Moose Jaw Express December 7th, 2022

Moose Jaw’s Digital Daily

The Albert E. Peacock Collegiate musical production this year is Bee hive: The ‘60s Musical, created by Larry Gallagher. The musical cel ebrates female voices of the 1960s with performances of top hits from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and The Supremes.

This will be the 52nd annual Peacock Collegiate musical produc tion. The show is new to Moose Jaw and will be performed in Peacock’s Centennial Auditorium on Dec. 8, 9, and 10. All three shows are at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 each and are available from Sasktix.ca.

“It’s been rewarding, every one’s working hard,” said Peacock teacher Jennifer Hemstock, who di rected the music and choreography. “I’m really excited for The Supremes medley, I love that, that’s a lot of fun. … There’s a lot of great moments for the audience and a lot of familiar songs.”

Hemstock had help from two student choreographers, Harper Given and Sierra Downey.

Downey said the show was a change of pace from previous years because it isn’t story-driven, instead focusing on the musi cal performances.

“There aren’t really characters, per se, it’s just us circling around taking turns sing ing our parts,” she explained. “It’s almost like a concert, with some lines in between talking about the ‘60s and events that hap pened during that period.

“It’s been great doing so much singing and dancing, because there’s like, 27 songs, so a lot to learn.”

Given said she was proud of the effort she and her cast-mates have been putting in. though she has helped out behind the scenes for several previous productions.

“Everyone’s coming to rehearsals and everyone is giving their full effort,” Given

Given added that although there isn’t a storyline as such, they will be telling stories through the lyrics of the songs, which she thought was different and interesting.

Director Ray Deans said he’s enjoyed seeing the group dynamics develop as the students learn their parts. The large cast has been divided into three groups that will ro tate trough the production.

“It’s going on schedule,” Deans said. “We’ve got our set together, the costumes are almost completely done, and we seem to be good to go.

“If you like ‘60s music, you’ll really love this show.”

The song list for Beehive: The ‘60s Musical is available online at theatrical rights.com/show/beehive-60s-musical/.

Cast list:

• Group 1

Sophia Peters

Katana Geiger

Aidyn Adkins

Madison McFarlane

Charlie Gariepy

Kailey

Peacock students practice a musical number on the Centennial Auditorium stage (photo by Gordon Edgar)

‘As far Honour the memor y of a loved one with a memorial gift to suppor t the Moose Jaw Dr F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

THURS: $100 Mani/Pedi Combo

FRI: $99 - 60 Minute Facials (includes dermaplaning)

No Specials from December 19th to December 31st.

Our Sahara Spa Gift Cards can be used for all our spa treatments and retail including our NEW lululemon!

as possible from Russia’: Ukrainian family from Kherson tells their story Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com (306) 694-0373

341 Stadacona St E | 306-692-1012 | www.saharaspa.ca

After three months under Russian occupation in their hometown of Kherson, Dar’ya Shyshko and her family decided they had to get out however they could and get as far from Russia and its soldiers as they could go.

Dar’ya Shyshko told her story in an interview with MooseJawToday.com

[Warning: this article contains graphic descriptions of war and war crimes. Reader discretion is advised.]

“We were really scared to leave (Kherson) because they had an order to not let out anyone — they would kill,” Shyshko said. “When you drive on the highway from the city, you can see lots of cars on the sides of the road, just burnt down. They killed those people in those cars.”

didn’t have a garage of their own, so they got the keys to her sister’s garage and hid their car there.

ing on the streets was not safe, and people who tried to leave just after Kherson’s capture risked being killed or interrogated in ‘the basement’ — a euphemism for the de tention and torture chambers the Russians set up to sup press resistance.

In between power and internet outages, residents of Kherson shared stories and photos on Telegram, a mes saging app that encrypts conversation end-to-end.

The situation was grim, Shyshko said.

“When we had connection, we could read that there are ways to escape the city. There was one group which was created to escape from the city, and people were writ ing their comments there. For example, ‘Don’t go yet, the Russians will not let you out.’

“They wrote everything, like, ‘the Russians will search your car, they will search your phone.’”

Shyshko said she couldn’t share any pictures from the occupation, because when she and Sergei decided to try leaving, they wiped their phones of all data in case they were searched.

“I was scared to take a picture because …. They can take you to the basement,” Shyshko explained, “and tor ture you to death.”

Three separate escape attempts

After three months, with the Ukrainian military mak ing gains and Russian soldiers distracted, word on Tele gram began to be more hopeful.

“When I started reading that they are letting people out, I said, ‘OK, let’s just leave everything.’ We didn’t care about our apartment, our stuff, nothing. … because they were walking through all the apartments searching for weapons and taking out men.

“Because what Russians thought is there are parti sans. In the apartments, in the garages, in the houses, just hiding.”

past the lethal 8 p.m. curfew to get their car. They drove roadblock outside the city, joining a line of other vehicles.

After seven hours, nothing had moved, so they drove could safely return it to the garage.

The second time, they were forced to drive through roadblock after roadblock.

“There were so many Russians,” Shyshko said. “And they’re searching you, they make you come out of the car, they search your documents, they ask you questions, and

The Shyshko family (l-r Sergei, Dar’ya, Milana, and Masha) are now safe in Moose Jaw (photo by Gordon Edgar)

they can take whatever they want. They can do whatever they want.

“No one is going to say, ‘Oh, you’re not allowed to touch our belongings.’ If they want your phone, they say, ‘Oh, Apple, I love this phone,’ or ‘I like your watch, take it off.’

“What people were doing, just to get rid of them, they were taking cigarettes, alcohol, money, saying, ‘Don’t touch us, just take it and don’t touch us.’”

Leaving Ukraine

The third time was more roadblocks, more inspec tions, more waiting — nine hours, Shyshko said. But they made it, driving out from occupied territory through the no-man’s-land gray zone between the lines.

Finally, they saw Ukrainian soldiers.

“There were our Ukrainian defenders. We were so happy, hugging them and kissing them. And they gave to my children candies and stuff,” Shyshko said, tearing up. “Because we ran out and we didn’t have any sweets. It was nice.”

They drove to Mykolaiv, but the city was so severely damaged that most of the residents hadn’t had water in months. So they moved on to Odesa.

“We rented an apartment there, and we decided to go to Canada, and we applied for our visas there,” Shyshko explained. “It is still Ukraine, but it is still dangerous.”

Although Odesa had air defences, a military pres ly from Russia were occasionally making it through. Shy shko couldn’t take any more.

“There are lots of missile attacks. … And yeah, a few residential houses got hit, and even kids were dying. So, I said, I just want a safe place. And I said to my husband, let’s go as far as possible from Russia.” to Canada.

Arriving in Moose Jaw

“My husband was looking for a smaller town,” Shy

shko explained. “We liked Saskatchewan because of the Ukrainian roots and heritage here. We read about it on the internet and he just googled, and Moose Jaw came up on top of the list of the safest smaller cities.

“Safety was priority number one, I wanted just a qui et, peaceful place.”

The welcome they received upon arriving in Sas katchewan was more than they could ever have expected.

They applied for a house with Moose Jaw Housing Authority (MJHA) before even leaving Poland. Then Dar’ya found a Facebook group called Moose Jaw Mom mies and told them her situation.

The community of Moose Jaw took it from there.

ed and without a plan. A contact from Facebook picked them from the airport and drove them to Moose Jaw. Another booked a hotel for the family for the three days it would take before they could move into their MJHA house.

When they did move in, the house was almost com pletely bare. There were only cupboards, a stove, and a refrigerator. A Facebook group called Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw, started by Moose Javians includ ing Glenda James, Christy Schweiger, and Gale Reader co-ordinated people from Moose Jaw and surrounding

Kitchen supplies, tables, chairs, living room furni ture, clothes, bedding, and more were all quickly donated. Others donated gift cards to Walmart or Carter’s.

“We got such great help here, and support, and so many people came to welcome us,” Shyshko said. “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped us, who took the time to write ‘welcome’ on our Facebook post, who offered their help.”

Shyshko tried to keep a list of everyone who had helped, but it got so long she decided not to for fear of leaving someone out.

She gestured around her new home. “Everything you see here, people donated to us.”

The children are now attending Sacred Heart School, where Dar’ya has a job as an educational assistant. Ser gei is learning English from his new co-workers at Doep ker. They pick him up for work, and drop him off, so he doesn’t have to walk in the cold.

“This group from Facebook … It’s a great help for everyone. People are supporting us, and they try their best, you can feel that. It touches me. It melts my heart because these are just simple people who have sympathy towards us Ukrainians.

“You can see we lost everything, but we gained so much. At the end, here we are, safe. We have jobs, we can work. Over there, living in occupation, we didn’t have that. I can’t say that was life.”

Kherson is liberated

Brooke & Ryan Olson of Penzance Nov 29, 2022 10:22 am

Female 8lbs, 9oz

Kristin & Johannes Longland of Moose Jaw Nov 30, 2022 6:45 pm

Female 8lbs, 14oz

Janice & Bryden Hennessey of Bethune Dec 1, 2022 1:23 pm

Male 8lbs, 10oz

Emeley Carrobourg & Leighton Ellert of Rockglen Dec 2, 2022 5:17 pm

Female 5lbs, 10oz

Sierra & Buck Ager of Rockglen Nov 28, 2022 11:19 am

Salvation Army looking to raise $65K during this year’s kettle campaign

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Holding his credit card against the tap machine to make a $20 donation, Mayor

contribute to the Salvation Army’s 2022 kettle campaign.

The machine’s beep — the cam paign’s new sound instead of traditional handbells — indicated the payment was received.

“I’m pleased to be able to (contrib ute because) the tradition (is) the mayor launch) the campaign for the season. I’m pleased to do that,” Tolley said on Nov. 28 at the Co-op grocery store during the char ity’s kick-off of its largest fundraiser.

“I’m also very pleased to see that we’ve got an electronic giving opportuni ty here, the Tap-2-Give. Most people don’t carry much cash with them anymore.”

Tolley commended the Co-op for supporting the campaign for decades. He noted that he has shopped there since he was a “wee fellow” and the kettles have always been present.

Michaela Turner, Co-op’s community relations manager, presented a gift card of $1,000 to the charity, noting it does good work year-round.

“We’re very excited to be good part ners to the Salvation Army … ,” she said. “We know the need is greater than ever again this year. Unfortunately, it seems to be increasing each year.”

This is the third year the Salvation Army has had tap machines, with the de

vices contributing to a successful 2021 campaign, explained Lt. Lester Ward. Four locations will have the tap machines this year: Safeway, Superstore, the Co-op and Walmart.

“It’s a privilege every year to have the kettle kickoff,” Ward said.

There are eight kettle locations this year, while nationwide, there are over 2,000 places hosting a kettle. The campaign began in 1903 in To ronto and has grown during the past 119 years.

The money raised in Moose Jaw remains here to help resi dents struggling at Christmas and throughout the year.

volunteer again this year, including Depu ty Police Chief Rick Johns. He praised the campaign’s longevity, while he recalled being a rookie constable in 1997 and vol unteering.

“It was (nothing) short of amazing how many people (gave), and the level of generosity I saw with people putting money into the Christmas kettle,” he said. “And I’ve seen that over and over again.”

To volunteer, contact Volunteer-coor dinator Natalie Lund-Clysdale at the Sal

The Salvation Army’s goal in 2021

showing how generous and giving resi dents are, said Ward. Residents have also been generous in donating their time to man the kettles.

The organization plans to keep the

didn’t want to set an unachievable objec tive.

“We can’t do what we do here in this city without the people behind us,” Ward said.

Christmas hamper applications from fam

cluding 312 children. Those families, Ward pointed out, likely wouldn’t have had much food or toys if they hadn’t ap plied for support.

It is exciting to have a toy store at the Salvation Army Church for a third-straight year because it lets parents acquire gifts for their children while maintaining their dignity, he continued. It also becomes a crying environment.

To encounter a young family that is hurting, in need, can’t afford gifts and asks for support is heartbreaking, but to real ize they can — via the Salvation Army — give their kids gifts on Christmas morning is what makes the season special for Ward.

The number of bagged breakfasts the charity hands out every weekday indicates how much people are struggling, he con tinued. The organization started the pro

that month; by Oct. 31, it was distributing over 700 bagged breakfasts per month.

“So, we know that if that’s an indica tion of the need here in the city and sur rounding areas,” Ward added, “we have no doubt this Christmas season is probably going to be one like no other.”

John Howard Society has been awarded a $3.4 million contract for

The

The John Howard Society of Saskatche wan (JHSS) will coordinate and incorpo rate the necessary needs and services of for their contract in 2022-23. They have been awarded a $3.4 million contract for services.

JHSS will implement a provincial model with the help of the Saskatchewan Government for providing rapid access to youth-targeted support with Integrated Youth Services (IYS).

The services offered will typically be for mental health, peer support, primary care, substance misuse, education, train ing and employment and social and com munity services.

There will be three physical locations across the province for services. Virtual programming will begin when physical locations have been established.

The Ministries of Health, Education, Social Services, Justice, Corrections, Po licing and Public Safety, Advanced Edu cation, Immigration and Career Training, and Government relations support this in ter-sectoral initiative with leadership.

“We are creating these ‘one-stop-

shop’ locations across the province to make it easier and faster for our young

they’re looking for. Coordinating efforts across government and integrating ser vices across sectors is key to making that happen,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said.

CEO of the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan Shawn Fraser said, “The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan is truly grateful to have been chosen to help deliver Integrated Youth Services. We’ve seen this type of collaboration have very positive outcomes in other jurisdictions and we are really excited to help make IYS work for youth right here in Sas katchewan.”

IYS is a national and international movement, aimed at reimagining how the resources, services and support they need.

For more information visit https:// www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/ family-and-social-support/integrat ed-youth-services

Mayor Clive Tolley (left) uses his credit card to make the

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Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer Jason G. Antonio April Meersman Ag Journalist

Reading through this edition of the Express, it is apparently a very busy month here in Moose Jaw. The Christmas season can be the most wonderful time of the year for many, but for others it’s a very lonely season to endure.

This week W.J. Jones & Son will be holding their Morning Star Christmas Service for anyone who carries loss or grief. On December 8th at 7:30 p.m., all are welcome to come to the chapel located at 474 Hochelaga St. for the 25th anniver sary celebration. You can read more about the event in this edition.

EDITOR

A very good article, Living with Loss During the Holidays by Deb Del Vecchio-Scully said, “The deeper truth of loss is that icant to us dies. However, there are many ways to live with the loss without suffering from it. It is important to know the return of grief is a normal part of the healing process.”

She goes on to share some suggestions as to how to manage the reactions to anniversary grief during the holidays.

“Use your support system and reach out to friends and loved ones to help you through. Be mindful of your support system during these times, and remain connected.

“Change holiday gatherings to limit painful reminders. Gather for a breakfast meal instead of the traditional dinner and con sider having another person host the holiday if you tradition ally did so.

“Consider volunteering for a charity activity as a way of hon oring the lost loved one.

“Reconnect with a counselor or bereavement support group. “Be gentle toward yourself and handle your memories with care. You can choose which memories to focus on and decide to release particular memories if they create longing or hold you in the past in an unpleasant way.

“Calm your pain by focusing [more on] happy memories shared with your loved one. Recalling happy memories can help ease the pain of the loss.

“Create space to intentionally remember and grieve regularly. Use this time to consciously recall memories and set the mem these memories, which can be opened and closed as needed. “Rituals and memorials are helpful for acknowledging the an niversary while also containing the emotional intensity of the event. Draw on your culture, family traditions, and religious or spiritual beliefs to guide you in the creation of a meaningful remembrance.”

“Although the winter holidays are a time to celebrate fam ily, friends and community, there are also older adults who have no family, or few friends nearby, or are lonely and socially isolat ed,” says blogger Deborah Carr at https://blog.oup.com/2019/12/ why-the-holidays-are-the-loneliest-time-for-seniors/ . “Christmas season may sharpen the dull pains of loneli ness, as older adults yearn for their loved ones who have died, or reminisce about happy celebrations in their family home that they have since abandoned for residence in a long-term care fa cility.”

I had someone emphatically tell me recently that seniors aren’t lonely. Well, that may be for some, but from someone who knows some seniors, too, including my 89-year-old pops, seniors do experience loneliness. Sometimes health-related is sues can compound loneliness by keeping seniors from being socially active, as those who use walkers or wheelchairs making son or winter months.

For those of us who care deeply for our seniors, reach out to them and be there for emotional support, especially now when emotions run high.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the au

Send your letters to the editor to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com or 888-241-5291

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The Valley of Lights in Wakamow Valley a sight to behold

The Valley of Lights opened on December 1st for the community to experience in Wakamow Valley. Enter on River Drive to the Lorne Calvert Campground. The light show will continue until January 7th, 2023 from 6 pm to 9pm nightly.

“This is our opening night for our Valley of Lights fundraiser,” said General manager of Wakamow Valley Donna MacQuarrie-Bye on December 1st. “As the eve ning goes on, it’s going to be good to amp up a little bit because everybody’s been excited to see our moose and a few of our other additions.”

She said that the bridge down in Wakamow is also decorated this year, and some of the installations have been welded by Peacock Collegiate students.

This year MacQuarrie-Bye said she is expecting a substantial increase in visitors. “That is our overall goal because we did extend [the Valley of Lights] for an extra week this year to Jan 7, 2023,” she said.

Wakamow Valley Authority is also raising funds for Red Cross Ukraine relief. “We have added a few little fundraising events within our fundraiser event to give back to the community.” As Christmas approaches, Mac Quarrie-Bye expects that the 23rd and 24th of Dec will be the busiest days, if it goes according to last years at tendance.

This year, limousines and paratransit bus services have been added as a travel option. People are encouraged to make early reservations by calling in advance. These

services require a little more work to accommodate be cause of their size. Paratransit is $5 per occupant on the bus.

The cost per vehicle is $10 to enter the drive.

Elsa by Katie Kosplay and Anna by Shadow Link

Sunday December 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm. Walk-throughs are $20 per family.

Wagon Rides are taking place on December 9th and on December 24th from 6pm to 9pm. Call the Wakamow

for the Wagon Rides during Valley of Lights. There is a limit to 20 people per wagon, and it is a cost of $20.00 per family for these nights. The preference is for the public to pre-pay to hold the reservation. No ticket is required! Just a name and phone number is required at the time of booking.

The Moose Jaw Community Choir will be perform ing on Thursday December 15 at 7 pm.

