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Legion raised nearly $50K during poppy campaign despite continued pandemic challenges

Despite the pandemic’s challenges for a second year, Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 raised nearly $50,000 during this year’s poppy campaign, which will support the needs of community veterans.

The legion raised $47,432.21 between Oct. 29, when the campaign kicked off and the culmination of Remembrance Week on Nov. 11. This funding came from the sale of wreaths, poppies, merchandise, masks, and donations.

“For our second Covid year with a few less restrictions than we had last year, I think we did quite well,” said Sue Knox, secretary-treasurer of the poppy campaign committee.

Despite not having a large Remembrance Day service again this year, that total is roughly the same as last year, she continued. People bought wreaths to place at the cenotaph, but with no public service, that cut down on those sales. So, the legion relied on selling poppies and related items to generate most of the income.

The distribution of trays with poppies and sale of wreaths both went smoothly this year, while the volunteers who delivered them were thrilled to be out in person

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

poppy trays and had not had them before. Furthermore, there is now a list of businesses that want trays for next year.

This additional support is great since the more shops the legion can bring on board and the more trays it can New to the poppy campaign this year were touchless, digital “Pay distribute, the betTribute” boxes that allowed people to donate with their credit ter the campaign cards. Photo courtesy Royal Canadian Legion will go, Knox speaking with business owners, Knox said. continued.

ExThis face-to-face interaction helped drive tra trays also help promote the campaign, sales, compared to last year when the cam- even though the initiative speaks for itself paign was conducted mostly by phone. because of its longevity.

“It’s a much more personable thing to “I think the public appreciates seeing do. You get a better explanation, and new the trays in businesses because they know business owners who aren’t used to people that the businesses are supporting the lecalling in for donations — it’s easier to ex- gion and veterans in the city,” she added. plain yourself in person when you’re face While the legion handled the poppy to face,” she pointed out. campaign well this year, Knox noted that The legion received many calls from the organization will need more volunbusiness owners who said they wanted teer help in 2022. The pandemic made it

21125PS0

difficult to bring out volunteers, so Knox thinks the legion will have to ask for support much earlier before the campaign starts in October.

Dominion Command — the national legion headquarters — sent eight “Pay Tribute” electronic boxes to Moose Jaw this year, which provided residents with a touchless, digital way to donate money.

Although Knox did not have the total from those tap boxes, she pointed out that people liked using their credit cards to donate instead of digging for coins or cash.

The tap boxes also provide security and prevent people from stealing money.

The legion still plans to keep its cash boxes for the poppy campaign because it does not have the room to store the digital boxes. Furthermore, Dominion Command wants every branch that received the tap boxes to send them back to Ottawa for safekeeping anyway.

Overall, the poppy campaign was a great success, with the sale of merchandise such as poppy masks a big hit, Knox added. The legion also sold roughly 500 black metallic pins that go in the centre of the poppies and had to order more from Regina.

Chamber of Commerce is optimistic on local economy

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Chamber of Commerce is optimistic on local economy The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce is happy with how Moose Jaw weathered the year, saying that closures were lower than feared and that increased local shopping helped sustain local businesses.

The purpose of the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce is to be a voice for the local business community. It offers its members a variety of benefits such as a group health Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce insurance plan, discounted ship- (MooseJawToday.com staff photograph) ping rates, assistance with web handing out to anyone in the communidesign, and social media campaigns. ty who needs them. Clark said they have Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob handed out around 10,000 rapid test kits Clark says the “Live. Love. Local.” cam- so far, translating to 50,000 tests facilitated paign which has been running for about by the Chamber since September. seven or eight months has made great “It’s great that the community is comprogress in supporting local businesses ing to get them and stay safe and maybe through the pandemic. The Chamber’s so- slow the spread (of COVID),” Clark addcial media regular highlight and advertise ed. local businesses and participate in promoCurrent Chamber President Aaron tional activities.

Ruston said “Rob (Clark) and Heather “It’s all about supporting and shop- (Bergdahl) have been absolutely amazing ping and living local, etc.” Clark told in initiating so many different projects.

MooseJawToday.com in a phone inter- The city is truly blessed to have them view. “I think we probably hit over 100- heading up the Moose Jaw Chamber of 120 businesses that were part of the cam- Commerce.” paign… and I think it resonated, I think a The Chamber of Commerce was sadlot of people stayed in (Moose Jaw) and dened by the businesses forced to close are shopping local.” due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, Clark As of this week, the Chamber boasts said the local economy proved more du541 business members, which Clark says rable than expected, with relatively few they’re very happy with. The member closures and a decidedly positive outlook directory is on the Chamber’s website at for 2022. www.mjchamber.com, categorized by inRuston agreed, saying that “I’m exdustry or service. cited for the future of Moose Jaw. 2022 is The Chamber also has access to gonna be a smokin’ good year.”

COVID rapid test kits, which they’ve been

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A3

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Christmas carollers fill Wakamow Valley with music during Valley of Lights tour Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The sounds of Christmas tunes filled Wakamow Valley as a group of carollers braved the cold to serenade residents visiting the park’s Winter Wonderland Valley of Lights.

About 20 members of the Moose Jaw Community Choir gathered in the Lorne Calvert Campground — formerly known as the River Park Campground — on a chilly Dec. 20 evening to sing Christmas songs as residents in vehicles drove slowly past while admiring the lights.

A line of cars slowly snakes its way past trees lit up with Christmas lights. Winter Wonderland Valley of Lights

some Christmas flavour and the park board happily accepted.

“I think it went way better than I expected.

I didn’t have very high expectations,” R h o d e s laughed. “I Members of the Moose Jaw Community Choir sing Christmas tunes thought it in Wakamow Valley during the Valley of Lights tour, on Dec. 20. might be too Photo by Jason G. Antonio cold and that nobody would The choir spent nearly an hour belting out the tunes, from “Mary’s Boy Child” to be able to hear us and that we would be standing somewhere far away, and every“Jingle Bells.”

Diane Rhodes, director of the Moose body would drive by with their windows Jaw Community Choir, explained that the shut and they wouldn’t be able to hear us.

“But I was really pleased that everygroup offered to sing carols to provide

body heard us that went by, and they were all smiling and happy. And everyone who sang enjoyed it too.”

The choir did not practice before the evening performance, but that didn’t matter because everyone enjoys Christmas songs and knows them enough to perform without rehearsals, Rhodes continued. To ensure everyone sang the same words, she created a multi-page booklet with nearly 40 Christmas tunes.

The community choir normally sings five times a year but hasn’t done anything in public this year because of the pandemic. The group only began practising together in October.

If the pandemic situation improves, Rhodes noted that the choir plans to host a concert in the spring. That could occur at St. Andrew’s United Church since that’s where the group’s last concert was held, but nothing is certain as long as COVID-19 lingers.

St. Andrew’s United Church helping in the community this Christmas

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Boxes donated by St. Andrew’s. L-R: Barb Erickson (outreach committee), Lynann Pethick (outreach committee), Jody Oakes (JHS branch manager), Meagan Jasper (residential support caseworker), Nica Moore (residential support caseworker) Photo supplied by Lynann Pethick St. Andrews United Church congregation and outreach committee donated many items needed by the John Howard Society (JHS) .

Lynann Pethick, chair of the St. Andrew’s United Church outreach committee, told MooseJawToday.com that the committee organizes Christmas donations every year. Among others, they donate to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, Hunger in Moose Jaw and Phoenix Academy.

Because of a close relationship between St. Andrew’s and John Howard Society, they were able to hear about some of the greatest needs of people struggling with homelessness during this holiday season.

“(Jody Oakes, JHS Moose Jaw branch manager) was talking about all the things that were needed and saying that she wasn’t sure what she was going to do,” Pethick explained. “So we just put a box in the church and people, every Sunday for the last six weeks, they’ve just been bringing things… It’s pretty phenomenal, let me tell you.”

One of the things JHS needed most, Pethick said, were toothbrushes and toothpaste. Members of the St. Andrew’s congregation picked up items throughout their week and brought them on a recent Sunday to contribute to the donation box.

Other items in need were hygiene products, dry foods such as puddings, and snack bars.

“I think it was a wonderful thing that the church did gathering up all that stuff,” Reverend Tenford said. “And I hope that we can continue to partner with John Howard. They do some really wonderful work.”

Tenford added that the contributions were a combined effort from everyone at St. Andrew’s and that the outreach committee and the congregation deserved credit for their generosity.

Jody Oakes told MooseJawToday. com that receiving the boxes of donations from St. Andrew’s was amazing and incredibly helpful. JHS Moose Jaw has a program called My Place which specifically works to advocate for and help people struggling with homelessness. Since the

Tim McLeod

MLA for Moose Jaw North Constituency Office located at: 200 - 99 Diefenbaker Dr, Moose Jaw SK

306-692-8884 mjnorthmla@sasktel.net

program started, Oakes said, the community of Moose Jaw have been overwhelmingly generous.

“We help people who have nothing and who aren’t used to receiving anything,” Oakes said. “This is a population that isn’t often used to kindness. They struggle, you know. They struggle with a lot of different things, with mental illness, with substance abuse. Most of them are alone; they don’t have families or anyone to care about them.

“To see their smiles and hear their appreciation for what people give, it’s just amazing.”

One of the other annual efforts of the St. Andrew’s outreach committee has been their “Mitten Tree.”

The Mitten Tree is a Christmas tree set up at the beginning of the season.

Lynann Pethick said that the great majority of items contributed to the tree are handmade. By the time they are ready to be gathered up and given to local schools, the tree is weighed down with dozens of

St. Andrew’s United Church’s “Mitten Tree” decorated with community-contributed toques, mittens, and scarves Photo supplied by Lynann Pethick toques, mittens, and scarves.

This year the mitten tree items were donated to Prince Arthur and Westmount schools.

PAGE A4 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291 468 High St. W., Moose Jaw SK S6H 1T3 www.mjvexpress.com

Publisher: Robert Ritchie - rob@mjvexpress.com Editor: Joan Ritchie - editor@mjvexpress.com Sales: Wanda Hallborg - sales@mjvexpress.com Bob Calvert - sales@mjvexpress.com Gladys Baigent-Therens - Sales2@mjvexpress.com Kevin Ogle - kogle@moosejawtoday.com Steve Seida - Special Sales Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same.

Send your stories, events and pictures to;

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Joan Ritchie Joyce Walter

Jason G. Antonio

Randy Palmer Wanda Smith

- Guest Editorial -

What will 2022 bring for city?

Knights of Columbus names winners in annual Keep Christ in Christmas lighting contest

Moose Jaw Express staff The Knights of Columbus Father Gilpin Council No. 9760 held its annual Keep Christ in Christmas lighting contest on Dec. 18 and selected three winners who put additional effort into their displays.

The first-place winner was 24 Wellington Drive, which featured a Nativity Scene in the corner of the yard, along with other Christmas lights and decorations.

Second place went to 1272 Pascoe Drive West, which also featured a Nativity Scene lit up by a white spotlight.

Third place went to 65 Blue Sage Drive, which featured a wood cut out of the manger and smaller version of the Nativity Scene, surrounded by lights and a star.

The winners received a certificate and a monetary prize for their efforts.

First place winner: 24 Wellington Drive. Photo submitted

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

It will soon be time to burst into song with many muddled versions of Auld Lang Syne, a song that has become associated with New Year’s Eve, an ending and a beginning and celebrations with friends.

We all know what has happened in 2021 but what is in the cards for the new year?

Will citizens be able to pay their increased municipal taxes, higher water and sewer rates, an increased infrastructure levy, even a few more cents to have weekly garbage collection in October?

Will there be complaints about the elimination of Saturday bus service and will those complaints fall on five deaf ears? Have any members of council and the administration had to rely on public transportation to get around the city? Is privatization of the transit system being considered?

With an increased budget will the Moose Jaw Police Service be able to make inroads into solving/reducing the crimes of arsons, thefts and sexual assaults? It is not much comfort to know that other jurisdictions have similar problems.

Will elected mayor and councillors resolve not to have so many in-camera meetings in 2022, living up to election campaigns that promised more transparency in local government affairs?

Will the Saskatchewan Health Authority and provincial officials live up to the promise of handling the backlog of postponed elective surgeries, and how will those bodies ensure there is sufficient professional staffing on hand to provide patient care?

Will Moose Jaw be successful in attracting industries and businesses that will provide employment for many of the city’s residents? Will the population be boosted as a result?

Is it possible for the municipal government to stop saying social services issues are the responsibility of the provincial and federal governments, an excuse for not becoming involved in matters that should concern all levels of governance?

What is for sure is that local businesses, organizations, churches, schools and charitable entities will continue to support the needs of the community, will continue to show resilience and perseverance in face of pandemics and rising costs of living. When there is a need, the community will respond.

With that knowledge, we can wish for a progressive, healthy and industrious 2022. Happy New Year.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Send your letters to the editor to: letters@mjvexpress.com or 888-241-5291 All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express.

The contents of this publication are the property of the Moose Jaw Express. Reproduction of any of the contents of this publication, including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited.

There shall be no reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher. All ads in the Moose Jaw Express are published in good faith without verification. The Moose Jaw Express reserves the right to refuse, classify, revise or censor any ads for any reason in its sole discretion.

This paper may include inaccuracies or errors.

The Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any ads or messages in any of the publications editions. The Moose Jaw Express specifically disclaims all and any liability to advertisers and readers of any kind for loss or damage of any nature what-so-ever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause.

All users are advised to check ad and message details carefully before entering into any agreement of any kind and before disclosing personal information. If in doubt, please take legal advice.

Second place winner: 1272 Pascoe Drive West. Photo submitted

Third place winner: 65 Blue Sage Drive. Photo submitted

Students’ colourful cards bring joy to community

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Two cards received from St. Agnes students The late arrival of boxes of Christmas cards on some local shelves this year might have been a reason for a seasonal panic moment.

We all understand the turmoil in the supply chain and should sympathize with the clerks who had to answer the questions regarding Christmas card availability. “When do you think you might get some boxes of Christmas cards in?” I asked repeatedly upon visits to several shops.

Others had obviously been asking too for the harried front-line employees retained their cool, but their distress was evident. One raised a burst of laughter from her customers when she replied: “Hopefully we get some in before Christmas.”

But finally they arrived and shoppers who send Christmas cards gathered several boxes each in their baskets, likely thinking cards that aren’t used this year can be held over for Christmas 2022 for who knows how long it will take suppliers to fill Christmas card orders a year from now.

My Christmas box is nicely filled with a variety of cards, with varying messages and cover art, all designed to provide cheery greetings for the recipients.

However, there was really no need to panic for I have friends who make their own Christmas cards, using numerous techniques learned at workshops and online vid-

eos. Those cards were close at hand and certainly would have been appreciated by the names on our card list.

In fact on our string of cards that remain up from Christmas to Christmas are two cards I have held over because of their significance. They are hand-made by some very young students at St. Agnes School and delivered by hand directly to our mail box.

What a pleasant surprise it was to receive the cards.

One portrayed the nativity scene with Joseph and Mary in brightly coloured clothing, a smiling sheep, and Baby Jesus, the subject of loving glances. All were enclosed in a red-roofed structure, with a yellow and orange star overhead. The second card featured a smiling angel in a blue gown with one green wing and one white wing.

The verse in both cards read: “May the joy of Christmas bring peace and happiness to all.” The cards were signed by the first name of the two students.

Those cards are a wonderful way for the school’s students to share the meaning of Christmas with residents who live close to the school. Thank you to the teachers who initiated this project and to the students who colourfully presented the story of Christmas.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A5

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Trespass to Property Amendment Act coming into force Jan. 1 2022

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Changes to trespassing legislation will be enforceable starting on the first day of the New Year. The changes to the Trespass to Property Act are meant to clarify existing laws in favour of property owners.

Being on private property without permission of the landowner is an illegal act unless an official duty is being carried out. Even then, the law does not allow for someone such as a postal worker to do anything other than drop off their mail or package before immediately leaving.

However, trespassing in Saskatchewan was slightly murky in the area of recreational purposes. Hunting, fishing, ATV riding, etc. are a major part of Saskatchewan’s rural culture, and straying onto private land during these activities has previously been seen as a mild offence best dealt with through warnings.

A landowner suing a trespasser was required to prove that the trespasser entered without permission.

“This government has worked hard to balance the rights of landowners in rural

Saskatchewan with those of recreational land users,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said.

“I’m pleased to see the legislation come into force and I want to thank everyone who has worked and consulted with us in its development.”

The legislation clarifies existing laws and introduces greater consistency in the rules regarding trespassing, regardless of intent or activity. Importantly, it shifts the responsibility from rural No trespassing sign on rural property fence landowners onto individuals ing to access a rural landowner’s property seeking to access their propfor recreational purposes will need to gain erty.

Saskatchewanians are typically cour- explicit consent from the owner. Consent teous users of the land who seek permis- can be provided in writing, electronically, sion to access rural property for recreation- orally, or through signage.

Concerns expressed by rural landownal purposes. This is the recommended best ers about individuals who trespass on their practice now formalized in legislation.

Under the new legislation, those want- property often relate to repeat offenders

who ignore posted warnings and/or commit property damage.

The legislation provides legal protection to landowners and occupiers against property damage and the risk of agricultural diseases, and limits any liability that may arise from a trespasser’s presence on their property. Instead of having to prove trespassers entered without permission, trespassers in a civil case will now have to justify their intrusion.

The new legislation increases the maximum penalty set out in the Act to $25,000 for repeat offenders trespassing on the same property and adds imprisonment up to six months as an available penalty. It will also introduce a $200,000 maximum penalty for a corporation that is complicit in a trespassing offence.

Police and provincial enforcement officers will continue to be responsible for laying criminal charges. Anyone who believes a trespass is taking place on their property is urged to contact their local police service.

Political group wants pandemic measures changed since current solutions supposedly unhelpful Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A new community group dedicated to freedom and liberty wants pandemic-related health measures changed so people can choose how to protect themselves instead of the government imposing uniform regulations regardless of the situation.

The group also wants Moose Jaw’s school divisions to remove mask mandates from kids and teachers.

Action4Canada has 120 chapters across Canada and came into being in 2021. It focuses on family, freedom and faith, while its goal is to inform Canadians about their rights and freedoms.

The Moose Jaw chapter sprang up in mid-October and now includes more than 200 residents.

One of its first actions was to issue notices of liability in late November to Prairie South School Division and Holy Trinity Catholic Division. These documents were designed to force the organizations to cease with the mask orders and ensure that there is parental consent for on-site vaccinations, that people understand the vaccine’s ingredients and that everyone understands the potential side effects.

A video on the Action4Canada Facebook page shows the chapter leaders presenting documents to Ryan Boughen, director of education for Prairie South. He later confirmed that he received them and

presented them to the board of education.

Group concerns “Children need to still have all the interactions that they used to have. A mask takes a lot of their identity away, but it also takes away — at a younger level — really big learning opportunities,” group co-leader Jamie Olmstead said recently.

“They can no longer read lips when teachers are speaking or reading stories.

It’s harder for them to hear sounds when they’re trying to learn them correctly,” she continued.

Forcing students to wear masks longterm is not helpful nor viable, especially since they have the right under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to breathe fresh air, Olmstead added. The group also wants teachers to choose what’s personally right with masks and vaccines.

The research shows that children are not as affected by COVID-19 as adults are, so there’s no need to push vaccines on them when the long-term effects are unknown, added group co-leader Amanda Zentner.

Zentner pointed out that the liability notices have been effective since 22 school divisions across Canada have allegedly chosen not to enforce mask mandates because of the documents.

“It’s time to take pause and assess

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what our measures are doing for us. Is this the direction we need to go? … Or is it time to pivot and look for that new solution or other solution? Because there’s always another solution,” she said.

