Moose Jaw Express, May 8th, 2024

The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow is announcing that this year’s Rotary International District 5550 Conference will take place on May 10 – 11 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company’s Convention Centre with the dual theme of “hope and mental wellness.”

The event is a collaborative effort between Moose Jaw and Assiniboia’s Rotary Clubs, as well as local and international voices who will share their personal accounts of the impact made by the organization.

The conference is supported by Visit Moose Jaw and will unite members from Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and northern Ontario for two full days of fellowship and learning. Following the day’s presentations, guests are encouraged to explore the many sights and attractions Moose Jaw has to offer.

ernor – as well as several other Moose Javians – are distinguished members and active supporters of the organization.

“The presentations throughout the conference will be a version of those themes (hope and mental wellness),” explained Glenn Hagel, the Rotary Club’s conference chair.

Hagel described the conference as being intended for people who identify as a Rotarian and believe in the club’s motto, “Service Above Self,” to learn, reflect, and become inspired by the event’s dual theme.

Now, for the first time, the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow is inviting members of the public to attend what has historically been a members-only conference.

The reason for this, Hagel said, is because of the nature of this year’s theme.

“We felt that the kind of topics we’re dealing with are very timely to a lot of people in the times we’re living in right now, (and) we’re happy to make dialogue and (the) presentation of ideas open to others,” he explained.

Moose Jaw was chosen as the venue because Sonja Susut, the club’s district gov-

A few local projects supported by the club include the Summer Literacy Program, the Hospital Foundation, and the Festival of Words. The club also supports several projects throughout the Wakamow Valley.

“The bottom line is seeing our two Rotary Clubs here in Moose Jaw as partners with each other, and also as partners with people and organizations within the community who have similar values,” Hagel said.

The conference will include updates on the Shelter Box program – which is not a Rotary Club project but is proudly supported by the club – where tents and essential supplies are provided to those in need, and a guest speaker from Guatemala will discuss life in the Central American country and the influence of the Rotary Club’s Ripple Effect Program from their perspective.

“Unfortunately, we’re living in times right now where there are several parts of the world in which (a lack of basic necessities including shelter and clean, running water) is critically true,” Hagel said.

“I think many will find that (presentation) a very, very moving thing.”

Rotary International – of which the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow is a member – is a global network of 1.4 million “neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers” across more than 46,000 international clubs.

For over 110 years, Rotary Club members have utilized “their passion, energy, and intelligence” to act on numerous sustainable projects from literacy and education to providing clean drinking water and sanitation.

As Hagel put it, the conference provides a great opportunity to learn more about the Rotary Club, explore the important topic of hope and mental wellness, and to find ways to work together to benefit everyone in the community.

To register for the conference, visit TinyUrl.com/5550-Conference before Tuesday, May 7.

Non-members are asked to select “Interested People” under the “Category” heading on the affiliated form.

The Exhibition Company’s Convention Centre is located at 250 Thatcher Drive.

To learn more about the Rotary Club, visit RotaryClubOfMooseJawWakamow. org or email Info@RotaryMooseJawWakamow.ca.

Members of the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow plan for the upcoming Rotary International District 5550 Conference on or around April 8. Photo by: Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow

Construction set to begin on new hospice care wing at Pioneer Lodge

Heartland Hospice’s dream of expanding the Pioneer Lodge hospice care service in Moose Jaw has now made a “groundbreaking” stride forward, with renovations announced to begin on Monday, May 6th.

The announcement was made at the home’s Serenity Garden April 29 and saw minister Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) executives, Heartland Hospice executives, and members of C&S Builders Ltd. in attendance. The team at C&S Builders will perform the upcoming renovations at the home.

“I think this is an incredibly exciting announcement,” said Tim McLeod, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, and MLA for Moose Jaw North.

“The community and the Hospice Foundation have been working very hard at this for the last couple of years raising the funds for this expansion with the hospice care here in Moose Jaw.

“I’m really excited to see the construction start and the dream becoming a reality,” he added.

Advocacy for the hospice expansion began in 2014, and since around 2018, Heartland Hospice – the driving force behind the project – has been working closely with the SHA, Ministry of Health, and its partners to make the project a reality.

To help raise funds, Heartland Hospice has also carried out numerous fundraiser events including the recent Spurs and Stilettos Cabaret on April 12.

As well, the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign has chosen Heartland

Aaron Walker- Moose Jaw Express

Hospice now for the third consecutive year. Proceeds from the happy-looking cookies have been added to Heartland Hospices’ Capital Campaign, which was created to finance the hospice care project. Once completed, the expansion will see three fully furnished hospice palliative care bedrooms added to Pioneer Lodge. These rooms will be situated alongside a fully renovated and furnished family room complete with library services and a kitchenette.

Outside, the renovation will provide a new look for the home’s Serenity Garden, which is located adjacent to the newly repurposed wing.

Karen Avrey, the executive director of continuing care for integrated rural health, said the project is something she’s been waiting to see happen for a long time.

“We have an extremely passionate organization in Heartland Hospice,” she announced, and described the organization as being “very strong advocates for our

hospice care” and “an amazing group of people” to work with.

“We are really looking forward to being privileged to honour and off this opportunity for the people in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas.”

Lynn McKenzie is the clinical manager at Pioneer Lodge and oversees Memory Lane, which is where transition beds intended for transfer to the new hospice care wing will be located.

“It’s something that the community needs,” McKenzie said. “We’ve had an increase in the amount of people that are accessing the palliative care beds.”

She said the new wing will include a space for families to stay with their loved ones, and families will have access to amenities including coffee, fridges, and comfortable family rooms.

“Not everybody can be at home for (their end-of-life journey), so to have a place where they can go to have good palliative end-of-life care is very important to have in our community,” McKenzie said.

If all goes according to plan, the new hospice care wing is expected to open by the end of 2024 possibly in or around December with a time and date to be announced.

For more information about Heartland Hospice or the new hospice care project at Pioneer Lodge, call 306-690-8699 or visit HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca.

Pioneer Lodge is located at 1000 Albert Street and can be reached at 306-6934616.

Heartland Hospice has announced that for the second year in a row, they will be the recipients of the Tim Horton’s 2023 Smile Cookie campaign at Moose Jaw’s locally owned Tim Horton’s restaurants.

During the first week of May, the iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing will be available at every participating Tim Hortons restaurant across the country.

All proceeds from smile cookies purchased at any of the three Tim Hortons in Moose Jaw from May 1 to 7 will be donated to Heartland Hospice Capital Campaign. The Heartland Hospice Capi-

tal Campaign was launched at their annual fundraising gala in May, 2022 to help them complete dedicated hospice renovations at Pioneer Lodge on Albert St.

Pioneer Lodge renovation plans are being completed as a partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Ministry of Health. The Heartland Hospice board hopes the renovations, which will result in three dedicated hospice/palliative care beds at the facility, will be finished by spring 2023.

The project also includes:

· A family resource centre with reading materials and activities for children

· A holy space for the use of the entire facility

· A dedicated family entrance separate from the long-term care entrance

· A serenity garden

· Essential palliative care training for hospice staff

Moose Jaw’s Tim Horton’s locations are owned by Don, Aurora, and Grayson Howe. The Howes and their staff worked overtime to keep up with Smile Cookie demand last year and the seven-day campaign was wildly successful, raising a total of $36,865.68.

For this year’s campaign from May 1 to 7, pre-order forms are available to order and pay online. Orders of three dozen or more cookies at $1.50 each or $18 per dozen, with 24 hours notice, qualify for free local delivery.

Popular uses of the delivery option include surprising co-workers at local work-

places, sending a box or two to a friend or neighbour, or as a way of thanking a business or charity in the community.

Online orders can be made at https:// form.jotform.com/230875498643268, or email smile@hhmj.ca for more information

“We hope that Moose Javians will share their smiles and post a photo with their cookies on Facebook or Instagram during Smile Cookie week using the hashtag #smilecookieMJ,” the Heartland Hospice board said in a media release, “and by doing so they will automatically be entered into a draw for a $50 Tim Horton’s Gift Card.

“Heartland Hospice can’t thank our community enough for its ongoing support! We look forward to announcing the exciting results of this fundraiser at our upcoming Black and White Gala Fundraiser on May 25 at Grant Hall.”

Photo by: Aaron Walker

West Park Crossing purchases six dozen Smile Cookies in support of Heartland Hospice

Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw expected to break ground on the new hospice care wing at Pioneer Lodge on Monday, May 6, and to support its Capital Campaign making the endeavour possible, the local non-profit was selected as the recipient of the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign for the third consecutive year.

In a show of support for Heartland Hospice’s new project, long-time supporter and (informal) local partner Aspira West Park Crossing decided to help by purchasing a Smile Cookie to represent each staff member and resident at the senior’s home on May 3.

In total, the purchase amounted to six dozen cookies and resulted in a lot of smiling faces – although, the residents initially had to get crafty to make this possible.

Charlene Rivard, the home’s sales advisor, was originally purchasing the cookies as a way to say thank-you to her hard-working colleagues and to show

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

their support for Heartland Hospice’s new project.

“While I was delivering the Smile Cookies to staff members, I had some residents stop me and ask for their own (cookies),” she recalled.

“I said, ‘Oh, I’m sorry – I don’t have enough for residents.’”

Shortly after this encounter and upon seeing their curious, inquiring glances as word quickly spread to more and more residents, Rivard spoke with the home’s general manager, Jay Nair, and suggested that they team up to provide cookies for all the residents at West Park Crossing.

With Nair’s approval and some last-minute planning, Rivard contacted Tim Horton’s to ensure they could deliver the sizable order of six-dozen cookies with an ample amount of preparation time. The new plan was simply to substitute the proposed dessert item for a Smile Cookie during lunch.

The decision to revise the plan was

Aspira West Park Crossing residents Glady Pierce (left) and Ken Waller (right) showcase the Smile Cookie donation from Heartland Hospice on May 3. Photo by: Aaron Walker

well received, Rivard said with assurance.

“I would like to thank Tim Horton’s and Heartland Hospice for this great opportunity,” Rivard said in a message of appreciation for both Tim Horton’s Smile

Cookie fundraising campaign and the work done by Heartland Hospice to provide a much-needed palliative hospice care facility in Moose Jaw.

“(It’s) a great thing to do for the community and for (Moose Jaw’s) senior citizens.”

Aspira West Park Crossing is located at 1801 Meier Drive and the front desk can be reached at 306-694-4744. For more information on the senior’s living facility, visit AspiraLife.ca.

The Smile Cookie campaign concluded on Tuesday, May 7, and 100 per cent of proceeds support Heartland Hospice (and local charities in other regions across Canada) as it strives to make the community a better place. To learn more about the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign, visit TimHortons.ca/Smile-Cookie.

To learn more about Heartland Hospice and its new project at Pioneer Lodge, call 306-690-8699 or visit HeartlandHospiceMJ.ca.

John Howard Society’s emergency shelter has helped nearly 80 people since opening

Since opening earlier this year, the John Howard Society’s Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter has supported nearly 80 people by providing a low-barrier location for those who need a place to stay overnight.

Willow Lodge opened on Jan. 22 at 83 Ominica Street West in the former SaskTel office and provides emergency shelter services to men and women between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Furthermore, referrals from the government and other community agencies assist people by connecting them to the supports they need to transition to safe and stable housing.

The Ministry of Social Services provided the John Howard Society (JHS) with $124,400 to establish the shelter, with the funding part of the ministry’s Provincial Approach to Homeless program that it announced in October 2023.

In a news release, the JHS said it believes the 15-bed shelter has had a positive effect on the community by giving in-need residents access to temporary housing, while the shelter’s team of employees has also offered residents valuable support during their stay.

Since opening, Willow Lodge has provided emergency shelter and support services to 77 unique clients and served 961 total clients while it has operated at 94-per-cent capacity, which JHS says shows a need for an accessible emergency shelter in Moose Jaw.

A skilled and dedicated team of JHS employees supports the Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter, with staff bringing expertise and experience to their support roles, the JHS said. Moreover, program employees collectively believe that everyone in Moose Jaw deserves a safe place to sleep at night.

Willow Lodge meets guests where they are and assists them in addressing their immediate needs of shelter and warmth in a safe, clean and welcoming environment, the organization added.

By Moose Jaw Express staff

Willow Lodge Emergency Shelter staff gather outside the front doors of the building. In back are Jennifer Silzer and Crystal Harvey, while in front are Tana Spriggs, Heidi MacNevin, Crystal Peterson and Keely Casper. Photo submitted

“I am so proud of the Willow Lodge team and all of our guests,” said manager Crystal Peterson. “In such a short time, we have created a welcoming space with and for our most vulnerable community members.

“At the end of the day, we want to ensure everyone in Moose Jaw has a place to sleep where they can feel safe and be met with kindness.”

One guest at Willow Lodge highlighted the kindness they received when asked about their experience with the program.

“Staff are very kind and compassionate, and they do not judge,” the client said. “Willow Lodge has taught me to look at life with a better perspective.”

Crystal Harvey, the assistant program co-ordinator, says staff want to build pos-

itive relationships with residents, organizations, and businesses, although individuals, organizations and groups have already provided immense support.

“Moose Jaw Families for Change, Zion Church, Hunger in Moose Jaw, and South Hill Fine Foods have all provided us with meals and snacks to feed our guests. Square One Community Inc. provided Willow Lodge with a washer and dryer so guests can clean their laundry for free,” Harvey said.

“Students at Sacred Heart and Vanier made blankets for our guests (and provided) snacks. Moose Jaw Food Bank has stocked us up with personal hygiene prod-

ucts. Moose Jaw Public Health provided us with health products,” she continued. “So many community members have provided us with generous donations to help make guests stay comfortable.”

Willow Lodge accepts donations every Tuesday between 4 and 6 p.m., and while it gratefully accepts all donations, it particularly needs juice boxes, new men’s and women’s socks and underwear, soft granola bars and other snacks, gently used clean T-shirts, pyjama pants and loungewear, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and brushes and combs.

For more information, visit sk.johnhoward.ca.

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

Mother’s Day is this coming weekend and again I want to make mention of how wonderful it is to have or had a mother, and for many, someone who has played a mother’s role in true form. Your nurturing and love won’t go unnoticed as every individual deserves a ‘mother’s’ love. I really love what I read written by Shravya Reddy on Quora at https://www.quora.com/Whatis-a-mothers-love-How-do-you-explain-it-How-important-is-it. She said, “It’s very difficult to explain a mother’s love because it’s unconditional. She can sacrifice her entire life to make her children happy and achieve their dreams. She can sleep with an empty stomach just to feed their children and never complain about her fate. A smile on her children’s face can take away all her stress. She can spend all her lifetime savings for her children’s education without even buying a few things for her own which she wanted to have since her childhood. She will spend many sleepless nights to make sure her kids are taking medicines on time. She will call them everyday just to make sure they are having food on time. She can fight with the entire world for her kids. It is true that God can’t be everywhere so he created Mother.♥” YES...to all of it! Been there and done that, but my story as a mother is still an ongoing process as I continue to fulfill motherly duties even long after the kids have left the nest, which is years already. This is not by expectation but a labour of love, and the process continues on down to my grandchildren who I love to dote on from a distance with homemade cookies and whatever they ask ‘grandma mumu’ for. As long as it’s within my means, I work to make it happen.

I consider those parents and grandparents that have the opportunity to live close to their kids and offspring such a blessing. To be able to see them, touch them and smooch them up on a regular basis has always been a dream of mine but we make the best of it from a distance. One thing is for sure, you can’t live on your kid’s doorstep. That will never work because expectations change with each individual. As well through time, life changes; kids grow up and do their own thing. They have plans of their own but when we have the opportunity to be together, it makes for happy and fulfilled hearts and creates special memories.

Over the years, we have tried to make our times together as special as possible because making special memories together is the only thing that will impact their hearts; it’s not things. Time is important and showing those you love that they hold a place of priority in your life is by spending time with them. It shouldn’t be a burden.

So, if you still have ‘a mother’ in your life on this earth, make sure to let her know how much you love and appreciate all that she has done for you. Happy Mother’s Day!

“A Mother’s Love

Less advice, more listening

Less improving, more celebrating

Less tough love, more understanding

Less criticizing, more relating

Less expecting the worse, more seeing the best”

…Author unknown

15 Wing observes Day of Mourning to honour workers killed on job

By Moose Jaw Express staff

On April 26, members and employees of 15 Wing Moose Jaw gathered together to commemorate the National Day of Mourning.

Traditionally, this commemoration occurs on April 28, so on that day, the Canadian flag flew at half-mast on Parliament Hill and all federal government buildings around the country.

Employers and workers observe the Day of Mourning in various ways, such as by lighting candles, laying wreaths, wearing commemorative pins, ribbons, or black armbands, and pausing for a moment of silence.