MacQuarrie-Bye is appreciative of her team effort,

and hopes that this year’s Valley of Lights will be enjoy able for the community and exceed expectations.

“It’s just a heartwarming feeling to have that kind of teamwork. It’s a sense of family,” she said.

For more information visit Wakamow Valley Author ity on facebook or on their webpage, or by calling their

Come

The Moose Jaw District Senior Citizens Association is organizing “An Afternoon with Santa” at Timothy Eaton Gardens to be held on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 3.30 p.m.

a success,” said Elaine Parsons, Secretary on the Board of Directors of Moose Jaw District Senior Citizens As sociation and Events Coordinator. “We hope lots of par ents bring their kids out or kids bring their parents out and have a fun afternoon.”

St. Margaret’s school grade 7 and 8 classes have ap proached the MJ & District Seniors Assoc. to work with the seniors for quite some time and they are very interest ed to contribute to the community. “They are very hap py about working with us on this project,” said Parsons. “We are going to have a Santa Claus, so the kids and their families can talk to Santa and use their phones to take pic tures.”

There are also going to be lots of different activi ties like face painting, a craft table for making Christmas tree ornamentations or colour pictures, a beanbag tossing game, a ‘who nose game’ where children will be blind folded to pin the nose on the right place and a story corner where Christmas stories will be read.

A very jovial soul himself, longtime Moose Javian

Eaton Gardens on

Glenn Hagel has agreed to be Santa at the event. Parsons said that when she approached the community for a volun teer to be the one-and-only Santa Claus, over half a doz en people said to ask Glenn. She then phoned him and pitched the idea, and of course, Hagel agreed. Apparently he has a regular Santa Claus costume and has done this for a number of other groups throughout the Christmas season.

“He’s such a good Santa,” Parsons said.

Ottawa Real Estate & Insurance, McCauley Agen cies, Century 21, Henderson Insurance Inc. and Royal LePage Landmart have agreed so far to sponsor the event. Their sponsorship will help to buy presents and gifts for the children. These presents will contain a bag full of can dies, oranges and other gift items.

Posters for the event have been placed in care homes, downtown businesses, the library, Yara Centre and the Events Centre.

“An Afternoon with Santa” is going to be a children’s event for all ages. There will be games and activities and most importantly pictures with Santa. Kids must bring their parents and grandparents to enjoy this fun afternoon. Tickets can be purchased at the door; cost is $2 for chil dren and $5 for families.

“I hope everybody has a good time,” said Parsons.

Joan

Joan Ritchie

by Timothy

Saturday, Dec. 17 for “An Afternoon with Santa” Kids of all ages welcome to come for a visit with Santa, lots of activities, and lots of fun

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Valley of Lights fundraiser for Wakamow Valley Authority is now open for viewing

By Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Season greetings signs in the Wakamow Valley of lights.

Night walkthrough inside the Wakamow Valley of lights.

Stars are lit as beautiful decorations inside the Waka mow Valley of lights.

Trees are lit inside the Wakamow Valley of lights.

Talon

“I did a fairly thorough search to try and make sure I wasn’t taking credit where credit wasn’t due,” Regent said in an interview with MooseJawToday.com. “I could

The real estate transaction was for the purchase and sale of a residential home in Moose Jaw. Regent pur chased the property from Century 21 realtor Laura Fehr.

Regent is the owner of a website called Easy eLaw, which is designed to make digital document signing ac cessible for clients. He hopes to attract customers by ad vertising the convenience of digital transactions.

However, taking the next step from digital transac tion to virtual involved a little more work.

“I was already familiar with how to use virtual reality technology, including the program we use that’s shown in the video,” Regent explained. “But the realtor, Laura Fehr, who helped me out, … I had to teach her how to use the VR system. Then there were logistical complications

view, with integrated headphones for sound immersion. Handheld controllers track hand and arm movements while sensors track the headset motion around the room.

This enables users who may be on opposite sides of the planet to feel like they’re sharing a space. Their per

“Even though we didn’t leave our physical spaces,” settings, one in the virtual world and one in the physical

“In the video, when you see both Laura and I sitting at the desk, you see that through the lens of a third head set.”

Physical and virtual land have both been on the mar

ket for decades, Regent said, but the adoption of modern land transactions. Securing and verifying such transac tions is, in a sense, more important than the transaction itself, so governments have been cautious about digital or e-signing.

complied with in that video,” Regent said. “The offer to purchase that was signed in virtual reality is in compli ance with The Electronic Information and Documents Act (2000).

“Where the law does not allow for a signature in vir tual reality is for documents governed under The Land Titles Act. The current Saskatchewan registrar does not allow for that.”

Regent said he’s not planning on fully integrating VR into his business anytime soon. The video is a proofof-concept project. VR technology is not yet widespread enough to make it practical.

Nevertheless, he said, it’s important for technolo gy-minded entrepreneurs to take these types of steps to inspire people’s imaginations.

“Virtual reality is for much more than gaming. It’s a new medium, akin to radio, television, computers, the internet. It is a new step in the technological ability to interact with each other.

“It’s for video gaming, it’s for conferences, it’s for business purposes. There are going to be opportunities for social interaction, medicine, architectural design, a new medium for art. The list goes on — the possibilities for virtual reality are nearly endless.”

Regent, owner of Regent Law in Moose Jaw, used Virtual Reality (VR) technology to sign documents for ever.

Garry Downton

Dave Foley

Allan Lemieux

Ross Lundgren

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Talon Regent is a Moose Jaw lawyer who was listed as

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Familiar recipes brought out for Christmas enjoyment

Despite the surging number of cookbooks in the cupboard, traditions demand that one turn to the long-time favourite recipes stored in folders and in recipe boxes on the counter.

familiar treats made every year at Christmas.

• •

•

NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

1 cup Graham cracker crumbs

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup powered sugar

1/4 cup soft butter

8 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate

Grease an 8x8 inch pan, line with parchment paper and grease lightly.

Stir together crumbs, peanut butter, powdered sugar and butter and pour into the pan. Spread evenly.

Melt the chocolate, being careful not to burn it. Pour over crumb mixture and smooth. Chill in refrigerator then cut into squares. Store in

refrigerator.

Note: 1 cup of Rice Krispies may be added to the base mixture for a crunchier bar.

• •

•

THIMBLE COOKIES

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 egg, separated

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

well. Shape into small balls.

Beat egg white until stiff. Roll balls of dough into the egg white and then the nuts. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 2 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remove from oven and push thumb into each ball. Return to oven and bake 2-3 minutes more. Remove from oven and cool slightly on a rack.

When cookies are cooler, add a dab of icing, 1/2 a maraschino cherry or a chocolate kiss into

the thumb print. Cool completely. Store in a cool place.

•

•

•

MICROWAVE CREAM FUDGE

2 cups light brown sugar

1 can Eagle Brand milk, original 2/3 cup butter

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups icing sugar

Combine brown sugar, butter and milk and microwave 4 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Return to microwave and heat another 4 minutes. Remove from oven, add icing sugar and vanilla and beat at high speed with electric mixer until all icing sugar is blended, about 1 minute.

Spread into a greased pan. Cool in refrigerator at least one hour. Remove from pan and cut into squares. Store in refrigerator.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Sask. author Melanie Larson publishes third children’s book from the Adventures of the Barnyard Boys book series

Melanie Larson, author of the children’s storybook “The Day Petunia had Piglets in the Strawberry Patch” uses her child hood memories and her experience as a mother on a Saskatchewan farm to write this newest book.

This is her third book from the Adven tures of the Barnyard Boys book series and sixth publication. Her other two illustrated books from the series are called The Day I lost my Bear in Cypress Hills and The Day I Discovered a Dinosaur Bone.

“How can I create a book that is edu cational, funny and memorable that chil dren and their caregivers will want to read over and over again?” Larson said.

While writing a book, her thought process always evolves around something which will be educational and fun-loving for children.

Larson is a farmwife and mother of three beautiful children in southwest Sas katchewan. She also does reclamation work in the oil and gas industry. She grew

up on a ranch. Her hobby is writing chil dren’s books. “I grew up on a ranch and there was always something new and ex citing happening with the farm animals.”

The book is a children’s illustrated storybook about three brothers that live on a farm that adopt a Kunekune pig named Petunia. Occasionally, Petunia escapes from her pen.

One spring day on the farm, the brothers go to feed Petunia and once again she has escaped. The brothers split up in search of Petunia, checking the barn, pas ture, chicken coop and more places look ing for her.

Along the way, the three brothers dis cover new baby farm animals all over the farm.

also have a surprise for the three boys?

The characters in the book are loosely based on her children and their grandpar ents, who also play a big role in their lives on the farm. “I have a personal connection with all of my books.”

She said her favourite part of the book is the search page at the end of the book. She wants to remind children that each an imal has a certain purpose on the farm. She also wants children to understand animals are not only just cute and cuddly but are also domesticated for farm labour, their hides can be used for clothing, and they are also livestock food.

The illustrations of her book were done by FX and Color Studio. Bright and colourful illustrations are used to inspire the readers, and these were done using her

real farm photographs.

Larson says her books are written with education, adventure and humour to liven up her readers’ experience.

Her future plans include writing more children’s books with a background set ting of Saskatchewan.

Larson concludes by wishing all her readers and book collectors a “Merry Christmas”.

To read and/or purchase her books, please visit www.mlarsonbooks.com

The Day Petunia had Piglets in the Strawberry Patch was written from childhood memories, and her experience as a mother on a Saskatchewan farm Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Melanie Larson holds a copy of six books she has published. Photo compli ments of Melanie Larson

Melanie Larson, author of the chil dren’s book The Day Petunia had Pig lets in the Strawberry Patch. Photo compliments of Melanie Larson

Snowbirds Dinner in Regina with Air Cadets

The

(CAHS)

Regina. Eleven members of the RCAF Snowbirds from 15 Wing met with Air Cadets from Regina and area on Nov. 24. Three Air Cadet squadrons from Regina and one from Indian Head were represent ed at the dinner.

The 431 Snowbird Squadron delega tion was led by Team Lead Snowbird #1, Brett Parker and included a mix of pilots and technicians. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for Air Cadets to have an informal opportunity to meet with Snowbird team members. Each table included Air Cadets and one member of

the Snowbirds along with members of the CAHS and RCAFA. Many Air Cadets go on to serve in the RCAF, thus the dinner is an opportunity to encourage the interest of future members of the RCAF, a primary mission of the Snowbirds.

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) has lots of interactive programs for adults, teens and children through the Christmas season

The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) has lots of interactive programs for adults, teens and children going on through the Christmas season.

December Holiday Hours: Dec 24 - CLOSED Dec 25 - CLOSED Dec 26CLOSED Dec 31 - Open 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Jan 1 - CLOSED

Adult programming

MJPL’s adult programming has some interesting in-person programs.

· Tech Time

o Any issues with your technological de vices feel free to get in touch with the tech team of MJPL.

· Magic the Gathering

o In the South Meeting Room on Satur day Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. for an interactive card game that anyone can play; expe rienced and non-experienced players welcome.

· Purely Canadian Book Club: “The Day the World Came to Town” by Jim Defede

o The title book is available in both print, eBook and audiobook on Hoo pa and can be collected or picked up from the Library. This will happen on Thursday, Dec 8 in Herb Taylor Room at 2.30 p.m.

· MJPL Movie Club: “Little Women”

o Will be shown on Monday, Dec. 12 at MJPL Theatre at 6 p.m. After the mov ie, there will be a discussion.

Youth programming

MJPL designed youth programming with both in-person and virtual programs.

· New Adult Digital Dungeons & Drag ons

o On every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a virtual meet for D&D for 15-22 years old youths. Registra tions required in advance. New and

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

seasoned players welcome. To get more information and register, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

· Teen Dungeons & Dragons

o Every Thursday until Dec 15 from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. at MJPL Archives, for teens 12-16 years old. New and seasoned players welcome. To get more information and register, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

· Teen Maker Space

o For 12-19 years, anyone who likes new technologies and tech tools is welcome to attend on Wednesday, Dec 14 at 6.30 p.m. in Herb Taylor Room MJPL Lego Mindstorms EV3 event . There will be snacks for all attendees.

· Teen Gamers – Games Night

o Teen gamers get ready for game night on Wednesday, Dec 14 at 6.30 p.m. in Herb Taylor room for 12-19 years old. There will be video games, board games, and card games featuring Xbox Kinect and a classic NES console with an additional Nintendo Switch. Snacks provided. No registration required.

· Teen Movie Matinee Double Feature: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” & “The Santa Clause”

o MJPL Theatre will be showing “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Saturday, December 17th at 2.30 p.m., followed by “The Santa Clause” at 4 p.m. for youth 13-19 years. No registration re quired; no food or drink is permissible in the Library Theatre.

Teen eBook Club on Discord: “The Fae Keeper”

o On Tuesday, Dec 20 at 4.30 p.m. there will be a reading session of “The Fae Keeper” by H.E. Edgmon for youth 13-19 years. The audiobook is avail able for borrowing for free on Hoopla

and the eBook and audiobook are also available on Library2go. Please call the library as to how to join Discord.

· Teen Writers Circle

o Passionate writers of 12-19 ages can join Teen Writers Circle on Wednes day, Dec 21 at 6.30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room to broaden your imagi nation and improve your writing skills. There will be snacks for the attendees.

· Teen “I Made This” Art Program

o MJPL will be making melty bead art with 12-19 aged youths on Wednes day, Dec 28 at 6.30 p.m. in Herb Tay lor room. All art geeks who love to make crafts can join this program and enjoy snacks with some bead art crafts.

Children’s programming

MJPL came with interactive in-person and take-home programs for children.

· Baby Storytime

o Bring your children of 0-2 years old to the library for short stories, rhymes and songs on Tuesdays, until Dec 20 at 10.30 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room. No registration is required.

Preschool Storytime

o Children of 2-5 years old and their caring adults are welcome to join for a fun storytime session with books, Wednesdays until Dec 21 at 10.30 a.m. in the Children’s Program Room.

· Daycare Storytime

o There are fun crafts, songs, rhymes and stories for daycare kiddos of 2-5 years old on Thursdays, through to Dec 22 at 10.30 a.m. in MJPL’s children’s pro gram room. Registration is required by cslling 306-692-2787.

· Lego Weekends

o If your child loves Legos, come to the children’s department every Saturday

and Sunday and build a cool Lego, which will be displayed in MJPL’s window. This is a self-guided program for 4+ children and will run through out Dec.

· Cloud Dough Mania

o Bring your 2+ years old to the chil dren’s program room and let them enjoy playing with cloud dough with some fun sensory activities and stories on Saturday, Dec 10 at 1.30 p.m. Reg istration is required.

· Maker Saturdays

o This program will develop and en hance kids 8-12 years old critical thinking, and problem-solving and ex pose them to new ideas and opportu nities to become creative. Registration required for this program, and it will happen in Herb Taylor Room on Satur day, Dec 10 at 1.30 p.m.

· Christmas Storytime

o Christmas Storytime and fun, festive craft activities for 2 yrs + with caring adults on Saturday. Dec 17 at 10.30 a.m., Preregistration required.

· Children’s Take ‘n’ make Series

o From Dec. 7 - Dec 31 there are popsi cle stick ornament activities. Craft kits are available at the Library’s Circula tion Desk for pick up to take home. All Take ‘n’ Make kits includes a booking session for idea suggestions. This ac tivity is for 4+ aged children.

· Literacy Activity Calendars

o Two monthly calendars full of activ ities, songs, games, crafts and much more are available for children.

• Early literacy (for infants and pre school children)

• Children’s Literacy (for elementa ry-aged children)

Friends of the Forces Fellowship from Moose Jaw were pleased to be one of the sponsors of the annual Dinner with the Snowbirds banquet, organized by the Canadian Aviation Historical Soci ety

and the Royal Canadian Air Force Association ( RCAFA) 600 Wing,

Submitted by Joyce Walter, Photos and information submitted by Phil Adkins

Snowbirds Technicians meet with at tendees before cutting of the Snow birds’ Over 50th anniversary cake

Snowbirds pilots and technicians with air cadets at the Nov. 24 Dinner with the Snowbirds

Snowbird Lead Brett Parker addresses the dinner gathering

Snowbird pilots and technicians mingle with dinner guests

Snowbird 10 Capt. Erik Temple, left, and Snowbird 11 Rich MacDougall, right, chat with an Air Cadet

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

What child wouldn’t want a skull to smash??

colouring books and crayons, and sometimes a bit of

But there was nary a skull in all those years of being for its ugliness and the wonderment that anyone would

The views and opinions ex pressed in this article are those of the author, and do sition of this publication.

inates it as a gift for at least one of the children on our

I didn’t bother to do any further research, already be already smashed?

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw Express Continues Christmas Stocking Tradition

By Robert Thomas

She said the reason she asked to continue the tradi

SALE BY TENDER

RM OF EYEBROW NO. 193

Land Approx. Acreage

SE 34 19 01 3 Ext 0 160.67 NE 34 19 01 3 Ext 0 160.61

Surface interest only no mineral rights included.

1. Tenders must be submitted to the law firm of Grayson & Company by 4:00 p.m., Friday December 16, 2022.

2. A cheque for 5% of the amount of the tender must accompany the tender (cheques will be returned to unsuccessful bidders).

3. Bids will be restricted to only those that are for both quarters.

4. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

5. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the property and confirm acreage (acreages shown are taken from Land Title records), condition and other particulars.

6. The closing date for the sale shall be January 6, 2023, or as mutually agreed upon between the Vendor and the Purchaser.

7. No tender shall be accepted which is subject to financing. Forward tenders and inquiries to:

DARCY J. DUMONT GRAYSON & COMPANY BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS 350 LANGDON CRESCENT MOOSE JAW, SK S6H 0X4 PHONE: (306) 693-6176 File No.: 9643-008 DJD

DATE: DECEMBER 13TH, 2022

PLACE: HERITAGE INN, JUBILEE ROOM

TIME: 7 PM Co ee and tea will be served

dates showing the community the amount of funds col act same cause, meeting the needs of the community,” Lt

https://www.mjindependent.com/lifestyles/2022/11/28/ i4281xe0f4tvdrsti79ljxjby56kak

By Patricia Hanbidge

Growing Food Indoors in Winter

Like many of you, the bite of winter has truly hit home. With every year that goes by, I realize that winter is less attractive due to the extreme cold and I am quite sure that I lived in a milder climate in my past lives! The ability to travel to warmer climes does help to circumvent Mother Nature’s winter wrath, but there are also ways to help achieve this without ever leaving home!

