Moose Jaw Express January 18th, 2023

Community gives over $100,000 to support Hunger in Moose Jaw

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The number of children needing support from Hunger in Moose Jaw’s daily school lunch program is higher than ever in 202223 — and thanks to economic pressures, so is the cost of providing those lunches. That’s why Sharla Sept, executive di-ly raised the organization’s fundraising goal this year.

In past years, the annual fall ‘I Bought a Lunch’ campaign had a goal of $50,000. That amount had been enough to provide about 350 children at schools throughout Moose Jaw with a daily lunch. Lunches include a sandwich, fruit and veg, a snack, and a dairy product.

When fundraising launched on Oct. 14, Sept accompanied the announcement with the news that lunch costs have nearly doubled. Although she acknowledged it was a lot to ask, she hoped ‘I Bought a Lunch’ could achieve $75,000 by the end of December.

Moose Jaw once again stepped up, breaking past that ceiling to contribute over $100,000.

“I calculate everything to the end of December, so we take (everything into account for) our I Bought a Lunch campaign,”

in November, but the donations still keep coming. And we did make that goal, and ended at over $100,000.”

For some schoolchildren, the Hunger

best meal of the day. Consistent, nutritionally balanced lunches make a huge difference in how well kids perform in their classes, and in how much they enjoy their school days.

“We made our goal and we are extremely grateful,” Sept added. “As the general public knows, food prices have gone up and, of course, that affects us. Right now, we are sitting at our highest numbers ever — we’re at almost 400 daily lunches.

“This (fundraising) allows us to continue with our program … Every dollar will be put towards food costs in our child nutrition program.”

Hunger in Moose Jaw is supported by some government funding, but the bulk of their budget comes from contributions by Moose Jaw’s residents and business community.

When asked whether she foresees costs continuing to rise, along with the number of children needing support, Sept said she didn’t want to speculate.

“I’m not sure. We take every day just one at a time. We just work with what we have and make sure that those almost 400 lunches go out,” she said. “Then, we do it again the next day. And we just keep going.

“Yes, it’s hard to see that the numbers have gone that high, but we are extremely grateful to the community that’s supporting us to keep going.”

Hunger in Moose Jaw (HiMJ) kicked off its annual ‘I Bought a Lunch’ fundraising campaign on Oct. 14 with a table at the Moose Jaw Co-op. (l-r) HiMJ board member Brad Leidal, HiMJ executive director Sharla Sept, and Michaela Turner, the Co-op’s manager of marketing and community relations (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Christmas-themed porcelain village raises almost $400 for Salvation Army

A Moose Jaw couple’s Christmas-themed porcelain village amazed many people during the festive season and generated nearly $400 in donations, all of which are now in the Salvation Army’s hands.

Bruce Miller and his wife, Erine Allen, hosted the 140-item display at their home from Dec. 1 to Jan. 9, which attracted dozens of people from near and far.

riding and down-hill skiing — even a Grinch for good measure —to churches, town halls, a movie theatre, a train station, a Ferris wheel, Roughrider-themed buildings and a ballroom, the display delighted young and old.

With the 10-table diorama now closed for the season, Miller handed the Salvation Army’s Lt. Lester Ward $389.50 during a presentation on Jan. 9.

Sixty-one people visited the work20 people fewer than in 2021, Miller said. However, the number of donations this year was higher year over year.

“We had one lady come here three times with family and groups. We also had others come through two to three times,”

he said. “It worked really well.”

Unlike in 2021, no one from south or southwest of Moose Jaw visited this year because of the weather, Miller continued. Throughout December it was cold, while there were a couple of blizzards and an icy blast that covered roads.

Additional activities were also happening throughout the community this

Jaw Express

year — Christmas concerts, the Santa parade, Wakamow Valley light show — that likely kept people from visiting.

However, what made the exhibition worthwhile in Miller’s mind was when a three-year-old boy visited and proudly informed him that — after counting carefully — there were 41 Santa Clauses scattered throughout the massive scene.

Miller and Allen are unsure if they will host the Christmas display again in 2023 because of poor health. Many people asked about the display’s future during visits, with one person suggesting the Western Development Museum could take it and the daughter of a city councillor items.

“It’s fun, but it would not work without (community) support,” Miller added.

The Salvation Army is thankful and appreciative for the donation and what Miller and Allen did during the Christmas season, said Ward.

have exact numbers of how many families it helped this Christmas, it knows that it gave out toys to more than 300 children

in Moose Jaw and area, he continued. The cost to distribute hampers and toys would likely have been prohibitive if it weren’t for community donations.

“We’re so thankful for everyone who supports the Salvation Army throughout the year. With the kettles and the porcelain village, those allow us to help people in the community,” said Ward.

The Kettle Campaign went very well, with the agency raising $64,700 from its eight locations, he continued. The goal was $65,000, but donations were still coming in after the campaign ended, so the organization will likely exceed its total.

The Salvation Army has been helping more people since January 2022, Ward said. The organization started a breakfast program that month and issued 170 bags, and by October, it was handing out 700 breakfast bags.

the skyrocketing cost of living expenses and the colder-than-usual weather.

“We cannot do what we do in Moose Jaw or elsewhere without those partnerships,” he added. “We want to continue to support the community.”

Moose Jaw Camera Club (MJCC) hosted

year with their club members on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Wakamow Valley skating oval.

“It’s something brand new to us,” said MJCC Vice-president Betty Calvert. “We haven’t done anything quite like this before.”

time shooting in the skating oval, some of the members have already experienced

skating rink. She also says Maria Rigetti was able to show some good skating moves that the club members were able to photograph. “It was a good experience,” she said. -

er and current Saskatchewan Roughriders cheer team member Maria Rigetti. “I have always liked skating and it’s a big part of my life. I am comfortable in front of the camera, but I have never done it with skating actually.”

She quit competitive skating six years ago, but continues to skate once or twice a year just for fun.

“Today was to get our members to try

out their shutter speed and create slow-motion blurs,” MJCC event coordinator Rob Harden said.

He says today’s event went awesome and it was essential to practice quite a bit to get that magic blur and keep the faces sharp which is the hardest part. He alsoer and see somebody [at a] calibre [level] with [good] form.

“It’s magical,” he said.

He thinks the MJCC membership is improving [in their photography] every time they are out doing similar things together. “There are few of us and we just want to get even better [at taking pictures,” Harden said.

“We came out today where Rob was demonstrating how to depict motion in our photographs by adjusting shutter speed and everybody was having a fun time,” club member Bob Schultz said.

He says, there were a couple of speed skaters at the beginning of the shoot,ure skater. He also said it’s always good when you have a model who can do what you are asking her to do. He is hopeful to get some quality good photographs.

Calvert also says the club is always welcoming new members. She says there is a reduced registration fee for interested new members who are looking forward to joining.

Registration fees are presently thirty dollars until the end of June. For registration, kindly visit MJCC’s website https://themoosejawcameraclub.com/. You can also call Wanda at 306631-7440 or Leonard at 306693-7865.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose

Lt. Lester Ward with the Salvation Army (left) receives $389.50 from Bruce Miller and Erine Allen (not pictured). The proceeds came from the couple’s Christmas-themed porcelain village display, which attracted 61 visitors from near and far. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Saddman Zaman -

MJCC photo shoot to develop members

‘There’s still hope;’ veteran discovers new info about brother’s death in WWII

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

It’s been almost 79 years since Allen (Al) Cameron’s brother died in the Second World War, and while the family knows a little about the death, they don’t have a clear picture.

That picture is now much clearer after a historian found a 59-page package containing Morley Luellan Cameron’s service records and sent them to the Moose Jaw Express. The Express gave the package to blanks about his brother’s death.

“It just shows that those who didn’t come back aren’t forgotten,” the 97-yearold said recently. “It lays to rest things we’ve wondered about for (almost) 79 years. We wondered what happened. That’s just a miracle. I don’t know how to

exactly express it.

“What it shows is there’s still hope for happened to their loved ones.”

Morley Cameron was born on Oct. 27, 1921, to Thomas and Ruby Cameron of Kenaston, Sask.

The youth — who stood 5-9, weighed 142 pounds, had blue eyes and brown hair — initially served with the Saskatoon Light Infantry before applying to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), where he became an airframe mechanic.

Morley later re-mustered in 1942 to be a pilot. The RCAF accepted him, and after training across Western Canada, he received his pilot’s wings in 1943.

He transferred to the Royal Air Force and continued training until Jan. 1, 1944, when he was placed with No. 19 Squadron, No. 83 Fighter Group, Second Tacti-

Records show Morley participated in a daytime dive-bombing mission on June 30, 1944, on a crossroads southwest of Caen, France — which Canadian soldiers plane in formation.

Around 6:10 p.m., while attacking road and rail communications, another pilot saw Morley’s spin into the ground

23-year-old on the radio but received no reply.

“As all the other aircraft on this operation returned to base, it is possible to assume that the aircraft which crashed is Mustang aircraft FB 368,” according to

Killed in Action.’”

It was unlikely that Morley — “an above-average pilot,” his records show — considering they dropped their bombs from 500 feet, the report noted. Therefore, investigators presumed that “some brought down the aircraft.

As an RCAF airframe mechanic, Allen wrote to the wing commander asking on Aug. 7, 1944, saying only that it was assumed Morley was dead since his plane failed to return.

The wing commander later sent Allenley’s death, according to the International Red Cross. Morley had been buried in

-

Bonnemaison Cemetery, 24 kilometres southwest of Caen.

The RCAF sent Mr. and Mrs. Cam-

their son’s death.

Aside from the vague letters from the air force, the family knew almost no details — only supposition — about Morley’s death, said Allen. However, these new documents remove a heavy weight from their shoulders.

“… how do you put a price on that?” he continued emotionally. “It would be ex-

information on a guy who gave it all.”

The family also has a letter from a French woman who saw the crash. She wrote that civilians grabbed Morley’s body and hid it until the Germans left before digging a grave and burying him in the church cemetery.

“She was there; she saw it. They were in a girls’ school at the church and they saw it happen,” said Allen. “It just goes to show that the good Lord is always there.”

The veteran added that these documents are “absolutely priceless,” while he expected his son to “go nuts” upon seeing them.

Thank You

On behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Trust Fund, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Businesses and Individuals who donated to the Poppy Campaign in 2022. You are all part of the success of our annual Poppy Campaign. The purchases of wreaths and other Poppy items shows your support and compassion for our Veterans and embraces the Act of Remembrance. The donations received go directly to support our Veterans and their Families in a variety of ways {too numerous to mention}.

Thank you to each and everyone who made a contribution, be it by donating for a Poppy, purchases of wreaths, or giving a donation of any size to support the campaign, and in turn, our local Veterans this year. Please rest assured that all monies raised will always go to a Veteran or their Family members. A total of $57,475.00 was raised this year.

A special thanks also goes out to all the Volunteers who took part in one way or another to make the 2022 Poppy Campaign a great success. Without the participation of our Volunteers, the Annual Poppy Campaign would just be another couple of weeks on the calendar. Thank you so much.

Thank you to several Businesses that went above and beyond to support the 2022 Poppy Campaign, your support and generosity in providing spatial areas, helping with food requirements, making arrangements for participation in venues, etc., was well received and greatly appreciated. Our thanks go out to the following:

Jason Antonio – Moose Jaw Express

Rob Carnie – CHAB

Mr. SUB

Tim Hortons Moose Jaw Canadian Tire

Hayley-Hart Roshenko – Moose Jaw Event Centre

Murray GM Mayor Clive Tolley Alliance Crane Inc.

Knox, CD Chairperson

Susan

Royal Canadian Legion

Jason

Allen Cameron, a Second World War veteran, reads through the service records of his brother, Morley, who died in the war. New information shows how Morley likely died. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

This 59-page package contains information about Morley Cameron’s service in the Second World War, including details about how he likely died. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

on. Photo courtesy Department of Defence

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

468 High St. W., Moose Jaw SK S6H 1T3 www.mjvexpress.com

Publisher:

Editor: Joan Ritchie - jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Sales:

Gladys Baigent-Therens - gbaigenttherens@moosejawtoday.com

Kevin Ogle - kogle@moosejawtoday.com

Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same.

Send your stories, events and pictures to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Joan Ritchie Joyce Walter Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

School board byelection upholds democracy

Moose Jaw public school ratepayers should be aware of two important dates: Feb. 2 andination deadline for potential candidates in a school board byelection and the second is the actual voting day to select

The vacancy, left by the resignation of Todd Johnson, fall of 2024.

Joyce Walter GUEST EDITORIAL

Byelections are notoriously under-subscribed — only 120 persons voted when the last byelection was held — suggesting there isn’t all that much interest in school board matters unless there is a dispute about attendance catchments or concern over certain portions of instruction materials.

Regardless of that seeming disinterest, the democratic process of allowing candidates to come forward and voters to make a choice should never be undermined or taken for granted.

Any suggestion that a byelection might be unnecessary with 20 months left in a term is to imply that perhaps the work of the school board is not as important as say, the work of a city or rural council, where there is no hesitation in carrying out byelections when necessary.

While it seems true that school boards operate less in the public eye than do municipal governments, there should never be any doubt that trustees are in place to ensure in their own way that children in both rural and urban schools get the best education possible, with creative thinking, using the funds made available through

needs with the wants of the schools in the division.

It should be noted that Prairie South Division trustees oversaw an operating budget of in the neighborhood of $53 million in 2022, compared with $49.7 million by Moose Jaw city Council.

Governance of school operations, with amalgamation of school districts into large conglomerates, has changed the role of the trustees into policy-making bodies. The more hands-on approach of years ago has been eliminated.

But there’s still a vital job to be undertaken by the citizens. Potential candidates are encouraged to think seriously about getting involved. And voters should feel obligated to cast their ballots for the candidate they think will bring thoughtful and informed ideas to the school board table.

The March 9 byelection will be local democracy at work.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

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

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

All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and

contents of this publication, including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited.

to refuse, classify, revise or censor any ads for any reason in its sole discretion. This paper may include inaccuracies or errors.

disclaims all and any liability to advertisers and readers of any kind for loss or damage of any nature whatso-ever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause. All users are advised to check ad and message details carefully before entering into any agreement of any kind and before disclosing personal information. If in doubt, please take legal advice.

mothers with home renos closes

By Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

single parents perform home renovations related to safety has shut down after nearly eight years of helping the community.

Mark Paterson, founder of Safe Homes for Single Mothers MJ Inc. and Thunder Creek Home Inspections Inc., announced in mid-December that he and the organization’s board members had decided to dissolve the organization after seven-and-a-half years, although he did not provide a reason for the move.

“The board members and I would like to thank everyone that took part in building the organization over the last 7.5 years. There are far too many of you to list individually, but you know who you are,” he said.

“Lastly, I would like to say that it has been an honour to run a non-profit/charity here in Moose Jaw for the last three-quarters of a decade. I’ve met so many good people with huge

hearts and it’s a time in my life that I will never forget.”

Some upgrades the organization performed over the years focused on electrical repairs, plumbing upgrades, painting, insulation, installing doors, bathroom enhancements, furnace installations and new water heaters.

Safe Homes for Single Mothers MJ Inc. had almost $10,000 in fund-

ing at its dissolution, so it disbursed the money among several other char-

groups were:

$1,500 to Moose Jaw Transition House for a new copier/printer, which the organization needed $2,500 for the food bank for frozen fruits and vegetables and $500 for diapers

$1,150 for seven food hampers at Riverside Mission, $1,000 for ground beef and sausages, $500 for men’s underwear, socks, toques and mitts

The remainder of the money -

zation, while any leftover money went to Hunger in Moose Jaw, Paterson added. Overall, the organization invested almost $70,000 into the community — through more than 10 projects — from its founding to its dissolution.

