It’s bad enough you kids can’t take care of your things at home, but now I find your bicycles tossed into the middle of a road half a mile away! What are you playing at?”

Aliyah snickered as I relayed the tale. “You

7

weren’t a very sensible kid were you,” she said.

It’s true of course, but when you’re young, what’s sense got to do with it?

To follow Helen or purchase her book, visit myprairiewool.com

PAGE 8 Thursday, May 21, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Sports Editor Jamie Harkins sports@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Leeway from Lloyd Demand for oil to rebound STAFF WRITER

Marketing Consultant Catherine Kruining catherine@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca

Publisher Reid Keebaugh Production Manager Amanda Richard Classified advertising admin@meridiansource.ca Newspaper delivery If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

2017

GEOFF LEE

Anyone who thinks the oil and gas sector is dead needs a reality check. Two of those people would be the leaders of the Green Party and the Bloc Quebecois, who voiced that thought a couple of weeks ago.

I first wrote about it last week, but I thought I would add meat and potatoes to the pro-oil argument.

As the economy re-opens worldwide, more people will be travelling by car instead of taking public transit to their destination. There may not be as many people driving to work, bu t t he gas-gu zzling f amily vehicle will be the transportation method of choice until the threat goes away.

Traffic jams are already

returning to parts of China where COVID-19 was first reported. Driving a vehicle is the safest way to maintain social distancing on a commute or a vacation.

We’ve already seen prices gradually rise at the pumps, verifying the demand for gasoline is picking up.

It may not be long be fore the oversupply of oil begins to level out as long as producing countries keep production volumes low.

The Saudis and the Russians aren’t making any money with their “flood the market” strategy, thinking it would kill off competition from the U.S. All that’s done is shoot themselves in their own proverbial feet financially.

As for the Greens and the Bloc in Canada, they may not want to know oil and gas have been Canada’s most valuable

exports, worth C$132.2 billion in 2018 while supporting 530,000 jobs across the country and tipping $8 billion in revenue to governments.

All of the food and medical supplies being shipped across the country during COVID-19 is by trucks and rail fuelled by gas or diesel.

The innovation Canada has seen during the pandemic will carry over to the oil and gas sector with new emissionsreductions technology needed in order to secure capital funding. The Greens and the Bloc though, seem to prefer dirty oil imported from the dictatorship of Saudi Arabia than helping to build our economy.

Honk if you see Green Party leader Elizabeth May cycling to Parliament from Vancouver Island on one of those oilbased asphalt highways that connect us!

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

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

9

10

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

New location, even more possibilities at Geordie’s

I

n the market for that perfect kitchen that suits your lifestyle and personality to a T, but also want the piece of mind that, if the big-box guys can’t build it, someone local and trusted can?

Well, you’re in luck, as Geordie’s Cabinets, Millwork & More is currently in the middle of their annual Spring Reno Sale and are excited to welcome clients to their new showroom.

The newly-redesigned and larger showroom, located just southeast of town on Range Rd 3274 where Signs-By-Gene used to be, gives owner, Jonathan Mark, roughly 1,000 sq. ft. more real estate to work with.

“The showroom is bigger at this location and we’re going to have two more kitchens on display,” said Mark, who purchased the business in 2010.

“Having more space and more on display

is great because most people need to see things visually before they can imagine it and it sparks an idea.

That’s also why we have designers. They can turn those ideas into reality for the client.”

“

The showroom is bigger at this location and we’re going to have two more kitchens on display.

Geordie’s took possession of the building at the end of February, and after some renovations to the office, began to move into their new digs in the middle of March.

“Our lease was up where we were at, and the opportunity came up to have this building,” he said.

Jonathan Mark, owner of Geordie’s Cabinets, Millwork & More, pictured in the new showroom. Supplied Photo “We have a little more space, inside and outside, and it’s nice that there’s not as much vehicle traffic and noise out here.”

Aside from a new shiny showroom, Geordie’s is also ramped up and excited for their 6th Annual Spring Reno Sale, on now until June 21.

“It’s a sale on kitchens,” he said.

“If you put a deposit down on your new kitchen before the end of the sale you don’t have to get it right away, which many people like the option of doing.”

The sky is the limit when it comes to your kitchen. If you can think it, they can make

it happen.

“We build-to-fit, which gives us a bit of a leg up on the big-box stores,” said Mark.

