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Prairie South School Division seeks host families for student exchange program
A local couple affiliated with the Prairie South School Division (PSSD) is looking for a few families to host Brazilian exchange students as part of it’s regular programming and approximately six students still need a place to stay as of Jan 4
The student exchange program will entail 15 Grade 11 students from Brazil and their stay will match the winter academic semester running from February to June. To apply, prospective host families are asked to reach out as soon as possible over the next two weeks.
“So, my wife and I have, from the time we’ve been married — so over the last 20 years — been hosting students from different parts of the world that wanted to come to Canada, and specifically Moose Jaw, for an exchange program,” said Dwight Cameron, a local co-ordinator for the program.
Once the students arrive in late January, they’ll meet their host families and will then be placed in high schools across Moose Jaw. These schools will include Cornerstone Christian School where Cameron serves as a board member, and others within the Holy Trinity Catholic School Division including Vanier Collegiate are still being confirmed.
When registered, each host family will have the oppor
tunity to enjoy a cultural experience and they’ll also receive a monthly stipend to cover additional costs associated with hosting.
The exchange program aims to provide international students with an immersive experience in Canadian culture, including a visit to numerous tourist attractions, historical sites, and an immersion in Canadian high school classrooms. Host families play a vital role in this process by engaging in family activities, sharing home cooked meals, and encouraging participation in household chores and other typical routines.
“I often tell host families to treat these children as if they were one of your own,” Cameron noted.
One key focus of the program is to help students improve their English language proficiency. While academic classes are part of the experience, the emphasis is on practical language use rather than earning academic credits.
If the language barrier becomes an issue, Cameron advised that you can simply reach out to him and he’ll invite a local couple to assist who are proficient in both Portuguese and English.
Cameron said it’s quick and easy to register and, although families with similar-aged children would be ideal, sometimes “empty nesters” who love kids could really benefit from the opportunity.
To qualify as a host, each applicant must demonstrate
that they can offer a safe, comfortable, and accepting home, provide a separate room with a window, bed, and desk, and provide three daily meals. A criminal record check, two references from outside the family, application signing, and a visit from one of four co-ordinators then completes the process.
“(What the program) does for families, for the kids themselves, even for (local) students (is) to get exposure to different cultures,” Cameron noted. “You know, Moose Jaw has definitely grown over the years in terms of cultural diversity, and so this is just another opportunity to give our students that type of exposure.”
If you’re interested in registering as a host family this semester, contact Dwight Cameron at 306-690-7271 or by email at Dwight@MJCOG.com. As Cameron lives in Moose Jaw, he will remain as the primary contact to address any concerns for the duration of the program.
Alternatively, Lindsay Alliban can be reached at 1-306741-3775 or Lindsay.Alliban@gmail.com.
Three Moose Jaw lawyers receive provincial honours
The provincial government has recognized 12 lawyers — including three in Moose Jaw — for their contributions to the legal profession and public service by giving them the King’s Counsel (K.C.) designation.
“We have a long history of celebrating the most dedicated and talented legal professionals in Saskatchewan and across Canada through the King’s Counsel designations,” said Deputy Premier Jim Reiter. “I am proud to announce this year’s designates, who represent a wide range of expertise and knowledge from across Saskatchewan’s legal community.”
The 2024 King’s Counsel appointments include:
• Jeffrey Brick is Crown Counsel with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General and was called to the Bar in 1992
By MooseJawToday.com
• Ryan Hrechka is with Grayson and Company in Moose Jaw and was called to the Bar in 2004
• Kendra Jacobs is with Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP and was called to the Bar in 2002
• Gordon Kirkby is with Kirkby Fourie Law Firm and was called to the Bar in 1985
• J. Paul Malone is with Willows Welsch Orr & Brundige LLP and was called to the Bar in 1985
• Robbie Parker is a regional Crown prosecutor with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in Moose Jaw and was called to the Bar in 1993
• Nicole Sarauer is Opposition House Leader and was called to the Bar in 2010
• Lee Anne Schienbein is associate corporate counsel with SaskTel and was
called to the Bar in 1994
• Lauren Wihak is with McDougall Gauley LLP and was called to the Bar in 2009
• Mark Dolan is with Lakefield LLP and President of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and was called to the Bar in 2005
• Adam Touet is with W Law and President of the Law Society of Saskatchewan and was called to the Bar in 2007.
• Tim McLeod, the MLA for Moose Jaw North, is Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and was called to the Bar in 2006
King’s Counsel appointments are based on recommendations from a selection committee consisting of Saskatchewan’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Chief Justice of Saskatchewan or the Chief Justice of
the Court of King’s Bench and the past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Individuals must live in Saskatchewan and must have been entitled to practice law for at least ten years in the superior courts of any province or territory of Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Individuals holding the offices of justice minister, deputy justice minister, dean of the University of Saskatchewan law school, president of the law society and president of the Canadian Bar Association — Saskatchewan branch are given special consideration for recommendation for King’s Counsel appointment, provided that they are otherwise qualified to receive the designation under The King’s Counsel Act
Three new officers sworn in to serve with the Moose Jaw Police Service
Three new members were sworn in to serve with the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) as constables Jaret Schneider, Christian-Paul Homer, and Jeremy Reschke took their oaths before The Honourable David Chow, judge of the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan this month.
The ceremony took place in the station’s multi-purpose classroom and was attended by The Honourable Tim McLeod and commissioner Kelly Baxter — with Police Chief Rick Bourassa absent — on the morning of Jan. 3.
“I congratulate the three constables on this major achievement in their personal and professional lives,” announced Chow as the ceremony began.
The ceremony was also attended by mayor and board commissioner James Murdock who brought greetings.
“On behalf of the City of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners, I would like to extend my appreciation to you, Jeremy, Christian, and Jaret, for being a part of our community,” Murdock said.
“Thank you for the commitment you are making today with your ambition being to serve and protect the citizens of Moose Jaw.”
Following a brief invocation by Rev. Dong Joo (DJ) Kim, each recruit took their turn swearing an oath and received a symbolic badge presented by Deputy Chief Rick Johns. On completion of their upcoming 21-day recruit training course, each individual will fully earn their badge and be welcomed to the service.
Chow highlighted the recruits’ upcoming role in the criminal justice system. He emphasized their duty to uphold citizens’ rights and to serve as good
Walker - Moose Jaw Express
neighbours, mediators, and ambassadors for the service. Chow noted that credibility and respect — earned through community engagement — are key to building
legitimate authority as officers.
Jaret Schneider, 31, is originally from Shellbrook, Sask. He has spent
the majority of his adult life working in the hockey industry including multiple seasons with the OCN Blizzard (Manitoba Junior Hockey League), Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), and most recently the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) as the director of business operations.
“Becoming a police officer is always something that’s been in the back of my mind…,” Schneider said following the ceremony. “You know, police officers are people that I’ve always looked up to. They serve the community… and can be a bit of a role model… as well.”
Christian-Paul Homer, 32, moved to Moose Jaw with his family around two years ago after leaving Trinidad and Tobago and earning his bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of Florida.
“I like thinking about something greater than myself and being part of an amazing unit like the MJPS. I did a few ride-alongs, met a few great officers, and they really helped inspire me to lend a hand and be part of something great,” Homer said.
“I have really taken to this city, and I want to ensure that it stays the way I found it — welcoming and friendly,” he added.
Jeremy Reschke, 42, is from Medley (Cold Lake), Alta., and has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for the past 21 years.
“I’ve always wanted to be a police officer… and just retired from the military, so I thought… ‘This is my chance to do it,’” Reschke said after the ceremony. “My wife and I moved here from Ottawa last year, and we love the community (and) everything about it….”
Reschke looks forward to helping ensure everybody can return home safe at the end of the day.
“You’re now public officials and have shown us you’re people of character and integrity,” said Deputy Chief Johns in his closing remarks. “We look to you as peacekeepers, problem solvers, crime preventers, and community builders.”
The three new members will now attend the Saskatchewan Police College to complete their training starting on Jan. 6, and are expected to graduate from their 21-week recruit training program in May 2025.
Aaron
Deputy Police Chief Rick Johns (left) presents Const. Jeremy Reschke (right) with his badge on Jan. 3. Photo by: Aaron Walker
From left to right: Mayor and Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioner James Murdock, Const. Jeremy Reschke, Const. Jaret Schneider, Const. Christian-Paul Homer, and Sask. Party MLA Tim McLeod. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Deputy Police Chief Rick Johns (left) presents Const. Christian-Paul Homer (right) with his badge on Jan. 3. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Deputy Police Chief Rick Johns (left) presents Const. Jaret Schneider (right) with his badge on Jan. 3. Photo by: Aaron Walker
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An Evening Around the World’ raises over $3K for newcomer programming
The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) hosted its eighth annual international dinner event titled “An Evening Around the World” back in November and results are now in following this year’s fundraiser.
