Moose Jaw Express, March 13th, 2024

March Specials:

MON:

TUES:

WED: $20

THURS:

FRI:

Health Foundation’s May Radiothon to support hospital’s cardiac care activities

This year’s Moose Jaw Health Foundation radiothon is focusing on fundraising for cardiac care equipment to ensure the hospital has the most current technology

tion wants to purchase include:

high-quality automated chest compressions and reduces the physical strain on on other aspects of patient care

of a patient’s heart and help medical pro-tacks and other heart diseases

portable ambulatory electrocardiogram the heart’s rhythms for 24 hours or longering medication for cardiac care patients’

This

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Patient stretchers that are comfort-

“The radiothon has deep meaning fored tens of thousands of people in this com-

make because that money supports pacardiac care because life can change in aac care is something only a hospital can deal with when life hangs in the balance

Saskatchewanians die annually from heart

These incidents put a tremendous strain on staff attempting to address those needs while equipment wears out through

the foundation purchase — is entirely new to the hospital and will be a “game-chang-

make the best possible decisions to helpcutting-edge equipment because those

The health foundation appreciates allrations and other organizations because that support helps their friends and neigh-

patients and those experiencing cardiac

An example of a LUCAS automated CPR machine for $16,000, which provides consistent, high-quality automated chest compressions and reduces the physical strain on the medical team. Photo courtesy Moose Jaw Health Foundation

To help develop a higher quality of education across the province, the Ministry ofer student-led council to provide independent feedback and help design policy from a student’s perspective.

The Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Student Council was created in 2023 and consists of 21 students from a wide background of post-secondary institutions who serve on the council for one-year terms.

As part of their role, these students meet regularly and hold three annual meetings including two virtual meetings and one held in person.

Students are able to bring up any concerns they’ve encountered during their studies and can also speak for fellow students who they’ve interacted with throughout the year.

On the side of government, the ministry selection team will bring up topics and each meeting will result in both parties forming a clear agenda. The Ministry of Advanced Education is currently exploring areas such as student health and well-beaid, and discussing numerous strategic priorities.

“I think, considering the fact there is a diverse perspective to the council, and (since) there are certain things that often get missed out (during educational planning)… there is an importance (in) having a student perspective…,” explained Steven Kattacheril, one of the students chosen to

The council could potentially make the education system far better, Kattacheril suggested. This is achieved through learn-

Two local students chosen for

ing about new opportunities, and he said a lot can be missed if the student body isn’t consulted.

To ensure a diverse range of voices, policymakers aim to select students from the EDI (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) spectrum, and this includes a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and students living with various mental health challenges.

Students are chosen based on a number of qualities that include teamwork skills, the impact they’ve had on the community, and on their ability to demonstrate leadership skills.

After arriving in Canada from India back in 2022, Kattacheril is now studying full-time at the Moose Jaw Sask. Polytechnic campus and has plans to study either supply chain management – which he is currently enrolled in – or for a possible career in government now that he’s gained a few insights from serving on the new council.

Kattacheril was nominated by instructors at Sask. Polytechnic who recognized his suitability for the role, and he is the second Moose Jaw-based student on the council alongside Robyn Gerow.

“I was surprised, (and) I was very excited (to be selected),” he recalled.

“I was really looking forward to knowing some of the works the Ministry of Advanced Education is looking forward to, and being an international student, I needed to know both sides of what support services (were available to) international students.

“A lot of international students are not

CORRECTION:

Re: Story that appeared in last weeks issue of the Moose Jaw Express dated March 3, 2024 – Young actors go ‘Finding Nemo’ in latest Harmony Arts Program theatre show Unfortunately a wrong date appeared in the story regarding Harmony Arts Project’s ‘Finding Nemo’ theatre presentation in last week’s Moose Jaw Express publication. The correct information for the organization’s summer camp is from Tuesday, July 23 to Saturday, July 27. Our apologies.

provides to the students,” he noted. Kattacheril is also looking to addressdents in a number of areas.

“One of the challenges (we discussedden… (concerning) housing, transporta-

tion, and tuition.

“Especially in Moose Jaw, there (have) been a lot of concerns with respect to housing,” he added. Several students now studying at Sask. Polytechnic in Moose Jaw live in Regina and have to commute to class, and the cost burden from this is added to numerous other expenses.

This topic is currently one of Kattacheril’s focal points, and he’s interested in exploring new options to develop a meaningful solution for everyone studying in the province.

If he does end up choosing a career in government, Kattacheril said he will continue to work toward solutions to this issue.

In the meantime, Kattacheril is looking to be the voice for international students on the newly formed council.

“I’m really happy that my voice is being heard,” he said. He now wants to help “portray the international student voice” for all students and is appreciative for the opportunity to speak with them and allow their concerns to be heard.

To learn more about the Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Student Council, visit Saskatchewan.ca and search for ‘Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Student Council.’

Labour Market Strategy Unveiled

Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy

The Labour Market Strategy outlines how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people bene t from the jobs our economy is creating, and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed.

Hon. Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North (306) 692-8884 | mjnorthmla@sasktel.net

Steven Kattacheril (pictured) is one of the initial 21 students chosen to serve on

24032AR0

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

Editor’s Note Business women’s luncheon

Last week was a celebration of the internal strength, power and wisdom women haveparts, as International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8th.

We’ve come a long way baby…if we review where we have been and where we are now, but we still have a

In an article ‘You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby. But It’s Still a Man’s Game’

online at https://www.voanews.com/a/youve-comehtml, it says, “If you were alive and in America in A Long Way, Baby…” that was an advertising slogan for a brand of cigarettes… as a symbol of women’s empowerment.”

For life in this century, we may not grasp a type of cigarette as a symbol of women’s empowerment but in for women to make a mark in the world.

have made their mark in history but also at the same time wonder what their motive was for doing what they did. I personally don’t think money was as big of a of the past were brilliant, stood up for their human and civil rights and changed the world in many different capacities.

effective cures for cancer. -

lenged race segregation by refusing to give up her seat on a bus so that a white person could sit down. This event sparked the civil rights movement which, in the

Florence Nightingale, a British military nurse tend-

a permanent military nursing service and implementing improvements to the army medical services.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, “venerated by both most famous woman in history.” https://www.histo-

One of my favourites with as big a heart as any woman who has been or will be, Mother Teresa, an most of her life took vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and free service to the poorest of the poor. Her charitable work changed the lives of many of the most vulnerable people in the world.

When I ponder ‘women in the limelight’ in this that I presently would even like to emulate.

My context of women that have and continue to make a difference in my life are those that I know personally. My mother wasn’t perfect by any means but her motherly love and the life lessons she taught and her faith in God continue to inspire me long after she is gone.

My Auntie Helen was an angel in disguise and her love and caring for her family and siblings, their offspring and the special memories we shared as cousinster at her house still resonate “the love of family.” She loved and gave so unconditionally; my hope is that I follow in her footsteps and have the same imprint on the special lives around me. My sisters and sister-inlaws are remarkable women too who I highly respect because they are all women of integrity. My bond with them goes deeper than blood.

So, as we celebrate women, let’s not lose sight of the individual mark a woman can make in the lives around them, even if we don’t win an Oscar, make a

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

focuses on how to ‘inspire inclusion’ in society

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Business Women of Moose Jaw celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 with a luncheon featuring a local leader discussing how the group can “inspire inclusion” in society.

“International Women’s Day is very, very important for us at the (Moose Jaw) Transition House. This is an important day (and) this means a lot to us to celebrate this,” said Jenn Angus, executive director of the

featured more than one million women across the world attending rallies to support each other, she explained. These rallies focused on the right to work, to vote, to be

The United Nations began celebrating this day in the future.”

This year’s theme was “Inspire inclusion,” which Angus focused on during her presentation.

Inspire

Angus asked the businesswomen what inspired them, who has inspired them or continues to — mother, friend, mentor or business mentor — or what they aspired to be growing up.

when I think of inspire, I think of who can make me a better version of myself,” she said, noting she wants to be like other women who display positive traits, characteristics, habits and behaviours.

educator makes people feel like they are the most important person in the room.

Furthermore, the executive director praised the 20 women who work at Transition House, while she also commended the agency’s clients for being inspirational.

Angus recalled how one group of women came to the shelter with “hard stories” of abuse and how they “had been through hell.” However, one time, when she went to the kitchen, the group was baking cookies and laughing and joking.

“I said my goodbyes, I left, I got in my car and I sobbed. I just sobbed at the resilience that these women demonstrated … ,” she added.

Inclusion

Angus then asked how society could better include women, especially at work, at home, in politics, in government, in music, in sports and entertainment.

As “a pretty big nerd,” she appreciates how Hollywood’s Marvel Studios has been making more movies featuring women in prominent roles. She noted that she had only Disney princesses to see growing up in the

Inclusion — particularly in government and employment — can mean different things to people because of where they are in life, Angus said. While women entering a shelter likely aren’t considering political could make a difference.

“We’ve made great strides since all those millions are now considered persons, can compete in the Olymmen.

Angus pointed to the Global Gender Gap Index, in economic participation, education, health and poli-

Statistics she presented show that women: per cent of senior positions

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Joyce Walter

tions traded companies

time workers are women, with most saying they work such jobs because they have children. In comparison, only three per cent of men working part-time say the same thing.

cent of mayors and 28 per cent of municipal councillors.

“Maybe they don’t want to be in those leadership positions, right? That’s a thought. Maybe women just don’t want to be in those positions because it doesn’t interest them,” said Angus.

become more involved politically if they saw another woman in such positions, she continued. Therefore, it’s easier to aspire to something if you can see others performing that role.

There are barriers and biases when women enter politics because they are treated differently than men, election, where the media judged male candidates on their policies and the female candidate on the clothing — pantsuits — she wore.

“That should never be a headline in a newspaper for a woman running to be president,” she remarked, noting she has also read degrading comments online about female political candidates in Moose Jaw.

Women make up more than half of the world’s population, so it’s neither just nor practical for their voices to go unheard at the highest decision-making levels, Angus said.

Abuse of women

portant components toward ending gender-based violence, considering data shows women’s spouses murder per cent of women reported experiencing violence from their partners/spouses.

-

Jason G. Antonio

Aaron Walker

home isn’t safe.

Saskatchewan holds “the unfortunate distinction” of having the highest rates of police-reported domestic Angus said. Ninety per cent of victims are women who are prone to severe violence like choking and assault with a weapon.

“Inspiration and inclusion are belonging and empowerment … at our most basic level as individuals … ,” she continued.

With emotion in her voice, Angus read a thank-you card that a client sent after a stay at the shelter with her four kids. The woman — who is now in a healthy relationship — closed her card by saying, “Transition House saved my life and the lives of my babies, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

Angus added that all women can make a difference and be mentors and role models in others’ lives without needing to be the mayor or president.

The next Business Women of Moose Jaw event is

Jenn Angus reads a thank-you card that a Transition House client — now in a healthy relationship — sent she and her four children used the shelter. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

In response to ongoing drought conditions across the province, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is calling for the creation of a province-wide Drought Preparedness Committee.

The president of APAS, Ian Boxall, sent a formal letter stating the request to Minister Marit with the Ministry of Agriculture on the morning of March 6, thereproposed committee.

Boxall said some areas of the provyears of drought conditions – notably in the southwest and west-central regions – and APAS always felt a proactive approach to policy development is the best approach.

“We were sitting there thinking maybe there’s a way that we could be proactive in our approach to drought, and with it having such a huge effect on producers and on local communities…,” he said.

“We’re just asking the government to strike a committee with stakeholders and community representatives, and let’s get together and collaborate with the expertise and (with some) innovation maybe we can get there.”

His goal is to create a forward-looking committee that anticipates drought

conditions and operates with a proactive plan already in place.

“Let’s get ahead of the curve and try to have some of those conversations now, rather than in the thick of it when everybody’s busy…,” he advised.

The proposed committee would consist of numerous stakeholders and agricultural experts, and organizations could include APAS, SARM (Sask. Association of Rural Municipalities), the Cattlemen’s Association, stockholders, government, water management researchers, as well as members from heavily affected communities.

After a dry winter, Boxall said that recent snowfall across the prairies should at least provide some reprieve for producers.

“So, we’re not out of the woods yet, but I do think the snow would have helped alleviate some of the pressure and stress that producers would have been feeling going into this year.”

When it comes to the production of hay and other livestock feed crops, Boxall said an April rainfall is the best way to start the growing season.

isn’t over in Saskatchewan, and we know we can get more snow yet, which we will welcome,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we still need

those timely rains in the spring and throughout the summer to ensure we have the crop and feed for the livestock that is required.”

The proposed Drought Preparedness Committee would serve a number of critical functions.

These functions include early warning and mitigation of drought conditions, a review of resource allocation, including stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning to ensure infrastructure, technology, and research are adequately funded.

These measures would work in tandem with a number of strategies to help mitigate the risks brought on by drought conditions. Strategies include multi-year

yield cushioning, greenfeed conversion, and other approaches to address the consequences of a changing climate.

lot of times, when it comes to drought… we’re always reactive. Sometimes you don’t get the best policy when you have to rush it and be reactive,” Boxall said.

There’s no expected timeframe for the government’s response, but Boxall reright hands.

“We sent (the request) to the government, and we’ll give them time to dissect and digest it… They have a lot of great people… who work on policy and on this stuff every day. Let’s see what they come back with.”

Boxall’s leading concern is for the government to establish the committee in a proactive manner, such that the provincial agriculture minister will prioritize drought resilience and preparedness ahead of the 2024 growing season.

For more information about APAS, visit apas.ca.

To view the provincial drought map, visit Agriculture.Canada.ca and search for “Current drought conditions.” Boxall said the drought map was expected to be updated next on Friday, March 8.

To those who love to get out in the out-

ters off the ice in all areas of Saskatchewan must be removed from waterbodies by March 15, and by March 31 in the north. But whatever the deadline, know the conditions in your area and plan to remove your shelter while the ice is still safe.

in southern and central Saskatchewan and on April 15 in the north. For more information, check the Anglers Guide, avail-

Unfortunately, each year in Saskatch-

left to break up and then wash up on shore with all the litter left. This creates an environmental hazard and unsightly mess.

The release states that submerged debris is dangerous to boaters, water skiers and others who want to enjoy our lakes in the summer. There can be other costs too,

cated.

on the outside with the owner’s complete name, address and phone number in legible letters at least 2.5 cm high. Owners must remove all structures and litter from the ice and transport them away. Shelters may not be left on the shore.

Because of the unusually inconsistent winter weather we have been having this year, it is imperative to continually check the ice when travelling on it for slush,

thermal cracks and pressure ridges. These are all signs of unsafe ice. Ice thickness and strength can vary from area to area, so always check to make sure conditions are safe.

forestry or environmental violations, please call Saskatchewan’s toll-free Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561 or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp. You don’t have to give your name and you may be eligible for cash rewards from the SaskTIP Reward Program.

The president of APAS, Ian Boxall, is calling for the creation of a proactive Drought Preparedness Committee in the province. Photo by: Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

A bit of Irish will warm hearts and bring a smile

Irish stew suppers, green beer and Irish whisky

• • • IRISH SCONES

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 oz. sugar

to make a sticky dough. egg.

• • • TIPPERARY FRUIT COMPOTE

• • • IRISH PRATTIE APPLE

2 tbsps. butter 1 tbsp. sugar

Prairie South has 46 classes with over 28 pupils this semester, report shows

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

says. Board trustees received a class size report duringdents in classrooms as of Feb 9.

Large classes

43 students in Mieux-etre, a French immersion-based Grade 10 Wellness phys-ed program course and one Grade 10 Wellness course classes, one Grade 9 health education class and one 31 students in Grade 9 science

The next highest schools are Coronach School and -

-

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

2 tbsps. butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

Cook potatoes, drain and mash. Add butter, -

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

In particular, Cornerstone Christian School has 38 students in a combined phys-ed 9/Wellness 10 class; Craik School has 32 pupils in a combined phys-ed program; Prince Arthur has 31 students in social studies, School has 30 students in Grade 8 homeroom; Coronach in a Grade 5/6 split class; and William Grayson has 30 students in a Grade 7/8 split.

Overall, Prairie South has three more classes this sesemester.

Small classes

Bengough, Central Butte, Mankota and Rouleau

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

The next PSSD board meeting is TUESDAY, APR 9.

four such classes, the report said.

In particular, Mankota has three students in a Grade

PSSD has paid more in carbon taxes than received in rebates,

Prairie South trustee Patrick Boyle is outraged that the division has received under $500,000 in carbon tax rebates despite shelling out over $1.6 million — operating money the division can’t afford to lose.

“The numbers are pretty alarming, to be honest, (and) I think everyone in this school division should be paying attention to (them),” he said during the March 5 board meeting.

from 2018-19 to 2023-24, Prairie South paid $1,672,909 in carbon taxes and received $449,469 in climate action

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF HURON NO. 223 ASSESSMENT ROLL 2024

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R. M. of Huron No. 223 for the year of 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days, Monday to Friday, March 15 to April 15, 2024, except holidays.

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

Any person who wishes to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at the RM of Huron No. 223, Box 159, Tugaske Sk. S0H 4B0. A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $100 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Revision, ADR Saskatchewan Board of Revision Inc., cbor@adrsaskatchewan.ca Box 328, Nokomis, Sk. S0G 3R0, by the 15th day of April, 2024.

Dated this 15th day of March, 2024.

Daryl Dean, Assessor

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

incentive fund (CAIF) money, a difference of $1,223,440. Notably, the federal government distributed CAIF funding in 2019-20 and 2020-21 for energy-saving projects before cancelling the program. in electricity expenses, $891,609 in heating costs and $515,746 in carbon taxes this year, that number could bebon tax by 23 per cent this April and by 18.75 per cent increases of roughly 20 per cent annually thereafter.

“And before long, this number goes from $500,000 to $1 million in our budget in a handful of years. That’s be standing up (against) … ,” he continued, noting they rebate program in place.

talks about classroom complexity and funding, but it’s the federal government that’s “digging a hole” into every school division’s budget, Boyle said.

The trustee pointed out that Prairie South has paid gave Atlantic Canada a break on home heating oil costs. concern me greatly,” Boyle said, noting the board should make a motion opposing the carbon tax, send it to the Sasthe association send it to the national organization.

ganization has previously analyzed this area but should

continued.

0.5 per cent of the budget, it’s still “ridiculous.”

sions have spent on carbon taxes, that funding probably could have been used to address classroom size and complexity issues, said Boyle.

School boards should ask their MPs about the car--geous to me.”

hurting Prairie South, especially since CAIF no longer exists, said trustee Crystal Froese. It initially sounded like

“So the climate action incentive fund is a failure … ,” she added. “That’s really unfortunate, too.”

Coteau Hills Elementary the new name for Prairie South’s half of joint-use school

Coteau Hills Elementary School is the new name for the public half of the jointuse venue on South Hill, which Prairie South School Division chose from among more than 200 submissions.

Division administration revealed the new moniker during the March 5 board meeting, which included displaying an artist’s rendition of the school with its name attached on a giant TV screen.

When introducing the topic, board chairwoman Giselle Wilson acknowledged that the new name was “the most exciting (item) of the day.”

The division conducted a survey throughout February that was open to students, staff, families and residents who live on South Hill, explained Ron Purdy,

After receiving the suggestions, administration compiled a list — totalling almost seven pages — and narrowed that to one name, he said. It then presented the name to the committee of the whole, which reviewed the suggestion and gave

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

its approval.

There were “some pretty funny” names that the partnerships and team-

Construction scene improves in

Ron

Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

The construction scene in Moose Jaw has improved from last year at this point.

months of $2.43 million are up 69 per cent from last year.

In February alone city hall issued permits worth $1.57 million, about 10 times last February’s amount.

Major permits last month were $80,000 for alterations to the Rexall Drug

outlet on Main street and $784,000 for two dwellings, one in the northwest and one in a trailer court.

No new dwelling permits were issued in January or February last year.

One demolition permit was issued in February.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Politicians in Ottawa to get another raise: Sign petition to stop MPs from taking the raise

For Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

In a recent press release on March 6, 2024 from the Canadian Federation of Taxpayers, Franco Terrazzano, the Federal Director of the organization stated:

“Politicians in Ottawa are about to use your money to take another raise.

“A backbench member of Parliament’s annual salary is currently $194,600. A minister collects $287,400, while the prime minister takes home $389,200.

“And on April 1, MPs are giving themselves another raise.”

He said the CTF estimates this year’s pay raise will be an extra $8,100 for backbench MPs, $11,900 for ministers and $16,200 for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The raise will bring an MP’s salary to about $202,700. A minister will collect $299,300, while Trudeau will take home $405,400.

raise since the beginning of 2020. Not even a pandemic, lockdowns and sky-high

their own raises,” said Terrazzano. “And then they sent you the bill.”

MPs can stop the raise, just like they did between 2010 and 2013 following the recession.

They need to know millions of Canadians like you don’t support another MP pay raise!

You can automatically add your name to a PETITION online at https:// www.taxpayer.com/petitions/mps-needto-cut-their-own-pay

The petition says:

“To all members of Parliament, It’s not fair to ask struggling Canadians to pay higher taxes so politicians can give themselves pay raises.

We, the undersigned, call on all members of Parliament to stop giving themselves raises.