One solution is for sick people to stay home, even if they are vaccinated, Zentner continued. Canadians should be allowed to regulate themselves since there is no onesize-fits-all solution for everyone.

“Until people and parents start standing up, what we’re going through is just going to continue to happen. As soon as people start to voice (concerns), there seems to be a shift in the government,” she added.

The current health measures don’t

give people much choice with taking or rejecting vaccines, either, said Olmstead.

She pointed to federal law from 1997 that said immunization is not mandatory in Canada and cannot be made so since it would violate the Constitution.

Based on this law, everyone has the right to an education, a job, and the liberty to travel without needing to be vaccinated or show papers to cross borders, she stated.

Every mandate must therefore be legal and not violate the Charter. This is where the notices of liability come into play, Olmstead added, since they inform people of the laws they are allegedly breaking.

For more information, visit https://action4canada.com.

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PAGE A6 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Homemade soups will warm from inside out The weather outside might be frightful, but indoors it will be warm and inviting as homemade soups are prepared to warm from the inside out.

This week’s recipes come from a favourite cookbook. These soups are versatile and allow the use of many kinds of vegetables and seasonings related to personal tastes.

••• VEGETABLE SOUP 1 beef soup bone 1 gallon water 1 onion, sliced or diced 1 small head of cabbage, shredded 4 carrots, finely diced 3 parsnips, cut into small pieces 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces 1/2 cup pot barley 1 bay leaf 2 small chilli peppers, cut into small pieces salt and pepper to taste dash of dill 1 cup of frozen peas, thawed 1 cup diced tomatoes

2 cups cream Place soup bone in the water and boil slowly for 1-2 hours. Remove bone and cut off any small pieces of meat. Skim off fat from broth. Return meat to broth.

Add onion, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, peppers and salt and pepper and continue to boil slowly for 1 hour.

Add peas, tomatoes and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Turn off heat and add a dash of dill before serving.

••• HAM AND VEGETABLE SOUP 2 lb. ham bone 2 qts. cold water 1 qt. diced carrots salt and pepper to taste 1 stick mint 1 cup diced potatoes Cover ham bone with cold water and boil slowly for 1-2 hours.

Remove bone, cut off any small pieces of ham and return to broth.

Add carrots, onion and mint stick. Boil for another hour or until vegetables are soft. Add potatoes and boil for 15 minutes. Serve hot, with a teaspoon of cream added to each bowl, if desired.

••• CHEESE CROUTONS 3-4 slices stale bread butter cream cheese Trim crusts from thick bread slices. Butter slices then cut into cubes. Place bread cubes on a greased cookie sheet. Drizzle with melted cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese.

Place in moderate oven and roast until crisp and browned slightly but not burned. Remove from oven and cool completely.

Add croutons to individual servings of a favourite soup. Croutons may be frozen by spreading over a cookie sheet until frozen then placed in containers or bags. Thaw as many as required.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

U of S researcher’s cutting-edge buoy aims to protect water source for Regina and Moose Jaw Moose Jaw Express staff

Helen Baulch, an associate professor at USask’s School of Environment and Sustainability. (Photo: Submitted) A partnership between University of Saskatchewan (USask) researcher Dr. Helen Baulch (PhD) and the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is using cutting-edge monitoring equipment to advance lake science and safeguard drinking water for 260,000 people.

The independent board of directors of the plant, owned by the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw, in collaboration with plant president and CEO Ryan Johnson, has approved the purchase of a custom-designed $250,000

high-tech buoy that’s been nicknamed Superbuoy. It comes equipped with research-grade weather and atmospheric monitors and an array of winter-hardy water quality sensors for year-round use.

“From a research perspective, the Superbuoy provides continuity as well as some neat new tools,” said Baulch, associate professor in USask’s School of Environment and Sustainability and centennial enhancement chair in aquatic ecosystem biogeochemistry.

“For example, it has cutting-edge sensors to more accurately measure carbon dioxide that’s important to lake ecology, and some new cameras with telemetry so that we are able to monitor the lake surface for scum, from our desks in Saskatoon and get down there to sample it.”

The new buoy is expected to arrive in time for the 2022 summer season, a period when huge algal blooms can occur on Buffalo Pound Lake, the U of S said. This is also when rapid changes in water conditions happen, such as large temperature variations between upper and lower lake levels. These sometimes cause major problems for the plant that supplies potable water to Regina, Moose Jaw and nearby areas.

“Climate change and changes to land use are putting unprecedented pressure on prairie aquatic systems and increasing risks of harmful cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms,” said Baulch.

“Because Buffalo Pound Lake is so shallow, things like algae growth and water temperature change pretty quickly. The plant operators have seen those changes affect their operations, and our research collaboration has really helped troubleshoot and anticipate some of those

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changes.”

The Superbuoy will replace Baulch’s current monitoring equipment, which the Canada Foundation for Innovation funded eight years ago and is nearing the end of its useful life. Baulch spent several months consulting with supplier Hoskin Scientific of British Columbia on designing elements of the new buoy, including enabling some sensors to be nestled in a metal cage under lake ice to provide year-round monitoring.

For Blair Kardash, manager of laboratory and research at the treatment plant, the partnership underlines the value of academic-industrial co-operation. He indicated that the uncertainty of grant approvals and the need to have a replacement buoy in time for 2022 led to the purchase.

“We want to support Dr. Baulch’s continued research in limnology (the study of lakes) at Buffalo Pound. In doing so, we also get the benefit of having real-time monitoring for rapid changes in water quality, as well the benefits from her long-time research on cyanobacteria,” he continued.

Both Kardash and Baulch point to an emergency water restriction in Moose Jaw and Regina in 2015 as a situation that highlights the value of closely monitoring lake water. The problem was caused by thermal stratification in the lake affecting water clarifiers in the plant, cutting treatment capacity in half.

The two have since developed “decision trees” on how to use the sensor data to adapt plant operations during periods of stratification extremes. It also helps advise the cities to have enough water in their reservoirs to ride out any potential treatment slowdowns.

The collaborative work has also involved understanding and troubleshooting problems involving the buoyancy of cyanobacteria types that recently affected the plant’s clarifiers.

To enact timely reduction strategies at the plant in response to a recent change in Health Canada’s allowable limits of manganese in drinking water, they are also working to understand why manganese levels sometimes rise dramatically in winter.

“It’s really rewarding as a researcher to feel like the work we do can be put into practice here quite quickly,” said Baulch.

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A7

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510 Home St W. Moose Jaw • 306-693-0955 TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Pandemic proved we take too much of our lifestyle for granted over 13,000.

By April a third wave saw us lose another 3,300 souls.

Fearing destruction of the economy and seeing a reduction in cases provinces began to lift limits of the lockdown and restart the closed economy.

Mass vaccination was seen as the saving grace to provide herd immunity against the virus. By pouring millions and freely sharing information globally, scientists had developed new vaccines to combat the scourge.

Freedom to meet and eat together even on a limited basis was so welcome as was the opportunity to do some travel.

Then in summer a third wave struck, causing repeat of some restrictions in some provinces but soon peaking.

With the autumn, a fourth wave developed but took fewer lives. As Christmas approached a fifth wave arrived with another mutation of the virus — Omicron

Two years ago New Year’s was observed

by Ron Walter expecting that a The views and opinions ex- great future lay pressed in this article are those ahead of us for of the author, and do not nec- years. essarily reflect the position of Few people this publication. paid attention to a brief news item noting that a new flu virus had been found in the Chinese City of Wuhan.

Life was good until the flu news began to complicate planning and threaten the good life.

Within months we faced lockdowns of business, saw newscasts devoted to how to wash our hands and what the new Covid-19 virus could do to us.

We discovered that workers, from the people pumping gas to the health care sector, are heroes for taking the risk of working among people spreading the Covid.

During the ensuing two years our lifestyle has changed acutely.

We learned we have taken so many things for granted: visiting, hugging and sharing meals with family and friends; having coffee with friends; going into a restaurant or other business to shop.

We learned more about disease and infections than most of us cared to learn.

Since shopping was risky or even not allowed for months we learned to buy online, a practice that saved many a business from bankruptcy and hurt others.

We learned how government programs can keep the economy running as long as there are funds.

One wave of the pandemic was over

by July 17, 2020 representing more than 8,800 deaths sin Canada.

Restrictions on meetings and businesses were lifted as we assumed the worst was over. Wrong. A second wave hit in early January, bloating the death toll by

On December 22nd, Riverside Mission expected at least 150 people for their annual Christmas dinner. Each person received a small gift with their meal; kids received a toy, and adults received socks stuffed with hygiene products.

Traditionally, the meal consists of a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Staff cooked turkeys for week prior in preparation; some of them even cooked overnight by the night staff at the mission.

Other community-based organizations such as the Food Bank and Salvation Army have been letting their clients and visitors know about the dinner for nearly a month.

The event is only possible through

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com community donations. Rachel Mullens, kitchen manager at Riverside Mission, said that “the people of Moose Jaw always pitch in every year and make our Christmas meals amazing. And we always get gifts for kids and things for adults, and it’s just a pretty amazing community. We couldn’t do it without them.”

Four staff and four or five volunteers helped to serve the meal.

Warm socks stuffed with hygiene products and other With COVID restrictions small gifts will be given to each person at the dinner

that spread much faster.

Like so many of the rules developed and changed during previous waves as scientists learned on the fly, Omicron is also confusing Is it less intense than other variants?

We don’t know. We’re not even sure how effective existing vaccines are on it.

Life has changed forever. We may need to learn to live with COVID just as people in some parts of the globe live with daily bombings and shootings.

New Year’s greetings this season have taken on a twist.

The wishes take the form of Hope you have a better New Year — a phrase heard time and time over.

Here’s hoping for a better New Year for you, your family, friends and community.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Riverside Mission serves the less fortunate Christmas Dinner

in place and limited space in which to seat everyone, the meal was takeout again this year. Clients lined-up outside and came in one at a time to receive their meal in a bag.

Hot coffee and tea are always available, and hot chocolate was served with the turkey dinner.

Riverside Mission serves hot lunch and dinner Mon-Fri for anyone in need.

They also have a four-person emergency men’s shelter.

Riverside Mission merged with Regina-based Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in 2019, and is expected to break ground on a dramatically expanded new Moose Jaw location in early 2022.

Purposed Financial and the Moose Jaw Shriners Club give support at Riverside Mission

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Aaron Ruston, Bruce Richards, and Pat Toombs with the Moose Jaw Shrine Club were on hand during Riverside Mission’s Christmas dinner to give out gift mugs made by the Shrine Club.

Shriners International (known informally as the Shriners) is a Masonic fraternity originally established in 1872 as “The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.” The name was changed to Shriners International in 2010.

The Shriners operate internationally in support of a network of children’s hospitals in North America. Their first hospital opened in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1922, and they now operate 22 such hospitals, including one in Montreal which specializes in brittle bone disease.

“The Shrine Club is designed to raise money for children that need specialized treatment,” Aaron Ruston said. “The money that we raise in our local clubs goes to support those hospitals, and also provide

Bruce Richards, a member of the Moose Jaw Shrine Club; Rachel Mullens, director of emergency services for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission; and Aaron Ruston of Purposed Financial, also a member of the Shrine Club (photo by Gordon Edgar)

things like a travel fund so that parents can actually get their children to those hospitals.”

Bruce Richards explained that the COVID pandemic has highlighted the need in communities, and therefore the need for community members to support each other. About a dozen members of the Shrine Club got together and assembled a coffee mug package as a gift for those people coming to Riverside Mission’s annual Christmas turkey dinner. .

The mugs contained hot chocolate powder, were wrapped with a neck gator, and finally topped off with a pair of gloves.

“Purposed Financial supported us with the funds and everything,” Pat Toombs said, “and all the guys got together and put it all together.”

Ruston added that it was Toombs and a couple of other members, wanting a way for the club to connect with the city and give back, who brainstormed this special gift idea.

The Shriners hope to continue supporting Riverside Mission and looking for ways to alleviate the issue of homelessness in Moose Jaw. “It’s great that they’re here,” said Rachel Mullens, director of emergency services for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission and for Riverside Mission. “We’re always happy to have help.”

Riverside Mission will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31. Rainbow Retro Thrift Shop on Main Street will be serving meals on those days at 12 p.m.

PAGE A8 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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City Hall Council Notes The next regular council meeting is Monday, Jan. 10.

Saturday bus service permanently parked because of low ridership, high costs Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Residents hoping for a return of Saturday bus service will be waiting at that bus stop indefinitely, as weekend transit service is now permanently out of order and dial-a-bus is parked for good.

During the 2022 budget discussions, public works director Darrin Stephanson recommended restoring fixedroute transit service on Saturdays for $84,571. However, city manager Jim Puffalt disagreed with that suggestion and thought both services should be discontinued because of low ridership.

Puffalt’s main point was that even with 160 people using the service on Saturdays, which translated to 0.03 people per hour on four routes in 12 hours, leading to empty buses driving around.

“It pains me that we can’t provide Saturday service, but it’s not being used (enough). … It’s too expensive,” he said, adding customers have found alternate methods of transportation.

Council eventually voted 5-2 to receive and file the report, a decision that eliminated Saturday bus service.

Councillors Crystal Froese and Doug Blanc were opposed.

Council comments Saturday transit might be expensive and ridership numbers low, but council receives numerous calls about bus service, said Blanc. There are many things that residents don’t use but still pay for — the Yara Centre and walking paths as examples — since others use those venues. Moreover, many people take transit in the winter since they’re uncomfortable driving on snow and ice.

“It’s a service we have to provide our citizens,” he added.

Residents expect the municipality to provide certain services, including transit, something that council has sup-

ported every year with a subsidy, said Froese. Meanwhile, she pays taxes to support the fire department with the hope of never needing its help.

“I may not use other city services, but I’m happy to pay for them so someone else can use them,” she added.

“I’m happy that someone can use transit to go to work on Saturday, especially on a bitterly cold day … .”

Highlights of transit report Saturday service In pre-pandemic times, weekday bus ridership was 840 customers per day and Saturday ridership was 320 customers per day. During the pandemic, those numbers are roughly 400 and 160, respectively, said Stephanson.

“We were seeing an increase this fall, especially with school returning. But we are sitting at 50 per cent of pre-pandemic ridership,” he stated.

Bringing back fixed bus routes on Saturday would cost $84,571, while dial-a-ride service would cost $17,744, he added. Weekday service equates to $5.51 per trip, while Saturday fixed-route costs would be $5.08 per trip The budget subsidy for transit next year is $1,204,369.

In opposition, Puffalt said that based on dial-a-bus ridership of 20 people per Saturday, the subsidy cost jumps to $79.42 per ride. Meanwhile, the weekday subsidy cost is $7.96 per ride.

30-minute routes City hall considered returning to 30-minute routes in 2022 but realized that was impossible because routes have lengthened with the addition of Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, the West Park development, Westheath development and Bradley Street expansion, Stephanson said.

Thirty-minute routes could be achieved by adding another route, but that would cost $160,000 annually with ex-

isting buses.

Bus shelters There are four transit routes and 180 separate bus stops, with 14 stops having a bus shelter and bench, six stops with shelters, 33 stops with benches, and 127 stops with bus signs, Stephanson said.

Locations for benches are chosen based on visibility and routes with higher ridership. Benches cost $1,500 to $3,000 each, plus installation.

The city has one bus shelter in inventory, while the remaining 13 are in excellent condition, he added. New shelters, including installation, are $16,000. City hall is considering adding a shelter in front of Giant Tiger once Yara Centre is added to the route.

Transit survey A transit survey in the fall revealed 77 per cent of 476 respondents used fixed-route service, while 14 per cent used the Saturday dial-a-ride service that was implemented this year on a one-year trial basis, Stephanson said.

When asked about dial-a-bus service versus regular fixed service, 63 per cent of respondents favoured the latter option.

The survey also revealed that customers want improved service hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with some requesting Sunday service, said Stephanson. However, little data is available to understand ridership when city transit last expanded hours in 2014.

A final highlight of the survey is that several areas of the city are underserved by public transit, with Yara Centre identified as the most prominent location, he added. City hall plans to add that venue to the existing routes, although it presents challenges due to its remote location and lack of options for access.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express streets and wonders if they have a place to live. Based on conversations with the Moose Jaw Police Service and John Howard Society, he has learned that most people who look homeless have somewhere to go.

“Certainly, we’re all concerned when we see people … and it’s cold outside,” he said during a recent post-budget media scrum.

Meanwhile, some people live on fixed income and are attempting to live independently while facing a property tax hike of 5.45 per cent, Tolley continued. Understandably, they might face challenges, but city hall does want people to live in their own homes.

For homeowners with a home value of roughly $200,000, they will pay about $90 more per year because of the tax increase, he pointed out.

“So when I thought of that, I thought, we can invest all this money in Moose Jaw and do all these good things for our community, and it’s going to cost the typical homeowner less than $90 a year,” Tolley added. “I can think it’s a good trade-off, a good investment.”

The mill rate increase means taxpayers will pay an extra $81.12 per year on their property bills. Furthermore, a six-per-cent combined increase in water and sewer utilities means taxpayers will fork over an extra $45.12 per year, for a total of $161.24 extra next year.

For less fortunate people who are unemployed or underemployed, there are job opportunities available throughout the community if they’re willing to work, Tolley said.

For example, Thunder Creek Pork Plant has 30 vacancies. For people saying they can’t pay their taxes, Tolley encouraged them to apply at the plant since those full-time jobs pay well and have good benefits.

City manager Jim Puffalt pointed out that there are also several part-time jobs available at Mosaic Place and at least 30 full-time positions are needed to help build the SaskPower Great Plains Power Station.

“What we’re trying to create in Moose Jaw is to grow the city and create a scenario where there’s more jobs to choose from, and families can move here and have jobs and be able to buy a house and send their kids to school and pay their taxes,” the mayor said.

“So, we see these tax increases as an investment in our community and are looking for longer-term better results for the community.”

When asked whether council could have used the increase in the infrastructure levy to offset taxes and give residents a tax break, Tolley indicated that every taxable home will now pay $100 per year to fund infrastructure repair costs. This across-the-board tax made sense to him to help fund the cast iron replacement program.

Less fortunate residents will benefit from 2022 budget’s job-growth priorities, mayor says

Less fortunate residents should benefit from the 2022 budget that city council approved because several initiatives should help attract new businesses and generate new jobs, the mayor says.

Similar to other residents, Mayor Clive Tolley said he is concerned when he sees less fortunate people on the

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF MOOSE JAW All Departments in City Hall will be closed on:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 (From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022 (All Day)

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A9

City Hall Council Notes The next regular council meeting is Monday, Jan. 10.

From new pickleball courts to extra garbage pickup, 2022 budget packed with projects Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

From new pickleball courts to a climate action plan to an updated Official Community Plan, city council approved many projects during its 2022 budget discussions.

The following is a brief look at some council-approved projects for next year. The full reports can be found at moosejaw.ca, including operating, capital and equipment reserve budgets.

Pickleball courts Parks and rec will spend $285,000 to build six outdoor pickleball courts at the Kinsmen Sportsplex. Furthermore, city administration will negotiate an exclusive-use agreement with Pickleball Moose Jaw and forward a draft to council for consideration before proceeding with construction.

Council unanimously approved this project.

Garbage pickup Garbage collection in October will move to weekly pickup from biweekly for an extra municipal expense of $22,013 per year.

Council voted 6-1 for this project. Coun. Kim Robinson was opposed.

Climate action plan Council voted 5-2 to approve a climate action plan and sign a four-year agreement with Greenwave Innovations Inc. for $1,380,000 for an energy sub-monitoring solutions and consulting services program.

A net of $167,000 will also be allocated for consulting services at 10 municipal buildings to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Councillors Dawn Luhning and Robinson were opposed.