SLGA Retail Inc. stores to begin permit-associated auctions

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

SLGA Retail Inc. stores will begin their permit-associated auctions on on Feb. 15. -

cess as we transition to a fully private liquor retail system,” Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Lori Carr said. “An online auction format is being used to ensure that permits are

Bidders who are interested must pay $5,000 for participating in the auction.

These auctions are for permits -

ventory are included in sales. All terms must be met for associating with holding a retail store permit to the winning bidder.

Additional auctions will be held for communities that qualify for per-

right after the wrap-up of SLGA Retheir interest in the permit. Due to the pandemic, these auctions were suspended.

Auctions will be held on https:// mcdougallauction.com/new/ in real-time.

For more information kindly visit https://www.slga.com/.

Police arrest man for allegedly planning to sexually assault a child

The Moose Jaw Police Service has arrested a man from southwest Saskatchewan for allegedly travelling to again a child and for allegedly dismaterials.

service on Jan. 13 that David Clark from Vanguard —southwest of Swift Current — was planning to come to the Moose Jaw area to allegedly car-

while he had also supposedly disseminated child pornography.

The police service’s patrol, tactical response team and criminal investigation section conducted surveilstop within city limits and the arrest possession of illegal cannabis and a large quantity of illegal cigarettes.

Police have charged Clark with

possession and distribution of child has been remanded into custody.

To continue this investigation, the Moose Jaw Police Service is asking for the public’s help in identifying potential victims of Clark in the area. If residents know someone who has been victimized, they should contact the police at 306-694-7600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

November 1st

1st – Ron & Linda McGinnis

2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe

2nd – Linda Sempel & Debbie Firth

Hidden Score – Bob Busse & Cam

Coghill

November 8th

1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe

2nd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel

3rd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel

Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne

Jackson

November 15th

1st – Lawrence & Faye Johnstone

2nd – Neta Van Iderstine & Dorothy McFadden

3rd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel

Hidden Score – Gwen Venn & Carol

Andrejcin

November 22th

1st – Anita Duncan & Rae Trites

2nd – Gwen Venn & Carol Andrejcin

3rd – Bob Busse & Cam Coghill

Hidden Score – Norma & Joe Campbell

November 28th

2nd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

3rd – Yvette Storozuk & Diane Bruck

Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne

Jackson

December 6th

1st – June & Don Ferguson

2nd – Sharon Knittel & Marie Spencer 3rd – Judy Bender & Linda Sempel Hidden Score – Frank Van Breugel &

Clayton Sjoberg

December 13th

1st – Judy Bender & Linda Sempel

2nd – Lawrence & Faye Johnstone

3rd – Bob Cobbe & Vivian Brailean

Hidden Score – Dorothy McFadden & Neta Van Iderstine

December 20th

1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe

2nd – June & Don Ferguson

3rd – Bob Busse & Cam Coghill

Hidden Score – Yvette Storozuk & Diane Bruck

All bridge players are welcome to join our club at the Cosmo Senior Centre at 7 pm on Tuesdays. If interested call Deb @ 306-690-4690.

Re:

In

Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

Staff and volunteers with Safe Homes for Single Mothers MJ Inc. Photo submitted

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

still here’: Nar-Anon support group still going strong one year later

The Moose Jaw chapter of Narcotics Anonymous Family Groups (Nar-Anon), which supports family and friends of people with substance abuse disorders, held-

[Editorial note: Anonymity is essential for the comfort, protection, and equalNar-Anon is a separate process from Narcotics Anonymous and should not betended solely as a support for those who states that:

When you come into the family true friends who understand your problem

“I just want people to know that -

-

Friends and family often suffer for years,-

sult in enforced silence for fear of social Nar-Anon helps answer the question of where friends and family of addicts can

Nar-Anon Family Groups uses the -

is best understood as a family problem because substance abuse disorders are, by -

tion to help explain what has happened inNar-Anon Family Groups promises anonymity to its members as the most ba-There is no membership fee, and the -

For more information, contact Mandy

YOU’RE INVITED!

Our new location in Lakeview Road Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is in the process of hiring for Team Members food service Supervisors positions! We invite you to visit our upcoming two day job fair. Please bring a copy of your resume and any questions you may have. We encourage you to stop by and are excited for your future with us. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

What: A&W Job Fair

Where: Ramada Hotel Conference Room

When: January 18, 2023 Wednesday from 10am to 3pm & January 19, 2023 Thursday from 2pm-7pm

Why: To join the A&W and Canalta Family!

As an A&W Team Member & Supervisor you receive:

• A competitive wage

• Food discounts

• Great training

• Growth opportunities throughout the entire organization

• Long-term friendships and working relationships

• Experience in the service industry and business management

• Opportunity to increase wage

• Optional health, dental, long-term disability, and life benefits after 6 months of full-time employment

Working with A&W is more than just sharing a love of great burgers. By joining our team you’ll be on the front lines, helping us change the fast-food landscape. From eliminating plastic straws, to root beer made with all-natural flavours, to being the first national restaurant chain in Canada to offer the plant based Beyond Meat Burger, we’ve never been the kind of company to sit back and wait for change to happen. For us, it’s all about doing the right thing for our food, people, community, and environment.

We look forward to meeting with you,

The A&W Family in Lakeview Road Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan!

AVIS DE MISE EN CANDIDATURE ÉLECTION PARTIELLE

Conseil de l’École Ducharme

Avis est donné par la présente pour recevoir les mises en candidature aux deux (2) postes à pourvoir au sein du Conseil de l’École Ducharme (Moose Jaw). Ces deux (2) postes ont des mandats de deux (2) ans (Élection générale Automne 2024). Selon l’article 134.2(1) de la Loi sur l’éducation, ces deux (2) postes devront être assumés par des parents d’élèves de l’École Ducharme.

Les candidatures seront reçues jusqu’à 16 h 00, le mercredi 1er février 2023 par courriel à election@cefsk.ca et/ou au siège social au Conseil des écoles fransaskoises (201-1440 9ème Avenue Nord), pendant les heures d’ouverture du bureau à compter du lundi 16 janvier 2023.

Pour plus d’information ou pour obtenir un formulaire, veuillez communiquer avec Catherine Liffran Colombet au (306) 719 7482 ou Yvonne Muhabwampundu au (306) 719 7462 ou au 1 (877) 273-6661.

Dans l’éventualité d’une élection, le scrutin se déroulera le mercredi 22 février 2023 du 10 h 00 à 20 h 00.

Fait à Regina, le 6 janvier 2023, Abdoulaye Yoh, Directeur adjoint de scrutin.

Critères pour une mise en candidature

Pour un poste de parent au sein du conseil d’école

• Être âgé d’au moins 18 ans;

• Résider en Saskatchewan depuis au moins six mois;

• Recevoir l’appui paar écrit (signature) de trois parents d’élèves de la prématernelle à la 12e année de l’école fransaskoise;

• Être le parent d’une ou d’un élève de la prématernelle à la 12e année inscrit.e à l’École Ducharme.

Andrew Pratt Terri Lamb

‘We’re

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Moose Jaw Alliance Church (photo by Gordon Edgar)

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Fishy meals possible from frozen or tinned offerings

While reminiscing about our trips to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, the topic of all the wonderful seafood meals we enjoyed was top of mind.

grocery store reinforced our yearning for a return visit to partake of lobster dinners and freshly made crab cakes.

some tinned seafood choices.

• •

•

SEAFOOD PASTA

3 cups cooked spaghetti

small can tuna, water-packed 1/3 cup chopped onions

4 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 tsp. curry powder 1/8 tsp. pepper

Oil a 1 1/2 qt. casserole. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Place 1 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti in bottom of casserole. Drain crabmeat and tuna, saving both liquids.

Place drained crabmeat and tuna in a small

over spaghetti in casserole. Sprinkle onion and half the garlic evenly over seafood. Sprinkle curry powder and pepper over the onion layer.

of this mixture over the layers in the casserole. Top with the remaining spaghetti then top that with the remaining sauce and garlic. Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes. Serves 3.

•

•

•

SEAFOOD PLATTER

2 tsps. cooking oil 1 celery stalk, diced 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1/4 cup chopped red pepper 7 fresh mushrooms, quartered

then add garlic, worcestershire sauce and lemon and herb spice. Mix gently. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Cover and bake at 250 degrees F

Prepare noodles following package directions. Place cooked noodles on a platter and top with baked seafood mixture. Garnish with lemon slices. If desired, split noodles onto four plates and then top with seafood mixture.

• •

•

BAKED TOMATO FISH

3 garlic cloves, sliced 1 tsp. tarragon 3 onion slices

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. lemon and herb spice

package directions 5 lemon wedges

In a skillet combine oil, celery, onion, pepper and mushrooms. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Oil a baking pan or pie plate.

Sprinkle with garlic slices and tarragon. Top with onion slices.

In a small mixing bowl combine tomato paste

Bake for 30 minutes. Do not overcook.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Humane Society advises pet owners to allow more time to surrender an animal

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Dana Haukaas, executive director of the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS), said that while the rescue does better than most at avoiding quick adoption turnovers, pet owners should give the MJHS plenty of time to arrange a surrender.

“Not for us,” Haukaas said, when asked whether the MJHS sees an uptick in pet surrenders after the holidays. “We haven’t really experienced that, where a person gets a puppy for Christmas and surrenders it after Christmas.”

Following the holidays, many animal shelters see the return of pets who were unwanted gifts, or whose new owners aren’t able to care for them. But Haukaas said the surrenders they’ve seen in the new year so far are not because of Christmas — and have understandable reasons behind them.

“Most of our (surrenders) are people who life situation has changed. They just can’t look after their pet. They don’t have the resources, maybe costs have increased, they’ve lost their job.”

One family who recently surrendered their dogs did so reluctantly after moving into the city from their farm, -

Under the provisions of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, 1997,

Notice is hereby given that Nam & Kim Services Inc. has applied to the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) for a Restaurant permit to sell alcohol in the premises known as Himawari Sushi Restaurant at 105-361 Main St N

Moose Jaw SK S6H 0W2

Written objections to the granting of the permit may be filed with SLGA not more than two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious or competition-based objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.

choices.

“The cost of everything is rising,” she added. “We’ve had another surrender request, that with the cost of food increasing … they just don’t

to provide for the dog anymore.”

Haukaas said that the MJHS is not in a position to judge anyone who needs to give up their pet. She and her staff only want to work together with owners in the best interests of the animal.

“I think everyone who adopts a pet initially does so with the best heart and intentions. It’s just that sometimes life will serve you a curveball, and we understand that sometimes pets can’t stay with you, and that’s what we’re here for. We’re here to help.”

There are two pieces of advice Haukaas and the MJHS team want to share with owners forced to give up their pets:

Let the shelter know as far in advance as possible

Be totally honest about the animal

“If you’ve known for two months that you have to move, and that your next property doesn’t allow you to have pets … and you phone us the day before you have to leave your apartment, we may not be able to help you out.”

Being honest about the animal helps the shelter avoid inappropriate adoptions or fosters. Sometimes, people who are surrendering a pet don’t want to reveal mal-adaptive or anti-social behaviours, or they just love their pets and want to give the best possible impression.

However, the shelter needs to know if a dog does not like cats or children, or if a cat is aggressive with other cats.

“Share the good and the bad,” Haukaas advised. “That’s important for us to know, so that we make sure we put them in a home where they’re going to be happy and healthy and live out the rest of their days.”

permanent homes for than dogs. Dogs are also far more likely to be retrieved by their owners after running away or getting lost.

Only 18 per cent of the cats they intake are claimed by their owners, compared with 85 per cent of dogs.

out a pet surrender (owner admission) form, volunteer, or donate to the MJHS, visit their website at mjhs.ca/ or their Facebook page at facebook.com/moosejawhumanesociety.

Smaller shelters, like the Moose Jaw Humane Society, do not have large kennel capacities and are often unable to accept same-day surrenders, Haukaas explained.

Molly is a Border Collie mix puppy - not quite six months old. She’ll need an owner and a home that can handle her high energy and intelligence (Moose Jaw Humane Society/Facebook)

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Other than being afraid of the dark as a kid, I’ve never been all that curious about “what goes on when the sun goes down.”

I recall always being nervous about what or who might be lurking in the shadows in the back alley I had to travel from my friend’s house to my own home. They were only normal shadows but they seemed bigger and now I confess that I was happy when my friend always agreed to walk with me to the end of the alley and wait until I got into my yard. Then I’d run like mad into the house and close the door on the night sounds.

Now when the day ends, I turn off my computer, take a good book in hand, and don’t think about the darkness. I have no idea who is still up and why they are. Until recently.

My morning, on a normal day, starts about 6 a.m. and after I’ve poured my orange juice (squeezed a few days before by Housemate) and peeled and sliced my fresh pear, I sit before my laptop, lift the lid and awaken the e-mail account to see what I’ve missed.

Some mornings there are only one or two new letters.

most of which go into the trash as I wonder how some of the senders got my/our address.

Then I began noticing a trend: between midnight and

6 a.m., the theme of many of the e-mails related to one’s health and a healthy lifestyle.

The senders always seemed to have bits of advice to make one’s life better. Whether their messages are accurate is another matter and one avenue of discovery I’m loath to pursue, fearing perhaps there might be a scammer or other form of e-mail creeper behind the messages. The question to ponder: why do they only send these messages after dark?

I was intrigued by the subject line in one that simply said: “old teeth.” My teeth aren’t as old as I am and I suspect the message was for folks with their own teeth but I couldn’t help but click the mail open. I learned that rubbing honey on one’s teeth will kill harmful bacteria in one’s mouth. I wonder if that relates somehow to the spoonful of honey referred to in that famous musical? The message did not specify if the honey works with dentures.

doubt if eating pistachios by the wheelbarrow full would do the trick. The information in the letter claimed this nut -

tamins, minerals and other nutrients and will slow aging and prevent chronic disease. I wonder if it is too late for me to try out this nut(ty) theory?

The cinnamon letter raised some interest: put a teaspoon of cinnamon in one’s coffee to burn fat nine times faster — faster than what was not revealed. I don’t drink coffee but I might give it a go, with a bit more than a teaspoon of cinnamon. Should I still add milk and sugar to mask the taste of the coffee?

The soda pop industry must surely be annoyed with the message that one should not drink diet sodas. They, the e-mail said, trick the pancreas into thinking it is getting sugar when that isn’t happening. The craving for sugar remains, leading the individual to consume cookies and cake. There was a video with this one but I didn’t want to see anyone’s pancreas before the sun came up.

Then came a mysterious message to buy a product to replace one’s collagen levels but the video of some doc-

length and I was burning daylight already.

Among the e-mails were others relating to how to manage the work of certain body parts but this being a family newspaper, I’m not going to mention those parts. No wonder those messages came in the dark, after the sun went down.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and dosition of this publication.

TRADING THOUGHTS

No one in our household of two has cooked with salt for bypass open heart surgery.

The need for a low salt /no salt diet was reinforced

Salt is a silent killer, stoking high blood pressure, heart disease and the chances of stroke along with other lifestyle diseases.

gets used to the loss of salt.

World Health Organization says 2,300 milligrams per day is enough. That is one teaspoon.

Most health information sources suggest limiting salt intake to 1,500 mg — about two-thirds of a teaspoon. a restaurant?

Yours Truly is a zealot about salt intake and consults gauge the salt content.

Part of controlling salt intake while eating out is about self-discipline. If the dish has more salt than you Unfortunately, Yours Truly has a weakness for tasty their nutrition tables.