Creating a welcome space to help us to “live the dream” by creating a life that is truly linked to all the love of gardening and horticulture twelve months of the year.

sprouting or dead twigs miraculously sprouting green leaves could be a regular occurrence in your life. Better yet, with the rising costs of literally everything you can also offset some of our grocery costs by growing a little bit at home during the winter months.

We can easily grow at least some of the produce we consume – even at -30°C outside. There is nothing like fresh herbs to cook with and building a salad with what you have grown. Nutritionists share that we should be adopting a more plant-based diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and the Canada Food Guide has shifted towards recommending a high proportion of our diet to be made up of plant-based food. Plants offer us a host

als. What they also offer us is suggestions that they also contain compounds that prevent a number of life threat ening diseases which cannot be substituted with dietary supplements. All this and I have not even mentioned the exquisite taste of what we grow ourselves.

As a horticulturist, I of course appreciate and even

food to me is extremely important to my green thumb and my prowess as a chef. It all stemmed from the sat isfaction I gleaned from being part of generations that value feeding the family with food grown with our own hands. Hippocrates proclaimed almost 2500 years ago: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine by thy food.”

My hope is that I can encourage you to make this winter the beginning of growing at least some of the food you consume. It is not necessary to purchase any fancy grow systems, that can range from a few hundred into the thousands of dollars. Many of these systems claim to be state of the art plug, go and grow but often have com plex hydroponic or other systems that can be complex to manage. Growing plants for food does not need to be a complex chore.

If we wish to be successful, we simply need to pro vide what plants need to grow. Water, light, oxygen, nu trition and warmth are the simple essentials for success. If you are new to growing plants indoors, keep it as basic

as possible. You will need to in vest in some type of light that can easily be moved up and down over the plants you are growing. A sim

LED shop light might be the an swer to providing for your plants as they are both eco nomical and sim ple to install. However, if you look online or visit your favourite garden centre or supply company, the sky’s the limit with what you invest.

Watch next week for more intel on simply grow ing some food indoors. Watch our facebook page, you tube channel and website for more tips and if you are interested, CBC Blue Sky show is going to focus on this subject with Horticulturist Patricia Hanbidge on Tues day, December 6th. If you miss the show, tune in for the recording of the episode on https://www.cbc.ca/bluesky/ episodes/

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.

Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the You tube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

Square One shares myth-busting facts on people experiencing homelessness

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Square One Community, Inc. is a Moose Jaw non-prof it dedicated to the ideal that everyone in the community should have the opportunity for their basic housing needs to be met.

At their recent Empty Bowls fundraiser, Square One shared facts from www.homelesshub.ca that contradict common beliefs about people experiencing homelessness.

“We encounter these misconceptions about people whose housing is unstable all the time,” said Della Fergu son, chairperson of the Square One board. “So, we decid ed to share these facts at our fundraiser, and people have been very interested. There’s been a lot of questions, and it’s really sparked interest. Several people have asked if they can (share the myth-busters), which of course they can.”

Myths and stereotypes about homelessness bring fur ther harm to a population that is already marginalized by

Myth 1 — people choose to be homeless Homelessness is a complex situation for most indi viduals experiencing it, with many stress factors contrib they have exhausted every other option they have.

Some of those factors include:

Eviction

· The affordable housing crisis

· Coping with mental illnesses or substance abuse dis orders

Myth 2 — people experiencing homelessness are lazy People experiencing homelessness lack the most ba sic stability in life. In order to survive, they are constantly in search of necessities such as food, shelter, and sources of income.

Therefore, many people experiencing homelessness do not have the option of laziness and stagnation. They are also more vulnerable to criminal behaviour, making constant vigilance and anxiety another aspect of their ex istence.

For example, more than 75 per cent of youth expe riencing homelessness were the victims of at least one crime over a year-long period, and nearly 40 per cent of female youth experiencing homelessness are the victims of sexual assault.

Myth 3 — all people experiencing homelessness have substance abuse issues

Many people who experience homelessness do not struggle with substance abuse. The effects of trauma, brain injuries, and mental illness may also be a factor of their experience — or they may simply have fallen on hard times, been kicked out of their home over a disagree

Myth 4 — people experiencing homelessness should just get a job

In fact, people experiencing homelessness may al ready be employed. They may be unable to afford housing despite being employed due to the high cost of housing.

cult. Without a permanent address, reliable access to bath ing and laundry facilities, a phone, or reliable transporta tion, it is that much harder.

Myth 5 — There are plenty of adequate services and supports and they just aren’t using them

Many of the supports for people experiencing hous ing instability due to poverty are focused on emergency services such as shelters and food banks. Even if these emergency services were adequate to the need — they are overwhelmed Canada-wide — they can focus only on survival.

To solve homelessness, there needs to be enough af fordable housing, and barriers such as the criminalization of homelessness need reform.

Myth 6 — Property values will go down if we allow a shelter into our neighbourhood

Downtown Toronto is a concentrated area of support and services for people experiencing homelessness. De spite the large numbers of people who enter the down town core to access these services, housing prices remain high.

This common misperception and attitude is referred to as “not in my backyard” (NIMBY).

Myth 7 — Only people sleeping rough are experienc ing homelessness

Sleeping rough means surviving in public spaces such as parks or lobbies, or sleeping in a car or tent.

People do not have to be sleeping on the streets to be experiencing homelessness. Especially vulnerable popu lations such as 2SLGBTQ+ persons, youth, and women avoid streets and shelters for fear of violence. They may couch surf or live temporarily with people they know.

Many of these situations are transactional, forcing vulnerable people without stable housing options to bar ter for survival.

Myth 8 — providing housing for people experiencing homelessness is a waste of taxpayer dollars

Keeping people safely housed is cheaper by far than supporting them through emergency services.

On average, it costs $87,000 per year to support a person experiencing homelessness through hospitals, jails, courts, ambulances, police, and other emergency services.

The cost of housing and supports for that person — keeping them out of emergency rooms and police station lobbies — is approximately $30,500 per year.

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

fall from current levels.

Most commodity prices have fallen from early Ukraine war levels but remain pretty healthy.

in farm cash receipts last year. Those receipts increased 18.2 per cent in Saskatchewan, via Statistics Canada.

wages. Family wages declined one per cent to average

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, DEC 12. year, with nearly half the total debt related to the munic Nov. 28 regular council meeting. 50 per cent of our debt will be related to the … renewal,” manageable, but there probably are limits to how much debt can be added in the future.”

The long-term debt per capita ratio shows that way to fund pressing infrastructure issues facing the city.” Coun. Heather Eby appreciated being reminded that debt is sometimes the only way to fund critical infrastruc “Sometimes debt is seen as bad, but … the City of

Residents who need a vehicle or supplies to help them move will soon have another option in Moose Jaw as a business owner plans to open a U-Haul operation down town.

During its Nov. 28 regular meeting, city council unanimously approved a discretionary use application from Linh Nguyen to develop a “vehicle rentals, sales and service centre” at 58 Caribou Street West. The new

that he learned about the high demand for rental trucks one day from residents wanting to rent a truck.

There used to be two U-Haul businesses in Moose Jaw, but the one on South Hill closed, leaving only the dealer on Caribou Street East, he continued. So, he thought demands.

“We know that to increase (the) effectiveness of the scarce resources,” he said. “We have resources, but only

BIZWORLD

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Whether that amounted to an average three per cent return on farm assets is unlikely.

ernment safety net programs that farmers in Saskatche wan received in 2021. That amounts to an average near

modities in future years.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the disruptions caused to commodity supply and prices in grains, oil and metals is severe, pushing prices up to levels never before seen. Rumours keep those prices volatile.

should also decline.

Nitrogen and urea fertilizer, the most used in Sas katchewan, are made from natural gas and produced by

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those this publication.

using natural gas. Natural gas prices have skyrocketed

Gasoline and diesel prices will respond in a similar manner, although some of the diesel shortages arise from

a bit like the Chicken Little cries from the classic chil This sort of misleading information, by intent or by and sympathy from that source.

and researchers are getting too political and wild with facts like many politicians practise.

The above data - farm family wages, return on assets - could make a strong case for farmers living near pover ty without omitting salient facts. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

report shows

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

to be done and that will make daily life better for our citi zens in all the years ahead. good.” Reserves its bank accounts. vestments provide a sustainable source of income, and Taxation on a per capita basis

Overall revenues, expenses

in 2020, the report showed. Revenue streams million in 2020. ond-largest revenue source at 25.8 per cent and contrib two years ago.

Meanwhile, contributions, grants and subsidies were the third-largest revenue source at 18 per cent and con 2020. Expense streams years ago. partment and street lighting.

Coun. Crystal Froese appreciated the comparison of Moose Jaw to other communities since it was a reminder down and utilizing our reserves properly and trying to set few of those during the last couple of years.”

would like to do another thing with my U-Haul. so electricity, gas or telephone or Wi-Fi or something like that not increase. But the outcome is the revenues (would be higher) from last year. … When we increase our in ness and city).”

al service. There would also be a retail component since various moving supplies would be available for customers to rent or purchase.

The entire site is 10,502.8 square feet in size, includ square feet for the vacant parking lot along the building lot.

The new U-Haul business would rent out cars, me dium and small trucks, and other tools and equipment for transportation, Nguyen said. The business would also sell supplies to move homes and transport goods, such as

lifting tools.

The property is suitable for operations as a U-Haul viewed the area and signed the agreement, Nguyen add ed. He also planned to clean up the parking lot to promote

permitted uses in some circumstances.

There are two U-Haul neighbourhood dealers in

Home Street East, within the M1 light-industrial district and C1 neighbourhood commercial district, respectively, the report continued.

Meanwhile, the closest developed industrial dis trict where vehicle rentals, sales and service centres are permitted is roughly 230 metres west on Caribou Street West. This light industrial area services various industrial and manufacturing uses with some associated commer cial and service establishments, while various residential districts surround it.

The council report added that all municipal services vice upgrades will be required with this development.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

$114.29 respectively, taxation, category $29.2 million were in per two

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, DEC 12.

A South Hill resident who lives near a spur rail line can make an addition to his 112-year-old home even though national cur near rail operations.

During its Nov. 28 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve a discretionary use application from a homeowner at 469 Maple Street West for an addition to an existing one-unit dwell ing. However, the homeowner must regis ter an interest on the property title at his expense, acknowledging the existence of the railway’s proximity.

The homeowner wants to add a 24.3-square-metre (270-square-foot) rear addition to his 63-square-metre (700-square-foot) home to accommodate an extra bathroom and move an existing bathroom closer to the living room.

“It was that part of the report that gave me comfort to support this, that the regis

South Hill homeowner can renovate despite being near rail line, council says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

tration of the miscellaneous interest on the property would notify in the future (other) property owners,” said Coun. Heather Eby. “Because that’s what I was worried about

sell it, then (the new owners face issues).”

The land use is discretionary because

circumstances, a council report explained. The zoning bylaw says no alterations or enlargements to land can occur without

The home was built in 1910 when Moose Jaw lacked zoning districts, while it was only in 1953 when the municipal ity adopted a zoning bylaw and zoned the property to industrial, the report contin

this area and rezoned it as a C2 commer cial district.

The proposed development is 27 me tres away — 12.94 metres from the shared

property line — from the Canadian Nation al spur rail line, and while the municipal ity has not formally adopted development regulations for building near railways, the

city hall analyze such developments on a case-by-case basis.

That analysis should use guidelines from the Federation of Canadian Munic ipalities and the Railway Association of Canada for new developments near rail way operations.

The guidelines are intended to help municipal staff “better understand the safety, vibration, noise and other issues related to new development along railway corridors and to more effectively evalu ate and provide feedback on development proposals, particularly when they involved a residential component,” the report said while emphasizing the matter.

The guidelines also say that “imple

mentation of such measures is easiest to

For this reason, these measures are not in neighbourhoods in proximity to railway operations.”

City administration’s interpretation of those guidelines is the addition of a bed ment in an existing neighbourhood and not considered a “new residential devel opment,” the report said, considering the home was built in 1910 and the homeown er is not proposing to build a new dwelling.

City hall is recommending a registra tion of miscellaneous interest on the prop erty title to notify future property owners of the railway’s proximity, added the re port, while new residential developments or other proposed sensitive land uses locat ed on the property would be subject to the guidelines’ measures.

Fertilizer company, city ink new 10-year naming rights deal for Yara Centre

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The City of Moose Jaw and Yara Belle

sure the fertilizer producer’s name contin ues to adorn the Yara Centre building for another decade.

During its Nov. 28 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to approve the naming rights agreement between both parties for a term of 10 years, com mencing Jan. 1, 2023 and ending Dec. 31, 2032. Council also authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the agreement on be half of the municipality.

cur on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 3 p.m. at the building.

The new agreement will see Yara — for a total of $500,000 — during the next decade as it has done during the past

10 years.

The Moose Jaw Downtown and Soc cer/Fieldhouse Facilities Inc. entered into a naming rights agreement with the fertil izer company for the recreation venue in December 2012.

“We thank them for being such a great corporate citizen,” said city manager tremendous one, and we are very glad —

— that their name is on the facility.”

Coun. Heather Eby thanked the com pany for believing in the building 10 years ago when no one really knew what the venue would bring to the community.

“It was sort of the afterthought along with the Multiplex, and it has turned out to be a wonderful addition to our city,” she added. “And I think that (it has had)

the best rate of return of any of our public recreation facilities.”

committed its support for another decade considering the current uncertain econom

RURAL

ic times, said Coun. Crystal Froese. “That facility has really evolved and grown,” she added. “And it’s become such an important asset to the health and well ness of our citizens.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice is hereby given, pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007, that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Pense No. 160 intends to amend the Zoning Bylaw as follows:

Description

1. To amend Zoning Bylaw No. 02-2013, Section 2, Definitions, by adding the following definition in appropriate alphabetical order:

Transloading Facility: Shall mean a facility used to transfer resources or agricultural products from one mode of transportation to another and may include rail lines, pipelines, tank storage, rail loading buildings, instrumentation, related office buildings, and other related facilities.

And,

2. To amend Zoning Bylaw No. 02-2013, Section 5, Discretionary Use Standards for Development, is amended by adding the following directly after subsection 5.15: 5.16 TRANSLOADING FACILITIES;

.1 As part of the development permit application, the applicant may be required to submit information regarding any hazardous material to be kept or stored on-site, emergency management plan, site grading and drainage plans, and proposed truck routes.

.2 The applicant may be required to enter into a road maintenance agreement. The construction or upgrading of a road and/or approach required for access to the development shall be at the cost of the applicant and meet municipal standards.

.3 Transloading facilities shall not be located within 90 metres of a residence or such greater distance deemed acceptable to Council after consultation with adjacent landowners.

.4 Screening of the facility from neighbouring properties may be required to the satisfaction of Council.

.5 There shall be adequate fire suppression on the site. The development applica tion may be referred to the local fire department for comment.

.6 Council may require the developer to undertake specific safeguards to address safety issues related to material kept on site and nuisance issues related to dust, noise, odour, or similar conditions.

.7 Transloading facilities shall be developed and shall operate in compliance with all relevant federal and provincial requirements.

And,

3. To amend Zoning Bylaw No. 02-2013, Section 7, Agricultural Resource District (AR), is amended by adding the following directly after Section 7.2 w):

x) Transloading Facilities

The intent of this amendment is to give the Council of the Rural Municipality of Pense No. 160 authority to include Transloading Facilities in the Agricultural Resource District (AR). Any interested person may inspect the bylaw at the R.M. Office during normal business hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Copies of the bylaw are available at cost.

Council will be holding a public hearing on December 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Rural Municipality of Pense No. 160 Office at 324 Elder Street, Pense, S0G 3W0 to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendments. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing, or delivered to the undersigned prior to the hearing. The office email is rm160@sasktel.net. Issued at Pense, Saskatchewan This 10th day of November, 2022.

Cathy Ripplinger Administrator

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, DEC 12.

Total tax arrears owed during this year’s third quarter was nearly $137,000 less than the same period last year, al though the number of people on repayment plans has also declined.

cial report during the Nov. 28 regular city council meet ing. Data about tax arrears and outstanding debt were con tained within the document.

report.

As of Sept. 30, taxpayers owed $1,649,970 in tax ar rears. These comprised $1,495,321 in property tax liens and $154,649 in payment plans. The tax liens represented around 90.6 per cent of total arrears.

In comparison, by Sept. 30, 2021, total arrears were $1,786,478, including $1,474,617 in liens and $311,861 in payment plans. The tax liens represented about 82.5 per cent of total arrears.

Therefore, the total amount of outstanding tax arrears declined by $136,508 from 2021 to 2022.

Meanwhile, by Sept. 30, 2020, total arrears were

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

$1,815,840, including $1,119,924 in liens and $695,916 in payment plans. The tax liens represented about 65 per cent of the total arrears.

One reason tax arrears have declined compared to 2021 and 2020 is that city hall didn’t actively enforce ar rears or their collection during the height of the pandemic,

a number of derelict properties over the last number of get those properties, so you’re just seeing some of those now coming up … .”

Property taxes receivable

Property tax receivable consists of tax arrears and taxes owing. Tax arrears are overdue taxes, while current taxes are due but have not fallen into arrears. Taxes fall into arrears in the next year following the levy of taxes.

The total outstanding receivable property taxes as of Sept. 30 was $9,714,292. This included $8,064,322 in

current taxes and $1,649,970 in arrears.

In comparison, total property taxes receivable that were outstanding by the end of Q3 2021 were $9,585,332, followed by $9,267,856 in 2020, $8,249,804 in 2019, $8,192,714 in 2018 and $7,671,786 in 2017.

Borrowing

As of Sept. 30, there were seven projects that the City of Moose Jaw was still repaying — or guaranteeing — af

standing amount on each project is:

• Multiplex/Events Centre long-term loan: $12,302,000

• Sanitary sewer long-term loan: $1,017,000

$10,179,000

$15,172,146.34

• Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Guarantee: $1 million These seven projects total $71,102,145.34 in debt; the debt limit is $95 million.

Police earned more on average in 2021 than most city directors, report shows

While city manager Jim Puffalt was the highest-paid city employee in 2021, police continued to be the highest paid on average — even more than some department directors, a new report shows.

City administration presented the 2021 public ac counts report during the Nov. 28 regular city council meeting, with the document showing how much money member earned last year.

