Meridian Source - November 25, 2021 by Meridian Source

Thursday, November 25, 2021

VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 22

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SEE PAGES 15-18 FOR OUR SPECIAL BLACK FRIDAY PULLOUT SECTION SEE INSERTS FOR YOUR COPY OF THE 2021 CITY OF LLOYDMINSTER WINTER GUIDE

Firefighters hone road-rescue skills GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Crews from the Lloydminster Fire Department and fo ur o t h e r area departments found themselves between a rock and a hard place at Action Towing on the weekend. Their skills were to be put to the test to safely and quickly determine how to extricate dummy passengers from small vehicles in mock collisions with heavy equipment. “We’re doing heavy equipment rescue realworld training. It’s training that involves big equipment, heavy equipment—tanker trucks and semis involved with passenger vehicles,” said Lloyd’s assistant fire chief, Bill Heesing, on Saturday. “We’re learning how to extricate people when heavy equipment or big trucks are involved in accidents.” Several other Lloydminster firefighters were taking medical first response training at the Servus Sports Centre as part of a twoday 20-hour course. “It’s a busy week-

end for training and it’s important that we keep up our skills, whether it’s outside in the elements doing extrication training or inside doing medical training,” said Heesing. The outside training was facilitated by Bill McCombs, CEO of Trans-Care Rescue Ltd. in Langham Sask., that supplied the specialized equipment including airbags, rescue struts and cribbing. “This is teaching students how to deal with heavy trucking that’s involved with cars and how to extricate people from these situations,” said McCombs, who is also the fire chief in Langham. “It requires a lot more stabilization and lifting. It’s a lot heavier equipment to deal with. It’s a little bit different than a regular car accident.” Three different crash scenarios were staged in Action’s yard, including one to look like a water tank had driven over a small vehicle with a passenger trapped inside. The other two involved a vehicle that rear-ended a school bus and a rollover of a con-

tainer truck on top of a small car. Firefighting teams from Lloydminster, Legacy, Britannia, the C o u n t y o f Ve r m i l i o n River and first responders from Lloydminster Search and Rescue worked on assigned scenarios. “So we get to try different Jaws of Life, different cribbing and struts. We’re using various equipment that we may not have the opportunity to use ‘at home,’” said Heesing. Lloydminster firefighters are responsible for all vehicle extractions within city limits. “There are 18 of us doing training today in the November winter weather. It gives us the ability to do this when things happen. Accidents usually happen when it’s cold and never good weather,” added Heesing. McCombs says teamwork and command are really important in reallife situations too. “That’s one of the things this is teaching these people. Somebody has to take command; somebody has to make decisions and they have to be done in a timely manner,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Firefighters from five Lloydminster and area departments practised vehicle extrication skills over the weekend using heavy vehicle wrecks in Action Towing’s yard. The two-day course was facilitated by Trans-Care Rescue in Langham Sask.

He said any accident scene process starts with responders assessing the situation and making decisions based on what’s in front of them. McCombs says there is no one textbook procedure since “there’s probably a thousand different ways” for a semi-truck to collide with a car, and just as many ways to extricate it. “What we’re teaching people is basic skills in how to read the wreck

and make decisions about how they’re going to use the blocking equipment to stabilize the struts, to stabilize the lift or move and airbags to stabilize the lift or move,” he explained. After that he says comes the extrication part, which is the cutting and the spreading with specialized tools. McCombs says the concept behind group training is to get different departments to work together and pool resources.

He said one department may have the equipment, “but everyo ne e l se ne e d s to be trained because you need the manpower to pull this off, so everybody’s got to work together on this.” He and Heesing also gave a shout-out to Action Towing for opening their yard and heavy vehicle wrecks for the training. “You just can’t get support like that in a lot of places. It’s great,” said McCombs.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Fort Pitt rents ‘ghost’ kitchen GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Michelle Benning is allowing herself to become a foodie as a business partner at Fort Pitt Developments Inc. Her interest in food has grown since the Lloydminster property developer began renting the two commercial kitchens in the former Harvest to Home retail space to entrepreneurial cooks. “Today, we have 10 different food vendors renting various days of the week,” said Benning, who rents the kitchen on a per-day use. “We’ve had 35 kitchen rental days in November.” Benning says the place runs like a business incubator or ‘ghost kitchen’ as she calls it, without the risk. “It’s easy for them to focus on learning their craft without the financial investment of building their own commercial kitchen until they’re ready to take that step,” she explained. The ghost kitchen came to light during Benning’s personal and professional story she shared with Rotary Club of Lloydminster members as a Monday lunch speaker and an initiation exercise. She joined the club in July, preferring their noon meetings to the breakfast gatherings of Border City Rotary, which she joined in 1999 after moving to Lloydminster. “Rotary has been fantastic. Initially, I joined Rotary as a way to meet people when I came to Lloydminster to get

