Moose Jaw Express November 16th, 2022

Square One Community Inc. is holding an “Empty Bowls” fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Timo thy Eaton Gardens to raise money for emer gency shelters in the city.

The event takes place in the Timothy Eaton social hall and features hearty soups, craft vendors, and a silent auction.

“Square One is raising funds to secure a women’s emergency shelter and a warm ing centre for the City of Moose Jaw,” said Crystal Lockyer, a Square One volunteer. “We have lots of great restaurants and do nors who are donating soup. We have the Grant Hall Hotel, Gordon Food Services, the Canadian Brewhouse, the Mad Greek, and Moose Jaw Families for Change, so far.”

“The doors open at 10 a.m. to browse the vendors, and we’ll be serving soup from 11 to 2:30,” Lockyer continued. “Tickets are $25 and for the $25 you get a bowl of soup, a bun, coffee, tea, and there will be dessert as well. And at the end of the event, you get to take your bowl home.”

Tickets are available by emailing com munitysquareone@gmail.com. They will also be sold at the door on Nov. 19.

A wide variety of bowls have been do nated by local organizations.

Craft vendors with tables at Empty Bowls will include Lisa’s Chic Boutique; Whimsy & Fancy; Sunset Gourmet; Us borne Books; Kountry Kazualz; Thim bleberry Artworks; Fran’s Hand-painted T-Shirts; Gail’s Crafts and Gideon Bibles; Epicure; and the Rainbow Retro Christmas Collection.

The idea of an Empty Bowl fundraiser began in 1990 in Michigan. A high school art teacher was looking for ways for his class to contribute to a food drive. A class project to make ceramic bowls for a fundraising meal was the result.

Guests were served a simple meal of soup and bread and took their bowls home afterward as a reminder of hunger in the world.

“We’ve chosen to take this on as a way of highlighting the need of those experi encing homelessness here in our communi

ty,” explained Della Ferguson, president of Square One. “Everything we’re having at this event is donated, so everything will go to the cause.

“We’re grateful for all the folks coming as vendors, those who have donated silent auction items, and we’ve had some major sponsors come into this event.”

The Share the Warmth SaskEnergy pro gram has donated $1,000, Ferguson said. SGI has also donated $1,000, and the Moose Jaw Co-op has donated $200 for all the sup plies the fundraiser needs.

Homelessness in Moose Jaw

Advocates have long decried the lack of emergency shelter options in Moose Jaw. The Rainbow Retro Thrift Store, operated by Moose Jaw Pride, had last year turned one of its rooms into a warming space that proved crucial to the housing-insecure pop ulation.

However, Moose Jaw Pride dissolved after its board discovered serious financial irregularities earlier this year. The warming space helped everyone from 2SLGBTQ+ youth fleeing violence, to social services clients forced to choose food over rent, to

those struggling with mental illness, sub stance abuse disorder, or traumatic brain injury.

Riverside Mission accepts only men and can only house 10 per night. The new Souls Harbour Rescue Mission building is at least one full year behind schedule, and its director is discouraged as building funds are coming in very slowly.

Meetings of community-based organi zations (CBOs), emergency services, social services, local MLAs, Mayor Clive Tolley, and others have determined that Square One may be best-positioned to provide a solution this winter.

However, despite promises of action from city leaders, assurances of help from the Ministry of Social Services, and intense frustration from the Moose Jaw Police Ser vice, major winter storms and dangerous sub-zero temperatures have now arrived — and Moose Jaw appears no closer to provid ing adequate emergency shelter for its hous ing-insecure population.

To help — as a sponsor, vendor, volun teer, or in any other capacity — email com munitysquareone@gmail.com

Moose Jaw’s Digital Daily

Square One volunteers Crystal Lockyer and Noreen Edmondson selling tickets for Empty Bowls at Moose Jaw Co-op during Nov. 7’s snowstorm (photo by Gordon Edgar)

Sunningdale students remember Canadian fallen soldiers in the Afghan War

Friends of the Forces Fellowship were on hand at Sunningdale School when El ementary students raised 159 Canadian flags in memory of Canadian fallen sol diers in the Afghan War; one flag for each fallen soldier.

“We honour and teach our kids the importance of the remembrance,” Dave Osberg, Principal of Sunningdale Elemen tary School said. He says it is a correlation to the freedoms which we all enjoy within our country. He also said he is proud of his students for respecting the seriousness of Remembrance Day and understand the purpose of why soldiers fought and died for everyone. “We feel at our school that it is important to honour the memory of those that fought and died for us, as well as the soldiers that continue to fight for us.”

father of a Sunningdale Elemen

tary student died in active duty in Afghan istan 10-15 years ago. Thus, the school’s commemoration services focus mostly on Afghanistan veterans.

“There is a real connection here,” Phil Adkins, Director of Friends of the Forces Fellowship said. He says they have been working with the school and its students for the last few years to place flags in front of the school in memory of the 159 Cana dians that have fallen in the Afghan war.

“This kind of brings the Remembrance Day closer to students here.”

“We have been here and were in volved with an assortment of community activities,” Ken Hawkes, another Director of Friends of the Forces Fellowship said.

Lyle Johnson, a Director of Friends of the Forces Fellowship said, “We are proud of the school for their involvement and remember the services at their local lev el. Mr. Osberg and his staff and students taken it very much to heart and they make great demonstrations and presentations.”

To the young minds of Sunningdale, he said, “You have taken a special place in

this city to represent specifically the Af ghanistan veterans in the last war that they were involved with. You guys are com memorating them.”

Friends of the Forces Fellowship’s purpose is to support the Armed Forces who are currently serving, as well as their past members who are retired and require support. The organization generates funds, holds its annual car show, organizes con certs, and holds other activities for gener ating funds for the goodwill of the Moose Jaw community and its veterans.

The initial idea was to drill into the ground outside of the school so that the students could place the flags out there but due to critical weather conditions, students held he flags indoors in front of the memo rials made by the students themselves.

“[I] love this tradition and of course, look forward to it again next year,” Princi pal Osberg said.

Sunningdale School holds Remembrance Day Assembly and receives Lois Boyle award

Express/MooseJawToday.com

Sunningdale Elementary School held their annual Remembrance Day Assembly on Wednesday, Nov. 9, including raising 159 Canadian flags for the 158 soldiers and one civilian who died in Afghanistan.

The ceremony took place in the Sun ningdale School gym and was emceed by students Taliyah Purcell and Rhyen Ubell. Sunningdale Principal Dave Osberg thanked all the students for their presence and reminded them it was a solemn occa sion.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was represented by CWO Eric Keur of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School.

Keur spoke to the assembly about the history and purpose of the CAF, includ ing a brief outline of the battles of Vimy Ridge and Dieppe. He also talked about the peacetime duties of the CAF, such as assisting in disaster relief. Keur took some time following his remarks to answer questions from students and encouraged

them to learn more about the CAF.

The Friends of the Forces Fellowship, which works to strengthen ties between

the military community at 15 Wing and the civilian community in Moose Jaw, presented Sunningdale School with the Lois Boyle award for their special efforts to honour military dead.

“I am so delighted to be with you this morning to make a presentation to the school for the work that you and your comrades have done for the last 12 years,” said Joyce Walter, secretary/treasurer of the Fellowship.

“The award you’re receiving for the school is called the Lois Boyle Commu nity Service Award. … Mrs. Boyle is con sidered the mother of the Snowbirds. … And she was very involved in the commu nity and she certainly was an advocate for remembering the soldiers who gave their lives.”

Ken Hawkes and Robb Nesbitt from the Friends of the Forces Fellowship helped to present the Lois Boyle Award. The ceremony included the singing of the national anthem and the recitation of several poems. Each class at the school formally and respectfully laid a wreath at the front of the gym.

Because of the weather, the school’s now-traditional raising of 159 flags was done during the Remembrance Day cere mony rather than outside. Students were prepared, and raised their flags high when prompted by Osberg.

“I am very proud of our students; they take Remembrance Day seriously,” Osberg said following the event. “They know the purpose and they’ve learned a lot about what it means to be free and the sacrifices that have been made for that freedom. There were 475 kids in the gym and they were hanging on every word and were very quiet and respectful.”

The

Friends of the Forces Fellowship support Armed Forces with Sunningdale Elementary students raising 159 Canadian flags in memory

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Sunningdale Elementary students hold flags in commemoration of 159 Afghani stan fallen soldiers.

Lyle Johnson, Ken Hawkes, Dave Os berg, Joyce Walter, Sunningdale teach er, Phil Adkins, and Robb Nesbitt stand in front of memorials made by the stu dents.

A Sunningdale teacher hands out Cana dian flags to the students.

A group of Sunningdale Elementary School students lays the final wreath at the Remembrance Day Assembly me morial. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw

The Friends of the Forces Fellowship presented Sunningdale School with the Lois Boyle Community Service Award in recognition of its efforts to remember the mil itary dead. (l-r) Robb Nesbitt, Ken Hawkes, Sunningdale Principal Dave Osberg, Sunningdale students Taliyah Purcell and Rhyen Ubell, Joyce Walter. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

CWO Eric Keur speaks to the assem bly. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

The Western Development Museum (WDM) has arranged Remembrance Day activities throughout the month of No vember ‘In Remembrance.’

“It’s nice to showcase a few of the other things that we have in the general WDM collection that might not be located here in Moose Jaw and what a great way to tie it into a theme that helps to recog nize Remembrance Day,” Karla Rasmus sen Education Programs Coordinator at the WDM said.

WDM will be showing wartime mov ies from the National Film Board and there will be a Wartime Rationing ‘Seek and Find’ activity curing the whole month of November.

The National Film Board films can be viewed in the little theatre at the WDM. The films are for all ages; some are a lit tle bit more serious than others – some are quite short and some are a little bit longer. These movies speak to Canadians and many Saskatchewan people about the First and Second World War. One of the films Wartime Housing is about the hous ing problems that happened right after the Second World War when soldiers came home from the war. Another film Forgot ten Warriors is about indigenous soldiers who were involved in the Second World War and later did not receive their deserv ing treatment even after fighting for their country. With these films, the museum wants to show the hardship and the diffi cult times Canadians went through during the wars.

“I just want to bring some awareness to that injustice and inequality,” said Ras mussen.

She mentions that during the First and

Second World Wars, people did not have enough rations, from food to rubber, silk, metal and many others. They had to be creative in making different kinds of food, like baking a cake with limited ingredi ents. She also said that during war times people did not have sugar, so they used molasses to improve the taste.

“Molasses was used instead of sugar.”

She wants people to explore and un derstand what it would take to make a cake during wartime.

Rasmussen said the museum will be hosting “The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) will be held on Saturday, November 19th at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Saskatchewan’s Wartime

Contributions presentation at 2:00 p.m. BCATP presentation will be an air craft walkthrough that is physically pres ent in the museum. Attendees will get to know how these vintage aircraft are being restored. Some of these aircraft are Sas katchewan’s wartime contributions; some are scuttled by the military and come in very poor conditions and are later restored to their best conditions. These restorations are done by a group of volunteers known

as “The Vintage Aircraft Restorers.”

In Saskatchewan, there are sever al training schools in different locations around the province. There were at least 14 locations and 22 schools who were specialized in general training for pilots during the Second World War. “We have a large number of planes in our collection that are from the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).”

Saskatchewan’s Wartime Contri butions is an interactive presentation in which attendees are asked to bring regular items like pots, pans, bits of scrap metal and other similar items. In the presenta tion, people will get to know about how regular mundane household items were recycled and made into aircraft, tanks and other war machinery. By melting rubber, they could make aircraft and military car wheels. They will also discuss how they made parachutes with silk.

Within the presentation, the contri bution of women within Canadian soci ety will also be reviewed. These women worked in factories and on farms to grow crops and supply food rations for soldiers who were overseas and fighting in the war. Moose Jaw WDM’s discovery box will also be presented for attendees to have an interactive experience.

For more information, contact WDM Moose Jaw at 50 Diefenbaker Drive or by phone at 306-693-5989.

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

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Karla Rasmussen in front of Royal Canadian Air Force British Commonwealth Air Training Plan aircraft at the WDM.

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

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

Publisher: Robert Ritchie - rob@mjvexpress.com

Editor: Joan Ritchie - jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Sales: Wanda Hallborg - mjexpress7@sasktel.net

Gladys Baigent-Therens - gbaigenttherens@moosejawtoday.com

Kevin Ogle - kogle@moosejawtoday.com

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

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

Joan Ritchie Joyce Walter Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

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

The Christmas season is fast approaching and the rush of adrenaline is kicking in.

Although I wish the spirit of the season – love, goodwill to mankind, and kindness, would be evident all year long, I find that in the trying days we are living in, Christ mas has slowly lost its charm in commercialism.

Moose Jaw National Child Day, November 20, 2022

Mark Saturday, November 20 - National Child Day - on your calendar. This is the day when people across the country take time each year to celebrate Canada’s most precious resource - our children. It’s a day to remember that children need love and respect to grow to their full potential. It’s a day to marvel at their uniqueness and all they have to offer. It’s a day to celebrate the family and think about how adults affect the development of children close to them. The theme for 2022 National Child Day is Equality and Inclusion for every child. in honour of the power and resilience of all 8 million kids in Canada and their right to survive and thrive.

National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th each year. National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centered on children’s rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Conven tion on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.

EDITOR

I certainly have tried hard over the years to stay clear of getting wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but somehow I think more and more, the ‘bah-humbug’ feeling of Mr. Scrooge pervades our very souls at least once-in-awhile. It is evident in all of the shopping and wrapping, socializing and commer cialism that materialism has brought.

On the other hand, it’s not concern about myself, my pleasure or satisfaction, but more about my desire to make others happy. It’s not an easy challenge to find something for each loved one that they want, especial ly the little people in my life.

I’m not really up on the toys that little boys under seven enjoy, but I’m sure glad that I have the shorttrack to Santa – I get to proofread the kids’ lists prior to them sending them off to the fluffy jovial soul so I can be in the know.

In all of it, it’s in the sacrifice of giving that we in-turn receive the blessing of being able to give! How sweet it is to make someone else happy!

As I have confessed over the years, I hate throwing money out the window on stuff that sits under the tree and then gets tossed in a corner a few days later never to be remembered again!

That is why we have always opted to say I love you to our kids by giving them cold hard cash, although a little something-or-two under the tree always lights up nite.

It’s pretty boring for a kid under seven to get-ex cited about a few bucks for their future education when they could be trying to make or break something. We all know what most toys are made of these days…San ta’s elves better start using better quality supplies or else grandparents will have to apply for a job in Santa’s workshop in quality control!

But even though commercialism has brought with it the stress of the season, we don’t need to let it per vade and take-over all that Christmas wonder. Christ mas is a time of cheer, warm-fuzzy feelings, goodwill to others and a time to cherish and be with those we love.

Let the spirit of Christmas – the love and grace that was extended to us that first Christmas in the gift given to the world, be extended through us to others, not only at Christmas but all year long.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the au thor, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment includes the opportunity for children to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.

Moose Jaw City Council was be asked to endorse the Moose Jaw Children’s Covenant in November, 2015.

The Early Childhood Coalition will be distributing a Children’s Covenant to schools and will be hosting an event at the Early Years Family Resource Centre on No vember 18. The City of Moose Jaw will be offering free swim and skate to children and their parents. We hope that

the Moose Jaw community will reflect on how we affect the lives of children in our community. For more informa tion, please contact Wanda below.

Early Childhood Coalition of Moose Jaw Region

Inaugural Touch-A-Truck event deemed a success after

$600 for literacy initiatives

By Moose Jaw Express staff

tors who got into the event in such a positive way.

“The management and staff at the Event Centre went out of their way to create a successful event. We hope that we will be able to host this event for many years and many children to come.”

The event was free, with proceeds from the outdoor concession donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Li brary — Moose Jaw Chapter.

As the world’s preeminent early childhood book-gift ing program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate, cost-free books to children from birth to age five in partnership with community af filiates.

Children whose parents enroll them in the library re ceive one new book each month. Throughout enrolment, a personal library of up to 60 books is created, helping form the foundation of a child’s early reading experience.

The chamber was thrilled to be a community partner in the Touch-A-Truck event, while it commended the or ganizing committee for doing a great job, said CEO Rob Clark.

“We believe that a strong community starts with our youth, and we couldn’t be happier to be a small part of this event,” he added. “Kudos to the Moose Jaw Event Centre and all the businesses who came out to bring their trucks and equipment to the event.”

The Moose Jaw Events Centre and its partners are cele brating the success of the inaugural Touch-A-Truck event in September, which raised $600 to support literacy initia tives in the community.

The Events Centre, the Early Years Family Resource Centre, OVG360, the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce, Moose Jaw Public Library and Moose Jaw Literacy Network collaborated on the event, which oc curred on Sept. 10 and attracted over 1,000 people.

Children could get up close with fire trucks, police cars, school buses, ambulances, cranes and other vehicles and learn more about them, how they work and the people who operate them.

“The day was amazing!” said Christine Boyczuk, co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw Literacy Network. “The engagement among the children, families, drivers and op erators enriched the children’s learning experience very much. We were all so grateful for the owners and opera

The Events Centre had a great time hosting the event and appreciated the great organizations that pitched in to make it a success, said Ryan MacIvor, OVG360 general manager. He noted that the money from the event would support children’s literacy in their early years, which is important for their future success.

Joan Ritchie

Submitted by Wanda Peakman, Chair

Rob Clark, CEO of the Moose Jaw & District Cham ber of Commerce, and Christine Boyczuk, co-ordina tor of the Moose Jaw Literacy Network, accept a $600 cheque from Ryan MacIvor, general manager of the Moose Jaw Events Centre General Manager. The net proceeds came from the Touch-A-Truck event. Photo submitted

Nanan STEM Academy holds first annual showcase at Grant Hall

The Nanan Science, Technology, Engi neering, and Math (STEM) Academy held its first annual showcase at the Grant Hall Hotel on Sunday, Nov. 6, with stu dents demonstrating computer games, custom-programmed robotics, and other programming skills they’ve learned.

James, 13, demonstrated his project combining robotics with coding. He inte grated a robotic arm with a control board and a camera to differentiate between a red ball and a yellow ball. Once the red ball is identified, the arm grabs it and throws it away.

“See, what I did in the code here; this is a function, and everything underneath this is basically the code for it,” James explained. The lines of code, with delays between actions, instructions for what an gle the robot arm should bend at, and what colour to respond to, were all worked out by him, essentially on his own.

“Here’s the angle that it bends at, I had a whiteboard where I tested out the standard angles it should bend to. These are the base, so this first servo down here is for turning. It resets to 140 degrees, then this second one puts the arm at a 90-de gree angle for picking up the ball.”

Gerry Turcotte, a technology coach for the Holy Trinity Catholic School Di vision, volunteers at the Nanan STEM Academy. He’s worked with founder/ director Shaun Nanan for years, teaming up to prepare kids for a digitally literate future.

“We help them learn step-by-step thinking,” Turcotte said. “And if they make a mistake, we help them learn, ‘where’s your mistake?’ and ‘how do you figure out where you made a mistake?’ So, we’re teaching kids how to persevere, right? You’re teaching them to ask when they need something, to express them selves appropriately.

“They’re learning communication skills, logical thinking skills, math, spatial

directions. And they’re so engaged.”

Shaun Nanan is the Program Head of Computer Engineering Technology at Sask Polytech’s Moose Jaw campus. He is passionate about technology education and hopes to be part of a change in how students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 learn computational thinking.

“We have 13- to 14-year-olds build ing engineering projects that I did at uni versity,” Nanan said. “Once you give them the opportunity, the education, and the materials, they just take it to another level. I’m not pushing them, they’re pushing me. They want more tools, to the point where we’re doing things at a post-secondary level.”

Nanan’s five-year-old daughter Emily showed off a computer game she made by herself using block programming software called Scratch.

“This is a great way to introduce coding to any age, but especially young er kids,” Nanan explained. “They’re just dragging and dropping, but they can do a lot of advanced stuff by … arranging blocks that represent different functions. It’s similar to text-based coding, but it’s easier to work with.”

Emily’s face was a picture of concen tration as she explained her game. She de signed the background, the characters, and the goal. When she noticed something not behaving how she wanted, she immediate ly began problem-solving to fix it — on her own initiative.

Nanan believes learning coding skills teaches children logical thinking and problem-solving in a way that is superior to traditional learning methods. He holds technology workshops at the Moose Jaw Public Library and in local schools.

“I’m excited to keep growing and see ing what these students can do,” he said. “I’d love for this to become my full-time job.”

seminars

Monday, November 21 st

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street 6:30pm (from the menu plus pizza)

Thursday, November 24 th

~ Houston Pizza Event Room 117 Main Street North 6:30pm (from the menu)

Tuesday, November 29 th

~ Rodo’s Pizza Event Room

9th Avenue South & Grandview Street 6:30pm (from the menu plus pizza)

Wednesday, November 30 th

~ Houston Pizza Event Room 117 Main Street North 6:30pm (from the menu)

I’ve been procrastinating making my arrangements for a long time. Finally I decided to go take in a supper seminar and have a follow up meeting with Michael. My kids were very pleased when I told them I had it done.

I feel good about having my Purple Shield Plan. Leona Shepherd

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Emily Nanan, 5, troubleshoots the code of her video game. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

Alexen, 14, and Dale, 13, get their robot ready to go. It is an obstacle-avoiding robot that proceeded to wander around the room until stopped. (Photo by Gor don Edgar)

Shaun Nanan, founder and director of Nanan STEM Academy, explains how a student programmed a robot to be controlled by a video-game controller. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

Older students help their younger peers problem-solve their game coding. The students were totally absorbed in their work. (Photo by Gordon Edgar)

Pony

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

riders could take lessons from fowl supper guests

The American Pony Express came to mind the other day when the storm was blow ing from all directions around us, leaving drifts in the driveway and icy patches hid den from sight under the snow.

It was a perfect day to hunker down inside at home, staying out of the elements and away from the possibility of danger ous pre-winter snowy driving conditions.

But would the Pony Express riders of olden days be stopped by a mere snow storm? Of course not, especially with the slogan attributed to them that “neither rain or snow nor death of night can keep us from our duty.”

In our case, we weren’t thinking of the mail delivery, but something equally near and dear to our hearts: a fowl supper.

Yes indeed, there was a fowl supper to attend and how could we possibly miss turkey and gravy and stuffing and home made desserts. This was a particularly interesting meal as we in this household have a history with a forerunner of the 2022 edition.

It was some years ago that we added

the supper at the Rowletta Civic Centre to our list of suppers to attend. The day of the supper was cloudy with a heavy rain that had started the day before and contin ued. City streets were drenched so one can imagine what a grid road and then a short er dirt road would be like.

Despite knowing what might await us, we scurried to the car out of the rain, turned the windshield wipers to high speed and headed to the site of the supper.

As soon as we turned onto the grid road, we anticipated we might be in trou ble but the Sundance I was driving plowed through and then slid and slid some more on the non-grid leading to the building. It was clear some vehicles had gone this way before us and their ruts were much wider than I should have tried to navigate. But we came to a muddy stop, got out and went indoors.

At the door we were greeted by a grin ning area resident who gave us the news that the supper had been cancelled because of the rain and road conditions. The notice was put out over the radio. We, and at least

100 other people, had not heard the an nouncement.

We did not go home hungry. The or ganizers had cooked the turkeys, made salads and had all the trimmings ready to serve the volunteers who lived close to the hall. We were invited to join them for tur key.

We ate, enjoyed the company and then hurried to our cars to travel in a convoy of sorts to slide through the mud and grit to reach the pavement.

Turn the calendar a few years to 2022. Tickets were purchased for this year’s supper on Oct. 23. That was the day of the heavy snowfall with downed trees and the power going off for hours and hours. Be cause of those circumstances, the supper was postponed to Nov. 6.

I was convinced the reports of freez ing rain turning into snow on Nov. 5 and continuing into Nov. 6 were baloney. I would have lost the bet but despite the weather I was able to eat turkey instead of crow.

The dinner organizers vowed to have

in this article are

of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the po sition of this publication.

a supper that Sunday evening and gra ciously encouraged pre-paid guests to at tend if able, but safely.

The nephew was scheduled to drive and we left the decision to him. The niece offered to bring us take-out, but with the family’s record of determination, we de cided if they were attending, we would be in the backseat (I with my eyes closed.)

We encountered some drifts, a fair bit of icy pavement, wind and ruts but noth ing to stop us. We arrived safely, ate our large dinner, picked out favourite desserts, visited with some folks and headed home. There was ice-rink worthy ice on return side of the highway, but the ditches were avoided as were collisions with less atten tive drivers.

“Neither rain nor snow nor hunger pangs nor fear of nighttime ditches can keep us from our duty to attend and enjoy local Prairie fowl suppers.”

As long as someone else is driving.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Wakamow Rotary Club’s annual premium Christmas tree sale begins Nov. 24

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow has been holding an annual sale of pre mium-quality Christmas trees for several years now, bringing over 400 Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, and White Spruce trees to the Moose Jaw Co-op gas station parking lot.

“The Christmas tree sales will be opening on Thursday, November the 24th at 3 p.m.,” said Glenn Hagel, a Wakamow Rotarian. “This is our club’s largest fund raiser, and these are premium Christmas trees that make a difference in the world.

“What we do is list on our receipts the 20 organizations and initiatives that the Rotary Club supports, the large majority of which are local.”

Many people buy one of the Rotary trees not only as part of their Christmas tradition, Hagel said, but because they know that the profits from the trees are go ing to good causes.

“Our local projects are in the catego ries of food, health care, and education, and then internationally, the two that we are involved in are getting rid of polio worldwide, and education in Guatemala.”

On Saturday, Dec. 3, Santa Claus will

drop in to the Rotary Christmas tree stand from 1 to 3 p.m.

Many families bring their children with them to help pick out the season’s tree, so Dec. 3 is a great chance to get a photo with Santa while getting the tree he’ll later stash presents under.

“Perhaps if there’s time available, they can even ask Santa to help them pick out their tree,” Hagel said.

Tree prices are based on size and spe cies. There will be a price list posted as soon as the stand begins assembly.

Hagel added that for the past few

years, the Rotary Christmas tree stand has been selling out early.

“People know it’s coming, and there are a good number who do plan to get there early and pick the perfect tree to have in their home at Christmas time.”

The trees come with a guarantee of quality, so if a tree turns out to be too dry and dies quickly despite proper care, it will be replaced.

The Rotary volunteers staffing the stand will offer tree-care tips as well, in cluding chain-sawing off the final inch or so of the tree’s base — this is one of the most important parts of keeping a tree fresh for longer. The newly exposed base will soak up more water. Trees should be given as much water as they can handle.

“I’ve sold Christmas trees several times before, so there will be a good num ber of people I recognize. I’m looking for ward to that,” Hagel said. “I would also be deeply negligent not to say how much we appreciate that the Moose Jaw Co-op has provided the place for our tree compound for many years.”

The views and opinions ex pressed

those

Moose Jaw Wakamow Rotary Club members Dave Kettlewell (L) and Dave Bowler (R) on opening day of the club’s 2020 Christmas tree stand (file photo)

Vanier Collegiate presents fantasy-comedy “Freaky Friday” Nov. 17-19

Vanier Collegiate will be presenting this year’s theatre performance, “Freaky Fri day” at the Mae Wilson November 17, 18, and 19 at 7:00 p.m.

The musical is a fantasy-comedy produced by Disney, based on the novel Freaky Friday written by Mary Rodgers (original author).

Freaky Friday is about a mother and a daughter who don’t see eye to eye. One day their bodies get swapped after break ing an hourglass. The daughter is in the mother’s body and the mother is in her daughter’s body. Now they are living in each other’s body for the day and trying to understand each other’s life. The story line is interesting and unique, with a lot of laughs thrown in. The play is ultimately about love and acceptance.

“We have really worked together to bring this musical to life,” Kelsey Warren, teacher at Vanier Collegiate Institute and stage director said. “I am so proud of the students and all the staff that have lent their talents to making the show a suc cess.”

man, who plays Gretchen. The character Gretchen is somewhat of a best friend and a sidekick character to Ellie. Together they go on a grand adventure.

Summer Mercier plays Katherine the mother, as well as Ellie the daughter. She describes Katherine as uptight, very punc tual and organized. When she switches to Ellie, she says it’s very different, it’s ob noxious and trying to be sassy, sarcastic and cool. It’s more of a teenage person ality. She also says playing two different roles and learning about them is fun. “I really like playing around both roles.”

Emily Closs said she is playing the role of Ellie and makes the switch to Kath erine now and then. She says her role is not easy, since one person must play two different characters. She mentions when she plays Ellie, she goes out of her com fort zone and the character fills up a lot of space. “She is big,” Closs said. She also said she wanted to act in this role to help her get out of her comfort zone. She says working in this play made her understand leadership and teamwork. “I have learned a lot about leadership and working in pret ty big groups.”

Backstage Set & Crew: Tyler Muench, Renee Kammer, Tim Kammer, Kenna Whelan, Nicolas Rouffiange, Luke Nick el, Vincent Eldstrom, Sophie Trzaskows ki, Keaton Clark, Aleksa Aquino, Jessica Meyer, Eden Benson, Esther Okak, Adara Carver, Jaymeson Bateman, Blaze Cole nutt, Elise Donaldson, Temi Ogundehin Cast:

Ellie: Emily Closs

Katherine: Summer Mercier

Fletcher: Marek Seargent

Mike: Keaton Clark

Torrey/Officer Sitz: Cadanse Herle

Danielle/Laurel: Ava Carleton

Louise/Ensemble: Tearza Hart

Adam/Ensemble: Thomas Daintree

Gretchen: Avery Seman

Hannah: Sophie Byers

Savannah/Ensemble: Kaleigh Day

Parker/Ensemble: Sarah Gonzales

Pastor Bruno/Mrs. Time/Ensemble: Kiara Benson

Ms. Meyers/Ensemble: Natalie Grandpa Gordon/Ensemble: Maia Boyer Grandma Helen/Ensemble: Gabrielle Orino Cameos: Special appearances by the staff! The musical will be performed at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Nov. 17, 18 and 19. Tickets are available at the Mae Wil son Theatre box office, at www.Sasktix.ca or at Vanier Collegiate. Tickets are priced at $15 for general admissions and $10 for Vanier Collegiate students.

“I do my best to run the rehears al with the help of the directors,” stage manager Emily Pouteaux said. She says her role as a stage manager is to run the rehearsals with the help of the directors. She is also making sure the lights and the curtains are in working condition. Cos tuming is one of Pouteaux’s favourite roles. “Costumes can say a lot about a character,” she said.

A character in the play and ten-yearold brother to Ellie, Fletcher is played by Marek Seargent. After his audition, Marek realized they wanted to give this role to him as it fits his personality, a per fect match to the character he is playing. The director said, “Hey Marek, I think you would be great for the musical.”

Marek said he has acted in school dramas and musicals back in grade five. “My first role was back in grade five and then I have kind of been acting ever since.” He said his biggest challenge for this musical was to learn how to sing and get familiar with his vocal range.

“It’s cool, upbeat, contemporary musical; it’s really cool to be involved in something newer,” said Avery Se

“I am gonna put my heart and soul into it until it’s the best it can be,” Thomas Daintree said. He plays the role of Adam. Daintree describes Adam as laid back, but the character also cares about things and puts a lot of effort into it. “[The song] is just the part of the show that I think will blow the audience away the most.” He also said much of the learning curve from working in this musical play taught him to get out of his comfort zone and try new things to gain new experiences.

List of Stage Crew: Stage Director/Choreography: Kelsey Warren

Music Director/Producer: Monique Byers

Backstage Director/Head of Crew & Cos tuming: Gillian Muench

Stage Manager: Emily Pouteaux

Assistant Stage Managers: Maria Pout eaux, Praizelle Gumacal

Head of Running Crew: Bri Colenutt

Assistant Head of Running Crew: Peter Gumacal

Head of Costuming: Brynn Smith Make-up and Hair: Lisa Busta

Head of Tech: Michaela DeCorby Media & Promotions: Samantha Douglas Choreography: Jessica Cripps, Jaylee Mi chel

Maureen

Disney musical to bring interesting plot and comedy to Mae Wilson Theatre Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Emily Closs and Thomas Daintree play students thinking about their biology exam during rehearsal.

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

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

Company plans to revolutionize fast food kitchen operations

The question: “Do you want to spend your life flipping burgers?” has been asked countless times over the years.

Parents and teachers have asked this question to en courage students to improve grades or not drop out of school.

A large portion of fast food kitchen workers could become another victim of automation within a few years.

A relatively small California company, Miso Robot ics, is about to revolutionize fast food kitchens.

The six-year-old company has developed four ro bots that replace human employees, reduce costs and increase efficiency.

One robot flips burgers, one does fries, one recog nizes, grabs and cooks different foods, and one automat ically dispenses beverages.

From trials at various chains, Miso learned the ro bots can increase profits from five per cent of sales to 14 per cent.

Increased profit comes from a 75 per cent reduction in employees, no paying for coffee or lunch breaks or holiday pay, and less food waste.

Employees are trained in the technology to operate and maintain the robots.

The fast food outlets have no up-front investment

as they are charged a monthly fee of “a few thousand dollars.”

With around 280,000 fast food chain outlets in the United States, Miso has a wide open market.

Four other companies are developing robots in the fast food sector, with one a hamburger flipper, two mak ing pizza and one making vegetable bowls. None seems as far advanced as Miso.

Miso has placed robots in pilot trials in fast food chains with more than 84,000 stores. Some of the batter known brands are Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Sonic, Jack in the Box, Chipotle, Panera Bread, and White Castle.

The 375-unit White Castle chain placed one ro bot two years ago, soon ordered 10 more and this year ordered 100. That represents the kind of exponential growth Miso could experience.

CEO Ray Bell says whenever they demonstrate products they are asked if they can solve other problems in the food prep/cooking end, so there are lots of oppor tunities.

Until last year, Miso relied solely on preferred share investments for funding. Preferred shares were convert ed into common shares with a $22 million share offering in June and another $15 million this month.

The current offering has a $15,000 maximum and a $995 minimum investment. The company has 20,000 shareholders with latest price around $11.

Given the shortage of labour, the American average of $15.50 an hour for fast food workers and the pressures of inflation, the robots must be a no-brainer for operators. Who would want to do that job in the heat and pres sure for $15 an hour anyway?

The European market where wages are 50 per cent higher than in the U.S.A. will soon get robots from Miso.

With only $32,000 sales in 2021 and $82,600 in the first six months of this year Miso is still in the early de velopment stage and represents a high level of risk for existing and new investors.

The future looks fantastic as long as the company maintains focus and financing. Current market value is nearing $500 million — rather high considering the neg ligible revenues. Enthusiasm has pushed up prices.

CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your ad viser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

SaskPower’s power station project over 60-per-cent complete, on track for 2024 finish

With hundreds of workers on site and most major equip ment delivered, SaskPower’s Great Plains Power Station project near Moose Jaw is now more than 60 per cent complete.

“Currently, 84 per cent of the more than 500 workers on site are from Saskatchewan, and 17 per cent are from Moose Jaw,” said Don Morgan, minister Responsible for SaskPower. “In total, we expect Great Plains to require 1.5 million hours of labour, and the strong local presence on-site means many Saskatchewan people will directly benefit from the project.”

Later this year, construction activity will peak with more than 600 workers on-site daily. The project, which started in March 2021, remains scheduled to be complet ed in 2024.

“To date, the Great Plains project has seen $122 mil lion in local support, including $23 million in Indigenous support,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower president and CEO. “This already more than doubles the $10 million in Indigenous participation achieved on the similar Chinook Power Station project, which completed in 2019.”

DISCRETIONARY USE APPLICATION

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 is considering an application to allow for a proposed “Vehicle Rentals, Sales and Service Centre” on Lots 18 & 26, Blk/Par 1, Plan No. I3253 & 101165891, Ext. 0 & 45, civically known as 58 Caribou St W, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is a discretionary use within the C2 – High Density Commercial District. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “announcements” page at www.moosejaw.ca. The application, and any representa tions, will be considered by City Council on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 228 Main Street North.

Written submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 AM on Monday, November 28, 2022, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

DISCRETIONARY USE APPLICATION

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw, pursuant to Zoning Bylaw No. 5346 is considering an application for a proposed addition to an existing “One-Unit Dwelling” on Lot 2, Block 157, Plan No. OLD96, Ext.0, civically known as 469 Maple St W, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is a discretionary use within the C2 – High Density Commer cial District. Additional information regarding the application may be found on the “announcements” page at www.moosejaw.ca. The application, and any representations, will be considered by City Council on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 228 Main Street North.

Written submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 AM on Monday, November 28, 2022, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca

By Moose Jaw Express staff

of intermittent renewables such as wind and solar.

SaskPower is on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 and considering multiple options to achieve net-ze ro emissions as soon as possible beyond that, the Crown corporation said.

Combined cycle natural gas plants such as Great Plains Power Station generate less than half the emissions of a conventional coal plant, which is why natural gas is a crucial tool in the transition toward a clean energy future.

SaskPower’s website lists the progress made on construction since fall 2020. This fall, the steam turbine and generator arrived; steel erection and insulation in stallations continued to support enclosing the building; powerhouse mechanical and electrical installations were in progress; two of 14 fan decks/heat exchangers were placed for the air-cooled condenser; and switchyard con struction began.

Visit saskpower.com/greatplains to access more in formation about the latest progress on the project.

SaskTel begins rollout of ‘ultra-fast’ 5G network in Moose Jaw

By Moose Jaw Express staff

SaskTel has begun rolling out its 5G wireless network in Moose Jaw, which it says will deliver “ultra-fast data speeds and unparalleled connectivity” that everyone will enjoy by March 2023.

“I’m extremely pleased with the tremendous prog ress SaskTel has made since first launching their 5G network last December,” said Don Morgan, minister re sponsible for SaskTel. “(This) announcement is another significant milestone that further demonstrates SaskTel’s strong commitment to its customers and the people of Saskatchewan.”

Mayor Clive Tolley also expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying this was a great announcement for residents and the business community.

“We’re actively promoting the benefits of living and working in Moose Jaw and SaskTel’s new 5G network will allow even more people to get connected and ‘Get A Life’ in Canada’s ‘Most Notorious City,’” he added.

Powered by Samsung, SaskTel’s 5G network can allegedly reach speeds of up to 1.2 gigabits per second (Gbps), enabling customers to connect faster than ever before, the Crown company says. Future benefits of 5G, once fully deployed, will include “incredible capacity” and ultra-low latency, enabling new use cases for wireless technology upon which the foundation for next-genera tion innovations will be built.

“At SaskTel, we recognize the true potential of 5G both now and in the future,” said Doug Burnett, Sask Tel president/CEO. “As we continue working to expand our 5G network across the province, we look forward to realizing the many ways this new technology will help change how our customers connect with the world around

them.”

SaskTel’s 5G rollout will support more data-driven smart solutions for agriculture and other industries that will help drive economic development and prosperity across Saskatchewan, the Crown corporation said.

The network’s continued expansion is due to Sask Tel’s commitment to invest more than $1.5 billion across the province during the next five years. These invest ments will ensure families and businesses continue to have access to some of the best communication and en tertainment services available anywhere in the world, the company noted.

To connect to the 5G network, SaskTel customers need to be within the coverage area, have a 5G-capable device certified for use on the network and subscribe to a 5G-compatible wireless plan.

When complete, Great Plains will generate 360 megawatts of baseload electricity and provide power for about 360,000 homes in the province. Baseload power sources such as natural gas ensure power is available to meet customer demand 24/7 and support the deployment

Sask Apprenticeship Awards honour Moose Jaw and area tradespersons

By MooseJawToday.com Staff - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) celebrat ed the winners of the 22nd Annual Appren ticeship Awards in Regina on Nov. 4, and several Moose Jaw area tradespersons were among the recipients.

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Awards honour the contributions of ap prenticeship and trade stakeholders, in cluding apprentices, journeypersons, employers, instructors, and training pro viders.

“On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I extend my warmest con gratulations to this year’s Apprenticeship Award winners,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister of Immigration and Career Train ing. “Saskatchewan’s economy is show ing strong and rapid growth, and skilled tradespeople play an essential role in that growth. Thank you for your significant contributions to our province.”

Thirty journeypersons who certified between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, are receiving the Outstanding New Jour neyperson award. The Outstanding New Journeyperson award is presented to new journeypersons who achieved the highest mark on the certification exam in their re spective trades.

The list includes Kaiden Silzer of As siniboia, Pamela Swampy of Yorkton, and Logan Sheward of Moose Jaw.

Sheward also received the Garth Ivey Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Building Trades; Swampy received the Hospitality Trades Award, sponsored by Tourism Saskatchewan; and Silzer received the Young’s Equipment

Inc./Western Equipment Dealers Associa tion Scholarship.

The SATCC issues an additional 11 awards in categories including the First Nations and Métis Scholarship, the Schol arship for Journeypersons with Disabil ities, the Outstanding Employer and In structor Awards, and the Artisan Award, which is a lifetime achievement award.

Michael Tremblay, who teaches car pentry at Sask Polytech’s Moose Jaw cam pus, received the Outstanding Instructor Award.

Industry partners award their own rec ognitions and scholarships for demonstrat ed excellence in apprenticeship and the skilled trades. More than 30 organizations sponsored the Apprenticeship Awards.

“The Apprenticeship Award recipi ents are champions, helping to build and execute a relevant, responsive appren ticeship and certification system, one that supports our province’s growth and meets the needs of Saskatchewan citizens,” said

2023 Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship Program open for applications

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Schol arship Program 2023 applications are now being accepted.

“This scholarship is an investment in the bright minds of our province and en sures the sustainability of the sector,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.

The theme of this year is ‘farming and the environment.’

Applicants of the scholarship should focus on and explore environmental sus tainability practices conducted by produc ers for modern farming and their percep tion in the public’s eyes to enhance trust in the industry.

For the scholarships, a three-minute creative video or 1,000-word essay needs to be submitted containing discussions of farming and the environment. Only stu dents of grade 12 and/or recent graduates will be awarded who are going to pursue agriculture-related post-secondary studies in 2023. The first award will be $4,000 and $2,000 will be awarded to three run ner-up scholarship holders.

The application deadline for scholar ships is Mar 1, 23.

More information about the Student Scholarship Program of Saskatchewan Agriculture is available at saskatchewan. ca/ag-scholarship.

Drew Tiefenbach, SATCC board chair. “On behalf of the SATCC and Com mission Board of Directors, congratula tions on your terrific achievements.”

The full list of Outstanding New Jour neypersons is:

• Kaiden Silzer, Assiniboia - agricultural equipment technician

• Shane Hersack, Muenster - auto body and collision technician

• Jaedon Welsh, Waldeck - automotive ser vice technician

• Matthew Kessler, Zenon Park - boiler maker

• Ryan Ens, Provost, Alta. - boom truck operator ‘a’

• Chad Labatt, Regina - carpenter

• Dwyer Jewell, Regina - construction craft labourer

• Theoren Ring, Prince Albert - construc tion electrician

• Brittany Failler, Humboldt - cook

• Pamela Swampy, Yorkton - guest ser vices representative

• Felicia Magee, Regina - hairstylist

• John Vhal, Nipawin - heavy duty equip ment technician

• Logan Sheward, Moose Jaw - industrial mechanic (millwright)

• Kyle Miazga, Saskatoon - instrumenta tion and control technician

• Brittney Davidson, Regina - insulator (heat and frost)

• Joshua Froess, Regina - ironworker (structural/ornamental)

• Josiah Wiens, Regina - machinist

• Dalton Harasym, Spiritwood - metal fab ricator (fitter)

• Christopher Hill, Cupar - mobile crane operator

• Tricia Chapman, Nipawin - parts tech nician

• Aaron Biletski, Saskatoon - plumber

• Jayden Parent, Prince Albert - powerline technician

• Keane Bellamy, Saskatoon - refrigera tion and air conditioning mechanic

• Austin Andres, Delisle - roofer

• Matthew Turgeon, Regina - sheet metal worker

• Nathan McLean, Regina - sprinkler fitter

• Michael Maydanich, Lloydminstersteamfitter-pipefitter

• Aaron Hueller, Saskatoon - tower crane operator

• Brendan Johnston, Hague - truck and transport mechanic

• Robert Moser, Regina - welder

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT HOLY TRINITY BOARD

MEETING

IS MONDAY, NOV. 28.

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division had projected that its student enrolment this year would be 2,252 pupils, but actual numbers are higher than estimated and the second highest in the past decade.

Division enrolment was 2,345 students as of Sept. 30, which was 93 pupils — or 4.13 per cent — more than projected. The last time actual enrolment exceeded pro jections greatly was during the 2018-19 year when 125 more pupils than expected — an increase of 5.69 per cent — enrolled.

“We’re really, really happy with our enrolment num bers … (it) is great to see,” said Ward Strueby, director of education. “It does rank toward the top percentage growth in the province right now.”

As part of this year’s enrolment, there are 124 more Grade 9 students than expected, which is the highest in

Holy Trinity ‘really, really happy’ with enrolment growth of 4.16% this year

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

the past decade, he pointed out. Furthermore, there are 196 students in kindergarten, which is the third-highest increase in a decade. The highest enrolment was 206 chil dren in 2018, while the second highest was 200 in 2020.

“Overall, great news for Holy Trinity,” Strueby add ed.

The division does not know where it ranks against other school divisions for enrolment growth percentage increase, but was likely behind school divisions in Regina and Saskatoon, which experienced “quite significant” in creases this fall, said CFO Curt Van Parys.

Holy Trinity would know better — and could com pare itself to other divisions — once the Ministry of Edu cation published that data.

“So rather, more anecdotally right now, we think we did quite well compared to most school divisions in the province … ,” he added.

Strueby believed that the division’s enrolment grew because of teachers’ efforts in the classrooms and because parents want their kids to have a faith-based education.

“They’re looking for what happens in the classroom because, overall, I think the work we do in school helps make this world a better place,” he said.

The enrolment of immigrant students is also contrib uting to the division’s growth, as evidenced by numbers

in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program, Strueby said, adding the division uses a demographics software program called Baragar’s to predict enrolment increases.

“We’ve relied on them (Baragar’s) for several years now in terms of enrolment projections and use their data, but (regardless, we’re) very, very pleased that we are 4.1 per cent above what we projected,” said Van Parys.

The ministry recently announced that it would pro vide an extra $15.5 million in operating funding to school divisions year because they had experienced the largest enrolment growth in more than 20 years. There were 189,900 students enrolled as of Sept. 30, which was 3,840 over last year.

Holy Trinity doesn’t know how much it will receive and won’t know until December, when the ministry re-an alyzes the enrolment numbers to verify their accuracy, explained Van Parys. Once that occurs, it will issue the funding adjustments.

“We’re hopeful, given that we’ve had a pretty good enrolment increase of 4.1 per cent over projection, that some extra funds will be coming forward,” he added. “(It’s) very difficult to quantify, surprisingly … . But we’ve incurred some additional teaching costs that we hope will be covered by the additional funding in December.”

Reading levels among children in Holy Trinity 13 points above provincial average

Reading levels among students in grades 1 to 3 in Holy Trinity Catholic School division are 13 percentage points higher than the provincial average, an indication of a post-pandemic bounce-back.

School divisions in Saskatchewan have been tracking student reading achievements in grades 1 to 3 as part of the provincial Education Sector Strategic Plan — which ended in 2020 — and as part of the ensuing interim pro vincial education plan, a board report explained. Students reading at grade level by the end of Grade 3 is a strong predictor of future success in school, and ultimately, grad uation rates.

Data collected in June showed that Holy Trinity’s reading result for those three grades was 79 per cent com pared to 66 per cent for the province — a 13-point differ ence, the data showed. However, that percentage is still below the division’s previous high of roughly 87 per cent during the 2018-19 school year.

rector Ward Strueby said about the recent data.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The ability to rebound post-pandemic illustrates the positive effect that in-class learning has on early readers, while classroom teachers’ great work has played a large role in the division’s reading success, the board report said.

Furthermore, Holy Trinity has maintained its margin above the provincial results by continuing its Levelled Literacy Intervention Program (LLI) — which provides additional support for students not yet reading at level — and by having introduced a new reading interventionist position in the 2021-22 year.

The division plans to continue supporting its early readers by extending its LLI program and the reading in terventionist position into the 2022-23 school year.

The Story of TESTOSTERONE, the Hormone that Dominates and Divides Us.

Carole Hooven.

Henry Holt and Company, 338 pages.

At last – a book about my favorite hormone!

“Imagine a few different animals: a frog hopping on the edge of a pond, an elephant grazing on the African savannah, a seagull circling overhead. And now imagine a man (naked, like the rest of the animals) walking his dog along the street. On which of the five animals can you see testicles?”

I had to smile about the mental picture this generated in what passes for my mind: a seagull swooping down really low in order to grasp a fry from my fingers, its exposed family jewels barely missing my head…

Turning to the more serious side of the subject, socalled gender “experts” tell us that human nature, and thus human behavior, is almost entirely shaped by the environment, as if genes and the hormones they code for

Division administration had presented similar data to trustees during a recent board meeting but did not have provincial numbers to which to compare Holy Trinity stu dents to the province.

are mere innocent bystanders rubbernecking at the tur moil of human life. (Yes, Judith Butler, I’m looking at you.)

This does not imply that environmental stimuli should be regarded as unimportant, but the fashionable tendency to sweep the roles of genes and hormones under the carpet is not only bad science but does a disservice to the study of human biology. The effect of testosterone on men, and in particular on male sexual behavior, is unde niable and what ever one may think about hu man conduct and its causes, one cannot escape the fact that who we are, what we do and how we do it are to a significant extent determined by something we can to some ex tent modify but cannot entirely es cape: our biology.

The publica tion of this book is therefore for tunate inasmuch as that it may counteract at least some of the abun dant politically correct misinformation which can be found almost ev erywhere (as, for example, in Cordelia Fine’s book on the same subject). Hooven’s statements, as befits a real sci entist, are richly supported by references to the relevant

“As the interim provincial education plan comes to an end this school year, and as we transition to a new long-term provincial education plan, we look forward to the role that early reading success will continue to play in this new plan,” the report added.

biological/genetic research foundational to her thesis.

Testosterone levels in men are about ten to twenty times higher than in women, but as this book admirably explains, this hormone does much more than just influ ence behavior – it also has major effects on other aspects of human physiology. Hooven describes these effects in reasonable detail and in the process gives readers a very sympathetic account of the complicated situation of un fortunate people like the athlete like Caster Semenya.

Fortunately, she is careful not to attribute all differ ences between men and women solely to testosterone - an important principle to bear in mind. Personally, I would rather have liked to read a little more about the role of the Y chromosome as such on human physical achievement, but that would probably have expanded the context of the book somewhat too much.

Hooven gives readers a clear explanation of physical and sexual development, as well as abnormalities, both in utero (when male fetuses already have more testoster one than female fetuses) and also after birth when psy chological factors also come into play. Which parent has not experienced the puberty of a daughter or son?

She is not afraid to take a stand on puberty blockers, disorders of sexual development and the pernicious ef fects of contemporary gender “studies.”

As such, this book is a must-read for anybody in terested in this subject. I would even go so far as to say that it is the definitive popular review of the present state of our knowledge of hormones, behavior and sexual de velopment.

Anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinat ing subject can listen to Dr. Hooven at the link below. At one hour and twenty minutes, it may perhaps be too long for some readers but I do urge anyone who finds this sub ject interesting to persevere – it is well worth the time.

A chart shows reading levels in Holy Trinity and the province during the past few years. Photo submitted

By Leon Retief

Leon Retief is a retired physician with clinical and research experience. He likes drinking wine, listening to music and reading.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Casseroles, sauces emit welcoming cooking aromas

There is nothing more appetizing than coming into a kitchen that carries the aromas of casserole dishes baking in the oven, or spaghetti sauces being cooked on the stove top.

Some would call the dishes being prepared as “comfort food” — hot, bubbly and physically and emotionally warming.

This week’s recipes offer three ideas for preparation of home-warming meals.

• •

•

PORK CHOP CASSEROLE

6 medium, thinly cut pork chops

4-5 potatoes, peeled and sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 cup frozen peas salt and pepper to taste barbecue spice or chili spice, to taste

1 tin cream of mushroom soup

1 tin cheddar cheese soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with a non-stick spray.

Dredge pork chops in Shake ’n’ Bake or flour and place in pan. Peel and slice potatoes and spread over chops. Slice onions and spread over

onions. (May require more to cover completely.) Add peas, mushrooms and seasonings. Mix soups and milk and pour over vegetables. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil, sprinkle cheese over top and bake, uncovered for another 35 minutes or until potatoes and meat are cooked. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

• • •

SPAGHETTI SEAFOOD SAUCE

19 oz. can crushed tomatoes

5 1/2 oz. can tomato paste

2 bay leaves

2 tsps. Italian seasoning

1 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

1/3 lb. fresh scallops

1/3 lb. fresh shrimp

1/3 lb. fresh crabmeat

In a large saucepan combine tomatoes, paste, bay leaves, brown sugar and all seasonings. Simmer until heated through and sugar dissolves. Add onion and green pepper. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Stir frequently.

PSSD’s local high schools, rural schools seeing unexpected growth this year

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Student enrolment in Prairie South School Division has jumped by nearly two per cent this year, with noticeable increases at Moose Jaw high schools and elementary schools in Coronach, Rockglen and Caronport.

As of Sept. 30, there were 7,096 students enrolled, which was an increase of 114 pupils — or 1.61 per cent — compared to what the organization had projected in the spring, according to a recent board report.

Including pre-kindergarten and kindergarten stu dents, the total full-time equivalent (FTE) enrolment for PSSD this year is 6,719.5 pupils.

“We think it’s great. We were significantly over our normal projections last year (by about 300 bodies/200 FTE spots), so we were hoping we would be flat or a little up,” said education director Ryan Boughen. “… but over all, we’re obviously happy that our student population is up quite a bit.”

Division administration creates a staffing contin gency plan in the spring to handle potential enrolment increases the following year, while it works with board trustees to hire more teachers if required, he explained.

Last year the increase forced PSSD to hire five teach ers and nine educational assistants.

“This board is very supportive in terms of provid ing resources for classrooms. That’s a real good thing for Prairie South Schools,” Boughen added.

This year there was “a pretty strong group” of unex pected students in Grade 9 at Central Collegiate, which forced the division to hire one teacher there for the se

mester, Boughen continued. There was a large increase in that grade across Moose Jaw — which was “a pleas ant surprise” — while further growth was evenly spread across other grades.

Prairie South uses a demographics software program called Baragar’s that uses health region data, migration information and birth data to predict enrolment, he said. Divisions are never sure how many students they will have in September, but they must still submit their projec tions to the Ministry of Education by June.

“Years ago, what would happen is your funding was based on your previous year’s enrolment. Now … your funding is adjusted (by the ministry in December) based on your actual Sept. 30 submission,” Boughen stated.

If every school division sees an increase, then the funding adjustment is small because there are few dollars to distribute, he continued. Conversely, if a division has a big spike and others don’t, it would receive a larger fund ing increase.

The ministry recently announced that it would dis tribute $15.5 million across the 27 school divisions be cause of the largest province-wide enrolment increase in over 20 years.

Boughen was unsure how much Prairie South would receive and likely wouldn’t know until mid-December when the ministry adjusted its funding grant. However, he didn’t think PSSD would receive as much if every divi sion saw similar enrolment increases.

The education director was unsure from where these

Add scallops. shrimp and crabmeat. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve on angel hair pasta.

Note: sauce may be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator or frozen. Add seafood 30 minutes before serving, simmering the whole time, or longer. Pieces of lobster may be added if desired.

• •

•

WASHDAY

6 eggs

EGGS ON TOAST

6 slices white bread

2 tbsps. butter

2 tbsps. flour

1 cup milk, heated

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Hard boil the eggs and let cool. Remove shells and chop eggs. Toast the bread then spread eggs on each slice.

Melt the butter and add flour. Stir until frothy. Add hot milk and stir constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Add salt and grated cheese and stir.

Pour mixture over eggs and toast and serve immediately.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

PRAIRIE SOUTH SCHOOL DIVISION

The next PSSD board meeting is MONDAY, DEC. 6.

fected its predictive abilities, especially if students were not involved in school during the past two years.

Boughen still considered the enrolment increase good news considering he had been with PSSD long enough to remember when it lost 300 students a year.

“So we’re coming back to where we were at almost the time of amalgamation … with close to 7,000 students, so it’s really positive for Prairie South,” he added.

The latest ‘Notoriously Good Neighbour’ recipient awarded this special recognition by the City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw and District Cham ber of Commerce is Morris Casavant. The award is given to individuals who have been nominated by someone within the community for being ‘notoriously generous and notoriously kind-hearted, and for making a no toriously positive difference in our community.’

Morris Casavant received multiple nominations due to the efforts of himself and his wife, Violet, snow blowing and shoveling snow on their block on Hochelaga St. East. Nominators also indicated that Morris mows boulevards in front of vacant lots during the summer to keep their neigh bourhood looking neat and tidy.

As an official “Notoriously Good Neighbour”, Morris has won a $25 gift card to Street’s Steakhouse.

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

Palliser Regional Library’s Jan Smith to retire as director by Dec. 31

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Emotion filled Jan Smith’s voice as the director of Palliser Regional Library (PRL) discussed her upcoming retire ment from a position she has held for 21 years.

“I have tried my best to have a balanced approach with running Palliser — rural versus city — and to make sure that all were served to the best of Palliser’s ability,” Smith said on Nov. 4 during the organization’s in-person/ online fall meeting.

“I have tried to be as transparent in everything that I do — from budget to requesting your support for all our endeavours, whether it be in pursuit of grants (totalling $936,000) or improved funding. I hope that I have suc ceeded.”

There will likely be times when Smith’s past bad de cisions affect the organization, but she joked that incom ing director Arwen Rudolph — she starts Jan. 1, 2023 — could blame her for those issues. Yet, she pointed out she did her best every time she could.

Smith has worked with Palliser since Oct. 12, 1999, while she has been director since Jan. 1, 2001. She singled out some of the board chairs with whom she’s worked, including Barrie Gunter of Sun Valley, Arnold Cornea of Redburn, James Taylor of Moose Jaw, Colleen Chris topherson-Cote of Coronach, Terry Gabel of Moose Jaw, Janice Lamb of Moose Jaw and Jim Achtymichuk of Coronach.

“I have enjoyed working with all of you and all the Palliser staff and the staff at provincial library,” Smith said.

She thanked current MLA Greg Lawrence and former MLA Warren Michelson for attending every AGM and fall meeting they could since it was greatly appreciated.

“That was very impressive. No other region can make that claim that their MLAs actually attended the

meetings,” she remarked.

Smith — who retires Dec. 31 — expected that she would miss everyone’s questions and positive spirit as they fought to bring new ideas and better programming to communities in the region.

“I will be around for the foreseeable future, and if an other 2017 happens (with provincial funding cuts), I’ll be calling you and offering my help because I’m not going to let the library go down,” she added.

Coun. Heather Eby, attending online, thanked Smith for her work over 21 years. She noted that being the di rector some days is “probably a thankless job” that few people realize is being done.

“But I think that sometimes speaks loudly to how good a job somebody is doing … ,” she added. “Hope fully, we don’t have to send out an SOS to you anytime, but thank you for the offer to the community that you’ll

be there.”

Smith’s leadership has been extraordinary, especially since few people realize how challenging it is to lead a dispersed organization like PRL while regularly advocat ing for the overall provincial library system, said Mary Smillie from Davidson.

“That is unique. And I really thank you for that. And for the creative efforts that you’ve taken to make the li braries more and more relevant to people,” she added. Board chairman Achtymichuk joked that Smith would welcome calls — day or night — during the next two months to thank her for her efforts.

Personnel changes

Besides Smith, there have been other changes within PRL.

At PRL headquarters:

· James Miller has now permanently filled the one-daya-week courier role for the retired Hugh Armstrong At Moose Jaw Public Library:

· Kari Hennenfent left on Oct. 2 to become executive director of Inclusion Saskatchewan’s Moose Jaw branch

· Shevaun Ruby returns in late January or early Febru ary from maternity leave

· Christina Dolcetti has become the new community services librarian at Regina Public Library

· Miller is the part-time library tech 2

· Debbie Alix, Donna Kostal and Suzanne Kristoff have retired

· Sarah Chase and Brooke Adkins are new

· Kim Churko resigned over COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Palliser Regional Library can be found at palliserlibrary.

ca.

Regional library to increase rural levy next year to cover new union agreement

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Palliser Regional Library (PRL) plans to increase its rural levies in 2023 to cover the new three-year agreement with its union, while it also expects to have a balanced budget.

The rural base levy for towns or villages without a library will increase by 20 cents to $14.80 per person next year; will increase by 30 cents to $22.20 per person for towns under 2,000 people with a library; and will increase by 40 cents to $29.60 per person for Assiniboia.

“Right now, our bylaws stipulate that we have a one, one-and-half and two ratio … ,” director Jan Smith ex plained during the organization’s fall meeting on Nov. 4. “It’s a 49-year-old policy.”

The 20-cent increase is because Palliser settled a three-year agreement with CUPE Local 9 for Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024, she said. The agreement provides wage increases of 1.75 per cent, two per cent and three per cent.

The union covers 53 employees within PRL’s rural branches, six managers, and all non-managerial staff at

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OFFICER CITY OF MOOSE JAW

The City of Moose Jaw is seeking nominations for potential appointment to the O ce of the Administrative Review for the City of Moose Jaw. This person will be appointed by City Council and will investigate public complaints involving matters pertain ing to the administration of the City, including its various agencies. The ARO is also responsible to investigate any complaints with respect to the Disclosure Statement submitted by candidates for election to municipal o ce.

The Review O cer will be independent and will report directly to City Council. The Review O cer will be responsible for ensuring that public complaints are properly investigated and may be required to hold public hearings, record evidence and render written decisions. The Review O cer will be paid remuneration at the rate of approximately $322.60 per day based on actual time required.

The following persons are ineligible for appointment: (a) a member of an advisory or other committee established by City Council; (b) an employee, o cer or agent of the City, including all departments and agencies; or (c) a family member or business partner of either of the above.

All interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of applica tion along with a resume to the O ce of the City Clerk at 228 Main Street N., Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, S6H 3J8 by 4:00 p.m. on December 2, 2022.

Tracy Wittke, City Clerk

PRL doesn’t set the levy for Moose Jaw Public Li brary (MJPL) because the latter sets its own rate, she add ed. Moose Jaw has not set that number yet because city council hasn’t approved the 2023 budget. Until that hap pens, Palliser uses Moose Jaw’s 2022 rates for budgetary purposes.

2023 budget

“We are going to be hitting the wall in 2023 (with our

NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS VILLAGE OF TUXFORD

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the o ce(s) of:

Councillor: Village of Tuxford will be received by the undersigned on the 7th day of December, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Village O ce, 5-1410 Caribou St W, Moose Jaw, and during regular business hours on November 16th to December 6th, 2022 at the Village O ce, 5-1410 Caribou St W, Moose Jaw.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location(s):

5-1410 Caribou St W, Moose Jaw or by calling 306-972-9987

Dated this 16th day of November, 2022.

Raena Wilk-Morhart

Returning O cer

budget) … ,” Smith said. “There is no money left any where.”

The organization has a tough choice to make next year: keep two professional librarians at PRL HQ and lose a social media person or drop to one librarian and create a hybrid position, she continued. While every region in Saskatchewan has at least two librarians, PRL has a social media position.

Arwen Rudolph, the incoming director of PRL, will make this decision since Smith is retiring on Dec. 31, the latter said. PRL will be on budget despite facing personnel changes at headquarters; an extra $70,000 is required to maintain current staffing.

“And yes, I am nervous,” Smith said. “What can you (communities) do to help? I’m asking the towns and vil lages to write letters to the government (to advocate for more money).”

The budget document shows Palliser Regional Li brary’s revenues for 2023 are projected to be $2,536,568 and expenses are projected to be $2,549,466, leaving a deficit of $12,898. No explanation was given about cov ering that shortfall, but Smith reiterated that the budget would balance to $0.

Smith then singled out several areas of concern next year.

The inter-library loan contract has had the same bud get as in 2014 and faces a shortfall of $7,641. Smith noted PRL has asked the province for an increase of $15,000 to keep pace with inflation.

Resource sharing with MJPL is down by roughly $800 because the branch had irregular open hours from January to March because of the pandemic, the director explained. The province dinged PRL by $3,600 last year, so it passed along some of that cost.

The Assiniboia branch plans to take $1,537 from its $20,000-valued reserves to re-instate an employee — who would work six hours per week — who quit during the pandemic because of medical issues.

The budget document also showed projected branch hours of operations for 2023.

Smith noted that this is the first year PRL is charging hours based on the 2021 census. Therefore, some branch es will gain hours — between 0.5 hours and two hours — and some will lose hours — from 0.5 hours to 2.25 hours — because of population changes.

“It’s a pretty basic budget. It’s pretty much the same thing I’ve handed you for 20 years,” she added, “because we really don’t have much flexibility in it and we try to be as transparent as possible.”

Moose Jaw Public Library and PRL headquarters.

Jan Smith has been the director of Palliser Regional Library since 2001. She will retire on Dec. 31. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Palliser Regional Library. File photo

Underfunding is hindering regional libraries’ effectiveness, local group says

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Rural depopulation and general underfunding are finan cially affecting library organizations, which is why Pal liser Regional Library (PRL) believes advocating to the government could help address revenue shortfalls.

The emptying of rural municipalities is happening just as libraries are taking on new roles and facing in creasing service costs, explained PRL director Jan Smith. Besides materials, libraries are now technology hubs, government service points, and programming/enrichment activity centres for life, education and recreation.

Libraries are also important partners in making rural life attractive, while the system allows branches to work cost-effectively, she continued. That system is in crisis, but it is not being felt equally and has resulted in Pallis er and Chinook (Swift Current) facing budget deficits in 2023.

“The money is not there without massive public lay offs. We need money … ,” Smith said during the Nov. 4 in-person/online fall meeting.

PRL has received a total funding increase of 2.38 per cent during the past decade, which is unsustainable and will force the organization to cut staff at headquarters, she added.

A chart in Smith’s report showed that in 2011-12, the organization received $680,708 in provincial funding. A decade later, in 2021-22, that increased to $708,753 — a jump of $28,045. However, the grant will decrease by $3,616 to $705,137 for the 2022-23 year.

The province has increased regional library funding in general during the last decade by 2.16 per cent — the province’s population grew 15.66 per cent in that time — but that distribution has been unequal and “even the best of us can’t live off that,” Smith said.

Of that funding, Chinook received 3.71 per cent, Palliser received 2.38 per cent, Southeast (Weyburn) ac quired 7.29 per cent and Wheatland (Saskatoon) acquired 12.58 per cent.

Library board chairs from Palliser and Chinook met with the Ministry of Education on Sept. 8 and asked for three things:

Palliser

Palliser Regional Library (PRL) is celebrating its 50th an niversary in 2023 and is looking for celebratory ideas and prize donors to contribute to the festivities.

One activity the organization is pursuing is a “Palli sAir weekly challenge,” which will see a micro-drone fly over every town in the region with a library and capture photos of the building, explained PRL director Jan Smith. PRL will then feature a photo regularly so people can guess which library it is.

The organization is also collecting donations and prizes from people who want to promote their business or municipality. Moose Jaw Tourism has already contributed a trolley family pass to the celebration.

“I wanted to do something different that wasn’t just your usual barbecue in the backyard of your branch. I wanted to engage people online … ,” Smith said during the Nov. 4 regional fall meeting. “The board was gener ous and gave us some money to spend on this 50th anni versary.”

Smith asked the online attendees to send her ideas about how to celebrate the organization’s half-century birthday — besides having hamburgers and hot dogs — because PRL headquarters’ staff needed support.

“We want to be relevant to the communities,” she added.

Storybook trail

Smith thanked everyone who contributed to the “Fol low the Plot” Canada Healthy Communities Initiative this past summer, particularly those who dug post holes, filled post holes, measured the holes and offered coffee during the work.

This project saw contractors manufacture 200 metal and Plexiglass trail stands, which were then delivered to eight locations and installed. Pages from books were at tached to each stand, while readers could follow a path from page to page.

PRL completed 55 book sets with accompanying athome activities, while the eight locations are turning over titles monthly until early December. Meanwhile, another nine locations are being added to the project.

“Our staff reports that the communities are enjoying the reads, the fresh air and the ‘do at home activities’ pro vided through QR codes,” said Smith.

Staff are already planning programs for Remem

An immediate moratorium on municipalities with drawing from regions; Swift Current and Yorkton are considering leaving their respective library organizations

An overall increase next year to Palliser’s and Chi nook’s core budget of about $70,000 to retain staff and

services

An overall increase in the regional library resource sharing grant to remain aligned with the province’s 2030 population goal of 1.4 million that Premier Scott Moe “is bragging about” and keep abreast of inflation

“We are having a very hard time selling the need for increases to the regional library pool as, once again, all is quiet on the library front,” Smith said. “No one from the grassroots level is reaching out to the government and let ting them know that the funding is inadequate and should annually be brought in line with the growth plan.”

Besides sending letters and petitions about this issue to municipalities, local library boards and regional repre sentatives, Smith has also written a letter to the provincial government saying the library system needs a “living, breathing regional stipend” and support addressing the Chinook and Yorkton issue.

“It has the potential to destroy absolutely everything, (which) the (The Libraries Act, 1996) fixed, which was the ability for people to withdraw,” she continued. “We would spend every year trying to track down who would be a member.”

The system’s “universality” is important since it al lows regions to swap physical and online materials easily, Smith added. The province needs to say no to Swift Cur rent and Yorkton leaving.

Mary Smillie, from Davidson, said the public pro tests against the province’s funding cuts in 2017 had a major effect on MLAs. Her MLA indicated that the pick eting in front of his office was the most significant thing in his 20-year career.

“We were able to garner a lot of public support for libraries under that crisis … ,” she said, adding regional libraries should align their goals with the province’s 2030 growth plan to acquire more funding. “The status quo is a tremendous magnet for not changing.”

Palliser board chair Jim Achtymichuk told those on line, “Your silence on this will be considered acceptance of the situation. Just remember that … . So, please don’t be silent.”

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

brance Day, graduations and summer reading field trips. In particular, over 100 homeschoolers in Moose Jaw and classes from Central Butte have walked the Tugaske trail.

Palliser is also partnering with the South West Dis trict Culture Recreation and Sports to receive an extra $500 per year to supplement the storybook trail collection without having to apply for a micro-grant annually.

Summer reading club

Over the summer, 465 readers participated in the summer reading club and read 339,084 minutes. Further more, 3,991 children up to age 11 attended 168 programs during those months, while a total of 5,493 people partic ipated in 371 programs.

Library2Go

As of Oct. 31, patrons province-wide had borrowed

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

H&R Block in Moose Jaw is recruiting for an Accounting Assistant to join our team of tax professionals. This position will be full-time for tax season (January to May), and may o er reduced hours throughout the remainder of the year. As an Accounting Assistant, you'll be providing support to our sta and also working directly with our clients to determine their needs and obtain the required information to professionally prepare their tax returns. Extensive training and education will be provided throughout your career with us. You'll enjoy the stimulating work environment where you are continuously learning and helping people. There is something new every day!

Education in accounting and/or tax preparation or equivalent experience is required. Preference will be given to applicants with an accounting diploma and experience with personal, small business and farm tax preparation and bookkeeping. Other requirements include excellent interpersonal and communication skills, pro ciency with common business software, and an ability to maintain attention to detail and accuracy.

H&R Block in Moose Jaw is a locally owned franchise of the world's leading tax preparation rm. We o er a competitive salary, ongoing education and training with room for advancement and a complete bene ts package. H&R Block has been serving individuals, farms, and small businesses across Canada for more than 50 years, providing our clients with complete year-round income tax services.

Please submit resume by email to: jack.gerger@hrblock.ca

H&R Block 267 High Street West, Moose Jaw, SK., S6H 1S7

1,371,028 e-books and audiobooks through the Libby/Li brary2Go/Overdrive platforms, Smith reported.

Of that number, Palliser patrons borrowed 59,910 e-titles from Libby, while they borrowed or renewed 271,788 physical materials such as books or DVDs.

Meanwhile, out-of-region patrons borrowed 69,967 titles from Palliser, while Palliser patrons borrowed 38,069 from elsewhere.

Based on all the borrowing PRL patrons did, they saved $4,604,095 in actual book-buying costs.

“It’s a pretty good savings,” added Smith. “We’re no where near in spending that.”

Jason

Jason

Jan Smith, director of Palliser Regional Library, reads a petition that she plans to send out to encourage com munities to advocate for more library funding, during the Nov. 4 fall meeting. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Palliser board chair Jim Achtymichuk speaks to peo ple attending the fall meeting online. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Mike Wirges Administrator

Stephanie & Travis Ehrhardt of Moose Jaw

Nov. 7, 2022 08:38 am Female 7lbs, 11oz

Congratulations New Parents!

Nimo Mohamed Igge & Mahmoud of Moose Jaw Nov 7, 2022 10:38 am Female 8lbs, 15oz

Ciarra Mathieu & Chris Robinson of Moose Jaw Nov 8, 2022 7:47 pm 7lbs, 13 oz

Remah Alanazeh & Mohammed Fnnab of Moose Jaw Nov 9, 2022 1:28 pm Female 8lbs, 1oz

Kasey McKay & Carson Bell of Moose Jaw Nov 10, 2022 2:01 am Female 7lbs, 10oz

Margaret Carey of Bushell Park Nov 10, 2022 8:43 am Female 7lbs, 2oz

Provincial Court Report:

Heather & Joshua Chow of Moose Jaw Nov 11, 2022 10:20 pm Female 7lbs, 1oz

Cassidy & Tyson Scott of Craik Nov 12, 2022 12:256 pm Male 8lbs, 10 oz

Drug addiction caused man to steal from electrical shop, convenience stores

A drug addiction caused Dustin Ray Taitinger to use his five-finger discount to obtain objects illegally from several com munity businesses, actions that will see him spend four months in jail.

Taitinger’s “most serious” product purloinment offence occurred on Oct. 15 at 12:45 a.m. at Schultz Electric, where he and a co-accused entered the business’ se cured compound, Crown prosecutor Rob Parker explained in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Nov. 9.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

He provided a sworn statement admit ting to his involvement,” the Crown prose cutor stated, adding police later recovered the stolen items — worth about $5,000 — outside the compound.

A second incident occurred on May 21, when Taitinger entered the Circle K convenience store and stole an item, and a third incident saw him enter the Union Grocery Store on South Hill and steal sun glasses.

Parker added that these last two of

fences were “relatively low-level shoplift ing” incidents.

As part of a joint submission, Taiting er, 30, from Moose Jaw, agreed to plead guilty to one count of breaking into Schulz Electric, two counts of failing to attend court, one count of theft from Circle K and one count of theft from Union Grocery.

In turn, he received a sentence of 120 days in jail on each of the four offences, with each sentence running concurrently — or simultaneously. However, since he

spent 27 actual days in custody, the court credited him with 41 days, leaving him to serve 79 days.

Jeanson asked Judge Brian Hendrick son to waive the victim surcharge fee be cause Taitinger could not pay. Hendrick son agreed to waive the fee, while he also agreed to accept the joint submission.

Hendrickson added that he was pleased that Taitinger was in better health after detoxing on remand.

Man given four years’ jail for ‘criminally negligent actions’ that caused friend’s death

A provincial court judge has sentenced Michael Anthony Tufano to four years in federal prison for the latter’s “criminally negligent actions” with a firearm that led to Brandon Harris’ death.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

“Mr. Harris was somebody who was known to you. Mr. Harris was a brother, Mr. Harris was a son, and now he’s gone as a result of your criminally negligent ac tions,” Judge Brian Hendrickson said in

GRADER OPERATOR POSITION

RM OF EYEBROW NO. 193

The Rural Municipality of Eyebrow No. 193 is looking for a self-motivated, career minded individual to fill the position of full-time grader operator. This position will start approximately January 1, 2023.

We are located 40 minutes northwest of Moose Jaw surrounding the Village of Eyebrow, which includes a K-12 school. The position comes with a benefits package, including health & dental and a municipal employee’s pension plan.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Rural road maintenance, light construction, and snow removal.

• Operate a grader, mower, backhoe and other types of equipment to complete road maintenance such as grading, mulching, snow removal and ditch mowing.

• Provide direction and supervision for the maintenance of all municipal infrastructure including but not limited to roads, bridges, signs, transfer station and community well site.

• Perform daily maintenance and operational checks of equipment utilized.

Demonstrate continuous efforts to improve operations and high standards of work practices.

• Detail oriented with a mechanical aptitude following timelines.

• Self-motivated, and the ability to work independently and with others.

Ensure that shop, equipment, and areas are kept clean and organized at all times.

• Perform other duties assigned by the foreman or council.

• Ability to work in utmost weather conditions.

• General care of community welfare and.

Any other skills (carpentry, welding, electrical, mechanical, etc.) would be considered an asset.

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with council, staff, contractors and ratepayers.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT SHOULD POSSESS

• Power Mobile Equipment Certification.

• Strong leadership, dependable, punctual with supervisory and communication skills. Experience operating a motor grader.

• Class 5 driver’s license.

YOUR RESUME SHOULD INCLUDE

• Past and present work experience.

• Education and skills.

Two references.

• A current driver’s abstract.

• Power Mobile Equipment Certification.

WAGE IS NEGOTIABLE BASED ON EXPERIENCE. Please submit resumes to: RM of Eyebrow #193 P.O. Box 99, Eyebrow, SK S0H 1L0 or emailed to rm193@sasktel.net on or before December 13, 2022.

The R.M. wishes to thank all who applied, however only those individuals with interviews will be contacted.

Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Nov. 8.

“You have indicated that you feel re morse for that. I accept that, but I hope you understand — know you understand — what impact your negligent actions have had on the surviving members of the Harris family. … your moral culpability is great in that offence.”

The judge then summarized victim impact statements from Harris’ twin sister, Jessica, and father, Ed.

During his court appearance, Tufano, 29, from Moose Jaw, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by criminal negli gence with a firearm and one count of traf ficking drugs.

As part of a joint submission, the 29-year-old will spend 1,460 days — or four years — in jail for killing Harris. Since Tufano spent 197 days on remand,

the court credited him 296 days. This re sults in him serving 1,164 days — over three years — in a federal pen.

He also received 730 days — two years — in jail for the drug charge; this will run concurrently — simultaneously — as the main offence.

Provincial Crown prosecutor Rob Parker read an agreed statement of facts during the proceedings. He described the situation as an “unfortunate incident.” He noted that Tufano has a short criminal re cord.

Parker added that using a firearm in an offence automatically leads to a manda tory minimum jail sentence of four years. He asked the judge to ban Tufano from possessing weapons or firearms for 10 years and to provide a DNA sample.

Big fine, probation imposed on man who rammed SUV, assaulted friend while drunk

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

An evening of drinks with friends became a nightmare for Marshall Craig Budau, who consumed so much that he assaulted his friend, drove into a parked car on Brown Street on August 18th, and barely remem bered any of it.

Police later took breath samples from Budau, with the readings showing his blood alcohol content (BAC) levels were both .220, nearly three times the legal limit.

Parker urged Judge Brian Hendrick son to fine Budau $2,500 for the impaired driving incident — normally $2,000 — be

cause of his high BAC levels and previous driving convictions, and six months of probation with conditions to follow for the assault.

After pleading guilty to the over .08 charge and assault charge, Budau told the judge he didn’t remember much of that night because of how intoxicated he was.

After considering the situation, Judge Hendrickson imposed a fine of $2,200 on Budau and a one-year driving prohibition, while he waived the victim surcharge and gave the man nine months to pay the fine.

Liquor store closure announcement strains credibility of politicians even more

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Back when the Saskatchewan Party Government shut down rural liquor stores, it denied the remaining govern ment liquor stores were also going to be sold or closed.

What a piece of fabrication!

The government announced in the October Throne speech this year that the 34 remaining stores will be closed in 2023.

Why wasn’t the government truthful about this when the rural stores closed? Apparently, the intent from day one has been to get out of retail liquor sales.

There are solid arguments for government to get out of the retail liquor business.

When government first regulated liquor sales the majority of voters were opposed to open liquor use and concerned about over-consumption but were okay with a regulated business,.

Attitudes have changed and it matters not to most people who sells booze.

The Saskatchewan government closure is solely about reducing the number of unionized employees on the government payroll – a long time goal of this party.

The main excuse for closing the profitable stores was flimsy. They need upgrades to remain competitive with private retailers and should be closed “before the red ink starts.”

Is this how the government will use private medical

care facilities to destroy medicare?

When the Sask. Party government started retail liquor privatization the wheels were set in motion for eventual loss of business when private stores opened.

Now without investment the government stores will lose more, according to the minister in charge

That sends a strange message to business and farm ers. If every farmer or business in this province, chal lenged with aging equipment and buildings, decided to close shop, Saskatchewan would have very little com merce.

Hopefully that’s not the way the province is being run.

The announcement just before Christmas hit the 350 soon-to-be jobless workers hard. The minister’s comment that workers can buy the old stores would only work if the employees get sweet deals like those leasing former PFRA community pastures.

So what can voters expect from this government by future privatization?

The Information Services Corporation, registering land titles and corporations, was partially privatized. Some functions in crown corporations have been handed to the private sector.

Next on the block is likely the casino operations in Regina and Moose Jaw. An agreement to sell them for a

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

fire sale price to the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Au thority failed when the NDP opposition reneged on its approval.

Once the casinos are out of the picture, SaskEnergy will be next. The old Conservative Devine government split SaskEnergy from SaskPower with the idea of privat izing the operation.

That will leave SaskPower, Sasktel and SGI.

Look for dropping of hints that keeping up with tech nology change is too expensive for SaskTel. That was a reason Manitoba Conservatives gave for selling that prov ince’s telephone corporation.

Why can’t the government just say: “we don’t be lieve in owning business and will sell?”

And we wonder why people trust politicians less than used car salespeople.

Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

William Grayson School held their annual Remembrance Day service to honour and respect the fallen soldiers on Nov. 9.

“It is an important time of year to reflect and to take time to remember those sacrifices and honour the men and women that died,” Janice Colven, Vice-Principal of William Grayson School said. “It was nice to be able to come together as a group and a community to reflect and remember today.”

The service started with an introductory speech from Vice-Principal Colven, followed by a singing of “O Canada.” A couple of documentary short films were then shown to hon our the memorials of fallen soldiers from the Second Word War to the Afghan War. After that, Adkin was invited on stage to share his valuable insightful thoughts and memories with the students at William Grayson school.

“I guess Remembrance Day is a very important, very special day for people like myself,” Phil Adkins member of the Friends of the Forces Fellowship said. “I think of Remem brance Day in particular of those that fought in very difficult circumstances and survived.”

Adkins was born and raised in Moose Jaw. He attended Alexandra School and Central Collegiate and is a retired wa ter source engineer. His father was in the Second World War and survived.

Adkins gave a presentation about “The Dambusters.” He specifically named two Canadian Airmen who were among 30 who were from Moose Jaw, totaling 133 airmen who took part in the operation. They were pilot Ken Brown and Navigator Robert Urquhart. Urquhart was killed in action and Brown

survived until he died in White Rock B.C. The mission was top secret and later known as the “Masters Raid” of 1943. The mission took place in the middle of the night to blow off three dams in the Ruhr Valley River. “They came up with a plan, a very ambitious plan, very technical. It was a very tricky plan to destroy these dams, and thereby impact the German war machine production.”

During the operation, there were 19 Lancaster bombers and the 133 airmen. Out of it, eight aircraft were shot down, 53 aircrews were killed, and three aircrews were taken pris oner.

Ken Brown was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) several awards specifically for this mission and later won several awards for his time and service in the RCA.

During the presentation, there was a moment of silence and then memorial flowers were presented by the students. Then students recited “The Flanders Fields” in memory of the fallen. At the end of the service, everyone sang “God Save the King.”

“We will remember them,” Colven said.

Adkin commented that William Grayson School did an excellent Remembrance Day service. “The kids were very en gaged and accomplished their objective in increasing Remem brance Day and remembering the fallen veterans.”

Ron

reflect the position of this publication.

Phil Adkins, member of the Friends of the Forces Fel lowship was the guest presenter for the Remembrance Day service at William Grayson School.

Janice Colven shows short documentaries of Canadian veterans who fought the Afghan war.

Remembrance Day returns with full service for first time since 2019

After seeing the last two Remembrance Day services in Moose Jaw forced into a lower-key event due to the pandemic, it was finally all systems go for the Royal Canadian Legion Moose Jaw Branch 59 on Friday morning.

And it’s more than safe to say it was nice to be back for organizers of the annu al gathering of military personnel past and present and their thousands of supporters in the community.

Close to 2,000 people took part in the Remembrance Day service Friday at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, marking the first full and live event of its kind since 2019.

“I think it’s great to be back,” said Moose Jaw Legion president Roy LaBuick shortly after the hour-long ceremony came to a close. “The last two years have been very small services, for obvious reasons, and it was just so much fun to know back in the summer that we were going to be doing one of these again. We’ve been planning this basically since August, and it’s been great to once again see all the support from the community.”

Remembrance Day in 2020 and 2021 featured a gathering of only a couple doz en or so dignitaries taking part in the ser vice, which was live-streamed on social media. Fast forward to Nov. 11, where folks braved the cold weather to once again gather in support of those who gave their lives and those who continue to fight for the freedom we have today.

“It was nice to see a lot of people in the stands, and especially to see the veter ans who came out when they were asked to stand,” LaBuick said. “That’s what this is all about, supporting our veterans through events like this and things like the poppy fund, where all funds raised go back to support veterans here in the local area. It’s something we want to continue for a long time to come.”

The event was the 104th annual Re membrance Day service in Moose Jaw, meaning that putting together the ceremo ny was essentially like getting back on a bike even after the time away.

“We kind of were laughing at our selves a little bit last night; we were in here setting up and we had photos from two years ago, and it was like ‘is that how we did that?’” LaBuick said. “We had to knock a little rust off, but everything went very well and you could tell we’ve ridden this bike before… there were a lot of vol unteers who helped out, some new people who stepped up, and my hats off to the Moose Jaw Events Centre for everything they did, too. It had been two years, but everything came together really nicely.”

Of course, with all the positivity of being back in a full-on way, the reason for Remembrance Day is a sombre one. It hit home even harder in the lead-up to Nov. 11 when Herbert, Sask.’s Joseph Hildebrand was killed fighting in Ukraine only a few days before Friday’s events.

“A lot of us will never know what it’s like to wear the uniform of our country in

a situation like that,” LaBuick said. “We really need to be aware of what our veter ans are out there doing on a regular basis, and it’s like we’ve said in the Legion for a long time, a veteran as a veteran, wheth er they were stationed here in Canada and served here or whether they were overseas in peacekeeping missions or in combat. They’ve done a lot for us and the life we have today, and it’s important we remem ber them.”

The Moose Jaw Remembrance Day service was much the same as pre-pan demic years.

Rev. Doug Shephard conducted the service, with trumpeter Rick Elmer play ing the Last Post and Rouse alongside pip er Michelle Gallagher playing the Lament.

The event concluded with the laying

of wreaths by dignitaries from local mili tary, police and civic organizations.

LaBuick hopes folks will continue to remember and support local veterans even after the conclusion of Friday’s ceremo nies -- something the Legion will strive to remain a part of as much as possible.

“Sometimes people think they have to be a Legion member to reach out for help from us, but that’s not the case; we’re here to help every veteran,” La Buick said. “It can be something as small as filling out paperwork, we have a service officer here in Moose Jaw and they’re here to help with that. If we hear of a home less veteran, we’ll help find them a place to live. We have a good group of people here and in our regional offices and we’re always here to help veterans in need.”

Annual Royal Canadian Legion event returns to Moose Jaw Events Centre after lower-key

Scenes from the first full Remembrance Day service in Moose Jaw since 2019.

Selebians: The 11th hour of the 11th month

Here’s

Wilcockson

Friend of the Moose Jaw Express Bryan Wilcockson from Selby, Yorkshire annually shares photos from his region with our readership.

a selection of poems and photos from various unknown sources to reflect how they remember the fallen in Yorkshire.

says, “Drax Power Station is close to where I live ( I was one of the civil engineers who helped to build it). The biomass that fuels it comes from Canada’s prairies!”

Schoolchildren place a poppy cross on each of the war graves in Yorkshire (the only other place that I know of who does this is at Arnhem in the Netherlands) Most of the Commonwealth War Graves are aircrew, some even RCAF. Wilcockson said that his dad was RAF and that he used to tell him there often wasn’t a lot left to bury after the bombers had been shot up over Germany.

Photograph’s courtesy of Dennis Hartley, who has given permission for publication, if they are useful in any of your articles.

Submitted by Bryan Wilcockson

“This is my poppy for 11 O’clock (My dad was RAF),” said Wilcockson. “I’ll be going down to the local common wealth war graves today (Remem brance Day), where the town’s school children put a poppy cross on each ser viceman’s grave…(there’s a few Cana dian lads amongst them.)”

‘War is hell,’ so avoid it, one of Moose Jaw’s last WWII veterans says

When told he was likely the last Second World War veteran living in Moose Jaw, Allen (Al) Cameron chuckled and joked that he wasn’t enthusiastic about being last in anything.

“I am blessed (by) the good Lord to bring me here and look after me,” the 97-year-old said recently, noting his lon gevity is because he maintains healthy practices by exercising and refraining from smoking or drinking.

“I guess I’m just so happy living that I want to keep it up,” he smiled. “My goal is 100; that’s (about) two years from now.”

Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 conducted research recent ly and estimated that Cameron and Bruce Hatley were likely the last two Second World War vets still in the community. However, it admitted there could be more vets it doesn’t know.

Meanwhile, provincial command es timates there are roughly 100 such vets across the province.

Supporting the legion

Hatley moved to Saskatoon this past summer to be closer to family, but he was ever present at Branch No. 59 for years, said president Roy LaBuick. He first met Hatley when he joined the executive in 2000; the man was a big supporter of the organization, well-liked and respected, and helped often.

Before the vet left, the legion gave him a Quilt of Valour to honour his 70 years of service with the organization.

LaBuick has only met Cameron once

but knows that the veteran has been a reg ular fixture at 15 Wing Air Base. Specifi cally, Cameron has participated in the an nual Battle of Britain ceremony by reading the names of the fallen; he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a leading air craftman mechanic.

The base asked LaBuick to step in for Cameron two years ago because the latter could not make it. LaBuick thought it was an honour to read the names on Cameron’s behalf and an honour to have him there yearly.

“I salute both of them. They are very kind individuals; you just ask them and

they’ll help out,” LaBuick added. “They may not be as active as they used to be, but it’s great when they do get involved. And I love to see things like that.”

Helping the ANAVETS

Don Purington, president of the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) club in Moose Jaw, was amazed that there were still about 100 World War II vets liv ing in Saskatchewan. He thought it was great to have those people around, espe cially during Remembrance Day ceremo nies.

He noted that young people — es pecially air base trainees and Dragoons reservists — flock to Cameron whenever he visits and tells stories of his time in the RCAF.

The veteran enjoys singing and would have sung O Canada during a recent WHL Warriors’ game but took ill. Still, he would do anything for the ANAVETS club and help whenever possible.

“He’s a gem,” said Purington.

Purington thought it was amazing that Second World War vets had such longevity and reached 100 years of age, contrasting that with many young men who died in their 20s. He thought society needed to ed ucate itself more about the sacrifices those young people made while appreciating those around today — of any age.

“I don’t think we can do enough for these veterans. I don’t think we recognize them enough. Every time we have the chance to honour them, we should … ,” he added. “There’s a lot of needy veterans

around.”

A veteran’s perspective

People likely wouldn’t want to engage in war if they had been alive to experience the Second World War, said Cameron, pointing out there were other wars before and after that that didn’t prove anything.

As an aircraft mechanic in Italy, Cameron’s responsibility was to keep the bombers flying. What stuck with him from that time was watching 30 bombers leave and only 10 come back. Eight men per plane meant 160 young airmen died per mission.

“That takes some getting used to,” he said.

Cameron made a list of all the friends he wanted to maintain after the conflict was over. He started with 37 people, and over the past eight decades, that number decreased to one — a widow of the last surviving list member. He reiterated his belief that God was watching over him.

“You see things you don’t like or want any part of, and you have to take every pre caution you can to survive. War is a game of survival,” Cameron said, noting, in comparison, his 22-year-old brother was shot down and killed on June 30, 1944.

The veteran thought it was becoming increasingly difficult to explain to people what war is in terms they understand. But he does his best to be a messenger and tell people that war solves nothing.

“War is hell,” Cameron added. “And you can’t explain it any more clearly than that.”

Only two WWII vets still in Moose Jaw, under 100 in Sask., legion estimates

The Royal Canadian Legion estimates there could be 100 Second World War vet erans still living in Saskatchewan, while in Moose Jaw, the organization believes there are likely two such veterans left.

Provincial command polled its branch es recently about whether they had such veterans as members, and while it didn’t receive a response from every location, it learned at least 50 vets from that war are still living, explained executive direc tor Chad Wagner. However, even that’s a guess; he figures there might be under 100. “I don’t know the actual number — and nobody does,” he remarked.

Most Second World War veterans are not even in the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) computer system because they ei ther never submitted a claim or were too prideful to ask for help, he continued. What’s worse is that the Department of Na

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

tional Defence doesn’t care about veterans once they leave the military.

VAC said in an email that, as of March 31, 2021, there were likely 20,300 Second World War vets still living in Canada — including 700 in Saskatchewan. Howev er, it was waiting for 2021 census data to confirm the most recent numbers and have something more current.

Meanwhile, Moose Jaw’s Branch No. 59 conducted a survey recently and iden tified two Second World War veterans: Al Cameron and Bruce Hatley. However, it admitted there could be more vets in town whom it doesn’t know.

There is great pride knowing many World War II veterans are still in the prov ince, which shows their longevity — their average age is 100 — despite experiencing the worst war in human history, Wagner said. The legion hopes that modern veter

ans have the same length and quality of life, although they need extra support to address their physical and mental health needs.

“When they (Second World War vet erans) came back, they immediately got employment and many were given proper ty. That really allowed them to have a sus tainable life … ,” he pointed out. “Where today, they transition out (and) that stuff doesn’t exist anymore. They’re kind of left on their own resources to get there.”

The qualities these men bring include wisdom, strength, tenacity and courage, attributes they developed during a conflict most Canadians will hopefully never have to experience, Wagner said.

“That experience would galvanize some sort of ability in their mind to contin ue on,” he stated. “Outside of Afghanistan and Korea, we really haven’t had a deploy ment of that magnitude. They were able to see some things that most of us wouldn’t be able to fathom in our lifetime, and there’s value to that.”

The legion’s overall perspective is that “a veteran is a veteran is a veteran,” regardless of age, Wagner said. Today, the organization is working with younger vet erans to meet their needs since they are the largest cohort.

“If you served, you served, and that’s all that matters to us,” he added.

Moose Jaw-area veteran killed while fighting against Russia in Ukraine

A Herbert-area man who served in the Ca nadian military is dead after fighting in the war in Ukraine.

Joseph Hildebrand, 33, grew up working on his family’s farm near Her bert, about 130 kilometres west of Moose Jaw, and served two tours in Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces. He joined a Ukrainian unit this past June as a foreign national to fight against Russia’s invasion of that country.

The Saskatchewanian was the second Canadian known to have died defending the Eastern European country.

According to a Facebook page called “Project Leaflet,” Hildebrand was killed on Nov. 6 near Bakhmut, Ukraine, in the province of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, where fighting has been heavy since Feb ruary. The Canadian Forces veteran was one of nine members of his 12-man squad killed during an operation in the embattled city.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

“He is now the eighth confirmed for eign national to die in Ukraine in the past week,” the page said. “Other countries of note (include): the U.S., UK, and Argen tina.”

The unit came under Russian artillery fire while taking their wounded to a frontline medical clinic, the Globe and Mail (G&M) reported. Hildebrand and one oth er foreign fighter were killed. His body was later taken to Kyiv.

“(A) source in the International Le gion, who knew the Canadian personally, said that on Mr. Hildebrand’s application to join, he had answered the question of why he wanted to fight for Ukraine by saying he believed ‘the whole world needs to stand up against Putin and Russia’s ag gression,’” the G&M article said, “and that ‘this is the best way I can support and uphold my morals and beliefs.’”

He also wrote that he had experience in close-quarters combat and had “a high

pain tolerance with a calm demeanour.” Mark Hildebrand, the youngest of Jo

seph’s three brothers, told the G&M that his sibling was “the bravest man I’ve ever known, but he also had a heart of gold.”

“He’s someone we all wanted to grow old with and trade all the nonsense and stories that come with life,” said Mark. “But we are all so proud of him and what he has done.”

Hildebrand’s cousin, Clayton, says some other people in his unit, according to CJME, notified the family of Joseph’s death. Clayton said Joseph was a good man with strong values who stood up for what he believed in and felt compelled to help the Ukrainian people.

Global Affairs Canada told The Cana dian Press that it was aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Ukraine but didn’t provide further information.

“We are in contact with local authori ties and with the family and are providing consular services,” a government spokes woman added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason

Allen (Al) Cameron, a Second World War air force veteran, holds a photo of him self (left) and one of his brother (right), from their time in the military. Cameron served in the air force for 26 years, while his brother died in the Second World War. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Remembrance wreaths. File photo

Joseph Hildebrand from Herbert, Sask. — 130 kilometres west of Moose Jaw — was killed while fighting in Ukraine against Russia’s invasion of that coun try. He had been there since June. Photo courtesy Facebook

warriors fight cancer night net proceeds going towards NOV 18th 7pm vs silent auction for special edition jerseys at the game tickets at 110 1st ave | moose jaw events centre | 306-694-5711

dropping a 5-1 decision to the Medicine Hat Tigers at the Moose Jaw Events Cen tre.

The news had been nothing but good earlier in the week, as Moose Jaw rolled to a 7-2 victory over the Edmonton Oil Kings on Tuesday, Nov. 8 before opening the home-and-home with the Tigers with a 5-4 shootout win in Medicine Hat Friday night.

Saturday’s loss was as tough as they come for the local crew, as the Tigers played opportunistic hockey and made the Warriors pay for their mistakes. In the end, the team chalked it up as one of those games.

“This is a great group, they put the work in,” said Warriors assistant coach Scott King. “There are going to be nights like this, so we’ll just stick with it and con tinue to work at practice, we’re not going to get down from this. We’d like to have got both this weekend but it didn’t happen, we’re still on the right track to have a good year and we’ll keep pushing forward.”

Brayden Yager scored the Warriors’ lone goal 2:56 into the contest, only to see

Medicine Hat score five unanswered the rest of the way.

Brendan Lee and Brayden Boehm each scored twice for the Tigers, while Shane Smith had their other marker.

Connor Ungar got the start in goal and stopped 13 shots in 30:15 before be ing replaced by Jackson Unger, who made nine saves the rest of the way. Beckett Langkow had 30 stops for the Tigers.

Twenty-four hours earlier in Medi cine Hat, it was a different story, as Den ton Mateychuk and Yager scored in the shootout to give the Warriors the 5-4 win.

Harper Lolacher, Eric Alarie, Atley Calvert and Jagger Firkus scored in regu lation for Moose Jaw, who led 2-1 after the

Winmar Warriors

The Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors have clawed their way back to within a game of .500 in the Sask Male AAA Hockey League stand ings, thanks to picking up three of a pos sible four points in a pair of late-week games against the Tisdale Trojans.

The Warriors dropped a 7-6 overtime decision in Tisdale on Thursday before re bounding with a 6-3 victory in the rematch Friday.

As a result, Moose Jaw now holds a 5-6-0-3 record and have moved into a tie with the Prince Albert Mintos for sixth place, two points back of Notre Dame and two up on Warman.

Through two periods of Thurs day’s outing, it looked as if the Warriors wouldn’t have to worry about playing extra time, as Tisdale had built a 5-3 lead through 40 minutes.

Three goals in just over three minutes early in the third changed all that, though, and all of a sudden Moose Jaw was play ing with the lead. Austin Woodley started the comeback at 4:01 before Rhett Perrin tied thrings up 1:27 later and Wyatt La

Coste gave the Warriors a 4-3 lead with a shorthanded marker 50 seconds after Per rin’s goal.

The edge wouldn’t last long, though, as on the same power play Ryder Mucha tied things up for the Trojans, 1:10 after Moose Jaw took their lead.

That sent the game to the three-onthree OT period, where Parker Dunn scored the game-winner for the Trojans with a minute remaining.

Grady Hoffman and Jake Briltz scored in the first period, while Pryce Thiessen, Carter Ralston and Matthew Van Blaricom gave Tisdale a 3-2 edge in the opening frame.

Briltz scored his second of the game on the power play early in the second pe riod; Dayton Reschny and Simon Martin replied for the Trojans to give them their 5-3 lead.

Ryan Bain stopped 34 shots in taking the loss, Lane Beal had 46 saves in the Trojans goal.

The shoe was on the other foot 24 hours later, as the Warriors roared out to a 4-1 lead in the first period and never looked back.

Britlz, Perrin, Connor Miller and Liam Fitzpatrick all had goals in the open ing 20 minutes for Moose Jaw before Brit

first and were tied 3-3 through two. Max Wanner had a pair of assists Ungar stopped 34 shots and two of the three shooters he faced in the shootout to take the win. Langkow had 23 saves.

The week opened with the Warriors’ top offensive production of the season, led by Wanner with his top showing offen sively in his WHL career -- two goals and four points as the Warriors built a 3-0 lead in the first and led 6-1 through two.

Jagger Firkus picked up a goal and three points, while Yager and Atley Calvert had a goal and assist each. Den ton Mateychuk and Nathan Pilling picked up their other markers, Alarie had a pair of assists.

for the Oil Kings.

Moose Jaw is now 11-7-0-0 on the season and sit in fourth place in the East ern Conference, four points back of Saska toon and a point up on Lethbridge.

The Warriors are right back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 15 when they host the Prince Albert Raiders before hosting their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Friday, Nov. 18 when the Swift Current Broncos are in town. Puck drop for both games is 7 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Overtime… the Warriors were with out head coach Mark O’Leary, defence man Marek Howell and forward Lynden Lakovic as the trio competed at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley, B.C… O’Leary served as the head coach with Team Black and joined Lakovic in putting together a 3-2-0-1 round robin record to reach the bronze medal game… Finland took a 7-1 win in that contest… Howell and Team White posted a 1-3-1-1 record and missed the medal round… The United States defeated Canada Red 11-5 to win gold.

lz extended the lead to 5-1 through two with the lone second-period goal. Reschny and Hoffman exchanged markers in the fi nal frame.

Thiessen and Kale Margolis had Tis dale’s other goals.

Ryan Hicks was the winning net

minder with 29 saves, Beal had 27 stops for Tisdale.

The Winmar Warriors continue their run of road games on Thursday, Nov. 17 in Wilcox against Notre Dame. Next home action is Thursday, Nov. 24 when they host the Estevan Bears.

The Warriors were caught running around in their zone more than once, and while Lucas Brenton was able to break up this scoring attempt, the Tigers were able to take advantage more than once. Nick Pettigrew

Vanier sweeps Assiniboia for fourth-straight high school boys city volleyball title

The Vanier Vikings were expecting a long night when they took to the court against the Assiniboia Rockets in the high school boys volleyball championship final.

What they didn’t expect was one of the best all-around performances from their crew this season.

And that meant that while the games were close, the battle ended up being a rel atively quick one as the Vikings won their fourth-straight championship with 25-21, 25-18, 25-21 win at Sask Polytech on the evening of November 9th.

The difference in the match com pared to past outings between the two teams was the play of the Vikings’ left side -- Grade 12 Deo Dequina and Grade 11 Colton Ebbett were virtually unstoppable all night, giving Vanier potent additional weapons in addition to standout middle Eric Meili.

It was a noticeable improvement, and

one that was good enough to change the outlook of the game relatively early.

“We still had to fight really hard, but I think for us, it was a perfect storm of some of our guys who have been up and down throughout the year peaked to day,” Vikings head coach Levi Broda said. “They played just phenomenal, and I have to shout out our left-side hitters. We’re always strong in the middle, but our left sides finished some balls today and that was huge for us.”

That’s not to say Assiniboia didn’t give the Vikings a run, especially in the third set when they took an early lead and forced Vanier to scrap a little harder to fin ish things off in three games.

“It felt good in the third set that we were able to finish things off,” said Mei li, who as a Grade 12 won his fourth title. “Especially Deo, he absolutely dominated and we could have just let them take that one and seen what happens, but we battled back and it was a big win.”

The success of Vanier’s front row was a product of season-long improvement in Meili’s eyes, especially with how things progressed right from day one in their un defeated league campaign.

“Early on the season in practice, I didn’t think we’d be undefeated, but we improved a lot throughout the season,” he said. “I think that says a lot about our coaches, everyone on the team bought in

and that’s why we went undefeated and won cities.”

With four-straight league champion ships under their belt, there’s little question the Vikings are in the midst of a dynasty, one they hope just keeps rolling along.

“It’s really special,” Broda said. “Ev ery year, it’s just about the guys on the team, but it’s really cool when you look back and accomplish something and can say ‘hey, I added to that legacy that we’re starting to carve out’. It’s always a differ ent cast, and it’s always nice to see guys who didn’t have as big of a role last year step up in important roles this year.”

Vanier will now have two weeks to prepare for regionals and provincials, with the boys regional playdowns taking place during the Nov. 19 weekend.

“We’re just hoping we can keep im proving because we’re still not at the top where we can be,” Meili said. “Hopefully we can get there next weekend for region als and keep it going for provincials.”

It was another tough game against an op ponent, but the Peacock Toilers once again managed to get the job done.

And this time, it was enough to land them their third-straight Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association girls volley ball city championship.

The Toilers rolled to 25-17 and 25-21 wins in the first two games of their match with the Central Cyclones before things tightened up significantly as things pro gressed. Central won the third game 25-

15 and took a 10-1 lead early in the fourth before Peacock closed things out with a 26-24 win.

In other words, another close play off match in a league that’s become wellknown for such occurrences.

“It was a great battle, it was like the [semifinal] against Vanier and it’s like we said at the start of the year, it’s going to be tight the whole year, and it was,” Toilers coach Lorne Polupski said amid the postgame celebrations. “Central could have easily won that, it was great volleyball, it’s

great for the city, I love this stuff.”

The championship was the third for senior Peacock setter Makena Simmons, who won as a Grade 9 in 2019 and again in Grade 11 last season, with the 2020 cam paign cancelled due to the pandemic.

“It’s so cool,” Simmons said of the title runs. “From Grade 9 to Grade 12 is quite a journey, it’s been a lot of teams and a lot of different people, and it’s all been awesome.”

The Cyclones came into the match as decided underdogs after finishing with a

.500 record compared to Peacock’s unde feated mark. But there Central was, lead ing at some point in each and every game and forcing the Toilers to dig deep to find wins.

“We hope to not do that, but it’s al ways good when you can come back,” Simmons said. “We work so hard togeth er as a team, we can get out of anything. We’ve seen our team come back from 14-point deficits, so we know we can do it.”

Seeing his crew rally was no surprise to Polupski, either.

“It can’t believe the amount of times we’ve been down this year and come back and won,” he said. “In big matches, quar ter-finals, semifinals, we’ve been down eight, nine points and come back. These girls have a lot of heart, they play their guts out and we’ve done that all year. I couldn’t be any prouder as a coach.”

The work isn’t finished for either team just yet.

Central and Vanier are at 4A girls re gionals in Lumsden this weekend, while the Toilers will host their six-team 5A girls regional on Saturday.

“The pressure from these games is go ing to help us a lot at regionals and provin cials,” Simmons said. “Moving forward we definitely wanted to get this over with, it’s exciting and a high-intensity game, there’s more cheering here than anywhere else. Now going into regionals and provin cials it just gets harder and harder, so we’ll play our best and see what we can do.”

Vikings take 25-21, 25-18, 25-21 victory over Rockets in gold medal game Tuesday, November 9th at Sask Polytech Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose

The Vanier Vikings are the 2022 Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association se nior boys volleyball champions.

Assiniboia’s Ken Balitaosan goes up for a kill attempt during the second set.

The Peacock Toilers are the 2022 Moose Jaw High School Athletic Association high school senior girls volleyball champions.

Karli Loughheed goes up for a kill at tempt for the Central Cyclones.

Vanier’s Lane Moore had to be quick on his feet to pick up this dig in the fourth set.

Central, Vanier qualify for 4A girls high school volleyball provincials

After putting together solid performances in the Moose Jaw high school girls vol leyball league playoffs, it stood to reason the Central Cyclones and Vanier Spirits would have a bit of momentum on their side heading into their 4A regional tourna ments this past weekend.

As it turns out, that was exactly the case -- and now both teams will be in ac tion at provincials in Nipawin this coming weekend.

The Cyclones emerged as the sec ond seed out of the regional playdown in Lumsden, reaching the championship final before falling 25-18, 25-19 to the tourna ment hosts. That win came after Central had to deal with the most familiar of oppo nents in the semifinal, emerging victorious out of an epic 21-25, 25-19, 15-13 battle with Vanier.

Central had put together a 1-1 record in the round robin, winning 25-14, 25-5 over Yorkton Sacred Heart and falling 2510, 25-18 to Lumsden.

Vanier had a busier run with an extra

team in their pool, but were perfect in the round robin, winning 25-15, 25-16 over Regina Scott, 25-17, 25-14 over Notre Dame and 25-17, 25-22 over Melville.

The loss to Central knocked the Spir its to the third-place game and the final provincial qualifying spot, where they’d advance past Notre Dame.

Volleyball – Boy’s Regional Finals

Submitted by Sabrina Craft, Weyburn Review

The news wasn’t quite as good for the two local teams hosting regionals.

The reigning city champion Peacock Toilers went 0-2 in their 5A girls regional pool, losing a tough battle 25-23, 23-25, 16-14 to Estevan in their opener before dropping a 25-20, 25-14 decision to Balg onie. That sent the Toilers to the quarter-fi

nal, where they fell 25-17, 25-22 to Swift Current to see their season come to an end.

As it turns out, all three teams Pea cock faced will be advancing to provin cials, as Balgonie defeated Estevan in the regional final and Swift Current downed Weyburn to earn the third spot.

The Cornerstone Christian School Falcons were unable to advance out of their pool in the 2A girls regional at Cor nerstone, falling 26-24, 16-25, 15-9 to LCBI and 25-14, 25-21 to Langham.

Davidson defeated Langham in the regional final, sending both teams to pro vincials.

At the 5A boys regional championship in Swift Current, the Peacock Toilers were unable to find the win column, falling 2517, 24-26, 15-6 to Yorkton Regional and 25-16, 25-16 to Estevan in the round rob in. The Toilers quarter-final game saw the local squad drop a 25-13, 25-14 decision to Weyburn. Swift Current, Weyburn and Estevan all advance to provincials next weekend.

Twenty-year-old forward Ryder Korczak reassigned to Warriors

Ryder Korczak has been reassigned to the Moose Jaw Warriors by the New York Rangers.

“This is a huge addition to our team,” War riors general manager Jason Ripplinger said. “Adding a top-six forward to your team without any compensation is obviously exciting for the organization.

“We expect Ryder to come in, be a leader and help us win some more games.”

The 20-year-old forward has played in five games this season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League.

Last season with the Warriors, Korczak posted 25 goals and 79 points in 68 games. In 200 career WHL games with Moose Jaw and Calgary, the 2021 third round pick by the Rang ers has 54 goals and 177 points.

Moose Jaw is back in action on Tuesday

MJ home to three World Champions after powerlifting worlds in NFLD

Gordon Edgar -

Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship was held in St. John’s, Newfoundland from Oct. 8 to 15 and saw athletes representing 33 countries lift tens of thousands of collective kilos to find the best in each category.

Canada was well represented by Moose Jaw’s own Ryan Stinn and Mava Brydges.

Stinn has been to IPF World’s eight or nine times, but this was his first time com peting in the over-40 Master 1 category.

He competed twice, first in the Clas sic division, and then two days later in the Equipped division. Classic means no gear that could assist in the lift. Equipped is heavier and uses gear that can add hun dreds of pounds on top of what an athlete can lift raw.

In the Classic division, Stinn finished with a 270kg/595lb squat, 190kg/419lb bench, and 310kg/683lb deadlift, giving him a total of 770kg/1697lb. That total put him on the podium with a silver medal.

In the Equipped division, Stinn put up an 390kg/860lb squat, a 275kg/606lb bench, and a 300kg/661lb deadlift, giving him a staggering total of 965kg/2127lb. That performance earned him the gold medal and the title of world champion.

Brydges, 65, competed as a Master 3 athlete in the Equipped division.

She successfully performed a

137.5kg/303lb squat, an 85kg/187lb bench, and a 147.5kg/325lb deadlift for a total of 370kg/815lb.

She also won the overall gold med al and the title of world champion in her category.

“I owe everything to (Rhaea and Ryan Stinn),” Brydges said. She began lifting again in 2017 after 34 years out of the gym.

“I had let myself go, I’d had children; my back was so bad at one time that I couldn’t walk 10 steps. And I just slowly, slowly started back. And they did a be ginner class at a CrossFit place that I had joined, and it started from there.”

Brydges gives a lot of credit to the Stinns. She trains with them at their gym, and they’ve been with her for four national championships and a silver medal at her first IPF Worlds in 2018.

However, she started lifting on her own in 1981, and she always liked lifting heavy.

“I didn’t want those little pink weights and I didn’t want to wear the bodysuits,

the leg warmers, all that,” she laughed. “I wanted to concentrate on really learning to lift heavy weight.”

She won the Western Canadian cham pionship in 1983 — in Moose Jaw — be fore taking a break to raise her family.

Brydges loves representing her coun try, but she might not go to the next IPF World Championship in Mongolia.

“I train all the time, I don’t miss a training session, and my life revolves around it sometimes… But I’m getting old, and I love my family… So, I don’t know when I’ll do another Worlds, but we’ll see. Never say never.”

Stinn has been consumed by the sport of powerlifting for decades. He’s had a huge impact as a mentor, coach, and ath lete. He is a multiple-time national and provincial champion. He and his wife Rhaea, another champion and world re cord holder, own Inner Strength Products, one of Canada’s top powerlifting stores.

To become an IPF world champion is a big deal for him.

“It’s emotional. I’ve been lifting since 2005, so it’s been a long time. I’ve always dreamed to win at Worlds, and to be able to succeed and do that, especially at home in Canada, was a pretty nice treat. It was nice to hear the anthem on top of the podi um. Yeah, very cool,” Stinn said.

when the Prince Albert Raiders come to town for another Two-For-Tuesday.

Here are a few photos taken of the Moose Jaw Peacock Toilers in game action against Estevan during the 5A Volleyball

Regionals, held in Weyburn on Saturday. Unfortunately, no final score was avail able when photos were taken.

Moose

MooseJawToday.com Staff - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Ryan Stinn squatting at the IPF World Championships in St. John’s, Newfound land, where he won silver in the Classic division and gold in the Equipped divi sion (courtesy Mava Brydges)

Mava Brydges squatting at the IPF World Championships in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she took gold (courtesy Mava Brydges)

Peacock, Cornerstone fall short in 5A and 2A girls respectively, Peacock boys eliminated in 5A regional Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Central Cyclones gather for a team photo with Lumsden after the two teams qualified for the 4A girls provincial volleyball championship Saturday.

Ryder Korczak has been reassigned to the Moose Jaw Warriors by the New York Rang ers (Nick Pettigrew/Moose Jaw Warriors)

Setter Tegan Tollefson (#3) sets up a shot

Middle Rylan Costley (#5) spikes the ball over the net, as teammate Dawson Hibodeau (#12) stays nearby

Max McFadden (#1) looks over his shoulder, as middle Nathan McDougall (#10) spikes the ball over the net

Dance Images by BJ to perform at Grey Cup Festival Cheer Extravaganza

Moose Jaw’s Dance Images by BJ has tak en part in many major competitions and event over the years, but few will compare to the stage they’ll be on during Grey Cup weekend.

The local dance studio will be join ing Canadian Football League cheerlead ing teams and a host of performers from around the province during the Grey Cup Festival Cheer Extravaganza on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Brandt Centre in Regina.

The event is part of a host of festivities taking place as part of the CFL champion ship game in the Queen City, and needless to say, it’s a special time for Dance Imag es’ senior troupe as they prepare for the big show.

“It’s going to be a huge audience out there; there are over 500 performers and that’s not even talking about the people that are going to be in the crowd watching, so we’re pretty excited about that,” said Shauna Bzdel with Dance Images by BJ. “[The Extravaganza] used to be just ex clusive to the CFL cheer teams, so they’re branching out and getting a few more outside performance groups come in and we’re very honoured that we were asked and selected to be part of it.”

The opportunity came out of a simple e-mail invitation from the Extravagan za’s organizers, offering Dance Images a chance to be part of a select few outside performers at the event.

“There are actually only two other dance studios that are performing other than ourselves, so to have been on the list

of studios to be asked is quite, quite im pressive,” Bzdel said.

Shortly after accepting the invitation, it was right to work. The format will be different compared to what Dance Images is used to, with the traditional cheerlead ing floor set-up as opposed to a theatrical stage. Fortunately for the local group, they have an inside source on what the whole thing is like -- Bzdel herself is a former Saskatchewan Roughriders cheerleader and has seen what Cheer Extravaganza is like over the years.

“It’s going to be such a different performance opportunity because every thing’s going to be right there at ground level,” she said. “So the audience is real ly going to be right in front of your face, and it’s such a different energy and vibe that you get when your audience is so up close and personal. So it’s gonna be really exciting.”

Preparations have focussed on deal ing with the extra room to move -- from choreography to formations and spacing and everything in between -- with a focus on getting major details pinpointed well in advance of the show itself.

“When we actually get there on Sat urday, it’ll be nice because we will have one opportunity to perform on the mat before we actually have our live perfor mance, so that’ll be a really important re hearsal,” Bzdel said. “We’ve been work ing hard here at the studio to make sure everything’s all ready before we end up going there so that on the day of the per formance, it’s really just the staging.”

The entire show will offer another special opportunity for the performers: a chance to see and meet actual, profession al on-field CFL performers up close and personal -- and potentially receive a few tips and tricks about joining the profes sional ranks themselves.

“There’s lots of different opportuni ties out there in the realms of dance crews, but now being part of Cheer Extravagan za, they might be able to take all of their training and education from these past years and still be able to continue doing something they love in a different way,” Bzdel said.

It’ll be a busy weekend in general for Dance Images, as they’re also helping the Moose Jaw Warriors at the Hockey Fights Cancer game the night before.

“So there will be a lot going on that weekend, but we’re definitely going to en joy it,” Bzdel said.

Tickets for the Cheer Extravaganza are $20 each, with kids 14-and-under free, and available through the www.greycup festival.ca website by scrolling down to the Cheer Extravaganza ticket sales head line. The first performances take place at 1 p.m. at the Brandt Centre, with the show wrapping up around 3:30 p.m.

Fans of the Original 16 Cash League will have to wait a little bit longer for the first marquee match-up of the season.

Defending champion Penny Bark er and her BTN Chartered Accountants foursome were to face off against Matt Froehlich last Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre, but that contest ended up being postponed. As a result, both teams will remain unbeaten

KMS Construction’s Ben Gamble moved into a tie for top spot thanks to one of the more epic battles in recent league history. Gamble would score points in only four ends, but that would be enough to take an 11-10 win over KalTire (Dustin Woloschuk, 1-4).

The contest was tied 4-4 through four ends when Woloschuk took control with a four-ender in the fifth and a steal in the sixth, taking a 9-4 lead. Gamble wasted little time getting all that back and then some, though, putting up no less than six in the seventh to take a onepoint lead into the final end. Woloschuk used the hammer to tie things 10-10 and Gamble finished off the win with a sin gle point in the extra end.

ProTec Studios (Tyler Krupski, 2-2) also enjoyed a solid night offensively, taking a 10-2 win over Pro-Tec Electric (Stan Barnsley, 2-3). Krupski got off to a great start with four in the first end and a steal in the second while putting to gether a 6-2 lead through five. Another four ender in the sixth gave Krupski his eight-point lead and brought things to an Paws N Play (Jaedon Miller, 2-3) picked up their second win of the season thanks to a 7-4 victory over EMJ Mar

keting (Joe Gunnis, 2-3). Back-to-back deuces in the third and fourth ends gave Miller a 4-2 lead, but Gunnis staged a rally of his own with single points the next two ends to tie things up. Miller got back on track with a deuce in the sev enth, though, and stole another in the eighth to secure the win.

Rod Montgomery moved a game above .500 with his third-straight win, a 6-3 victory over Fountain Tire (Barry Silk, 1-4). Silk took an early 2-0 lead, but a single point in the third and steal of two the next end gave Montgomery a 3-2 edge. Silk tied things up wiith a single point in the sixth, only to see Montgom ery put up three the next end and bring things to an early close.

John’s Music (Ryan Wenarchuk, 3-2) moved into a tie for fourth place with Montgomery thanks to a quick 7-0 win over RK Sunview Farms (Dayne Heisler, 0-5). Wenarchuk scored five in the first, two in the second and the teams

League

continues

shook hands.

action

every Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Centre.

Local dance school among hundreds of performers taking part in special event at Brandt Centre in Regina on Saturday, Nov. 19 Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Dance Images by BJ will be performing during the Grey Cup Festival Cheer Ex travaganza on Nov. 19 in Regina

Curling

2022.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame, I would like to thank Mr. Ayerst for his interest in the Hall of Fame. He mentions some outstanding athletes who deserve consideration for In duction. To be considered, an athlete, builder or team must be nominated. Our nomination process begins each January with a call for nominations from the public. In January, nomination forms will be available on our web site www.mjdshf.com. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 30. All nominations are reviewed independently by a selection committee (3-4 board members and 3-4 members of the general public). This committee provides a recommendation with the final decision on Induction made by the board of directors. Any nominations that are not selected for Induction are kept on file and considered for three years.

Since 2015, the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame has induct ed 41 female and male Athletes, Builders and Teams in 17 different sports. To read more about their incredible contribution to Moose Jaw’s sport’s history, please visit the Sports Hall of Fame Display on the McCaig Mezzanine (2nd level) in the Moose Jaw Event Centre.

For additional information please contact us at info@mjdshf.com.

Thank you

Larry Graham President, Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

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

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatch ewan Moose Jaw Branch Luncheon Wednesday November 16, 2022: Lun cheon Meeting @10:30 AM at Masonic Hall. Program: Saskatchewan Author: Joan Soggie (Joan’s lifelong curiosity about her homeland has led her to explore the native prairie, the centuries-long rela tionship between the land and First Na tions, and her own family’s settler history).

Caterer: Charlotte’s : Turkey Dinner; Cost: $10 per STS member and partner/$20 non members. Please register with Ro sealie by Sunday November 13/22 (306691-0696 or marcilr@sasktel.net). Future meeting dates: Wed. Jan. 18/23, Wed. March 15/23, and Wed. May 17/23.

National Association of Federal Retir ees (NAFR) Branch 23 General Meeting Nov 23,( Wed) 2022 at 7pm in the Eaton’s building card room -510 Main St N. Moose Jaw. Handicapped accessible building. All Available Members please attend. Note:There will be a Special Meeting held during the General Meeting to amend our quorum by laws. We need you there to accomplish this. Also on agenda is future events planning. 306 693-0717 for more info ,or mcwall@sasktel.net

Bentley Christmas Craft and Trade Fair will be held on Tuesday November 22, from 11am to 4pm at 425-4th Ave. NW. Many different crafters/vendors. Everyone welcome!

Lawn Bowling at the Yara Centre: Drop in Tuesdays @9:30 am & Thursdays @1:30pm. Yara fees/memberships apply. For beginners Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling members plan to be available to demon strate. If you have bowls, please bring your own.

Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters meet in the Masonic Temple at 1775 Main Street North. Membership Fee is $50 per year. For more information write Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild Inc., Box 484, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 4P1 or email prairieheartsquilters@yahoo.ca Meeting Schedule December 01 & 17 and 2023 schedule: January 05 & 19/February 02 & 16/March 02 & 16/April 06 & 20/May 04 & 18 (last mtg until Sept)

The Church of Our Lady Fall Supper Fundraiser catered by Charlotte’s Cater ing on Saturday November 19th, 2022 at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre located at 566 Vaughan Street. Come out and enjoy a Roast Beef meal with Salads & Dessert. Beverages of Coffee, Tea & Juice included. Buffet is served from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Tickets: Adults - $25 each/ Children 6 to 12 - $12/Children under 6 yrs Free. Tickets can be purchased from the Church of Our Lady Office by calling (306)692-2950

Zion Christmas Sale: Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Zion Social Hall will be wreaths, decorations, center pieces, jewelry, baking, puzzles, and more for sale. Donations of new items for the John Howard Society are also being ac cepted—mitts/gloves, hats, scarves, long underwear, and socks.

The 76th Rotary Carol Festival planners are registering group or single performers (vocal or instrumental). Registration cut off is Nov. 15. The event is December 5, 6, 7 at 7 pm. Contact Susan at 306-631-8714 or s.hanna@sasktel.net to register. The Christmas season is shared with others with this event with only a free will offering. Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community Cen tre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday eve nings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 6:30pm at the Lindale School staff room, 1322 11th Ave. NW (north en trance). Call 306-693-5705 for information.

The Moose Jaw Community Choir regu lar choir practices are on Mondays @ 700830PM at First Free Methodist Church. Performances in the community may also take place on alternate evenings. New members are always welcome and en couraged (especially tenors and basses) and no audition is required. New mem bers who are interested should contact the Choir Director Diane Rhodes at 306-6408098 or message us through Facebook @ Moose Jaw Community Choir.

Moose Jaw Camera Club has resumed monthly Club Meetings. Interested photog raphers are welcome and invited to join and Be Focused With Us! For more information: Wanda - 306-693-7440 or Len - 306-6937685. themoosejawcameraclub.com

Toastmasters Big Country Club provides a mutually supportive and positive learn ing environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop oral com munication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. For more information email sec retary-3418@toastmastersclubs.org or

text 306 690-8739

Line Dancing every Tuesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library, 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their web site at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/

Youth Programming IN PERSON & VIR TUAL PROGRAMS

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Thursdays until December 15 at 6:30-8:30 pm in MJPL Ar chives for ages 12-16. New and seasoned players welcome. Registration required. For more information or to register, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

Adult programming

The MJPL Movie Club will be watching Werner Herzog’s classic Aguirre, the Wrath of God in the MJPL Theatre on Monday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. The movie tells the story of obsessive Spanish conquistador Lope de Aguirre’s search for the legendary lost city of El Dorado.

Regular programming: Tech Time — by appointment only, get help with all your technology frustrations. To book, call the MJPL at 306-692-2787. Magic the Gathering — Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. in the South Meeting Room. Avid Knitters — Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Youth programming

Adult Digital D&D is a new MJPL club for ages 15 to 22. Members meet every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. on Discord and all experi ence levels are welcome. To register, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca.

The Teen Writers Circle, ages 12 to 19, will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. Snacks are provided to get the creative juices flowing, along with the company of other writers looking to expand their imaginations and help inspire each other.

For the Teen Movie Matinee in November, the new Mulan live-action remake will be showing in the theatre on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Regular programming:

Teen D&D — ages 12 to 16, every Thurs day until Dec. 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required by emailing youth@ moosejawlibrary.ca.

“I Made This” art program — ages 12 to 19, Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6:30 p.m. This month, teens will be making paper star wall art.

Teen eBook Club on Discord — ages 13 to 19, Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m. A place for teens who like to read and discuss their reading with peers. This month is Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho.

Teen Movie Night — ages 13 to 19 in the Theatre, Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. The movie is Uncharted, based on the pop ular video game franchise. Mark Wahlberg, Tom Holland, and Antonio Banderas bring the star power.

Children’s programming Regular programs:

Lego Weekends! — for ages 4+, every Saturday and Sunday in the children’s de partment. Creations will be displayed in the library window.

Baby Storytime! — Tuesdays, Nov. 15 to Dec. 20 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 0 to 2.

Preschool Storytime! — Wednesdays, Nov. 16 to Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2 to 5.

Daycare Storytime! — Thursday, Nov. 17 to Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m. for ages 2 to 5 and their daycare providers.

Children’s Take ‘n Make Series — For ages 4+, pick up a kit at the library circulation desk.

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: @Royalcanadian legion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events.

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge. Play starts at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games are cash prizes. Please invite your friends for a fun night out.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required.

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm.

Registration at 1pm. Cost $2 and please pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

Drop-in Shuffleboard league 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 upcom ing Saturdays numbers.

For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59- Moose Jaw (royalcanadianle gionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 10 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m. Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mon days & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m. Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners –Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m. One Move Dominos – cancelled for now. Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm Carpet bowling – Has moved to the out doors for the summer Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thurs days @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m. Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Christmas Craft Sale – November 26th 9:00am – 2:00pm _ Get your tables now call 306-694-4223

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities

WEEKLY EVENTS

Monday: 9:30am Pickle Ball; 1pm Floor Shuffleboard Tuesday: 9:30am Jam Session; 1pm Pickle Ball; 7pm Friendship Bridge Wednesday: 8:30am TOPS; 9:30am Pick le Ball; 1pm Floor Shuffleboard; 1pm Hand & Food Canasta Thursday: 10am Line Dance; 1pm Pick le Ball

Friday: 10am Beginner Pickle Ball; 1pm Pickle Ball

Social Dance Saturday Nov. 19, 7:3011:30. Band: Dennis Ficor. Cost $15 in cludes lunch.

Military Whist November 25. Pls pre-regis ter. Registration 9:30; Games 10am. Cost $15 includes morning coffee and lunch. Teams consist of 4 players.

Christmas Banquet to be held on THURS DAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022. Supper is at 5:00 pm, the cost is $20.00 per person and the menu is Chinese Food from the Uptown Cafe. Deadline to get tickets is November 28, 2022. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or 306.681.5998 anaf252@sasktel.net Thursday at 1:30 pm Crib Friday at 1:30 is Fun Shuffleboard Friday Evening Fun Pool and Darts at 7pm Saturday At 4:30 pm is our Meat Draw, 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

Saturday meat draw @ 4:30pm - 50/50, Gift Card Everyone is welcome to join the fun!

ANAVETS #252 Christmas Craft/Bake/ Trade Show Saturday, November 26th at 10am to 5pm; Sunday, November 27th from 12pm to 4pm Located in the Town ‘N’ Country Mall Back Doors on East Side (Old Safeway Spot) Over 50 Great Vendors! Door Prizes! Small Concession on loca tion. Admission by donation to our adopt a families Thanks to the Town ‘N’ country Mall For All There Support!

For More Information on anything Hap pening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306-681-5998 or 306-692-4412 email anaf252@sasktel.net

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

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

MONDAY: (…to April, 2023): Drop in Cribbage – registration 6pm to 7pm – play starts at 7pm. $2pp. – two person teams; bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered.

WEDNESDAY: (…to April 2023) - Drop in Darts – play starts 7pm – draw for partners

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” –ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Sin gles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meet ing – 11:30 am

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm

New Year’s Eve Tickets on sale – tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar – Early Bird price of $25.00 per person in effect to December 25, 2022 then goes to the reg ular price of $30.00 per person. Get your tickets early.

A donation box is up in the Eagles Club lounge for all donations for our Children’s Christmas Shopping taking place on De cember 4, 2022. If you have any house hold items, ornaments, jewelry, toys, etc. that you wish to donate; we will gratefully accept all donations. Our proceeds go to help other children.

If you have any winter coats, etc. your do nation of used winter clothing – jackets, mitts, socks, hats , will be gratefully ac cepted. Please put your donations outside our Ladies Auxiliary Secretary’s door in the Eagles Club Games Room at the back of the lounge. All donations will go to help Moose Jaw’s Homeless.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2022 – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm – Gary Kincade and Bill Duncan will be playing in the lounge –come out sing, dance, have a great time!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 & 3, 2022 - “Two Easy” playing in the lounge 8:30 pm to closing.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2022 – Ladies Auxiliary bake sale in the lounge starting at 11:00 am.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2022 – Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Shopping at 1:00 pm In the games room in the Eagles Club lounge. Children will shop (no adults al lowed), and the Ladies Auxiliary will wrap and tag the gifts.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022 - Music Bingo – starts at 7:00 pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE: SATURDAY, DECEM BER 31, 2022 – tickets go on sale Nov 1st and available at the Eagles Club Bar… Early Bird price $25pp until December 25; after that regular price $30pp. Doors open 7pm – Dance to the music of BRANDON and COMPANY – Luncheon Served at 11:00 pm.

Seniors’ Centre Without Walls: SCWW is an over-the-phone social program totally free and offered exclusively over the phone. You just dial the number and join the call.

Email mamancherie@hotmail.com or call 306-690-4957.

SENIORS INTRODUCTION TO ART CLASSES BY PHONE with the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery’s Education Coor dinator, Christy Schweiger. Classes run on Tuesdays from 11:05 am - 12:00 pm • November 15 Exploring colour I – Primary Colours (watercolour pencil crayons) • No vember 22 Exploring colour II (watercolour) - secondary and tertiary colours, learning about the colour wheel • November 29 Clay at Home Christmas Clay - ornament decoration (acrylic paints) – vintage truck This free program is open to anyone in Saskatchewan age 55 and over. Space is limited and pre-registration required. Join from your own home - on your phone in a conference call format. All supplies mailed to you at no cost.

Reflections on Louis Riel: Presenter: Ali son Kimbley 1:00 to 2:30 pm, November 17 In Saskatchewan, Louis Riel Day is on November 16th; this date marks the anni versary of Louis Riel’s execution in 1885. During this session, reflections on Louis Riel, and his important role in the develop ment of Canada. There will be a discussion of five facts that many do not know about Louis Riel, as well the battle of Batoche and its place in Saskatchewan history. As well, participants will play the Metis Time line Game. 1:00 to 2:30 pm, November 18 In this program, there will be discussion on Metis pride and the sash, including the significance of the sash. Participants will finger weave bookmark-sized sashes, and there will be a time of discussion, question and answer.

Celebrating Men’s Health Awareness –Love to Chat about Sports? Join the friend ly weekly group of Saskatchewan sports’ fans to talk all things sports from January 4th through to February 22nd – 10am11am. A phone-based social reminiscing group for older sports’ fans. Registrations due by end of November so REGISTER NOW; call Ronda at 306.631.4357 (no texts please). Email swwsask@gmail.com . For more information visit www.scww moosejaw.com

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free Virtual Coffee Club talks here: https://wdm. ca/coffeeclub/ We are excited to return to this popular program, especially because we will have some special guest speakers at two of the sessions. Topics this fall and early winter include:

- November 15 -“Wapaha Sk̄a Oyate: Liv ing Our Culture, Sharing our Community at Pion-Era, 1955 – 69,” with guest speaker Dr. Elizabeth Scott, WDM Curator - December 20 - “Holiday Traditions”

Forty-nine Saskatchewan residents were on the program to receive the Queen Eliz abeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a cer emony on Nov. 8 at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina.

Medals were presented by Lieut.-Gov ernor Russ Mirasty to about 41 recipients in attendance, including Moose Jaw Ex press Columnist Joyce Walter, as well as Senator Denise Batters, Roy LaBuick, president of the Moose Jaw Royal Canadi an Legion and MP Fraser Tolmie.

Senator Pamela Wallin, Ruth Smillie of Globe Theatre and Victor Sawa, former director of the Regina Symphony Orches tra were also on the list of recipients.

In speaking to the group, Mirasty not ed the medal recognizes Saskatchewan cit izens of all ages, and from all walks of life who have made contributions to the coun try, province and their communities. He said the medal recognizes what each has personally done to make Saskatchewan a better place.

Walter has been a journalist in Moose Jaw since 1968, moving to Moose Jaw that year following high school graduation.

She has been involved in the commu nity through several organizations includ ing the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company,

Friends of the Forces Fellowship Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum, Moose Jaw Branch 59 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canada Day Committee, Crime Stoppers, Council of Women and others. She was named citizen of the year in

medal

1989, received a national volunteer award in 1997, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 and was presented with the Business Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Walter said receiving the Queen’s medal was a special honour as she had worked on two local protocol committees that planned Royal visits for Queen Eliz abeth and Prince Philp as well as Prince Edward.

“Meeting Queen Elizabeth in person was a special moment and I will think of her each time I wear my medal. Receiv ing the medal was a special time and I was pleased to be in the company of so many other recipients who have done so much for their communities,” Walter said.

The medal will be presented to 7,000 Saskatchewan residents. Several military members from 15 Wing will receive their medals early in 2023.

Santokh Sing Chhokar was recently awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal presented in Regina.

Chhokar arrived in Canada in 1969 and migrated to Saskatchewan in 1974 for better Job opportunities. He had called Saskatchewan his home since 1974. As for the background, he calls Moose Jaw, SK his home since 1974 where he lived with his wife & children and late parents.

He was born on February 5, 1948, to farmer parents in India and left his country in 1969 for better life and opportunities for himself and his family. He is the real ex ample of Canadian immigrant, who comes into new Country and makes the best of himself and his family.

With patience, passion, and hard work, he achieved his dreams and some

more. He considers himself fortunate that he now calls Canada his home, where he has a sense of security to optimum.

With Canada being very generous to him and his family, Santokh Singh Ch hokar takes every opportunity to return the love to the community in any means he can. He believes in selfless service and does his best to help the community as much as he can and by any means he can. During the past he had dedicated his time for community service and monetary help when needed.

The following are the few examples but are not limited to his contribution to the community.

· He had donated 550 trees to City of Regina so the people of Regina can enjoy them for a long time

He had donated $100,000 to the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital Moose Jaw to Women’s health unit.

· Contributed his time and energy to Motif in Moose Jaw.

· Committed to Guru Nanak Free Kitch en.

· Donated to Sikh Society of Regina close to $100,000.00 over the years.

· Involved in Remembrance Day Eve at the Moose Jaw Air Base.

· Sponsored underprivileged in any means that he can help.

· Donated to numerous agencies and community events over the years in Moose Jaw and Regina

· Sponsored and helped bring commu nity event’s and performers to Regina over the years from India and abroad.

Moose Jaw Express Staff

Lieut.-Gov. Russ Mirasty poses with Joyce and Ron Walter and their nephew Reg Dyck

AUTO PARTS

Truck cap or tunnel cov er for a 1993 Ford ranger truck reasonably priced. Call 306-313-4772

Looking for any vehicle non working batteries 306-681-8749

Looking for a pair of facto ry tail lights and front spoil er under front bumper for a 2017 Ford F-250 super duty truck 306-681-8749

MOTORBIKES & SNOWMOBILES

1990 Artic Cat 650cc skidoo. $800 OBO, to view call Terry 306-630-2566

REAL ESTATE

For Rent or Rent to Own 2 bedroom house on Chest nut Ave. $850.00 a month plus utilities. Available Nov 1st. For more info call 306-690-7227 or 306693-4321

MISCELLANEOUS

Bike repairs starting at $10, Kids bikes tune ups 20in and smaller $25$35, Adult bikes 24in and larger regular tune up $55, Premium tune up $90. Pick up and delivery available in Moose Jaw. I have 35+ years experi ence with all makes and models. Please call or text 306 690 2611

Large assortment of clean containers including ice cream pails with lids - $3 for all 306-681-8749

Wanted John Deere LA tractor, John Deere 316,317, or 318 or equiva lent lawn tractor, and older truck with no rust. Call or text 306-641-4447

Looking for the vintage bubble lights in work ing condition (Christmas lights) 306-681-8749

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

Collectibles for Sale: (Na scar) Baseball Bobble heads, Plates by appoint ment only call 306-6317698

For Sale Hydraulic bath tub lift for more info call 306-690-7227 or 306693-4321

Assorted electronic ca bles, selling all together$2. 306-681-8749

9 egg cartons- 25 cents all. Toss cushion brown color, new $7.00. Framed mirror, 37 1/4”x44 x11/2”d; $29.00. Red leather look arm chair like new, at Brick is $1600.00 plus taxes, sell for$399.00. 26 bath towels 2 face cloths,

$20.00all. Photo album –new $4.00. Brass head board, double size, (was lacquered, so no need to polish) $125.00. Steel bed frame on 4 roller casters, adjusts twin, double, or queen size, ends have at tachment for head or foot board $15.00. Comforter, bed skirt & 3 pillow cov ers, double-queen size. $20.00 all. Navy polar fleece throw 50x60inch es, for household, camp ing etc. $6.00. Dk. brown pleated drapes, polyes ter, with back tab panel, 48x45inches, insulated foam back, and new 14.00 pr. dk brown drape, 96x84 inches, pocket rod on back tab panel, black out.$22.00. Teakwood entertainment unit , on 4 roller casters, adjustable shelves, & 1 with pull-out for record player, or print er, etc. and side pull out drawer for tapes, d’s etc. 181/4 depth x 51” h, x 32”w $125.00 .. 2- 20 kg bags of rocks (natural stone color) for yard, garden, flower/ tree beds etc. $2.00 all 5 boxes firewood for fire pit, camping stove, etc. $15.00 for all. Double size, mushroom color, fitted & flat sheets, washable, & 2 pillow covers 306-5869263

FOR SALE: Gold-tipped arrows (6-pack). No arrow heads, just shaft and end. Still in packaging, never used. $50. 306-313-4643.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Looking for Star Wars 40th anniversary, call 306-6939023

Wooden China Cabi net and Hutch, medium brown in color and in ex cellent condition, beautiful piece of furniture. Mea sures 82”Hx58”W, 2 glass shelves in cabinet with fin ger touch tri-light. $1500. 8 piece rectangular wooden dining room set, includes table measuring 57”Lx 43”W, leaf measuring 18” and 6 chairs. Matches very well with the China Cabinet and Hutch. Ask ing $1000.00 but would sell China cabinet, hutch and dining set for $2300.

Gorgeous 8 piece queen size bedroom suite, queen size pillow top 18” mattress, wooden head board and footboard with 2 drawers. Dresser with 7 drawers, 2 night stands with 2 drawers and mirror. All in like new condition, currents sells at the Brick for over $6000, asking $2500 for the set. Metal

wall hanging, 30”Lx22”H, brown, rust, yellow and oranges hues, $30. Met al wine rack, 54”Hx24”W, holds 39 bottles, could easily be spray paint ed to match your decor, $30. 3 dark brown wicker baskets, 15”x11”x8, never used, $15. White-washed glass sided box, used for cards at wedding and as Xmas decor, $15. Asst table clothes that fit the aforementioned dining ta ble, 68”Lx57”W to 100”Lx 60”W, $5 ea. or all for $25. 9 Keuring 2.0 filters, $5. All items come from pet free and smoke free home and all located in Moose Jaw. For more information or pictures, please contact Gale at 306-421-7459.

CLOTHING

Female dress size xl, aqua color, V-neck with collar, s.less, poly /span dex, $8.00. Female navy slacks, wider leg, size med. cotton/spandex, $7.00. Male size 10 Vul can water/mud boots- 13” height, like new$12.00. Male beige London fog coat – new- size 42-44, zip out lining, $22.00. Male profile studio dress slacks, size 36w, 34l, has 1/2” hem if need longer or can shorten, like new, black, $18.00. Wayne Gretsky sweater #99, long sleeve, size 2xl, 1/2 zip at front neck.dk. Blue color, new $15.00. hagaar male , size xxl sweater, l. sleeve, collar, with 3 buttons at neck. Dk. burgundy col or, new $10.00. Female navy coat, mesh lined, new, front zipper and snap closure, pleat at back. Size xl, washable, $12.00. Call 306-586-9263

LAWN & GARDEN

45 gallon blue plastic bar rels, food grade great for rainwater save water rath er than pay for it, or raised garden beds - $20 each. 306-681-8749

LOST & FOUND

Found -Apple Pencil. To claim call 306-692-7524

WANTED

Help Needed! Did you know Moose Jaw has 2 of the oldest trains, one CPR and one CNR, they are lo cated in Wakamow Park. They are in need of seri ous repair, I have repaired them twice and I am 89 years old and unable to do it. Hoping someone will take over the repaired. Please call Cec at 306692-1339

ANTIQUES Wanted: signs, toys, sports cards, gold &

silver coins & jewellery, firearms, single items to full estates. Call 1-306539-8363

SERVICES

Need work done? Con tact Bill at 306-630-2268. Interior/exterior, renova tions, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roof ing/ siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experi ence.

This is to all the people who are looking for some one to do work for them. (1) Get three estimates, ask if they charge FOR ES TIMATES if they do, don’t use them. (2) do a written contract, with how long to do the job, and the total cost. (3) DO NOT PAY BE FORE WORK IS DONE. (4) DO NOT PAY FOR BUILD ING MATERIAL UNLESS YOU ARE A SUPPLIER AND IT IS BEING DELIV ERED TO YOUR RESI DENTS. (5) It should not take 5 months to shingle a 1200 sq. foot home. (6) Get names of people your contractor has worked for and make sure they are not his friends. (7) If you are not comfortable when first meeting your contractor, chances are you are right, don’t deal with him. (8) If you’re looking for a contractor, check with your building supplier, they sometime have names of good re liable people that do the work you are looking for. (9) THE MAIN POINT IS DO NOT GIVE MONEY UP FRONT FOR ANY TYPE OF WORK. IF THEY SAY THEY NEED THE MONEY TO GET SUPPLIES FOR GET IT, TROUBLE COULD BE BREWING. (10) Hope this helps all you people looking for a contractor. Need your house or office cleaned? Experienced, references available. Call: 306-630-4357

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver furniture any where in and around Moose Jaw - $40 and up. 306-681-8749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver any size of TVs in and around Moose Jaw - $30 and up. 306681-8749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver appliances in and around Moose Jaw - $45 and up. 306-6818749

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

$45.00 a load. 306-6302268

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

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

Semi-Retired Contractor – 47 years in business, residential and commer cial. Enjoys small or large projects involving plaster,

drywall, concrete, paint ing, taping, texturing, stuc co repair, tile and T bar. I work for the Heritage Society and enjoy beau tification projects. Quality work. Free estimates. Dis count for seniors. Phone Bob Huston 1-587-8891000.

Small Home Repairs. Plumbing, decks, win dows, kitchens, bath rooms etc. No job too small. Phone 306-313-5151

JOHN 1931-2022

The family of John Olynik wishes to announce his passing on Thursday October 27, 2022. John was predeceased by his father Peter, Mother Elsie, three brothers, three sisters, two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law. He is survived by one brother Michael (Vivian), two sisters-in-law Estelle and Jill, wife Patricia (McLelland), daughter Tracy, son in law Peter (Jensen), adored grandchildren Jager and Trinity and several very special nieces and nephews.

He loved unconditionally, especially his family and children; they always held a special place in his heart. First his nieces and nephews, then his one and only daughter and more recently his two grandchildren could not have asked for a more sincere role model of kindness and generosity. He enjoyed pulling his trailer and the family across North America searching out campgrounds with the best pool for hours of fun together. Joy, also came from anything sweet for Johnny. He would never miss an opportunity to hit up a candy store (jujubes were his favorite) or enjoy dessert, which had to include ice cream, somehow. Even after the disease took over a large part of who he was, it was sweets that still made him happiest. Listening to music also gave him pleasure. Although it was his whistle that always told you he was near, then his big smile, that will never be forgotten. Closure has occurred after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was a man first, who lived his life with compassion and kindness totally separate of the disease.

He served the community of Moose Jaw for over 60 years as a Flooring Installer. Going into the homes of Moose Jaw residents was his passion. For John it was a labor of love, rather than just a job. Getting down on his knees to install floors allowed him to enjoy another fondness which was animals, particularly dogs. He greeted and played with dogs constantly and would often be found cuddled up with one of his own dogs at home watching sports, which was another passion. For many years he attended Moose Jaw Warriors games and enjoyed cheering on his team. John also played many sports throughout his life but was a natural at bowling in his early years and golf later in his life.

John also enjoyed taking pictures. In fact, it was through his slides, you saw the world through his lens. The family would never miss an opportunity to gather around him to share memories on the big screen. He saw joy and kindness in everyone and everything. He was an incredibly kind man whose mantra was… smile and the world will smile back… which I have aspired to and now see his grandchildren model.

The family wish to Thank ALL the staff and volunteers at Providence Place for their loving care the past 12 years.

Thank you also to the Moose Jaw Funeral Home. A Private Graveside Service will take place at a later date.

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

OLAFSON, PEGGY

On November 5, 2022, Peggy Lynn (Paulson) Olafson passed away peacefully in the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw with her loving husband and sons by her side. While we know she is in a better place, with a healthy body and mind, surrounded by the loved ones she’s been missing, we are incredibly sad to lose her.

Peggy was born on May 2, 1945, in Wynyard, SK, to Bergthor and Olive (McInness) Paulson. She always told us that she had been a shy little girl who hid behind her mom’s apron. It was easy to picture, given her quiet and gentle nature. At the same time, she was a true storyteller at heart, always sharing stories about her relatives and friends that were so colourful, we swore she was making it up half the time… but she wasn’t; she was just that good at recalling every single detail.

Peggy graduated from Wynyard Composite High and went on to complete a stenography course. Her career moved from Workers Compensation to management secretary at Providence Hospital, a secretary and right-hand-gal for the Moose Jaw Diamond Dogs the manager of IDL and finally the manager of the Casino Moose Jaw bank until she retired.

In 1966, Peggy married Bob Olafson in Moose Jaw and they welcomed sons Cory Stephen in June of 1970, and Kelly Paul in November of 1972. The boys grew up in the house Bob built on Pascoe Drive, where Peggy proudly kept her home, garden and yard looking beautiful. As luck would have it, Peggy’s eventual next-door neighbour, Dianne, would become her very best friend. Over the years, Peggy and Bob managed to take lots of trips together, often for ball, and then to enjoy the sun in later years. They made their way to Florida, Las Vegas, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

When the boys were little, Peggy chose to stay home and raise them, showering them with as much love as humanly possible, and doing everything in her power to ensure they were healthy, happy and loved. She was always so proud of Kelly and Cory, from the moment she had them to the moment she had to leave them.

And every bit of the same thing can be said about “Amma” Peggy with her granddaughters. They received love and

In Loving Memory of Gerald Stonechild

generosity from her in countless ways and they will never forget the way she made them feel.

Peggy always made time to help her community, too. She volunteered at so many events, selling tickets and raffles or donating gift baskets she’d made herself. Her creative side was also fuelled by her love for singing. Peggy was involved in choir from a young age and continued to sing as long as she could as part of the Cantabile Connection. It was always hard to believe that low, deep voice was coming from such a tiny, soft-spoken woman, and she had every reason to be very proud of her talent.

While she showed a great deal of love for the people in her life, it’s safe to say that the animals in Peggy’s life also held a special place. Many of them are with her now, making room for themselves on her lap.

Much like Peggy’s singing voice would catch you off guard, so did the amount of fight and determination she held within her small stature. She battled the past 7-plus years with everything she had, staying positive and motivated to do whatever it took. Many people who met her had no idea what she was going through.

Peggy is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Olafson, her sons, Cory Olafson of Moose Jaw, and Kelly (Dana) Olafson of Saskatoon, along with the lights of her life, her beautiful granddaughters Grace, Sophie, Aspen, Piper and Ainsley. Peggy is also survived by her older sister, Patricia (Thor) Bjornson of Wynyard, her niece Naiomi (Bob) Goulet and nephew Greg (Marlys) Bjornson, along with their families and many good friends who helped fill her heart with happiness and love. She has been reunited with her parents and her nephew, Jeff Bjornson.

Bob, Cory, and Kelly and family will hold a celebration of Peggy’s life in the spring of 2023, alongside the first crocuses popping open, the birds singing, and the sun shining for her.

In lieu of flowers for Peggy and her family, please consider making a donation in her name to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan #200-4545 Parliament Avenue Regina, SK S4W 0G3 or to the The Moose Jaw Humane Society Box 1658 Station Main Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7.

Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Moose

55 Diefenbaker Drive Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 Phone (306) 694-0373 www.mjhf.org

Wigmore

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

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

Chrystine Dacey, Funeral Director

Honoured to serve you in your time of loss

Jaw Health Foundation

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

Gerald served 26 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Forever in our hearts,

wife Barbara, siblings Bernice, Sharon, Jim and Blair.

January 25th, 1940 to July 13th, 2020.

OLYNIK,

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

Obituaries / Memorials

MACLACHLAN,

MARION GWEN 1940-2022

With heavy hearts the family wishes to announce that Marion MacLachlan late of Estevan, SK passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Estevan, SK on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at the age of 82 years.

Marion was predeceased by her husband Jim MacLachlan; parents Verna and Alex Neff; sister Carole Yeik and brother Gerald Neff.

Marion is survived by her children Greg MacLachlan and his daughters, Kaitlyn and Karissa BaroniMacLachlan; Glenys (Mark) Neuman and family – T.J. (Carly Becker) and son Levi and Alexandria (Shayne) McKinley and Graham (Anika) MacLachlan and sons Evan and Rylan as well as numerous extended family and friends.

A Memorial Tea was held Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Estevan, SK.

A Memorial Service was held at the Eyebrow Memorial Hall, Eyebrow, SK., Saturday, November 5, 2022 Celebrant Alfred Mathieson presiding. A Private Interment followed the service at the Eyebrow Cemetery. The family invited all to join them for a time of lunch and visiting at the Eyebrow Memorial Hall. Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Marion to the Village of Eyebrow (memo: Eyebrow Cemetery), Box 159, Eyebrow, SK S0H 1L0.

Hall Funeral Services in Estevan is caring for Marion’s family – Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.

Heartstrings

The events and services conducted on November 11th in Canada are designed to tug on your heartstrings so that the horror of war will impact people to strive for peace. The remembrance we observe each year elicits an emo tional response to the pageantry, messages, and images of lost soldiers and terrible destruction. Remembrance Day is useful to keep the awfulness of armed conflicts in our memories, lest we forget.

We recently visited the Peace Memorial Park in Hi roshima, Japan. It was established in 1954 dedicated to the memory of the first city in the world to suffer a nu clear attack and to the direct and indirect victims of the atomic bomb. Located within the 29 acres set aside for the park and displays is a museum. The museum conveys to the world the horrors and inhumane nature of nuclear weapons. It spreads the message of “No More Hiroshi mas.” Visitors’ heartstrings are pulled through viewing belongings left by the victims, A-bombed artifacts, and testimonies of survivors. The display of items and stories dealing with children are especially designed to stir one’s emotions, to tug at one’s heartstrings

The word heartstrings mean the deepest emotions or affections. It has been used since the 16th century to designate strong feelings, associated with matters of the heart, traditionally referred to as the seat of emotions. The

images of children in poverty used in TV ads to solicit monetary donations are designed to tug on your heart strings, to get the maximum emotional response leading to sending in money.

In the 15th century people believed that nerves or tendons connected to the skeletal structure of the human body supported the heart within the chest cavity. They were called heartstrings. As the study of human anatomy advanced physicians realized that there were no heart strings keeping the heart in place. But the term was then used to convey things that would move people on a deep emotional level, as the heart continued to be regarded as a source of extreme emotion. Thus, we have the heart sym bol as a major icon for St. Valentine’s Day and the connec tion to the emotion of love.

It is a smart marketing technique to tug at heart strings when attempting to motivate people to get in volved in social issues or donate money to societal causes to aid others. This does not have to be viewed as a manip ulative process, although it can seem that way. Given the human propensity for selfishness, we often need a yank on the heartstrings to encourage action.

Addendum: The Hiroshima Peace Park Museum was upgraded in 1994 to include displays of the history of Hi roshima prior to the dropping of the bomb and then more information on the damage caused by the bomb. In 2014 interactive displays were added, unfortunately not acces sible recently because of COVID protocols. Projection mapping of the radius of the bomb blast and radiation poi soning are available. Plus, a new section was introduced entitled The Danger of Nuclear Weapons. You can access the website at https://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng.

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 us age.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere in terest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Minto United Church UCW holds 60th anniversary celebration

Dozens of members past and present take part in special service and lunch to celebrate 60 years of service to the church and community

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

For 60 years, the United Church Women chapter of Moose Jaw’s Minto United Church has been doing what it can to support its congregation and help those in the community.

This past Sunday was a time to celebrate, as close to 50 members of the UCW past and present gathered for a special service and lunch at the Minto Church hall.

“It’s very important to the church, to the community and to the members,” said UCW chairwoman Jan Cow ard. “It’s something we thought would be good because we’ve been in COVID for a couple of years and it’s nice to be able to get together again. As soon as we found out it was the 60th anniversary in 2022, I thought to myself ‘that’s a special occasion for our church’ and this is what we came up with to celebrate. We invited ladies from the different churches, too, and it’s good to see everyone who came out.”

The event included visitors telling stories of their time in the UCW and working with the organization, with folks also able to check out a table filled with memorabil ia from over the years.

A special presentation of an angel statue was also made to Vivian Wilson, who has been a member of the UCW since its formation back in 1962.

“She is our angel. She is our angel in UCW and she is our angel in the church. And she is a guiding light. She is a pretty special gal,” Coward told Jason Antonio of the Moose Jaw Express in previewing the event. “She joined

when she was a young bride and raised her four children … and did a lot of work with the UCW.”

The celebration also brought in some familiar faces from the past, something that’s always a highlight of such anniversary gatherings.

“There’s one lady and her husband I hadn’t seen see my kids were in high school with her kids,” Coward said. “And it’s always nice to see so many familiar faces, too.”

As things have relaxed as the pandemic wanes, the UCW has been able to once again become more and

more active in the community. Its 20-plus members are always on the lookout for fundraising opportunities for the church in addition to their regular outreach programs.

That includes turkey suppers for various organiza tions, donations to the Salvation Army stocking fund and one of their current projects: a mitten tree that annually gathers warm outerwear to be given to a local charity.

“We collect toques and mittens and every year we give them to a different place and this year it’s the North west Daycare, so we’re happy to help that way,” Coward said. “It’s nice to be getting back together, too, the last couple years we haven’t been able to have any fowl sup pers or teas, but we have some good faithful gals who have always been supportive and they’re all great.”

Folks could check out some of the memories from over the years.

The Minto United Church UCW is always searching for new members, and it’s a matter of simply reaching out and contacting the church or any UCW member about how to join.

“We’re always happy to see new people come in and if someone wants to join us, we’re more than happy to have them,” Coward said.

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

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.

Shirley Devine plates up some deli cious cookies during the UCW 60th anni versary celebration.

Vivian Wilson and Vivian Francis -- both members of the United Church Women for 60 years -- cut the cake during the 60th anniversary celebration.

Close to 50 UCW members past and present took part in the event on Sunday.

Minto UCW chairwoman Jan Coward (left) and Lynne Guick (right) presented Vivian Wilson with an angel statue for her 60 years with the local organiza tion.

d BASKETBALL

Friday

6:30 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Milwaukee Bucks at Philadelphia 76ers.

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers.

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors.

e FOOTBALL

Thursday

7:15 p.m. TSN EDACC NFL Football Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers.

Saturday

6:30 p.m. WXYZ College Oklahoma State at Oklahoma.

Sunday

5:30 p.m. TSN 2022 Grey Cup Toronto Argonauts vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

7:15 p.m. WDIV EDACC NFL Football Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers.

Monday

7:15 p.m. TSN NFL San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals.

k HOCKEY

Thursday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Calgary Flames at Tampa Bay Lightning.

Saturday

6:00 p.m. CBKT NHL Hockey Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs.

CTYS NHL Hockey Philadelphia Flyers at Montreal Canadiens.

NET NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Winnipeg Jets.

9:00 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Hockey Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers.

Sunday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Chicago Blackhawks.

Monday

6:30 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Carolina Hurricanes at Winnipeg Jets.

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. NET NHL Winnipeg Jets at Minnesota Wild.

9:00 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vancouver Canucks at Colorado Avalanche.

f SOCCER

Tuesday

7:30 p.m. TSN FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (Taped)

Saskatchewan’s average weekly wage third highest among provinces

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Saskatchewan added 12,000 jobs in the last year but al most 24,000 vacancies still exist.

The provincial rate of vacant jobs at 4.9 per cent is below the national average where one in 20 jobs goes begging to be filled, according to Statistics Canada’s Oc tober labour force survey.

Highest rates of vacancy are in accommodation and hospitality where 9.3 per cent of jobs are unfilled, fol lowed by construction at 6.5 per cent and health care with a 6.4 per cent vacancy.

With an average weekly wage of $1,144 Saskatch ewan, workers here are paid 3.1 per cent more than the national average.

Highest average wages are in Alberta at $1,257 a week with lowest in P.E.I. at $927.

Saskatchewan average weekly wages are third high

est in Canada, only behind Alberta and Ontario.

Year-over-year full-time jobs increased and part-time jobs declined with Saskatchewan following the trend

Employers hired 10,300 more full-time workers in the last 12 months with 4,200 fewer part-time workers.

Within Saskatchewan the Saskatoon-Biggar employ ment region added 20,000 jobs, with 1,000 added in the Swift Current-Moose Jaw labour region.

Prince Albert Northern lost 4,200 jobs with 2,000 lost in Regina-Moose Mountain and 1,300 lost in York ton-Melville

The number of job seekers in Swift Current-Moose Jaw was almost cut in half to 2,200 from 4,300. The re gion gained 1,600 workers since October 2021.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Oil producing provinces lead Canada in annual wages

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

The three main oil producing provinces lead the average annual wage in Canada, according to a Statistics Canada survey.

Albertans lead with an average wage of $120,762, even after years of lower oil prices reduced take-home pay across the board.

Second is Newfoundland at $109,294 with Saskatch ewan third at $99,611.

The Canadian average is $96,280 a year.

The average drops to $92,795 for British Columbia, which is also a significant oil and gas producer.

In the middle of the pack is Manitoba, $86,5671, On tario at $85,799 and Quebec at $78,267.

The Maritimes are lowest with Nova Scotia at $74,603, New Brunswick at $72,601 and Prince Edward Island at $64,303

The three territories with bonus pay for living in the far north are in a category of their own: Northwest Ter ritories at $168,001, Nunavut at $118,046 and Yukon at $110,705.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Friendship Bridge Winners -

7 pm Tuesday Nights, Cosmo Senior Centre

October 4th

1st – Linda Griffin & Clayton Sjoberg

2nd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

3rd – Neta Van Iderstine & Dorothy McFadden

Hidden Score – Norma & Joe Campbell

October 11th

1st – Gwen Venn & Carol Andrejcin

2nd – Norma & Joe Campbell

3rd – Dorothy McFadden & Bob Cobbe

Hidden Score – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel

October 18th

1st – Vivian Baylean & Bob Cobbe

2nd – Eunice Reader & Walter Hawkins

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Linda & Ron Mcinnis

October 25th

1st – Gwen Venn & Carol Andrejcin

2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe

3rd – Linda Sempel & Debbie Firth

Hidden Score – Lawrence & Faye Johnstone

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

Ring-a-ling! Historic town bell now hanging from new stand outside Multiplex

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

After more than a year of delays, contractors have fi nally installed the historic 120-year-old town bell on a stand in front of the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Employees with C&S Builders were at the Multiplex during the first two weeks of No vember, laying a solid concrete foundation on the east side of the building and erecting the actual metal stand with the bell on top.

It’s not yet known if the bell can be rung since there doesn’t appear to be a clapper inside; a plaque will likely be installed near the 1,500-pound bell to highlight its history and significance.

“We’re excited that installation of this historic structure is underway,” city hall said by email,” and we are working with the Heritage Committee to finalize a date for an official opening, either later this month or early December.”

The project’s completion is nearly two years in the making after city council approved the then-$20,000 initiative during its 2021 budget discussions in December 2020.

Council later awarded the construction and installation con tract to Steady Metalworks in July 2021, but the company could not complete work by fall 2021. So, the parks and recreation de partment asked council to carry forward the budget into 2022. However, Steady Metalworks informed the department earlier this year that it could not finish the project because it was dis solving.

So, the department worked with the heritage advisory com mittee on other options and acquired updated budget estimates for the stand. Those estimates showed that the budget should increase to $40,000 — inflation and material costs were the two main fac tors — while the work should be completed by this fall.

The Town of Moose Jaw purchased the bell in 1902 and erected it behind the town hall on Main Street and River Street. Back then, the bell hung on a 30-foot-tall wooden derrick that officials rang for fires and curfews and to signal that prohibition was in effect.

Seventy years later, the bell was moved to Crescent Park and displayed near the art gallery before it was removed and stored in the city yards in 2010 because of vandalism.

Students from Saskatchewan Polytechnic refurbished the bell in 2018.

The historic 1902 town bell is now hanging from a new stand outside of the Events Centre. Contractors in stalled the stand and bell in early November. Photo by Jason G. Antonio