Moose Jaw Express May 24th, 2023

Visitors to the Spring Fling Show and Shine at the Sukanen Ship Museum June 3 will get two shows for the price of one.

Besides the car show which last year attracted over 140 cars and trucks from the early days to 1980, the event has a model engineering show.

The models are complex machines built to scale, often with thousands of hours entailed.

“Some of them build from kits,” said show organizer Dean Redman. “Some are built from scratch.

“The rivets and parts are made by the model builder.

“Typically they operate lathes and are like machinists. It was their job.”

The old hobby, as he calls, takes a lot of time and patience.

“We see fewer of them every year, unfortunately.”

Show displays are coming from Estevan, Weyburn. Saskatoon and North Dakota.

A model steam tractor donated to the museum by the Tony Leschinski family took between 12,000 and 14,000 hours to build, by family estimates.

A display of Leschinki’s models is in the museum at the rear of the office building.

This year the model show will be located in the new shop, also behind the office.

The show is dedicated to Leschinski.

A heavy-duty mechanic at the Gardiner Dam project and Estevan drag lines, he built models and machines for 30 years.

The car show and model show start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

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Moose Jaw’s 71st annual Band & Choral Festival welcomed return of hundreds of students

Students spend the week of May 15-18 improving their performances by receiving valuable feedback from adjudicators during the 71st annual Moose Jaw Band & Choral Festival Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The 71st annual Moose Jaw Band & Choral Festival drew large crowds despite the heat last Tuesday, May 16.

Midway through Moose Jaw’s 71st annual Band & Choral Festival, positive feedback rolled in and the event went notoriously well.

Once known as the Band City, Moose Jaw carries on the legacy of developing band programs, students of music, and hosting world-class music festivals. Although the pandemic saw a brief interlude, this year saw a welcomed return to the festival.

Originally, the festival was focused on various band programs competing, but this competitive aspect was dropped years ago.

Today the emphasis is on learning, and the festival has taken on the nature of an educational festival focused on student development.

Adjudicator Donny Kennedy agrees with the new approach that moves away from competitions. “I really like the non-competitive aspect and getting longer clinical time with the band and with my

colleagues. It’s a really nice model... for helping kids get better.”

Adjudicators, directors, and volunteers are in agreement over the major focus being on the kids and their educational development. On this, Kennedy explains his favorite part of the job: “Working with the kids. I really like interacting with the kids and watching them get better.”

Patti Kreutzwieser, an event volunteer for the past 25 years, also said, “I just love the music, the kids, and how they can grow.” She has seen the learning environment the clinicians offer and an improvement in the students over the years. “It’s wonderful,” she affirms.

The event works by having each band program schedule time with adjudicators, and then they play around a 15-minute sample of their music. On completing their sample, the adjudicators offer feedback and valuable advice so students can improve their skill. This feedback is offered in a positive and encouraging environment which helps the students appreciate the opportunity for growth.

“These fellows listen to the first 15 minutes and what they can produce over the next hour with them is just amazing,” explains Kreutzwieser.

THIS WEEKS FLYERS

Students come from the prairie provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, but talent and experience is gathered from all over the country. “I’m from Regina originally and grew up there. When I turned 18, I moved to Montreal and went to McGill University. I got my degrees there and ended up staying and teaching at McGill for 22 years, and this summer my family and I moved back to Saskatchewan,” explains Kennedy. “It started pre-pandemic. I was doing a lot of adjudicating, teaching at McGill, and teaching at a high school in Montreal too. So, word gets around, and they start bringing you around the circuit of Canadian festivals and they kept asking me back.”

Vanier’s new band and choir director David Selensky says he loves bringing his students because “it’s an educational

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festival and the kids learn so much. It’s tailored to the needs and development of the students. When I taught in Alberta, for the past 12 years, I brought my students to the festival in Moose Jaw because of how good it is.”

This event is also made possible through the dedication of the volunteers, and they demonstrate the hospitality and sense of community that Moose Jaw can offer. Kreutzwieser chuckles when she explains the spirit of our volunteers: “Laundry doesn’t get done, cooking doesn’t get done… but my husband knows that I’m going to get involved in this program.”

“I just really hope we get to see the 100th and 150th, you know, that this tradition carries on,” says Kreutzwieser. “It’s so valuable for the students and for the community too.”

The festival continued through to Thursday, May 18.

The 71st annual Moose Jaw Band & Choral Festival includes evening performances at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre. Photo by Aaron Walker

The Vanier Collegiate Institute’s jazz combo band directed by David Selensky receiving helpful feedback from festival adjudicators. The festival is focused on education rather than competition.

Photo by Aaron Walker

Moose Jaw’s 71st annual Band & Choral Festival was notoriously successful

As the 71st annual Band & Choral Festival draws to a close this week, local businesses show gratitude for the impact on the local economy and thanks to all who were involved, the event was a success

Moose Jaw, the Notorious City previously known as the Band City, sees the successful completion of the 71st annual Band & Choral Festival this past week.

Held between Monday, May 15 and Thursday, May 18, the event drew in large crowds and thousands of tourists and students from across the prairie provinces.

More than an educational festival dedicated to improving the musical performance of students from across the prairie provinces, the festival also brought with it entertainment and local talent for everyone in the community.

Each year that it’s held, the Band & Choral Festival also brings with it a positive impact on small local business.

One local business affected by the Band & Choral Festival is Past Times Old Time Photography & Gifts, located at 26 Main St. N. The owner of Past Times, Mike Thul, explains the positive impact

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

on his business to offer one example felt by the whole community.

“We’re gifts galore, from ceiling to floor,” states Thul, speaking of Past Times. Their selection of inventory draws many shoppers, most notably tourists. Although he states that the business does not rely on tourism, the impact is heavily felt.

“Lots of band and choral festival members [were] in the store, as we carry lots of candies and lots of everything else. Lots are buying the chocolate moose fudge,” Thul states, along with “all the candies we’ve got.”

Thul confirms the additional influx of tourists, as they’ve made comments in his guest book. He sees a lot of commentary along the lines of: “wow, this is the best store ever,” a comment which extends to the community at large.

The excitement felt by his visitors and those who signed the guest book continues

the legacy surrounding the festival, which originated in 1949.

“As a kid, I remember the band festival… we had the biggest marching parade in North America,” explains Thul, as he reminisces on past Band & Choral Festival events. This tradition, back from when Moose Jaw was known as the Band City, would have seen such a parade tomorrow, on Saturday.

Even though the parade is no longer included in the festival, Janie Fries, organizer of the Band & Choral Festival, mentions in a press release that an acknowledgement for all the hard work, effort, and dedication to those who are responsible for making the event a success is well deserved and should be the focus as the event draws to a close.

This acknowledgement extends to the Band & Choral Festival committee, who have put in thousands of hours of time and

effort to make the event a success and impact our local economy, all the while providing this opportunity for thousands of young musicians across the prairies.

An acknowledgement and word of thanks is also extended to all those young musicians, their program directors, adjudicators, performers, and volunteers who have all come together to make the event a great success.

Recognition and gratitude is also extended to other local businesses who financially support the festival, including the Burger Cabin, Folgizan Agencies, and Halstead Dental among others.

The Moose Jaw community can look forward to next year’s scheduled Band & Choral Festival, which is scheduled to take place May 13-16, 2024.

Winnipeg students in town for choral festival hear

Métis teachings at library

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Members of New Southern Plains Métis (NSPM) Local #160, Moose Jaw’s Métis organization, organized Métis teaching workshops at the Moose Jaw Public Library on May 17 for students visiting from Winnipeg for the Band & Choral Festival.

The 75 students were from École Seven Oaks Middle School. The Battle of Seven Oaks was one of the defining events in Métis history, and the school places a strong emphasis on Indigenous knowledge.

“Our school division is very vocal about the importance of Indigenous education,” said Katy Abraham. Abraham is a music educator at Seven Oaks Middle School and accompanied students on the trip. “Lots of teachings are shared in their daily classroom experiences, so getting to know others and getting to know the communities that we travel to is important to us. As often as we can, we try and incorporate Indigenous teachings in our trips.”

Darrell Hawman, president of the NSPM, arranged 20-minute workshops at the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) which included elements of the Michif language taught by Al Chaisson, Métis history and storytelling by Hawman, and a Red River cart activity by Rick Pickering.

Chaisson is a member of the New Southern Plains Métis chapter and a Michif language instructor. His first language is French, which made learning Michif easy, he said.

“This is a lost language,” Chaisson explained, “and I want to revitalize it so that everybody speaks it. There’s only about 685 people in Canada who speak it right now. I want to encourage them to learn, as young as they are, because if you don’t, you’re missing the culture. You’re missing a lot of things, if you don’t know the language.”

Many of the Seven Oaks students are in French immersion and were pleased with how much they understood.

“I got to go around with the groups

to the three stations that were set up and it was really interesting to see, with so many of our students understanding French, how close Michif is to French and how much we were able to understand, even though it’s a different language,” said Elizabeth LaRue, a teacher at Seven Oaks.

“That was really neat, and we were able to learn about the Red River carts and how they were made, and the students got to touch it and play with it. … To actually meet someone of that culture and speaking that language, I think meant something more than just reading it in a book.”

“We’re trying to educate people and bring up the general awareness of Métis culture, for everyone,” Hawman said before the students arrived. “The story that hasn’t been told is a couple hundred years older than Confederation. It started in about 1670 and continues today. And that’s the story we’ll cover, and how we

came about and developed as a people.

“Through the different areas of the fur trade, and the buffalo hunt, the transi-

tion to colonialism, and how we’re affected today.”

As president of NSPM, Hawman has led the way over the last few years to signing Memorandums of Understanding with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Prairie South School Division, and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division. The MOUs promise communication and co-operation on Truth and Reconciliation efforts and Indigenous teachings at the educational institutions.

Some useful Michif phrases include:

Taanshi = Hello

Taanshi keeya = How are you?

Kiiya maaka = How about you?

Boon matayn = Good morning

Boon apray mijii = Good afternoon

Band and choral festival participants from Manitoba learn about Red River carts with Rick Pickering (courtesy Darrell Hawman)

Hawman chats with students after the activity (courtesy Darrell Hawman)

Students listened to Darrell Hawman speak about Métis storytelling and history (courtesy Darrell Hawman)

Metis tools used to build Red River Carts (courtesy Darrell Hawman)

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Joan Ritchie Joyce Walter Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week across Canada with the theme

“The Power of Collaboration”

Submitted by Partners Against Violence Committee

Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. – Alfred Austin

You don’t have to have a ‘green thumb’ to enjoy gardening. Sometimes gardening knowledge is acquired over the years as we get hands-on experience and glean knowledge that only working in the dirt can do for us.

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

The benefits of gardening far outweigh the effort it takes to get the job done.

I absolutely love to be in the backyard and I take such great pleasure in planting my flowerpots that usually don’t have much for flowers but mostly just every shade of greenery and other non-flowering plants of interest. For example, I love King-tuts and they make an absolutely gorgeous tropical statement to any backyard. I love bamboo grass as it grows so thick and lush down taller pots. Well, I must admit, I love plants and the more the merrier! Every year I try and find some new ones that are interesting and beautiful.

Unfortunately, the credit cards get a going-over and my husband threatens I am going to get ‘plastic surgery’ if I don’t stop the buying. Just to clarify, he means he is going to cut up the credit cards with no physical repercussions to myself. So far this year, so good!

Speaking about the benefits of gardening, it’s so therapeutic to do that even a person’s immune system benefits from it. Every time I go into a greenhouse it’s like I get revitalized and the stresses of life just seem to evaporate while there.

Gardening is one of the healthiest hobbies a person can have. The bending and stretching are an absolute benefit as we are able to whittle ourselves into shape, not to mention that when we are working with shovels and other tools, our strength increases. Have you ever noticed that when you are in the fresh air and doing something physical, sleep seems to come easy?

Unfortunately until our muscles get over the extra daily workouts, our butts, legs and arms feel the effects but everyone wants to have a tight-butt right?...and there’s no better way to see some results than exercise.

Apparently, our minds benefit from gardening, as well. It is believed that gardening activities may spur growth in a brain’s memory-related nerves.

“Researchers in Korea gave 20-minute gardening activities to people being treated for dementia in an inpatient facility. After the residents had raked and planted in vegetable gardens, researchers discovered increased amounts of some brain nerve growth factors associated with memory in both males and females.

“In a 2014 research review, analysts found that horticultural therapy — using gardening to improve mental health — may be an effective treatment for people with dementia.

In fact, in the Netherlands and Norway, people with dementia often participate in groundbreaking Greencare programs, where they spend a large part of the day working on farms and in gardens.” https://www.healthline.com/health/healthful-benefits-of-gardening#improves-memory

In the same article it says, “Whether your patch is large or small, a raised bed, community garden, or window box, getting dirty and eating clean are good for you.”

The Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, marked from May 14th to 20th, offers an opportunity to raise awareness about victim issues, and about the services and laws in place to help victims, survivors and their families. When a crime occurs, it doesn’t affect just one person, but their family members and the entire community. Victims and survivors of crime and their families deserve support from their community. Many victim service providers, police officers and professionals working in the criminal justice system provide assistance to victims and survivors of crime and their families. Victims and survivors of crime need to know that they have a voice in our criminal justice system and that there are laws in place to help them.

Victims of crime have rights at every stage of the criminal justice process.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION – You have the right to request information about: the criminal justice system and our role as a victim; the services and programs available to you; the status and outcome of the investigation and legal procedures; the date, time, and location of proceedings in relation to the offence; reviews relating to the offender’s conditional release and the timing and condi-

tions of that release.

RIGHT TO PROTECTION – You have the right: to have your security and privacy considered by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system; to have measures taken to protect you from intimidation and retaliation; to request that your identity be withheld from the public; to request testimonial aids when appearing as a witness in court.

RIGHT TO PARTICIPATION – You have the right: to present a victim impact statement and have it taken into consideration; to share your views on decisions that affect your rights.

RIGHT TO RESTITUTION – You have the right: to have the court consider making a restitution order against the offender to pay for your financial losses; to file the restitution order as a civil court judgment if the offender fails to pay.

Help is available.

John Howard Society (306) 693-0777

Moose Jaw & District Victims Services (306) 694-7621

Moose Jaw Transition House (306) 693-6511

Regina & Area Sexual Assault Centre (306) 352-0434

‘Love Your Neighbour’ banquet to raise money for new Souls Harbour facility in MJ

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM) is once again seeking to raise money for a new facility in Moose Jaw with their ‘Love Your Neighbour’ banquet, taking place 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 at Grant Hall Hotel.

The banquet will support the Christian non-profit in its mission to provide for the needy. Riverside Mission is struggling with ongoing maintenance costs at their current location on Manitoba Street East. In addition, SHRM is seeking to expand their offered services with a brandnew facility on River Street West.

SHRM has been operating since 1990 and provides services in both Regina and Moose Jaw. Between the two locations, they serve nearly 350 meals per day, provide 34 emergency shelter beds for men, run a residential addiction treatment program for women, a Christian daycare, and more.

The proposed new project would create a 14,500 sq. ft., two-storey facility including a 50-person dining hall for Riverside Mission, a food distribution and clothing processing centre, 11 affordable housing suites, six suites for a men’s addiction program, and community support services offices.

Full details are available at www.shrmsk.com/ moose-jaw-building-project.

SHRM has obtained the land, but project costs have gone from an estimated $4.5 million to more than $5.4 million. SHRM is struggling to find that money, and the project is now two years behind schedule.

SHRM executive director Joe Miller previously told the Moose Jaw Express “we’ve lost faith” that the community will fund the new building. Miller criticized federal, provincial, and municipal governments for their lack of support, expressed disappointment with the results of recent fundraisers, and said local businesses have not committed enough financial support.

“We are a non-profit and we are taking care of Moose Jaw’s most marginalized citizens,” Miller said in that interview. “… I would hope that the community is in support of that … we just need a better response.”

“We haven’t had a huge rally of support for the [River Street] project itself,” said Rachel Mullens. Mullens has worked for SHRM for 10 years and oversees Riverside Mission as director of emergency services. “That has been a bit discouraging, I would say, but this Love Your Neighbour banquet will be the start of a new rally to put together some funds and move forward.”

Mullens said that Grant Hall have been awesome to work with as the date of the banquet approaches. There are 150 seats available — tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of eight.

“We still have some spots available,” she noted. “The

banquet this year is very much geared towards our new building. We’re going to have some people from the community speak on our behalf as to what the new building will provide for Moose Jaw, and Joe Miller, our executive director, will do a question-and-answer to clarify things for anyone who has questions.

“The funds will be going directly towards the new building, which we’re really hoping to get off the ground this year.”

Mullens added that in her ten years with SHRM, the community of Moose Jaw has always stepped up to help.