“If you have something in mind, take a look around and see what you like. Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean that’s what you need to have ... white is popular

right now, but we have options such as rustic hickory, and a couple summers ago we did six kitchens in a row like that.

“We’re not restricted to Lloydminster either, we travel, and last summer a couple of our installers basically lived at Turtle Lake.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Anyway you want it FROM PAGE 10

Geordie’s 35-plusyear history in the Bo rde r C i t y h a s g a rnered a healthy amount of repeat business through word of mouth, a testament to Mark and his team’s commitment to customer service.

Not in the market for a complete overhaul?

No problem, Geordie’s is here to help.

“We do a lot of restoration work, which has been keeping us busy,” he said.

“We work with all of the restoration companies in town, so if there’s a flood or a fire and cabinets need to be rebuilt, they call us.

“If the client needs new cabinets but still wants to use the original doors, we can make that happen. So it’s new on the inside but it matches on the outside.”

When it comes to what’s hot and what’s not, trends are con-

File Photo stantly changing, but the interior design team at Geordie’s does its best to stay ahead of the game.

“White is still popular, but we’re seeing a lot of those darker colours coming back.

Grey is still really strong, but blue is the new ‘wow’ colour,” said in-house Interior Cabinet Designer Nadine Torresan.

Despite the world standing still for the past two months, Mark explained not a day has gone by where there’s no work to be done.

“We want people to be aware we’ve moved,”

said Mark.

“Before COVID hit we were starting to really ramp things up for the new location, and COVID gave us a bit of a breather where we could put things on hold and get everything moved over before starting to work again … and people were still going to the old shop thinking we had closed because it was empty. We’re still open and ready to serve our clients.

“You’ll see the (SignsBy-Gene) cat face on the side of the building and know you’re in the right place.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

11

12

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Green-thumb inspiration sprouts from self isolation

I

n the wake of COVID-19, Home Hardware Building Centre was preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.

Deemed an essential service, the familyowned and operated business was thrilled to continue serving the community and is seeing some new trends flowering from within their garden centre.

“We started seeing

an increase in seeds specifically,” said coowner and Garden Centre manager, Sarah Rurka. “Anything from seeds, seed-starter mix, learning how to grow them, you name it. We also saw more interest in house plants, which was different from the past, but I think people were looking for a sign of life that’s beautiful and relaxing inside their homes, so we had

early signs it was going to be a good season for gardening.”

Since customers weren’t as active in the store, a trend of “doing things from home” was apparent, and personally knowing the satisfaction of watching something grow, Rurka couldn’t help but smile.

“People are doing those projects at home and want their backyards to look lovely.

They want to feel good in their backyard, and putting up patio furniture and planting the garden is a great place to start,” she said. “I also don’t think people realize garden centres are food security.

Greenhouses are growing food, and we have seen so many food-supply issues throughout the world, so I think people are taking comfort knowing they have a patch of potatoes, tomatoes or leafy greens growing.

“It feels good to do that, and it’s also very rewarding.”

Ask the expert and she’ll tell you to start small and plant what you love.

“My first garden, I planted potatoes and sunflowers. That’s it.

Both are so easy and so rewarding,” she said.

“French fries and baked potatoes all winter!”

Rurka also pointed out it’s not too late in the season to get your

Home Hardware Building Centre co-owner and Garden Centre Manager, Sarah Rurka.

Supplied Photo garden flourishing.

“It’s the perfect time to start,” she said.

“The great thing about the garden centre is it feels like renewal, hope, and it’s almost like a rebirth. Everyone is respecting social distancing and the customers have been great,

but there’s just a highsoothing-vibe in the garden centre that’s hard not to see.

“I think it’s exactly what people needed, and they’re now seeing and reaping the benefits, especially related to mental health, of gardening.”

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Ready for your next big at-home project?

T

he planning process is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation project, and with physical distancing keeping us indoors, now’s the time to dream big and get ready.

Whether it’s a basement makeover, a pool addition or even building a new house from scratch, here are some tips to get started.

Factor in your lifestyle. Think about your priorities and lifestyle – do you work from home without a proper home office? Do you enjoy cooking and entertaining? Is your backyard living up to its potential as an extension of your home?

Asking these kinds of questions can help you determine the most beneficial focus for your next project.

Educate yourself.

Take advantage of this extra time you have to learn about materials, processes and new

innovations.