The event took place at St. Andrew’s United Church on Nov. 15 and raised $3,567.18 to support the organization’s array of program options for Moose Jaw’s diverse residents.
“It actually went so good. We overheard some people saying that it was the best one yet, so that was really exciting to hear people talking about it like that,” announced Melissa Mitchell, manager of the Newcomer Welcome Centre which is a branch of the MJMC.
An Evening Around the World offered guests the unique opportunity to explore global cultures locally through food and entertainment. Community members volunteered to prepare a wide variety of international dishes including Ukrainian perogies, Nigerian Jollof rice, Ethiopian injera and lentils, and Syrian elmali kurabiye.
The event also featured live entertainment including Columbian and Kuduro-
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style dances and musical performances from Syria, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
“We’ve just expanded our décor a little bit,” Mitchell noted about this year’s dinner, adding that most of the experience remained the same because of its ongoing popularity.
“Last time we had an Ethiopian coffee experience, and we had that again this year because it worked really well… and we added henna tattoos, which was a huge success. People loved it and (also loved) the different menu items; it was successful.”
By highlighting the rich cultural diversity within the community, the fundraiser sought to not only delight guests but to also spread awareness of the council’s range of programs and initiatives.
The event first started in the MJMC classrooms and offered a way for newcomers to share insights into their background by sharing food, song, and entertainment.
Mitchell said the event’s current form dates back to around March 2023 when the organization’s International Dinner was first rebranded and evolved to serve as a fundraiser for the MJMC. The event is
also now typically held in November.
This year’s event raised less than in 2023, but Mitchell emphasized that spirits remain high. “It was a little bit less than we raised last year; however, it was still very successful in our hearts. Any funds that are raised always helps.
“We held it particularly because of the excitement it brought to our clients and the students, (who were) able to showcase their cultures in a fun way to the community… and that just makes them so happy to be able to share that with people,” she noted.
Given the proven success of the inter-
national dinner event, the MJMC is planning to host it once again at a time and date to be announced in 2025.
“We are so grateful for the community that we’re a part of. They are always so supportive of any of our events or fundraisers,” Mitchell said. “We really do appreciate our sponsors for this event because, without them, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
The dinner was made possible thanks to generous sponsors including Golden West, the Town ‘N’ Country Mall, Blue Whale Financial, McDougall Acres Grainex Inc., Carpet One, and Jin Cheng International Real Estate Ltd.
The Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre is located at 432 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-692-6892. To access the building, use the doors facing Main Street.
The MJMC office is based out of St. Andrew’s United Church at 60 Athabasca Street East.
To learn more about the work done by the MJMC, visit MJMCInc.ca or call 306692-0533. You can also follow the local multicultural council at ‘Moose Jaw Multicultural Council’ on Facebook.
JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR
Editor’s Note
In my younger years, I was never fond of our feathered friends. Not sure why but their fluttery wings sort of bothered me when they were around.
Over the years, I have actually changed my tune and really enjoy watching them now and learning from them. They have brought a sense of peace to my heart, knowing that they really seem to not have a care in the world but always seem to make the best of each day and somehow ‘trust’ that all will be ok. Something that humans need to work on in the faith department.
I see them soaring on currents of wind so carefree without any thought for time but having the time of their lives. They rely on nature and sometimes humans to provide a bath or drink of water on a hot day; this is especially pleasurable to me as we watch them daily in the backyard enjoying the birdbath. When there’s a few, it looks like a partys going on. They somehow know that everything will be alright as they scout around for their food and they take extreme care in building their nest where they birth their offspring and teach them the ways of the birds. The patience they have in bringing one straw. string or twig at a time to build their nest is absolutely unfathomable; they work relentlessly until the job is done.
Some of my personal experiences include watching a blackbird in the front yard foraging for worms in the early morning and then finding one and carrying it over to another that didn’t look like a baby anymore but gave them the worm. This is caring and sharing at its best.
Another experience was on Easter Island a few years ago during a holiday. I was sitting on the deck of a small restaurant and noticed a bird’s nest on the top of the door frame outside the facility with decking below. The interesting thing was that there was no bird poo on the deck below. I found that rather interesting as we all know that things can get pretty thick below a bird’s nest. I continued to watch the mamabird in the nest with her little ones. Next thing you know, she flies to the end of the deck rail with something resembling bird poo in her beak and drops it from there. They must have known that if they didn’t take care of their messes, they wouldn’t have their comfortable nest and secure location anymore to inhabit.
Another example was a few years ago when my mother passed away. My dad was visiting with me in our backyard. We were sitting on the deck and this big healthy robin flew in so close and landed on a hanging flower pot just steps away. Seemed as though it wanted to be noticed and partake in the conversation. I was rather freaked but dad was thrilled and made the comment that mom had come to visit. Both he and I know that the bird was not mom but he shared how mom always loved the robins and watched them everyday in the trees by their front window. Somehow that was extremely comforting to me. Who knows, maybe she asked God to send it along to let us know she was doing well. I then went online and read that robins are thought to be “messengers of good.” I loved that and somehow that helped to change my perspective. Anyways, there’s lots of interesting life lessons to be learnt from the birds. Even with their birdbrains, they are smarter than we think!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
Residents at Points West Living donate warm winter clothing to Square One
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
This holiday season, staff, and residents at Points West Living in Moose Jaw set up a Christmas tree and tried something new as residents came together over the past month to knit, sew, and purchase winter scarves, toques, and mitts for charity.
The campaign started in November and the team at Square One Community Inc. stopped by to pick up two full boxes of the charitable donations on Dec. 18.
“We decided to do it so that we could give some kind of donation back to the community, and the residents thought that a donation tree was a fabulous idea,” said Jenn Montgomery, the general manager at Points West Living Moose Jaw.
All donations from the Points West campaign were forwarded to Square One Community Inc. for distribution to those most in need throughout the community. This included numerous clothing items ranging in size from children’s to adult.
“We chose Square One because it’s something that we had never donated to before, and we like to make sure that we keep it fair,” Montgomery said.
After the tree was set up in the home for around a month, Montgomery said it ended up being “completely full” of warm winter clothing donations. “There was nowhere (else) to hang anything,” she said. “We started putting stuff on the bottom. The residents were just so generous.”
Montgomery wished to conclude with a message of thanks for those who donated to the campaign and for the work done each day by Square One Community Inc. “I would like to say thank you to the folks at Square One for the wonderful work they do and the support they give
to the most vulnerable members of the community,” she said.
“We wish you all the best this holiday season and a happy New Year from all of us here at Points West Living Moose Jaw,” Montgomery concluded.
Points West Living is located at 917 Bradley Street and can be reached at 306-693-3777. To learn more about the retirement residence visit PointsWestLivingSK.ca or follow ‘Points West Living Moose Jaw’ on Facebook. For more information about Square One Community Inc. visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com or call 306631-9340.
Friendly City Optimist Club proud to support the community this December
Lynann Pethick (submitted)
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Friendly City Optimist Club is pleased to give back to the community with several donations made during the month of December 2024.
These donations included a number of Christmas gifts for children donated to The Salvation Army of Moose Jaw during its Christmas program lineup.
As well, a monetary donation of around $500 was given in support of Voltage 2024, the region’s largest chemical-free New Year’s Eve party for youths hosted by Joe’s Place.
A third donation of approximately $500 went to the Moose Jaw Transition House to ensure children who may not have received a gift this Christmas were able to wake up and find something under the tree.
“2025 will once again be another busy year with our many yearly projects,” announced Lynann Pethick, president of the Friendly City Optimist Club.
To help out or volunteer with the Optimist Club, visit the ‘Moose Jaw Friendly Optimist Club’ on Facebook for further information.
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Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same. Send your stories, events and pictures to: joan@moosejawexpress.com
Police locate and confirm death of missing 89-year-old resident
On Dec. 28, 2024, the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) reached out to the public for help in locating 89-year-old Victor Locken, a Moose Jaw resident who had been reported missing since Dec. 25, 2024. Later that day, Locken was found dead near his vehicle by the Saskatchewan RCMP.
Locken was discovered in an undisclosed rural area outside of Moose Jaw and no further details have been provided by police.
Locken’s next of kin have been contacted and notified.
The MJPS is working closely with the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to investigate the incident, but at this time no foul play is suspected.
If you have further information about the incident, please contact the MJPS at 306-694-7600.