Council voted unanimously to have city hall post the Normally city administration presents the previous ments in the summer — or before Sept. 1 as per The Cities system to another.

City hall employees

Last year, Puffalt earned $220,244.48 in salary and $6,000 in “other remuneration.” Other municipal employ ees with notable salaries included:

$178,937.16 / $580.56

· Michelle Sanson, director of planning and develop ment, $133,633.76 / $3,809.83 Wade McKay, director of IT, $133,625.06 $100

$128,718.72 / $12,864.45; he retired this year $128,334.21 / $13,597.22; he retired last year

· Sandra Campbell, city Comptroller $126,666.76 / $75 roads, $54,398.70 / $21,539.91

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

There were roughly 330 city employees last year. Of those, 60 people made over $100,000. Police services

— last year were:

· Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, $158,599.88

· Const. Aaron Woods, $153,811.67

· Supt. Richard McKenna, $150,775.67

· Staff Sgt. Christopher Flanagan, $145,550.13

· Staff Sgt. Trish Seman, $143,033.33

· Sgt. Myles Coghlin, $143,015.77

· Staff Sgt. Kevin Pilsworth, $141,776.42

· Staff Sgt. Randy Jesse, $22,330.41 / $32,856.82

lice Service last year. Of those, six earned over $150,000, earned over $120,000 and seven earned over $110,000. Fire department

· Fire Chief Rodney Montgomery, $159,958.81 / $4,441.45

· Deputy Fire Chief Michael Russell, $145,847.15 / $248.39

· Shift Capt. Christopher Luiten, $129,945.48 $129,077.45 / $100

· Shift Capt. Richelle Grocott, $124,791.78 / $100 Grants

In 2021, the city issued a grant of $56,518 to the Moose Jaw and District Seniors Association. Council pay

A total of $313,063.97 was paid in remuneration to city council in 2021, while members claimed $4,227.20 in expenses.

Members’ salaries and expenses were:

· Coun. Crystal Froese, $35,329.73 / $956.70

· Coun. Jamey Logan, $35,475.42 / $956.70

· Coun. Dawn Luhning, $50,458.53 / $87.70

· Coun. Kim Robinson, $35,738.02 / $956.70

· Mayor Clive Tolley, $16,191.72

· Former Mayor Fraser Tolmie, $69,894.50 / $225

Contractual expenses

The City of Moose Jaw issued $66,379,706.71 in business contracts last year. The lowest was $50,614.05 to Security Resource Group Inc. and the highest was $9,420,731,05 to Westridge Construction Ltd. The other highest contract expenses last year were:

· NIS Contractors Ltd., $7,747,638.13

· Cypress Paving, $3,073,345.46

· KMS Construction, $1,677,537.72

· Spectra Venue Management, $1,505,018.27

· Suer & Pollon Mechanical $1,457,871.46

· Flyer Electric, $1,288,674.78

· Palliser Regional Library, $1,137,993

· Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, $989,708.29

· Loraas Disposal South Ltd., $986,590.91

· North Start Concrete Ltd., $878,336.58

Jason

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, DEC 12.

City hall will pursue almost $24 million in federal fund ing to replace the outdated Crescent View lift station, an important piece in the municipality’s wastewater collec tion system.

During its Nov. 28 regular meeting, city council vot ed unanimously to approve the engineering department’s application for Investing in Canada Infrastructure Pro gram (ICP) funding under the green infrastructure stream for the lift station project.

Council also agreed to ensure that the municipality met legislated standards, met the program’s terms and conditions, conducted an open tendering process, man aged construction, funded the project’s municipal share, funded ongoing operation and maintenance costs, and fol lowed any mitigation measures as required by provincial or federal legislation.

The engineering department expects the replacement project to cost $26,655,000, with ICIP potentially funding $23,780,000.

“It’s been quite a while since I last had a tour of the Crescent View lift station, but that was six or seven years ago, and at that point, it was one piece of infrastructure we knew was coming up to be replaced,” said Coun. Heather Eby. “It’s not a sexy or fun project, but it’s key.”

Council agrees to pursue $24M in federal money to replace vital wastewater building

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

sociated with a wastewater collection system that can serve 45,000 people

· Providing a screening and grit removal (primary treat ment) system and upgraded pumping system with the capacity for a one-in-25-year storm

“The city-wide wastewater collection system is con veyed to this station and then pumped to a grit building at the headworks of the city’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP),” the report noted.

The lift station is below the required capacity to han

er room during major rainstorms while it is past its life expectancy, requires extensive and expensive repairs, is is restricting the city’s growth, continued the report.

to function as a WWTP headworks building by provid

removal and sewage receiving location, practical consid ing a new one, and regulatory requirements.

Constructing one integrated headworks building would meet several objectives, the report said, including:

· Providing upgraded sewage receiving and potable

station, where sewage mixes with the wastewater collec tion sewer before being pumped to the WWTP, the report continued.

That station does not provide the required level of ited loads, lacks treatment capabilities and cannot handle

The current sewage system layout does not provide grit removal protection before the sewage reaches the lift station. This leads to increased pump wear and grit deposits to the downstream infrastructure because of the absence of grit protection.

quire replacement, the report added.

of nearly $1M, report shows

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The primary purpose of the accumulated surplus ac count is to fund years when a shortfall occurs in the op

straight year.

The operating fund is part of the municipality’s gen eral revenue fund and the source of program money used to pursue the city’s main services, such as public works, parks and recreation, general government and police and had budgeted operating revenues and expenses to be cil’s Nov. 28 regular meeting.

The municipality’s past practice has been to maintain the annual operating budget ($52,468,632) or $2,623,432, he continued. The account’s current balance leaves the

make up the shortfall the next year by taxing residents more or using other reserve funds.

City administration would not recommend further use of the accumulated surplus account until it has been rebuilt to a more sustainable level, he added.

said he wasn’t concerned that the accumulated surplus vestments (last year),” he stated.

shape and can overcome that hurdle, agreed city manager

to see that we have a nice, healthy surplus to put back in cause we’ve been able to put a goodly amount of money back into the surplus account.”

When challenged about the account being healthy,

falt said comparing the account now to the last few years shows it is in good shape.

When asked if city administration would review that target, the city manager said it was important to see 2020

While this year won’t be as strong for the investments

Those positives pleased the mayor. Even though that account has not reached the target

The third-quarter reports for 2022 show that more people are participating in recreation programs than be fore, indicating that things are returning to normal, Puf few years.

end of this year’s third quarter, although that was nearly $276,000 less than budgeted.

the report.

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Food and beverage sales in total concession and catering sales, while the total cost $500,007.

es, management incentives and management fee, the net City hall’s view

If council can secure a new naming rights partner for the Events Centre, then its decision to keep food and bev erage services in-house could prove to be the right one Eby.

“Hopefully, that naming rights partner can come yond,” she added.

Coun. Kim Robinson thought the food and beverage services initiative was already paying off even without a

vices is “almost a wash at this point,” which was good to see.

Therefore, the difference between the budgeted and cial report during the Nov. 28 regular city council meet

likely come in the fourth quarter that would eat away at that surplus.

rejected in favour of the in-house services would have paid 20 per cent on gross sales. This would have been

Council discussion

“I don’t know that we require a payback … when in reality it was for our own concessions,” he added.

The intention with the loan was that it would lead to a lower subsidy contribution on the city’s part or a reduced

council had not invested that money, then the initiative

to repay $50,000 as part of a schedule contained within the proposed 2023 budget document.

Jason

One city councillor has transformed longstanding attitude TRADING THOUGHTS

For most of her multiple terms on Moose Jaw city coun cil, Dawn Luhning has been a mouthpiece for manage ment, supporting management recommendations.

In recent months this longest serving councillor has transformed from almost being part of the woodwork to frequent questioning and probing.

She even took the almost unheard of comment from a politician when she admitted she was wrong about the success of the municipal airport expansion and the new authority’s plans to turn the moribund place into a small industrial park.

It takes a lot of courage these days for politicians to admit they have been wrong.

By all accounts the municipal airport is developing into a busy place, something Luhning never expected.

Her take on the local airport for years has been this is a place used only by a few private and wealthy airplane owners with no potential contribution to Moose Jaw de velopment.

Admitting she was wrong is not the only change of attitude by Luhning.

She was the only councillor to vote against granting

CITY HALL BUDGET TALKS

The next budget meeting was WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30.

Some city councillors are concerned that city administra tion wants to reduce the amount of cast iron pipe replaced in 2023 in favour of replacing more feeder mains and a wastewater lift station.

Next year, city hall wants to replace 2,800 metres of feeder mains for $3.5 million simultaneously with 2,100 metres of cast iron pipes for $4.6 million.

In comparison, the municipality replaced 3,470 me tres of cast iron pipe this year for $7.1 million and spent $300,000 to replace feeders.

Feeder main projects

A feeder main is connected to a water main every few blocks and is part of the same network that moves potable water throughout the community, explained Bevan Harl ton, director of engineering, during city council’s 2023 budget meeting on Nov. 30.

His department plans to focus on addressing the feed er mains on 16th Avenue West and Coteau Street, he con tinued.

The 16th Avenue feeder mains used to service a res ervoir — which no longer exists — so many old large-di ameter pipes move water slowly through that area. The goal is to replace that 350-millimetre (14-inch) pipe with a 254-millimetre (10-inch) pipe.

That project will occur from 2023 to 2024, with the city planning to spend $3 million in the second year.

The second project will replace the Coteau Street feeder mains on South Hill from 12th Avenue Southwest

Provincial Court Report:

Judge sends man to federal jail for three years for sexually assaulting woman

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A federal penitentiary is where Dale Ferguson will spend the next three years of his life after he attacked a woman during an altercation and left her outside the city.

Ferguson, 47, appeared in Moose Jaw Provincial Court recently, where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault with a weapon. He was originally supposed to appear in Court of Queen’s Bench — now known as King’s Bench — for a trial by judge and jury, but a resolution between the Crown and defence re turned the matter to the lower court.

As part of his guilty plea, Ferguson will spend the next three years in federal prison — likely Prince Al bert. He must provide a DNA sample, be entered into the national sex offender registry and be prohibited for

the Moose Jaw Events Centre, aka Mosaic Place, man agement company, a $100,000 loan after the management company Spectra, won the concession contract.

Nobody else realized, or cared, that Spectra, since sold and was renamed, had millions of dollars in the bank at the time.

Giving the winner of a contract the money to start up is an extremely unusual business practice sets a precedent for future contracts.

City management has told council not to expect repayment of the loan because payment would only in

Of course Spectra now plans to repay $50,000 this year - no doubt a reaction to the public pressure once this loan information hit the streets.

Luhning has also been critical of city snow removal and other city practices.

One wonders what role she played in the council de cision to not renew the city manager’s contract when it expires next year.

The city manager saved face by telling the public he

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

ex

was retiring then proceeded to tell us he was looking for

By not renewing his contract, council saved the tax payers a bundle of cash that would have accompanied any termination of the contract.

It seems Council had already made a decision. From those of us who watch the proceedings of City Council, it seems that the manager likes to spring things on the coun cillors, keeps things close to the vest and evade questions.

Hopefully, the new manager will be more forthcom ing and have his department heads respond to questions from councilors, instead of seemingly being unprepared and shrugging them off to sometime in the future.

Budget 2023: Some councillors concerned about reduced focus on cast iron pipes next year

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

— there is a reservoir there — to First Avenue Southeast between 2025 and 2027.

“Holy smokes!” exclaimed Coun. Crystal Froese in response to the project’s 14-block replacement plan. “And

the budget can’t support overlapping initiatives, said Harl ton. The 16th Avenue project alone will replace 1,350 me tres; it has a “bizarre alignment” that runs from Pascoe Drive to another crescent “and is in a strange spot” that included a former reservoir.

Cast iron projects

The reason the cast iron budget has declined is be cause the Crescent View lift station needs replacing, Harl ton explained. Furthermore, he has a small design team that focused heavily on cast iron for the past three years and must catch up on recording keeping.

The team has less time to plan for the cast iron pro gram because it is focusing on the required size of feeder

new lift station, he added.

Council concerns

The reduced focus on replacing cast iron pipe is con

for those current councillors around during those talks, there was “a lot of blood, sweat and tears” shed to ensure it began, said Coun. Heather Eby.

The project even cost some councillors their seats for defending the program, she continued.

Eby’s perpetual worry is that when new faces join council, those people will forget how hard the previous group worked to institute the program and provide fund ing. They could see the program as “low-hanging fruit” from which to take money for other things — and it would eventually vanish.

“I’m very cautious about ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul,’” she said.

Eby also thought that reducing the amount of cast iron replaced would extend the program to 30 years in stead of 20 years.

Coun. Dawn Luhning agreed, saying the communi ty made replacing cast iron a priority. Moreover, council must continue to focus on that even when there are other needs.

“I get that Crescent View needs to be completed, but I need to move to Crescent View … ,” Luhning continued. “If we back off, there will be more breaks on cast iron. … We just need to be very, very careful in backing off.”

Tired residents

The idea of whether 84 kilometres of cast iron could

year when crews “went full tilt” and replaced nearly 3.5 kilometres of cast iron, Harlton said.

However, replacing four kilometres yearly is “just past” what Moose Jaw can handle, especially since plenty of pipe downtown needs replacing — and none was re placed this year.

A third crew and two separate contracts would be re quired to replace more pipe, while city hall would have to lock down the community in construction “ever so slight ly more,” Harlton added. Many residents this year asked when the city would back off on construction because they were tired of it.

Eby appreciated Harlton’s observations, noting while the work is being done, people can tolerate only so much disruption.

Froese agreed, noting the sound of trucks reversing grates on people’s nerves. It didn’t bother her after the city completed work in her area, but a nearby neighbour who worked nights and slept days had issues.

“Cast iron is great, but if feeders are breaking, then you’re obviously not going to get water to people … ,” she added, “so we can’t have one without the other.”

Luhning also understood residents’ fatigue but point ed out that one project this year was supposed to be eight weeks long and took all summer because — some days — construction crews didn’t work. Her solution was to have crews work around the clock — especially in good

Police arrest Zackery Marckoski after conducting raid on Stadacona Street Home

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) blocked off the 1000 block of Stadacona Street West for a lengthy period on Nov. 30 to arrest Zackery Marckoski, who was con sidered dangerous to the public.

Marckoski failed to return to a correc tional centre in Regina in August and was considered “at large” since then. He was seen in a vehicle.

The MJPS tactical response team, ac companied by a K-9 team, executed a warrant to arrest Marckoski, who is now in custody.

Marckoski has a lengthy criminal record

that includes violence, possession of weap

He appeared in provincial court on Dec. 1 and was remanded to Thursday, Dec. 8.

The police also arrested three other peo ple at the scene.

Jessica Proulx, 21, Michael Joel McKe chnie, 39, and Nicole Belsher, 37, were each charged with three counts of possession of

All three were released on conditions and will appear later in court.

The views and opinions

pressed in this article are those of the author, and do not neces publication.

Zackery Marckoski

(Photo courtesy MJPS)

CITY HALL BUDGET TALKS

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30.

placement is nearly ready to start, but city hall is con cerned that the project’s costs continue to balloon while

The bridge’s replacement is one of the major capi tal projects in the 2023 budget, which council discussed

According to a report from the engineering depart ment, the initiative is shovel-ready, pending Canadian

“The city is continuing mediation with CP to con allows for the continuous and uninterrupted services of projects is more than $44 million from 2023 to 2027,

The department is attempting to fund the Thunder ects even though costs continue to increase, while it has

For example, the department had originally budget

money for the bridge, construction costs continue to skyrocket — by 30 per cent — which means that car

does not know how it plans to fund the bridge rehab project with the money it has, which means it may have

The engineering department is in a good position to complete the structure management plan next year and better understand how to maintain and address in ever, that means pushing funding for the bridge out to

Another project example is a structure maintenance plan, where the department can schedule operations, maintenance works and capital projects and then bring

“So, overall, transportation sits at a status quo sub mission, but it is at a detriment to other projects in trans

While there is nearly $4 million in carry-forward

“I do hope that at some point that with cost-shar grant funding — I can come to council sooner … and

The director added that he would present a more comprehensive report about the bridge rehabilitation

City council focused on sidewalks during their recent 2023 budget meeting, including the criteria to replace such

Next year, the public works department plans to spend $10,000 to rehabilitate sidewalks, while the engi neering department expects to spend $578,500 to install

Trip hazards

The small amount of money that public works intends to spend caught Mayor Clive Tolley’s eye, who wondered what work fell under the department’s umbrella and where “The operational program is a small one,” admitted “There’s not a lot we can do with failed concrete infra structure, so the capital program is what exists and where most dollars are directed for replacement on an annual

Public works focuses on temporarily addressing side It does that by grinding down sidewalk edges that are trip Complete replacement

were obvious but wondered what criteria the municipality ing rebar in high-clay areas where the soil regularly pres

and entered that data into a computer program to track fect a value according to how bad it was; the worst value is 15, which is a trip hazard over 40 millimetres (four cen Therefore, sidewalks are replaced when roads are dug

up for cast iron replacement or when a defect is rated 15 Complaints are another source used to address side defects and work with public works to grind down the

City administration changed its processes years ago so that, when they were replacing cast iron, they would also replace sidewalks even if one panel was bad and the Installing rebar

As for rebar, city hall is working to introduce a new

replace a full block costs $75,000 to $100,000, which is tough when the budget is $500,000 since there would be

It doesn’t mean that it’s a bad option; it just means it

Tolley also wondered if the city could approach home owners about replacing entire blocks of sidewalks through

neering has received from contractors is that small side walk replacements are better, which is usually what the

Picking and choosing

Residents often ask Tolley why the city chooses cer that city hall adopted an operating method that replaced an “It seems citizens are really irritated by this … ,” he

Taking the least expensive approach is not always the best option, while there’s no sense trying to match up an old piece of concrete with new and then returning there

The municipality is facing a complete sidewalk re placement cycle of 125 to 150 years, while replacing one

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Resident Lew Young thinks it would be a “great memorial” to his deceased relatives Highway 1 to improve safety.

Young’s aunt and uncle died in a car collision 17 years ago at the intersection of Ninth Avenue Northwest and Highway 1. Since then, he and his wife have encour aged their kids to avoid that intersection and use the Main Street overpass to reach the highway. They follow that advice to this day.

The concerned resident was one of 27 people who attended a town hall meeting on Dec. 1 at the Events Centre to discuss ways to improve safety at that intersec tion. The mayor, city manager, chamber of commerce and three emergency services organizations spoke, as did several resi dents.