You can make smarter purchasing decisions by finding out the answers to key questions, such as: Is this material mould-resistant? How long will it last? Is this a passing fad or will it stand the test of time?

Consider sustainability. Products and materials that reduce your carbon footprint don’t just help the planet – they’re often better for your wallet, too.

When doing your research, look for energy-efficient appliances, windows, walls and more to build a greener home that will last longer and save you money in the long run.

Disaster-proof your design. The pandemic has taught us that sometimes the worst can happen.

From natural disasters to fires and flooding, we need our homes to offer as much protection as possible.

Whether you’re plan-

ning an extension to your home, pools and spas for your backyard or a custom-built home, insulated concrete forms from Nudura are a smart investment.

An eco-friendly alternat ive t o t rad it i o nal mat erials like wood , ICFs are disaster resilient, designed to withstand wind, fire, tornados and more.

Budget for smart splurges and savings.

Budgeting is one of the most important parts of the planning process because you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely.

You’ll want to splurge on items that will boost your property value, like energy-efficient features, creating more living space and a solid foundation.

Upcycling and repurposing furniture, DIYing simpler projects like painting, and spending more on nicer hardware but less on cabinets are clever ways to save.

13

File Photo

14

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Clean air, at home

W

File Photo

hen there are kids in the house, cleaning is a yearround chore. And parents are always looking for the best ways to keep their home safe while looking and smelling fresh.

To keep your home and family safe when using cleaning products, consider these smart and practical tips.

oils that are toxic or irritating, or that can cause allergic reactions when inhaled or when they contact skin.

Whether you’re using natural, DIY products or consumer products, always make sure to read the label and ensure there are no ingredients in there that you know can irritate you or your family members.

Mother nature’s irritants In some cases, DIY or natural products are not always safer than products made in a lab. Many plants naturally produce

Keep your home well ventilated Just as pollutants get trapped inside a closed-up home, so can odours. Regularly opening your win-

dows for short periods of time each day can greatly improve the scent of your home and air circulation by airing out those nasty smells.

When you can’t get rid of those pesky cooking smells Certain odours linger – they are mysterious and often a combination of cooking aromas that get trapped and become stale.

Thanks to the science behind Febreze and the simple ingredients in it, it’s a great option for clearing away odours and leaving your home smelling fresh.

Inside Out Home & Garden

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

15

16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Leave it to Weaver Thanks, readers, from me to you!

EDITOR Taylor Weaver

If you’ve made it this far in your (hopefully) weekly read of the Meridian Source, congratulations; up next, Sports!

Your scheduled re-run of “Let’s see what others have to complain about on Facebook today” will continue shortly.

Since I don’t have a ton of real estate for a column this week, and I figured Geoff’s thoughts on the return of oil and gas was more interesting than another weekly fitness update from yours truly, I felt the urge to express my gratitude to all of you, our dedicated readers, for your continued support and warm wishes.

If you’re a consistent reader of my

column, you may have noticed a pattern of me trying to find the positive when many would see a negative, and that isn’t changing today.

But today, I write about YOU finding the positive in something easily perceived as negative. Hearing comments along the lines of “keep doing what you’re doing” and “we love picking up the paper every week” is what keeps us going.

The newspaper industry can sometimes be somewhat of a thankless business for those with ink coursing through their veins, so from all of us at the Meridian Source, whether it’s sales staff, graphics, or us crazy writers, thank you for sticking around.

You keep doing what you’re doing, we’ll keep doing what we’re doing, and my hope is, we all come out of this a little different, for the better.

Until next week.

20054pm0

PAGE 17 Thursday, May 21, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

PWM Steelers introduce 2020-21 coaching staff

Dean MacArthur Supplied Photo JAMIE HARKINS

WRITER

..................................

Four of hockey’s biggest supporters are planning to spend this fall and winter giving back to the game that has given them so much.

The Lloydminster PWM midget AAA Steelers are welcoming head coach Morgan Mann along with assistants Dean MacArthur, Larissa Scott and Annette Jensen to the bench in 2020-21.

Mann, a U-Sport and

Annette Jensen Supplied Photo

Allan Cup senior AAA national champion, is taking on the role after spending the past three seasons as either a head or assistant coach with the bantam elite and PWM Steelers.

“I think hockey is the greatest game in the world,” said Mann, who has worked as a school teacher and rancher in the Lloydminster area for the past 25 years.