The MJPS would like to thank all those who assisted in the search for Locken.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Christmas tree at Points West Living Moose Jaw just before it was boxed up and donated to Square One Community Inc. on Dec. 18. Photo by: Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw/Facebook
Lynann Pethick (right), president of the Friendly City Optimist Club, presents Christmas gifts donated to The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw in December 2024. Ghislaine Rensby (left) is the Optimist Club’s chair and Obehi Afuah (centre) is an employee of The Salvation Army. Photo by: Lynann Pethick/Submitted
Rob Barber (left) and Lynann Pethick (right) present a cheque to Joe Dueck (centre), owner and founder of Joe’s Place Youth Centre in December 2024. Photo by: Lynann Pethick/Submitted
Rob Barber (left), the Optimist Club’s treasurer, and Lynann Pethick (right) present a cheque to Joanne Johnson (centre) at the Moose Jaw Transition House in December 2024. Photo by: Lynann Pethick/Submitted
Salvation Army thankful for Christmas generosity from Sunningdale School
Just before Christmas this year, the Salvation Army received a generous donation from students and staff at Sunningdale School that deserves special recognition.
The donation included a dozen boxes filled with non-perishable food items and warm winter clothing. It was received on or around Dec. 17 and will keep the Salvation Army’s onsite pantry stocked for the next three to four months, according to corps officer Major Byron Kean.
“They (staff and students at Sunningdale) dropped it off and I think it was 12 boxes of groceries,” Major Kean said. “It was a significant amount. We run a small food pantry here — in addition to the other things that we do — and this will enable us to keep that stocked… over the winter months.”
The donation came as a result of Sunningdale School’s 10 Days of Giving program.
“The program brings in dry (non-perishable) goods that we can give out to clients over the next few months of winter in particular, (which is important because many of them are) finding it hard to make ends meet,” he explained.
Major Kean said the program also teaches a valuable lesson during the Christmas season.
“It just goes to show that giving starts
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Thanks to its 10 Days of Giving program, Sunningdale School raised and donated around 12 boxes of non-perishable food items alongside a few additional bags and warm winter clothing to help the community on or around Dec. 17.
The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw
young, and when you teach your children and students to give, that carries over into later on in life. They (might later) say, ‘I saw the impact that this had when I was a child, because I gave something and somebody was helped,’” he added.
Major Kean emphasized that not everyone is as fortunate as others and highlighted the importance of cultivating a strong sense of community.
“Giving back that little bit helps people make ends meet, (and) it also gives us a sense of community (that) supports one another when we’re at our most vulnera-
ble and in our (moment of) greatest need.”
Although its holiday fundraising campaigns have now concluded, Kean said the Salvation Army continues to seek out and welcome new volunteers. Anyone interested in lending a helping hand can contact the organization to inquire about current and upcoming volunteer opportunities.
“Overall, I just want to stress how thankful we are for the support that the Salvation Army receives from the community,” he said in his concluding remarks. “We’re going to give back as much
as we can get.”
The Moose Jaw Salvation Army has three locations: the Thrift Store, located at 175 First Avenue Northeast, the Donation and Sorting Centre, located at 670 High Street West, and the Salvation Army Church at 2 Wintergreen Drive.
To contact the Salvation Army, call 306-692-5899 or visit SalvationArmyMooseJaw.ca. You can follow the organization on Facebook at ‘The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw.’
Moose Jaw to host international early childhood learning event in May
Seven national and international speakers will bring their knowledge, experience and perspectives about children’s education to Moose Jaw this May as part of a conference focused on early learning.
“Believe in Our Future” is the theme for this year’s International Early Learning Conference, which takes place from Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9 at the Events Centre. The early-bird registration fee is $399, while registration after Friday, Jan. 31 is $450.
The event times are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 8, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on May 9.
The conference will bring together professionals dedicated to shaping the holistic development of children ages zero to eight, a formative age range where children establish and develop lifelong learning, resilience and well-being. Moreover, the event will equip educators, caregivers, health professionals, policymakers and parents with insights, tools and strategies to foster this growth.
The conference topics will focus on independence, resilience, mental wellness, social-emotional learning, risky play, creating inspiring early learning environments, and more.
The speakers will include Dr. Sarah Aiono, Dr. Layne Pethick, Dr. Jean Clinton, Dr. Mark Tremblay, musician/author
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
Jim Gill, speaker/consultant Kim Clairy and storyteller Lyndon Linklater.
Amanda Olson, the conference chairwoman and the superintendent of learning for Prairie South School Division, said the conference has been a long-standing tradition for the Moose Jaw South Central Early Childhood Coalition (ECC), which hosted the first conference — it attracted over 600 people — in 2012. It then hosted two virtual conferences in 2021 and 2022.
This is the first time Olson has participated in the conference, but she said she was honoured to be asked to help. Moreover, she has enjoyed working with a solid team of people who have been working hard behind the scenes.
“I can’t wait to see everybody that it brings together, and (I’m) super excited. Like, I’m over the moon with our speaker lineup,” she said.
“We had our shoot-for-the-moon
agenda — and this was it. We didn’t know if everybody would be available or interested in coming at that time,” she continued. “And sure enough, everybody was. So I’m very excited about who we will hear from … .”
In determining which speakers to invite, the organizing committee brainstormed a list of people — from the United States, New Zealand, and Canada — who are involved in early childhood learning or who spoke before and could be asked to present again, said Olson. The committee then sent out invitations and was excited to learn that every presenter could attend.
“… we just aim to bring together professionals in the field of early childhood development to exchange knowledge, in-
sights and best practices,” she added.
While there is strong support for early childhood learning in Saskatchewan, there is exceptionally good support in Moose Jaw through connections with community committees and the Family Resource Centre, said Olson. Moreover, there is a heavy focus on play-based education for children to take risks and build resiliency.
Young children are doing well today and are excited to attend school, learn and thrive in their environments, she continued. Furthermore, kids have become more resilient in the stresses they can handle, especially now that the coronavirus pandemic has concluded.
However, educators and early learning professionals are noticing the negative effect that increased screen time is having on students, especially the youngest learners, Olson said. Therefore, some messages that the conference will share with attendees will include the importance of reducing screen time and increasing childhood play and exploration.
Olson added that she was excited to meet other like-minded people in this field and hear from new and returning speakers.
For more information, visit www. mjecc.ca.
Photo by:
Two Sunningdale students and a faculty member help deliver food donations to the Salvation Army on Dec. 17. Photo by: The Salvation Army in Moose Jaw
The logo for the conference. Photo courtesy Moose Jaw South Central Early Childhood Coalition
Reflective Moments
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Odds defied of becoming the couple in the funny papers
Despite some scary moments leading up to the countdown to the beginning of Jan, 1, 2025, the couple in our house managed to escape being that cartoon couple often seen before the big night.
There they sit: the old geezer in his armchair, nodding off in front of the television; the elderly wife, sprawled in her chair, telling her partner in life to quit snoring so she can fall asleep. Or she might be telling him to wake up so he doesn’t miss the dropping of the ball in Times Square, or the fireworks off the harbour in Nova Scotia as CBC crosses the country.
When I mentioned that cartoon to Housemate, he agreed that maybe, just maybe we would be that couple on the New Year’s Eve of 2024.
But surprise, folks, we had so much excitement on that evening that it was impossible to miss the countdown, even though I do have cellphone evidence that he might have been doing more than rest-
ing his eyes between the periods of a disappointing hockey game.
With no specific plans for celebrating the evening, we decided to treat ourselves to a drink and doughnuts only available during the festive season. Housemate bought it, which in itself was a reason to celebrate. He even took a photo of our celebratory treats to share with friends and family.
The next exciting moment was watching a movie from the olden days, on a channel we are currently receiving free of charge. There are no commercial breaks and that interferes with trips to the kitchen for snacks and to the other room in the house often visited for certain relief of medical inducements.
Then it was time to keep track of the Warriors’ game against the Regina Pats and simultaneously watch the world junior hockey game between Canada and the United States. We were pleasantly sur-
prised with the Warriors’ victory and applauded our guys for ending the year on a winning note. Unfortunately the same applause was not forthcoming for the Canadian team, although it did show moments of cohesiveness and the vim and vigour normally associated with our national representatives.
Meanwhile, as the night wore on, I kept thinking about our past New Year’s Eve celebrations: dances, dinners, parties and fireworks. Certainly those events were mostly when we were able to dance and eat without worry of disastrous side effects. But while the physical body says “no” the memory very vividly screams “yes, remember when?”
Then we turned to the CBC which had promised a country-wide celebration through six time zones. In past years the journey has included musical entertainment from most of the provinces (usually forgetting Saskatchewan.) This year’s tour
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
had its moments of enjoyment but was missing the song and dance. Also missing was fireworks from our province. We had to share our time with Manitoba. Curious.
And at the witching hour, we cheered to have stayed awake to greet the new year and waited to hear Auld Lang Syne. It didn’t come and so I hummed and sang a few bars just to set the tone. By 12:05 a.m. the TV was turned off, the lights extinguished and the stairs slowly climbed so we could take our medications before heading off for a short morning nap.