The two main suggestions were in pass — at Ninth Avenue Northwest specif ically and potentially Thatcher Drive East.

“Ideally, yes, an overpass, but as I million to put lights there would at least say we did something,” Young said.

“And to see lights at that intersection would be an honour to our family an aw

been done at that intersection.”

Coun. Jamey Logan spoke as a busi ness owner with a business on the inter section’s south side.

His company is the closest to the junc tion and he forbids his staff from crossing there to ensure their protection. However, they feel bad for businesses on the north side because they can’t access those plac es, costing those entities revenue.

“We try to go (in) the other direction just to be safe,” said Logan. “As a home owner, I’m actually the closest house on the opposite side of Ninth Avenue as well. And the same thing, we purposefully go up Main Street … .”

He added that he was fully behind whatever idea the province developed for that junction to keep everyone safe.

Lee Finishen, chair of the South Cen tral Transportation Planning Committee, urged everyone to push the Ministry of Highways to build an overpass, especially since the province is conducting consulta tions near Indian Head about constructing something similar.

“Safety is an issue,” he stated.

Every committee member — includ ing Moose Jaw rep Coun. Crystal Froese — can nominate three safety projects they want to see occur, Finishen said. The group can now nominate an initiative because it has enough safety data about the area.

“Obviously, it’s not going to happen right away, but at least it’ll get another av enue into the Ministry of Highways — and we’ll commit to that easily,” he added.

Building overpasses is “the ultimate solution,” but the province may shy away from them because of cost, said Mayor

Clive Tolley. Therefore, installing lights would be a temporary solution that would help people access those intersections safely.

Dennis Zerr, a resident since the 1950s, also knew people killed at that in tersection and believes the federal govern ment should support safety measures there because the Trans-Canada Highway is a national road.

He noted that Ottawa provided mon ey to help the Saskatchewan government Regina. Those upgrades made accessing bedroom communities such as Pilot Butte — his son lives there — and White City safer.

Besides Ninth Avenue Northwest, Zerr thought Thatcher Drive East would also become a concern as the east side grew. However, he thought lights were a bad idea — he preferred overpasses — be cause stopping semi-trucks on the high way could create ice build-up.

Moose Jaw should follow Swift Cur rent’s lead, Zerr added, because it funnels semis down reduced-speed service roads past businesses before connecting them to the highway.

First responders are pointing to the speed reductions along Highway 1 and the installation of photo radar as reasons why they have responded to fewer serious inci dents along that corridor recently.

Members of the Moose Jaw Police Service, Moose Jaw and District Fire De partment and Medavie Health Services (ambulance) spoke about the highway’s safety during a town hall meeting at the Multiplex on Dec. 1, which focused on improving the intersection of Ninth Ave nue Northwest and Highway 1.

Police service

Deputy Police Chief Rick Johns ex plained that he regularly patrolled High way 1 during his 25-year career because it was a problem area. He discovered that there were more speeding motorists than police could ever stop.

However, the installation of photo radar in 2016 contributed to a decline in overall speeders.

“The automated speed enforcement provides value because there is increased signage going into that area advising of speed reduction and speed cameras going into that area,” Johns said. “And we think that also provides some deterrent and risk reduction … .”

Johns added that he responded to two fatalities at that intersection during his

Points West Living Moose Jaw

career but none since the introduction of photo radar.

Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder presented sta tistics from the photo radar cameras for Jan. 25, 2020 to Nov. 29, 2022.

The data showed more than 5.7 mil lion vehicles travelled east or west through that intersection of Ninth Northwest and

Senior living with a healthful blend of dependence in a community setting. Very bright 2 bedroom, 1 bath on SE corner of Main oor. Approximately 900 sq ft of living which includes full kitchen, laundry, walk-in closet, walk-in tub, 1 powered parking stall. Balcony faces east overlooking the beautiful Wakamow valley where you can watch changes of the seasons and “Snowbirds “ practice ights. $2700/m incl electricity. Enjoy the freedom of no maintenance, shovelling, yardcare. Tenant responsible for internet, cable and $75/occupant/m cost of convenient Bistro which is available 24/7.

Highway 1. The average speed was below the limit, at 73.72 km/h; the highest speed was 186 km/h in August 2020.

problems at that intersection, the addition al signage with photo radar has decreased the severity of collisions to which police respond, added Elder.

Meanwhile, the data haven’t changed

lations, but — again — there have been fewer severe incidents.

Fire department

Fire Chief Rod Montgomery ex plained that his department has responded to fatalities at that intersection over the years. However, other critical locations cross the highway, including Manitoba Street East and Ninth Avenue Northeast, and the Main Street overpass.

“Anytime you cross a highway, I think it’s problematic,” he remarked.

lights would solve the problem since there would still be collisions. He noted that collisions continued occurring at Main Street and Thatcher Drive when lights were introduced.

From a professional and personnel

structing an overpass was the best solution. He hoped that the Ministry of Highways

was researching this matter and using all available data, including from other prov

duced to 80 kilometres per hour, the im pacts of those accidents have been less,” Montgomery said. “There hasn’t been as many (and) I don’t think they have been as serious (either) … but at any given mo ment, something tragic could happen.”

Montgomery thought the entire High Avenue Northwest needed addressing, including reducing the speed — which “makes a big difference” — to 80 km/h or 60 km/h, installing more photo radar or having more police patrolling the area.

Medavie Health Services

EMS Chief Kyle Sereda submitted an email to the meeting. He noted that before the photo radar and speed reductions, the ambulance service responded to collisions weekly or bi-weekly.

Since 2016, the emergency service has responded to that intersection every four to six weeks, while injuries have been less serious.

tion to the intersection of Thatcher Drive and Highway 1 than we do … with Ninth Avenue (Northwest) and Highway 1,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Independant

Lew Young talks about safety on High way 1 during the town hall meeting.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Fire Chief Rod Montgomery discusses safety on Highway 1 during the town hall. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder (left) presents data from the photo radar on Highway 1 during the town hall. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Representatives of the City of Moose Jaw and Yara Belle Plaine gathered Dec. 1 on the turf at the 65,000 sq. ft. Yara Centre to ing another 10 years of partnership.

“I think it’s absolutely fabulous that this partnership’s lasted 10 years and it’s going to last at least another 10 years,” Clive Tolley, Mayor of the City of Moose city can have partnerships with business that work for both parties, it’s an opportu nity to celebrate.”

Tolley noted that the winter weather recreation space of the Yara Centre as one of the city’s key attractions. a place where you can get a life,” Tolley and snow out there, but here inside it’s a people can exercise and get together and “You can see people here walking, people enjoying this facility and without to operate a facility like this. This is to the

associated with the Yara Centre and the sponsorship in its business plans.

“We’re proud of being part of the Moose and we want to be able to support the ar

partners work and live.”

Belle Plaine actually does, leading to hu

tually a fertilizer production facility over The signing was also attended by recreation services supervisor at Yara

rights for the facility since Jan. 1, 2013. 10 years.

2023 and will end Dec. 31, 2032.

Dec. 5 to 11 with seven candidates in the running for six

link. They will have until Dec. 11 to respond. Voting is Mark Abbey — Smitty’s Family Restaurant and Bugsy’s Irish Pub and Bugsy’s in the Town and Country Mall for 30 years and acquired an ownership stake in those restaurants in 2021.

resident since 1987 and be and progressive policies, despite the unprecedented chal lenges of the last several years.

Yeng Ling — Moose Jaw Tours & Travel

Moose Jaw several years age

following organizations: the Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan

and is currently CEO of the he’s held since 2015.

Rick McKeown — KCS Marketing McKeown has served

currently the board’s president.

wife. for over 60 years, and has been involved in business for 35 years.

McKeown has been in Moose Jaw and has served on several boards, including as a director for the Moose Jaw

teer, including as chair of the Telus fundraiser for various organizations.

Terry Tian — Grant Hall Hotel

Moose Jaw board already and is in volved in developing other opportu nities in Moose Jaw through Carpere Canada.

and his wife, Glennis, have two daughters, four grand daughters, a great-grandson, and three great-granddaughters.

Bobby Hill — Tunnels of Moose Jaw

The Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Born spent his working career in construc back to Moose Jaw in 2020 to help with the construction of the latest Tunnels attraction: Bunker 24.

Rob Clark — Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Com

Dave Wentworth — Destination Whatever Wentworth is a world traveler who speaks several languages and

runs an online travel agency called Destination Whatever. Wentworth currently serves

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

City of Moose Jaw Mayor Clive Tolley and Aaron Bourque, plant manager at Yara Belle Plaine, renew the 10-year naming rights agreement for the Yara Centre (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Attendees gather for a group photo at the Yara Centre. (l-r) Dacey Seaborg, Scott Osmachenko, Derek Blais, Jamey Logan, Clive Tolley, Aaron Bourque, Jim Puf falt, Carrie Hartley, and Dale Flint (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Players, enjoys being a YouTube content creator, and has

The Tourism Moose Jaw visitors’ centre on Thatcher Drive East. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Mark Abbey - Smitty’s Family Restaurant and Bugsy’s Irish Pub

Yeng Ling — Moose Jaw Tours & Travel

Rob Clark - Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce

Bobby Hill - Tun nels of Moose Jaw

Dave WentworthDestination What ever

Terry TianGrant Hall Hotel

Rick McKeown - KCS Marketing

Historic 1902 town bell now hanging — and ringing — from new location

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s historic 1902 town bell now hangs proudly on a new stand outside the Events Centre, ready to produce its deep gonging ring throughout the downtown during special occasions.

More than 30 people gathered at the Multiplex on Dec. 1 to celebrate the un veiling of the 120-year-old cast alloy steel instrument. Several dignitaries spoke about the historical day before ringing the “wonderfully restored” town bell — for ebrating the return of an important piece of community heritage.

The heritage advisory committee be

seemed in place for completion by mid2021, several delays pushed the project into late 2022.

installed even though it was a long pro cess, said Coun. Crystal Froese, who sat on the heritage advisory committee. That bell will hang for at least 100 years, and when people review the archives, they will see everyone who made this project pos sible.

“It’s pretty exciting. And to hear it ring, it’s got a beautiful tone … ,” she con tinued, adding with a laugh that her heart was pounding when she rang the bell.

This has been a labour of love.”

Froese commended Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s welding department for re pairing the bell, while the students did “a beautiful job” overall of returning the in strument to its former glory.

Committee members decided not to keep the bell’s clapper permanently in stalled because neither they nor city hall plan to ring the instrument very often, while the clapper is as old as the bell and could be stolen, she said. Meanwhile, us ing the original clapper ensures the bell creates an authentic sound.

In comparison, the municipality will use an electronic clapper for city hall’s bell

stairs regularly to pull the rope to ring it.

“You don’t see that very often any

more, (when) churches were common and often had bells,” Froese said. “I remember when St. Barnabas (Anglican) Church was open — and that’s the church I grew up in — and we used to ring the bell on Sunday. And it was fun, as kids.”

Scott Hellings, who served four years as committee chairman, thought it was members worked hard, while he thanked Froese for her leadership and commit ment.

“It takes a lot of time and a lot of ded

about it, it kind of seemed almost like a pipe dream to get to here because I know of (how) much work that goes into it to

actually in place,” he said.

One reason the project took so long is that the committee reviewed many pos sible locations and wanted something vis ible and accessible, Hellings continued. The Multiplex site made sense because of

its proximity to the instrument’s original location — city hall’s current parking lot available space.

ic item restored, the community has lost many other heritage structures over the decades, he added. So, preserving some thing like this for future generations is im portant.

John Bye, current chairman of the heritage committee, thought it was awe some to see the bell restored. He took little credit for that, pointing out the project was already rolling when he arrived.

“It was good (to ring the bell),” he a little more, it will ring loud and clear.”

Community tradespeople did a great job building the derrick upon which 20th-century designs, added Bye. Mean while, the attached benches let people so cialize; an information plaque will come soon.

“I think it’s a sense of pride … ,” said Mayor Clive Tolley about the bell’s return. “So that’s pretty exciting for the commu nity, a community that’s building our tour ism sector on our history. I think it’s just fabulous.”

Tolley thought the Multiplex location was a great spot because the venue’s First Avenue Northwest entrance has space for artwork. He praised the heritage advisory committee for pursuing this project and hoped the public arts committee would provide further installations.

“… this is going to be an interesting attraction that many people on the walk ing tour of the murals and looking at the old buildings will now come and stop and look at this bell installation,” he said.

The mayor thought it would be neat to ring the bell on special occasions — when

sounded good to him.

Moose Jaw’s 1902 town bell has had an eventful life during the past 120 years, being forgotten in the city yards.

The Town of Moose Jaw ordered the bell on May 16, 1902, from the American Bell Foundry Company of Michigan for $100. After receiving the instrument, the town installed it on July 4 of that year on a derrick at the rear of town hall on Main about one block from its new home at the Multiplex.

The municipality moved the bell in 1904 to the bell tower of the newly built

alarms and curfews during prohibition. It was rumoured that residents could hear the bell ring as far as 11 kilometres (seven miles) away.

In 1951 the city removed the bell from city hall and placed it in St. George An

when the city installed it in Crescent Park under the curation of the museum and art gallery.

The municipality later removed the bell from the park because of vandalism and stored it in the city yards, where it

sat for years before the heritage advisory

storing this important piece of community history.

ning, the city installed the restored town bell on Nov. 10, 2022, with a new der rick stand on the outdoor concourse at the Events Centre on First Avenue Northwest.

1.

There were many volunteers and busi nesses that contributed to the restoration of the historic bell. According to the City of Moose Jaw, some of them are: · The heritage advisory committee

ings, Todd McIntyre, Yvette Moore, Stella Richards, Karla Rasmussen and

bushings

I&E Painting and Sandblasting Steady Metalworks, for the initial de sign concept of the bell stand

Right Choice Energy Services, which fabricated and installed the bell stand and mounted the bell

· C&S Builders, which installed the stand’s cement foundation Project engineer Vern Corbett

The bell was originally designed for long-term outdoor exposure and low maintenance.

It is mounted on a headstock support ed by two A-shaped cast iron frames on each side. It weighs about 680 kilograms (about 1,500 pounds) and contains a near ly one-metre-long (three-foot) removable clapper that the city will store inside and re-attach for special events.

The new stand was designed with cues from early 20th-century structures to

erected; many old train bridges and build ings were constructed with cross bracing and rivets.

The derrick-style design also includes a bench around the perimeter to enhance the stand’s functionality and to provide a gathering or resting place near the Multi plex.

The city also plans to install a plaque with information about the bell and to honour everyone who contributed to the project.

Scott Hellings, John Bye, Dana Bush

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s welding department, including Stephen Guil laume and Buck Calfas; the depart ment welded repairs and fabricated new pivot

Jason

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

John Bye, current chairman of the heritage advisory committee, Coun. Crystal Froese, and Scott Hellings, former committee chairman, pose near the newly in stalled 1902 town bell. All three had important leadership roles in guiding the res toration project. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Mayor Clive Tolley rings the bell. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Warriors forward Jagger Firkus set an internet-era record for the longest point streak in Warriors history on Saturday night in Red Deer.

Moose Jaw U15 AA Warriors donate hundreds of dollars in toys to Salvation Army Toy Drive

The Moose Jaw U15 AA Warriors are do ing their part to help the less advantaged during the Christmas season.

Members of the local squad took part in a special toy shopping spree on Thurs day night at Canadian Tire, gathering $750 in new toys for the Salvation Army Toy Drive and the ongoing Toy Days promo tion in the store.

The Moose Jaw Express, one of the team sponsors, helped out with the cause by making a $500 donation to the shop ping spree, doubling the $250 pledged to the project by the team itself.

The event came on the heels of the team’s Teddy Bear Toss earlier this week, which also brought in a host of gifts for the Toy Drive.

“The Salvation Army is huge world wide, and here in Moose Jaw they help so many families this time of year, so we’re just happy to be able to help out,” said U15 AA Warriors manager and Moose Jaw Mi nor Hockey president Chris Flanagan. “We had our own Teddy Bear Toss and were able to get some mittens and gloves and a bunch of teddy bears, and this is a nice bonus. It gives the guys a chance to

help out, and they’re still kids, they know what kids want so it’s easy for them to grab some toys here and help out for the holidays.”

Players had a budget of $50 each and spent about half an hour working the aisles

two shopping carts with gifts of all shapes and sizes. Those items were immediately donated to the CHAB Toy Days campaign, which continues to gather gifts for the Sal vation Army this week.

Warriors forward Luke Pratte -- who scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal on Tues day night as part of the Warriors’ 6-2 win over the Weyburn Wings -- was proud to be part of the donation drive.

“It feels good to be doing this for charity,” Pratte said just after dropping off his selection of toys. “Everyone deserves to get something for Christmas, no one should wake up and not get anything…

we’re just happy to be able to help out.”

The Teddy Bear Toss itself was a huge success, with Pratte’s goal at 10:45 of the

“I got a pass from Nixon (Friesen) right out in front of the net and tapped it in, it was a pretty good moment,” said Pratte,

goal and has seven points in 12 games. Micah Coupland drew the second assist

on the marker.

“It’s obviously nerve-wracking since you don’t know if you’re going to get shut out that day or if it’s going to right down to the third period, but for us, it worked out really well,” Flanagan said. “We scored a goal fairly early, lots of bags went over the glass and my truck is still full of stuff.”

midst of one of their best seasons in years, too, with their 6-8-0-0 record good enough for a tie for fourth place in the Sask AA Hockey League South Division, a single point out of third place.

“It’s been a great year for us so far, the boys are enjoying some success on the ice,” Flanagan said. “Then things like this are great for the boys off the ice. You al ways want to have puck luck, and maybe this will help out with that, too.”

“Our team this year has won the most

keep going,” Pratte added. “We still have a long way to come and we’re going to keep working hard.”

The U15 AA Warriors are back on the ice on Wednesday, Dec. 7 when they travel to Swift Current to face the Broncos. Next home action is Sunday, Dec. 18 against the Humboldt Broncos, Game time is 12:30 p.m. at the Bert Hunt.

Moose Jaw’s Nimegeers named to Team Sask for Canada Winter Games

The accolades just keep piling up for Moose Jaw hockey player Brooklyn Ni megeers.

Only a couple of weeks after sign ing on to play NCAA hockey with the Ivy League’s Princeton Tigers, it was an nounced Friday that the 16-year-old de fenceman will be among 20 players repre senting Saskatchewan at the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

The selection is part of the Sask First program, which sees top players across all age groups from the province chosen each season for national-level tournaments. The women’s Canada Games tournament features under-18 players, while the men’s tournament will be a U16 event.