Enhanced enforcement City hall will create a new legislative and enforcement services department that will centralize core business services such as council/legislative agendas/business, bylaw enforcement, litigation, legislative compliance, document management and contracts/agreements.

Four new positions will be created, including manager of enforcement, two bylaw enforcement officers and an administrative clerk. Along with benefits, fuel and bylaw expenses, these positions will cost $430,400 annually, which city administration expects to pay for by the annual recovery of $400,000 from parking tickets and untidy properties.

Council voted 5-1 to approve this motion.

Robinson was opposed. Mayor Clive Tolley was absent from the vote.

Safety officer position A second safety officer position that council approved in 2021 for a one-year term will be continued and staffed as a permanent full-time resource. Total wages in 2022 will be $92,406.26 and funded from the operating budget through cost savings.

This position allegedly helped save $106,098 this year in costs associated with the Workers’ Compensation

OPINION/EDITORIAL

LETTERS TO

THE

EDITOR

Re: Saturday Bus Service

Board, time lost, reduced repair costs, administration, and reduced incidents, a council report said.

Council unanimously approved this motion.

Economic development position Council approved a new economic development co-ordinator position for $85,000 to support the activities of the business improvement district and work of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association.

City administration will prepare a contractual working agreement between the city and association so that city hall can provide administrative and general support to the business group.

Meanwhile, council approved $43,000 for the downtown association’s events and special projects.

Council voted 6-1 to approve this motion. Robinson was opposed.

Board of revision A property assessment training session will be provided to members of city council, city administration, the board of revision and the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA), after the board of revision requested training for its new members.

Council will later decide during an executive meeting whether to allow the board of revision to spend $11,215 for further training.

Council voted unanimously for this initiative.

Job evaluation framework Council voted 4-2 to adopt an out-of-scope job evaluation framework retroactive to Jan. 1, 2021, with the $99,196 cost for 2021 from accumulated salary reserves.

In 2022, $74,482 will come from salary reserves, while $60,414 will come from the operating budget.

The hike will affect 18 positions within city administration.

Council voted 4-2 to approve this motion. Robinson and Luhning were opposed. Tolley was absent.

Investment portfolio drawdown Council voted 5-1 to approve the drawdown of $7,285,107 in interest from the investment portfolios to fund city programs and services, such as capital projects in transportation and parks and recreation and operating projects for parks and rec.

An extra $2 million and $111,023 will be drawn down and put into the solid waste reserve account and the crematorium building reserve, respectively. This means a total of $9,396,130 in interest will be withdrawn from the portfolios.

Luhning was opposed to the motion.

Police budget Council unanimously approved the Moose Jaw Police Service’s 2022 budget, which includes an operating increase of 4.67 per cent or $498,719. This means the agency will receive $11.16 million in public funding next year compared to $10.66 million this year.

Council also approved the police service’s request for Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:

Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect as of March 15, 2021.

• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 800 words, although they can be much longer to be included in our online daily MooseJawToday.com . In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

Moose Jaw is considered a friendly city and I am proud to call it home but our city…mayor and council, well that is another subject.

Their latest decision to discontinue transit service completely on Saturdays, excluding Paratransit, that does not fit well with me and I know many other people agree. Not everyone in this fair city drive or have access to a ride; taxis are very expensive for those on fixed incomes, and there ae a lot of people in this city that fall in that category.

The Dial a Bus was really starting to get established especially now that cold weather has arrived. The ‘powers to be’ seem to think that transit has to be a paying business. How many cities the size of Moose Jaw actually make money?

It is a necessary convenience. Businesses profit as people who take the bus go shopping or run errands.

I know Monday to Friday is good with the regular city buses but people like myself also have to use the bus

$254,400 in capital funding, compared to $450,000 this year.

Public library Council unanimously approved the Moose Jaw Public Library’s 2022 operating budget of $1.23 million, up from $1.20 million this year.

Third-party funding Council unanimously approved the operating funding requests from 14 third-party community groups totalling $13,620,991, compared to $12,932,480 this year.

OCP and zoning bylaw City administration will pursue an update to the Official Community Plan (OCP) and zoning bylaw for $250,000.

The OCP is a document that guides and manages the city’s growth. Council approved both documents in 2011, but city administration says they need to be updated since the community has grown, the economic climate has changed, and new land has been annexed since then.

Council voted 5-1 to approve this motion. Luhning was opposed. Tolley was absent.

Parks and rec master plan The parks and recreation department will hire an external consultant for $75,000 to develop a departmental master plan since one does not currently exist, while the last master plan was completed in 1976.

A new master plan will allow the department to adopt a clear vision over the next 10 years.

Council voted 5-1 to approve this motion. Luhning was opposed. Tolley was absent.

Community support program The parks and rec department will implement a community association direct support program policy for $20,000. This policy will provide base funding, special initiative funding and strengthen community engagement opportunities with four community associations.

Each association will receive $5,000 in annual funding and can access an extra $4,000 for special initiatives.

The total budget for this program will be $36,000.

Council voted unanimously in favour of this initiative.

City hall IT enhancements City hall’s information technology (IT) department will proceed with purchasing scanning software for $18,069 and a program called Azure Active Directory Software for $20,000, with money to come from the operating budget.

The scanning software will make it easier to save documents into the internal management system. The directory software will move the city’s computers to a cloud-based system.

Council voted 6-1 to approve this project. Luhning was opposed.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with each submission for verification.

• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.

Send your letters to the editor to:

letters@mjvexpress.com or 888-241-5291

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express.

on Saturdays. I go and visit a friend who lives in South Hill. Walking over the 4th Ave. Bridge is no fun on a cold windy winter’s day. Just try it some time.

No only did they discontinue the Dial A bus service, they did it without having a proper meeting letting the public attend and at least have a say.

That survey which they had a few months ago about transit services, that was a big laugh. More people replied to it than was stated in the report. Also Saturday service was requested to remain but the ‘powers to be’ decided long before the survey was completed that the friendly city people did not need Saturday bus service.

The mayor and city council should take a few days and walk instead of using their cars and see how much fun it is getting around on Saturdays dealing with ice, snow, slippery sidewalks and streets, and cold blustery days.

I have to do this now and am 70 years old. It takes me at least 25 minutes on way to visit my shut-in friend who I help on Saturdays.

I have ridden the Dial a Bus and the drivers have all said that the bookings were getting more abundant and word was spreading amongst the residents, especially seniors. Not all seniors are handicapped but walking is still difficult.

I ask all the citizens to band together and voice your opinions to our City Lords (Council and Mayor) and maybe they will see that people who voted for them are not happy with their decision making.

Shirley Daily

Re: Saving the Bridge Thank God some of the aldermen on City Council had common sense to save the bridge over the CNR tracks.

Most people of Moose Jaw don’t even know their own city.

Cecil Smith

PAGE A10 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

REFLECTIVE MOMENTS

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

The year that didn’t always go as expected: 2021 As the year 2021 scurries to head off to Joyce Walter where ever old For Moose Jaw Express years gather, ronjoy@sasktel.net we might be The views and opinions ex- overly optimispressed in this article are tic at what the those of the author, and do r e p l a c e m e n t not necessarily reflect the po- year will have sition of this publication. in store.

But being the type of folks who always have that bit of hope ingrained in our upbringing, we anticipate some bumps in the new road but still hope those bumps won’t derail our lives for any extended period. Being prepared is the key and with what we have endured since March 2020 lessons in preparation have been learned by most of the population.

So with acknowledgement that 2022 won’t all be smooth sailing, let’s spend a moment or two in reflection on the year that is about to end: • As we mentioned in our family letter, one of the main highlights of our year

was meeting Remi, our Great Great Niece who at the time was about six months old. She came to our strange arms willingly then gave me her personal stamp of approval by disgorging some white, milky stuff all over my shoulder.

She smiled broadly at me as though to say: “Hi Auntie. Aren’t you happy to meet me?” Her mother was apologetic but I pointed out I had worn an old top and not to worry. Housemate did refrain from bouncing her above his head. Wise move.

• Although we didn’t venture outside Saskatchewan’s borders for a second summer, we did a few day trips here and there, but mostly spent a pleasant summer in our backyard. That’s where Housemate toiled as an urban farmer, tending his prolific crop of tomatoes and beans, grumping at his failing pea crop and urging his corn to start producing. Meanwhile robins and other birds flocked to use our birdbath and to enjoy foodstuffs including Housemates’ ripening sour cherries. Summer in the city!

• On the political front, Fraser Tolmie

left his job as mayor and successfully ran to replace Tom Lukiwski as Member of Parliament for Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan. Tolmie now sits in the sixth row of the six rows designated for the Conservatives, one seat removed from seats reserved for the Bloc Quebecois. So far Tolmie hasn’t sponsored any private members’ motions but he is a member of the standing committee on Veterans Affairs.

• Back here in Moose Jaw, Clive Tolley was elected mayor, winning by only 41 votes over Councillor Crystal Froese. Voter turnout was dismal. His win ensured city taxpayers wouldn’t have to pay for a second byelection to fill a councillor vacancy. Tolley has been present at a number of weekend events and so far there have been no complaints made public that the new mayor doesn’t return phone calls or answer e-mails. All taxpayers’ eyes will be on him over the next three years as he brings himself up to date on current civic affairs and relies less on administration to answer media questions.

Well what a year it has been! It is hard to believe that 2021 is almost over and it remains to be seen what 2022 will bring.

As for myself, your Town Council, our management team and all our staff at the Town of Assiniboia, it has been quite a busy year.

It has been just over a year now as your new Council have stepped into their roles and we all have been on a huge learning curve, all trying, with one goal in mind to make our town better.

We have seen some new changes to our management team at our office as we hired a new CAO, Clint Mauthe, in April to assist us to achieve our goals. We are happy to report that Clint has settled very well into his position and he continues to help council in any way he can. Our office has recently had some restructuring and with Clint at the helm we know that our goal to have a positive and productive working environment will be achieved.

Our Council has been busy with their committees, as well as the almost 30 different community groups we are involved

with. The seven of us have attended many meetings forming new relationships, as well as strengthening and enhancing current relationships, as we know working together we are better. We are very hands on, progressive and an engaged Council that strives to lend a hand to get the job done.

We have established a stronger relationship with local law enforcement keeping the communication open at all times.

Preparations are in order in our Finance Department as we head into 2022 with our budget. Kerri Martin is now our new Director of Corporate Services and brings much experience to the role. Kerri has also been successful working with the Executive Assistant at the Chamber of Commerce forming a good working relationship to bridge our Town and the business community.

She has in the past and still continues to be involved with our Planning and Development department. She was successful in the creation of our new mural on Centre Street, working with Willow Bunch

artist Stephanie Bellefleur. We also purchased new Christmas lights for our light standards on Centre Street, our new led lights are sure to brighten our streets for years to come. Most recently, she coordinated alongside 15 Wing Moose Jaw and all local emergency services for a training exercise at the Assiniboia Airport. A Main Street Revitalization Grant was approved for exterior improvements at the New Texas Café building. Assisting Kerri with Planning and Development is our new hire, Tina, who brings much experience and positivity to our office. We have seen some new businesses open in town and continue to be amazed to see the business sector thrive and grow, and how so many folks have chosen to shop local.

Our Public Works Department has been very busy this year, and with Nic Zuck in charge we have been able to accomplish many projects. We were able to pave 3rd Street West in its entirety, which was part of a strategic plan from a few years ago. We also paved some other various locations in town. We were able to replace 100’s of metres of sidewalk this year as well.

One of our first tasks of Council was to clean up the former Rubber Recycling Tire Plant. With the assistance of the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan, our Public Works Dept. and several other local contractors, the building was cleaned up. The building is now being leased to the Department of Highways while their new facility is being constructed.

We have also completed our safety manual to encompass all town operations.

From trimming trees to repairing valves, some 55 feet underground, and multiple fixing at the golf course, this has kept our Public Works Department busy.

You may have noticed our new street sweeper this year and will notice our new snowblower that has been acquired as we try to keep our streets cleaned for our many residents and visitors.

Recreation is yet another huge department where our community spirit is alive and strong with our gal Stephanie VanDe-

• And then there’s the recipe for Toutiere, the recipe offered for sale for $5 or more by NDP Leader Ryan Meili. I wrote a tongue-in-cheek column about the NDP’s fundraising and marketing campaign and wondered how much his recipe would raise. I also pondered whether his parents would provide the recipe at no cost. A few days later I received an e-mail from Dr. Meili, thanking me for the fun column and providing a copy of his Grandmother’s recipe — at no charge. I laughed at his response and as promised, sent him off a copy of a recipe for crockpot chicken tacos. Two rural-raised kids know all about giving at Christmas. Thanks, Dr. Meili.

Thus we say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022, with hope and optimism, but mindful of the ever-lurking health hazard of letting down our guard too soon. Here’s wishing one and all a safe and healthy new year.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Mayor of Assiniboia Sharon Schauenberg – Year in Review

Mayor Clive Tolley Holiday Message 2021 The people of Moose Jaw have done an admirable job in 2021, surviving this most difficult pandemic year.

Looking forward, we need to grow our City by investing in our economic growth, expanding our recreation facilities and opportunities, enhancing our customer service and continuing the renewal of our infrastructure.

We can all do our part to help build our City into a place that we all feel proud to say is truly notorious. Notorious for our friendly people, notorious for our attractions, and notoriously welcoming to all. To anyone considering a business development, a move to our beautiful City or simply coming for a visit, we welcome you.

On behalf of myself and my family, our City Council and our City Administration, stay safe and well, and enjoy this special time of year by spending time with family and friends!

Clive

Sype at the top. From the many programs she created this year… the Twinkle Tour, The Lights of Love, Scavenger Hunt, The Sunday Funday, Canada Day Fireworks, the climbing walls at the Aquatic Centre, ball diamond upgrades, movies in the park, community Halloween Carnival, healthy heart initiatives, Walks for Wellness, and of course our Better Together Tuesday programs, I have to think, is there anything this gal can’t do?

I cannot be more proud and it is such a privilege to be part of such a great organization that works together to accomplish so much!

So what is in store for 2022? I am very hopeful and positive for our year ahead and what it will bring.

We begin the year hosting one of the biggest events in our province with the Viterra Scotties Provincial Women’s Curling Championship, where many curlers and fans will come from far and wide to take in.

In August when the dream of our Assiniboia Civic Improvement Association is realized, our new Southland Co-op Arena is set to open, a 10 year 15.7 million dollar project will come to life. We are all so excited!

Your Council and management team will continue to work to enhance and better our community as we are truly “Better Together” and continue to be “The Heart of the Golden South”.

On behalf of myself, Town Council, our management team and all our staff at the Town of Assiniboia, we wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Mayor Sharon Schauenberg

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A11

JANUARY City ‘totally blindsided’ in early New Year’s Baby arrives in January 2021 by proposed Moose Jaw location of new school Makaylee Lynn Sunni was born at 3:41 p.m. on Friday, January 1, 2021 at the F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital to Jennifer and Collin Fairweather.

She weighed in at seven pounds, 1 ¾ ounces and measured 54 centimetres.

Moose Jaw’s New Year’s Baby for 2021. Jennifer Fairweather / Facebook photo.

Curling Season at MJ Curling Centre cancelled in early January 2021 Consultation with stakeholders and consideration of the Sask Gov’t COVID-19 restrictions saw the cancellation of the remainder of the 20202021 curling season at Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre Curling file

AAA Warriors sent players home as league postponed indefinitely Shutdown came as on-going COVID-19 restrictions showed no sign of abating in near future.

The Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League announced that due to the ongoing pandemic and health restrictions, both the male and female U18 AAA leagues in the province would postpone their seasons indefinitely, effectively bringing the 202021 campaign to an end in January.

The decision to build the joint-use school in the Westheath neighbourhood “totally blindsided” city administration in early January 2021, since that specific location was never mentioned during meetings between municipal and education officials, documents showed.

The consultant whom the divisions hired to complete a study for the best location did not contact city hall about servicing requirements, while the study did not mention that the land was already designated for future residential use. Apart from the lack of communication and “total surprise” of the announcement, there were four issues with the site: · City hall had spent $300,000 and nearly three years on the site’s design, with tender drawings for construction and landscape design in progress · The area was intended as the next residential development; a new school affected the city’s ability to receive net revenue of $2.1 million in lot sales · There is no servicing — roads or utilities — to the site, which means the Ministry of Education would have to pay those costs as the developer · The proposed site was not a dedicated municipal reserve but was zoned for residential development. The Coteau Street West site was a dedicated municipal reserve and had been set aside for the school

Even without Sports Celebrity Banquet, Moose Jaw Kinsmen continued support of local non-profits: Wildly popular annual event cancelled in 2021

As per usual in disappointing times, there was no Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Banquet in 2021. No tales from the likes of Eric Lindros or Lanny McDonald or Billy Smith, no anecdotes from John Gibbons, Fergie Jenkins or Dave Ridgeway. And no annual visit from Sportsnet host Jamie Campbell.

And making things that much tougher, there was no massive cash infusion to help support the local Kinsmen club’s many, many charitable ventures in the community.

The good news was that the Kinsmen had plenty of cash on hand to help out their sports groups and non-profits.

Looking ahead to 2022, the hope is that this year’s Sports Celebrity Banquet will be held again. .

AAA Warriors Yorkton Callaghan The Moose Jaw AAA Warriors shut down for the foreseeable future this past weekend.

Pay raises for city staff increased in 2021 and into 2022 In 2021, Pay for transit staff jumped 1.5 per cent on Jan. 1, 2021, and was expected to increase 1.75 per cent on Jan. 1, 2022, during negotiations. Meanwhile, out-of-scope employees — including members of city administration — saw their pay increase 1.50 per cent starting Jan. 1, 2021, and 1.75 per cent from Jan. 1, 2022.

City council approved the pay raises.

Sports banquet crowd Scenes like this from the 2020 Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Banquet seem almost impossibly foreign in a pandemic climate.

Mjbex-awards: The Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce were held online in 2021.

MJBEX Awards celebrated local businesses with virtual awards presentation The 19th annual Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards headed to social media lastyear to spotlight and celebrate deserving local businesses within the community, putting a virtual spin on one of the city’s biggest awards shows.

Instead of the usual fanfare at the Heritage Inn, the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the awards on its Facebook page, featuring 59 nominees in 13 different awards categories between Jan. 18 and Feb. 3.

Nominees featured in 2021 MJBEX Awards were selected because they represent the best that local business has to offer in the community.

Each award was given one day during the two-week-long celebration where the Chamber featured the category’s nominees and invited Moose Jaw to interact with the post,

before announcing the winner with a video presentation.

The awards concluded with the presentation of the People’s Choice Award, which was chosen by the number of social media interactions nominees received on the Chamber’s MJBEX feature posts.

The Business of the Year and the Business Leader of the Year Awards were not included in last year’s presentation.

After its conclusion, the Chamber shared that the MJBEX Awards reached nearly 50,000 people on Facebook — a much larger audience than the few hundred the live awards presentation usually hosts.

The winners of 2021 were: Customer Service: Tax Team Young Entrepreneur: Brilliant Cleaners

Impact: Joe’s Place Youth Centre Community Involvement: Young’s Equipment Pillar of the Community: St. Andrew’s Church Moose Jaw Business Innovation: The Crushed Can Sports Bar & Nightclub Job Creation: Nelson Construction Marketing: Tourism Moose Jaw New Business Venture: Prestige Patching Inc. Newcomer Entrepreneur: The Chopped Leaf MJ & District Farm of the Year: Morhart Farms #trending: Moose Jaw Co-op

PAGE A12 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

FEBRUARY In Feb., 2021, Moose Jaw St. Andrew’s Church was Kinsmen Club named honoured with MJBEX Pillar of Group of the Year (for 2020) the Community Award Members of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club excitedly exchanged messages on social media after learning their organization had been named the 2020 Group of the Year. The annual award was presented in last February (2021).