Later in the day, between necessary naps, we bragged to friends and family that we stayed awake until after midnight. There’s no way we were going to become that cartoon couple — at least in our own minds.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net
In pictures: Senior residents celebrate Christmas in Moose Jaw
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Residents at Atria Mulberry Estates enjoy a heartwarming visit from Grade 1 students at Sacred Heart School on Dec. 20. The students sang festive Christmas songs and brought joy to the home’s residents as they helped create adorable reindeer puppets. Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook
Two residents at Atria Mulberry Estates display their personalized, hand-crafted Christmas wreaths on Dec. 12. Several residents partook in the craft project and added the wreaths to their room doors for an added festive touch this holiday season. Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook
Residents at Venvi the Bentley Moose Jaw stop for a photo around Dec. 12 as the home prepares for the Christmas season. Photo by: Venvi The Bentley Moose Jaw (Moose Jaw Retirement Living)/Facebook
Residents open gifts during a Grinchthemed day of events at Chateau St. Michael’s on Dec. 17. Photo by: Chateau St. Michael’s/Facebook
Santa makes a special visit to Atria Mulberry Estates during the home’s Jingle Mingle party on Dec. 12. Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook
Atria Mulberry Estates residents show off their
tree creations made in house on Dec. 23. Photo by: Atria Mulberry Estates/Facebook
Senior residents at Chateau St. Michael’s enjoy a live performance by the Comfort Singers during the group’s visit on Dec. 19. Photo by: Chateau St. Michael’s/Facebook
Oh Clark’s
I couldn’t live without my grasshopper...
Uncertainty turns market into riskier era BIZWORLD
The investment scene is peppered with uncertainty as the year begins.
Investors hate uncertainty, preferring predictability and stability.
Investment risk becomes much higher when uncertainty reigns in the field — from wars, a faltering Chinese economy that can reduce commodity prices to India’s changed attitudes to an unpredictable U.S. president to the federal Canadian scene.
What is an investor to do? Keeping a lot of cash in portfolios to buy bargains is one option.
This Bizworld column has sifted through a number of top notch companies looking for good bets that should hold value in the long term and offer good sustainable returns.
The choices: BMO, Pembina Pipelines, Gibson Energy International, Power Corporation, Suncor, Sun Life Insurance and for a kicker, Iamgold
All but Iamgold pay a nice dividend
By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
with low risk of dividend cuts and potential for dividend growth as well as share price growth.
Some stocks pay higher dividends than these but the higher the dividend payout, the less chance of stock growth.
BMO, $139.11 with a 4.52 per cent dividend yield, should benefit from the Bank of the West acquisition in the southwestern U.S.A. and lower interest rates.
Petroleum transporter and midstream operator Pembina Pipelines, $53.65 yielding 5.2 per cent, should benefit from the new Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) plant in B.C., continued drilling in the west, and new investments.
Financial conglomerate Power Corporation, majority owner of Great West Life and IG (Investors Group), with interests in a Belgian banking outfit and other fields, yields 4.36 per cent at a $43.36 price.
Gibson Energy International, $24.58 yielding 6.67 per cent, will benefit from
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
transport and storage facilities, the Moose Jaw refinery, and newly acquired storage in the southern U.S.A.
Oilsands giant Suncor, $50.61 yielding 4.5 per cent, has the best of both worlds in the oil industry. Synthetic oil production from oilsands mines and oil refineries make up the business.
If oil prices decline, increased refinery profits offset the decline in revenues.
Iamgold, $7,44 and no dividend, is another option. When the rest of the market hits a drought or overgrowth spell, gold mines tend to hold value, even increase value.
Iamgold operates three mines, Cote in Quebec, Essakane in West Africa and Westwood in Quebec.The company is on track to produce 700,000 ounces this year with two mines increasing output in 2025.
All seven of these companies are well managed yet still carry risks. In the oil producer and oil infrastructure operations the chief risk stems from lower oil prices.
Most analysts agree current oil prices are expected to stay. But Saudi Arabia, upset at OPEC countries cheating on quotas, threatens to flood the market possibly driving the price to $50 a barrel. Action has been postponed twice with a new review in early 2015
The two financial companies face risk of interest rates climbing again. The benchmark 10-year U.S. bond price hints at increased rates.
A new round of tariff-driven inflation would leave no choice but higher interest rates.
Iamgold’s main risks is the political uncertainty in West Africa and possibility of falling gold price.
CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your adviser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
Museum and art gallery prepares its next installations to usher in the new year
Changes are underway as the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) transitions from its previous rotating exhibit, Leesa Streifler’s “The Performance of Being,” — which closed on Dec. 9 to continue on to the University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries — to a new display from Saskatchewan and Mexico-based artist Gabriela Garcia-Luna titled “Land-Water-Passages.”
Garcia-Luna’s exhibit will open on Friday, Feb. 7, and will remain on display alongside “Storied Telling: Performativity & Narrative in Photography,” until Sunday, May 4.
Due to Garcia-Luna being out of the country when the display opens, the reception and artist’s talk for both displays will be delayed until Friday, April 4, starting at 7 p.m.
“Land-Water-Passages” offers a captivating exploration of nature through digitally reworked photographic prints, explained Jennifer McRorie, the museum’s director and curator. In her work, Garcia-Luna transforms her photographs into intricate digital collages, blending details from across multiple images to create works that resemble watercolour paintings.
The display will feature a combination of framed prints and large-scale installations suspended from the ceiling to create an immersive gallery experience. Visitors can expect to be drawn into the fine details of her work, which is meant to evoke a sense of mark-making while celebrating the beauty of natural elements.
“I think it’ll be a really immersive experience,” McRorie added, noting that the artist’s message also touches on themes of sustainability and environmental care.
“She actually draws from Saskatchewan, but also from places like Mexico — where she’s from as well — and ends up blending these digital collages… the details that she pulls out (end up) looking like mark-making and… they’re really lovely,” McRorie said.
Garcia-Luna’s display will be set up as an installation piece, meaning the installation process will be a little more involved than is typically expected.
“The artist will have to come and help install the work, because she has to get a sense of the space, and then decide how the display is going to work with the (available) space, how we will suspend it, and that sort of thing,” McRorie explained.
When it comes to selecting the art gallery’s next piece, McRorie considers a diverse range of artistic works
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
and prioritizes local, as well as provincial and national artists — with the occasional international contribution. This approach reflects the gallery’s focus and highlights local talent.
To achieve this, curators balance a wide variety of visual art forms — far beyond canvas paintings alone — to include a wide spectrum of disciplines. McRorie also emphasizes inclusivity by featuring works by Indigenous,
LGBTQ, and other artists to foster wider representation in the arts.
At the back of the gallery, another photography exhibition titled “Storied Telling” will take place concurrently and includes the work of six artists: Catherine Blackburn, Lori Blondeau, Xiao Han, Mariam Magsi, Meryl McMaster, and Laura St. Pierre.
After its debut in Moose Jaw, “Storied Telling” will continue its journey across the province with the support of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC).
The MJMAG is also excited to usher in the new year with a variety of new art programs, classes, and workshops designed to engage the community in diverse artistic media with the skilled guidance of education co-ordinator Christy Schweiger. For more information, visit MJMAG.ca.
“We wish a Happy New Year to Moose Jaw’s residents and we hope to see people taking part in the new exhibits,” McRorie said on behalf of the gallery.
The Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at 306-6924471. For more information, visit MJMAG.ca or follow ‘Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery’ on Facebook.
• Sat, Jan 11 • Sat, Jan 18 • Sat, Jan 25 • Sat, Feb 1
Thu, Feb 6
Dispersals, Bred Heifers / Cows
Regular Saturday Morning Sale
Sheep & Goats
Regular Horse Sale
A sneak peak at Gabriela Garcia-Luna’s upcoming exhibit at the MJMAG, “Land-Water-Passages.” The exhibit is scheduled to open on Friday, Feb. 7. Photo by: Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery
From The Kitchen
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Chowders of seafood variety will be rich and chunky
As early as the 1700s, cooks began preparing a variety of chowders — made with various cuts of meat and vegetables.
But the most popular chowders contain a variety of seafood and fish, mixed with vegetables and milk.
According to a cookbook published in 1976, chowders must be rich, thick and creamy. If they lack any of those characteristics, what is prepared is not a chowder, but a soup.
This week’s recipes offer three chowder ideas.
• • • BOSTON CLAM CHOWDER
2 lbs. potatoes
4 tbsps. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tsp. salt or more
2-10 oz. cans baby clams, undrained
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp. lemon juice
lemon pepper to taste, optional
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Peel and dice potatoes.
Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add onions, potatoes and celery. Sauté until onions are trans-
parent. Add enough water to cover potatoes, celery and onion. Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
Add salt to taste, clams, milk and lemon juice. Simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Add lemon pepper, if using. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with parsley, if using. Makes four generous bowls.
• • • VEGETABLE CLAM CHOWDER
3 tbsps. butter
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
2 tbsps. flour
2-6 oz. packages dry potato soup mix
2-10 oz. cans whole baby clams
1-10 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables
Melt butter in large saucepan. Add onion, celery and green pepper. Sauté until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.
Prepare potato soup according to package directions. Combine with sautéed vegetables. Add clams and frozen vegetables. Gently simmer for 10 minutes. Makes six servings.
• • •
CATCHALL CHOWDER
6 bacon slices, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups water
4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 chicken bouillon cube
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. fresh or frozen fish fillets
3 cups milk
3 tbsps. flour
Sauté bacon and onions in a large kettle. Drain off fat.
Add water, potatoes, celery, carrots, bouillon and salt and pepper. Lay partially thawed fish on top. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender and fish flakes when tested with a fork.
Add 2 1/2 cups milk. Blend remaining milk with flour and stir into chowder. Bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let stand 1/2 hour to absorb flavours.
Reheat gently to serving temperature. Makes 2 1/2 quarts.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel. net
Public library announces upcoming January programs to kickstart 2025
\The Moose Jaw Public Library is excited to usher in the new year with a variety of new programs and events to engage the community and inspire a love of reading in 2025.
Movie club
The library’s movie club meets twice monthly to watch a film and engage in short discussion starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.
• 8 ½: Federico Fellini’s film is a semi-autobiographical film about a successful director facing writer’s block while trying to make a sci-fi movie. Reflecting on his relationships with the women in his life, the film explores the themes of success, artistry, and ego and is often regarded as one of the most influential films of the Twentieth Century. Presented in Italian with English subtitles. Show date: Monday, Jan. 20.
The library’s Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.
• Moonage Daydream: Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream offers a unique glimpse into David Bowie’s life by using his own words, personal footage, music, and stunning visuals to explore his mysterious persona in a captivating way that reflects the magic of the “Star Man.” Show date: Thursday, Jan. 30.
A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admittance is free and everyone’s welcome.
• The Secret Garden (1993): Saturday, Jan. 11 (rated G).
Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-6928210. The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.
• Maker night: Guests will make embroidery projects on Monday, Jan. 13. Advance registration is required.
• Maker Saturdays: Guests made tin foil boats on Jan. 4 and will do scratch coding on Saturday, Jan. 18. Advance registration is required.
Children’s programming
LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display. Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.
• Baby Storytime: Tuesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28.
• Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29.
• Daycare Storytime: Thursday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30. Stand alone events
• Scam awareness: The Moose Jaw Police Service will visit the library for a presentation on scams and how to recognize and avoid falling for them during a drop-in program on Thursday, Jan. 9 in the library’s theatre.
• Winter sensory bottles: Guests will enjoy a cozy winter story and can have fun making their own winter sensory bottle on Saturday, Jan. 11. Intended for ages two and up. Registration is required for each child who plans to attend.
• Family Literacy Day 2025: Jan. 27 is Family Literacy Day and the library will celebrate this year’s theme, “Learn to be Green, Together.” Events will include crafts, prize draws, book giveaways and more in the Reading Room on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• CSA toolkits and activities: Check out new tools and curriculum-linked learning activities in the digital library this month.
Youth programming
The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.
• Next Anime+ meeting: Featuring “Wistoria: Wand and Sword” on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.
• Cross-stitching: Wednesday, Jan. 15.
• Bath Bombs for Teens: Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Teen Gamers program provides an evening of video, card, and board games for youths ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.
• Next Teen Gamers meeting: Wednesday, Jan. 8. Kanopy
You’re invited to explore documentaries, watch instructional videos, and get inspired for the new year with Kanopy. The app is available with your library card. Hoopla
Revive “the golden age of anime” with the RetroCrush BingePass on Hoopla this month.
Regular events
The Moose Jaw Chess Club provides bi-weekly chess games every second Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the South Meeting Room.
• Upcoming chess games: Sunday, Jan. 5 and 19. Magic the Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, and all experience levels are welcome.
• Magic the Gathering: Saturday, Jan. 4, 11, 18, and 25. Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room and players ages 12 to 16 across all experience levels are invited.
• Digital D&D: will take place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email Youth@MJLibrary.ca to inquire.
Tech Time: classes provide one-on-one instruction for modern-day electronic devices and are available by calling the library.
French-language programs
L’heure du conte is a French-language program for children ages five and under with their caregivers. The program is held in the Children’s Room starting at 10:30 a.m.
• L’heure du conte: Saturday, Jan. 18.
The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary. ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@ MJLibrary.ca.
A close look at the dome in the library’s rotunda. The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Newly independent South Hill Gas station renews vow to keep prices low
One South Hill gas station has made the decision to go independent so that it can continue to offer the best possible price of fuel for its customers this December.
The South Hill Esso — now known as South Hill Gas — has been owned by co-owners Mohammed Malik and Abdul for three years now and the decision to go independent was finalized on Dec. 16.
“We just love local, and that’s one of the basic reasons why we decided to be independent,” announced Abdul, one of the gas station’s co-owners. “And it’s because we are independent that we will be able to put all those things (including lower gas prices) in proper shape.”
South Hill Gas maintains a diverse staff of around six employees and will continue to maintain its usual range of products and services including fuel, automotive products, snacks, and — free coffee with every visit, of course.
“We want to maintain the prices (that our customers are used to) so people
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
within… and outside the community who are coming to get gas from us are happy,” he said.
“When they are happy, we are also happy, and we want to be extremely local and be part of the community.”
Abdul said the decision to go independent wasn’t met with any hard feelings on behalf of the former brand or Moose Jaw’s former local franchisees. “It was just a mutual agreement with both of us, and it went on perfectly,” he explained.
One possible concern among the gas station’s regular customers is whether or not they can continue to collect or use their fuel reward points at the newly independent location.
“We don’t deal with points, but when you look at the difference in the prices at our gas station, you get a lot of money back,” he noted. “Let me give you an instance: if you buy $100 worth of gas from us, you might get up to, like, $7 back. You can’t get that amount back in points.
CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES
THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, JAN. 13, 2025.
City hall’s recreation branch experienced the most safety incidents during this year’s third quarter, with many of those situations requiring First Aid due to wasp stings, data show.
The recreation branch had 10 total safety incidents between July 1 and Sept. 30, with nine staff requiring first aid and one not needing any time off to deal with the medical issue, according to a third-quarter report presented during a recent city council meeting.
“Motor vehicle incidents are the next highest category (of incidents), showing through almost all groups,” the report said, noting that safety services was working with groups to implement better corrective actions to limit similar incidents from happening again.
Transit and parks were tied with seven safety incidents during Q3, with the former dealing with motor vehicle incidents, non-occupational situations and near misses, while the latter dealt with first aid, property damage, motor vehicle incidents, no lost time and lost time.
Meanwhile, other data for Q3 2024 versus Q3 2023 showed:
• First aid: 10 / 5
• Dangerous occurrence: 1 / 1
“If there’s any way to drop (the price of gas) down from what we’re selling at now, we’re going to do that,” he added. “That, I want to assure you.”
The location’s gas prices are apparently so low on average that some critics claim the new owners are selling a diluted or low-grade fuel product. Abdul responded to the claim stating that he doesn’t sell “fake gas” and pointed out that tampering with the fuel product is
against the law.
The station’s lower gas prices don’t mean lower quality. They offer the same high-quality fuel as before, but as an independent business they can now adjust profits and budgets more flexibly than franchises.
The newly independent business is also seeking a partner for a unique career opportunity to help reopen its onsite automotive shop. Although South Hill Gas cannot offer automotive services at this time, Abdul hopes to resume services with the right partner.
“If I find someone who is qualified to do that kind of stuff, and then at the same time is highly committed to his own and to our business, then fine — we should sit down,” Abdul confirmed.
South Hill Gas is located at 405 Ninth Avenue Southwest and can be reached at 306-692-7212. The store is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
CUPE submitted two grievances during the third quarter, while six grievances were resolved, the report said. Meanwhile, by Sept. 30, there were three active CUPE grievances, which was a decrease from four in Q2. Workforce demographics
The workforce demographics — employees’ years of service — for the City of Moose Jaw at the end of Q3 2024 were:
• Fewer than five years: 44.1 per cent
• Five to 10 years: 20.2 per cent
• 10 to 15 years: 13.8 per cent
• 15 to 20 years: 8.6 per cent
• 20 to 25 years: 6.1 per cent
• Over 25 years: 7.2 per cent
Furthermore, the age demographics showed:
G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
City council received a report during a recent meeting about city hall’s third-quartd-quarter activities, with that document including information about the public works and utilities branch.