Being named to the team should come as no surprise to anyone who has kept an eye on Nimegeers’ progression as an elite player.

After emerging as a scoring star with the Moose Jaw Mavericks as a 12-yearold, Nimegeers cracked the roster of the Sask Female AAA Hockey League Regi campaign shut down due to the pandemic.

15th overall among the league’s learn ing scorers. She was also the league’s points better than Notre Dame 17-yearold Payten Evans. Nimegeers then put up two goals and six points in 11 playoff games as the Rebels fell in four games in pion Hounds.

Things haven’t slowed down for Nimegeers in the 2022-23 campaign, as she’s currently 10th in league scor ing with seven goals and 15 points for the league-leading 11-3-0-0 Rebels. Her

point totals are once against tops among

katoon Stars standout and Team Sask teammate Jocelyn Fiala.

Female hockey takes part during the second week in P.E.I., with Saskatchewan

Canada Winter Games -- playing in Pool B with B.C., New Brunswick and Quebec.

Team Sask opens their run on Feb, 27 against B.C. before taking on Quebec on Feb. 28 and New Brunswick on Mar.

Mar. 5.

Saskatchewan has won two medals since women’s hockey became part of the

You can follow Nimegeers’ season at www.sfu18aaahl.com, stay up to date on all the Team Saskatchewan news at www. teamsask.ca and the 2023 Canada Games at www.2023canadagames.ca.

Special shopping spree at Canadian Tire adds to donations from Teddy Bear Toss game in support of Christmas season Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Regina Rebels standout to represent province at national multi-sport event beginning Feb.18 on Prince Edward Island Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw U15 AA Warriors with a portion of their toy haul on Thursday night.

Luke Pratte scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal for the Warriors on Tuesday night

Brooklyn Nimegeers will represent Sas katchewan at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in P.E.I.

Moose Jaw’s Fitzpatrick named to World Junior A Challenge selection camp

27 points in 29 games.

of international hockey.

Fitzpatrick was among 63 players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League to receive an invite for the World Junior A Challenge selection camps begin ning Dec. 5 in Cornwall, Ont.

The 19-year-old forward will join 31 players from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Ju nior Hockey League (MJHL) and Supe rior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) in attempting to represent Team

beginning Dec. 11.

Fitzpatrick was traded to the twotime defending Centennial Cup champion Brooks Bandits of the AJHL this past Au gust and has put together a solid start to the 2021-22 campaign with 11 goals and

He suited up for the SJHL champion Estevan Bruins last season and scored 28 goals and 48 points in 57 games before adding another four goals and eight points in 15 playoff contests.

Prior to cracking the junior hock ey ranks, Fitzpatrick played two seasons with Prairie Hockey Academy, putting up 18 goals and 37 points with the U16 Prep Cougars in 2018-19. He followed that campaign with an impressive season with third in team scoring with 16 goals and 45 points in 44 games before leading the team with a goal and 10 points in their run to the

The World Junior A Challenge fea tures Hockey Canada teams from West and East taking on teams from Sweden, the United States and Latvia. The crew from Latvia is using the event as a tune-up

for the World Junior Hockey Champion ship beginning Boxing Day in Halifax.

Team Canada will play two intrasquad games between West and East before the rosters are named on Dec. 7.

Canada West opens their event on Sunday, Dec. 11 against the United States before taking on Canada East on Monday, Dec. 12, Latvia on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Sweden on Thursday, Dec. 15.

The playoff round begins Saturday, Dec. 17 followed by the medal games on Sunday, Dec. 18.

The WJAC hasn’t been held since 2019, with the tournaments in 2021 and 2020 cancelled due to the pandemic. Can ada West has won the second-most medals

silver and two bronze since the event’s in ception in 2006.

Former Warriors forward Anderson helps save suicidal man in Brandon

Throughout his three seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors, forward Calder An derson was always considered a class act and team leader, to the point he was one of the team’s assistant captains in the Re gina Hub.

On Tuesday night in Brandon, that leadership on the ice translated into real life.

Anderson, 20, was among four Wheat Kings who stepped up to help a distressed man contemplating suicide on a bridge, as reported by Perry Bergson of the Brandon Sun.

Anderson -- who played with Moose Jaw from 2019-20 to 2021-22 and was traded to his hometown by the Warriors this off-season -- had a leading role in helping the man until police could arrive.

Shortly after one of the team’s regu lar charity stops on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 29, Anderson, Nolan Ritchie, Jake Chiasson and Ben Thornton were driving home when Ritchie spotted a man stand ing on the bridge. They turned around to see what was up, with Anderson checking to see if everything was okay.

“He informed me that things weren’t great for him and he was having some pretty bad thoughts, so I asked him if we could get some help and he agreed,” An

derson told Bergson.

“I think the biggest thing in that situ ation is just to ask the person if they need help, and as soon as I asked, you could see the relief on his face knowing he had someone to care for him.”

Anderson tried to get the man to move

to the outer edge of the bridge, but he was scared he would fall and stayed where he was.

“It was scary, some moments,” An derson said. “He would get up and that’s when your heart starts to beat a little faster and things get a little scarier. I didn’t get

too close to him. I didn’t want him to feel any more pressure or anxiety than he was already feeling.”

Members of the Brandon Police Ser vice arrived soon after and helped the man to safety and get the care he needed.

The police commended the four play ers for their actions, and Anderson felt it was simply a matter of doing the right things at the right time -- especially in light of the recent reputation hits junior hockey players have taken in recent months.

“There is a bit of a stereotype of ju nior hockey players not being the best guys,” Anderson said. “I’ve known these guys for a while and everyone is kind and a great person. A lot of people don’t get to see us off the ice.

“It sucks that something like this has to happen for people to realize that we are better people than a lot of people think. We’re just like everyone else, and we’re going to look out for each other.”

The Wheat Kings are next in Moose Jaw to face the Warriors on Friday, Dec. 30.

You can read Bergon’s full account of the incident by visiting www.brandonsun. com/local/2022/12/02/wheat-kings-talkdistressed-man-off-bridge

Briercrest College volleyball teams go winless in Lethbridge

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Both Briercrest College Clippers men’s and women’s teams volleyball

Colleges Athletic Conference games of day, dropping matches to the Lethbridge Kodiaks in Lethbridge

The Clippers men found themselves in a host of close games, but couldn’t pull off the win on Friday night against Leth bridge, who would go on to a 25-23, 2624, 18-25, 25-21 victory.

Karym Coleman continued his solid season with 19 kills, and if he’d had a bit more luck given his number of attempts -- no less than 48 -- the end result could have been much different.

Setter Jeremy Martens had a good game defensively in addition to playing set-up man, recording 10 digs and 41 as sists on the night. Davis Borden added 10

digs.

Nolan Moes was Lethbridge’s top of fensive producer with 15 kills.

Saturday’s rematch was more of the games 25-19 and 25-17 before the Clip pers got one back with a 25-20 win, only game four 25-17.

Coleman had 23 kills on 46 attempts to lead the Clippers offence, while Mar

Briercrest is now 5-5 on the season and sit in fourth place in the ACAC South Division.

The Clippers womens team endured a in Lethbridge, falling 25-15, 23-25, 2225, 25-20, 15-11 to the Kodiaks on Friday night.

Julia Beer led the Briercrest offence

with 20 kills, while Faith Buhler had 13 kills and was also solid defensively with 11 digs. Moose Jaw product Summer

Okerstrom picked up two kills and an ace.

Briercrest didn’t have any luck at all in their rematch Saturday, falling 25-11, 25-22, 25-21.

Okerstrom had one of her best games

cording a service ace and picking up three digs. That effort was enough for her to take home the game star for Briercrest.

Buhler six kills and four digs.

Briercrest is now 4-6 on the season, Division.

mester break, with games in all sports re suming in the new

Moose Jaw Minor Hockey product Caelan

year.

Former AAA Warriors, Prairie Hockey Academy standout aiming to suit up for Team West

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Wheat Kings forward among four players who helped bring man standing on bridge to safety Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s Caelan Fitzpatrick, here in action with the Estevan Bruins last

players named to the World Junior A Challenge selection camp on Thursday.

Former Moose Jaw Warriors forward Calder Anderson helped save a suicidal man in Brandon recently.

Karym Coleman has once again been a terror on the front row all season for the Clippers.

Viterra Scotties with win at Regina Highland SWCT stop

Penny Barker and her defending provin cial champion Moose Jaw Curling Centre rink have booked a spot in the Scotties be ginning Jan, 25 in Estevan after picking up their second-straight tournament victory during the Nov. 25 weekend.

Barker, third Christie Gamble, sec ond Jenna Enge and lead Danielle Sicinski dropped a single game in the round rob in before rolling through the playoffs on their way to winning the Regina Highland Sask Women’s Curling Tour stop, taking a huge lead atop the SWCT standings in the process.

With the top four teams on the SWCT advancing to the Viterra Scotties and a sin gle qualifying tournament remaining on the schedule, Barker has enough points to get the job done and will naturally be one of the favourites in Estevan.

After posting a 3-1 record in the round robin in Regina, Barker took a 5-4 victory followed with an 8-7 win over Jana Tis

There, Barker ran into a familiar face -- none other than Sherry Anderson, who of the Moose Jaw SWCT stop just under a month ago. The end result was much the

same, as Barker picked up points in each ly shook hands.

Barker, Gamble remain unbeaten in Original 16 Cash League action

The wins just keep adding up for BTN Chartered Accountants and KMS Con struction in the Original 16 Cash League.

Both rinks emerged with victories on Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curl ing Centre, with BTN Accountants (Penny Barker) improving to 6-0 on the campaign and KMS (Ben Gamble) moving their mark to 5-0.

Barker -- fresh off a tournament win in the Regina Highland SWCT the previ ous weekend -- had a quick night against John’s Music (Ryan Wenarchuk, 4-4), even if things were close in the early go ing. The two teams were tied 2-2 through three ends, but Barker put up a three spot in the fourth and added a steal of three the

Gamble had an even quicker night against fellow perennial league contend

a steal of two in the second and three more in the third, and Gamble had a 7-0 victory to his credit.

Rod Montgomery moved into a tie for fourth place at 5-3 with a hard-fought 8-7 win over RK Sunview (Tanya Heisler, 0-8). Heisler and crew threw everything they had at the former two-time Tankard

of the season, building a 3-1 lead through three ends. Montgomery rallied with three sixth to lead 6-3, but Heisler got all that back and then some with a four-spot in the seventh, taking a one-point edge into use of the hammer, though, picking up his deuce and the one-point win.

ProTec Studios (Tyler Krupski, 5-3)

kept pace with Montgomery thanks to an 11-7 win over KalTire (Dustin Woloschuk, 2-6). Woloschuk looked to have things in control through six ends, with a three-spot that frame giving him a 7-4 lead. Krupski rallied with four in the seventh to take an 8-7 edge and followed up with a steal of

over Anderson in Moose Jaw.

It was also a good weekend for for mer Moose Jaw competitor Amber Hol land. The former two-time Viterra Scotties champion snuck into the playoffs with a 2-2 record, but took a 6-1 win over Lor

She also sits in the top four in SWCT standings heading into the Player Champi onship during the Jan, 13 weekend.

Moose Jaw Skylar Ackerman is also on the cusp of outright qualifying for the Scotties, having just missed the playoffs with a 2-2 round-robin record in Regina. A consistent season saw Ackerman leading the Saskatchewan rinks on the Canadian Team Ranking System heading into Re gina, with the top four CTRS teams also qualifying for provincials.

four on the SaskCTRS and national CTRS will play in the Last Chance Bonspiel during the Jan. 5 weekend in North Battl eford, with the top four teams there round ing out the Viterra Scotties draw.

Pro-Tec Electric (Stan Barnsley 4-4) got back to .500 on the season with a 7-2 win over EMJ Marketing (Joe Gunnis, 2-5). Barnsley led 2-1 through three ends but stole three in the fourth and another Gunnis settled for a single point in the sixth, the two teams shook hands.

Paws N Play (Jaedon Miller, 3-4) went on a steal run to take a 5-1 six-end victory over Fountain Tire (Barry Silk, in the opening end, but Miller tied things up in the second and stole single points in each of the next four frames, bringing

The Original 16 Cash League plays every Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

High school senior basketball season returns to action this week

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The 2021-22 high school basketball season was an outstanding one for teams from Moose Jaw and area, and if every thing goes according to plan, the tip-off of the new campaign on Tuesday, Dec. 6 will mark the beginning of another wildly suc cessful run for local teams.

A total of three teams will take the court in the Moose Jaw High Schools Ath teams will play in the girls loop.

While the number of teams might be down, expect things in the boys league to be exceptionally close between the Cen tral Cyclones, Peacock Toilers and Vanier Vikings all season.

That’s especially true if things are re motely as solid as they were for the three teams last year.

Central ended up winning both the city championship and 4A boys provincial title and had Peacock with them every step of the way -- taking a 75-64 win over the

an 84-76 win over Peacock in the provin cial gold medal game.

Vanier, meanwhile, came within a single win of making it three teams from Moose Jaw at 4A boys Hoopla before

John Paul II.

The Vikings and Toilers renewed hostilities on Tuesday, Dec. 6 when they opened the regular season at Peacock.

tion when they take on Peacock on Tues day, Dec. 13.

The reigning city champion and 4A girls provincial bronze medalist Central Cyclones are joined by Peacock, Vanier, the Lumden Angels and Assiniboia Rock ets in the girls league.

Their season opens on Wednesday, Dec. 7 when Central travels to Assiniboia for a 5:50 p.m. start, while Lumsden trav els to Central and Vanier is at Peacock on Dec. 13.

The regular season continues through

nals on Tuesday, Mar. 14.

Local tournament dates are also set. Provincial 2A girls bronze medalists

high school basketball tourney of the sea son on the Dec. 9 weekend, with the Vani er boys and girls also holding an event that weekend.

The Peacock senior boys tournament goes Dec. 16-17, followed by the Central boys tournament during the Jan. 5 week end.

Peacock and Central host the largest local girls tournament of the season on Jan, 12-14, followed by Peacock’s tourna ment Feb. 10-11.

The Ned Andreoni Memorial Tour

regular season in Moose Jaw, taking place during the Mar. 3 weekend at Vanier.

BTN Chartered Accountant improve to 6-0, KMS Construction to 5-0 after wins on Wednesday night Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Defending Scotties provincial champion holds solid lead atop

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Team Barker once again had a chance to do their celebratory leap after winning the Regina Highland stop on the Saskatchewan Women’s Curling Tour this past weekend.

The Moose Jaw high school boys and girls basketball leagues tip off this com ing week.

Porcelain village now open for Christmas season viewing

A festive scene of wonder greets visitors when they walk into Bruce Miller’s work shop because he and his spouse Erine Allen have turned the space into a Christ mas-themed porcelain village wonderland.

carolling, sleigh riding and down-hill ski —to churches, town halls, a movie the atre, a train station, a Ferris wheel and a ballroom, the display will surely delight young and old.

There are also Roughrider-themed buildings to tickle football fans’ fancies.

The display is available between now and Dec. 31 — by appointment only — from 1 to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The couple lives at unit D-23 in the Prairie Oa sis Trailer Court; to book a viewing, call 306-648-7664.

They will gladly accept a free-will of fering and donate all money collected to the Salvation Army.

The initial interest

Miller began collecting small porce lain items about 25 years ago and would usually purchase items during post-Christ mas sales. When he and Allen began dat ing 10 years ago, they began collecting full-size objects — and their assortment grew.

“We’re two kids in a toy store when he said. “And then you come home, and out, ‘Ooh, gee, that one’s a discontinued antique and it’s worth $175.’ And we pay

The hobby brings out the artistic side in them, Miller continued. They comple ment each other since Allen develops the ideas and he creates them.

ing, too, he added. Many items have small motors, so he takes them apart, oils them,

Showcasing the villages

The couple initially opened their vil lage in December 2020, but no one saw it because of pandemic restrictions. Howev could visit and admire their collection.

noting they add and subtract objects as new ideas come to them.

They are always looking for new ideas and ways to arrange their village. They browse online Christmas village sites and share thoughts about what works — or doesn’t — with others.

Miller said. “And we’re both into hob

The couple visits in-person garage pieces. About 90 per of their items are used; they purchased two objects this year using money from selling old pieces.

Miller and Allen were somewhat un sure of how many actual porcelain items they have, with Allen estimating between 100 to 140. Meanwhile, Miller believes they have more based on the auxiliary items — bridges, sidewalks, light posts — they have.

They began setting up the Christmas village on Sept. 1 and worked seven days a week so they could open on Dec. 1. They were late last year in promoting the village, so not many people saw it. They were also only open for about two weeks.

However, through word of mouth, the internet, and the media, they attracted people from Ponteix, Assiniboia, Southey, Regina and elsewhere.

An addicting hobby

The addicting hobby is a catch-22type situation for Allen, who noted that when she lies in bed, she thinks she doesn’t want to do this again. But come the morn ing, she goes online to marketplaces and is excited by what she sees.

It’s all about imagination and what can be built, she continued. They built

mountains, and other structures — be cause her mind is always going. Then she

done

and seeks to replicate it.

One of Allen’s favourite pieces is a ballroom she bought from a former col lector in Moose Jaw, while one of Miller’s favourites is a train set from Sears.

The couple added that they are look ing forward to meeting new people this year, just as they did last year.

15 Wing to host 2022 CAF Canada West Curling Championships Dec. 6 to 8

The 2022 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Canada West Curling Championships will be hosted by 15 Wing Moose Jaw, from Dec. 6 to 8 at the Moose Jaw Events Cen tre.

Corporal Jonathan Benson’s team will represent 15 Wing alongside four other teams: Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox, CFB Edmonton, CFB Cold Lake, and CFB Winnipeg.

Teams will play a minimum of four round robin games and the top four will played daily at 9:15 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.

The Canada West Curling Champion 8 at 1:30 p.m.

Spectators are welcome to attend, ac cording to a press release from 15 Wing. on held by the CAF in the Canada West Region since the start of pandemic lock down measures in March 2020.

The last time Moose Jaw hosted the CAF Regional Curling Championships the event is held at the Moose Jaw Events

Centre.

regional curling champion and Moose Javian, will act as an advisor to the Jury of Appeal. He will assist in the rulings on any disputes which may take occur during the competition.