Some no/nos for salt content are bacon, sausage, ham, cold cuts, wieners, pizza, pasta sauces, most sauces and processed food like cheez whiz, spam, baking, and of course salty snacks. I do cheat a little bit once in a while.

publish nutrition information by law.

The amount of salt in your food when eating out is surprising.

The following lists the salt content of some popular dishes from Subway, McDonald’s and Tim Horton’s.

lowest of the sandwiches. mg salt.

cent of daily needs in a few gulps. Just a hamburger has two-thirds your daily need. mg salt.

330 mg salt.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necespublication.

taken one-quarter of the day’s need.

Chinese food and deep fried chicken are also high in salt.

All of the chain restaurants use more salt than we need. I’m all for making them disclose salt content on the menu.

Most wraps are among the lower salt content fast foods

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

The City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recdraft of its Master Plan after 10 months of public engagement and consultation and before Monday, Jan. 23. -

plained Derek Blais, director of the City of Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re in Phase Four right now,mendations and all the information that through the City of Moose Jaw website. chance to weigh in on the plan, city coun-

adoption.

Blais said the plan should be adopted, implemented, and guiding his department’s priorities by the end of February.

“The real important part of this is that

not something that myself or any of my These are all recommendations that the Highlights of the 175-page document inclusion, and equality; offering morement of the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool; and upgrades to Crescent Park, among many others. -

Moose Jaw website at moosejaw.ca/Notoparksmasterplan.com/moosejaw. ParksMasterPlan.com is owned by EDS Group Inc., a professional parks and City Hall.

help guide us and help us continually im--

Another key point of the plan is the backstate of our facilities … knowing where we’re at when it comes to our usage …

Blais said it was important that stakeholders and community members take a

needs to be addressed before city council

Every morning in the winter when I get up, I look out the window and ask myself, “How impassible are the roads today?” Are they clotted up with undulating waves of loose, drifting snow; are they treacherous, frozen, deeply rutted obstacle courses; are they, as sometimes occurs, smooth, taught sheets of sheer ice like unto that of a hockey rink? The snow plow may come by, maybe, if you are along the right

RE: SITUATIONS IN HOSPITALS UNACCEPTABLE

If you think COVID-19 is a pandemic, think again! Cancer has and will continue to kill many, many more people than a virus! Just read the obituaries!

I am a grieving, bitter mother who has just lost her son to cancer. Cancer has also taken my husband, brother-in-law, relatives, and many, many friends. Why is it possible for three or four pharmait has been many years and billions in donations that cancer still runs rampant?

In addition to coping with a degrading disease as cancer, our health system has failed miserably. It is now a 3rd world health system in my opinion.

route. The sanding truck may pass by, eventually, to -

town and back. Before you depart you utter a prayer for deliverance, and upon your return, a hymn of Thanksgiving.

Moose Jaw is indeed a great place to live before the snow comes and after it has melted away. In between, our city is reminiscent of a remote, backwater Medieval town in the year, let us say, 1423.

My son was weak and in need of a blood transfusion immediately, and would be hospitalized for further chemo treatments. We were told to bring him to the emergency entrance in Regina to be admitted right away. My son was left lying in emergency for his problem of infection exposure before he got a room, he was put into a small room that separated each of several beds with only a plastic, temporary had feet infection for self-administered needles. The

with young and elderly people awaiting treatment.

The staff were exceptional people who were dealing with an impossible task of giving proper

I believe in truth in advertising and thus feel the roads in the winter”.

An acquaintance living on an acreage outside the city has said to me, “The only time I turn on the story right there.

By David Stymeist

medical treatment to so many patients. The conditions were too horrible for anyone to witness.

My daughter and I were constantly calling for transfusion, blood work, appointments. Communications between different hospitals, different departments had to be monitored by us constantly or they were left undone.

Building smaller hospitals is not an option. We need more beds, more staff to service the many rural and city population and new people entering

Waiting 27 hours for treatment and a bed in a hospital is unacceptable!

Gina Eldstrom

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

RE: WINTER ROADS IN MOOSE JAW

Derek Blais, director of Moose Jaw’s Parks and Recreation department, speaks during a city council meeting (photo by Jason G. Antonio)

SAMA releases fact sheet about its assessment process in Moose Jaw

The provincial agency that assesses properties has produced a fact sheet describing how it appraises properties in Moose Jaw and the process it uses when performing audits on municipalities’ assessment rolls.

The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) has been on the hot seat for the past year because of how it has assessed properties here. In particular, its revaluation in 2021 caused property taxes to fall for some big businesses and to rise for smaller shops.

It was most recently criticized when business owners Bernie Dombowsky and Kristy Van Slyck spoke to city council on Jan. 9 about the situation. They urged council to ask SAMA for a secondary audit to correct the assessment process, which it agreed to do.

Two days later, the agency produced a media information sheet about how it assesses properties here.

Assessments are retrospective, which means the date of a property’s valuation is in the past, the sheet explained. For the market conditions as of Jan. 1, 2019.

Service providers use mass appraisals because they are concerned with valuing the property and not the business. Therefore, SAMA says it attempts to capture what is happening in the market on that base date.

The property income (rental) approach provides the most fair, reliable and accurate assessed values for commercial properties and rental apartments in areas with active lease and rental markets, the sheet said. This approach looks at the annual rental income and compares it to the selling price.

“The technical term for this comparison is called the capitalization rate (or cap rate). The cap rate is the relationship be-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

the Moose Jaw Board of Revision in 2022. It also stressed that it has no authority to organize or advise either board.

“SAMA’s main concern when it comes to appeals is to have an assessment system that is stable and supportable,” it said. “The appeal process is designed to catch errors in assessment, and in this capacity, is an effective way to address issues of assessment.”

SAMA has no authority with taxation or implementing mill rates, which is the sole responsibility of municipalities, the sheet said.

issues of accuracy and compliance.”

For more information about SAMA, visit www.sama.sk.ca.

Moose Jaw’s streets and sidewalks have been slipperier than usual the past few weeks because of changing weather conditions, which has kept city crews active with sanding projects.

The issue of sanding streets and sidewalks arose during city council’s Jan. 9 regular meeting, with Coun. Crystal Froese inquiring about the former and Coun. Heather Eby asking about the latter.

City hall will initiate sanding opera-

tween a property’s rental income and the overall property value,” SAMA said.

Similar properties are grouped, while individual cap rates from sales are used to establish a rate that the agency applies to all properties in that group. So, the analysis of market data solely determines cap rates.

One criticism that Dombowsky and Van Slyck have raised is how the revaluation cycle created 17 new property categories from four. SAMA addressed that issue in the fact sheet.

“In Moose Jaw, the local commercial sales leading up to the base date indicated different markets for different types of commercial property. The sales did not support a single capitalization rate (cap rate) model,” SAMA said (emphasis added).

occurred in the local market and are used to determine property assessments. The cap rates that are applied to the different

property types.”

The agency highlighted how it successfully supported its assessment valuation models in Moose Jaw at the Saskatchewan Municipal Board in 2021 and

Since the province recognized in 1997 that there would be cycle-to-cycle shifts with revaluation cycles, it introduced tax tools for municipalities to use. One tool allowed cities to phase in large assessment changes and mitigate large taxation shifts.

SAMA’s independent Quality Assurance Division handles the assessment roll

municipalities to ensure their assessments are prepared and administered while following applicable legislation, the sheet said.

“Quality Assurance is accountable directly to the SAMA board of directors through the managing director of quality assurance,” the agency said.

accuracy and statutory compliance of an assessment roll, while the primary audit reviews compliance of appraisal level for improved sold residential and commercial properties.

The secondary audit — what Dombowsky and Van Slyck want — is a detailed or comprehensive action focusing on “matters of egregious statutory non-compliance. Issues that are likely to trigger a secondary audit are systematic

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

icy, as per standard operating procedure, city manager Jim Puffalt explained. Municipal crews have been sanding steadily since Dec. 26.

“We’re generally out early in the to the major intersections. And then … we have routes we follow, and they (crews) go through the routes,” he said. “And depending upon the conditions, it could be we that we just carry on (from) one route and it goes to the next and to the next.”

Optimist Club event to raise funds for upgrades to minor girls’ fastball diamonds

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Friendly City Optimist Club is holding a music-themed fundraiser to generate money to help upgrade the Optimist Minor Girls’

The “Fix the Field, Name that Tune” event takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre. The theme for the evening will focus on baseball.

Six teams of two participants each — pulled from community groups and businesses — will put their listening abilities and mental recollections to the test as they attempt to identify the song and artist or the movie from which a song originated.

The team that wins will receive bragging rights and a prize, although the big winners will be the players who use the fastball diamonds.

Former mayor Glenn Hagel will act as the event MC/Alex Trebek-like inquisitor, while Greg Gower will provide the musical support on piano.

Residents are encouraged to attend to enjoy the fun and frivolity. Tickets are $20 each, and since there is a limited supply, people should purchase their tickets quickly.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Gayle at 306-6934514.

Sanding crews have started working at 5 a.m. during the past few weeks and have been pulling 14-hour days, said Darrin Stephanson, director of public works. The crews run through the priority routes multiple times a day before moving into the residential areas.

He added that the department also makes responding to complaints in residential areas a priority before working in other places.

A resident called Eby about the city’s icy sidewalk program and addressing ar-

Info sheet 1 and 2: SAMA released a two-page fact sheet discussing how it assesses properties in Moose Jaw. Photos courtesy MJ Independent

eas throughout the downtown, especially the sidewalk that runs past the police station and city parking lot.

“I didn’t know we take care of ice on sidewalks in that area,” she added.

“Yes, we do. We try to get to sidewalks as soon as we can, especially in public places like city hall,” said Stephanson. “That’s our responsibility to look after. And that sometimes can be delayed depending on what’s going on on the streets.”

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1 1 57741 148534285 694.30 36 730.30

2 1 57741 148534342 694.30 36 730.30

SAMA logo. Photo courtesy SAMA

BIZWORLD

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

SAMA’s Local property reassessment values from 2020 boggle minds

When Yours Truly was in school he solved some math problems by unorthodox means.

Right answer or not, I was docked marks because I was unable to explain the correct way to get the answer.

That’s apparently what happened with the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) when evaluating Moose Jaw commercial properties for the last property reassessment in 2021.

City council and the city manager, facing about 80 frustrated small business owners, asked SAMA to re-evaluate with a secondary audit.

The city manager admitted SAMA couldn’t explain how it arrived at some assessments.

The delegation was led by Kristy van Slyck and Bernie Dombowsky, local business owners. They asked the city to have SAMA do a secondary audit of Moose Jaw commercial properties.

Legislation has allowed SAMA’s quality assurance division to do secondary audits since 2006. None have ever been done, suggesting SAMA thinks its work is perfect.

The root of the frustration in Moose Jaw is some-

thing called the cap rate. The cap rate is a simple formula dividing property market value by income to arrive at a percentage.

A low cap rate increases value and the property taxes. A higher cap rate decreases the value and taxes owing.

The cap rate seems to have overvalued some properties. Different cap rates have been used than in the previous assessment.

A number of smaller, older properties have been assessed a three per cent cap rate while newer properties in similar locations have nine percent cap rates.

Example: an older 3,000 square foot property at three per cent cap rate saw property taxes jump over 100 per cent to $13,378 from $6,422. A newer larger building in a similar location saw taxes fall by just over 50 per cent to $5,806 from $11,613.

None of this makes sense.

How can a 3,000 square foot space command more rent than a larger, newer building?

Underlying the cap rate is the market value used. In most cases, there are no market comparables of commercial property to assess its value members of on the

market.

That requires the SAMA assessor to use other means of evaluating the property — reconstruction value or a visit to assess the property.

Since the number of properties is too numerous to visit, that method is out of the question cost-wise.

Given that SAMA is unable to explain how it arrived at these values, a secondary audit is in order.

The tax system is supposed to be fair to all. That certainly isn’t what happened here.

In past re-assessments when taxes were too burdensome (100 per cent increase) city council gave owners a four year phase-in of the increase to ease the burden. Our mostly newly elected council in 2020 failed to do that.

The quality assurance division of SAMA, will do

but is supposed to be independent. We’ll see.

Note: If SAMA does an audit and assessments are reduced other commercial properties will pick up the lost taxes from lower assessments.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Ongoing Battle against SAMA

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Bernie Dombosky called for a pep rally gathering through an online youtube video for all small business owners on Sunday, Jan. 8th.

battle in 2023 and I believe we will win the war. I believe we are at a turning point,” Charlotte’s Catering owner Dombosky said.

He says Moose Jaw needs to bring back equity into taxation. Every four years, there’s a new model that’s put forth and in 2021, SAMA developed a model with variable rate caps for different businesses. What SAMA did was change the four categories into 17 scattered categories.

He claims, within these categories’ bigger instituare having their tax cut by forty percent and the sufferers are the local small-scale businesses such as hairdressing shops, gift shops, and retail businesses that are under 2800 square feet. Most o the businesses do not have residences as part of the business.

“There are big winners and big losers,” he said.

He also says the City Council needs to stand up to SAMA and say, “We need to see a change here. We must change for the sake of small businesses.” He states, back in the ’80s there were not so many problems before SAMA, and later when they were created for a better

solution, the solution became a problem itself.

“Bernie and I have been doing this since the start of the new value system came out. The property assessments have been getting a little wackier,” Family-owned Viridian Property Corporation owner Kristy Van Slyck said.

She says she received the 2021 assessment, and the values are just so wild and unacceptable. She spent a ridiculous amount of hours assessing which went through a second year. She believed the counsellors and the city administration are fully aware of the problems and something must be done. She wants to request a secondary audit of SAMA’s books and accounts.

She also says that she had dissected their reports since

they are all public knowledge and after going through hours and hours, she found that there are incorrect data on these reports.

“I have also proven that they don’t use an actual number,” Van Slyck said. “They don’t use the number I write on the form; they adjust it before they put it into their system.” She says that property owners are being blamed and that not everyone of them is telling the truth, which is why SAMAures.

Dombosky stated he has 600 pages of documents that are worth addressing in front of the City Council meeting. Slyck also says she has all the documents based on which SAMA decided to make all the changes within the system.

‘I don’t have any faith;’ business owners have mixed views on real change with property assessments

Business owners Kristy Van Slyck and Bernie Dombowsky are cautiously optimistic about potential adjustments to property assessments after city council agreed to support their quest for change.

During its Jan. 9 regular meeting, council voted unanimously to have city administration contact the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency’s (SAMA) Quality Assurance Division to request a preliminary incomplete a secondary audit into the agency’s assessment work.

After their presentation, the media spoke with the two business owners and asked for their reactions to the meeting outcome.

“It was great. It was fabulous … ,” said Van Slyck. “I was very impressed with council. They understand what the citizens are looking for and they are also concerned and they chose to make a change and go forward.”

However, the motion that council approved was not what Van Slyck wanted. She indicated that there is already enough evidence to trigger a secondary audit into SAMA’s property assessments in Moose Jaw. Still, she is pleased that the agency must follow the process.

Van Slyck was excited about the positive reception she and Dombowsky received from council.

“I’m a little hesitant because it (the audit) hadn’t been initiated, but I am looking forward to moving forward on a change,” she said, noting council’s decision to force SAMA to pursue a secondary audit is precedent-setting

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

because one has never happened before in Saskatchewan.

Van Slyck said she hoped she didn’t have to return to council to continue this battle but would if necessary. Yet, she pointed out that once city hall submits the request to SAMA, it has 30 days to respond.

Meanwhile, she wasn’t concerned that SAMA might say nothing is wrong with its assessment formula. She pointed out that the secondary audit would discover the incorrect data and everything else wrong with the formula.