The third quarter was from July 1 to Sept. 30. Requests for service
Public works received 441 service requests about garbage during Q3, with crews resolving 430 inquiries and 11 left unresolved by the end of the quarter, the report showed.
Streets and roads was the next biggest category at 608 requests for service, with crews resolving 221 issues and 387 left unresolved.
Recycling was the third-highest category, with 147 service requests, with crews resolving 145 and leaving two unresolved.
Parking meters
Crews repaired 168 parking meter heads and replaced 48 heads, while the city received $152,120.18 in total revenue between July 1 and Sept. 30, the report said. Of that money, $129,158.05 was coin revenue and $22,962.13 was revenue from the HotSpot app.
Streets and roads
During Q3, crews handled:
• Excavation repairs: 56
• Potholes repaired: 1,458
• Dips repaired: 5
• Manholes repaired: 5
• Catch basins repaired: 2
• Regulatory signs repaired/replaced: 103
Water and wastewater treatment
City crews pumped 1,695,930 cubic metres of water from the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant between July 1 and Sept. 30, while they handled 1,184,389 cubic metres of wastewater influent, the report said.
Meanwhile, crews tested the water quality for chlorine, turbidity and bacteria and found zero issues.
Sanitation
The landfill received 15,131.30 tonnes of solid waste from commercial, private, and residential customers, with commercial contributing the most at 10,933.27 tonnes, the report said.
In comparison, in Q3 2023, the landfill received 27,399.63 tonnes of garbage, with commercial contributing the most with 23,255.31 tonnes. One reason for that is because of the sludge coming from the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant’s upgrade project.
Meanwhile, the total amount of bulk and curbside recycling the city collected was 334,527 kilograms, with curbside comprising roughly 85 per cent of that amount, the report said.
In comparison, during Q3 2023, the amount of recycling the city took in was 336,083 kgs, with curbside recycling representing roughly 75 per cent of that amount.
Transit
There were 40,198 people who rode regular transit during the third quarter, with most people using passes to access that service, the report said. In comparison, in Q3 2023, 40,463 rode transit, with most using passes to access that service.
Meanwhile, 8,386 people took paratransit during the summer, compared to 7,816 people in Q3 2023.
• Under age 20: 7.5 per cent
• Ages 20 to 30: 14.1 per cent
• Ages 30 to 40: 25.6 per cent
• Ages 40 to 50: 24.5 per cent
• Ages 50 to 60: 15.6 per cent
• Over age 60: 12.7 per cent
Moreover, men comprised 62.5 per cent of the workforce while women comprised 37.5 per cent.
Also, indigenous people — First Nations, Metis and Inuit — made up 2.3 per cent of the workforce, visible minorities made up 3.7 per cent and people with disabilities comprised 2.3 per cent.
Also, as of Sept. 30, 2024, there were 323 people working for the municipality, compared to 377 by Sept. 30, 2023, the report added.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.
The newly independent South Hill Gas station awaits updated signage on the morning of Dec. 20. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Will Canada become the 51st U.S. state?
Prime Minister Trudeau’s sudden trip to Mara-Lago to try and persuade President-elect Donal Trump not to hit Canada with punitive tariffs has brought fearful thoughts to most Canadians.
Trump suggested Canada become the 51st state to avoid the tariffs at the dinner with the PM and his entourage.
The Canadians sloughed the remark off as a joke. But is it a joke?
Since the 51st state suggestion, the idea has surfaced in Trump’s social media posts.
The suggestion may be a joke, or it may be Trump seeing how far he can push Canada. Or it may be a serious ignoring of Canadian sovereignty.
Making Canada the 51st state fits in with other Trump schemes that include two spurned offers to buy Greenland, and demand to have the Panama Canal returned to the U.S. to get Chinese investors out of ports in Panama.
Much of the United States territory was purchased. In 1895 the U.S. bought the massive territory west of the colonies to the Mississippi River from the French. That four cents an acre deal covered all or part of 13 states today.
In 1867 the U.S. bought Alaska for $7.2 million from a debt-riddled Russia.
No wonder Trump thinks he can buy territory.
The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has been pretty tense a few times like the War of 1812 when America’s push to own the continent was rebuffed by
Canada.
Today Canada would stand little hope of fending off an American invasion.
While unthinkable, don’t be surprised if we are invaded.
Elite circles in Trump’s hind rump are talking about invading Mexico, according to several news reports.
The main issue under debate is how far to go. Should they stop once the drug cartels are beaten or stay and occupy the country?
If Mexico is in the crosshairs, why not Canada?
By pushing into Canada, the right wing Americans believe they could better defend the U.S.A. and this vast country against Russian/Chinese invasion.
And they might eliminate what they view as a communist/socialist threat on their doorstep as well as control our resources, particularly fresh water.
One Trump media post said many Canadians want to join the U.S. Either he was exaggerating again or was misinformed.
Two polls taken in December 2024 indicated low support for joining the U.S. In one, only six per cent wanted to join the U.S.A.
In the other, a less reliable online poll, 13 per cent, or 5.2 million Canadians, wanted to join.
Highest support to join with the U.S.A. was in Alberta where almost one in five (19 per cent) agreed. Saskatchewan/Manitoba had 18 per cent support with 15 per cent in B.C.
By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
The level of support from Alberta makes one wonder whether Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s attendance at Trump’s inauguration is to defend Canadian interests or look at Alberta becoming the 51st state.
Will she be the first premier to try and break from Canada?
Joining the United States wouldn’t be as glorious as many believe.
We would have to use American currency. That would reduce the value of our incomes and wealth to meet American standards.
Overnight we would lose 45 per cent of our income’s wealth’s purchasing power and likely plunge into prolonged recession.
That makes no mention of the loss of public health care, drug plans, education and food regulations among other matters.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
WDM announces program options for early 2025 season
Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) will have fewer program options throughout the month of January as museum staff work primarily behind the scenes, however the museum will remain open as it welcomes in the new year.
Upcoming events
• Community Heritage Day: The WDM will be inviting different community heritage groups to the museum to set up a table and speak with curious guests. Volunteers will also be called on to help with old typewriter demonstrations, butter making, and similar heritage projects on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum. If you’re interested in registering a booth for the event, contact programs co-ordinator Alexis Jones at AJones@wdm.ca
• Smarter Science, Better Buildings: The Saskatchewan Environmental Society has partnered with the WDM to offer a two-hour program for Grade 7 students. The program features six workstations exploring energy efficiency and water conservation methods. Students will spend one hour at the workstations and another hour exploring the museum’s galleries to compare historical and modern building techniques. The program runs for three weeks starting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, and schools must book in advance by contacting Jones at AJones@wdm.ca
• Bus subsidy: Schools that register
before Friday, Feb. 7 will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a bus subsidy for the event.
• Smarter Science, Better Buildings open house: The public is then invited to a free open house on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to explore the workstations.
Seek and find
The museum regularly holds seek and find events to encourage interactive learning. The program includes an activity sheet and visitors search through the galleries for clues that can be found on interpretation signs or display cases.
Check the museum’s website for updates.
• Winter Vehicles Way Up Close seek and find: Guests can seek out winter vehicles given a close-up image of each one from Jan. 2 to 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 75th Anniversary seek and find: Guests can find the answers to 12 questions about the history of the WDM from Jan. 2 to Jan 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Courses and workshops
Several educational courses are offered seasonally and teach skills ranging from blacksmithing to steam traction engine operation, with certificates typically earned on completion.
• Upcoming courses: An introductory blacksmithing course is being offered at the corporate office in Saskatoon from Jan. 10 to 12 for $525 for participants aged 16 and over. The course is fully booked but you can join a cancellation waiting list by contacting the museum. There are two additional intakes on the waiting list starting on Feb. 7 and again on March 7.
K+S Short Line 101
To showcase the raw power of steam energy, the WDM showcases its fully operational K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 steam train each summer and guests can catch a ride on a piece of Saskatchewan’s history. Operating since 1978, this is Saskatchewan’s only operational steam locomotive.
• Upcoming train schedule: The Short Line 101 is not in operation for the winter season.
Reminiscence Kits
The museum’s Reminiscence Kits are
meant to bring generations together and ignite new friendships through the sharing of memories. Containing day-to-day artifacts from the ‘50s to the ‘70s, these kits can be rented by care homes and other organizations over two weeks for $75 and an additional $25 for a one-week extension. Visit WDM.ca/Reminiscence to book your kit.
Teacher resources
Several resources are available to teachers from information packages to field trip arrangements at the WDM. Visit WDM. ca/Moose-Jaw/Learn/For-Teachers for more information.
History album
The museum’s history album tells the story of Saskatchewan’s past though the stories of families, small towns, and community organizations across the province. To view the album, visit SaskHistory.ca. Birthday parties
The museum may just be the perfect venue for your child’s upcoming birthday party. For a fee of only $200, children ages five to eight can experience a twohour transportation-themed party and up to seven friends are included in the price. You can book by calling the museum.
Volunteering
The WDM is always looking for volunteers to help make programming, summer events, and numerous specialized roles at the museum possible. At the museum’s regular volunteer intakes, volunteer coordinator Alexis Jones will provide a tour of the facility, review safety protocols, and find suitable opportunities for everyone’s training and interests.
• Next volunteer orientations: Wednesday, Jan. 8, starting at 10 a.m., and again on Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 10 a.m.
The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.
The museum’s winter hours are in effect starting Jan. 6, and the museum and gift shop will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding Mondays and statutory holidays when the WDM will be closed. For more information, visit WDM.ca/ Moose-Jaw or reach out to Alexis Jones, the museum’s program and volunteer coordinator at 306-693-5989 or by email at AJones@wdm.ca
The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive and specializes in the history of transportation on the Prairies. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Next Games:
Moose Jaw Warriors pick up points in three of four games as improved play continues
Warriors take 4-2 and 4-3 wins over Regina in home-and-home series before falling 3-2 in a shootout to Prince Albert, losing 4-2 to Saskatoon Randy Palmer - SaskToday.ca
The Moose Jaw Warriors returned from the holiday break as an improved team, and the results showed on the scoreboard.
The Warriors took back-to-back wins over Regina, winning 4-2 at home Tuesday and 4-3 in Regina Wednesday before dropping a 3-2 shootout decision to Prince Albert on Friday and falling 4-2 to Saskatoon on Saturday.
Four close games, with points in three of them, see the Warriors improve to 10-22-3-2 and sit a single point back of Regina in 11th place in the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference.
Saskatoon 4, Moose Jaw 2
The Warriors fell behind early but nearly rallied to tie the game in the third before giving up a late empty-net goal.
Tyler Parr and Rowan Calvert gave Saskatoon a 2-0 lead early in the third, before Ethan Semeniuk would get one back for Moose Jaw midway through the period. David Lewandowski restored the two-goal Blades lead with five minutes to play, but Brayden Schuurman would make things interesting down the stretch when he scored for the Warriors with 2:15 remaining.
Tyler Parr then finished off scoring with the empty netter with 16 seconds left.
“We made it close towards the
Warriors forward Riley Thorpe scores on a wrap-around for the Warriors second goal against Prince Albert on Friday night. Nick Pettigrew
end there and didn’t give up, that’s the important thing,” Semeniuk said.
“Obviously we would have liked to have won that one, it was a big game, all the games against teams in our Division are huge right now so we would have definitely liked the two points… We did a lot of things well, but we still need to clean up a few things heading into our road trip here.”
Brady Smith had 30 saves for the Warriors, Ethan McCallum stopped 28 for Saskatoon.
Prince Albert 3, Moose Jaw 2 (SO)
The Warriors got off to a great start as Owen Berge scored only 48 seconds into the game, but P.A. would get goals from Lukas Dragacevic and Daxon Rudolph before the period was out, giving the Raiders a 2-1 lead.
RIley Thorpe tied the game with 4:27 gone in the third, and there things would remain through overtime, leading to a shootout. There, Ty Meunier would score the game winner in the sixth round.
Brayden Schuurman had an assist on the opening goal for Moose Jaw and was
High School Athletes of the Month for December
The top performers from the Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association from the last month of 2024
The Purposed Financial Group Moose Jaw High Schools Athletic Association Athletes of the Month for December are Jackson Alaric (Peacock volleyball), Athon Avery (Peacock volleyball), Laine Burnham (Central curling), Ash Lowe (Central curling), Kierston Biccum (Riverview volleyball), Daxton Lugrin (Riverview volleyball), Jack Olson (Vanier volleyball), Clare Seman (Vanier volleyball), Kail Hadwen (Cornerstone Christian School volleyball and curling), Ava Shotten (Cornerstone Christian School curling), Genevieve Ching (Briercrest Christian Academy basketball) and Mac Sowden (Briercrest Christian Academy basketball).
one of handful of Warriors wth many a scoring chance in the game.
“Sometimes the puck is going to go in for you and sometimes it’s not, but getting those chances is important,” Schuurman said. “if you’re getting ones like we were tonight, they’re going to go in more often than not… Puck luck doesn’t hurt, sometimes it goes off his knob or off his shoulder and you can’t really control that. So just keep getting the opportunities and trust in the process.”
Josh Banini was solid in the Warriors net with 37 saves, former Warrior goaltender Dimitri Fortin stopped 28 for the Raiders.
Moose Jaw 4, Regina 3
The Warriors got off to a great start in Regina, as Schuurman, Semeniuk and Landen McFadden all scored to give Moose Jaw a 3-0 lead 6:04 into the second period.
Regina would storm back with three straight goals before the second was out, though, as Caden Brown, Zach Pantelakis and Tony Wilson all scored -- the latter two 20 seconds apart late in the period --
to tie the game 3-3.
There things remained until Rilen Kovacevic finished things off with 38 seconds to play in regulation, hammering home a one-timer from Aiden Ziprick.
Smith had 33 saves in the win, Madden Mulawka turned aside 19 shots for the Pats.
Moose Jaw 4, Regina 2
The Warriors returned from the holiday break and looked as good as they have all season, scoring four times on the power play and thee straight in the third period to secure the win.
Zach Moore scored the lone goal for Regina in the first before Pavel McKenzie replied for the Warriors early in the second. Brown restored the Pats lead two minutes after the tying goal, sending the teams into the break with Regina leading 2-1. McKenzie then tied things up again with 9:25 to play in the third befre Semeniuk scored the game-winner 3:10 later. Semeniuk then added an empty netter with 16 seconds to play to cap scoring on the night.
Banini stopped 35 shots, Pyne had 20 saves.
The Warriors are back in action Tuesday when they travel to Lethbridge to face the Hurricanes.
Ethan Semeniuk celebrates one of his two goals on the night against the Saskatoon Blades on Saturday. Nick Pettigrew
Josh Banini stops Regina’s Jace Egland on a breakaway during action from Tuesday’s contest. Nick Pettigrew
WINMAR Warriors cap successful weekend with second win over Yorkton Maulers
Moose Jaw take 8-5 victory in back-and-forth battle Sunday after downing Yorkton 11-1 Saturday
It might now have been perfect, but the way things are going for the Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors in the Sask Male AAA Hockey League right now, it seems like finding a way to win is becoming pretty normal.
After defeating the Yorkton Maulers 11-2 on Saturday afternoon, the Warriors found themselves in a much closer contest in the rematch Sunday, needing three straight goals in the third period to take an 8-5 win at the Moose Jaw Events Centre.
But a win is a win, and the Warriors saw themselves improved to 22-4-2 on the season, moving four points clear of the Regina Pat Canadians for first place in the 12-team league. Yorkton dropped to 4-221 and remain in 11th place.
“I thought Saturday we played real well, we moved pucks well,” said Warriors head coach Trevor Weisgerber. “Today I thought we were okay in the first, then we got into penalty trouble and we gave them some life. We kind of got away from what makes us successful and it’s something that we talk about, you can’t cut corners. Guys start cheating and not playing the game the right way and that’s what happens.
“But I thought in the third, we played well again and the guys scored a few goals there to get the win. It was good, any time you get four points, it’s a good weekend.”
The game was tied 2-2 after the first and a back-and-forth second period saw the Warriors score late to take a 5-4 lead. Yorkton came back to tie things up early in the third, but Moose Jaw kept pressing, and three goals in just under five minutes would put things away.
Putting up 19 goals in two games used to be a bit of a dream for Moose Jaw AAA teams, but not this season, as their offence continues to roll along. But that’s not to say their offence is the one thing they’re
Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
Action from the SMAAAHL contest between the WINMAR Warriors and Yorkton Maulers on Sunday afternoon in Moose Jaw. Randy Palmer
focussing on.
“Anyone can score all the way through the lineup, but there are still times where you’ve got to make sure that you’re taking care of your end first,” Weisgerber
said. “These are 15-, 16-, 17-year-old kids, sometimes they get away from that and it is what it is. But for the most part it was a pretty good weekend here.”
Keirin Osberg and Max Fuessel each scored twice for Moose Jaw, while Ryan Gibbs had a goal and three points. Carson Park and Brennan Brown had a goal and two points each, Gage Nagel added their other marker. Keaton Lesperance had
four assists, Charlie Nameth and Maxton Johnston had two helpers each.
Aidan Vallance scored twice for Yorkton, Kale Johns had a goal and three points. Kieran Sobry and Tanner Wiens had their other goals.
Kaleb Page stopped 22 shots to earn the win, Moose Jaw had 53 shots on Reid Schweitzer.