Another local Moose Javian, Sgt. (re chair curling champion, will attend as the his decades of experience as the chief of a curler.

Moose Jaw Curling Centre (Saddman Zaman)

family singing Christmas

celain village. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

A downhill ski run. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

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

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatch ewan Moose Jaw Branch Future meet ing dates: Wed. Jan. 18/23, Wed. March 15/23, and Wed. May 17/23.

Lawn Bowling at the Yara Centre: Drop in Tuesdays @9:30 am & Thursdays @1:30pm. Yara fees/memberships ap ply. For beginners Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling members plan to be available to demonstrate. If you have bowls, please bring your own.

Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters meet in the Masonic Temple at 1775 Main Street North. Membership Fee is $50 per year. For more information write Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild Inc., Box 484, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P1 or email prairieheartsquilters@yahoo. ca Meeting Schedule December 17 and 2023 schedule: January 05 & 19/Febru ary 02 & 16/March 02 & 16/April 06 & 20/ May 04 & 18 (last mtg until Sept)

ROTARY CAROL FESTIVAL—The Moose Jaw Rotary Club is presenting its 76th annual Carol Festival on Tuesday, December 6. The event will be held at Zion Church on Main each night at 7 p.m. The acoustics at this venue enhance the sound for the presenters and listeners. A go to Rotary projects in the city. Come one and all and get into the holiday spirit!

Mulberry Estates is hosting a Vintage Holiday party on December 15th at 2pm. Please join our residents at 220 Mulberry Lane for Christmas carols while enjoying sweet festive treats and a visit from Santa Claus. Limited space avail able. Please call Tricia at 306-684-0202 to reserve your spot.

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

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at the Lindale (north entrance). Call 306-693-5705 for information.

The Moose Jaw Community Choir regular choir practices are on Mondays @ 700-830PM at First Free Methodist Church. Performances in the communi ty may also take place on alternate eve nings. New members are always wel come 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.

Moose Jaw Camera Club has resumed monthly Club Meetings. Interested pho tographers are welcome and invited to join and Be Focused With Us! For more information: Wanda - 306-693-7440 or Len - 306-693-7685. themoosejawcam eraclub.com

Toastmasters Big Country Club pro vides a mutually supportive and posi tive learning environment in which every

sclubs.org or text 306 690-8739

Line Dancing every Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library, 461 Lang don Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejaw library.ca/

Youth Programming IN PERSON & VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Thursdays until December 15 at 6:30-8:30 pm in MJPL Archives for ages 12-16. New and seasoned players welcome. Registra tion required. For more information or to register, email youth@moosejawlibrary. ca.

Adult programming

Regular programming: Tech Time — by appointment only, get help with all your technology frustrations. To book, call the MJPL at 306-692-2787. Magic the Gathering December 17 at 2:00 pm. Whether you’re an experi enced player or just starting out, there’s room at our table. Play commander with the group or one-on-one if that’s more your speed. Bring your own deck if you have one or if you’re new to the game, we have decks to spare. Location: South Meeting Room

Youth programming

Adult Digital D&D is a new MJPL club for ages 15 to 22. Members meet every Fri day from 4 to 6 p.m. on Discord and all experience levels are welcome. To regis ter, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

Regular programming:

Teen D&D — ages 12 to 16, every Thurs day until Dec. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by emailing youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

Children’s programming Regular programs: Lego Weekends! — for ages 4+, every Saturday and Sunday in the children’s department. Creations will be displayed in the library window.

Children’s Take ‘n Make Series — For ages 4+, pick up a kit at the library cir culation desk.

Children’s Take ‘n’ Make Series Decem ber 7 to December 31: Popsicle Stick Ornament! Come to the Library’s Circu lation Desk and pick up a craft kit to take and make at home. Book suggestions and extensions activity ideas included with all Take ‘n’ Make kits. For ages 4+

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcana

at all Legion events.

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regu lar games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required.

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

at 7:00pm.

Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Satur day. To see the total check out Face book page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers.

held on December 10th – Cocktails 5:30 pm/Supper 6:30 pm – Silent Auction and

14 and under $15. Tickets available in the Legion lounge.

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. – 4 p.m.

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

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

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 morn ings @ 10 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday after noons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m. Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mon days & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners –Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m. One Move Dominos – cancelled for now. Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm Carpet bowling – Has moved to the out doors for the summer Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m. Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

days @ 1 p.m. Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m. Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities

WEEKLY EVENTS

Monday: 9:30am Pickle Ball; 1pm Floor

Tuesday: 9:30am Jam Session; 1pm Pickle Ball; 7pm Friendship Bridge Wednesday: 8:30am TOPS; 9:30am

Hand & Food Canasta Thursday: 10am Line Dance; 1pm Pickle Ball Friday: 10am Beginner Pickle Ball; 1pm 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 Thursday at 1:30 pm Crib

Friday Evening Fun Pool and Darts at 7pm Saturday At 4:30 pm is our Meat Draw, 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Saturday meat draw @ 4:30pm - 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

For More Information on anything Hap pening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306-681-5998 or 306-692-4412 email anaf252@sasktel.net

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

$2.00 per person – two person teams. Bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered. Every one Welcome.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: (– to April 2023) - Drop in Darts – play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone Welcome

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

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”

MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Sin gles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm NOW – New Year’s Eve Tickets on sale – available at the Eagles Club Bar – Early

to December 25, 2022 then goes to the regular price of $30.00 per person. Get your tickets early.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022 - Mu sic Bingo – starts at 7:00 pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE: 2022 – Doors open at 7:00 pm – Dance to the music of a su perb band - BRANDON and COMPANY – Luncheon Served at 11:00 pm. Tick ets available at the Eagles Club Bar… Early Bird price of $25.00 per person in to the regular price of $30.00 per person.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free

return to this popular program, especial ly because we will have some special guest speakers at two of the sessions. Topics this fall and early winter include: December 20 - “Holiday Traditions” WDM is once again hosting A Christ mas Long Ago on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17. – This is an interactive presentation where attendees would engage with re al-life archives from the museum. The session has an in-person and a virtual presentation. In-person sessions will be hosted on Dec. 10 & 17 from 10.00 a.m. and another at 2.00 p.m. Virtual session will be on Dec. 23 at 7.00 p.m. Tickets are required to purchase to attend the in-person sessions but the virtual pre sentation is completely free. Tickets for WDM members cost around $12.69 for adults and $9.51 for youths (5-18). For non-members, $15.86 for adults and $12.69 for youths (5-18). Participa tion is limited to 25 people per session. Pre-registration is required for participa tion. To register for this program please go to wdm.ca/winter. For more informa tion contact 306-693-5989.

the museum galleries. Young visitors will try and locate these images and record where they were found. At the end of the hunt, there will be an announcement with a great big prize basket for the holidays. WDM will also be handing out a Christ mas at the WDM booklet containing guided questions about winter and hol iday traditions, and artifacts archived in the museum galleries. There will also be

Moose Jaw among three Sask communities recognized for age-friendly initiative

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Moose Jaw, Kipling and district and Regina were recog nized on 22 November by the Government of Saskatch ewan and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) for their work to be more inclusive of seniors and older adults.

The efforts of these communities include:

• Establishing an Age-Friendly Committee

• Securing support at the municipal government level

• Assessing the community to determine where age-friendliness initiatives are needed

• Developing, publicizing, and implementing an action plan

“I congratulate the recipients of today’s Age-Friendly recognition on their efforts to consider the needs of se niors and older adults, and how their communities can play a role in enhancing their quality of life,” said Everett Hindley, minister of seniors. “Our government supports the Age-Friendly Communities initiative, which promotes healthy, accessible, and inclusive communities, where ev eryone is valued and supported.”

An age-friendly community is designed to enable all residents to live safely, enjoy good health, and stay in volved. Measures that increase accessibility and inclusiv ity for older adults and seniors include keeping sidewalks well-maintained and well lit, supporting accessible ser vices, buildings with automatic doors and elevators, and having a variety of programs for seniors, such as arts and cultural activities, volunteering, or courses.

“The recognition was very nice, because we had done

a lot of work to get there,” said Christine Boyczuk, chair of Moose Jaw’s Age-Friendly Committee.

Boyczuk received the award on behalf of the com munity alongside committee co-chair Gillian Froehlich.

“For example,” Boyczuk continued, “we had to have our community plan in place, we had to meet with the city of steps.

“Now we can move forward, because in order for us to do a lot of projects, we did need that recognition. In particular, we’re working on home support, or ‘aging in place.’ And the recognition gives us credibility, along with other communities who are working on that as well.”

The importance of helping seniors age in place is growing as care homes and hospitals feel the impacts of a strained healthcare system. Aging in place means seniors have the support and knowledge they need to live in their own homes for as long as possible.

“Fifteen communities in this province are part of the Age-Friendly movement,” said Doug Still, SSM board member and chair of the Age-Friendly Saskatchewan Committee. “Together, their combined populations repre sent over half a million people in a variety of locations ranging from rural municipalities and towns, to our two largest cities. These communities are committed to look ing at community development by and with older adults, knowing that age-friendly means all-ages friendly where

For more information on the Age-Friendly Commu nities Recognition Program, including the application process, visit the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism web site at skseniorsmechanism.ca/ or the Age-Friendly Sas katchewan website at www.agefriendlysk.ca.

W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Services to hold 25th annual Mourning Star ceremony

This is the 25th anniversary for the annual Mourning Star Christmas Service at the W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Ser vices chapel on 474 Hochelaga Street, open to anyone in the community for whom this season carries loss and grief.

The event is on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. and this year’s theme is ‘The Greatest Gift.’

The Mourning Star service is a yearly ritual for many in Moose Jaw. Candlelight, gentle music, the sharing of memories, and the calmness of the funeral home’s sanctu son, who organizes the event.

“This was one of the earliest grief outreach projects we did when I began working at W.J. Jones & Son,” Fer guson said. “It’s been an evolution in journeying with folks through their grief and especially that holiday-time grief. It’s been an immense privilege to be present at those ceremonies and to see the meaning that it has for those who gather.”

The holidays can be particularly hard for those griev ing the death of a loved one. Reminders of the absence are everywhere, which is why W.J. Jones & Son holds this service in December.

Ferguson acknowledged that not everyone processes their grief in the same way — for some, it is a solitary ex perience. For others, gathering with others who are feel ing the same pain can help them heal, or at least cope for a while longer.

One theory, Ferguson said, is that some people are intuitive grievers, while others are instrumental grievers. Of course, no one is completely one or the other, but the idea can help folks to accept their own process and do the things that are healthy for them, she said.

Intuitive grievers tend to express their grief, share their feelings with others, and seek community supports.

Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Guests are also invited to come forward and light a candle. Music for the ceremony will be provided by Joya Johnston, who will sing and play piano.

written by community members on the theme ‘The Great est Gift.’

“We invite people who are new to their grief to come in, but we also invite those who have been on the journey for a while,” Ferguson said. “To be with others who get it, who understand, and who are also challenged … because their heart isn’t on the same page with the ‘merriness’ of the season.”

Instrumental grievers tend to hold their grief inside. They may not express the pain they feel, seeking to mas ter their emotions. Rather than gathering and sharing, they may direct their energy toward activities that help them process their feelings.

“Some folks tend to draw away for their process, and said. “It’s an opportunity to be with others who under stand, to be in a quiet space that isn’t pulsing with high energy and bright lights. … Our whole goal is to create a safe space … to honour the memory of that loved one.”

Each year, a Christmas ornament is given to those who attend the ceremony. The ornaments are hung on a tree at the front of the chapel, and afterwards families are invited to take those ornaments home with them.

Minister of Seniors Everett Hindley presents an award to Christine Boyczuk and Gillian Froehlich to recog nize their work on the Age-Friendly Moose Jaw com mittee (from Facebook)

Gordon

going to go through tough times - that’s life. But I say, ‘Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’ See the positive in negative events. -- Joel Osteen --

AUTO PARTS

tune up $90. Pick up and delivery available in Moose Jaw. I have 35+ years ex perience with all makes and models. Please call or text 306 690 2611

Large assortment of clean containers including ice cream pails with lids - $3 for all 306-681-8749

Wanted John Deere LA tractor, John Deere 316,317, or 318 or equivalent lawn tractor, and older truck with no rust. Call or text 306641-4447

pleated drapes, polyester with back tab panel, insu lated foam back 48” x 45” – $14.00. 306-586-9263

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Good condition tires- Nit to Trail Grappler, 6/32 tread, 285/75/16 mount ed on Dodge Ram 1500 rims. $400 obo, 306-6319853

4 steel studded tires, like new. Size 225 65 R17. $300. Ph. 306-694-4631 Truck cap or tunnel cov er for a 1993 Ford ranger truck reasonably priced. Call 306-313-4772

Looking for any vehicle non working batteries 306681-8749

Looking for a pair of factory tail lights and front spoiler under front bumper for a 2017 Ford F-250 super duty truck 306-681-8749

WINTER TIRES used only one winter- sumitomo ice edge 195/60R 15, on 4 bolt rims. Used only one winter on a 2006 Gobara $400.00 firm. 306-684-6080

Weatherman 15” all season tire – R195/165R1591T- like new, got 3361 miles or 5400km on. New cost was $160.00 sell for $39.00, FRAM cabin air filter, new in box, CF11173 – fits Nissan & other vehicles. 306-5869263

MOTORBIKES & SNOWMOBILES

1990 Artic Cat 650cc skidoo. $800 OBO, to view call Terry 306-630-2566

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

Campbell hausfeld air com pressor with hose, 8 gal; 125p, like new, $175.00. 1” Irwin drill bit, $1.00. Glass cutter (diameter)-made in Germany $1.00. T-square$3.00. Utility work light (bulb included), with 30” cord, $4.00. Austin craft, 4 size socket tool, $1.00. Fuller long nose pli ers, with cushion grip han dles, $2.00. 306-586-9263

FOR RENT

Two rooms for rent, $150.00 each room plus utilities. Use of kitchen, bathroom, living room. 99 Spruce St, Caronport, Sk.17 minutes to Moose JawTrans Canada highway. For more information call 1-306-684-6080

MISCELLANEOUS

Bike repairs starting at $10, Kids bikes tune ups 20in and smaller $25-$35, Adult bikes 24in and larger reg ular tune up $55, Premium

Looking for the vintage bubble lights in working condition (Christmas lights) 306-681-8749

I’ll pick up for free unwant ed snow blowers, chain saws, garden tillers, lawn tractors, and other lawn, garden and acreage equip ment. Call or text 306-6414447

For Sale Hydraulic bathtub lift for more info call 306690-7227 or 306-693-4321 Assorted electronic cables, selling all together - $2. 306-681-8749

FOR SALE: Gold-tipped arrows (6-pack). No arrow heads, just shaft and end. Still in packaging, never used. $50. 306-313-4643. Antique collectible stubby beer bottle, great condition - $2. Call 306-681-8749

Large assortment of clean containers including ice cream pails with lids - $3 for all. 306-681-8749

I am a licensed gun owner paying cash for unwanted firearms, parts and ammu nition in the Moose Jaw, Regina and surrounding area. Call or text 306-6414447

18” necklace from Hawaii, shell/beads- $4.00. Fire wood – 5 boxes of fire wood for stove camping, fireplace/pit etc. $16.00 all. 26 bath towels & 2 face cloths, $20.00 all. Framed mirror (like new) 371/4” x 44” x 11/1” d. $25.00. Photo album- new $4.00. COM FORTER, BEDSKIRT & 2 pil low covers, double/queen size, multi-colored, $20.00. Double size fitted & flat sheets (mushroom color) & 2 pillow covers, $12.00.

1 chocolate brown toss cushion (new), $7.00. Navy polar fleece blanket 50” x 60” for household, camp ing etc. $6.00. 12 double sided drape/shower cur tain hooks, chrome col or, new in pkg. $5.00. 11 egg cartoons .25cents all. Drapes, dk. brown pleated drape, 96” x 84”, blackout, polyester, pock et rod with back tab panel, new $22.00. Solid grom met panel drapes, polyes ter, mushroom color, 50” x 63”, new, 2 for $15.00. Brown grommet panel drape, polyester, 52” x 84” – $10.00. Dk. brown

Wooden China Cabinet and Hutch, medium brown in color and in excellent con dition, beautiful piece of furniture. Measures 82”Hx 58”W, 2 glass shelves in cabinet with finger touch tri-light. $1500. 8 piece rectangular wooden dining room set, includes table measuring 57”Lx43”W, leaf measuring 18” and 6 chairs. Matches very well with the China Cabinet and Hutch. Asking $1000.00 but would sell China cabinet, hutch and dining set for $2300. Gorgeous 8 piece queen size bedroom suite, queen size pillow top 18” mattress, wooden head board and footboard with 2 drawers. Dresser with 7 drawers, 2 night stands with 2 drawers and mirror. All in like new condition, currents sells at the Brick for over $6000, asking $2500 for the set. Metal wall hanging, 30”Lx22”H, brown, rust, yellow and oranges hues, $30. Met al wine rack, 54”Hx24”W, holds 39 bottles, could easily be spray painted to match your decor, $30. 3 dark brown wicker baskets, 15”x11”x8, never used, $15. White-washed glass sid ed box, used for cards at wedding and as Xmas de cor, $15. Asst table clothes that fit the aforementioned dining table, 68”Lx57”W to 100”Lx60”W, $5 ea. or all for $25. 9 Keurig 2.0 filters, $5. All items come from pet free and smoke free home and all located in Moose Jaw. For more information or pictures, please contact Gale at 306-421-7459.