The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce handed out the award during an online ceremony on Feb. 4. The Moose Jaw Heritage Advisory Committee also handed out its annual awards during the event.

The other group nominees included Moose Jaw Pride, SaskTel Pioneers, the volunteer group for the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Seniors Centre Longstanding member Cory Without Walls and WOW Factor Media.

The award for 2020 Citizen of the Year went to John Olafson accepts the award on behalf of the Moose Jaw KinsIatridis. men Club.

Businessman John Iatridis named 2020 Citizen of the Year Being named the 2020 Citizen of the Year, Iatridis — owner of The Mad Greek restaurant — was surprised to win the Citizen of the Year award, saying that he didn’t know he had been nominated until the week before the event. However, he thought it was great to be recognized.

John Iatridis, owner of The Mad Greek restaurant, holds a plaque he received after being named the 2020 Citizen of the Year. Photo

by Jason G. Antonio

Big renovations at Crushed Can brought opportunity to snag the Business Innovation Award at MJBEX Awards The Crushed Can Sports Bar & Nightclub underwent some big changes in the previous year, leading the restaurant to take home the Business Innovation Award at the 2021 Moose Jaw Business Excellence (MJBEX) Awards.

The Crushed Can adapted in many different ways over the previous year, said Alex Carleton, owner of the Crushed Can, including a menu update, extensive renovations inside the restaurant and a partnership with the low-key craft beer lounge downstairs, Cask 82 Ale & Table.

Winning the award recognized the hard work that goes into innovating new ideas, said Carleton, especially when it also prompts recognition for small businesses like his that try and support the community.

With the inclusion of a rec room full of ar-

Owner Alex Carleton from the Crushed Can Sports Bar & Nightclub stands in the new arcade room, holding the Business Innovation Award won during the MJBEX Awards. (photo by Larissa Kurz) cade games and a “minors welcome until 8 p.m.” policy, the city’s longstanding nightclub welcomed a whole new crowd of customers into its large dining room space.

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During 2021 at the Moose Jaw Business Excellence (MJBEX) Awards, Minister Jim Tenford accepted the award on behalf of the church, thanking the entire community for supporting the many programs and partnerships St. Andrew’s United Church was involved in.

St. Andrew’s was nominated for a number of reasons, including the church’s longstanding partnerships with Moose Standing in the St. Andrews United Church office, MinisJaw Pride and the Moose ter Jim Tenford held the Pillar of the Community Award Jaw Multicultural Coun- won by the church during the MJBEX Awards. cil that has operated from St. Andrew’s has also offered hospitality to its space in the church building. the LGBTQ+ community in Moose Jaw. It The church has also been known as the was the first church in Moose Jaw to bless first in Canada to be served by an ordained same-sex marriages in the early 2000s and female minister, when Lydia Gruchy was in 2013, the church became a partner and ordained in 1936 and served St. Andrew’s ally of Moose Jaw Pride — whose first ofuntil 1939, as a show of support for womfices were located in St. Andrew’s. en’s equality.

Tenford is also proud to say that in 2017, Tenford shared that St. Andrew’s was very St. Andrew’s earned the designation of involved in the refugee program in Moose affirming, which declares that the church Jaw, having sponsored nine people from welcomes all people regardless of age, Syria and Venezuela in the last five years gender identity, race, sexual orientation, while also working with other churches ethnicity, economic circumstances, or difand groups to help at least a dozen more fering abilities. individuals find refuge in Canada.

Moose Jaw realtor Wally Meili honoured for 50 years with Sask.

Realtors Association

On Feb. 8, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association presented local real estate agent Wally Meili with an award commemorating his 50 years as a member of the organization.

Presented by Gord Archibald, interim CEO of the Sask. Realtors Association, the commemorative award is an accomplishment that very few realtors in the province have received.

Meili, an agent with Wally-meili-award: Gord Archibald (L), interim CEO of Royal LePage Landmart the Saskatchewan Realtors Association, presented local at the time, first began realtor Wally Meili (R) with an award that recognized his career as a realtor in him for 50 years as a member of the organization.

1970. Meili has since all types of listings including commercial, worked as both a real estate agent and broresidential and farmland properties. ker, while also raising a family and operatHe also held the positions of director and ing a third-generation farm in the Gravelpresident of the Moose Jaw Real Estate bourg and Assiniboia area.

Board, which disbanded in 2015 after Over the last several decades, he served the more than 50 years of operation.

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MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A13

FEBRUARY - MARCH Habitat for Humanity Moose Jaw broke four announced provincial merger cold temperature records Throughout Habitat for Humanity’s history in Moose Jaw, the support of their umbrella organization in Regina has been crucial to the success of local builds.

From assistance with organization to funding to just day-to-day operations, the synergy between the two communities has led to eight new homes in Moose Jaw, with two more families expected to have received new homes this past summer through the ongoing duplex project on Ominica Street.

Habitat for Humanity announced that the three community chapters in Saskatoon,

New marks set every night from Feb. 11 through Feb. 14

The Habitat for Humanity build in Moose Jaw in early 2021.

Prince Albert and Regina -- along with their affiliates merged as one organization, now known as Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan.

Hunt named Warriors Captain

Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Alan Millar and Head Coach Mark O’Leary announced that 18-year-old Daemon Hunt was named Captain ahead of the 2020 – 2021 season.

20-year-old Tate Popple, 19-year-old Logan Doust, and 18-year-old’s Ryder Korczak and Calder Anderson were named Assistant Captain’s.

Hunt was drafted by the Warriors 15th overall in the 1st round of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. Entering his third season with the Warriors, Hunt had 29 assists and 37 points in 94 career games. He was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the 3rd round, 65th overall, at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He is the 34th Captain in team history.

Environment Canada predicted the final weekend of the polar vortex over the Prairies would be a brutal one for cold temperatures, and they were spot on when it came to Moose Jaw. So spot on, in fact, that four records for daily minimum cold temperatures were set from Thursday, Feb, 11 through Sunday, Feb. 14.

That brought the total of cold weather records set in the city through the first two weeks of the month to five, marking one of the longest stretches of record-setting cold in February since a similar snap in 1994.

The first record to fall came on Monday, Feb. 8, where the overnight low was the coldest in 77 years, hitting -35.8 C degrees to barely nip the old mark of -35.6 C. Then came Family Day weekend.

It all began Thursday, Feb. 11, when the low of -34.4 C took a full degree off the former record of -33.3 C set in 1944. The following night was no better, with the overnight low on Friday, Feb. 12 hitting

-33.2 C, breaking the old mark of -32.2 C from 1975.

The weekend proper got off with a bang -- the low hit -37.5 C on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 13, smashing the former record of -31.5 from 1970. Things were only a little better on Valentine’s Day, but not enough the save that record from falling, too, with the low of -34.5 C breaking the -31.7 C set in 1967.

On Sunday, Feb. 15, Moose Jaw finally caught a break when the overnight low was ‘only’ -31.2 C, well off the -34.6 record from 1979.

Normal temperatures for this time of year are in the -4.8 C range for the Moose Jaw unofficially daytime high, broke four records for and -15.0 C minimum cold temperafor the over- tures over the Family Day weekend in February. night low.

Warriors’ Millar thankful for time Mosaic Place removed ice as city continued seasonal shutdown in Moose Jaw; new challenges for ice plants ahead with Hockey Canada Sportsplex remained open through end of March, PlaMor Palace shut down in mid-January

General manager closed out time with Tribe, taking over as Director of Player Personnel for Program of Excellence In February, Alan Millar and the Warriors announced Millar was leaving the team to join Hockey Canada as the Director of Player Personnel for the Program of Excellence.

Moose Jaw Warriors general manager Alan Millar speaks to the media when he announces his leaving

Moose Jaw Skating Club hit the ice for virtual competition from Skate Sask.

A number of skaters from the Moose Jaw Skating Club competed during the final weekend of February in the first-ever 2021 Saskatchewan Virtual Cup, a competitive event organized by Skate Canada Saskatchewan that took place almost entirely virtually.

Moose Jaw skaters joined clubs from around the province to compete in the virtual competition, including skaters from Caronport, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Maple Creek and Shellbrook.

Each performance was pre-recorded and submitted ahead of the competition, and then shown live online for a panel of judges to evaluate in real-time on Feb. 27 and 28.

A dozen of the Moose Jaw club’s skaters took the ice in Mosaic Place earlier in February to perform their programs, which were filmed in one take and allowed for only one or two skaters on the ice at a time.

From Moose Jaw, Justene Aitken took bronze in both the novice women’s free program and the short program, while Eric Swalm placed first in the juvenile men (U14) free program.

In the pre-juvenile women (U13) free program, Moose Jaw skaters Dylan Payne and Rachel Ward took first and second place, respectively, followed by Kcena-rae Osio-

MJSC-virtualcup-allen: Moose Jaw Skate Club member Lindsay Allen during the 2021 Saskatchewan Virtual Cup. (supplied) wy of Caronport Skate Club.

Seann Terry placed third in the pre-juvenile men (U13) free program, and Brecon Swalm also placed third in the pre-juvenile women (U11) free program.

Lindsay Allen finished the weekend with eighth place in the pre-novice women’s short program and sixth in the free program, alongside Mitike Cridland who took sixth (short) and eighth (free), and Camryn Ferguson who placed thirteenth (short) and fourteenth (free).

Duo Raeann Lobb from Caronport and Shimone McClanahan from Moose Jaw were the only pair to compete in the juvenile dance program, taking first. Tyrae Wiebe and Shamus McClanahan, both from Moose Jaw, were also the only pair in the pre-novice dance program, also taking first.

In a normal year, the Moose Jaw Warriors would have entered the final few weeks of the regular season, preparing for the Western Hockey League playoffs; the Moose Jaw AAA Warriors would have been well into their playoff run and minor hockey teams across the board would have been gearing up for post-season journeys of their own.

But in 2021, as the pandemic continued to roll along, none of that happened.

As of Mar. 1, only two sheets of artificial ice remained in use in the area, and only one of those in city limits.

The City of Moose Jaw announced that the annual shutdown of ice plants in the city continued with the removal of ice from Mosaic Place.

That followed the shutdown of the PlaMor Palace back in mid-January, which saw the Bert Hunt and Wally Boshuck arenas closed down when the Government of Saskatchewan extended the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

This was the scene at Mosaic Place in 2020, the year prior. In 2021, the ice was removed from the arena, more than a month earlier than in a normal season.

Moose Jaw Food Bank purchased new building for long-awaited expansion The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank finally announced that its search for a new building was finally over, as the non-profit organization found and purchased a property that was to become its next home.

The new building, an empty warehouse located at 270 Fairford Street West — just across the street from the food bank’s current building — featured a 4,000 square foot warehouse with loading docks, adjoining office space and room for expansion.

Due to the ongoing restrictions on physical distancing, the food bank was serving clients outdoors in their current location,

Food-bank-building: The Moose Jaw & District Food Bank found a new building, which offered more space and opportunity for the organization.

which was difficult throughout the winter months. It had to also drastically reduce the number of volunteers allowed to work in the building at one time, also lending stress to the food bank’s usual operations.

PAGE A14 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

MARCH - APRIL Education director of Mosaic Company to end namingHoly Trinity resigns, becomes rights agreement to focus director in Regina on other partnerships Education director for the Catholic division accepted a job in Regina.

The Regina Catholic School Division (RCSD) announced in early March that it had hired Sean Chase, currently the director of education for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, to be its education director starting this July. Chase will succeed Domenic Scuglia, current RCSD education director, who planned to retire at the end of June.

Moose Javian Ryan Boughen named new education director of PSSD The new education director for Prairie South School Division was familiar to many in Moose Jaw, after the board of education announced that Ryan Boughen had been named to the position.

Boughen — the superintendent of school operations —took over from Tony Baldwin, who announced in December that he would retire in the summer after seven years helming the division.

The board engaged in a four-month process to find a new CEO and received applications from Western Canada, the North, and overseas.

Boughen is originally from Moose Jaw and has spent 27 years in the legacy Moose Jaw Public School Division and then with Prairie South School Division (PSSD). Over those three decades, he was a teacher, a principal, the superintendent of human resources and then the superintendent of school operations.

Moose Jaw’s Helland signs with NAIA MidAmerica Nazerene Local pitcher joined nationally ranked school after suiting up for Monterey Peninsula in April

Moose Jaw baseball product Reece Helland moved up in his career.

Helland, 20, officially signed with the MidAmerica Nazerene Pioneers on Mar. 26 and was transferred to the powerhouse NAIA squad in Olathe, Tenn. In the fall.

It’s the latest step in what has been a rapid rise through the ranks for the up-and-coming pitcher, who played his second season in the spring for Monterey Peninsula in the California Community College Athletic Association.

Moose Jaw product Reece Helland signs with the MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers. MPC photo

The name of Mosaic Place will be no more

by January 2022, as The Mosaic Company said they were ending its 10-year naming rights agreement with the city to refocus on other community partnerships.

The potash giant did not renew the agreement that’s been in place since 2011 because it plans to shift its business priorities to focus more on food security and water stewardship. This will also include developing new partnerships with community organizations — to be named in the coming months — that concentrate on those priorities.

During the past nine years, the potash giant invested more than $1.5 million into Mosaic Place and given nearly $2.2 million to community initiatives. Such initiatives included the health foundation,

Sarah Fedorchuk, vice-president of public affairs and government relations with The Mosaic Company, spoke during a press conference on March 11 about ending the naming-rights agreement with the city for Mosaic Place.

Hunger in Moose Jaw, the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, and the creation of the Mosaic Food Farm.

Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw Inc. officially re-launched as a registered charity!

Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw Inc. launched a new website at www.heartlandhospicemj. ca and you can find them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @heartlandhospicemj The new email address is community@ heartlandhospicemj.ca for questions and/or comments regarding ‘Friends of Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw.’

CP Railway recognized Moose Jaw as 2020 Terminal of the Year Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) was recognized in Moose Jaw as its 2020 Terminal of the Year, which is the first time that the terminal has won since the awards began in 2014.

Employees at the Moose Jaw terminal gathered near their office on Manitoba Street on March 31, 2021 for a small ceremony to celebrate the achievement.

In 2020, the Moose Jaw terminal: · Reduced its injuries and frequencies of train-related accidents by 35 per cent · Was accurate in shipping deliveries 99 per cent of the time · Increased the number of cars it handled at the terminal by 22 per cent At the time, there were roughly 500 people who work at CP’s Moose Jaw terminal.

Moose Jaw Music Festival announced final awards, scholarships for 2021 event The Moose Jaw Music Festival announced the winners of the 2021 final awards, alongside the annual scholarship.

The annual music festival took place from April 17 to 22, with nearly 300 entries in attendance from Moose Jaw and the surrounding area.

Adjudicators recommended a total of 19 students move on to the provincial level in the categories of vocal, musical theatre, piano, brass and woodwinds. Most students received multiple recommendations.

Vocalists Brooke Zarubin and Alicia Paige were both recommended to the provincial level in the under 17 musician theatre excellence class, with Zarubin also recommended in the under 17 classical voice excellence class.

Abby Dueck received a provincial recommendation in the under 24 musical theatre excellence class. Grace King and Natalie Warren also received two provincial recommendations each, for the under 12 mu-

Larissa Kurz

sical theatre excellence class and the for under 12 classical voice excellence class.

The Moose Jaw Music Festival also awarded a total of 58 monetary scholarships to participating musicians, and 18 trophies as the conclusion of the festival.

Award winners from the 2021 Moose Jaw Music Festival were as follows: Captain E.L. Lee Trophy for the highest mark in solo coronet or trumpet class: Ave O’Bright;

Edwin Cant Trophy for most promising flutist: Emily Steinhauer; Ladies Aux. Moose Jaw Lions Junior Band Award for the highest mark in a band ensemble class: Paul McCorriston; Moose Jaw Rotary Club Award to an outstanding instrumentalist 14 years and under who did not win another band award: Micah Salido Porter; Moose Jaw Music Festival Trophy for 12 years and under: Alora De Jager; Moose Jaw Music Festival Trophy for 16 years and under: Olivia Jansen; Challenger Graphics Sonata Trophy for the highest mark in Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn sonata classes: Alora De Jager; Maude McGuire Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in senior piano classes: Grace Kiefer; Maude McGuire Memorial Trophy for outstanding performance in intermediate piano classes: Olivia Jansen; Esme Rose Crichton Trophy awarded to

most outstanding pianist in the Festival: Grace Kiefer; Kiwanis Club Trophy for showing proficiency in more than one discipline in age 15 and over: Brooke Zarubin; McDonalds Restaurants Trophy for showing proficiency in more than one discipline in age 14 and under: Elizabeth Deans; Moose Jaw Music Festival Trophy for outstanding musical theatre performance: Abby Dueck; Moose Jaw Music Festival Trophy for outstanding vocalist: Deborah Cripps; Gordon T. Yates Memorial Trophy given to the winner of the Maude Maguire Scholarship: Danae Hallett.

Rose Davies Memorial Trophy to the winner of the Ethel Hall Scholarship: Alicia Paige; Challenge Trophy for the highest mark in the Festival: Brooke Zarubin; Harding Trophy awarded to best performance by a vocalist: Brooke Zarubin;

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A15

APRIL In 2021, General Manager of Baseball Canada announced the CP Rail Moose Jaw named cancellation of all 2021 Canadian 2020 Railroader of the Year championship tournaments The general manager of Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway’s Moose Jaw terminal was recognized as the company’s 2020 Railroader of the Year, an award that honours “the best of the best.”

John Bell, general manager, Prairie south region appreciated the honour bestowed on him, as well as the support from his family. He married into a family of railroaders and joined CP Railway 16 years prior. He has worked with the company for nearly two decades, while he has seen many parts of Canada whenever he has been shipped to a new location.

Bell worked as a locomotive engineer for the first 10 years of his career, and then has worked in administration for the last six years. He moved to Moose Jaw in December 2018 and was named a superintendent before being named the general manager of the Prairie south region.

The annual Railroader of the Year award

John Bell, general manager, Prairie south region for CP Rail, was named the 2020 Railroader of the Year. Photo courtesy CP Rail is based on what an employee does for the company and how that person personifies CP’s five foundational pillars, explained media relations specialist Mallory McCready. Those pillars are to provide service, optimize assets, control costs, operate safely and develop people.

Cornerstone Christian School was the only facility in Moose Jaw that remained remote until after Easter break.

Moose Jaw schools returned to classrooms April 12 Students in Moose Jaw and Caronport in both the Prairie South School Division (PSSD) and Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (HTCSD) returned to the classroom on April 12.

The school divisions made this decision in consultation with medical health officers.

Despite the rise in variant cases, public health officials advised that “the profile of transmission is different here than in Regina” and the situations should be looked at differently.

Prince Philip dies at age 99 Prince Philip, who died at age 99 on April 9, was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

The royal couple toured Moose Jaw on several occasions — in 1951, 1977 and 1978 — both before and after Elizabeth became Queen. The Moose Jaw Public Library’s archives department has several photos and news articles that record when the couple came to The Friendly City.

Queen Elizabeth II is Canada’s head of state and is this country’s longest-reigning monarch at 69 Royal tour 1951 1: Princess Elizabeth and husband years.

Prince Philip tour Moose Jaw in 1951, with thousands of people watching from a distance. Photo courtesy Moose Jaw Public Library

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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and given how the tournaments were scheduled for August and September, the logistics of playoffs and hosting the tournament itself made the decision all but inevitable.

All things were not cancelled at a local level. Both the Moose Jaw Minor Baseball Association -- which falls under the auspices of Baseball Canada -- and Little League Moose Jaw still planned to go ahead.