involved in the business community,” explained Benning. “They’ve become my friends; they’ve become my mentors and—just super strong connection through Rotary through business.” Benning is a chartered accountant (CA) who teamed up with twin brothers Kory and Kelly Rogers and Ryan Sawatzky in 2007 to create the Fort Pitt property development company, originally called Crowbar Developments. They saw an opportunity to buy development land behind Walmart on the west side of 70 Ave. with Investors Group being the first tenant at what is called West 70 Station. “At the time in Lloydminster, there was a shortage of retail and commercial space,” said Benning. Fort Pitt has gone on to develop East 70 Station, including Motion Fitness. The company has a customer portfolio of 18 businesses and 75,000 sq. ft. of leasable space. Benning does all aspects of business with Fort Pitt and says her interest as a CA is more strategic and operational. “The numbers tell the story. I am very good at the analytical side of things,” she said. Benning thinks many small businesses in Lloydminster are able to pivot and come out stronger when times get tough as they have during COVID-19. “What I’ve seen in Lloydminster over the

past year and a half particularly, the summer of 2020 is just a tremendous amount of resilience, perseverance, hard work, creativity— just determination they were going to succeed,” she said. Fort Pitt showed that too, with the kitchen rentals to assist potential startup food businesses that do their marketing on social media. “Most of them don’t know much about business, but they know a lot about their particular product. What we see now is the evolution of their business,” said Benning. She says that shows the strength of entrepreneurs in Lloyd. “We have one kitchen producer currently working on a storefront and I fully expected

they will be 100 per cent full-time in their own business, probably within the next month,” said Benning. Benning also has her work/life balance down pat as someone who loves travel and

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

New Rotary Club of Lloydminster member, Michelle Benning, was tasked with formally introducing herself at the Monday lunch meeting.

adventure. “I lead a very active life with my two boys

(Jack and Ben), she said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

Christmas Craft Fair wows crowd TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Whether it was homemade artisan goods, a new pair of mukluks or outdoor space heaters, this past weekend’s Christmas Craft Fair and Chamber Expo had something for everyone. The fair took place from Nov. 19-21 at the Lloydminster Exhibition, and after last year’s show was cancelled due to COVID19, celebrating the 33rd annual fair was a feelgood for many. Hosted by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce, this year’s Lloyd Loves Local marketing campaign was also a hit. “It feels so good to be back and doing this,” said Serena Sjodin, executive director of the Lloyd chamber. “We’ve been talking with a lot of our event

partners in the community and this event feels very positive for the event industry because a lot of other community events are watching to see how this can be done. How can it done? And, can it be done safely. So, I think us proving this can be done safely with everybody masking, following the vaccine protocol or proof of negative test, will really spin-off a lot of community events in the coming months.”

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We’re challenging everyone to shop local over the Christmas holidays, and local can mean different things to different people.

By the numbers, Sjodin noted the fair saw 3,000 people through the door on Friday and even more on Saturday. Last week, Sjodin actually challenged the entire community to shop local during a Rotary Club of Lloydminster luncheon, and after speaking with the Source on Sunday, it would appear the community listened. “The shopping local is going fantastic, and we

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Staff from The Soup Company were dressed to impress on Sunday as they kept the lines moving inside the Lloyd Ex during the 33rd annual Christmas Craft Fair.

also launched our lloydmarket.ca, which is our online, e-commerce, shop-online store, and in conjunction with that we’re running a Lloyd Loves Local marketing campaign,” she said. “We’re challenging everyone to shop local over the Christmas holidays, and local can mean different things to different people. Local c an me an h and mad e crafters, which are your small businesses, but local can also mean supporting local businesses, supporting Alberta businesses, and supporting Canadian businesses. All of these vendors here are local in the sense they’re all Canadian companies, and I think it’s important to support your neighbours, support your friends, support the average person.”