“Moose Jaw has been an amazing community,” she said. “We’re very grateful to the community and this new project will open a lot more doors. If anyone is interested in knowing more about it, [they should] buy tickets to the banquet, or come on down to Riverside and I would be happy to show them what the project looks like and have a conversation with them.”

The Love Your Neighbour banquet needs sponsors. Interested businesses should contact Taeryong No, finance manager at Riverside Mission. No can be reached at tno@shrmsk.com, or by phone at 306-510-4673.

Riverside Mission feeds 50 to 70 people each day at its kitchen on Manitoba Street (Photo by Jason G. Antonio )

Artist’s rendering of proposed new SHRM building on River Street

City Hall clock tower to have fresh faces by end of summer as restoration underway

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

City Hall is one of Moose Jaw’s most historic and significant pieces of architecture, and the clock tower at its “The clock’s 107 years old, so over time there’s been a lot of wear and tear,” said top is its crowning glory, which is why some true-to-heritage facelifts have been ordered and will be completed by the end of summer. Cory Oakes, the operations manager for the Parks and Recreation department. “Because it is a heritage building, it is a heritage mechanism … there is not really any room to modernize. We’re going with that same stainless glass, opalescent, same kind of marbling, everything that goes along with that.”

There are 97 separate pieces of glass making up the clock faces. Over the years, as those pieces have become damaged or broken, they’ve been replaced one by one with pieces of plexiglass — dull, not very resilient, and difficult to shine lights through for events like Christmas, when the tower goes red and green.

City Council and the Heritage Advisory Committee have approved a budget of $55,400 for the repair, which will also include the refurbishment of the clock’s hands, a pressure wash for the stone façade, and a transparent, shatter-proof ballistic coating to protect the restored glass of the faces from extreme weather and bird impacts.

“This is part of the history of Moose Jaw,” Oakes said. “We want to make sure we preserve it for future generations.”

“This is why we have the Heritage Committee, right?” said Craig Hemingway, the city’s communications manager. “We know how important it is to our residents to preserve our history. It’s a big priority for our

residents, they want to see our history and heritage cared for, where possible, and this is a prime example of being able to accommodate that.”

The clock is believed to have been originally installed by Wilson and Maybee, Moose Javian watchmakers and jewellers. However, it was manufactured in England by Smith and Sons, now named Smith of Derby — a company that has made clocks for churches and public buildings all over the world since 1856.

A ledger entry dated October 24, 1913, shows the clock was shipped overseas on the SS Tunisian from Liverpool to Montreal, then transported by CP Rail to Moose Jaw. The 800-lb, art-inscribed bronze bell that sits above the clock arrived on the same shipment.

The clock needs to be hand-wound every 14 days, which is done by a local Heritage Committee-approved

23054SS0

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expert/enthusiast. The clock mechanism was restored in 2014 and remains in excellent condition.

The bell was supplied by John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough, Great Britain to Smith and Sons as part of the clock order. Despite the bell’s reported beauty and clarity, it hasn’t rung in decades. It hangs from the original timbers, and the only work in recent years has been for safety purposes.

Repairing the bell before the clock tower glass might have shattered the remaining original panes on the first ring. With the glass completed, the Heritage Committee can take a serious look at re-ringing the bell for special occasions, or at least making it easier to see and admire.

The building that is now City Hall was constructed between 1911 and 1914, designed by Chief Dominion Architect David Ewart. Ewart was responsible for many federal buildings constructed during that period, including the Connaught Building in Ottawa, various structures on the grounds of the Royal Military College of Canada, dozens of historic armouries across the country, and the Prince Edward Building in Regina.

Moose Jaw’s city hall was originally a post office, sister to the Ewart-designed Post Office Building at the Sinclair Centre in Vancouver, which also has a Smith and Sons clock.

The building saw various other uses over the past century, including by the RCMP at one point. In 1963, the City of Moose Jaw purchased it to use as City Hall.

268 Mulberry Lane Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6J 1N1 (306) 693-4550

Ross Lundgren

Allan Lemieux

Brian Rodwell

An example of the wear and tear accumulated over the years on the east face of the clock (photo by Gordon Edgar)

The panes completely removed from the south side of the clock. A diagram taped to the wall numbers each of the panes (photo by Gordon Edgar)

The clock mechanism was restored in 2014 by a group of experts and remains in excellent condition (photo by Gordon Edgar)

The clock is expected to be restored by the end of summer, weather permitting (courtesy City of Moose Jaw)

Most friends of mine of more than a week will be able to confirm my long-time desire to add a dog to our household.

In fact I whined so much about wanting a puppy that a close friend was all set to make sure my Christmas wish came true. She was talked out of the gift by Housemate who convinced her, that while he too loved dogs, we were away from home too much to properly care for a puppy that would eventually become a larger dog.

Both of us had dogs while growing up: his on the farm, and mine in a small town where everyone’s dog was allowed to roam without fear of unhappy neighbours. In those days most dogs were outdoor dogs, except for one lady’s mean-tempered Pekingese that snarled anytime someone came near her mistress. I was scared stiff of that critter and hated visiting that home with my Mother.

The first dog I remember was Bingo, and although he lived in a kennel-style shelter in the garage, I have photos of him licking out the icing pot: kid inside with the door open and dog on the step with his nose in the dish. Not sure where Mom was, unless she was the one taking the photo. Hmmmm.

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

My favourite canine friend was an American Water Spaniel that I named Scratch. She was the daughter of my Sister’s dog and she came to me as a pup, who got car sick on the trip from Cold Lake to Moose Jaw. Dad and I fixed her a lovely house in the garage despite my hopefulness that she might be allowed indoors. Not a chance, was the rule from Mom. But of course she knew we snuck Scratch indoors when she was away at her meetings.

Unfortunately, Scratch died an early death in a traffic accident at the end of our alley where she sat waiting for me to get home from school.

All of this preamble brings me to “Doggos,” an affectionate name given to pups and adult dogs by their humans. I thought I misunderstood the first time I heard this word. But no, my hearing was not defective.

There is some evidence to suggest the term has been around since the 19th century, used then in different form to urge someone to stay under the radar, or let sleeping doggos lie.

However, other research led me to information about a Facebook group, Dogspotting, which has 500,000 members and is popular in Australia. A bit more reading pro-

vided details about a separate language or doggo lingo that has been adopted when one talks to and about the dogs and pups in the family.

I was lost after the reference to “doggos” being the term to evoke the image of a dependable, tail-wagging friend that will stay closer than a best friend. I knew that about Lassie and the Littlest Hobo and never were they referred to as “doggos.”

At this stage of our lives, having a dog is mostly out of the question. However, we have two dogs who in doggo talk would be considered our fur baby nieces (I think both are girls.) And the neighbour’s dog is protective of us when he senses an interloper in our yard. He lets us pet him until he tires of this activity and heads off to play with a more interesting doggie toy.

I had trouble learning French as a second language. Imagine me trying to learn the Doggo lingo at my age. I’ll stick with “Here Buddy” or “aren’t you a good girl.”

I wonder how Bingo and Scratch would have responded to “Doggo” as a term of endearment? That Pekingese would have snarled and barred her teeth. Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Christine Racic is a therapist in Moose Jaw whose decades of counselling experience are now available, condensed and focused, in her debut book Designing Empowered Women.

Racic recently joined Nourish Health & Wellness as a mental health therapist. Her undergraduate degree is in education, and her graduate degree is in educational psychology.

Her book stems from her self-designed mastermind programs, targeted toward women. She updated the class after joining Nourish and found herself with more than enough material for a book.

“At that time, I was teaching mastermind programs, so I updated what I had for Designing Empowered Women,” Racic explained. “After 20 years-plus of therapy, walking alongside individuals, specific again to women, I just started compiling research.

“At the same time, I was working on my doctorate in clinical psychology. And voila, I compiled all the research to put together a mastermind program and then got approached to publish.”

Health issues have temporarily derailed Racic’s doctoral studies, but she’s still on the path.

“It’s not a requirement by any stretch of the imagination,” she said, “but I am a huge cheerleader of education specific for women. It just opens up opportunities.”

Designing Empowered Women allows Racic to reach further with her mastermind program. To keep classes vulnerable, authentic, and effective, she only allows ten women per program session. The first chapters help readers become aware of some of the harms that society imposes on women without them ever knowing it.

“The first seven chapters literally are walking alongside women, removing detrimental thoughts are behaviours. And they’re socially conditioned, and they’re

culturally conditioned. And we have to take our time in really examining what that looks like for our personal experience.”

Once readers have started on the journey of confronting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, Racic starts guiding them to a more fulfilling way of being.

“So, what it looks like, instead of comparative suffering, comparing ourselves to other women, what women walking alongside women really can look like.

“That’s the power of mentoring and how important our tribe is for our growth and development.”

The book concludes by emphasizing what Racic feels are two vital points: Activating divinely given gifts, and understanding the importance of self-authored commitment rather than following societies expectations.

“We are created for connection, but that’s spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, socially, physically, all the areas of holistic health,” Racic said. “For me, I affirm that those giftings that we have, those talents that we have, they’re given just to you, uniquely.

“And then, all those external expectations, like ‘you must be this kind of mother, you must parent this way, you must be this kind of spouse,’ right? Versus, what does it look like for you, with your unique gifts, to live each day with intention that will create and balance a holistic lifestyle?”

Racic emphasizes her research background and the importance of education while also affirming a belief that many people neglect their spirituality, which she said is essential to being healthy. She believes women of all backgrounds need to have access to that part of themselves.

“For myself, I would affirm that I am a Christian, I believe in a triune God, I have a relationship with Christ, for sure,” she said. “I do speak to my belief system, and then I invite women to ask, ‘what does spiritual connectedness look like for you?

“Because, again, this is such a forgotten component in the five holistic health components, and each component is equally important.”

Christine Racic’s Designing Empowered Women, from Saskatchewan publisher DriverWorks Ink, is available for purchase from Nourish Health and Wellness and at the ShadesofJay boutique.

Therapist’s debut book encourages women to access ‘divinely given’ individual gifts

Christine Racic (courtesy Christine Racic)

17-year-old publishes first novel through Wood Dragon Books young author competition

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Thanks to the Young Author Competition at Wood Dragon Books, 17-year-old Payton Todd has successfully launched her first novel The Amnesia Project — publisher Jeanne Martinson said Wood Dragon is actively on the lookout for their next youth collaborator.

Todd applied for the Young Author Competition two years ago at age 15, the first time it was offered, and is now the first author to be published through the event. The process is a challenging one — last year, no one completed it. However, Martinson noted that that was due to applicants misunderstanding the potential length of the process.

“We are going to do this competition every single year. But last year, none of the applicants made it through to the end,” she said. “We edited Payton’s book seven times — that’s a lot for any author to go through, but for a teenager who has other things going on in their lives, it can be overwhelming.

“We really worked around Payton’s school schedule, and she lives on a ranch, too, so she has a lot of chores and obligations. She’s not just an author, she’s an author and a lot of other things … so committing to the project itself, something that might take years, wanting that badly enough is where we lose applicants.”

Todd has been writing since she could hold a pen. She has a journal in which she keeps every story and writing idea she’s ever come with. She was dedicated to the process from the beginning, and Martinson said that that level of commitment is what’s needed — in fact, it might be all that’s needed.

“The application is not arduous. If

you’ve got a book idea, writing up the summary should not take you too much time or too much work,” she explained. “I just really want to encourage young people who maybe want to make a career in language, whether that’s writing or editing or whatnot, not to second-guess themselves. Just throw in your application and we’ll see where it goes from there.”

“If you try, you have a pretty good shot … Wood Dragon Books are a really good publisher and they’re very supportive of young authors,” Todd told MooseJawToday.com. “The writing process was fairly independent. The editing process has been long, but I’ve learned a lot from the publisher. You just have to trust the

process and trust your editors and the team you’re working with, because they’re trying to help you get to the best possible version of your story.”

The Amnesia Project launched online on May 6, with a physical launch held at Penny University Bookstore in Regina on the 13th. It is a full-length young adult scifi novel.

Todd said the bookstore launch was

exciting and validating.

“It went really well, there was a really good turnout, and it was fun and casual and just a good experience. … It was a validation that there are people out there who want to read my stories and the stuff that I’m putting out.”

“Payton is a serious writer who intends on making the publishing industry her field, and those are the kinds of writers we really want to zoom in on,” Martinson added. “And we want to give them the kind of support that will launch a longterm career for them.

“We’re really proud of this book, we’re very proud of the effort that Payton put in, and we’re really pleased with how well the book is doing at launch level.”

You can buy The Amnesia Project by Payton Todd just about everywhere books are found, including worldwide on Amazon and Kindle, on Kobo.com, at Barnes & Noble in the US, at Penny University Bookstore in Regina, and more.

If you live in the area covered by the Palliser Library Region, have a library card, are over 15 years of age but not over 18 years of age as of September 30, 2023, and you have an idea for a book that you’d like to take all the way to publication, you can enter Wood Dragon Books’ Young Author Competition at www.wooddragonbooks.com/young-author-competition.

The Amnesia Project by Payton Todd is now available for purchase wherever books are sold (courtesy Wood Dragon Books)

Tamara & Deron ofTsiigehtchic,N.T.

May13,2023

2:42am

Male 10lbs,3oz

Gladys & Jesse Pingco ofMooseJaw

May15,2023

8:29am

Male 7lbs,5oz

New Parents!

Courtney Rolston & Nicholas Styck ofMooseJaw May15,2023

10:05am

Female 8lbs,7oz

Melyssa Bunce & Blaine Hatley ofMooseJaw May15,2023

9:12pm

Male 7lbs,14oz

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Ann & Joel Kot ofMooseJaw

May16,2023

4:19am

Male 7lbs,12oz

Aversion to buttermilk could be cured by new recipes

As a youngster and even as an adult, I cringed every time my Mother would pour herself a glass of buttermilk and seem delighted in the taste.

She pointed out that my favourite pancakes contained buttermilk as one of the main ingredients and I responded that the buttermilk was absorbed by the eggs and flour and thus the offensive taste disappeared.

I have maintained my aversion to buttermilk but have bought it occasionally for special recipes — and in the end, flushed most of the litre container into the sewer system so as not to develop a sour odour in the kitchen sink.

A cookbook I found in the back of the cupboard is the inspiration for some buttermilk recipes. And it says unused buttermilk may be frozen in 1/4 cup portions in muffin tins and then put into bags in the freezer. •

BUTTERMILK POT ROAST

3-4 lb. beef pot roast

2 tbsps. flour

1 tbsp. dry mustard

1 1/2 tsps. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 tbsps. vegetable oil

1 beef bouillon cube

1/3 cup water

1/2 cup buttermilk

6 medium carrots, cut in 2-inch pieces

2 cups Brussels sprouts

1 cup buttermilk

1-2 tbsps. flour

Combine the first amount of flour with the mustard, salt and pepper. Dredge the roast with the mixture.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven with a cover, brown roast in oil. Pour off excess drippings. Add bouillon cube and water. Heat and stir to dissolve bouillon. Cover and cook over medium heat for 2 hours, adding more water if necessary.

At the end of 2 hours, add the first buttermilk, carrots and Brussels sprouts. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove roast and vegetables to a heated platter.

Blend the 1 cup of buttermilk with flour and thicken for gravy. Slice the meat on the platter with the vegetables. Serve the gravy on the side.

• • •

BUTTERMILK POTATOES

2 tbsps. butter

2 cups raw potatoes, peeled and chopped

1/2 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1 cup buttermilk paprika, if desired

In a large skillet, melt butter and add potatoes.

Cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently until potatoes are lightly browned.

Add salt, pepper and buttermilk. Simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are tender and liquid is thickened, about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with paprika before serving. Makes 4 servings.

• • •

BUTTERMILK CUSTARD PIE

1 unbaked pastry or crumb pie shell

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

3 tbsps. flour

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp. vinegar

3/4 cup buttermilk

In a medium bowl blend eggs, sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla and cinnamon. Stir in vinegar and buttermilk.

Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake until done, about 20-25 minutes more.

Cool on rack and then chill in refrigerator. Serve with fresh berries.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Cultural Centre to host premiere of film about former businessman Gale Chow

After over three years of production, the National Film Board is releasing a documentary about the experiences of Chinese people in Moose Jaw as told through the eyes of retired businessman Gale Chow.

The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre will host the world premiere of the 16-minute short film “A Passage Beyond Fortunate” on Wednesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. The document will be in English and Cantonese.

While residents are encouraged to RSVP through the centre’s website for catering purposes, this is a free community screening that will be followed by a Q&A with the director and family.

The documentary follows the Chows — and incorporates archival family material — as they reflect on the “popular but untrue myths” surrounding Moose Jaw’s underground tunnels. Filmmaker Weiye Su also offers a homage to the “culturally significant but buried history” of Chinese Canadians in Canada’s Most Notorious City.