“It’s an absolute privilege to coach this wonderful game to young people who are committed, work hard and give so much of themselves to play this sport at the highest levels they can.”

Mann described MacArthur as a firstclass individual who possesses high energy and a positive attitude.

He said the fourthyear Steelers assistant connects with young people and brings the best out of them

through a no-excuses philosophy towards work and the game.

Scott spent the past three years as team trainer for the Steelers as well as the three male elite teams, noted Mann, before expressing an interest to coach this season.

He added the onetime Red Deer College Queens player strives to help kids reach their pot e nt ial in t he gy m and on the ice, making her one of the first people thought of to bring in.

Jensen is set to move to the Border City after serving the past two years as the bench boss of the Sherwood Park bantam elite Royals, where she captured Alberta Female Hockey League coach of the year honours in 2019-20.

The head coaching duties came on the heels of two playing seasons and five years of work as an assistant coach with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Trojans women’s hockey team.

“We’re always looking to expand our coaching personnel here, especially on the female side,” said Mann, noting it took a lot of work, conversations and selling by various people involved with the Steelers to convince Jensen to

come their way.

“We want to be part of promoting strong female coaches in the game of hockey. I think it’s important for the girls in our community and in our Steelers program that we help those coaches grow.”

Larissa Scott Supplied Photo Mann said the Hockey Canada shutdown and future uncertainty created by the COVID-19 scare has had a tremendous effect on their preparations for the upcoming year.

He said there are a lot of rumours swirling around right now about start dates for the season to playing without fans in t he st and s t o having no contests at all, but their focus remains to try and prepare the best they can.

“There has been a lot of work at recruiting and trying to entice some girls to give Lloydminster a

chance,” he said. “We just have to plan as if hockey will start in the

fall and take the decisions that are made as they come.”

18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Not a fan of playing sports without fans SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

Let’s talk about motivation this week dear readers.

The professional sporting world, led by the UFC and golf, is moving to

contests played without fans. The NBA, NHL and MLB are expected to follow suit some time this summer.

I’m not sure what the idea is with the NFL, but I also don’t really care. Personally, I prefer the CFL where play-

ing without fans in the stands isn’t something the league can consider.

Baseball in South Korea has already started on the concept using banners of fan pictures hung throughout the parks, a Zoom conference on the scoreboard that allows people to connect with and cheer on the players, as well as the regular game features of bringing cheerleaders in and continuing with the emceeing and music. A Canadian player competing in the Korean pro league, Jamie Romak, notes the features help build a game-like atmosphere, but the usual excitement is still lacking.

Hub cities where multiple teams can be brought in with their respective players secluded from their families and the world at large for weeks or months at a time is the going bet right now for the NBA and NHL. The Toronto Blue Jays will likely play out of their

spring training facility in Dunedin, Fla., this summer with travel to opposing parks still on the table as of this writing.

A couple players, including Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum and Montreal Canadiens centre Phillip Danault, have already publicly voiced their opposition to the idea, citing the long time away from families along with safety concerns. Some commentators, including Postmedia’s Scott Simmons, have said athletes can help us heal if they agree to the new reality.

I like sports a lot.

However, putting people at risk to work unnecessarily while at the same time separating them from their families and loved ones isn’t something I can get behind.

Live entertainment being deemed a necessity to help us heal is a pretty weak argument.

The best thing I’ve come across in entertainment these past two months is Satur-

day Night Live at Home.

Sorry, I don’t have Netflix so haven’t seen The Last Dance. But, unlike the prevailing idea in sports, SNL didn’t resort to corralling all their comedians in one safe haven for a month or two to make a few episodes.

The great thing about playoffs and championship finals, which the NBA and NHL were nearing, is the determination shown by each player to reach their goals while also providing enjoyment for their fans. The best and most motivated players step up in the biggest contests.

On a local level, Bobcats wing Kobe Walker proved this point a couple of seasons ago when he scored a hat trick in front of 1,200 screaming kids during Hockey Hooky Day. A championship wasn’t on the line, but the chance to create a lasting memory for young people was.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berba-

tov said the performance of some players could be negatively affected by the lack of fans in attendance and resulting game-like atmosphere.

The World of Psychology states that social facilitation is the term u s e d t o d e s c r i be t h e effects on performance, positive or negative, that can be attributed to the presence of others. It goes on to describe two types of social facilitation, which are audience effects, involving the presence of spectators while completing a task, and co-action effects, the impact of having others involved in the same enterprise.