The vice-president of acquisitions and leasing with Viridian Property Corporation said she had no idea why Moose Jaw, while other municipalities have one or two, while there was no reason for it.

“… the legislation sets it up that they have to follow the proper model and they have to use certain data and certain information,” she added, “which they have not.”

Dombowsky, the owner of Charlotte’s Catering, took a different view of the meeting’s outcome and whether real change will happen.

“I’m not very optimistic … . I don’t have a lot of faith in the way forward that anything good will come out of SAMA checking on it themselves,” he said. “When you’re checking on your friends … they’re in the same building (in Regina) and they coffee together.”

Dombowsky thought SAMA would delay as long as possible in making changes, forcing business owners to pay another year “of these exorbitant taxes.” He noted

that the agency is adamant that its assessment model is correct.

“They’re not changing … . I don’t have any faith that they’ll check on themselves enough to say that they made a mistake and provide changes,” he stated.

Conversely, he was pleased with how well council members have treated and supported him whenever he has discussed this topic — city administration “less so” — while they have usually returned his phone calls. Moreover, he believes the community is fully behind this effort.

“The number of views on the YouTube video also speaks volumes. There’s over 8,000 views on that YouTube video,” Dombowsky said.

Residents from every demographic are concerned about the inaccuracies with property assessments, he continued, including seniors, who voice their dismay and outrage when he sees them at coffee. They, too, have no

Dombowsky appealed his taxes in 2022 and thought cheated to overrule his concerns.

“The whole process is so wrong, really. The only option (was) to liquidate (Charlotte’s Catering in Moose Jaw) and move on to another location,” he said.

Both Dombowsky and Van Slyck appreciated the community’s support on this issue.

Kristy Van Slyck showing her documents on SAMA.

Bernie Dombosky showing his 600 pages of documents.

The views and opinions expressed in this

this publication.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

Small businesses facing unfair and inequitable treatment with their property assessments could see change this year, as two business owners are leading the charge for an investigation into how the assessment agency operates.

It was standing room only in council chambers on Jan. 9, as over 80 people — business owners and supporters — heard Bernie Dombowsky and Kristy Van Slyck urge city council to push for a secondary audit of the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency’s (SAMA) work.

Generally, a secondary audit would only be undertaken in circumstances where there is a question or in-

provincial legislation, a council report explained. In those situations, the managing director of SAMA’s Quality Assurance Division (QAD) would request approval from the agency’s board to initiate a secondary audit.

While QAD is independent of SAMA, it is still in the same building — at the agency’s headquarters in Regina. Research

Both Dombowsky — owner of Charlotte’s Catering — and Van Slyck — vice-president of acquisitions and leasing with Viridian Property Corporation — believe there is enough evidence for an audit. -

nesses in different ways, even though — sometimes — some are across the street from each other.

For example, a small business on High Street West saw its property taxes increase by $3,701 from 2020 to

square feet of more space — saw its taxes fall by $7,000 over the same period.

“With SAMA’s changes in 2021, the small momand-pop shops are now subsidizing the institutions,” said Dombowsky.

Both changes occurred because of the adjustments SAMA made to the market capitalization rate — or cap rate — that created more than two dozen property clas-

After the presentation and discussion, council voted request a preliminary investigation to determine if there QAD must act immediately and provide updates about the process.

Mayor Clive Tolley and Coun. Dawn Luhning were away, while Coun. Jamey Logan recused himself due to a

Meeting its legislative duty

The only thing residents want SAMA to do is to meet its legislative duty and conduct an audit as laid out in provincial legislation, Van Slyck said.

“You would think that this type of audit would be welcomed by an assessment service provider, as it provides the opportunity for an independent review to show they are doing a proper job and achieving their equitable assessments for a municipality such as the City of Moose Jaw,” she remarked, but that’s not the case.

In Alberta, its secondary audit process is a detailed investigation that digs into issues, while its audit manual is the template upon which SAMA bases its documents, she continued.

What’s interesting about Alberta is it conducts an annual assessment audit on municipalities — it rotates through groups of communities — regardless of problems, although a municipality or the province can request one.

While Saskatchewan has the authority to conduct secondary audits — legislation has been in place since 2006 — there has never been one anywhere, Van Slyck

Business community packs city hall in quest for fairer property assessments

While true, that process would take more than a year, said Dombowsky. He didn’t think the shops on Main Street or his business neighbours could afford another year of “death-rate taxation.” Instead, he wanted the 2023

The secondary audit wouldn’t be time-consuming because it’s laid out in The Cities Act, said Van Slyck. Once initiated, SAMA must make corrections within a year, or the tax roll cannot be approved.

If the secondary audit is triggered, it happens, and the results are unfavourable, what happens then, asked Coun. Heather Eby.

“Fire SAMA! Fire SAMA!” someone shouted from the gallery, prompting prolonged applause.

Not every business will receive back the same amount on its re-assessed values, but the agency will closely investigate their actual market value, said Van Slyck. It will become fair once the data is corrected.

said.

Meanwhile, SAMA’s secondary audit policy does not provincial legislation. Moreover, the agency suggests the audit is an issue-based problem activated by systematic issues — which is not the case.

Van Slyck asserted that there were inaccuracies and errors in the report that city manager Jim Puffalt provided to council about the secondary audit and SAMA’s QAD.

Doing a proper job

“The audit is a means to determine whether an assessment service provider is doing its job properly. It does not need to be triggered as is being presented in the material by SAMA today,” said Van Slyck.

statements that the agency has made, only for the agency to backtrack at the Board of Revision and say there was a misunderstanding, she continued.

This has left ratepayers with no recourse for rebuttal because all evidence for inaccurate property assessments

Enough evidence “SAMA’s inconsistent (assessment) model that came SAMA’s assessment department. This is best demonstrat-

erties (even) though there is no physical change to that property,” said Van Slyck, noting the agency is using outdated sales information for its decisions.

“The people of Moose Jaw deserve fair and equitable taxation, and this will only occur when a secondary audit occurs,” she added.

Change is needed

Dombowsky’s issues with the agency go far beyond the original inequities, he said, since he believes SAMA’s -

peals is driving away businesses.

Last year was Charlotte’s Catering’s 30th year in Moose Jaw, but because Dombowsky felt he was on trial during his appeal presentation to SAMA, he put up a “for sale” sign — only the building was for sale — and purchased a property in Regina for a new business home.

“I feel in my case, SAMA abused their discretion to defeat my appeals,” he said.

ness community and demand adjustments to the 2023 tax roll; this prompted applause.

Council queries

Pursuing the secondary audit would change the system and make the cap rates correct, Van Slyck told Coun. Doug Blanc.

City waives tax penalties ‘inadvertently’ applied to power station property

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Power stations do not pay property taxes to nearby municipalities, according to provincial legislation, which means the City of Moose Jaw will have to return money it accidentally levied on the Great Plains Power Station.

During city council’s December executive meeting, it voted to waive property tax arrears and penalties that

Power Road retroactively to June 17, 2020.

Jan. 9 regular meeting after accepting the meeting minutes. City manager Jim Puffalt later spoke to the media about the situation.

“Inadvertently, we had — as the land was changing

hands with SaskPower on the Great Plains Power Station — charged a small amount of property taxes,” he said. “Power-generating plants don’t pay property taxes in the province, so we had to cancel those taxes.

“Policy-wise, it has to go to council to get approved.”

Puffalt was unsure of the exact amount of taxes city hall had charged SaskPower for the land, estimating it might have been about $150.

He noted that the provincial government sets the rules around not charging taxes to power stations, which is why city hall brought the motion to council to cancel what had already been charged.

City hall contracted SAMA and chose to use it as the assessment service provider, but there are other options, she continued. Meanwhile, SAMA has said its operations are expensive and the whole process is complicated — which is untrue.

“There are other service providers out there that could do a good job. Or we could bring it in-house like we used to,” she added, prompting more applause.

While no one on council was around in 2006 when SAMA was hired, reports suggest people weren’t happy with the in-house assessment service either, said Eby.

Coun. Jamey Logan wondered why — if other Saskatchewan municipalities also use SAMA and it uses one manual — Moose Jaw has many different cap rates while others have a few.

Moose Jaw’s numbers are “so wild” compared to other municipalities because of the information SAMA enters into the ratios, said Van Slyck. The agency collects business sales over four years, so different data goes into the model.

“That is why I keep saying that data inputted into the added.

Council comments

Coun. Blanc was concerned that QAD might not be truly independent of SAMA but admitted he didn’t have

He wondered whether this situation would end if the primary audit said a secondary was unneeded. He also wondered, if a secondary happened, whether SAMA would simply increase the taxes of the bigger businesses the problem.

“The assessment should be done on all businesses, whether small mom-and-pop or larger ones,” he said to applause.

The municipality can go to the provincial government if it disagrees with the primary audit decision, while there are other steps it can take, said city manager Jim Puffalt.

From past presentations, the biggest component missing from this discussion is common sense, said Eby. She believed that two buildings across from each other on High Street West should pay the same tax rate.

-

Coun. Kim Robinson — an accountant — said that quality assurance usually means a company uses the right standards and regulations. However, a QA audit won’t identify if the cap rate is broken. -

tion, he thought SAMA should adopt its Alberta counterpart’s action to conduct secondary audits on municipalities annually.

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, JAN. 23.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

More than 80 people packed into council chambers on Jan. 9 to hear two business urge council to help effect change with property assessments. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

HALL

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

ing the former Hillcrest Sports Centre for 19 months and appears to be exceeding city hall’s expectations in maximizing the venue’s offerings for the community.

operation of the building, now the Golden to broaden public access to the venue while providing a needed community indoor gym and multipurpose recreation space.

job of providing that access to the people of Moose Jaw for a number of different activities … ,” said Derek Blais, director of parks and recreation, during a recent council meeting.

facility. Over the last (19) months, they’ve invested over $400,000 into upgrades into the facility so that they’re able to provide the services that they do.”

-

Venue manager of Golden Ticket Sports Centre exceeding expectations, city says

-

From July 20 to Nov. 30, 2022, 305 youths participated in camps and programs more youths than in 2021, a council report said.

average of 25 hours per week for drop-in basketball and volleyball, with 70 monthly members using the venue during drop-in gym times.

As part of the rental usage, the venue has negotiated long-term leases with -

vision/Global Sports Academy and Gottselig Athletic Performance.

new partnership with Sask. Dodgeball to offer activities at the venue.

However, all programming that was scheduled in the gym was temporarily moved to local schools because of roof damage during October’s blizzard, the re-

be repaired and operational by mid- to late January.

et Sports provides an annual contribution of maximum of $25,000 to the capital reserve fund for future building upgrades.

From June 1 to July 31, 2021, the venue had gross revenues of $29,852.92 and contributed $1,492.65 to the reserve. Meanwhile, from Aug. 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022, it had gross revenues of $181,480.27 and contributed $9,074.01 to the reserve.

so far on 10 major upgrades, while the city has spent $1,083,416.10 on improvements in 12 areas.

As part of parks and rec’s 2023-27 capital plan, several projects it plans to pursue at the venue include phase 2 of the roof replacement project (2023), replacing the rooftop air handling units (2023), the (2026).

All those projects are expected to cost $1,411,424.

installing an accessible lift since most of the building is inaccessible to anyone with mobility issues, the report said. Such a lift could cost $55,000.ship,” Blais added.

lease to be extended because of the roof damage from October, Blais said in response to a council question. Conversely, the city is responsible for relocating the groups that use the building if they cannot operate there. Luckily there has been court time available at schools for them to use.

Coun. Heather Eby appreciated the -

marizing its activities, noting the organization experienced a “fantastic increase in program numbers” and is looking for new endeavours. -

ing for that group,” she said, adding this building — once destined for demolition good news story.”

City’s parking app is now easier to use for one-time needs

Residents or visitors to Moose Jaw who want to park downtown but don’t have cash can use the HotSpot parking app for one-time needs without needing to preload the money.

Motorists can use the app’s Park & Go option to pay for their stall via a credit card or debit Visa without the need to download alerts to add time to their stall if necessary.

Users will also be given a grace period of three minutes to cancel a session if they park in the same spot and need to correct their spot number or length of time.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

However, this option means they will lose the ability to acquire refunds to a credit card/debit Visa on any remaining time. -

ter and not needing all that time.

Park & Go feature to the app this past August.

number one request from our users is the ability to pay with a credit card/debit Visa and not upload funds to a wallet,” the company said in an update.

Existing members will not see any

changes to the offered features and can increments of $5 or $10 are used to avoid multiple credit card transaction fees when loading the wallet.

Meanwhile, new app users will be asked if they want to join the HotSpot community and given the option to become a member or register for the Park & Go service with direct credit card/debit Visa payment.

action, while a monthly membership is $2

also a credit card transaction fee of 2.99 per cent.

City administration presented this information during the Jan. 9 regular city council meeting after Coun. Jamey Logan inquired during the Dec. 12 meeting about whether the app can be used for one-time parking.

-

to pre-load the money, but you do have to interested in using the app, get online and easier and easier to use.

Council rewind: Valley View initiative could be a ‘generational-type project’ for community

City council is excited about Carpere Canada’s proposed re-development plan for the former Valley View Centre site, calling it a “generational-type project” and a “legacy development” for years to come.

During a recent executive committee meeting, council heard from Alan Wallace,

Carpere representatives Raymond Chou,gional manager.

After the presentation, members gave their thoughts about the project.

Having worked on this project for over two years, Richmond, B.C.-based Carpere likely knows that Wakamow Valley is sacred to residents, Mayor Clive

opposition whenever area development is discussed; residents vehemently opposed a proposed housing project near Seventh Avenue Southwest in 2020.

Having looked at the plans and read the reports, it’s evident that Carpere’s project is not in the valley itself, he continconnect to existing pathways, and be set back from the valley proper.

valuable to Carpere as it is to anybody inwant to do is harm the valley or take away from its value.”

closer to Highway 2 so the area near the valley could be naturalized, he continued.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

buildings in the valley; they would have to reach the top to see anything. -

ties to acquire information about the project, ask questions and provide input about the concept plan, especially when there are zoning changes and when Carpere provides updates to council, Wallace said.

“We’re not done by a long shot. We’re right at the beginning,” he added. -

a large input from Carpere,” said Coun.ed, it’s going to be a huge asset to the City of Moose Jaw. -

ilies that want to live and work here, or excited to see it come to fruition.”cerned in the proposed re-development, they should read all the studies and reports to see how much work the company has done over the past two years and how this is not a haphazard initiative, Logan added.

Carpere will repair or replace some of the infrastructure on the Valley View site, and once that happens, it will turn over everything to the city, Wallace told Coun. will meet the municipality’s standards since Carpere does not want to hand over anything that’s a liability, while it should meet the warranty period.

As sections of the development are constructed, that taxation becomes revenue for Moose Jaw, said Eby. Meanwhile, she agreed that this project is generational,

suggesting it will be a “legacy development for generations to come.”

she continued, noting Carpere’s environmental reports show the project will not affect any protected wildlife or ecologically sensitive areas, which concerns some people.

different from the one suggested near the Seventh Avenue Southwest bridge in been in an undeveloped area that residents wanted to protect, while Carpere’s project is on top of the valley that the public already accesses.

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, JAN. 23.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year 2023 falls on Sunday, January 22nd, 2023, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 5th, 2023. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (January 22nd–January 29th, 2023). Chinese New Year is celebrated by more than 20% of the world. It’s the most important holiday in China and to Chinese people all over.

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. It is a welcome to spring, planting and harvests, new beginnings and fresh starts. It is also called the Lunar New Year, because countries such as North and South Korea and Vietnam celebrate it as well.