At 15 Wing Moose Jaw, 23 candles were lit on Friday to honour the memory of 23 Saskatchewan workers who died last year in their workplace.

Police service launches downtown trespassing prevention pilot program

The Moose Jaw Police Service has announced that it is kicking off its downtown trespassing prevention pilot program.

The Moose Jaw Trespass Prevention Program (MJTPP) is a public safety initiative that allows officers to remove people who violate the Trespass to Property Act from commercial properties. This trespassing prevention program is an initiative that police agencies in other jurisdictions have implemented and that has proven successful.

For businesses that register and participate, the MJPS will install an MJTPP decal on the front and back entrances of buildings or properties. This will allow officers to act as the owner/agent of the property and enforce the Trespass to Property Act.

By Moose Jaw Express staff

representative after hours. This program would be in effect during after-hours of the business or when the property is vacant.

However, this program is not meant to replace a call-for-service during business hours.

This pilot project will run for roughly three months in Moose Jaw’s downtown core — from Oxford Street to Manitoba Street and Second Avenue Northwest to Second Avenue Northeast — and then expand to the rest of the city.

Additional information about the program, along with the online registration form, can be found on the MJPS’s website under its Business and Downtown Resource Page.

publication.

Phone:

Publisher: Robert

Police can do this without the need for a call-forservice or direct involvement from an owner or property

Interested applicants can also download, print, and fill out the registration form and email it to CSS@mjpolice.ca or drop it off in person at 21 Fairford Street West.

One local business helped keep over 700 containers from the landfill

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Earth Day was recognized on April 22 this year, and one local business found the occasion to be none other than a symbolic reflection of its environmentally conscious mission.

After being closed as per schedule on Monday –which was where Earth Day fell this year – Mitny Refillery re-opened on Tuesday and featured a 20 per cent discount on all refillable products to mark the occasion – and to help spread the word on an environmentally friendly and locally available alternative.

“We celebrate Earth Day every day here,” said Laurie Hysuick, the owner of Mitny Refillery. “I mean, it’s about us, the Earth, and our impact on the Earth.”

For Hysuick, this is simply part of business as usual.

“We do find it so important to be aware of what we’re using, not only on us, but our effect on the environment,” she added.

To mark the occasion, Hysuick tallied the number of containers that Mitny Refillery has saved from the landfill, and she said it’s now at 708 containers.

“So that means 708 containers were refilled and (are) not in the landfill,” she said.

Not only does this refillable format reduce landfill waste, it’s also a great way to improve one’s carbon footprint as there is less production required to manufacture those re-used containers and the products themselves are typically far safer for our bodies and the environment.

“(Our products) are safe for graywater,” she explained. “Everything eventually goes to the streams, to

To date, Mitny Refillery has helped keep 708 re-usable plastic containers from Moose Jaw’s landfill. Photo by: Laurie Hysuick

the dirt, (and into the environment after we use it).

“It’s not just about what we put on ourselves and our body – it’s about where it goes after.”

Hysuick aims to stock her store with products that are healthy, environmentally conscious, and made locally – or as close to home as possible – and encourages everyone in the community to consider doing what they can to create a healthier planet.

“(We view Earth Day as) a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability, encouraging us to take action for a healthier planet and a brighter future,” she said.

Mitny Refillery is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sundays from 12 – 5 p.m., and is closed on Mondays.

Mitny Refillery is located inside Moose Jaw’s old downtown train station at 5 Manitoba Street East and can be reached at 306-694-6330. For more information, visit MitnyRefillery.ca.

Col. Daniel Coutts, 15 Wing commander, and civilian employee, John Wilkinson, participate in the Day of Mourning ceremony. Photo courtesy 15 Wing Imaging

The decal that police will install on the front and back entrances of buildings or properties of businesses that participate in the trespassing prevention pilot program. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Journey to Hope Moose Jaw is recognizing Mental Health Week – which runs from May 6 – 12 – through two training workshops and a guest speaker which will follow this year’s theme, “A Call to be Kind: Because Compassion Connects us All.”

This week-long acknowledgement of mental health is important, according to Donna Atsu-Bowyer, a long-term Journey to Hope member and the trainer who will lead the upcoming wellness workshops.

“It brings awareness to the community that there are mental health issues, and that we can make a difference,” she explained.

Mental Health First Aid

On May 8 – 9, a two-day Mental Health First Aid course will be hosted by Moose Jaw Family Services at 200 Main Street South and will be led by Atsu-Bowyer.

The program runs from 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m. on each respective date and attendance at all four modules is mandatory to receive a certificate of completion.

The course is offered, Atsu-Bowyer said, because mental health still faces several taboos, and many continue to struggle – oftentimes in silence.

“There’s so much misinformation about mental health and mental illness,” she said. “It’s also sometimes hard to get services when we need them. So, it’s really important to have people trained in the community to be Mental Health First Aiders.”

Atsu-Bowyer described Mental Health First Aid as a physical First Aid analog, but with a focus on the mental aspects of health which she said are inter-

connected with the physical.

“They’re not bleeding; they’re not dying on the floor,” she said about those struggling with mental health. “But they need the same amount of help as somebody who may be struggling with a physical health issue.”

These individuals often face a lonely struggle because many don’t know how to respond and tend to pull away. Her hope is that the program will give people the confidence and training needed to offer meaningful help instead of distance.

A fee of $25 is required and you can register by messaging DonnaAtsu@gmail. com. If you wish to attend but are currently unable to pay the fee, Atsu-Bowyer said to call to discuss options.

Ruby Remenda Swanson guest speaker

On Thursday, May 9, guest speaker Ruby Swanson will be at the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre from 7-8:30pm to discuss what it’s like to be the parent of an LGBTQ child. Everyone is welcome to attend, and the presentation will be offered

free of charge.

“She talks about what it’s like as a parent, and how to have those difficult conversations – not just with family but also with other people,” Atsu-Bowyer said.

“I’m going because I want to learn… more about how to speak to (these individuals and make them feel heard).”

The topic considers the high average suicide rate among LGBTQ individuals, and Atsu-Bowyer said she’s met several people who lost their child because of suicide – often because they didn’t feel accepted.

Safe TALK

A third program, Safe TALK, will take place at the St. Andrew’s United Church lounge and runs from 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. This suicide awareness workshop will also be a certificate program and pre-registration is required

by emailing DonnaAtsu@gmail.com.

“After a suicide, we often hear people say, ‘Oh I never would have thought that they were feeling that way,’” Atsu-Bowyer explained.

Reactions such as this stem from a wide dissemination of misinformation on the topic of suicide and mental health. The language we use is also crucial when it comes to offering support and many don’t reach out because of it.

“Compassion doesn’t cost anything, and it makes such a difference to the people around you…,” she concluded.

For more information, Donna Atsu-Bowyer can be reached at 306-6314315 or DonnaAtsu@gmail.com. You can follow Journey to Hope on Facebook at ‘Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc.’

To learn more about Mental Health Week, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website at CMHA.ca.

Ruby Swanson shares her story of support and activism for her gay son

Ruby Remenda Swanson is an established author and advocate for the LGBTQ community who has delivered more than 90 presentations since her son came out as gay. She’s been invited by Journey to Hope Moose Jaw to help commemorate Mental Health Week on Thursday, May 9.

Swanson’s presentation is set to take place at the Moose Jaw Public Library’s theatre and will run from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Attendance is free, and everyone’s invited to attend in a show of support for friends, family, loved ones, and colleagues.

Swanson grew up in what she recalls as being “a deeply homophobic time,” and witnessed first-hand the emergence of the gay rights movement. Despite seeing herself as progressive, she was unprepared when her sixteen-year-old son came out as gay back in 2002.

Her book, A Family Outing, is the story of how she moved past her initial shock, fear, and denial to become a public advocate for equality and the acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Her book was first released by Cormorant Books Inc. in November 2016.

Swanson’s unexpected journey began in 2002. After coming out, her son became one of the first students at the Strathcona High School in Edmonton to start a gay-straight alliance chapter. At the time, Swanson said there were maybe one or two similar groups across Alberta.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

In 2005 – one year after he graduated – the same-sex marriage debate started to gain momentum. During this time, she witnessed an onslaught of homophobic sentiments and started to worry about her son’s safety.

“I became very involved, both my husband and I… we wanted both of our children to have the same equal rights,” she recalled. “And so, I started writing letters and doing interviews and going to

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Forty years ago my

town hall meetings and protest marches.”

Initially she kept a low profile, but this turn of events led her to feel the progay side of the debate needed more representation.

“One of my co-workers really encouraged me to write these experiences down,” she said.

Since publishing her book, Swanson attended over 90 engagements and said reception has been almost uniformly positive. Yet, just this past October, her former hometown high school in Humboldt, Sask., turned down a presentation planned for a handful of students.

“I would have thought years ago that we have moved past all of this… it’s very disturbing,” she said. “This is a constant struggle.”

Her next engagement will be in Moose Jaw after being invited by Journey to Hope to help commemorate Mental Health Week.

Her presentation will focus on topics from her book, with questions such as “What’s your message to parents whose children are coming out into the world that we live in today?”

She said there’s still work to be done, and she’s hopeful that her message will help inspire others.

“We’ll just keep working at it,” she said defiantly.

Swanson was born and raised in

“nice touch with mouse”

praised

Give or take a month or two, but according to my record-keeping talents, it has been 40 years since I was introduced to my first computer.

What have I learned in those four decades? If they work, I love them. If they develop glitches, the love fades rapidly.

Yours Truly is the one for whom was written, “Computers for Dummies,” and other assorted titles for how to manage computer illiteracy.

I can well recall the day back in 1984 when my employer of the day said I would have to give up my trusty electric typewriter for the computers that his company would be installing.

I think I might have replied to the effect: “Over my dead body.” He obviously wasn’t too concerned that my dead body would clutter the office as he went ahead and had a whole computer system installed, with networking and pagination and other significant technology that would rock my world.

Humboldt, Sask., and has worked in public broadcasting at the CBC and the Children’s Television Workshop in New York City. During her career she’s travelled to the Ukraine six times, and in 2019 a translated version of her book, A Family Outing, was launched during Kyiv Pride.

Swanson has been recognized by the University of Alberta Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights for her work promoting the LGBTQ community on campus. Today she lives in Edmonton with her husband.

“I think people who attend my presentations come away feeling very hopeful and very encouraged,” she said.

“They learn about a community that can be supportive. Every single event has been wonderful… (and) we’re all there for the same reason.”

If there’s one take-away message, Swanson said, “You’re not alone; there’s always hope.”

To order a copy of A Family Outing, you can search the Rand McNally Robinson website at McNallyRobinson.com, Amazon.ca, or your local bookstore. As well, Swanson said she’ll have signed copies available following her presentation.

A Family Outing is also available to borrow at the Moose Jaw Public Library. You can learn more about Swanson and her book at AFamilyOuting.com.

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

His explanation of files and files within folders and comparisons to drawers of a real filing cabinet made absolutely no sense to my very closed mind. Of course, I understood what he was trying to say, but why would I give in when I was perfectly happy to clunk along with the very reliable electric Remington. It worked just fine, except when the power went off, which didn’t happen all that often.

The instructor, in his wisdom, soon discovered that if I knew where the on and off buttons were located, and could write down some simple steps, I would likely be able to work my way around this new Apple/Mac computer, all in my own good time.

Eventually I learned to set up files within folders, learned how to turn stories into columns of type, changed fonts to allow for various forms of typefaces, learned that kerning is not possible on most computer programs and that computers don’t

Even while kicking and screaming my protest against changes to my comfortable work-place skills, I was sent to a oneday training session in Regina where the best thing the instructor could say about my talent was that I “had a nice touch with the mouse.’’

work when the power goes off and if you haven’t saved as you type, hours of work may be lost.

As the years passed, my skills improved but just when I thought I knew everything there was to know, a new computer system was developed and the learning began all over again. Over those years a friendly technician of all things computerish had my back, even though she sometimes showed her frustration with me: “what have you done now?” would be her first question, even before I could explain my dilemma.

When we upgraded our home computer system a few years ago, she came to the rescue when I unsuccessfully tried to upgrade a piece of software that I didn’t know was essential to some of the tasks I wished to accomplish.

She explained in some detail how the problem might be solved and then decided she’d better come in person for a hands-on look-see. A dinner invitation was passed along as an incentive.

A day passed and her own busy timetable kept her from dropping by. Mean-

while I pondered some of the information she had provided via phone and a light bulb went off. I scurried to the computer and fiddled a bit, then set out to download the software by using a system she had previously installed.

Imagine how brilliant I felt when the download was completed successfully. I e-mailed her the news, but hastened to tell her she was still welcome to drop by for dinner, even though I no longer required her IT skills. After all, I didn’t want her to think we would feed her only if she could repair the household computers.

More years have come and gone and the household computers have been upgraded in an attempt to keep up with what is happening in the market place. That book for dummies would still come in handy but there’s a new guy on the block to help with my inept moments.

“Hey Google, how come this dumb computer isn’t working?”

Google responds: “Did you forget to turn it on again?”

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Author Ruby Remenda Swanson (pictured) will deliver a presentation covering material from her book, “A Family Outing” at the Moose Jaw Public Library on May 9. Photo by: Ruby Remenda Swanson

Family First Radiothon another massive success with over $220K raised for Health Foundation

For the past 18 years, the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon has been doing its part to help support the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in their quest to make sure the local hospital has all it needs to provide the best life-saving care possible.

Year in and year out, dozens of volunteers take part in the 36-hour event, manning telephones and taking pledges from the hundreds upon hundreds of supporters who offer donations both large and small.

And year in and year out, Moose Jaw goes above and beyond in their support -- this year, a goal of $140,000 was

tor Kelly McElree. “Moose Jaw is just so generous and so many donations came in. Everything from Simpsons Seeds to Gibson Energy, the big donation from Health Care Rocks presented by Cypress Paving, but it’s all the small donations, too. The people who came in and donated, and the many, many anonymous donations as well, including a private one for $50,000. It’s the spirit of the community and people recognize that.”

As McElree alluded to, the Moose Jaw business community stepped up in a major way, as is always the case. Among the largest donations were $25,000 from Simpsons Seeds, $20,000 from CPKC and $14,750 from Gibson Energy, with those totals just a drop in the bucket compared to the hundreds of small donations received throughout the event.

One of the major items funds were raised for is a LUCAS Automated CPR Machine, which

Medication carts for staff to organize, store and have quick access to life-saving medication for cardiac care patients’ needs; the hospital needs four totalling $50,000

Patient stretchers that are comfortable, adaptable, lightweight and offer advanced mobility to ease physical strain on health professionals; the hospital requires six, totalling $30,000

“All those pieces are going to help save lives every day at the hospital,” McElree said. “There are over 2,900 cardiac incidents every year at the hospital, so every three hours there’s a cardiac incident, and when people donated today, they’re saving lives.”

That holds true for each of the 18 years the Radiothon has been held. When asked how many pieces of equipment the event has purchased for both the Union Hospital and Wigmore Hospital over the years, McElree laughed good-naturedly before admitting it was a question he couldn’t answer.

“It’s hundreds, literally hundreds,” he said. “Big pieces of equipment, fancy pieces of equipment and simple pieces of

of the hospital, every floor, every room, doesn’t matter if it’s an operating room or patient room, it’s all community support, every single one.”

The Radiothon also offers medical professionals a chance to tell their stories, with several emergency room nurses taking to the air throughout the 36 hours.

“The community makes advanced medicine happen, and you heard it from the ER nurses, they see the level of support the community gives and that means something,” McElree said. “That’s one of the nice things the Radiothon does, it allows them to tell their stories and it inspires them every day.”

And then, of course, there’s the 800 CHAB staff. Their work on-air throughout the event drove donation after donation, and played a crucial role in things turning out as incredibly as they did.

“Over the 18 years of the Radiothon, countless lives from all generations have been affected,” McElree said. “People are alive today because of this Radiothon and the tremendous people who volunteered all that time, put all that effort into every aspect of it. We can’t thank them enough

set with the aim of purchasing a suite of cardiac support equipment, ranging from an automated CPR machine to a portable ECG device and new and advanced patient stretchers.

Not only was that goal exceeded, Radiothon supporters nearly doubled it, with a total of $229,800 raised through the dayand-a-half of fundraising.

“I’m just overwhelmed,” said Moose Jaw Health Foundation executive direc-

evaluate and understand heart health by recording the electrical activity of a pa tient’s heart and help medical profession als identify arrhythmias, heart attacks and other heart diseases

A Holter monitor, which is a small, portable ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) device that continuously records the heart’s rhythms for 24 hours or longer while patients conduct their daily activi ties; this machine costs $14,000

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Twelve downtown businesses have joined MJPS anti-trespassing project to date

Twelve downtown businesses have joined the Moose Jaw Police Service’s new anti-trespassing initiative, while other shops outside the pilot project area also appear eager to join the safety-focused program.