– it’s making a difference!” Terrazzano stated.

building committee received, while there were several duplicate recommendations for the Coteau Hills name, said trustee Crystal Froese, who chaired the naming project. While the committee talked about the different variations, this one kept rising to the top — so members submitted it for approval.

The Coteau Hills range is roughly eight million hectares (20 million acres) in size, stretching from Saskatchewan into North Dakota, while it’s noticeable — in the right light — south of the Moose Jaw as a blue outline, she continued.

Meanwhile, the area is ecologically important since migratory birds use it throughout the year, while it contains an important watershed with several creeks and rivers within it, Froese said.

“It is a pretty fascinating area to read about … ,” she stated. “I think it has a lot

bly the key one is that you can see (the hills) from that area.”

Coteau in English means hills, so the school is technically being called Hills Hills Elementary, Froese added. However, for the location.

Board vice-chair Darcy Pryor thought it was exciting to be at this point in the project where trustees could approve the name of Prairie South’s half of the “brandnew, beautiful” joint-use school.

“This has been a long process to arrive at a name and a name we can be proud of,” she said. “It’s a good day.”

motion to adopt the Coteau Hills Elementary School name for the public side of the building.

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s board of education has yet to publicly announce the new name for its half of the building.

School furniture

Constructing a new building means it with furniture so students can learn effectively and staff have the necessary resources.

To that end, both agreed to “piggythat Regina Public Schools and Reginating a new joint-use school in that community, a board report said. The tender is structured so other divisions can join — which is what Moose Jaw’s divisions have agreed to do to save money on purchases.

“The tenders are pretty competitive. And I don’t think there’s any way we can beat those prices,” said Purdy.

A view of the joint-use school under construction. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

An artist’s rendition shows the public side of the joint-use school, with the new name of Coteau Hills Elementary School. Photo courtesy PSSD

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Designers miss the mark for short, chubby customers

An acquaintance of mine is learning quickly that she is too elderly, misshapen and unbalanced to even consider the idea of wearing modern evening wear.

I commiserated but had no real idea of what evening wear clothing might be in style in this nearly quarter-of-the-way mark of the 2000s. When she and I were younger evening wear meant a long gown, splashy jewelry, wrist corsages, dangly earrings, spiked heels and clutch purses just large enough for a hanky, a comb and some change for the pay phone.

Back in the depth of the spare room closet hangs one or two gowns that have been out on the town for appropriate occasions back in the day. One of the gowns was even worn the night our foursome went to take in what we thought was a Rotary Club dine and dance.

We arrived, all gussied up, only to discover this event was for gentlemen only (this was before women could become Rotarians.) We beat a hasty, embartheir own way home after they dined and

did whatever club members did at such functions. Both spouses got a talking to for not relaying proper information to their beloved companions!

Fashion styles have changed over the decades and now dressing up often means wearing a clean pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. Ladies might have bling on the backside of the clean jeans and rips across the knees.

My style is comfortable, nothing fancy except maybe a brooch on the lapel of a cozy jacket, with dress pants or black jeans, some bracelets and a ring or two. But truthfully, we haven’t been out anywhere lately that requires apparel coming close to “evening wear.”

But inquiring minds wanted to know so I Googled “evening dress for short, chubby, elderly women” just to see for myself what ladies of my age and stature might be wearing for a fancy night on the town.

A few glances later and it was determined that fashion designers have an odd sense of humour for thinking I might be

interested in wearing, in public, any oftions.

First of all, my front has never been as well-endowed as those of the models. Imagine the undergarment that would be required to allow some lift-up for a bosom of the elderly.

The slit up the skirt of the dress would require the wearer to put on some black fuzzy leotards to supply a bit of warmth on a cold winter night. And why would anyone of age require those holes in the fabric around the waistline? Imagine the

my attention — for a moment. The inseam of 35 inches meant a seamstress would have about 8 inches to chop off each leg, perhaps enough fabric to cover the holes in the previously-mentioned dress. Upon closer examination, the pants were made from a see-through material. My compression stockings would be shown off to advantage and certain to catch the eye of other attendees.

I winced in anticipated pain when I noticed the bits of straps and heels wornnitely not receiving any old age pension. The shoes were meant to convey height but I could only feel anticipatory pain in my ankles. My heavy black walking shoes would certainly add a bit of down-home class to the clothing on display.

On a positive note, I have a beaded purse somewhere, there’s a fancy and beautiful golden wrist watch on the dresser, and in a jewelry box I have some dangly earrings, perhaps even two that match. I also have bracelets and rings.

Just to add a bit of spiff for the evening, I could decorate my cane, or evendom-used walker. An evening out with me would be such fun, compression stockings and all.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

WDM to celebrate 75 years, host model train show and more this spring

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) has a busy schedule for the upcoming late winter and early spring season that you don’t want to miss.

The WDM remains open throughout the year for self-guided visits, and in addition to this, the museum holds regular programming to support its mission of sharing Saskatchewan’s history and bringing new life to the people who helped shape our province.

Celebrating 75 years

On Tuesday, April 2, the WDM will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The event will run from 9 a.m. – 5 cents per person for the day, with preschool children, museum volunteers, and active members still enjoying free admittance.

“We will have a PowerPoint (presentation) going through our history, and then we will also (serve specialty) cupcakes at 2 p.m.,” said Alexis Jones, the museum’s program co-ordinator.

To round off the celebration, the museum will also be hosting a special 75th anniversary scavenger hunt for the younger museum patrons with prizes to be an-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

To provide an entertaining venue for the museum’s younger guests, an Easter egg scavenger hunt will run from March 1 - 31 at the museum. Photo by: Western Development Museum

nounced.

Model train show

For two days on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, the museum will once again host its regular model train show with displays set up throughout the museum. Admission will cost the same standard rate, and the event runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on each consecutive day.

“We’re partnering with the Thunder Creek Model Train Show, so there will be a whole bunch of model train exhibits throughout the galleries,” Jones explained.

For the duration of the event, a concession will be available on site. This concession will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day and will accept cash only.

International Women’s Day March 8 is International Women’s Day.

To celebrate the many achievements made by women in the province, the museum will be honouring their contribution

“You go through 100 years of Saskatchewan’s history – our gallery there –and look at different accomplishments that women have made throughout Saskatchewan,” Jones said.

To complete the scavenger hunt, participants will visit the museum’s displays featuring women’s achievements and write down the year the contribution was made. All submissions will then be entered to win a prize.

Easter egg hunt

To provide an entertaining venue for the museum’s younger guests, Easter will be celebrated with an Easter egg scavenger hunt at the WDM, and everyone is welcome to attend. The event will run from March 1 - March 31 this year.

“There will be Easter egg baskets hidden throughout the gallery and you will have to write down which artifact you found it on,” she said.

All participants can enter a draw to be held at the end of the month to win a specialty keychain.

Virtual Coffee Club

The museum’s ongoing Virtual Coffee Club will also have several upcoming presentations.

On Thursday, March 21, guest speak-

er Brian Gallager will talk about the Baby Boomer generation. Gallager’s presentation will focus on local history since the Second World War and delivers a “challenging, yet fun” look at what was possible for the generation who witnessed a level and speed of societal change never before witnessed in history.

On Thursday, April 18, Alexis Jones will present a timeline of the museum’s history spanning the past 75 years in Moose Jaw and will focus on a number of its major milestones.

Finally, on Thursday, May 23, the museum will be hosting guest speaker Dr. J.L. (Les) Henry, P.Ag., who will deliver a presentation on catalogue houses in the prairies including Eaton Mail Order Houses. This topic will focus on the Mail Order House business that thrived in the early 1900s.

Each coffee club presentation will take place on the Zoom app and begins at 10 a.m. To register, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/CoffeeClub.

The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the winter months, the museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and on stat holidays from October to April.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Alexis Jones can be reached at 306-6935989 or at ajones@wdm.ca.

The Western Development Museum is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

WDM open house showcases Smarter Science, Better Buildings program

Visitors to the Western Development Museum on Saturday, March 2, had a chance to learn about something a little different than the usual transportation-based fare the local facility has to offer.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, patrons were able to stop by a series of displays that are part of the Smarter Science, Better Buildings program, offering all sorts of information on modern homes

“It’s usually only available to Grade 7 students who book it, but we decided to open it up to the public so everyone could have a chance to see what it’s about,” said Alexis Jones WDM programs and volunteer coordinator. “It talks about innovative designs and what you can do to be enviand they just had some new updates, too,

including a station covering heating and cooling. There’s quite a bit of information here.”

The displays featured models andsigns, showing not only how and why the various aspects worked, but also offering tips on how to put them to use.

As an example, one station talkeddards, touching how things were in the 1880s with sod homes and how much things have changed in that regard.

Stations also covered solar energy, lighting and appliances, modern water systems and a look at a net-zero home, which actually puts energy back into the grid as opposed to consuming it.

It’s all about exposing young and old alike to the newest trends in modern home have been aware of. That kind of public education falls under the plan of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.

The goal of the SES, according to its mission statement, is help achieve a high level of environmental sustainability through public education, policy development, and sponsored events in the community.

“We are the voice for the environment that the public depends on,” the organization states.

The program will be in Moose Jaw for the next two weeks for use by schools.

For more on what the SES has to offer and what they’re about, visit www. environmentalsociety.ca, and to keep up to date on the Western Development Museum, follow them on Facebook and check out their website at www.wdm.ca.

A look at the stations that were available to visitors to check out during the Smarter Science, Better Buildings program at the WDM on Saturday.

Riverview Grade 11 student Taylor Jacobson checks out a Smarter Science, Better Buildings display during a visit to the Western Development Museum on Saturday afternoon.

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Understanding risk is key to investing in stock market or bonds

Back in 1987 a lot of Moose Jaw investors had put their savings into a local branch of Principal Trust.

Principal Trust, a fast-growing national chain of branches was offering six per cent interest on savings, compared

That was the year Principal Trust had the rug pulled out by regulators for insolvency.

Four years later 67,000 investors got 90 per cent of their $468 million back. But they lost interest on the money for that period.

The Principal Trust situation involves a mistake many investors make.

They don’t understand the concept of risk and often lose their proverbial shirts.

investors should learn before buying any investments.

Often the only understanding investors have of risk is: the bigger the risk the

bigger the reward.

That is true but a better understandlosses and grief.

Investors in Principal Trust should have asked themselves how the new smaller company could offer much higher interest than the larger banks and why didn’t the banks match it?

Sometimes just asking if the investment prospects are too good to be true will resolve the matter.

One of the main tenets of investing is do not lose money, or as little as possible. Some losses are normal in stocks and bonds.

Some basic questions to investment advisers or personal research can determine if an investment’s risk is uncomfortable.

One way of assessing risk involves questions about the company whose stock or bonds are in your sights.

What stage of development is the company at?

Mature companies generally offer slower share price growth but pay dividends that provide cash while waiting for growth. They are usually more stable.

Growing companies are expandeconomy burp, and growth plans could go astray. They are riskier.

More risky are evolving companies that have a product or services still being commercialized.

Until the market accepts the product

Companies in the concept stage are riskiest.

They involve the development of an idea not yet proven successful. They burn through lots of cash and sometimes never get to the commercial stage.

Investors should consider and balance the four stages of development with

an emphasis on the least risky. Perhaps include one or two riskier ones just to generate interest.

Before taking the plunge on stocks or bonds look at whether the company has too much debt. If it pays dividends, are the payments a large or small portion of earnings?

Buy stuff that allows you to sleep at night.

Determine whether you are an investor, speculator or gambler.

An investor buys only what seems a sure thing, A speculator calculates the risk and potential rewards before investing

A gambler buys the story, hook line and sinker, like most of the investors did in Canada’s over served cannabis industry.

Yours Truly should take his own advice more often.

Firearms Safety Campaign continues to mid-April to

campaign kicked-off on March 4, 2024, and will continue until mid-April 2024. The campaign, “Secure Firearms. Safe Communities,” will bring all updated materials to storage, and licensing.

that safety starts with them,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman said. “The exownership, which is demonstrated by a commitment to safe storage.”

In the campaign, several well-known Saskatchewan residents will speak to the campaign and its importance. The extended campaign features Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President, Ray Orb; and Elder and Senator with the Prince Albert Grand Council and Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations, Noland Henderson.

communities can be safe.

Orb said. “Responsible follow safety practicesarms and ammunition are properly stored, license, and help educate family, friends and safety.”

ers are encouraged to get and maintain their Possession and Acquisition License (PAL/ RPAL) to properly

The goal of the campaign is to allow the public to gain an understanding of the best safety practices related

safe. Other important safety tips included in the press release are: -

arm you use; don’t want to shoot; locking it up; not in use;

-

cure locking device - such as a trigger or cable lock - to

• ensuring unauthorized individuals do not have access to the keys or combination locks that are used to secure permission to use them; and,

The full-length video advertisements can also be

After arriving in Moose Jaw around three years ago, Dee Afolyan now wants to share what has been described as one of the most delicious rice dishes in Africa with her new community.

Considering the time it takes to prepare many tradipreparation easier for families without a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This includes cooking her signature dish of jollof rice for her husband, who she said enjoys a helping almost every other day.

Jollof rice can take around two-and-a-half hours to fully prepare, which is simply not tenable given everybody’s busy schedules these days.

Following her dream of solving this food prepara-

2SLGBTQ SUICIDE HELP

Wigmore Hospital Mental Health & Addiction Services

Mon-Fri, 8-5 (except stat holidays): 306-691-6464

MJ Police and Crisis Team (PACT): 306-694-7603 or 911 Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

Text: 45645 or Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca

Regina Crisis Line: 1-306-757-0127

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Text: CONNECT at 686868

First Nations & Inuit Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

OUTSaskatoon Helpline: 1-800-358-1833

Trans LifeLine: 877-330-6366

The 2SLGBTQ community faces higher rates of suicide caused by discrimination and isolation. But you are not alone. Help is a phone call away.

tion time issue, Afolyan and her husband are now co-owners of a new business in Moose Jaw, Deebesties Inc.

A few of her products can now be purchased at the Coral Ethnic Market, which is an African food store now located at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall. She also sells some products through her online Etsy store.

Jollof rice is made from long-grain rice, tomatoes, chilies, onions, spices, and sometimes uses meat or other vegetables. The dish’s origins can be traced back to the Senegambian region and is popular today in many regions of Africa including Nigeria where Afolyan is originally from.

“It has a smoky taste with a… bit of spice to it, and

blend that she found most suitable.

“It’s a recipe I came up with myself,” she said, noting that the process took some time, but food preparation no longer has to.

Now that she has established a foothold in the local marketplace, Afolyan is hoping to stabilize the newly formed company and to make a name for herself in the community.

One way she hopes to further promote the business is by attending this year’s Sidewalk Days event as a food vendor.

“I’ll be selling the sauce and I’ll be selling jollof rice and barbecue, so people can have a (taste of the product),” she announced.

DeeBesties Inc. is focused around the jollof rice sauce at the moment.

Once established – which she said is going slowly but surely – Afolyan has big plans to expand her business beyond this solitary product.

Her goal is to see her products on shelves at major chain stores including Superstore and Wal-Mart.

“I plan to expand and make (it possible for) everyone (to) have it in their home – that’s the goal,” she said about the rice sauce.

She views the product as something that should be in every household, and states that the sauce is extremely versatile and could blend in well with your standard range of condiments.

“The sauce is versatile – it’s not just for rice. You can make barbecue chicken with it, you can make barbecue very convenient,” she said.

Currently, Afolyan’s products are available for retail at one location in Regina and at the Coral Ethnic Market located at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.

To visit her online Etsy storefront, visit Etsy.com and search for ‘DeebestiesFoodRange.’

Keep an eye out for Afolyan’s product on local store shelves and for more additions to her product line in the months and years to come.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Dee Afolyan’s signature jollof rice sauce is available at the Coral Ethnic Market and online through Etsy.com. Photo by: Deebesties Inc.

Francophone community preparing to host colourful parade and tasty dinner

March is a busy time for Moose Jaw’s Francophone community, as it’s set to host a colourful parade, a tasty — and sugary — dinner, and an International Women’s Day forum.

The Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw (ACFMJ) is hosting the seventh annual Tintamarre parade on Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. The event starts in Crescent Park at the Athabasca Street East entrance and heads west along several streets to École Ducharme School, with the Moose Jaw Police Service providing an escort.

More than 500 participants from the Francophone community — including students, teachers and residents — will dress in bright colours like green and yellow and use various objects to make noise.

French-language instruction or French immersion are École Ducharme (Francophone), École Palliser Heights (immersion), École St. Margaret (immersion), Central Collegiate (immersion) and Vanier Collegiate (immersion)

Joining this joyful throng will be

Police Chief Rick Bourassa, other senior Moose Jaw’s French-language schools, the director of the Association communautaire fransaskoise and other dignitaries.

Also expected to attend are native French speakers in the community and many new immigrants who speak French

“We celebrate our Francophone pride in our minority language community, and the event is to invite all the community of Moose Jaw and from the area and to let them know that Francophone people live here,” said Christian Poumeni, the

Tintamarre — pronounced tint-amare —means racket, uproar or noise. It is a traditional Acadian French parade

Prairie Skies announces cancellation of upcoming March 21 anti-racism rally

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Prairie Skies Integration Network has just announced that this year’s anti-racism event planned to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination will not go ahead as planned.

Originally scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 21, the full-day event including a public rally and subsequentcelled. Dalise Hector, the project manager at Prairie Skies, cited reasons that include “committee disunity, an inability committee and community’s psychological safety.”

have been provided at this time.

“Due to an interplay of unfortunate circumstances, the event has been cancelled and the planning committee will instead focus our energy and resources on recalibrating our approach,” Hector wrote.

“As stewards of our communities’ well-being, we’re dedicated to proactively attending to the needs and challenges we observe. This responsiveness has led us, in this pivotal moment, to pause and

In the meantime, Hector noted that Prairie Skies Integration Network will beics of the community to provide future activities and events that are both impactful and resonant with this community.

“We deeply regret that we will not day with our communities in 2024,” she

“We deeply regret that we will not get with our communities in 2024,” wrote Dalise

wrote.

Hector said that Prairie Skies is still looking to continue hosting future events, but the organization will require a foundational and structural enhancement going forward. The process “will require considerable time, energy, and resources,” which she said are now being assessed.

This journey, she said, will be “marked by rigorous introspection, collaborative ideation, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, equity, and safety. No further details as to what those changes will entail have been provided at this time.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our communities for their unwavering belief in our mission to build vibrant communities and our intention to effect meaningful change and achieve our common goals.

“Together, we have the power to turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones.”

tumes and various noisemakers. Despite its Acadian origins, Tintamarre now unites all French speakers in Canada.

Canada’s Acadian Tintamarre began in 1955 during commemoration ceremonies for the 200th anniversary of the British Expulsion of the Acadians. The Expulsion killed thousands of people during Britain’s war against New France.

During the ceremony in 1955, the Archbishop of Moncton invited attendees to make noise with whatever they could

as the heartbeat of French-speaking Canada two centuries after the attempt to extinguish it.

Sugar Shack dinner

The Association communautaire

fransaskoise de Moose Jaw is hosting its traditional French-Canadian Cabane à sucre (Sugar Shack) dinner and dance on Saturday, March 23 at École Ducharme from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The dinner will feature chicken, potatoes, soup and the always popular — and event focus — maple taffy on snow, with a snow cone machine making the ice.

Meanwhile, Saskatchewan musician Michel Vezina will perform afterward.

Tickets are on sale until Thursday, March 14. The cost is $15 per adult, $10 for youths aged 11 to 16, $5 for kids aged six to 10 and free for children under age $10.

To purchase, call 306-691-0068.

The ACFMJ is making 100 tickets available for the event, and so far, it has sold more than 50, which means people should purchase them soon, said Poumeni.

“We are excited to organize Tintamarre and the sugar shack because these two which contribute to the development of our community and which make us proud as French speakers,” he added. “We would (also) like to take this opportunity to thank our funder, Canadian Heritage.”

Women’s Day event

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Fransaskoise association is hosting a painting workshop and round table debate on Saturday, March 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at École Ducharme on the theme “Housewives: A real job.”

The workshop starts at 3 p.m., while the debate starts at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the ACFMJ’s Facebook page, https://acfmj. ca/, or email acfmoosejaw@gmail.com.

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Jason G. Antonio- Moose Jaw Express

Maple taffy snow: As part of the Sugar Shack dinner and dance, volunteers pour maple taffy on snow and then wrap it around a stick to eat. Photo courtesy Getty Images

Participants in the Tintamarre parade from past years. Photo courtesy Facebook

Hector. Photo by: Prairie Skies Integration Network

Later this month, the new provincial budget will deliver the largest ever increase in school operating funding and a record new commitment to address classroom size and complexity. Premier Scott Moe recently took the unusual step of announcing part of the education budget prior to budget day, to clearly demonstrate our government’s commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classroom supports.

The 2024-25 provincial budget will include the largest increase in school operating funding in Saskatchewan’s history. There will be $180 million of increased funding, up nearly 9 per cent, to $2.2 billion. This inallocated to classroom supports, an increase of over $45 million or about 15 per cent since last year.

are asking the STF to pause their job action so that teachers and students can return to their classrooms, and the teachers’ union can return to the bargaining table.

Our government recently introduced the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, outlining how the province

our economy is creating and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed. The strategy outlines how the province is preparing people for both current and emerging jobs in Saskatchewan and aligning training opportunities in post-secondary institutions to the needs of industry.