The cancellation marked the second straight year all Baseball Canada tournaments were shut down due to the ongoing pandemic.

Moose Jaw’s Baba retired as executive director of Baseball Canada For more than 20 years, Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame member oversaw impressive success of national baseball programs.

1989 was the first time that Moose Jaw’s Jim Baba popped up on Baseball Canada’s radar.

As a coach with Team Saskatchewan’s silver medal-winning team at that year’s Canada Games, Baba had done such an efficient job of running things that a new and exciting opportunity came to fruition almost out-of-the-blue.

Baba worked the bench with Team Canada for the 1991 Pan American Games. Two years later, he was the head coach of the Baseball Canada national team. And in

Jim Baba retires 2000, the former local baseball standout was named the executive director of Baseball Canada.

After 21 years in that position, Jim Baba announced his intention to retire at the end of the year.

New Warriors general manager Ripplinger to lead team The Warriors announced assistant general manager Jason Ripplinger officially was promoted as the team’s general manager. He took over from Alan Millar, who resigned from the position a month earlier to become Hockey Canada’s director of player personnel. Former assistant GM brings more than 20 years of WHL experience to new position.

Moose Jaw Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger chatted with the media through a Zoom press conference.

2021 Day of Mourning focused on COVID-19-related workplace deaths Each year roughly 1,000 Canadians die because of an injury, sickness or exposure on the job, which is why labour groups and governments honour April 28 as the National Day of Mourning.

Last year in Saskatchewan, 34 workers died due to an injury or disease they contracted at work.

In 2021, the Day of Mourning highlighteds the human costs that have occurred because of the pandemic. Across Saskatchewan, nearly 500 people died from COVID-19, many of whom were exposed at work, according to Roseann Strelezki, acting president of the Saskatchewan Government Employees Union (SGEU).

The Canadian Labour Congress first declared April 28 as the National Day of Mourning in 1984. Flags on all govern-

The Moose Jaw and District Labour Council laid a wreath outside its office on April 28 to honour those who have died on the job, as part of the national Day of Mourning. Photo courtesy Facebook ment buildings are lowered to half-staff from morning to evening.

PAGE A16 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

APRIL - MAY Festival of Words released “Turning pain into purpose:” details of 25th-anniversary Local author launched first book event held in July to talk about infertility

Moose Jaw author Janice Colven released her debut book about her journey with infertility, titled “Baby Rollercoaster: The Unspoken Secret Sorrow of Infertility.”

First-time Moose Jaw author Janice Colven released a new book detailing her own personal struggle with infertility, in the hopes of offering a new perspective for women who may be experiencing the same kind of journey.

Colven’s debut book, titled Baby Rollercoaster: The Unspoken Secret Sorrow of Infertility, tells the personal story about Colven’s journey learning about her infertility and coming to terms with what that meant for her future.

For more information on Baby Rollercoaster, check out Colven’s Facebook page or visit wooddragonbooks.com/janice-colven.

Moose Jaw airport received $275K in provincial funding for upgrades Moose Jaw’s municipal airport received $275,000 from the provincial government’s Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program, an initiative that distributed a total of $1.26 million to 19 community airports.

The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority, which oversees the airport, planned to rehabilitate the existing taxiways and a portion of the apron to accommodate larger planes, Moose Jaw Municipal Airport – 2018 including business class, turboprops, and photo. light jets. The construction of a new apron space was to increase the parking area and allow for heavier aircraft to be parked. A new hangar access road will also reduce the use of taxiways by vehicle traffic.

The rehabilitation project was expected to cost $3.2 million, including $1.2 million from the federal government, $999,900 from the provincial government, $500,000 from the City of Moose Jaw, $250,000 from the airport authority and $275,000 through CAP.

Families saw relief as six-year struggle to reopen Seventh Avenue SW bridge over

Jim Thorn (left) and Tim Avery, with Evan and T.J., pose near the Seventh Avenue Southwest bridge on May 13, 2021. The families were relieved that the bridge was finally open so they could travel for work and school easier.

The Avery and Thorn families breathed a sigh of relief as the City of Moose Jaw officially announced the bridge’s opening on May 12, after contractors finished rehabilitating the structure two weeks earlier. Harbuilt Construction — which started work on March 2 — installed steel piles and caps so the bridge could handle light vehicles and pedestrians.

It cost $832,032 to rehabilitate the bridge, give it a load rating of 10 tonnes, and extend its life for another decade.

Provincial parks opened for long weekend after successful booking launch in April Saskatchewan provincial parks opened on May 20 of the May long weekend, after a hugely successful reservation launch in April that saw an increase in campsite booking for 2021.

Campsite booking opened on April 12, with the launch of a new parks website designed to manage a large volume of users and minimize time waiting in the queue to book.

Saskatchewan residents booked a total of 43,566 nightly, group and seasonal campsite reservations for 2021 - 110 per cent over 2020, as only half of the sites were available due to COVID-19, and 65 per cent over 2019.

Band and Choral Festival cancelled again in 2021

The Saskatchewan Festival of Words finalized its schedule of events for the 2021 Festival of Words and shared what they had planned for the 25th anniversary of the popular literary festival.

The 2021 Festival of Words was another virtual event, but there were some exciting new features. The 2021 Festival took place on its own individual website, with live events streamed by video. Each live event began by showing off its “venue” — with a video tour of a Moose Jaw venue to give viewers a more visceral feel of what it was like to attend a live event.

There were other additional features on the website for festival patrons to enjoy, like open chat and video messaging boards where guests could interact with one another and story highlights from past festivals to celebrate the event’s history.

More features, like an online trivia section and bookstore, and additional content like pre-recorded panels with Festival guests and walking tours of local attractions like Crescent Park were also available.

City won national award for its succession planning project

The City of Moose Jaw won a national award for its succession planning project that it started four years and sees senior managers mentor up-and-coming younger employees.

The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) announced on May 11 during a virtual ceremony that Moose Jaw had received the 2021 CAMA Professional Development Award in the 20,001 to 100,000 population category. This award recognizes a community that has developed a unique and innovative program for its staff and can be replicated in other communities.

Moose Jaw musician’s drumming marathon certified as a world record

The city of Moose Jaw is now known as the home of two world records: the world’s tallest moose statue and the site of the world record for the longest time spent playing a box drum.

Guinness World Records officially confirmed that local musician Jared Dormer successfully set the world record for the longest marathon playing a cajon for the first time in history.

Dormer made his marathon attempt in January, where he spent the next 25 hours, 42 minutes and 34 seconds playing the box drum.

The entire event was live-streamed on Facebook, as he was unable to welcome a live audience due to public health restrictions, and under the watch of carefully selected eyewit- Jared dormer world nesses. record: Moose Jaw muIt took several weeks to gather all of the information needed sician Jared Dormer to submit his attempt, as he had to include extensive logbooks holding the official cerwith details down to the second, as well as all 26 hours of tification declaring his world record for lonvideo footage.

Dormer was happy to be included on the Guinness World Re- gest marathon playing cords website — and potentially in the next edition of The the cajon.

Guinness Book of World Records — and Mac the Moose will have to get used to sharing the spotlight with another world record holder in Moose Jaw.

Moose Jaw Hometown Fair cancelled for a second year due to pandemic restrictions Although it was a tough decision to announce, organizers of the Moose Jaw Hometown Fair cancelled the fair and parade for a second year in a row. Both the fair and parade, originally slotted to take place in June was cancelled due to concerns over gathering sizes and financial logistics.

Saskatchewan was set to be in Phase Two of its re-opening plan in mid-June if vaccination targets were met, which meant the regulations would allow a crowd limit of up to150 people at outdoor public venues. But the Hometown Fair and Parade typically draws thousands of attendees to the midway so the crowd capacity for the event was still far too low to be feasible.

For the second year in a row, the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival was cancelled due to pandemic safety concerns.

The hugely popular music festival typically takes place in mid-May and would have filled downtown Moose Jaw with hundreds of band and choral students if provincial regulations had allowed.

There has been a two-year gap since the 70th annual Band and Choral Festival was celebrated in 2019.

The Grade 9 band from Olds Ecole High School in Alberta performing at the 2019 Moose Jaw Band and Choral Festival, for Moosic in the Park.

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A17

JUNE Moose Jaw senior centres reopened Annual Tree of Memory ceremony from Jones-Parkview shared online after Sask. restrictions eased Both the Moose Jaw & District Seniors’ Association and the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre were relieved to re-open their doors on June 7, after several long months of being closed to the public once again.

Both facilities closed voluntarily in early December after pandemic concerns The Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre (left) spiked and restrictions in southern Sasand the Moose Jaw & District Seniors Askatchewan tightened further. sociation (right) reopened doors on June 7.

Tree Carving Project in Crescent Park completed

The last few weeks of May, outside the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery and Moose Jaw Public Library entrances, three local artists created new wood carvings from old tree stumps that the park caretakers identified as ready to be cut down.

The purpose of the Tree Carving Project, first introduced in 2016, has been to create art from the remains of these trees for the public to enjoy, instead of just removing them entirely. Organized by the Crescent Park Foundation, the project has been made possible by a supporting grant from the City of Moose Jaw and a partnership with the MJMAG. Karen Watson, Moose Jaw: Watson is a Moose Jaw-based artist who has around

six other wood carvings on display around the area already, including works on Hochelaga Street, on South Hill, and even a carved peacock at a house on 1st Avenue that used to belong to Albert E. Peacock himself. For the Crescent Park project, Watson designed a totem-style carving inspired by the deep history of the Moose Jaw Band Festival.

Dustin Stearns, Moose Jaw: Stearns, another Moose Jaw artist, claimed a tree stump right near the entrance of the library where he carved a red-tail hawk in midflight. The bird, finished with a reddish stain, was inspired by the nature inside Crescent Park itself.

Kamron Garbe, Regina: Garbe also chose a nature-inspired design for his contribution to the project, carving an elegant blue heron into his designated tree, surrounded by river reeds and cat tails familiar to the Moose Jaw river beds. Garbe said he chose the heron as a nod to the value of spending time in nature, including urban green spaces like Crescent Park.

Moose Jaw band went gold in Europe after TikTok video pulled millions of new streams The Moose Jaw group, Scott Benson Band, went gold-certified overseas after a viral TikTok video put the spotlight on one of their singles.

The adventure began when the band’s 2014 track “Requiem For A Dream,” a cover of the famous instrumental composed by Clint Mansell, was used by UFC Europe in a promotional TikTok back in January.

Over 10,500 more TikTok videos then picked up the song and used it, resulting in an avalanche of views that led to a spike in people listening to the single online using various streaming services.

The instant surge in traffic meant that the track first went double-silver and then gold record certified in Europe, as it blew through the set threshold of 75,000 sales or 11.25 million individual streams needed for the award.

For the second year in a row, the annual Tree of Memory Dedication ceremony from Jones-Parkview Funeral Services was shared with families virtually due to pandemic restrictions.

The ceremony has been pre-recorded and made available for viewing through the funeral home’s website.

The tree, an Ohio Buckeye tree, was already planted in Crescent Park, near the Fairford Street East and Langdon Crescent entrance. Jones-Parkview staff included a list of the names being honoured during the process, as well as kind words.

Ferguson said 2021 was the 21st year that the funeral home has held this ceremony, with previous trees planted throughout Crescent Park, Wakamow Valley and Besant Campground.

The dedication is a special moment for many, as it memorializes the many loved ones lost throughout the year with a living monument that will continue growing.

Tree of memory 2021, an Ohio Buckeye resides near the Fairford Street East and Langdon Crescent entrance to Crescent Park.

Decoration Day service returned to honour Canadian military veterans

While annual ceremony was still lower key than in past years, dozens took advantage of chance to gather and remember those who fought in past conflicts The large-scale pomp and circumstance surrounding the annual Decoration Day ceremony was fairly low key again in 2021. Only a couple of representatives from the Moose Jaw Legion and Anavets, along with a few soldiers from the Saskatoon Dragoons, were able to take part in a simple and unannounced ceremony at the Crescent Park cenotaph.

Fortunately, things improved greatly with restrictions and 150 people were able to gather for outdoor events so the Legion brought a plan to bring the Decoration Day ceremony back to prominence, only at a smaller scale in Rosedale Cemetary.

Decoration Day itself was born of a protest over the lack of government recognition from past conflicts. It pre-dates Remembrance Day by decades and was first held on June 2, 1890 when veterans placed decorations at the Canadian Volunteers Monument in Toronto on the anniversary of the Fenian Raids. Once Canadian soldiers became more involved in international conflicts – and especially after the Boer War – the event became more celebrated and higher profile.

Today, it honours those who have fought for Canada in all conflicts, both before, during and after the First and Second World Wars.

Over $220M officially committed to water treatment plant renewal project

Scott benson band: The Scott Benson Band, based in Moose Jaw, recently went viral after being featured on a TikTok video in the United Kingdom. (supplied) The Scott Benson band is a Moose Jawbased instrumental group made up of Dormer, Fath, Cameron Church on bass, Scott Benson on violin and fiddle and Jared Robinson as both keyboardist and producer.

The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation kicked into high gear with its water treatment plant renewal project after several levels of government announced more than $222.83 million in project funding.

Representatives from the federal government, the provincial government, the City of Regina, the City of Moose Jaw and the corporation participated in an online funding announcement on June 8. The feds were to provide $89.13 million, the province to kick in $74.26 million, and the corporation — which Regina and Moose Jaw own — to provide $59.42 million and be responsible for any extra costs.

The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant was commissioned in 1955 and supplies potable water to more than 260,000 people in the region, representing nearly one-quarter of Saskatchewan’s population.

Vanier’s Viczko honoured with Women Fore Women Golf Tournament Scholarship in 2021 Annual honour presented to a student involved in sports while holding high academic standing and planning to attend post-secondary institution The Hillcrest Ladies Golf League handed out their 2021 Women Fore Women Golf Tournament Scholarship and the winner was someone who has been very familiar to anyone who has followed high school sports in the community.

Viczko was very deserving of the honour. She carried a 97 per cent average through her Grade 12 courses at Vanier, and while sports weren’t played at the high school level this past year, she had an outstanding 2019 with her varsity teams.

Viczko posted top-10 finishes in the junior girls 80m hurdles and long jump during the 2019 high school track and

field provincial championships, helping Vanier win 3A team gold at the event.

The following fall, she was one of the Vanier Spirits’ team leaders as they won the 4A girls provincial soccer championship.

That success was on top of her regular volunteer and coaching work with Moose Jaw Soccer, all of which factored into her application being accepted.

Vanier’s Ava Viczko accepted the Women Fore Women golf tournament scholarship from scholarship co-ordinator Deb Negraiff and Cheryl Templeton with the Hillcrest Ladies Golf League.

PAGE A18 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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Peacock Collegiate’s senior boys basketball team serves dinner at Riverside Mission

By Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MoooseJawtoday.com

Peacock Collegiate hosts an annual tournament called ‘Helping Hoops’ which donated its proceeds to Riverside Mission for a recent dinner.

The tournament was a senior and junior format this year with 15 teams participating, said Raman Mall, assistant coach for the Peacock Toilers senior basketball team. “It’s an annual event,” Mall said, “and this year we ended up donating funds

(all photos by Gordon Edgar) A kitchen-full of basketball players help to prepare the meal their tournament paid for, as well as the big Christmas dinner on Wednesday Dec. 22. Members of Peacock’s boys senior basketball team serve meals at Riverside Mission. for one meal here.”

The Helping Hoops tournament paid for the 4:00 p.m. meal at Riverside Mission on Monday, and the players were at Riverside to help prepare and serve that meal.

Mall and Troy Setter, head coach of the team, were on hand to supervise. However, the team members were taking care of the meal preparation and serving by themselves. Both coaches agreed that it was a good use of their time.

Rachel Mullens, director of emergency services for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in both Regina and Moose Jaw, said “I think it’s awesome when we can get young people coming in and helping out.”

Mullens added that when young people come out to Riverside Mission or other charity organizations, it shows that all ages are concerned for their community. It also raises awareness for teenagers of how many people are in need and what that need looks like.

The kitchen/serving area at Riverside Mission had about ten members of the

Toilers buttering bread rolls, chopping carrots, pouring cups of coffee and tea, and handing clients their meals. Mullens was happy to say that because so many members of the team came out, she was able to get their help preparing for Wednesday’s Christmas dinner as well.

Lance Geddes, a member of the team, said that it feels good to help people.

Geddes added that the people they were serving didn’t mean to end up where they are (needing help), and it isn’t their fault, which is why he was happy to be there providing a meal.

Rafael Pondevida, another member of the team, said “I think that it’s good that we’re here helping out. It’s good for the community. These people can’t afford their own meals, but they still need to eat.”

Other team members agreed, saying that while basketball and fun are the reasons they’re on the team, they were also glad to be taking the time to support their community.

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Spotlight on a tradition of Judo in Moose Jaw

By Gordon Edgar, - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Avery Gibney (white) at the Steveston Judo Tournament (photo by Brian Hampson) Judo in Moose Jaw has a long history.

Avery Gibney and Kolbi Fenrick are helping to carry the tradition forward with the dedicated support of their coaches and club.

Moose Jaw’s judo tradition has been around since the 1940s in one form or another. Since the mid-eighties, the club has been known as Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club. It is currently run by Jim and

Avery Gibney and Kolbi Fenrick with Olympic medalists Jessica Klimkait and Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (supplied

by Koseikan Judo Club) The club is a member of Judo Saskatchewan and Judo Canada, which is recognized as the governing body of judo in Canada. Koseikan Judo Club’s space is the only full-time, dedicated dojo in the province. Jim Wiens currently serves as the vice-president of Judo Saskatchewan.

Kolbi Fenrick and Olympic medalist Jessica Klimkait (supplied by Koseikan Judo Club) Kolbi Fenrick (blue) at Quebec Open 2 tournament (supplied by Koseikan Judo Club) Michelle Wiens. All the instructors at Koseikan Judo Club are volunteers who give thousands of hours to their sport.

The club accommodates both recreational and competitive members. The high-performance competitive class is coached by Destiny Gibney, a former Junior National Champion and Senior National Medalist and a member of the Judo Saskatchewan Provincial Coaching Team.

Avery Gibney and Kolbi Fenrick are both 15 and have both been practicing judo for seven years. They are currently accumulating what judo athletes (judoka) call “mat time” in order to advance from blue to brown belt.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic did disrupt our promotion schedule,” coach Destiny told MooseJawToday.com, “or else they would have their brown belts now.”

COVID may have slowed them down, but it has not stopped the duo. Avery is currently ranked seventh in Canada in the U18, sub-48kg class. Kolbi is ranked third in Canada in the U18, sub-52 kg class. This is their first year of U18 competition.

Both girls are going to the Elite 8 National Championships, two of three Saskatchewan U18 judoka to be selected.

“Within judo, the Elite 8 is the closed championship, so it’s invitation-only,” Destiny Gibney explained. “Only the top eight competitors within each age and weight class are invited, so that’s exciting.”

The championship will be held in Edmonton on the weekend of January 15-16.

The other Judo Canada national championship event is an open tournament held in May. To qualify for the Elite 8, Kolbi and Avery have stuck to their training through the pandemic and ranked highly in their competitions on the Judo Canada National Circuit.

“They remained dedicated and did Zoom training with Team Sask multiple times a week along with all the strength and conditioning available to them,” Destiny said, “despite having no idea as to when their next opportunity to compete would be and despite having their belt promotions delayed.”

A typical competition season for Avery and Kolbi (before COVID) would include five to six tournaments on the National Circuit. These tournaments are held in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba. Avery and Kolbi travel to these

Avery Gibney and Olympic medalist Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard (supplied

by Koseikan Judo Club) tournaments with Team Saskatchewan.