I could be wrong, and that’s a daily and pretty much hourly occurrence, but it doesn’t seem like games played by isolated competitors in stadiums without fans can match up to the real thing. I’d probably tune in to check it out, but the hardship and risks felt by players seem to outweigh the perceived benefits.

PAGE 19 Thursday, May 21, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Sask celebrates female entrepreneurs MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

As part of Women Entrepreneurs Week, May 17-23, the Saskatchewan government is recognizing the province’s 33,300 female business owners for their contributions to the economy and labour market.

“

Saskatchewan women have built familiar brands and created markets across North America.

One in every eight women employed in Saskatchewan runs her own business, which in the province, puts female entrepreneurship above the national average and fourth highest among provinces.

“Saskatchewan women have built familiar brands and created markets across North America,” said Minister responsible for the Status of Women Tina Beaudry-Mellor.

“As we emerge from COVID-19 restrictions, I encourage residents,

as they look to support local businesses, to also look for ways to support women-led businesses who make significant contributions to the Saskatchewan economy.”

Throughout Women Entrepreneurs Week, the Status of Women Office will profile Saskatchewan businesswomen and their creativity, innovation and resiliency.

The office also congratulates the membership-driven Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan for 25 years of supporting and building community with business advice, financing, training and mentoring.

“Women Entrepreneurs Week is a time to recognize the many Saskatchewan females who have worked hard to start their own businesses, while creating jobs and opportunities for others,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“Their resiliency during this unprecedented time truly shows these businesses continue to play a role in contributing to the province’s

File Photo economy and enhancing the quality of life for all.”

To support local businesses and their employees during COVID-19, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the $1 million “Together We Stand” initiative on May 1. Funding will be used

by Chambers of Commerce across the prov-

ince to encourage residents to shop local.

The province also implemented the $50 million Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment on April 9, to provide grants to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises that temporarily closed or substantially curtailed their opera-

tions as a result of public health orders related to COVID-19.

This program has been extended for the month of May. Details on busi-

ness supports can be found on the Government of Saskatchewan website or by contacting the province’s Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688.

PAGE 20 Thursday, May 21, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

Houses For rent SK house for rent - 1 bedroom & loft No parties/smoking - want older mature financially stable. $850.00/mo & DD Call 1-306-830-7210 text preferred

Classifieds

auctions

Feed & seed

AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc.

Free Delivery! Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

Feed & seed

land For sale

legal notices

notices PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

real estate

For rent

Feed & seed

Large home for sale in Saskatoon. Quiet central neighborhood. 8 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2800 sq. ft. Plus additional 900 sq. ft. unfinished basement. 2 car garage. Asking $443,000. Call 306-2208523 for details.

employment opportunities

agriculture

HealtH / Fitness

miscellaneous

CLASSIFIED ADS 1 for $15 or 2 for $25

*Based on 20 words additional words 15¢ each Prices do not include GST

Follow us on Social Media

notices

Advertise your classified in this space.

Call 306-825-5111

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association's Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Obituaries & Memoriams Call to place your Memoriam or Obituary.

306-825-5111

Church Directory

MERIDIAN SOURCE

21

22

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Local Business Directory

Celebrations

Share your jubilations, love and best wishes in the Meridian Source newspaper.

Call 306-825-5111 To celebrate the happenings in your life.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 Your self-esteem will get a boost after you accomplish something you didn’t think was possible. This will help you uncover a new talent. Your family may impose some unnecessary stress.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 You’ll spend a good part of the week at home, either painting a wall or taking care of other pressing repairs. You might make a last-minute decision to move.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 You won’t keep your opinions to yourself this week. If you know something others don’t, you’ll have trouble staying quiet about it. You might let a secret slip out.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 This is an excellent time to start thinking more seriously about buying or selling a property. You’ll soon realize you have the means to make this dream a reality.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 You’ll feel like you’re being pushed around this week. Luckily, you’ll be able to reach out to people and get things sorted. People will finally return your calls.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 Your imagination will be in overdrive. You’ll start to create a masterpiece and see a show or exhibit that deeply moves you.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Your social life will be particularly busy this week. All your friends will want to spend time with you. You’ll attend a few large gatherings where there will always be someone to talk to.