There’s no set date for Chinese New Year. According to the Lunar calendar, the Spring Festival is on January 1st and lasts until the 15th (the full moon).

It is a day for praying. The Spring Festival was originally a ceremonial day to pray for a good planting and harvest season.

According to one legend, there was a monster named Nian 年). It would come about every New Year’s Eve. Most people would hide in their homes.crackers. The next day, people celebrated their survival became a crucial part of the Spring Festival. night. Firecrackers are supposed to scare off monsters and bad luck. People stay up on Chinesecrackers at midnight. In the mornwelcome the new year and good luck. That same night, families also burn fake paper money and printed gold bars in honor of their deceased loved ones. It is the longest Chinese holiday. The Spring Festival is technically 15 days. But celebrations start on New Year’s Eve (making it 16 days). Traditionally, you have to spend time with your family and can only go out after the 5th day. It’s a national holiday. The large majority of stores are closed too.

The Spring Festival causes the largest human migration in the world. The most important part of Chinese New Year is the family reunion. Everyone should come back home for the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Since having children and passing down the family name is one of the most important parts in Chinese culture, some desperate singles resort to hire a fake boyfriend or girlfriend to take home. Those who can’t (or don’t want to) go home can rent themselves out.

No showering, sweeping or throwing out garbage allowed! Showering isn’t allowed New Year’s Day. Sweeping and throwing out garbage isn’t allowed before the 5th. This is to make sure you don’t wash away

the good luck! On the other hand, there’s a day before the Spring Festival dedicated to cleaning. This day is to sweep the bad luck away and make room for the good. What else is taboo during Chinese New Year?

Hair cutting (before February 2)

· Using scissors, knives and other sharp things

· Arguing, swearing

· Saying unlucky words (such as “death” and “sickness”)

· Breaking things

envelopes. This money is supposed to help transfer fortune from the elders to the kids. They can also be given between bosses and employees, co-workers, and friends.

every day. Technically you’re supposed to. But not many people do that anymore because you can have too much of even the most delicious foods. So most people will eat dumplings during the New Year’s Eve dinner. Others will eat them for the

in the South, people would rather eat spring rolls (egg rolls) and balls of glutinous rice in soup called tangyuan (汤圆). -

ings. Tangyuan means “soup balls.” But it sounds like tuanyuan (团圆), which means reunion. Nian gao (年糕) is a type of rice cake. It symbolizes success each and every year. Fa gao (发糕) is a the hybrid of sponge cakes

same as in fa cai (发财), which means “to get rich.” And everyone wants that!

There’s a saying that there’s no manners and/or etiquette without wine. This means that you need to have wine for every ceremony, festival or important dinner. When you’re eating with someone older than you, as is the case with New Year’s dinners, you need to follow strict toasting etiquette rules.

The Chinese decorate everything red for Chinese New Year. Every family will deck their homes in this color. New clothes are also believed to bring good luck and start over fresh.

There are 12 Chinese zodiacs,but the animal is for the entire year. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. Some of the animals (such as Rat, Snake, Dog and Pig) aren’t normally well-liked in Chinese culture. But as a zodiac, their positive traits are bestowed on people born that year. They play a much

Your zodiac year is bad luck. In the 12 year cycle, it is the unluckiest for you. During this year, your weapon of defense is the color red. Just as you can decorate your home in red for protection and fortune, you can also wear red clothing. Many people will wear red underwear every day of the year. Others add on red shirts, pants, jewelry, insoles and more!

The New Year greeting in Chinese literally means “Happy New Year.” But in Hong Kong and other Cantonese-speaking regions, it’s more common to say “gong hei fat choy.” In Mandarin Chinese, it’s “gong xi fa cai” (恭喜发财). It means “congratulations on the fortune.” Greetings or blessings are most about plentiful harvests, wealth and fortune, health and longevity and having children and large families. Food, money and health are things that everyone wants. Passing down the family name is of utmost importance. That’s one of the reasons why China has such a large population.

Chinese New Year ends with the Lantern Festival.iao Festival (元宵节 灯节

a night of partying and freedom. In ancient times, girls weren’t allowed to venture outside by themselves. But on this night, they were able to walk around, moon-gaze and look at the beautiful lanterns. Because of this, it’s also known as Valentine’s Day in China.

bigger role than in Western cultures. Your animal can decide your career, health and relationship success. Make

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SIGNIFICANCE OF NEW CLOTHES

This Chinese tradition goes all the way back to the Northern and Southern dynasties (420–589 AD). In the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), everyone would show off their new clothing as they visited friends on New Year’s Day.

In the Republican period (1912–1949), beautiful new clothes were needed as the youth paid their respects to the elders.

The Spring Festival is a time of change and new beginnings. Most activities during the Spring Festival have the purpose of removing the old and wel-

coming the new. Forget about the misfortunes and be ready for good luck. In addition, new clothes are auspicious and can protect you from evil spirits. People splurge and treat themselves. If you’re looking for some stylish shoes, careful with your timing when buying them, Some Chinese, especially Cantonese, are superstitious about buying shoes during the Chinese New Year holiday. So make sure you grab a pair before the festivities start. Also, you should never give shoes as a gift, since in Chinese the word for shoes 鞋

Why is Your Chinese Zodiac Year

Bad Luck?

Being in your Ben Ming Nian (birth year) is traditionally believed to be a year of setbacks and delays at best and disasters at worst. According to folklore, people in their Ben Ming Nian are most susceptible to incurring the wrath of Tai Sui for that year. In love, for example, tradition dictates it is best to avoid getting married or engaged in these years, otherwise the marriage may not last.

In terms of work, switching jobs or starting

moving house, traveling great distances, etc. are generally advised against.

Rabbit (兔 / Tù) - Year of the Rabbit

…include 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927...

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are gentle, quiet and polite, vigilant, witty, quick-minded and ingenious, and skillful. They are kind, patient, intelligent, elegant and chic. Their sense of responsibility and attention to detail lead to great career success. They sometimes are reluctant to reveal their minds to others and having a tendency to escape reality, but always faithful to those around them. They take love seriously. The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

Male Rabbits are characterized by always treating people politely, with a gentle smile, credible and sincere. When encouneventually achieve enviable success.ing a pretty and demure appearance, they have a pure heart.

2023 is a year of the Water Rabbit,

starting from January 22nd, 2023 (Chinese New Year), and ending on February 9th, 2024 (Chinese New Year’s Eve). The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. The most compatible zodiac signs for Rabbits are Goats, Dogs, and Pigs.

luck” 邪

In ancient times, men were not allowed to go without a headdress. There are fancier choices for

wands are used. They usually taper off to an intricate design, inlaid with jewels, and trinkets hang off the end.

When buying clothes for Chinese New Year, go for red. This is the best color for the occasion. Stay away from black and white, as they are unlucky and negative.

Lucky Things for People

Born in a Year of the Rabbit

3, 4, 6, and numbers containing them (like 34 and 46) the 26th, 27th, and 29th of every Chinese lunar month

red, pink, purple, blue, green plantain lily, jasmine east, south and northwest the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th Chinese lunar months

Wear red underwear and socks, and carry or wear lucky dog trinkets.

Things

that Rabbits

should avoid:

1, 7, and 8 dark brown, dark yellow, white north, west, and southwest

Best-Suited Careers for Rabbits

Intellectual, scholarly, and learned, Rabbits are more likely to enjoy a good career as well as wealth. With a pair of dexterous hands, Rabbits have a gift for calligraphy and painting as well as tailoring and cooking.

The best careers for Rabbits are in the religion, health care, medicine, culture, police/judiciary work, and politics.

WHY IS THE RABBIT RANKED FOURTH IN CHINESE ZODIAC?

Legend has it that in ancient times, the zodiac Rabbit had a long, furry tail. Every day, he liked to curl his tail round himself and sleep comfortably in his hole. When hungry, he would stick his head out and lazily eat the green grass at the entrance of his hole.

It didn’t take long for the grass on the entire hillside to be eaten up by Rabbit, revealing a bare hole. One day, a wolf noticed the bare grassy slope and found the place where the rabbit lived. It was quietly lurking in the grass not far from the entrance of the hole, preparing to ambush Rabbit.

When the sun was up, Rabbit woke up hungry and ate the grass beside the hole as usual. The wolf bit into Rabbit’s long tail , and only then, Rabbit reacted and kicked his hind legs vigorously. When the wolf was kicked in the face, its sharp teeth bit off Rabbit’s tail with its own forceful reaction. After the wolf was knocked unconscious for a few seconds, it immediately gave chase in the direction of Rabbit.

At this moment, a roar came from the sky and a little white dragon stepped between Rabbit and the wolf. He stopped the wolf who was chasing the Rabbit. Rabbit’s instincts made him not stop to think

about it, and just use his last ounce of strength to escape.

Eventually Rabbit could barely run any more. Just as he was about to rest under a tree for a while, he seemed to see Ox standing behind the line, Rat on Ox’s head, and Tiger behind the Ox... It turned out

the zodiac sign race. When he woke up, he found 11 animals surrounding him, as well as the little white dragon who helped Rabbit escape the wolf’s mouth. Therefore, in the ranking of the zodiac, Rabbit comes

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inducted into Conexus Warriors

Hall of Fame

It’s been three years since the last induction ceremony, but the Moose Jaw Warriors will once again see a pair of names enshrined in the Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame next month.

The team recently announced that high-scoring defenceman Kevin Masters and MJHL coaching legend Paul Dyck will be honoured as the 2023 honourees during the induction banquet on Feb. 16 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

WHL squad since 2019, with the previous events cancelled due to the pandemic.

The Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame annually selects an elite player from their time with the team and a player who has excelled since leaving the Warriors for enshrinement on the north wall of the concourse in the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Masters played for the Warriors from the 1988-89 season through the 1991-92 campaign and is the sixth-highest-scoring defenceman in team history.

After putting up a goal and three points in 32 games in his rookie season,

Masters found his stride in the WHL and became one of the league’s ironmen, too boot -- he’d miss only two games over the next three campaigns and would play all 72 contests in both 1990-91 and 1991-92.

Masters’ offensive production was just as consistent -- he had 13 goals and 41 points in 1989-90, 13 goals and 51 points in 1990-91 and 11 goals and 51 points in 1991-92.

in Red Deer before joining the University of Calgary Dinos, where he played two seasons and graduated with a degree in Kinesiology. He’s currently a strength and conditioning coach in Edmonton.

Kevin and his wife Katherine have two sons, Kyle and Lucas, with Kyle a member of the Kamloops Blazers and a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Lukas is currently an assistant captain with OHA Edmonton in the U18 Prep division of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

Dyck suited up with the Warriors from 1989-90 through the 1990-91 cam-

paign and like Masters was a consistent rock on the blueline. Playing all 72 games points in his rookie season and broke out with 12 goals and 53 points the following campaign.

That resulted in Dyck being drafted in the 11th round by the Pittsburgh Penguins, which turned into a decade-long career in German Elite League.

Even with all that, Dyck is much bet-

ter known for what he’s accomplished in the coaching ranks.

Dyck joined the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in 2010 and has become one of the most revered coaches in the Junior A league. He holds the record for the fastest MJHL coach to 250 wins and this past November won his 400th game.

With Dyck as head coach and general manager, the Pistons won the MJHL championship in 2013 and 2018, with Dyck being named the MJHL coach of the year in both 2017 and 2018. Dyck was also an assistant coach for Canada West’s gold-medal team at the 2015 World Junior A Championship.

Paul and his wife Candice have three children, Annikah, Nate and Lucas, and they made their home in Steinbach.

Tickets for the 2022 Conexus Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame ceremony are available at the Moose Jaw Warriors

Events Centre.

Team White at Top Prospects Game

Now they’ll be playing against him year.

The Canadian Hockey League recently announced that Yager and Unger are

two of 10 Western Hockey League players taking the ice for Team White in the Kubota Top Prospects Game on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in Langley, B.C.

And sure enough, one of their opponents will be the Regina Pats superstar, who is among nine WHLers suiting up for Team Red.

It’s been a solid season for Yager heading into the NHL Draft this June. The Saskatoon product has put up 18 goals and 50 points in 40 games for the Warriors this season, and is already closing in on the 59 points he put up during the 2011-12 campaign.

Yager is currently 12th in WHL scoring and has 13 points, all assists, in the Warriors’ last nine games.

The reigning CHL Rookie of the Year has been ranked as a potential top-10 draft pick by scouts all season and is an ‘A’ ranked skater by the Central Scouting Buround selection.

Unger has had an up-and-down cam-

a 4.14 goals against average and .867 save percentage for the Warriors and sports a 5-9-0-0 record.

Like Yager, Unger has been on NHL scouts’ radar for quite some time and is listed as a ‘C’ prospect, meaning he’ll likely be selected in the later rounds of the draft.

Neither player has to look very far into the past to see what Moose Jaw Warriors are capable of in the Top Prospects Game.

Both Jagger Firkus and Denton Mateychuk played in the contest last season, with Firkus scoring a goal and an assist and being named Player of the Game for Team White, while Mateychuk picked up an assist and drew rave reviews for his steady play throughout the contest.

That summer, Mateychuk was select-

Jackets, while Firkus was picked in the second round by the Seattle Kraken.

The 2023 Kubota Top Prospects Game airs on TSN on Wednesday, Jan, 25, with puck drop at 9 p.m. Moose Jaw time.

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager and goaltender Jackson Unger have faced Connor Bedard plenty of times in the Trans Canada Clash over the last couple of seasons.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

enshrined during banquet on Thursday, Feb, 16 Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Paul Dyck and Kevin Masters will be the 2022 inductees in the Warriors and Legends Hall of Fame next month.

Jackson Unger will suit up for Team White at the Top Prospects Game next week. Nick Pettigrew

Brayden Yager, right, will play for Team White at the Top Prospects Game next week. Saddman Zaman

Warriors Calvert sees fast start to second half result in WHL Player of the Week honour

- Moose Jaw Express

With the number of scoring chances and opportunities Moose Jaw Warriors forward Atley Calvert had throughout the -

time before things started to go his way in serious fashion.

The 19-year-old Moose Jaw Minorey Academy standout put together the best and eight points over the Warriors’ three games, and that led to the league’s powerstime he’s received such an honour in his four seasons with the Warriors.

“That’s because of our team, we have a really good group, I play with a lot of really good players, so it feels good, obviously, but the big wins feel better,” Calvert told Marc Smith of www.mjwarriors.ca. “I’m just trying to do my thing, I try to get

a little better every day.”

fashion, as he scored two goals and four points in the Warriors’ 5-3 road win over days later, Calvert scored Moose Jaw’s -

two goals and three points in the Warriors’ impressive 6-3 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Calvert carried a seven-game pointton on Jan. 10t, but was among a host of high-scoring players who were held pointless in that game.

All in all, Calvert has put together a point only once this season, and he prompt-

That’s all translated into a massive improvement over last season. Not only

eclipsed his point total from last season.

games last season. As for how he gets the job done? and, most importantly, a willingness to

WHL trade deadline

While the Moose Jaw Warriors chose not Warriors general manager Jason Ripthroughout the day and in the lead-up to the deadline, but in the end, decided what the team currently has on the ice is far more valuable than anything they would have received in return.

As a result, the Warriors now have a their still-intact talented crew.

“There wasn’t anything really big, it was just phoning around and collecting offers from other teams,” Ripplinger said “If there was a guy a team was going to move and we felt it was going to help the it, but the prices were a little bit high for me. I’m not going to pay a high premium

The Moose Jaw Warriors chose to stand pat during the WHL trade deadline, with general manager Jason Ripplinger opting to keep the team together.

er protected list and they can do the same thing.”

a perfect example. The Silvertips ended up in addition to four younger players.plinger felt it was in the team’s best interests to sit things out.

“You see what other teams were dowith the club and there was never a good enough offer for me to give up one of our guys,” Ripplinger said. “You’re trading a happens when your league is hosting the Memorial Cup. There are two teams who high for a lot of teams.”

It certainly doesn’t hurt that for the most part, the Warriors have played well.

all the abuse imaginable to help his team score goals.

“I always try to play beneath the cir-

especially when they’re going in,” he said.

There’s little question that if Calvert is at the top of his game, the Warriors’ depth and ability to win increases at theries coming for the rest of the season and through the playoffs.

“We all want to go on a deep run, so that’s the biggest thing on all of our minds,” he said. “The personal success is to the side for the team success.”

Jan, 17 in Moose Jaw and Wednesday, Jan,Ice. Game time is 5 p.m. at the Moose Jaw

-

feated each of the league’s leaders at one point or another, including wins over the Winnipeg Ice, Red Deer Rebels, Seattle -

line believing in this group, they’ve had some big games and played well, and I felt that this is the group to lead us here,”

We’re not a young team and we’re not exactly an older team, but we need to be conas far as we want to go.”day night when they host another of the -

The Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors might against the Warman Wildcats, but the two points they did put on the board could prove to be valuable indeed.bounded with a 5-3 win in the rematch on Saturday afternoon.of Warman for sixth as well as one up league.ing in a Moose Jaw uniform as he scored

twine 3:30 into the game, then scoring -

Warriors with 6:37 to play in the game. Thing is, Warman had an answer andhad a pair of goals to go along with sinwin. and Warman led 5-3 through two. Dylan Duzan had three assists for Moose Jaw.

shots the rest of the way. The Warriors had 35 shots on Warman’s Corben Schnurr.

at it in the rematch Saturday, scoring his team’s opening goal at the 11:39 second perihas 16 goals and 37 points in 30 games this season and is ninth in league scoring.from there.

Moose Jaw pulled away for the comfortable win. for Moose Jaw.

Next home action for the Winmar Centre.

Randy Palmer

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Atley Calvert scores against the Calgary Hitmen in his usual fashion, from being at the top of the crease and around the net.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

AAA Warriors logo

Warriors pick up points in three of four games during WHL action this past week

It was a busy run for the Moose Jaw Warriors in Western Hockey League action this past week, but a successful one nonetheless.

opened their week with a 3-2 loss in Edmonton on Tuesday, Jan, 10 before picking up a point in a 4-3 shootout loss to Red Deer the next night. Moose Jaw returned -

Brandon on Saturday.

The Warriors now hold a 26-14-0-2 record and continue to hold down fourth place in the Eastern Confer-

four games in hand.

It wasn’t a great start to their most recent run, as Edmonton’s Landon Hanson scored the lone goal of the third period and the last-place Oil Kings would hang on for the win.

Harper Lolacher and Robert Baco scored for Moose Jaw, Noah Boyko had both of Edmonton’s other goals.ningham stopped 29 shots for Edmonton.

One night later, things were far better for the local squad despite facing the second-best team in the conference in Red Deer. The Warriors found a way to tie the game three times, including twice in the third period, before falling short in the shootout.

scored in regulation, with the latter’s goal coming with 1:16 to play in the third period.

goal in the shootout.

Connor Ungar was stellar in goal, stopping 47 shots,

The Warriors needed Ungar to be sharp in their lone home game of the week against Portland -- the Western Conference’s second-best team -- and they’d get that and then some.

against teams ahead of them in the standings.

a game or after a tough game, and come playoff time that resiliency becomes really important.”

The Warriors would need that resilience one night later in Brandon. -

utes, the Warriors scored four straight in the second period before holding on for the one-goal win.

Jaw in the second frame before Brayden Yager got the

Dawson Pasternack, Nolan Flamand and Zakhar PolUngar was once again busy and once again outstanding, stopping 39 shots, while the Warriors had 33 on Carson Bjarnason.

It’s another busy week coming up for Moose Jaw, as

Wednesday before making the trip to Winnipeg for games Saturday and Sunday against the Ice.

goal with a minute to play.

James Stefan and Jack O’Brien scored for Portland. -

riors head coach Mark O’Leary.

“That’s junior hockey and that’s the art of coaching, managing the ups and downs during the season,” he said. “At the end of the day, the most exciting thing about this group is how they respond to tough times, whether it’s in

Warriors Yager, Unger listed in NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings

If recent history is any indication, Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager will be a top 10 National Hockey this June.

skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s midterm rankings released on Thursday, with players sitting in thatnesota in 2020, Alex Turcotte of the U.S. National U18s in 2018. -

term, None of this should come as a surprise, as Yager has been high on NHL scouts’ radar throughout his time in theson -- which led to Yager being named the CHL Rookie of the Year -- and his stellar start to the 2022-23 campaign

The Prince Albert product isn’t the only Moose Jaw Warrior with NHL eyes on him.

Jackson Unger is ranked 17th among North American goaltenders which makes him a long shot to hear his name called during the June 28 weekend. -

Mavericks Drop Game To Rebels

mark assisted by Morgan Loney.

The Second Period saw the Rebels surge and score three unanswered goals.

Wing Moose Jaw’s Red Knight Arena the

Jaw.

lead in the First Period.

Clarissa St Pierre scored at the 1:33

The Rebels took the lead on the powerplay at 16:47 when Lilian Buckingham scored at assisted by Ainsley Kindopp.

Regina rounded out the scoring by adding what would turn out to be the insurance marker at 11:17 scored by Cais Mann assisted by Brooke Yasinowski.

from the OHL Barrie Colts went undrafted but later that summer signed with the Panthers as a free agent.

rankings, including 10 in the top 30.

Regina Pats superstar Connor Bedard is naturally theter his incredible World Juniors showing; Zach Benson

top 10. players listed.

Former Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors and currentall.

place on Wednesday, June 28, with the remaining rounds running Thursday, June 29.

For a full list from the mid-term rankings, be sure to

unable to score while on the powerplay.unassisted.

Current Colts at the Kinsmen Arena. https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2023/1/14/pfprzk1gdx49wvb78omeyv4cmk2m40

Moose Jaw opens with tough 3-2 loss in Edmonton before falling 4-3 in a shootout in Red Deer, defeating Portland 4-2 at home and downing Wheat Kings 4-3 in Brandon Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Carson Bjarnason

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Warriors Brayden Yager and Jackson Unger are both listed in the Central Scouting Bureau’s mid-term rankings for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Cosmo Wilson cele-

na Rebels Black in Saskatchewan Female Hockey League action.

Story and photos by Robert Thomas

Mavericks Maria Umana (Right) Attempts To Break Past Rebels Hannah Gates - Mj Independent Photo

Pettigrew

Warriors’ Rysavy looks back on silver medal with Czechia at World Juniors

In the lead-up to the World Junior Hockey Championship back in late December, Moose Jaw Warrirors forward Martin Rysavy had a feeling his Team Czechia crew might be something special.

Something about their work ethic combined with their level of talent made it all look like things could turn out very well for a team that hadn’t won a medal at the tournament in nearly 20 years.

As it turns out, Rysavy’s instincts were spot on.

Czechia would go on to defeat Cantheir round robin pool, and eventually fall in overtime to Canada in the gold medal game.

As a result, when Rysavy returned to Moose Jaw this past weekend after a week off back home in Prerov, Czechia, it was with a silver medal and plenty of incredible memories from two weeks of success in Halifax and Moncton.

“It was such a great experience, second place in the World Juniors is a real success for us,” Rysavy said after the Warriors’ 4-2 win over Portland on Friday night. “It means a lot to people in Czech hockey because we hadn’t won a medal in 18 years, that was the main thing for us. It was a great experience for me and the whole team, only good memories, and it was great for the fans and everyone watching in the Czech Republic.”

It all started on Boxing Day in front of a packed house in Halifax’s Scotiabank

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Martin Rysavy and Robert Baco were honoured by the team for their performances with Czechia and Slovakia respectively at the World Junior Hockey Championship. Board member Scott Wray presented the players with a photo collage of them in action at the event.

Nick Pettigrew

Centre.

Czechia was the overwhelming underdog heading into the game, but they didn’t care about any of that, and would put together a 5-2 victory that raised a ton of eyebrows from many an onlooker.

“We had a great training camp, we did a good job and worked hard, and we took that into the game against Canada in the opener,” Rysavy said. “We just did the right things at the right speed, everyone was doing the same thing, playing together, that was the most important thing for us. I knew we had a good team and had a chance and it worked out that way.”

Czechia spent the rest of the round-robin showing that win wasn’t a

A 9-0 victory over Austria the next

and an overtime loss to Sweden still gave Rysavy’s crew a point in the standings.

an 8-1 win over Germany, with Rysavy enjoying his best game of the tournament in the process with a goal and three points. Just like that, Czechia was 3-0-1-0 and had top spot in Group A, ahead of perennial World Junior luminaries Canada and Sweden.

place, it’s a better opportunity to get to place team in the other group,” Rysay said. “There was a lot of pressure on us -

ment game. But we played as a team, and we had a great game.”

Czechia cruised to a 9-1 victory in thenal rematch with Sweden. There, Czechia

for the marker that sent things to overtime.

“I didn’t even see the shot, I was just standing there trying to see the puck and all of a sudden it’s in,” Rysavy said with a grin. “It was just great, awesome, it’s always something when you play hockey at any level, especially international hockey, and when you score that big goal.”

Jiri Kulich then scored in overtime, sending Czechia to the gold medal game.

There, it once again looked like things were all but over as Canada took

sixth in pairs at Skate Canada nationals

Moose Jaw’s Raine Eberl and Regina’sada.

And by extension, the best pairs team in the country west of Ontario.

The duo were the lone team from Western Canada to crack the top 10 at the Skate Canada Canadian Tire Skating Championship in Oshawa, Ont. this past week, as they put together a sixth-place

Eberl and Derenisky put up 52.19 program on Friday, picking up 34.85

points for the execution of their program elements and 24.47 points for the program component portion, which covers composition, presentation and skating skills.

The duo followed up with 103.07 points in the freeskate on Saturday -- 51.41 points for their elements, 51.66 points for

Eberl and Derenisky weren’t that far -

a bit more luck on their side and another 13 points out of their program, they would have landed in the top four and ended up

with international assignments from Skate Canada.

place with 199.18 points, while Ontario’smar were second with 187.26 and Ontario’s Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud third with 176.53.

Alberta’s Keegan Messing won the men’s singles national title, while Ontario’s Madeline Schizas is the 2023 wom-

game, but Czechia scored goals less than a minute apart to send things to overtime. There, Dylan Guenther became the latest Team Canada World Junior legend when he scored the championship-winning goal.

“I think that was where we showed just how strong of a team we are,” Rysavy said.”We put everything we had into it, it’s always a lot of pressure when you want it so bad and we put our bodies, our legs, everything we could into it and ended up playing a great game.

“We ended up with the silver medal and it was close, but it was still a great sucEveryone on the team is a way better player than they were before the tournament and this will just help us in our careers.”

Rysavy drew an assist on the Warriors’ second goal Friday night, and the fact he was at all effective after getting in at 1 a.m on game day after 26 hours of travel could be a sign of things to come.

“Through the tournament I could feel just want to bring my experience from the World Juniors here and help the team have success.

If we play as a team in the playoffs, we can beat the big teams, and I just want to do what I can to be a better player and help the team win.”

The next home game for the Warriors is Tuesday, Jan, 17 when they host the Saskatoon Blades. Game time is 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

-

countants rink are the lone unbeaten team in the Original 16 Cash League after Ben Gamble and KMS Construction lost their Jaw Curling Centre.

Protec Studios (Tyler Krupski, 8-4) came away with the win over Gamble (81), but it was anything but easy. The teams

ends before Gamble stole one in the third for a 2-1 edge. Krupski took control of the contest the very next frame by putting up a three-ender, but Gamble got one back in He then stole three more in the sixth to regain the lead, but Krupski got all those back with three of his own the next end to take a 7-6 edge into the eighth. There, Krupski would steal one to secure the 8-6 victory.

The victory saw Krupski move into

a tie for third with Matt Froehlich at 8-4, with Froehlich’s contest against R.K. Sunview Farms (Dayne Heisler, 0-12) postponed.

Things were far less dramatic for Barker (12-0) in her match-up KalTire (Dustin Woloschuk, 5-8). Things were close in the early going, as Barker pickeding the second, Woloschuk replied with two of his own. Barker brought things to

an early end the next frame, though, put-

Jaedon Miller (Pups Parlour, 7-5) maintained his spot in the top half of the league standings with a come-from-behind 9-8 victory over Pro-Tec Electric (Stan Barnsley, 6-6). Barnsley got off to a great start and made it look like it might be

ends and one in the third for a 5-0 lead. Miller fought back quickly, though, scoring two in the fourth and stealing three in break. Barnsley picked up a deuce in the sixth for a 7-5 lead, but Miller got one back in the seventh, stole another in the eighth to tie the game and then stole again in the extra end to secure the win.

Rod Montgomery (6-7) moved a game closer to getting back to .500 thanks to a 9-3 win over EMJ Marketing (Joe Gunnis, 3-10). Montgomery got off to a

lead through four ends before Gunnis closed some ground with a deuce in the end, though, and a steal of two in the seventh brought things to a close.

The other contest was a low-scoring battle that saw John’s Music (Ryan Wenarchuk, 6-7) also get within striking distance of an even record with a 4-3 win over Fountain Tire (Barry Silk, 4-9). A

be the biggest score of the game, as Silk scored one in the third and Wenarchuk one single points the next two frames to tie

where Wenarchuk would use the hammer to score one and take the win.

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

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick makes return to team after stellar showing at championship in Halifax

Soerensen claimed the ice dance title.

Skate Canada nationals at www.skatecanada.ca.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Regina’s Caidence Derenisky and Moose Jaw’s Raine Eberl put together

National Skating Championship in Oshawa this week. John Eberl Facebook

High school junior and junior varsity basketball week wrap-up

The third week of action in the Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association junior and junior varsity basketball saw a bit of everything, including one of the closest games in recent high school basketball history. Here’s a look at submitted results from the week of Jan, 9-13.

Monday, Jan, 9

Junior Varsity Boys

Central 66, Assiniboia 61

Central top scorers: Austin Riley 22, Nic Schenk 15.

Assiniboia top scorers: Sam Yap 16, Redze Geverola 12

Notre Dame 46, Peacock 40

Notre Dame top scorers: Justin Hooper 14, Ryan Zabchuk 9

Peacock top scorers: Athon Avery 11, Keaton Doerksen 9 -

ter, 24-20 at the half, 38-34 through three

Junior Boys

Central Red 111, Central Gold 33

Central Red top scorers: Chase Seaborn 20, Micha Kiippenstein 19, Lei Delizo 16

Central Gold top scorers: Trever Maurer 14, Treyton Christman 11 Wednesday, Jan. 11

Junior Varsity Boys South Hill 49, Peacock 35

South Hill top scorers: Matt Artavia 17, Drew Biette 11

Peacock top scorers: Keaton Doerkson 11, Athon Avery 8

South Hill outscored Peacock 18-1 in second to take control of game.

Junior Boys

Central Red 101, Peacock 35

Central Red top scorers: Chase Seaborn 34, Ben Ansel 19, Josh Sazon 14, Alec Tangen 12

Peacock top scorers: Caleb Sowden 13, Kayden Lang 7.

Junior / Junior Varsity Girls Briercrest Christian Academy JV 58, Peacock Junior 31

Briercrest top scorers: Raeanne Lobb 20, Keyana Thiessen 14

Peacock top scorers: Jakson McAuley 10, Nevaih Toupin 8 Thursday, Jan. 12

Junior Varsity Boys

Assiniboia 58, South Hill 47

Assiniboia top scorers: Ruari Liagridonis 12, Redze Geverola 11

South Hill top scorers: Drew Biette 20, Matt Artavia 13

Junior / Junior Varsity Girls

Cornerstone 62, Central 59 (3OT)

Cornerstone top scorers: Jorja Seida-Ruthven 15, Ademide Adewumi 14, Madison Smith 12

Central top scorers: Brooklyn Watterson 18, Shaylan Constable 14

In one of the closest games in recent high school basketball history, Cornerto close to within three heading into the

Two overtimes failed to solve anything, with the Falcons getting hot at the freethe three-point win.

Vanier Wins The Thrilla In Centralvilla

The scoreboard may not show it but the visiting Vanier Spirits and Central Cyclones were involved in an epic hardwood court battle last Tuesday evening.

A battle that saw the Spirits defeat the Cyclones 74 - 56 in high school senior girls basketball action.

The First Quarter was for the most part dominated by the Spirits who would, time and again, take advantage of Cyclone’s misses to transition from defence to explosive rushes down court.

Vanier’s Keana Tolenhro made numerous fast rushes up court and anchored the Spirits drive.

The Spirits took advantage of the Cyclones missed shots in this powerful down court rush.

The Spirits would lead the Cyclones

The Second Quarter saw the start of the shift in momentum to the Cyclones from The Spirits.

The Cyclones outscored the Spirits in 29 - Central 26 at the 10 minute half time break.

The Third Quarter would be a seesaw battle with the Cyclones having the edge in play.

The Cyclones would momentarily take a one point lead in the game 39 - 38

However the lead lasted just less than a minute later as the Cyclones would run into foul problems.

A basket and a foul assessed on the play saw Vanier retake the lead by a score of 43 - 42.

It was a lead the Spirts never relin-

A major turning point in the game was a basket for Vanier followed within seconds by a beautiful hook shot while

Story and Photos By Robert Thomas

Ruberwa’s shot gave Vanier a two point lead 45 - 43. -

ter was Vanier 47 and Central 43.

The early part of the Fourth Quarter saw the Spirits steal some of the Cyclones remaining momentum.

The Spirits Kate Waldenberger hit

The Cyclones would make the score 52 Vanier and Central 49 after a back and forth rally.

Central would rush down court only to miss the basket.

Vanier would also rush down court and miss.

Central would rebound and rush back sink the basket.

A second three pointer would see Vanier take a 10-point lead.

The Spirits would then put the Cyclones away.

Vanier Spirits head coach Christa Lapointe said she was very happy with her team’s play in what was a major battle.

“I like these games when it is competitive and it is back and forth and you see the commitment of all of the girls,” Lapointe said.

Asked if there was any worry given Central held a one point lead for about a was use to playing close games.

“We were really focusing on playing -

your best and the girls really stepped up.”

The team had been preparing for games that had major momentum shifts.

“We talked about the highs and lows

Athletes of the Month

Vanier’s Keana Tolenhro (Left) Made Numerous Fast Breaks Up Court For The Spirits. Here The Cyclone’s Molly Mclean Tries To Contain The Rush.

but playing that steady game and they responded.”

Asked about how only looking at showing the real intensity of the game she said it was all about playing a consistent game.ters or most of them will typically have the best chance of winning. But I know from previous seasons getting the kids to Lapointe said.

“Even with us not having that third getting better everyday.”

About Ruberwa’s big hook shot in close and tight coverage late in the third won.

“When you have a nice hook shot in a play like that it gets all of the girl’s up

and excited.”

She says Central played a great game.

“Central played a great game. They had some great drives and penetration. So it was a fun game to coach. It was a fun game to watch. I’m just proud of the girls from both teams.”

For Central Cyclone’s head coach, Tanya McLean said despite the loss it was a great game and effort.

“I thought it was a great game…we they shot well. They shot well,” Mclean said.

10-point comeback and then the dominant the Cyclones played a great game.

“I’m proud of them they played a great game. By far the best fame we’ve played yet.”

Asked about Vanier barely survivingLean said she agreed.

Asked about the basket followed

“They shot well. They shot better than us.”

Asked about the team’s great third play that way the entire game.

“We’re working on it. We need to get there,” Mclean said, adding “for three and said (as coaches) this was the best they’ve played. Defensively the most steals we had. No I am very proud of them.”

Mclean said the play of both teams sets the tempo for what should be an intense and exciting rematch.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2023/1/10/k4mzuih367vkdkbtyueiwcj5dlp6gb

A look at the scores and highlights from the last week of Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association junior varsity and junior boys and girls basketball Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

facing double coverage by Olga Ruberwa

Athletes of the Month for December are Eric Meili (back left, Vanier volleyball and

Callie Klemenz (Vanier volleyball and basketball), Cole Benallick (Cornerstone

ketball).

photo

Cornerstone Wins In Triple Overtime

Photos and Story by Robert Thomas

Coaches Comments

clones head coach Todd Johnson was phil

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2023/1/13/av92t0yyg429c5r5pwwexrx2l8zri1

Top scorers

Briercrest Clippers men’s hockey win pair, move up to fourth in ACAC

Back-to-back wins over Concordia have Clippers has hottest team in league; men’s volleyball posts win over Augustana as second half of season hits high gear Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Cyclones Brooklyn Watterson (Center Foreground) Picks Up A Stray Ball After An Offensive Rebound. Watterson Would Score 18 Points To Be The Cyclones Top Scorer In The Game.

Royals Jaria Seida-Rutheven Lines Up A Shot On The Foul Line

Briercrest Clippers logo

-- Robert H. Schuller --

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

AUTO PARTS

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Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all.

$45.00 a load. 306-6302268

Will pick up, deliver or haul away BBQ’s in and around Moose Jaw- $40 and up. 306-681-8749

Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw - $60/ load and up. 306-6818749

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 1-587-8891000.

Small Home Repairs. Plumbing, decks, windows, kitchens, bathrooms etc. No job too small. Phone 306-313-5151

Free pickup of unwanted snow blowers, tillers, chainsaws, generators or other yard Equipment, in Moose Jaw and area Call or text 306-641-4447

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Wanted: Ice Fishing Partner, contact Shawn 306692- 0800

CLOTHING

Male beige London fog coat (new tags still on), zip-out lining, size 42/44. never worn $24.00. Male, rubber/water /mud boots, size 10 (Vulcan), like new, 13”h- $10.00. Male Wayne Gretsky top/sweater, #99, navy, 1/2 zip at front neck, l sleeve, size 2xl, new $15.00. Male hagaar, top shirt/sweater, wine color, l. sleeve, poly/cotton, size XXL new $12.00. Black male dress slacks, 36w, 34l and can be longer is extra hem, like new$17.00. Female navy dress, cotton/spandex, sleeveless, crochet at front yolk, size med. $5.00. Female dk. green poly coat /rain, size XL, back pleat, attached hood, like new $7.00. female pantyhose, assorted sizes & colors, navy, white, black, blue, spice etc. new in pkgs. price range from .50cents to $3.50 pr. fe-

Newly built dog house, (XL) 36”x48”, insulated with Styrofoam - $150. 306-681-8749

LOST & FOUND

LOST - Three ring diamond wedding set. Phone 306-630-5676. Reward O ered

MANN, MICHAEL JAMES

October 4th, 1960January 9th, 2023

Michael James Mann aged 62 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on the morning of Monday, January 9th, 2023 at Extendicare where he had lived for the past 14 months.

He was predeceased by his father, James (Jim) Mann. Michael is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Mann; brother, Doug (aka Bud); sister-in-law, Jackie; and niece, Jenna (Marcus). He is also survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins, including Mike’s many ‘adopted’ cousins.

In his youth Mike attended John Chisolm School where he became an ardent participant in the Saskatchewan Special Olympics. He also enjoyed bowling and swimming. Up until 2021, Michael attended (went to rather large monthly paycheck, all $20 of it! Michael was fortunate to have been able to live and be raised in his family home by his parents. He enjoyed spending time at the family farm at Spring Valley, exploring in the trees and riding in the tractor with his dad. After his dad’s passing, Mike remained with his mom, Mary Ann, all the way up to 2019. He then transitioned into Citizen’s All group home (Hoch house) where he thrived with old and new friends. Michael was dearly loved and was a joy to have in our family. Michael, affectionately known as Pickle (thanks dad!), will be remembered not only by how much he loved life but mostly by how much he loved the people in his life. He never forgot a face and always had a big bear hug for that familiar face. Anyone who knew Michael knew that he loved to tease and to joke around and would not pass up a chance to make fun! Michael also was a fanatic for the Moose Jaw Warriors and attended almost every home game with his dad, and then with his mom for the past 30 years. He was also the ultimate Star Trek Trekkie.

The family is grateful for the support provided by many caring groups and individuals throughout Mike’s life,

Inclusion Saskatchewan, and a special thanks to the caring staff at Moose Jaw Extendicare. A Celebration of Mike’s Life was held on Saturday, January 14th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room

donations in Mike’s name may be made to Recreation Department at Moose Jaw Special Care Home (formerly Extendicare), 1151 Coteau St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 5G5 or Special Olympics Saskatchewan at https:// sos.crowdchange.ca/1823/donate. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

SCHWENNEKER( née Fabrik), IRMA MARY

June 13, 1927January 1, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Irma Mary Schwenneker (née Fabrik) on January 1, 2023. Irma was born June 13th 1927 in Csanad Yugoslavia to Rosalia (nee Sattler) and Mike Fabrik. Irma moved to Regina, Sk with her family in 1930. She is predeceased by husband Lincoln Schwenneker and her brother Nick Fabrik, She is survived and will be greatly missed by sister-in-law Olga Fabrik, daughter Joey (Neil), grandchildren Réal (Elietha), Nicole (Rob), and great grandchildren Matthew (Madison), David, Nicholas, Daniel, Lincoln and Reina and her friends. Irma had jobs in North Vancouver at North Shore Sash and Door, a coffee shop on Lonsdale, White Fishing Co. at Butedale and Ocean Falls. Irma retired in Moose Jaw after a long career as Deputy Sheriff. Irma was working full time at the courthouse while handling ads for their apartment in Moose Jaw, showing the suites and often getting called out in the middle of the night to put a halt to the parties. She would cook for the hired hands at the property at Moose Jaw and the 1000 acre farm in Spring Valley. She did an incredible amount of work to help run the L&S Riding Academy, which rented out horses for hour long rides or parties with large groups. Irma left her prairie life in 2000 to help raise her great-grandsons in Comox BC. Irma was always very involved helping her friends, family, Royal Canadian Legion, the Catholic Women’s League and other charities. Irma’s faith was evident in the way she lived her life and loved her people. Irma had so much energy and unconditional love and was a treasure to all who knew her.

Parksville, living her life with laughter, friendship, family and excellent loving care. Dementia stole her memory but not her joyful spirit. We are grateful to those who helped her stay in Comox until 2019, especially her best friend Leone Hannesson and Angie Williams. Irma lived with dementia since

and encourages those who are inspired by Irma to pay it forward and look after one another.

Funeral Mass January 21/23 at 11am at the Church of the Ascension, Parksville, BC

FREDERICKSON, IRENE

It is with saddened hearts the family of Irene Frederickson announce her sudden passing on December 25, 2022 in her home at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Irene was born on November 12, 1934, to George and Minnie (Pacholko) Sereda on the farm near Beaverdale, Sk. She attended Silver Willow School and Yorkton Collegiate graduating in 1952. She attended teacher training in Winnipeg and went on to teach at Lockerby School near Inglis, Manitoba and Beaver School the following year. The summer of 1954 was spent working at the San at Fort Qu’Appelle. That fall she was enrolled at the Saskatchewan Teachers College in Moose Jaw. She then taught at Rocky Dell School near Beaverdale.

On May 19, 1956, Irene married Arnold Frederickson, son of Arthur and Gladys (Owen) Frederickson of Jedburgh. In November she joined Arnold in Brownlee.

1961, their younger son Kelly was born in Gravelbourg. In 1964 the family moved to Tugaske where Irene resumed her teaching career and Arnold began work for the R.M. of Huron. In 1969 they moved to Central Butte. Here Irene retired in 1989. Irene enjoyed books, painting, quilting, choir, music, genealogy. She coedited the Central Butte history book and wrote for the Herbert Herald. She was an avid supporter of activities of her sons and grandsons, Daryl’s hockey, track, school

She was predeceased by her parents; son Kelly (2003); beloved sister Iris (2009). Left to mourn her loss is her husband of 66 years Arnold; son Daryl (Teresa); grandsons Clayton and Jonathan (Megan).

At Irene’s request there will be no funeral service. In living memory of Irene, 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

Blake Seebach Funeral Director

Heavenly Birthday Wishes It’s your birthday angel it’s hard to believe it’s been 16 years Not a day goes by you’re not thought of with tears

We should have gifts wrapped in bright paper with a bow We should see how big you are but you’re not here to watch grow

All we have is our love for you so we’ll wish upon a star That you will feel our love and always know how precious you are

Loved forever & always Mommy, Daddy, Cody, Kadin & Kasia

VAN SLYCK, JOANNE

On Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 Joanne Evelyn Van Slyck, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home. She was seventyone years of age.

Joanne was born in the General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Fred and Beulah Schroeder, and was raised in Chamberlain, SK. She graduated from high school in Holdfast, SK and then received a Business Diploma from STI in Moose Jaw, where she was crowned table tennis champion of 1971, and met her husband, Rod. This past September marked their 50th wedding anniversary.

Active on the board of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre, Joanne had a life-long love of art. An avid collector, she was also an artist herself, focusing her talents on watercolour painting. Often, she was to be found in her library with a book and a coffee, as she was a voracious reader. She also loved traveling and spending time with her family near the water at either Lovering Lake, Lake of the Woods, or Huatulco, Mexico. She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Beulah; and niece, Chantal. Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Rod; son, Judd and his twin boys Charlie and Freddie; daughter, Kristy and her son Lucas; brothers, Terrance and Frederick; and sister, Wendy (Calvin) and their son Shawn.

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 19th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK followed by a celebration of her life next door at the Grant Hall. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Joanne’s name may be made to the Chamberlain Cemetery Fund, Box 2, Chamberlain, SK S0G 0R0. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

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

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

Addendum

A friend asked for an article on the word addendum, so here it is, Barry.

Addendum means a thing added. It is derived from the Latin addendus, which comes from the verb addere meaning to add. An addendum is an addition, attachwidgets may have an addendum for said widgets. An addendumadditional information might serve to add more depth to addendum is a information in the book or providing an explanation for Addendum and addenda forms of the word, respectively. Addenda means things that are added to something else. For example, the meet-

SECRET, FRANCES

We are saddened to announce the passing of Frances Secret on Thursday, December 8th, 2022 at the age of 89 years.

Frances was born and raised in Moose Jaw, SK, where she lived until she married and moved to British Columbia with her new husband.

Frances loved singing and while in Moose Jaw, she took lessons from Helen Tate. At the age of 17, she made a 33 1/3 record for her mother and father for their Christmas gift. After graduating from high school, she worked for Saskatchewan Telephones before moving to British Columbia. Later, she worked for B.C.Tel.

Growing up, Frances enjoyed swimming and camping while travelling with the family. Her father made sure she learned how to swim at an early age and took her with him whenever he could. After moving to British Columbia, Frances concentrated on raising her children and often went swimming in the lake with her family as they grew up.