$1600.00, plus taxes, sell for $399.00. teakwood entertainment unit, or for o ce etc. on 4 roller cast ers, adjustable shelves & 1 shelve is pullout for printer, record player etc. & 1 side pullout drawer for tapes, cd’s etc. 51”h x 181/4”d x 32”w. $99.00. Bed room – brass headboard (double/full size) has been lacquered, so no need to polish $125.00. Steel bed frame on 4 roller casters, adjusts from twin/double or queen size. &17.00. 306586-9263

CHILDRENS ITEMS

Kids hoola-hoop - $2. Call 306-681-8749

CLOTHING

Male beige London fog coat (new tags still on), zip-out lining, size 42/44. never worn $24.00. Male, rubber/water /mud boots, size 10 (Vulcan), like new, 13”h- $10.00. Male Wayne Gretsky top/sweater, #99, navy, 1/2 zip at front neck, l sleeve, size 2xl, new $15.00. Male hagaar, top shirt/sweater, wine color, l. sleeve, poly/cotton, size XXL new $12.00. Black male dress slacks, 36w, 34l and can be longer is extra hem, like new$17.00. Female navy dress, cot ton/spandex, sleeveless, crochet at front yolk, size med. $5.00. Female dk. green poly coat /rain, size XL, back pleat, attached hood, like new $7.00. fe male pantyhose, assorted sizes & colors, navy, white, black, blue, spice etc. new in pkgs. price range from .50cents to $3.50 pr. fe male poly spandex navy coat, mesh lined, attached hood, size xl, washable, $12.00. Female navy cot ton/spandex slacks, size medium .wider leg, $6.00. Female aqua color dress, with collar, sleeveless, V-neck, polyester, size 1x, $7.00. 306-586-9263

LAWN & GARDEN

45 gallon blue plastic bar rels, food grade great for rainwater save water rath er than pay for it, or raised garden beds - $20 each. 306-681-8749

$2.00 all. 6 smaller plant pots, includes 1 with drain tray, and pkg. miracle grow, plant food spikes $1.00 all. 5 ft. vinyl scalloped edging, for trees, flower beds, gar den etc. includes spikes and connector. $2.00. Bul bar/digger garden tool with wood handle, for flowers, garden, plants etc. $1.00. 306-586-9263

WANTED

ANTIQUES Wanted: signs, toys, sports cards, gold & silver coins & jewellery, firearms, single items to full estates. Call 1-306-5398363

Help Needed! Did you know Moose Jaw has 2 of the oldest trains, one CPR and one CNR, they are lo cated in Wakamow Park? They are in need of serious repair, I have repaired them twice and I am 89 years old and unable to do it. Hoping someone will take over the repaired. Please call Cec at 306-692-1339

SERVICES

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268. In terior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finish ing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ sid ing- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. This is to all the people who are looking for someone to do work for them. (1) Get three estimates, ask if they charge FOR ESTIMATES if they do, don’t use them. (2) do a written contract, with how long to do the job, and the total cost. (3) DO NOT PAY BEFORE WORK IS DONE. (4) DO NOT PAY FOR BUILDING MATERIAL UNLESS YOU ARE A SUP PLIER AND IT IS BEING DELIVERED TO YOUR RES IDENTS. (5) It should not take 5 months to shingle a 1200 sq. foot home. (6) Get names of people your contractor has worked for and make sure they are not his friends. (7) If you are not comfortable when first meeting your contrac tor, chances are you are

right, don’t deal with him. (8) If you’re looking for a contractor, check with your building supplier, they sometime have names of good reliable people that do the work you are looking for. (9) THE MAIN POINT IS DO NOT GIVE MONEY UP FRONT FOR ANY TYPE OF WORK. IF THEY SAY THEY NEED THE MONEY TO GET SUPPLIES FORGET IT, TROUBLE COULD BE BREWING. (10) Hope this helps all you people look ing for a contractor.

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver furniture anywhere in and around Moose Jaw$40 and up. 306-681-8749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver any size of TVs in and around Moose Jaw$30 and up. 306-681-8749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver appliances in and around Moose Jaw$45 and up. 306-681-8749

Moving jobs done reason ably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-6302268

Will pick up, deliver or haul away BBQ’s in and around Moose Jaw- $40 and up. 306-681-8749

Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw - $60/ load and up. 306-681-8749

Semi-Retired Contractor – 47 years in business, residential and commer cial. Enjoys small or large projects involving plaster, drywall, concrete, painting, taping, texturing, stucco repair, tile and T bar. I work for the Heritage Society and enjoy beautification projects. Quality work. Free estimates. Discount for seniors. Phone Bob Huston 1-587-889-1000.

Small Home Repairs. Plumbing, decks, windows, kitchens, bathrooms etc. No job too small. Phone 306-313-5151

COMMUNITY, EVENTS, MEETINGS & OCCASSIONS

Calling all retired and semi retired people. Join PRO BUS. Fun for all. Info: call 306-374-7904

For sale: GE electric fry pan, 12 in. square, quality made. $25. Call 972-2257

Moose Jaw

KING SIZE SATEEN SHEET SET-Comes with 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet and 2 King size pillow cases. Easy care and wrinkle re sistant. Brand new still in PKG. Would make a nice gift paid $39.99 asking $20.00 OBO. Plz. call 6923061.

Antique fish net, would be nice wall decor - $2 call 306-681-8749

Red leather look arm chair (like new), at brick is

Raised garden bed$40.00. Call 306-681-8749 Concrete back splash (for under eaves), so water drains away from. Bldg. 29”l x 11”w x 31/2”h. like new $7.00. 2 –20kg. Bags of rocks (natural stone col or), for yard garden, etc.

BASSETT, GLORIA WINNIFRED (PECKHAM) 1935-2022

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Gloria Bassett announce her passing on November 25th, 2022 at the age of 86. Gloria was born on November 29th, 1935 in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. She is predeceased by her husband Lloyd; parents, William and Lilian; and sister Victoria.

Gloria is survived by her children: Brent (Cathie) Bassett, Denise (Paul) Beckett, and Larry (Tara) Bassett; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her brother Bill (Ann) Peckham.

Growing up, Gloria was creative and sporty. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, playing violin, basketball, took on an active role at home when her mother passed away in 1952, and as such, was remarkably close to her father Bill, and her siblings.

Gloria married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Lloyd James Bassett in 1955, in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. They moved to Winnipeg shorty

settling in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1956. They had two more children there, completing their family. She worked for 23 years running a daycare program at their local church, St. John’s Anglican. After she and Lloyd retired, they enjoyed traveling together with friends and family, visiting places like Mexico, England, and Hawaii.

Gloria enjoyed trying many new things and was never without a hobby. She loved square dancing, knitting, embroidery, exercise classes at the spa, and was a great cook and baker.

Gloria was loved deeply and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her sparkling smile, contagious laugh, love of her family and willingness to give to her community.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edgar Hall in Providence Place for their years of care.

Memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan at, 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6.

In living memory of Gloria, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). Balke Seebach- Funeral Director/Funeral Director Intern- Cerys Doan

MACLACHLAN, DORIS ESTHER

With sadness the family wish to announce the passing of Doris MacLachlan on November 25, 2022, at the age of 94. Doris was born in Lucky Lake, raised on a farm near Darmody and married a farmer near Eyebrow, raised a family and built a life on a Saskatchewan farm.

Predeceased by her husband Bill; parents Vern and Della Brown as well as sister Ida and brothers Gordon and Norman. She will be greatly missed by her two sons Brian (Roberta) and Glen (Karen); sisters Alta, Marion, Carolyn, Corrine and brother Ronald as well as her four grandchildren and their families.

The family would like to thank the staff of Providence Place for their wonderful care of Doris during her short stay. A private family graveside service will be held.

Flowers are gratefully declined, donations to the Moose Jaw Hospital Foundation in Doris’s name would be an appreciated option.

In living memory of Doris, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director

Beatrice Irene Ambrose July 1939 - Dec 2019

It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. We miss you every day.

Love your family.

Ken, Brian (Shawna), Dennis (Laura), Dakota (Tom), Bri any (Spencer), Mercedes (Bre ), Quinton (Ari), Emma, Amanda (Sebastian), Jason, Athena, Autumn, and Hunter.

This winter, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Parks gives a unique holiday experience to its visitors for their “Trim Your Tree” campaign, which runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 23.

Visitors are allowed to cut down spruce Christmas trees and take a piece of the provincial park home. This

since visitors are only cutting down spruce trees within designated FireSmart Blocks.

“We are more excited than ever to bring the holiday season to life in our parks this winter,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “Trim Your Tree not only gives visitors a small piece of Cypress Hills to take home with them but also helps preserve our parks.”

Additionally, Sask Park has partnered with Engel heim Tours and is offering a Trim Your Tree package experience from Dec. 10 to 11. The package includes complete transportation, accommodations, guided activ ities and meals. Other tour packages are also offered with trips to Duck Mountain, Buffalo Pound and Echo Valley Provincial Parks for this winter. Participants who will take part in all four tours will receive a free 2023 Annual

Park Entry Permit as well as a $25 travel credit on future Engelheim Tours.

Campers are advised about online campsite reserva tions that include Camp-Easy sites, at Buffalo Pound, Cy press Hills, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley and Pike Lake Provincial Parks until Mar. 15, 2023.

This will be a perfect opportunity for winter campers with two Camp-Easy tents at Cypress Hills Interprovin cial Park. Campers can also experience the extra comfort of cots, camp chairs, an axe and a wood-burning stove.

During winter, services are reduced; a note about what services are available will be posted for campers’ reservations. This includes electricity, water, sewer or pit toilets. This will also reduce the nightly rates from Oct. 1, 22 until Mar. 15, 23.

Camp-Easy sites are $80 and can be booked early online.

Tree permits can be collected from the park admin designated tree-cutting spots.

To purchase a park entry permit or book a campsite, visit https://parks.saskatchewan.ca.

For more information about “Trim Your Tree” and winter offerings in Sask Parks, visit https://www.tourism saskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks.

Snow Covered Christmas Trees - stock photo getty image

Obituaries / Memorials

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

Gaslighting

The “Word of the Year” according to Merriam-Webster is gaslighting. The number of searches on the Merri am-Webster dictionary site for gaslighting increased by 1,740% in 2022. The term referred primarily to psycho logical manipulation in the mid-1900s, but its current us age is the act or practice of grossly misleading someone else, especially for one’s own advantage. This modern meaning is driven by the “vast increase in channels and technologies used to mislead” people, especially in per sonal and political contexts. “In this age of misinforma tion - of ‘fake news’, conspiracy theories, Twitter trolls, and deep fakes - gaslighting has emerged as a word for our time,” according to Merriam-Webster.

As a verb gaslight it seems to date from the mid1960s. A November 12, 1965, episode of Gomer Pyle: USMC used the term.

if we can’t get through to the Sarge we can get through to the Chief.

Frankie: How do you mean?

Gomer: Huh?

The recent prominence of gaslighting may have been inspired by former President Trump’s behavior. The word has now come to refer to the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, for a personal advantage. In this use, gaslighting is forms of deception and manipulation, such

Trump. The idea of a deliberate conspiracy to mislead has made gaslighting useful in describing lies that are part of a larger plan. Methods of gaslighting also include obfusca tion, withholding pertinent information, blocking, divert ing, trivializing, and denial.

BLATCHFORD, RAY (RAYMOND EDWARD)

Sadly, Ray passed away the morning of November 20 as a result of an abdominal issue commencing the previous evening. He was born May 6, 1928 in his Grandma

of 14 children to Frank and Emma Blatchford. He grew up in a farm house a mile and a half away and attended Lethburn school located on the Nord home quarter. In the midst of the Depression and War his childhood was a good one with family and relatives. Brothers are Ken, Bill and Larry and sisters Irene, Edith, Maxine, Betty, Frances, Faye, Karen, Gail, Patsy, and Bonnie.

Finishing Grade 8 in 1942, at 14 years of age he was driving both a team of horses and a truck hauling harvested grain for neighbors. The family moved to Moose Jaw that Halloween and being late for high school he got a job with the McBrides grocery and bakery chain working in their warehouse, bakery and retail stores. He quickly bought a suit and a dress coat and looking much older was soon frequenting the many bars and pool halls of the day with like-minded underage buddies. He liked skating at the outdoor rink by Robin Hood and attending Canuck games at the old downtown arena.

In 1949 he began working at Weston Bakeries next to Memorial Field in the wrapping and shipping

balancing daily results and soon was transferred into bookeeping, retiring in 1988 as manager of the retail location. He bowled and curled for Weston company teams and enjoyed the many people he encountered there.

In 1950 he married a farm girl from Shaunavon, Mary Rosanne Livingstone, who had attended Normal School in Moose Jaw. He has had a life of love, devotion and caring for Mary and their only child, Bob. His summer vacations were all at harvest time to Shaunavon to help the in-laws, Ace and Maxine on the farm. Annual trips were taken to Alberta and B.C. visiting family and traveling with Ken and Theresa. Ray was a member and curling skip for 42 years at the Moose Jaw and Hillcrest Curling clubs and a Hillcrest golf member over 20 years. He and Mary were members and are Lifetime Members of the Moose Jaw and District Seniors club at the Eatons’ building since 1988, volunteering help for and playing cards and

My Dad had a large garden each year, and in retirement played golf 3 times a week with me at the Hillcrest. We liked driving around and going out for snacks and meals in Moose Jaw and Regina. He attended Canuck and Warrior games. He read and retained information from newspapers, the Western Producer and others. He was happier spending winter in Moose Jaw than being in Arizona.

He was close to his parents, visiting weekly and helping them out as they aged. Sunday afternoons were a time for cribbage for quarters with his Dad. Dad was blessed to have lived nine and a half decades in generally good health, in his home, with a good mind and mobility. Mom and I are enormously thankful to have shared in his Journey.

Thanks to family and friends for expressions of sympathy, attending paramedics, nurses and doctors and Michelle and Gary at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Interment shall not be immediate and a service is not being planned.

Gaslighting has origins from Patrick Hamilton’s Vic torian-era play in 1938, Gas Light. The story is set in Lon don, England about a middle-class marriage based on lies and deceit. The lead character Jack Manningham seeks to convince his wife Bella that she is going insane to steal from her. The play gets it title from the manipulation of the dimming of the gas light in their home. His mysterious activities in the attic cause the house’s gas lights to dim, but Jack insists to his wife that the lights are not dimming and that she can’t trust her own perceptions.

The play was adapted for the movies. Gaslight was

1944 US movie directed by George Cukor. The American version, which stars Ingrid Bergman, won two Academy Awards and is preserved in the US National Film Registry work. It is interesting to note that the words “gaslight”

When gaslighting tury, it referred to a deception like that in the play Gas Light. Ben Yagoda came across this item in The Miami News from September 1948:

In competition for positive poll numbers, government gaslight to know what the truth is and what is propaganda. The idea of debating the issue seems a long-forgotten method of the democratic process. We, the public, need to take it upon ourselves to be better informed about the issues of the day and not just form opinions and voting habits based on sound bites. Gaslighting can be a very effective tool to slowly confuse people who don’t realize they are being controlled and manipulated.

Corporate gaslighting blames children for being ad dicted to social media and conveniently ignores how com panies have intentionally designed their products to have addictive features. Be wary. Not everything is conspiracy and done to induce paranoia, however, the public needs to research, discuss, and debate the topics of the day. As the old adage says, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

It’s all for the kids…

Friendly City Optimist Club gives out apples and oranges to the community schools of Moose Jaw Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Friendly City Optimist Club gave out apples and or

ber 1, instead of a breakfast they usually hold annually.

Moose Jaw Co-op has always been happy to help out the club and with contributions supporting the youth of Moose Jaw.

The Friendly City Optimist club picked up approx imately 30 cases of apples and oranges from the store’s rear loading dock for this special project. .

“It’s all for kids,” Lynann Pethick, Second Vice-Pres ident of the club said.

“They wanted more supplies in the line of food, so we decided to just go ahead and buy a case of apples and or anges for each school and distribute them,” club member Ellen Sjoberg said. She is in charge of the club’s annual breakfast arrangements for children.

She says they are doing it differently this year. “The

ago where they would hold a breakfast at one public school and one private school.”

This year because of some logistical issues, Sjoberg says schools are saying if they have the money they could spend it on granola bars, apples and oranges. That is why

Volunteer members of the Friendly City Optimist Club, along with Produce managers of Moose Jaw Coop help to load up the truck with apples and oranges for the kids.

tionwala from the Moose Jaw Podiatry Clinic and Smitty’s Restaurant at the Town ‘N Country Mall have contributed, and their donations helped to make this donation possible.

“Instead of our annual breakfasts, we’re doing this because it’s really safe in the schools; we have decided on apples and oranges because they can always use them,” said Pethick “This is a good way, and the teachers are quite happy that we are doing this.”

Ellen Sjoberg, Lloyd and Lynann Pethick came to oversee the project, with a number of club members help ing to collect the cases of fruit from the Co-op. Produce Manager Sherry Ross and Produce Clerk Janice Auger were also there to help the volunteers load up.

Although the weather was cold with blowing snow, all the volunteers were happy to load up the fruit “for the kids.”

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.

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

d BASKETBALL

Thursday

10:00 p.m. NET NBA Denver Nuggets at Portland Trail Blazers.

Friday

6:00 p.m. TSN NBA Toronto Raptors at Orlando Magic.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks.

Saturday

7:30 p.m. WXYZ NBA Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors.

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers.

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers.

e FOOTBALL

Thursday

7:15 p.m. TSN EDACC NFL Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams.

Sunday

7:15 p.m. WDIV TSN EDACC NFL Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Chargers.

Monday

7:15 p.m. TSN NFL New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals.

k HOCKEY

Friday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Calgary Flames at Columbus Blue Jackets.

8:30 p.m. NET NHL Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers.

Saturday

6:00 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Calgary Flames at Toronto Maple Leafs. CTYS NHL Los Angeles Kings at Montreal Canadiens.

9:00 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks.

Sunday

7:00 p.m. NET NHL Boston Bruins at Vegas Golden Knights.

Monday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Calgary Flames at Montreal Canadiens.

Tuesday

7:00 p.m. NET NHL Edmonton Oilers at Nashville Predators.

10:00 p.m. NET NHL Washington Capitals at Chicago Blackhawks.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames.

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Maggie Metke and Mark Brown in Guatemala during the team’s last mis sion (courtesy Dr. Mark Brown)

Rotary Club of Moose Jaw members present a cheque for $10,000 to the Moose Jaw International Medical Mis sion: (l-r) Glen Blager, Maggie Metke, Mark Brown, and Garth Palmer (photo by Gordon Edgar) Team members

in a Gua temalan household (courtesy Dr. Mark Brown)

Santa Claus

Mrs. Claus wave

the Santa Claus Parade.

Youngsters wait in anticipation for the start of the Santa Claus Parade.

Youngsters

ages were all smiles as Santa and Mrs. Claus rode by.

Sights and scenes from the 2022 Moose Jaw Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade.

Morty the Moose was a popular sight for fans of the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Moose Jaw Mayor Clive Tolley had his own special transportation for the event.

Sights and scenes from the 2022 Moose Jaw Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade.

Wouldn’t be a parade without some candy being handed out, would it?

Sights and scenes from the 2022 Moose Jaw Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade.

Sights and scenes from the 2022 Moose Jaw Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade.