Moose Jaw Express February 1st, 2023

Two

Family holding fundraiser for newborn needing open heart surgery

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

in

help their newest family member — little Ansel, due March 20, will need open-heart surgery in Edmonton immediately after his birth.

A fundraiser to help the couple, who also have a two-year-old, will be held at the Crushed Can on Saturday, February 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include a dinner, raffle, and auction.

“Our baby, at 20 weeks, was diagnosed with a critical heart condition called transposition of the great arteries. It’s really rare,” explained expecting mother Joanna Ferris. “Without pretty much immediate heart surgery, within the first week, there’s a high likelihood the baby won’t survive.”

Ferris and her partner, Adam Warburton, went for the ultrasound that would tell them the sex of their baby in November — only to receive the devastating news that something was abnormal with the baby’s heart.

“It’s been hard for us. Definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through,” Ferris said. “It’s a lot, to have to (think about) your child’s mortality before they’re even born.”

The plan is for Ansel to be born by caesarean section at Jim Pattinson Hospital in Saskatoon on March 20. A surgical balloon will be inserted into his heart right away to hold his major vessels open.

A few days later, the newborn will be flown by air ambulance to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton — western Canada’s heart surgery centre.

“Her obstetrician reassured Joanna and Adam that this process, although difficult, has very good outcomes for the baby,” said Sherry Weston, Joanna’s mother. “They checked out his other organs and are happy with his growth thus far. … We are positive about the future and looking forward to this addition to our family.”

Weston and Jennifer Warburton, Adam’s mother, have formed a grandmother team to organize the fundraiser and take some strain off Joanna and Adam. They

will also take over the care of two-year-old Weston in Saskatoon, then Edmonton.

“With that news (of the heart complications), there have been appointments. They’ve had to go to Saskatoon every two weeks, they have to go to Regina for specialist appointments. They live here in Moose Jaw, so that travel in itself is expensive,” said Jenn Warburton.

With a C-section followed by an air ambulance trip, followed by what will likely be at least a month’s stay in Edmonton while the baby recovers, Adam and Joanna are feeling anxious, Warburton said.

“Adam and Jo will both be out of work,

so we’re just trying to make it a loss less stressful for them, because they still have to pay bills.”

Tickets to the Crushed Can fundraiser are $20 each, and can/bottle donations are also being accepted.

“The community has been wonderful so far,” Weston said. “People we don’t even know are donating. Our work family at Providence Place have also been very wonderful and supportive.”

Text Sherry Weston at 306-313-6782 or Jennifer Warburton at 306-313-0420 to buy a ticket or arrange a recycling drop-off.

Moose Jaw families have united

determination to

Adam Warburton and Joanna Ferris with their son Weston (photo courtesy Jennifer Warburton)

Vanier students’ successful business venture left customers feeling warm and fuzzy

A student-led business at Vanier Collegiate overcame the challenges and obstacles of having 22 people on the team and exceeded its goals by tripling product sales.

Clothing company Prairie Sky — “The sky has no limits” — was one of two student-run businesses during this year’s Entrepreneurship 30 class. The groups held their board of directors’ meetings on Jan. 19 and summarized how their Junior Achievement projects went.

Soup-focused company Mix Inc. — “Everything but the kitchen sink” — was the other business.

Warm and fuzzy

Prairie Sky planned to sell 150 pieces —bunnyhugs, crewnecks, sweatpants, T-shirts and bundles — but exceeded expectations by hawking 465 items, the company’s report said. The students made $4,451.71 in net income, and after donating 20 per cent — $890.34 — to Journey to Hope, it was left with $3,561.43.

The 22 students split the profit and took home $161.88 each.

Life lessons

“This class taught us a lot of life lessons (and) business lessons. And even though we had lots of challenges, we all came together and gave back to our community, which was one of our main goals,” said co-president Kate Waldenberger.

Some challenges the group faced

included not having enough jobs for everyone, a lack of motivation, and difficulty setting up e-transfers and an online website, she added. However, the group overcame those issues by finding more opportunities for members to be involved, working ahead to finish future tasks and learning how to use various payment methods to help expand profits.

Another challenge was understanding how to issue receipts, the report noted. Members made mistakes in filling out the sheets, while clarification was needed to decipher the handwriting.

The group decided to sell clothing because they knew it was easier to market, would have a bigger effect on people, and they could choose colours — green and yellow — that reflected Saskatchewan, said Teagan Bennett, who had various tasks.

He added that the group initially thought about selling socks and toques, but there was little interest from people who responded to a google survey. Positive feedback

“Our objective was to provide warm and affordable clothing to the people in our community … ,” said Colton Ebbett, business plan assistant for corporate sales.

“After delivering our product to our customers, they had amazing feedback, telling us that our clothing (was) super

warm and comfortable, which is just what we were looking for.”

The students attempted to partner with a community business by selling it a bulk supply of bunnyhugs, but the deal was unsuccessful because of time constraints, he added. However, the students still found that to be a good learning opportunity.

Communicating well

Communication turned out to be the company’s biggest strength, even though there were some initial challenges, said

Waldenberger. Most people felt comfortable asking questions during meetings and working in smaller teams.

It was a struggle to make decisions with 22 students, especially at the start when determining what they wanted to sell, she continued. But everyone pulled together, and they made decisions using a majority rules process while also looking for reasonable solutions during close votes.

“Overall, we all enjoyed what we got, especially with our partners, our sponsors and what we go to do,” she added.

The main message was to be patient since progress doesn’t happen overnight, other students said. Furthermore, they knew they couldn’t procrastinate since they only had two months to sell, so they had to trust the process, take it step by step, remind each other about deadlines and believe they would be successful.

Katherine Gagne, a rep from Junior Achievement (JA), told the students that they did an “outstanding job” with the business and had a great presentation. She also thought those who submitted their names for a national JA award were strong contenders to win.

“It’s something of great value to put onto your resumé,” she added.

Students’ businesses were a great success this year, Vanier teacher says

Vanier Collegiate teacher Christa Lapointe says this year’s Junior Achievement projects in her Entrepreneurship 30 class were a great success and it was exciting to see the growth in her students.

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This year there were two companies instead of the usual three, which meant both — one with nine students and another with 22 pupils — had to overcome certain challenges, Lapointe said on Jan. 19

after soup company Mix Inc. and clothing company Prairie Sky gave their wrap-up reports.

However, all students pulled together, addressed glaring issues, sold as best they could and worked to ensure their ventures succeeded.

“So at the end of the year, they’re always surprised when they actually see the (sales) numbers and see what they did and what they accomplished,” said Lapointe.

“And when they get to write the cheque and give the cheque to charity, that’s when (they realized), ‘Holy cow, that work was worth it and it meant something,’ and they can take a lot of pride in that. At the end of the semester, it’s always wonderful seeing them see the big picture and see where they started and where they ended.”

Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through hands-on programs.

The youths in each company can submit their work to JA’s head office in Toronto for possible awards.

Mix Inc. had nine members, which allowed them to adapt more quickly to situations and streamline their processes, said Lapointe. Even though Prairie Sky had 22 members, they still completed their work, helped each other and showed initiative.

“Regardless of the group and size, they both succeeded and they both really learned a lot this semester,” she stated.

The Entrepreneurship 30 class is different than other courses because there are no exams, she continued. While there is plenty of curriculum-related education at the beginning of the semester, students are fully involved in their businesses at the halfway point.

While Lapointe could make suggestions, bring in mentors and speakers and provide support, the students had to make their own decisions, run their governance plans and operate their business models. She offered the students some advice and oversight but mostly left them alone.

“… other than that, they were very keen on open communications. They realized that they maybe needed more meetings to be on the same page, so there was a lot of maturity and awareness in all of them,” she said.

This year’s class received national attention, with JA’s head office informing the Saskatchewan rep about the Vanier projects and a former school graduate who runs an energy business in Alberta wanting to speak to the youths.

Lapointe thought it was neat for her class to receive that kind of attention, noting that community media is usually faithful in reporting on her class. Therefore, they’re sometimes surprised when they receive wider exposure.

“So it’s nice that our business education program at Vanier is healthy and strong. And it’s due to the interests and desires of the students,” she said.

Another highlight for the students was displaying their companies during a JA event at the Cornwall Centre in Regina in December, she continued. This allowed them to network with other student-run businesses, politicians, dignitaries and CEOs.

Some students have caught the entrepreneurial bug and want to continue in business, while others don’t but have a good appreciation of what business owners and managers do, Lapointe added. All these students now have a greater understanding of business than other youths or young adults.

Jason

Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Vanier Collegiate students Colby Clark (second from left) and Kate Waldenberger (far right) present a cheque of $890.34 to Journey to Hope representatives Della Ferguson (far left) and Jan Stewart (second from right). The proceeds came from the students’ Entrepreneurship 30 class business. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Christa Lapointe, teacher-advisor of Vanier Collegiate’s Entrepreneurship 30 class, welcomes people to the board of directors’ meeting, where the two student-led businesses discussed their successes.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw intends to consider a bylaw pursuant to Section 199 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 for the exchange of dedicated lands.

The proposed bylaw will allow for the exchange of Municipal Reserve parcels, Blk/Par R3, Plan 78MJ08458 Ext 0 & Blk/Par MR4, Plan 101868284 Ext 0. The purpose of the exchange is to accommodate for a larger municipal reserve parcel for a proposed joint-use school in the area.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw may be found under the “announcements” section at www.moosejaw.ca.

Any written comments or submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023 in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca. Inquiries may be directed to the Department of Planning and Development Services by email or by phone at 306-694-4443.

The proposed Bylaw and any submissions regarding the proposed Bylaw will be considered at the regular meeting of City Council to be held in Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023.

DATED at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan this 19th day of January, 2023.

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

NOTICE OF INTENTION

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw intends to consider a bylaw pursuant to The Cities Act to adopt Bylaw No. 5680, Street and Lane Closure Bylaw, 2023(1).

The proposed bylaw will allow for the closure of undeveloped streets and lanes in Westheath Subdivision Phases 5 & 6 to accommodate for a newly proposed con guration of streets and lanes for future residential land use and a proposed joint-use school in the area.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw may be found under the “announcements” section at www.moosejaw.ca.

Any written comments or submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023 in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.

Inquiries may be directed to the Department of Planning and Development Services by email or by phone at 306-694-4443.

The proposed Bylaw and any submissions regarding the proposed Bylaw will be considered at the regular meeting of City Council to be held in Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023.

DATED at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan this 25th day of January, 2023.

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

Brenda Lee Cottrell brings revamped One-Woman Tribute show to Mae Wilson

Brenda Lee Cottrell is a Canadian singer/ songwriter and lifelong musician originally from Melville who will bring her One-Woman Tribute show to the legendary ladies of the decades that includes iconic singers from multiple eras-50’s to present day at the Mae Wilson on May 6.

The show is called Brenda & The Legends and will feature Cottrell channelling the voice, attitude, and nostalgia of some of the most unforgettable singers ever, backed up by the full band sound of the music she tributes.

“I’ve been at the Mae Wilson four times, I think, so this could be a fifth performance there for me,” Cottrell said. “But this year, we’re doing something a little different. We thought it might be a good idea to bring something new to followers of the show.

“So, it will be myself on stage with lots of costumes and a much larger repertoire than we’ve brought before.”

Her show includes the greatest hits from legends such as Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Connie Francis, Lesley Gore, Sonny & Cher, Mary Travers, Petula Clark, Karen Carpenter, Donna Summer, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and even Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.

“I’ve broadened the areas I’m tributing,” she explained, “without leaving out everyone’s favourites from before. … I’m very pleased that we’re able to consistently and creatively change up the show so that we expand our genres and eras.”

Cottrell has been a musician for her entire life, growing up in a music-filled home and learning the keyboard as her first instrument. She was the pipe organist

Her education as a vocalist includes the University of Regina Conservatory of Performing Arts, where she studied under Wilma Bell Wessell. While at the Conservatory she was awarded the Mae Riome Memorial Vocal Scholarship for demonstrating a diverse vocal range in front of judges. She sang operatic classics in English, French, Italian, and German.

Cottrell’s shows are performed in partnership with her husband Brian, a former television producer. There is no I in team, she pointed out.

“(Brian) is the reason I can do what I do. I know I have a lot of spiritual help at every show, but when I’m on stage, he is… I want to find the right words (for) his importance in my shows,” Cottrell said. “He’s my producer, he’s my manager … He does so much, and during the show itself he pulls it all together technically so that when I get on stage, I don’t have to

In 2019, Cottrell released an album of original, inspirational songs in a collection called Love Will Shine On You.

“As soon as you say, ‘I’ve written inspirational music,’ some people think that it’s a very direct Christian message,” Cottrell said. “All of my songs have a message of hope and inspiration … But it’s subtle. It’s not praise music, it’s just music that has messages of hope and love and guidance.”

Cottrell said creating the album was an exciting collaboration and learning experience whose result she is very proud of.

Love Will Shine On You can be purchased from her website at www. brendaleecottrell.com or requested on

praypraypray.net .

Tickets for Brenda Lee Cottrell’s show at the Mae Wilson on Saturday, May 6 go on sale soon.

“Every lady that we bring on stage during the show was [and is] different,” Cottrell added. “How they dressed, how they sang … There are some singers I don’t have [in] the show because I just don’t know if I can bring their nuances.

“I have to get into their heads and they have to get into mine, and then I can lose myself in their songs. So, it isn’t just the song, it’s about the lady on the song. … It’s collectively quite diverse, so whoever comes to the show, there will be something for them.”

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Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Brenda Lee Cottrell at the Casino Regina Show Room

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

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

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Editor: Joan Ritchie - jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Sales: Wanda Hallborg - mjexpress7@sasktel.net

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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

Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan gearing up for Walk in May

The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan is looking for interested individuals to help organize the walks in Moose Jaw and other communities across Saskatchewan on the May 27th weekend.

Joan

Ritchie

Joyce Walter

Ron Walter John Kreutzwieser

Jason G. Antonio Saddman Zaman

While on our vacation, one of my pleasures is to watch the birds from our second floor deck – beautiful birds of all sizes and colours that inhabit the habitat where we go.

project’ with her story about her grandmother’s sickness. She also told them that she wanted to do a fundraiser in support of raising money for the Alzheimer’s society.

Gordon

Edgar Randy Palmer

The Society is looking for a committee chair and at least two to three engaging committee members who are going to help and assist the participants of the walk. Committee members are expected to commit one hour per week and must be present on the day of the walk.

alzheimer.ca/sk/en/help

“I told them that I was very passionate about running, as I really like trail running,” she said, so the whole idea of organizing a trail run came from this passion project. Her students also helped her to make this a reality.

She says it was challenging, to begin with, but eventually she managed to raise $25,000 for her cause.

There will be five and ten kilometre trails, as it has been for many years.

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

It doesn’t take long to notice that ‘birds of a feather flock together’; they have schedules and you can almost tell the exact time of day by their presence overhead, in the morning coming to town and late in the afternoon heading back to the hills after a long day of fun in the sun. Just as the birds, we are creatures of habit.

Over the course of a few weeks I watched two small birds build a nest in the tree within my vantage point. On occasion and more than once, two larger brightly coloured yellow birds come by to cause a little disruption and ruffle the nest to get rid of it when mama and daddy bird are off doing what they do. Somehow that nest did get built and this particular morning, those big bad birds came by again, pulled it apart and enjoyed eggs for breakfast.

That got me to thinking about the birds and the life lessons we can learn from them.

As we all know, ‘the early bird gets the worm.’ Getting up early with the birds seem to be a good trait; the interesting thing is that the birds are the first to herald in the day with their cheerful melody as soon as the sun is rising. I have also noticed that as the years have gone by, I enjoy the earlier parts of the day now more than ever. It’s a good thing to ‘make hay while the sun shines.’

Every bird has their own song…and celebrates it. One particular bird I coined the ‘what-the-heck’ bird. The tune rings true as he repeats the phrase a few times in a matter-of-fact tone and then warbles off to ‘oh, well!’ We need to celebrate our individuality and give room to others to be who they are.

Have you ever wondered why birds pick a particular tree to build their nest in? I presume they are very selective, taking into account their safety and that of their offspring. Humans usually take great consideration in where they want to live, choosing the environment that suits them best.

Have you ever watched a young bird learn to fly? Just because you have wings doesn’t mean you know how to use them the first time. It’s the same with humans; we need to exercise our God-given talents and developed skills to become proficient at them. Practice makes perfect!

Another great thing about birds is that they seem to take time to enjoy life. They catch an air current high above and effortlessly go with the flow. It’s so amazing to watch them as they soar high above, seemingly insync with nature. We need time in our lives to refresh and refuel; that helps us to cope the rest of the time. Have you ever noticed that when you climb a hill the going can get tough, but when you get to the top and gear down, the walk is a little easier as you refresh.

Life is full of lessons, and for us – birds and all, it’s one sweet song!

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.

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 whatso-ever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause.

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“I feel good about it…I feel like every year I have learned more about just kind of how to run an event,” said Sarah Clarke, the volunteer event coordinator for IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Clarke and her family have been organizing and volunteering for the last five years.

She says she does this for a purpose, and it is a great way to come together and show support for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

Clarke said she lost her grandmother in 2018, and one of her friends just lost their mother last month after battling Alzheimer’s. “I do it in memory of my grandma.”

Clarke is passionate about her fight against the disease and inspired students who were doing a ‘passion

“I don’t expect the course to change,” she said. “The trails are absolutely breathtaking.” Registrations for IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Moose Jaw will begin hopefully in March, although the exact date hasn’t been fixed yet.

“I am very grateful that I have friends and family willing to help me because it is a lot of work,” Clarke said. More details about registration will be posted on their website https://www.walkrun4alz.com/. You can also follow their Facebook group for daily updates https://www. facebook.com/walkrun4alz.

Chamber of Commerce announces nominees for Citizen and Group of the Year awards

By MooseJawToday.com Staff

- Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the Citizen and Group of the Year awards, has released the final list of nominees for the 2022 edition of the event.

The 2022 Citizen and Group of the Year Awards Luncheon will take place at the Moose Jaw Heritage Inn on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 11:45 a.m.

Tickets are $25 per person and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register for the awards presentation is Jan. 27.

Registrations can be completed at mjchamber.com or by calling the Chamber at 306-692-6414.

This year’s event will also feature a presentation by sponsor CAE, Inc., greetings from Mayor of Moose Jaw Clive Tolley, and greetings from Ryan Hrechka, who is the president of the board of the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.

Nominees for the 2022 Citizen of the Year are:

• Darlene Geib

• Eric Campbell

• Jared Mathieson

• Jody Oakes

• Laurie Kosior

• Maguire Jackman

Nominees for the 2022 Group of the Year:

• U15 A Moose Jaw Warriors

• Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw

The Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce

Citizen and Group of the Year Awards Luncheon takes place Jan. 31 at the Heritage Inn

• River Street Promotions

• Square One Community Inc.

• Moose Jaw & District Seniors Association

Looking For Information on Family Joseph Walter Edgar From Moose Jaw Killed in 1944 Crash of Lancaster

LM529 squadron 166

Submitted

families of the 114 airmen killed in our region have been found, personally 26 = 29. I am looking for the family of aviator Joseph Walter Edgar killed April 25, 1944 in the crash of lancaster LM529 squadron 166, , the Edgar family lived in Moose Jaw . I can send you the police report on the crash. In 2024, a memorial will be inaugurated for these 114 airmen. Thank you for your help.

Please respond to bfcp76@laposte.net <bfcp76@laposte.net>

Mr Feutry Bernard

Vieux Mesnil - France Friend . Squadron 60RAAF and Squadron 102 RAF

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

RSVP: Complimentery meal provided, please reserve your space.

Churchill Park Greenhouse documentary ‘Everyone’s Business’ now available on NFB website

Documentary from 1982 takes look at day-to-day operations of business and some of the personalities involved Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

It was a beautiful day early last September when former employees of the Churchill Park Greenhouse Cooperative gathered in South Hill park for the unveiling of a monument memorializing the massive business venture that used to be nestled in the area.

Featuring rows of greenhouses growing flowers and produce like English cucumbers and hothouse tomatoes while offering employment to the disadvantaged, the business was well-known for its work -- to the point that the National Film Board of Canada took interest.

The venture had been running for about seven years in 1982 when director Mary Armstrong and her NFB film crew descended on the Greenhouse, putting together a documentary that eventually became ‘Everyone’s Business’.

For decades, the only way to see the film was largely through VHS tapes from those who had caught it on CBC back in the day. Now, thanks to the NFB’s ongoing efforts to digitize and upload their vast archive of documentaries dating back to 1917, ‘Everyone’s Business’ is now available and free to watch.

The 20-minute film -- which can be found at www.nfb.ca/film/everyones_ business/ -- offers a straightforward look at the Churchill Park Greenhouse, including the nine employees who worked at the business back in the early days of its existence.

That includes manager Don Mitchell, who is naturally a focal figure in the story.

The film takes a warts-and-all approach, touching on the difficulties the Greenhouse had financially back in the day, with Mitchell spending plenty of time on the phone attempting to wrangle payment out of customers.

The human story is also a touching one, as the film talks about the past of some of the employees and what they’d been through and the effort they put into their day-to-day jobs despite the occasional hardship.

“Churchill Park isn’t just another greenhouse, it isn’t just another workplace,” says narrator Lesley Hughes. “It’s a demanding job without much security, but with the satisfaction of working together and the alternative of working in shelter workshops for minimum wage, it’s a job they’ll fight to save.”

Save it they did. The Greenhouse continued to operate for another 21 years after

‘Everyone’s Business’ was made, rolling through good times and bad and becoming a mainstay of the Moose Jaw community. A cairn telling the tale of the Greenhouse and the flower gardens that preceded it is now situated on a walking path in Churchill Park.

You can find ‘Everyone’s Business’ and the hundreds upon hundreds of other NFB films at www.nfb.ca.

Rick Evans and Don Mitchell with the monument describing the Evans Florist Greenhouse and Churchill Park Greenhouse Co-op in Churchill Park.

Longtime manager Don Mitchell spends a lot of time on the phone talking to customers throughout the documentary.

The title card for the National Film Board of Canada documentary Everyone’s Business.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Favourite recipes suitable for birthday dinners

Birthday dinners in my growing-up home always included at least one favourite dish of the celebrant. This week’s recipes include the items I wanted served on my Feb. 1 birthday.

PANCAKES

2 large eggs

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 tbsps. vegetable oil

Beat eggs and sugar. Add buttermilk.

Mix soda with flour and then add to the egg mixture. Stir throughly. The batter will be lumpy. Add vegetable oil and beat in.

Heat electric frying pan until a drop of water rolls off. Lightly grease the pan with vegetable oil on a paper towel.

For each pancake spoon about 1/2 cup batter onto oiled pan. Let rise until batter is full of holes. Turn over carefully and cook other side until lightly browned. Be careful the cakes don’t burn. Keep warm on a warmed plate in a heated oven that has been turned off.

If there is more batter, lightly grease pan again and add batter. Cook as directed.

This recipe yields about 12 small pancakes.

Serve with warm maple syrup or chokecherry syrup.

Pancakes may be frozen and then heated in microwave. For a special snack, butter cold pancakes and top with granulated sugar. Roll up and eat.

• • •

PINEAPPLE PORK CHOPS

6 pork chops, bone in

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. salt, optional

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. ginger

2 tsps. paprika

1 tsp. accent

Sauce:

1 cup pineapple juice

2 tbsps. brown sugar

2 tbsps. vinegar

Mix all dry ingredients in a shallow pan and then dredge pork chops on both sides.

Heat a frying pan, add a small amount of butter and brown chops on both sides. Transfer chops to a large casserole.

To make the sauce, combine juice, brown sugar and vinegar and beat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over pork chops in casserole. (Sauce recipe may have to be doubled to fully cover the chops.)

Cover casserole and place in a preheated 350 degrees F oven. Cook about 30 minutes or until pork chops are very tender, but not tough. Serve with rice or riced potatoes.

• • • LEMON-LIME REFRIGERATOR CAKE

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon cake mix

1 small pkg. lime Jello powder

3/4 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

1 envelope whipped topping mix (Dream Whip)

1 small pkg. lemon instant pudding mix

1 1/2 cups cold milk

Dissolve Jello powder in boiling water and stir until dissolved. Stir in cold water. Set aside. Mix and bake cake as directed on the package. Remove from oven and cool cake 20-25 minutes. When cool, poke holes in cake about 1 inch apart. Pour Jelly into the holes. Refrigerate cake. Meanwhile, prepare topping. In a chilled bowl, blend and whip one envelope of topping mix. Mix in pudding powder and cold milk and beat until stiff. This takes 3-8 minutes.

When topping is thick, spread over the top of the chilled cake. Smooth surface then return to refrigerator. Serve chilled. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Downtown Association holding inaugural ‘Snowtorious’ Family Day on Feb. 20

The Downtown Moose Jaw Association (DMJA) will begin a tradition this year with the first Snowtorious Family Day on February 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Crescent Park, in front of the Moose Jaw

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Public Library.

“It’s the Downtown Moose Jaw Association’s first-ever Snowtorious Family Day, and we’re doing that actually on Family Day, on Monday, Feb. 20 in Cres-

cent Park,” said Craig Hemingway, the DMJA’s marketing co-ordinator.

“Most of the events are going to take place in front of the library and the museum and art gallery, but we will have horsedrawn wagon rides that will go through the rest of Crescent Park as well.”

Sponsors of the event include the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, who are paying for the wagon rides, the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, Tim Horton’s, the Moose Jaw Co-op, and the City of Moose Jaw itself.

“We’re going to have all-ages street hockey on Langdon Crescent,” Hemingway continued. “In front of the library, we’re going to have some snow painting and other outdoor games there.

“We’re going to have free hot dogs from the Moose Jaw Co-op from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tim Horton’s is providing free hot chocolate. Indoors, there’s some entertainment from the Moose Jaw Public Library and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery … They’re going to have 3D printing and short movies, and the MJMAG has a new exhibition.”

The public library and the MJMAG would not normally be open on Family Day, but they have decided to open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. to help with the Snowtorious Family Day.

The Moose Jaw Warriors will be visiting the park on the day, and the Moose Jaw Fire Department will be on hand to visit and help manage the fire pits that participants will be able to warm up around.

“Hopefully it’s not too cold, but you never know,” Hemingway said cheerfully.

“We thought it’d be nice to have a winter event for families, and having something free, well, it’s always nice when you can do that.

“We also like to showcase all of our downtown assets, and Crescent Park can sometimes be forgotten, as close as it is to Main Street. We want people to rediscover the park that day and show that it’s a beautiful place to be even in winter!”

Downtown Moose Jaw Association holding inaugural Snowtorious Family Day Feb.

Honour the memor y of a loved one with a memorial gift to suppor t the Moose Jaw Dr F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

First visit to movies in many years left

desire to return more often

We went to the movies for the first time in years one recent Sunday afternoon.

It had been so long; Yours Truly was surprised when the cashier flipped the register around and asked me to choose our seats from the map of seats. Assigned movie seating in Moose Jaw. Really!

The two rows we like were full so I chose the one below. It wasn’t to my partner’s liking. Dang.

Another change. Popcorn was $5 last time we went. Now it’s $7.25.

As we watched the promotions for coming attractions, we both yearned for the old days when a cartoon was always presented. She wanted to see Goofy. I wanted Bugs Bunny or the Road Runner.

The movie we chose is called A Man Called Otto, starring Tom Hanks as a curmudgeon. His son Truman plays the younger Hanks. His second wife, Rita Wilson, sings the soundtrack.

The main theme dealt with an issue most married people must handle — coping with the loss of a long time partner and friend.

His wife was Otto’s life, curmudgeon that he was. Her loss left him working at his job like a robot and zealously self-identifying as the parking permit police patrol

in his condominium complex.

Losing his job after a business merger turned him even more bitter.

Then a Latino couple with a hapless husband, pregnant mother and two pre-school girls moved in across the street.

The mother, Rita Moreno, persisted in friendliness, with her disarming smile and feisty repartee.

The movie deals with other current issues leaving the viewer alternately laughing and feeling sad. A number of the patrons, mostly grey-haired, were teary-eyed at one point or another.

Underlying sub-themes included treatment of seniors by their offspring, community neighbouring, LGBTQ+ prejudice, and greedy businesses.

My partner pointed out there were no F-words during the entire show.

Some swearing occurred like the scene when Otto, a reluctant baby sitter, spots a metal box-shaped structure in the middle of the kitchen.

What’s that? he asked

“That’s the #%& useless dishwasher,” explained the

TRADING THOUGHTS

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.

five year old.

Seeing this show on the big silver screen made us feel like we almost were part of the scenes.

We will be back. Those irritating coming attraction promotions hooked us on two movies: Women Talking, about life in an agrarian religious sect; and 80 for Brady, a comedy about four senior women attending the Super Bowl football game to see Tom Brady in what might be his last game. They could be Red Hatters.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Remember Rebuild historical project seeks to document wider COVID-19 impact

A prestigious group of Saskatchewan doctors, teachers, professors, researchers, and social workers have joined forces to document the wider impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through a project called Remember Rebuild.

“As historians of medicine, we want to try to remember the pandemic, rather than forget it,” said Dr. Erika Dyck. Dyck is a historian, professor, and Canada Research Chair in the History of Health & Social Justice at the University of Saskatchewan.

“We’ve partnered with a number of organizations from Saskatchewan, like the Nurses Union and the Teachers Federation, just so we can be open to collecting interviews or really any material that people want to submit, either for open access or for closed access.”

Dyck said she and her fellow researchers are aware that many people feel burnt out and tired of hearing about the pandemic. On the other hand, history is always in progress, and historians want to lose as little material as possible to the inevitable entropy of time.

The Remember Rebuild project is supported by the COVID-19 Community Archive, which Dyck also helped set up. The COVID-19 Community Archive is hosted at the University of Saskatchewan and serves as a raw data dump for pandemic-related material.

The archive website notes that:

“We welcome submissions about your recent and daily experience in a variety of forms – photographs, social media posts, videos, creative projects, e-mails, blog entries, journals, personal reflections, and more. Your contributions do not need to be

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

polished, finished works: your perspective on this experience is the more important element, and this documentation will form part of the raw material for studying and understanding this pandemic.”

The archive is at https://covid19archive.usask.ca/.

“Imagine 100 years from now, when we’re trying to figure out what to do with the next pandemic,” Dyck said. “There will be a record, a sustainable record, of how nurses were affected by this, or individuals, or journalists.”

The project has been getting good attention and participation in Saskatoon and, to a lesser extent, in Regina, but Dyck said they’re having trouble reaching other communities. She’s hoping smaller cities such as Moose Jaw and Prince Albert, and the hundreds of rural towns and villages in Saskatchewan, will want to add their stories.

The Remember Rebuild project gets its name from researchers’ belief that documenting the pandemic’s impact on systems and systems inequity will help boost recovery efforts. In particular, social justice-related areas such as mental health, substance use, housing instability, and food insecurity have lost a great deal of ground.

People already holding the short end of the stick were forced to watch as the ripple effect of the pandemic made their situation even worse. By recording those effects, governments and communities will be able to learn valuable lessons for rebuilding.

“We’re not trying to make a quota,” Dyck noted. “It’s just really to help. We wanted to create a space for Saskatchewan

residents to both kind of honour this (period of time), to be frustrated about it, to grieve it, whatever we want.

“Imagine a time capsule of the pandemic. That will be valuable going forward for future planners, policymakers, historians, whoever.”

The Remember Rebuild team hopes that in addition to the historical value of the undertaking, Saskatchewanians can take comfort knowing family and friends lost because of the pandemic — either directly to the coronavirus disease, or because of loneliness or lost services, for example — will never be forgotten.

An upcoming feature on the Remember Rebuild website, planned for the March anniversary of Saskatchewan’s first COVID-19 case, will be explicitly designed as a digital memorial.

The memorial will take the anonymity of public health dashboard numbers and transform them into people. Families and friends will be able to submit a name, photo, and a short bio of their loved one.

To learn more about the project, visit RememberRebuild.ca or email the research team at Remember.RebuildSK@ Usask.ca.

Woman hangs embroidered timeline illustration of COVID-19 pandemic (Michieru/Moment/Getty Images)

By Patricia Hanbidge

Growing Food Indoors

In December, we devoted a couple of columns to growing your food indoors – even when it is minus 30°C outside. What we did not cover was some of the important information about starting the seeds themselves.

Each tiny little seed contains all the magic of life.

Seeds are made up of an outer seed coat that protects the inner parts of the seed during dormancy. Inside the seed coat lies the endosperm which serves as the food supply that is essential for the early growth of the seedling. In the center of the seed is the embryo which is really a very minute undeveloped plant. It is water that penetrates the seed coat which causes this magical process to begin.

Keep the media/soil moist to ensure even germination whether you are seeding indoors or directly into the garden. Use a gentle spray to avoid washing the seeds around, or they may pool into dense clumps. Keep the

humidity high until the seeds germinate by covering seed pots with plastic wrap. Keep a close eye on them as once you see the plants germinate it is necessary to gradually uncover the seedlings to avoid conditions that are too wet for the new seedlings to survive.

Once the seeds germinate those young seedlings will need adequate light in order to grow. Placing them directly under a fluorescent light fixture or grow light will ensure that the seedlings are strong and sturdy. If you find that your seedlings are tall and spindly it is because they are not getting enough light and are reaching for the sun.

Other than the generalization that germination begins with the uptake of water, there are a host of conditions that are necessary for successful germination. As we discussed in a prior column, light, warmth, water, nutrition and a healthy dose of love is essential to success. However, fertilization is not necessary until your seedlings are sprouting true leaves. Prior to that time, they

are still living off the food contained in the seed. Once that life has begun then it is important for you to provide every little thing that will be needed in order to grow healthy plants that are ready to be transplanted out into the garden or consumed in your kitchen.

Growing at least some of the food you consume does not need to be a difficult task. You will need some basic equipment, but it is not necessary to invest thousands of dollars. Plants are amazing and respond very well if you ensure they receive the basics of life. Also, most gardeners derive great satisfaction from growing plants, and providing quality food for our table. Starting seeds enables the gardener and the chef to know exactly what products were used on the plants from the beginning of life. Also, as we all have experienced – sometimes we cannot get basic products like lettuce without paying an exorbitant price! Growing your own is also a more sustainable alternative to purchasing food that has been grown many miles away and has had to undergo an unbelievable amount of transportation in order to get to our local grocer.

If you still need some extra assistance, check out the list of online classes on the website at www.orchidhort. com .

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

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

Moose Jaw Public Library trains staff on interactions with unhoused patrons

Beginning in November 2022, Moose Jaw Public Library staff took an online course specifically designed for librarians — in fact, the book the training is based on is called The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness (2018).

The training is offered through www.homelesstraining.com, the website of Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness author Ryan Dowd, who spent decades managing a large shelter near Chicago. He wrote the book for anyone who needs or wants to learn how to safely and empathetically interact with people who are housing insecure.

The initial request for the guide came from librarians, hence the title, but Dowd intended the book to be useful on a broader scale.

“I recommend anybody to do that training online, or to read his book,” said Christina Hinds at the Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL). Hinds has made it part of her mission as a librarian to help unhoused people, but noted everyone can benefit from learning more.

“You don’t have to be a librarian, (the training) is perfect for anybody,” she added.

The core training focuses on understanding the experience of someone without safe housing, teaching alternatives to punishment, engaging with people so that rules become shared rather than imposed, and offering useful tools and strategies for interaction.

Hinds noted that public libraries have always had to balance between being an education centre and a community centre, with the community centre side naturally taking precedence in times of economic hardship.

Enabling free access to computers, books, games, and all the other benefits of education and connection is

NOTICE OF INTENTION

TO AMEND ZONING BYLAW NO.5346

The Council of the City of Moose Jaw intends to consider a bylaw pursuant to The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend the City of Moose Jaw’s Zoning Bylaw No. 5346.

The proposed amendment would rezone Westheath Subdivision

Phases 5 & 6 to R1 – Large Lot Low Density Residential District, R1A

– Low Density Residential, R2 – Medium Density Residential District & CS – Community Service and Institutional Districts. The purpose of the amendment is to accommodate for future residential land uses and a joint-use school in this area.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw may be found under the “announcements” section at www.moosejaw.ca.

Any written comments or submissions must be received by the Department of Planning and Development Services, 228 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3J8, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023 in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca. Inquiries may be directed to the Department of Planning and Development Services by email or by phone at 306-694-4443.

The proposed Bylaw and any submissions regarding the proposed Bylaw will be considered at the regular meeting of City Council to be held in Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2023.

DATED at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan this 19th day of January, 2023.

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

only the most obvious function of a library. It is important, but libraries are also safe spaces, with staff whose job is to help their patrons. Libraries are warm and comfortable and have a default open-door policy.

That makes them a natural gathering point for people with nowhere else to go — especially when the weather turns deadly.

“It’s a place where anyone can come. It’s a welcoming centre, people can read books, they can hang out, they can just talk,” Hinds explained. “There’s a group of unhoused people that usually come to the library just to talk, like about how they’re going to spend the night, or what they’re going to do today.”

MJPL staff are also working with other organizations like John Howard Society and Square One Community, Inc.

2SLGBTQ SUICIDE HELP

Wigmore Hospital Mental Health & Addiction Services

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

MJ Police and Crisis Team (PACT): 306-694-7603 or 911

Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

Text: 45645 or Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca

Regina Crisis Line: 1-306-757-0127

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

Text: CONNECT at 686868

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

OUTSaskatoon Helpline: 1-800-358-1833

Trans LifeLine: 877-330-6366

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

Interacting with unhoused people

Many people who lack secure housing can keep up regular appearances: They go to work, do their laundry, have at least some access to hygienic facilities, and even maintain their phone, car, government identification, and tax records.

Others live on the fringes of society because they are unable to manage their lives without help. Drug abuse disorders, mental illnesses, disabilities, trauma, and injury all reduce a person’s ability to function — or to cleave to social norms that might no longer seem to matter.

“We still have our code of conduct, and if you violate that, then we have guidelines,” Hinds said. Library staff cannot allow patrons buying, selling, or using illegal drugs, for example, or whose behaviour is aggressive or destructive. They don’t like banning individuals, but they do what they have to to protect the good of the many.

A security guard on the MJPL premises has helped staff to keep situations calm and prevent escalations. Nevertheless, without training, experience, understanding, and support, such interactions can devolve into open conflict and hostility.

Hinds said the most important thing to remember is that unhoused people are still people.

“I see them as people, and I treat them as people,” she said. “Everybody should be treated like a person first. … Smile, and say ‘How are you doing?’ Being polite goes a long way.”

Available courses

Training from Dowd’s website includes courses on how to:

• Prevent and stop fights safely

• Back up a co-worker during a crisis

• Safely ask someone to leave

• Interact more efficiently with police

Respond to prejudicial comments from other patrons

Hinds said taking Dowd’s course opened her eyes to her own biases, which has helped to be less judgemental and increased her desire to contribute to solutions for people who lack reliable safe shelter. She also has more confidence and feels less nervous in her interactions with library patrons.

By educating staff and volunteers, organizations can increase their overall empathy, and thus reduce the instinctive “us/them” divide that many people feel when they encounter others who are very different.

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Public Library. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Farmers aren’t feeling great about the prospects for oats, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s crop production projections for the 2023-24 crop year.

Oats production is estimated to plummet 36 per cent to 3.61 million metric tones.

Carryover inventory after exports and domestic consumption will fall in half to 600.000 tonnes.

Among major crops, canola production will increase 1.8 per cent to 18.5 million tonnes with a slightly higher carryout.

All wheat production increases 1.5 per cent to 34.3 million tonnes while durum wheat production will be up a mere 4,000 tonnes to 5.45 million.

Barley production of 9.97 million tonnes increases by 11,000 tonnes.

chickpea, canary seed production decline estimated

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Pea production increases five per cent to 3.23 million tonnes while lentils increase 1.9 per cent to 2.65 million tonnes. Dry beans fall 6.4 per cent to 293,000 tonnes.

Chickpeas decline 13.9 per cent to 170,000 tonnes.

Flaxseed increases five per cent to 500,000 tonnes while canary seed falls 6.9 per cent to 170,000 tonnes.

Corn production will increase 1.8 per cent to 18.5 million tonnes while soybeans increase just over five per cent to 6.77 million tonnes.

Carryover stocks show minor changes except for flax, up 30 per cent to 130,000 tonnes; and chickpeas, down 41 per cent to 115,000 tonnes.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Canada’s farm commodity outlook good but not great

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Canadian farmers should expect another good year for commodity prices, but not as good as the year just past.

Farm Credit Canada senior economist J.P. Gervais came to that conclusion in his annual farm outlook report.

“While 2022 brought its fair share of challenges for Canadian agriculture, one bright spot has been the healthy trend in farm cash receipts. We estimate they reached a record high of $94.5 billion in 2022, an increase of 14.1 per cent over 2021,” he said.

“Looking forward, we expect farm cash receipts to continue growing in 2023, although at a more moderate pace of 4.6 per cent. Robust farm cash receipts would be a positive development in 2023 to offset input costs that are anticipated to stay elevated throughout the year.’’

Breaking down cash receipts by region, Saskatchewan will have a 7.6 per cent increase to $29.24 billon

— the highest of any region.

Last year, Saskatchewan’s eight per cent increase was the second lowest percentage change of any region.

The Atlantic provinces were highest at 20.5 per cent, Alberta at 19.1 per cent and Manitoba at the low end with 4.5 per cent.

Total crop receipts in Saskatchewan will increase 7.6 per cent compared with eight per cent in 2022.

Canola income will be up 14.2 per cent; wheat and barley are both up 4.5 per cent.

Cattle receipts will increase by 3.5 per cent, about one-quarter of last year’s rate. Hog receipts will go up 7.7 per cent.

Gervais said last year’s FCC predictions were out. On grains the estimate was 12.4 per cent less than the actual with a .3 per cent inaccuracy on cattle and 7.7 per cent out on hogs.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Sow processing plant receives $1M to prepare for future disease outbreaks

The provincial government and Sask Pork are contributing $1 million to Moose Jaw’s sow processing plant to help the venue better prepare for an African swine fever outbreak.

The Ministry of Agriculture contributed $700,000 to support swine disease mitigation efforts, while Sask Pork gave $300,000 toward a swine market disruption plan. This plan is expected to help the industry respond to potential market closures due to an animal health emergency such as African swine fever (ASF).

This type of fever is a viral disease that only affects pigs and, to date, has never been detected in Canada.

In particular, the funding will help North 49 Foods – the company that will manage the plant – create a cull line inside the venue to allow for “humane slaughter of domestic hogs if a serious swine disease outbreak ever temporarily stopped trade,” the province said.

Culled sows are older female animals

and may experience lower productivity due to their age.

“Ensuring Saskatchewan’s pork industry is positioned to respond to a potential market disruption and safeguard animal welfare is key to the continued success of the sector,” North 49 Foods’ CEO Allan Leung said. “We are pleased to play a role in this important plan.”

Donald’s Fine Foods (DFF) – the parent company of North 49 Foods and operator of Thunder Creek Pork Plant – has been talking with the province and Sask Pork about this issue for more than a year, Neil Ketilson, industry relations manager for Donald’s Fine Foods, told the Moose Jaw Express by phone. Both parties know that ASF is “an incredibly difficult disease and could create all kinds of havoc.”

When DFF began renovating the former XL Beef Plant and constructing new additions, the province approached the company wondering if it would incorporate a cull line, which it agreed to do, he

continued.

Pigs that are euthanized because of African swine fever would likely not enter the food supply chain, Ketilson said. However, work is still happening on this issue, “so that’s an open question.”

“African swine fever is a disease that, if Canada gets one case anywhere in the country, none of the existing packers would be able to export any pork outside our borders; they’d be closed,” he continued.

Since Canada exports 70 per cent of its beef products, an outbreak of ASF would immediately have a major effect on the industry, from producers to packers, Ketilson added. There are many animals in the production pipeline at various stages of growth, so the industry would have to determine what to do with them if the market closed.

Meanwhile, construction at the sow processing plant continues and “is a work in progress,” Ketilson said. The company

has no firm deadline for when it plans to open the venue because it is having trouble finding certain equipment, preventing the installation of those items.

“So we’re at the mercy of that equipment getting here and being able to put in place and get the plant operational … ,” he added. “Certainly, we’re hoping for this spring or second quarter (to open).”

The British Columbia-based company purchased the former beef plant in May 2020, and in June 2021, took out a building permit of $12.7 million for work on the venue on 24th Avenue Northwest.

The company had planned to open the new sow processing plant in early 2022 but pushed that date back – initially to the summer – because of supply chain issues and acquiring equipment.

The XL Beef plant closed in 2010 when the company shut down rather than meet the demands of 200 striking workers.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express Deer dine on needles

Deer nibble on spruce tree needless near the hay piles at a local feedlot. Ron Walter photo

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

Western Canadian natural gas/oil processor presents profit potential

Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure is an oil and natural gas processor that bears inspection by investors.

The company owns one of the few Canadian oil refineries not under the thumb of a major processor. The refinery near Prince George, B.C. can produce 12,000 barrels of light oil per day.

Ironically, production is shipped to the Vancouver Lower Mainland while northern B.C. receives oil from Edmonton operators who control the distribution network.

Midstream operations involve a natural gas processor and oil battery in the prolific B.C./Alberta Montney play, natural gas processor and sour gas plant near Rocky Mountain House, central Alberta rail terminal and processor as well as associated storage and pipelines.

The acquisition and building of 12 operations since 2015 increased earnings per share to 60 cents from 20 cents. Some operations were sold to reduce debt.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, FEB. 13. Moose Jaw is poised to see significant growth this year as the business community continues to provide job opportunities for many new people coming from across the world, the mayor says.

The Friendly City is one of the most welcoming places on the planet, and through several immigrant-related initiatives, the community is becoming more diverse than ever before, Mayor Clive Tolley said in his 2023 New Year’s Address during the Jan. 23 regular council meeting.

Furthermore, the city is welcoming Aboriginal, Metis and other new citizens to help fill jobs that existing businesses and economic development projects are creating, he continued.

One such project is SaskPower’s Great Plains Power Station in the agri-food industrial park, a $780-million initiative. Furthermore, Donald’s Fine Foods and North 49 Foods are upgrading the XL Beef Plant into a sow processing plant, while Brandt Industries is converting the old Phillips Cable Plant into a utility trailer manufacturing centre.

Along with other initiatives by community entrepreneurs, building permits exceeded $1 billion for the first time in 2022.

“In 2022, we created a ‘Get a Life Campaign,’ suggesting people from the rest of Canada move to Moose Jaw to live, work (and) study, allowing yourself more time to play and for the pursuit of happiness,” Tolley said.

Tidewater shares, trading at $1.05, sell at 9.4 times earnings. The sector average is 12.3 times. Shares were $1.72 just before last year’s market crash.

The dividend yields 3.88 per cent with less than onethird of earnings paid out.

The crown jewel in Tidewater’s asset stable is a 69 per cent interest in Tidewater Renewables, which is opening a new renewable fuels facility near Prince George before spring. The plant will initially produce 13.4 million gallons of renewable diesel, 100 million tonnes of hydrogen and 6.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually.

Eventual plans are to double production.

The $150 million renewables plant required more debt from the parent but Tidewater Midstream’s debt is a reasonable one-third of assets. The renewables company debt is small.

Tidewater Renewables is also building a natural gas manufacturing plant at High River, Alberta using feedlot

manure as feedstock.

Aside from being undervalued, Tidewater Midstream offers a lower risk while investing in the renewables sector.

The renewables company is a one-trick pony. If the new process creating renewable fuel sustains hiccups for a year or two, investors risk losses. Investors in Tidewater Midstream are getting the shares at a good value with the renewables plant for free.

The company estimates the renewables plant will increase annual cash flow by 30 per cent.

Tidewater does have a lot of shares outstanding, having opted to sell shares rather than increase debt load. The company has 423 million shares out.

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

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

City poised for major growth in 2023, mayor says in New Year’s address

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

While home prices and cost of living are still rising, buying a home is still affordable here compared to the rest of the country, he continued. Furthermore, for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or move an existing one from another location, Moose Jaw has commercial and industrial land available that is more affordable than elsewhere.

“We’re a city with job openings and opportunities (and) we’re a city ripe for business development,” Tolley stated.

Besides business growth, the community is seeing — and will see — exciting cultural and sporting activities, he continued.

For example, in 2022, the community successfully hosted the Snowbirds’ 50th-anniversary reunion, which attracted more than 500 people. The reunion held its activities at places such as the Grant Hotel, the Events Centre/Multiplex and the Western Development Museum.

Furthermore, Moose Jaw will host Curling Canada’s 2022 and 2023 wheelchair championships in the spring, while the community will welcome more than 800 Shriners and their families in 2025 for a major conference.

“We are becoming notorious for hosting conventions and events,” said Tolley.

Meanwhile, existing tourism sites and venues are continually being improved, he continued. Peepeekisis First Nation now owns the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa and is spending $10 million to upgrade the building, while the Tunnels of Moose Jaw added another tour last year, the Cold War-focused Bunker 24.

Moreover, the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport extended its runway, which has spurred new hangar development and helped establish a closer relationship with 15 Wing Air Base. Nearby, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is undergoing significant updates, while the municipality recently opened the high-service reservoir pumphouse to address water security for another 50 years.

“Moose Jaw is growing and continues to grow. We are poised for growth in this year. Led by city council and city administration, all citizens can be part of the efforts to grow the tax base of our city,” Tolley said. “We need to continue to be welcoming and to encourage people to relocate here to get a life in Canada’s most notorious city.

“To those who worked so diligently this past year to make this city a better place, thank you for your contributions.”

Policy changes will clarify booking process to use city parks, outdoor venues

City hall has updated its outdoor events policy, which should help community groups better understand the booking and approval process for activities held on public green spaces and municipal outdoor venues.

City council approved the current outdoor events policy in 2019, but city administration thought it was important to review and update the policy regularly to ensure the existing practices aligned with the policy’s intent, a council report explained.

With events and programs returning after the COVID-19 pandemic, the parks and recreation department conducted a policy review and recommended

NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

MUNICIPAL ELECTION

RESORT VILLAGE OF SOUTH LAKE

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nomination of candidates for the office of:

Councillor - Ward of Sand Point: Resort Village of South Lake will be received by the undersigned on the 18th day of February 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Village Office, #6–1410 Caribou St. W, Moose Jaw, SK, and during regular business hours on Monday, February 6th, 2023 to February 15th, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Village Office, #6 – 1410 Caribou St. W, Moose Jaw, SK.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the following location:

#6 – 1410 Caribou St. West, Moose Jaw, SK

Dated this 25th day of January 2023.

Melinda Huebner Returning Officer

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

amendments to align the document with current uses and trends. It also developed an outdoor events planning guide to help groups understand the requirements when hosting events at public locations.

The department completed the initial review and then provided the recommendations to the parks, recreation and facilities advisory committee so it could suggest changes.

After making suggestions, the advisory committee submitted its report to council, which approved the changes during its Jan. 23 regular meeting.

The review of the outdoor events policy likely occurred because council turned down a request from The Roots School last July to use the washrooms at Happy Valley Park for free for its summer camps. Instead, council authorized administration to prepare a report on possibly adding a washroom facility policy or rental fee schedule for city parks.

The motion’s intent was for the parks and rec department to explore options for renting washrooms at parks and open spaces without having to charge the full rental fee associated with groups wanting exclusive access to a space or venue, the report said.

These changes will cover future requests similar to Roots’ application last summer, city administration told council during the meeting.

The department created and implemented a new rate into its 2023 rates and fees schedule, which council adopted in mid-October.

“There has also been an increase in booking requests

for car shows and concerts at outdoor public spaces, therefore, a review in how these events are handled is needed to ensure consistency amongst all spaces,” the report added.

Some changes to the outdoor events policy include:

· Adding extra definitions to clarify bookable spaces, exclusive use and shared use of outdoor space rentals

· Updating the types of events that require a permit within bookable outdoor spaces and event restrictions

· Updating insurance requirements and coverages needed for alcohol, food or additional amenities such as inflatables

· Changing the process for exclusive use booking and non-exclusive shack/washroom access bookings to support the department’s rates and fees

Updating event site meetings to help in planning and protecting underground infrastructure and language around damages and cancellations

· Adding listings of municipal bylaws, policies and easements that may affect the event planning or have implications for organizers

Further clarifying the services that the city provides and the expenses that organizers must cover

· Updating cancellation and refund policies for the organizer or city

· Adding language to address damage to property or equipment and related financial responsibilities of organizers

Updating application forms and using them as a planning document for requests

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Aging lifestyle takes on new challenges and adventures

Wanted: One blue, fuzzy bathrobe, with sash tie or buttons. Must be designed to conceal body skin, except face, from the view of strangers. Will consider another colour but blue is recommended. Must not shrink in hot bath water.

In most of the television advertisements that pertain to walk-in bathtubs, the lady in the tub is wearing such a blue bathrobe. Ditto for videos presented by walk-in tub salespersons. Ditto for internet information for potential buyers of such safe bathing equipment.

I had hoped to question the salesperson as to whether the blue bathrobes were part of the sales pitch — much like block heaters used to be an enticement for buyers of new or used motor vehicles. Alas, he was too focused on the serious business of selling the tub and the right moment for some levity just didn’t happen.

He didn’t even hint at a smile when I asked if he would give us a new pen or some tiny gadget, much like the Fuller Brush man often left with his customers. Again, not much of a reaction. After he left, we did find the pen he had misplaced while taking bathroom measurements. We kept the pen, thinking it was the least he could leave with us in addition to a bank account that was considerably lighter.

And so, there it is, the focal point of our bathroom — a walk-in tub with hand-held and stationary shower

attachments to save us from accidental falls while trying to get into or out of regular tubs.

I had hinted several times over the past years that maybe we should consider getting us “one of them new-fangled contraptions’ that would take our bathing experience to a new and safe level. I was mostly ignored. And vendors at trade shows back in the day only wanted to sell us walk-in showers. Every time I saw that lady in her blue bathrobe, I would quickly alert Housemate in case he wanted to take down the 1-800 number. He wasn’t so inclined.

Then one day, out of the blue, he suggested maybe we should look into the prices and other details for a walk-in tub with shower. “But I don’t have a blue bathrobe,” I pointed out and got an odd look in return.

And so it began, the search for a reliable company to deal with over such a life-changing purchase. The company we chose came highly recommended and the salesperson was dispatched without delay, coming with laptop, videos, brochures, tape measure and two pens.

By the time he left, we had bought a tub. And we had one of his pens and lots of paperwork to read and absorb. Not so long after, with some logistical delays, we had a date for installation.

The installer and his electrician worked to transform our bathroom to accommodate the aging residents living

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

in the home and when the professionals were finished, there it sat proudly, a walk-in tub with shower, shining bright white against the walls that should have been painted, but heck, who could take their eyes off this monolithic tub?

I confess to having second thoughts when he demonstrated all the features and I saw the waves being generated by the back and foot jets. I could feel sea sickness coming on and I determined that I would not need that much water and action in the tub to remove dirt from my body. At that point, a wet washcloth was my choice over all the waves crashing against the tub.

But I braved the beast, sitting inside, fully dressed, as I read the instructions and figured out what each nob and lever was supposed to achieve. After mistakenly being doused by the shower, I re-read the instructions and decided I could handle a footbath with massaging jets. With Housemate on stand-by, I ventured forth with water just above my ankles. I’ve been in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to that height and now I can claim another notch — ankle height swirling water in a walk-in tub. Knees will be next.

But I still need a blue bathrobe!!!

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

City council should follow its policies and hold a public information session about proposed changes to the Westheath concept plan in relation to the joint-use school project, a concerned resident says.

Public consultations are important, especially Bylaw No. 5642 and the Planning Public Notice Policy stipulate such measures, Jan Radwanski said on Jan. 23 in a presentation to city council.

Radwanski’s concerns were related to council’s decision in December to waive a public information session and on-site advertising for the rezoning and sale of municipal reserve land to the school divisions for the new school.

The former Prairie South School Division trustee has had concerns about the proposed location since it was announced in September 2019.

Council gave the silent treatment to Radwanski’s presentation because members asked no questions and made no comments afterward. Instead, they voted to receive and file the report and moved to the next agenda item.

Area challenges

The Planning Public Notice Policy says public consultations should happen for major zoning amendments, Radwanski said, which include total land area of two hectares or more, the addition of 50 or more dwelling units and/or parcels, or major changes in land-use intensity.

One problem with the proposed location is the traffic challenges because roughly 1,000 students will need to be transported there, he continued. About 21 buses will take 750 students, while the remaining 250 will likely be driven and must manoeuvre through busy bus corrals and pickup zones.

Furthermore, a full traffic impact assessment (TIA) report has never been completed, even though it was part of the memorandum of understanding that council signed with Prairie South, Holy Trinity and the Ministry of Education.

“But because the data provided by the City of Moose

Jaw was over 10 years old, only a limited TIA was done, so it left a lot of big question marks in terms of safety,” said Radwanski. “It also leads into a lack of transparency and genuine engagement.”

Location preferences

The three education parties announced in 2018 that they planned to build a new joint-use school and open it in 2021, Radwanski said. They held two public engagement sessions in June 2019, but one occurred on Grade 8 graduation night, which prevented parents and staff from attending.

Prairie South’s preferred school location was always on a 10-acre site in the far southwest corner of South Hill, while the board only approved that spot after a report from consulting firm KPMG was provided to trustees in a public session and they had a few minutes to discuss it before voting on it, the former trustee claimed.

There were no public consultations about the boards’ preferred location choice of Westheath, while of the four spots presented during the June 2019 meeting, most people preferred either Sacred Heart or Westmount, Radwanski said.

‘Nitty-gritty’ issues

Radwanski thought the motion council adopted in December was “odd” because The Planning and Development Act does not permit municipalities to sell municipal reserve land to school boards, he noted. Moreover, the motion specified that the sale would also be to the provincial government.

“That is another reason we should have a public consultation on this (so we can) get to the nitty-gritty on this,” he said.

Radwanski pointed to comments from Education Minister Dustin Duncan about building a second school in Harbour Landing in Regina, with the minister saying it’s not the province’s role to find or purchase land for such projects. That responsibility lies with The Queen City under The Planning and Development Act.

“So here we are in Moose Jaw selling land to the pro-

vincial government for a joint-use school that had no public consultation … ,” Radwanski remarked. “For us that live in Moose Jaw, we really take for granted our educational locations we have for our schools. This is a major, major shift to go to one school on South Hill.”

Taxpayers’ money

It makes sense to have public consultations considering there will be one school on South Hill offering kindergarten to Grade 8 education, he continued. Meanwhile, millions in taxpayers’ money have helped upgrade school infrastructure — ball diamonds, soccer fields, spray parks and playgrounds — and now the city and boards plan to walk away.

The former trustee claimed that the school would have a 125-spot parking lot that is bigger than the one at city hall, meaning there would be little room for children to play.

“Is that ‘get a life’? I think that’s a pretty docile life,” Radwanski said. “For us to transport (kids) to basically a Costco-sized warehouse two-and-a-half storeys up, underneath a student flight plan from 15 Wing, with already major, major challenges to traffic (is ridiculous).”

OCP concerns

The Official Community Plan (OCP) says schools must be centrally located if they serve more than one neighbourhood, while schools should be located near amenities, he continued. Instead, some of the community’s brightest and most vulnerable populations will be educated in a location with traffic challenges.

“We are so compressed for space on this project, we have to move the hockey rink onto it to satisfy the greenspace requirements under the OCP and our bylaws,” Radwanski added. “This just shows how important this issue is … .”

City hall will hold a public hearing about zoning bylaw changes for this location during the Monday, Feb. 13 meeting, a council report said, which is when residents can present concerns.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, FEB. 13. City council has reappointed Saundra Arberry for another two-year term as the municipality’s administrative review officer (ARO), a position that has not received any public complaints in five years.

Council unanimously approved Arberry’s reappointment during the Jan. 23 regular meeting. Her term commences immediately and concludes Dec. 31, 2024. This extension builds on her initial hiring and two-year appointment in January 2021.

Arberry was the only person to apply for the job.

The City of Moose Jaw created an independent review body in 2003 to investigate public complaints about the city’s administration, while a later council confirmed that it still had an interest in continuing with the administrative review process, a council report explained.

The ARO is required to be independent of city administration and reports directly to city council. The position operates similarly to an ombudsman, giving complainants an avenue to provide concerns about issues they believe are poorly managed.

Regina resident reappointed as Moose Jaw’s administrative review officer

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

“This process is followed when there are no other forms of appeal open to a complainant and is an excellent opportunity for customers to have their concerns adjudicated by an independent third party,” city manager Jim Puffalt said.

Arberry is the deputy registrar with the provincial Office of the Registrar of Lobbyists and has worked there since its inception in 2015. In 2011, she moved to Regina to work as an electoral management consultant for Elections Saskatchewan, after spending more than 20 years in the Northwest Territories’ (NWT) court system and then as its chief electoral officer.

“It should be noted that past AROs were typically Moose Jaw residents. Although Ms. Arberry resides in Regina, this is an asset as she will not have personal connections to Moose Jaw residents or city administration,” a council report said.

For the work done, the ARO is paid a daily remuneration that is two times the daily per diem rate that city council members receive, the report added. Since the cur-

rent per diem rate is $161.30 per day, Arberry would receive $322.60 for her work.

Zero complaints

City hall didn’t pay Arberry much in 2022 for her work, considering she received zero external public complaints. In fact, from 2019 to 2022, zero complainants have brought forward concerns.

The last time there were complaints was in 2018, when there were two issues: one by a resident and another by the city.

“The city seeks to provide exceptional customer service and spends considerable time and effort to resolve all complaints,” another council report said.

“When the city cannot resolve a complaint and believes that it has administered its bylaws, policies and regulations correctly, it will refer the complaint to the administrative review officer for an external review as an additional check on the system.”

SAMA continues PR push to explain property appraisal process

The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) is continuing its public relations campaign to explain how it assesses properties in Moose Jaw by providing more information to the community’s elected leaders.

SAMA sent a two-page letter to city hall on Jan. 11 explaining its property assessment process here. City administration then presented that document during the Jan. 23 regular council meeting, with city council voting to receive and file the document.

Parts of the letter are similar to the one SAMA sent to media in earlier January discussing its appraisal process. Assessments in Moose Jaw

While SAMA develops, regulates and delivers a stable, cost-effective assessment system, that does not mean property values will not change, only that values will be more updated, supportable and understandable, the agency said.

It values a property using a past base date, which means for 2021 to 2024, property values reflect the market conditions as of Jan. 1, 2019.

“(This) is an important part of a mass appraisal assessment system and is something SAMA and other assessment service providers in Saskatchewan are legislated to carry out,” the letter said.

In mass appraisal, service providers are concerned with valuing the property, not the business. SAMA’s goal is to capture what happened in the market on the base date, while it has “no vested interest” in increasing or decreasing the value of any land type. The only concern is

accurately capturing a property’s value.

“The property income (rental) approach used for these types of commercial properties provides the most fair, reliable and accurate assessed values for commercial properties and rental apartments in areas where there are active lease and rental markets,” SAMA said.

SAMA has no authority over taxation or implementing mill rates, which are the sole responsibility of municipalities since those tools allow them to maintain fiscal autonomy.

The agency also has no authority to influence the Board of Revision (BOR) — or a city hiring a new BOR, as Moose Jaw did in 2022 — or the Saskatchewan Municipal Board (SMB), which are independent and part of the existing appeal structure, the letter said.

“If the BOR or SMB has ruled that there is not enough evidence to overturn an assessed value, SAMA views this as evidence that we have carried out the assessment function in keeping with our legislated mass appraisal guidelines,” it said.

SAMA plans to review the 2022 appeal results to determine if changes are required in 2023, which it says is standard practice.

Since Moose Jaw’s commercial sales leading to the base date indicated different markets for various properties, SAMA grouped similar properties for assessment purposes, it said. The individual capitalization rates from sales are used to create a rate the agency applies to all properties in that group.

“Capitalization rates are solely determined by the

analysis of market data. The sales in Moose Jaw did not support a single capitalization rate (cap rate) model,” the letter continued. “Cap rates reflect the sales that have occurred in the local market and are used to determine property assessments.”

SAMA completed seven steps while following standard appraisal practices for assessing commercial properties in Moose Jaw, including:

Starting with existing property information in the agency’s database from previous inspections

Collecting rent return data from owners to help identify market rents and expenses as of the base date

Acquiring property sales data from Information Services Corporation, verifying them to determine if sales are arms-length and determining property information when the sale occurred

· Using this information and property attributes to determine assessments and model or predict property values as of the base date

· Applying the models to the sold properties

Testing the results by comparing the proposed assessment to the property’s selling price

Applying valuation models to all commercial properties to determine the assessed values

By following these steps, SAMA successfully supported its valuation models in Moose Jaw at the SMB in 2021 and the local BOR in 2022, the letter added. Also, SAMA acknowledged the importance and integrity of the appeal process “to ensure transparency and fairness” in the assessment system.

Caribou Heights’ softball diamonds to be renamed after late coach Eddie Moore

Gordon Edward (Eddie) Moore had a major effect on the sports community in Moose Jaw, perhaps none more so than on the growth of ladies’ fastball.

Moore was a founding member of the Moose Jaw Ladies Fastball Association and played a key role in developing the diamonds at Caribou Heights. He also volunteered much of his time working on the diamonds and supporting the organization as a coach.

The sports enthusiast also played and coached other sports in Moose Jaw during his life, which ended in 2022 at age 75.

The fastball association wanted to celebrate Moore’s dedication to the sport, so it sent city hall a letter last July inquiring about potentially renaming the two ball diamonds at Caribou Heights after its founder.

“He loved this sport and to watch all of us ladies and the fans fall in love with it too. Our organization couldn’t think of a better way to honour his love and dedication than with this renaming request,” association president Erin Tribier wrote.

The association suggested naming the diamonds Eddie Moore Park, Eddie More Athletic Park or Eddie Moore Softball Diamonds. It noted that the renaming would not affect the adjacent Elks Football Field.

The parks, recreation and facilities advisory committee considered the request and then submitted a recommendation to city council to rename the ball diamonds at Caribou Heights the Eddie Moore Park, effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Council received that recommendation during its Jan. 23 meeting and unanimously approved the suggestion.

“I was one of those fastball players who played alongside Coach Moore,” said Coun. Dawn Luhning. “He lived for that diamond and for those girls and for senior ladies’ fastball. And I couldn’t think of a more appropriate name for Caribou heights.

“Being that I was involved in building those diamonds out there, it’s kind of almost come full circle for me.”

The advisory committee established a sub-committee in September to complete research and consultation on the request, a council report explained. The sub-committee met in November and agreed to support renaming the ball diamonds.

The City of Moose Jaw’s municipal naming policy states that naming rights requests must be made in writing to the director of parks and recreation, who then forwards the request to the advisory committee to review and provide a recommendation.

The policy lays out conditions for a venue to be renamed, including that there are no historical or legacy implications with the name change, that the park or venue not already be named after an individual and that there are no existing sponsorship naming rights agreements in place.

The advisory committee determined that Caribou Heights has no historical or legacy implications and is named based on is geographical location.

In 1989, city hall entered into a licence agreement with the Moose Jaw Senior Ladies’ Fastball Association for the operation and maintenance of the existing ball diamond at Caribou Heights, the report said.

In 1995, both parties constructed a second diamond, with the association assuming operations and maintenance of that venue.

In 2020, both parties agreed to an updated licence agreement for an extra five years that expires on Dec. 31, 2025. As part of the agreement, the association has the first right of refusal for another renewal.

There are no financial implications to the city with the renaming request because the fastball association has money to install signage with the new name, the report added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Gordon Edward (Eddie) Moore was a founding member of the Moose Jaw Ladies Fastball Association. He died in 2022 at age 75. Photo courtesy MJToday.com

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, FEB. 13.

The enhanced downtown patrol pilot program helped deter six “unsettling incidents” during its four-week trial period, while city staff used the service after hours nearly 30 times for safety reasons.

From Oct. 27 to Nov. 24, 2022, the City of Moose Jaw and Moose Jaw Police Service conducted a pilot program for enhanced patrols in areas of concern. Areas that the two extra commissionaires focused on included Crescent Park, Happy Valley Park, Moose Jaw Cemetery, Elgin Park, Wakamow Valley, Town ‘n’ Country Mall, Kinsmen Sportsplex/skate park, the library and the Events Centre.

The program intended to place uniformed security personnel in a marked vehicle in visible areas to deter “unsettling incidents” that have occurred in those areas, a city council report explained.

The security personnel worked under police direction and had direct radio communication with police headquarters to report suspicious activities.

The pilot program also sought data that focused on the number and type of incidents, whether there were reduced calls for service to the police, and whether there was a reduced need for assistance from residents and city employees.

The commissionaires reported six incidents to the MJPS, with four incidents for squatting in businesses and parks, one for a dangerous driving incident, and one for a possible business break-in, the report said.

Meanwhile, city staff used the service 21 times after

Extra Commissionaires deterred crime in high-profile downtown areas, report says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

hours for escorts to their vehicles.

“City staff were more at ease knowing there were regular patrols through parks and facilities,” the report said.

The facilities and buildings supervisor also used the service twice for after-hours escorts into city venues because of intrusion alarms. The supervisor would likely have entered these buildings alone if not for the commissionaires.

The city’s current process is if an intrusion alarm goes off, the supervisor logs into the system and determines what’s happening, parks and recreation director Derek Blais told council. If the supervisor can’t identify what’s happening, he visits the site and takes the necessary precautions if alone.

“But this is something we’re working on, about a working alone policy. We sometimes have operators working alone in areas where we do not have a lot of public activity,” he added.

“I know the Moose Jaw police are (usually) busy, but I really have a problem with an employee going into a facility … by themselves,” said Coun. Doug Blanc. “I have a real concern for their safety in that. That just baffles me a bit.”

The parks and recreation department had no reports of break-ins or vandalism in Crescent Park or other municipal buildings during the pilot project, the report continued. In comparison, there is usually a monthly occurrence of

break-ins, with more frequent crimes in the summer.

There were 29 reported uses of the enhanced patrol during the four-week, eight-hour patrol program — 224 hours total patrol hours — or one occurrence or assist per eight-hour shift.

“Considering that there were no reported incidents of break-ins or vandalism in any city facilities or parks during the pilot program, it seems that the enhanced patrol was a deterrent,” the report said.

There is no available funding to continue the program now or throughout the summer, so city hall will review that issue with the police service. The cost for the security personnel was $2,700 per week or $10,800 for the four weeks.

Mayor Clive Tolley had similar concerns as Blanc but appreciated the late-night security escorts being available, especially in the winter. He thought that issue was reason enough to institute the program full-time.

The mayor then motioned that council should consider a full-time patrol program during December’s 2024 budget talks.

“… the budget would be about $140,000 a year. So to me, it would be the least expensive way to get more eyes and ears on our parks and buildings,” Tolley added. “And I think it would be money well spent.”

Council then unanimously approved the motion.

Canadian Tire gets OK to develop adjacent land for more businesses

Canadian Tire Properties Inc. has received permission to further develop land adjacent to the company’s new retail store for more new businesses, including a barber shop, clothing store and fast-food restaurant.

During its Jan. 23 regular meeting, city council unanimously voted to approve a proposed feature surface lease for part of parcel E at 400 Thatcher Drive East as part of accommodations for the new Canadian Tire store. The surface lease is considered a “subdividing instrument” under The Planning and Development Act because it registers a lease — for 10 years or more — on part of the property.

The city approved the new Canadian Tire construction in 2021, while the store opened in May 2022. The approval for the lease is required for new retail stores to the east of the existing building, a council report said. The property is zoned C3 vehicle-oriented commercial district, but the lease agreement will not alter the existing and proposed commercial land uses, while parking spots on the site will remain shared.

The city entered into a servicing agreement with Canadian Tire Real Estate Ltd. for the new site, but the pro-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

posed leasing area does not fall within the existing utility easement area as part of that agreement and will not affect the application, the report continued. Meanwhile, sanitary and water services that service the entire site will remain shared.

The report added that city hall referred the proposed surface lease to the relevant utility companies for comment, but none gave any negative feedback or comments.

Coun. Doug Blanc noted that in the report, city administration suggested council could reject the subdivision application. He wondered how council could deny the request when the other new buildings were already constructed.

“Maybe there should have been an application (from Canadian Tire) prior to starting the second phase,” he added.

The only thing the company wants to do is lease the property, which means it would have to leave the land under current ownership and as is if council rejected the application, said Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development.

Meanwhile, there is a requirement that building

City to provide water to new member of rural co-op group

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The City of Moose Jaw will soon provide water to another rural resident south of the community as part of a 33-year agreement with a water collective organization.

The municipality and the Ninth Avenue Viaduct Co-operative Ltd. have had a partnership since Oct. 17, 1990, which sees the city supply water for domestic use to 12 members.

The group sent city hall a letter on Oct. 6, 2022, asking that their co-operative be allowed to add another water line to the current 12 lines. The group noted that it discussed the matter with the Water Security Agency and received no pushback from the Crown corporation. Moreover, the new line would be directly off the main pipe and not require a spur.

City administration brought the issue to the Jan. 23 city council meeting, with council voting unanimously to

approve the Ninth Avenue Viaduct Co-operative Ltd.’s request to add a new rural water connection.

A council report noted that the group used 3,140 cubic metres of water in 2021, while that would likely increase to 3,400 cubic metres — an extra 260 cubic metres — annually with an additional customer.

The group would be responsible for all costs associated with the new water connection, while the city would not be financially liable for any issues, the report added.

The municipality agreed in 2019 to provide water to other users outside city boundaries, but concerns arose about people quietly connecting to water lines without the city’s knowledge, city manager Jim Puffalt said. So, council passed a motion that any new connections must receive permission first.

foundations must be created first before the company can lease out the property.

Some of the new stores expected to occupy the site include Winners, Edo Japan, Jump.ca SaskTel outlet and a barber shop.

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 Lot 49, Blk/Par 6, Plan No. 99MJ15800, Ext. 0, civically known as 80 Manitoba Street East, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is a discretionary use within the C2HER – High Density Commercial and Heritage Overlay Districts. 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, February 13, 2023 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, February 13, 2023, 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 to replace an existing “Communication Antenna Support Structure” on Lot 23, Blk/Par 4, Plan No. E5228, Ext. 0, located on the corner of Caribou Street East and 13th Avenue Northeast, which is a discretionary use within the R6 –Mobile Home Residential 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, February 13, 2023 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, February 13, 2023, in person or by email at planning@moosejaw.ca.

Tracy Wittke – City Clerk

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, FEB. 13. Two city councillors have apologized to a property developer for comments they made about it after a condominium group alleged the business failed to install their storm drains properly.

Officials with NewRock Development met with city administration in mid-November to clarify the company’s role and responsibility for its infrastructure work at The Estates at Creekstone condominiums.

This was in response to the condo board chair’s criticisms in late October that the company had failed to properly install storm drains, resulting in a pool of smelly water after some residents released water from their sump pumps.

NewRock wrote Puffalt and city council a letter in late November summarizing its concerns with the condo board’s presentation. City administration then presented that letter during the Jan. 23 regular meeting.

The Moose Jaw Express will feature another story summarizing that letter.

“They felt somewhat that the information (presented) was not 100-per-cent (accurate) on both sides. So they wanted to share more information with us. So that’s their letter,” Puffalt said.

The company officials’ main point was the condo owners did not approach them about their issues before they spoke to council, said Michelle Sanson, director of planning and development. NewRock will work with the board considering it developed solutions to previous problems with past boards.

Councillors apologize for comments about developer’s work with condo project

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

There was a turnover on the board in 2017, which is one reason there was no communication between the groups, she added. NewRock is willing to address the current problem, but the association must pay for all repairs since it’s a private group.

“I would like to — after reading the letter from NewRock — apologize to NewRock for the negative press they got following that meeting,” said Coun. Heather Eby. “And it is a reminder to myself that this is what happens when we get one side of the story only, and when sometimes there are always two and sometimes three.”

Eby acknowledged that it’s easy to become emotionally affected by what presenters say and then forget there could be another side. She begged the company’s pardon for her comments that may have painted it negatively.

She added that she appreciated the letter’s contents, including how the company worked with previous condo boards and used proper geotechnical evaluations during its infrastructure upgrades.

Coun. Crystal Froese also issued a mea culpa, saying she didn’t realize that previous condo boards — and not the present one — had spoken to the developer about infrastructure problems. She believes that’s where the communication mix-up originated since she assumed the former had spoken with the latter.

“So, my apologies to NewRock. I meant no disrespect whatsoever,” she said. “But sometimes we go with what people put in front of us.”

NewRock’s vice-president of operations, Rob Whit-

ten, wrote in the letter that he wanted council to ask the media for a correction or retraction of council’s statements from October because of “uniformed and irresponsible comments,” Coun. Kim Robinson said. He wondered if that was something the city should consider.

City administration would have to review the meeting film to see what was said, determine whether the comments councillors made were reported negatively, and go from there, said Puffalt. He noted that the media sometimes doesn’t report things 100-per-cent accurately.

“Not to disparage anybody, but we should look at it (the video) again … ,” he added.

Editor’s Note: In the comments directly above, Mr. Puffalt makes the statement that “…media sometimes doesn’t report things 100-per-cent accurately,” which might be true when he is generalizing all media as one.

Our reporters tape all conversations for clarity and we report what was said, especially direct comments that are individual quotes. As has been noted in the past, often statements are ammended after the fact in their council meetings, privately or in conversation, but we are not privy to their ammendments and corrections prior to publication.

If our media publications have reported something wrongly that was misconstrued and written inaccurately by one of our reporters, we are more than happy to issue a correction if we are at fault.

Council’s ‘uniformed and irresponsible comments’ harmed reputation, business says

A property developer is pushing back against the “bad press” it allegedly received about its work to upgrade the drainage and sump-pump problem for The Estates at Creekstone condominiums.

NewRock Development submitted a letter to city manager Jim Puffalt and city council in late November after a group from The Estates spoke to council in October.

The developer offered its side in the letter and discussed its work since turning over the condo project to the board in March 2017.

Condo residents said during the presentation that they were dealing with smelly drainage problems and wanted to re-direct that sump pump water into the sanitary sewer system.

City administration presented NewRock’s letter at the Jan. 23 regular city council meeting, which council voted unanimously to receive and file.

Background

Although there was no motion from the October presentation to address the situation, council still asked city administration to meet with NewRock to address the condo reps’ concerns, a council report explained.

City administration met with Rob Whitten, vice-president of operations, and Darrick Muth, manager of operations, in mid-November, which allowed the business to clarify its role and responsibility with the project.

The officers explained that their company had submitted plans to city hall for approval that a civil engineer had designed and stamped while it had followed all the proper approval processes. NewRock installed the sewer and water infrastructure in 2013-14 and asphalt in 2017

before turning over the land to the condo board.

The current condo board did not contact NewRock before it reached out to city hall, while the developer has worked on various solutions over the years to address the drainage issues with this development, the report added. NewRock is willing to work with the new condo board to solve the issues, while the board would be responsible for all costs.

‘A negative light’

“It has been years since we last reviewed the site drainage/active sumps with the condo board, so we were shocked to see NewRock’s name splashed across the news in such a negative light,” Whitten wrote.

The developer worked with the two previous condo boards to address their water issues, but a “common challenge” is the owners are usually divided on ideas, opinions and how best to proceed, he continued.

The first condo board had concerns about standing water in the drainage swales, so NewRock presented a solution to the residents. The owners decided on French drains in specific areas, which the developer agreed — at no cost — to install. These proved successful in removing water from the areas where water built up.

“Overall, the owners were happy with this design and results, but some owners did not like the appearance,” added Whitten.

The second condo board wanted to address the water coming from the French drains and parking lot by installing rock wells to direct the water underground. NewRock provided the geotechnical reports and contacts for additional consultation with another geotechnical engineer.

However, the work never occurred because the owners disputed the proposed upgrades.

‘An unfair bleak picture’

NewRock followed all required procedures, codes and bylaws throughout the project’s development and conducted a proper geotechnical land evaluation that did not show unusual or high groundwater levels, said Whitten.

“Obviously, some of these active pumps are causing problems and the presentation to council presented an unfair bleak picture of the development. Regardless, council and staff have an obligation to research and be well-informed prior to making judgment or comment,” he continued.

“The picture that the City of Moose Jaw painted of NewRock was unjustified, inappropriate and harmful to our reputation. Since 2012, we have maintained an excellent working relationship with the City of Moose Jaw and invested millions to help develop the community.”

Whitten then highlighted some news headlines and comments from councillors that he believed were unfair.

Not only did the “bad press” damage the company’s reputation, but it also created panic among some clients and purchasers, with two homeowners attempting to cancel their new purchases, Whitten continued.

He thought it was unacceptable for council to make “uninformed and irresponsible comments on the public record.” He wanted council to push the Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com and Discover Moose Jaw to retract or correct the comments.

Certain bus users can use expired passes until gov’t papers arrive, council says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Transit users who need discounted passes but don’t have their government documentation because of delays can use expired cards for a week until they can purchase a new one.

During its Jan. 23 regular meeting, council unanimously agreed to authorize city hall to accept expired discount transit passes on buses for a seven-day grace period at the beginning of each month. This will allow the necessary paperwork from the Ministry of Social Services to arrive in the mail.

This motion arose after the special needs advisory committee recommended to council that city administration investigate this situation.

“Administration does not see any risk in implementing this request. The back of the pass can be stamped at point of sale to identify its eligibility for this request and

presented to bus drivers during the seven-day grace period,” Darrin Stephanson, director of public works, said during the meeting.

Discounted bus passes are not available on the HotSpot app, he explained. City hall contacted the ministry about possibly providing information for the app, but the province said it could not provide the data because of privacy concerns.

“However, some recent information did come to light at our last special needs advisory committee that we got to do some investigation on that may allow us to introduce the HotSpot app,” Stephanson said, “but that’s to be determined at this point.”

Implementing this request will involve the department making a one-time purchase of a custom ink stamp for each sale location “at minimal cost,” he added.

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

The next regular council meeting is MONDAY, FEB. 13. City council liked the work Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. (WMC) performed last year for Board of Revision duties so much that it has re-hired the Meota-based company for another year.

Council hired the Saskatchewan business last June for six months to act as the Board of Revision (BOR) and hear business owners’ property assessment appeals. The hope was that WMC would provide more timely and favourable property appeal decisions compared to the former citizen-composed board.

WMC received 74 property appeal claims last year, with six resolved by agreements to adjust, eight withdrawn and 60 sent to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, a council report said. Of those 60 appeals, five were successful in having their assessments overturned.

The city paid WMC $44,735.45 for its service during the six months, whereas in 2021, it paid the inhouse BOR $41,475.

The report noted that there were 117 appeals in 2021, 29 claims in 2020, 82 appeals in 2019, 100 claims in 2018 and 106 appeals in 2017.

During the Jan. 23 regular meeting, council voted

Council reappoints Western Municipal Consulting to hear property assessment appeals

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

unanimously to appoint WMC to manage BOR duties from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023, with BOR members being Tim Lafreniere, Mike Waschuk, Gordon Parkinson, Dave Thompson, Wayne Adams, Jeff Hutton, Dave Gurnsey, Murray Dean and Stew Demmans.

Furthermore, council agreed that the board chair would be responsible for naming no fewer than three members for hearings of any matter, and if the chair were not included in that group, the three members would determine a chair from among themselves.

WMC’s Kristen Tokaryk will also act as board secretary, but if she cannot perform her duties, she can appoint a delegate to perform administrative functions and a recording secretary for hearings.

Both the board members and Tokaryk will be financially compensated, with the secretary paid $50 per hour, the senior consultant $90 per hour and board members $90 per hour, the report said. Board members will receive a pay increase this year since they received $75 per hour last year.

There will also be other costs, such as 60 cents per kilometre for mileage and 15 cents per page for printing.

“We (the city) have a limited role in the property assessment process,” city manager Jim Puffalt said during the meeting, noting the costs between an in-house BOR and WMC are “roughly the same.”

Council is responsible for deciding what type of BOR will best serve the municipality, so it contracted WMC – an independent entity – last year for the first time, he continued. WMC was responsible for deciding how appeals are managed without influence from the city.

The province amended several regulations last year related to the property assessment appeal system, which – among other things – require all BORs to be certified to hear appeals starting with the 2023-taxation year, Puffalt said. Furthermore, the changes regulated fees that boards can charge municipalities that use those services.

“Western Municipal Consulting is certified by the province of Saskatchewan to provide this service. With regards to the service, we know that the work was completed in a timely fashion, again at the same cost,” he added. “So, we suggest that we carry on with that process for 2023.”

Letter from SAMA about its practices creates mixed views on council

Some city councillors believe a letter from the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency explaining its activities provides no new information, while another councillor thinks the media and business owners are confusing the issue.

City council discussed the letter during the Jan. 23 regular meeting, after the agency (SAMA) submitted it as part of its public relations campaign to better explain its property assessment practices.

This letter gives another side to the issue, considering during the Jan. 13 council meeting, the concerns of business owners dominated the meeting, said city manager Jim Puffalt. SAMA wanted council to know that it takes property assessments seriously.

“This was also publicized in the (Moose Jaw Express) newspaper a week ago, so this is to show both sides of the story,” he added.

Blurring the issue

“I appreciate that this is here. What I do find interesting is … I know SAMA asked you (city administration) to do this, but I think there’s more to it (the situation) than that,” said Coun. Dawn Luhning, a member of the SAMA board.

“And it has to do with concerns coming from the business property owners and the information that is be-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

ing reported in the media,” she continued. “And the mix of lines between who’s responsible for what, and in particular, SAMA being responsible for assessment and the City of Moose Jaw being responsible for taxation.

“And there’s a lot of crossover in the media in these reports, and even some of the comments being made by the business owners, where things are getting a little bit confused.”

SAMA likely submitted this letter to address any incorrect information floating in public about its practices and assessment services, Luhning said. She also thought the letter was used to “unblur some of the lines out there” about what was happening with some business properties.

The councillor added that the SAMA board has a meeting on Friday, Jan. 27, so she would acquire more information then.

No new information

It’s good that the letter is present and on public record, but it doesn’t shed new light on the matter or the issues presented to council, said Coun. Heather Eby. SAMA’s comments about comparative assessments for buildings also don’t make much sense.

“So I know that SAMA follows policy and procedures, but none of this in here addresses what has been brought to us by the business community,” she contin-

Nearly $400K in provincial funding to support new bus purchases, city says

The City of Moose Jaw plans to use nearly $400,000 in one-time funding from the provincial government to help upgrade two aging buses.

The province contacted city hall in late December about a grant program from which the municipality could acquire money to address transit or housing needs, but the deadline to apply was Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, a city council report explained

During 2023 budget deliberations, city administration had identified two regular buses that had reached the end of their lifespans.

There was insufficient capital reserve money available to replace both vehicles — each had an estimated shortfall of over $200,000 — so administration recommended proceeding with the purchases by using an equal amount of money from the transit major equipment reserve — $100,000 for each bus — if provincial or federal funding could also be found.

“We didn’t want to essentially cripple the transit equipment reserve with future purchases … . The grant money would reduce that reserve drawdown and it would leave reserve dollars in place for future purchases,” Darrin Stephanson, director of public works, said during the meeting.

“We have talked fairly extensively over the last few months on the increases broadly in equipment – and certainly that is in the transit areas as well – so we do have needs coming up. And, we would have funds available still then to address those needs in the next couple of years.”

The grant that the provincial program is offering is

$172,850 per vehicle, for a total of $345,700, proportional to the average ridership from 2015 to 2021, the report said.

During its Jan. 23 regular meeting, council voted unanimously to authorize city hall’s application for the one-time public transit funding program 2022-23 for the purchase of two regular buses.

Council also agreed to meet legislated standards, terms and conditions of the funding program, conduct an open tendering process for the bus purchases and fund the municipal share of the capital purchase.

The department of public works spoke with the department of planning and development and learned that the latter had no new identifiable housing projects that could be eligible under the program, which meant the bus application could proceed, said Stephanson.

This provincial funding will not be available in the 2024 budget year, but if council wanted, it could apply the money to the 2023 budget to reduce the overall mill rate by 1.04 per cent, he continued. However, doing that would mean the 2024 budget starts with an operating deficit of $345,700.

“Using this money for the capital equipment actually does benefit the operational budgets as the operational budgets incrementally … fund the capital reserve to replace the equipment,” Stephanson stated.

Each bus costs roughly $700,000, so the provincial funding would help offset the remaining $400,000 defi

cit, he said while responding to a council question. This means city hall would only have to dra

ued. “And I understand that there is always people getting lines blurred and misinformation, but my questions have not been satisfied with what we’ve received from SAMA to date.”

Coun. Crystal Froese agreed that the document had no new information, even if it did provide a high-level view of what the agency does. She then wondered if there was any news about the secondary audit that council requested on Jan. 13.

City administration has spoken with SAMA’s quality assurance division director and shared information, said Puffalt. Even though there is a SAMA board meeting on Friday, he was unsure if that was enough time for the requested audit to make the agenda. Yet, he understood that the organization wanted to move quickly on the demand.

“I feel SAMA has had multiple opportunities to tell their side of the story. I really don’t see the need for this,” said Coun. Kim Robinson. “We need more concrete answers, rather than just ‘this is how we do it.’”

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Prestigious physician recalls ‘stimulating’ start to career at Weyburn Mental Hospital

Gordon Edgar - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

Dr. Lance “Murray” Cathcart had a prestigious career as a physician, including helping to found the specialty of family medicine in Canada, but it was in Weyburn, as part of the legendary team investigating psychedelics, that he got his start.

Now 94, Cathcart claims to have taken the very first experimental dose of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) at Weyburn under the supervision of Dr. Humphrey Osmond, an English psychiatrist, and his colleague Abram Hoffer, a Saskatchewan biochemist and psychiatrist who established and directed the province’s first psychiatric research program.

[Editor’s Note: The article below is a personal story and recollection of an experiment done with a psychedelic drug and not in any way a promotion or recommendation to use such substances without medical supervision.]

Osmond was one of the most influential psychiatrists of his day. He coined the term psychedelic, guided well-known author Aldous Huxley through his first mescaline experience, and through his collaborations and letters had an outsized impact on many other leading figures of the time.

“I remember it fairly clearly, although it was several hundred years ago,” Cathcart laughed. “It’s one of those things that doesn’t escape the mind. I was the first one to take LSD at the (Weyburn hospital).

“Osmond was a natural researcher, he had a very curious mind, and he brought that mind to bear at the hospital in Weyburn.”

Cathcart said that he was part of a group that revolved around Osmond and his ground-breaking ideas. Osmond’s company was “stimulating,” he recalled, and he kept every student, staff member, and volunteer busy.

“He was one of those people who constantly poured out ideas and creative topics for research. He had us all working. He had me working, at one point, on a microscopic count of red blood cells. He wanted to know whether they were influenced by an injection of LSD. Turned out they weren’t, but that was my particular job.”

A prestigious career as a physician

Murray was born in Saskatchewan in April 1928. His father was a pharmacist at Weyburn and helped facilitate his son getting a summer job there as a student. Murray was inspired by the environment — it was at the Weyburn Mental Institution, also called the Souris Valley Extended Care Centre, that he decided to become a doctor.

He had a difficult time at first, he said, because so many Second World War veterans were entering the medical field, and they had first choice for open positions.

Cathcart started at the University of Saskatchewan, and after several years he travelled to Vancouver’s Shaughnessy Military Hospital for his residency. Despite not intending to study surgery, he said he ended up becoming a practiced surgeon at Shaughnessy, leading to the next stage of his education back in Saskatchewan.

“I went to Saskatoon City Hospital (after that), for an additional year’s residency, in surgery actually, and from there I went out into the country in Saskatchewan, to a small town called Frontier,” Murray remembered.

After Frontier, Cathcart practiced medicine at a large clinic in Richmond, B.C. for 12 years. In the hippie days, he volunteered at the Vancouver Cool Aid Society.

His work on behavioural science and cultural anthropology won Cathcart a Nuffield Foundation grant that took him and his family around the world in

1968/69.

“They gave me an initial $25,000 to travel around the world studying … residencies in family medicine — how other people were doing it,” Cathcart said. “It was a great trip; I learned a lot in some major cities. Jerusalem was a very fine experience, and Hong Kong was a great experience, as was Hawaii.”

The move to specialization for physicians was thinning the pool of general practitioners, so in 1969 the University of Toronto set up a department of family and community medicine — the first such department in any Canadian faculty of medicine.

Dr. Lance Murray Cathcart became the first head of the new family practice division, in the basement of St. Michael’s Hospital. Within a year, the department went from five to 25 doctors. Cathcart taught family medicine at teaching hospitals throughout the country. From 19791980, he was president of the College of Family Physicians in Canada.

Cathcart retired in Toronto at 57 after some health problems. In his retirement, he has taken up sculpting, furniture-making, and gardening — he’s planted over 30,000 trees on his farms near Wiarton, Ontario.

That first ‘trip’

Cathcart still recalls his LSD experience at Weyburn as being one of the most significant experiences of his life. He was 24 at the time, a medical student, and didn’t tell his parents the plan for that day.

“I knew they’d worry themselves sick the whole day,” he said. “I didn’t tell them I’d taken it until after, I knew they’d be on tenterhooks the whole time if they knew I was upstairs in the clinical area of the hospital, and dad was down on the first floor in the pharmacy.”

There was nothing recreational about

the experiments, Cathcart noted. Osmond and Hoffer had many theories to investigate, one of which was that LSD and other psychedelics could simulate the mindstate of their patients, especially people with schizophrenia. That theory did not last, but they moved on to others, including work on addictions that has been revived by researchers in the present day.

It was known that LSD was not addictive, habit-forming, or physiologically harmful, but they also knew that ‘trips’ could potentially be traumatizing.

“They didn’t want to (administer an amount) that would do any harm,” Cathcart explained, “so they were very careful with their dosage, and there were numerous qualified people in the room.

“There were two or three psychiatrists, senior psychiatrists, and there were social workers, and clinical nurses, all very interested in what was going on. And later on, some of them did it, too.”

Historical account

MooseJawToday.com reached out to Dr. Erika Dyck at the University of Saskatchewan to see if she could provide any extra information.

Dyck is one of the world’s leading medical historians when it comes to psychiatric work in Saskatchewan. She has consulted on numerous projects, including with the team behind the recent Netflix documentary How to Change Your Mind, helped to build the official archive that includes the Weyburn hospital, and has published many articles and books on the history of eugenics, psychedelics, and mental health in Canada and Saskatchewan.

Dyck has a database of patient experiences at Weyburn that she has been working on for many years. That database is restricted from outside access and cannot simply be browsed. An initial search for the name “Cathcart” did not find anything.

However, Dyck noted that the digital transcription of paper records was not always perfect — and found Murray’s original account with his last name misspelled.

It was June 21, 1952, less than a year after Osmond had moved from England: “On Saturday, June 21st, 1952, at exactly 10.00 a.m. I took 100 mu. (1 c.c.) of Lysergic acid,” Murray’s account reads. “At this time I felt no emotion other than the excitement of anticipation, such as is felt before an examination, taken when one is not prepared. At 10.30 I began to feel giddy and euphoric. A sudden and unexplainable burst of foolish laughter made me realize that the drug was beginning to take action.”

The account goes on to describe the few hours of the experience with a researcher’s eye for detail, and concludes:

“I would never have missed this experience. I feel I have had more clearly defined the bounds of behaviour I can expect of myself. I also feel I will be able to understand more sympathetically the problems of the patients in the hospital and also those 60% to 70% of patients who may perhaps make up my future practice.”

The archive is not complete and cannot be searched by date, but Dyck said that ’52 was very early, putting it well within the realm of possibility that Cathcart’s account is the very first.

Dyck has pored over nearly 800 written accounts from Weyburn, and noted the extensive screening and patient preparation that characterized the early work of Osmond and his team.

“There’s lot of hype and stories about the unethical ways that people use psychedelics, but I actually think (the Weyburn team) tried to do a pretty good job. … There was always someone appointed as a scribe … and the patients or subjects were never left alone,” she added.

Scott Cathcart, Murray’s son, was delighted to see a copy of his father’s account still existed.

“It serves to highlight the tests again, and how cool they were,” Scott told MooseJawToday.com. “But for me, the story is more about this guy, because, you know, dad came out of nowhere. He had to have a family friend put him through medical school, and he was always doing the unconventional thing. … that would become cutting edge.

“You’re hearing some kid talking about his dad, and sort of revering him,” Scott laughed. “That’s not unusual, but I’m telling you … he was always flying at a superior elevation.”

Note from Osmond

Murray’s 1952 account of his experimental session has an addendum: a personal note from Dr. Humphrey Osmond. His shorthand style of writing has been left as is:

“Dear Murray, Many thanks for yr account of the LSD adventure. It is extremely interesting I think we were lucky to get such a good experimenter as you. … Again thank you for being willing to do this job to further our knowledge of these remarkable illnesses and I believe, also, of human personality, for in spite of all the guff on the books we are still very ignorant. yrs. HO.”

The ’60s subculture backlash — along with notoriously unethical military experiments such as the Central Intelligence Agency’s MK Ultra project — utterly killed that era’s research into psychiatric applications for psychedelics.

As the modern “psychedelic renaissance” continues to enjoy a resurgence in research, early accounts such as Murray Cathcart’s inspire renewed interest in the work of Saskatchewan’s medical pioneers.

Murray Cathcart on the beach in Manzanillo 1964 (courtesy Scott Cathcart)

Murray Cathcart at a recent family gathering (courtesy Scott Cathcart)

Complete Car Care and Repair “Located in the Heart of Downtown” 888 Main Street Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) celebrated Family Literacy Day with the children

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) celebrated Family Literacy Day in the children’s department with tots up to five years of age. Many fun activities were held during the afternoon on Thursday, Jan. 26.

“This is an event, especially for young children to recognize parents and their roles in literacy with them,” coordinator of the event, Christine Boyczuk said. “Our mayor proclaimed and declared this week Family Literacy Week to be celebrated in schools and other facilities.”

The hope is to highlight the importance of families helping to develop the literacy of their children.

MJPL hosted the event with children’s storybook reading, colouring, a family craft – bookmark making and dancing. The library also gave old books away to families to take home and enjoy with their children.

“We’re doing activities that are geared towards families. We’re learning about multiculturalism and about how all families are different,” MJPL Children’s department coordinator Aislinn Lawreniuk said. “We’ve also got some school-age

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

“I heard about it on Facebook and wanted to stop by to check it out [so that my kid could socialize with other kids] as well,” Marlene Baldwin said. She said her son was born during COVID making it hard to go out to meet other people with children.

joiners here today as well.”

A parent, Brittany Kirkup said, “It’s so great to be able to bring Waylon and enjoy some activities at the library; we enjoy coming here.”

She says she enjoys coming to the

book reading class every Tuesday with her son and encourages everyone to come and utilize the programs the library offers.

It is a fun place to come for children’s entertainment and a good engaging place for parents to meet other parents.

Earliest Family Resource Centre (EFRC) celebrated “Hooray for me” themed Family Literacy Day

Earliest Family Resource Centre (EFRC) celebrated Family Literacy Day with their “Hooray for me” theme. The indoor activities included songs, dance, story reading, and snacks, as well as offering horsedrawn wagon rides outside at their facility on Friday, Jan. 27.

“We’ve got lots of fun activities going on,” Facilitator of EFRC Rebecca Mackey said. “We are so excited and so happy to see so many faces; it’s lots of fun.”

“The theme for today is celebrating our heritage. We are providing many ac-

Saddman Zaman - Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com

tivities with children ages zero to five to talk about their family, draw about their family and sing about their family,” Coordinator of EFRC Wanda Peakman said.

She said the EFRC organized the activities for literacy during an in-person event, making it easier to build connections and relationships with families.

“It’s great to just get to know everybody,” she said.

EFRC arranged stories and storybooks on the wall down the hallway, dance programs and activities were also held.

One of their interesting social diversity connections was about heritage, to write the names of cookies in their ethnic language.

Their most popular activity was the horse-drawn wagon rides.

She says, for many families, this is a completely new experience to take a horse-drawn wagon ride.

Mackey said her favourite activity was seeing the smiling faces of the families and the kids participating.

“We are happy to see everybody and hope to see them come to upcoming events,” Mackey said.

Aislinn Lawreniuk coordinator of MJPL children’s department is reading out a story to the children.

Brittany Kirkup with her son Waylon.

Horse-drawn wagon rides.

(l-r) Rebecca Mackey and Angie McCormack are two facilitators of Moose Jaw Early Family Resource Centre.

Families are engaged in craft building and colouring which are one of the fun activities hosted by Moose Jaw Early Family Resource Centre to celebrate Family Literacy Day.

Warriors pick up back-to-back weekend wins to hold third place in Conference

Moose Jaw rallies in third for 5-1 win over Brandon Friday, take 3-2 overtime victory over Medicine Hat Saturday

Randy

The Moose Jaw Warriors needed a pair of comebacks to find the win column on Friday and Saturday at the Moose Jaw Events Centre, overcoming an early goal by the Brandon Wheat Kings before taking a 5-1 win in the weekend opener before scoring late to tie the game and winning 3-2 in overtime against the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Moose Jaw improves to 30-15-0-3 with the wins and continue to hold down third place in the Eastern Conference, one point up on the Saskatoon Blades and five points back of the second-place Red Deer Rebels. Saskatoon has four games in hand, Red Deer two.

Brandon got off to a great start on Friday night, with former Warrior Calder An

derson scoring the opening goal only 1:23 into the first period.

That would be the last bit of good news for the Wheat Kings, though, as Harper Lolacher tied the game in the second before the Warriors took control of things with four goals in the third. Ryder Korcak scored a pair, while Atley Calvert scored the game-winner 7:36 into the final frame and Lolacher wrapped up scoring with 3:41 to play.

“It was definitely a slow start, we gave up an early one there, but about 10 minutes in we figured it out a little better,” said Warriors defenceman Logan Dowhaniuk, who capped the contest with a pair

of assists. “Then in the second we got the power play goal and in the third we were just firing on all cylinders, so it was a nice win.”

Connor Ungar was his usual solid self with 32 saves in the Warriors’ net, while Carson Bjarnason made 28 stops for Brandon.

“I think we have all the talent in the world here, the only thing we’re struggling with is consistency,” Dowhaniuk said. “It’s just coming in every day and doing what we can to win. I think we’ve been doing a lot better with that this past month, so we just have to keep it going into the playoffs.”

One night later, it was another example of what has become a never-say-die attitude for the local squad.

Trailing the Tigers 2-1 with five minutes remaining in the game, Martin Rysavy tied the contest with 4:15 to play and Jagger Firkus scored the game-winner 40 seconds into overtime to secure the win for the Warriors.

“I think throughout the season we’ve seen there have been quite a few games where we don’t give up, we score goals late in the third, and it shows there’s no quit in this group,” Firkus said. “It’s good to see, especially with a lot of depth guys coming through lately, too.”

Calvert scored his team-leading 28th goal 5:06 into the second period to tie the game, but Owen MacNeil would give Medicine Hat the lead back 7:29 into the third. Oasiz Weisblatt had the Tigers’ other goal

In what’s become a bit of a broken record, Ungar made a host of big saves to keep the Warriors in the game until their rally, finishing with 34 stops. Beckett Langkow had a solid game of his own, making 29 saves.

The Warriors are back in action Wednesday night when they travel to Lethbridge, and Firkus expects his troops to continue their winning ways.

“Obviously we know it’s coming down the end of the season here, it’s almost playoff time, so we have to focus in and understand that these games against Medicine Hat and Brandon and going into Lethbridge next week, they’re games we need to win,” Firkus said. “We can’t be giving up points to those teams anymore. It’s huge for the group to get this win tonight and we want to keep going, for sure.”

Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Atley Calvert gets his stick on the puck in front of Brandon’s Carson Bjarnason, leading to the go-ahead goal in the third period. Nick Pettigrew

Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk leads the rush up ice during first-period action against the Wheat Kings. Nick Pettigrew

Jagger Firkus celebrates his overtime winner with Brayden Yager and Ryder Korczak. Nick Pettigrew

Martin Rysavy celebrates his late-game tying goal against Medicine Hat with Robert Baco. Nick Pettigrew

Yager, Unger help Team White take win in CHL Top Prospects Game

Yager picks up assist, Unger solid in second half of game as White takes 4-2 win over Team Red

After the kind of showing forward Brayden Yager and goaltender Jackson Unger put together in the Kubota CHL/ NHL Top Prospects Game on Wednesday, Jan, 25, it’s starting to look like the annual showcase of NHL Draft talent is a good place for the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Yager picked up an assist on his team’s opening goal and Unger was solid in goal in the second half of the game as Team White picked up a 4-2 win over Team Red in Vancouver.

Yager -- who was an assistant captain for Team White -- played alongside Koehn Ziemmer of the Prince George Cougars and Colby Barlow of the Owen Sound Attack, and it didn’t take long for the line to hit the score sheet.

Working on Team White’s first power play, Yager would work his way in on the right wing and find Barlow alone in front of the net, and a quick shot off a rebound would tie the game 1-1 at the 6:25 mark of the first period.

Yager would have a couple of scoring chances through the remainder of the

game and would finish with a pair of shots, win six of his 14 faceoffs and cap the night with a minus-one plus-minus.

Unger came into the game at the 11:30 mark of the second period and was all but lights out. He came within 36 sec-

onds of putting up a shutout in his half of the game, but Zach Benson of the Winnipeg Ice would score in the final minute..

Unger capped his night with 21 saves in 28:30 of action, while Scott Ratzlaff of the Seattle Thunderbirds had 24 stops as

the game’s starter.

The impressive showing for the two Warriors comes on the heels of a similar performance by a pair of Moose Jaw players in the 2022 Top Prospects Game -- Jagger Firkus scored a highlight-reel goal and Denton Mateychuk picked up an assist while turning in a solid showing on the blueline. Both were later high picks in the 2022 NHL Draft.

The game was tied 1-1 through two periods when Team White opened things up, as Carson Rehkopf (Kitchener Rangers) and Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s) scored to make it a 3-1 game before Calum Ritchie (Oshawa Generals) added an empty netter to salt things away.

Mathieu Cataford (Halifax Mooseheads) scored Team Red’s other goal. Yager and Unger were back in the line-up this past weekend, with the Warriors now travelling to Alberta for a threegames-in-four-nights swing through the Central Division. The opening game goes Wednesday night in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes.

Winmar Warriors split pair of weekend contests

Moose Jaw falls 5-3 to Tisdale on Friday, rebound with 3-2 win over Warman in pair of games at Moose Jaw Events Centre

The Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors might have seen their four-game winning streak come to an end, but they were still able to wrap up their weekend on a winning note Sunday afternoon.

One day after dropping a 5-3 decision to the Tisdale Trojans, the Warriors got right back on track with a 3-2 victory over the Warman Wildcats in Sask Male AAA Hockey League action at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

The Warriors are now 16-16-0-4 on the season, good enough for seventh place in the 12-team league, five points up on Prince Albert for the final playoff spot and seven points back of Warman for sixth.

A rough second period proved to be the difference in their game against Tisdale on Saturday, as the Trojans would score three straight goals and take a 4-2 lead out of the frame. Moose Jaw got one back late in the third, but would be unable to get any closer.

Dylan Duzan scored the Warriors’ lone goal in the first, Grady Hoffman had their goal in the second and Bryce Boughen wrapped up Moose Jaw scoring in the third.

cats’ Cade Hynd scored the lone goal of the second, giving his team a 2-1 edge heading into the final frame.

There, Fitzpatrick scored his league-leading 26th of the season with 30 seconds remaining to tie the game, and team captain Ryder Knutson would emerge as the overtime hero, potting the winner with 57 seconds left in extra time.

Fitzpatrick now has 54 points in 36 games this season and is second in league scoring, two points back of the Saskatoon Blazers’ Raiden Zacharias. Hoffman has 17 goals and 45 points and has climbed to eighth among SMAAAHL leaders.

Bain had 31 saves in the win, the Warriors fired 40 shots at Warman’s Corben Schnurr.

The Warriors continue their home stand during the coming weekend, hosting the Swift Current Legionnaires on Friday at 7 p.m. before the Saskatoon Contacts make the trip south on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Both games are at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.

Parker Dunn, Carter Ralston, Blake Girard, Jaxon Kehrig and Peyton Kostiuk scored for the Trojans.

Ryan Hicks got the start for Moose Jaw and stopped 12 shots in 31:34 of work, Ryan Bain turned aside all 14 shots he faced the rest of the way.

Things went far better for the local squad 24 hours later.

Warriors leading scorer Liam Fitzpatrick and Warman’s Liam Bursaw traded goals in the first period before the Wild-

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Team White, including Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager and goaltender Jackson Unger at the bottom right, took a 4-2 win at the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game last Wednesday night.

Liam Fitzpatrick threads a pass through traffic in front of the Tisdale net.

Winmar Warriors goaltender Ryan Bain makes a sprawling save during second period action against Tisdale.

Connor Miller came this close to tying the game midway through the second period against the Trojans.

Moose Jaw rinks fall short at Viterra Scotties provincial curling championship

Ackerman reaches Page Playoffs before falling in 3-4 game to Anderson; Barker loses in ‘C’ side final Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Both Penny Barker and Skylar Ackerman were able to make things interesting in their quest for the Viterra Scotties provincial curling championship, but in the end, it just wasn’t to be for the two Moose Jaw skips.

And as a result, there was a new provincial champion crowned on Sunday afternoon.

Barker and her defending champion Moose Jaw Curling Centre rink of third Christie Gamble, second Jenna Enge and lead Danielle Sicinski lost their first two but battled their way to the ‘C’ final on Saturday before dropping a 7-5 decision to Saskatoon’s Sherry Anderson.

Barker got off to a rough start in the contest, trailing 4-1 through five ends and 6-2 through seven. The two-time former provincial champ made things interesting with a three-spot in the eighth, but Anderson would pick up one in the ninth and run Barker out of rocks in the final end.

Things went far better for Ackerman and her Saskatoon Sutherland rink of third Taylor Stremick, second Kya Kennedy and lead Kaylin Skinner in their ‘C’ final bout against Regina Highland’s Brooklyn Stevenson.

High-scoring ends were the order of the day in the early going, as Ackerman

took a 3-0 lead out of the second end, only to give up four the very next frame. The teams exchanged deuces the next two ends before Stevenson -- who included Sask

curling legend Michelle Englot at third -stole two in the sixth for an 8-5 lead.

That would be the last good news for the Regina foursome, though, as Acker-

man put up a five-ender in the seventh to go ahead 10-8, stole two in the eighth and another three in the ninth for what turned into a comfortable 15-8 win.

That sent Ackerman into the Viterra Scotties Page playoffs for the first time in her career, and she came oh so close to reaching the semifinal.

Facing Anderson in the Page 3-4 game, Ackerman got off to a great start, building a 4-2 lead through six ends. Anderson -- the six-time former provincial champion and five-time reigning national senior champion -- put her veteran savvy to use from there, picking up a deuce in the seventh and stealing one in the eighth to go ahead 5-4.

Ackerman looked to take control of things with a big end of her own, scoring three in the ninth, but Anderson would get her deuce in the 10th and steal one in the 11th for the 8-7 win.

Martensville’s Nancy Martin defeated North Battleford’s Robyn Silvernagle in the Page 1-2 game before Silvernagle took a 12-7 win over Anderson in the semifinal. Silvernagle -- who represented Saskatchewan at the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw -- will be returning to the national stage thanks to an 8-4 win over Martin

Prairie Hockey Academy wins U17 Prep Prairie Classic championship

Cougars post 4-1 record on way to title; defeat Lloydminster

A season that has already been pretty successful for the Prairie Hockey Academy U17 Cougars became that much more impressive during the Jan, 21 weekend.

The Cougars put together a 4-1 record on their way to taking top spot in the annual Prairie Classic tournament at the Barkman Arena in Caronport, defeating the Lloydminster AAA Bobcats in the championship game.

“We were really proud of the boys, proud of the effort and the way they played the whole weekend,” said Cougars head

coach Rob Holoien. “We’re still knocking some of the rust off from Christmas break, we only had one game prior to the start of the tournament, but we found our legs in the first game and never looked back after that.”

PHA opened the tournament Thursday, Jan. 19 against Northern Alberta Extreme and trailed 3-0 through two periods before Avery Johnson and Kierin Osberg scored in the final frame. Luke McKechnie had 39 saves in the loss, the Cougars fired 48 shots at Northern Alberta.

AAA Bobcats in final as tournament hosts

As Holoien alluded to, that loss was a springboard for the team, and they’d find nothing but wins the rest of the tournament.

“I think it was just doing it for your teammates,” Holoien said in explaining their success. “They just bought into the systems and played a hard physical game. The other teams were saying we were coming in waves and that just shows their hard work and consistency to really want to win hockey games. I feel like we drown teams, we don’t give up, kind of a never quit attitude and that’s really good to see as a coach.”

The Prairie Hockey offence got on a roll in their next round-robin game, as they scored four second-period goals on their way to a 6-3 win over International Hockey Academy. Aidan Vallance had a pair of markers for PHA, while Osberg, Noah Friskie, Gage Nagel and Austin Wentz all had single goals. Cameron Beisal had 37 saves in the win, the Cougars had 29 shots at the other end of the ice.

After taking a default win over winless St. Mary in their final round-robin game, it was off to the semifinal on the afternoon of Jan. 21, where Prairie Hockey would battle to a 4-2 win over IHA. Val-

lance gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead out of the first period and Wentz made it a 2-1 game through two before Johnson and Cole King scored in the third to take the two-goal win. McKechnie was solid in net with 45 saves, while the Cougars had 49 shots.

That set up the championship final the following afternoon, where PHA turned in their best game of the tournament in a 6-1 win over Lloydminster. Johnson, Nagel, Friskie, Wyatt Dreger, Easton Banda and Mikale Budz all scored in the victory, with the latter three goals the only markers scored by defencemen for PHA in the tournament. Beisal had a solid game in goal and made 36 saves, while the Cougars once again outshot their opponents, putting 42 on net at the other end of the ice.

With the tournament title comes a championship banner, something that Holoien feels his players will be able to take pride in for years to come.

“Hanging a banner and being able to walk into this rink the rest of their lives, 15, 20 years from now, and say to their kids ‘hey, that’s dad, I played on the team that won that’. It’s a neat experience,” he said.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Prairie Hockey Academy Cougars won the Prairie Classic U17 Prep championship over the Jan. 21 weekend in Caronport.

Moose Jaw’s Skylar Ackerman (right) and third Taylor Stremick watch the action during the Moose Jaw SWCT stop earlier this season.

Briercrest Clippers women’s basketball, volleyball pick up weekend sweeps

Men’s hockey split two-game set with Augustana, men’s basketball drop pair of barnburners to Olds Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

It was another solid weekend for the Briercrest College Clippers women’s basketball and volleyball teams, as both Caronport-based crews picked up a pair of wins in Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference action over the weekend.

For the women’s basketball team, their weekend success was a continuation of a solid run of play as of late, as they took 80-73 and 60-55 wins on the road over the Olds College Broncos.

Briercrest found themselves in tough in the early going on Friday, as they trailed by five at the half and as much as nine in the third quarter, but would rally to take a 60-58 lead into the final frame and go on to the seven-point win.

Brooklyn Martens had 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Amber Fichtner had 17 points and 16 rebounds to go along with 14 points from Dori Sunderland and 10 from Sydney Latrace.

The rematch Saturday was close through the first half, but a 7-0 run midway through the third quarter broke a 4040 tie and would give Briercrest a lead they’d never relinquish.

Martens led Briercrest with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Fichtner had 12 points and 17 rebounds and Latrace 11 points.

The Clippers are now 9-7 and sit in fourth place in the South Division. ****

Things went much smoother for the Clipper’s women’s volleyball team, as they rolled to a pair of three-game wins over Olds College at the Margaret P. Reimer gymnasium in Caronport.

Briercrest opened with a 25-13, 2523, 25-16 victory on Friday, with Faith Buhler putting up seven kills and Kelsey Simes six to lead the offence. Simes added seven digs and seven aces to her totals, while Moose Jaw’s Summer Okerstrom picked up three kills and three digs.

The rematch on Saturday was much of the same, as the Clippers took a 25-21, 25-16, 25-7 victory. Julia Beer had a solid outing with 12 kills on 16 attempts to go along with eight digs, while Buhler had seven kills and eight digs.

Top teams continue to find success in Original 16 Cash League

Briercrest is now 8-7 and tied for second in the ACAC South.

****

The men’s hockey team split their two games against the Augustana Vikings in Camrose, taking a 5-2 win on Friday and falling 3-1 on Saturday.

Alex Pellerin had a goal and two assists in the opening win, which saw the Clippers tied 1-1 after the first and leading 3-1 through two. Trey Doell, Jacob Arsenault, Joshua Wiens and Caleb Grandfield had single markers. Jake Dale added two assists.

Dominik Tmej had 22 saves.

Colton Aikens had the lone goal for the Clippers in the rematch Saturday, as the teams were tied 1-1 through two before Augustana pulled away in the third.

Colter Pawlick turned aside 34 shots in taking the narrow loss.

The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Briercrest, with Clippers now 8-8 and tied for fourth place. ****

ter, but the Broncos would chip away, taking a 73-72 edge with 5:05 remaining and setting up a back-and-forth battle the rest of the way. It all boiled down to the last 10 seconds, but Zach Martens and Riley Seaborn each missed potential game-winning shots and Olds had their win.

Seaborn had 18 points and nine rebounds, while Matthew Bryant scored 17, Brolin Simes 13 and Martens 11 to go along with 10 rebounds. Moose Jaw products Kaedyn Banilevic and Danny Mullens had five points each.

It was more of the same a day later, as the Clippers led 73-65 heading into the fourth, Olds battled back to take the lead with 1:29 to play, and Briercrest had four cracks to tie the game in the final five seconds but couldn’t get the ball to fall.

Seaborn had a solid contest with 27 points, while Bryant had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Martens added 12 points. Mullens picked up six and Banilevic added five.

The Clippers are now 2-14 and in eighth place in the South. ****

The Briercrest men’s volleyball team took a pair of 3-1 losses in their matches against Olds, losing 25-21, 20-25, 25-16, 25-21 Friday and falling 28-26, 25-19, 2325, 25-16 in the rematch.

It was another good weekend for Karym Coleman, as he had 18 kills in the opener before putting down 23 kills and picking nine digs on Saturday. Brady Wachtel led the defence with 10 digs Friday and 16 Saturday.

Briercrest falls to 8-7 to sit in fourth place. ****

Protec Studios, KMS Construction, Froehlich all find wins in most recent night of competition

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The men’s basketball team found themselves in a couple of barnburners but ended up dropping 82-81 and 90-88 decisions to Olds, with both games going right down to the final seconds.

Friday’s match-up saw the Clippers take a 65-58 lead early in the fourth quar-

The men’s and women’s basketball teams are both at home against the SAIT Trojans during the Feb. 2 weekend, while the volleyball crews travel to Calgary to face the Trojans. Men’s hockey is in Red Deer for a pair of games against the Kings. There weren’t very many surprises in the most recent round of action in the Original 16 Cash League, as the top-ranked teams continued their winning ways on Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

The marquee matchup of the evening featured Matt Froehlich (9-5) taking on Pup’s Parlour (Jaedon Miller, 7-7), with Froehlich coming away with a narrow 6-5 victory. Froehlich took a 3-1 lead out of the third end, but Miller would pick up single points the next two frames to tie things up through five. Froehlich would take control of the proceedings with three the next end, though, and Miller would manage single points the final two ends before falling by one.

Protec Studios (Tyler Krupski, 104) wasted little time getting things done against Fountain Tire (Barry Silk, 5-10), scoring a pair in the first end and after Silk scored one in the second, promptly putting up a four-spot for a 6-1 lead through three. A steal of three the next end made it a 9-1 game, and the two teams would shake hands.

KMS Construction (Ben Gamble, 9-2) kept pace with the leaders, but found himself in tough against R.K. Sunview Farms (Dayne Heisler, 0-14) despite their record. A three-spot in the third end gave Gamble a 4-1 lead, but after the two teams exchanged single points the next two ends, Heisler began to chip away.

A deuce in the sixth made it a one-point game, and Heisler would steal in the seventh to tie things 5-5. Alas, their first win wasn’t in the cards, as Gamble put

Curling File

the hammer to good use in the final end, scoring his two for the 7-5 victory.

John’s Music (Ryan Wenarchuk, 7-8) wasted no time getting going against Rod Montgomery (7-8), scoring five in the first end. Montgomery wouldn’t go away quietly, though, using the hammer to pick up two at each opportunity and holding Wenarchuk to one, eventually clawing his way back to a 7-6 deficit through six ends. Wenarchuk managed a deuce of his own in the seventh and would take a 9-6 win.

The other game on the night was as quick as they come. KalTire (Dustin Woloschuk, 7-8) scored five in the first end, three in the second and that would be it in an 8-0 win over EMJ Marketing (Joe Gunnis, 4-11)

BTN Chartered Accountants (Penny Barker, 13-0) and Pro-Tec Electric (Stan Barnsley, 6-7) had the night off, due to Barker competing in the Viterra Scotties provincial championship.

Original 16 Cash League action continues every Wednesday night at the Moose Jaw Curling Centre.

be released until they have been paid in full. You will need to have a paid invoice to pickup your purchase. Price includes loading bales until March 3, 2023. Go to switzerauction.ca to register for this auction. This auction will be a soft close on Feb. 17, 2023. There will be a 3.5% Buyers Premium added to your invoice.

*872 LARGE SQUARE HAY BALES | *68 LARGE ROUND HAY BALES

It is the buyers responsibility to inspect the bales to their satisfaction before buying. All bales sell as is, where is. Sold by the bale. Price includes loading bales until March 3, 2023. Feed tests as of January, 2023. Large Sq. Hay Bales are shedded. For further info on the Square bales call Sheldon at (306) 630-9080. For further

on the Round bales call Jason at (306) 631-1621.

Thrashers win ‘C’ side during Moose Jaw U15 Classic tournament

Shootout win over Moose Jaw Stealth, commanding win over Regina Cougars lead to successful weekend for local team Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Thrashers got hot at just the right time during the recent Moose Jaw U15 B Classic tournament, and that would result in a ‘C’ side championship for the local crew during the Jan. 21 weekend.

The Thrashers posted a 1-2 record in the round robin but would find their winning ways with a 7-6 shootout victory over the Moose Jaw Stealth in their first playoff game before claiming the hardware with a 9-3 victory over the Regina Cougars.

It was a tough start for the local crew in their opener, as they dropped an 11-1 decision to the Saskatoon Admiral Bobcats before rebounding with a 4-2 victory against the Regina Shamrocks. A 5-1 loss to the Moose Jaw Hornets sent the Thrashers into the playoffs, where things immediately started going their way.

They found themselves in a barnburner in the semifinal, as Declan Halsall scored a pair of third-period goals to go along with single markers from Jacoby Webb and Dax Kalaniuk to send the game

into extra time. There, Kalaniuk scored the only shootout goal and Riley Barnett stopped all three shooters he faced to give the Thrashers the win.

Joel Gerbrandt and Torsten Erickson scored goals in the first and second periods respectively as the Thrashers trailed 3-2 through two.

Nixon Johnson and Miguel Rea had a pair of goals each for the Stealth, with Rea also picking up two assists. Jaxon Weston

had a goal and an assist, Sage Westerman had their other marker.

Things were far different in the ‘C’ final, as despite falling behind 2-0 early, the Thrashers would score seven straight and go on to their comfortable win.

Kalaniuk led the offence with four goals, while Marek Rajaczakowski scored a pair to go along with single markers from Halsall, Gerbrandt and Chase Folk.

The Stealth opened their run with an

8-2 win over the Lumsden Monarchs, but lost their next two 5-3 to Esterhazy and 8-5 to the Saskatoon Renegade Rage before falling to the Thrashers.

Both the Hornets and Moose Jaw Mafia were 2-1 in their round-robins before losing their first playoff games.

The Hornets took a 6-1 win over the Regina Cougars to go along with their victory over the Thrashers and lost their other preliminary round game 7-1 to the Saskatoon Razorbacks. They then lost their first playoff game 6-1 to the Saskatoon Renegade Rage.

The Mafia ran a gauntlet of Regina teams in their round robin, winning 7-2 over the Colts and 7-1 over the Cougars to go along with a 4-3 loss to the Royals. They then fell 8-2 to the Saskatoon Bobcat Crunch in their playoff game.

The Saskatoon Bobcat Admirals won the ‘A’ side title with a 7-2 victory over Esterhazy in the final.

Infinity Athletics receives bid for Allstar World Championship cheerleading competition Orlando

Hundreds of teams from all over the world to take part in elite event May 4-6

Moose Jaw’s Infinity Athletics cheerleading team will have a chance to show off their skills alongside some of the best squads in the world this coming May.

The Infinity Athletics U12 Supernovas were among dozens of teams in Youth Division Level 3 to receive an at-large bid to the Allstar World Championship during a special online announcement at the beginning of the month, and as a result, will be off to Orlando from May 4-6.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

“It’s very, very exciting,” said Infinity Athletics coach Melissa Marzolf. “These girls are quite young, they’re the youngest team in Saskatchewan to get a bid to go down to this level of competition, and quite a few of them have worked together for many, many years to get to this level. Their hard work is paying off and to see them hit that World stage is going to be very exciting, especially for the coaches as well.”

BEWARE

The Supernovas qualified through a virtual competition, which saw the team perform their routine before sending it in to be adjudicated. From there, it was wait and see, with the big reveal coming on Jan. 10 during the online At Large Bid announcement by Allstar World Championship. To say it was an exciting time when Infinity Athletics’ name popped up would be an understatement.

“Everyone was so happy, it’s wonderful to see all their hard work rewarded,” Marzolf said.

Since then, it’s been back to work. The Supernovas were one of three Infinity Athletics teams on the stage for the Edmonton Cold Snap competition during the Jan. 21 weekend and took first place, joining the U18 Interstellar and U16 Shooting Stars in claiming top spot in their divisions.

Building on that success will naturally be part of their preparation for the rest of the way.

“We have a few more competitions before Worlds, so every competition we’ll take that feedback, adjust what we need to adjust to try and improve that routine,” Marzolf said. “As we get closer there will be a few extra practices, we might work with a couple different guest coaches to get a different look, and then head on down.”

Infinity will first take the floor on Saturday, May 6 for the bid round and battle round, with success there advancing the local crew to the Finals on May 7.

The whole event promises to be an absolute whirlwind, but one Marzolf is confident the Supernovas will be able to deal with.

“They’re a young team, but they’ve been to a lot of competitions, so I think it will be extra excitement,” Marzolf said. “Even competitions around here are big and loud and exciting, so to be in a bigger venue with even more people, it’s going to be overwhelming excitement and just so much fun.”

The event will feature a first round of competition, with a percentage of top teams advancing to the second round, followed by the finals. All told, it could mean three or four performances on the world stage for the Supernovas

Naturally, the overall goal will be to win. And if one thinks that’s an impossibility given the massive scope of the competition, you don’t have to look far into the past to see what can happen -- while it was a different governing body, Moose Jaw’s Kendall Robinson was a member of Regina’s Rebels Cheerleading Athletics Team Smoke that won a world championship at a similar event last spring.

“We’re going down to give ‘er our all,” Marzolf said. “The virtual competition is the same scoresheets we’ll be scored on down there, so that’s pretty awesome to be able to see how we fare. Then as we get closer there are some opportunities to get our routine watched and get feedback from similar judges that we’ll be seeing down there. That way we can work to maximize that routine and do everything we can to do the best we can.”

For more on Infinity Athletics -- including upcoming fundraising ventures for the trip to Orlando -- check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ moosejawcheer.

The Moose Jaw Thrashers won the ‘C’ side at the recent Moose Jaw U15 B Classic tournament.

The Infinity Athletics U12 Supernovas react to receiving their At Large bid for the Allstar World Championship earlier this month. Infinity Athletics Facebook

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St. Agnes School celebrates Heritage Day with

St. Agnes School celebrated Heritage Day with their culturally diverse students and families in their gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 26 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this to showcase and celebrate all the diversity and culture that we have at the school; it’s an intimidating task,” Justin Clewis, Principal of St. Agnes School said.

“We have invited all parents to come and learn with us,” St. Agnes school community council member Windell Seargent said. “Once every month, we would encourage parents to meet with us to help the teachers and the school in any way possible.”

Kevin and Tam Heuyen are from Vietnam and newcomers to Canada. They were happy to share their culture with the community and to enjoy the day with their family.

Ololade Kassim and her family are from Nigeria. She came to the event to showcase a Nigerian dish made of Jollof rice with grilled chicken.

“We’re representing Scotland, Czechoslovakia and a little bit of Denmark and Ireland,” Czechoslovakian Kayla Anderson & Kaiven Anderson Blaha said. “We have a mix of Anderson and Blaha families from Czechoslovakia.”

Blaha says he is excited to eat all the

yummy food and enjoy the dance performances which will help us learn more about Moose Jaw and other cultures.

“We were excited to be invited by Holy Trinity Catholic School Division and St. Agnes school to join their cultural day. I think it’s going to be an enormous celebration of all the diverse and varied cultures that take part here at the school,” Moose Jaw multicultural council and SWIS worker Jennifer Maxfield said.

“We challenged our administrators to work with families to get them more incorporated into the school and St. Agnes came up with the idea of a cultural fair,”

Director of Education for Holy Trinity Catholic school division Ward Strueby said. “We believe our parents are the number one educator for their children.”

The principal of St. Agnes school kicked off the event with an introductory speech highlighting all their students and their parents who came from different parts of the world.

Vice-Principal Kyle Lichtenwald lead a prayer then the main event started with dance performances from the school’s Filipino students. After the performances, everyone got busy trying out all the diverse multicultural dishes.

In this event, there were participants from the Philippines, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre, St. Agnes School Community Council, Nigeria, Denmark, South Africa, Ecuador, Peru, Treaty 4 Metis, Catholic Girls league, Scotland, Ireland, German, Czechoslovakia, Ukrainian, MJ Public Library and Moose Jaw Council Inc.

The event ended with lots of food and friendship among diverse cultures.

Filipino students of St. Agnes performing their cultural dance.

Justin Clewis Principal of St. Agnes School is giving his introductory speech.

Ololade Kassim (center) and her Nigerian family with their Jollof rice and grilled chicken.

Agnes school community council member Windell Seargent.

Kayla Anderson & Kaiven Anderson Blaha are sharing their Czechoslovakian

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

Moose Jaw Women Who Care Zoom Fundraiser and Awareness Event for The Early Childhood Intervention Program on February 9th from 7-8pm via Zoom featuring Nancy Rosnes. For information, to register and receive your zoom link email 100wwcmj@gmail.com . The goal is for individuals or teams of 2,3, or 4 to attend the zoom meeting and donate $100. Every registration will be entered into a draw for a gift basket.

The Annual General Meeting of the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Police Service- 2nd Floor. The purpose of the meeting is to review the operation of the past year and to report on some of the activities and successes of the organization. As well, there will be an acknowledgement of support of the community sponsors.

St. Andrew’s Valentine’s Day Dinner will take place on February 12th from 5-8pm at the Crushed Can. Meal of ½ rack of ribs or dry ribs/Caesar salad. Tickets $20 – pick-up at 82 Athabasca St. E or call 306.692.0533.

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

“The deadline for submitting nominations into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, Battleford, is March 15, 2023. Please contact our office by email saskbaseballmuseum@sasktel.net or call 306-446-1983 for further information.”

Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation’s Annual Fish Fry will be held on Friday, March 17th and Saturday, arch 18th, 2023 at 1396 -3rd Ave N.E., Moose Jaw. Two sittings each day –5:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m. Tickets $30.00 each. Take-out meals are available. For more information or tickets please call: Doreen (306)692-4148 or Sandra (306)692-8848.

Lawn Bowls at Yara Centre for the winter. Lawn Bowling is an activity for everyone from age 5 to 105. It has fiercely competitive elements for the competitive athlete, yet is an inclusive activity for the strictly recreation players. It has been described as a cross between curling and billiards. Admission to Yara centre & no outdoor footwear is the only requirements for our indoor version of this GREAT sport.

Join in Monday night@7:00, Tues am@9:30, Wed. & Thur.@1:30. For more info call or text 306 690 8739. Drop in EVERYONE WELCOME. www.moosejawlawnbowling. com

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw

Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors –Meeting in Rm 103. You Are Not Alone! Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

Toastmasters clubs utilize communication skill compo-

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

nents to create the smorgasbord of benefits Toastmasters have potential to provide.

Big Country Toastmasters club meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. Regular training opportunities have resumed with in-person @saskpolytech in addition to virtual experience. For more information text 306-690-8739 or email officers-3418@toastmastersclubs.org

TAP Toastmasters will be holding their SpeechCraft until Feb. 28/23 Via zoom link from 7-8:30pm each Tuesday. Please email sherry.ross@ shaw.ca to receive the link if you are interested in learning how to speak better in a positive learning environment. This course can help you if you have an upcoming job interview, wedding toast, or just have to make a speech at work.

Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters Next Meeting February 02 & 16/March 02 & 16/ April 06 & 20/May 04 & 18 (last mtg until Sept) 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

TRY DANCING Monday

Nights–goes until February 20, 2023 - $50.00 per person for 6 weeks at Ecole St. Margaret’s School – 495 5th Ave N.E., Moose Jaw from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information call: Valerie 306-691-0579

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

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

The Moose Jaw Community Choir regular 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 encouraged (especially tenors and basses) and no audition is required. New members who are interested should contact the Choir Director Diane Rhodes at 306-640-8098 or message us through Facebook @Moose Jaw Community Choir.

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

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

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

Adult, Youth and Child Programming at Moose Jaw Public

SON PROGRAMS

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

New Adult Digital D&D Fridays 4-6 pm Looking to add a little adventure to your life? Join our New Adult Digital D&D. We meet online every Friday at 4:00 pm. New and seasoned players welcome. Registration required. For more information or to register, email youth@ moosejawlibrary.ca. For ages 15-22

Youth Programming IN PERSON & VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

Teen Dungeons & Dragons Thursdays at 6:30-8:30 pm. Join for Teen Dungeons & Dragons at the MJPL! New and seasoned players are welcome. Registration required. For more information or to register, email youth@moosejawlibrary.ca. Location: MJPL

Archives For ages 12-16

Youth Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

Teen eBook Club on Discord: “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” Tuesday, January 31 at 4:00 pm We will be reading “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” by C.J. Archer. The eBook and audiobook are available to borrow for free on Hoopla and the eBook is available on Library2go. On January 31 at 4:00 pm, join us on Discord to discuss the story! Join the discussion HERE. For ages 13-19

Children’s Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

Baby Storytime! Tuesdays, until February 14 at 10:30 am Come to the library for a short story, some rhymes, and songs. Caregivers will learn ways to talk, sing, and play with their children to increase early literacy. This is a dropin program, no registration required. Location: Children’s Program Room For ages 0-2 and their caring adults Preschool Storytime! Wednesdays, until February 15 at 10:30 am Join for a fun storytime with books, songs, finger plays, crafts, and more! Caregivers will learn ways to talk, sing, read, write, and play to increase early literacy skills. This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Location: Children’s Program Room For ages 2-5 and their caring adults

Daycare Storytime! Thursdays, until February 16 at 10:30 am Get ready to show your daycare kiddos how to have fun while increasing early literacy skills! Join us for some stories, songs, rhymes, and a fun craft. Registration required. Please register each caregiver and child in your group. Register HERE Location: Children’s Program Room For ages 2-5 and their caring daycare providers

Children’s Programming IN PERSON PROGRAMS

Children’s Programming IN PERSON & TAKE HOME PROGRAMS

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events. 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 upcoming Saturdays numbers.

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

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

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

Friday’s 8am -4pm 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. Everyone is welcomed.

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.

- Wednesday @ 6pm

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

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1

p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for

Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1

p.m.

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10

a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing –Wednesday’s @ 11am

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

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 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.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities

Weekly Activities for JANUARY

Monday: 9:30 Pickleball/1:00

Floor Shuffleboard/7:00 Camera Club – only on the 1st

Monday of each month – except this January it is on the 9th back to normal in February/7:00 Beginner Line Dance (except 1st Monday of the month) – except this January no line dance on January 9/23 back to normal in February

Tuesday: 9:30 Jam Session/1:00 Pickleball/7:00

Friendship Bridge/7:00 Beginners Only – Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30 TOPS/9:30

Pickleball/1:00 H&F Canasta/

1:00 Floor Shuffleboard/7:00

Lessons Only for Pickleball

Thursday: 10:00 Line

Dance/1:00 Pickleball

Friday: 10:00 Beginner

Pickleball/1:00 Regular Pickleball

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or 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! For More Information on anything Happening at the ANAVETS #252 Call or Text 306681-5998 or 306-692-4412 email anaf252@sasktel.net

Everyone Including NonMembers are Welcome to all our events!!

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

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

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: (to April 2023) - Drop in Darts –play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone

Welcome

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”

MONDAY THRU SATURDAY –DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY –Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

FEBRUARY 10 & 11, 2023 - 8:00 PM – Live - Music by Brandon & Company – dance away to great music in the Eagles Club Lounge.

FEBRUARY 17 & 18, 2023 –- 8:00 PM – Live - Music by Brandon & Company – dance away to great music in the Eagles Club Lounge.

FEBRUARY 25, 2023 - 8:00 PM - – Live - Music by Gary Kincaid and Bill Duncan – in the Eagles Club lounge –come out and enjoy great music and dance, dance, dance!

MARCH 17, 2023 – 8:00 PM –Come out and dance away to great music – live band – Too Easy

APRIL 14 & 15, 2023 – Live Band – Original Covers – playing in the lounge at 8:00 pm Come out and enjoy the music and dance dance dance.

APRIL 21 & 22, 2023 – Live Band – Brandon & Company – playing in the lounge at 8:00 pm Friday – Jam on Saturday at 4:pm to 6:00 pm – then again at 8:00 pm. Come out and enjoy the music and dance dance dance.

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

You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free Virtual Coffee Club talks at: https:// wdm.ca/coffeeclub/

Pic

A

Pant Pic-A-Pant

Next Moose Jaw Women Who Care event to benefit Early Childhood Intervention Program

Moose Jaw Women Who Care, a group that meets three times a year to benefit local community organizations, will hold their next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9 via Zoom to learn about the South Central Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP)

The Women Who Care project began in March 2021 as a way to raise awareness and gather funds for deserving local organizations such as Square One Community, Inc. and the Salvation Army.

“The idea is to spend one hour learning about groups like the South Central Early Childhood Intervention Program, that most people don’t know about,” explained Nicole Lillico, chair of Moose Jaw Women Who Care (MJWWC).

“And then, of course, we also want to raise funds, to help them with the work they’re doing so that they can reach more people and be more effective.”

Nancy Rosnes is the executive director for the South Central ECIP. She said more awareness of their work and funds to help is always welcome — especially after the impacts of the pandemic.

“Even though we’ve been around for

40 years this coming fall, unless you have a child with a delay or a diagnosis of a developmental disorder … you really don’t know that we exist.”

ECIP began as a grassroots movement by families who wanted more services for their children. They work with children aged birth to six months to help families prepare for school, increase basic neuromotor and cognitive abilities, and educate caregivers on the best ways to teach their children.

“We work with kiddos who have any sort of developmental delay, or they’re at risk for delay, or they have a diagnosed delay. So, if they’re not meeting any of their fine or gross motor skills (milestones), or they have a delay with their speech, or … autism, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, anything like that,” Rosnes explained.

ECIP is primarily a home-visiting service, and it has an office in Moose Jaw that families can visit, but their catchment area is bigger than some countries. That means they are typically stretched thin. Like everyone else, they have also had to adopt social-distancing practices during the last two years.

“We work with the kids and the families to model developmentally appropriate activities … All of our services are play-based,” Rosnes said. “Our region is the whole South Central area of the province … from Craik down to the US border. We go about halfway to Regina, and then about halfway to Swift Current.

“We’ve kind of continued hybrid services past COVID, and it works well for a lot of families. Many families want us to still come into the home, because obviously kids are most comfortable in their home environment and that’s where you’re going

to work with them best.”

The money raised by MJWWC will go towards buying toys, learning resources, and other supplies for families. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education pays for ECIP’s core programs, but doesn’t go past that. The ECIP vehicle fund also needs constant help because of the wear and tear of their extensive travelling.

“The early years are so important, it’s so vital for kids to get the services that will give them their best chance,” Lillico said. “The earlier we can get kids connected and getting intervention, the better their future will be.”

Lillico also announced a change for MJWWC in that they welcome anyone re-

gardless of gender to their meetings.

“We don’t want to change our name again, but we’re extending our invitation to everyone in the community.”

The goal is for each individual to donate $100 per meeting, which goes directly to the benefitting non-profit. Teams of four can also donate a collective $100 — $25 each.

Nevertheless, MJWWC is inviting everyone, even those who can’t afford to donate at all.

For more information or to register and receive the Zoom link for the meeting (Thursday, Feb. 9, 7 to 8 p.m.), email 100wwcmj@gmail.com and check out the MJWWC Facebook page.

306-691-0300 (instore)

306-681-3411 (home visit)

428 Main St. N.

& GAMES

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and ea 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. If

ANYWAY, ARCTIC, ASSOCIATION, BEWARE, CARRY, CHANCE COPPER, DIRK, FLOSS, GAIT, GIANT, GUARANTEE INSIDE, INTRODUCE, JACKPOT, MERCY, OPTED PENSION, PIPE, POUND, RADIO, REDEEM, REMAIN, REMIND RENEW, RESIST, SLEEP, SLICE, SLIME, SLOP, SOON STUN, SUPPOSE, UNITE, VOLLEY, WHERE, YOUNG

“The measure of a great life is not how well” -- loved you are, but how well you love others.

AUTOS

Wanted, an older truck running or not with little to no rust. Also whatever you might have from an old John Deere LA tractor that was manufactured in the 30’s or 40’s. Call or text

306-641-4447

AUTO PARTS

Set of 4 Safari ATR tires on dodge rims, P245/70R17, hold air good, close to new 8/32 - $500. Call 306681-8749

lent lawn tractor, and older truck with no rust. Call or text 306-641-4447

For Sale: Bryant Natural Gas Furnace. Input 125,000 BTU Output 95,000 BTU. For more info call 306-690-7227

Looking for the vintage bubble lights in working condition (Christmas lights) 306-681-8749

Assorted electronic cables, selling all together$2. 306-681-8749

Large assortment of clean containers including ice cream pails with lids - $3 for all. 306-681-8749

Firearms, I am paying cash for in the Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Any condition, parts, ammunition or anything pertaining to firearms. Call or text 306-641-4447

Good condition tires- Nitto Trail Grappler, 6/32 tread, 285/75/16 mounted on Dodge Ram 1500 rims. $400 obo, 306-6319853

Looking for any vehicle non working batteries

306-681-8749

Looking for a set of tail lights and front bumper deflector for a 2017 Ford F-250. Call 306-681-8749

MOTORBIKES & SNOWMOBILES

1990 Artic Cat 650CC skidoo. $800.00 obo. To view call Terry 306-630-2566

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

1” Irwin drill bit, $1.00.  Glass cutter (diameter)-made in Germany $1.00.  T-square$3.00. Utility work light (bulb included), with 30” cord, $4.00. Austin craft, 4 size socket tool, $1.00. Fuller long nose pliers, with cushion grip handles, $2.00. 306586-9263

FOR RENT

Looking for 2 bedroom apt that takes pets call 306.690.5326

For Rent- 1 bedroom suite, close to downtown, partly furnished. Available Feb 1st. Call Bob 306-6920000

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 experience with all makes and models. Please call or text 306 690 2611

Wanted John Deere

LA tractor, John Deere 316,317, or 318 or equiva-

18” necklace from Hawaii, shell/beads- $4.00.   Firewood – 5 boxes of firewood for stove camping, fireplace/pit etc. $16.00 all.   26 bath towels & 2 face cloths, $20.00 all. Framed mirror (like new) 371/4” x 44” x 11/1” d. $25.00.

Photo album- new $4.00.   COMFORTER, BEDSKIRT & 2 pillow covers, double/queen size, multi-colored, $20.00.  Double size fitted & flat sheets (mushroom color) & 2 pillow covers, $12.00.   1 chocolate brown toss cushion (new), $7.00.  Navy polar fleece blanket 50” x 60” for household, camping etc. $6.00. 12 double sided drape/shower curtain hooks, chrome color, new in pkg. $5.00.   11 egg cartoons .25cents all.    Drapes, dk. brown pleated drape, 96” x 84”, blackout, polyester, pocket rod with back tab panel, new $22.00.   Solid grommet panel drapes, polyester, mushroom color, 50” x 63”, new, 2 for $15.00. Brown grommet panel drape, polyester, 52” x 84” – $10.00.     Dk. brown pleated drapes, polyester with back tab panel, insulated foam back 48” x 45” – $14.00. 3 hallmark candle sticks- new $2.00all.

6’”h, hallmark pillar candle & black candle holder - $5.00 all. Call 306-5869263

6 room purple Martin birdhouse, easy to clean out - $25.00. Call 306-6818749

Kid’s hoola-hoop also makes a dog tire for agility - $2. Call 306-681-8749

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Red leather look arm chair (like new), at brick is $1600.00, plus taxes,

sell for $399.00. Bedroom – brass headboard (double/full size) has been lacquered, so no need to polish $125.00. Steel bedframe on 4 roller casters, adjusts from twin/double or queen size. &17.00. White melamine shelving unit – top & 2 bottom shelves (has backing in). Multi-use, office, shoes, pantry, closet, garage, books etc. 32”w x 32” H x 12” d. $15.00. Pinewood (med .color) shellacked dresser/buffet, (from meubles gutto Inc. in Quebec), multi-use, bedroom, hall, office, etc. 64”w x 18”d x 31”h.has 4 drawers, 3 with brass handles & 1 with porcelain knobs. And 2 doors with porcelain knobs and inside shelf. $350.00. Pinewood (med. color) shellacked night table or for office etc. with 3 drawers, 2 with brass handles & 1 with porcelain knobs.

(From meubles gutto inc. in Quebec) 24”w x 16”d x 25” h. $125.00 or both dresser & night stand for $399.00. Call306-5869263 CLOTHING

Male beige London fog coat (new tags still on), zip-out lining, size 42/44. never worn $24.00.  Male, rubber/water /mud boots, size 10 (Vulcan), like new, 13”h- $10.00. Male Wayne Gretsky top/sweater, #99, navy, 1/2 zip at front neck, l sleeve, size 2xl, new $15.00.  Male hagaar, top shirt/sweater, wine color, l. sleeve, poly/cotton, size XXL new $12.00. Black male dress slacks, 36w, 34l and can be longer is extra hem, like new$17.00. Female navy dress, cotton/spandex, sleeveless, crochet at front yolk, size med. $5.00. Female dk. green poly coat /rain, size XL, back pleat, attached hood, like new $7.00.   female pantyhose, assorted sizes & colors, navy, white, black, blue, spice etc. new in pkgs. price range from .50cents to $3.50 pr. female poly spandex navy coat, mesh lined, attached hood, size xl, washable, $12.00.  Female navy cotton/spandex slacks, size medium .wider leg, $6.00.  Female aqua color dress, with collar, sleeveless, V-neck, polyester, size 1x, $7.00.   306-586-9263

LAWN & GARDEN

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

306-681-8749

Newly built raised garden beds can send picture$40.00. Call 306-681-8749

Concrete back splash (for under eaves), so water drains away from. Bldg. 29”l x 11”w x 31/2”h. like new $7.00.    2 –20kg. Bags of rocks (natural stone color), for yard garden, etc. $2.00 all. 6 smaller plant pots, includes 1 with drain tray, and pkg. miracle grow, plant food spikes $1.00 all.   5 ft. vinyl scalloped edging, for trees, flower beds, garden etc. includes spikes and connector. $2.00.  Bulbar/ digger garden tool with wood handle, for flowers, garden, plants etc. $1.00.

306-586-9263

PETS

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

306-681-8749

WANTED

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

ANTIQUES Wanted: signs, toys, sports cards, gold & silver coins & jewellery, firearms, single items to full estates. Call 1-306539-8363 SERVICES

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/ siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Will pick up, move, haul and deliver furniture anywhere in and around Moose Jaw - $40 and up. 306-681-8749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver any size of TVs in and around Moose Jaw - $30 and up. 306-6818749

Will pick up, move, haul and deliver appliances in and around Moose Jaw$45 and up. 306-681-8749

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

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

306-681-8749

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

Semi-Retired Contractor

– 47 years in business, residential and commercial. Enjoys small or large projects involving plaster, drywall, concrete, painting, taping, texturing, stucco repair, tile and T bar. I work for the Heritage Society and enjoy beautification projects. Quality work.

Free estimates. Discount for seniors. Phone Bob

Huston 1-587-889-1000. Small Home Repairs. Plumbing, decks, windows, kitchens, bathrooms etc. No job too small. Phone 306-313-5151 Free pickup of unwanted snow blowers, garden tillers, generators, chainsaws, atv’s, lawn tractors, etc., in Moose Jaw and surrounding area. Call or text 306-641-4447

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

Wanted:

SIMMONS, MYRTLE

Our dearly loved mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, Myrtle Eleanor Simmons, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Thursday, October 27th, 2022. Eleanor lived a long, full life as she was 93 years old when she went to be with Jesus.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ken in 2008. They were together for almost 60 years, raised 3 children, and had 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her parents, Joe and Freida; sisters: Elsie, Dorothy, and Joyce; and brother, Russell. Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her son, Todd (Lorna); grandchildren: Judith (Scott) and their children Mabel and Zeke, Rachel (Rob) and their children Maisie, Kenneth and Emily, and Sarah; daughter, Lynn (Rick); daughter, Marilee (Kevin); sisters, Shirley and Norma; sister-in-law, Joan; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Eleanor was born on November 29th, 1928 in Moose Jaw, SK. She grew up on the family farm located between Parkbeg and Courval, SK. Eleanor attended school at Eastleigh and Mortlach, SK. After graduating, she attended Teacher’s College, and later taught at Kalamazoo School and in Medicine Hat.

Myrtle met, and later married, Ken Simmons on July 21st, 1948. Ken was in the RCAF and they were stationed at various places, including Barrie and near Ottawa, ON. Eleanor kept busy working in a grocery store and at a softball factory, where she hand stitched covers on softballs. One year, she even received an award for being top sewer of the year!

In 1954, upon Ken’s release from the RCAF, they purchased a farm near Mortlach, SK. In 1966, an opportunity arose to purchase a farm near Brownlee, SK and there they stayed until their retirement from farming in 1988. Upon retirement they bought a home in Moose Jaw on Corman Crescent, which they enjoyed together until Ken’s passing in 2008. In 2016, Eleanor sold the house and moved to a condo on Chester Road, where she resided until her passing.

Eleanor loved many things. Her family was always first and foremost on her mind. Eleanor was a wonderful cook, and many happy times were spent throughout the years around the dining room table. She was an avid sports fan. It really didn’t matter what sport it was, she enjoyed them all, especially baseball (Blue Jays) and curling. She also loved jigsaw puzzles and spent many enjoyable hours putting them together. If she wasn’t in her chair watching the TV, she was in her bedroom working on a puzzle. Eleanor also loved reading, crossword puzzles, petit point, all birds and animals (especially cats), gardening, flowers, and a good fried egg!

Eleanor and Ken enjoyed family gatherings which always included lots of good food, lively card games, and many memorable moments. We were blessed to have had her in our lives for so long. She will be dearly missed.

“Where there is deep grief, there was great love”

In keeping with Eleanor’s wishes, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Sunset Cemetery with Pastor Roger Foust officiating. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Eleanor’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Humane Society, 1755 Stadacona St W, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth -Intern Funeral Director 306-693-4550. www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

BOYLE, RUSSEL GORDON

December 27, 1943January 15, 2023

It is with deep sadness and heartache that we announce the passing of Russel Gordon Boyle following a short battle of pneumonia on January 15, 2023 with his wife, Judy, by his side.

Russ was born on December 27, 1943 in Kelvington, SK and was raised in Lintlaw, SK where he took his schooling. Russ and his father, Arza, received certification, via mail, from RCA for radio and TV repair and following this the family moved to Preeceville, SK in the fall of 1962 so Russ and Arza could open Preeceville Radio & TV Repair; a shop that was later ran by his brothers, Edgar and Howard. Russ relocated to Moose Jaw, SK in 1967, where he worked at was then known as STI (Saskatchewan Technical Institute) as an instructor in the Radio & TV Repair Program. In the mid-70s, Russ had the opportunity to live in Ghana, Africa for two years and teach this same program to the locals. After returning to Moose Jaw, Russ continued to work in the program and was then promoted to the Audio – Visual Department where he worked until his retirement on June 30, 2002. During his time at SIAST, Russ was extremely proud to be the key player in setting up an in-house studio where programs were broadcast for distance learning. This was a unique opportunity and experimental at the time; not what we know it to be today! During his early adult life, Russ was an avid bowler and won many tournaments. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and could be found at a number of derbies back in Preeceville and area. Russ enjoyed hunting and fishing, frequently taking trips with brother Howard and friends up North to fishing camps and into remote areas for hunting. Later in his life, golfing was his passion. Following his retirement, he could be found on the course almost every day.

In October 1981, Russ began dating Judy. Along with Judy came her daughter, Angela, who Russ loved and cared for as his own child. Russ and Judy were married in their home on New Years Eve 1986. Travelling was something the family enjoyed; many Christmases were spent on beaches and at the Disney’s. Summers were spent camping in their 5th wheel; visiting family and sightseeing. Over the years, they travelled to all but two provinces in Canada and saw one quarter of the United States; including a road trip to Alaska with his brother, Dan and wife, Lil. Following retirement, Russ and Judy continued to travel; highlights being a trip to Thailand and spending their winters on Vancouver Island and Mesa, AZ.

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.

In 2006, Russ and Judy decided to make Elbow, SK their home, thereby selling the home in Moose Jaw that Russ had lived in for more than 40 years. They bought a piece of property and over the next few years, Russ built them a beautiful home overlooking the 7th green of the Harbor Golf Course. Russ worked at the golf course for many years; being the go-to guy for anything that needed repair. He enjoyed lining up carts daily, working tournaments with Judy and speaking with golfers as they came and went. This was where he was truly happy.

In March of 2021, as his Alzheimer’s disease was progressing; Judy made the very difficult decision to leave Elbow and move to Saskatoon to be closer to family and the resources required to care for Russ. In May 2022 Russ moved into Oliver Lodge Special Care Home where he lived until his passing. The family wishes to thank the staff for their respect and care of Russ.

Their lives will never be the same without Russ; wife Judy (Hydamaka), daughter Angela Strand (Kirk Baillie) and, Russ’s true pride and joy, his grandson Sam Baillie. Papa & Sam were inseparable; they spent many hours on the golf cart, golf course and playground at Elbow. Russ was predeceased by his parents, Arza and Mary (Rieberger) Boyle; his brothers, Howard & Edgar Boyle; a sister, Lillian Holman; brothers – in – law, Ernie Stefanyshyn, Sam Didluck and Dave Hydamaka; mother – in – law, Pauline Hydamaka; and great – nephew, Sam Didluck. The loss of Russ will be felt by: brothers Jim (Carole) Boyle of Kamloops, BC; Dan (Lil) Boyle of Williams Lake, BC; Ron (Cindy) Boyle of Preeceville, SK; sisters Shirley Day of Langley, BC; Judy Stefanyshyn of Edmonton, AB; Corinne Didluck of Spruce Grove, AB; Sandra Boyle, Sharon (Dale) Zubko, Anita Boyle all of Preeceville, SK, Barb (Henry) Malchuk of Winnipeg, MB; brother- in – law, George Holman of Moose Jaw, SK and sister – in – law, Eileen Boyle of Saskatoon, SK. Uncle Russ will be greatly missed by his 26 nieces & nephews, 39 great nieces & nephews and 3 great-great nieces and nephews.

Russ was a wonderful man that touched everyone he met. The twinkle in his eye, warm smile and dry sense of humor will be missed by many, many friends and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held for Russ on FEBRUARY

18 @ 1:30 PM at Mourning Glory – Acadia McKague’s Funeral Home; 915 Acadia Dr. Saskatoon. Private interment will take place at a later date. Those wishing can make donations to: Harbor Golf Community Center, Box 8, Elbow, SK S0H 1J0 or Oliver Lodge Special Care Home, 1405 Faulkner Cres. Saskatoon, SK S7L 3R5. Please make donations in memory of Russ Boyle.

Arrangements in care of Mourning Glory – Acadia McKague’s Funeral Home; 915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK.

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Obituaries Published in the newspaper .55¢ per word, includes a photo.

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468 High St W | Moose Jaw, SK | 306-694-1322

OPINION/EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR LETTERS

RE: DISAPPOINTED WITH SPORTSNET

This is in response to Ivan Provorov’s decision to opt out of the pre-game skate, deciding not to wear the jersey celebrating the LBGTQ+ community but then playing the actual hockey game following.

I am appalled at the reaction this has caused, especially by the Sportsnet crew ie. Jennifer Botterill, Anthony Stewart, and especially Sam Cosentino.

Explain to me please why it is ok to support one person’s choice and decision to be true to his/her convictions and beliefs, but not okay for Provorov to make a choice based on his own personal beliefs, especially when he said nothing derogatory,

RE: SANCTITY OF LIFE

It is with sadness that I reflect on the Sanctity of Life Sunday, the last Sunday of January. Thirty-Five years ago on January 28th, the Supreme Court of Canada, Morgentaler Decision, struck down the existing abortion law as being unconstitutional. The Court did not decide on the abortion question; they did not demand it to be legal, nor did they find a Right to abortion for women. The court expected Parliament to pass a new abortion law. Therefore, thirty-Five Years later, Parliament still refuses to open the “ Debate.” (weneedalaw.ca/2021/03 threetakeaways-from-the-morgentaler-case.) As a result, there is no law and abortions are taking place throughout the nine months of pregnancy. Statistics show over 100,000 per year. (In the ninth month they

RE: MY COFFEE WITH FRIENDS

When did the news stop becoming the news? You know, information about the events of the last 24 hours followed up by a resolution of past events. Just the facts, that’s all.

What used to be a 1/2 hour broadcast has become days and days of opinions from supposed experts that are at least once, maybe twice removed from the original event. Today we also have the internet where anyone can say anything.

Opinions, that’s all they are. Yet these statements are affecting the way people react to everyday events in their everyday lives. What disturbs

Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:

Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect as of March 15, 2021.

• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 800 words, although they can be much longer to be included in our online daily MooseJawToday.com . In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.

• A full name and contact information will need to be included with each submission for verification.

but instead said that he respected others and their choices.

This was supposedly a night to honor inclusivity in hockey and life in general and celebrate people of different beliefs but ,clearly, Ivan Provorov was not given the same consideration.

Provorov has been raked over the coals for standing up for his own religion and beliefs, which he should be respected for. Sam Cosentino said that to say religion is a reason to stand up for our beliefs is “the oldest trick in the book” and that Provorov should explain himself so that he could show that he was “an idiot”. That comment by him was offensive

are rare, but it does happen.)

Daily in our media, we hear about the Crisis over the environment. Climate change and the plights of Polar Bears, the near extinction of Monarch butterflies and a 100,000 dollar fine or two years in jail for killing a bald eagle,(Alberta Fish and WildLife) or Saving the Amazon Rain Forest. Now protecting our world and the creatures therein is not a bad thing in itself, but my grave lament is that political leaders or the elite at the World Economic Form think nothing of killing babies in the womb, giving struggling mothers ample abortion opportunities rather than saying …we are here for you … your unborn baby is a human being and needs protection …how can we help!

I applaud our American neighbors ; tens of thousands of people Marched to the US Capitol Building

me is the number of people who believe unsolicited opinions that are circulating on the internet. They are often negative, homophobic and racially motivated. Today we are seeing a rise in anger directed at different ethnic groups, people’s sexual orientation and politicians. Common sense and public decency has flown out the window!

Recently, I had coffee with a couple of friends. I could not believe what I was hearing. I’ve always respected the opinions of my friends, but this coffee session made me stop and think. My friends had totally bought into the paranoia and presumptive attitude towards others.

Send

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

and shows that Sam Cosentino is indeed the ignorant one. Basically he was making fun of religion and what it means to people. Tell me why this is ok for a reporter to say these things.

I respect Ivan Provorov for standing up for his beliefs and convictions instead of just going along with whatever comes along in order not to make waves, even though it obviously wasn’t easy. In a world, where so few do stand up for what’s important, this was refreshing to see. Ivan Provorov, I applaud and respect you!

Noreen Norris

for the 50th annual March for Life celebrating the fall of Roe vs Wade decision just this past week.

And what about us …here in Canada….we can get very discouraged and even angry at the plight of our poor unborn babies, our future generations. What can I do as I reflect on this Sanctity of Life Sunday?

If I can encourage and support even one struggling mother to have the courage to give life to her baby or if I can have empathy for the mother that is silently suffering, because of an abortion, then it is the first step.

For Life…

Jean Landry

While riding home on the bus, I had time to reflect on my coffee break. I realized that intelligence is no match for brainwashing. That is what it is, slanted brainwashing. By constantly hearing over-andover again that the opinions being expressed reflect the opinions heard in the media by the listener. Unfortunately, negative reporting seems to trump positive reporting every time. All forms of today’s media need to wake up and take responsibility and present balanced fact based reporting, not opinions dressed up as facts.

By Fran Millar

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

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

Shibboleth

Doug asked for some research on the word shibboleth

If you are not familiar with this word, it is used in the contexts that follow. ‘She repeated the old shibboleth that time heals all wounds.’ ‘We knew that their claim of giving “the best deal in town” was just a shibboleth.’ Shibboleth means a platitude or truth, not necessarily accepted by all. It was used in the English language in 1638 as a saying employed by adherents of a group or sect that was usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning. Andrews Marantz wrote in The New Yorker (June 27, 2022), “At CPAC Orlando, most of the speakers ritually invoked the shibboleth that Trump had actually won the 2020 election, despite all evidence.” Both sides of the climate change debate quote shibboleths to make their point.

The Bible’s Book of Judges recounts the story of the Ephraimites (a tribe of ancient Israel), who, after they were routed by a Gileadite army (area of the present-day Kingdom of Jordan), tried to retreat by sneaking across a ford of the Jordan River that was held by their enemy.

The Gileadites, suspicious of the plan, asked every person who tried to cross if they were an Ephraimite. When an individual said “no,” they were asked to say “shibboleth” (which means “stream” in Hebrew). Most members of the tribe of Ephraim pronounced the word in a unique way, not articulating the “sh” at the beginning of the word but using just an ‘s’ sound. Anyone who did not pronounce the initial ‘sh’ was killed on the spot. (Judges chapter 12) When English speakers first borrowed shibboleth, they used it to mean a test phrase or password. The concept of a shibboleth has been used as such in many countries and languages.

There is an anecdote in Sicily that, during the rebellion of the Sicilian Vespers in 1282, the inhabitants of the island killed people belonging to the French occupiers by using a shibboleth. Those suspected of being French were outed because, when questioned, they could not correctly pronounce the Sicilian word ‘ciciri’ (chickpeas).

The legend goes that before the Battle of the Golden Spurs in May 1302, the Flemish slaughtered every French person they could find in the city of Bruges who could not pass a shibboleth. The Brugse Metten identified foreigners based on their inability to properly pronounce the Flemish phrase schild en vriend (shield and friend).

In October 1937, the Spanish word ‘perejil’ (parsley), was used as a shibboleth to identify Haitian immigrants living along the border in the Dominican Republic. Dominican dictator, Rafael Trujillo, ordered the execution of these people. It is alleged that between 20,000 and 30,000 people were murdered in the Parsley Massacre.

During the German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, the Dutch used the name of the seaside town of Scheveningen as a shibboleth to discover German spies among the Dutch. The ‘sch’ produces a ‘sx’ sound in Dutch, while the Germans would say it more like a ‘sh.’

In Australia and New Zealand, the words “fish and chips” are often used as a shibboleth to discover which country someone is from. Australian English has a higher forward sounding ‘i’, close to the ‘y’ in happy and city, while New Zealand English has a lower backward sound, a version of the ‘a’ in about and comma. Thus, New Zea-

landers hear Australians say “feesh and cheeps”, while Australians hear New Zealanders say “fush and chups”.

Also, we use shibboleth to refer to any in-group “coded” word or phrase that may distinguish members of a certain group from outsiders. Sometimes, this word simply serves as a synonym of the words jargon or slang, which are words that primarily get used by members of a specific group or subculture. In the IT community a shibboleth is a specific sort of a password that allows members of a particular community to access an online resource without needing to reveal their actual identity. You might want to try saying the word shibboleth three times in a row to determine your level of competency after having an alcoholic drink or the two you are now allotted for the week.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser

h AUTO RACING

Saturday

5:00 p.m. FSR NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, Practice.

7:30 p.m. FSR NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, Qualifying.

Sunday

4:00 p.m. FSR NASCAR Cup Series Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, Qualifying.

d BASKETBALL

Thursday

6:00 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers.

9:00 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks.

Friday 7:00 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Toronto Raptors at Houston Rockets.

Saturday

5:30 p.m. TSN College Basketball North Carolina at Duke.

7:30 p.m. WXYZ NBA Basketball Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors. TSN College Basketball Florida at Kentucky.

9:30 p.m. TSN College

Basketball Gonzaga at Saint Mary’s.

Sunday

4:00 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers.

5:00 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Toronto

Raptors at Memphis Grizzlies.

Monday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Los Angeles Clippers at Brooklyn Nets.

10:00 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors.

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans.

10:00 p.m. NET NBA

Basketball Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers.

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors.

9:00 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers.

3 CBKFT Stat (N) Infoman (N) Zénith (N) Enquête (N) Le téléjournal (N)

5 CFRE Neighbor (:31) Ghosts (:01) So Help Me Todd (N) CSI: Vegas (N) Global News at 10 (N)

6 CKCK Celebrity Jeopardy! Bob Heart Call Me Kat La Brea Sheldon Call Me Kat 7 WEATH Nature Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast Forecast

8 WDIV Law & Order “Mammon” Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: Organized News J. Fallon 9 CBKT Coronation Family Feud Bollywed (N) Bollywed (N) The Fifth Estate (N) The National (N)

WWJ Sheldon (:31) Ghosts (:01) So Help Me Todd (N) CSI: Vegas (N) News Late-Colbert

WXYZ Celebrity Jeopardy! The Parent Test (N) The Chase (N) News J. Kimmel 13 CTYS Law & Order “Mammon” Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: Organized Paramedics: Paramedics: 19 TSN 2022 Leg SC “Black Ice” (2022, Documentary) P.K. Subban. SportsCentre (N)

NET NBA Basketball: Lakers at Pacers Sportsnet NBA Basketball: Clippers at Bucks

EDACC Primetime Cash Cab Big Bang etalk (N) Rookie Blue “Butterflies” Criminal Minds “Face Off”

W Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Will & Grace Will & Grace Fire Country

ENCAV2 The Shack (:45) ›› “Van Helsing” (2004) Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale. Nurse Jack Nurse Jack

33 CMT Cheers Cheers Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier

35 TLC My 600-Lb. Life: Where Are They Now? (N) 1000-Lb. Best Friends (N) Too Large

38 DISC BattleBots Contenders battle to raise their place. (N) BattleBots (N) Homestead Rescue

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon ’Til Death Friends Friends Friends Friends

42 TCM ›› “The Ring” (1952) Gerald Mohr. ›››› “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) Gene Kelly. Fabulous

47 AMC (5:30) “Groundhog Day” ››› “Groundhog Day” (1993) Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell. Groundhog

48 FSR National Legend Cars National Legend Cars National Legend Cars National Legend Cars

55 CRV1 (6:15) “Light of My Life” (2019, Drama) “David Crosby: Remember My Name” Mark Forward

56 CRV2 (6:20) ››› “Dune” (2021) Timothée Chalamet. “Official Competition” (2021) Penélope Cruz.

57 CRV3 (6:35) ›› “Come Play” (2020, Horror) Doyle (:10) Friday Night Lights Bosch “El Compadre”

58 HBO Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Lovecraft Country

FRIDAY EVENING

7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30

3 CBKFT Au suivant (N) Les

Cash Cab Big Bang etalk (N) ›› “The Wedding Planner” (2001) Jennifer Lopez.

W Law & Order: SVU Law & Order: SVU Will & Grace Will & Grace “Groundswell” (2022)

ENCAV2 (5:30) ››› “Superman” ›› “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005)

“Madea-Reunion”

CMT Cheers Cheers Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier

TLC 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way With bonus scenes. 90 Day Darcey & Stacey 90 Day

38 DISC Street Outlaws The 405 try to regain momentum. (N) Diesel Brothers (N) Homestead Rescue

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon ’Til Death Wipeout Goldbergs Sheldon

42 TCM ›››› “Deliverance” (1972) Jon Voight. ››› “Conrack” (1974) Jon Voight, Paul Winfield.

47 AMC ›› “Now You See Me” (2013) Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo. ›› “Now You See Me 2” (2016)

48 FSR Hub NASCAR Race Hub Hub DRL Drone Racing

55 CRV1 (6:15) “After Yang” (2021) (7:55) ››› “News of the World” (2020, Western) “Black Ice” (2022)

56 CRV2 (:10) “This Is the Night” (2021, Drama) Madelyn Cline. Gordita Gordita RuPaul’s Drag Race (N)

57 CRV3 (6:20) “Father of the Bride” (2022) Doyle (:10) Friday Night Lights Bosch

58 HBO Black Art: In the Absence (:05) Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union Quincy Jones: Burning

SATURDAY EVENING 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30

3 CBKFT En direct de l’univers (N) Il était une forêt Le porteur (N)

Téléjournal Humanité

5 CFRE New Reality Our War “Watts & Drost” Border Nurses News SNL

6 CKCK W5 (N) “Love Blossoms” (2017) Shantel VanSanten. After the Storm: Hell

7 WEATH Nature Candid This World Candid This World Candid This World Candid

8 WDIV The Wall Dateline NBC Saturday Night Live News SNL

9 CBKT Bobsled and Skeleton Speed Skating “Indian Horse” (2017, Drama) Sladen Peltier.

11 WWJ FBI “Under Pressure” Bellator MMA 290: Bader vs. Fedor 2 - Prelims. (N) SEAL Team

12 WXYZ NBA NBA Basketball Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors. (N) News The Rookie

13 CTYS Hudson & Rex “Francesca Quinn, PI” (2022) Mallory Jansen. Paramedics: Paramedics:

19 TSN Basketball College Basketball Florida at Kentucky. (N) College Basketball

20 NET (6:30) 2023

NHL All-Star Game

Sportsnet Central (N)

NHL’s Best NHL

25 EDACC Corner Gas Vintage Underground Railroad Highway Thru Hell Fear Thy Neighbor

26 W “Wedding Veil” “Dating the Delaneys” (2022) Rachel Boston. “Sweeter Than”

29 ENCAV2 (6:20) ›› “Tolkien” (:15) ›› “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (2008) “Madea Goes to Jail”

33 CMT Cheers Cheers Cheers Cheers Neighbor Neighbor Neighbor Neighbor

35 TLC 1000-Lb. Sisters 1000-Lb. Sisters 1000-Lb. Sisters 1000-Lb. Best Friends

38 DISC BattleBots A legendary driver attempts to win. BattleBots More bots make their season debuts.

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends

42 TCM ››› “Cooley High” (1975) Glynn Turman. ›››› “Sounder” (1972, Drama) Cicely Tyson.

47 AMC “The Hunger Games” ››› “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013) Jennifer Lawrence.

48 FSR Race Hub NASCAR Cup Series Drone Racing League Drone

55 CRV1 (6:40) ››› “Ron’s Gone Wrong” “Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon” (2021) › “Firestarter” (2022)

56 CRV2 West Story “Aliens Stole My Body” (2020) “Black Ice” (2022) P.K. Subban. In the Earth

57 CRV3 ››› “The Batman” (2022, Action) Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz.

No Gain” (N) Heavy Rescue: 401 (N) Homestead Rescue

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon ’Til Death Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang Big Bang

42 TCM ››› “Little Women” (1933) Katharine Hepburn. (:15) ››› “My Sister Eileen” (1942) Brian Aherne

47 AMC ››› “The Goonies” (1985, Children’s) Sean Astin, Josh Brolin. ››› “The Breakfast Club” (1985)

48 FSR NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Hub Hub Hub Hub Hub

55 CRV1 “A Snowy Christmas” (:05) ››› “Dream Horse” (2020) Toni Collette. “Black Ice” (2022)

56 CRV2 (6:55) ››› “News of the World” (2020, Western) Magic Mike (:45) Finding Magic Mike Prisoners

57 CRV3 (:05) “A.rtificial I.mmortality” (2021) Doyle (:10)

Homestead Rescue

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon ’Til Death Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart Bob Heart

42 TCM ›› “The Doughgirls” (1944, Comedy) Ann Sheridan. ›››› “His Girl Friday” (1940) Philadelphia

47 AMC Lethal ››› “Lethal Weapon 2” (1989) Mel Gibson, Danny Glover. That Dirty Black Bag (N)

48 FSR ARCA Series ARCA Racing Series Daytona. Motorcycle Race

55 CRV1 (6:30) “This Is the Night” (2021, Drama) (:20) “Black Ice” (2022) P.K. Subban. › “Firestarter” (2022)

56 CRV2 ›› “Reminiscence” (2021) Hugh Jackman. Magic Mike (:45) Finding Magic Mike West Story

57 CRV3 (6:50) “Safer at Home” (2021) Doyle (:10) Friday Night Lights Bosch “Right Play”

58 HBO (6:50) Kings of Coke (:20) “Say Hey, Willie Mays!” (2022) “All That Breathes” WEDNESDAY EVENING

(2007, Children’s) Mako “Perfect High” (2015) Bella Thorne. BMF “Moment of Truth”

33 CMT Cheers Cheers Raymond Raymond The Office The Office Frasier Frasier

35 TLC My 600-Lb. Life Latonya wants to get married. (N) 1000-Lb. Best Friends (N) 1000-Lb. Sisters

38 DISC Lone Star Law (N) Moonshiners (N) Master Distiller Homestead Rescue

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Sheldon ’Til

Robbie Burns Night was celebrated this year in-person with live music entertainment from the local traditional Celtic band Desperate for Haggis at Bobby’s Olde World Tavern on Wednesday evening, Jan 25.

“We always have celebrated in the same way like we always have done [in the past with the band] Desperate for Haggis,” said Monica Haakenson-Cullen, owner of Bobby’s Place. “We are piping in the haggis.

“Looking around, I think tonight might be a bigger volume of people [this year].”

During the two years of the pandemic, smaller scale Robbie Burn’s Night events took place at Timothy Eaton and last year at St. Andrew’s church.

She says her father Bobby was the owner before she was and wanted to make sure the pub was built around Scottish culture, history and origin. This culture and tradition have been a mainstay for the last 20 years.

“We’ve done this for 20 years; we’ll continue to do it for another 20,” she said.

Moose Jaw Mayor Clive Tolley was in on the celebration and said, “We try to keep up the family tradition by coming and celebrating Robbie Burns night.” He says his grandparents, both from his mother’s side, came from Scotland (one from Glasgow and one from Edinburgh). He also says it’s a family tradition to attend Burns night every year.

“It’s a long traditional celebration

Market Place REAL ESTATE

night for Scots in particular, but not only just Scots who toast, celebrate and appreciate what Robbie Burns from Scotland represented with his life contribution way back in the 1800s but also the whole world gave recognition,” Don Mitchell from Desperate For Haggis said.

He says Burns was born on Jan. 25,

1759. He also said that Burns’s poetry and music was recognized internationally and spoke about progressive issues around liberty, freedom and ending slavery.

“We have a long history of Robbie Burns night and St. Patrick’s Day,” Doug Shepherd from Desperate For Haggis said. He says the band was formed in 2006, when he and Don Mitchell joined forces. They won the Best Music Award for the 2012 Hometown parade. Later Terry Lavineway joined the band.

The evening started with an introductory speech from Don Mitchell, followed by the piping in of the “haggis” by Michelle Carline-Gallagher playing the bagpipes and her husband carrying it. Gallagher then recited the famous poem Address to a Haggis written by Burns in the Scottish tradition. This poem resulted in making haggis the national dish of Scotland.

After the poem, the traditional toast to Burns and the haggis was held, followed by Desperate for Haggis playing traditional Scottish folk songs.

“It was a fun get-together for Robbie Burns,” said fellow Scotts person Carline-Gallagher, who said it was her first time back since the pandemic began.

(l-r) Michelle Carline-Gallagher and Doug Shepherd watch Andrew Gallagher reciting “Address to a Haggis.”

Marie Gibbs, an elderly Scottish woman who is nearing 100 years old gives a speech in honour of the Robbie Burns celebration.

(l-r) Desperate for Haggis – traditional Celtic band members Doug Shepherd, Don Mitchell and Terry Lavineway.

Mayor Clive Tolley celebrates family tradition.

l-r) Don Mitchell makes a toast and Andrew Gallagher and Michelle Carline-Gallagher lift a glass in honour.

Return of in-person Chinese New Year supper a feast for the taste buds

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

After a two-year absence, residents gathered again to celebrate Chinese New Year and enjoy a dozen extravagant ethnic dishes that left bellies sated and pants a little tighter.

The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network — formerly the Moose Jaw Chinese Association — hosted the delicious banquet on Jan. 23 at the Jade Garden Restaurant, with nearly 150 people enjoying food and fellowship.

The opening day of this year’s Chinese New Year was on Jan. 22, while the celebration lasts 15 days and ends on Sun-

day, Feb. 5, with the Lantern Festival. Attendees also helped welcome the Year of the (Water) Rabbit, the fourth symbol in the repeating 12-year cycle of animals appearing in the Chinese zodiac. The rabbit symbolizes longevity, peace and prosperity, while the most compatible zodiac signs with this animal are goats, dogs and pigs — just stay away from horses.

People born in this particular year — 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939 and 1927 — are considered gentle, quiet, polite, vigilant, witty, quick-minded, ingenious, skillful, kind, patient, intelligent, elegant and chic.

Their sense of responsibility and attention to detail lead to great career success. They sometimes are reluctant to reveal their minds to others and tend to escape reality but are always faithful to

those around them.

Overall, people born in the rabbit year are happy, lucky and a joy to have around.

During the meal, guests could sample 12 different dishes, such as crab meat, roasted barbecue pork, free-range chicken, crispy shrimp with walnuts, diced marble beef, crystal peach ribs, fish fillet with cashews and snow peas, crispy squash with fresh mushrooms, seasonable vegetables, fried rice with shrimp and genmai, fruits and brownies — all very mouth-wateringly tasty.

Throughout the evening, board directors Judy Quon and Kelvin Hu (president) gave door prizes to those with the correct ticket numbers. Prizes ranged from chocolate to green jade jewelry. They also gave prizes to anyone over age 80 as a sign of respect.

Members of the network include: Hu, Lin Fong, Quon, Mary Lee Booth, Gary Wong, Yanxia Liu, Helen Bai, Yeng Ling, Sandy Liu, Shaun Nanan and Xiaoming Zhu.

Quon and Hu kicked off the supper banquet by bringing greetings from the board — she in English, he in Mandarin — followed by comments from Travis Olson with RBC’s Moose Jaw branch. He then helped hand out hundreds of red envelopes, each with one loonie inside.

According to the legend, a demon

called Sui terrorized sleeping children on New Year’s Eve, so the parents tried to keep the kids awake to keep them safe.

One night, a child was given eight coins to play with to stay awake, but eventually became bored and fell asleep. The demon appeared and attempted to harm the child, but the coins emitted a strong light that scared off the demon.

Today, the red envelope is a symbolic continuation of these eight coins, symbolizing good luck and protection from evil spirits.

Unlike previous years, there was no traditional lion dance because the organization’s costume was in the shop for repairs. However, there’s always next year.

Gung ho fat choy (Happy New Year)!

Chinese community to host lantern festival event to honour Lunar New Year’s end

After holding a sumptuous Chinese New Year banquet to kick off the Lunar New Year, the Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network plans to host another event to end the two-week celebrations.

The network will hold a Lantern Festival Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Grant Hall Hotel. A cash bar opens at 5 p.m., with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. and a program to follow featuring a dozen live

performances, including dancers from the Saskatoon Dancing Group.

Tickets are $80 each or $620 for a corporate table of eight. They can be purchased at the hotel on 401 Main Street North (306-691-2113) or the Delight Café and Wok at 314 Fourth Avenue Southwest (306-630-1003).

A Chinese lantern festival — Yuan Xiao Jie or Yuanxiao Festival— is the 15th day after the start of the Lunar New Year that marks the first full moon of the year and celebrates the end of the spring festival period.

On the night of the Chinese Lantern Festival, streets are normally decorated with colourful lanterns, often with riddles written on them. People eat sweet rice balls called tangyuan, watch dragon and lion dances, and set off fireworks.

The lanterns symbolize people letting go of the past year, welcoming the new year with good fortune and “illuminating the future.” It is a way for people to pray that they will have smooth futures and to express their best wishes for their families.

Guessing (solving) lantern riddles started in the Song Dynasty (960 A.D. to 1279 A.D.) and is one of the most important and popular activities of the Lantern Festival. Lantern owners write riddles on paper notes and paste them on colourful lanterns. People crowd around to guess the riddles.

If people think they have the right answer, they can pull the riddle off and go to the lantern owner to check their answer. If they are right, there is usually a small

prize.

Meanwhile, Chinese people (traditionally) regard the lion as a symbol of bravery and strength and believe its appearance can drive away evil and protect people and their livestock. They also worship the dragon and regard it as a symbol of good luck.

The Chinese Lantern Festival can be traced back to 2,000 years ago and has two origin stories.

One story goes that at the beginning of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 A.D. to 220 A.D.), Emperor Hanmingdi was an advocate of Buddhism. He heard that some monks lit lanterns in their temples to show respect to Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Therefore, he ordered all the temples, households, and royal palaces to light lanterns that evening. This Buddhist custom gradually became a grand festival among the people of China.

The second story goes that villagers killed the Jade Emperor’s favourite crane. So, he decided to destroy the village with fire on the 15th day of the lunar year. The Jade Emperor’s daughter felt sad about this and warned the villagers.

Then, a wise man advised the villagers to hang red lanterns to give the Jade Emperor the impression that the village was already on fire. The emperor was fooled and the village survived.

The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network is still looking for financial sponsors to support the evening. An entertainment sponsor is $500 and a raffle prize sponsor is $250. Anyone interested can email moosejawchinese@gmail.com to discuss the event and how best to be involved.

Travis Olson with RBC’s Moose Jaw branch hands out a red envelope containing a loonie, which symbolizes good luck and protection from evil spirits.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Table 4 is ready to celebrate Chinese New Year. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Crystal peach Kyoto ribs. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

An example of a Chinese lantern festival, as seen in Chengdu, China.

Photo courtesy Getty Images