LEO July 23 – August 22 You may start your own business. At the very least, you’ll take a huge step toward an executive position at your current job. Once you settle in, you may enjoy this new position until you retire.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 Someone will confide in you or you’ll discover a secret. Perhaps you’ll decipher a message in another language or a cryptic comment made by your partner.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 Your emotions will run high this week, but you may only cry tears of joy. One of your children will accomplish something that moves you, even if it’s something small.

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 Put your emotions to the side while you negotiate something important. You’ll also have to respect rules and regulations carefully to avoid problems.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 – December 21 You’ll have a mountain of work to do and no time to relax. Plus, you may not feel very well.

You’ll need some rest before you feel like yourself again.

SUDOKU May 14 Answers

May you touch dragonflies & stars, dance with fairies & talk to the moon. Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our May you grow up with love & gracious hearts & people who care.

Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Welcome to the world little one. It’s been waiting for you!

Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

23

24

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 21, 2020

HOME

AWESOMENESS

INGENUITY

FEATURED LISTINGS - 6 AVENUE BRIGHTSAND LAKE PARADISE HILL Have a Safe• Updated and215 Happy & nicely maintained one owner home.

V ictoria Day• Well Long Weekend! treed double lot with beautiful TH

NEW PRICE 807 BRIGHTSAND CRESCENT • Nestled amoungst pine & aspen, a perfect place to relax!

59,500

$

214,500

SK

MLS 66537

MLS 66545

SK

105,000

$

MLS 66335

NEW LISTINGS

Our office remains CLOSED to the public but we are still here for you!

REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 780-875-3343

3802 - 41A AVENUE

• Well planned 3 bed Sask. side home with beautiful kitchen featuring white cabinets.

• Large master bedroom is complete with walk-in-closet & ensuite. $

455,000

SK

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

MLS 66540

SK

$

534,900 MLS 64733

AB

$

AB

$

5903 - 23RD STREET

ALBERTA 2917–51 Ave

1 bed, 1 bath

$600

READY!

5675–43 St.

1 bed, 1 bath

$800

READY!

3315–51 Ave

2 bed, 1 bath

$800

READY!

3007–57A Ave

1 bed, 1 bath

$850

READY!

2917–51 Ave

2 bed, 1 bath

$900

READY!

3009–57A Ave

1 bed, 1 bath

$875

READY!

3002-56 Ave

3 bed, 1 bath

$850

4109-69 Ave

1 bed, 1 bath

$1000 READY!

2-5202-49 St.

2 bed, 2 bath

$1150 READY!

5212-48 Street

MARSDEN

• Build your getaway at Brightsand Lake.

perenials, raised garden bed & double detached garage with back alley access. $

SK

EXCELLENCE

• Open & spacious freshly painted 5 bed bungalow located in a quiet cul-de-sac.

• Double heated attached garage with RV parking, fully fenced backyard with deck, patio & 2 garden sheds. $

PARADISE HILL

$1250 READY!

3904-59 Ave Cl

4 bed, 4 bath

$1650

June 1

5601-22 St Cl

3 bed, 4 bath

$1800 READY!

MLS 66524

475,000 MLS 66295

207 - 6TH AVENUE • Affordable living in this solid bungalow on 2 lots in Paradise Hill, SK. • Single detached garage with back alley access.

135,000

$

SK

MLS 66539

4507 - 47

TH

READY!

3 bed, 2 bath

399,900

AB

STREET

• Great potential in this affordable home on large lot with back alley access.

• Mother in law suite in basement with separate entrance.

324,900 MLS 65536

PENDING

134,500

$

SK

MLS 66542

MULTI UNIT

AB

$

219,900 MLS 66118

SK

$

ST. WALBURG

APPLY ONLINE TODAY coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

AB

529,900 MLS 65628

$

MAINTENANCE FREE

AB

294,000

$

Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

MLS 66017

SK

$

244,900

MLS 66115

SK

229,900

$

374,500 MLS 64403

$

185,000 MLS 65620

CONDO LIVING

GRANDVIEW ESTATES

BRAEHILL

THE PINES

SK

MLS 66030

CORNERSTONE

AB

214,900

$

Jennifer Gilbert Associate Broker

MLS 65751

THE MADISSON

AB

$

179,900

Rick Schesnuk Realtor®

MLS 66053

Judy Bexson Realtor®

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Pattie Todd Associate Broker

Sandy Hardy Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Caleb McLean Realtor®

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty