Moose Jaw Express December 28th, 2022

On Dec. 16 at the Grant Hall Hotel, River Street Promotions (RSP) donated $15,000 to maintain and beautify Ross Wells Park, the Homestand concert venue, and an additionalrie South and Holy Trinity school divisions.-

South School Division (PSSD) and the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (HTCSD). Schools use the money for mental a $50,000 donation to create that fund. $50,000 to Prairie South and $15,000 torepresented by Director of Education Ward Strueby and HTCSD school board chaircome to perform at Homestand are paid a

The cheque presentation for the results of Homestand ‘22 was held Dec. 16 at the Grant Hall Hotel. (l-r, back row) Mark Novecosky, Chris Olfert, Laurie Kosior, Curtis O’Reilly, Charlie Meacher, Ward Strueby, Joann Blazieko, Amanda Olson, Kenric Phillips. (l-r, front row) James Murdock, Jared Mathieson, Shea Jameson, John Iatridis (photo courtesy

Mathieson)

population growth

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The new high-service reservoir pumphouse may not affect water quality, but it will protect the community’s drinking water for another 50 years and enable the population to reach almost 50,000 people.

Dozens of dignitaries, politicians, city staff and contractors gathered at the opening. The new brown-coloured brick pumphouse — adjacent to the original, 60-year-old structure — is behind the Lynbrook Golf Course and noticeable when driving north on Main Street.

A giant moose medallion on the building’s east side — made of Tyndall stone — looks similar to the medallions on the Thunderbird Viaduct bridge.

The city started construction of the $15-million building in September 2020, while the pumphouse began forcing water occur in January.

The City of Moose Jaw invested $11 million, while the provincial government gave $3,936,996 through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP).

This venue is one of three reservoirs/ pumphouses — the others are in the north-

east and on South Hill — that distributes potable water to residents via a 20-kilometre transmission line that connects to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant (BPWTP).

The high-service reservoir pumphouse supplies potable water to more than 60 per cent of the community and is designed to meet future population growth of 45,000.

The hum of the pumps and equipment hum that Mayor Clive Tolley said was also evident throughout the community as the city continued to grow.

“I’m very pleased with the fact we’ve had a pumphouse in this location for over

50 years and we expect that this location … will last another 50 years, so that’s exciting,” he continued. “That means water security for Moose Jaw and area for the next 50 years, and that’s very, very important to our community and our growth.”

The mayor thought the building was impressive and suited the community because of its heritage look. During a site tour, he saw all the brick and stonework and admired its quality. He thought the venue was something to appreciate.

City manager Jim Puffalt thanked all the project contractors and workers for their commitment before noting the building ensures the long-term stability of water security in Moose Jaw. It was the next

project city hall pursued after completing the 20-kilometre transmission line to BPWTP in 2018.

The previous pumphouse was inadequate because employees could not access certain areas to shut off the water, which led to uncontrollable leaks, he continued.

“It’s really important that we took this project seriously and made efforts to replace the old pumphouse,” Puffalt said.

“… When we designed this building, we wanted to ensure it was very functional, but we also wanted to ensure it took into account the history of Moose Jaw and very much ties into the architectural features of the downtown.”

He added, “It’s a great day for Moose Jaw.”

Besides creating a functional building, it was great to add a nice aesthetic touch to the exterior of a vital piece of infrastructure and not just bury it in the ground, said Bevan Harlton, director of engineering. North of the pumphouse is the high-service reservoir with two cells that contain water from which to draw. Of the three pumphouses, this is the system’s main engine.

“The pumphouse … is phenomenal,” he continued, noting the venue can pull as little as 25 litres of water per second — similar to a farm pump — to as much as 660 litres per second if all six engines are running.

There are three engines on the west side of the room and three on the east side. Staff can shut down one side for maintenance while the other side can continue

Harlton added that the BPWTP looks after water quality while the city pumps the water to residents’ homes.

Rudi Fast recognized with good neighbour award

For Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Moose Jaw’s “Notoriously Good Neighbour’ for December is Rudi Fast.

The City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce created the program to recognize the Notoriously Friendly, Notoriously Generous and Notoriously Kind-Hearted Moose Javians making a Notoriously Positive difference in our community.

Fast was nominated by one of his neighbours for a multitude of good deeds, including picking up stray garbage “daily”, bringing in neighbours’ garbage/recycling bins from the curb, shovelling snow from people’s sidewalks and driveways, to smile and chat with anyone and everyone.”

Rudi’s neighbour also said, “I doubt

there is a single household in our neighbourhood that Rudi hasn’t done something helpful for.”

Neighbour”, Fast was awarded a $25 gift card to Street’s Steakhouse.

Moose Javians can nominate their Notoriously Good Neighbour with the Report An Issue feature on the City’s website, MooseJaw.ca, or on the free City of Moose Jaw app.

We are a Christian assisted living facility, we keep our prices as a ordable as possible while maintaining the safest 24/7 awakecare for our residents. We have a welcoming small town feel. We are located at 1329 Herbert Ave, Herbert, Saskatchewan.

The interior of the building. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

MLAs Tim McLeod and Greg Lawrence and Mayor Clive Tolley pose in front of a moose medallion after revealing it to the public. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Gale Toews, Financial Advisor

Gale Toews Private Wealth Management of Raymond James Ltd. 602 – 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3M6 306-693-4430 | gale.toews@raymondjames.ca www.raymondjames.ca/GaleToewsPrivateWealthManagement

Wakamow Valley’s

The new general manager of Wakamow Valley Authority (WVA) is “beyond excited” for this new opportunity and believes it is the right position after living in Moose Jaw as a child.

“I feel things have come full circle. Just growing up in the area (and) living in the area currently (up the hill), and then being able to walk out your front door and then work in that park that’s just a few feet off your front steps,” said Donna MacQuarrie-Bye.

“Life really doesn’t get any much better than that for me, personally. This is a job I can see myself being — hopefully — in for the rest of my working career,” she continued. “It’s just a great opportunity. I can’t be thankful enough that I get work in a place like this.”

The new GM spent several years living near the Sportsman’s Centre before her family moved to the Village of Briercrest, from which she graduated high school in 1995. It was there that she developed her sense of community and civic commitment.

MacQuarrie-Bye stepped into the general manager role in mid-November after former GM Todd Johnson left for another opportunity.

She spent 25 years in health care, including the last 15 years in management. There, she acquired skills in recruiting and retaining staff and volunteers, budgets, audits, and program development, implementation, and evaluation.

While she worked in health care, MacQuarrie-Bye’s educational background

from Kelsey Campus, SIAST (now Saskatchewan Polytechnic) in recreation and leisure programming. That gave her skills in venue management, greenspace development, accounting and administration, and program development and promotion.

While at SIAST, she completed an internship with the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon, which gave her a strong foundation and experience in operating, conserving and maintaining natural areas.

Due to government cuts after graduation, MacQuarrie-Bye went into health care because that’s where the jobs were. She believes her time there ran its course and the general manager role arose at the right time.

“And it was time for a change. Better to do it now than never. Take advantage of opportunities when you can,” she said, adding this is an area in which she’s always had an interest.

Being the new general manager will allow MacQuarrie-Bye to engage in new types of event planning and connect with the community in new ways. She also ap-

family-like atmosphere and that she works with great people.

“And Wakamow is one of Moose Jaw’s treasures. And why wouldn’t you want to try and be a part of that?” she said.

One unexpected aspect of the job has been the many groups that use the park and all the administrative work accompanying those partnerships. Moreover, daily management of the park has also been prominent.

“It’s busy, but it’s really, really great … ,” she continued. “It’s a lot larger job than I expected. But it’s been good.”

MacQuarrie-Bye’s favourite part of Wakamow Valley is its trails, along with nature and wildlife.

Her favourite area is near the speed skating oval because she took her granddaughters there for walks and dubbed one spot “the magic forest.” She explained that one granddaughter was into unicorns and magic then, so she gave the spot that name to keep the child interested in the valley, nature and hiking.

MacQuarrie-Bye’s short-term goals include getting through the Valley of Lights — which runs until Jan. 7, 2023 — and becoming more familiar with WVA’s inner workings. Her long-term goals include expanding programs and bringing them to a healthy place. She expects that to be an enjoyable challenge.

For more information about WVA, visit www.wakamow.ca. -

sored by Gibson Energy at the beginning of December to attend the world-class specialized industrial training.

Gibson Energy’s Moose Jaw facility falls under the Moose Jaw Fire Department’s (MJFD) area of responsibility, so the company pays for the training every year.

“So, it is an advanced exterior in-plained Sterling Macdiarmid, a 20-year MJFD veteran who took the course for and do the training, so it’s fully funded by them.” can be much more complicated than, forchemicals that require particular expert

knowledge to safely suppress.ities,” he said. “We’re dealing with liquid valves, that kind of stuff.” the Texas A&M University System, ranges homeland security applications and more. Macdiarmid said the facility is huge, spanning many acres, with the ability to simu-

“Their facility is top-notch, second to none. And their instructors are very which is to our advantage, because then we know how to deal with it if and when we get those problems.” -

teams extinguished them on their own.

Aside from the advantage of increasing their knowledge and experience — safety — Macdiarmid said his group also enjoyed the Texas weather.

“It was beautiful,” he smiled. “It was plus 25 when we were there, while it was, like, minus-25, minus-30 here. It was a nice break, that’s for sure.”

The Moose Javians were treated well by the Texan instructors and enjoyed mingling with the large class. About 100 people took the training, most of them indus-

“This was kind of specialized training for their (industry) emergency response teams,” Macdiarmid added. “There was a mix of a whole bunch of people, so yeah, it was really good.”

Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Home Street East. She is the new WVA general manager and is a nature enthusiast. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

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Joan Ritchie Joyce Walter Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

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

In a goodhouskeeping.com article 35 New Year Traditions From Around the World That Will Bring You All the Luck, writer Marisa Lascala says, “We could all use some good fortune in 2023.”

Ditto to that! I don’t really like to tout the word ‘luck’ because a lot of the good fortune we all look for in the future is quite often based on what we have done in the past to attain it…

Ritchie EDITOR

people all over the world embrace some kind of tradition that is deemed to bring good fortune. Here are a few of them:

Leading to prosperity, on New Year’s Eve many cultures believe in eating round foods. In Italy, lentils with their round shape represent coins and serve the same function as the black-eyed peas in Hoppin’ John (a dish of black-eyed peas, pork and rice eaten on January 1). And in the Philippines, it’s customary to eat 12 round fruits, one for every month, to ensure a year of abundance. The fruits usually take center stage at the table for the midnight meal.

In other countries, if you eat exactly 12 grapes at midnight, one with each stroke of the clock, you are guaranteed a lucky year. But beware, according to Atgrapes by the time the clock stops chiming, you’ll face misfortune in the new year.”

In the Philippines, those that heed the round tradition by eating ‘circle’ fruit, also wear ‘circles’ out on the town. Polka dots can be spotted all over, increasing good luck in the New Year.

We all know that in the USA, the big ball drops in New York’s Time Square and there sure is a lot of pomp and circumstance to the whole ordeal.

In Brazil, there’s no thinking about what colour to wear on New Year’s Eve because everyone wears white for good luck and peace. Another tradition in Brazil is to head to the beach and jump over seven waves, because you get one wish for every wave….

Gifts are given at New Years in Russia rather than the foregone Christmas tradition.

forward like time.

Why not smash a plate like they do in Denmark? Imagine waking up to broken dishware all over your doorstep…apparently, the more shards there are, the more luck you will have and you will be more wellliked.

No matter how you choose to celebrate your New Year’s Eve, we can all remain hopeful and optimistic for a New Year. Hope and possibilities are on the doorstep where we can dream and anticipate good things to come.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/ g25360543/new-year-traditions/

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

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Good-Buy to Hunger campaign supplies nearly 19,000 lbs to MJ Food Bank

The Good-Buy to Hunwrapped up on Dec. 16 with a delivery to the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank of approximately 19,000 lbs of food, facilitated by a a trailer supplied by Ottawa Real Estate.

“I know the Co-op worked really, really hard to sell all the bags that they did, and they ended up selling 18,190 bags (as of Dec. 16),” said Terri Smith, operations manager at the food bank. “That’ll be a great boost to our food supply. This is the time of year that we try to collect as much food as we possibly can, because throughout the rest of the year, donations start to go down.

“So, we’re just very grateful that the community stepped up and was there to support the food bank, which in turn supports their neighbour, their co-worker, their friend, in a time of need.”

The Co-op will continue accepting donations right up to Christmas Day.

The campaign is a dual effort between the Co-op and CP Rail. The CP Holiday train stopped in Moose Jaw on Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m., covered in lights and featuring Tenille Townes and Aysanabee, and accepted non-perishable donations as part of the campaign.

Gabrielle Belanger, a supervisor at CP Rail who has helped organize the campaign since its beginning in 2008, said the CP Holiday Train’s Moose Jaw appearance was a bit cold and early this year, but it was still a good show.

“It was great to see the people that did come out, es-

pecially for the strange time, because it was 4:30 in the afternoon,” Belanger noted. “It was extremely cold. It was very, very cold that day, but people still dressed up and endured those temperatures.

“I thought (the food drive) went very well … and the community came together for another successful year.”

Tim Wonsiak is the grocery manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op. He squeezes every dollar to get the most for the food bank each year.

“It’s a pretty exciting time. I start building and buying product in

goods and stuff. You know, if I can save a dime on a can of beans, it goes a long way.”

Wonsiak, Belanger, and Michaela Turner, marketing manager at the Co-op, communicate with the food bank so they know exactly how to help meet their needs. That helps maximize the usefulness of each donation.

“We take the guesswork out of it for the customer, for what the food bank may need,” Wonsiak explained. “I talk to Terri (Smith) all the time, like, ‘What do you guys best possible deal.”

Food banks across Canada are feeling the strain as

people needing extra help. Campaigns like Good-Buy to Hunger can make a life-saving difference in some cases.

other year,” Smith said. “So, we’re very grateful.”

Christmas supper and gathering for newcomer Ukrainian families

“Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw” Facebook group brought Ukrainian newcomers together for a Christmas gathering on December 18th. The event was held at St. Andrew’s church.

“We wanted to have an opportunity for the newcomers to get together, which they have not had a chance to do yet,” said Facebook group creator Christy Schweiger, who also is the MJM&AG education co-ordinator. “They are trying to get connected in the community and working and having their kids go to school.”

Schweiger says it’s a great opportunity to share and build some friendships and she is hoping the Ukrainian and consider it their home. She also hopes more people reach out to volunteer and help the newcomers.

Some of the newcomer expressed their appreciation:

“I want to thank Christy, Linda, Dan, and Garrett who helped my family travel from Ukraine here. I want to say to everybody to make a Ukrainian community here because when I came six years ago, there was nobody here from Ukraine. I felt like I was alone; nobody to speak with who could speak my language. Now I am very excited and thank you to all the Ukrainian community who came from said.

tional songs.

She has been living in Canada for six years and trying to help her family come to Canada from Ukraine.

“I was looking forward to this evening and I was really excited to meet everyone because some of the people I have met on the phone, and now [we are able to meet] each other in person. It was nice to see all the volunteers who made this happen,” Daria Malezhyk Dasha said.

She says Moose Jaw is very welcoming, friendly, supportive and helpful. Ukrainians went through so many and wonderful for them. She also says everyone made every effort to help them as the families are trying to settle down and adjust to their new environment. “My children go to school and really like going to school even if they don’t speak English because everyone is friendly and nice to them. The start is positive for us.”

Natashy Iyvena said, “We are happy to meet and talk with the community because we [have not made] friends here yet, [and we do not have any relatives here now.] We are very excited; it’s a very good party.”

Santa brought gifts for the young children, and families celebrated singing their Ukrainian National Anthem.

“It’s just great to welcome these people who have been through so much hardship, and just great to see the community [coming together] with some of the newcomers,” Schweigner said.

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

Joan

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Facebook group “Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw” brings newcomer Ukrainian families together for a Christmas gathering Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

(l-r) Gabrielle Belanger, supervisor at CP Rail Moose Jaw, Tim Wonsiak, grocery manager at Moose Jaw Co-op, Terri Smith, operations manager at Moose Jaw Food Bank, and Mayor Clive Tolley during the CP Holiday Train stop in Moose Jaw on Dec. 6 (photo by Saddman Zaman)

Ukrainian families came together for this social gathering put on by facebook group “Ukraine help and exchange in Moose Jaw.”

The Ukrainian children sing their Ukrainian tradi-

Youth centre excited for full return of area’s largest drug-free New Year’s Eve party

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Over 700 youths will celebrate New Year’s Eve at Hillcrest Apostolic Church as Joe’s Place Youth Centre’s annual Voltage event fully returns after the pandemic cancelled the last two years.

Voltage: Gravitate — the largest chem- and drug-free youth event in Saskatchewan — starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 6 a.m. Teens from 13 to 19 can participate in dozens of fun activities, while two-time Juno winners The Color andtertain throughout the night.

Some exciting activities include axe-throwing, laser tag, bazooka ball, a 40-player arcade game, an art room, dune buggy rides, and frolicking with puppies.

For more information or to register, visit www.voltage-sk.com.

This event is known for youths acting in a live drama — usually an adventurecouldn’t happen in the past two years, said centre founder Joe Dueck.

the drama and showed the video to groups of 30 youths. In 2021, the health region let the organization hold a small New Year’s Eve party for 140 youths.

“So this year we’re back with a fullblown 700 (youths attending). So we’re

pretty excited,” Dueck said.

This event has been occurring for more than 20 years and was originally called “Jump” because it was an outdoor skiing event. However, because the weather was frigid for two years, organizers moved it inside.

They also changed the name to Voltage because the event needed plenty of power to run all the video games, arcade machines, lights and projectors, Dueck explained. Another reason is that it was a

“happy-sounding word.”

“We’ve sometimes joked that maybe we should have a contest that the youths could guess how many watts of energy Voltage actually used by the end of the night. And we would check the power meter before and after and see who was closest,” he chuckled, adding he had no idea how much power the event used — but it was a ton.

Organizers faced a big learning curve with planning this year after being away for two years, while they didn’t know what health restrictions they might face, Dueck said. However, the situation is now full steam ahead, while he thought it was amazing how much everything fell into place and how quickly people jumped on board.

The centre began brainstorming ideas in the summer, while it went full-out with planning and organizing in September.

The subtitle for each year’s Voltage usually comes from the theme of the live theatrical performance, he continued. Joe’s Place hires a scriptwriter to create the story, and once that’s completed, organizersplies to the event.

From this year’s drama, gravitate was

“That’s a pretty powerful word. We hope that youth gravitate to Voltage — a safe and chem-free event — instead of some of the negative party options that might pull them in,” Dueck said. -

ing its visual cues from “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” with a 15-year-old centre youth and a college intern portraying the poster’s characters.

Dueck expected the audience to be pleasantly surprised with some of the “unsuspecting” character appearances in the roughly 45-minute performance, along with some fun cameos.

“I think it’s going to be awesome this year. And I think the kids are going to have a blast,” he continued. “There are some really funny moments and it’s well written.”

Since the event runs until 6 a.m., Dueck joked that most people should nap beforehand to survive the night. However, he won’t because he — supposedly — doesn’t have time; an early Christmas trip to Manitoba is his time to relax.

Dueck added that businesses and residents can still sponsor the event, whichlated expenses.

Nominations open for 2022 Citizen and Group of the Year Awards

The Moose Jaw & District Chamber ofination process for the 2022 Citizen/Group of the Year Awards, with the presentation luncheon to take place at the Moose Jaw Heritage Inn on Jan. 31, 2023.

Nominations can be submitted online at mjchamber.com/citizen-group-of-the88 Saskatchewan Street East.

The nomination process will be open until Jan. 20, 2023.

Judging is carried out by an anonymous jury from the community, said Heather Bergdahl at the Chamber of Commerce. Only she and Chamber President Rob Clark know who the jury members are, and they are people who “have their in Moose Jaw.

“We always announce the nominations before the Christmas holidays, you know, in anticipation of folks getting together and maybe they’ll start chatting about people or groups who are deserving,” Bergdahl noted. “There’s so many people out there and also so many groups that have done tremendous things this past year, and this is an opportunity for nominations to be put forward and have those folks recognized.”

The awardees for 2021 were Angela Sereda as Citizen of the Year, and the Moose Jaw Transition House as Group of the Year.

Sereda founded the Community Paramedicine program in Moose Jaw, is chair of the Heartland Hospice board, co-found-

Girl event, and has been an active volunteer and leader in the community in many other ways.

The Moose Jaw Transition House is amestic violence. It provides an emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, a community outreach program, a program for children who have been exposed to violence, and a shelter support and follow-up program.

Information on Transition House’s programs can be found at www.mj-transitionhouse.com/services. Their 24-hour crisis line is (306) 693-6511, and those unable to call can text (306) 631-0962.

Bergdahl said that many of those citizens and groups nominated for the awards each year do their work in the background and may not want recognition — let alone go looking for it. Nevertheless, highlighting their contributions is inspiring and can

make a positive difference.

“I think it’s important for the community, and the business community as well, to recognize the backbone of our city,” she explained. “These people and groups really do tremendous work behind the scenes and sometimes folks don’t have the oppor-

tunity to put a name to this event or that initiative that’s been done.”

Most people who are nominated are very humbled, Bergdahl added, and there are always those who are on the shy side.

“But I think they do truly appreciate it,” she said.

A poster promoting this year’s Voltage New Year’s Eve party. Photo courtesy Joe’s Place Youth Centre.

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Hearty chowder an idea for New Year’s Eve guests

CLAM CHOWDER

Chinese community holds play about birth of baby Jesus

Moose Jaw’s Chinese community brought the true meaning of the Christmas season to life by putting on a play about the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Chinese Christian Group of Moose Jaw hosted the play on Dec. 23, at 3 p.m. at Minto United Church, which is on the corner of Oxford Street and Seventh Avenue Northwest. The free event also features drinks and treats after the hourlong performance.

The theatrical play was based on the birth of the Christ child in the Gospel of Luke. Fifteen children took on various roles, from Mary and Joseph to angels to wise men and shepherds. Sadly, there were no actual sheep, camels or other animals.

The Christian group comprises Chinese immigrants from mainland China who have moved to The Friendly City within the past few months.

This year many gathered to pray about how they could become more involved in the community, reach out to residents and potentially evangelize. While the group held a banquet last year at Christmas, they play about Jesus’ birth, something they had never done before.

The play is in Mandarin, but organizers hope to feature an English play in the future. However, the story and visuals

likely helped non-Mandarin speakers overcome the language barrier to appreciate the performance.

“If this is a big success, we want to keep it for next year,” said director Charlie Zhang.

Besides a Christmas play, the group is also considering hosting a theatrical performance of Harry Potter, he added. That would be English, enabling more children

•

• CITRUS RUM PUNCH

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Mary hands the baby Jesus to Joseph to hold after giving birth to the Christ child. Youths with the performance rehearse before the big day. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

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By Patricia Hanbidge

Let us give thanks…

-on sharing the love, sharing the goodness and for sure

though none of my children made an entire career in the

the values of how I was raised – growing food and en-

moving onto the next generation, I am enjoying seeing

-

minded that my life is much more frivolous than most -

and how others live in countries that follow an extremely

skills and knowledge to grow food and thus ensure our -

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

Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society

Moose Jaw’s Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society (SCRAPS) is selling theirtures of the cats and kittens they workcluding Pet Valu, DDK Pets, Gary Overs,there are already too many cats, too many kittens, and there’s just not enough homes

Jaw that aims to directly care for the stray vet checking any wounds or illnesses, and they’re fully vaccinated against diseases-

Volunteers withs SCRAPS monitor the cats we care for have insulated shelfeed them once or twice a day, they have

has no regular, formal source of income — making their holiday calendar all the more----

of disease and injury, and less strain from -

ate a future where all the community cats

-

interested in volunteering, reach out to

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The SCRAPS calendar is sponsored by three main businesses: Carpet One, Gale Toews, and Penna’s Welding (courtesy Anne Marciszyn)

-

Provincial Court Report:

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Province gives Holy Trinity almost $500K more to handle enrolment increase

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Ministry of Education has provided Holy Trinity Catholic School Division with almost $500,000 more in crease in enrolment.

The ministry recently announced that it would dis tribute $15.5 million across the 27 school divisions be over 20 years. There were 179,699 students enrolled as of Sept. 30, which was 4,201 more — an increase of 2.39 per cent — compared to last year.

The Creighton School Division — northeast of Nipa win — had the highest enrolment increase at 7.5 per cent, while Ile a la Cross School Division in northern Saskatch ewan had the largest decrease at 5.9 per cent.

more students, to 2,345 pupils — was the eighth highest, funding by 1.9 per cent or $474,874. That grant money from $24,606,423.

In comparison, enrolment decreased by three per crease of one per cent.

ed Holy Trinity this year is equivalent to $11,514.49 per student.

budget that were affected by this increase, CFO Curt Van

ing. Governance increased by $1,104 (0.8 per cent) to $142,585.

Administration jumped by $21,273 (1.8 per cent) to $1,218,720.

Base instruction rose by $343,248 (2.9 per cent) to $11,993,690.

to $1,194,684.

Learning supports increased by $68,631 (2.2 per cent) to $3,189,908.

Instructional resources rose by $23,460 (1.7 per cent) to $1,405,753.

increase to be 1.2 per cent or 1.25 per cent based on past enrolment data and related funding. However, he believes

money into the funding pool instead of redistributing that pool.

impact — has been quite positive for us. Without that, we likely would have had a funding increase of approximate ly $300,000,” he said, adding the extra money is good news.

Van Parys planned to bring a proposed budget justments — to the board for review and approval in Jan

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT HOLY TRINITY BOARD MEETING IS MONDAY, JAN. 16.

uary or February. He added that the division has added more teaching positions because of the “very healthy stu dent enrolment increase,” while other budget areas have also increased.

“wiggle room” in its budget this year, said trustee Derek

sue this year.

Division administration asked its managers to “eat” province announced recently that Consumer Price Index was a substantial amount that the managers had to handle.

the buildings and operations areas is not working, he add ed. He planned to factor in the funding increase and other expense hikes when he presented the updated budget to make it more manageable.

Catholic division providing money to schools to assist with parish visits

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division wants its schools to build and grow relationships with their nearby parish es, so it is providing them with funding to support their transportation needs.

per student to all Moose Jaw elementary schools that can walk to a parish, $25 per student for Moose Jaw elemen tary schools that cannot walk to a parish, and $10 per stu dent for Vanier Collegiate and Phoenix Academy.

Furthermore, Shaunavon and Swift Current schools will receive $25 per student for those who can walk to the parish and $30 per student for those unable to walk to the church.

The three Moose Jaw schools that receive the $25 per student allocation because they are not near a Catho lic church include Sacred Heart, École St. Margaret and St. Michael. Based on their respective enrolments as of Sept. 30, the division provided a total of $3,720 for them to split.

With an average cost of $75 per charter bus, the three ities, according to a board report.

Meanwhile, All Saints Catholic in Swift Current will receive $2,841 this year for transportation so its students

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

can visit the nearby church, based on its Sept. 30 enrol ment. Based on an average cost of $125 per charter bus, tivities.

Division administration presented an update about funding for parish trips during the recent December meet ing.

Trustee Derek Hassen pointed out that the extra $5 for the three Moose Jaw schools translates into rough

funding was too little but wondered if it was enough to meet their needs.

Furthermore, there are sometimes other reasons why schools — or individual classrooms — visit parishes, such as learning about the sacraments, he continued. While some schools might be comfortable with this amount of parishes because of costs.

Hassen hoped some schools adjacent to Catholic churches — for example, St. Agnes School in Moose Jaw or Christ the King in Shaunavon — took full advantage of visiting those places.

heart of what we do. And money cannot be a hindrance to

getting kids into our parishes as part of our school com munity,” he said, while also wondering if schools lead masses on the weekend.

must visit a parish a minimum of twice a year, although priests do visit the schools to hold mass regularly, said Ward Strueby, director of education. Schools rarely take all their students to the parish and may take groups of stu dents because the priests modify masses for the various age levels.

He added that the administration will consult with an is adequate.

As for schools leading weekend masses at churches, student choirs are encouraged to assist, while there are trustees were told. However, the school does not lead the entire service.

and in leadership roles, said Strueby. Meanwhile, the di vision is lucky because its priests regularly visit, whereas some Regina Catholic schools rarely

Change in student data collection means Catholic trustees to get two yearly reports versus three

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

assessment program or use a quicker “temperature check” so they knew where their students were. However, that

levels instead of three because the school division is re aligning its data collection timelines.

The current practice sees teachers in Holy Trinity Catholic School Division assess their students in Septem ber, February and June, with results forwarded to the divi

Starting next school year, the division will provide the board of education with an initial learning accountability

The fall update would allow the division to compare itself to the rest of the province.

Meanwhile, the division will stay focused on reading, writing and math as its core pillars until the Ministry of Education releases a new education sector strategic plan (ESSP).

Division administration spoke about the changes during the December board meeting.

Reading

dents regularly so teachers can provide responsive in struction and help improve student outcomes, said Mark Selinger, supervisor of learning and technology.

Holy Trinity will continue to assess pupils in grades 1 to 3 three times a school year, with the fall assessments helping inform classroom instruction, he continued.

The division gave teachers the option this past Sep tember to either continue using a full reading benchmark

The full assessment will be completed again in Feb ruary and June, with administration receiving that data.

The temperature check was “very well received” by educators because giving the full assessment in Sep division will continue with this approach because of the

The division created a reading interventionist posi

This person provides extra support to students as Holy Trinity works to bridge the learning gaps that the pan demic caused.

Meanwhile, the division purchased new software to help students rebuild the foundational reading skills they lost due to pandemic disruptions.

Writing

Holy Trinity assesses the writing skills of students in grades 4, 7 and 9 using provincial holistic writing ru brics, while teachers are encouraged to use these rubrics to guide their instruction, said Selinger.

Although the province no longer collects this data be cause the ESSP has expired, Holy Trinity continues to ac improve their outcomes until the new ESSP is available.

Math

levels from September 2021 to June 2022, while there is further opportunity to grow those skills, said Selinger.

Holy Trinity created a math interventionist position in January 2021 and will continue to use that role to cap

tion, the division will continue to use the Greater Saska pupils in grades 1 to 9 three times a year.

The division will also promote the newly developed

and assessment practices, while it will promote another program so teachers can help pupils bridge any numeracy learning gaps.

teachers where students need help, Selinger said.

Holy Trinity could contact other divisions and ask for their math assessment information to make comparisons, said Selinger. However, not every division uses the same

challenge across the province, but it would be really valu able to have that concrete evidence to compare to,” he added.

Congratulations New Parents!

Kashindi

November 30, 2022 2:57 pm Male 6lbs, 5oz

Holy Trinity to spend over $730K this school year on building renos

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division plans to spend over $730,000 in 2022-23 on building upgrades, while it expects to pursue nearly $4 million worth of projects over the next three years.

Division administration presented trustees with a three-year building maintenance plan during a recent board meeting. The plan contains a prioritized list that addresses health and safety concerns and emergent needs while balancing budget limitations.

During the 2021-22 school year, the division spent $890,436 on upgrades to its nine schools and the admin-

It plans to spend $732,512 in 2022-23, $1,773,000 in 2023-24, and $1,110,000 in 2024-25, for a total of $3,615,512.

Holy Trinity expects to fund these projects using operating and capital funding and Preventative Maintenance and Renewal (MPR) cash. -

21,526.79 square metres or 232,274.06 square feet. Meanwhile, the average age of the nine school buildings is 53 years.

Sacred Heart

The division spent $10,150 in 2021-22 at Sacred Heart on landscaping and adding an outdoor learning area. However, because of the planned joint-use school project, the division will make limited repairs and address emergent issues to maintain a safe building until Sacred Heart closes.

St.

Mary

The division spent $27,196 in 2021-22 at St. Mary to

repair boilers, remove stones from the soccer pitch and refresh the sandbox. However, because of the planned jointuse school project, the division will make limited repairs and address emergent issues to maintain a safe building until St. Mary closes.

St. Agnes

Holy Trinity plans to spend $191,000 in 2022-23 to upgrade St. Agnes.

($35,000), cleaning the yard of asphalt and concrete and improving grading ($8,000), a water diversion project ($8,000), refreshing classrooms ($15,000), and relocating

The division also plans to spend $127,000 in 2023-24 and $85,000 in 2024-25 to upgrade the school.

St. Margaret

The division plans to renovate and “right-size” the entire St. Margaret building after receiving $4 million in provincial funding.

Projects in 2022-23 include $3,000 for a consultant to create a condition report about the existing relocatables and $3,000 for exterior restoration, siding, and windows. Funding from the province covers these initiatives.

The division plans to spend $1,045,000 in 2023-24 on replacing the library carpet, further exterior restoration and groundwater control and refreshing classrooms, and $50,000 in 2024-25.

St. Michael

The division plans to spend $75,000 in 2022-23 to

Projects include a new digital sign for $7,000, furnace replacements for $18,000, exterior upgrades for $30,000, rain spout replacements for $5,000 and $15,000 for classroom refreshes.

Wapole of Moose Jaw December 21, 2022 11:22 am Female 7lbs, 8oz

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

Holy Trinity also plans to spend $325,000 in 2023-24 and $225,000 in 2024-25.

Vanier

Holy Trinity plans to spend $284,012 in 2022-23 to upgrade Vanier Collegiate.

Projects include $150,000 on elevator repairs, $105,000 for replacing the library carpet, $10,000 on art room upgrades, $4,012 for a window replacement, and $15,000 to refresh classrooms.

The division also expects to spend $175,000 in 202324 and $455,00 in 2024-25.

Phoenix Academy

Holy Trinity expects to spend $4,000 in 2022-23 to signage on the building.

The division also plans to spend $5,000 in 2023-24 and the same in 2024-25.

The division plans to spend $36,500 in 2022-23 to renovating shipping and receiving, upgrading the lobby and landscaping.

Holy Trinity also plans to spend $25,000 in 2023-24 and $10,000 in 2024-25.

[UPDATE: Those wishing to help Maguire can donate to her cause at the Sahara Spa at 341 Stadacona St E. Staff at thecepting donations.]

Jasmine Cameron is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina, and after telling her daughter about the chronic cold feet she and other patients experience, 10-year-old Maguire decided to try and help.

She made sparkly bags with Christmas ornaments in them and began selling them wherever she could for $5 each. The money she’s raised will go towards buying warm socks for the cancer treatment centre and to breast cancer research.

“One day, I was doing my crafts, because I love crafts, and my mom was telling me about this burger thing that Taco Time made for her,” Maguire Jackman said. “So, I had this idea to make little bags with ornaments. … My mum told me that whenever she gets her treatment, her feet get really cold, and I wanted to try and get them socks for their feet to keep as warm as they can.”

Maguire isn’t sure exactly how many ornament bags she’s sold, but she has run out several times. With the help of her grandparents, she puts in a lot of work restoring her supply.

Cameron said her daughter’s project

has raised $1,295 as of Dec. 19.

“We haven’t really decided how many socks yet, 100 to 200 (pairs), probably,” Cameron said.

“Some of the money is going to socks, and some of the money is going to the charity,” Maguire explained.

“It’ll probably a 30-70 split — 30 per cent socks,” Cameron added. “Once she’s done selling her little bags, probably well over $1,000 will be going to the charity donation for research.”

The note that Maguire carries to explain her project says that she wants to be a part of her mother’s journey. It can be but everyone she’s spoken with has been kind and generous.

“I usually tell them about my story, about my mom, and about where I’m going to raise it for,” she said. “That’s all what I pretty much say. Sometimes I’m a little shy.”

but she feels lucky to have avoided severe side effects to this point. She credits Maguire and her twin brother Krosby with keeping her on track.

Cameron noted that one of the things she’s been surprised by is just how many people are undergoing treatment.

“It’s pretty amazing, once you are introduced into the world of cancer, whatever type it is, how many people are actually going through it,” she said. “It opens your eyes. That Allan Blair Centre is a beautiful, beautiful place, they’re angels on earth, but that door is revolving. It’s crazy to see.

“You never think it’s going to be you, but when it is, it’s nice to have kids that are on your side, and do things to help others and learn from it. … Life goes on and its good, you do what you have to do, right Mags?”

Maguire agreed, and added, “Thank you everyone who has supported me so far!”

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

$100 Mani/Pedi

- 60

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Maguire Jackman

Rachelle Baquilod & Brenn Gil Baquilod of Moose Jaw

Roza

& Amisi

While some on city council may believe having Commissionaires at city hall’s front doors is unnecessary, city administration says the uniformed members keep city staff safe from verbal and physical abuse.

get meeting about what items could be cut, Coun. Dawn Luhning asked how much it costs to have a Commissionaire at the front doors.

$42,830 — an extra $5,000 — to have someone in the evening for council meetings.

City manager Jim Puffalt defended the need for Commissionaires, saying city hall staff feel safer working when a uniformed person is present. It’s not just councillors who received criticism from residents about service cuts or tax hikes; municipal employees do too.

“There’s been a marked difference toward our staff by having security at the front gate … . In the olden days, people could wander all over the building (and) they (could) come in the back door,” he said. “And we’ve made some good security arrangements for our facility. You have over 100 people who work here. And people can be rude to us. And that’s a fact of life.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Puffalt added that security guards have “made a world of difference” in staff morale and safety.

Before this position was added, somebody would regularly yell and scream at customer service personnel -

ever, people’s attitudes have changed with a uniformed

“We have a much more respectful behaviour from made a big difference in building security. “It’s a cost, certainly, but it’s a cost that’s well worth it to have a safe and respectful workplace for staff.”

The city needs to use better the Commissionaires, which means moving the desk from the front door — put there because of pandemic restrictions — into reception-

turbances, while they will know how to handle incidents once the building adopts new safety protocols.

“I could never recommend getting rid of that service because it’s our duty to have a safe and respectful workplace for our staff,” he added.

Coun. Heather Eby sometimes wonders why the

Budget 2023: Every capital project next

Commissionaires are needed when she enters city hall. However, she reminds herself of the problems the public library faces with aggressive people, noting she never takes her granddaughters to the bathrooms there when a Commissionaire is absent.

“I feel strongly that if we do not have a strong presence at the entryway, that there could be a similar situation happening there (city hall) because things downtown have changed,” she said.

“And I have to check my own attitude sometimes … but I agree with the safety for the staff and building. But even further, I think we would have even bigger problems without that person there.”

Coun. Doug Blanc wondered if the Commissionaires even ask people where they’re going in the building because they never ask him and he walks past. He also agreed with moving the desk into reception. -

posed to stop people and ask where they’re going; currently, someone could say they are going to the cashier and instead walk upstairs.

to maintain quality living, says council

City council spent considerable time debating the 2023 budget and looking for items to cut to reduce the mill rate increase before eventually voting 6-1 — Coun. Dawn Luhning was opposed — to approve the document and a $65 infrastructure levy.

The Moose Jaw Express highlights some of that discussion

Capital costs

Coun. Heather Eby understood the need for the $65 infrastructure levy to support the renewal of parks and recreation venues and appreciated that city administration reduced it from $100. However, she would have preferred a $50 levy.

One new item in the capital budget that caught her attention was the parks and rec department’s support to maintain the Golden Ticket Sports Centre — formerly Hillcrest Sports Centre. It will cost taxpayers nearly $411,000 to maintain the building.

“By voting to have that facility come online, we also took on the capital expenditures of it, which have now impacted our capital budget,” said Eby. “So … we have to continue supporting those decisions down the road.”

Another big item is the Cultural Centre needs a new cooling system for $870,000, which is not something that can be done halfway, she added. Council could reduce the pathway upgrades, but they would still need renewing in 2024.

The city is 100-per-cent responsible for all capital upgrades at the sports centre, while it has started a building reserve to replace items, city administration said. The venue’s roof is from the 1960s, so it must be replaced to keep the building in top shape. A decade of infrastructure

It will cost over $400,000 to upgrade the Pla-Mor

If the city doesn’t maintain it, then it will turn into another Natatorium, something she fears.

“It seems like this decade is all about infrastructure around this table and trying to make sure the assets we have built and services in those buildings can continue,” she continued, noting non-residents notice the quality of recreation venues. “If we don’t do it this year, it will only be more money (in 2024).”

The municipality is paying nearly $6 million in PST

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

(her) mind” because it’s a ton of money. She thought the infrastructure levy wouldn’t be needed if the city could keep that money.

Higher costs

Coun. Doug Blanc didn’t favour the original $100 levy but realized it supported recreation venues and didn’t want to see another Natatorium either. Conversely, he acknowledged that no one wants levies to continue forever, while he also thought $50 was adequate.

He feared that costs would be higher later if the municipality didn’t upgrade its structures — like the Thun-

If city hall reduced the levy to $50, it would be short $241,979 in the general capital reserve, so it would have to cut expenses in that area, city administration said. It has also pushed some projects into the future even though they are necessary.

capital budget is $25 million compared to $8.9 millioncials added. If funding is not committed, then many venues will become non-functional.