GHOST KITCHEN FROM PAGE 5

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Her fun pursuits include RVing, mountain biking, downhill skiing and travel including a memorable trip to India in 2015 on a Rotary friendship exchange. “I love to try things and I like to

For Roxane Ueland of Manitoba-based business Pocketlake Furs, this year’s craft fair was a first as she normally attends the show in Saskatoon, which was cancelled due to COVID. “I came to Lloydminster because everyone has always told me this is a great show,” said Ueland. “I’ve always done the show in Saskatoon, which falls on the same weekend, but it was cancelled this year, so I decided to check this one out.” Despite the fact Ueland was hoping for larger crowds comprised of shoppers ready to spend, she explained it was still nice to get out and be a part of the show. “It’s definitely nice to be back out and get to work,” she said. “This is my full-time job.”

cook,” she said. Her volunteering network includes 14 years of past service on the board of the Lloydminster Health Region Foundation and giving her time to an endless list of sports organizations over the years.

Thursday, November 25, 2021

City approves Budget 2022 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Monday, members of city council approved the 2022 Operating Budget with total operating revenue of $72,636,191. With operating expenditures of $110 ,915,9 25 re s ul t ing in municipal taxation levy requirments of $38,354,998 (excluding amortization of $21,672,600) and the 2022 Capital Budget, which has total capital revenues of $74,790,167 to support total costs of $74,790,167. Administration has proposed a 3.5 per cent increase in the municipal tax levy and utility levy increase of

4 per cent. The 2022 Budget was developed in alignment with one of council’s strategic priorities of good governance. The City aims to strike a balance between supporting the evolving community needs and delivering essential programs and service levels amidst the continuous challenges of COVID-19. At the Nov. 10 Governance & Priorities Committee meeting, the first draft of the 2022 Budget was presented to the Committee for their information and comments. A number of recommendations from the meeting are to include the public transporta-

File Photo tion study being incorporated into the 2022 budget and it is being presented to council for approval in accordance with Section 186(1) and Section 189 of the Lloydminster Charter. At any time during a budget year, council can amend the operat-

ing or capital budget by way of resolution. Amendments to the 2022 Operating and Capital Budget may still occur prior to the passing of a Tax Rate Bylaw by council. In principle, council accepted the 10-year capital plan.

City renews Discover Lloydminster agreement MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Council approved the City of Lloydminster’s renewal of the Discover Lloydminster brand lease on Monday, and will enter into a threeyear agreement with Red Bicycle Communications at an annual cost of $30,000 plus GST per year. As part of the 2019 budget, council approved the allocation of funds and the Discover Lloydminster brand lease.

The brand has been used to promote the tourism economy, increase destination exposure, and raise awareness of the attractions, services, and experiential offerings of Lloydminster. The partnership and brand lease allows for sig n ific an t c o st sav ings and creates synergies that promote the community’s assets and stimulate future opportunities. The cost savings are a key benefit to the city,

broadening the City’s reach to new and existing target audiences, increasing market exposure, and extending the City’s tourism mar-

keting and advertising budget significantly, and saving dollars that would be required to build a competing brand.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

Coca-Cola Canada to deliver magic to Lloyd TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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On its maiden voyage from one side of Canada to the other, the Coca-Cola Canada Holiday Truck Tour will be making stops in the Border City. The tour is visiting

communities coast to coast where Coca-Cola Canada Bottling is the local bottler, which is how the Border City was added to the list. Each stop on the tour will give community residents a sense of festive spirit as well

as photo opportunities with Santa and the well-lit truck. The holiday truck is also driving through communities across the country on its way to various stops, so be on the lookout for a big red truck driven by a

friendly man in a shiny red suit. “There has never been a greater need for human connection and interaction than right now. By partnering with Coca-Cola Canada Bottling we hope to inspire a Movement of Togetherness we know Canadians are all so desperately craving,” said Pete Bombaci, founder, The GenWell Project.

The GenWell Project is an organization that exists to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness through the power of human connection by facilitating experiences. The holiday truck will be parked at the Lloydminster Co-op Marketplace from 4-7 p.m. on Dec. 3, with driveby appearances at the Hamptons Square Co-op Gas Bar at noon,

North Stop Co-op Gas Bar at 1 p.m, Ironwells Co-op Gas Bar at 2 p.m. and 18 Street Co-op Gas Bar at 3 p.m. The truck will also be parked at the Lloyd Ex from 2-5 p.m. on Dec. 4. While Santa and his elves prepare the holiday truck, Canadians can visit deliverthemagic.ca for full information on the tour and safety protocols.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Olive Tree busier than Santa GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Olive Tree might take over the Christmas tree as a symbol of Christmas giving in Lloydminster. The volunteer ‘elves’ at the non-profit charity are working flat out this month to prepare to deliver food and gifts for families in need that Santa doesn’t carry in his sleigh. Some of the festive items exclusively supplied by The Olive Tree include food hampers, coats for kids and locally sourced gifts for kids. “November for us is a lot of paperwork and prep work, so when December hits, we can get everything organized and all sent out to the right groups at the right time,” said Becky Schille, executive director of the charity. She says they are a little more organized this year with hampers with last year being a shocker and an unknown with the spread of COVID-19. “It kind of took us out of our routines and our patterns what we thought to expect,” said Schille.

“I think this year, we’ll be very similar to last year, so we’ve planned for the same quantities as last year.” A noticeable positive change this year is the return of volunteers at The Olive Tree. “We’re really happy to have all our volunteer teams back because we really enjoy having them and the camaraderie that comes along with that,” she said. Schille says The Olive Tree runs many seasonal programs including family sponsorships and the Gift of Christmas in partnership with the Catholic and public school divisions, Salvation Army and Real County 95.9. Last year the partnership provided toys to 861 kids in Lloydminster with a similar number to provide for this year. “It’s a lot of amazing community members doing donations and a lot of local businesses, and a lot of wrapping paper,” said Schille. She says her team puts in a lot of overtime in November and December as a labour of love. “There’s a lot of hours

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Geoff Lee Meridian Source

The Olive Tree Thrift Store manager, Darlene Dmyterko, and volunteer Donna Sommerfeld share a laugh in front of a mountain of donated clothing. November is one of the busiest months for the charity getting programs ready for Christmas.

and love that go into the programs that we do and we love doing it. We feel really honoured to be in the position we’re in, to really help so many people,” said Schille. The Olive Tree also caters a seniors’ luncheon, which will be bydelivery this year due to the pandemic. “We’re excited to drop off something special and still see our friends,” said Schille. “The Christmas meal, which is Dec. 22, looks

like that will be a pickup too, but we’re still happy to be able to serve,” said Schille. She says they are short of coats for kids and well-financial donations, so no one goes without. Schille says there are

a lot of items for hampers like milk, eggs and ham that have to be bought fresh and be of the right quality for families receiving them. The hampers will be given out on Dec. 15. “We’re doing five weeks leading up to

Christmas and we are posting one food item that we really need every week leading up to packing the hampers,” said Schille. The desired items will be posted on social media channels to complete the shopping list.

PAGE 10 Thursday, November 25, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Rustlers hockey supports food bank

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

Supplied Photo

Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca

Seeing as how a handful of members of the Lakeland College Kings Energy Group Rustlers Hockey Club volunteer at Grace United Church, the team decided to host a Rustlers Scare Hunger Halloween food drive initiative with their title sponsor, King’s Energy Group. The food drive took place closer to Halloween and the team was proud to be able to deliver a substantial amount of non-perishable to the church.

New policing team to fight drugs,illegal weapons, human trafficking 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. 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

2017

The government of Saskatchewan recently introduced a new polici n g i n i t i a t i v e t o t a rget gang-related criminal activity entering the province through trafficking corridors. The Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) is a specialized intelligence-led enforcement team dedicated to addressing illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking. “The criminal activity that threatens public safety is oftentimes tied to the evolution of organized street gangs,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell. The STRT will be comprised of 30 RCMP officers, six municipal police officers, two criminal analysts, and three support staff, for a total of 41 new permanent positions. STRT will have three offices strategically

located in Lloydminster, Estevan and Swift Current.

These locations were chosen based on their proximity to provin-

cial boundaries and established trafficking corridors.

Church Directory

PAGE 11 Thursday, November 25, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: First responders shine STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

The recent devastating flooding in B.C. and video footage of rescues and evacuations from mudslides and high water put the spotlight on the value of first responders and recovery experts at the community level. Those folks in B.C. were working around the clock as floods, slides, and even strong winds forced thousands from their homes in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. Being a first responder has got to be one of the toughest jobs there is, since almost all of these disasters crews respond to are outdoors in extreme

environments. This past weekend, the Lloydminster Fire Department and area departments took part in an outdoor heavy equipment rescue training exercise at Action Towing/Tiggers Truck Parts on Highway 16. Hats off to these first responders for working their butts off on a cold day when many residents in Lloydminster were enjoying the indoor Christmas Craft Fair at the exhibition grounds. It’s easy to take first responders for granted, until disaster strikes and you need help immediately. Lloydminster has certainly seen the value of donating to the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, as the group recently purchased a

recovery boat and was prepared to send their airboat to Abbotsford. B.C. if they got a call. Last week, I attended a special 20-year service medal presentation to three dedicated firefighters at the Legacy Regional Protective Services. Most of the crew members are volunteers who also work in some of the toughest weather conditions imaginable, conducting vehicle rescues and extractions come rain, snow or shine. With climate change creating more major natural disasters, the need for well-trained and equipped responders is only going to intensify, along with the need for improved emergency response plans. Next time there is