The police service (MJPS) launched the Trespass Prevention Program (TPP) on April 30 by opening online registrations on its website. The site has a page that business owners can visit to fill out a registration form that they can submit by email or in person.

The three-month pilot project is a public safety venture that allows officers to remove people from commercial properties who violate the Trespass to Property Act. This trespassing prevention program is an initiative that police agencies in other jurisdictions have implemented and that has proven successful.

For businesses that register and participate, the MJPS will install a TPP decal on the doors and windows of properties. This will allow officers to act as the owner/agent of the property and enforce the Trespass to Property Act.

Sgt. Ryan Lawrence, who is leading the pilot project, told police commissioners during their May 2 meeting that the agency set the project perimeter from Oxford

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Street to Manitoba Street and Second Avenue Northwest to Second Avenue Northeast to ensure it could manage the initiative.

However, a business owner outside that area reached out recently asking to participate, he continued. While the MJPS isn’t “sticking to a hard and fast rule” about when it will extend the boundaries — it will do so when possible — it is focusing on this area to determine the “bumps in the road” it may encounter.

Meanwhile, by May 1, a dozen businesses had registered with the pilot project, which is a decent number considering the initiative launched the day before, Lawrence said. To encourage more participation, the MJPS’s public information and strategic communication manager has been promoting this initiative through the organization’s social media channels.

Another way Lawrence has been encouraging downtown businesses to participate is by attending their morning staff meetings. That has been a helpful strategy, while it also allows him to educate staff on how to handle “problematic” people.

“So, we’ve had good luck with that, so we’re going to continue to do that,” he stated.

Currently, 85 per cent of patrol teams and communications centre employees are trained and knowledgeable about this pilot project, while the agency expects all the project decals/stickers to arrive soon so members can af-

fix them to participating businesses, Lawrence said.

The project will produce data — based on complaints and investigations — that the MJPS can analyze while it can track that information on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis, he continued.

This initiative is focused on addressing situations that occur when businesses are closed or vacant, which means the night shift will be handling these concerns, Lawrence remarked. However, officers will meet with business owners and employees during the day so they understand better what’s happening.

The police service also encourages businesses to receive training in crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), a philosophy that says proper design and effective use of built areas can reduce crime and improve quality of life.

However, Lawrence said there has been very little interest — only two businesses have participated — even though the MJPS has been using its online communications tools and downtown foot patrols to spread the word.

Yet, during those morning meetings with owners and employees, he provides some advice from a CPTED perspective, which people appreciate.

“It is very helpful,” said Commissioner Nicole Swanson, noting owners don’t have to spend any money to acquire CPTED training and only need to tweak their business practices for a safer environment.

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Sun Valley intends to adopt a bylaw, under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 04-2017, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT:

The proposed bylaw will incorporate some minor wording changes and additions to the Zoning Bylaw:

1. Section 6.3 (h)(iv) will be amended to include the following: With the exception of detached garages with a minimum size of 12 x 20 ft.

2. Section 6.3 (h)(iii) will be amended to read as follows: There will be a maximum wall height of 2.43 m (8 ft) on accessory buildings and shall apply to side yard requirements only.

3. Section 6.5 (d) will be amended to read as follows: One (1) unregistered vintage 1987 or older vehicle or piece of machinery may be displayed in front yard as approved by the discretion of Council by permit only and will include a consultation with adjacent owners.

4. Section 6.2 will be amended to apply to Residential District (R1) only.

REASON:

The reason for the bylaw amendment is to accommodate future development and to clarify speci c situations.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Resort Village of Sun Valley O ce between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost at the Municipal O ce.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing to receive submissions on the proposed bylaw on the 17th day of May 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Regional Municipal Plaza, Municipal O ce Boardroom. Council will also consider written submissions received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal o ce before the hearing. For further information, please contact the municipal o ce at 306-694-0055.

Issued at the Resort Village of Sun Valley this 1st day of May 2024.

Signed Melinda Huebner, Administrator

Board of Police Commissioners:

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Residents and community groups will now have an easier time accessing meeting rooms within the Moose Jaw Police Service building as the organization has opened a new space on the main floor.

The police service (MJPS) unveiled the newly renovated multi-purpose classroom — renovations began in January — on May 2 during the Board of Police Commissioners’ monthly meeting. The space, which previously held the Community and Strategic Services (CSS) unit, will host public gatherings, board meetings, officer training, and other activities.

It can also be used for press conferences because the audio/visual enhancements allow for communication with members, the public, and other emergency personnel.

The police service chose the new audio/visual equipment after consulting with organizations that have a similar room layout and A/V professionals. The new multi-purpose room features three monitors and two cameras installed at different angles to allow for more accessible meetings, either in person or virtually.

The CSS unit and Victim Services were relocated across the street a year ago into a space in the former Times-Herald building.

“We have recognized for a long time that we needed a meeting space within our building that is accessible to the community,” said Deputy Chief Rick Johns. “We are happy to unveil this new classroom to the community of Moose Jaw.”

The classroom — which can hold 20 people — can serve as a command centre when the MJPS deals with major emergencies or incidents. The space is large enough that it can house all emergency personnel involved in meeting and assessing situations, is in a centralized location in the building and is accessible.

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

R.M. OF HILLSBOROUGH NO. 132

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R. M. of Hillsborough No. 132 for the year of 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days, Monday thru Thursday, except holidays beginning May 1, 2024 until June 3, 2024.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Board of Revision, Western Muncipal Consulting Ltd, Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 3rd of June, 2024.

Dated at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this 8th day of May, 2024.

Colleen Ferguson Assessor

Two cameras allow the MJPS to record the presenter and participants during a virtual meeting. There is also the possibility of displaying presentations and agendas and recording Board of Police Commissioner meetings to make for an easier and more enjoyable experience for those attending in person or virtually.

Also, the additional screens serve as an operational function during the management of critical incidents, as several officers in the room may have different functions and need independent screens and feeds. The room also allows for versatile functionality due to the furnishings that the organization purchased.

Meanwhile, the police service will continue to use the second-floor classroom/board room as a secondary meeting space, with the future goal of turning it into additional offices.

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

R.M. OF RODGERS NO. 133

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R. M. of Rodgers No. 133 for the year of 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days, Monday thru Thursday, except holidays beginning May 1, 2024 until June 3, 2024.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Board of Revision, Western Muncipal Consulting Ltd, Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 3rd of June, 2024.

Dated at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this 8th day of May, 2024.

Colleen Ferguson Assessor

The Moose Jaw Police Service’s new classroom/board room, located on the main floor. Photo courtesy MJPS

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Talks with justice ministry about policing concerns resolved nothing, chief says

It’s been almost a month since Police Chief Rick Bourassa expressed frustration about Moose Jaw being forced to handle — and pay for — provincial responsibilities, with that situation continuing to remain unchanged.

While providing an update about the Moose Jaw Police Service’s operating budget during the April meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, Bourassa said he planned to meet with officials — including the minister — from the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General about three issues that affected the police service and concerned him.

Those issues included being forced to guard prisoners at court and redeploying a member for $142,000

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annually, prosecuting certain provincial statute offences — speeding — and redeploying a member for $72,000 annually, and being forced to fund the provincial 911 system by paying $231,000 in 2025 and $166,800 extra annually thereafter.

“So, there are a number of provincial responsibilities our budget is carrying that it should not be carrying and that our resources are handling that they should not be handling,” Bourassa said.

During the May board meeting, reporters asked the chief about how his conversations with the ministry went and whether anything had been resolved.

“No, we haven’t had any additional meetings (or

discussions), but there will be meetings scheduled in the future,” Bourassa said.

“And I am meeting with all the rest of the chiefs in the province (because it’s) our Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police meeting next week in Saskatoon,” he continued. “And I’ll be there and we’ll be interacting and seeing if we can get any movement on those issues.”

It’s not unusual that there have been no further conversations with the ministry because everyone is busy attending to other tasks and activities, Bourassa added. Sometimes, it takes time to address concerns like this, so the only thing he can do is to continue to have conversations when possible.

Number of sexual assaults, breaches of court orders rising, police data show

Total crimes against people and property saw year-overyear declines in April, but areas such as sexual assaults and failing to comply with court orders both rose during that period.

There were 162 incidents of crimes against the person last month versus 196 episodes in April 2023, a decrease of 17.3 per cent, according to recent data from the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS).

Furthermore, there were 538 incidents of crimes against property in April versus 684 offences during the same period last year, a decrease of 21.3 per cent.

“Again, we’re not seeing any trends (because) it’s too early (in the year). These are snapshots in time,” Chief Rick Bourassa said during the May Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting. “But we’re happy to see that some of these incidents are … fewer … than last year and even the year before. So that’s encouraging.”

The chief clarified that the MJPS reviews a year’s worth of data to determine whether crime trends occur because the current declines could be anomalies.

While criminal offences are down, the number of non-criminal service calls continues to increase, as there were 6,178 calls last month versus 5,976 in April 2023 for an increase of 3.4 per cent, he continued.

“So, again, (we’re) a very busy police service,” Bourassa added. “And we’re seeing some movement in the right direction in the crime data.”

A commissioner inquired about the category of failing to comply with court orders, as data showed police handled 315 such incidents last month compared to 134 episodes in April 2023 — a year-over-year increase of 135.1 per cent — and 309 incidents in April 2022.

When courts release offenders on bail, those people receive conditions they must follow, such as adhering to a curfew or staying away from a location, Bourassa said. Police check on those people regularly to ensure they are following their conditions.

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“That’s one of the drivers of this. There are some other ones where they’re just not abiding by the orders, (such as) they’re not appearing at probation when they should … and we become aware of those,” he continued.

The number of those offences has been large for months and continues to increase as officers investigate and lay more charges, the chief said.

“That’s a number that’s been increasing — not just here, but also across the country … ,” Bourassa added.

“I think it’s a social attitude (problem),” said Commissioner Nicole Swanson.

During a media scrum afterward, reporters asked the chief about sexual assaults, as the data showed there were 67 incidents in April versus 19 last year for an increase of 47.4 per cent.

“We investigate all of those. There are also a lot of supports here in Moose Jaw for people who have experienced the trauma of sexual assault,” Bourassa said.

The police service doesn’t know what is driving these increases aside from seeing more interpersonal violence, he continued. Yet, Victim Services’ personnel work closely with victims while officers investigate situations, follow leads and lay charges if necessary.

“So, yeah, that’s not a comforting number. That number is troublesome … ,” Bourassa said. “We do know that the vast majority are in relationships where people know each other.”

Consent is always required in relationships because spouses or partners don’t have “carte blanche” to do whatever they want to their significant other, he added. Consent must happen before any sexual encounters occur.

Crimes against people

Data for crimes against the person in April 2024 versus 2023 show:

Homicide: 0 / 0

· Attempted murder: 1/ 1

Assaults (sexual, common, with a weapon, aggravat-

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Moose Jaw police will soon start recording the Board of Police Commissioners’ meetings and posting the videos online, allowing residents to watch the proceedings without needing to attend the early gatherings.

In the past, the police board generally held its meetings in the afternoon at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre, with the public portion starting at 2 p.m. and the closed portion happening afterward and running until roughly 5 p.m.

However, meeting times began to fluctuate in December, with the gatherings starting at 10 a.m. and then at 9 a.m.

During the board’s May meeting — held in the new Moose Jaw Police Service ground-floor classroom — chairwoman Crystal Froese explained that the gathering began at 8 a.m. because it’s a better fit for some commissioners’ schedules since some work full-time. This start time will likely remain for the foreseeable future.

“But we will be recording our public meetings, so they will be available on our website — and that’s beginning in June as well because we know 8 a.m. is a little bit early for people,” she said.

The police service is looking at possibly live streaming the meeting online, but if it can’t, it will upload the

video right after to a page on its website dedicated to the police board.

Holding the police board meetings at 8 a.m. might benefit some residents because they can attend the public portion before work begins, said Froese. This wasn’t always possible in the past when the board held its meetings in the afternoon on a workday.

“I think the more important part is it will be accessible, so people will be able to watch it and see the entirety of the meeting,” she continued, “(because) media can’t capture every single detail, obviously, so there might be information that might be valuable to the public that they can actually view at their leisure.”

Meanwhile, the meetings will continue to occur on the second Thursday of the month, she added. The main reason the board met on May 2 is because the chief is attending a provincial conference on the regular meeting day this month.

Awards ceremony

The Moose Jaw Police Service is holding its annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the public library’s Performing Arts Centre. This event recognizes civilians and officers who have contributed to safety in the community during the past year.

ed, against police): 117 / 142

Robbery: 4 / 2

Crimes against property

Data for crimes against property in April 2024 versus 2023 show:

· Break-ins (business, residence, other): 84 / 88

· Motor vehicle thefts: 21 / 14

· Theft over $5,000: 6 / 14

Theft under $5,000: 228 / 318

· Arson: 0 / 0

Mischief under $5,000: 84 / 92

Other crimes

Data for other crimes in April 2024 versus 2023 show:

· Impaired driving: 30 / 33

· Threats: 5 / 15

· Domestic disputes: 20 / 19

· Liquor infractions: 44 / 31

· Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 104 / 69

· Summary offence tickets: 765 / 680

· Drugs (cocaine, marijuana, meth, other): 11 / 14

Sat, May 11

Sat, May 18

Sat, May 25

Tues, May 28

Sat, June 1

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Terrell No. 101 for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor, during open office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Thursday, May 1 to May 31, 2024.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Secretary, Board of Revision, Kristen Tokaryk of Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 31st day of May, 2024, accompanied by a $30 fee for each

this 30th day of April, 2024.

Sippola, Assessor

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MON, MAY 13.

Moose Jaw is a city filled with history and heritage, so to better communicate those stories, the municipality is participating in a pilot project run by a local tech company.

Jessica McNaughton, CEO and co-founder of memoryKPR (memory keeper), a digital asset management solution that helps individuals, businesses and communities save, store, protect and tell their stories — like a digital time capsule — through pictures, videos and audio, gave a presentation about her company’s services during the recent city council meeting.

The Moose Jaw-owned business won an MJBEX innovation award two years ago and won a people’s choice award through Startup Global Canada last year.

The company is teaming with the heritage advisory committee, which has been working to update and install heritage plaques throughout the city. These plaques will include QR codes — a project 15 years in the making — that, when scanned, provide information about the building or property.

City hall has gathered information about 66 sites that are either designated or non-designated heritage locations, while 20 locations currently have plaques and would be ready for a QR code.

“This is a really exciting opportunity to participate in a pilot project that we are doing for (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association) members exclusively and sup-

Local tech company to help city better tell stories about historic buildings, locations

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ported by Innovation Saskatchewan,” McNaughton said.

“The intent of the pilot is to help communities bring together content and grow economic development through storytelling.”

The pilot project starts Tuesday, April 30 and runs until Saturday, Nov. 30, and includes a one-year, subsidized subscription of $544, with a second year costing the same; a normal one-year cost is $1,200. Furthermore, the business will provide the heritage committee and city hall with six training sessions about connecting with audiences.

This “incredible storytelling training” will happen with expert storytellers, she continued, such as Doug Griffiths, who wrote “13 Ways to Kill Your Community;” Andrew Hiltz, the current Saskatchewanderer; a former Saskatchewanderer, who will talk about shining a light on hidden gems; and a businessman who operates a TV show about connecting global communities.

Moose Jaw will participate with 50 other Saskatchewan communities, allowing each to learn from and collaborate with others, and will also receive direct customer service.

While memoryKPR’s No. 1 goal is storytelling, where the program really shines is in the collection of stories, she said. For example, while a QR code can tell the story of a building, residents and tourists can also contribute their experiences about that structure or location.

The business has worked with Dakota Dunes Casino, the Canadian Football League for the 2022 Grey Cup in Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Regina Eco Museums, the latter a museum without walls where QR codes are attached to exhibits throughout the community.

“It’s very easy to put together,” said McNaughton. This technology is safe because memoryKPR works with one of the best global providers to protect information, while it only captures “agnostic data” from people who view or contribute to stories, she continued.

“We protect not only the story keepers but the people interacting with the stories,” McNaughton said, adding the company can also tell how many people have scanned a QR code and can embed an app on the city website so people can view videos.

memoryKPR has been working with a community in British Columbia to promote its content and stories digitally, a task the jurisdiction has been pursuing for five years, said McNaughton. Once the Prairie business came on board, the community built its stories within a week and was ready to connect them to QR codes because it finally had a suitable platform.

“At first, they thought we were the solution as a stopgap until they had built all the technology themselves, but after they did it, they (said) there’s no way they’re doing it themselves,” she chuckled.

Major repairs to Thunderbird Viaduct only possible after arbitration concludes, mayor says

Mayor Clive Tolley understands residents’ frustrations with the condition of the Thunderbird Viaduct but says arbitration between the city and rail company must finish before major repairs can occur.

City administration provided an update during the recent city council meeting about ongoing arbitration between the City of Moose Jaw and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd., saying there has been “no recent significant progress” in the discussions.

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The reconstruction of the Thunderbird Viaduct “remains a significant priority” for city administration, based on the department of engineering services’ 2024 capital budget overview, the report said. However, “progress on this project is contingent on concluding arbitration.”

Following the meeting, the media asked the mayor for his thoughts about how long arbitration is taking.

“I think everybody in Moose Jaw would like to see that Fourth Avenue Thunderbird Viaduct repaired properly, structurally and aesthetically. I’ve been very impatient about that (myself),” he said.

“But we need to let the process go through, and hopefully, in time, we’ll have a settlement that will allow us to have it properly repaired and reopened.”

The media pointed out that the project cost has more than doubled since administration first discussed it publicly in 2020 — going from $11.1 million to $27.6 million — and asked the mayor whether he was concerned about expenses increasing even further.

“Every project that we’ve got is going to go up in price. I think COVID created some supply chain issues, which created an increase in pricing,” Tolley said. “But I think a lot of people in the industry have increased the price without just cause.”

Repairing — or even rebuilding — the bridge is going to require steel, a material whose cost has increased significantly because of major projects happening everywhere, like a new hockey arena in Utah, he continued.

“So, it’s worldwide, the price of steel, and the price of construction is going up constantly. We’re no different than anybody else,” the mayor added. “We’re going to try and figure out a way to budget for it and get it done.”

The discussion turned to the general state of city streets, with the media informing the mayor that several

roads had made the top 10 list of CAA Saskatchewan’s annual Worst Roads Campaign.

“I didn’t know that. I thought we escaped that list,” Tolley chuckled.

The mayor said he travels regularly for regional and provincial meetings, and in all the cities he’s visited, all have had problems with streets and roads, as the main problem municipalities face is no money to upgrade infrastructure.

“It’s a matter of being careful when you’re driving. We just talked about reducing speeds. I think you need to reduce your speed when you’re driving to make sure you don’t go through a pothole,” continued Tolley.

“We filled over 7,000 potholes last (year) and all those — plus more — have been reopened.”

Potholes are not something city hall can stop from happening because most are related to the freeze-thaw cycle, he said. However, companies are creating new rubberized materials to build roads and fix potholes, so he hoped Moose Jaw could acquire that technology to create better-quality streets.

City crews worked on Main Street recently repairing the concrete boulevards, while they will spend May and June installing new cast iron water mains and resurfacing the road, Tolley said. So, the city is addressing some problems.

“People are grumpy sometimes about the condition of the roads. And then they’re grumpy about having to go on detours to get around. So I think they can’t have it both ways,” he added.

“We need to fix this infrastructure as we get the budget to do it. And we look at the worst situation as quickly as we can and fix the worst first and then move on.”

Reducing the speed limit in school zones and playgrounds will be positive because there will be less vehicle damage and fewer injuries, while it will also benefit slower-moving residents, the mayor says.

“Well, I originally doubted whether it was worth the investment. And then I learned from meeting with our provincial counterparts at (the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association conference) that we’re the last … city in the province to go from 40 (kilometres per hour) down to 30,” Mayor Clive Tolley said during a media scrum following the recent city council meeting.

Motorists who take more time to reach their destinations will cause fewer impacts, injuries and damage during a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians, he continued. Moreover, reduced speeds will benefit handicapped residents attempting to cross the street since more drivers will stop for them.

The community needs to endorse this slower driving

and ensure the roads are safe for residents, no matter their age, he added.

In a letter to city hall, the Moose Jaw Police Service said since Jan. 1, 2019, it had recorded zero vehicle-pedestrian collisions in the community. Asked whether Moose Jaw needed to copy other cities in Saskatchewan by reducing speeds despite zero incidents in five years, the mayor said the change was necessary.

“There’s got to be a reason why the whole province has gone that way,” said Tolley. “… If we can prevent future accidents by going just a little bit slower, taking our time, and being a more cautious driver, I think it’s well worth the investment of time and energy to do it.”

Motorists should be able to handle the speed reduction because it will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and seven days a week — 777, the mayor added. Moreover, students should be able to remember that as well and be more cautious when they head home in the evening.

In Celebration of Nurses Week

Investing in Nursing Education: Saskatchewan Polytechnic receives

$7.5M

gift from Leslie & Irene Dubé to Time to Rise

The Dubés gift will help shape the future of nursing education, help meet the growing healthcare needs of our province and inspire others to make a positive impact.

Sask Polytech extends its heartfelt gratitude to renowned philanthropists and successful business leaders Leslie and Irene Dubé. In recognition of their $7.5M gift towards the Time to Rise campaign supporting the construction of the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus, and for their unwavering commitment to improving the life of others the School of Nursing will be renamed the Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing.

Leslie and Irene Dubé, founders of the Concorde Group of Companies, have always believed in sharing with their community. Their philanthropic efforts have focused on various causes, including health, education and poverty. The Dubés firmly believe that every gift, regardless of its size, makes a difference in the lives of those in need and they hope their actions will inspire others to follow suit.

A portion of their generous gift, $1M, will be used to establish an endowment for Sask Polytech psychiatric nursing student awards ensuring future generations of psychiatric nurses receive the education and training they need to provide exceptional care to our communities.

As we raise $100M, we are grateful for your commitment to Saskatchewan and support as Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to develop the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will push the boundaries of what’s possible.

National Nursing Week is the annual celebration of nurses in Canada. Faced with the multiple demands of a challenging and evolving health care system, nurses across the country stand as the pillars of strength, embodying resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. Thank you, nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students, for changing lives and shaping tomorrow.

CASN has organized several events, initiatives, and resources to allow you to join us in celebrating National Nursing Week 2024 from May 6-12, 2024. We invite you to share how you celebrate with CASN on social media using the hashtag #NationalNursingWeek.

We take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated Nurses who have chosen to care for others as their career.

You are Nurturing, Undaunted, Restorative and Extraordinary.

401 Main St. N. Moose Jaw, SK | 306-631-5100 | 306-630-7566

envijewellers@gmail.com | envijewellersmj.ca

~Mom’s receive Free Dessert ~1/2 Price Wine Special ~Mimosa’s and Screwdrivers

Dining Parlour

Athabasca Street West

$6.50 all Day ~Tables will be set in Appreciation of MOM

M her’s Day Specials

Family Services offers free clothing giveaway for moms in need this Mother’s Day

To celebrate mom this Mother’s Day, Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. (MJFS) will be hosting a free clothing giveaway and Mother’s Day tea event on location this Saturday, May 11 from 1 – 5 p.m.

The afternoon’s event will include a cup of tea and some sweet delicacies, and the kids can partake in several mess-free, guided craft projects to keep them entertained while mom enjoys a break doing some shopping.

“Everybody is invited to the clothing giveaway, and the moms get a little treat when they come,” said Tara Jones, the executive director of MJFS.

Jones described the occasion as “a fun way to just celebrate moms and… (other) female caregivers” this Mother’s Day.

This year’s first giveaway will remain open on Saturday – which is when Mother’s Day falls this year – to accommodate the special occasion, which is a change from past instances of the event.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“Our fall (giveaway in 2023) was bigger than our spring one, so I’m expecting that we’ll continue to see some growth. Our community is really generous,” she added.

The Mother’s Day event is intended to help mothers in need, of course, but MJFS is always willing to help everyone who comes through its doors in their time of need.

“A lot of (people from the community) were accessing (the clothing at our previous giveaway events), and we love it,” Jones confirmed.

The organization doesn’t keep a record of who accesses the clothing, and all transactions remain confidential. Still, Jones noticed a sizable uptick in newcomers and international students who are also seeing a benefit from the now bi-annual giveaway.

“So, if people are going through their closets and they have men’s clothing, shoes, and whatnot to donate, they’re definitely in high demand.

“We appreciate that (everyone) is quick to donate and to help fill the needs that (exist) in the community,” Jones said.

“We have lots of people who are struggling with the economy that we’re living in right now,” she added. “If we can help reduce one (expense), which is maybe clothing, then we’re happy to do that.”

The upcoming clothing giveaway will also be the third such event offered by MJFS, and the local non-profit plans to consistently hold two of these events each year.

This Mother’s Day, consider giving the gift of charity by treating mom to an A&W Mama Burger and perhaps a colourful spring hoodie to match with proceeds supporting Moose Jaw’s animal shelter and the cats, dogs, and other critters in its care.

The fundraising partnership will run from May 6 – 12 and is available at both local A&W restaurant locations. During this limited time, $1 from the sale of each Mama Burger will be donated in support of the non-profit Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS).

“It’s always amazing to work with our community and enable people that want to help (so they can) provide the funds (for us to) care for the pets in our community,” said Donna Fritzke, the fundraising co-ordinator at the MJHS. Now in its second year, the ongoing partnership between Moose Jaw’s A&W

Jones said each consecutive giveaway has trended toward a greater volume of clothing items to freely distribute, and she’s expecting this next occasion to be bigger than it was last year.

Clothing and other household items are sourced from generous donors in the community. As it stands, a wide assortment of women’s and children’s clothing options are consistently in stock, but men’s clothing items have been in steady short supply.

You can help support MJFS in its efforts to improve the community by donating any items you no longer need to the drop-off location during regular business hours. MJFS is open five days a week between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is closed on weekends.

Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. is located at 200 Main Street South and can be reached at 306-694-8133 or by email at Contact@MJFamilyServices.ca.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

franchise locations and the MJHS began when the owner of the Main Street A&W restaurant Derrick Pohl – himself an ongoing supporter of the shelter with a few adopted pets under his care – reached out in a show of support.

Fritzke said this isn’t an isolated occurrence, and there always seems to be an abundance of local supporters willing to contact the shelter and inquire about ways they can help.

“And that just shows the type of community that we live in,” Fritzke noted.

Alongside the Mama Burger fundraising opportunity, Fritzke said the Humane Society is also promoting the relaunch of its promotional hoodies in a new set of colourful spring colours – and hinted that something from the new lineup could make a decent gift for mom.

Proceeds from the sale of each pro-

motional hoodie also goes toward supporting the shelter.

The MJHS is as local non-profit with the mission of caring for stray pets that it views as intrinsically valuable. The animal shelter can only continue its valuable work with the help and support of fundraising efforts such as these.

“We’re always so grateful to be able

to work with our community (and) care for the pets that live in our city,” Fritzke said. “And we’re just always overwhelmed by the response that we receive from our supporters and people in our community that support the Humane Society.

“We’re just so grateful to A&W at both locations for partnering with us and working with us,” she added.

“It really does take a community to care for the pets that live here, and we have amazing staff that work really hard,” she said. “It’s so gratifying to have (so much) support behind us...”

To learn more about the MJHS and perhaps view some of the adorable puppies and kittens up for adoption with mom, visit MJHS.ca – and don’t forget, stopping by the shelter to meet some of these lovable animals is always welcome.

The Moose Jaw Humane Society is located at 1755 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-692-1517.

Moose Jaw’s two participating A&W restaurants are located at 1340 Main Street North and 1700 Lakeview Road.

By Patricia Hanbidge For

Balance

-

How Biologicals Work!

The balance of nature is achieved when all that is part of the environment is in balance. The upper and lower limits of populations are mitigated by a complex combination of factors that affect populations. However, as we all know – there really are never constant numbers of anything but an infinite struggle between all factors. When you discover a pest problem in your garden, there are always many choices on how to take care of that challenge. If you decide to explore biological controls, it is important to understand that their only focus in the short lives of these biologicals is no different than any other part of our natural world where the focus is on reproduction and survival of the species. Any given species

in a community lives at the expense of others that are attacked and fed upon. However, this balance is never retained at one level, because of the constant battle for balance in the natural world. Life is not a straight line but a series of ever undulating ebbs and flows that make up life.

neighbor’s tree and forget all about the aphids in your maple tree as there is no easy way to control the outdoor environment in an open space.

Insects are found in all environments in our world, except for very high altitude frozen polar environments and in the immediate vicinity of active volcanoes. Insects make up more than half of all the living things on earth and have the ability to evolve very quickly and increase their numbers rapidly which aids in their survival over the long term. Hence, controlling an insect pest that may be costing you significant economic loss is no easy task.

Using a natural control regulates the numbers, preventing the population from becoming too high. It also will require periodic increases in numbers of the biological which is controlling the pest population creating that undulating balance of nature.

Biological control of insects is generally the introduction of a predator, parasite, parasitoid or pathogen into the environment which then impacts the population of the pest of focus. They do not kill off the entire population of the pest but create an ecological dynamic that keeps that pest population at a minimum. Biological controls are effective, environmentally friendly and to a point self sustaining. For example, if you have an aphid problem you could introduce lady bugs to control that population, but keep in mind if you are not in control of the environment it will be difficult to manage the success of the introduced control. For example, if you are growing culinary herbs in a controlled environment like a greenhouse, the introduction of ladybugs might be a good choice. However, if you are trying to control aphids in the maple trees in your outdoor space, the introduction of a biological control will likely not be effective, as your ladybugs might easily migrate to your

In order to achieve the best control balance, it is important to use a variety of mechanisms in which to gain the desired control of the pest population. Learning all that you can about the life cycle of the pest in key to choosing the safest and most effective control to be used at the appropriate time is the best practice.

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

The Light Yoga and Wholeness Studio offering Mini Market on May 11

The second annual Mini Market organized by the Light Yoga and Wholeness Studio is returning to raise more funds for The Moose Jaw Food Bank. The event will take place on May 11th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The market is expected to be even bigger than last year, with a rough estimate of 12 vendors! Many vendors from last year’s market are returning; some of these include Knotty Bobbi Macramé and Sunshine Health and Healing.

This year the Market will feature a tea leaf reading, and they also will have a fitness trainer from Essential Strength Fitness. Additionally, Untamed Blooms and Botanicals will be at the market with their bloom bar selling bloom bundles for $10 with 50% of the bloom bundle sales will go straight to the fundraiser.

The Light and Yoga Wholeness Studio is utilizing their space so that vendors can come and showcase their hard work and provide another sense of community.

“We welcome everyone through our doors at this studio, into our beautiful space. We are also having some yoga specials that day, some passes that coincide with Mother’s Day,” explained the co-owner, Mei-Ling Chow-Mintenko.

There is no admission fee to come and take a look at the Mini Market, but they will be accepting cash donations as well as donations of non-perishable food at the door. The staff of the Light will be providing complimentary iced tea to those in attendance.

This market is part of the Light Yoga Studio’s Campaign of Light, which is a series of fundraisers that the studio has been holding quarterly since it opened. Every quarter, the Light Yoga Studio chooses a local non-profit organization to support, whether that is through community yoga classes or fundraisers similar to the Mini Market.

By Fox Klen - Moose Jaw Express

In 2022, the first recipient of the Campaign of Light was the Moose Jaw Transition House. Since then, the staff at the Light Yoga Studio have been able to aid Hunger in Moose Jaw, Big Brothers Big Sisters Moose Jaw, SquareOne, the humane society, and Homestand 2023.

The studio itself offers a variety of different yoga classes with teachers who lead with the heart and passion to practice seven days a week at 32 Manitoba St. W. These different yoga classes include:

- Vinyasa Flow 60/75-minute class

- Mini Flow 45-minute class

- Yin-Yang 60-minute class

- Qi Gong 60-minute class

- Yoga Sculpt & Flow 60-minute class

- Hatha 60-minute class

- Gentle Hatha 45/60-minute class

- Rest & Restore 45-minute class

If you want to learn more information about The Light Yoga & Wholeness Studio, you can visit their website at https://www.thelightyogastudio.com/. If you want to know more about the Mini Market, you can call the studio at 306-690-9466. Don’t forget to bring your non-perishables to donate!

Moose Jaw Express

The waiting area within the lobby.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Does an apple a day still keep medical doctor away?

In the seasons between fruit varieties, the one constant is the apple, to be used for eating raw or cooked in favourite dessert recipes.

Apple varieties change with the season and availability, but shoppers can most certainly be assured that apples can be purchased with regularity.

This week’s recipes offer some dessert ideas that feature the apple.

• • • APPLE CUSTARD PIE

1 pastry shell

1 egg white

2-3 cups sliced apples

3 egg yolks

1 cup creamilk or whipping cream

1 tbsp. cornstarch

1 cup granulated sugar

pinch salt

1 tsp. vanilla

Prepare pie crust, place in 10 inch pie plate and brush with slightly beaten egg white. Bake pastry for 10-15 minutes in a 350 degrees F oven.

Peel and core apples and slice thinly into wedges. Arrange in a circle in the partly baked crust, covering and mounding on bottom, and up

the sides of the crust.

Beat together remaining ingredients and pour over apples. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes until custard is set. Slice into 8 pieces when cool. Note: if using frozen pie shell, thaw according to package directions before using.

• • • APPLE CREAM PIE

pastry for a 9 inch double-crust pie

6 cups peeled, sliced MacIntosh apples

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup sultana golden raisins, washed and dried 2 tbsps. butter or margarine

1/2 cup whipping cream

Line pie plate with pastry.

Peel and slice apples, mix with sugar, cinnamon and raisins. Place in pie shell. Dot with butter and cover with top crust. Cut slits in top crust. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 50-60 minutes. Fifteen minutes before the pie is done, pour whipping cream through the slits in the top crust. Finish baking. May be served hot or cold. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

• • • APPLE MUFFINS

1 egg 1 1/2 cups brown sugar

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups finely chopped apples

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsps. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup sour milk or buttermilk

1/3 cup white sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

In a large bowl beat egg, brown sugar, oil and vanilla until light. Add the chopped apples. Stir in dry ingredients until just mixed together. Stir in milk. Fill well-greased muffin tins 3/4 full.

Combine the white sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes. Makes 18 large muffins.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net

Province to use 60K cubic metres of dirt to stop Ninth Avenue SW from sliding into valley

The province will begin repairs to Ninth Avenue Southwest this fall to shore up the sinking road, including using about 60,000 cubic metres — over 21,000 tons — of earth to stop the slope from sliding any further.

A past landslide caused significant issues for the road — also known as Highway 363 — near Wakamow Valley, while the Ministry of Highways has repaired that stretch several times over the years.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

The province has now decided to install a berm at the bottom of the embankment to halt its deterioration.

The berm will be roughly 55 metres wide by 200 metres long and three to six metres high, depending upon the location and grading. It will add weight to the bottom of the slope to stop it from sliding.

The ministry plans to start construction on the berm this fall — it will tender the project this summer — and will repair

the OK, then we can begin construction,” Shaheen said.

It’s not unusual to find artifacts during road construction nor to have to follow certain procedures before pursuing these projects, as the ministry always performs testing before any initiative, he continued.

For example, the province discovered archaeological artifacts in 2016 while twinning Highway 7 west of Saskatoon.

Construction in Wakamow Valley to occur near ‘special site’ filled with artifacts

Sections of Wakamow Valley contain a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts that archeologists continue to dig up, with one professional describing a location near a proposed construction zone as “a special site.”

Alan Korejbo, a registered professional archaeologist with Respect Inc. Heritage Consulting, which focuses on regulatory compliance and heritage resource impact assessments, conducted a review last fall near Ninth Avenue Southwest to determine whether any historic objects existed in the valley below.

The Ministry of Highways plans to install a dirt berm this fall to shore up the road and prevent any further soil erosion. It will then rebuild the road in 2025 once the slope slippage has ceased.

From his excavations, Korejbo found “a real hodgepodge” of artifacts, some dating to the 1960s, some from pre-contact times, and some allegedly dating back 3,000 years.

He then made several recommendations to the province after conducting the assessment, including having archaeologists monitor the area during the work, installing swamp mats to protect sensitive natural areas from heavy machinery and pursuing additional mitigative excavations this year.

“This is a special site. It’s (been) a special site anyway, even before this (project) … . There should be more work done,” Korejbo said on April 30 during an open house at the Events Centre.

the

“(Actually), I shouldn’t say that. When it’s in the ground, it’s safe for future generations,” he continued. “So, all archaeologists … want to find stuff, but really, our primary objective is supposed to be to save it and not dig it up.”

proposed

The area where Korejbo performed his shovel-deep excavations is a flood plain west of the Seventh Avenue Southwest bridge, south of Valleyview Drive, adjacent to Ninth Avenue Southwest/Highway 363 and flanked by the creek.

Using a systematic, common-sense approach, Korejbo dug in fields that became known as the Davies Site and the Garratt Site, named after their previous owners, Paul Davies and Bill Garratt.

“It’s like finding a needle in a haystack … ,” he said.

Davies found historical artifacts in his field in the 1950s and called the provincial archaeologist at the University of Saskatchewan to come see his findings.

“There was no (provincial archaeological) legislation till 1979 (or) 1980. So, he didn’t have to (call anyone),” said Korejbo.

Every shovel test that Korejbo conducted on or near the Davies site found an artifact, such as pieces of pottery or farmhouses, while he found a concentrated grouping of items on the Garratt Site, including pottery and bone or stone tools.

This area is a flood plain, so it’s natural for animal skeletons to wash up onto the shore, he said. However, he found “lots of bone” — especially from bison — that he thought indicated the presence of people.

Evidence from ground disturbances also indicates Black Bull situated his camp on the Davies Site in the 1800s, while there was a Metis “hotel” — a shack, really — from the 1840s and a Metis trail.

He was also told that a rail-type system allegedly ran through the area, which he found difficult to believe until he found a large railroad spike.

Korejbo thought it was interesting to find pottery

Jason G. Antonio

- MooseJawToday.com

A poster showing the types of artifacts that an excavation found, including pottery pieces (top) and a railroad spike (bottom).

buried 50 centimetres down, which is “really deep” since archaeologists usually find items near the surface. That depth is great, however, because the soil protects items until researchers excavate them.

“Before this project, the biggest piece of pottery I (ever) found was about the size of my pinky nail, so these are quite large and unique,” he said.

Some of the pottery pieces are well preserved and indicate — via carbonized material — the food people ate, he continued. A laboratory confirmed “what was on the menu” from the pieces he submitted.

“The only better way is through coprolites. And nobody wants to go there. That’s fossilized turds,” he chuckled.

This “unique pottery” may have been from the late 1700s or early 1800s and come from either southwestern Manitoba or central Missouri, making this the second-oldest site in Saskatchewan after Mortlach and Avonlea and one of only five locations in the province, Korejbo said.

He added that he spoke to the top pottery experts across the Prairies and learned they’re not even sure from where these items came.

“… it’s absolutely a rich site (and) it’s a very important site for Saskatchewan,” he added.

Canadian Navigable Waters Act

Water Security Agency hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans

Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Water Security Agency has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Common Project Search Registry (http://cps canada ca/) and under registry number 10369, or, under the NPP File Number 1998-600595. A description of the following work, its site and plans:

• Embankment

• Cofferdam

• Spillway

• Water Control Structure

in, on, over, under, through or across the Buffalo Pound Lake at Buffalo Pound Dam (adjacent to Bison Paddock) in the following affected parcels:

NE 35 T18 R25 W2M Plan CT3401 ext 25 as described on the Certificate of Title 82MJ05439, description 25 with Title Number 100754489 and Parcel Number 104671560

BLK/Par P – Plan CU3035 Ext 7 as described on Certificate of Title 64MJ12872L with Title Number 137303692 and Parcel Number 105691855

NE 35 T18 R25 W2M Ext 0 as described on the Certificate of Title 93MJ13064 with Title Number 137303748 and Parcel Number 102689950

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to the internet, by sending your comments directly to:

Navigation Protection Program – Transport Canada 344 Edmonton Street Winnipeg MB R3C 0P6

Transport Canada (TC) will not make your comments on a project available to the public on the online public registry However, any information related to a work is considered as unclassified public record and could be accessible upon legal request As such, the information and records provided should not contain confidential or sensitive information If you want to provide confidential or sensitive information that you think should not be made public, please contact TC before submitting it.

However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing (electronic means preferable) and are received not later than 30 days after the publication of the last notice Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.

Posted at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan this 29th day of April 2024

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Alan Korejbo, a registered professional archaeologist with Respect Inc. Heritage Consulting (right), speaks about

artifacts he found on the sites near

construction in the valley. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Inviting foreign grocery chains to compete makes no sense BIZWORLD

The federal government has invited a number of foreign grocery retail chains to set up in Canada to compete with the few grocery chains dominating the market.

The invitation was made to stimulate competition and keep grocery prices from skyrocketing as they have since Covid-19.

This invitation displays a complete lack of understanding on how the market system operates.

In the market system high prices usually create opportunities for competitors to enter, reducing overly generous profits through competition.

In Canada, competition by grocers is not that noticeable. Five retail chains have 80 per cent of the market. The largest, Loblaws, has 29 per cent of the market.

Challenging these chains with the hundreds of millions invested in warehouses and transport networks across Canada would be a daunting task.

In the low profit margin grocery busi-

ness foreigners would get better returns by investing in a less challenging market.

The great mistake by previous governments of both parties was allowing the concentration of the market in the first place with one take-over after another.

Now Canadians are stuck with these players.

Canadians saw how U.S.-based Target came into Canada in a large splash and left with the tail between their legs.

Target played in a market dominated by Walmart and Canadian Tire.

Grocers claim huge profits are being made from inflation, not from price gouging.

A study by the Broadbent Institute indicates that grocery profits between 2010 and 2023 ranged from 1.75 per cent of sales to 2.75 per cent.

At that rate $100 million sales would have netted between $1.75 million and $2.75 million – a razor thin margin con-

sidering the investment.

Between 2022 and 2023 profits ranged from 2.5 per cent to a high of 3.75 per cent.

During the same period average wages at grocery stores went from $19.50 an hour t o $21.50 when “hero pay’’ was awarded, then fell to $19.61.

It can be argued that some of the extra profit is coming from reduced wages to grocery employees.

The Broadbent Institute study suggests three options to curb rising food prices — windfall profits tax, price controls and/or stronger support for unionized employees.

The rate of union employees has declined by one-third since 2002.

High wages would be reflected in prices.

A windfall tax would reduce earnings for shareholders and cut the cash available for improvements and innovation.

Windfall taxes likely would not impact grocery prices. The big chains would hire an army of accountants and lawyers to avoid the taxes and possibly even make stupid investments to avoid taxes.

Price controls would be a nightmare.

Imagine the thousands of government employees needed to administer price controls and the legions of employees grocers would need to comply.

The grocery market has shifted. Discounters like Walmart and Costco are gaining market share. “Dollar’’ stores are capturing a larger portion of the grocery dollar.

Loblaws and Safeway/Sobeys are building out store brands with discounts.

The shift may not be noticeable as prices remain high. But switches of this nature take years to complete.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Last Mountain takes top play at TheatreFest 24; Moose Jaw wins

one award

Yorkton, Battlefords, Prince Albert, Melfort, Cochin, Last Mountain, Moose Jaw all represented at festival

NORTH BATTLEFORD — A whole week of performing theatre in the Battlefords wrapped up on April 27, at the Dekker Centre, as TheatreFest 2024 came to an official close.

The week featured four workshops coupled with daily two-hour production workshops focused on the previous night’s performance, parties, an apprenticeship program with groups from across Saskatchewan, and of course a different performance from a community theatre

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100 intends to adopt O cial Community Plan Bylaw No. 261-24 (OCP) and Zoning Bylaw No. 262-24 under The Planning and Development Act, 2007.

INTENT:

The proposed OCP and Zoning Bylaw will establish a policy and regulatory framework for guiding land use, economic, environmental, social and cultural development as well as the delivery of infrastructure, services, and utilities in the RM. The purpose of the new bylaws is to comply with Provincial legislation and to ensure future development occurs in a responsible and sustainable manner in alignment with RM priorities.

AFFECTED LAND:

All land within the RM boundaries. The OCP also includes inter-municipal policies for collaborating with neighbouring municipalities and other partners in the region.

PUBLIC INSPECTION:

Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM o ce during regular o ce hours Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12:30 and 1:00 to 4:00pm.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Council will hold a public hearing on June 5, 2024 at 9:00am to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. Council will also consider any comments that are received in writing at the o ce or emailed to rm.100@sasktel.net in advance of the hearing.

Issued in the Village of Avonlea this 1st day of May, 2024.

Signed Jaimie Paranuik, Chief Administrative O cer, RM #100

Phone: 306-868-2221

Email: rm.100@sasktel.net

By: Miguel Fenrich - SASKTODAY.CA

group each night.

The groups in attendance were:

• Battlefords Community Players, An Inspector Calls

• Cochin Community Players, Looking

• Odyssey Productions, Dogbarked

• Yorkton Paper Bag Players, Agnes of God

• Melfort Amateur Dramatics, Here on the Flight Path

• Last Mountain Theatre Company, The Tin Woman

• Moose Jaw Community Players, Spirit Control

Nena Hawkes, the executive director of Theatre Saskatchewan, told the News-Optimist that she’s overwhelmed with the results of the awards ceremony and with the whole week in its entirety.

“Obviously, the performances that were brought were so strong and so varied. I loved that we had drama and intrigue and comedy, but I think that the highlight for me was the incredible education pieces that came this week,” Hawkes said.

“The feedback we’ve received from the folks that … came out to those events has been phenomenal. And I honestly cannot wait to come to the Battlefords.

“I am honestly just buzzing. This has been an incredible experience.”

The winners of the award ceremony are as follows:

• Technical Merit Award. Winner, Yorkton Paper Bag Players

• Best Visual Presentation. Winner, Battleford Community Players.

• Aspirant Award (given to a novice participant who has shown remarkable progress in a performance.) Honorable mention, Nolan Fehr with Odyssey Productions. Winner, Lorna McComber with Melfort Amateur Dramatics.

• Outstanding Female Performance in a Supporting Role. Winner, Bailey Lemcke for her performance in Agnes of God.

• Outstanding Male Performance in a Supporting Role. Winner, Lynn Wagner for his performance in The Tin Woman.

• Outstanding Female Performance in a Lead Role. Winner, Jenn Gritzfeld for her performance in The Tin Woman.

• Outstanding Male Performance in a Lead Role. Winner, Rick Kostiuk for his performance in Looking.

• Excellence in Characterization. Winner, Chris Wagner for her performance in The Tin Woman.

• Best Stage Manager. Winner, Ivy Sheward with Moose Jaw Community Player’s production of Spirit Control.

• Runner Up Best Director. Winner, Pam Willerton with Yorkton Paper Bag Player’s production of Agnes of God.

• Best Director. Winner, Lorne Goittselig with Last Mountain Theatre Company’s production of The Tin Woman.

• Runner-up to Winning Entry. Yorkton Paper Bag Player’s production of Agnes of God.

• Winning Entry. Last Mountain Theatre Company’s production of The Tin Woman.

“This year’s festival in the Battlefords honestly feels like a really key, pivotal moment post-pandemic. The arts are coming back in Saskatchewan, we’ve had an incredibly successful week,” Hawkes added.

“We can build on that next year, and the year after that.”

Moose Jaw RCMP investigating human remains found in RM of Moose Jaw

Moose Jaw Express staff

On April 28 at around 2:20 p.m., Moose Jaw RCMP received a report of human remains located in a rural area northeast of Moose Jaw.

Investigators engaged a forensic anthropologist and pathologist, who have examined the remains. They believe the remains have been at the location for 10 years or longer. At this time, investigators do not believe the death was suspicious in nature. The individual has not yet been identified.

This investigation, which will consider historical missing persons in the area, is ongoing and an update will

be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

Moose Jaw RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Historical Case Unit will continue searches in the rural area northeast of Moose Jaw. Residents may notice an increased police presence.

Anyone with information is asked to call Moose Jaw RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

RM OF ELMSTHORPE #100 PUBLIC NOTICE

Moose Jaw Exhibition Company honours Lee Bellows with renaming of outdoor rodeo arena

Gomersall-Bellows Arena to honour two pioneers and supporters of the sport in Moose Jaw Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The sport of rodeo in Moose Jaw wouldn’t be the same without longtime supporter Lee Bellows, who passed away last year. He was a key fixture in the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company for decades, with his efforts to improve and advance the sport having a direct effect on the rodeo community even to this day.

To find a perfect example, all one had to do was head down to the MJEC this past weekend to check out the rodeo school he was a major part of founding, with the event taking place in the arena he helped build.

It wasn’t long after Bellows passed that the MJEC decided to honour his memory, and on Saturday, a special ceremony was held to rename the outdoor rodeo ring the Gomersall-Bellows Arena, honouring two major pioneers of the sport

in Moose Jaw.

“Lee was involved in rodeo in this part of the world for many years,” said Ross Smith of the MJEC and also a close friend of Bellows. “He started off riding bucking horses and then was a bullfighter, barrelman and rodeo clown, and he ended up working all over North America and even in Australia, he’s been all over. He was active with the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds for 40, 50 years, he was here a long, long time, and it was his idea to start this school, so it only seems fitting.”

The dedication took place prior to the Saturday afternoon session of what was once known as the Moose Jaw Roughstock Rodeo School, which offers young riders a chance to learn how to ride bucking horses in a safe and positive environment.

Ross Smith with the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company presents a special commemorative photo to Teresa Bellows during the Bellows-Gomersall Arena renaming ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

The annual event was the brainchild of Bellows around 15 years ago, which made the renaming to the Lee Bellows Rodeo School a natural fit.

“That was Lee Bellows’ dream, to give the kids a place to start in rodeo, and it’s really nice to see the network of people who have felt the same way and helped us along the way,” Smith said.

“There were some students here who will be getting on their first bucking horse and some who are coming back to continue their learning. So this is grassroots, where it starts, and it’s all because of an idea that Lee had.”

Bellows sharing the arena name with

No surprise: Warriors captain Mateychuk

Bill Gomersall is also a perfect tribute given Gomersall’s role when the sport was taking off in the area in the early 1920s.

The renaming ceremony included a special presentation of a photo collage to Bellows’ widow Teresa and Bill’s son Doug Gomersall.

“They were pioneers, they did a lot of work behind the scenes that people weren’t aware of,” Smith said. “I was fortunate to work with Lee and I cherish those memories of us building things around here for the rodeo here. It’s been an honour to be involved with people like that who were such pioneers, and hopefully what we’re building here will be for the next generation.”

Doug Gomersall accepts a special commemorative photo from Ross Smith during the Bellows-Gomersall Arena renaming ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

named WHL Player of the Month for April

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect claims honour after putting up 21 points in first 10 games of WHL postseason MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM

Anyone even remotely following the Western Hockey League playoffs couldn’t have been surprised when Player of the Month for April was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

When you’re on the kind of post-season roll Moose Jaw Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk is on, major awards are definitely going to come your way.

The Columbus Blue Jackets first-rounder put up an impressive six goals and 21 points and a plus-16 rating through 10 playoff games in April to hold the WHL scoring lead heading into Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final against the Saskatoon Blades on Wednesday night.

Mateychuk has had six multi-point games through the first two-and-a-half rounds of the playoffs, including a near-re-

Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk celebrates with Brayden Yager after Yager scored the overtime winner in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final in Saskatoon.

cord-setting effort against Swift Current in Game 2 of their second-round series.

That contest saw Mateychuk rack up a goal and five assists in the first two periods as the Warriors went on to a 7-2 victory in Game 2 of the series. That effort came a single point away from tying the WHL record for points in a single game by a defenceman, with that record book including the ultra-high-scoring days from the mid-80s and early-90s.

Included in Mateychuk’s showing is an impressive turn on special teams, with a power play goal, five power play assists and two shorthanded goals over the 10 games thus far.

Mateychuk is the East Division nominee for the Bill Hunter Trophy as the WHL Defenceman of the Year, having put up 17 goals and 75 points in 52 games in the regular season. Team Canada World Junior

duties kept Mateychuk from capping the campaign as the league’s highest-scoring defenceman, and while he finished third overall, his 1.44 points per game were tops in the league.

Mateychuk’s honour marks the third straight month that a Moose Jaw Warrior has been named the Player of the Month, with Atley Calvert claiming the honour after putting up 13 goals and 27 points in February and Jagger Firkus winning after scoring 16 goals and 27 points in 12 games in March.

It’s the second recent major award for the Warriors after netminder Jackson Unger was named the Goaltender of the Week on Monday.

-- with files from whl.ca

Ross Smith with the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company speaks during the dedication of the Bellows-Gomersall Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Sidorov scores OT winner as Blades defeat Warriors in Game 4

Saskatoon roars out to 3-0 lead in first eight minutes, Warriors battle back to tie game before Blades take 4-3 victory in overtime

Fraser Minten and Egor Sidorov celebrate after Sidorov’s overtime winner in Game 4

One day after a rough start saw the Saskatoon Blades struggle to get anything going in the first half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference championship against the Moose Jaw Warriors, it was all Saskatoon to start Game 4 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre,

A 3-0 lead before the game was nine minutes old had the Warriors on their heels from the get go, and while the home team was able to battle back and tie the game, the Blades would get a goal from Egor Sidorov 3:29 into overtime to take a 5-4 victory.

Sports: Game 5 reaction: Warriors’ spectacular comeback soured by another overtime loss

Coach O’Leary looks back on tough overtime defeat and toward Game 6 in Moose Jaw Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

There are always a lot of what-ifs in a close playoff series, but the Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades took it to another level through the first five games of their Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Championship.

Thanks to the Blades’ 5-4 win in overtime on Friday night at SaskTel Centre in Game 5, the Warriors found themselves down to their last life in the best-of-seven series -- and they were also left wondering what might have been if not for falling behind early and needing another incredible rally to just get to overtime.

This time around, it was a stunning four-goal surge in the third period that erased a 4-0 deficit and, once again, gave the Warriors a chance to win.

“We just do what we do,” said Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary. “We just continue to work and compete and know that our skill will make plays when we do. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m just real proud of the group, they keep to the plan and forge on. I truly believe if we do that long enough we’ll see success Sunday.”

Even with the deficit, the Warriors still had more than their fair share of looks early and generally carried the play. But opportunistic goals have been a killer for the team all season, and Friday was no exception.

“To tell you the truth, I thought our start was better than theirs,” O’Leary said. “It was no different than the other night where you’re doing good things, you’re playing honest and you’re not cheating, you’re generating looks at one end and they come down and shoot it in our net. It’s frustrating, but I’m proud of the group

for coming back from 4-0, not a lot of teams can do that.”

The third-period rally was helped by one of the teams occasional go-tos in the second half when they were trailing in a game -- putting Matthew Savoie on the top line alongside Jagger Firkus and Brayden Yager. That switch seemed to energize the entire line-up, as the Blades found themselves hanging on for dear life by the time the period reached its end.

“It’s nothing we haven’t done before, and sometimes changing things a little bit will spark something and it did tonight,” O’Leary said. “They just continued to work, compete and things eventually started to go their way.”

It certainly didn’t hurt to have goaltender Dmitri Fortin playing lights out after taking over from Jackson Unger midway through the contest. The Warriors tightened up defensively after the switch, and Saskatoon didn’t score again until overtime.

Lakovic scores overtime winner as Warriors force Game 7

with win over

Blades

Moose Jaw takes 4-3 OT victory in fifth game of Eastern Conference Championship Final to go to extra time Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades are going to Game 7 in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Championship.

Lynden Lakovic scored at 2:57 of overtime to give the Warriors a 4-3 victory in Game 6 at the Moose Jaw Events Centre on Sunday afternoon, tying the series at three games apiece and forcing a deciding game in Saskatoon on Tuesday night.

It was the fifth game of the series to to go overtime, with the Blades having won three and the Warriors two.

Moose Jaw needed to get off to a good start, and they couldn’t have asked for a better one.

The team opted to start the grind line of Brayden Schuurman, Rilen Kovacevic and Ethan Semeniuk, and that trio got immediate pressure in the Blades zone off the opening face-off. It all led to Kovacevic sending a pass from the corner to the front of the net, and Schuurman would bang the puck home for the game’s opening goal only 38 seconds in.

Saskatoon got that one back with 3:45 gone when Egor Sidorov was allowed to cruise around the Warriors’ zone before putting a shot on net from the blueline that found its way through traffic and in.

Moose Jaw continued to press as the period continued, leading to Blades netminder Evan Gardner making a handful of huge saves to keep the game tied, including a stop on Matthew Savoie with five minutes remaining on what looked like a sure goal.

All that pressure paid off with 2:02 remaining when Schuurman struck again, corralling a poke check by a Blades defender and putting a shot from the high slot top shelf glove side to give the Warriors a 2-1 edge.

The two teams settled into a back-andforth for the majority of the second period, with Atley Calvert putting up two of the best scoring chances when he worked his way to the front of the net on a pair of plays on the same shift, only for Gardner to make the save.

The Blades received the first power play of the game with 13:55 gone when Savoie was hit with a tripping minor, and Saskatoon would capitalize when Rowan Calvert won a puck battle at the top of the crease and knocked the puck home with

4:14 remaining in the period.

Saskatoon then took the lead with three minutes gone in the third when Trevor Wong outduelled a Moose Jaw defender breaking into the Warriors’ zone and got a pass to the front of the net for Charlie Wright, who beat his man to the net and jammed the puck five-hole on Jackson Unger.

The Warriors received their first power play with 5:25 gone in the third when Tyler Parr slashed Brayden Yager’s stick out of his hands, but Moose Jaw had limited pressure and wouldn’t get a shot on net.

A period that hadn’t seen the Warriors get a lot of breaks finally saw the home team get one when Kovacevic put a shot on net from the boards that found its way through traffic and past Gardner, tying the game 3-3 with 10:56 gone in the final period.

Sure enough, that’s where things would finish off in regulation, and for the fifth time in the series, the two teams were off to overtime.

There, the Warriors would finally break through after losing the previous three contests that went to extra time.

Lynden Lakovic gloved down a breakout pass from Matthew Savoie at the Blades blueline, broke in to the right faceoff circle and put a perfect shot top shelf short side to end the game with 2:57 gone in overtime.

Unger capped his outing with 33 saves, while Gardner had 35 stops at the other end of the ice.

All eye now turn to Game 7, which will take place Tuesday night at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. Game time is 7 p.m.

Good Sunday For The 18U AA Canucks

It was a good Sunday afternoon for the Moose Jaw Canucks 18U AA team as they swept a doubleheader from the visiting Saskatoon U18 AA Blue Jays.

Improving massively since their season opener the Canucks were able to reduce their errors by one-half compared to their previous outings.

“We hit the ball well,” head coach Zachary Klyne said. He went on to comment about the team’s improvement in a week’s time.

The scores were 14 - 4 in the first game and 9 - 7 in the second game of Sunday afternoon’s doubleheader.

The Canucks now have a 2 - 2 record. Next weekend the AA Canucks are on the

Martin Rysavy lays a big hit on Saskatoon’s Nicholas Andrusiak.

Warriors forward Lynden Lakovic celebrates with Kalem Parker and Jagger Firkus after scoring the overtime winner in Game 6.

road with games in Weyburn and Estevan. The Canucks next home game is May 15 at 6 pm versus the Regina Blue Jays at Ross Wells Park.

The Coaches talk to the players following their second victory on Sunday

Game 7 in Eastern Conference Final

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Saskatoon Blades prepared to do battle in the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Final a couple of weeks ago in a close and competitive series.

No one could have predicted just how close and how competitive things would be.

Five of the six games have gone to overtime, including Game 6 on Sunday afternoon at the Moose Jaw Events Centre that saw the Warriors get the winner from Lynden Lakovic to force a seventh and deciding game in the series.

That contest takes place on Tuesday night at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, and how things will go there is anyone’s guess.

“It just goes to show you what playoff hockey is all about,” Lakovic said. “It’s back and forth, this is the fifth game that’s gone to overtime and it shows anything can happen. In a game like that, you just have to throw it on net and hope something happens and tonight it did.”

The lead-up to extra time was anoth-

er back-and-forth battle, with Saskatoon twice battling back to tie the game before taking a lead early in the third. Rilen Kovacevic would then tie the game midway through the third period, setting the stage for Lakovic’s winner.

It was a stellar outing in general for the Warriors’ third line, as Brayden Schuurman scored only 38 seconds in and had a pair of goals, while Kovacevic added a pair of assists and Ethan Semeniuk also had a helper.

“I think that really shows how deep our line-up is,” said Schuurman. “We have guys who can score and come up big in big moments up and down our line-up and today it just happened to be us. It was really good.”

The contest also marked the latest example of the Warriors rebounding from a tough loss, something they’ve done many a time this season. Seeing that continue to happen isn’t much of a surprise to Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary

“You train for that, and we’ve talked for a long time about this group growing

up together,” he said. “I think when you know a group of guys and you go through hard times at 16- and 17-years-old when you’re a young and developing team and you lose games by seven or eight goals some nights, you make the decision back then that you’re either going to quit or keep going. “Our guys made the decision a long time ago to keep going and it’s like anything else, it’s a habit and when tough circumstances happen the standards don’t change.”

Lakovic was of much the same opinion.

“I think we’re a family,” he said. “This group has been building together since we were all 16 and we don’t want this road to end, so we just do it for each other… we don’t want this to end, we aren’t going to change much and we’re going to play for each other.”

Now, all eyes turn to the biggest game of the season.

Blades defenceman Charlie Wright -who scored the go-ahead goal for Saskatoon in Game 6 -- was asked if it felt like

destiny to be going to Game 7.

“To be honest, it did,” he said. “We were hoping to end it tonight, but things happen and it did feel like it was destined to go to seven. (And) It’s probably going to go into overtime, looking at the other games here. It’s going to be exciting, it’s a Game 7, they’re always intense and it should be a good game.”

Seeing how things have gone for the two teams throughout the playoffs, having a winner-take-all showdown seems like a fitting finish for one of the closest series in recent WHL history.

“It’s one game, there’s nothing you need to say to get the players excited and energized for it,” O’Leary said. “Both teams have played the same amount of games through the playoffs, everyone is tired and sore, and you just need to bring your very best game for one game and lay it out there with the prize being a chance to play in the Final.

“That’s special and this team deserves it.”

Warriors’ Yager wins WHL Hornung Memorial Trophy for second-straight year

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect claims honour after recording only 20 penalty minutes during 95-point season MooseJawToday.com staff

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager has won the third award of his Western Hockey League career.

The WHL announced Thursday the 19-year-old forward is the recipient of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Sportsmanlike Player for the 2023-24 season.

It’s the second straight year Yager has won the award and the third time the WHL has called his name come awards time after he was also named the Rookie of the Year after the 2021-22 campaign.

“It’s an honour to receive this award,” Yager said. “I’d like to congratulate the other Division winners on their amazing season. I’d like to take the time to thank my coaching staff, my teammates and the entire organization of the Moose Jaw Warriors for all the support and helping me get to where I am today.

“I’d also like to thank my family for all their support throughout the years and everything they’ve done for me.”

The 19-year-old Saskatoon product recorded 35 goals and 60 assists for 95 points in 57 games during the 2023-24 WHL Regular Season, finishing third in scoring in the Warriors line-up. More importantly, Yager continued to show tremendous discipline on the ice, with only

20 penalty minutes.

This represents sixth time a member of the Moose Jaw Warriors has been named WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player, with Justin Almeida last claiming the honour in the 2018-19 campaign.

Yager is also the first back-to-back winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy since Tyler Ennis of the Medicine Hat Tigers accomplished the feat during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

“On behalf of Brad, I am thrilled to honour Brayden Yager of the Moose Jaw Warriors for the second consecutive year as the winner of the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy,“ said Leanne Wright, sister of Brad Hornung, who passed away in 2022. “Brayden has continued to excel and surpass personal bests with only 20 minutes in penalties over the 68-game season. On behalf of Brad and the entire Hornung family, I want to congratulate Brayden again and wish him all the best in the future.”

Originally selected third overall by the Warriors in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, Yager was also a first-round pick in the NHL Draft, selected 14th overall by Pittsburgh in 2023.

The 6-foot-0, 170-pound forward reached major milestones this season, surpassing 100 career goals and hitting a perfect 250 career points with 104 goals and 146 assists in 211 regular-season games. Also nominated for the award were Jordan Keller (Kamloops Blazers), Gavin Hodnett (Edmonton Oil Kings) and Jordan Gavin (Tri-City Americans).

The Warriors are back on the ice for Game 5 of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Championship against the Saskatoon Blades on Friday night. Game 6 is back in Moose Jaw on Sunday at 2 p.m., with only standing room tickets available.

-- with files from www.whl.ca

Yager Hornung Trophy

ACROSS 1. Abbey area 5. Portion

Extent 14. Stinging insects

Novices 16. Greek goddess of discord

Act of showing affection

Male offspring

Delay

Raise

Itchy canine ailment

Primary chemical

Chambers

Droop

Gremlin-like

Ranted

Do It Yourself

Adored

Subatomic particle

Teacher

Soviet space station

Digital compression device

46. Gloom 50. Each day

Bad treatment

Rodent

Poi source 56. Amateurish 58. Average 59. Battery terminal 60. Facial covering 61. Sole 62. Discourage 63. Slave DOWN 1. White poplar 2. Prison-related 3. Marsh plant 4. East southeast 5. Powerful 6. Boundary

Ticks off

Artificial 9. Estimated (abbrev.)

Benne 11. Armor-plated warship

Pizazz

Being 18. Coming up

Beasts of burden

Card game

Storage site

Song of praise

Diversion 32. Dry 33. Killer of viruses

34. Popular painkiller

37. Carry

38. Warning device

40. Female aristocrat

41. Basin for washing anal area

43. Settlement

44. Learn thoroughly

46. Soft leather

Churn 24. Millisecond

47. Anagram of “Sneer”

48. Lustrous fabric

49. Inscribed pillar

50. Audition tape

51. Gulf port

53. Smudge

56. Father

57. Avenue (abbrev.)

WORDSEARCH

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

A view of the collision. At left, the white pickup truck ended up on the concrete median. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Moose Jaw Truck Shop

AUTO PARTS

4 original Hyundai 18” Chrome mags, $300, 306-630-5735

FOR RENT

For Rent- 2-bedroom lower-level suite asking $1200.00 monthly, $750.00 damage deposit. Washer, dryer, fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave. Utilities provided, separate entrance. Garage parking, adults only, no pets, no smoking. For more info contact Joann 306-692-8737 or email jelybn@shaw.ca

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale: Cemetery Plot at Sunset Cemetery, Moose Jaw. $1000.00 or O.B.O. Please call 306-630-2143.

4 cemetery plots for sale in Garden of Devotion at Sunset Cemetery. Very serene. Call for price, 306-631-9122.

HOUSEHOLD

For Sale- leather couch good shape. $450.00. Call 306-692- 0800.

SPORTS

Wanted – Looking for used older Cobra Fairway Woods, M Speed, 3,5,7,9, Right Hand, Regular Flex. Call Dave, 306-630-1579

WANTED

Looking to buy Canadian (1967 and prior) and American (1964 and prior) silver/ coinage. Can

contact with other interesting finds. Contact Robert @ RK Coin, 306-631-8399

Seeking Born Again Christian Business partner with potential ownership in Second Hand and Flea- Market business. Male, Female or Family must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry. Serious enquiries only please. 306-684-1084, 5 pm- 8pm ONLY (because of scam calls)

SERVICES

Cleaner available, call for details 306-990-0348

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. Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw$50. and up. Will pick up, move, haul and deliver any appliances and furniture anywhere in and around Moose Jaw-$45.00 and up, 45-gallon plastic barrels great for rainwater $20. each. Will pick up, move haul and deliver TV’S and BBQ’s $25. and up. Looking for body parts for 2017 F250. Call 306-681- 8749.

GARAGE SALE

Huge Garage Sale -5 families - May 9th , 10am -6pm. 1238 Warner St . Tons of baby clothes

CAA makes it official: Moose Jaw has the four worst roads in Saskatchewan

By Moose Jaw Express staff

The results are in for CAA Saskatchewan’s top 10 Worst Roads Campaign and four pothole-filled streets in Moose Jaw made the list, with only one being new to the competition.

CAA Saskatchewan announced on April 30 that Coteau Street West finished in fifth place because of its numerous potholes; this street finished tied for second last year.

Also, the Thunderbird Viaduct (Fourth Avenue Southwest bridge) placed sixth because of potholes and had finished seventh in 2022; 13th Avenue Northwest placed ninth because of its pothole problems and had finished fourth in 2019; and Fourth Avenue Southwest — making its first appearance — placed 10th place for its potholes.

Highway 8 near Moosomin finished first, followed by Highway 5 near Buchanan in second and Highway 2 near Cudworth in third.

Therefore, Moose Jaw streets comprised 40 per cent of the total list.

From April 9 to 29, thousands of Saskatchewan road users — including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers — nominated and voted for their worst, most unsafe roads, CAA said.

The common safety concerns for worst, unsafe roads included potholes, poor road maintenance, poor road signs or road markings, unpaved roads, traffic congestion, no or poor cycling infrastructure, or poor transit infrastructure.

The CAA 2024 Worst Roads Campaign featured Angel Blair as the roving reporter, who interviewed road users from five communities with roads that made the CAA 2023 Worst Roads Top 10 list, including Eston, Hudson Bay, Whitewood, Redvers, and Pilot Butte.

All interviews with Angel Blair are available on CAA Saskatchewan’s YouTube channel.

New for this year’s campaign was the grand prize of a $1,000 Shell Gift Card courtesy of CAA Saskatchewan. All eligible votes were reviewed, and the winner

will be announced soon.

“Weather conditions, age of the roads, heavy traffic, and lack of maintenance can cause road deterioration. In cold climates like Saskatchewan, the freeze-thaw cycle plays a key role in creating potholes — a problem that occurs when temperatures regularly go above and below the freezing point,” CAA said.

“When rain or snow seeps through cracks and openings in the pavement, it freezes and expands, causing the pavement to heave upward,” it continued. “As temperatures rise, the ground underneath the pavement returns to its normal level, leaving a cavity or hole which breaks apart with continued traffic by road users over the fractured pavement.”

Saskatchewan is a landlocked province with almost 250,000 kilometres of roads, the highest length of road surface compared to any other province, CAA added. These roads, often a lifeline for many residents, are used on a regular basis for business and leisure road travel, and when these roads are allowed to deteriorate, road users pay the price.

Obituaries / Memorials

MANTELL, WILMA

It is with great sadness the family of Wilma Rose Mantell (née: Hudson) announces her passing on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Olein Hudson, and three brothers. Wilma will be sadly missed by her husband of 64 years, Jack; daughter, Wanda (Mark) Tanner; son, Kevin (Brenda) Mantell; grandchildren: Derek Dejaegher (Allison and Penny), Sara Mantell (Jackson), and Logan Mantell (Danee); brother, Gordon (Jean) Hudson; sisters-in-law: Joyce Hudson, Dorothy Mantell, and Irene Mantell; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Wilma was born October 14th, 1938 and was raised on a farm 8 miles north of Moose Jaw, along with her 4 brothers. On October 24th, 1959, she married Jack Mantell and they resided in Moose Jaw all their lives. Wilma was a stay-at-home mom until she returned to the workforce, working at Sears where she made many lifelong friends. She and Jack purchased a service station, known as Mantells Self Serve and operated it for 17 years.

Wilma and Jack have had many friends over the years. Much time was spent taking fishing trips in northern Saskatchewan, playing cards, dances at the Scout Hall, as well as travelling to numerous destinations. They lived on 7th Ave NW for 45 years till 2010, when they moved to Timothy Eaton Gardens and made many friends. In 2023, they moved to Chateau St. Michaels. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr Rininsland and the staff, nurses and doctors at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, as well as Chateau St Michaels. Your kindness and exceptional care did not go unnoticed.

The Funeral Service was held on Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiated and interment has taken place at Sunset Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Wilma’s name may be made to STARS Air Ambulance, 2640 Airport Road, Regina, SK S4W 1A3. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome. com

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

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

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

Brusque

Qualifier: The following story took place in another community that will remain nameless.

A while ago we went out for supper with the grandchildren. The waitress at the restaurant was a rather brusque person. When we first sat down, she reminded us that the children should not run around in the establishment. She returned shortly to take our order and started with, “What do you want?” Then she tapped Patti on the shoulder and said, “What about you?” We ordered chocolate milk for the girls, and she replied, “We don’t have any.” We asked for white milk instead. She responded, “We might have that.” Not sure how she keeps her employment but maybe the locals put up with her brusqueness

Brusque means markedly short and abrupt. It can refer to a straightforward manner often to the point of ungracious harshness. She asked for a cup of coffee and received a brusque reply: “We don›t have any.”

If you have ever felt swept to the side by someone with a brusque manner, it makes some etymological sense. Brusque derives from the medieval Latin word for a butcher’s broom, bruscus Bruscus was the name for a shrub whose bristly, leafy twigs were used for making brooms.

In Italian bruscus was altered to brusco, meaning sour or tart. Eventually, when applied to people it described a rude or abrupt person. The French changed brusco to brusque. When brusque entered the English language in the early 1600s it applied to the

tartness of certain wines. When it was referred to people, brusque described a harsh and stiff manner. This is what you probably would expect from a word originally associated with scratchy brooms.

Synonyms for brusque include bluff, blunt, curt, crusty, and gruff.

Bluff implies good-natured outspokenness and frankness. The bluff preacher did not hesitate to inform the congregation about the issues with the Social Committee.

Blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others’ feelings. The professor gave a blunt appraisal of the student’s chances of graduating in the spring, which brought her to tears.

Curt means disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. The counselor issued curt commands to the preteens after the incident in the bunkhouse.

Crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. The old man living next door exhibited a crusty exterior but did not seem all that bad.

Gruff insinuates a hoarse speech which may imply bad temper but more often infers embarrassment or shyness. He replied in a gruff manner because he did not want anyone sympathizing with his problems.

Brusque applies to sharpness or ungraciousness. The teacher had enough of the students’ fooling around so issued brusque instructions all afternoon to the class.

I have found that circumstances can often cause people who are normally kind and thoughtful to respond in a brusque manner. When facing illness or family problems or death a person can become brusque in their reactions to questions like, “How are things going?” Just a reminder: before you judge someone, take account of the happenings they may be facing at the time that can cause a brusque retort to your caring concern.

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.

Elks Chili Challenge winner takes trophy for second year

The champion chili cook at the Moose Jaw Elks annual Chili Challenges was a repeat.

Kelsi Gieni of Moose Jaw jumped up with glee when her chili was announced as the best by three judges.

She hopped up again when her chili won the People’s Choice award.

Gieni also won the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Chili Challenge.

The library worker at Sask.Polytechnic had never entered her chili before deciding to give it a shot last year.

She attributes the winning chili to a secret ingredient which she declined to share with anyone.

“It’s my recipe I developed by myself,” she said after the award was made.

“Last year I thought it was the corn that won it but this year there were two other entries with corn. So that was not it.’’ Gieni was so grateful to win the contest twice.

“I love cooking. I have cooked for a long time. The family loves my cooking.”

She said both her father and mother are good cooks.

Judges and chili consumers had seven different varieties to eat.

Consumers picked what they liked for the People’s Award.

The three judges, Bob Travale, Joyce Walter and Ron Walter sampled each batch of chili rating it for colour, aroma, flavour, texture and heat.

None of the entries had that much heat.

“It’s different,’’ said Travale, judging the chili challenge for the first time. “Some stand out more than others.’’

Judging “all depends on the individual’s taste.’’

About 40 or so visitors came to the challenge. For $10 they got a sample of each entry and then could have as much of their favourites as they wanted.

The challenge also involved a silent auction, 50-50, and gift certificate draw.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Chili winner Kelsi Gieni

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

2024 Column 10 – The Art of Finding Work

by Nick Kossovan - for Moose Jaw Express

An Assignment: The New Norm for Job Applicants. Why?

Many job seekers spend their time and energy focusing on job searching factors beyond their control, namely how an employer designed their hiring process.

Regular readers of this column know I stress the truism that employers own their hiring process, not the job seeker. Hence, rather than criticizing an employer’s hiring process, job seekers should work with it. Criticism or wishful thinking won’t get you hired.

The latest complaint: Employers are increasingly asking candidates to complete an assignment. This ask isn’t new. Early in my career, I applied for a technical writer position to write instruction manuals for the employer’s line of software.

After the initial interview, I was asked to write instructions, following the company’s internal style guide, consisting of a maximum of eight steps on anything. (e.g., a recipe, changing a tire, repotting a plant) The employer’s ask made sense. They wanted to evaluate my methodical thought process and ability to write comprehensive instructions. I gladly did the assignment. (No, I didn’t get the job.)

There’s obvious merit in asking candidates vying for a position that involves writing, delivering presentations, or analyzing data to complete an assignment. However, candidates are increasingly being asked to complete an assignment for a broader range of jobs; why?

Answer: In recent years, there’s been an uptick in the number of fraudulent candidates populating the job market.

A recent Forbes article headline: 70% Of Workers Lie On Resumes, New Study Shows. Consider what 70% means from the hiring manager’s perspective. Essentially, 70% indicates the likelihood that the candidate the hiring manager is interviewing is likely to be lying or exaggerating about some aspect of their background. Hence, understandably, employers are taking longer to hire due to their increased diligence in weeding out fraudulent candidates.

There are many reasons a person lies on their resume. The most common, in my opinion:

1. Desperate need of a job.

2. Believe they’ll get away with their lies.

3. Too lazy to do the work to obtain the required education, skills and experience, and

4. Feel entitled to “success shortcuts.”

There’s no justifiable reason to lie on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or at any time throughout an employer’s hiring process. However, as the Forbes article points out, many people’s moral compass tells them it’s okay to lie to employers; thus, lying on resumes, and it can be assumed LinkedIn profiles, is common. Sadly, this practice of lying is detrimental to job seekers who present honest and transparent resumes. They’re competing against fraudulent candidates who, unjust as the reality is, have a greater chance of being selected for an interview because their lies and exaggerations make them more appealing.

Employers are catching on that the [insert position] they hired several months ago, who regurgitated current buzzwords, exhibited just the right amount of boastfulness, just south of

being arrogant, and bragged of past successes, implying they’d do the same for the employer, was all talk. As a result of such bad hires, employers are increasingly asking candidates to complete an assignment.

Employers understand an assignment isn’t foolproof due diligence. The candidate can still use AI, seek help from friends, submit someone else’s work, etc. Even so, requiring candidates to complete an assignment as a due diligence step is better than nothing.

After empathizing with the reason(s) why an employer makes completing an assignment part of their hiring process, the question becomes: Should you spend unpaid time doing the assignment?

The argument that candidates are exploited by not being paid for their time is mute since the assignment is voluntary. Additionally, I’ve yet to be presented with solid evidence that employers are using work created by candidates.

Obviously, there’s no definitive yes or no answer other than you should only do an assignment if you see it as an opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. To be competitive with other candidates doing the same assignment, you must give 100%.

One time, I had a candidate offer to do an assignment. She strategically created an opportunity to demonstrate her skills by offering to analyze and write a recommendation report based on six months’ data. Impressed by her proactiveness, I took her up on her offer and ended up hiring her. (This is how you compete in today’s job market.)

An assignment allows the employer to assess a candidate in four ways: 1 Are they the real deal?

2. Are they genuinely interested in the position?

3. How will they tailor projects to support their brand?

4. Work ethic: Are they fully committed to tasks, or just do the minimum?

When you accept an assignment, make sure you:

1. Understand the purpose of the assignment and what skills are being evaluated.

2. Know the deadline, format, length, and mediums you can use. (Don’t assume!)

3. You own your work.

Don’t view being asked to do an assignment as a dichotomy between your feelings about the employer’s request and you wanting the job. The yin-yang is simple: Either you want the job or don’t. Either you respect the employer’s right to design their hiring processes as they see fit, or you don’t. Because job seekers don’t control the hiring process, no grey area exists.

Nick Kossovan, a well-seasoned veteran of the corporate landscape, offers “unsweetened” job search advice. You can send Nick your questions to artoffindingwork@gmail.com.

Virtual Coffee Club presentation explores the WDM’s 75 years of history

The Western Development Museum (WDM) is now celebrating 75 years in Saskatchewan, and to mark the occasion, a recent Virtual Coffee Club presentation explored the museum’s history in the province.

Virtual Coffee Clubs are part of the museum’s ongoing programming and explore numerous topics in depth through each free Zoom-based virtual presentation.

The April 18 presentation was led by Alexis Jones, the program and volunteer co-ordinator at Moose Jaw’s branch of the WDM.

The history of the WDM began at a time when the world was at war. During the Second World War, the Canadian government made it illegal to possess more than 227 kilograms of scrap metal and possessing steel in any amount required a permit. The fine for disobedience was $5,000 or up to five years’ imprisonment.

As a result, several old farm machines started to disappear from across the province.

“The disappearance of these old machines did not go unnoticed,” Jones said. “In 1942-43, members of the (Battlefords Northwest Historical Society) began to discuss the need for the machines to be preserved.”

The committee was led by W.C. Wells, a farmer and contractor, Evan Hardy, the dean of agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, and Joe Phelps, a farmer and member of the Saskatchewan Legislature who was minister of natural resources and industrial development at the time.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express A temporary plaque announces the future home of the WDM in Moose Jaw circa 1974-1975. Photo by: Western Development Museum

In 1946, Phelps secured a $10,000 provincial grant to start an agricultural museum in The Battlefords.

More room to store artifacts was soon needed, and by 1947 the group quickly found themselves running out of space.

To make use of available structures, former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) hangar number seven was acquired and repurposed as a storage facility. This began the process of converting several other empty hangars into museum facilities.

With so much inventory coming into the museum’s collection, it was time to keep a definitive record and by Dec. 11, 1947, the WDM recorded its first entry in a succession register.

The first-ever recorded artifact was

a 15-horsepower International Harvester gas-powered engine, and in 1973, the WDM was one of the first museums in Canada to join a national program of computerized artifact record keeping.

As inventory continued to amass, a storage and restoration site was opened in Saskatoon at the corner of Dutchess Street and Ninth Avenue. Later, in 1951, the former British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) hangar number 35 located in Swift Current was dismantled and transported to Saskatoon.

April 1949 was a busy time for the WDM. On April 2, 1949, the Western Development Museum Act was given royal assent and the WDM was officially created. On April 28, the first annual provin-

cial grant was received in the amount of $16,000.

In 1973, a $1 million government grant was secured for the construction of a new WDM location in Moose Jaw covering 10,405 square metres and focusing on transportation.

A sod-turning ceremony took place in Moose Jaw on May 9, 1974, using a steam engine and plow. Later, on June 26, 1976, Moose Jaw’s branch of the WDM was declared open with then-Saskatchewan Premier Allan Blakeney officiating the ribbon cutting ceremony.

On April 15, 2000, the WDM officially welcomed its 10 millionth visitor since opening to the public in 1949.

The WDM has had numerous distinguished guests across its four locations including Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, Governor Generals, and members of the British Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip.

Today, the WDM holds more than 75,000 artifacts along with more than 500,000 archival photographs and other library materials held in trust for Saskatchewan’s current and future residents.

To learn more about the history of the WDM, you can view the museum’s timeline at WDM.ca.

The 75th Anniversary Timeline presentation can be viewed on the museum’s YouTube channel under ‘WDM Coffee Club.’

For more information, Alexis Jones can be reached at 306-693-5989 or by email at ajones@wdm.ca.

Upcoming Events in Moose Jaw

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

Square One Community Inc. Fish Fry Fundraiser at Bobby’s Place Olde World Tavern on May 8th from 5:30-7pm. Tickets $25pp for 8 oz. fish/fries/coleslaw and tartar sauce. Available by emailing communitysquareone@ gmail.com. Etransfers available for payment.

Journey to Hope Special Event – A Mother’s Story of Awareness, Support and Activism on May 9th at Moose Jaw Library Theatre from 7-8:30pm. Ruth Remenda Swanson will be sharing her story and promoting her memoir “A Family Outing.”

Louisiana Hayride concert will be held on May 11 from 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Mae Wilson Theatre. Tickets on sale at MJ Cultural Centre’s box office, MooseJawCulture.ca, and at the show’s website, HayrideShow.com.

Moose Jaw Band & Choral Festival will be taking place from May 13 – May 15. Monday, May 13 @ 7 p.m. at Peacock Collegiate’s auditorium, the Prairie Winds Adult Community Band will perform, and tickets will go for $20 apiece at the door. Tuesday, May 14, Regina-based group “The Nightingales” will perform two shows with @ 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The all-female quartet typically performs during Remembrance Day events and their selection will feature songs from the World War era.

Wednesday, May 15 @ 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., the Regina Jazz Orchestra will perform two shows at the Mae Wilson Theatre located at 217 Main Street North. Tickets $20pp; purchased at Cultural Centre’s box office or online at MooseJawCulture.ca.

“Moosic (sic) in the Park” free outdoor performances will be held over lunch on Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participating groups will play for around 30 – 45 minutes each and everyone’s invited to bring a lunch and make the most of this year’s festival. For up-to-date information, visit MJBandAndChoral.org/2024Schedule.

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan Moose Jaw Branch UPCOMING Luncheon: Wed. May 15/24.

The Moose Jaw Art Guild Business Meeting will be held on May 16, 3pm at the MJMAG. Anyone interested in art is welcome to attend any of the meetings. For more information call 306-692-6667 or306631-3148.

Willy WINMAR 3rd Annual Birthday Bash will be held on May 18th at Crescent Park Amphitheatre/Waterfall in Moose Jaw from 11am-2pm. WINMAR will be partnering up with Moose Jaw Family Services and accepting monetary donations as well as specific items that are needed. There will be a live band presented by Ray Rawlyk Horus Eye Productions, Magician James Sitruc, face painters, a balloon twister, bouncy castles, obstacle courses, other games and activities, some swag giveaways and of course, many delicious treats from Evolve Coffee and food trucks Smokin’ Outlaws BBQ, Top Dog, and Kona Ice!

Lawn Bowls (on turf): Lawn Bowling has been described as a cross between Curling and Pool. Lawn Bowls can be played in a solely recreational style or highly competitive form. The flexibility makes it a game for everyone from 6 to 106. The Yara Centre offers everyone an opportunity to participate in this fun sport. It provide athletes with maintenance of skills & recreational players with a fun alternative to typical gym exercises. Drop in welcomed every Tuesday &Thursday at 9:30am &/or Wednesday at 1:30pm. For more info www.moosejawlawnbowling.com or text 306 690-8739

New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@hotmail. com

Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val @306.630.5790.

Town and Country Square Dancing will be held at St. Mary’s School for 2023-2024 season; 7pm to 9pm Monday nights.

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis to take place on the third Friday of each month.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed

meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Lindale School staff room (north door). For information call 306-693-5705.

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

Griefshare support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. We meet Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until April 8. Join any time. We meet at Moose Jaw Alliance Church. To register go to Griefshare.org/findagroup. For more information email Ralph Magnus at rjmagnus57@gmail.com

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw 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 Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

Toastmasters provides a learning environment to develop communication & leadership skills which foster self-confidence as well as personal & professional development. There are 2 clubs in Moose jaw: Tuesdays: TAP club meets on zoom@7pm Soon will offer an 8 week class ‘Speechcraft’ which provides instruction and experiential learning of the basic skills in public speaking. Guests are welcome at all meetings. Phone Cathy 306630-7015 for more information & zoom link. Wednesday: Big Country club @7pmCST is in person@Saskpolytechnic & (Hybrid) online.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs.

Wednesday Night Ladies Business League (9 Hole) at Lynbrook Golf Course at (306) 692-2838 for more information or if interested in joining. Hours of play have to cross over within time frame of 4-6pm. Registration fee: $25.00 (cash or cheque) to be paid at Pro Shop; Sign-up sheet on bulletin board by Ladies bathroom.

May 8 – League day starts (sign up sheets posted 2 weeks in advance)

July 3 – Fun Night Tournament -5:30 pmShotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Aug 14 – Fun Night Tournament- 5:30 pmShotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 11 – Year End Tournament – 5:00pmShotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 18 – Year End Banquet (cocktails 6:00 pm- supper 6:30 pm)

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA

Note: Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

The Regional Park Pass Lending Program starts May 17 to September 15; people with a valid library card can borrow a pass from any Saskatchewan library and enjoy a seven-day loan period with free access to nearly 100 regional parks across the province. Visit Sask Regional Parks for more info.

Adult Programs: MAKER NIGHT Mon. May 13 - 6:30pm at Herb Taylor Room for ages 13+. Drop-in program. TABLETOP TUESDAYS Tues. May 14/28 at 6:30pm at Herb Taylor Room

for all ages. Drop-in program.

MJPL MOVIE CLUB Tues. May 21 at 6pm at MJPL Theatre for adults Movie: Poor Things Drop-in program.

MJPL DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Thurs. May 30 at 6pm at MJPL Theatre for adults. Movie: Small Town Pride Drop-in program

MAGIC THE GATHERING Sat. at 2pm at Reading Room for ages 13+. Drop-in program.

MUSICALS IN MAY! With the Kanopy app, you can access a diverse selection of captivating musicals for free.

MJ CHESS CLUB AT MJPL Sun. May 12/26 from 1-4pm at Reading Room for all ages. Drop-in program.

Youth Programs:

TEEN GAMERS Weds. May 8 at 6:30pm at Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19 Drop-in program.

TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Weds. May 15 at 6:30pm at Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Snacks provided Drop-in program.

GRAN TURISMO Sat. May 18 at 2:30pm at MJPL Theatre for all ages Rating: PG Drop-in program.

TEEN ANIME+ CLUB Weds. May 22 at 6:30pm at MJPL Theatre for ages 12-19. Snacks provided Drop-in program Featuring: Solo Leveling.

DIGITAL D&D Fridays 4- 6pm at MJPL Youth Discord Channel for ages 16-25. Registration required Call 306.692-2787 to inquire.

D&D: SPELLJAMMER Until JUNE 27 at 6:30pm. at MJPL Archives for ages 12-16. Registration required. Call Library at 306692-8210. Separate registration for Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Children’s Programs:

LEGO WEEKENDS! Saturdays & Sundays - open hours at Children’s Department for ages 4+; a self-guided activity.

MAKER SATURDAYS Sat. May 11/25 from 1:30-3pm at Herb Taylor Room for ages 8-12. Registration required. To register call 306-692-8210 or email nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca TAKE ‘N’ MAKE KITS Available May 13 Time: Open hours at Children’s Circulation Desk for ages 4-12; self-guided activity.

ZINES FOR KIDS! Sat. May 18 at 10:30am at Children’s Program Room for ages 4+. Registration required. To register call 306692-8210 or email nsetter@moosejawlibrary. ca

FESTIVAL OF WORDS UPCOMING EVENTS

Performer’s Café

May 30, Kate Spencer will be reading from her first published book, “Cradle and Spoon.” Spencer is originally from small town Saskatchewan. 2024 Festival of Words will take place July 18 – 21, and the 28th iteration of the annual event. Distinguished authors Sid Marty, a Canadian author, poet/musician, and freelance writer; Waubgeshig Rice, an Anishinaabe author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation on Georgian Bay; and, Victoria Koop, a Saskatchewan-based writer with a proud love of all things geeky are all confirmed to attend. . More details about the 28th annual Saskatchewan Festival of Words are anticipated this April.

If you are looking to apply as a literary presenter, a copy of your book and personal bio can be submitted to operations coordinator Amanda Farnel at Amanda@ FestivalOfWords.com For more information, visit FestivalOfWords. com.

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events. For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59- Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

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

Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $5; pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688. 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.

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

Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-T and Friday’s 8am-4pm/ Lounge –Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm/

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri, 8am –4pm.

Billiards open daily 8am – 4pm, and Mon & Thurs 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Mon & Thurs 10 a.m./Tues, Wed & Fri 1 p.m./Mon & Thurs 7 p.m./Wed 6pm

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

Cribbage – Wed 1 p.m/Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thurs9:30 am/Mah Jong – Weds 1 p.m./500 Cards – Thurs @ 1 p.m.

Full Body Work Out Mon 9:30am/Wed 9:30 am Scrabble – Mon 1pm/Spades Tues & Fri 1pm Line Dancing Tues 10 a.m./Intro to Line Dancing – Wed 11am Table Tennis Mon 1pm/Art & Crafts Mon/ Tues/Wed 1 p.m./Floor Shuffleboard Tues/ Thurs 1 p.m. Paper Tole Tues 1 p.m./Nickle Bingo Fri 1 p.m./Quilting Fri 9am-4pm Jam and dancing (New Name Change) Fri 9 a.m./Texas Hold’em Thurs 6:30pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net. Check them out on Facebook. Monday: 9:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/7pm-Camera Club – only on the 2nd Monday of the month Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pmBeginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30amPickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pmPickleball

Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pmRegular Pickleball

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@ sasktel.net

Every Wednesday 12 – 6 pm 10 card crib and smear. Bring a partner. Every Thursday 12 – 7 pm regular crib and smear. Bring a partner or sign up for a spare. Every Friday 1 – 10 pm pool. 7 pm darts. Bring a partner. Every Saturday 1 – 7 pm meat draw 4:30 pm, 50/50 and gift cards. Everyone welcome.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

MONDAY EVENINGS: (finished midApril, 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: (finished April 17, 2023) - Drop in Darts – play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone Welcome

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace” EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” –ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace” MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm MAY 25, 2024 - Rod Willier – “Trivia” Night in the Eagles club lounge – 7:00 pmCome out and have a few laughs and enjoy an evening of fellowship.

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

Virtual Coffee Club

· Thursday, May 23, the museum will be hosting guest speaker Dr. J.L. (Les) Henry, P.Ag., who will deliver a presentation on catalogue houses in the prairies including Eaton Mail Order Houses. This topic will focus on the Mail Order House business that thrived in the early 1900s. Each coffee club presentation will take place on the Zoom app and begins at 10 a.m. To register, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/ CoffeeClub.

It has been confirmed that St. Andrew’s United Church will be listed for sale early this year, with a buyer, date, and asking price yet to be determined for the iconic Moose Jaw landmark.

St. Andrew’s United Church is currently owned by the United Church of Canada and currently has around 65 regular congregation members who will be directly affected by the announcement.

“St. Andrew’s congregation is going through a period of change and loss right now,” said Laura Richard, chair of the St. Andrew’s Church governing committee.

“Selling our building was not an easy decision, but ultimately as a Christian community, our highest calling is to invest our time, energy, and funds into the com munity – not simply to maintain a beautiful building.”

The decision to sell the building was based on two realities faced by the congre gation, Richard said.

First, a marked decline in church at tendance and resulting involvement made it increasingly difficult for the organization to meet its financial obligations.

Second, and more importantly, she said Christians with the United Church of Canada view their ministerial work as more important than maintaining a building.

“We believe that, without the fiscal responsibility for the building, we will be able to invest more in our community and the work we have been called to do, such as feeding the homeless, providing work opportunities to those in need, justice seeking,

have used the venue for meetings, courses, and other valuable purposes.

“As much as we’re able, we want to work with the future buyer to continue to house these important causes,” Richard said, but warned that she “cannot make any guarantees” as the decision will fall solely on the building’s new owner.

The realty contract was awarded to Colliers after a period of deliberation, and Richard said that she’s confident with the decision.

The sale won’t have any specific conditions or stipulations, such as maintaining it as a place of worship, but Richard said it would be “fantastic” if it remained as such and said she and other United Church members intend to hold a discussion with any potential buyers.

“We are being conservative in our expectations at this point,” she clarified. “It’s early in the process for speculation.”

Once the building has sold, Richard said the congregation will either continue in the same location as tenants, or they’ll find a different space to worship including

the possibility of other United Church locations in Moose Jaw.

“The goal is to free up our congregants to do more work in the community free of the burden of being a landlord,” she

St. Andrew’s United Church describes itself as a progressive worshipping community dedicated to spiritual growth, caring, and inclusivity. Through its Affirming Ministries program, the United Church aspires to be inclusive for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and other factors.

It provides outreach both to the community and the world and operates with the vision of aspiring to be a faithful, inclusive, caring, justice-seeking, and welcoming community that’s open to change.

“In this time of great change for our congregation, the only thing we are sure of is that we’re going to stay together as a community.

“We do not need a fancy building to do our Christian work,” she continued. “We only need each other, and our community supports, and so the priority is to preserve these relationships going forward.”

Further information will be provided throughout the ongoing sale process.

St. Andrew’s United Church is proudly situated at 60 Athabasca Street East.

PSSD’s career day helps students consider — and reconsider — their future aspirations

Prairie South School Division’s annual Career Day gives students a chance to be hands-on with the many employment fields in Saskatchewan, with those experiences also encouraging some students to reconsider their future aspirations.

More than 1,200 high school youths visited the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds’ Convention Centre on April 30 to see what is available in Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan.

From carpentry to the military to health care to welding to hairstyling and everything in between, students learned more about a field and, in some cases, became hands-on with equipment or technology.

Kimberley Hebert, a Grade 9 student from LaFleche, thought the day was fun and said she learned about the many opportunities that exist for a potential career.

“I think I might (want to) be a nurse … because it seems fun and I want to help people,” she said. “It’s kind of my thing.”

The Saskatchewan Health Authority had several booths displaying various job fields, but it was the home care table that caught Hebert’s attention and made her re-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

alize that could be something she could do after graduation.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Agriculture and Food Production booth attracted Gravelbourg’s Samantha Blohm as she inspected more than a dozen small containers filled with various types of growing seeds.

“I grew up doing it (planting seeds) with my family and it’s just something I hope to continue doing for the farm and be useful for them,” she said.

The booth featured a game where visitors had to match the seed containers with their names on a sheet. With a laugh, Blohm said “it was a lot of pressure” to do that because she couldn’t remember what all the seeds looked like — one of the table’s instructors gave her a few hints — and it is different on the farm because seed names are written on containers.

“I do different types of seeds (while) they (the booth) showed different types of peas than what we usually do, so it was just … remembering the shape and all that stuff,” Blohm said.

Overall, the Grade 11 thought the career fair was interesting and motivational because it showed her what other employment options existed and she learned what other workers have done to achieve their goals.

With a hammer in hand, Tuckyr Shpaiuk from Vanier Collegiate pounded letters into a metal dog tag using thin, needle-like steel punches at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 296 booth. Afterward, he said it was important to attend the expo so he could learn about what opportunities existed after he graduated this year.

“Lots of new ideas, for sure. (I) never thought I’d be looking at sheet metal, but I am now,” he said. “I always kind

Air Conditioning Performance Test

of thought I would be a welder, but now that I’m looking at all these things (sheet metal items), I don’t know. It’s definitely changed my perspective a little bit.”

Jeff Feeley, a career guidance counsellor with Prairie South, said the fair enabled students to do hands-on activities so they could determine whether they liked that industry, trade or field. Since some vendors couldn’t bring in equipment — like planes or welding machines — because of space constraints, they instead offered virtual reality headsets with handheld joysticks.

One big change Feeley has noticed over the past 20 years is companies and

post-secondary institutions now have quality websites with plenty of information about their services and programs. Not only does this help the students, but it also helps people like him.

“I used to carry around 500 pounds of books and preview books and flyers and paper handouts. I don’t do any of that anymore,” he said. “If it’s on the internet, I can carry it on a computer and I don’t have to haul my body weight in stuff.

“So, it’s really nice to have things on the tip of your finger.”

Maksym Mazumder from Central Collegiate (wearing helmet) learns what it’s like to be an iron worker on a beam, while instructor Dan Madsen from Iron Workers Local 771 watches. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Two students from Central Collegiate attempt to high-five each other while wearing goggles that simulate being intoxicated. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Makenna Nogue (standing) with Elite Hairstyling and Esthetics Training Centre styles the hair of a high school student. Photo by Jason G. Antonio