“And therein lies the conundrum. What doesn’t what’s more important: a roof or water tanks? I’m not sure that’s the way to go.”

Community identity

It was a mistake not to keep the sports centre under the city’s umbrella because numerous capital upgrades are now required, said Coun. Kim Robinson. However, he agreed that the community’s parks and rec venues needed to be maintained, so the levy was important.

“At one time, Moose Jaw’s very identity was known for its parks and recreation facilities. The Civic Centre was hugely recognized just from its view on the landscape … ,” he continued.

“I feel it is a value to invest in parks and recreation because it transcends the actual value amount it provides this community.”

Let’s co-operate

The levy is needed because the capital budget is facshould cut expenses in every department proportionally, said Luhning. She wished city administration would -

get because she didn’t think it was her job to tell them where to cut.

“Let’s work together as a team to balance this out,” she added. “I’m not willing to put a parks and recreation levy on the books to do that.”

Considering Canada is facing a major infrastructure

department to cut their capital budgets because residents

“People don’t just move to a community because of garbage collection and water. People move because of great playgrounds and rinks (and parks) … ,” she continued.

Canada struggles

Mayor Clive Tolley didn’t favour making major cuts to the operating or capital budgets because council had already looked for savings. He noted that every Canadian municipality is having the same struggle, based on conversations at national meetings.

Council should start a savings fund for the outdoor pool so when construction begins on a new one, it can acquire matching federal funds, he continued. The Natatorium has heritage-protected status, so it will also require major renovations so it can be reused.

The city’s “Get a Life” campaign should attract more people, creating a bigger tax base, Tolley added. While a $65 infrastructure levy is tough, residents paid a $100 levy for the hospital, which produced “a fabulous new facility” that added to the community’s quality of life.

Needs versus wants

There were some years when the tax increase was 0 per cent, but those did nothing to upgrade infrastructure or parks and rec venues and now the city is playing catch-up, said Coun. Jamey Logan.

While one resident suggested council “trim the fat” from the budget, everything the parks and rec department requires is a need and not a want, he continued.ing, otherwise, the city will face a “comedy of errors” when those break down and worsen.

“… in this capital budget, I don’t see any wants in there,” agreed Eby. “Maybe a couple little wants like our paths to look better, but to me, this is a needs budget.”

year is needed

Airport CEOs address Sask businesses concerned by cancelled Air Canada routes

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, hosted the CEOs of the Regina and Saskatoon Airport Authorities for a Zoom discussion following Air Canada’s announcement that it would suspend directning mid-January.

Media coverage of and business reactions to the news were negative, with many expressing disappointment at Toronto to reach Calgary.

Ramaswamy had reacted to the announcement with a Dec. 8 media advisory in which she said that Saskatchewan has an extremely positive economic growth outlook. She went on to say that despite disagreeing with Air Canada’s decision, the Sask Chamber of Commerce would reframe the development as an opportunity.

The Dec. 21 Zoom discussion with James Bogusz, President and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, and Stephen Maybury, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Airport Authority, was intended to provide context on the move for Saskatchewan’s business community. The meeting focused on the possible impact, Air Canada’s rationale, and what the future might hold for Saskatchewan air travel.

“The news that came out Dec. 7 ... was very disappointing because Calgary is a hub for Saskatchewan businesses,” Ramaswamy said as she introduced Bogusz and Maybury. She noted, however, that WestJet still operates

“Just want you to also know that the Air Canada decision did not just single out Saskatchewan. Service was suspended between Calgary and eight cities in total.”

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The Board of Police Commissioners and Moose Jaw Police Association have signed a new three-year collective bargaining agreement that will provide cops almost seven-per-cent more in pay during the contract’s term.

Commissioner Dawn Luhning, board chair, Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, president of the association, and Const. Kyle Cunningham, association secretary, signed the document during a ceremony at police headquarters on Dec. 20.

As part of the agreement — from January 2021 to December 2023 — police received 1.8 per cent in 2021, 1.95 per cent in 2022 and 2.9 per cent in 2023 for a total of 6.65 per cent.

The board and the association hammered out the agreement over a couple of meetings during the past year and reached an agreeable resolution that didn’t require an arbitrator.

“We’re very happy that we were able to reach an agreement,” Chief Rick Bourassa said.

Luhning agreed, saying it was good to reach a positive conclusion, while she thought the process went smoothly and was not acrimonious or confrontational. She appreciated that a mediator was unnecessary because no one truly wins through arbitration, not even the winning side.

“It adds a lot of costs (and) it adds additional time,” she said. “If it went to arbitration, it could be a year from now before we see a signed agreement. … I feel like if it goes to arbitration, there’s a real bad relationship between the association and the board.”

She added, “This isn’t the case right here.”

The police union has been through arbitration before and no one wins through that process, echoed Elder. He thought it was refreshing to agree to a new CBA without that measure, while he thought both sides worked well together.

“And now we can move forward and focus on public safety, which is our main goal anyways,” he said, adding

Bogusz began the presentation by agreeing that the decision was very disappointing, not only for businesses but for families and friends travelling regularly between Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“I can tell you, we don’t like losing air service. Nobody does. However, there is a much broader program ... that Air Canada is rolling out for the country,” Bogusz said. “Anytime we lose a connection, especially one as important as Calgary, we want to understand what’s going on and what we can hopefully do to convince them to reconsider. But I can tell you, at least in our region, once I learned the context of why they did it, the idea of reconsideration started becoming a much more challenging conversation.”

Bogusz pointed out that Air Canada had announced a massive reduction that included even bigger markets such as Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Kelowna.

Maybury agreed, saying that the business fundamen-

Both airport authority CEOs said that the effects of the pandemic on airports, airlines, and air travel in general had been devastating, and that Air Canada was doing necessary re-building work.

“That stated,” Maybury continued, “how we move forward and ensure that those seat numbers grow in the future is vitally important.”

“Although I don’t view this news as good news by any means,” Bogusz said. “What I am viewing ... is aronto and Montreal. By us working collaboratively with them to see more service in the future, the world is our oyster through those major hubs.”

Bogusz characterized Calgary as having always been a relatively low priority for Air Canada, and said he doesn’t see any short- or long-term possibility of regaining those routes. To succeed, Saskatoon and Regina willto, and Montreal, while trying to attract smaller airlines for regional transportation.

“I do think, again, coming back to sort of a net positive view and being optimistic,” Maybury said, “that (smaller airlines) will continue to be a very dynamic market for us.”

Bogusz and Maybury repeatedly assured listeners that the airport authorities were always working on their behalf.

Police board, union sign new three-year agreement worth nearly 7%

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

wanted non-monetary changes to the CBA, to which the union agreed. This included clarifying wording and elimregardless of whether cops work them.

Deleting that clause and applying it to wages translated into 1.5 per cent, which was part of the 2.9 per cent pay raise for 2023.

“We felt that when people are working statutory holidays, it would create a situation where people would be working stats, and we’d have a whole bunch of police

manage people’s time.”

more time with their families on Thanksgiving or Christmas, while the police service can still adequately staff those days.

The Moose Jaw union usually bases its funding rehow The Queen City’s CBA talks play out before it puts forward its offer, Elder continued. Moose Jaw cops still make less than Regina cops — the gap is about two per cent — so the union is attempting to close that.

Meanwhile, there isn’t anything in the new agreement that is an “extreme change” from the past, while he thought it was a fair negotiation where both sides gave up something to reach a deal.

It’s important that the Moose Jaw Police Service remain competitive salary-wise with other agencies and provide an adequate compensation package, said Bourassa. It’s important to ensure the organization is on a level

Deputy Chief Rick Johns explained that the police board — taking direction from police administration —

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, JAN 9.

Const. Kyle Cunningham, secretary with the Moose Jaw Police Association, Commissioner Dawn Luhning, chairwoman of the police board, and Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, union president, celebrate a new threeyear agreement that runs from January 2021 to December 2023. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

James Bogusz, CEO/president of the Regina International Airport, speaks at a Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Heritage Inn (photo by Jason G. Antonio)

Warriors Rysavy, Baco take ice in World Juniors pre-tournament action

In the World Junior Hockey Championship last week, Warriors forward Martin Rysavy and Team Czechia opened their pre-tournament run on Tuesday night with a 6-3 win over Latvia, while forward Robert Baco and Team Slovakia dropped a 5-0 -

tion game on Sunday, Dec. 18 and fell 6-1 to Canada on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Rysavy didn’t hit the scoresheet against Latvia, but things turned out well

for his crew regardless. Czechia scored a two before scoring three goals in just under two minutes to pull away in the third.turc had two goals and an assist for Czechia.

Rysavy -- a Columbus seventh-round draft pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft -has two goals and 11 points for the Warriors his second-last game before the Christmas break.

time playing for his country, including the 2022 World Juniors where he scored a pair of goals in seven games.

Czechia closed out their pre-season schedule against Switzerland on Thursday, Dec. 22 before opening their main tournament against Canada on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Baco and Slovakia couldn’t get anything going against Germany, surrendersecond periods before eventually falling by though, as Slovakia outshot Germany 33-

Baco -- who has six goals and 10 points in 28 games with the Warriors this season -- was held off the scoresheet. -

tor into things against Canada, but not in a positive way -- a cross-checking penalty midway through the third period led to NHL Arizona’s Dylan Guenther scoring

markers. Samuel Honzek scored Slovakia’s lone goal.

17 saves in the win for Canada.

The 2023 World Juniors mark Baco’s third time wearing his country’s colours, having last played for Slovakia at the World Under-18 Championship in 2021, where he had two goals and four points in six games.

tune-up game on Thursday, Dec. 22 and open their main tournament against Finland on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Canada, meanwhile, wasted little time getting things going in their pre-season opener, rolling to a 6-0 win over Switzer-

en prospect Shane Wright had two goals and three points, Regina’s Connor Bedard three assists to lead Canada. WHL Seattle’s Thomas Milic stopped 19 shots for the shutout.

-

Former Moose Jaw Warriors standouts Quinton Howden and Josh Brook will be taking the ice in the Spengler Cup elite European club tournament beginning Boxing Day.

Brook was one of 25 players named to Team Canada’s roster Thursday for the annual holiday event, which runs through to the championship game on New Year’s Eve.

The 23-year-old defenceman is coming off an injury-plagued season in 202122, where a knee injury and subsequent bout with COVID-19 limited him to only

12 regular season games between the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket and ECHL’s Trois-Rivieres Lions. Brook found his stride in the playoffs with the Lions, though, scoring once and putting up six points in seven games.

So far this season, Brook had three assists in seven games with the Wranglers.

Brook played four seasons with the Warriors and was a regular with Hockey Canada throughout his junior career, playing for Canada in the World Under-17 Challenge, World U18 Championship and World Junior Championship.

The former Montreal Canadiens second-round draft pick enjoyed his best season with the Warriors while serving as the team’s captain in 2018-19, when he had 26 goals and 75 points in 59 games.

Howden’s journey to the Spengler Cup took a far different route.

The 30-year-old forward has spent

and European leagues, including a professional tryout contract with Jukurit of the

Finnish Elite League that saw Howden released on Dec. 15.

That led to Thursday, when it was announced that Howden had signed a tryout contract with Orebro of the Swedish Hockey League and would be taking the ice with the team in the Spengler Cup.

Howden played for the Warriors for four seasons from 2009-10 through 2011round selection in the 2010 Entry Draft. He played four seasons in the NHL, suiting up for 97 games and putting up 10 goals and 17 points in that span.

Howden was one of the Warriors’ top

team, putting up 40 goals and 79 points in 60 games in 2010-11 and 30 goals and 65 points in 52 games the following season.

Howden has no shortage of international experience, and has the medals to show for it -- he won silver at the World Juniors in 2011 and followed up with bronze at the tournament in 2012. Most recently, Howden played for Canada in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where he had an assist in three games as Canada brought home bronze.

against HC Sparta Praha, while Orebro opener, with both games on Monday, Dec. 26. The tournament runs throughout the week through to the gold medal game on Saturday, Dec. 31.

You can follow along with all the scores from the tournament by visiting www.bit.ly/3jrfeAE.

Rysavy, Czechia twin 6-3 over Latvia in tournament opener; Baco, Slovakia fall 5-0 to

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Warriors forward Martin Rysavy -here in action against the United States during the 2022 World Junior Championship -- is once again suiting up for Czechia. IIHF.com

Warriors forward Robert Baco and Team Slovakia fell to Canada in their second World Junior pre-tournament game Wednesday. Nick Pettigrew

Former Warriors captain Josh Brook will be taking the ice with Team Canada at the Spengler Cup beginning Boxing Day

Former Moose Jaw Warriors captain Quinton Howden will be playing with Sweden’s Orebro at the Spengler Cup.

Trio of standouts honoured with Thunder Creek Volleyball Club scholarships

With the amount of success Thunder Creek Volleyball Club has had in recent years, it only makes sense to give back to those who helped make the club what it is today.

On Wednesday afternoon, the TCVC honoured a trio of former players and high school standouts with the Dan Andrie and Darcey Busse Scholarship Award, signifying player dedication and success while moving on to play post-secondary volleyball.

Receiving the honours for 2023 are Central’s Cadence Johns, who is currently playing for the University of Regina Cougars, along with Cyclones teammate Malea Kletzel, now with the Medicine Hat College Rattlers, and Peacock Toilers grad Summer Okerstrom, currently with the Briercrest College Clippers.

“To go on to play volleyball at the post-secondary level for anybody is a great accomplishment,” said TCVC coach Lorne Polupski . “Seven percent of people go on to play college and university volleyball and to have three players from last year move on to that level is amazing. It’s always great to see players move on in their careers and we’re happy to be able to help them out a bit.”

The awards are named in honour of two well-known and respected coaches and players, with Andrie as one of the club’s founders in the early 80s and Busse as one of the best players to ever take a court in Moose Jaw.

“Those two guys are the role models of how all coaches should be and how all players should be,” Polupski said. “There are lots of coaches who were taught by them and it’s great to be able to honour them.”

All three players expressed gratitude for the scholarships,

“Especially coming from a small town like Moose Jaw and our club being a small club, it’s so great to be able to use all the skills I learned here and bring them into the future and play at university.” said Johns, an outside hitter with the Cougars.

play, but has enjoyed the experience.

“It’s going really well,” she said. “The team is great, I’m having a great time with practices, games and everything. The schooling has been going really well as well, too, even if it’s been busy. Five classes and playing volleyball is a lot, but it’s great to be able to play volleyball and get away from school every once in awhile… the goal is just to keep getting better throughout the season and keep improving every season.”

Kletzel pointed to TCVC as the place that helped her fall in love with the game at the very beginning.

“It’s great to be recognized by theleyball,” she said. “They’re great coaches and it’s a great club and them noticing me as an athlete going to the next level is really cool.”

Also an outside hitter, Kletzel spent much of the Alberta Colleges Athletic an off-season procedure to help with tendon damage in her knee,

“I was just getting back to jumping

and playing and I’m hoping the second semester will be a little bit different,” Kletzel said. “I’m doing a lot better even over the last month, so I’ll keep going and keep working hard.”

One of the things Okerstrom was most appreciative of in her time with TCVC was the personal approach they take with their players -- with the scholarships an extension of that.

“Mr. P and Krysta (Caplette), they’re just so generous and such considerate people,” Okerstrom said. “They put so much into their athletes, it’s really different than other clubs in that they really invest in their athletes and pay attention to them,

not only when they’re playing but when they’ve moved on to college and university. It’s just a really big blessing, everything they do for us.”

Okerstrom found herself in a unique she stepping into a Clippers program that annually contends for national championships, but BC also has a new coach for the -

land took over from Nolan Weinmaster.

“I love the new coach, Rhonda has been amazing, she just loves on us girls so much,” Okerstrom said. “And it’s been great to play under players like (CCAA All-Canadian)Faith (Buhler), she’s an amazing, amazing player and it’s really helped me grow to watch her play.”

The key now will be to pick things up in the new year and see if Briercrest can make their way back to the CCAA championship.

“We’ve been doing some adjusting to play together and stuff,” said Oker-

years have been on and off the court and it’s a big adjustment from high school, so I’m looking forward to the second semester and seeing what we can do. There are a lot of good teams, it’s really even and competitive at the top of the standings, so we’ll see what happens.

You can follow along with Johns’ exploit with the U of R at www.reginacougars.com and how Kletzel and Okerstrom are doing at www.acac.ab.ca.

Former Central Cyclones

Malea Kletzel and Cadence Johns joined by Peacock grad Summer Okerstrom in receiving Dan Andrie and Darcey Busse Scholarship Award Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Thunder Creek Volleyball Club presented their Dan Andrie and Darcey Busse Scholarship Awards on Wednesday afternoon. Pictured are TCVC coach Krysta Caplette, Malea Kletzel (Medicine Hat College Rattlers), Summer Okerstrom (Briercrest College Clippers) and Cadence Johns (University of Regina Cougars).

There will be no shortage of rinks with Moose Jaw connections to cheer for at the Viterra Scotties provincial women’s curling championship in the new year.

While defending champion Penny Barker knew she was through to the main tournament almost a month ago, Curl Sask fellow Moose Jaw products Skylar Ackerman and Amber Holland as rinks that Ranking System.

For Barker and her Moose Jaw Curling Centre rink of third Christie Gamble,

up their second-straight tournament win with a victory in the Regina Highland Sask Curling Tour stop. That gave Barker

rankings and the top spot for provincials.

The Highland victory capped a solid run for Barker, who won the SWCT Moosedown during the Oct. 13 weekend.

Ackerman and her Saskatoon Sutherland rink of third Kya Kennedy, second Taylor Stremick and lead Kaitlyn Skinner got their season off to a great start with a

Classic during the Sept. 3 weekend and landed second at the Saskatoon Nutana SWCT stop. -

email: editor@mjvexpress.com

-

ing Stadium Series Swift Current eventties qualifying position, and points at the Western Showdown and Moose Jaw land-

Holland and her Kronau rink of third Kim Schneider, second Karlee Korchins-

points.

The two-time former provincial Scot-

Superspiel and Western Showdown.

Saskatoon’s Nancy Martin picked up second CTRS berth.

Five-time reigning World Senior’s champion Sherry Anderson, Regina Highland’s Brooklyn Stevenson, Regina High-

Sutherland’s Jessica Mitchell earned the four Scotties spots from the Sask Women’s Curling Tour.

The remaining four teams will qualify -

On the men’s side, the four CTRS teams qualifying directly for the SaskTel Tankard are Saskatoon’s Colton Flasch, Regina’s Kelly Knapp, Saskatoon’s Rylan Kleiter and Saskatoon’s Kody Hartung.

CTRS are Saskatoon’s Michael Carss,Jason Jacobson. -

dale, with the SaskTel Tankard beginning Feb, 1 in Estevan.

Barker and Ben Gamble as the Original the two rinks heading into the Christmas break as the only unbeaten teams in the night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

Barker and her BTN Chartered Ac-up a deuce in the third and stole two more in the fourth. Montgomery got one back shake hands.

Things were far closer for Gamble’s KMS Construction foursome in their matchup with John’s Music (Ryan Wenthe fourth end, but Wenarchuk would get a pair to tie things up. Single points the but Wenarchuk wouldn’t go quietly, scoring one in the seventh and stealing in the There, Gamble used the hammer to perfection and picked up three for the 7-4 win. -

tory over ProTec Studios (Tyler Krupski, and stole one in the second for the quick getting them back in the hunt. Froehlich end, though, putting up a three-spot and leading to the teams shaking hands.

lead, and after Heisler picked up one in edge through four. RK Sunview got two call it a night.

A fast start and late-game surgebut would trail 4-3 after four thanks to a Barnsley single in the second, steal of two in the third and another steal in the fourth. Woloschuk turned the tables from

another steal in the eighth. -

victory over Fountain Tire (Barry Silk, Gunnis control of the game, and after Silk picked up one in the third, Gunnis scored three in the fourth and stole two in the

The league takes a break for the holidays but returns to action on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

eforcing the cancelation of games involving out of town travel - but for the Central Cyclones senior boys team the play was hot. The Cyclones used the fast break and

Central 34 - Vanier 13 at the end of thevantage the Cyclones defeated the Vanier senior boys basketball action. The Vikings were able to regroup defensively in the second quarter putting

Meanwhile, defensively the Cyclones were able to out rebound the Vikings who which failed to convert into baskets. -

The third quarter saw the Cyclones key and freely pass the ball around until they had clear shots or they charged in on a layup.

the Cyclones more than doubled up on the Vikings scoring with the third quarter

The fourth quarter saw the Vikings coming out looking at a series of three pointers their only chance of eradicating

Cyclones managed to immediately steal the ball and make a layup.

The Vikings attempted to set up around the key looking for the long shot only to miss when they did shoot a threepoint land.

The Vikings were able though to hit a three pointer with the Cyclones almost immediately breaking down court and responding with a three pointer of their own.

Cyclones gained possession of the ball

Top scorers for Vanier were:

Top scorers for Central were: https://www.mjindependent.com/

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

win over RK Sunview Farms (Tanya

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Photos and Story By Robert Thomas

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Miller Express prospect Nathan Varjassy in action with the Moose Jaw 18U AAA Canucks last season.

Miller Express rookie Nathan Varjassy is presented the Brennan Luffman Memorial Scholarship by Charlene Luffman last summer.

If

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch Future meeting dates: Wed. Jan. 18/23, Wed. March 15/23, and Wed. May 17/23.

Lawn Bowls at the Yara Centre. The regularly scheduled times and days for drop in bowls will be intermittent over the holiday season. For dates and times text 306-6908739. Jan 3/23 the schedule will return to Tues. 9:30am, Wed & Thur. 1:30pm, Monday@ 7:00pm . Everyone WELCOME MJ Lawn Bowling Club

Amnesty International Moose Jaw group are holding a ‘Write For Rights’ event January 5/2023

From 10:30-noon and 1:00 to 3:30pm at the Moose Jaw Welcome Centre, 432 Main St N.

Everyone is invited to come learn about the work of Amnesty International and how you cantions available to sign. For more information text 306 690 8739 or email lornarnold@hotmail.com

For information about actions - Write For Rights website is www.writeforrights.org

Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill compo-

ters have potential to provide. Big Country club meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. During this celebratory season the meetings will be more casual & only on zoom.us Regular training opportunities will resume January 4/23 with in-person @saskpolytech in addition to virtual experience.cers-3418@toastmastersclubs.org

Big Country Club proudly begins their 61st year of providing our community with this experiential learning. The -

success.

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: January 05 & 19/February 02 & 16/March 02 & 16/April 06 & 20/May 04 & 18 (last mtg until Sept)

TRY DANCING Monday Nights starting January 9, 2023 to February 20, 2023; costing $55.00 per person to be paid January 9 at St. Margaret’s School - 495 5th Ave. N. E., Moose Jaw. Time – 7:00pm to 9:00 pm; For more Information call: Valerie 306-691-0579

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

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at thetrance). 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 community may also take place on alternate evenings. New members are always welcome and encouraged (especially tenors and basses) and no audition is required. New members who are interested should contact the Choir Director Diane Rhodes at 306-640-8098 or message us through Facebook @Moose Jaw Community Choir.

Moose Jaw Camera Club - Interested photographers are welcome and invited to join and Be Focused With Us! For more information: Wanda - 306-693-7440 or Len - 306693-7685. themoosejawcameraclub.com

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 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/ Adult, Youth and Child Programming at Moose Jaw Public Library - IN PERSON & VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Keep your eyes open for the January listing. Children’s programming

Children’s Take ‘n’ Make Series goes to December 31: Popsicle Stick Ornament! Come to the Library’s Circulation 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: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out. Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required.

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Saturday. To see the total check out Facebook page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers.

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

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. Cinnamon 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 mornings @ 10 a.m. - Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m. - Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

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

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – 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 outdoors for the summer

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 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

Tuesday: 9:30am Jam Session; 1pm Pickle Ball; 7pm Friendship Bridge Wednesday: 8:30am TOPS; 9:30am Pickle Ball; 1pm

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 Happening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306-681-5998 or 306-6924412 email anaf252@sasktel.net

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

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

MONDAY EVENINGS: (– to April, 2023): Drop in Cribbage – registration 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm – play starts at 7:00 pm. $2.00 per person – two person teams. Bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered. Everyone 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. Singles 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 Bird price of $25.00 per person

price of $30.00 per person. Get your tickets early.

NOW - If you have any winter coats, etc. your donation of used winter clothing – jackets, mitts, socks, hats , will be gratefully accepted. Please put your donations in the donation box outside our Ladies Auxiliary Secretary’s door in the Eagles Club Games Room (in back of the lounge). All donations will go to help Moose Jaw’s Homeless.

NEW YEAR’S EVE: 2022 – Doors open at 7:00 pm –Dance to the music of a superb band - BRANDON and COMPANY – Luncheon Served at 11:00 pm. Tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar… Early Bird price of goes to the regular price of $30.00 per person.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 6935989.

You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how

AUTO PARTS

Set of 4 Safari ATR tires on dodge rims, P245/70R17, hold air good, close to new 8/32 - $600. Call 306-6818749

For Sale 4 winter rims for a 2007 Honda Civic. $60.00. Call 306-631-0930

COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY

2- IPhone 6’s for sale $150.00 each. Call or text 306-631-6688

MISCELLANEOUS

Canadian Editions 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 Genus Trivial Pursuit, trivial pursuit digital edition, Moose Jaw monopoly (new), Monopoly Deluxe edition, Monopoly scrabble deluxe edition, scrabble who wants to be a millionaire, Rumoli smart ass. Games $20.00 each or all games $320.00.

3 radial tires half worn. Call 306-693-1877

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, camping etc. $6.00. 12 double sided drape/shower curtain hooks, chrome color, new in pkg. $5.00. 11 egg cartoons .25cents all. Drapes, dk. brown pleated drape, 96” x 84”, blackout, polyester, pocket rod with back tab panel, new $22.00.

306-421-7459. Antique fish net, would be nice wall decor - $2 call 306-681-8749

like new$17.00. Female navy dress, cotton/spandex, sleeveless, crochet at front yolk, size med. $5.00.

LOST & FOUND

LOST - Three ring diamond wedding set. Phone 306630-5676. Reward O ered

WANTED

Good condition tires- Nitto Trail Grappler, 6/32 tread, 285/75/16 mounted on Dodge Ram 1500 rims. $400 obo, 306-631-9853

4 steel studded tires, like new. Size 225 65 R17. $300. Ph. 306-694-4631

Truck cap or tunnel cover for a 1993 Ford ranger truck reasonably priced. Call 306313-4772

Looking for any vehicle non working batteries 306-6818749

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 – R195/165R1591Tlike 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 compressor 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 pliers, with cushion grip handles, $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 Jaw- Trans Canada highway. For more information call 1-306-684-6080

Looking for 2 bedroom apt that takes pets call 306.690.5326

Golds Gym Treadmill, 120 volt- 60HZ, 50”long, 18” wide. Used by seniors. $500.00 or best o er. Call 306-692-1064 anytime. Bike repairs starting at $10, Kids bikes tune ups 20in and smaller $25-$35, Adult bikes 24in and larger regular tune up $55, Premium tune up $90. Pick up and delivery available in Moose Jaw. I have 35+ years experience 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 306-6414447

Looking for the vintage bubble lights in working condition (Christmas lights) 306681-8749

I’ll pick up for free unwanted snow blowers, chainsaws, garden tillers, lawn tractors, and other lawn, garden and acreage equipment. Call or text 306-641-4447

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 306-681-874

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 ammunition in the Moose Jaw, Regina and surrounding area. Call or text 306-641-4447

18” necklace from Hawaii, shell/beads- $4.00. Firewood – 5 boxes of firewood 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 albumnew $4.00. COMFORTER, BEDSKIRT & 2 pillow covers, double/queen size,

Solid grommet panel drapes, polyester, mushroom color, 50” x 63”, new, 2 for $15.00. Brown grommet panel drape, polyester, 52” x 84” – $10.00. Dk. brown pleated drapes, polyester with back tab panel, insulated foam back 48” x 45” – $14.00. 3 hallmark candle sticks- new $2.00all. 6’”h, hallmark pillar candle & black candle holder - $5.00 all. Call 306-586-9263 Men’s snowmobile boots, size 11 asking $15.00.New venation blind, white, still in box $10.00. Oil painting supplies a plastic container full of paints, 18 paint brushes, 4 painting books, canvasses, 2 scalpels. Asking $100.00 or will sell separately. Call 306-692-1365

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Wooden China Cabinet and Hutch, medium brown in color and in excellent condition, beautiful piece of furniture. Measures 82”Hx58”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 headboard 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. Metal 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 sided box, used for cards at wedding and as Xmas decor, $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

Red leather look arm chair (like new), at brick is $1600.00, plus taxes, sell for $399.00. teakwood entertainment unit, or for o ce etc. on 4 roller casters, 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. Bedroom – brass headboard (double/full size) has been lacquered, so no need to polish $125.00. Steel bedframe on 4 roller casters, adjusts from twin/double or queen size. &17.00. White melamine shelving unit –top & 2 bottom shelves (has backing in). Multi-use, o ce, shoes, pantry, closet, garage, books etc. 32”w x 32” H x 12” d. $15.00. Pinewood (med .color) shellacked dresser/bu et, (from meubles gutto Inc. in Quebec), multi-use, bedroom, hall, office, etc. 64”w x 18”d x 31”h. has 4 drawers, 3 with brass handles & 1 with porcelain knobs. And 2 doors with porcelain knobs and inside shelf. $350.00. Pinewood (med. color) shellacked night table or for o ce etc. with 3 drawers, 2 with brass handles & 1 with porcelain knobs. (From meubles gutto inc. in Quebec) 24”w x 16”d x 25” h. $125.00 or both dresser & night stand for $399.00. Call306-586-9263

Female dk. green poly coat /rain, size XL, back pleat, attached hood, like new $7.00.

female pantyhose, assorted sizes & colors, navy, white, black, blue, spice etc. new in pkgs. price range from .50cents to $3.50 pr. female poly spandex navy coat, mesh lined, attached hood, size xl, washable, $12.00.

Female navy cotton/spandex slacks, size medium .wider leg, $6.00. Female aqua color dress, with collar, sleeveless, V-neck, polyester, size 1x, $7.00. 306-5869263

LAWN & GARDEN

45 gallon blue plastic barrels, food grade great for rainwater save water rather than pay for it, or raised garden beds - $20 each. 306681-8749

Wanted: Carpentry Course materials from SIAST/ Polytechnic. - Books, measured drawings, project plans, hand-outs. Phone 972-2257

ANTIQUES Wanted: signs, toys, sports cards, gold & silver coins & jewellery, firearms, single items to full estates. Call 1-306-539-8363

SERVICES

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.

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 reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-6302268

Newly built raised garden beds can send picture$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 color), for yard garden, etc. $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, garden etc. includes spikes and connector. $2.00. Bulbar/ digger garden tool with wood handle, for flowers, garden, plants etc. $1.00. 306-586-9263

PETS

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 commercial. 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 1-587889-1000.

For Sale: Small bookcase/ cabinet with sliding doors, $20. Piano bench with lid, $40. Call 306- 972-2257 Moose Jaw

CHILDRENS ITEMS

Kid’s 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,

Newly built dog house, (XL) 36”x48”, insulated with Styrofoam - $150. 306-6818749

Small Home Repairs. Plumbing, decks, windows, kitchens, bathrooms etc. No job too small. Phone 306-3135151

DEAN, MARLEEN

Marleen Claudette Dean (Arndt) of Caronport, Saskatchewan passed away with her family by her side on December 17th, 2022 at the age of 73. She was born November 4th, 1949, in Davidson, Saskatchewan to Mary and Carl Arndt.

Marleen will be lovingly remembered by her husband Russell, three daughters Colleen, Carrie, and Rustie (Brendon). Her grand-children Katie (Alexander), Cole, Dalton (Ashley), Porter, Boden; and great-grandchild Caiden.

She was born November 4th, 1949, in Davidson to Mary and Carl Arndt. She spent her childhood on the family farm before moving to Moose Jaw as a secretary. After marrying Russell Dean on December 6th, 1969, they settled for many years on a farm in Mortlach and later near Caronport. Marleen was a devoted wife and loving mother who kept the farm and family running smoothly behind the scenes.

The simplest pleasures in life brought the greatest joy to Marleen. She was an avid gardener, fond of tending to her roses and pickling the best beans. She was also known to be a savvy crib player. So much so, she had

everyone knew the gesture you’d receive if you were about to beat her! Her favourite time of year was the holidays, she never missed hosting the holidays and her home was always an open invitation. Her iconic poppycock will be devoured for years to come. She was tender, loving, and steadfast in her counsel to her family and friends, a cup of tea or coffee in hand. She cherished those closest to her, including friends like Myrna and her departed sister Irene. Marleen was predeceased by her parents; in-laws Olive and Frank Dean; sister and brother-in-law Irene and Len Werdal; brother in-laws Kenny and Gordie Dean. Left to mourn, her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchild, sister and brother in-laws, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and close friends will gather for a service ahead of her favourite time of year, Christmas. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Waldner and the staff at Pioneer Lodge for caring for Marleen over these last 6 years. Those who would like to honor her with her with a memorial contribution are asked to contribute to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan, the province’s leading dementia care and research charity. In living memory of Marleen, 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/ Cerys Doan- Funeral Director Intern

Christmas or Xmas?

You are on your way out to deliver a few small containers of Christmas goodies for various friends in town when you realize that you forgot to attach a card to the gifts. As

and scribble Merry Xmas on the small gift tags. UnfortuXmas offensive and even anti-religious. The Montreal Gazette reported on December 8, 1977, that New Hampshire governor Meldrim Thomson sent out a press release saying that he wanted journalists to keep the “Christ” in Christmas, and not call it Xmas—which he called a pagan spelling of Christmas.

Dislike for the term Xmas may stem from a suspicion of attempting to sunder Christmas from Christ and make it a Winter holiday, as many religious leaders have bemoaned. Others are suspect of an attempt to change ancient things for modern, sleek, and pithy statements. Some believe a conspiracy undermined by advertisers and social media gurus to be politically acceptable in our age of correctness. Where did the term Xmas come from as a shortened form of Christmas?

Xmas seems to originate in the mid-1700s, mostly in personal letters. The poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge used it in a letter date December 31, 1801, “On Xmas day I breakfasted with Davy.”

The English word “Christmas” is actually a shortened form of “Christ’s Mass,” implying a Eucharistic church service (Latin missa) in honour of Jesus Christ, especially associated with his birth. The word is recorded as as early as 1038. Sometime after that an Anglo-Saxon monk, to save space on precious parchment paper, used the term XPmas. “XP” refers to Jesus Christ.

letter Chi “Ch”, and the “P” is a form of the Greek letter Rho “r.” Throughout the ages the XP symbol, the ChiRho, has been used to represent Jesus Christ in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches. Emperor Constantine the Great of Rome, during the early 4th century, created a military banner using X and P to symbolize the Christ who led him to victory over his enemies. In some churches

today you might see the XP symbol carved onto religious statues, baptismal fonts, altars, etc.

In pop culture, during 2022 promotion of her new album ‘Stripped,’ Christina Aguilera cultivated a new image by adopting the name Xtina (the X used for Christ in her name), dyeing her hair black, and debuting several tattoos and piercings.

It would seem to me that those who disparage Xmas are unfamiliar with a long history of Christians using X in place of “Christ” for various purposes. And yet some Christians have no use for the term. Notable evangelist Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, said in 2005 interview on CNN [something to that effect.]

There is even a conspiracy theory going around that Jewish people had introduced Santa Claus to suppress New Testament accounts of Jesus, and that the United Nations, at the behest of “world Jewry”, had outlawed the name of Christ.

So, I would say it is okay to use either term, Christmas, or Xmas. However, using Christmas presents a clearer understanding of what the focus of the season really is, as there is confusion over the “X” in Xmas.

As you advance through these 12 days of Christmas, I wish you a Merry Xmas!

The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Conditions at Freeze-up Report says province is experiencing dry winter

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Conditions at Freeze-up Report says the province is experiencing a dry winter in most areas. Early summer and spring precipitations were higher than normal while the last half of summer and fall experienced soil conditions drier than normal at freeze-up.

Southern and central Saskatchewan have adequate supplies of later water reservoirs.

WSA believes there are no heightened risks of normal spring runoff in 2023. However, there are concerns about surface water supply issues if the average snowfall is below average during winter.

events in the southwest and east-central portions. Surveys on snow will help to determine whether moisture will in-

2023.

WSA issues the Conditions at Freeze-up Report during the late fall/early winter period. The initial base for the spring snowmelt runoff forecast in combination with the winter snowpack will depend on the freeze-up conditions. An early indication of areas that are more vulnerable and volatile compared with normal runoff in spring is indicated within the report. This forecast is not a spring runoff, as winter snow accumulation is an integral component in the runoff yield during the melt and is impossible to predict at this juncture.

This assessment is compiled with data from various sources including Environment and Climate Change Canada and the US National Weather Service. The initial Spring Runoff outlook for 2023 will be issued in early Feb.

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.

Dayna Chamberlain General Manager

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

d BASKETBALL

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Milwaukee Bucks at Toronto Raptors.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Detroit Pistons at Golden State Warriors.

10:30 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers.

e FOOTBALL

Thursday

7:15 p.m. TSN EDACC NFL Football Dallas Cowboys at Tennessee Titans.

Sunday

7:15 p.m. WDIV TSN NFL Football Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers.

7:20 p.m. EDACC NFL Football Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers.

Monday

7:15 p.m. CKCK NFL Football Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals.

k HOCKEY Thursday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Detroit Red Wings at Buffalo Sabres.

9:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Philadelphia Flyers at San Jose Sharks.

Friday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Edmonton Oilers at Seattle Kraken.

Saturday

5:30 p.m. TSN 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Canada vs Sweden.

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Toronto Maple Leafs at Colorado Avalanche.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Winnipeg Jets at Edmonton Oilers.

Sunday

4:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New York Rangers at Florida Panthers.

7:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New York Islanders at Seattle Kraken.

Monday

8:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche.

Tuesday

7:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Winnipeg Jets.

Wednesday

5:30 p.m. TSN 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Semifinal: Teams TBA.

Albert E. Peacock Collegiate high school began the holiday break with a multi-event bang this year in what one teacher called one of her best days ever, including a turkey dinner feast for staff and students, a talent show, and a charity project by the school’s leadership class.

The last day of school before the Christmas break was Wednesday, Dec. 21, and everyone at Peacock was feeling celebratory.

“Today, alongside the SCC (School Community Council) and some wonderful staff here at Peacock, we provided a turkey meal to 600 staff and students,” said Principal Tana Arnott. “The kids and staff all went through the line and were able to have a nice warm turkey dinner.

“Huge shout-out to our parents who helped with bringing some desserts and the potatoes! We cooked most of the turkeys here at the school, and some of our staff members took a few home to help out. It was just a great, heartwarming feeling to know that all the kids had a warm turkey meal in their bellies before heading home for the holiday.”

The school’s traditional Christmas Lit talent show also took place on Wednesday. Peacock staff member Jana Polupski said the day was “absolutely one of her best ever as a teacher,” and called the 2022 Christmas Lit the best she’d ever seen.

Arnott said that Christmas Literature has been around for decades, beginning as a way for students to share poetry and writing. It has evolved now to include talents of many kinds, with the name staying the same.

2019,” she added, “and the atmosphere was full of excitement.”

Peacock student Kylee Cooper said that the turkey meal was “so good” and thanked everyone who volunteered to put Winter Lit together.

“Everyone participating and being together made it even better, everyone was happy and enjoying themselves, wasn’t a dull moment throughout the whole afternoon!”

Kegan Davidson and Tucker

Chapman, also Peacock students, agreed with Cooper.

“(It was a) really great last day,” Davidson said. “Everyone participated and it was great to see everyone having fun.”

“Food was good, (and) spending time all together ... made it even better,” said Chapman.

on the 21st also provided an unfortunate opportunity for the Peacock leadership class to apply a project they have been working on for several months.

“We had Jodi Oaks come from John Howard Society and (their My Place program),” Arnott explained. “They took 30 of our hygiene backpacks that our leadership 1020 and 30 class have been gathering from students here at Peacock.

“In the hygiene backpacks, there is socks and shampoo and conditioners, toothbrushes, toothpaste, thing like that that will help folks to kind of get on their feet and get that happened last night, and (John Howard Society) were able to get those backpacks on the front lines with the people who need them.”

Arnott said that in the new year, the school would be starting the Peacock Pantry, which will serve as an emergency stash stocked with warm clothing and dry goods for students and families in need.

“I’m really proud of our staff, who came together and put in a lot of work,” she said. “It’s so worth it to see the smiles on all the kids’ faces.”

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Principal Tana Arnott (far left) stands with Peacock leadership class students and the hygiene backpacks they donated to John Howard Society. Moose Jaw JHS director Jodi Oaks is next to Arnott. (photo courtesy of Tana Arnott)

Peacock staff, students, and parents contributed to a turkey dinner feast that fed 600 on the last day before the break. (photo courtesy of Tana Arnott)