File Photo a local fundraiser for one of the city’s first response organizations, keep in mind that any kind of contribution will help to ensure when our community needs help,

it will be on the way. We have already experienced that during COVID-19 with the selfless dedication from health responders to keep our most vulner-

able populations as safe as possible. There ought to be a phone number like 9-22 to say thanks to all first responders including the police.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

Seniors aim to follow Dr. Cooke plan

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. It’s sort of the same old, same old for the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society when it comes to the need for new beds at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre. Seniors Care Society president, Graham Brown, says there is a need to reactivate the Long Term Beds in Lloy-

dminster Working Group to remind officials from Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) there is a community plan in place. “With the demolition of the two wings at the Dr. Cooke, we would like to look at what other services could we provide there as in a transition unit and more palliative care beds,” said Brown during a

noon lunch meeting at the Legacy Centre on Tuesday. “There’s a number of things that were in the community plan for that area, so we’d like to work on that.” Brown says he wants provincial health officials from AHS and SHA to recognize the plan is still valid. He’s concerned AHS’s administration takeover of Dr. Cooke and the Lloydmin-

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ster Continuing Care Centre this year from SHA could be a regressive move that will shift the focus. “ It r eall y d o e s p u t i nto question what the plan is when they start separating the city again,” said Brown. “That’s a really good question back to the Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee and the people administering healthcare. Are we still on

Graham Brown. File Photo the same page as far as that plan is concerned?” asked Brown.

Thursday, November 25, 2021

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Christmas Child senior pitches in GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society wrapped their first meeting in several weeks on a cheery note. Board member Ruby Trudel told the group at the Legacy Centre on Tuesday she and her husband are immediately going to Calgary for five days to help ship

the shoe box donations from Lloydminster for Operation Christmas Child. The local collection of toys and gifts for kids in needy countries was completed last Saturday. “So all the boxes are in a truck that was donated by B&R Eckel’s and they are on their way to Calgary,” said Trudel. She says several other

people from Lloydminster are going to Calgary as well to inspect the shoeboxes and put the final wrap on each box so Customs knows those boxes are inspected for safe shipping. “We put them in a carton and they go to the country they are designated for,” she explained. Trudel noted the volume of donations from Lloydminster for the

Lloyd encouraged to Talk Policing

ith this year’s Let’s Talk Policing campaign is underway, the Lloydminster RCMP encourages residents to share their voices regarding policing operations within the city. From now until Monday, Dec. 6, St. Sergt. Tom Cooke will respond to direct questions posted on the virtual forum, which is available at YourVoiceLloyd.ca/RCMP. All responses are public, providing an opportunity for two-way discussions amongst community members. Those without access to a computer can contact the City of Lloydminster at

780-875-6184, Ext. 2322, to request a printed copy of the forum topics. Written questions will also be accepted. The virtual forum currently has a few public posts and topics of discussion vary from Let’s Talk Drugs to Let’s Talk Victim Services. The Lloydminster RCMP’s goal is to ensure the safety of all Border City residents, and that safety starts with simple conversation, so make sure your voice is heard. In the interest of public safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the semi-annual RCMP town halls moved to a virtual format.

Samaritan’s Purse charity is down again for the third year in a row, but won’t have the final numbers until January. She also noted plans are in motion to finally recognize healthcare

workers at each of the long-term care facilities and the Dr. James Hemstock and Hearthstone Place in January. “We’re talking about a special meal with them and acknowledgement

for everything that th e y ’v e d o ne f o r o u r senior citizens,” said Trudel. She noted they are reissuing the invitations after having to rescind them due to COVID-19.