Both girls train multiple times a week in judo, including Judo Sask provincial training in Pense. They supplement their judo with strength and conditioning workouts and attend provincial training camps in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC. At the most recent Alberta Provincial Training Camp, Avery and Kolbi were able to get instruction from Canada’s two recent Olympic Judo Bronze Medalists: Jessica Klimkait and Catherine Beauchemin-Pinard.

Avery and Kolbi’s competition schedule for the next six months will include: January: Elite 8 National Championships; Manitoba Open (Winnipeg) February: Alberta Tournament March: Pacific International Judo Tournament (Vancouver); Edmonton International Judo Tournament May: Open National Championships (Montreal) July: US Open Judo Championships (Florida)

History and Global Warming Collide On The Coquihalla Highway “Thru Hell”

By Richard Dowson

The Coquihalla Highway was closed between Hope and Merritt November 14, 2021. Flooding destroyed the Coq in more than 20 places. Temporary work allowed it to open after 8 weeks. Full restoration will take 10 months.

History The first ‘Coquihalla Highway’ was an Indigenous trade route north from the Coast to the Interior and south to the Columbia. It was used from May to October and impassible in winter.

In the 1860s Gold Prosecutors followed the route north. In the 1870s the route was used to move cattle to the Coast from Interior Ranches. In 1914 the Kettle Valley Railway followed the route and in 1958-59 the Trans-Mountain pipeline followed the route.

The Kettle Valley Railway opened their Coquihalla Sub-division in 1916, from Hope to Brodie Wye near Merritt.

The KVR then connected east and south to Princeton.

50 feet of snow accumulates on the Coquihalla in winter. The Kettle Valley Railway tried to operate where snow often falls at a rate of 10 centimetres (4 in) per hour. Too challenging.

ed in 1986 B.C. residents and Merritt and Kelowna business people lobbied for a highway along the Coquihalla route from Hope to Merritt – and from Merritt to Kamloops in the North and Peachland in the Okanagan. A new highway would shave hours off a Damaged Bridge – Coquihalla Highway – B.C. Govern- Vancouver trip.

Truckers needment Photo ed an alternate to the As Darren Critchley writes on his Internet Page, Touring the Kettle Valley Trans-Canada Highway through the Fraser Railway “It was one of the most difficult Canyon.

Although pure conjecture, Okanagan sections of railway to maintain in North America, with annual snowfalls in excess property development may have helped.

In 1980 the population of Kelowna was of 50 feet, rock slides and forest fires.”

Darren also wrote, “… due to wash- 60,000. With the construction of the Coouts, landslides, forest fires and the im- quihalla and the Connector (97C) a trip to mense amount of snowfall each winter…” Vancouver was only 3 hours. The new road the route was “… abandoned”. Trains enhanced tourism and development. Towere sent west from Merritt to Spence’s day the population of Kelowna and area is 180,000. (B.C. Premier Bill Bennett lived Bridge.

The Kettle Valley Railway ceased op- in Kelowna.)

Construction began at Hope in 1984. eration in 1960.

It reached Merritt in 1986. The 115 KiloThe Coquihalla Highway – Complet-

meter section has 38 bridges. The budget was $250 Million but cost over-runs meant it cost $400 million. The Bennett government denied the cost overruns for years.

The Hope to Merritt section of the Coquihalla is the deadliest highway in B.C. Destruction of the Coq – November 2021 History and Climate Change collided over the Coq, November 14 and 15, 2021.

More than 200 millimetres (7.9 in) of rain fell in the catchment area. Historically the precipitation would have fallen as snow and rain. But because it was rain the runoff was immediate and devastating.

Old-timers who built and operated the Kettle Valley Railway, Coquihalla Sub-Division would not be surprised by the devastation.

Climate Change? Since 1950, world wide, there are millions and millions more internal combustion engines polluting the atmosphere. That has to create problems.

Did pollution effect precipitation in November 2021 resulting in more rain than snow?

MJ Story Coquihalla Damage 20211212 02 file

PAGE A20 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com For current information on Sask regulations on COVID-19 visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.

Wakamow Valley Winter Wonderland Valley of Lights with over 80 trees decorated and 100,000 lights is available for viewing until December 31st in the campground down in Wakamow Valley. Because this is a fundraiser with for Wakamow Valley Authority, they will be asking individuals to donate $10 at the gate to drive through.

Moose Jaw Community Choir regular practice has resumed. The Moose Jaw Community Choir is an amateur SATB Choir with a mission to have fun, create beautiful music together, and share it with the community. The choir practices on Mondays @ 7PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church; performances in the community may also take place on alternate evenings (as restrictions allow). New members are always welcome and encouraged (especially tenors and basses) and no audition is required. New members who are interested should contact the Choir Director Diane Rhodes at 306-640-8098 or message us through Facebook @ Moose Jaw Community Choir.

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch Luncheon Meetings at Masonic Temple Hall, 1755 Main St. N on Must show Identification and Provincial documentation for Covid-19 double vaccination. Masks are mandatory when not eating. Please note future upcoming STS Luncheon Dates: January 19, 2022, March 16, 2022, May 18, Line Dancing every Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-6925453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59.

SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events. · LOUNGE HOURS: Mon to Thurs 9:30-6:00/ Fri 9:30 to 8:00/ Sat: 10:30 to 6:00 · VETERANS’ MORNING COFFEE Monday-Friday @ 10:00 am AND Saturday @ 10:30 · DARTS –Thursday @ 7:00 pm Non-members & New Players welcome · FRIDAY SUPPERS – Friday @ 5:15 pm – Purchase Tickets at the bar or by phone previous Wednesday. Suppers provided by various Moose Jaw Businesses. Price range $10 - $15 depending on menu. · MEAT DRAW FUNDRAISER & CHASE THE ACE - Saturdays @ 3:00 pm - Everyone welcome · SHUFFLEBOARD –Fridays @ 7:00 pm - Drop-in League - Everyone welcome Moose Jaw and District Seniors; For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cinnamon Buns are Monday and Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day.

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.

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

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Wednesdays @ 9:30 a.m.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Kaiser – Kaiser has been cancelled for the rest of 2021 Carpet bowling – Thursday’s @ 6:30 Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Painting Class – 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.

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

Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Technology (Computer) – Questions and help from Ron Smallwood – Tuesdays @ 11 a.m.

Senior in Motion-OPEN HOUSE- January 3rd to January 8th Come out and enjoy all our activities.

Chinese Food – January 8th we are having a Chinese dinner that is dine in or pick up. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Get your tickets from the front desk while they last.

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities Monday: 9:30 Pickle Ball – 1:00 Shuffleboard – 7:00 Camera Club (1st Monday @ month) Tuesday: 9:30 Jam Session – 1:00 Pickle Ball – 1:00 – H&F Canasta - 7:00 Friendship Bridge All activities are cancelled if it is a Blood Clinic Tuesday Wednesday: 8:30 TOPS – 9:30 Pickle Ball – 1:00 Floor Shuffleboard Thursday: 10:00 Line Dance – 1:00 Pickle Ball Friday: 1:00 Pickle Ball Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412

or 306.681.5998 anaf252@sasktel.net Currently Evening Sports Cancelled Meat Draws – Saturdays @ 4:30pm.

EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME! Seniors’ Centre Without Walls: To register for any of the SCWW’s upcoming events, call the office at 1 (306) 631-4357 or email seniorswithouthwalls2021@gmail.com.

The Saskatchewan chapter of Senior Centre Without Walls (SCWW) has undertaken a unique project to bring fine art into the living rooms of local seniors - via phone. “A Taste of Art” is a new initiative that uses the SCWW format similar to a “party line”, where participants phone into a common line and participate in an inclusive and accessible audio-only format. Stay tuned for more “over the phone” art programming for seniors in early 2022. For more information contact: Christy Schweiger Educator Coordinator, MJMAG 306-692-4472 educator.mjmag@sasktel.net Western Development Museum: All WDM locations are now open 7 days a week and times for WDM Moose Jaw are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily.

Please remember to follow all COVID-19 protocols and procedures.

You can review them at www.wdm.ca/ covid WDM VIRTUAL COFFEE CLUB – new topics and dates added!

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we explore the WDM collection with our Virtual Coffee Club. All sessions will take place via Zoom so you can participate from anywhere in the province (or beyond). You can register for one or for them all and the best part is they are free! Each session will take place from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Following the presentation, share your memories and experiences while connecting with others. Pre-registration is required.

Learn more and register online. https:// wdm.ca/coffeeclub/

A look at COVID numbers from December 18 to December 23

As of Thursday, December 23, there are 19 active cases in the South Central 2 sub-zone. There are 789 active cases in the province overall.

Saturday, December 18: 61 cases reported in the province, 0 in the South Central (0 in the South Central 2 sub-zone). Zero deaths reported in SK, 48 recoveries.

Sunday, December 19: 78 cases reported in the province, 3 in the South Central (0 in the South Central 2 sub-zone). Zero deaths reported in SK, 63 recoveries.

Monday, December 20: 59 cases reported in the province, 1 in the South Central (1 in the South Central 2 sub-zone). Zero deaths reported in SK, 70 recoveries.

Tuesday, December 21: 67 cases reported in the province, 0 in the South Central (0 located in the South Central 2 sub-zone). One death reported in SK, 75 recoveries.

Wednesday, December 22: 108 cases reported in the province, 4 in the South Central (4 located in the South

Central 2 sub-zone). One death reported in SK, 36 recoveries.

Thursday, December 23: 194 cases reported in the province, 6 in the South Central (4 located in the South Central 2 sub-zone). One death reported in SK, 35 recoveries.

Vaccine delivery: 1,791,769 total. As of December 23, 88,424 doses have been administered in the South Central.

Retired teacher Pam Metz writes first book with help from grandson Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw grandmother Pam Metz always wanted to write a book with her grandchildren, and a few years after retiring from teaching, her dream has come true.

Metz and her grandson, Declan Bratkoski, 9, recently released “Nibbles goes to school,” a book about a young boy who takes his pet tarantula to school for show and tell.

The critter goes missing and hijinks ensue — an exterminator is called in at one point — before the little boy and his spider are reunited with the help of his friends.

Before retiring three years ago, the former elementary school educator taught for 25 years — mostly in Regina and northern Saskatchewan.

She explained recently that she loved her students’ creativity and loved to teach creative writing, while her grandchildren also enjoyed reading, so those factors led to the desire to write books.

Three of her grandchildren live in Moose Jaw, while two live in Lumsden, including Bratkoski.

This is the first book that either Metz or her grandson has written, she explained. Bratkoski came up with the storyline for the book after the two sat down to write.

“It was pretty good,” he said about helping write the book.

Bratkoski enjoyed the experience, including learning

Declan Bratkoski and his grandmother Pam Metz pose with the book they wrote, entitled “Nibbles goes to school.” Photo contributed

what it took to create something like this, he added. He thought it was fun to work with his grandma, while he sees himself writing more books in the future.

“He’s a real good little salesman; he’s funny,” chuckled Metz, explaining that they were successful in selling books at a Lumsden trade show because of his child-like and humorous qualities. The youngster also likely wants to write more books “because he started making a little money.”

The book cover features the boy standing in front of his school while holding his tarantula. Metz put out the call in a writers’ group to which she belongs on Facebook to find an illustrator. Maria Akram, an artist from the Philippines, answered and helped design the cover.

Metz joked that it was difficult to work with Akram because of the 12-hour time difference.

While “Nibbles goes to school” was released on Nov. 7, Metz has been hard at work writing a second book with her 10-year-old granddaughter from Moose Jaw. This novel is a chapter book about the community helping a farm family save a goat from being sold.

“It’s a bad goat,” laughed Metz. “It (the book) has a funny ending to it.”

“Nibbles goes to school” can be found on Amazon.

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A21

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WCB to end relief measures for workers whom COVID-19 injured The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) plans to end its cost relief measures for those employees injured

by COVID-19, closing a program that has been in place for nearly two years.

The WCB provided cost relief measures to employers with accepted coronavirus workplace injury claims in 2020 and 2021, but those measures will Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. However, COVID-19 workplace injuries that occur on or before Friday, Dec. 31 will still be eligible for cost relief.

Meanwhile, many of the WCB’s other employer relief measures concluded on July 31, 2020.

“Over the last 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the WCB has taken a number of steps to support Saskatchewan employers through this difficult time, including providing cost relief for accepted COVID-19 workplace injury claims,” said CEO Phillip Germain.

“While the WCB is financially sound and able to absorb the claim costs related

Moose Jaw Express staff to the COVID-19 virus in the short term, claims from the pandemic, the company the organization is unable to continue this continued. Moreover, it waived interest on unpaid premiums and removed penalties practice in the long term.”

The WCB funded the cost relief for applied in 2020 for late filing, late registrapandemic claims through its occupation- tion, and underestimated penalties.

Furthermore, the WCB offered payal disease reserve as a temporary measure to support Saskatchewan employers, the ment plans for employers and suspended company explained. When the WCB’s cost payroll audits briefly in 2020, while it held relief for pandemic claims came into effect the 2021 average premium rate the same on March 2, 2020, vaccines were unavail- as 2020.

The WCB held this year’s average able and many current safety measures premium rate at $1.17 rather than raising it were not in place.

However, the pandemic landscape to the calculated rate of $1.23. As a result, changed this year as vaccines became employers are expected to save more than available and negative testing policies $13 million in WCB premiums this year were created in many locations. These due to WCB holding the rate.

WCB recognizes that the province has steps have reduced the overall risk of catching the coronavirus in the workplace, been dealing with extraordinary circumWCB said. That is why, after almost 24 stances and has supported employers to lift months, the WCB has decided to wrap up some pressures they were facing, Germain cost relief for accepted COVID-19 work- said. While these temporary measures are finishing after two years, employplace injury claims.

From March 2020 to Nov. 5, 2021, ers and workers can still submit eligible the WCB provided more than $4.3 million COVID-19 workplace injury claims.

“We are exploring the idea of temin cost relief coverage for 1,302 accepted

porarily offering cost relief for adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations,” he added.

The WCB’s decision-making process on whether a case of COVID-19 is eligible for compensation will not change. A worker may be entitled to WCB benefits if there is a confirmed link between workers’ exposures and employment and if they contract the virus. To acquire these benefits, three conditions must be met: There is confirmed exposure to the disease in the workplace The time that the illness is contracted is near the confirmed workplace exposure The nature of employment creates a greater risk of exposure for the worker than to the general population For more information about COVID-19 cost relief measures and workplace injury claims, visit www.wcbsask. com.

WCB to hike employer premium rates for first time in 18 years Moose Jaw Express staff

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) plans to increase its employer premium rate in 2022, the first increase for this rate in 18 years.

The premium rate was $1.17 per hundred dollars of payroll in 2021, while that rate will increase to $1.23 next year, the first increase since 2004. Despite this increase, the WCB pointed out that Saskatchewan’s premium rates remain among the lowest in Canada.

“While the 2022 rate increase will affect most employers covered by the WCB, we are mitigating its impact by setting the average premium rate below the rate model requirement of $1.25,” said CEO Phillip Germain.

“The principal drivers of the 2022 increase are claim costs and payroll. While the number of injury claims has gone down, claim-related costs like health care have increased more quickly than payroll.

This difference is reflected in our premium rates.”

What was a positive downward trend in claims experience over the last several years has flattened out and, in some cases, reversed, he added.

The WCB board’s decision to set the average premium rate below the rate model requirement of $1.25 is similar to its de-

cision last year to hold the 2021 rate below the then-required rate of $1.23.

“We recognize that employers are continuing to confront tough economic hurdles due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Germain. “By not charging the required premium rate in both 2021 and 2022, we will save employers about $13.4 million in 2021 and $3.3 million in 2022.”

Industry premium rates are affected by how well employers in an industry can eliminate workplace injuries. In 2020, 90 per cent of Saskatchewan employers achieved zero injuries, an increase over the 88 per cent of employers who achieved Mission: Zero in each of the previous three years.

Despite this accomplishment, the number of serious injuries, fatalities and durations has not improved, the WCB said.

For the last several years, serious injuries accounted for about 12 per cent of total injuries but more than 80 per cent of compensation costs. In response, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the WCB and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, launched its Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in 2019.

Learn more at www.worksafesask.ca/ prevention/serious-injuries-and-fatalities/.

• Moose Jaw’s Digital Daily •

The WCB’s Business Transformation Program will also play an important role in reducing durations and serious injuries, the company said. Launched in early 2021, the five- to seven-year program will transform the organization’s major areas, particularly around people, processes, and technology.

Through the program, the WCB will work with customers, employers’ associations, labour organizations and safety associations to improve injury and disability prevention outcomes and customer service. With effective safety and disability prevention programs, employers can

help prevent and manage the impacts of work-related injuries.

“It’s heartening to know that so many workers and employers are committed to working together to create safer workplaces in the province,” said chair Gord Dobrowolsky.

“But we still have a stretch to go to reach our goal of zero injuries in 100 per cent of Saskatchewan workplaces. As we head into the new year, let’s redouble our efforts in getting our work done on time, on budget and without injuries.”

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PAGE A22 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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ACROSS 1. Type of scarf 6. Pear variety 10. Drill 14. Pale with fright 15. Double-reed woodwind 16. Mimics 17. Allegation 18. Break in friendly relations 19. To tax or access 20. Hard unglazed brownish-red earthenware 22. Tall woody plant 23. Religious sister 24. Swindle 26. Palace 30. Lance 32. Attempt again 33. Undertaken by two parties 37. Urine component 38. Subatomic particle 39. Mother 40. A sudden downpour 42. Ate 43. Not cloudy 44. Intelligent

45. Unpaid 25. Cap 47. “The Matrix” hero 26. Gunk 48. Narrow opening 27. Relating to aircraft 49. Weakens 28. Goulash 56. Adriatic resort 29. Ephemeral 57. Former Italian currency 30. Pantywaist 58. Menacing look 31. Conspiracy 59. Always 33. Brought into existence 60. Smell 34. Hindu princess 61. Steed 35. So be it 62. Declare untrue 36. Gentlewoman 63. Marries 38. A single storey house 64. Canvas shelters 41. Small rounded bread DOWN 42. A shortage of rainfall 1. Proven information 44. Tall hill 2. Small island 45. Drink garnish 3. Blacken 46. Broaden 4. Inheritor 47. Approaches 5. Effeminate 48. Toboggan 6. Element with the symbol B 50. It ebbs and flows 7. Death notice 51. Stepped 8. Not hard 52. Balm ingredient 9. Whale or dolphin 53. Mountain pool 10. Germs in the blood 54. At one time (archaic) Daily Sudoku Puzzles 11. A drama set to music 55.

Viewsby KrazyDad, December 21, 2 12. Adjust again 13. Being 21. Prompt

S U#5 D- Challenging O K U Sudoku

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

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Sudoku #7 - Tough 2 5 4 6 9 8 3 3 7 6 2 5 1 8 9 1 8 4 3 7 2 5 2 3 1 8 9 6 1 4 9 7 2 6 5 6 8 7 5 4 3 1 4 3 1 9 6 2 7 7 9 2 8 1 5 4 8 6 5 3 7 4 9

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© 2021 KrazyDad.com

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If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle.

Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

Puzzle Solutions

6

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

2

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Sudoku #8 - Super Tough 1 6 8 7 2 4 9 3 5 2 3 9 5 8 1 7 4 6 5 7 4 6 9 3 8 2 1 6 4 7 9 5 8 2 1 3 3 8 5 2 1 6 4 9 7 9 1 2 3 4 7 6 5 8 4 5 6 8 3 2 1 7 9 8 2 3 1 7 9 5 6 4 1 4 6 5 3 8 2 7

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ALOE, ANGER, CLOAK, COBRA, CONSTITUENTS, CURVE DECIDE, DESTROY, EERIE, ELITE, ESCORT, EXALT EXPIRE, FICKLE, FLUID, HELIUM, INDIFFERENT INGREDIENT, LEAK, MAMBA, MOON, MOUNT, NUDGE PAGINATION, PEER, REAR, REEL, REGRET, RELATIVITY RUBBER, RUED, RUNOFF, SAVANT, TENNIS, TRUNK UNDER, WAVER, ZEBRA

8

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MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A23

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Wood puzzles.. $5.00. 6 piece 3 dimension puzzle. Precision machined, solid oak. Take apart and re-assemble. More difficult to do than it looks. Text or call 306-690-7787 Cut up firewood ready to burn, great for wood stove, lake, ice shack, can

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306-972-9172 For sale- 2 spoon holders with 40 spoons. 306-9729172 LAWN & GARDEN For Sale- power built 12hp Briggs & Station riding lawn mower. 306-9729172 LOST & FOUND Lost at Walmart, ladies dark brown gloves, Dec 17th.-$10.00 reward. 306693-1046

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PAGE A24 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Obituaries / Memorials DEAUST, JEAN JOSEPH ALAIN Jean Joseph Alain Deaust age 66 years of Gravelbourg, SK., passed away on Thursday November 18th, 2021, at St. Paul Hospital in Saskatoon, Sk. A funeral mass was held on Saturday November 27th,2021. A family gathering has been held.

WOIT , ALLAN 1926 – 2021 Allan Woit of Mossbank, Sk passed away quietly on Dec. 16, 2021 at Assiniboia Union Hospital at the age of 95. Allan was born Feb. 22, 1926 to Edward and Matilda (nee Henning) on the family farm north of Mossbank.

He is predeceased by his parents, wife Rose (nee Dirk), brothers William, George and Harvey, sister Betty. Survived by daughter Brenda and partner Barry.

Allan and Rose were married in 1950. He worked for Gulf Oil Co. with his cousin Wilfred, the Assiniboia School District as a bus driver for 11 years. He farmed all his life, worked as a hired hand and did custom grain hauling. In his earlier years he enjoyed curling, golfing, joining friends for daily morning coffee, and many games of rummy at local establishments. The couple did many activities over the years but the constant was camping in their RV. They camped in B.C., Alta, Man. and all over Sask. They joined the Good Sams Club where they made lifelong friends. They moved into Furrows and Faith Villa in 2015, continued camping, playing cards, visiting with friends and enjoying music.

He often said he was lucky to have such a good life. Any memorial donations in Allan’s memory can be made to Furrows and Faith, Box 214, Mossbank, Sk. SOG 3GO. Graveside service was held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at the Mossbank Cemetery. Officiant was Wendy Gibson DLM. Honorary pallbearers were Harold and Betty Ray, Rick and Bev Rollie, Gordon and Fran Nagel, and Larry and Bev Singbeil. Thank you to all the staff of Furrows and Faith Villa and the Assiniboia Union Hospital for their upmost care and compassion. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca

DYCK, KATHY Katherine “Kathy” Dyck of Rockglen, SK passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the age of 85 years. Mom was born in Blumenhof to parents John and Suzzanna and raised with 8 siblings, Suzie, John, Ben, Joe, George, Mary, Bill, and Anne. They kept busy milking cows, going to school, skating, playing ball (she still had a good arm).

Later going to teacher college and marrying Cliff.

Together they moved around Sask. from Blumenhof, Tyner, Simmie, Swift Current, Uranium City, Regina to Gravelbourg where they built a farm out of a stubble field. I think there was 9 moves. Everywhere we went Mom kept her faith, making our house a home. Before we knew it we had friends coming for coffee, meals, cards. She would work, take classes, sew our clothes, go to our hockey games, figure skating, swimming, ball, fishing, having us (Robbin, Bevin and Karren) be our best with praises, love and some truth telling. When Mom moved to Moose Jaw she was busy teaching. It was during this time that she was approached by some families in the Christian community to teach their children. This laid the foundation for the Cornerstone Christian School, and Mom was honoured to be their first teacher. Children were her joy, and she enjoyed crafts, her many friends and sewing for the better generation - grandchildren: Jessica, Dustin, Meagan, Samantha, Jesse, Adria, and Danelle. Mom then got itchy feet for some more moves creating more friends, especially dear friend Melissa Jones. A staff member at her lodge in Camrose told me Mom was known to get residents that never came out to come join the party. At this time she also discovered that being a GG to Danaya, Riley, Laine and Grace made life the best. Mom’s faith and love for all will be taking her to Heaven. Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, 1:00 pm, at the Heritage Inn, Moose Jaw, SK. Celebrant was Sam Hawkins. The eulogy was shared by Bevin Dyck. Interment will take place at a later date at the Blumenhof Cemetery. Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca

ST. PIERRE Larry Joseph Paul St. Pierre, aged 68 years of Moose Jaw, SK passed away on Sunday, December 19th, 2021. Larry was born at Crescent Lake, SK on March 28th, 1953. He moved to Yorkton, SK and then to Moose Jaw in 1969.

Larry received his education at Central Collegiate High School and later graduated from SIAST as a cook. He worked at Valley View Center for a while. Larry travelled and lived in different locations before moving back to Moose Jaw. He loved sports, especially the NFL, playing the guitar and drums, but above all he loved his family.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Sarah; mother, Laura Kerr; grandparents, Alex and Mary St. Pierre; nephew, Christopher St. Pierre; sister, Deborah Spreacker; brothers, Alex Spreacker and Dennis Spreacker; as well as many other family members and friends. Larry will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Steven and Thomas St. Pierre and their mother, Linda Cooney; brothers, Garnet (Chris) St. Pierre and Marvin Spreacker; sisters, Daisy (Randy) Noseworthy and Brenda Spreacker; godchild, Marlene Ward (St. Pierre); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 1064 3rd Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK. Deacon Lamont Dyck will officiate and interment will take place in Rosedale Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Larry’s name may be made to Riverside Mission, 40 Manitoba St E, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0A2.

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH 277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.

Please contact us for more information.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation 55 Diefenbaker Drive Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 Phone (306) 694-0373

www.mjhf.org

Usha is Celebrating her 80th Birthday on Saturday, January 1st, 2022 with her Moose Javian family of 52 years.

COME AND GO

Saturday, January 1st from 11:00am - 5:oopm (pending COVID restrictions)

RSVP to 306-692-8456 Your Presence is Your Gift

Auld Lang Syne Auld Lang Syne was partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700’s, it was first published in 1796 after Burns’ death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ literally means ‘old long ago,’ or simply, ‘the good old days.’

W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Services

Next Service: January 2nd, 2022 10:30pm Rev Doug Shepherd

Here are the lyrics: however, many people seem to remember only the first verse.

AULD LANG SYNE

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

And here’s a hand, my trusty friend And gie’s a hand o’ thine We’ll tak’A cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne.

Adobe stock image

Going Seasons Greetings ABOVE and from our Families BEYOND expectations to Yours

is what sets us apart

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A25

Obituaries / Memorials LISE COSTLEY Lise Yvonne Elizabeth Marie (nee Podevin) Costley of Mossbank, SK passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, at the age of 64 years.

She was born to Juliènne and Werner Podevin on April 29, 1957, at Gravelbourg, SK, and was her parents’ pride and joy. Lise spoke only French when she started school; she eventually excelled and became a student council member. Lise held a job at the Snack Shack and Gaiety Theatre through her school years. She graduated from grade 12 in 1975 and took a 2-year business course at SIAST. She met Ivan Costley and after an exciting courtship they were married on June 24, 1978. Together they moved to Regina where she worked for SaskPower in accounting.

She again excelled. When Ivan was transferred to Swift Current, Lise got a job with Sask Agriculture at the experimental farm and also worked at the Government Building. In 1979, Lise and Ivan decided to go farming.

Their son Mikel was born in 1980 when they were on their way to set up a beach concession at Lake Diefenbaker. While farming at Shamrock they lived at the Phillison Farm, and Lise got a job at the Hospital in Gravelbourg. She started as a cleaning lady, but within a short time her skills were discovered, and Lise was promoted to the office. Andrew was born in 1981. That winter they purchased a farm at Mossbank – Expanse to be exact. Chris was born in Moose Jaw in 1984 and Jeremy was born in 1986. Lise loved being a mom. Lise lived a beautiful life surrounded by people she loved from start to finish. Lise shared her life with “her rock” Ivan Costley reaching a full 43 years of love, laughter, and happiness. In 2000, as her children were growing up, Lise became the Town Administrator in Mossbank.

During her 9 years as a Town Administrator Lise deeply cared for the prosperity and growth of her community and later mentored her son Chris in the same role. Lise supported her son’s educational ventures and interests and when they left home to get their degrees, she and Ivan remained actively supportive every step of the way. Then the grandkids came, Rylan, Kaden, Jadee, Bennett, Avery, Owen, Macy, Addison, Reid, Katie, and Brynn. Lise and Ivan could not have been happier. The family enjoyed many years boating and camping. Lise was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, loved her family and treasured time spent with them. Lise would always say, “I love you more.” After her kids would reply she would always say, “No, I love you more.”

There was never a day gone by that Lise didn’t have a full house of kids or just a few with her, she always said “I love to be a grandma. I love my babies”. While

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.

Noel The first Noel, the Angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel!

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel The word Noel is of French origin, stemming from the Latin natalis, meaning birthday or, as an adjective, relating to birth. Noel was transferred into English usage in the 1800s. When Noel is capitalized, it equates to Christmas. Noel has been in use in France since the 15th century. Noel is also used for Christmas carols, as “the choir sang noels.”

Christmas was observed in the early days of Canada

by French colonists gathering to attend midnight mass on December 24 and singing Chantons Noé, an old French

playing and entertaining them all day she found time to bake her famous bread, plant her beautiful flowers, and with Ivan’s help grow vegetables in her green house in the back yard. She later spent hours to turn the garden into canned goods that whole family felt privileged to enjoy all year around. Lise loved family gatherings in her kitchen, where she would cook her homemade goodies. Lise, was a woman of God, she beautifully played the organ at the Mossbank church, where she enjoyed a Sunday service surrounded by her sons, their wives and grandchildren and friends from the community. Ivan and Lise traveled to places like Cuba, US, Europe where they always met new people, made new friends, and always had the craziest and funniest stories for us all to laugh and enjoy. Lise’s life would seem too short to all, but those of us who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceeds the quantity of time that she stayed here. During her time with us, she acted to always help anyone with whatever she could and never said “no” to anyone.

Lise was such a light in this world, and she will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. She touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations. Lise’s cherished family, husband Ivan Costley; son Mikel (Amber) Costley, grandchildren Rylan, Kaden, Jadee, Bennett; son Andrew (Alisa) Costley; son Christopher (Michelle) Costley, grandchildren Avery, Owen, Macy; son Jeremy (Tara) Costley, grandchildren Addison, Reid, Katie, Brynn; mother Juliènne Podevin, siblings Georges (Shannon) Podevin, Hélène (Marshall) Richmond, Monique (Alain) Mathieu, Marguerite Bissonnette, Paul Podevin. Predeceased by her father Werner Podevin, mother and father-in-law Ethel and Delbert Costley.

Prayers were held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, 7:00 p.m., at Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia, SK. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, December 23, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at St. Louis Roman Catholic Church, Mossbank, SK. Celebrant was Father Dennis Remot. The eulogy was shared by Mikel Costley, Andrew Costley, Christopher Costley, and Jeremy Costley. Readers were Georges Podevin and Hélène Richmond. Active pallbearers were Mikel Costley, Andrew Costley, Christopher Costley, Jeremy Costley, Rylan Costley, and Kaden Costley. Interment will take place at a later date at the Mossbank Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of Lise to the St. Louis Roman Catholic Church were greatly appreciated.

Online condolences can be shared at www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca

Thank You As I come to the end of another chapter on my life’s journey, I am taking this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all who sent me cards, gifts and best wishes on my retirement. I thank the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan who gave me my licence to practise my profession in this province almost 50 years ago, my professional colleagues, dental assistants, hygienists, therapists, sales representatives, lab technicians, the Christian community and most of all my patients, and all others who have contributed in any way to make my dental practise the success that it has been.

Over the years it has been my daily prayer that God would make me a blessing to my patients and to all those with whom I had any contact, and your many varied expressions and kind wishes have convinced me that He has answered my prayers. So I say “Thank You, God” It is my prayer that God will continue to make me a blessing, and that He will continue to bless our City of Moose Jaw, our province, our country and the world.

Love and best wishes to all!

Sincerely Earl S. Bernard and family

MOOSE JAW

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Christmas carol. As they sang a Christ Child figure was processed into the assembly and laid in a crèche. The crèche is a tableau of Christ’s birth, also known as a Nativity scene.

Here are a few more Canadiana things of Noels.

Did you know that the movie A Christmas Story (my wife’s favourite Christmas video) has Canadian connections? Various scenes were shot in Canada. Ralphie’s school, the Chinese restaurant where his family eats Christmas dinner, the famous swearing scene, as well as the interior segments were all shot in Canada. And where else would you find the old TTC “red rocket” streetcars?

Happy Noel!

Did you know that according to Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadians purchased a 2.9-million whole turkeys for Christmas 2020? That amounts to 41 per cent of all turkeys sold that year. Blessed Noel!

Did you know that Government House in Regina has windows and doorways swagged in lush garlands, festooned with holly berries, and twinkling lights for the Christmas season? The grandeur of the season can be seen, in 17 trees, 25 window sprays, 62 wreaths, 100 poinsettias, more than 450 feet of garland and thousands of lights. Joyous Noel!

Did you know that Readers Digest has listed Saskatoon in the rank of 7th of Canadian places to visit for Christmas? A recent study by the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management found that Saskatoon has the highest number of candy and toy stores, per capita, in the country. Exultant Noel!

Sing Noel, sing Noel, sing Noel for Christ our Savior.

Sing Noel, shepherds on the hillside, wise men from afar, celebrate the coming of our Lord.

What a tiny stable, what a wondrous star, unto us a Child is given, unto us a Savior’s born. Sing Noel to all in heaven, sing Noel to all the earth, sing Noel for Christ

(306) 694-1322

our Savior, sing Noel!

Sing Noel, all of creation, sing Noel, celebrate His birth, sing Noel for Christ our Savior, sing Noel!

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo. It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, goodwill to all, from heaven’s all-gracious king.” The world is solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all you nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

Sing we all Noel, hear the music all around. Sing we all Noel, let the joy resound. Noel, noel, noel, let our voices rise as we sing a song of praise and lift our music to the skies. Noel, noel, noel, sing it loud and clear so that all on earth may know our joy this season of the year.

Sing we all Noel, with a joyous roundelay. Sing we all Noel, hear the news today.

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.

PAGE A26 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021

SportS HigHligHtS d BASKETBALL

Sunday 9:00 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers. e FOOTBALL

Saturday 7:30 p.m. TSN Allstate Sugar Bowl Baylor vs Ole Miss.

Sunday 7:20 p.m. WDIV EDACC NFL Football Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers.

Monday 7:15 p.m. TSN NFL Football Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers. k HOCKEY

NET NHL Hockey Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken.

Friday 6:00 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Canada vs Finland.

8:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames.

8:30 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship United States vs Russia.

Saturday 6:00 p.m. CTYS NET NHL Hockey Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vancouver Canucks at Seattle Kraken.

Thursday

Sunday 4:00 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Second Quarterfinal.

3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

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6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs.

10:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New York Islanders at Vancouver Canucks.

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En direct de l’univers (N) À l’année prochaine 2021 Téléjournal Infoman (N) “A Perfect Match” (2021, Romance) Emily Alatalo.

Family Law “Legacy” News Glbl News etalk Big Bang Friends: The Reunion The cast reunites for a celebration.

Big Bang Nature Climate Climate Climate Climate Climate Climate Climate 2021: It’s Toast! (N) News Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party Coronation Coronation Les Misérables Les Misérables The National (N) New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash Celebrating the new year. (N) Big Bang New Year’s Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve-2022 Dick Clark’s Primetime News Dick Clark’s Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve-2022 Dick Clark’s Primetime Mom Dick Clark’s 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship United States vs Russia. (N) Gotta See It NHL’s Best NHL Hockey Winnipeg Jets at Calgary Flames. (N) Sportsnet Heavy Rescue: 401 Big Bang etalk “The Birthday Wish” (2017) Jessy Schram. (:15) Saved by the Bell Saved-Bell Saved-Bell (:15) Saved by the Bell “On 12th Date” Marigold (:35) ››› “Cast Away” (2000, Drama) Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt.

“Hologram King” The Office The Office Frogger King King Frasier Frasier 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days (N) 90 Day The Family Chantel 90 Day Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings (N) Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings: Team Attacks (N) Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang ››› “To Have and Have Not” (1944) (:45) ››› “The Big Sleep” (1946) Lauren Bacall Key Largo (5:45) “Police Academy” ›› “Caddyshack” (1980, Comedy) Chevy Chase.

“The Great Outdoors” Drag Racing NASCAR Truck Series (5:45) “Batman Forever” (7:50) › “Batman & Robin” (1997) George Clooney “Batman” (6:35) “Radioactive” (2019) Sam Riley VICE “Lucky Grandma” (2019) Wayne Chang Barb & Star Hacksaw (:25) ››› “Tenet” (2020, Action) John David Washington.

Black Famous “Bee Gees-Mend” (7:55) “Tina” (2021) Tina Turner, Angela Bassett.

Insecure Insecure

SATURDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

8:00

Tuesday 6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Florida Panthers.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks.

Rêve Discussions Galas ComediHa! 2016 La revue culturelle 2021 Téléjournal TJ Sask “Making Something Great” (2021) Erin Cahill.

Family Law Global News at 10 (N) “Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and” Holmes Family Effect Big Bang etalk Nature History History History History History History History Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: Organized News J. Fallon Coronation Family Feud Les Misérables Les Misérables The National (N) Sheldon United-Al (:01) Ghosts B Positive Bull “The Great Divide” Big Bang Late-Colbert ››› “Frozen” (2013) Voices of Kristen Bell.

Home Econ. Home Econ. News J. Kimmel “Right in Front of Me” (2021) Janel Parrish.

Mom Mom Paramedics: Paramedics: 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship NLL Lacrosse Halifax Thunderbirds at Calgary Roughnecks. (N) NHL Hockey: Lightning at Panthers Sportsnet NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken. (N) Primetime Cash Cab Big Bang etalk “Concrete Evidence: A Fixer Upper Mystery” (2017) “A Dickens of a Holiday!” “A Royal Queens Christmas” (2021) Megan Park.

“The Christmas Contest” Twilight (:35) ›› “The Great Gatsby” (2013, Drama) Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Shawshank” The Office The Office King King King King Frasier Frasier My 600-Lb. Life “Supersized: James B’s Journey” (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) Hoarding: Buried Alive Lone Star Law Deadliest Catch Deadliest Catch Lone Star Law Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang ›› “Swing Shift” (1984) Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell. ››› “The Getaway” (1972) Steve McQueen.

(6:00) ››› “Tombstone” (1993) Kurt Russell. ››› “Tombstone” (1993) Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer.

NASCAR Truck Series NASCAR Truck Series (6:10) ››› “First Cow” (:15) ›› “Valley Girl” (2020) Jessica Rothe.

And Just Like That... (N) Kajillionaire (:20) ›› “SCOOB!” (2020, Children’s) ››› “Together Together” (2021) Suicide (6:35) › “Dolittle” (2020, Children’s) (:20) ›› “Underwater” (2020) “The Kid Detective” (6:45) ››› “Temple Grandin” (2010) (:40) “The Super Bob Einstein Film” Succession

FRIDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

MOVIES

Monday 6:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Slovakia vs Switzerland.