Besides the public screening here, the NFB will make the film available starting May 22 for streaming on its website to mark Asian History Month.

An NFB film crew visited Moose Jaw in February

2020 to shoot footage of Gale Chow during a Chinese New Year celebration. After a delay because of the pandemic, the crew returned in October 2021 to shoot more film of the Chows packing — Gale and his wife Myrna moved to Regina to live with their son Kyle — and some of the businesses Gale either worked at or owned.

“When the tunnels started, they never talked to the Chinese community,” Gale recounts in the film. “They say

Chinese people lived in (the tunnels) and hid in here… not that I know of!”

According to the film’s synopsis, the Chows reflect on the harmful myth about the tunnels and the entanglement of their family’s overlapping roots in Moose Jaw — dating back to the 1880s — while surrounded by old, framed photographs and documents.

“Within the city’s warm sepia landscape, the Chows share the experiences that have shaped their lives and the way anti-Chinese immigration policies fractured their family’s settlement in Moose Jaw,” the synopsis continued.

“As they (prepared) for an inner province move, Gale and Myrna (packed) up the visual lineage of their family: dense photo albums, heirloom ceramics, a beloved erhu played by Gale for 20 years — the evidence of a deep sense of identity still maintained in their family.”

Myrna and Gale’s warm laughter echoes throughout “A Passage Beyond Fortune” as they display photographs of their younger years and participation in local activities, exchanging networks of care through regular volleyball games and celebrations of Chinese New Year.

“‘A Passage Beyond Fortune’ is not only an homage to the Chows’ fortune of stories,” the synopsis added. “It’s a tender archive containing the buried and blurred histories of those whose lasting cultural imprints have offered new ways of connecting with ourselves and our communities.”

As the film’s tagline says, “A city’s fortune is only as rich as its stories.”

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Businessman Gale Chow (centre) along with his son Kyle (left) and wife Myrna, speaks with director Weiyu Su while a cameraman records the interaction, in October 2021.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The poster for the documentary, “A Passage Beyond Fortunate.” Photo courtesy National Film Board

New city manager has impressive record of leadership TRADING THOUGHTS

Moose Jaw City Council made a significant choice when it appointed Maryse Carmichael as the new city manager.

Carmichael has an impressive record of meeting difficult challenges.

She became an RCAF pilot when female armed forces pilots were rare and often faced discrimination.

She became the first female member of the Snowbirds aerial demonstration team and then became its leader.

Once out of the military, she worked in Moose Jaw management with civilian contractors at 15 Wing.

Her record is impressive but one of the interesting features — she is familiar with the community, has a family living here and will appreciate the nuances of issues facing the city.

Ever since Moose Jaw City council dismissed city manager Gary McKay 10 years ago because council “wanted to go in a different direction” we have had career managers.

Those managers saw Moose Jaw as a stepping stone to advance their career goals, without considerations of what was most desirable by residents.

People from cities where the last manager was employed thanked us for hiring him –– something the hiring city council wasn’t able to figure out beforehand.

The new city manager faces a plate full of concerns.

The 20-year water main line replacement is already about five years behind schedule.

The road conditions that gained Moose Jaw the Pothole City nickname need attention.

A long winter with plenty of freeze-thaw cycles aggravated the pothole situation.

What kind of management would allow the city pothole truck to break down on the third day of pothole repairs? The city has had a lot of garbage truck breakdowns too.

It sounds like not enough preventive maintenance has been done.

One recalls the elimination of the fire department mechanic a few years ago to save wages and provide more work for the city yards. Some budget savings come back to haunt.

The “them versus us’’ attitude of some city hall staff and by some city councillors will present a challenge to the new manager.

_____________________

Last year the annual street sweeping of our street was a disgrace. Gobs of mud and dead leaves were left in the gutters, hindering flow of water when it rained.

Once upon a time city crews sent someone with a

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

shovel to loosen debris. Not last year.

This year was a pleasant surprise. The sweeping left the gutters clear to drain water. Great job!

_____________________

During intermission at the Brenda Lee Cottrell Legendary Women’s concert I ran into into esteemed steel guitar star Tex Emery, who moved to Moose Jaw years ago.

Tex recalled all the fun he had doing comedy with Grandpa Jones on the long-running Hee Haw TV show. Tex turns 93 this year and hasn’t lost his comedy schtick.

“You know,” he said, “I told my wife the other day I’m going to start chasing women because I haven’t got much time.”

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw breaks ground on first joint-use school project in the city

On May 16, Education Minister Dustin Duncan joined Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence and students, staff and representatives from Prairie South and Holy Trinity school divisions at a sod-turning event to celebrate the construction of a new joint-use elementary school in the Westheath neighbourhood.

“Our government is committed to investing in high-quality infrastructure projects that will support the growth of students, teachers and the entire community,” Duncan said.

“We appreciate and recognize the hard work and dedication of Prairie South and Holy Trinity school divisions, as well as the City of Moose Jaw, for helping make this project a reality. Together, we are laying the foundation for a better educated Saskatchewan and brighter future for our children.”

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $69 million for the planning, design and construction of the Prekindergarten to Grade 8 school, which is a consolidation of Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s, Empire and Westmount elementary schools from across both school divisions. This is an increase of roughly $19 million since the site was selected in 2019.

This additional investment will help ensure the project is protected against inflationary costs and supply chain pressures.

The building is anticipated to be completed in 2025. When completed, it will accommodate 900 students from

By Patricia Hanbidge

Summer Flowering Bulbs

Now that we are finally seeing warmer temperatures, we are also seeing the signs of spring. When we see the spring flowering bulbs emerge and give the first colour to our gardens, it is time to think about ensuring we can enjoy the colours of nature right through until fall. It’s time to think about planting those more tender bulbs – the summer flowering selections that are not hardy enough to survive our winter.

Generally, summer flowering bulbs prefer to be grown in full sun and well-drained soil. They originate in sub-tropical or tropical regions so are used to warmth and humidity. They are not winter hardy and need to be lifted prior to the fall temperatures dropping substantially.

It is these bulbs that are often the “wow” points of our gardens. Who can ignore the tantalizing tropical scent of acidanthera, the wondrous colour of the begonias in the shady parts, or the majestic stature of the

the two divisions and include a regulated child-care centre with a capacity for 51 children. Both sides of the building will include flexible state-of-the-art learning environments, separate gymnasiums and a shared community resource space.

The venue will also include learning stairs, which offer a formal and informal area for gathering, teaching, socializing and performing in a flexible, amphitheatre-style environment.

“We are excited to see construction begin for this brand new facility, which will provide an innovative, modern learning environment for our students and teachers,” Prairie South School Division board chair Giselle Wilson said. “We want to thank and recognize the Government of Saskatchewan’s additional investment into this project which will help support families well into the future.”

“We are filled with immense pride and excitement as we begin construction for the new joint-use school project in Moose Jaw,” Holy Trinity Catholic School Division board chair Joann Blazieko said.

“This facility will not only nurture the academic growth of our students but also benefit the surrounding community for many years to come. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Saskatchewan and our partners for their support in making this project a reality.”

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed approximately $2.4 billion toward school infrastructure projects. These projects include 60 new schools and 30 major renovation projects, with an additional five projects approved through the Minor Capital Renewal Program.

gladiolus? If you are not yet growing some of these less hardy bulbs, then maybe this is the year to begin.

Acidanthera are exotic members of the iris family. They have a delicious scent that will waft over your outdoor areas if planted close. They are white (perfect for night gardens), grow about 24 inches high with a white star-shaped bloom with a centre of deep purple. They are naturally found in semi-alpine conditions in Ethiopia so do not need a really rich soil. Plant them about 3 inches deep with about 5 inches between bulbs.

Begonias are gorgeous in the shady areas of the garden. They come in a range of colours from reds to pinks, yellows and whites and even a number of purples and apricots. The pendulous types are great in hanging baskets while the uprights are good in beds or containers. Plant in partial to full shade and be sure you do not plant them too deeply as they are a shallow-rooted plant.

Caladiums are a showy plant that will give any landscape a tropical flair. They are actually grown for their large colourful leaves. They come in multi-colours with swirls and splashes of red, green, white and pink. Plant them in the shade and even bring them in as a house plant as summer wanes.

Canna lilies are

beautiful everywhere. Their bloom colours range from white to orange, yellow, pink red and even bi-colour. They are native to the West Indies and South America so are considered not hardy. They are superb summer bloomers with not only a great bloom but often have coloured and textured leaves. Do not plant these plants in windy areas as the foliage will be damaged. Some species can grow up to 10 feet in height but can also be as small as 2 feet. Plant in full sun and remove spent flowers to encourage more bloom.

Dahlias are from Mexico and are easily one of the top selling summer flowering bulbs. There are literally hundreds of selections to choose from with all the colours of the rainbow. Many gardeners will pot up their dahlias a good six weeks prior to going outside to ensure the longest, loveliest period of bloom. They are long blooming so can be planted in borders, beds or containers and even make a great cut-flower. Just a word of caution – once you begin to grow dahlias you might get addicted to trying them all!

Gladiolus are another very popular summer bulb as they come in almost all colours. They are a superb cut flower and can be grown easily in beds or borders. They often need some support due to their height.

Make this summer the year you make your garden a bit more exotic by growing at least a couple summer flowering bulbs.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

Moose Jaw Express staff

An artist’s rendition of what the new school will look like. Photo courtesy Government of Saskatchewan

Government of Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

attend.

Same small group of people committing most crimes, says police chief

Officers have charged more people this year for crimes against property and against fellow residents, with the police chief saying it’s the same small group of people committing many of these offences.

There were 187 crimes committed against people during the first four months of this year compared to 159 during the same period last year and 118 two years ago, recent crime data shows.

Furthermore, there were 585 incidents of crimes committed against property from January to April compared to 517 episodes during the same period last year and 533 two years ago.

The Moose Jaw Police Service presented the data during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting, while Chief Rick Bourassa discussed the numbers during a media scrum afterward.

One local reporter informed the chief that based on research, nine residents have likely committed 433 crimes during the past two years. He wondered if the police also believed the same people were committing most crimes.

“That is pretty consistent around the world, certainly here and in other places. We heard about the (increased incidents of) assault police officer situation (earlier in the meeting). That was one person responsible for half of our

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

incidents. That is fairly normal,” Bourassa said.

“It’s not a lot of people involved in many of the situations we deal with. So we do see the same people over and over again.”

Bourassa was unsure if nine people were responsible for most of the crimes but knew it wasn’t 400. While he didn’t have exact data, based on experience and anecdotal stories, “it’s a fairly small number of people who re-offend frequently.”

Increases in crime rates

The Moose Jaw Police Service does not like to see these increases in crime — decreases would be better — and would prefer if there were zero incidents, even though that is unrealistic, said Bourassa.

Meanwhile, there tend to be cycles in crime where the organization sees an increase in offences and directs its resources to combat those problems, he continued. It’s usually a few people committing the bulk of those crimes, so those crime waves decrease when officers intervene and arrest people.

The organization will continue to hold people accountable and track those numbers, while it will analyze national crime data in July to determine how Moose Jaw compares to other municipalities.

“And speaking with other chiefs — not only provincially but across the country — we’re all seeing these sorts of rises. And it will take some time to understand fully what’s driving those,” said Bourassa.

“We do know some of it can be influenced by the economy and by people’s resources … ,” he continued. “We do know that we’ve come through some pretty challenging couple of years with the pandemic and we did see some behavioural changes on a larger scale and less civility.

“We don’t know if that is going to continue, but we will keep watching that.”

The drug trade could be driving these crimes — although that’s been happening for many years — while much of it is connected to people’s need for money to support their addictions, Bourassa said.

The MJPS is working to halt the drug trade and trafficking and has increased its resources to respond to them, he continued. The public should expect to see the police pursuing more projects that apprehend drug suppliers and hold them accountable.

“But you’re absolutely right. A lot of that (crime and theft) is related to the drug trade. Everything’s got value to somebody,” added Bourassa.

Police board chair concerned about increased assaults on cops this year

The Moose Jaw Police Service has seen a 300-per-cent increase in assaults against officers this year compared to 2022, although one person has been responsible for near-

GARDEN CENTRE

Need help getting your garden cleaned up? Give us a call! We have the time and expertise to get you ready for spring!

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ly half of those incidents.

There were eight attacks on police from January to April of this year, compared to two incidents during the same period last year and five incidents year-to-date in 2021, the most recent crime statistics show.

This past April, there were four such incidents, compared to two last year and one in 2021.

The police service (MJPS) presented the data during the recent meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners.

Supt. Taylor Mickleborough explained that of those four incidents in April, one was inaccurately recorded, so there were three assaults on police last month — all due to one person.

The accused assaulted officers when they arrested him for a weapon offence, while he attacked them again when they put him in jail and then fought cops when they took him to court.

“So quite a prisoner to deal with … ,” Mickleborough added.

“So, there is not an epidemic occurring here (of assaults on police),” said Police Chief Rick Bourassa with a chuckle.

Board chairwoman Mary Lee Booth said she gasped when she first saw the data about assaults on police, especially considering 10 officers have died so far this year

— some killed — while responding to incidents. This alarmed her, while she hoped there wasn’t increased hostility leading to these acts.

Another issue that concerned Booth was the number of mass shootings in the United States this year since there have been 192 mass shootings south of the border out of 208 days — almost one incident a day.

“Thank God we have (a) more civilized police service,” she said, pointing out Canadian police services are governed by the principles that English inspector Sir Robert Peel created in the early 1800s.

“Every time I hear things like this, I think with gratitude of the members that are serving because it is not an easy profession and they really are risking their lives. So it’s very humbling,” she continued, adding seeing the statistics about assaults on police gave her anxiety.

The MJPS lowered its flags when it learned of the recent killing of an officer in Ottawa, while it will raise those pennants after the funeral, said Bourassa. Moreover, he contacted the police chief of the Ontario Provincial Police to express condolences about the member’s death.

Bourassa added that Moose Jaw would send several officers to Ottawa to participate in the procession before the funeral.

New governance policy clarifies police board’s roles, enhances accountability

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) has developed its first ever governance policy that it believes will give clearer direction to members about their roles and responsibilities while enhancing accountability.

The board had conducted its regular functions in agreement with principles outlined in provincial legislation and regulatory requirements, but the new policy articulates and formalizes those processes more completely, a board report explained.

Some of those legislative and regulatory components include The Police Act, 1990, the Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Police Commissioner’s Handbook, and the Local Government Election Act.

Some sections of the new policy include the board’s mandate, how meetings should function, an annual board self-assessment, an annual performance appraisal of the chief and a code of conduct.

“It’s good practice for any board to have a governance policy that gives direction to the members. Even embedded in the governance policy is … a reminder that every year we (must) do a board self-evaluation and ap

praisal of the chief’s performance,” said board chairwoman Mary Lee Booth.

The board has been performing many of these actions already, but having those activities written down “gives a different dimension” since it holds members more accountable, which is a good practice to have, she continued.

Booth commended Police Chief Rick Bourassa for putting together the document, saying he conducted the research and used the Saskatoon Police Service’s policy as a template. She appreciated that the document spelled out how operational meetings should happen.

“It was a long time coming to get this governance policy … ,” she added.

Commissioner Doug Blanc agreed that the new governance policy cleared up any remaining confusion about the board’s roles and activities since it provided clear direction to them. He also thought the board should look at the policy as a living document and review it yearly.

“But this is a perfect document to start with and I’m very pleased with it,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Public Library south meeting room. The public is welcome to attend.

Many calls to police are because residents are lonely, depressed, fearful

While the United States surgeon general recently declared loneliness an epidemic, the Moose Jaw Police Service has been dealing with that issue for years and directing people to appropriate support.

The first four months of 2023 have been busy for the organization (MJPS) as it has received 5,976 calls for service, compared to 5,362 calls last year during the same period and 4,618 queries two years ago, new data shows. This has translated into a year-over-year increase of 11.5 per cent.

During a media scrum after the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting, chairwoman Mary Lee Booth pointed out that service-call increases in 2022 ranged from 19 per cent to 30 per cent by the end of the year. However, cops are now facing an 11.5-per-cent increase year-to-date on top of last year’s queries.

“So if you look at the numbers of calls for services

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

now compared to pre-pandemic, it’s quite a bit higher.

And I think that’s another indication of the social unrest and economic situation following this pandemic,” she said, noting addiction, mental illness, and housing are piled on top of those problems.

“People call the police because (they) really are the (ones) available 24/7,” Booth added.

That is true, especially since society has experienced a major period of increased stress and anxiety, which exhibit themselves through irregular behaviours and increased fear, Police Chief Rick Bourassa said.

“People are nervous, are afraid and are looking for reassurance and for some support and help. And we will continue to provide that as we move forward,” he continued.

“I can’t predict the future. I’m not sure how our societal interactions will continue, but this has been seen

all over the place (through) changes in civility and how people interact with each other. And there seems to be more aggression.”

The chief noted that 25 per cent of all calls are for crimes, while 75 per cent are for non-crime matters — such as people who are depressed or need an outlet to vent their frustration.

The MJPS has dealt with lonely and depressed people for many years, including isolated individuals who need someone to talk to — which is why they call the police for non-emergencies, Bourassa said.

“And we’ve been doing that for as long as I’ve been around — connecting with (lonely) people (and) connecting them with resources that help them,” he added. “But loneliness is a big issue, it really is.”

Cops seeing big increases in offences related to people, property, drugs

The Moose Jaw Police Service has seen double-digit percentage increases in crimes against people and property this year, while officers have also responded to more calls than last year.

From January to April, the agency saw increases of 17.6 per cent in crimes against people, 13.2 per cent in crimes against property and 11.5 per cent in service calls compared to last year, recent crime statistics show.

Crimes against people

Data for crimes against people for 2023, 2022 and 2021 showed:

Homicide: 0 / 1 / 0

Attempted murder: 1 / 0 / 1

Assaults (sexual, common, with weapons/cause bodily harm, aggravated, against police): 132 / 115 / 84

Robbery: 2 / 6 / 0

Total: 187 / 159 / 118

Crimes against property

Data for crimes against property for 2023, 2022 and 2021 showed:

Break-ins (business, residence, other): 76 / 68 / 103

Theft of motor vehicle: 13 / 19 / 16

Theft over $5,000: 13 / 5 / 6

Theft under $5,000: 268 / 219 / 171

Arson: 0 / 5 / 5

Mischief/property damage: 80 / 72 / 93

Total: 585 / 517 / 533

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) is monitoring the increases in people-related crimes and deploying its resources accordingly, Chief Rick Bourassa said during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting.

Meanwhile, the “other” category of break-ins has jumped 127.3 per cent year-over-year — 25 incidents this year versus 11 last year — because criminals are breaking into sheds, outbuildings and other structures not attached to homes or businesses and stealing tools, he continued.

Police continue to investigate these incidents and have laid numerous charges against people, Bourassa added.

Other crimes

Data for other crimes for 2023, 2022 and 2021 showed:

Impaired driving: 30 / 38 / 31

Failing to comply with court orders: 127 / 309 / 232

Threats: 15 / 28 / 16

Domestic disputes: 19 / 24 / 55

Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 60 / 101 / 70

Summary offence tickets: 645 / 492 / 684

Drugs (cocaine, marijuana, meth, other CDSA drugs): 15 / 11 / 21

Also, there have been 5,976 calls for service year-todate (YTD), compared to 5,362 calls YTD in 2022 and 4,618 queries YTD in 2021.

Moose Jaw is not unique with property crime increases since it’s happening across Canada, said Bourassa.

“With the pandemic, things shifted slightly and there was a real drop in property crimes because people were at home and things weren’t happening,” he continued. “As things began to open up, we saw an increase … .”

There have been 10 incidents YTD for other CDSA drug offences compared to three offences YTD last year, a 233.3-per-cent increase, Bourassa said. While that looks “really, really nasty,” officers’ enforcement activities have driven those numbers.

Supt. Taylor Mickleborough confirmed that police continue to monitor drugs — mainly fentanyl and meth — while the numbers are due to successful investigative projects and police following up on leads.

While there has been an 11.5-per-cent increase in service calls year-over-year, residents should still call the cops so they can help resolve issues before they grow worse, said Bourassa.

When asked whether some calls are for “frivolous” issues, the chief confirmed the MJPS receives those types of queries. However, the in-house communications officers handle those obnoxious calls since most don’t require police.

Those calls are similar to what the mayor’s office re-

Increase in major theft charges due to inflation in consumer goods, police chief says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

There has been a 160-per-cent increase in thefts over $5,000 this year compared to 2022, which the police chief says is due to stolen items being worth more than in previous years.

There were 13 thefts of items over $5,000 from January to April of this year, compared to five incidents during the same period last year and six incidents in 2021, recent crime statistics show.

Meanwhile, there has been a year-over-year increase of 160 per cent in thefts under $5,000, with 268 incidents year-to-date (YTD) compared to 219 incidents YTD last year and 171 episodes during the same time in 2021.

The Moose Jaw Police Service presented the data during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting, while Chief Rick Bourassa explained what was con-

tributing to the increases during a media scrum afterward.

“Part of it is inflation. That might sound facetious, but that is part of it, is the value of some items has increased,” he said. “… there are a lot of items that are worth $5,000 that are fairly easy to remove, whereas a few years ago, it wasn’t that easy.”

Bourassa has been a police officer for several decades and recalls when he first started, thefts were categorized as either over or under $200. That number then rose to $500, $1,000 and then $5,000 several years ago.

“So when I say inflation, that is responsible for some of (the thefts). But some items that would not have been valued at that ($5,000 number) are now valued at that — or higher,” he added.

ceives and what city hall receptionists often handle, said Commissioner Clive Tolley. Sometimes residents just want to be heard and their query doesn’t become an actual service call.

“And the ability of those people (receptionists) to listen, be polite and let these people vent a little bit, I think you’re performing a good mental health community service,” he added, “because sometimes that will be enough to defuse the situation and get the people to relax and calm down … .”

The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Public Library’s south meeting room. The public is welcome to attend.

VILLAGE OF BRIERCREST

2023 ASSESSMENT ROLL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Briercrest for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection by appointment in the office of the assessor on Tuesdays from 9:30am – 2:30pm and 6:00pm – 8:00pm and Thursdays from 9:30am – 2:30pm. Beginning May 26 – June 24, 2023.

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of the Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal his/her assessment is required to file his/her notice of appeal, accompanied by a $30.00 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, with: The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Kristen Tokaryk, Box 25, Briercrest, SK S0H 0K0, by the 24th of June, 2023.

Dated this 24th day of May 2023.

Linda Senchuk Administrator Village of Briercrest

THURSDAY, May 25th

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Public Library south meeting room. The public is welcome to attend.

Return of police patrols likely to please downtown businesses, park users

The Moose Jaw Police Service’s downtown patrols were so popular last summer that it is bringing back the service to maintain visibility and engage with the public.

The organization (MJPS) began some foot patrols in December 2021 in response to rallies against pandemic mandates. Meanwhile, over the past few years, it has received many calls about potentially unlawful activity downtown and in Crescent Park and the perceived lack of safety and security.

In response, it implemented a foot patrol in winter 2022 whenever the weather co-operated and when there was extra activity downtown. The foot patrols — expanded later that April — provided a greater visible police presence to ensure business owners felt safe and allowed more engagement with residents.

The MJPS announced during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting that it had resumed the foot and bike patrol as of May 1.

“Now that the endless winter seems to be behind us, we’ve increased our resources in the downtown area … ,” said Police Chief Rick Bourassa with a chuckle. “We’ve certainly heard … that there’s a demand for more visibility and we’ll meet that demand.”

The police service saw an uptick in disturbances last

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

year near Crescent Park, so it deployed members on foot, hoping their presence would disrupt the drinking, drug use and general nuisance situations, said Supt. Taylor Mickelborough. While it doesn’t have hard data, it hopes those renewed efforts decrease such incidents.

The organization recently moved several members to a building across from headquarters, so they will be engaged in the foot and bike patrols, while patrol officers with free time will also roam the area, said Deputy Chief Rick Johns.

The organization recently converted one of its bicycles to an electronic bike, which it believes will help members travel faster through the park, he added.

Johns later confirmed that there would be three officers for foot patrols and 34 other officers capable of providing support.

“I’m sure that the business community will be very happy about this, especially general community members,” said board chairwoman Mary Lee Booth.

Booth was pleased with the MJPS’s goal of engaging with residents. She regularly uses the library and recently came across an officer visiting with several homeless people and referring to them by name. The board chairwoman thought those regular patrols made people more

comfortable talking to cops.

Commissioner Doug Blanc owns an e-bike and acknowledged they could travel faster than pedal-powered two-wheelers. Meanwhile, he recalled years ago how police used to check downtown businesses to ensure they were locked. He wondered if cops would perform the same role today during their patrols.

Most foot patrols will occur during the day, while the bike patrols will roam the downtown for longer periods, said Johns. However, because of how advanced security systems are today, officers do not need to check doors after hours as in the past.

Blanc also appreciated the organization’s goal of public engagement. He pointed out that there are many international students here who come from countries where they fear the police.

“I think this is a good opportunity to showcase that not all police officers in all jurisdictions around the world are the same,” he added.

The MJPS has a great relationship with the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council and Newcomer Centre and is looking to expand those partnerships, said Bourassa. While the agency does plenty of educational outreach, it can do better.

Two new student-created anti-graffiti murals to soon be installed downtown

Police Chief Rick Bourassa is celebrating a partnership that the police service has fostered for years with art-minded high school students and is promoting the youths’ two new anti-graffiti projects.

Since 2014, the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) has worked with Project 104 High School Arts Collective, comprised of students from Prairie South School Division and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division. The youths create large mural projects that city crews then install in parks and on buildings that see regular graffiti vandalism.

“We would really like to reduce the amount of graffiti because what we do know is this: the physical environment signals what behaviours are acceptable,” Bourassa said during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting.

“When you have the physical environment deteriorate, it sends a signal that it doesn’t need to be respected, so it will generate more of that behaviour.”

These highly talented students wanted to create and

Jason G.

express

positive principles through artwork, he continued. The partnership was born because they lacked a venue to display their creations and the police service needed graffiti removed or covered.

The group has created 15 large murals since 2014, with all the pieces finding a home throughout the city. The students spend a year or more developing, creating and completing the projects while an anti-spray paint coating is applied to protect the murals from damage.

Of the 15 murals erected over the years, it was only this past April when someone vandalized — or tagged — one for the first time, said Bourassa. Contractors peeled off the coating and re-applied it easily.

The provincial government provides the MJPS with money from the proceeds of crime fund so the agency can purchase the materials for the students. The MJPS plans to pursue more funding so it can purchase extra supplies. Meanwhile, the labour is free since the students make the pieces, while the city installs the artwork with-

BIZWORLD

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

out charge.

The three partners plan to install two new anti-graffiti murals within the next month, including a 150-foot mural on a private building that will wrap around the structure’s sides, said Bourassa. The second project will see the city install seven murals on the former Public Comfort Station building in Crescent Park.

“It’s been just wonderful to watch students have the ability to express themselves,” he continued. “The group that was there in 2014 when we started … (are) all long gone and graduated and off to careers. This is the fourth or fifth generation of artists.”

The police service will let the students use space in the organization’s new building on Fairford Street West to finish their murals, Bourassa added.

The next Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Public Library’s south meeting room. The public is welcome to attend.

High health investment yielding units could fetch huge returns

An investment yielding 10 per cent return would seem too risky.

Most investors shy away from yields so high above the average market.

Yet NorthWest Health Care Properties Real Estate Investment Trust units might just be an exception to the usual rule.

NorthWest units yield 10 per cent in an environment where six per cent seems darn good.

The company, market value of $1.95 billion, owns or manages 233 properties related to health care on four continents – the Americas, Europe and Australia/New Zealand.

Properties are medical clinics, hospitals and a few life science centres — all considered recession defensive investments. Average term of lease left is 14 years.

Occupancy is in the 99 per cent area.

That’s the good side of NorthWest Health Care.

The bad side revolves around the debt load. Total debt, including $272 million convertible debentures recently issued, amounts to $3.67 billion. Interest payments in the first three months this year were $51 million.

Cash flow, which is what’s left over after all expenses are paid, was $21 million in that period.

The trust’s payout this quarter was a whopping 123 per cent of available funds. Only cash from depreciation allowances permitted the payout.

Under most circumstances, one would expect a cut in the payout to save cash.

NorthWest might avoid that. Cash from asset sales, expected to net the trust up to $600 million this year, will be used to repay debt.

That debt repayment would reduce debt load to just over $6 billion – still 1.7 times unit holder equity.

The trust has projects in development worth around $500 million to offset lost income from asset sales.

The units have declined from $10.50 in late November to a current $8.07.

Different analysts predict the price within one year will range from $10.71 to $12.50

CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your adviser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

YOUNG & YOUNG AUTOMOTIVE

Expanded to 10 bays

BOOK ONLINE MJMINUTE.CA OR TEXT 306-691-0667/306-631-4376

175 & 180 2nd Ave NW

306-693-1288

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Board of Police Commissioners meeting is Thursday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the Moose Jaw Public Library south meeting room. The public is welcome to attend.

Police board receives financial update for first time since January

The Moose Jaw Police Service provided a financial update to the police board for the first time in months, a sign that city hall’s new financial software program is properly operating.

The organization (MJPS) had not provided the Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) with a monthly financial update since January because city hall had been experiencing troubles implementing its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

While the police service has a finance officer, the municipality’s finance department provides third-party accounting services to the organization.

The MJPS budgeted $1,784,000 in revenues and $13,284,895 in expenses this year, leaving an overall net expense of $11,509,548. City council agreed to fund this amount during its 2023 budget discussions.

From Jan. 1 to March 31, the MJPS saw revenues of $383,188 and expenses of $3,826,896, leaving an overall net expense of $3,468,297, according to a BOPC report. This is roughly 30 per cent of the overall budget.

Of note, the subscriptions and publications expense category was $5,296 over budget, the insurance category was $2,372 over budget and supplies were over budget by $2,645.

“It’s difficult for us to forecast right now because so many revenues (like provincial funding and contractual revenues) come in big chunks, so we’re never quite sure

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

what time of the year they’re going to show up,” said Police Chief Rick Bourassa during the recent BOPC meeting.

“A lot of the salary and benefits pieces are front-loaded because of CPP and employment insurance and those sorts of things that are paid upfront.”

There are no major budget variances so far, while the organization should finish the year in good shape, he added.

Commissioner Doug Blanc inquired about whether the budget included provincial funding from the automated speed enforcement cameras and the current accumulated surplus.

Bourassa replied that the MJPS would receive $330,000 in camera revenue, which would come later this year.

Meanwhile, the total accumulated surplus at the end of 2022 was $395,135.69. This included last year’s surplus of $229,202.20, the 2021 carry-forward surplus of $170,275.01 and $4,341.52 in losses from investments.

“We have to bear in mind (that) that surplus exists because we and the board made a decision to put contingency away for salary increases (and) for bargaining increases,” Bourassa said. “And then that goes into the surplus. Once the agreement is complete, then it comes out as backpay …”

“Ideally, we should be at zero all the time, but that

surplus allows us to smooth things out during collective bargaining (agreement, CBA) periods.”

During the recent CBA negotiations, the BOPC agreed to retroactive pay increases of 1.8 per cent for 2021, 1.95 per cent for last year and 2.9 per cent for this year.

An investigation by the MJ Independent revealed the MJPS had an accumulated surplus of $1,137,301.03 in 2013, while it drew down $742,165.34 during those 10 years. Moreover, the organization experienced four deficits and six surpluses during that time.

The highest surplus was $229,202.20 last year, the investigation found, while the largest deficit was $697,738.51 in 2019.

When asked why supplies were over budget, finance officer Lisa Renwick replied that they weren’t. Instead, the organization has had difficulty knowing where to put some expenses because of the new software system. Moreover, city hall has suggested that the MJPS put some expenses in other areas.

“So it’s kind of a learning curve this year,” she said, noting the organization can adjust the budget later as it learns how to produce reports. “There has been a lot of equipment purchased (for the tactical unit) because we’ve spent the ($70,000 in) civil forfeiture money we’ve received.”

Crime Stoppers received 56 tips and awarded $450 during Q1

Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers received nearly 60 tips from residents about possible crimes during the first quarter of this year and issued nearly $500 in reward money.

From Jan. 1 to April 30, the public sent the organization’s co-ordinator 56 tips about incidents in the community. Investigations led to police arresting and charging two people, while Crime Stoppers paid $450 to people for their help.

The Moose Jaw Police Service provided the information during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting.

Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers is celebrating its 38th birthday this year and is the oldest Crime Stoppers group in the province. The group was incorporated one day be-

NOTICE OF ABANDONMENT OF POLL VILLAGE OF BRIERCREST

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the office(s) of:

Councillor: Village of Briercrest

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office(s) will take place and the following person(s) are elected by acclamation:

COUNCILLOR: Brett Kowalyk

Dated at Briercrest, this 18th day of May, 2023

Linda Senchuk

Returning Officer

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

fore the City of Regina’s association began, about which former Moose Jaw mayor Louis (Scoop) Lewry always enjoyed reminding people.

Crime Stoppers began in the United States 40 years ago, while Calgary was the first Canadian municipality to adopt the program. The program arrived in Moose Jaw two years later after a Calgary officer arrived in town to be the new police chief.

The program has recovered $838,233 worth of drugs and property since it began here in 1985, while it has processed 4,407 tips, paid out $39,400 in tips out of $56,565 in approved tip money and arrested 503 people. These

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MARQUIS NO. 191

2023

ASSESSMENT ROLL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Rural Municipality of Marquis No. 191 for the year 2023 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days:

Monday to Friday inclusive May 26th, 2023 – July 25th, 2023.

A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the Rural Municipality of Marquis No. 191, Box 40, Marquis SK S0H 2X0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, Kristen Tokaryk, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., Box 149, Meota SK, S0M 1X0, by the 25th day of July, 2023.

Dated at Marquis, Saskatchewan this 26th day of May, 2023

numbers show how successful the program has been and reflect the good co-operation between the police and residents.

Crime Stoppers has also seen how useful social media has become and how it has evolved over the years. The program started with a phone number of 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), followed by a webpage on the Moose Jaw Police Service website, followed by a phone app and social media pages.

NOTICE OF INTENTION

TO AMEND OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN NO. 5345

TheCounciloftheCityofMooseJawintendstoconsiderabylaw pursuanttoThePlanningandDevelopmentAct,2007toamend theCityofMooseJaw’sOcialCommunityPlanNo.5345.

TheproposedamendmentsincludeatextamendmenttoaccommodateforaDirectControlDistrict;amapamendmentthat changestheFutureLandUsedesignationofthearealegallyknown asSW29-16-26-2Ext4,Blk/ParB,PlanCX1021Ext0&Blk/ParA, Plan78MJ07626Ext1fromCommunityService/Parks/RVCtoDirect ControlDistrict1(DCD1);andamapamendmenttotheDevelopmentConstraintsMaptoremovetheEnvironmentalConservation Easementfromthesubjectareatocorrectamappingerror.

AmapoftheaectedareaandacopyoftheproposedBylawmay befoundontheCitywebsiteatwww.moosejaw.ca.

PublicfeedbackontheproposedBylawmaybedirectedto PlanningandDevelopmentServices,228MainStreetNorth,Moose Jaw,SKS6H3J8,orbyemailatplanning@moosejaw.ca.Allwritten submissionsmustbereceivedby10:00amonMonday,June12, 2023.QuestionsmaybedirectedtotheDepartmentofPlanning andDevelopmentServicesbyemailorbyphoneat306-694-4443.

TheproposedBylawandanysubmissionsregardingtheproposed BylawwillbeconsideredattheregularmeetingofCityCouncilto beheldinCouncilChambers,CityHall,at4:00pmonMonday,June 12,2023.

DATEDatMooseJaw,Saskatchewanthis18thdayofMay,2023. TracyWittke-CityClerk

What to look for when players take the ice at the World Para Hockey Championship

For the most part, the sport of para hockey is the same as the version played by able-bodied players.

The goals are the same, rink dimensions haven’t changed, lines on the ice are the same and players wear gloves and helmets like everyone else.

But fans will see differences when the World Para Hockey Championship hits the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Sunday, May 28.

Of course, it all starts with the players themselves.

Athletes have to go through a number of steps to prove their level of ability, with every athlete having to meet minimum impairment to be involved in the sport.

That includes limb deficiency through medical amputation or trauma, impaired muscle power, leg length difference, hypertonia (increased muscle tension), ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), athetosis (continual slow involuntary movements) and impaired passive movement in one or more joints.

As an example, Team Canada captain Tyler McGregor developed spindle cell sarcoma in his left leg after a fracture in 2009. His leg was amputated in 2010, he started para hockey in 2011 and debuted

on the national team in 2012. Or take U.S. veteran and longtime captain Josh Pauls. Born without tibias in his legs, both were amputated when he was 10 months old. He began playing para hockey in 2002 and has gone on to win five world championships and four Paralympic gold medals with Team U.S.A.

The sleds themselves are governed

when it comes to their height, length and width, and players will carry two sticks, each no more than 100 cm long and featuring an ice pick on the end that is used to propel players around the ice. There’s even a specific penalty for if the sled is used as a weapon -- teeing, where a player makes contact with an opponent with any part of the front radius of the sled going

straight into an opponent.

The game itself is slightly shorter, with 15-minute periods and 15-minute intermissions. Overtime rules vary by tournament stage -- preliminary rounds feature a five-minute OT, games up to the bronze medal game are 10-minute OT and the gold medal game will be a 15-minute overtime. Shootouts will follow at each level if no goal is scored.

Folks will also notice some substantial changes to the arena infrastructure itself.

Immediately noticeable, of course, is the ice surface. The Para Hockey World Championship logo has replaced the Moose Jaw Warriors at centre ice and tournament sponsors have also been painted into the surface.

Then there are the boards themselves, which feature see-through plexiglass at the benches and penalty box areas so players can see the ice surface while on their sleds. The bench floor area and walkway to the dressing rooms will be covered with synthetic plastic ice to facilitate player movement.

Other than that, it’s most goals wins, with the eight-team tournament beginning on May 28 with three games. Tickets are available by visiting www.sasktix.ca.

The ice is in, the boards are up and the final finishing touches will be taking place over the next week and a half for the World Para Hockey Championship.

Team by team; A look at the 2023 World Para Hockey Championship

A quick glance at all eight teams taking part in the event beginning next weekend at the Moose Jaw Events Centre

Listed according to the world ranking as of December 2022. With files from World Para Ice Hockey and www.paralympic.org

UNITED STATES

World ranking: First

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- gold, defeated Canada in final

Worlds 2021 -- gold, defeated Canada in final

Worlds 2019 -- Gold, defeated Canada in final

Paralympics 2018 -- Gold, defeated Canada in final Worlds 2017 -- Silver, lost to Canada in final

Worlds 2015 -- Gold, defeated Canada in final

Paralympics 2014 -- Gold, defeated Russia in final Worlds 2013 -- Silver, lost to Canada in

final Player to Watch: There are many, but it’s hard to ignore Declan Farmer. The 25-year-old forward has been part of Team U.S.A. since 2007 and in that span has won six Paralympic and World Championship gold medals. He led the 2022 Paralympics in scoring with seven goals and 18 points in four games, while also putting up a plus-16 plus/minus.

Quick note: Team U.S.A. has stood over the sport of para hockey like an iron colossus for much of the last decade, having won six gold medals in that span. Their offensive depth was on display at the 2022 Paralympics, with five players finishing in the top seven in scoring. Look for them to finish top three, without question.

CANADA

World Ranking: Second

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- Silver, lost to U.S. in final

Worlds 2021 -- Silver, lost to U.S. in final

Worlds 2019 -- Silver, lost to U.S. in OT in final

Paralympics 2018 -- Silver, lost to U.S. in OT in final

Worlds 2017 -- Gold, defeated U.S. in final

Worlds 2015 -- Silver, lost to U.S. in final

Paralympics 2014 -- Bronze, defeated Russia

Worlds 2013 -- Gold, defeated U.S. in final

Player to Watch: Team captain Tyler McGregor has been a member of Team Canada since 2011 and has been one of the sport’s leading luminaries in that time. Finished seventh in tournament scoring at the 2022 Paralympics with five goals and eighth points in four games.

Quick note: Canada has played bridesmaid to the United States much of the last decade, having finished second in the last four major tournaments, including the last two Paralympics. Canada lost three games to the U.S. in an exhibition series earlier this year, but two games were decided by one goal, giving the tournament hosts hope for a title this time around.

KOREA

World ranking: Third

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 - fourth, lost bronze to China

Worlds 2021 - 4th lost bronze to Russia

Worlds 2019 -- Bronze, defeated Czechia

Paralympics 2018 -- Bronze, defeated Italy

Worlds 2017 -- Bronze, defeated Norway

Worlds 2015 -- Won B Pool, promoted to A pool

Paralympics 2014 -- Seventh

Worlds 2013 -- Seventh

Player to Watch: Nicknamed ‘Mes-

si on ice’ after the famous soccer player, Seung Hwan Jung is known for his blazing speed and ability to find time and space to create offence. He led South Korea in scoring during their bronze medal win in the 2018 Paralympics and has been a part of every Korean medal winner since the program’s inception.

Quick note: Korea has been a medal contender at World and Paralympic games ever since 2017, when they stunned the world by winning bronze after being promoted the year prior. Look for Korea to once again vie for a medal.

CZECHIA

World ranking: Fourth

Paralympics 2022 -- Sixth

Worlds 2021 -- Fifth

Worlds 2019 -- Fourth, lost bronze to Korea

Paralympics 2018 -- Sixth

Worlds 2017 -- Won B Pool, promoted to A Pool

Worlds 2015 -- Seventh, relegated to B Pool

Paralympics 2014 -- Fifth

Worlds 2013 -- Fourth, lost bronze to Russia

Player to Watch: Forward Michal

Geier has been one of Czechia’s scoring

stars dating all the way back to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and will be a key component of their squad. He was named the most valuable player of the 2019 World Championship after putting up seven goals and 11 points in the tournament.

Quick note: Czechia is a bit of a wild card, having competed for medals in the last decade and also having found themselves relegated. They have seen success recently, though, taking gold in a tournament in Italy and defeating fellow Worlds contender Norway in overtime in the final back in January.

CHINA

World ranking: Sixth

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- Bronze, defeated Korea

Worlds 2021 -- Won B Pool, promoted to

A Pool

Worlds 2019 -- Third in Pool B

Paralympics 2018 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2017 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2015 -- Did Not Qualify

Paralympics 2014 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2013 -- Did Not Qualify

Player to Watch: Forward Shen

Yifeng has drawn comparisons to Connor McDavid with his speed and vision on the

ice, and one just has to look at what he did at the 2022 Paralympics for a idea. He finished second in scoring with eight goals and 14 points while going plus-10 as China won a surprise bronze.

Quick note: There aren’t many superlatives to describe what China has put together on the para hockey scene in the last decade. A non-factor in the sport as early as 2018, China first qualified for the World Championship A pool in 2021 and the following year dropped a lot of jaws with a bronze medal at the 2022 Paralympics. The fast-rising crew will be looking for another medal this time around.

NORWAY

World ranking: Fifth

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- Did not qualify

Worlds 2021 -- Sixth

Worlds 2019 -- Fifth

Paralympics 2018 -- Fifth

Worlds 2017: Fourth, lost bronze to Korea

Worlds 2015: Fourth, lost bronze to Russia

Paralympics 2014: Fourth, lost bronze to Canada

Worlds 2013: Fifth

Player to Watch: The last time Norway took the ice in a major tournament,

defenceman Audun Bakke was among the team’s scoring leaders with four goals at the 2021 World Championship. Known as a clutch performer, he’ll be looking to help Norway get back to their glory years during the sport’s inception.

Quick note: Back in the 2000s, Norway was an absolute powerhouse in para hockey, with top-two finishes in five straight World Championships from 1996 through 2009 to go along with Paralympic gold in 1998, silver in 2002 and 2006 and bronze in 2010. They haven’t played for a medal since 2017.

GERMANY

World ranking: Seventh

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2021 -- Finished 2nd in Pool B, promoted to Pool A

Worlds 2019 -- Fourth in Pool B

Paralympics 2018 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2017 -- 7th place

Worlds 2015 -- 6th place

Paralympics 2014 -- Did Not Qualify

Worlds 2013 -- Won Pool B, promoted to Pool A

Player(s) to Watch: Forward Felix

Schrader and defenceman Lucas Sklorz combined for 17 goals and 27 points at the World Championship B Pool in 2021, helping Germany qualify for Moose Jaw 2023. Schrader is considered a future star in the sport and models his game after Korea’s standout Seung Hwan Jung.

Quick note: Germany has never finished higher than sixth place at Worlds and has never competed at the Paralympic Games. The program is on the rise, though, moving up from Pool B to return to the top level of World Championship competition for the first time since 2017.

ITALY

World Ranking: Eighth

Last decade of results

Paralympics 2022 -- Fifth

Worlds 2021 -- Seventh

Worlds 2019 -- Sixth

Paralympics 2018 -- Fourth, lost bronze to Korea

Worlds 2017 -- Fifth

Worlds 2015 -- Fifth

Paralympics 2014 -- Sixth Worlds 2013 -- Fifth Player to watch: Andrea Macri is a four-time Paralympian and one of the

most experienced players in the tournament, with the 32-year-old having picked up the sport shortly after recovering from a school roof collapse when he was 17. He was among the team’s leaders in their fourth-place finish at the 2018 Paralympics.

Quick note: If Italy can raise the level of their game just a little bit, there’s a good chance they’ll be in the medal hunt. They’ve never finished higher than fifth at a World Championship and never lower than seventh, having landed fifth or sixth seven times since 2008.

World Para Hockey Championship schedule of games

The 2023 World Para Hockey Championship will be taking place at the Moose Jaw Events Centre from Sunday, May 28 through Sunday, June 4. The eight-team tournament will feature two pools of four, with the top two teams earning byes into the semfinal and the bottom two teams playing in the quarter-final. Here’s a look at the complete schedule, with tickets available at www.sasktix.ca

Sunday, May 28

11 a.m. – Korea vs. Czechia

3 p.m. – China vs. Italy

7 p.m. – Norway vs. Germany

Monday, May 29

11 a.m. – Czechia vs. USA

3 p.m. – Norway vs. China

7 p.m. – Canada vs. Korea

Tuesday, May 30

11 a.m. – Germany vs. Italy

3 p.m. – USA vs. Korea

7 p.m. – Canada vs. Czechia

Wednesday, 31 May

11 a.m. – China vs. Germany

3 p.m. – Italy vs. Norway

7 p.m. – USA vs. Canada

Friday, 2 June

3 p.m. – Quarterfinal 1

7 p.m. – Quarterfinal 2

Saturday, 3 June

11 a.m. – 7th-8th playoff

3 p.m. – Semi-final 1

7 p.m. – Semi-final 2

Sunday, 4 June

11 a.m. – 5th-6th playoff

3 p.m. – Bronze medal game

7 p.m. – Gold medal game

Canucks fall in extra inning to Wolfpack in 18U AAA Sask Premier Baseball League action

Pisio, Csada hit first home runs of season, but Moose Jaw drops 14-10 decision in eight innings

Randy

The Moose Jaw 18U AAA Canucks might still be looking for their first win in the Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League, but if things continue to go as they did until the final inning on Tuesday night, that victory will come sooner than later.

The Canucks tied the game in the bottom of the seventh and got the winning run to second with two outs but would drop a 14-10 extra-inning decision to the Regina Wolfpack at Ross Wells Park.

The contest was back-and-forth throughout, with the first turn of fortune coming in the third inning when Nathan Pisio hit a two-run home run to tie the game 3-3. The round-tripper was the first for Pisio in Ross Wells and came on a 2-0 fastball that he took over the wall in left-centre field.

Moose Jaw eventually took a 6-4 lead into the sixth inning, in no small part to a solid start on the mound by Nathan McDougall. He’d go 4 ⅔ innings and allow three runs on three hits, with none of the runs earned. He’d also rack up five strikeouts on the night.

Regina would rally in the top of the seventh, though, scoring three runs off relievers Grier Peterson and Owen Csada to

take 7-6 lead in the bottom of the frame.

There, it would be Csada’s turn to come through with his first home run in

Ross Wells, and at a key moment, too. Down to his last strike with two outs and the game on the line, Csada would send a 2-2 fastball over the left field wall to tie the game 7-7.

The Canucks weren’t done there, either, as they got the winning run to second base but would be unable to finish things off.

Unfortunately for the home team, Regina’s bats came alive in the extra inning, cranking out three base hits, hitting two doubles and taking advantage of an error to put seven runs across the plate and take a 14-7 lead.

The Canucks didn’t go quietly, scoring three runs in the bottom of the extra inning, but they’d get no closer.

Pisio finished his night 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI, while Cam Beisal and Noah Thul each crossed the plate twice. Gerritt Gulutzan was 1-for-5, but knocked in four runs.

The Canucks will host the Regina White Sox on Wednesday, May 24. Game time is 7 p.m. at Ross Wells.

Moose Jaw continues winning ways with pair of victories in South Sask Lacrosse League action

Mustangs U11 2 battle to win over Weyburn, U11 1 Mustangs tie Queen City, U13 Mustangs dominate Crossfire

It was another night of success for the Moose Jaw Mustangs on Wednesday, as three teams picked up points in South Saskatchewan Lacrosse League action.

Both U11 teams took the floor at the Kinsmen Arena, with the Mustangs 2 taking a 6-5 victory over the Weyburn Thrashers and Mustangs 1 battling to an 8-8 tie with the Queen City Heat. The U13s were also in action in Regina, rolling to a 14-3 win over Queen City.

U11 Mustangs 2 6, Weyburn 5

Midway through the third period it

looked as if the Mustangs would were about to take their first loss of the season, after Weyburn scored a pair of goals early in the frame to take a 5-4 lead.

Sterling Stewart would score for Moose Jaw to tie the game at 8:54, and just over four minutes later, Joshua Arnold would score to give Moose Jaw the victory.

Arnold finished the game with four goals, while Bennet Dunlop had their other marker.

U11 Mustangs 1 8, Queen City 8

The Mustangs took a two-goal lead into the final five minutes of the game but wouldn’t be able to hold on for the win, as Queen City’s Karsen Peberdy would score twice in just over a minute to salvage the tie.

Kipton Tremblay scored five goals for Moose Jaw, while Stanley Jameson had a hat trick of his own. Kayden Howes had two assists and Jack Hourie added their other marker.

U13 Mustangs 14, Queen City 3

Moose Jaw left nothing to chance,

roaring out to a 6-1 lead in the first period and building a 9-2 edge through two.

Ryder Seiferling had a solid game for the Mustangs, scoring five goals and seven points, while Cruz Seaborg had a pair of goals and a four-point night. Keegan Flanagan and Vanden Chappel scored a pair each, Ethan Thedroff, Connor Hart-Livingston and Kieran Neuls-Dumoulin each had single markers.

Rylan Deichert played set up man with five assists.

Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Owen Csada and Nathan Pisio each hit their first home runs out of Ross Wells Park during their contest with the Regina Wolfpack on Tuesday night.

Action from the South Sask Lacrosse League U11 game between the Mustangs 2 and Weyburn Thrashers.

Action from the Moose Jaw high school track and field city championship

A selection of photos from the action Thursday afternoon at Gutheridge Field Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

It might have taken an extra day to get things in motion thanks to forest fire smoke in the area, but the Moose Jaw high school track and field championship saw

plenty of impressive results when things did get going Thursday.

A handful of new records were set despite the cool and breezy conditions, and

athletes across all age groups booked their spots in the South Central District championship set for Wednesday, May 24 at Gutheridge Field.

Here’s a look at some of the action from Thursday afternoon!

Action from the Moose Jaw high school track and field city championship on Thursday at Gutheridge Field.

Disc Golf Association offering casual and competitive play options this summer

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Disc Golf Association (MJDGA) is an organization still in its infancy, but it’s being helped along by a global surge in popularity for the sport — Moose Javians looking for a group to play with now have both casual and competitive options.

“We started this group about two months ago now, we had our first meeting back in March, and it’s basically about eight of us who are regular players on the disc golf course down in Wakamow Valley, here,” explained Tripp Sevs, co-founder and enthusiastic player.

“It was Zach Renwick and myself that initially got together a few months ago over coffee, and we talked about getting other players that he plays with regularly and people I know and regularly with, getting them together as the MJDGA.”

Moose Jaw received its first 9-hole disc golf course in 2019 in Wakamow Valley, expanded to 16 holes shortly after. A group of enthusiasts calling themselves the ‘Moose Jaw Huckers’, in which Sevs is also involved, have been playing ever since.

The Huckers are so devoted to the sport that they play straight through winter, regardless of weather or temperature.

Renwick is the local expert who initiated and designed the Wakamow Valley course, and the consultant behind what will soon be Moose Jaw’s second disc golf course — 18 holes in the Sunningdale Nature Park, sponsored by the Sunningdale VLA Community Association.

“We’re hoping to make the city a top disc golf destination in the province,” Sevs said. “There are at least three ways to do this. One is to organize tournaments and leagues, another is to promote the building of new courses, along with making improvements to existing courses. And lastly, encouraging and helping anyone who wants to get into the sport, including kids and the elderly, because it’s a great low-impact form of exercise.”

The MJDGA has two player’s leagues this summer:

Casual meet-ups on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., starting May 29 and running until August 28, and the Bag Tag League, a more competitive group meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., starting May 30 and running until sometime in September. The competitive league has weekly challenges and prizes, and a $40 registration fee.

The bag tag league works with small, numbered tags that players keep with them during the season. The top-ranked player gets the number one tag, and so on. Players can challenge each other during any mutually agreed-on round of gold, and if the lower-ranked player wins, the tags are exchanged. As players continue challenging each other and exchanging tags, the rankings morph throughout the season.

Disc golf follows most of the same rules as golf in a more easily accessible format. In fact, those wanting to try the sport can borrow a basic three-disc set from the Wakamow Valley Authority for free. The discs are ‘flying discs’ or ‘disc golf discs,’ by the way — anything else is a brand name.

“It gets me out of the house, gets me moving and enjoying the surroundings on a nice day when it’s perfect to be outside,” Sevs said. “It’s also fun to see your skills

improve, get out with friends, and try to get around the course with less throws each time.

“I’d also like to mention the Wakamow Valley Authority for their commitment to work with us in making sure the course is maintained and letting us use it for our events, so we’re grateful for that.”

Sevs said that cities like Regina and Saskatoon already have huge disc golf communities with events and tournaments happening all the time — Moose Jaw needs to catch up.

More information on the MJDGA is available by emailing mjdgleague@gmail.com and on Facebook through the Moose Jaw Disc Golf Association group.

The UDisc app has all the tools players need, including maps, local events and tournaments, rules, and round tracking.

Saskatchewan’s 18th Annual Open Provincial Championships take place on Peepeekisis

Players looking for more of a challenge can join the MJDGA Bag Tag League (MJDGA/Facebook)

First Nation on August 19 and 20 — officially sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association, the sport’s global governing body.

Moose Jaw Disc Golf Association (MJDGA/Facebook)

Moose Jaw teams pick up medals at Volleyball Canada nationals

Moose Jaw volleyball teams just keep finding ways to bring home medals, and this time they’ve done it on a national level.

The Golden Ticket Volleyball Club picked up a gold medal in Tier 11 at Volleyball Canada nationals, while the Thunder Creek Volleyball club landed silver in Tier 12 at the Canadian championships in Calgary.

The Thunder Creek medal was especially impressive given the size of the tournament -- with a total of 208 teams from all over Canada taking part in the event, they were able to finish in the top half of the field at 90th overall.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said TCVC coach Lorne Polupski. “We never set our goals too high and just want to play the best we can play and whatever happens happens. And now it’s last year gold, this year silver, we’re pretty happy with that.”

Thunder Creek got things started with a 2-1 record in Pool B of Tier 13-16, and if not for a loss in their opening game could have found themselves playing at a much higher level as the tournament progressed.

“Even in one-day tournaments, we seemed to play our worst matches in the morning and seemed to warm up by the end of the day,” Polupski said. “We’ve had four golds and four silvers at tournaments this year, and all our afternoons have been great. So I don’t know what it is, but we sure warm up and play better as the day goes on.”

The TCVC then moved into the Tier 13-16 Power Pool for their second round robin and finished tied for first, vaulting them into the Tier 12 playoffs.

There, they took a 25-19, 12-25, 1511 win over Predators 16U from Manitoba before advancing to the final with a twoset win over Bedford Black from Nova Scotia. That sent Thunder Creek into the

Tier 12 gold medal game, where they’d lose a heartbreaker in three sets.

“We were right there, but unfortunately there were a couple of missed serves and we’re bringing home a silver medal,” Polupski said. “But the teams there were really good, the kind of competition you’d expect to see at nationals, and we’re still really happy to win silver.”

The Golden Ticket Volleyball Club was also in action at 16U nationals and

went unbeaten in their Tier 21-24 round robin with a 3-0 record, moving up to the Tier 17-20 power pool as a result.

There, they’d post a 2-1 record and move into the Tier 20 playoffs, where they lost a two-set quarter-final war 28-26, 2927 to the Airdrie, Alta. Hawks.

Golden Ticket saw a much happier result in Winnipeg, though, as their 14U girls brought home the shiniest medal of all from the 88-team tournament.

It all started with the Tier 6 round robin, where Golden Ticket would win their opener before finishing with a 1-2 record. They moved into the Tier 6 Power Pool and went 2-1, sending themselves into the Tier 11 playoffs.

It was nothing but winning from there.

Golden Ticket defeated Manitoba’s Vision Elite 25-18, 25-22 in the quarter-final before sweeping Brandon Volleyball Club in the semifinal. That sent them to the Tier 11 gold medal game, where they’d take a three-set win over Manitoba’s WinMan Tide.

There’s no rest for either club, as they’ll both have teams competing at the Volleyball Canada 15U Championship in Regina. Be sure to check back for results from that event!

The Thunder Creek Volleyball Club won the silver medal in Tier 12 at the 16-and under Volleyball Canada national championship.

The Golden Ticket Volleyball Club lost in the quarter-final in Tier 20 at the 16-and-under Volleyball Canada national championship.

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: jritchie@moosejawtoday. com

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club on the Lawn Bowl Greens in Crescent Park (3rd Ave NE)

Regular Season play for May: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur @6:30pm and Tues & Sat @10am Bowls Canada Day on June 3. Drop In 9:30am -2:30 pm

Everyone Welcome. For more info call 306 690 8739

Moose Jaw Superannuated Teachers’ Luncheon UPCOMING EVENTS:

June 7/23 - 50th ANNIVERSARY

Wine and Cheese Evening (no cost) from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM at the Masonic Hall. For STS members & partners MJ Branch, plus Prairie South and Holy Trinity Teachers Superannuating this school year are invited to join the celebration. Register with Rosalie by Wednesday, May 31/23 306691-0696 or email: marcilr@sasktel.net. Back by popular demand - The HELL WITH THE BELL breakfast: Wednesday, September 6/23

The Moose Jaw Art Guild is having an art exhibition “A Collection of Creativity” at the Cultural Centre, May 24 to July 5. The opening reception is June 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The public is invited. For information call 306-692-6667.

Souls Harbour RESCUE Mission 6th Annual Love Your Neighbour Fundraising Banquet takes place Wed, May 24th, 2023 at Grant Hall Hotel. Looking for sponsors to help underwrite the cost of the banquet. You can also join the banquet if you buy a ticket at $50 each or a table of 8 for $350. Please respond by May 23th to Taeryong No: tno@shrmsk. com or 306-543-2475. To mail: P. O. Box 3356 Stn. Main, Regina SK S4P 3H1 or visit facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SoulsHarbourRescuemission

Join for a FREE community screening and Q&A – A PASSAGE BEYOND FORTUNE will take place on Wednesday, May 24th at 7 pm at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre. Registration link to RSVP: https://www.moosejawculture.ca/event-details-registration/a-passage-beyond-fortune . This is a 16-min short which follows members of the Chinese Canadian community of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. This will mark the film’s in-person world premiere! A Passage Beyond Fortune follows the Chow family as they reflect on the popular but untrue myth surrounding Moose Jaw’s underground tunnels. Filmmaker Weiye Su offers an homage to the culturally significant but buried history of Chinese-Canadian communities in Moose Jaw.

A Documentary film called “Unacceptable” capturing the events of the Convoy 2022 will be featured on May 25 @ 7 pm Peacock Collegiate Centennial Auditorium. Tickets at the door $13.

The Moose Jaw Community Choir “Second Annual Spring Sing” on May 26th at 7PM at St. Andrew’s United Church (60 Athabasca St. E). Everyone is welcome to attend for what’s bound to be a fun and entertaining evening. Tickets are $10 and are available in advance between now and May 22. They may be purchased from any choir member, or making arrangements to pick-up by calling/texting 306640-8098. They will also be available at the door. Children 12 and under are free with an accompanying adult and there will be a reception to follow with refreshments and treats for all!!

Minto United Church and Alliance Church 13-week Grief Recovery Support Groups in Moose Jaw – in person or online - using the GriefShare program which can be viewed at GriefShare.org. Leone Townend has been leading the Grief support ministry at Minto United for several years/ Ralph Magnus recently moved to Moose Jaw and brings to the Alliance Church his experience of leading a Griefshare ministry from the Edmonton area. Anyone is welcome from any faith back-

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

ground as well as those who have no religious affiliation. GriefShare provides three opportunities for participants; 1. video teaching by pastors and counsellors, 2. a weekly group discussion and 3. individual workbooks with self reflection exercises for participants to complete during between meetings. Anyone continuing to struggle with grief weeks, months or even years after the death of a significant loved one could benefit from participating in a GriefShare group. Please contact either or both for more information. Minto United Church Online group - Leone Townend, Co-ordinator @ 306-631-9044 or Moose Jaw Alliance Church (MJAC) In-person group meetings at MJAC- Ralph Magnus, GriefShare coordinator @ 780-456-6487 (cell). Meetings have already started and are 13week groups, but new participants are welcome to join at any time until May 24th (last meeting).

Living Springs Church Moose

Jaw Offering Griefshare Meetings– 303 Coteau Street invites anyone interested to attend Griefshare groups. The meetings take place on Thursdays at 7:00 pm.

GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. It hurts to lose someone. Find help at GriefShare. To register, go to www. giefshare.org or contact Isaac Nadarajah at isaac@livingsprings. life and attend as many meetings as you like.

Briercrest Heritage Day, Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10:00 AM.

Lots of events for a fun family day!

Optional 50’s theme costumes. Show & Shine (cars, trucks, tractors, semi’s, etc.) contact Merv Gadd (306) 631-7932. Parade at 2:00 PM. Slow Pitch Tournament contact Justin Hill (306) 513-7985. Beer Gardens, Concession on the grounds, Credit & Debit Available. Lots of museum happenings: Dusty Old Farmers, Blacksmith Larry Paysen, Cowboy Poetry Fred Cockburn, Pie & Ice Cream, museum tours, Bouncy Castles for the kids. Dry Camping available contact: Merv Gadd (306) 631-7932. Organized by Briercrest Museum, Community Centre, Rink & Firefighters. The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, and local chambers across Saskatchewan, have teamed up with the Saskatchewan Riders offering an exclusive VIP experience for Chamber members. For just $99 you will get “skip the line” access to the Terrace Lounge with private bar, game day snacks, fan gear and a chance to network with other Chamber businesses. Get your green on and join us on July 15! Only 215 tickets will be sold. For tickets and information, email Allyson McDonald at Allyson.McDonald@saskriders.com.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw NarAnon Family Group) is a twelvestep program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting in Rm 103. You Are Not Alone! Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill components to create the smorgasbord of benefits Toastmasters have potential to provide.

Big Country Toastmasters club meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. Regular training opportunities have resumed with in-person @ saskpolytech in addition to virtual experience.

For more information text 306690-8739 or email officers-3418@ toastmastersclubs.org

TAP Toastmasters (TAP) meet every Tuesday at 7 pm. Email cathymorrell@gmail.com

Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs. The Moose Jaw Stamp Club Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at the Lindale School staff room, 1322 11th Ave. NW (north entrance). Call 306-6935705 for information.

Moose Jaw Camera Club - Interested photographers are welcome and invited to join and Be Focused With Us! For more information: Wanda - 306-693-7440 or Len - 306-693-7685. themoosejawcameraclub.com Line Dancing every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library, 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary. ca/

Special Events:

May 22 at 1:00 pm - Books & Bikes Bike Parade! Participants will meet on the corner of Cordova St. and Langdon Crescent at 1:00 pm. All supplies will be provided for everyone to decorate their bikes. Then, at 1:30 they will proceed in parade fashion up Langdon Crescent towards the Library. Once at the Library, there will be a children’s storytime with local author Megan Nelson. There will be treats and book giveaways as well. It’s a great way to enjoy an afternoon on the long weekend. Families with children of all ages are invited to attend and there is no cost. Registration is encouraged so we can ensure enough supplies.

Contact: Gwen Fisher or Aislinn Lawreniuk 306-692-2787. For more information visit https:// www.moosejawlibrary.ca/childrens-programs/books-%26bikes-bike-parade!

June 3 at 10:00 to 5:00 pm -

Zine Workshop in Celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

This workshop is open to participants ages 13 and up. Create your own zine and have it added to the Library collection if you wish. Learn about the history of zines including the use of zines in various historical (and present!) LGBTQ+ and other activist movements.

The workshop is drop-in, come and go (you don’t need to stay the whole day) and will also provide some other fun activities such as button making and stamp carving. All supplies provided and of course, no cost to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Contact: Shevaun Ruby 306-6922787

For more information visit: https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/ adult-programs/zine-workshop

Regular Programming for May: MJPL Overdrive users need to switch to the Libby app to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, and e-magazines. It’s free, easy, and makes intuitive sense for current Overdrive users, so there’s no need to fear a brand-new learning curve — the transition should be smooth.

One-time learning events in May include ‘How to be a Game Master’ on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. This is an all-ages drop-in program that will teach participants how to run any tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) as the game or dungeon master.

On Saturday, May 27 at 2 p.m., Jenna Drinnan will teach a class on ‘Urban Backyard Composting,’ including choosing a bin, what materials to use, and how to maintain the habit. The class will

be drop-in for adults only.

Adult Programming in May Tech Time by appointment only, call 306-692-2787 to book a personalized one-on-one session with a tech wizard who can help clients learn how to use their devices and apps.

Youth Programming in May New Adult Digital D&D Every Friday, online, from 4 to 6 p.m., for ages 15 to 22. Register by emailing youth@ moosejawlibrary.ca.

Teen D&D Thursdays in the MJPL Archives, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., for ages 12 to 16. Register by email at youth@ moosejawlibrary.ca.

Family Movie Night –Treasure

Planet (2002) Wednesday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. in the MJPL theatre, all ages welcome. A sci-fi retelling of the classic novel Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jim Hawkins sets out to find the treasure trove of legendary pirate captain Flint aboard a masted ship sailing the spaces between the stars.

Teen “I Made This” Art Program

Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room, for ages 12 to 19. More information on MJPL programs and the schedule of Children’s Programs in May is at www.moosejawlibrary.ca.

June listing of events coming soon!

The Royal Canadian Legion –Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events. Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required. Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

Drop-in Shuffleboard league every Friday at 7:00pm. Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Saturday. To see the total check out Facebook page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers.

For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Moose Jaw and District Se-

niors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca . The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday’s 8am4pm

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day.

Kitchen is open Monday to Friday.

Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 10 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

afternoons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday @ 6pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mondays & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

New – Full Body Work Out Monday at 9:30am and Wednesday at 9:30 am

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

New – Spades Tuesday and Friday at 1pm

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Table Tennis – Monday Afternoon

1pm

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm

Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jam and dancing (New Name Change) – Friday’s 9 a.m. Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

June 10th A Bugsy’s fundraiser Bacon cheeseburger with fries and salad. $25 tickets at the front desk.

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net. Check them out on Facebook.

Weekly Activities for May

Monday: 9:30 Pickleball/1:00

Floor Shuffleboard/7:00 Camera Club – only on the 1st Monday of each month

Tuesday: 9:30 Jam Session/1:00

Pickleball/7:00 Friendship Bridge/7:00 Beginners Only –Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30 TOPS/9:30

Pickleball/1:00 PONYTAIL Canasta/ 1:00 Floor Shuffleboard

Thursday: 10:00 Line Dance/1:00

Pickleball

Friday: 10:00 Beginner Pickleball/1:00 Regular Pickleball

BBQ Season Starts on MAY 25 from 5-6pm. Cost $15pp. Military Whist Tournament on MAY 26. Register @9:30 am/ Games @10:00am $20pp includes coffee/muffins/ lunch

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@ sasktel.net

Thursday at 1:30 pm Crib

Friday at 1:30 is Fun Shuffleboard

Friday Evening Fun Pool and Darts at 7pm

Saturday At 4:30 pm is our Meat Draw, 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun! Saturday meat draw @ 4:30pm50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun! For More Information on anything Happening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306-681-5998 or 306692-4412 email anaf252@sasktel. net

Everyone Including Non- Members are Welcome to all our events!!

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY –DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

May 26 & 27, 2023 – BRANDON & COMPANY – playing in the Eagles club Lounge from 8:00 pm to closing

May 27, 2023 – GARY KINCAID –playing in the Eagles Club Lounge from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

June 3, 2023 – ROD WILLIER – DJ Music and Karaoke in the Eagles Club Lounge – 7:00 pm to 12:00 pm

June 10, 2023 – RUNAWAY TRAIN – playing 8:00 pm to closing in the Eagles Club Lounge

Jun 16 & 17, 2023 – BADLANDS COUNTY BAND - – Eagles Club Lounge 8:00 pm closing Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989.

You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free Virtual Coffee Club talks at: https://wdm.ca/coffeeclub/

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

APPLY, AVIATOR, BLAST, BOTTLENECK, BUDGET, CONSTITUENT CURVE, DARLING, DEMAND, FOCUS, FREAK, FUNDAMENTAL IMPACT, INCLUDE, KITS, LEAP, MOMENT, MORE MULL, NEAT, PILL, POSITIVE, PROPEL, REQUIREMENT

SHALLOW, SNAPPER, SPIRIT, SWAN, TOOT

TOURISM, TRANSIT, TRUNK, TUMMY, UTILIZE

One thousandth of a gram 37. Pickle flavoring 38. Alliance 40. Incursion 41. Protective covering 43. Impending danger 44. Plant science 46. Escapade 47. Elicit 48. Sometimes describes one’s nose 49. Connecting points

Long look

Component used as fertilizer 53. Assess

Tiny

Durable wood

8 5 3 1 2 9

© 2023 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and ea 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork. Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to so Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use th if you really get stuck.

“If you can’t be in awe of Mother Nature, there’s something wrong with you.”

-- Alex Trebek --

& GAMES

AUTOS

Wanted Toyota 4 x 41/4 ton, running or not. Call 306-692-0800

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale- 20 ft. extension ladder $65.00. Kenmore sewing machine in cabinet $40.00. 2 fans

17in $15.00 each. Collection of dolls from different countries, approx. 75 dolls $150.00. Call 306-693-3129

dition, parts, Ammunition or anything pertaining to firearms. Free pickup of unwanted, gas operated lawn, garden, snow blowers, recreational, chainsaws, generators, boat engines, etc., as well as smaller farm equipment, Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Call or text 306-641-4447

Sunbeam Mixmaster $20.00, Honeywell portable humidifier $10.00, Propane deck heater $20.00, Glass top patio table 3.5 x 5 foot with 4 padded chairs $50.00, Patio table umbrella with stand $50.00, Wicker 4 drawer storage stand $20.00. Call 306-6310084

LAWN & GARDEN

SCAR 1-24 scale die cast replicas, also 1-24 scale funny cars & hockey figurines by MacFarlane. By Appointment Only call 306-631-7698

LOST & FOUND

REWARD for information leading to the recovery of stolen 45ft. Degelman Land Roller. Taken last fall from a farm north of Moose Jaw. Call 306631-9535

WANTED

Wanted Deer Antler

Sheds call 306- 6920800

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

shelves. 47” tall x 23” wide by 11” deep. Asking $225.00. Call 306-6939304 or 306-630- 9304 Panasonic cordless phones x 3 with answering machine. One phone needs new batteries. $50.00. Please call 306630-8192

crete, painting, taping, texturing, stucco repair, tile and T bar. I work for the Heritage Society and enjoy beautification projects. Quality work. Free estimates. Discount for seniors. Phone Bob Huston 1-587-889-1000.

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ siding-

no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

GARAGE SALES

YARD SALE - Weather permitting 915 Hawthorne Cres. Friday May 26th- 5pm- 8pm, Saturday May 27th 9am3pm. NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE

Treadmill $100.00 Proform 770EGK. Call 306630-8747

Firearms, I am paying cash for guns in the Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Any con-

For Sale 9 varieties of Tomato Plants (can pot for extra charge), and Pumpkin Pie plants. All plants starting at $4.00. Call 306-526-0016 (do not leave voice message)

SPORTS

Clearance Sale- NA-

For Sale- Walnut China Cabinet with glass

Futon, like futon $50.00. Call 306-630-8747 SERVICES

Semi-Retired Contractor – 47 years in business, residential and commercial. Enjoys small or large projects involving plaster, drywall, con-

‘Sunflowers for Ukraine’ is back to help Ukrainian families displaced by war

Gordon

Len and Bernie Mintenko are once again growing and selling several varieties of sunflowers in support of Ukrainians displaced by Russia’s invasion, and will be setting up a stall at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market when it begins for the season on Saturday, May 27.

The best selections, however, tend to sell a bit earlier than that — stop by the Mintenko’s home at 1439 Coteau Street West starting Friday, May 19, through Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4 p.m. if you’d like to be first in line. Each plant is $2.

“Once again this year, we’re selling sunflowers, and we have decided to partner up with ‘Ukraine Help and Exchange in Moose Jaw,’” said Len Mintenko. “So, 50 cents from the sale of each plant will go to their group to help Ukrainians in Moose Jaw.”

Ukraine Help and Exchange in Moose Jaw is a Facebook group that co-ordinates efforts to help Ukrainians who have decided to resettle in Moose Jaw.

Anyone wanting to contribute is welcome to join. Among other things, they arrange transportation, help newcomers find jobs, connect them to the community, and, of course, co-ordinate donations of furniture, bedding, kitchen items, clothing — all the necessities needed for people who are often arriving with next to nothing.

Last year, the Mintenkos added their effort to that of Moose Jaw’s Rotary clubs, whose fundraising eventually resulted in more than $12,500 being sent to Poland. It was used by a Rotary club in Poland to buy a truckload of food that went directly to refugees.

The Mintenkos sold more than 1,800 sunflowers and contributed over $1,000 to the Rotary Club effort. They’ve grown another 1,800 in 2023 and are confident that with the community’s help, they will make another substantial charitable donation.

Express/MooseJawToday.com

yellows, multiple flowers. And lastly, we have the Velvet Queen, with like a rust-coloured flower, and they grow about five feet high.”

Mintenko recommends planting in full sun and providing support against the forceful Prairie winds if gardeners want to see their sunflower achieve its maximum potential. They are also quite thirsty plants, he noted, and do better with regular watering.

Once the Wakamow Farmer’s Market begins on the 27th, Len and Bernie will sell sunflowers exclusively for the first two weeks. After they have room on their tables, they will also sell their handmade wooden signs, which Len crafts from scratch in his garage workshop.

“So, this year, we have six varieties. The Giganteus is the most popular, and they grow up to 12 feet high, or higher, and they have a larger stem to withstand the wind better, and one huge flower,” Len explained. “Then we have Kongs. They can grow up to 12 or 14 feet high, too, but they branch, so there’ll be more than one flower.

“Then Mammoth, and they’ll grow up to 9 to 12 feet, with up to 20-inch heads. Then we have a limited supply of Dwarfs, although they seem to have gotten bigger every year. … The guidelines say 18 to 24 inches, but we’ve had easily 24-inch Dwarf sunflowers, and that was in the shade.

“Then I have a limited supply of the Colour Fashion Mix. They grow to four and a half feet, and they’re golds,

Edgar - Moose Jaw

Bernadette and Leonard Mintenko at the Wakamow Farmer’s Market in 2022 (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Len Mintenko at his home with a sign he made for the occasion, and sunflowers for sale in his driveway (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

MacGyver

I remember watching Richard Dean Anderson in the action-packed television series MacGyver in the late 80s and early 90s. Angus MacGyver was a secret agent with an amazing ability to use whatever was available to him to get out of tricky situations or to make a device to help him complete his mission. MacGyver used his ingenuity

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Next Service: May 28th, 2023 10:30am

Rev. Walter Engel

Gyver that aired from 2016 to 2021, starring Lucas Till, who preferred to fight crime with ingenious feats of engineering rather than lethal force. Nothing like the original though.]

In the early 1990s MacGyver began to be used as a slang verb meaning to make, form, or repair something with what was conveniently on hand. In 2022 MacGyver was added to dictionaries due to its popularity of usage. Anyone who used ingenious thinking and improvised methods and contraptions was said to MacGyver a solution.

I received a present a few years ago – the Wallet MacGyver. It is a piece of metal about the size of a credit card that claims to have 46 functions, from bottle opener to eyeglass screwdriver, from cable bender to 15mm hex wrench, from a wire cutter to nail puller, and so on. It can come in handy in various situations.

The TV show Hawaii Five-O, starring Jack Lord, ran from 1968 to 1980. It centred on a special Hawaiian state police task force called Five-O. (The remake version starring Alex O’Loughlin aired from 2010 to 2020.) A popular assumption is that Five-O is some sort of police code, but the show’s writers were simply paying respect to Hawaii’s status as the 50th state in 1959. However, the term Five-O has entered the English language as a slang for law enforcement despite its original intent.

The practice of giving someone a gift you had previously received has probably been around ever since gifts have been given. But calling it regifting became popular thanks to the TV show Seinfeld. In a 1995 episode a label-maker was received as a gift and then given to someone else. The topic of discussion centred around the

morality of regifting. Merriam-Webster indicated the episode was the first use of the term which has now become popular in Western culture.

In the Bible it is recorded that “Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore, it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.” (Genesis 10:8-9) In a 1940 Looney Tunes episode, Bugs Bunny called Elmer Fudd a poor little nimrod, a sarcastic reference to Fudd’s skills as a hunter. Since then, the term has been used in lieu of a bumbling fool.

The paparazzi are freelance photographers who aggressively pursue celebrities for the purpose of taking candid photographs. The term probably derived from the 1960 Federico Fellini film La Dolce Vita. In the film there was a fearless and determined news photographer named Paparazzo, played by Walter Santesso, who was always on the hunt for a profitable shot. In 1961 Time magazine labelled aggressive photographers as paparazzi, comparing them to a ravenous wolfpack.

You never know where words might come from.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Moose Jaw woman wins $1.4M jackpot playing VLT machine

By Moose Jaw Express staff

A Moose Jaw woman walked away with over $1.4 million after winning big at a Saskatchewan VLT.

Tammy Topinka was awarded $1,436,484.22 after winning the grand jackpot on Vault Breaker at Bugsy’s Irish Pub on May 14.

“I was ready to faint. I couldn’t believe it,” Topinka said in a news release.

“At first, I thought I had won $14,000. The guy sitting beside me had to tell me that I had actually won the jackpot.”

Topinka said she hopes to pay some bills and put some money away for retirement with her winnings.

“We also have some home improvements in mind – a new central air conditioner, fence and dishwasher,” she said.

The province-wide jackpot has awarded over $29 million to 31 winners since June 2017, Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) said in its release.

The Vault Breaker province-wide grand jackpot has now been reset to $500,000, WCLC noted.

Seeding still far from complete in

Saskatchewan

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Seeding — Saskatchewan’s biggest industrial project– is still well behind the five-year average.

Across the province, seeding is 38 per cent complete, according to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture crop report. The five-year average is 53 per cent.

If weather conditions stay nice the four-week seeding event may be completed by June 15.

Rains again delayed some seeding in the province last week.

In the southeast region, which includes Moose Jaw, only 18 per cent of seeding is done, down from 51 per cent on average.

At 43 per cent complete the southwest is usually twothirds done.

One-fifth of cropland topsoil moisture in the southeast is surplus; 79 per cent is adequate with two per cent short.

In the southwest topsoil moisture s 81 per cent ade-

quate and 14 per cent short.

Half of field peas and lentil acres are seeded with 43 per cent of spring wheat. Oats and canola are 19 per cent in with 10 per cent of flax seeded.

Laurianne Gaucher

If you see this lovely lady on May 31 be sure to wish her a HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY!

Moose Jaw’s Tammy Topinka won $1.4 million while playing a VLT machine at Bugsy’s Irish Pub on May 14. Photo courtesy Western Canada Lottery Corporation

By Leon Retief

The Professor and the Madman –A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

Simon Winchester.

Harper Perennial, 242 pages.

This fascinating book has four main characters: the lexicographer Dr. James Murray, who did sterling, irreplaceable work in developing the Oxford English Dictionary, the convicted and severely disturbed murderer Dr. WC Minor, and the OED itself, which is now mostly available in electronic format. Lastly, there is the now forgotten victim of Dr. Minor’s psychotic imaginings, the brewery worker George Merrett, the dedicatee of this book, killed by Minor one morning on his way to work.

There is no gravestone on Merrett’s burial place, and while he has a very minor part in this book’s story line, the entire OED would most likely have been different (and the poorer for it) had he not been murdered.

Minor qualified as a doctor in America and joined the Union forces as a captain a few days before Gettysburg, soon afterwards exhibiting severe psychiatric behavior, possibly precipitated by scenes he witnessed during the war. He then moved to England, where his psychotic episodes increased. After he was found guilty of murder and his insanity recognized, he was incarcerat-

ed in Broadmoor Hospital, then as now an institution for the criminally insane.

Minor would spend all but the last of the 48 years of life left to him in psychiatric hospitals. He received a generous pension from the US army, part of which he used to support the widow and children of his victim. She visited him for some time and brought him books he requested – Minor was a highly intelligent, well-educated man with keen literary and historical tastes.

He was not regarded as a danger to fellow patients or staff and the administration allowed him to have two rooms to accommodate his books.

In 1879 James Murray was appointed editor of a planned dictionary of the English language, to succeed the one by Samuel Johnson. He immediately grasped the enormity of the task and gathered as many assistants as possible. They were to read as many books as possible from various periods and note all words found there, together with information about the source, meaning, context and where possible the etymology. Each word should be illustrated by about six quotations showing its different shades of meaning and also its earliest known use.

In order to facilitate this, Murray had pamphlets distributed asking for volunteers. We don’t know how dr. Minor got hold of one of these pamphlets, it was probably tucked into one of the books brought to him by Merrett’s widow or he found it in a book he ordered from somewhere else.

Minor had enough time on hand and fell to the task

with gusto, developing his own system for arranging the information he collected. In the process he sent thousands upon thousands of detailed slips of paper to his editor.

Murray of course soon noticed the treasures coming from Minor, but since he knew nothing of his contributor’s circumstances, he assumed that Minor was a retired or semiretired medical man with time on his hands and an interest in philology. His interest piqued, he invited Minor a few times to visit him in Oxford, but no meeting was arranged until 1896 when he travelled to the village of Crowthorne where Broadmoor was situated.

One can imagine his surprise when he discovered that his valued informant was a severely disturbed murderer. They became friends and Murray frequently visited the doctor.

Unfortunately Dr. Minor’s psychotic episodes slowly worsened over time, usually occurring at night, his physical health also deteriorated and eventually friends and family managed to convince the British government that he should be returned to America, where he was diagnosed as having schizophrenia. In 1919, he was moved to an institution for the elderly insane where he died in 1920. His friend predeceased him in 1918.

The first volume of the OED was published in 1884, the last, volume 20, in 1924, after both main characters in this story had died.

There is such a deep irony in this tale. Had an unknown, obscure brewery worker not been murdered during a psychotic frenzy, had it not happened in England, had the American murderer not been confined to an English institution, who knows what the Oxford English dictionary would have been like? No doubt it would still be very exhaustive, interesting and detailed, but, as Winchester remarks, one cannot help wondering.

Winchester weaves an engrossing tale, alternating between Minor, Murray and the OED. He is clearly much in love with words, but he does make one mistake: Minor at one point amputated his own penis. Winchester calls it an autopeotomy. The correct term is autopenectomy. The suffix -otomy means to open something, eg a laparotomy means opening of the abdominal cavity, whereas the suffix -ectomy means removal, eg an appendectomy means removal of the appendix.

Still, this is a very minor if slightly amusing quibble. Anyone with an interest in words, history and strange tales will find the book a good addition to their library.

Musician’s home tour to include memory-boosting care home performances

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Mario Crevier, a musician and musical therapist who performs under the name Elliott Barraclough, is returning to his Saskatchewan roots this summer, including as many free performances at longterm care homes as he can fit in.

Crevier was born in Montreal in 1952, and moved to Moose Jaw with his family when he was four years old. He learned English in Moose Jaw, relearned French in Gravelbourg at College Mathieu, got his start in music at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish, and when people ask where he’s from, he says Saskatchewan.

He retired from a 30-year career in the field of electronics manufacturing management after the economic crash in 2008 devastated Ontario’s manufacturing sector, and decided to get into music therapy. Crevier has been using his talent ever since to inspire happy memories for dementia patients in long-term care homes.

“I play resident-appropriate music, so as a for instance, I sing stuff like ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,’ ‘Tura Lura Lura,’ and ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile,’” Crevier said. “Most people in long-term care are 75 to 100 years old, so I don’t do any new songs. … I sing in Polish, Russian, German, French, Italian, a Scottish brogue, Irish. I sing in Mandarin and Greek, and I get them all to sing with me. I try to get maximum audience participation.”

Crevier believes that music therapy is about the best thing there is for dementia patients. He finds it a joyful experience to go into dementia wards and see residents come to life and respond to his melodies.

“These songs are the milestones of their lives, and from there all the memories come flooding back. And they sing, and it’s just tribal. It’s absolutely fantastic

to be in the middle of that, so that’s why I do it.

“Some of these people are in terrible condition, they can hardly move. And I go in and start singing a song and next thing you know, they’re tapping their feet, they’re whistling, they’re banging on the table, some of them just start singing right out.”

Early on, Crevier found the combination of an Italian first name and a French last name threw most people for a loop, so he decided to take on a pseudonym.

“I checked the internet for the most

popular English names and came up with Elliott,” he laughed. “The other name that was most popular at the time was Rex, but I thought that was a bit too pompous, to call myself ‘Rex.’”

J.P. Crevier, Mario’s father, built the GATX railcar servicing and repair plant in 1956, and had a side gig teaching French to RCAF officers at the base — an opportunity that arose from his Rotary Club membership. Crevier’s mother Ida taught French at numerous Moose Jaw schools, including St. Agnes and Tech Collegiate.

All that is to say that his roots run

deep.

The family moved to Red Deer, Alberta in 1969 so J.P. could help build another railcar repair plant, and Crevier did his final year of high school there. Nevertheless, he considers Moose Jaw home and can’t wait to come back. He has old friends and memories all over the region, from rock-and-roll and country bandmates to schoolmates from Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg.

“I figure, I’m 70 now,” Crevier said. “Before anymore people I know and haven’t seen in years die, I gotta go back and make a tour.

“It’s all pro bono, I mean, they don’t have the cash, so I say, ‘Look, instead of paying me, just watch my YouTube videos and use them as therapy for your residents.’ Because the need is there, it’s so important.”

Crevier’s other quest on this tour is for authentic Cantonese restaurants. He remembers the Chinese food, and specifically the Cantonese food, in Saskatchewan as the best he’s ever had — a lifelong love stemming from his childhood on the Prairies.

Crevier will be in the province from June 8 to June 29 and aims to play as many 2 p.m. shows as he can. He will play at Pioneer Lodge on Saturday June 10, Ross Payant in Assiniboia on June 12, Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg on June 13, Foyer St. Joseph in Ponteix on June 14, and more.

Check out Mario Crevier’s YouTube channel under his performing name — Elliot Barraclough — and contact him at melodistelliott@gmail.com if you’d like him to perform.

Mario Crevier performs as Elliott Barraclough (screenshot from Elliott Barraclough/YouTube)

Leon Retief is a retired physician with clinical and research experience. He likes drinking wine, listening to music and reading.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Book Cover Image: Amazon.ca

AUTO RACING

Friday

6:30 p.m. FSR NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200.

Saturday

5 p.m. FSR NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600, Qualifying.

BASEBALL

Thursday

5:30 p.m. TSN MLB Baseball Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees.

Tuesday

5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Toronto Blue Jays.

p.m. NET MLB Baseball New York Yankees at Seattle Mariners.

Wednesday 5 p.m. NET MLB Baseball Milwaukee Brewers at Toronto Blue Jays. 9 p.m. NET MLB Baseball New York Yankees at Seattle Mariners.

HOCKEY

Thursday

5 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Conference Final: Teams TBA.

Friday 5 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Conference Final: Teams TBA. 7 p.m. TSN 2023 Memorial Cup Hockey TBA at Kamloops Blazers.

Saturday

Sunday

5 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Conference Final: Teams TBA.

Monday

5 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Conference Final: Teams TBA.

7 p.m. TSN 2023 Memorial Cup Hockey Teams TBA.

Kimmel Live! (:35) Nightline

CTYS The Chase Law-SVU "Dead Ball" Hudson & Rex "Jai Break" Paramedics: Paramedics:

TSN (5:30) MLB Baseball SportsCentre (N) (Live) SportsCentre (N) (Live) Jay Onrait (N) (Live)

NET (6:00) Stanley Cup Live Coverage (N) (Live) Sportsnet (N) (Live) Blue Jays NHL's Best

EDACC Big Bang etalk (N) Rookie "Messy Houses" Walker (N)

Homestead Rescue Homestead Rescue 41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang 42 TCM (6:00) < The Seven Year It <++++ A Streetcar Named Desire ('51) Marlon Brando. (:15) < Dog Day Afternoon

47 AMC (6:00) <+++ Twister ('96) Helen Hunt. <+++ Moneyball ('11) Jonah Hill ,Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brad Pitt 48 FSR Motorcycle Racing Motorcycle Racing Motorcycle Racing Dangerous Storm Chaser s

55 CRV1 (6:40) <++ Midway ('19) Patrick Wilson, Ed Skrein. Love & Death "Sssshh" (N) Clone High Clone High

56 CRV2 (6:15) < R.I.P.D. 2: Rise o <++ Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody ('22) Movie

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "Whiplash" Billions "Redem ption" The First "Cracked Pot"

58 HBO (5:25) < Tina (:25) < Stay the Night ('22) Andrea Bang White "The

Mystery 101 "An Education in Murder" 29 ENCAV (:20) <++ Kicking & Screaming ('05) Will Ferr ell. < Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ric Movie 33 CMT Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers 35 TLC (6:00) 90 Day: Other (N) 90 Day (N) Match Me Abroad 90 Day 90 Day: Other 38 DISC Street "Ground Chuck" Maritime Masters Homestead Rescue Homestead "Built to Thrive" 41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Big Bang Big Bang 42 TCM (6:00) < A Walk in the Sun (:15) <+++ The Story of G.I. Joe ('45) Burgess Meredith. (:15) < They Were Expe 47 AMC <++ Heartbreak Ridge ('86) Marsha Mason, Everett McGill , Clint Eastwood. Walking "B ue Jay" 48 FSR (6:30) NASCAR North Carolina Education Lotte ry 200 (N) Dirt Slide or Di e Dangerous Drives 55 CRV1 Movie < Marvelous and the Black Hole ('21) (P) <+++ Minari ('20) Han Ye-ri, Steven Yeun (P)

56 CRV2 <++ Blue Bayou ('21) Alicia Vikander, Just in Chon. RuPaul Drag Race (N) (:10) <+++ Nobody ('21)

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:10) Law "All My Children" Billions "Kompenso" The First Lady "See Saw"

58 HBO Movie I Am Jackie O < Being Mary Tyler Moore ('23) (P)

SATURDAY EVENING MOVIES SPORTS SPECIALS

7 PM 7:30 8 PM 8:30 9 PM 9:30

NET (6:00) Stanley Cup Live Coverage (N) (Live) Sportsnet (N) (Live) Blue Jays NHL's Best 25 EDACC Mary Ma Mary Ma Forensic "Nature's Clues" Neighbor "Deadly Duplex" Fear Thy Neighbor

26 W < Romance Retreat ('19) Amanda Schull. < Styled with Love ('22) Cory Lee, Dennis Andres (P)

29 ENCAV (5:50) <+++ King Kong ('05) Jack Black, Naomi Watts. <+++ Buffalo 66 ('98) Christina Ricci, Vincent Gallo. (P)

33 CMT Cheers Cheers Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Man-Plan Frasier Frasier

35 TLC 90 Day Fiancé (N) 90 Day Fiancé (N) 90 Day Fiancé (N) 90 Day Fiancé

38 DISC CSI: NY "Sweet 16" CSI: NY "Raising Shane" CSI: NY "Silent Night" CSI: NY "Obsession"

41 COM Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM Movie (:45) <+++ Pork Chop Hill ('59) Gregory Peck. Movie <+++ The Fallen Sparrow

47 AMC (5:00) < The Shawshank <++ The Guardian ('06) Ashton Kutcher, Sela Ward,Kevin Costner.

48 FSR NASCAR North Carolina Education Lottery 200 ARCA Menards Series Charlotte

55 CRV1 (6:30) <++ Jurassic World Dominion ('22) Chris Pratt. <++ Shazam! Fury of the Gods ('23) Zachary Levi. (P)

56 CRV2 (6:00) <+++ Minari ('20) < Marvelous and the Black Hole ('21) (:25) <++ The 355 ('22) Jessica Chastain.

Ultimate Disc NASCAR Race Hub Dirt Slide or Di e Dangerous Iraq Convoy

55 CRV1 (:15) < R.I.P.D. 2: Rise of the Damned ('22) Dark Side (:50) Dark Side-Ring (N) (:40) Yellow

56 CRV2 (5:40) <++ Midway ('19) <+++ Let Them All Talk ('20) Meryl Streep (:55) <++ The Mauritanian

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "Brother's Keeper"

(SP) You, Me & My Ex 7 Little Johnstons

38 DISC Gold Rush: Parker's Trail Gold Rush: White Water Homestead "The Wild Year " Homestead Rescue

41 COM Sheldon 'Til Death Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) <++++ North by Northwest ('59) <++++ Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ('66) Elizabeth Taylor.

47 AMC (5:00) <+++ The Green Mile ('99) Tom Hanks. <+++ Moneyball ('11) Jonah Hill,Brad Pitt.

48 FSR (6:00) ARCA Charlotte Dirt Running the Wall NASCAR 75: Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 <+++ Minari ('20) Han Ye-ri , Steven Yeun. <++ Shazam! Fury of the Gods ('23) Zachary Levi.

56 CRV2 (6:00) < Hallelujah: Leon <++ Stillwater ('21) Camille Cottin, Matt Damon. (:20) <++ Ambulance ('22)

57 CRV3 (:20) The Office (:45) The Office (:10) Law "School Daze" Billions The First Lady "Nadir"

58 HBO Movie (:25) < Stay the Night ('22) Andrea Bang Bill Maher ... But I'm Not Wrong Movie

WEDNESDAY EVENING MOVIES

PM

PM 9:30

PM 10:30

3 CBKFT Question (N) L'épicerie Dans l'oeil du dragon (N) Bonsoir bonsoir! (N) Le téléjournal (N)

5 CFRE Fantasy Island Family Law Top Chef Canada (N) Global News at 10 (N)

Mom Will & Grace Will & Grace So Help Me Todd <+++ Tully ('18)

29 ENCAV (6:45) <++ Van Helsing ('04) Hugh Jackman. Power "Divided We Stand" Blindspot (:35) Run the

33 CMT Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers

35 TLC Dr. Pimple Popper (N) Crack Addicts (N) Dr. Pimple Popper Dr. Pimple Popper

38 DISC Expedition Unknown Louisiana Law Homestead Rescue Homestead "Under Si ege"

41 COM

Caronport businessman wants to be new MLA for Lumsden-Morse riding

Caronport businessman Blaine McLeod has dealt with politics in the dairy industry for more than four decades and believes that experience can also translate into handling the politics at the provincial legislature.

McLeod is running to become the new MLA for the Lumsden-Morse constituency after 24-year politician Lyle Stewart resigned in March due to health reasons.

He has lived in Caron for 48 years and has been a dairy farmer in Caronport for 42 years, where he operates Caroncrest Farms Ltd. with his two sons.

McLeod and two other candidates will speak to Sask. Party members during the nomination meeting on Thursday, June 8, at the Heritage Inn in Moose Jaw.

“The interest has always been there for politics … ,” he said. “And I have a desire to serve the constituency in whatever way I can.”

Agriculture, education, health care and the economy are the four pillars of McLeod’s platform.

Agriculture

He pointed out that agriculture is the backbone of his platform, of the province and in the constituency and he wants to ensure the Sask. Party makes that industry a priority in everything it does.

There’s plenty of talk about sustainability in agriculture, but McLeod said he prefers to talk about economic sustainability instead. That makes more sense to him because farmers have been focusing on that aspect for generations and don’t receive enough credit for the good work they’ve done.

“It’s not like we need to tear down what’s happening. What we’ve done in Saskatchewan has vindicated sustainability for a long, long time … ,” he said, adding engagement must continue at the provincial and federal levels to provide backstop programs to support producers.

Education

McLeod has two daughters-in-law who are teachers. They regularly tell him that more support could and should be given to the industry to help meet students’ diverse needs. Students who need help are slipping through the cracks because of classroom sizes and underfunding.

McLeod thought the province needed to fund education at a higher level above the status quo, especially since school divisions are facing troubles with inflation.

Health care

McLeod has a daughter who is a nurse, while some of his campaign team members also work in health care. He believes the province could more efficiently spend money

in this industry and provide expedient care.

“Just getting put on a waiting list is not health care. Those waiting lists need to disappear … ,” he said. “I’m fully in favour of entirely publicly funded health care; I also in that equation say there’s room for private delivery but publicly funded.”

Economy

For decades people left Saskatchewan looking for jobs elsewhere, but McLeod believes the Sask. Party turned around that problem and made this province a desirable place to work. He also thinks the government needs to make the economy work for everyone.

McLeod says the province must add value to every item that leaves instead of just exporting raw products. He pointed out companies are building canola-crushing

plants in the province, allowing Saskatchewan to import canola to crush before exporting it for sale.

Personal qualities

McLeod believes party members should vote for him because of his dedicated commitment to the community. Over the years, he has served on school boards, church boards, clubs, and organizations.

Furthermore, he has engaged with the dairy industry for decades, including with Sask. Milk and the Dairy Farmers of Canada, while he has acquired good governance training through these experiences.

“I very much desire to be a politician that brings integrity and transparency to the role — and availability as well … ,” he added. “The hard work that has made me successful as a dairy farmer will translate into a career as an MLA.”

Blaine McLeod’s campaign can be found on Facebook.

Gallant

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Blaine McLeod of Caronport wants to become the new MLA of the Lumsden-Morse Constituency and replace retired veteran politician Lyle Stewart. Photo submitted