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Eco9 creates buzz at Christmas Craft Fair TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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In the spirit of shopping local and supporting community this holiday season, students from E.S. Laird’s Eco9 program set up shop at this past weekend’s Christmas Craft Fair and Chamber Expo to raise awareness and a bit of money for their beloved program. Eco9 is a year-long program for Grade 9 students with a focus on hands-on learning and outdoor education. Conservation and environmental preservation are also key areas of study for students in this leadership-fuelled program. “Eco9 is more outdoor-focused and that sprouted from our teachers who would rather use hands-on learning and use the outdoors as the classroom whenever possible,” said student Trevor Dobranski. “We do a lot with bees, and we actually brought some of the equipment we use for the bees here today. We do some canoeing every now and then, we laid wooden poppies by gravestones for veter-

ans this year, and I love it because we’re learning by doing.” Dobranski’s involvement with Eco9 was almost inevitable as his two older siblings, Amy and Sean, have also both gone through the program. “It’s a good experience for anyone who might want to do it. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I would say it’s a very good thing to do.” One of Dobranski’s classmates, Keira Curtis, shares his passion for outdoor education and has been thoroughly enjoying the program thus far. “Today we’re selling honey, cotton candy and pop to raise money for our classroom. We’re raising funds for the classroom so we can go out and experience more things and new adventures,” she said, adding the fact the honey being sold at the craft fair was actually extracted and bot-

tled by students. “It’s great going out to our teacher’s farm, harvesting the honey, and actually being in the moment with the bees. A lot of people are afraid of bees, but once you’re out there, they’re not that scary.” Curtis explained she originally took interest in Eco9 as she wanted to do something “a little out of the ordinary and fun.” “In other classrooms, you sit and do textbook work, but in this classroom, you actually get to go out and do things,” she said. “All of our classes are actually combined, too, so one project might be social science combined with many other subjects we take in school.” Curtis also noted a very important character trait for students potentially interested in taking Eco9 in the future is leadership. “Leadership skills are very important in this program,” said Curtis. “It’s important because we want to go out and set a good example for other classrooms, as well as our school.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Eco9 teacher Shaun Donald (right) and a few of his students had honey, cotton candy, and cans of pop for sale at last weekend’s Christmas Craft Fair as a way to raise funds and support for their program.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

The great family bike story

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

Most families have stories which are traditionally shared through the generations. My family has one story in particular we share during get togethers. When my sons were

about seven and eight years old, we went shopping for new bicycles at a local department store. There were several rows of shiny bikes in an array of sizes, colours and models. I reminded the boys not to touch them as we walked through the display, checking them out. I soon realized; I

really should have listened to my own words. I slowly wandered through checking the sizes and prices not noticing at first that all the bikes were only supported by their short kickstands on the shiny waxed floor. One of the bikes that I touched teetered over. Despite my quick efforts to catch it, this

bike fell over onto the row of bikes beside it creating a domino effect. Of course, this part of the row completely toppled over from where I was standing. I was a bit embarrassed this happened and attempted to stand the fallen bikes upright. Unfortunately, this attempt didn’t work and they all toppled over yet again. Sheesh! Now we all know how kids can be and my rather amused sons were laughing loudly as they watched me. They kept repeating over and over, ‘mom, look what you did!’ However, I wasn’t very amused and certainly wasn’t laughing … yet. The laughter came many years later. I attempted once again to upright the row of bikes. Of course, by now we

or more accurately ‘I’ had attracted the attention of the smirking staff behind the customer service desk. I was somewhat annoyed at this point at their lack of support. Surely it wasn’t the first time this had happened? My repeated attempts to upright the fallen bikes were unsuccessful. As I looked around, I heard my sons laughing, saw the amused looks on the employee faces and the fallen row of bikes. By now, other customers were watching too and I noticed their failed attempts not to chuckle. Finally, with as much pride as humanly possible, I gathered up my sons who were by now laughing uncontrollably and we walked out of the store. Not surprisingly, this family story didn’t end here.

Eventually, what is now affectionately called, “The bike story,” sounded more humorous each time it was shared; well for some of us anyway. ‘Hey, did you hear about my mom and the bike story?’ Through the years, my sons told their friends, who of course told their friends – another fine example of the domino effect by the way. As the years went by, my future daughter in laws were told too and they likely shared it with others. For some reason, this family story was always followed by boisterous rounds of heartfelt laughter. After all, mom, meaning ‘me,’ provided a rather entertaining show during what should have been an uneventful shopping trip. Disclaimer: No bikes were harmed in the making of this story.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Lessons from a lifetime of learning PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Although it’s my job to spend each day in school listening to some darn fine lessons being taught, I know all education can’t be learned in a classroom. With that in mind, may I present two small pearls of wisdom you may wish to add to your own repertoire? While on a trip to Europe with family one summer, we spent five glorious days in Rome. We rented an apartment, shopped at the nearby supermercato (grocery store), and lived life as temporary locals. One morning, as we prepared for another day of sightseeing, I heard a shrill screech from the far bedroom. “Help!” Melanie shrieked. “I’ve spilled a bottle of Mango Tango nail polish on the laminate!” As you can imagine, a puddle of bright orange lacquer on recently installed flooring was not going to go over well with the owners of this flat.

Todd, her resourceful husband, lunged to his feet. Rushing to the refrigerator he snatched a bottle from inside the door, a dishcloth off the sink, and galloped down the hallway, his face grim. We gathered to watch. He thrust the flask to Melanie like a baton in a relay race, she grabbed it from his hand and glugged the entire contents onto the stain. Then, after scrubbing vigorously, she stood and gestured to the area with an air of quiet triumph. The lacquer was gone. Answer: half a bottle of Limoncello, a lemon-flavoured Italian liquor left behind by previous occupants. *Knowledge gained: beverages consisting of 32 per cent alcohol work well as nail polish remover. I know a woman who is a strong, unmovable force. Even as a youngster, people stood back, allowing her to take charge of difficult situations. (They were a little afraid of her too.) She was authoritative and stood for no-nonsense, rising to every

occasion with strident authority and selfassurance. Until one day when a stranger dropped by … On this day she was a passenger in my dad’s ’78 Chevy half-ton as we motored onto a busy street. It was a farm truck, and a little dusty, but that wasn’t a problem for her. Yet, suddenly she screamed! Springing toward me across the bench seat, she knocked my hand off the gearshift just as I was changing into third. She clawed at my jacket, her eyes glassy and bulging, and struggled to open the driver’s door and fling herself into the street. The truck swerved. I fought for control as she clutched at the wheel. “What the heck are you doing?” I yelled, struggling to peer around her as she dove across my lap, rigid with fear. I yanked the truck to the side of the road and stopped. My chum lifted a trembling finger to the windshield. There, suspended from a tiny, gossamer thread, was a spider. Was it a great hoary

beast with blood-red eyes and fangs dripping with venom? No. Just a little-bitty fellow, barely visible against the sunlit sky. He swung to and fro, blissfully unaware of the immense power he possessed. My pal scrambled outside and shivered while I transferred the innocent arachnid to the grassy verge. Then, warily she scanned the interior for more before consenting to clamber back inside. *Knowledge gained: there’s no shame in weakness. We all face times when it’s important to have someone

File Photo to lean on. (Perhaps just not while they’re driving.) Find more about Helen at helentoews. com. There you can

learn more about her humorous Prairie Wool Books, or newly released fantasy series, perfect for Christmas giving.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

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Sports

Boundary, Bobcats team up for local youth TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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It’s not just about scoring goals and looking good in modern-day junior hockey. Thanks to a partnership between the Lloydminster Junior A Bobcats and Boundary Ford, through the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation, as of Friday, every time the ‘Cats score a goal, Boundary Ford Gives will donate $25 to the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre. The dollar-amountper-goal initiative isn’t new to the team as it’s been done in the past and was called Give N Goals, but this time around, things are a bit different. “This year we wanted to do something bigger and better, so Boundary Ford Gives is donating $25 for every goal the Bobcats score, and if they reach 200 goals, we’re going to double the total amount raised up to that point,” said Carly Pollard, marketing manager, Boundary Ford, adding the fact donations will continue to be made after 200 goals are scored. “That money that’s raised is then going to be donated to the Lloydminster Community Youth Centre.” Bringing Give N Goals back was actually ‘Cats’ captain, Chad MacLean’s idea, one he brought to the floor during a team recent meeting. Having played four years in the AJHL him-

self, MacLean knows firsthand the importance of the role a community plays in junior hockey. “I’ve played four years in this league and the community is what fuels these teams, so to be able to give something back to the community means a lot because they support us and come watch us every night.” Having grown up with supportive friends and family, MacLean also knows the importance of supporting those in need, no matter their age. “My childhood was amazing and I was given anything I ever wanted in life; I always had food on the table and always had a roof over my head, I was very privileged that way, so it’s nice to give back to some kids who might not be as lucky.” Having worked with the Bobcats in the past on various events such

as charity games, Pollard is confident in the team as she knows they’re committed to su ppor t ing t he community they call home while playing here. “Yes, they’re hockey players, but they don’t understand how big of an impact they have in our community,” she said. “To kids, they’re heroes, to other members of the community, with their giving back and supporting, they make impacts that are so important. They’re also not all from here, which I think is really special because they’re giving back to a community they’ve been able to call home while playing for the Bobcats.” ‘Cats head coach and general manager, Nigel Dube, explained it’s initiatives like these that make him proud to go to work every day as his players continue to prove themselves on and off the ice.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Lloydminster Bobcats Jayven Leslie, Chad MacLean and Ben Bygrove couldn’t wait to launch the team’s new fundraising partnership with Boundary Ford and the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation during a Tuesday morning announcement with Boundary’s marketing manager Carly Pollard.