A strong labour force drives healthy economies and successful communities, and this strategy is our roadmap to secure a labour force that keeps pace with growing demands and opportunities of our economy. Through strategic investments that align the workforce with the needs of industry, we are ensuring that investment in to our province is supported and that growth translates into a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people.

Our province’s growing labour force is supported by a growing economy. Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector continues to experience growth, further fuelling a strong provincial economy. Agri-food exports to India have increased in volume by over 71 per cent from 2022 to 2023. Exports of Saskatchewan lentils and peas to India, the growth by the end of 2023.

Our government ensures Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry can continue to grow through strategic investments that support the industry. Details of the 2024 Crop Insurance Program have recently been released, building on the existing suite of Business Management Programs offered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC).

All producers are encouraged to take a proactive approach to tailor their coverage to further manage and mitigate their risk. March 31, 2024, is the deadline for Saskatchewan producers to apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract. Producers must select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by

to make any changes or coverage will remain the same as the previous year.

A strong and growing economy ensures investments can be made in key services, such as health care, as well. Saskatchewan is investing in several breast cancer and screening initiatives to support substantial detection and treatment enhancements for patients.

A new Breast Health Centre in Regina was just announced, which will provide diagnostic imaging, consultation with specialists and surgeons, and patient education, support and navigation. It will also provide on-site access to post treatment care, such as therapies and rehabilitation.

Family physicians and nurse practitioners will be able to refer patients directly to the new centre, helping to reduce wait times. The new centre will be located at Regina Centre Crossing on Albert Street and will be open

The province is also making changes to the screening age eligibility from the current 50 and older to include women aged 40-49. In addition, new 3D breast imaging and breast tumour localized “seed” technology will enhance breast cancer detection, result in fewer delays and cancellations, and offer less discomfort for patients. Our government is committed to continuing to make targeted investments in health care so you can receive the care you need when you need it.

As our government continues to move through the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly and prepares for the presentation of the provincial budget on March 20, we look forward to hearing from you! Please reach can reach us at 306-692-8884 or mjnorthmla@sasktel. net.

International educator bringing alternative teaching method to Moose Jaw

Dr. Sarah Aiono was an elementary school teacher for more than 20 years when she began questioning the traditional teaching model and decided to focus on an approach called learning through play.

Aiono was working with children who had behavioural issues when she and her mother discussed what was happening in their respective classrooms. Her mom — a principal — was involved in the forit offered students that traditional classrooms don’t.

“We … decided, well, we might run a workshop (about learning through play) and see if anyone was interested in coming along,” Aiono said. “We didn’t look back from there; it was very popular and grew from there.”

In 2016, the duo formed Longworth Education, a New Zealand-based provider of professional development for teachers and educationalists.

Longworth’s learning-through-play (LTP) approach attempts to meet children’s curricular, social and physical development needs in a more enhanced way than traditional pedagogy, while its practice is evidence-based, future-focused and innovative.

Since forming the company, Aiono, has become a sought-after presenter at international conferences on this topic. In partnership with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division, the Longworth CEO will be bringing her teaching method to Moose Jaw in April.

Aiono will speak with educators and children-focused workers at the Events Centre on Monday, April 22 and Tuesday,

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

April 23. She will introduce people to play pedagogy — the art or science of teaching — and focus on teaching the curriculum through play and teachers’ roles in a playbased classroom.

Meanwhile, she will give a public presentation on Wednesday, April 24, about the neuroscience of play and why it’s required to support brain development. The place and time have yet to be set.

“I’m excited to be coming to Moose Jaw … ,” Aiono said, especially since Holy Trinity’s early learning team — led by consultant Laura Adrian — has been working on this initiative for several years and she wants to help it grow.

LTP has become popular because parents and educators are realizing childhood is short and can be a “magical time” for kids, said Aiono. Furthermore, educators understand that information sticks in children’s heads better if the learning is meaningful, engaging and fun.

Conversely, drilling knowledge into kids and having them repeatedly write down information — known as the “drill and kill method” — sucks the joy out of learning, she continued.

“We want kids to come out of school at the other end not burnt out … but to keep going and seeing themselves as (lifelong) learners,” said Aiono.

Drill and kill is good for learning basic facts, while free play is great for kids since they need more of it, although it doesn’t give them enough direction for learning, she continued. Therefore, LTP sits between both.

“The role of the adult is really critical, but equally, that adult has to know what

Dr. Sarah Aiono is a New Zealand-based educator who promotes a teaching approach called learning through play. She will be in Moose Jaw in April discussing this method. Photo submitted

tool is right for the job … ,” said Aiono. “So, we just want to make sure we’re getting a whole perspective on the child and not just what a test score says.”

While decades of research in behavioural and social sciences have shown that this teaching method works, neuroscience — and brain-scanning technology learn, she said.

Learning through play is “the best gang for (our) buck for our brain” because it uses much more grey matter than sitting

in a traditional classroom, Aiono pointed out. Furthermore, research also shows the development of mental executive functions is more important than academic scores.

These functions — such as impulse control, problem-solving, task organization and negotiation — are developed in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is stimulated during play or creative activities, she said.

LTP “freaks everyone out” because many parents and teachers think it’s a freefor-all that doesn’t follow the curriculum — which is untrue, Aiono continued. This teaching method is the hardest and most complex because educators are balancing letting children pursue what they want to learn with following the curriculum.

“It is the art of doing them both and doing them effectively,” she said.

LTP is about enabling children to take initiative in their learning and investigate what interests them, while teachers use observational data and create curriculum-connected opportunities for further learning into a topic, she explained.

Connected to LTP are play invitations,

as an opportunity for further exploration, she continued. This approach allows educators to “hook” pupils with an interesting topic versus forcing everyone to complete the same worksheet.

“It’s just being a little craftier to keep the engagement of children and keep this excitement around learning going,” Aiono added.

By Patricia Hanbidge

Starting Seeds – Part II

Last week our column focused on some of the basics surrounding starting your own seeds. We talked about plants needing light, water, warmth, oxygen and food to grow and a little bit about the seed itself. Growing your own plants from seed is magical.

Most gardeners derive great satisfaction from growing plants. They grow just for ornamental value and also growing food that graces our tables when we cook for both friends and family. Starting seeds allows a greater degree of satisfaction and enables the gardener and the chef to know exactly what products were used on the plants from the beginning of life. Growing your own is also a more sustainable alternative to purchasing food that has been grown many miles away and had to undergo an unbelievable amount of transportation in order to get to our local grocer.

You might be wondering why it is a good idea to start seeds. After all it is a bit of work and you do need to purchase some gear in order to do it right. First and foremost, starting seeds will allow you to extend the growing season. This is a good thing as our frost-free days range from around 90 to 120. Many of the desirable crops you might like to grow need more than that amount of time to mature. Also, if you are a gardener, you already know that what you wish to grow that cannot be seeded into the garden in spring might not be available for you to purchase as bedding plants. We all like to be individual and grow in our gardens whatever we choose, so starting your own seeds will give you much more variability in your garden.

Another consideration is the importance of maintaining diversity in our seed sources. Growing heritage or heirloom plants allows a refurbishment of seeds that otherwise might be lost forever. In the age of

the ease of travel may make us more aware of the importance of ensuring our roots, our history, heritage and ultimately our seeds are maintained appropriately for future generations.

Now that we understand many of the reasons why we start seeds, let’s talk more

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation announced more job action starting Monday, March 11, including withdrawal of extracurricular support and noon-hour supervision that affected Prairie South and Holy Trinity Catholic school divisions.

Meanwhile, the provincial government announced it had signed a new four-year agreement with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA) to address classroom support.

Teachers gave notice on March 8 of a three-day, province-wide withdrawal of extracurricular activities from March 11-13 and a one-day, rotating withdrawal of noon-hour supervision on March 11, the STF announced. By law, 48 hours’ notice was required for job action; however, the union provided extra time to allow families to make arrangements.

STF president Samantha Becotte said teachers regretted the continuation of job action but remained steadfast in wanting measures to address class size and complexity to be part of the provincial collective agreement.

“While (last) week’s funding announcement (from the province) is welcome, it does not guarantee ongoing, predictable and sustainable funding for education,” Becotte said.

“We have said on many occasions that a new collective agreement is within reach; government simply has to come to the bargaining table with a mandate to negotiate class size and complexity.”

The province-wide withdrawal of extracurricular activities on March 11, March 12 and March 13, meant teachers did not provide voluntary services involved in the organization, supervision and facilitation of activities, travel, graduation preparations, school clubs and other

activities, the union said.

Meanwhile, the withdrawal of noon-hour supervision on March 11, meant STF members did not supervise students who are eating lunch at school or taking part in noon-hour activities.

Although teachers — including principals and vice principals — often provide lunch break supervision, it is done on a voluntary basis, while student supervision is the responsibility of the school division and supervisors are not required to be teachers, the STF said.

Withdrawal of noon-hour supervision involved teachers who are members of man local associations including Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and Prairie South School Division.

Prairie Valley School Division

“Teachers understand that the withdrawal of noonhour supervision and extracurricular activities is a concern for many students and families,” the STF added.

“Parents and caregivers concerned about the impact of job action should contact their MLA and elected school board trustees and encourage the government’s bargaining committee to return to the table with a new mandate.”

More provincial funding

In a news release, the provincial government said it was committed to working with Saskatchewan’s locally elected school boards to ensure there is long-term and sustainable funding to support classrooms. It demonstrated this by signing a new agreement with the SSBA from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028.

The agreement guarantees a base amount of longcommitment to enhancing educational outcomes and providing additional classroom support across the province, the government continued.

about the magic of the process and the huge variation of techniques that you may need to undertake for success. Last week we talked about the four things that seeds need in order to begin life. What we did not talk about is the huge variation of germination requirements that are needed in order to begin that amazing spark of life.

Other than the generalization that germination begins with the uptake of water, there are a host of conditions that are necessary for successful germination. To simplify things for you, let’s think of what you are growing as being either warm or cool-season crops. Warm season crops like sweet corn, lima beans, tomatoes, peppers, melons, okra, eggplant will generally need a warmer season of growth and typically a slightly warmer germination temperature. Cool season crops will generally need the opposite. The other common variable you may encounter is the need to either have light conditions or dark conditions for that magical process to begin.

Once that life has begun then it is important for you to provide every little thing that will be needed in order to grow healthy plants that are ready to be transplanted out into the garden.

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

The agreement provides a minimum of $356.6 million per year for four years for classroom supports and increased investment into youth mental health resources, as part of a budget that marks the largest increase of $180 million to school operating funding ever.

“This agreement provides a written guarantee, signed by the government, for long-term funding for classroom supports — funding that will address important issues like classroom size and complexity,” Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said.

“Now that our government has made this unprecedented commitment in a signed agreement, it’s time for the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation to end their job action and return to the bargaining table, so that students and teachers can return to the classroom.”

Said SSBA president Jaimie Smith-Windsor, “This agreement represents the willingness of both the Ministry of Education and school boards to work collaboratively toward solutions with some predictable and sustainable funding to back it up. These issues are best addressed at the local level, working with teachers, staff, students, parents, and families.”

This partnership formalizes a commitment to ongoing collaboration between government and school boards in supporting students across the province and establishes a new pathway to long-term funding sustainability, the government said.

This agreement also underscores a mutual recognition of the importance of local decision-making and the variety of Saskatchewan’s communities and signals strengthening relationships by providing direct investment for classrooms, it added.

Provincial Court Report

Pre-trial meeting set for man accused of attempted murder, shooting at police

Moose Jaw Provincial Court had scheduled a two-day preliminary inquiry to hear whether there was enough evidence on two issues against Jirard Stacey Saddleback to proceed to trial, but a pre-trial management meeting will occur instead.

Saddleback, 33, walked into provincial court on March 4 in handcuffs and ankle cuffs while wearing a grey sweater. His defence lawyer, Aleida Oberholzer, appeared by phone, while federal Crown prosecutor Suzanne Young appeared in person.

The main charge that the preliminary inquiry — which the Crown usually uses to test the strength of its case — was to hear focused on possession of drugs for over $5,000 was to be spoken to.

Instead, through consent to committal, Oberholzer waived the right to the preliminary inquiry — available to offenders facing an indictable (serious) charge punishable by jail of 14 years or more — and agreed to set pre-trial dates in Court of King’s Bench. She also waived the other charge to that venue.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The pre-trial meeting will occur on Friday, March 22, at 9 a.m.

The defence waived the preliminary inquiry because the provincial Crown had already proceeded on Saddleback’s other — more major — charges through direct indictment and sent them to King’s Bench, Young explained afterward. The two charges that counsels would have discussed during the inquiry will go to that venue to “marry them up” because they’re part of the same incident.

The pre-trial management meeting will occur with a non-trial justice who can assist the Crown and defence in narrowing down the issues and witnesses required for an actual trial, she continued. The justice can also determine how much time a trial will require and whether there are any applications to be made beforehand.

A pre-trial meeting is usually 30 minutes and closed to the public, and assuming the counsels have made trial dates, Young added. However, what usually happens is another pre-trial get-together is needed to address additional issues, such as the proposed admission of evidence

According to previous information, Saddleback’s Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) on Oct. 22, 2022, during an operation involving the MJPS Tactical Recourt appearance two days later, on Oct. 24. Saddleback was charged with attempted murder, pos-

He had previously been sought on a Canada-wide warrant issued out of Calgary for being unlawfully at large.

and had been equipped with a prohibited magazine with a 30-round capacity.

Besides the two tactical teams, the operation was supported by MJPS patrol members, the K-9 unit, the criminal investigation section (CIS), dispatchers, administration members, crisis negotiators, and a drone pilot.

Woman receives probation for stealing nearly $3K worth of items from stores

Ontario resident Nicole Boughner came to Saskatchewan to escape a toxic relationship, but it followed her, and she became so “hopelessly addicted” and homeless that she stole nearly $3,000 in merchandise to survive.

Boughner, 47, appeared in Moose Jaw Provincial Court recently, where she pleaded guilty to 11 charges, with many of them for theft, two for failing to attend court and one each for assault and breaching probation.

Since she had spent 26 days in custody, the court gave her enhanced credit of 39 days and counted that as time served, which meant she would not have to spend existing probation order.

after she entered Superstore and stole several items totalling $903.54 before exiting the store without paying, Crown prosecutor Rob Parker said while reading the facts. Store security apprehended her, but there was a

The courts gave the woman a one-year probation oncer, which she did. However, she failed to report in June breach offence.

On June 24, 2023, Boughner entered the Superstore liquor store, grabbed four bottles worth $135.96 and left without paying, Parker said. Police arrested her the next

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

day but did not recover the alcohol.

On another occasion, the woman entered a shoe store at the Town ‘n’ Country Mall, grabbed two purses and

She later visited Rexall Drugs and put several items into a bag, but because she was known to staff since she had shoplifted from there before, they told her to leave and attempted to grab her bag, the Crown prosecutor continued. She punched one employee in the arm and another injured.

On Nov. 14, 2023, Boughner entered Walmart and grabbed $450 worth of merchandise — consumables, trading carts and boots — and then ran out the emergency doors.

A day later, police arrested her after she stole two security cameras worth $200 from an apartment building on High Street West.

Lastly, on Dec. 23, 2023, Boughner entered Superstore, grabbed food, put them in bags and hid them within her clothing, Parker said. She then grabbed a winter coat, ripped off the tags and put it on, before grabbing socks, leggings and a Bluetooth speaker — all items totalled $713 — and running out the emergency door.

The total cost of all the items Boughner stole last year was $2,832.36.

Legal Aid lawyer Julie Knox explained that Bough-

‘extremely high’ blood alcohol levels

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The death of his mother prompted Dorie Deigle to begin drinking heavily, which became his downfall after police found him driving with a blood alcohol level that was three times the legal limit.

Deigle, 55, was behind the wheel of his vehicle at 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 8 when another motorist called 911 to say there was an impaired driver on the road, Crown prosecutor Rob Parker said recently in Moose Jaw Provincial Court while reading the facts.

Police pulled over the Moose Javian on the 100 block of First Avenue Northeast and discovered that he “showed strong signs of impairment,” including the odour of bevphysical co-ordination in handing over his licence, the Crown prosecutor continued.

that showed his blood alcohol content (BAC) levels were “extremely high” at .250 and .240, which was three times the legal limit of .08.

$2,000, but because of the elevated readings, Parker recommended that the judge impose a monetary penalty of $2,300, along with the usual one-year driving prohibition and cancellation of Deigle’s licence.

“Mr. Deigle did advise me … of the circumstances, that right around this time, he indicated he had lost his

mother — she had passed away,” Parker said. “He was gohe was drinking to excess.”

Since Deigle agreed to plead guilty to having a BAC level over .08, the Crown agreed to stay a charge of impaired driving and — to show compassion because of his family situation — declined to charge him with breaching a probation order, the Crown prosecutor added.

Judge Brian Hendrickson accepted the joint submisout that driving while having a BAC level that was three times the legal limit was “extremely risky” for not only Deigle but other users of the road. However, he sympathized with the man’s circumstances.

“Obviously, in anyone’s life, it’s a traumatic moment when a parent dies,” the judge said.

Judge Hendrickson also commended Deigle for taking steps to address his addiction after the resident said he had been sober for seven months until this incident and had been sober for four months after attending a detox program.

and gave Deigle three months — with the possibility of an Society.

ner moved to Assiniboia two years ago to be with her son after leaving an unhealthy relationship in Ontario that included drug use.

She had six months of sobriety when her ex-boy-tually left, but she became “hopelessly addicted” and homeless.

Boughner had no criminal record until last spring, but she takes full responsibility for the offences and is remorseful for her actions, Knox said. Moreover, she has admitted that her mental health deteriorated because of the drug use.

The woman’s time in custody helped her become sober, and when she leaves custody, she plans to move back to Ontario to live with her mother, the defence lawyer added.

Judge Brian Hendrickson accepted the joint submis-

Nearly a year after combining public works and utilities with engineering into one larger department at city hall, city manager Maryse Carmichael has joined together three other areas to address the community’s growth.

City hall sent out an email recently saying Craig Hemingway, who had been the communications director, would now be the acting director of strategic growth, while Hayley Hart-Rushinko, who had been the commube the acting manager of communications and stakeholder relations for the city.

In a separate email to the Express, Carmichael explained that the new department of strategic growth would be a mainly outward-facing branch that combines communications, stakeholder engagement — including First Nations relations — and economic development.

Furthermore, this department will include the new position of grant writer, a role council approved during its 2024 budget deliberations.

The grant writer will research available opportunities for grants and funding for the municipality and work with other departments and/or third-party organizations to help write applications, she added. That person will also play

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON. MAR. 11

Property damage that city employees cause because of how often they use public roads continues to be the No. 1 safety issue city hall faces, with four departments causing the most problems.

The human resources department investigated 50 safety incidents during the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to 30 incidents during the same period in 2022, according to a recent city council report.

The data for 2022 and 2023 from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 show:

First aid: 8 / 13

Dangerous occurrence: 1 / 0

· Loss-time injury: 6 / 3

· No loss time: 4 / 5

Near miss: 0 / 13

· Motor-vehicle collision: 6 / 2

· Property damage: 5 / 11

Non-occupational involving non-employees: 0 / 3

“The initiative (to enhance safety) is to promote nearmiss reporting, safe driving habits and workplace inspections,” the report said. Furthermore, the goal this year is to direct prevention techniques to address safety-related hazards and powered mobile equipment operations.

The corrective actions city administration plans to pursue are to develop a safety management system and educate employees better, the document continued, adding there must be “precise communication” about “all levels of involvement and deliverables.”

Meanwhile, the data from Q3 to Q4 of last year

an important role in daily stakeholder engagement activities.

Carmichael said she formed this new department to ensure the focus on community growth had the required autonomy and importance it deserved. Moreover, having for clear and streamlined direction.

This is the second big change Carmichael has made to city administration’s organizational structure since shemer after she amalgamated the engineering department with the public works and utilities department to form the operations department.

The Express reported on this change in November after information about the departmental change appeared in a city council report.

“The director of strategic growth will play a pivotal role in advancing the city’s development by overseeing key areas such as economic development, communications, stakeholder relationships, including Indigenous relations, and grant funding research and application,” Carmichael said in her email.

“The director assumes a crucial position in fostering

showed:

First aid: 5 / 13

· Dangerous occurrence: 1 / 0

Loss-time injury: 0 / 3

No loss time: 1 / 5

· Near miss: 15 / 13

· Motor-vehicle collision: 1 / 2

Property damage: 5 / 11

Non-occupational: 1 / 3

The data also showed that the departments of transit, streets and roads, parks and recreation and water/wastewater had the most total safety incidents last year, while streets and roads committed the most property damagereation.

“Safety hazards and their sub-categories are the trending hazard the City of Moose Jaw is currently mitigating to prevent future occurrences,” the report continued.

The document noted that training workers to operate complex machinery properly requires more time than usual to meet industry standards. To correct these problems, city hall is increasing training hours for operators who use these vehicles, the report continued.

Furthermore, it is implementing more supervision of operations on city streets by ensuring there is a pilot vehicle present, while it is conducting regular and scripted safety meetings based on previous incidents and seasonal risks.

sustainable growth and enhancing the overall well-being of our community.”