THURSDAY EVENING

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Calgary Flames at Chicago Blackhawks.

6:30 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Third Quarterfinal: Teams TBA. 9:00 p.m. TSN 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship Fourth Quarterfinal: Teams TBA.

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En direct de l’univers Infoman Bye bye 2021 TJ Border Sec. Border Sec. “Sweet Carolina” (2021) Lacey Chabert, Tyler Hynes. News ET Canada W5 (N) “Rule of 3” (2019) Kelly Rutherford, Erin Karpluk.

JFL: The Masters (N) Nature St. Clair St. Clair St. Clair St. Clair St. Clair St. Clair St. Clair The Wall Dateline NBC Saturday Night Live (N) News SNL NHL Hockey NHL Hockey S.W.A.T. “Whistleblower” FBI “Brother’s Keeper” 48 Hours (N) Paid Prog. SEAL Team Funniest Home Videos When Nature Calls When Nature Calls News ThisMinute NHL Hockey: Senators at Maple Leafs Hudson & Rex “One of a Kind Love” Pregame Allstate Sugar Bowl Baylor vs Ole Miss. (N) NHL Hockey: Senators at Maple Leafs NHL Hockey Vancouver Canucks at Seattle Kraken.

Corner Gas Corner Gas Why We Love Sports “Framed for Murder: A Fixer Upper Mystery” (2017) “Christmas in Evergreen” “Christmas in Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing” (2020) “Heart Belongs” (6:40) ››› “Mean Girls” (2004) (:20) ›› “Baby Mama” (2008) “Spy Dumped” Frasier Frasier The Office The Office The Office The Office Frasier Frasier 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings (N) Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings: Team Attacks (N) Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang ››› “Penny Serenade” (1941) Irene Dunne. (:15) ››› “Children of a Lesser God” (1986) (6:30) ››› “Lethal Weapon 2” (1989) Mel Gibson. ››› “Lethal Weapon 3” (1992) Mel Gibson.

DRL Drone Racing Level 6: Beale Street.

DRL Drone Racing Level 7: Memphis.

“Harry Potter-Phoenix” (7:50) ››› “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” (2009) Harry Potter (6:55) ››› “The Big Sick” (2017) Kumail Nanjiani. ››› “An American Pickle” (2020) Tia and “Croods: New” (:10) › “Superintelligence” (2020) Melissa McCarthy. “Charm City Kings” His Dark His Dark Materials His Dark (:10) His Dark Materials Just Like Just Like

SUNDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

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District 31 La facture Toute la vie (N) 5e rang Téléjournal TJ Sask FBI “Fostered” (N) FBI: International (N) (:03) New Amsterdam (N) Global News at 10 (N) Judge Steve Harvey This Is Us Queens “Bars” (N) Big Bang etalk (N) Nature Weather Weather Weather Weather Weather Weather Weather American Grand Crew This Is Us (:03) New Amsterdam (N) News J. Fallon Coronation Family Feud 22 Minutes Strays (N) Moonshine (N) The National (N) FBI “Fostered” (N) FBI: International (N) FBI: Most Wanted (N) Big Bang Late-Colbert Judge Steve Harvey Abbott Elem black-ish Queens “Bars” (N) News J. Kimmel American Grand Crew Kenan black-ish Mom Mom Brainfood (6:30) NBA Basketball SportsCentre (N) SportsCentre (N) NHL Hockey: Flames at Panthers NHL’s Best NHL Hockey Philadelphia Flyers at Anaheim Ducks.

Primetime Cash Cab Big Bang etalk (N) Sheldon Sheldon Walker (N) Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Mom Mom Bull “Gag Order” (6:35) “Baggage Claim” (:15) ››› “Girl With a Pearl Earring” (2003) ››› “Casino” (1995) The Office The Office King King King King Frasier Frasier 7 Little Johnstons (N) I Am Jazz (N) I Am Jazz (N) Sister Wives Gold Rush: The Dirt (N) Gold Rush (N) Gold Rush: The Dirt (N) Heavy Rescue: 401 Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon Fresh-Boat Friends Friends Friends Friends ››› “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984) (:45) ›› “Parnell” (1937, Biography) Clark Gable, Myrna Loy. ›› “The Great Outdoors” (1988) Dan Aykroyd. ›››› “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) DRL Drone Racing Level 10: Biosphere.

Motorcycle Race Motorcycle Race “The Boss Baby: Family Business” Harry Potter 20th: Return to Hogwarts “Batman” (6:55) ››› “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) Search Search Search Search (6:15) “Godzilla vs. Kong” (:10) “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” Ray Donovan (6:35) Southern Rites “Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” John McCain: For Whom

WEDNESDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

8:30

SPECIALS

District 31 L’oeil d Une autre histoire (N) Doute raisonnable Téléjournal TJ Sask Neighbor Abbott Elem NCIS (N) NCIS: Hawai’i “Lost” (N) Global News at 10 (N) 9-1-1: Lone Star (:01) The Cleaning Lady Transplant “Guardrail” Bob Heart etalk (N) Nature Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid Candid Kenan Kenan (N) That’s My Jam Ordinary Joe (N) News J. Fallon Coronation Family Feud Murdoch Mysteries (N) Victoria (N) The National (N) Neighbor Bob Heart NCIS (N) NCIS: Hawai’i “Lost” (N) Big Bang Late-Colbert The Bachelor Clayton’s journey to find love begins.

Abbott Elem black-ish News J. Kimmel The Bachelor Clayton’s journey to find love begins. (:01) Ordinary Joe (N) Brainfood (:15) NFL Football Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers. (N) SC With Jay (6:30) NHL Hockey Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs. (N) Sportsnet Central (N) NHL’s Best Heavy Rescue: 401 Big Bang etalk (N) “Sleeper” (2017) Kara Killmer, Brett Donahue.

Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Mom Mom ›› “The Notebook” (6:40) ››› “Good Hair” (2009) (:20) ›› “The Lake House” (2006) “Do the Right Thing” The Office The Office King King King King Frasier Frasier Darcey & Stacey (N) 90 Day Fiancé (N) (:01) 1000-Lb. Sisters (N) (:03) Darcey & Stacey This Came Out of Me (N) Dirty Jobs (N) Highway Thru Hell (N) Heavy Rescue: 401 Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang ›› “Jewel Robbery” (1932, Comedy) ›› “Man Wanted” (1932) ››› “Raffles” (1930) ››› “Avatar” (2009, Science Fiction) Sam Worthington, Voice of Zoe Saldana. (:15) “Batman & Robin” NASCAR Truck Series NASCAR Truck Series (6:50) “Ailo’s Journey” (2019) (:20) “On the Record” (2020) ››› “McQueen” (2018) Odd Man (:20) “Buckley’s Chance” (2021) Search Search Search Search (5:50) ›› “Wonder Woman 1984” ›› “Spirit Untamed” (2021) ›› “Destroyer” (2018) (5:55) Agents of Chaos (7:55) Agents of Chaos “Part 2” Exterminate All

TUESDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

8:00

SPORTS

Découverte Bébéatrice À l’année prochaine 2021 Les coulisses du Bye bye TJ Appelle-moi The Equalizer (N) NCIS: Los Angeles (N) S.W.A.T. “Survive” (N) News Block Next Level Chef Celebrity Wheel The Rookie “Heart Beat” Goldbergs Goldbergs Nature Press Paws Press Paws Press Paws Press Paws Press Paws Press Paws Press Paws Football (:20) NFL Football Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers. (N) News Heartland Baking Show A Suitable Boy The National (N) The Equalizer (N) NCIS: Los Angeles (N) S.W.A.T. “Survive” (N) Joel Osteen Grace Celebrity Wheel Supermarket Sweep (N) The Rookie “Heart Beat” News ThisMinute “A Love Yarn” (2021) Anna Hutchison, Olivia Tennet. Mom Mom Paramedics: Paramedics: 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship NHL Hockey: Flames at Blackhawks Sportsnet NBA Basketball: Timberwolves at Lakers Football (:20) NFL Football Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers. (N) Corner Gas “A Winter Getaway” “A New Year’s Resolution” (2021) Aimee Teagarden. “Mamma Mia!” (6:40) ›› “Earth Girls Are Easy” (:25) ››› “Gravity” (2013, Drama) ››› “Apollo 13” (1995) Neighbor Neighbor Rutherford Rutherford Intelligence Intelligence (:15) Rutherford Falls 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days (N) (:01) Sister Wives (N) 90 Day Fiancé Aussie Gold Hunters (N) Outback Opal Hunters (N) Bering Sea Gold (N) Lone Star Law Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang ›››› “How Green Was My Valley” (1941, Drama) (:15) ››› “The Corn Is Green” (1945) Bette Davis.

“Enemy of the State” ››› “Men in Black” (1997) Tommy Lee Jones. ›› “Men in Black II” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy 250.

NASCAR Truck Series (:10) Framing Britney Spears “Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite!” (2020) Dexter: New Blood (N) Unpregnant Harry Potter 20th: Return to Hogwarts ›› “Bombshell” (2019, Drama) Charlize Theron.

“Personal History David Copperfield” (:20) ›› “Come Play” (2020, Horror) “Rabid” (2019, Horror) (6:45) ››› “Life According to Sam” (:25) ›› “Chance of a Lifetime” Euphoria “Pilot”

MONDAY EVENING 3 CBKFT 5 CFRE 6 CKCK 7 WEATH 8 WDIV 9 CBKT 11 WWJ 12 WXYZ 13 CTYS 19 TSN 20 NET 25 EDACC 26 W 29 ENCAV2 33 CMT 35 TLC 38 DISC 41 COM 42 TCM 47 AMC 48 FSR 55 CRV1 56 CRV2 57 CRV3 58 HBO

MOVIES

7:00

7:30

MOVIES

8:00

8:30

SPORTS

9:00

9:30

SPECIALS

10:00

10:30

District 31 L’épicerie Les enfants de la télé (N) Sans rendez Les mecs Téléjournal TJ Sask I Can See Your Voice Abbott Elem Ghosts Good Sam “Pilot” Global News at 10 (N) The Amazing Race Eleven teams begin their journey. Next Level Chef Home Econ. Conners Nature This World This World This World This World This World This World This World Chicago Med (N) Chicago Fire (N) Chicago P.D. (N) News J. Fallon Coronation Family Feud War of the Worlds (N) Diggstown (N) The National (N) The Amazing Race Eleven teams begin their journey. Good Sam “Pilot” Big Bang Late-Colbert Goldbergs Wonder Conners Home Econ. The Chase (N) News J. Kimmel Chicago Med (N) Chicago Fire (N) Chicago P.D. (N) Brainfood (6:30) NBA Basketball SportsCentre (N) SportsCentre (N) NHL Hockey: Oilers at Maple Leafs Sportsnet Central (N) Sportsnet NHL Hockey Primetime Cash Cab Big Bang etalk (N) Seinfeld Seinfeld Goldbergs Goldbergs Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Mom Mom New Amsterdam (N) (6:50) ›› “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005) “My Life as a Zucchini” “Falls Around Her” (2018) The Office The Office King King King King Frasier Frasier My 600-Lb. Life (N) Too Large (N) Save My Skin (N) Moonshiners (N) Master Distiller Moonshiners Heavy Rescue: 401 Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon Fresh-Boat Friends Friends Friends Friends “Line King-Al Hirschfeld” (:45) ›››› “A Night at the Opera” (1935) Pick a Star ››› “Gran Torino” (2008) Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley. ››› “Apollo 13” (1995) Tom Hanks.

ARCA Racing Series Watkins Glen.

ARCA Racing Series Bristol.

“The Last Full Measure” (:15) “Before You Know It” (2019) Jen Tullock.

Letterkenny Letterkenny (:10) › “Superintelligence” (2020) Melissa McCarthy. Search Search Search Search (6:30) “Four Kids and It” (2019) (:25) “New Homeland” (2018) Ray Donovan (6:10) ›› “The Wizard of Lies” (2017) ›› “The Enemy Within” (1994) “Life of Crime”

MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, December 29, 2021 • PAGE A27

Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful Prosperous New Year!!

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Animal sanctuary optimistic about 2022 despite tough past year Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

It was a tough year for Free To Be Me Animal Sanctuary, as some beloved animals died and holding fundraisers was difficult, but new opportunities could be on the horizon.

“We’re doing OK. We’re hanging in there.

Everybody’s doing OK,” said Luanne Shropshire, owner and operator of the sanctuary. “We have a few more volunteers, so that’s helped us a lot. … I think we’ve got enough hay for the season.”

Pandemic restrictions forced the organization to shut down tours — its primary source of income — early in the year, while hosting the usual fundraising activities was impossible. Shropshire and her family dipped into their pockets to keep the sanctuary afloat.

Tours finally resumed — the hot weather kept many people away — while Shropshire and her team worked through the issues and have turned their faces to 2022.

The sanctuary — located on the outskirts of Moose Jaw and dedicated to the humane

treatment of unwanted and abandoned farm animals — is currently selling calendars. Anyone interested in purchasing one can phone 306-684-2231.

Several well-loved animals died this year, such as Bell the llama, 16, and Willis the goat, 14. Both died in their sleep and were normal healthy animals.

The organization has about 75 animals, such as pigs, horses, llamas, ostriches, and cows. Each has a special name, while about 10 have physical disabilities.

Two notable acquisitions this year were a calf born with no eyes and a healthy sheep whose mother abandoned it at birth.

“We couldn’t take in too many animals this year because of a shortage of hay. We have to make sure that our animals are all taken care of, the ones we have,” said Shropshire, who was unhappy to turn away animals this year. “And we have to make sure we can keep our commitment to them (and pay the vet bills).”

A few well-known animals are doing well

Gracie the pig enjoys a relaxing mud bath at Free to Be Me Animal Sanctuary near Moose Jaw. File photo even if they are getting up there in age, she continued.

Bugsy is a 53-year-old donkey and is as healthy as can be. However, the sanctuary staff is keeping an eye on him since he’s “not as bouncy as he once was.” Meanwhile, several big pigs keep visitors entertained, such as Gracie, who can open gates on her own.

The porcine recently opened a gate into the paddock, which allowed a bull to en-

ter and cause mischief, forcing staff to pull him out again. Shropshire noted that they would have to wrap the chain around the fence better next time to prevent that from happening.

“Yes, (Gracie is) very crafty,” she chuckled.

The organization also struggled to find volunteers this year, mainly because many were forced to stay home because of pandemic restrictions. Some weekend volunteers returned throughout the year, while several more stepped forward in December after learning about the need for help.

“We’ve got some good volunteers now.

That really helped us a lot because of the handicapped animals — they take extra care,” said Shropshire. “But you still have to do your chores and cleaning and all the fun stuff that needs to be done.”

The sanctuary owner hoped that the organization could hold more fundraisers in 2022 and acquire more valuable hay feed for the animals.

Interior painting next step as Habitat for Humanity build nears completion Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

After more than a year of construction, the latest Habitat for Humanity build is in the home stretch of completion, with work now moving inside in preparation for a spring handover.

“It’s going well. Fern (Paulhus, construction manager) has been working extremely hard out there with some volunteers,” said chapter lead Donna Watts. “… the outside is pretty much done. They have all the drywall up (inside) and they’re ready to paint.”

The duplex at 1015 Ominica Street East will house two families: one single mother with three children and one single mother with five kids. The plan is to hand over the keys in April or May, although whether the typical large presentation will happen is unknown.

One homeowner has already performed the prerequisite 500 hours of work on the home — “Amazing,” said Watts — while the second homeowner is working on completing her hours while also volunteering with other organizations to build up that time.

Habitat for Humanity work sites usually swarmed with volunteer groups supporting the project in pre-pandemic times.

However, health restrictions this year meant only a few volunteers could work with Paulhus. Still, that was appreciated.

“We’re very grateful for the people who come out to volunteer over the past year-and-a-half … ,” Watts said. “Fern is taking the next month off, so we won’t have any volunteer opportunities for people in the next month. So, the build site

Aside from some landscaping, the exterior of the Habitat for Humanity home on Ominica Street East is completed.

Most work has now moved inside. Photo

by Jason G. Antonio will be closed.”

The reduction in volunteer help was due to many factors, such as pandemic restrictions, people’s comfort levels and

Paulhus’ comfort level with volunteers on site, she continued. She praised the construction manager for going “above and beyond” this year, especially since it was just him working there at times.

She also commended Paulhus for keeping the project on track.

“It must be hard for him a lot of time, but it was unexpected this year and he’s been able to do a great job and make the best of it,” Watts said, adding even one extra volunteer would make a difference in helping Paulhus with some tasks.

Watts suggested that the community can support this Habitat for Humanity build by sharing its social media posts, donating money, or bringing Paulhus a cup of coffee.

PAGE A28 • MOOSEJAWEXPRESS.COM • Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Congratulations New Parents!

Bethany & Jesse Noble

of Moose Jaw December 21, 2021 5:58 pm Male 8lbs, 5oz

Amber & Clifton Francis

of Moose Jaw December 25, 2021 5:09 am Male 7lbs, 14oz

Teleni Raymond & Ronald Byblaw of Moose Jaw December 25, 2021 7:21 pm Female 6lbs, 15oz

Cello player entertains Panda Tire customers with Christmas tunes Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The soothing sounds of a cello filled Panda Tire on Dec. 22 as Duncan H. Blackman performed Christmas carols for staff working in the office and customers waiting for their vehicles.

The first song the cellist strummed was “Away in a manger,” before he stopped to chat about his experiences playing the instrument.

Blackman has been playing the cello for 61 years after he took it up at age nine, he explained. He grew up in a musical family and started playing the piano before pursuing the stand-up stringed instrument.

Within months, he was playing in a junior orchestra in Regina.

By age 10, he joined the Regina Intercollegiate (high school) Orchestra and became its youngest member. He received special accommodation to play with the group because his dad was the orchestra leader.

Blackman later joined the Regina Symphony Orchestra at age 15 and performed with the group for nine years.

“I enjoy the audience engagement,” he said, noting that the smiles he receives from people make performing worth the effort. “I don’t charge. I just like playing

Duncan Blackman plays his cello in the office foyer of Panda Tire on Dec. 22 and entertains staff and customers with Christmas carols. He has been playing for 61 years and can play more than 600 songs and hymns. Photo by Jason G. Antonio for others and bringing joy and happiness to others.”

In normal times, Blackman — who

now lives in Moose Jaw — plays his cello for three care homes in The Friendly City and two homes in Central Butte. Howev-

er, the shifting pandemic restrictions have made it difficult to keep a regular schedule, and some care homes have dropped him for now.

Blackman has also performed in waiting rooms and coffee shops around the community. With a repertoire of 600 songs and hymns, he likely hasn’t repeated too many tunes at the same place.

As for performing Christmas carols in the office foyer of Panda Tire, Blackman explained that whenever he brings in his vehicle, he often chats with co-owner Curtis Moggey about entertaining customers and staff. The arrival of Christmas was the perfect opportunity to break out the holiday song sheet.

The goal was to perform with an employee, but that fell through, so Blackman went solo.

Moggey listened from his desk to the cellist’s performance and thought having Blackman play was a nice change.

“It’s awesome. This is the first time we’ve tried this,” he said. “Hopefully we can make it an annual tradition.”

Blackman can be found on YouTube and can be reached at dhblackman@yahoo.ca.

Wave goodbye to 2021.

For some it may be a fond farewell and for others good riddance.

No matter what the past year brought for rewards or challenges, the whole Team at Panda Tire & Auto want you to know how grateful we are for your support this past year.

We feel truly blessed to continue serving Moose Jaw and Area as we begin our 32nd year as a family business.

Call 306-691-0080 “In the Heart of Downtown Moose Jaw” 888 Main Street