She was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Clara Secret; son, Jeffery Johnson; 2 great-grandsons; and the father of her children. Frances leaves behind to cherish her memory: her daughter, Maureen (Dan) Gagnier; son, Stephen (Diane) Johnson; 5 grandchildren, 7 greatgrandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Verna (Cliff) Brownlee and Yvonne (Bev) Boyle.

A Private Family Interment will take place at a later date.

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Next Service: January 22nd, 2023 10:30am Rev. Walter Engel

ing will address several addenda from the members. Most Addendaas a possible alternate spelling of addenda addenda

In legal circles an addendum is something added to

of something already noted or a proposed change to the An addendum is a convenient way to makeA codicil is an addendum-

materially alter the terms of the contract. An appendix is For example, a book on English grammar might have an appendix that lists the grammatical differences between thesis in 2006, Introducing and Integrating Silence into the Divine Serviceditional pages to the paper.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage. John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according

ALTHOUSE, RONALD

“KIM” October 1, 1953January 7, 2023

Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023 Tisdale Civic Centre Tisdale, Saskatchewan

Donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada as a token of remembrance. We are honored to serve the family. Condolences may be sent to www.barronsfuneralchapel.com or emailed to bfcc@sasktel.net Phone: 306 – 873 - 2124.

In Loving Memory of Wayne Cozart

January 24, 2019 Love always

Elaine and Family

And an annex provides additional information, oftenments the contract.-

erage. addendum that deals specifExhibits provide examples of standard forms or other-

adding an addendum the addendum “Addendum the reader determine if the addendum is relevant to them. addendum -

ditional information to the short information on the stone, they can scan the code on their phones and access a lot of, addendum memorial might be an interesting concept.

listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7.

6:30

d BASKETBALL

Friday

10:00 p.m. NET NBA Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers.

e FOOTBALL

Saturday

7:00 p.m. CKCK WWJ NFL AFC Divisional Round.

Sunday

5:30 p.m. CKCK NFL NFC Divisional Round.

k

HOCKEY

Thursday

8:00 p.m. NET NHL Tampa Bay Lightning at Edmonton Oilers.

Saturday

6:00 p.m. CBKT NHL Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens.

CTYS NET NHL Winnipeg Jets at Ottawa Senators.

9:00 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks.

Sunday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL San Jose Sharks at Boston Bruins.

Monday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs.

8:45 p.m. NET NHL Columbus Blue Jackets at Calgary Flames.

Tuesday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins.

9:30 p.m. NET NHL Washington Capitals at Colorado Avalanche.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs.

8:45 p.m. NET NHL Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers.

E TENNIS Thursday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Early Round Coverage Friday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Early Round Coverage Saturday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Round of 16.

Sunday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Round of 16.

Monday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Quarterfinals.

Tuesday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Quarterfinals.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. TSN 2023 Australian Open Doubles Semifinals.

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

The Friendly City Optimist Club “Fix the Field, Name that Tune” event takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre. The theme for the evening will focus on baseball. This is a music-themed fundraiser to generate money to help upgrade the Optimist Minor Girls’ fast-

bek-like inquisitor, while Greg Gower will provide the musical support on piano. Residents are encouraged to attend to enjoy the fun and frivolity. Tickets are $20 each, and since there is a limited supply, people should purchase their and to purchase tickets, call Gayle at 306-693-4514.

Annual Burns Night Celebration is Wednesday, Jan. 25th at Bobby’s Place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Roast Beef/Yorkshire Pudding menu special + Haggis with “Desperate

for Haggis”

The Annual General Meeting of the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers will be 7:00 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Police meeting is to review the operation of the past year and to report on some of the activities and successes of the organization. As well, there will be an acknowledgement of support of the community sponsors.

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch Next Luncheon Dates: Wed. March 15/23, and Wed. May 17/23

Lawn Bowls at Yara Centre for the winter. Lawn Bowling is an activity for everyone from age 5 to 105. It has competitive athlete, yet is an inclusive activity for the strictly recreation players. It has been described as a cross between curling and billiards. Admission is the only requirements for our indoor version of this GREAT sport. Join us Monday night@7:00, Tues am@9:30,

WELCOME. www.moosejawlawnbowling.com Nar-Anon Meetings every Mondayly Group) is a twelve step program forone else’s drug use and is in-person at Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting innymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

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

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

TAP Toastmasters will be holding their link from 7-8:30pm each Tuesday. Please email sherry.ross@shaw.ca to receive the link if you are interested in learning how to speak better in a positive learning environment. This course can help you if you have an upcoming job interview, wedding toast, or just have to make a speech at work.

Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters Next Meeting January 19th in the Mamore information write Moose Jaw Prai-

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P1 or email

until Sept)

TRY DANCING January 9, 2023 – Come give it a try for $5pp and then join from January 16, person for 6 weeks at Ecole St. Marga-

Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community 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 the Lindale (north entrance). Call 306-693-5705 for information.

The Moose Jaw Community Choir regular choir practices are on Mondays Church. Performances in the community may also take place on alternate welcome and encouraged (especially tenors and basses) and no audition isested should contact the Choir Director Diane Rhodes at 306-640-8098 or mes-

Community Choir.

Moose Jaw Camera Club - Interested photographers are welcome and invitmore information: Wanda - 306-6937440 or Len - 306-693-7685. 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

Adult Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

Tech Time By appointment only. If you are having an issue with your device, a program, or an application, or if you are just wanting to learn more about them. When you book an appointment you will get personalized training and teaching. Bring your own device to learn on. To book an appointment call the Library at 306-692-2787.

Looking to add a little adventure to your -

tion or to register, email youth@mooseYouth Programming IN PERSON & VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

6:30-8:30 pm. Join for Teen Dungeonssoned players are welcome. Registrationister, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

GRAMS

Teen “I Made This” Art Program Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30 pm. pins. Snacks provided. Location: Herb Teen Matinee: “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” Saturday, Janfood or drink permitted in the Library Theatre. All ages are welcome Teen eBook Club on Discord: “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” Tuesday, January 31 at 4:00 pm We will be reading “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” by C.J.

Archer. The eBook and audiobook are available to borrow for free on Hoopla and the eBook is available on Library2go. On January 31 at 4:00 pm, join us

Children’s Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

ary 14 at 10:30 am Come to the library for a short story, some rhymes, and songs. Caregivers will learn ways to talk, sing, and play with their children to increase early literacy. This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Loca0-2 and their caring adults -

learn ways to talk, sing, read, write, and play to increase early literacy skills. This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Location: Children’s Program adults

show your daycare kiddos how to have Join us for some stories, songs, rhymes, and a fun craft. Registration required. Please register each caregiver and child in your group. Register HERE Location: and their caring daycare providers Children’s Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

in January Join every Saturday and Sunday in the children’s department and build a cool Lego creation to display in our window. This is a self-guided activity.

learning with all the tools for creativity. Registration is required. Location: Herb HERE

Children’s Programming IN PERSON & TAKE HOME PROGRAMS

2023 Thursday, January 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (come and go) Come by the Library and enjoy some fun activities to come and go event in partnership with families with children ages 0-5. Loca2 and up and their caring adults -

day, January 28 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Join local Moose Jaw author, Megan

registration is required. Location: ChilChildren’s Take ‘n’ Make Series January 18 to 31: Rocking Paper Plate SnowDesk and pick up a craft kit to take and make at home. Book suggestions and

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose

-

Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.day at 7:00pm. Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Satur-

for the upcoming Saturdays numbers. Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59- Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca) Moose Jaw and District Seniors: more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

open Monday through Thursday from 8

8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mondaynamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Kitchen is open Monday to Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. from 4:30 – 8 p.m.ings @ 10 a.m.noons @ 1 p.m. - Wednesday @ 6pm -

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. Thursday @9:30 am. Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m. Please remove Dominos was not enough interest at this time Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

Please remove Carpet bowling as it is no longer happening here Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m. Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.days @ 1 p.m. Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities -

cept this January it is on the 9th back to

Tuesday: 9:30 Jam Session/1:00 Pickle-ners Only – Pickleball Wednesday: 8:30 TOPS/9:30 Pickle-ball

Thursday: 10:00 Line Dance/1:00 Pickleball

Regular Pickleball

email anaf252@sasktel.net

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES

#3395

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.

2023) - Drop in Darts – play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone Welcome

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

– ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”

POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

meeting – 11:30 am

PM – Live - Music by Gary Kincaid and Bill Duncan – in the Eagles Club lounge – come out and enjoy great music and

Serving from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. You can eat in or take out. Eat in – supper tickets on sale starting at 4:00 pm in the lounge. If you just want to drop by and pick up take out, please phone 306690-1618 to advance-book your order(s) and pick up time. Pick up will now be on the lounge side (most Easterly door) – we won’t need to phone you to come in – just come in at the time you bookedthere will be a pick-up table near the door. Menu is a roast beef dinner with mashed potato, gravy, veggies, salad, roll and dessert. $13.00 per order.

Company – dance away to great music in the Eagles Club Lounge.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free

FLU & VACCINE CLINICS

Clinic: Appointments and Walk-Ins WelCentre—1000B Albert St—East building use main door with 1 on it from 9am11:30 am/1pm—3:30 pm. Contact Phone: 1-833-727-5829Wellness Centre—1000B Albert St— Centre building ,use main entrance to public health from 9am—12:00 pm/1pm—4:00 pm.

Contact Phone: 1-306-691-2300

-

59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanaat all Legion events. Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regu-tra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday starting at membership required. Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm.

Richard Wadham. Starts @ 7:30 pm.

Cost: $15pp includes lunch Moose Jaw ANAVETS: St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net Thursday at 1:30 pm Crib

Saturday At 4:30 pm is our Meat Draw, 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to Saturday meat draw @ 4:30pm - 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join

Clinic: Appointments and Walk-Ins WelCentre—1000B Albert St—East building use main door with 1 on it from 9am11:30 am 1:00 pm—3:30 pm Contact Phone: 1-833-727-5829

Clinic: Appointments and Walk-Ins Wel-

Centre—1000B Albert St—East building use main door with 1 on it from 9:30 am11:30 am 1:00 pm—4:30 pm Contact Phone: 1-833-727-5829

324 Main Street N.

Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill REALTOR® (306) 631-9966

Bill McLean REALTOR® (306) 630-5409

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Total home sales in Moose Jaw in 2022 fell 10% versus 2021, data shows

Home sales in Moose Jaw in December 2022 were 10 per cent higher compared to December 2021, but total sales for last year were 10 per cent lower than the year before.

There were 32 homes sold in Canada’s Most Notorious City last month, a decline from 35 units — or 10 per cent — in December 2021, data from the Saskatchewan Realtors Association (SRA) shows.

There were 35 new listings in December, an increase from 33 units — or six per cent — last December. Meanwhile, inventory levels slipped to 115 units, a decline from 124 homes — eight per cent — the year before.

There were 3.59 months of supply of homes last month, a decline from 4.19 months of supply — a 17-per-cent drop — in December 2021, the report said. Meanwhile, homes stayed on the market for 62 days.

The average home price in Moose Jaw last month was $282,202, a drop of 61 per cent year-over-year. Meanwhile, the benchmark price was $228,200, unchanged from December 2021.

location. Average and median prices are easily swayed by what sold in that time frame,” the SRA explained. “As a benchmark price is based on a typical home, price changes more accurately represent true price changes in the market as it is an apples-to-apples comparison.”

The 10-year average for December shows there are usually 24 homes sold, 39 new listings, 200 homes in inventory, 9.19 months of supply, 67 days for homes on the market, an average price of $221,978 and a benchmark price of $220,710.

For all of 2022 (year-to-date, YTD), the report indicated there were 605 homes sold (a drop from 665 units, or 10 per cent), 874 new listings, 161 homes in inventory, 3.18 months of supply, 46 days for homes on the market, an average price of $252,864 and a benchmark price of $237,417.

The 10-year average for YTD sales in a year shows there are usually 526 homes sold, 1,023 homes listed, 265 homes in inventory, 6.24 months of supply, 61 days

for units to be on the market, an average price of $238,170 and a benchmark price of $224,477.

Provincial outlook

Record sales of apartment condominiums were not enough to offset declining sales in detached homes, resulting in a 12-per-cent decline in residential sales in 2022. While sales eased relative to 2021 — a record year — the 15,334 recorded sales last year were 15-per-cent higher than long-term averages, the SRA said.

As many markets across the country experience a strong shift in demand, Saskatchewan continues to report stronger sales than pre-pandemic levels.

There were 25,089 new listings in 2022, a seven-per-cent decline from 2021 and well below long-term trends. While the pace of inventory decline eased over the year’s second half, 2022 inventory levels were 11-per-cent below levels seen in 2021 and 25-per-cent below 10-year averages.

Much of the decline in supply was driven by properties priced below $500,000, resulting in tight conditions in

the lower-priced segment of the market.

“Without question, higher lending rates are contributing to the pullback in sales. We saw the Bank of Canada raise interest rates seven times in 2022,” said SRA CEO Chris Guérette. “When paired with declining inventory levels, particularly in homes priced below $500,000, we do see that having an impact on sales.”

Following strong growth throughout the spring, benchmark prices eased toward the end of the year. While many regions recently reported downward price adjustments, home prices rose annually. Overall benchmark prices for 2022 were over four-per-cent higher than the year prior.

“The housing market is changing as consumers adjust to higher lending rates and rising costs of living. That said, Saskatchewan continues to fare better than many regions across the country and we expect that to continue in 2023,” said Guérette.

“With prospective buyers having to qualify at higher rates, our biggest concern heading into the new year is the lack of supply in homes priced below $500,000.”

Prairie debut Khosravi Stadnicki duo performed a mesmerizing performance

The Prairie debut Khosravi

duo performed at Mae Wilson Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

“We had a great show in North Battleford and here in Moose Jaw. The songs was amazing, and the people were lovely; they liked the music,” Farhad Khosravi said, a santur artist.

He says he was excited to be here and loved the beautiful Mae Wilson Theatre. The moment he saw the outside of the theatre he said he got excited and then said the inside was even more gorgeous.

He also appreciated the sound. He says Moose Jaw itself has a certain charm and he could feel the vibe driving around downtown.

“I like the style of it; it’s all there.

katchewan,” Khosravi says.

Percussion artist Daniel Stadnicki said, “The tour has been going great. I played here many times with different groups, and it has always been a fun time.”

He says he has done a lot of stuff with

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folk and pop musicians but with Farhad, it’s more of a mix of classical and world music. He was always amazed, surprised and happy to perform in front of Saskatchewan crowds.

He says Saskatchewan people enjoy a good broad taste of all kinds of music and

with a more classical kind of artist. He has previously performed in Moose Jaw with Christian De La Luna, organized by the Francophone Saskatchewan organizations.

“It was a big party with Colombian Music,” Stadnicki said.

The evening started with an introductory song called the Day of Creation from their album Mosàfer, then the duo introduced themselves and talk about their instruments. The performance included numerous songs, as well as a three-part song - Day of War part 1 & 2 and ended the show with their last song The Passenger.

The Khosravi Stadnicki duo will continue their Prairie Debut and will perform next in Regina, Yorkton and Estevan.

large family room, extra bedroom, bath and laundry/utility. New furnace 2022. Single detached garage. A ordable small town living.

Chaplin. 1300 sqft bi-level. Large living room, good sized dining room with patio doors to deck. Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets. Fridge, stove, d/w included. 3 bedrooms on main oor. Lower level developed. 30x30 detached garage.

Stadnicki

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Farhad Khosravi playing the Santur. Daniel Stadnicki playing percussion.