Carmichael added that while Hemingway is currently the acting department director and Hart-Rushinko is the acting manager of communications, she plans to holdmanently.

The city manager pointed out during the November interview that her background is different from that of a regular municipal administrator.

“So, what I’m trying to do here is bring the best of all those different worlds, whether it’s the military, whether it’s the corporate world and the municipal world … and put (them) together,” she said.

Carmichael said then that she was still reviewing the composition of other departments and re-reading her on the job. She would decide where to go in the future

While she said then that she might consider combining corporate services and customer service, there has been no word yet on whether that’s going to happen.

The City of Moose Jaw approved nearly $11 million in building permits in the fourth quarter of 2023, data show, while it supported over $80 million worth of permits for the entire year.

A fourth-quarter report from the planning and development services department shows city hall approved $10,853,499 in building permits from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.

In comparison, it approved $18,493,708 in Q4 2022 and $44,108,470 in Q4 2021.

Meanwhile, the city issued $80,309,495 in building permits for all last year, which was comprised of $7,470,462 in residential, $22,146,774 in commercial/ industrial and $50,692,259 in institutional.

In comparison, in 2022, those numbers were $106,089,813 total permits, $25,268,725 residential, $20,386,788 commercial/industrial and $60,434,300 institutional. -

mits, $16,483,080 residential, $39,743,109 commercial/ industrial and $10,117,116 institutional.

Also, the total number of building permits that city hall issued last year was 158, compared to 221 the year before.

Meanwhile, the department issued 33 building per-

mits in Q4 last year, with residential permits leading the way at 14. Conversely, in Q4 2022, there were 36 total permits, with residential (19) and industrial/commercial (12) as the top categories. Also, there were 62 permits issued in Q4 2021, with residential (26), industrial/commercial (13) and accessory buildings (10) as the top categories.

Construction of the new joint-use school is included in last year’s development permits under institution.

Meanwhile, other examples of institutions include places of worship, community centres, community colleges and universities, day cares, elementary schools, public libraries, museums, nursing homes, police stations, and high schools.

Building inspections

Department staff conducted 52 building inspections between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, while they made 266 total annual inspections.

In comparison, those numbers were, respectively, 95 and 398 in 2022 and 112 and 527 in 2021.

Also, during Q4, city hall approved 46 new business licences, renewed six and closed 11. For the entire year, those numbers were 227, 1,682 and 135, respectively.

Labour relations quarter, while an arbitration award was received for one CUPE grievance and Unifor withdrew one grievance, the report said. Also, as of Dec. 31, 2023, there were 12 active CUPE grievances, which is an increase of one from Q3.

City demographics

There were 297 employees with the City of Moose Jaw as of Dec. 31, 2023, which was an increase from 294 as of Sept. 31, 2022, the report said.

Furthermore, the work experience data among the 297 employees show:

· Five to 10 years: 20.4 per cent

· 10 to 15 years: 15.1 per cent

· 15 to 20 years: 8.9 per cent

· 20 to 25 years: 8.2 per cent

· More than 25 years: 6.6 per cent

Also, age data show:

Under age 20: 6.6 per cent

· 20 to 30: 11.2 per cent

· 30 to 40: 26.6 per cent

· 40 to 50: 26.3 per cent

· 50 to 60: 17.8 per cent

· Over 60: 11.5 per cent

Also, the data show that men comprise 61.2 per cent of the workforce and women make up 38.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, in Q4 of 2022, 35 new business licences were approved, three renewed and four closed. For the entire year, those numbers were 184, 1,687 and 163, respectively.

Also, in Q4 2021, 42 new business licences were issued, 13 were renewed, and two were closed. For the entire year, those numbers were 216, 1,548 and 67, respectively.

As part of the fourth-quarter report — presented during a recent city council meeting — the department noted that:

· There were eight lots available and 24 acres of unserviced subdivided land in the Grayson Business Park

· The Great Plains Power Station was 95 per cent complete and expected to be commissioned in early 2024ment framework to the economic development team, present the document to council

to participate in the agri-value cluster development project, which aims to strengthen core industry sections in the region

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

City reminds residents that elm tree pruning ban starts April 1

The City of Moose Jaw is reminding residents that the elm tree pruning ban will be in effect from Monday, April 1 to Aug. 31 and that it is illegal to prune elm trees during this time.

Residents must dispose of all elm wood at the city

free of charge from the parks and recreation department.

Elm bark beetles, which play a critical role in the transmission of Dutch Elm Disease (DED), are attracted

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON. MAR. 11 Cremation continued to be the most popular way for residents to say goodbye to their loved ones in 2023, with data showing this approach occurred nearly three times more than traditional burials.

A report from the parks and recreation department showed there were 14 regular burials at the Rosedale Cemetery during the fourth quarter of last year, compared to 23 cremation burials. Meanwhile, for 2023, there were 48 regular burials and 129 cremation burials — or 2.7 times more of the latter.

In comparison, there were 59 regular and 173 cremation burials in 2022, 37 regular and 136 cremation burials in 2021 and 46 regular and 101 cremation burials in 2020.

Meanwhile, the department received 110 requests for service between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, and resolved 90, a completion of 82 per cent.

In comparison, during the same period in 2022, the department received 546 service requests and resolved 418, for a conclusion rate of 77 per cent.

For all of last year, parks and rec received 1,035 total service requests and resolved 903, for a conclusion rate of 87 per cent.

In comparison, there were 1,402 requests for service in 2022, with 1,066 resolved for a conclusion rating of 76 per cent.

Other highlights from Q4 included:

· The outdoor pickleball courts closed for the season in late October; there were 152 members with Pickleball Moose Jaw last year

A new parks and open spaces supervisor started to replace the long-term parks supervisor who retired A new horticulture and forestry supervisor position was created to oversee the department’s forestry dimaintenance

· The department renewed a ski trail maintenance

VILLAGE OF AVONLEA ASSESSMENT ROLL 2024

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Avonlea for the year 2024 has been prepared and is now open to inspection in the office of the Assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., on the following days: Monday to Friday, inclusive, March 11th, 2024 to April 9th, 2024.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal, accompanied by a $500.00 appeal fee per parcel to the Secretary of the Centralized Board of Revision: Box 328 Nokomis, SK S0G 3R0 by the 9th day of April, 2024.

Dated this 11th day of March, 2024.

Jaimie Paranuik, Assessor.

Box 209 Avonlea, Sask. S0H 0C0

(306)868-2221

avonlea@sasktel.net

to pruning wounds during the ban period. The beetle is the main carrier of the fungus responsible for DED and travels from infected trees, where they deposit their eggs beetles deliver spores of the fungus in a very effective manner.

“The City of Moose Jaw had 38 positive cases of Dutch Elm Disease in 2023, which can lead to the removal of those trees that (form) the major species of our urban forestry,” said Nijil Joseph Martin, forestry and horticul-

ture supervisor.

“Elms are some of the most valuable trees in our city, and you can help protect our elm tree population by pruning out deadwood before the pruning ban takes effect and promptly disposing of all elm wood.”

For additional information and help identifying elm trees, contact the city’s parks and recreation department at 306-694-4447 or use the parks and recreation links at www.moosejaw.ca.

Cremations nearly three times as popular as regular burials at city cemeteries, data shows

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

agreement with Wakamow Valley Authority and the cross-country ski club for one year

· The city renewed an agreement with the South Hill Community Association to operate and maintain the Westheath outdoor rink for two years

· The department implemented a new internal operational regulations guide for the enforcement of Dutch elm disease on private property

Sports venue statistics

The fourth-quarter report — presented during a recent city council meeting — also provided data about the usage of sports venues.

At the Kinsmen Sportsplex Pool, 31,497 people used the venue in the fourth quarter, while there were 121,157 total users for the year.

In comparison, those numbers were, respectively, 28,901 and 106,908 in 2022, 28,317 and 78,111 in 2021, and 13,206 and 51,441 in 2020.

Meanwhile, there were 366 total aquatic memberships last year, compared to 343 in 2022, 343 in 2021 and 112 in 2020. Furthermore, for recreation pass memberships, there were 1,200 total last year, compared to 864 in 2022, 656 in 2021 and 527 in 2020.

Also, there were 1,398 total memberships at the Yara Centre, compared to 1,081 in 2022, 941 in 2021 and 613 in 2020.

At the three hockey arenas, there were 1,958.75 users in the fourth quarter, with the Kinsmen Arena being the busiest venue. Meanwhile, there were 4,737 total annual users of all three arenas.

In comparison, those numbers were, respectively, 1,950 and 4,327.50 in 2022, 1,972 and 2,921.50 in 2021 and 1,324 and 3,200.50 in 2020.

Of note, minor hockey comprised 56 per cent of all and rush ice at seven per cent.

VILLAGE OF CARONPORT

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL 2024

Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Village of Caronport for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday to Friday, March 11th to April 22nd, 2024. A Bylaw pursuant to section 214 of “The Municipalities Act” has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against their assessment is required to file their notice of appeal in writing, accompanied by a $300.00 fee for each assessment being appealed which will be returned if the appeal is successful, with: Kristen Tokaryk, Secretary of the Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd, Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 by the 22nd of April 2024.

Dated this, 11th day of March, 2024

Ashley Chase Assessor Village of Caronport

Box 550 Caronport, SK S0H 0S0

At Yara Centre, there were 5,625 users in the fourth quarter and 17,067 total annual users. In comparison, those numbers were, respectively, 6,798 and 23,699 in 2022, 5,870 and 8,731 in 2021 and 4,496 and 20,260 in 2020.

Also, 21,221 people attended a drop-in program in Q4, while there were 72,039 total annual drop-in users.

In comparison, those numbers were, respectively, 14,858 and 52,095 in 2022, 11,924 and 48,249 in 2021 and 7,838 and 17,476 in 2020.

RM

Surface and Mineral interest rights included, if applicable Includes all steel corrals and cattle oilers on the property AS IS

The total annual rent for 2023 was $1,178.00 (excluding GST)

Conditions:

1. Submit bids to Grayson & Company Law rm as below on or before 12 o'clock noon, MONDAY APRIL 1st, 2024.

2. A cheque for 3% of the amount of the bid must accompany the tender.

3. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

4. No tenders shall be accepted which are subject to nancing.

5. Persons submitting a tender must rely on their own research and inspection of the property to con rm condition, other particulars, and acreage; Land is o ered for sale is o ered for sale as is and where is. There are no warranties or representations of the Vendors expressed or implied and should seek their own legal and accounting advice.

6. Purchases is eligible for the lease and to pay the lease transfer of all Crown Leases. Lands will be transferred free and clear of all encumbrances save except Crown leased land and all Conservation Easements.

7. The closing Date for the sale shall be on or before April 15, 2024, or as mutually agreed to between the Vendor and the Purchaser.

8. The Purchaser will be responsible for all legal costs associated with the title transfer.

9. For all inquiries please contact Walter Forman at 306-630-5060.

15 Wing commemorates International Women’s Day with guest

International Women’s Day was formally commemorated at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on the morning of March 8.

Starting just after 10 a.m. in the “Glass Palace,” the audience consisted primarily of women who serve as active service members, military wives, mothers, and veterans. To kick off the event, an Major Amanda Maki took place at 10:23 a.m.

“We’re just so appreciative and so honoured for everyone being here and just having many walks of life and embracing this day… throughout your lives in different avenues and different pathways,” said Nicole Hebert in her opening address.

Hebert was then superseded by the event’s MC, Talia Dequier.

we know, the women who have raised us, for their families – but mostly we want to recognize all the women who we know deserve a day in their honour,” Dequier said.

“Here’s to the women who refuse to bow down.”

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

The commander of 15 Wing, WCOMD Col. Dan Coutts delivered his address next.

“The effort of those early (pioneering all – in Canada, across the world, but also in the Canadian Armed Forces especially. That journey continues,” announced Col. Coutts.

He said the pioneering work of these women also opened up dialogue for the inclusion of all diverse genders into Canadian institutions and workplaces.

“It’s incredibly important work, I just wanted to emphasize that and thank everybody, especially those champions who… have the courage to lead change in our institutions, in the Canadian Armed Forces, and in Canada.”

Following Col. Coutts’ address, dep-

Carrie shared a few words and expertlyange Blossom Special.”

Originally from Calgary, Carrie always had a passion for music and learned to play the violin at the age of three. Carrie earned her master’s degree in music studies and has since performed at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and at Yale University.

tering career change, Carrie switched from studying business to joining the military on the advice of a close friend and has been proudly serving ever since.

“I encourage other women to join the military and to view it as a viable career option,” she said.

“I think it’s very important to be in service to your country and to bring awareness to Canadian issues.”

Author, speaker, military spouse, and advocate Kim Mills then took the podium

to speak about the military lifestyle from the perspective of a military wife and mother. Her husband currently serves in Edmonton, and this marked her 23rd MFS (Military Family Services) event.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Mills noted.

“Investing in someone is not always monetary,” she elaborated. “Investing in someone is time… compassion, care, and service to them.

“We’re expected to look at other women as competition. We are expected to treat other women as though their success is our failure,” she said.

“If we’re not given a lot of opportunity to succeed, we’re going to hold onto our successes and we’re going to treat those around us as though if they succeed as well, they’re going to steal some of that success from us.”

She described this mentality as the

“Martyr Olympics,” where society appears to value women who suffer the most.

The need for women’s advocacy is an ongoing matter, she said. If women stop advocating, they’ll be the ones to get hurt and society is unlikely to speak up for them. If two women are in competition, neither one will receive support because they’ve invalidated each other, she warned.

“Another woman’s success is not our failure,” she advised. “We could both be amazing at the same time.

“I have learned to clap for other women… If one of us loses, we’ve all lost,” Mills said. “I wouldn’t be here if women hadn’t invested in me.”

Following Mills’ presentation, Major Maki said she was extremely proud of thething they’ve accomplished to get this far.

“You can do whatever you put your mind to,” she said. When it comes to women, “We’re absolutely capable of doing that.”

“I have learned to clap for other women… If one of us loses, we’ve all lost,” said author, speaker, military spouse, and advocate Kim Mills.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

“You can do whatever you put your mind to,” said Major Amanda Maki (at podium) who spoke on behalf of the female pilots (present) who performed Aaron Walker

“Here’s to the women who refuse to bow down,” exclaimed event MC Talia Dequier. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Local Youth Tour 15 Wing Moose Jaw

Leading Air Cadet Landon Skjerdal (pictured second from the right) from 20 Freedom Fighter Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (RCACS), had the unique opportunity to sit in a CT-114 Tutor jet trainer, during a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Engagement activity at 15 Wing Moose Jaw on February 23, 2024.

Skjerdal was one of the 90 cadets from southern Saskatchewan who visited 15 Wing Moose Jaw for an excitSkjerdal had the opportunity to communicate with a Ca-tion Squadron, commonly known as the “Snowbirds.” Skjerdal also had the chance to sit in the cockpit of the plane. that, “the weekend was amazing and fun! I’m glad I got to attend.” Skjerdal recommends that anyone who is interested in joining the Cadet Program, should join.

“Cadets is a one-of-a-kind experience and a great way to meet new friends from all over,” said Skjerdal. The Cadet Program aims to develop in youth the attributes

of good citizenship and leadership, promotes a physically active lifestyle, and educates youth on the role of the Canadian Armed Forces while instilling positive military values like loyalty, service, integrity, and teamwork. The Cadet Program is open to all youth between the ages of

12-18 years of age and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication. If you are ready for the challenge, visit www.canada.ca/join-cadets.

Youth Impact Committee to add their voice to the Integrated Youth Services Hub

The YMCA Youth Impact Committee (YIC) of Regina in Moose Jaw is looking for young people between the ages of 12 to 25 to help voice the needs of our youth in various areas of personal growth and social needs. .

The government is investing $3.4 million in 2023-24 to support the continued development, implementation, and operations of an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) the project partners with site designers and young people directly who can impact the needs of their peers

“The (YIC) program is designed to provide invaluable insight and support to the development and ongoing program support for the Integrated Youth Services Hub. This opportunity might be interesting for those looking to improve youth mental health and wellness, and connect with other youth,” explained Ashley Florent, Gen-

YMCA, Integrated Youth Services Hub will take recommendations from the Youth Impact Committee on youth-targeted services and support with a focus on prevention and early intervention.

Four organizations have been chosen to operate Saskatchewan’s Integrated Youth Services (IYS) sites, the YWCA Regina in Regina, PARTNERS Family Services in Humboldt, Sturgeon Lake First Nation Health Center in Sturgeon Lake First Nation and the YMCA of Regina

FOR SALE BY TENDER

Land - RM of Redburn No. 130

NE Sec 34, Twp 13, Rge 24, W2 (160.16 acres)

SW Sec 02, Twp 14, Rge 24, W2 Ext 1 & Ext 2 (156.74 acres)

SE Sec 03, Twp 14, Rge 24, W2 Ext 41 & 43 (148.44 acres)

The undersigned as Solicitors for the Owners will receive written tenders for the purchase of this land until 11:30 a.m, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, subject to the following conditions:

1. Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted, and the right is reserved to reject any or all bids.

2. Bids may be on all quarters or on individual quarters.

3. A certi ed cheque for TEN PERCENT (10%) payable to WALPER BOSSENCE LAW OFFICE, of the amount of the bid must be submitted with the written tender, for the bid to be considered.

4. Unsuccessful bidders will have their certi ed cheques returned uncashed.

5. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the property and con rm acreage (acreage shown is approximate), condition and other particulars.

6. The successful bidder will be responsible for GST reporting.

7. No bins or other buildings on any of the quarters.

8. Seller shall pay all property taxes to December 31, 2023.

9. Balance of purchase price payable by noon, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

10. All bids shall be kept con dential. WALPER-BOSSENCE

Prof.

Fax:

Email:

in Moose Jaw.

So, this gives our youths in and around Moose Jaw an active voice and support for other youths within the community and across Saskatchewan. Work on the sites is underway, with services to begin in 2024-25.

“I’m pleased these communities will host Integrated Youth Services sites, making it easier for our young people to get the services they’re looking for all in one location,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. “This is another step forward in our government’s plan to better serve the needs of youth and their families with coordinated access to a variety of supports.”

Members of the Youth Impact Committee co-design team will use their voices from personally lived experiences to help inform the Integrated Youth Services model for Saskatchewan. The committee input will help guide the development and implementation of services that align with the strategic direction and overall vision for Integrated Youth Services in the province.

The YIC will meet about 3 hours per month to share and allow them to improve youth mental health and wellness, and connect with other youths.

Areas of interest will be mental health and addictions services, physical health services, education, employment and training supports, social and community services, youth and caregiver peer supports, cultural and

FOR SALE BY TENDER

Land - RM of Huron No. 223

159.27 ACRES

Pasture land with one dugout

The undersigned as Solicitors for the Owners will receive written tenders for the purchase of this land until 4:30 p.m, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, subject to the following conditions:

1. Highest or any bid not necessarily accepted, and the right is reserved to reject any or all bids.

2. A certi ed cheque for TEN PERCENT (10%) payable to WALPERBOSSENCE LAW OFFICE, of the amount of the bid must be submitted with the written tender, for the bid to be considered.

3. Unsuccessful bidders will have their certi ed cheques returned uncashed.

4. Taxable Assessment is $74,910.00.

5. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the property and con rm acreage (acreage shown is approximate), condition and other particulars.

6. The successful bidder will be responsible for GST reporting.

7. Buildings (old) are included and are sold 'as is' and 'where is'.

8. Seller shall pay all property taxes to December 31, 2023.

9. Balance of purchase price payable by noon, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

10. All bids shall be kept con dential.

WALPER-BOSSENCE LAW OFFICE

Prof. Corp.

Barristers and Solicitors

84 Athabasca Street West

Moose Jaw SK S6H 2B5

Telephone: (306) 693-7288

Fax: (306) 692-6760

Email: brenda@walperlaw.ca

or: heidi@walperlaw.ca

community need.

If you are between the ages 12 and 25 and need further information or want to participate in the committee by becoming a member, please submit a volunteer application, along with a brief description of why you would like to be a member of the YIC by sending an email to Jill Lesuk at jill.lesuk@mjymca.ca. The YMCA will then contact the youth to follow up on their application. Also, check the Saskatchewan Youth Services at https://saskiys.ca/

Photo Credit: Cadet Master Corporal Tong Jin Cadet Correspondent.

Co-op unveils new employee recognition program in support of

dedicated team members

Good deeds don’t always go unnoticed, as a small handful of employees at the Moose Jaw Co-op experienced after being nominated for going above and beyond in the Co-op’s new Employee Excellence Recognition Program.

Employees can now be nominated by any one of their co-workers or members of the public who witness them going “above and beyond” during their shift, and the move helps the Co-op recognize positive contributions made by its team.

“We want to hear about it. We don’t get to always see everything and hear everything until people share it with us,” said Michaela Turner, the marketing and community relations manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op.

The employee recognition program was created with the goal of recognizing employees who display the values that three stand-out employees are selected on

a quarterly basis starting at the year-end date of Jan. 31.

Employee nominations are reviewed by the Co-op’s selection committee. The committee consists of four leaders chosen from management and four team members chosen from among employees.

beyond” begins with an exceptional display of customer service.

“(It’s) not just like (saying) ‘thank you for shopping with us today,’” Turner noted. “They’ve had an over-and-above level of customer service.

“For example, Meagan in our pharmacy was one of the last recipients to get the award. She drove from our closed pharmacy on a stat holiday down to the regular pharmacy so someone could get urgent medication… when that wasn’t expected of her.”

Carrie works at the South Hill Co-

op Gas Bar and helped an elderly woman cross a busy intersection, and Kim went out of her way to help a customer back on Dec. 4.

Going above and beyond also means delivering exceptional support for fellow team members and providing a noteworthy business innovation such as creating an internal process everyone can use to make their job easier.

The values that represent the Moose Jaw Co-op are excellence, trustworthiness, a commitment to the community in which it does business, and most impor-

“Our vision is, ‘We will be the comdelivery of value and excellence’,” Turner explained.

“That vision and those values are what we live by and strive for every day at Moose Jaw Co-op.”

Once an employee has been selected, Turner said the team operates in secret and

they least expect it.

“(Everyone) who is around (during the employee’s shift) makes a huge spectacle of it… in the middle of the day when they’re least expecting it,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun, and it makes it extra special to actually surprise them and they’re always blown away. It has gone over very well, and we have a lot of fun with it too.”

Turner said the goal is to make this program resemble nothing like a bland, typical comment card that just doesn’t deliver the same message.

“We are very grateful for our employees at Moose Jaw Co-op. We know we have the best employees around, and this is just one small way that we are able to recognize them and really appreciate them for all the hard work that they do,” Turner said.

“These stories really do tell the good news… and really do warm the heart and make us proud of our employees.”

The employee excellence program is currently being built up and management hopes it will gain traction as employees, management, and the public learn more about it.

To nominate an employee, visit MooseJawCo-op.crs/Sites/MooseJaw and search for the “Employee Excellence Recognition Program.” The process is simple, and the application form is available online.

If you aren’t tech savvy, anyone can walk into the store and approach a staff member. All staff have been trained to help guests submit their nomination.

Moose Jaw’s museum and art gallery announces upcoming spring art class workshops

The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) plays an important role as Moose Jaw’s primary forum for making art, culture, and local history accessible, relevant, and inspiring for the community.

In addition to the art museum’s ongoing exhibits, several programs and art classes are also available.

March 2024

On Thursday nights from 7 – 8 p.m., CREATEabilities (sic) art classes will be held for individuals with learning differences. The program started on March 7 and will run until March 28 and will be led by Mark Gilliand.

“Our teacher… likes to do different themes every week,” explained Christy Schweiger, the art gallery’s educational co-ordinator.

“For March, there might be something associated with St. Patrick’s Day, and of course… something for Easter.” a clay creation and students learn about glazing and other sculpting techniques. All CREATEabilities classes cost $25 to attend and materials will be supplied by the instructor.

“Getting together and socializing is also a strong part of it. We have popcorn… and different kinds of things going on as well,” Schweiger said.

There will be a Ukrainian Easter egg

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

decorating class titled “Pysanky,” Schweiger said, and participants will learn how to use beeswax to add different colours to their Easter egg creations.

The Pysanky class will run on Tuesday, March 19 from 4 – 6 p.m., and again for one date in April. The cost to attend each class is $25 per person.

April 2024

In April, a second CREATEabilities program will run for different age groups called “CREATEabilities 2.” This course will also run on Thursdays from April 4 –25 and takes place from 7 – 8 p.m.

A second Pysanky Easter egg decorating class will take place Saturday, April 6, from 1 – 3 p.m.

“Hopefully we can encourage some of the newcomers to come and share their experiences with us,” Schweiger said.

On April 14 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.,shop. The workshop will be led by Xeing Senephimmachack and costs $25 per person. All materials will be provided by the instructor, but guests are asked to supply their own wire cutters.

A couple introductory art classes are also planned with some room available for new participants.

The Beginner Watercolour Painting workshop will run from April 20 – 21. These two sessions will take place 1 – 5 p.m. and cost $95 per guest. The workshop will be led by Bhupinder Singh.

Introduction to Printmaking runs Saturday, April 27 – 28 from 1 – 4 p.m. Sessions are intended for teen and adult participants, and the workshop will be led by Sadi Rose Vaxvick with a cost of $85 per student.

May 2024

“We’ve had so much success in the Indigenous beading workshops that we’re going to add another one,” Schweiger announced. This upcoming class will include beading keychains using moose hide, is led by Jazenta Saultier, and will take place on May 4 from 1 – 5 p.m.

There will also be a fundamental drawing class for teens aged 12 and up. The class will run on Sundays between May 5 – 26 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Hop into Easter

“Hop into Art over Easter” is intended for children aged 6 – 11 years, and online pre-registration is required. The program runs from April 2 – 5 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. and is led by Sadi Rose Vaxvick.

“Each day is themed around an art material,” Schweiger explained. “For instance, Tuesday would be clay, and then Wednesday, Thursday, (and) Friday would be a different kind of material that the kids would be (working with).”

To register, visit the museum’s website and follow the same registration process as for other art classes.

MJMAG also offers several school programs for teachers, including a virtual tour where programs can be followed remotely and affordably. To learn more, visit mjmag.ca/schools.

To register for any of the classes, visit mjmag.ca and select “Art Classes” under the “Learning” tab. If you prefer to visit the art gallery in person, everyone is welcome to stop by to register.

“There is limited space, so I would highly recommend that people don’t doddle,” she said.

All classes will be held in the Kinsmen Learning Centre, located on the Heritage Gallery level of the MJMAG at 461 Langdon Crescent.

For more information, visit mjmag.ca.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express /

Megan from the Co-op pharmacy was selected after going out of her way to pick up urgent medication for a patient during a time when the Co-op was closed. Photo by: Moose Jaw Co-op

Long-time cashier Kim was selected after going out of her way to help a customer back on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo by: Moose Jaw Co-op

Carrie from the South Hill Co-op Gas Bar was selected after going out of her way to help an elderly woman safely cross the nearby busy intersection.

Photo by: Moose Jaw Co-op

The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Festival of Words announces upcoming spring programming, 2024 festival date

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

The Saskatchewan Festival of Words has just announced its lineup of spring programming.

Established in 1996, the Saskatchewan Festival of -

Lit Con 2024cussing marketing strategies and advice for self published FriesenPress,” the workshop will explore the fundamental book.

FriesenPress has donated a manuscript evaluation random following the webinar. The guide is said to be valued at $499.

and The Weird.” Nicks will explore the evolution of the examination of its importance vis-a-vis our inner selves. The presentation will help aspiring writers select aworks.

March 16 from 1 – 3 p.m., Tonia Laird will be hold-

FestivalofWords.com.

Cineview

periences a cultural awakening after spending summer vacation with his precocious cousin and other relatives on a reservation.

gle mother who demands answers from a schoolteacher

The annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words is scheduled to take place July 18 - 21 this year. Photo by: Saskatchewan Festival of Words

affair with his lover and a cold relationship with his moth-

Performer’s Café

citing and entertaining night out.” With songs aired on college radio stations across Canada and stories published

tion that sheds light on a few ideas and perspectives from “a better man living a better life” and will guide viewers artist from Moose Jaw, and draws inspiration from rap, -

holds a bachelor of arts honours with a concentration in of Regina.

2024 Festival of Words

author, poet/musician, and freelance writer; Waubgeshig -

Saskatchewan-based writer with a proud love of all things

TO THE EDITOR LETTER

RE: PROPOSED LANDFILL SITE AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT LANDOWNERS NEARBY

By Krysta Caplette

To Whom It May Concern,

We have very very high concerns about the creation of the dump basically in our backyard. We live on a small acreage right beside the dump site that we saved all of our money to buy. We are not farmers; I am are both volunteer coaches and put a ton of time into the youth of our city. We are regular people with regular everyday concerns, and the prospect of the dump next to our house is quite upsetting to both of us and our neighbours too …(or I suppose it is at least “700m away,” as proudly exclaimed by the city).

To the RM, we sincerely hope that you vote against this. I hear a ton of rumors from other neighbours that the RM wants to vote no but there are politics at play where they may not get invited back to meetings if they do - well that just says volumes about the integrity of the people who run our city, but also, if the RM does not vote in the favor of its people, then why do we need them at meetings anyways?

To the city council, I urge you to go to the current dump and see its conditions. Then come see this prime farm land that is apparently being bought at 2-3x (or more!?) of market value. Come to my acreage and

be killing with this project. Come see our broken hearts.

The fact that we heard about the dump before we even got a letter from the city/RM is a whole other issue that is particularly concerning to me as well, but I will try to focus on how the dump will affect my family personally.

Air pollution - Another reason we moved out here was to get away from pollution. My son was born prematurely and his lungs were not fully developed. He was also born with gastroschisis (his intestines were on the outside of his body) and with VSD (a substantial hole in his heart that was expected to not close on its own). We decided it would be best for his environment to have less pollution and the idea of all the machinery and potential of burning at the bottom of the pit (this was not in the letter but I was told an incinerator was in the plan - hard to told the full information it seems) is very concerning. A me that methane, carbon dioxide, and other harmful are tons of studies being conducted about the safety of it safe (unfortunately for us).

Smell and rats/mice - I think these are self-explanatory Land Pollution - Farmers have been assured that

this dump will be kept in pristine condition, but I have personally been to the other dump numerous times and have seen how atrocious it is. I am very concerned (what a way to welcome people to our city!), as well as when people start to dump their garbage right outside the perimeter of the dump (just like they currently do). I would hope the city will have some sort of plan for this as well, as I will be calling every single day that garbage comes into my yard.

It is quite obvious that the inalso pose dangers for my family, my animals, and wildlife around us. I would also be interested to hear what the department of highways thinks of this being built right off the single lane #2 highway. Even if an alternate route is built on the dirt road at the back of the dump, there will

North Service Road businesses/VLA home owners/Sunningdale home owners - These people will also have to deal with land/air pollution and smell

I also have some questions I would love to have answers to:

What are the survey/environmental studies that have been done so far for this location?

Why is expanding the current dump site not been exercised as planned in 2012?

Desperate for Haggis to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live Irish classics this Mar. 17

St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and everyone will once again have the chance to dress in green, share in the luck of the Irish, and indeed become Irish for the day thanks to a number of local celebrations.

The traditional Irish holiday will take place on Sunday, Mar. 17 this year. It’s a tradition going back to 1631 when the Catholic Church established a feast day in honour of St. Patrick, who had died 12 centuries earlier at the time.

To celebrate the long-standing symbol of Irish independence and identity, the local band Desperate for Haggis will be performing live entertainment at three separate venues on the weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

Desperate for Haggis will perform at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern in the late afternoon on Saturday, Mar. 16, and again on Sunday, Mar. 17. One of the band members, Don Mitchell, said he’s not certain of the exact start times as the band will follow an earlier performance, but said to expect it to run from 5 – 7 p.m. on each consecutive date.

Additionally, Desperate for Haggis will perform at the Victoria Towers in time for supper, with the performance scheduled to begin Saturday, Mar. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Mar. 17, the band will

Aaron

perform at Atria West Park Crossing start-formance later that day at Bobby’s Place once again.

“It’s become such a long-standing tradition, especially as the Irish spread through immigration to other (regions around the world) including… Canada and the U.S.,” explained Don Mitchell, a member of Desperate for Haggis.

It was primarily working-class Irish immigrants who moved to large industrial centres like New York and Chicago and became a major part of the workforce.

Between 1820 and 1930, an estimated 4.5 million individuals of Irish descent migrated to the United States alone.

“(The Irish) getting together and celebrating became major events in those cities,” Mitchell said.

By the mid 1800s, this demographic represented over one third of all new migrants to the United States and the situation was comparable in Canada. In 1867, the Irish made up the second largest ethnic group in Canada after the French and comprised 24 per cent of the population at the time.

The historical celebration includes a major noteworthy parade in New York and other key centres around the world. Moose Jaw has celebrated the occasion for almost as long as anyone can remember.

St. Patrick himself was a major histor-ing the Catholic faith in Ireland.

“(St. Patrick) has been chosen as the symbol of Irish holidays, and especially their struggle for independence (which) is another thing that’s acknowledged on St. Patrick’s (Day),” Mitchell explained.

“It’s both political and religious in for Haggis will be playing its normal mix-

ture of Irish, Scottish, and Canadian folk music with a Celtic touch.

“We will be emphasizing all the Irish classics on St. Patrick’s Day,” Mitchsuch well-known titles as The Wild Rover, Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone), and more.

“It’s a lot more than (just) the Irish that show up,” he said. “People become Irish for the day and dress up in green to be part of it, whether they’re of Irish origin or not.”

Regardless of individual backgrounds, the celebration has played a major role in shaping the Irish culture and has been celebrated by the Irish diaspora the world over for centuries.

“It was a day for them to come together and toast their culture and their history, and to celebrate.”

Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern is located at 63 High Street East and can be reached at 306-692-3058.

Victoria Towers is located at 123 Fairford Street East and Aspira West Park Crossing Retirement Living is located at 1801 Meier Drive.

For more information on the local band, search under ‘Desperate for Haggis’ on Facebook.

Curtis Rosemarie Lorrie Lance

The three members of local band Desperate for Haggis. Left to right: Doug Shepherd, Don Mitchell, and Terry Lavineway. Photo by: Aaron Walker

World Men’s Curling Championship coming to Moose Jaw in 2025

Top teams in the world to play for championship at Moose Jaw Events Centre Mar. 29-Apr. 6, 2025

The BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship will be coming to Moose Jaw in 2024, as was announced by World Curling and Curling Canada on Friday morning.

The event will be played March 29 through April 6 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, with tickets going on sale March 21.

“We’re pleased that we get to return to Canada for the BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship 2025,” said Eeva Roethlisberger, World Curling’s Head of Competitions. “Curling Canada has proven a number of times that they are excellent partners in hosting World Curling events and I’m certain that they, along with the members of the local organizing committee, will do their very best to put on an outstanding event.”

The 2025 BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship not only will crown a world champion, it will determine seven countries that will qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s curling competition, joining host nation Italy. The -

uled for December 2025.

“We’re thrilled and thankful that World Curling has shown the faith and of Moose Jaw to bring the 2025 BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship to Moose Jaw next year,” said Nolan Thiessen, CEO of Curling Canada. “Moose Jaw has proven time and time again that it is a superb host for major curling events, and we know they’ll be ready to welcome the world in 2025.”

Jaw has hosted a world men’s championship, the city is no stranger to global curling competitions, having played host to the 1983 World Women’s Championship, won by Switzerland’s Team Erika Müller, and the 1979 World Junior Men’s Championship, won by Team Don Barcome Jr. of the United States,

“We are excited to have the 2025 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship on

Curling Canada

Treaty 4 and the homeland of the Métis,” said Darrell Hawman, Moose Jaw President of New Southern Plains Métis Local 160. “This is a great tourism opportunity not only to share our city story, but also to highlight our Indigenous culture, language and stories. We look forward to working with the host committee to welcome curlers from around the world with open arms and prairie hospitality to Treaty 4 territory and the Métis homeland. We hope this will allow us to showcase our partnerships, their efforts, and reconciliation throughout the city. It’s a great opportunity to increase

Canada’s Team Jeff Stoughton).

“We couldn’t be more pleased and excited for the great curling community of Moose Jaw to have this opportunity to host one of the elite curling events in the world,” said Steve Turner, executive director of CurlSask.. “That’s a group that knows how to put on superb events, and I know our entire province will be looking forward to cheering on Team Canada in Moose Jaw.”

“We’re #NotoriouslyExcited to welcome the 2025 World Men’s Curling Championship to our world-class Moose Jaw Events Centre,” added Clive Tolley, Mayor of Moose Jaw. “On behalf of city council, we thank World Curling and Curling Canada for choosing Moose Jaw to host this prestigious event, and we invite curling fans from around the world to attend and discover why we are Canada’s Most Notorious City.”

Moose Jaw has welcomed numerous major curling championships over the years — most recently, the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, where Team Kerri Scotties titles.

Additionally, Moose Jaw hosted the 2015 Scotties, the 2012 Canada Cup of Curling, and the 1994 Canadian Senior Men’s and Women’s Championships, and will host the 2024 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship in March for the second straight year.

“It is a privilege to host the 2025 BKT Tires Men’s World Curling Championship in the city of Moose Jaw,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan. “Saskatchewan has sporting events, while also representing some of the most enthusiastic curling fans, coaches, athletes, and volunteers in the

country. Hosting this event will bolster the local economy and further showcase Saskatchewan hospitality on an international scale.”

The Moose Jaw Events Centre opened in August 2011, featuring a hockey arena that, in addition to its seating bowl, features 21 private suites and 132 club seats. Attached to the same building is the eight-

sheet Moose Jaw Curling Centre,

“This announcement is the latest step in building Moose Jaw’s reputation, not just for holding sporting events, but for making them a success,” said David Wood, president of Visit Moose Jaw. “We Curling Canada and World Curling to host the 2025 BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship. We can’t wait to welcome some of the best curlers in the world to our

The 2025 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship will mark the second year of an agreement with the global tire manufacturer to be the title sponsor of World Championship events staged in Canada.

Jaw has hosted a world men’s championship, it will be the fourth opportunity for the province of Saskatchewan. Regina hosted in 1973 (won by Sweden’s Team Kjell Oscarius), 1983 (won by Canada’s Team Ed Werenich) and 2011 (won by

It will be Canada’s 27th hosting of the World Men’s Championship. Canadian men’s teams have won 35 world championships since the event’s inception in 1959 — the most recent coming with Team Brad Gushue’s gold medal in 2017 in Edmonton.

The Canadian team will be decided at the 2025 Montana’s Brier, scheduled for Feb. 28-March 9 at Prospera Place in Kelowna, B.C.

“We know there’s a lot of work to being thrown, but it’s the kind of work that brings a community together,” said Shaunna Fritzler, general manager of the Moose Jaw Events Centre. “From the past events we’ve hosted here, we know how exciting these next 13 months will be leading to the event, and we can’t wait to welcome the world to Moose Jaw!”

on sale March 21 at 10 a.m. CST, with demand expected to be high.

Here’s what will be available:

· Full Event Package ($414-$438) — A single ticket to every draw of the 2025 BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championship.

· Championship Weekend Package ($210-$238) — A single ticket to every draw from Friday, April 4, to Sunday, April 6.

· Opening Weekend Package ($80$100) — A single ticket to all draws from Saturday, March 29, to Sunday, March 30.

All ticket purchases are subject to PST as well as standard facility and ticket-service fees.

Tickets will be available online at curling.ca/tickets and in-person at the during regular business hours. Phone inquiries can be made by calling 306-6242050.

Single-draw tickets will go on sale in late 2024 or as soon as possible after television and draw schedules have been

Volunteer information will be released at later date. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the Curling Canada Collective to receive volunteer and ticket updates.

partners of Curling Canada’s Season of Champions, will provide live coverage of Canada’s round-robin games, in addition to all playoff games

Indigenous tourism in the Greater Moose Jaw area.”

Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen

Draw set for Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship in Moose Jaw

They’ll have practiced and played against each other dozens of times in the leadup to the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship, but Saskatchewan’s two entries into the event will be doing it for real to open the tournament on Sunday, Mar. 24.

Saskatchewan 1 and Saskatchewan p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 24 at the Moose Jaw

Saskatchewan 1 is the defending champion and will be comprised of skip and Team Canada member Gil Dash, third Marie Wright, second Moose Gibson and lead Sheryl Pederson. Saskatchewan 2 will skip Rod Pederson returning and newcomers third Pete Andrews, second Mark Kennedy, lead Zahra Ehsani and alternate Tara Hess making up the rest of the team.

A total of 11 teams will take part in

off series with the Regina Pat Canadians, but in the end, the Pat Cs just had too

Trailing the series two games to none, the Warriors would go into Regina

Wednesday night before returning home for Game 4 on Thursday, where the Pat win at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

three games to one.

Regina 11, Moose Jaw 2

It was a night where everything that could go wrong did go wrong for the Warriors.

The Regina Pat Canadians scored six

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Saskatchewan will be looking to repeat as champions at the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship beginning Mar. 24 at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

the week-long event, playing a 10-team round robin. The top four teams will ad-

Here’s a quick look at the draw for each of Saskatchewan’s teams at the event.

Saskatchewan 1 Sunday, Mar. 24

Monday, Mar. 25

Tuesday, Mar. 26

Wednesday, Mar. 27

Thursday. Mar. 28

Monday, Mar. 25

Tuesday, Mar. 26

Wednesday. Mar. 27

Thursday, Mar. 28

Saskatchewan 2 Sunday, Mar. 24

back, adding four more in the second and

As the score would indicate, once Rethey didn’t stop -- four goals in the span of 4:52 made it a 4-0 game by the 10:42 mark, and they’d tack on two more before the frame was out for the six-goal lead.

After Regina made it 7-0 52 seconds into the second, Chase Petersen got one and Keaton Lesperance picked up Moose the frame.

The second half of the period belonged to Regina, though, and another gave them a 10-2 lead through two.

Steven Steranka led Regina with a goal and four points, while Michael Donovan, Dayce Derkatch and Jonah Sivertson all scored twice and had three points. Ca-

Skiftun and Cash Lanigan had their other markers. Ellis Miyette and Logan Mehl had two assists each.

Luke McKechnie got the start in goal for Moose Jaw and had six saves in 11:41 and stopped 25. Taylor Tabashniuk had 26 stops for Regina.

Warriors 4, Regina 3

It was a complete team effort that led to the series being extended, as the Warriors scored three straight goals through in Regina.

got the Pat Canadians on the board only 18 seconds into the game.

Jonah Pinel would get that one back for Moose Jaw before the period was out, though, and the game was tied 1-1 after

lead 6:22 into the second, and 1:18 after -

handed marker to make it a two-goal game. Moose Jaw nearly got out of the period with that lead, but Steranka got one back for Regina with 28 seconds remain-ing into the third.

edge for Moose Jaw early in the third, game-winner when Isaac Poll got the Pat Canadians within one with 5:48 remaining.

Pinel capped his night with three Duzan had two assists each McKechnie turned in a stellar showShaw had 16 stops for the Pat Canadians.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Ryan Bain makes a save during second period action from Game 4.

The Warriors’ Kanyan Unger looks to foil a clearing attempt by the Pat Canadians’ Cruz Klapak.

Moose Jaw’s Dylan Duzan attempts to chase down Regina’s Logan Mehl.

Warriors split pair of weekend game, see seven-game win streak snapped

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Brayden Schuurman cuts across the front of the Pats net before tucking the puck around goaltender Evan Huet for the Warriors’ second goal.

Warriors 6, Regina 3

Lethbridge 3, Warriors 2 (SO)

Brayden Yager thought about taking a shot on this opening at the side of the net, but sent the puck back to the point instead, and moments later Denton Mateychuk would score the Warriors’ third goal against Regina.

Atley Calvert does what Atley Calvert does, battling for the puck in front of the net on the power play against Regina.

Warriors Atley Calvert and Matthew Savoie battle for the puck with Regina defendersCarson Haynes (5) and Kolton Bridgeman.

Matthew Savoie didn’t miss scoring on by much.

There was no way they could have known at the time, but the eight teams in action last Thursday night

championship game.

were over, the Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation announced their next round of job action, forcing the outright cancellation of the boys and girls title games on Monday night.

As a result, the Vanier Spirits and co-champions in the girls’ league, while the Central Cyclones and Peacock Toilers will share the title in the boys’ loop.

Vanier took a 73-41 win over Centhe Cyclones took a 120-29 win over the contests were in Swift Current, where the Ardens continued their unbeaten season with an 86-37 win over Peacock and the Toilers won 94-81 over the Colts.

The Spirits took a bit of time to get rolling, but once their shots started to fall, things fell into place pretty quickly.

before building a 40-17 edge at the half and keeping the score around that 20-point lead for much of the rest of the game.

Seeing her troops come out and get the job done in an always-tough playoff environment was a positive for Spirits coach Christa Lapointe.

“It’s been competitive, and every

as much as the rankings are the rankings, every game you need to take seriously,” she said. “This time of year teams come out strong and want to leave their best on the court, so you always have to step up no matter who you’re playing.”

The Spirits defence was especially on point, holding Central to seven points in 10 minutes.

“We always pride ourselves on defence, that’s something we always have to take care of and it worked out tonight,” Lapointe said. “They really played well together as a team and I’m really proud of them.”

Waverley Demassi led Vanier with 24 points, while Kate Waldenberger had 12 and Ireland Guillaume 10. Ellah Flanagan topped Central scorers with 12.

The Spirits were looking forward to a take the end result in stride.

“We’re co-champions,” Lapointe said. “It doesn’t take away from Vanier or Swift Current or Peacock or Central, to get so it’s a good display of all the hard work the players and coaches put in.”

Once the Cyclones found their range, the points began to add up quickly. Central would build a 28-5 lead after the

things all but academic from there.

“Those are tough games to play for both teams, but I was proud of the way we played,” said Cyclones coach Barry Seaborn. “Once we got the rust out, we played the way we usually play, we got running and were scoring and playing good defence and it worked out really well.”

Ben Ansell put up 28 points for Central while Chase Seaborn scored 25. Jared Mana scored 16 for Vanier.

While another match-up with Peacock would have been an interesting prospect, now it’s going to be another what-if

“Obviously we’re extremely disappointed for the kids, they worked so hard to get here,” Seaborn said. “To have that taken away at the last minute is pretty frustrating. Arguably, it’s the most exciting game of the year, and we’ve played each other tight all year so it would have been a very competitive and fun game.”

The attention now turns to regional playdowns during the Mar. 15 weekend, hopefully.

“Do we know if we’re actually going to play?” Seaborn asked. “There’s a lot of doubt right now, and we’re still practicing but we don’t know what’s happening so

we’ll keep at it, And who knows, maybe we’ll end up seeing Peacock at Hoopla and we can play it two-for-one for the city championship, too.”

A huge third quarter where Peacock outscored Swift Current 32-10 was the Current after the Colts led 28-19 after the

Makungu Mutabazi led the Toilers with 32 points while Jordan Selensky scored 17. Eli Siemens topped the Colts with 20 points, Makstr McIntyre had 11.

The Ardens carried an unbeaten re-

quarter and 38-19 at the half.

Every player in the Ardens line-up scored, led by 15 points from Danica Jackson and 12 from Leah Sletten. Devlynn McClung topped the Toilers with 13 points, Taylor Craik had nine.

Little Ballers youth basketball program coming to Moose Jaw

Series of awareness classes for Saturday, Apr. 13 have waiting lists, program set to launch on May 4 at Sask Polytechnic

Parents looking to get their youngsters involved in the sport of basketball at an early age might want to take a look into the Little Ballers program starting up in Moose Jaw next month.

A series of awareness sessions schedand have waiting lists, but Little Ballers owner and former University of Regina folks see there will lead to a huge amount of interest when the main program tentatively starts up on May 4.

“Just through word of mouth and (social media) we already have 100 kids who are signed up for the free awareness classes, so we’re pretty happy about that,” Declaire said during a recent chat about the program and what they have to offer. “We’re hoping the parents will see the quality of the program and more and more want to sign up. So that’s what we’ve done in Moose Jaw and have had a really good response.”

Little Ballers holds a focus on teach-

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

ages, with the curriculum growing and expanding as players are older and more capable.

The program launched in September of 2022 in Winnipeg and has quickly seen the little ones develop and improve in dramatic fashion.

“Now we’re seeing kids who have been in the program through three semesters, and even the progress they’ve shown from the start, there has been a huge jump in their abilities,” Celaire said. “Then when we get to where they’re playing against each other, you can really see it. So we know they’re having fun and learning and that’s the biggest thing.”

claire explained. “Then our coaches follow our curriculum and even though there are a lot of moving parts, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Class sizes are kept manageable at 15 players, with the Sask Polytechnic sessions beginning in May expected to have up to four classes a day and also feature Sunday classes should there be enough interest.

The Moose Jaw awareness classes on Apr. 13 run from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. (Baby Ballers), 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Little Ballers), 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mini Ballers) and 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Big Ballers).

ing kids the most basic of fundamentals at young ages. The program features Baby -

Ballers (3 ½ to 5 years old) and Big Ballers (5 to 8 years old).

Skills development begins with the most basic of motions at the youngest

Part of the awareness classes includes a quest for coaches who will learn from the experienced Little Ballers coaches, with the Moose Jaw classes in April featuring former Cougars standout Bree Burgess and Jodi Sobool.

“Our experienced coaches help run the classes and also train the new coaches who are going to run it in that city,” De-

Folks are encouraged to sign up for the waitlist as Little Ballers has opened up further classes closer to the date in the past.

For more information on the program and what they have to offer and to register, check out www.littleballersbasketball. com.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

during the Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association senior basketball

Fish Bowl a huge success for Moose Jaw Kinsmen Speed Skating Club

Local skaters post host of personal best times on fast ice at Barkman Arena

The weather outside might have had folks taking it slow in snowy conditions, but it was the exact opposite on the ice at the Barkman Arena during the Fish Bowl speed skating meet.

The Moose Jaw Kinsmen Speed Skating Club saw a host of blazing fast times throughout the weekend, leading to a ton of great results for skaters from the local club and beyond at the event in Caronport during the Mar. 2 weekend.

“It’s gone amazingly well,” said MJKSSC coach Verna Kergan during a break in the proceedings on Sunday afternoon. “I’d say every kid in our club got at least three (personal bests) this meet and we couldn’t have asked for a better ice surface, it’s a great place for us to skate. They were really accommodating, and then our volunteers have been amazing and it’s been a really successful meet.”

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Times were so fast on the Barkman ice that they even rivalled what was being put down by some of the top skaters in Western Canada at the same time.

“There are some skaters from other clubs who are in Calgary at the Western Canadian Elite Circuit, and our times here are faster than the ones in Calgary, and that’s pretty exciting,” Kergan said. “So it was really fast this weekend and it was a good meet to come to.”

Skaters came from as far as Calgary and Lloydminster in addition to communi-

ties from all over Saskatchewan took part in the event, which also acted as a qualifying meet for elite skaters heading into the

The meet is named after Moose Jaw speed skating legend Graeme Fish, who set a world record in the 10,000 metres during the 2019-20 World Single Distance Championships and eventually went on tojing Olympics.

Fish has begun a climb back into the elite ranks, with the 26-year-old most recently seeing action in the 2024 Single Distance Championships in Calgary,

“It’s awesome,” Kergan said of her former protege. “We’re really proud of him and he’s making his way back up there and we’re looking forward to seeing his results and everything… it’s nice when he can get here, but he has a pretty busy schedule and it’s always fun when we get to watch him skate.”

For more information on the club, be sure to keep an eye on their website at www.mjspeedkating.com and follow them on social media.

After solid season, Moose Jaw Skating Club gearing up for annual ice show

P skating is a game of incremental improvements.

glide to a provincial champion in a couple of months, it’s all about trying, learning and dedication as you pick up skills bit by bit and gradually become more and more advanced.

Performers with the Moose Jaw Skating Club are no exception, and local skating fans will have a chance to see just how much skaters both young and old have improved during their annual Ice Show this Sunday.

To that end, skaters have been on the ice over the last week preparing to show off their skills, much as they have throughout the winter and especially during the Mar. 1 weekend at the massive Winter Classic in Kindersley.

“Everybody had a really great showing,” lauded MJSC coach Bree Campbell. “We had some skaters who moved up levels and lots of new personal bests, then our ice dance teams competed and showed really well. It was a really good competition.”

Two of the club’s youngsters -- Sophia

Show taking place on Sunday, Mar. 17 at Moose Jaw Events Centre Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Ferland and Avery Durrant -- performed so well in the STAR 5 division that they’ll beitive scene in the near future.provement and they both did really well competing at a higher level in the Winter Classic,” Campbell said.

Those are just two competitors who have shown impressive progression throughout the winter, with all that hard work simply moving into the next season as skaters aim to continue to improve and advance in the sport.

“It’s a good starting point to work off from next year, too,” Campbell said. “Some of these skaters will start skating again in September, so it’s a good way to wrap up this part of the year as we move out of winter skating into spring and summer skating.”

Before all that, though, there’s the always popular Moose Jaw Skating Club Ice Show, which features the entire roster of performers going through musical numbers and showing the audience how much they’ve learned in a few short months.

The theme this year is The Places

You’ll Go, a bit of a departure from the usual cartoony fare one sees at ice shows.

“It’s all about when you grow up, what are you going to do, the paths you can go down, the choices you can make,” Campbell said. “It’s been a hard theme to encapsulate and bring to life, but now that we’ve been practicing, we’re seeing how it’s going to shake out. So it’ll be fun, it’ll be a

different format and a different idea and it’s coming together.”

The performance is Sunday, Mar. 17 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, with tickets currently on sale through www.sasktix.ca. Folks can also check out www.moosejawskatingclub.ca for a look at all they have to offer, including a schedule for the Ice Show and the numbers they will be performing.

Also be sure to keep an eye on social media for regular updates from the club.

Moose Jaw competitor Marcus Capili leads Anne Boudreau-Alexandre and Mikko Veeman around a corner.

A group of Fish Bowl skaters break from the line on Sunday afternoon.

Moose Jaw’s Scarlett Zoerb leads the Bowl 1,500 metre races on Sunday afternoon.

Moose Jaw’s Jess Zoerb keeps an eye on her line during a 1,500-metre race.

Elizabeth Rea from the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Speed Skating Club stays close to her opponent from Saskatoon.

Kinsmen Moose Jaw Speed Skating Club competitors Scarlett Zoerb and Kainen McKee take their spots on the line.

Performers with the Moose Jaw Skating Club practice for their 2024 Ice Show during an ice session at the Bert Hunt.

Moose Jaw’s Usher, Sand win silver at high school wrestling provincials

Peacock competitors claim second place in 77-kg male division, 64-kg female division respectively; three others reach medal matches

A pair of Moose Jaw competitors came a single win away from winning gold at the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association provincial wrestling championship this past weekend in Saskatoon.

Both Kingston Usher and Akela Sandspective divisions and capped the event with silver medals in the high school wresUsher was the busier of the two on thelogram class before falling 10-0 to Saskatoon Holy Cross’ Sam Nickel.

getting to the medal bout, needing little time on the mat to get things done. That included a 10-0 technical fall over Saskatoon Centennial’s Ethan Lark and a 42-second pin against Regina Winston Knoll’s Noah Panchuk to advance to the medal round.

There, Usher would pin Prince Albert St. Mary’s Ezekiel Hirschfeld at the 1:25 mark to advance to the title match.

Sand picked up pinfall wins in both

Randy

of her bracket matches in the female 64-

Douglas’ Hailey Loveridge in 4:48 and needing only 1:14 to get past Saskatoon Walter Murray’s Perry Poncelet to advance to the medal round.

The Toilers competitor had some luck on her side there, as Saskatoon Centennial’s Reese Kosh was forced to retire due

against Regina Riffel’s Brooklyn Dieder. Deider would take the gold medal with a 10-0 technical fall.

Three Moose Jaw competitors reached bronze medal matches in their respective divisions.

Central’s Paisley Patrosh (female 44 kg) lost her opener but won three straight

in the repechage to get to the medal round before dropping a pair there.

Central’s Hailey Newans (female promptly picked up a win in the repechage

Peacock’s Evelyn Eros (female 80 kg) took a similar path to Newans by round. There, she’d run into the eventual by fall to also land fourth.

Vanier’s Wyatt Behiel (male 115 kg) won his opening match but couldn’t keep the momentum going, eventually losing Central’s Elsa Tondevold (female 50 kg) and Peacock’s Kruz Babich (male 56 kg) both reached their respective repewhile Central’s Macy Binsfeld (female 60 kg) and Peacock’s Kaleb McCrystal (male

Vanier’s Hudson Tallon commits to the University Of Jamestown

If all goes according to plan Vanier Collegiate’s Hudson Tallon will be leaving university in four years time with a civil engineering degree that is virtually free.

This after the Vanier Vikings running back committed to playing football with the University of Jamestown in North Dakota commencing in the 2024 season.

“I’m very happy to go there. I really like the coaches. I think it will be very student Tallon said.

As part of the deal he is hoping to get a degree in civil engineering.

“I’m going into civil engineering so they gave me a little bit extra for that. I also went to a scholarship competition down there. I placed 12th out of 55 and I get an extra $1,000 a year,” he said.

As part of his commitment to play for Jamestown, Tallon will receive about half of the total cost of his education with the annual $1,000 going toward that.

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and in his second year he would be playing D2.

NCAA Division-II (D2) sports are at the intermediate level of competition in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

played for Assiniboia which is part of the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League.

By Robert Thomas

He attended high school in Assiniboia up until grade nine as his mom was a teacher at the school and had the opportunity to play six man football with the Assiniboia Rockets until anti-COVID 19 protocols shut down football throughout the province.

He came to Moose Jaw to attend Vanier Collegiate where he played for the Vikings.

“I’m very thankful [for all the help the

coaches have given].” Tallon said. “Any time I screwed up they didn’t take it out on me. They weren’t too harsh on me.”

He said one of the most important thing in his development has been living with his best friend’s family for a number of years.

“I was friends with Pedro since grade one. I went to his mom’s daycare actually lived with them,” he said.

Tallon said Trevor Peterson was his got him started.

“I had no interest in playing football before he [Trevor Peterson] texted my mom and said you should bring him out here.”

Vanier Vikings football head coach Ryan Gottselig said the school has had players in the past make it into universities but Tallon’s getting into Jamestown was a testament to his hard work and determination.

“Hudson is a great kid and well deserving of this. The size of the program doesn’t really dictate opportunities to play after high school. He is a great example of it,” Gottselig said.

Program size is not a determining factor when it comes to Vikings players getting opportunities to play football at the university level.

He added, “It’s exciting for us and in the next number of years you’re going to see a number of kids coming out of Vanier playing post secondary ball.”

Regarding the opportunity to play football to help reduce educational costs, Tallon said it was a great opportunity.

“Any opportunity you can get to cut think is phenomenal. For him to have the chance to play football is great,” Gottselig said.

About the calibre of the league Tallon will be playing, Gottselig said the D2 league is “good football”.

In order to have the opportunity for university teams to take a look at Tallon, a recruiting agency was hired to not just look for potential universities but also edit and put together a tape of Tallon playing in games.

Gottselig gave me and I sent video and

they edited and posted it on a website. I would send emails to a bunch of different coaches mainly still close to home,” he said.

Landing a spot with the University of Jamestown was key for Tallon because he wanted to be close enough to allow his parents the opportunity to watch him play.

There may be a bit of a learning curve between the Canadian versus the American game but participating in the Saskatchewan Selects program for one season taught him a lot about the differences. The Saskatchewan Selects program uses American football rules with Tallon going with the program for one season to play in Texas.

Despite playing football, Tallon said he is planning to work hard at his academics as his future plans are to become an engineer.

He doesn’t see himself as playing professionally but rather wants to take advantage of the opportunities Jamestown offers. His plans for him to graduate with a professional degree will help to guarantee his future post football.

interesting. I watch a fair bit of YouTube and there’s this guy I’ve been watching for a few years that talks about what it’s like working as a civil engineer,” he said. “I think it is to help and have fun while I’m going to post secondary.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2024/3/3/yehacz12dpkraka3yp8rjfxk4y3h19

Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Peacock’s Kingston Usher (left) on the podium with his silver medal from the male 77-kg class at the SHSAA provincial wrestling championship.

Peacock’s Akela Sand (left) on the podium with her silver medal from the female 64-kg class at the SHSAA provincial wrestling championship.

Hudson Tallon sprints to avoid a tackle by a Maple Creek Redmen defender in the 2023 Season - MJ Independent File

Photo

The Handout Photo from the University Of Jamestown announcing Hudson Tallon committing to play at the College

Hudson Tallon makes a break trying to outrun the Peacock Tornadoes Team in the 2022 Season - MJ Independent File Photo

Prairie Hockey Academy fall in CSSHL U17 Prep Tier I gold medal game

Cougars stage incredible run through championship tournament as 11th seed, fall 5-4 in overtime in title contest

The Prairie Hockey Academy Cougarsishing off one of the most impressive storybook runs in Canadian Sport School Hockey League history.

Entering the CSSHL U17 Prep Tier I championship tournament in Penticton. B.C. this week, Prairie Hockey wasn’t expected to be much of a factor in the proceedings -- as the 11th-seed out of 12 teams, it was likely going to be three round robin games and a trip home.

The Cougars apparently didn’t get the memo.

PHA would proceed to go undefeated through the round robin to reach the Alberta Xtreme White 2-1 in overtime to they’d score twice in the third period to tie the game before falling 5-4 in overtime to Calgary International Hockey Academy.

run.

The round robin saw the Cougars defeat Rink Academy 4-2 and Delta Academy 4-1 before taking a shootout victory playoffs.

Calgary International 5, Prairie

Hockey 4 (OT)

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

PHA trailed 4-2 at the 2:02 mark of the third period, but as they had done all week, they found a way to rally.

Rylan Molde scored 28 seconds after Calgary had gone up by a pair, and Rylan Aulin tied things up with 2:29 to play in regulation.

There things remained until the 2:45 mark of overtime, when Calgary scored on the power play to claim the CSSHL title.

scored for Moose Jaw in the second pe3-2 through two.

Cameron Beisal had 37 saves in the contest.

Prairie Hockey 2, NAX White 1 (OT)

Molde scored the only goal of regulation as the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of all three periods.

That set the stage for Horne in overtime, as he’d pick up the loose puck in the corner, work his way behind the net andder short side for the winner, touching off a raucous celebration.

Georgi Milanov turned in a stellar

performance in the PHA goal, turning aside 37 of the 38 shots he faced.

Prairie Hockey 5, NAX Blue 4 (SO)

It was Beisal and Aulin who were the the Cougars goaltender turned aside 34 shots in regulation and overtime as well

earn the win.

Aulin did his part by scoring the biggest goal of the game as PHA’s sixth attempt in the shootout, leading to Beisal’s

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

Column 2 – The Art of Finding Work

Understandably, Employers Are Skittish When Hiring. Job Seekers Need to Ease Their Concerns

15 years ago (I’m ballparking), employers hired after two or three interviews. interviews.

I seldom encounter a job seeker who empathizes with employers and graspsderstanding why employers tend to be skittish when hiring.

Employers are risk-averse. Hiring involves assuming a liability risk. Candidates often, without realizing it, present themselves in a way that gives employers the impression that hiring them would be risky.

Will the candidate...

· look after the company’s best inter· make them (the hiring manager) look

Add to the above the persistent talk of a looming recession, along with AI rapidly advancing; thus, AI may soon wonder why employers are hyper-cautious when hiring.

Think AI won’t have an impact on

37% of 750 business leaders surveyed by ResumeBuilder said AI replaced workers in 2023. 44% predict AI

The good news is that 96% of companies from having AI skills.

In a recent column, I wrote that I consider AI a human replacement tool, not a productivity tool. As AI adoption increases, employers will closely monitor their employees’ productivity versus

By Nick Kossovan

AI’s and lean towards which best serves their self-interests.

date only to let them go a short time later. “Sorry, Bob, the second and third quarters weren’t as strong as we’d hoped; unfortunately, we need to let you go.”

Today’s economic and political climate, combined with seismic changes in the psyches of the younger generation, which are adding fuel to the always-existing discourse between employees and employers, explains why employers hire with extreme caution. As a job seeker, yourself as a candidate who isn’t highrisk.

Write the following quote on a Postdaily while job hunting.

“Business is all about solving peoMarsden, British writer, businessman and former politician.

Job searching is about selling yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. What’s the employer’s prob-

these questions, you are forced to focus on what the employer wants rather than what you want.

Instead of focusing on what you want, get deeply and intensely curious about the employer’s needs and wants, increasing revenue and reducing costs being the obvious. (READ: creating a that are tangible and measurable that’ll facilitate their earnings and, therefore, hired you, what kind of ROI would they

Employers don’t give money to their

Hudson Thiessen scored twice for the Cougars, while Grant Gliege and AJ Paulsen had their other markers in regulation.

through two periods.

Prairie Hockey 4, Delta Academy 1

There were no dramatics needed in the Cougars second game, as Kale Pratte scored goals in each period for a hat trick and PHA battled to a hard-fought win.

Gliege scored an empty netter and Carter Wingert had three assists as Praithrough two.

Milanov was solid again, stopping 42 shots while the Cougars had only 16 shots of their own.

Prairie Hockey 4, Rink Academy 2

Goals from Thiessen and Kane DomPratte would extend the edge to 3-0 three minutes into the third period.

Rink scored a pair later in the second to make it a one-goal game coming home, but Horne scored 1:20 into the third and the Cougars held on from there.

Beisal had 34 saves to open a string of stellar goaltender performances for Prairie Hockey.

employees because they want it or feel they deserve it. Employers aren’t concerned with what their employees want or feel they deserve. Employees are paid by their employers in exchange for results that help them achieve their business goals.

over your competitors by understanding and empathizing with the risks employers take when hiring.

“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from his angle as well as your own.” - Henry Ford

In a time of economic uncertainty, rapid technological advancement, andportant, job seekers need to address these factors directly.

Economic uncertainty

behaviour. Geopolitical tensions are becoming more pronounced. There’s constant talk of a recession looming. We live

In order to ease employers’ concerns about where the economy is heading, problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. To be seen as someone who can help the comcouple of STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories demonstrating you have handled challenging situations or helped your employer through tough times.

Technological advancement

It’s no longer enough to know the basics of Word and Excel. Today, employers expect their employees to be able such as data analysis, online collabora-

tion, project management and, of late, AI prompting.

Using tech tools (e.g., QR code, Zoom, Slack) throughout your job search shows that you are tech-savvy without having to say so.

greater than ever. The slightest sign that the company’s values, mission, or work culture - will end your candidacy.

By researching the organization’s culture, mission, and values, you can then position yourself to demonstrate how your values and work style match the organization’s mission and culture. Showing enthusiasm for the company’s objectives and illustrating experiences (STAR stories) that resonate with its culture will ease employers’ concerns about cultural compatibility.

Understanding and mitigating employers’ hiring concerns will help you job market.

Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. You can send Nick your questions to ar-

Prairie Hockey Academy logo

ACROSS

1. Part portrayed

5. Precipitous

10. Wild hog

14. “Oh dear!”

15. Reef material

16. Certain something

17. Book of words

19. Render senseless

20. Avenue (abbrev.)

21. Peak

22. Unbending

25. Doglike nocturnal mammal

31. A very prickly woody vine

34. Fit together well

35. No

36. Deserve

37. Large Asian country

38. Dam

39. Arrange (abbrev.)

40. Proceeding

41. Close-knit group

42. Exalting

44. Distant

45. Sea swallows

46. Victors

50. Wooden box

52. Biblical possessive

54. By way of

55. Hindu princess

56. Lustrous

58. Play parts

59. Evanesces

60. Celtic language

61. Net

62. Exhausted

63. Visual organs DOWN

1. Radiolocation

2. Martini garnish

3. Shoestrings

4. Estimated (abbrev.)

5. Disdains

6. In shape

7. Ages

8. Terran

9. Layer

10. Establishing

11. Outperformed

12. African sheep

13. South African monetary unit

18. More aloof

22. Raise a stink

24. Greenish blue

26. Cassava

28. Flashy accessories

29. Den

30. Stringed instrument

31. Small ball with a hole

32. Scarce

33. Annoyances

34. Football helmet part

37. Metal money

38. Raise the alarm

40. Circular course

41. Walking sticks

43. Irrational devotion

44. Top quality

46. Broaden

47. All

48. Washer cycle

50. Pack to capacity

51. Speed competition

53. Conceal

56. Possibilities

57. C

WORDSEARCH

vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

MISCELLANEOUS

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306-990-0348

A retired area farmer and current Moose Jaw resident will be celebrating his 100th birthday this Sunday, March 10.

Albert Kuntz was born and raised in the small town of Vantage, Sask., located just north of Assiniboia and 82 kilometres south of Moose Jaw. Here, he spent his career working on the family farm which today remains in the care of his daughter and her husband.

Growing up was different back in the days of Kuntz’ youth, and the 50 or so people who used to live in small town Vantage are no longer there.

“All the people moved away, and there is nobody in there anymore,” he would gradually leave town as work grew scarce with the introduction of industrial scale farming operations.

At the time, Kuntz said horses were common and he’d frequently ride to townbered seeing started to show up sometime in the 1940s, and aside from that, he’d simply walk the half mile or so into town to curl.

“(The community) gathered at the curling rink (in town) to watch some curling and tell their stories there,” he recalled.

Kuntz moved to Moose Jaw in the fall of 2019 and the Mulberry Estates was the closest available retirement home. He said he’s been treated well at the Mulberry Estates, and it’s been a great experience for him.

“There’s always something going on (here at the Mulberry) – playing cards or other games…,” he said.

Normally, he’d spend time travelling to Texas during the winter months, as was his customary routine back in the day. This routine was maintained for around 37 years, and only stopped when his eyesight started to decline.

“So, I thought ah, I better make one said.

Back on the farm, Kuntz said his father originally homesteaded on the prop-

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268. Interior/exterior,

Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.

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erty, and most of his family was born right in the old farmhouse that still stands today.

“They had hospitals, but they didn’t use them for birthing children,” he said. “There were nine of us, and I think seven of us were born right at home.”

He said life in rural Saskatchewan was a matter of keeping yourself entertained. Individuals from the area would meet up regularly at the town’s curling rink, and many folks would visit neighbouring towns for friendly curling bonspiels.

When asked which major societal changes stood out to him, he brought up large-scale farming.

“These bigger farms are kind of ruining the country,” he said. “There used to be on every section or half section… somebody living there. Now there’s nobody living in the country hardly. It’s not good for the community.”

One of the keys to remaining young at heart, he said, is to stay physical.

“When I went down south, I did a lot

it. I’ve won two gold watches, two state championships, and there was a grocery story that would put on a tournament every year for $100 (worth) of groceries – I won that three (different times).”

This small-town grocery store competition ended once the large retailer Wal-Mart moved into town and thereby changed the community’s dynamic.

“When I moved to town, I’d walk down (everywhere). The guys would say, ‘Why don’t you drive down?’ I said, ‘Well, I don’t get any exercise when I drive’. Maybe that’s why I’m still living.”

He would walk every morning and afternoon to get his mail. That exercise goes a long way, he advised.

Kuntz is also a spiritual man and said

maintaining his faith played a major role. “I think if you follow the Lord and said. “Honour the Lord and he will right your ways.”

For his birthday, his daughter is coming in from Texas, one son from Leduc, and the other son is coming in from Assiniboia. The celebration will he held at the Mulberry Estates, and Kuntz said he implying that a surprise party could be in store.

“They haven’t told me nothing,” he said. “The only thing my daughters said was, ‘What kind of birthday cake do you want when we come back?’”

Obituaries / Memorials

HUENISON, Winston Kenneth

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Winston Kenneth Huenison on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024, at the age of 97 years, surrounded by his children. Born in Langenburg, SK and raised in the Hazel Dell, SK area, Winston moved south to the Grayburn, SK district where he worked for local farmers. He met Joan (née: Mercer) and they married in 1951. They eventually purchased their own farm that they operated together for approximately 44 years. In addition to farming, Winston was a linesman for the Caron Rural Telephone Company and was also instrumental in the sign-up process for rural natural gas service in their area. Winston and Joan enjoyed many winters in Florineighbours. After they sold the farm, they moved to Moose Jaw. Winston found a new passion in restoring antique vehicles. His pride and joy was the 1930 Model A Deluxe Roadster that he restored along with several other vehicles and a John Deere Model 70 tractor.

After 70 years of marriage, Winston was predeceased by his wife, Joan. He was also predeceased by his parents, Fred and Emma Huenison; in-laws, Albert and Frances Mercer; two older sisters and their husbands, Evelyn (Welby) and Bea (Jack); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank (Jean); and grandson, Wade. Winston is survived by his children: Earl (Lorraine), Barry (Shirley), Mark (Deb), Lorraine (Ken), Lynne (Terry), and Brenda (Roy); sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat (Grant); 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; as well as several extended family. Winston is also survived by his friend and companion, Marie.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the MAID staff, who provided such compassionate assistance to Dad.

In keeping with Winston’s wishes, a Private Family Service will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www. moosejawfuneralhome.com

ROWLEY, ROY WALTER

September 19, 1942March 2, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of Roy Rowley, who left us on March 2, 2024. Roy was born on Sept.19, 1942 to Edna and Les Rowley of North Battleford and was raised in Battleford with his brothers, Jack and Ken.

Roy participated and watched curling and baseball all his life. He loved travelling with Pat and observing his grandchildren in their sporting activities. Baseball would take Roy to California where he graduated from Sacramento State College, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He would later get his education degree from the University of Regina. Roy taught for a year in Assiniboia, where he met his future bride. He worked became the head of recreation for SIAST in Moose Jaw, where he spent many years coaching and teaching until his retirement in 2000.

Roy was pre-deceased by his parents, Edna and Les; brother, Ken; sister-in-law, Bunee; and father-in-law, Victor Moneo. Roy is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; daughters, Rhonda (Donnie) Davidsen, Reanne (Shane) Reider, and Stephanie (Jim) Hyde; grandchildren, Boston and Peyton Davidsen, Treyton and Logan Reider, and Jamie Lee Hyde; brother, Jack; sister-in-law, Ann; mother-in-law, Helen Moneo; brothers in law, Victor and Calvin(Judy) Moneo; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend the celebration of Roy’s life on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anne’s Parish (217 Lenore Drive, Saskatoon). There will be a visitation and viewing on Friday, March 11, 2024 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home (210 Wess Road). May Roy rest in peace and his memories live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Condolences for the family may be left by visiting www.hillcrestmemorial. ca

the further eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”

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.

Travesty

Russia’s rationale for military action against Ukraine is a travesty. Putin claims the invasion was done for the sake of the Ukrainian population, to demilitarize and denazify the government which was persecuting the Russian minority. In The Interpreter, published by the Lowy Institute, Ian Hill writes, “Putin doesn’t accept Ukraine is a real state, instead seeing it as an integral part of the Russian national patrimony. His irredentist yearning to bring Ukraine back into the Russian fold is laced with imperial nostalgia and bitter resentment at the loss of Ukraine after the Soviet Union’s break-up in 1991. He wants to resist

A travesty is a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation or likeness of the truth. The invasion of Ukraine is a tragedy, a disastrous event for the Ukrainian people. But it is also a travestycation for the attack. Disastrous events are tragedies, not travesties, unless it refers to something that is done in a way that makes a mockery of what it’s supposed to be. A contest won by the judge’s spouse would be considered a travesty. A trial in which the defendant wasn’t allowed to present evidence could be described as a travesty of justice.

Travesty has its roots in the French verb travestir, meaning to disguise. Travestir evolved from the Latin verb vestire, meaning to clothe or to dress. A travesty clothes the truth with a disguise to present an imitation that makes a charade of the real thing.

Travesty can also function as a verb. The comedy sketch mindlessly travestied the hard work of relief workers around the world.

Caricature, burlesque, parody, and travesty all imply a comic or grotesque imitation.

A ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a person is a caricature. Images of well-known politicians are often drawn in cartoons as a caricature. You can stroll the waterfront in many cities and purchase an on-the-spot caricature of yourself.

Burlesque suggests ridicule of a serious or lofty subject by frivolous treatment. Saturday Night Live is a burlesque of current news. Burlesque is also theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous, often earthy character

WILLS, RUTH

Ruth Elenore Wills passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the age of 85 years.

Ruth was born October 6, 1938, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to John and Ottilie Bechtold. Our Mom grew up in a large family and extended family, including eight brothers and sisters. In her early years, Mom was known for her natural athleticism, and excelled at baseball, hockey, bowling, cross country skiing, canoeing, and hiking. Mom was dedicated to her family and loved spending summers at the family cottage on Last Mountain Lake. Completing crossword puzzles, playing Uno with her grandchildren, and the tradition of enlisting her family in Saskatoon Berry picking brought her joy. Mom was an active member at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, where her generosity and concern for others included her commitment to making braille bibles, and various other church activities. Mom’s devotion to her children was displayed through her volunteer work at their school library, attending class trips, and being active in the Moms and Tots program with her grandchildren. Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, Gordon Wills. She is survived by her two children, Darren Wills and April Wills-Sjoberg (Brent); two precious grandchildren, Courtney and Ethan; oldest and youngest brothers, Walter Bechtold and Mike Bechtold; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to extend great thanks to the staff at the Regina Lutheran Home, who took such excellent care of our mom, and facilitated ‘virtual hugs’ every Sunday so that her children could be together with her despite the distance.

A Private Graveside Service will take place at a later be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2015 4th Avenue North, Regina, SK, S4R 0T5.

consisting of comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts.

Parody applies to the treatment of a trivial subject in the exact style of a serious author or presenter. Mad -

gious, and current event issues.

Travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged, but the style is extravagant or absurd. The production was a travesty of the renowned opera.

Sometimes travesty is used in a tongue-in-cheek way.

Kayla Stewart in Bon Appetit

“Smoked turkey, so often done wrong, can be a travesty a running controversy concerning the cooking of a beef roast. Patti likes the meat well done and would say that a beef roast on the rare side is a travesty. I, on the other hand, enjoy a beef roast cooked in the medium rare spectrum, and consider a well done roast a travesty. Or is it a tragedy? You decide.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage. John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot

Obituaries / Memorials

PAULINE OLSON SARGEANT

December 26, 1923February 29, 2024

Pauline Olson Sargeant passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024, surrounded with love. She was born in Montesano, Washington on December 26, 1923 to Norwegian parents, Oscar and Klara Olson.

Paulie graduated from Elma High School and attended Seattle Secretarial School. After graduation she worked for the Austin Construction Company. In 1943, an adventurous Paulie took a ship to Kodiak, Alaska to work at the US Navy Base. There she met the love of her life of over 71 years, Senior Lieutenant James M. Sargeant (Sarge). They married on August 16, 1944 in Seattle, Washington and in 1954 they moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Paulie and Sarge were devoted lifelong partners and parents creating a loving, lively and supportive home. Paulie was always welcoming and wanting to feed you. She was a friend to all, greeting anyone with a warm hello and willing to share her great sense of humour. Paulie was interested in everyone and full of memorable “Paulie’s Pointers”. She was hardworking and will be forever remembered for her determination and her fun loving, caring and kind manner. Paulie was a long-time member of Zion United Church in Moose Jaw. Paulie and Sarge enjoyed many summers at Buffalo Pound Lake and in their retirement years enjoyed winters in Mesa, Arizona.

She was predeceased by her parents, her seven siblings and their spouses, her in laws, her loving husband Sarge, daughter Diana Sargeant, and infant granddaughter Stephanie Ready. Paulie is survived by her children:

Jim (Barb) and their children Andrea McLean (Travis and their children Blake and Kate) and Tim (Anne-Sophie Thene); Terry (Debbie) and their children Jordan, Paul (Shanel Brandics) and Kyle; Jana Foushée (Jeff) and their children Charlie (Mikal and their children Myles, Beau and Ry) and Marie Foushée Carr (Tyler and their children Wade and Dean); Jill Ready (Don) and their children Julie Ready (Rory McCorriston) and Christine Ready (Jon Stadler).

We would like to thank Mom’s many friends, her great neighbours and Michelle for their assistance and care throughout the years, and more recently Autumn Personal Care Home for all their kindness, care and love shown to Mom. To honour Mom’s wishes there will be no Funeral. We will honour Mom and think of her every day. We were so fortunate to have been with our wonderful mom all these years and grateful to have so many to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.speersfuneralchapel.com.

Elsker Deg (Norwegian: Love You)

BECHTOLD, WALTER In Loving Memory~

It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Alfred Bechtold announces his passing at the age of 94, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Walt will be lovingly remembered by his children, Harold (Debbie) and Ralph (Teri-lynn). Walt will also be fondly remembered by his daughterin-law Gloria, 6 grandchildren, Russell (Alicia), Sarah (Chad), Andrea (Darren), Brayden (Laura), Taylor (Thane), and Landon, by his brother, Mike and by 17 great grandchildren; he was predeceased by Gertrude his loving wife of 66 years, parents, 7 siblings, his son Harvey, and great-grandson Takato.

Walt was born June 16, 1929, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan 1 of 9 children born to John and Ottilie Bechtold.

Walt was a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather as well as avid sports fan, having won several bowling and lawn bowling trophies of his own. Walt also coached the Saskatchewan Ladies Fastball team Champions The Jewels in 1953, the picture is in the Uptown Café. He will be fondly remembered by all.

Cory Brown

May 31st, 1961 – March 15th, 2020

Our lives go on without you

But nothing is the same

We have to hide our heartache

When someone speaks your name

Sad are the hearts that love you

Silent are the tears that fall Living here without you is the hardest part of all

You did so many things for us

Your heart was kind and true

And when we needed someone

We could always count on you

The special years will not return

When we are all together

But with the love in our hearts

You walk with us forever

Remembered and missed by Eldon, Rob, Calder, Kaylee, Dave

There are no goodbyes for us.

Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. ~ Eldon

‘A warm embrace’: Balance Holistic

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

With the aim of supporting individuals who are currently going through a period of grief, Balance Holistic Counselling is hosting a number of ongoing support groups throughout the month of March.

Originating from a program initially launched by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home, the same four support groups are set up as a come-and-go, individuals who understand each other’s unique situation. Group members provide mutual support in an environment focused on empathy and respect. -

ing comfort in times of loss, and the group really is there to provide a safe haven for those (who) are dealing with grief and experiencing grief,” explained Brenda Zinn, a clinical soHolistic Counselling.

“Our whole job is to companion people in their journey. Everybody that’s in that group… understands that route through the complexities of loss.”

Balance Holistic Counselling operates with the goal of promoting personal harmony through empathetic, supportive, down-to-earth, and creative healing.

Holistic counselling, which is the technique employed by Balance, is an approach to therapy that prioritizes individuality when formulating a treatment strategy. This personal ap-issues or isolated symptoms.

“You are a multi-faceted beingation all aspects of you,” the organization’s website stated.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the prevalence

This has been described as one of the highest among Canadian provinces people died by suicide in the province.

There are plenty of resources available for anyone going through a mental health crisis and it’s always a

Balance Holistic Counselling operates with the goal of promoting personal harmony through empathetic, supportive, down-to-earth, and creative healing. Photo by: Balance Holistic Counselling

good idea to direct an individual going through troubling times with these resources. This includes the support groups held locally to address this issue.

counselling, (the best approach) is to ensure that they connect with their counsellor,” Zinn explained. “Just being there (and) being understanding (is important).”

In March, there will be four upplace virtually and two held in person at the South Hill Medical Clinic (now Alliance Health).

The two in-person support groups are the Hope Support Group and the Bereaved Parent Grief Support group. Once all individuals have begins with light moderation from a facilitator such as Zinn.

The Hope Support Group: will and is intended for all individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one.

The Bereaved Parent Group: This group is intended for parents who have experienced the loss of a child.

The two virtual support groups include Survivors of Suicide Loss Grief Support and Common Ground for Bereaved Spouses.

The Survivors of Suicide Loss Group:

p.m. via Zoom.

Common Ground for Bereaved Spouses:

“Our groups provide a safe haven for those who are dealing with grief. It’s just to assist with the heavy weight of that, (by providing) either ideas, a listening ear, support, or empathy,” Zinn said.

All meetings are held in strictment free of judgment or negativity.

“We’re just aiming for a sanctuary where people can share grief with others who have been through similar experiences. They can expect empathy and respect (in turn)… and a warm embrace. We’re just there to support (them).”

To register, contact Zinn at BalanceHolistic.sh@gmail.com.

The South Hill Medical Clinic

p.m. and run for approximately one hour.

To access meetings held on the Zoom app, visit BalanceHolisitic.My. Canva.Site to register or call Zinn at will receive a regular email containscheduled meeting.

Suicide resources

Balance Holistic Counselling:

BalanceHolisitic.My.Canva.Site.

Journey to Hope: is a local organization focused on spreading suicide awareness. For more information, contact Della Ferguson at Info@ HopeSummit.ca.

811 Helpline: in Canada, anyone navigator who can help provide information including resources pertaining to suicide or other mental health concerns.

988 Helpline: for a safe space to -

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: has information and resources at SuicidePrevention.ca.

AUTO RACING

Saturday

6 p.m. FSR NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Weather Guard Truck Race.

BASKETBALL

Saturday

6:30 p.m. WXYZ NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers.

Monday

5:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers.

Tuesday

7 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wednesday

7 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Sacramento Kings at Toronto Raptors.

CURLING

Saturday

4 p.m. TSN 2024 World Women’s Curling Championship Draw 2: Denmark vs. Canada.

Tuesday

4 p.m. TSN 2024 World Women’s Curling Championship Draw 11: Canada vs. Switzerland.

Wednesday 4 p.m. TSN 2024 World Women’s Curling Championship Draw 14: Turkey vs. Canada.

HOCKEY

Thursday 7 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vegas Golden Knights at Calgary Flames.

Friday 6:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Los Angeles Kings at Chicago Blackhawks.

Saturday

5 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Carolina Hurricanes at Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sunday

4 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tuesday

7 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Montreal Canadiens at Edmonton Oilers.

HORSE RACING

Sunday

3 p.m. FSR Horse Racing America’s Day At the Races.

SOCCER

Sunday

5 p.m. TSN MLS Soccer Orlando City SC at Atlanta United FC.

TENNIS

Thursday

7 p.m. TSN 2024 BNP Paribas Open Tennis WTA Quarterfinal.

Superstore <+ Leap Year ('10) Matthew Goode, Amy Adams.

29 ENCAV (:05) <+++ Florence Foster Jenkins ('16) Meryl Streep Princess "Old Curses" Princess "The New World"

33 CMT The Office The Office The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers

35 TLC (6:00) My 600-Lb. Life (N) Dr. Pimple "Plum Nose" Dr. Pimple "Leaky Legs" My 600-Lb. Life

38 DISC Lego "Build That Tune" (N) (:15) Caught! (:45) Lego Masters "Build That Tune NUMB3RS "Protest

41 COM Jim Jim How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) < Lover Come Back <+++ The Wheeler Dealers ('63) James Garner <++ Come Fly With Me

47 AMC (6:00) <+++ Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol <++ I, Robot ('04) Bridget Moynahan, Will Smith

48 FSR British Superbike Superbike Oulton Park (N) Superbike Thruxton (N) Superbike Cadw ell Park (N)

55 CRV1 (4:45) < Lord of the Rings: R (:10) Optimist Guide (N) Tokyo Vice (N) The Girls (P) (:50) Girls

56 CRV2 (6:35) < Woman Who Loves <+++ Wonka ('23) Calah Lane, Timothée Chalamet. < How to Blow Up a Pipeline

57 CRV3 (:20) Transplant "Guardrail" CornerGas Movie The Chi "Quaking Grass" Yellowjackets "Storytelling"

58 HBO Movie (:25) I Am Burt Reynolds The Vow "The Fall" Kim Wall "The Punishment"

19 TSN (5:00) MLSSo NCAA March Madness (N) (Live) SportsCentre (N) (Live) Jay Onrait (N) (Live)

20 NET (6:30) NHL Live Sportsnet (N) (Live) FA Cup Soccer Manchester United vs. Liverpool Misplays

25 EDACC Corner Gas Corner Gas <+++ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ('04) Rupert Grint,Daniel Radcliffe.

26 W < Love in the Forecast ('20) Cindy Busby When Calls the Heart (N) The Way Home (N)

29 ENCAV (:15) <+++ My Girl ('91) Anna Chlumsky <++ My Girl 2 ('93) Anna Chlumsky (P) Movie

33 CMT The Office The Office King King King King Raymond Raymond

35 TLC (6:00) 90 Day Fiancé (N) (:05) 90 Day Fiancé (N) Love & Translation (N) 90 Day Fiancé

38 DISC (6:00) Naked and Afraid (N) Million Dollar Island Caught! Caught! Caught!

41 COM Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends

42 TCM (6:00) <+++ Far and Away ('92) (P) <++++ The Quiet Man ('52) John Wayne. Movie

47 AMC Dead "What We" (N) (:10) The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (N) (:40) Dead "What We" Movie

48 FSR Superbike Oulton Park (N) Rally (N) Rally (N) Rally 2019 Highlights (N) Rally 2018 Highlights (N)

55 CRV1 <+++ Barbie ('23) Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie. Mrs. Davis Love & Death "Do No Evil"

56 CRV2 (6:35) < Swan Princess: Far <+++ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ('09) Daniel Radcliffe. Movie

57 CRV3 (6:45) <++ Shazam! Fury of the Gods ('23) Zachary Levi. <+++ Rocky Balboa ('06) Movie

58 HBO (6:15) Jackie O (:45) < When We Were Bullies Movie The Regime (N) Enthusiasm (:40) How to

13

Staying Wild

19 TSN (5:30) NBA Basketball NBA Basketball New York Knicks at Golden State Warriors (N) (Live) Jay Onrait

20 NET (5:00) NHLHo Sportsnet (N) (Live) Sportsnet (N) (Live) MisplaysSportsnet (N) (Live)

25 EDACC Big Bang etalk (N) Battle "Battle 3" MasterChefCriminal Minds "The Bond"

26 W Will & Grace Will & Grace Superstore Superstore Abbott Ghosts Ghosts Ghosts

29 ENCAV (6:30) <+++ Inception ('10) Leonardo DiCa prio. <+++ Whip It ('09) Marcia Gay Harden,Ellen Page.

33 CMT The Office The Office The Office The Office Frasier Frasier Cheers Cheers

35 TLC (:05) Seeking (N) (:05) 90 Day: Single Life (N) (:05) Love & Translation 90 Day "Tell All Part 1"

38 DISC (6:00) Bering Sea Gold (N) Timber Titans (N) NUMB3RS NUMB3RS "Rampage"

41 COM Jim Jim Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM Movie (:45) <+++ The Naked Prey ('66) Cornel Wilde. <++ Forever Amber ('47) Linda Darnell.

47 AMC (6:00) <+++ True Lies ('94) Arnold Sc hwarzene gger. <+++ Moneyball ('11) Jonah Hill,Brad Pitt.

48 FSR National Legend Cars (N) NASCAR Truck Series Weather Guard Truc k Race Dangerous Drives

55 CRV1 (:20) < Lignes de fuite ('22) Victoria Diam ond. <+++ Flee ('21) Amin (P) Movie

56 CRV2 (5:55) <++++ Rocky ('76) <++ The Secret Garden ('20) Colin Firth. (:45) < The Amityville Curse ('23)

57 CRV3 (:20) Transplant "Sever" CornerGas CornerGas The Chi (:50) Bosch "Pilot" Movie

58 HBO (:15) < Revival 69: The Concert That Rocked the World True Detective "Part 5" (:05) True Detective "Part 6"

Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM (6:00) < King Solomon's Mines <+++ The Prisoner of Zenda ('52) Stewart Granger. <+++ Le Samouraï ('67)

47 AMC <+++ Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol ('11) Jeremy Renner, Tom Cruise. < Star Trek Into Darkness

55

Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave NW; Ham Supper, Saturday March 16. Doors open: 4:30 p.m. Supper: 5:00 p.m. Adult: $20.00 Children: (12 and under) $10.00 For tickets: Call Linda number of tickets to be sold.

Moose Jaw Motorcycle Swap Meet on Saturday March 16th, 2024 12pm-5pm at the Convention Centre South Exhibition Grounds, 250 Thatcher Dr. E. Admission $5pp. All tables booked in advance: $25 each - $10.00 per bike. For booking information phone, 306-693-6834 or 306-690-0159 after 5 pm. Sponsored by Moose Jaw Cycle Association Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch Luncheon Meeting will take place on March 20 at 10:30am at the Masonic Hall, 1755 Main St. N. Program: Della Ferguson: When Loss Hits Home. The luncheon will be a Turkey Dinner supplied by Charlotte’s. Cost: $10pp per STS member and spouse. $20pp for non-members. Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, March 14/24 - (306) 691-0696; email marcilr@sasktel. net. UPCOMING Luncheons: Wed. May 15/24

The Moose Jaw Art Guild will meet on Thursday, March 21, 3pm at the MJMAG.

MJ Art Guild Art Creation Time will be held on April 18, 1-4pm at the MJMAG

MJ Art Guild Business meeting will be held on May 16, 3pm at the MJMAG. Anyone interested in art is welcome to attend any of the meetings. For more information call 306-692-6667 or306631-3148.

Friends of the Forces Fellowship Musical Revue will be held

Sunday, March 24 beginning at 1 p.m. at Timothy Eaton Gardens at 510 Main St. North in Moose Jaw. The purpose of the concert is to showcase musical talent from the city and 15 Wing and to provide a social opportunity between military families and residents of Moose Jaw. The afternoon will also include a variety of prize draws. Entertainment will be provided by Bonnie and the Jets, Desperate for Haggis, Capt. Rich MacDougall of the Snowbirds, Keyanna Dunbar, Lorne Jackson, Joaquin Tyrie and Kelly Sapergia. There will also be a special performance by Metis dancers. Admission at the door is $8. Doors open at noon.

Lawn Bowls (on turf): Lawn Bowling has been described as a cross between Curling and Pool. Lawn Bowls can be played in a makes it a game for everyone from 6 to 106. The Yara Centre offers everyone an opportunity to participate in this fun sport. It provide athletes with maintenance of skills & recreational players with a fun alternative to typical gym exercises. Drop in welcomed every Tuesday &Thursday at 9:30am &/or Wednesday at 1:30pm. For more info www.moosejawlawnbowling.com or text 306 690-8739

New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@hotmail.com

Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val @306.630.5790.

Town and Country Square Dancing will be held at St. Mary’s School for 2023-2024 season; 7pm to 9pm Monday nights.

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis to take place on the third Friday of each month.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Lindale School staff room (north door). For information call 306-693-5705.

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

Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association Winter 2024 dance program on Monday Nights at 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Mary’s School – 720 - 5th Ave SW. Dance in a Square with a Circle of Friends. For information contact: Valerie Wright 306-691-0579.

Line Dancing every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Griefshare support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. We meet Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until April 8. Join any time. We meet at Moose Jaw Alliance Church. To register Ralph Magnus at rjmagnus57@gmail.com

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/

Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord. Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw NarAnon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded. Toastmasters provides a learning environment to develop comwell as personal & professional development. There are 2 clubs in Moose jaw: Tuesdays: TAP club meets on zoom@7pm Soon will offer an 8 week class ‘Speechcraft’ which provides instruction and experiential learning of the basic skills in public speaking. Guests are welcome at all meetings. Phone Cathy 306-630-7015 for more information & zoom link.

Wednesday: Big Country club @7pmCST is in person@Saskpolytechnic & (Hybrid) online. TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:307:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs. Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA

ote: Some library programs require registration by calling 306692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

Two New French Programs Coming to MJPL! Mar 14 - Tire-toi une bûche: un project Collab de Radio-Canada / A Collab project by Radio-Canada Mar 25 - L’heure du conte / French Storytime Apr 5 - One Book, One Province - featuring a traditional reading and Q&A with Jennifer S. Wallace, author of the 2024 selection Miss G and Me

Adult Programming:

MAGIC THE GATHERING Saturdays, March 16/23/30 @2pm in the Reading Room for ages Ages 13 and up.

Drop-in program MJ CHESS CLUB AT MJPL on Sunday March 17 from 1-4pm in the South Meeting Room for all ages.

MJPL BOOK CLUB on Tuesday, March 12 @ 7pm in the South Meeting Room for adults -Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls

Drop-in program

Teen Programming:

Drop-in program TEEN GAMERS on Wednesday, March 13 @6:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Snacks provided. Drop-in program TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS on Wednesday, March 20 @ 6:30 pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Snacks provided. PG Drop-in program SPACEBALLS on Saturday, March 23 @ 2:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for all ages.

Children’s Programming:

LEGO WEEKENDS! Self-guided activity on Saturdays & Sundays during open hours in the Children’s Department for ages 4+.

TAKE ‘N’ MAKE PAPER EASTER EGG Self-guided activity on March 18 during open hours at the Children’s Circulation Desk for ages 4-12.

MAKER SATURDAYS on Saturday March 16 from 1:30-3pm in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-12. Registration required. To register call 306-692-8210 or email nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

UNICORN SLIME on Saturday, March 23 @ 10:30 am in the Children’s Program Room for ages 2+. Registration required. To register call 306-692-8210 or email nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) – To register for any of the classes, visit mjmag.ca and select “Art Classes” under the “Learning” tab. If you prefer to visit the art gallery in person, everyone is welcome to stop by to register. Space is limited. All classes will be held in the Kinsmen Learning Centre, located on the Heritage Gallery level of the MJMAG at 461 Langdon Crescent. For more information, visit mjmag.ca.

CREATEabilities (sic) art classes on Thurs 7-8pm until March 28. Cost $25; materials supplied.

“CREATEabilities 2” on Thursdays from April 4 – 25; 7 – 8 p.m

Cost $25pp; materials supplied.

Ukrainian Easter egg decorating class “Pysanky” on Tuesday, March 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. and on Saturday, April 6, from 1 – 3 p.m. Cost $25 for each individual class. Materials supplied. on April 14 from 1:20-3:30pm. Cost $25pp. Materials provided but you will need to bring your own pair of wire cutters.

Beginner Watercolour Painting workshop will run from April 20 – 21 from 1-5 each day. . Cost $95pp.

Introduction to Printmaking for teens and adults on Saturday, April 27 – 28 from 1 – 4 p.m.

“Hop into Art over Easter” for children aged 6 – 11 years from April 2-5 from 1:30-3:30pm. Online pre-registration is required.

FESTIVAL OF WORDS UPCOMING EVENTS

Lit Con 2024 March 12 at 7 p.m., Mark Brick will be discussing marketing strategies and advice for self published authors. Titled “Self Publisher’s Guide to Marketing with FriesenPress. FriesenPress has donated a manuscript evaluation guide to be handed out to one lucky attendee chosen at random following the

webinar. The guide is said to be valued at $499.

March 16 – 10-12 p.m., Drew Nicks will be presenting “Disquiet and Unease: On Horror and The Weird March 16 – 1-3 p.m., Tonia Laird will be holding a workshop called “Where Pen Meets Pixel: Writing for Video Games.”

Cineview March 20, “Frybread Face and Me”/April 17, “Monster”/May 29, “Solo”

All showings at the Mae Wilson Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door.

Performer’s Café

March 28, Dustan Hlady will host “an exciting and entertaining night out.” Hlady is an established local songwriter, April 25, “Hot Toffee” will host a presentation that sheds light on a few ideas and perspectives from “a better man living a better life” Hot Toffee is a 29-year-old musician and recording artist from Moose Jaw, and draws inspiration from rap, R&B, soul, pop, and fusion genres. book, “Cradle and Spoon.” Spencer is originally from small town Saskatchewan.

2024 Festival of Words will take place July 18 – 21, and the 28th iteration of the annual event. Distinguished authors Sid Marty, a Canadian author, poet/musician, and freelance writer; Waubgeshig Rice, an Anishinaabe author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation on Georgian Bay; and, Victoria Koop, a Saskatchewanto attend. .

More details about the 28th annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words are anticipated this April.

If you are looking to apply as a literary presenter, a copy of your book and personal bio can be submitted to operations co-ordinator

Amanda Farnel at Amanda@FestivalOfWords.com

For more information, visit FestivalOfWords.com.

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @ Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events. For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59- Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games cash prizes.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required.

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $5; pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688. every Friday at 7:00pm.

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

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-T and Friday’s 8am-4pm/ Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm/Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri, 8am – 4pm.

Billiards open daily 8am – 4pm, and Mon & Thurs 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Mon & Thurs 10 a.m./Tues, Wed & Fri 1 p.m./Mon & Thurs 7 p.m./Wed 6pm

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

Cribbage – Wed 1 p.m/Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thurs9:30 am/Mah Jong – Weds 1 p.m./500 Cards – Thurs @ 1 p.m.

Full Body Work Out Mon 9:30am/Wed 9:30 am Scrabble – Mon 1pm/Spades Tues & Fri 1pm Line Dancing Tues 10 a.m./Intro to Line Dancing – Wed 11am

Table Tennis Mon 1pm/Art & Crafts Mon/Tues/Wed 1 p.m./ Tues/Thurs 1 p.m.

Paper Tole Tues 1 p.m./Nickle Bingo Fri 1 p.m./Quilting Fri 9am-4pm

Jam and dancing (New Name Change) Fri 9 a.m./Texas

Hold’em Thurs 6:30pm

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

Monday

Camera Club – only on the 2nd Monday of the month

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pm-Friendship

Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball

Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball

Atria Mulberry Estates Independent Senior’s Living 55+

– 220 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw. Contact (306) 694-5020 Visit website at: https://www.atriaretirement.ca/retirementcommunities/atria-canada-mulberry-estates-moose-jaw-sk Totally Tacos Party on Thursday, March 21st at 2pm; A social with tacos and beverages while meeting residents. RSVP to Tricia at 306.694.5020 to save your spot!

Par-Tee! on Thursday, April 4th at 2pm. Swing by for a round of putt-putt as we compete for the title of Atria Open Champion! Tee up a tasty afternoon of refreshments inspired by the food served at famous Augusta National Golf Club. RSVP to Tricia at

306.694.5020 to save your spot!

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

Open on Wednesdays 12-6pm. Every Wed. 10 card crib and smear.

Every Thursday 12–7pm – crib 1:30pm/Bring a partner or sign up for a spare.

Every Friday Bring a partner.

Every Saturday 1-7pm. 4:30 pm Meat Draw;50/50;gift card. Everyone welcome.

Last Thursday of every month “Veteran’s Coffee Break” 9:3011am. All Veterans welcome for coffee and donuts provided by local businesses.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

MONDAY EVENINGS: (to April, 2023): Drop in Cribbage – registration 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm – play starts at 7:00 pm. $2.00 per person – two person teams. Bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered. Everyone Welcome. WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: (to April 2023) - Drop in Darts –play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone Welcome

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

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

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting 7:00 pm

MARCH 16, 2024 – Gary Kincaid and Bill Duncan playing in the Eagles Club Lounge from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm – Come on out, tap your toes, do some dancing and enjoy the music.

MARCH 17, 2024 – St. Patrick’s Day – Ladies Auxiliary serving a beef stew supper with fresh, homemade biscuits, salad and dessert in the Eagles Club Lounge for $12.00, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Advance tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar.

APRIL 6, 2024 – JEFF MERTICK – Playing in the Eagles Club Lounge at 8:30 pm to closing – Great music – come out and enjoy the evening!

April 27, 2024 – Fundraiser Steak night in support of our Aerie President, Robert Rusu and his wife Faye – more information will follow – Tickets $25.00 each –advance tickets will be available at the Eagles Club bar until closing on April 25, 2024

APRIL 27, 2024 – BADLANDS playing in the Eagles Club Lounge at 8:30 pm to 12:00 – Great Music, Great Times….Come out and enjoy!

APRIL 28, 2024 – Ladies Auxiliary “Last Sunday of the Month” Supper – Ham and Scalloped Potatoes, veggies, salad, roll and dessert - $15.00 – advance tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar. MAY 25, 2024 - Rod Willier – “Trivia” Night in the Eagles club lounge – 7:00 pm - Come out and have a few laughs and enjoy an evening of fellowship.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

Celebrating 75 Years on Tuesday, April 2, from 9 a.m. – 5 the day, with pre-school children, museum volunteers, and active members still enjoying free admittance. There will be a PowerPoint (presentation) going through the WDM history, and then specialty cupcakes at 2 p.m. There will also be a special 75th anniversary scavenger hunt for the younger museum patrons with prizes to be announced.

Model train show (Partnered with Thunder Creek Model Train Show) on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, from 9am-5pm each day. Standard Admission. . Admission will cost the same standard rate, and the event runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on each consecutive day. Concession – cash only. Easter egg Scavenger Hunt until March 31 this year. Easter egg baskets will be hidden throughout the gallery and you will have to write down which artifact you found it on,” she said. All participants can enter a draw to be held at the end of the month to win a specialty keychain.

Virtual Coffee Club

Thursday, March 21, guest speaker Brian Gallager will talk about the Baby Boomer generation, focusing on local history since the Second World War and delivers a “challenging, yet fun” look at what was possible for the generation who witnessed a level and speed of societal change never before witnessed in history.

Thursday, April 18, Alexis Jones will present a timeline of the museum’s history spanning the past 75 years in Moose Jaw and will focus on a number of its major milestones.

Thursday, May 23, the museum will be hosting guest speaker Dr. J.L. (Les) Henry, P.Ag., who will deliver a presentation on catalogue houses in the prairies including Eaton Mail Order Houses. This topic will focus on the Mail Order House business that thrived in the early 1900s. Each coffee club presentation will take place on the Zoom app and begins at 10 a.m. To register, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/CoffeeClub.

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