“When we recruit kids, the first thing is to be a good citizen and a good human, and I think this is one of the best groups we’ve ever had, as far as being good kids. They’re outstanding and I can’t say enough about the group,” he said. “They get along

together and if there’s ever anything that needs to be done, there’s 10 hands going up and not just one.” The Spruce Grove Saints were in town last night for regular-season AJHL action before the Bobcats play host to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for back-to-back

games at the Civic on Friday and Saturday. Give N Goals starts when the puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The louder you cheer, the harder they play, so why not come out and support a team that’s excited to give back to the youth of our community.

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Thursday, November 25, 2021

New Nissan title sponsor for CPCA finals TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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We’re barely into winter and already getting excited about summer chuckwagon racing.

“

I’m not scared to put my money where my mouth is, to some degree, and help out the CPCA with the Lloyd Ex, and try to push the (build up and excitement) prior to the finals.

There was quite a bit of excitement at the Lloyd Ex on Tuesday afternoon as the New Lloydminster Nissan was named the title sponsor for the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) finals on a three-year term. This is exciting for the Ex as well as the Border City, as it

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Owen Noble chairman, CPCA finals, Jeremy Wagner, general manager for the NEW Lloydminster Nissan, CPCA champion driver Dallas Dyck and Lloyd Ex general manager, Jackie Tomayer, were pleased to announce Nissan as the new CPCA finals title sponsor on Tuesday morning.

secures the finals will be held here for another three years, with 2022 dates set for Aug. 17-21. This is also exciting for Jeremy Wagner, general manager at the New Lloydminster Nissan, who is looking forward to bringing some

fresh ideas and more build-up to the finals. “I’m not scared to put my money where my mouth is, to some degree, and help out the CPCA with the Lloyd Ex, and try to push the (build-up and excitement) prior to the

finals,” said Wagner. “Just because something’s been the same for 20 years doesn’t mean it stays the same; everything changes.” Another one of the changes Wagner was hinting at during Tuesday’s press conference

21112mm7

was the fact next year’s winning driver won’t be given a truck, they’ll receive an SUV. “We lost the Titan brand last year, so we no longer sell new Titan trucks in Canada; Nissan pulled that out on us,” he said.

But, after discussions with many drivers, Wagner explained the verdict was unanimous. “All the drivers have big trucks already, they don’t need the big truck, they need a f ami l y ve h i c l e ,” sa i d Wagner. “It fit good with us because that’s what our major business is, is the SUV market.” Over 15,000 fans attend the CPCA finals annually making a huge impact on the Lloydminster economy in a short period of time. Hundreds of fans arrive in town three days prior to the first race to prepare for the event and reside in Lloydminster for the whole week investing in local businesses. Grocery, restaurant, shopping, fuel, hotels and general retail are among the many industries that benefit. This is one of Lloydminster’s largest and most significant events each year.

PAGE 25 Thursday, November 25, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Govt. supports Next Gen Ag mentorship program MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to announce applications for the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program (Next Gen) are now being accepted. Next Gen is delivered by Canadian Western Agribition (CWA). “Investing in the next generation of agricultural producers is critical to helping the Canadian industry grow and thrive,” said MarieClaude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada. “The connections these young people make wil l he l p t he m gain knowledge they

can apply to their operations and become industry leaders of tomorrow.” The federal and provincial governments will provide $100,000 to support this round of mentees as they continue their leadership journey in the agriculture sector. “E n surin g se c urity in the sector and contributing to economic growth is best achieved by mentoring future leaders,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit. “This program builds leadership capacity through knowledge and first-hand experiences, which is critical to a strong agriculture

industry in Saskatchewan. Our government is proud to support such an important initiative.” This year, eight applicants will be selected and paired with a mentor for an 18-month mentorship experience beginning in February 2022. Applicants should have clear developmental goals and exhibit strong leadership potential. More information about the program is available online at saskatchewan.ca/ CAP or agribition.com/ get-involved/next-genprogram.

PAGE 26 Thursday, November 25, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

Classifieds

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Local Business Directory

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Obituaries & Memoriams

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AWESOMENESS

INGENUITY EXCELLENCE

NEW LISTINGS

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coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker/Owner Associate Broker

Rick Schesnuk Realtor®

Caleb McLean Realtor®

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

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