The Warriors are back in action Saturday when they travel to Warman to face the Wildcats for a two-game weekend set.
Moose Jaw 11, Yorkton 2
Gage Nagel led the Warriors with a hat trick, while nine players had multiplepoint outings in the commanding win.
Brodie Heimbecker scored the game’s opening goal to give Yorkton the lead only two minutes in, but Brennan Brown would score a pair to go along with single markers from Nagel and Keaton Lesperance to make it 4-1 Warriors after the first.
The roll continued in the second, with Maxon Johnston and Ryan Gibbs scoring in the first 10 minutes to make it a 6-1 game before Nagel and Johnston scored three minutes apart late in the frame to make it a seven-goal lead.
Kale Johns got one back for the Maulers before the period was out, but Nagel, Lesperance and Noah Thul scored in the final frame to finish off their offence breakout.
Thul and Johnston each finished with a three-point game, while Carson Deichert, Tyler Hudec and Maxx Fuessel had two assists each.
Luke McKechnie stopped 28 shots to earn the win in goal for Moose Jaw, while Casson Silbernagel had 24 stops for the Maulers in 36:12 of work before giving way to Reid Schweitzer, who had eight saves the rest of the way.
‘We were really happy’: Circle K Classic a positive experience for WINMAR Warriors
Moose Jaw reaches playoff round at ultra-elite U18 AAA tournament in Calgary
The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors might not have had the ultimate result they were hoping for at the Circle K Classic just prior to New Year’s Day, but that did little to dampen what was still a pretty solid result.
The Warriors put together a 2-1 record in their round robin to advance to the playoff before falling in the round of 16 at the ultra-prestigious U18 AAA tournament, which features some of the top teams from throughout North America.
“Yeah, we were really happy,” said Warriors coach Trevor Weisgerber shortly after they finished off a weeked sweep of the Yorkton Maulers in their return to SMAAAHL play. “ The guys played pretty well through all four games and that last game, I think if we were to play it over, there might have been a different outcome. We just had a slow start, and we
Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
just kind of couldn’t get out of that hole. But all in all, the guys played pretty well, and it was a great experience for them.”
The Warriors opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Canadian Sport School Hockey League standouts OHA Penticton before dropping a 4-1 decision to the New York-based Bishop Kearney Selects in their second round robin contest.
That set up a must-win game against the Alberta Elite U18 League’s Calgary Northstars, and the Warriors would get the job done in style with a 6-3 victory to finish second in their pool and advance to the playoff round.
There, would fall behind early to the AEHL’s Airdrie CFR Bisons and would be unable to recover, dropping a 6-3 decision to see their tournament come to an end.
Carson Deichert led the team with
three goals and six points over the four games, while Keaton Lesperance had a goal and six points. U.S. high school powerhouse
Shattuck St. Mary’s would defeat Calgary International Hockey Academy 1-0 to claim the tournament title.
Beyond the games themselves, the Circle K Classic is always a special experience, especially given how high profile the event is -- making a return next season a major goal.
“Just the atmosphere, how the tournaments ran, and the teams you play, it’s a special tournament,” Weisgerber said.
“Every game is competitive. There are real good hockey teams there, and I think it just showed that we can compete with anyone, that we have a good hockey team here. It was just a real good experience for the guys.”
Check out www.circlekclassic.ca for all the scores and stats from the event.
Circle K Classic logo
Moose Jaw’s Hogeboom looks back on provincial curling win and what’s ahead
Moose Jaw Curling Centre foursome to represent Saskatchewan at U18 nationals in Saskatoon in February
When it comes to winning any major curling championship, often it’s just a matter of finding the right wins at the right time.
That was exactly the case for Kaylee Hogeboom and her Moose Jaw Curling Centre foursome at the Curl Sask U18 girls provincial championship held recently.
Hogeboom and her rink of third Payton Fisher, second Abby Hogeboom, lead Kelsey McQueen and alternate / lead Callista McQueen qualified through the B side and would then proceed to win their final two playoff games to claim the U18 girls provincial title in Prince Albert.
“It was definitely not bad,” Kaylee said. “We curled the best we had all season so it was really nice to see results from that, we all worked really hard and curled really well and it was just a team effort. It was wonderful.”
After scoring three in the eighth end to defeat Regina’s Shawna Simpson in the B final, Hogeboom would go on to drop the 1-2 Page Playoff game to Saskatoon’s Renee Wood. It was her second loss to Wood in the event, after falling 10-1 in the A qualifier final.
The Moose Jaw foursome got right back at it, though, scoring one in the eighth in the semifinal for an 8-7 win over North Battleford’s Chloe Semeniuk to advance to the provincial title game.
There, Hogeboom ran into Wood once again, and the third time was the charm, as she scored points over the final three ends to take a 7-3 win and claim Saskatchewan
Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
gold.
Team Hogeboom coach Barb Owens felt the rink’s ability to bounce back was a key factor in their success all weekend, especially when it came to dealing with a team that seemed to have their number.
“I told the girls, hey, it doesn’t matter who we play, you gotta beat the best to be the best, and they did just that,” Owens said. “But something I’m most proud of this team is that they know how to lose, they can understand that they can lose a game, but they haven’t lost the event. They have the right mindset that we’re not losing, we’re learning, and we learned from the (losses to Wood), came back and
beat them. So I’m really, really proud of them for that, for having that mindset, and it’s really served them weill.”
It certainly didn’t hurt that the Hogeboom foursome has a winning pedigree, having won the high school provincial girls championship last spring. So knowing how to win the big games helped when it came to having to win the big games
“The dynamic was very similar and we had the experience of the pressure and the stress levels already,” Kaylee said. “So I think that we were more familiar with the amount of stress and that made it easier.”
Now, it’s off to the Curling Canada
U18 national championship in Saskatoon from Feb. 16-22. Hogeboom will join Wood as two of the 21 teams battling for the Canadian title.
“How the games shake out is how they shake out, but if we’re curling well, we’re going to win more than we’re losing,” Owens said. “So that’s the goal, and not to put too much pressure on them to enjoy being Team Saskatchewan, because that’s a heck of an accomplishment.”
It’ll be the last kick at the can in U18s in the province for Kaylee, as she graduates this spring and is off to B.C. to attend university.
“I think there’ll be quite a wide range of skill sets like just in any other competition and so we’ll just have to play our best and win the games that matter,” she said. “Winning nationals and in our home province would be an amazing way to end it.”
The schedule for nationals will be announced closer to the date, so be sure to keep an eye on www.curling.ca for that update.
Extra ends… Hogeboom wasn’t the only local rink to get through to nationals as Dayne Heisler and his rink of third Blake Montgomery, second Riley Cushway and lead Laine Burnham finished second in the U18 boys division and will also vy for a Canadian title in Saskatoon. Be sure to check back next week for more on their outlook for the event!
John Trodd Named December’s Notoriously Good Neighbour
The Congratulations to John Trodd who was named as December’s Notoriously Good Neighbour by the City of Moose Jaw and the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce. He was recognized for being “notoriously generous and notoriously kind-hearted” making a “notoriously positive difference” in Moose Jaw.
For Moose Jaw Express
Nominated by Tim Stringer, Trodd is described as a top-notch neighbour. Stringer said there isn’t a job too big for Trodd to help with. “Trodd has been my neighbour for 12 years and is always giving a helping hand, whether it’s building a fence, snow blowing driveways or installing lights,” Stringer explained. “He always seems to have time to help, not just his immediate neighbours but also as a valuable member of the community for his volunteer work.” Trodd has assisted with repairs to the City Hall Clock tower on several occasions and volunteers with various other ventures said Stringer.
Stringer said, “He needs to be recognized and thanked for all he does. He’s the type of guy who does things for people because he enjoys it and is retired but is always helping someone out with something in the neighbourhood.” He added that Trodd has also helped with installing Christmas lights at the Yvette Moore Gallery.
As an official “Notoriously Good Neighbour”, Trodd was awarded gift certificates to Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a token of appreciation for his contributions to the community for being an official “Notoriously Good Neighbour.” Moose Javians can nominate their Notoriously Good Neighbour by using the Report An Issue feature on MooseJaw.ca or the free City of Moose Jaw app.
The Kaylee Hogeboom rink took took spot at the Curl Sask U18 girls championship recently held.
(l-r): Tim Stringer, City of Moose Jaw Bylaw Officer, John Trodd and Rob Clarke CEO of Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce.
WORDSEARCH
Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.
29. Anticipated 34. Car exhaust pipes 36. Apprentice
37. Europe’s highest volcano
38. Elk or caribou
40. Biblical garden
42. Infant’s illness
45. Listening
48. “Fair maiden”
51. Pergola
Nondrinker 11. Change
Love intensely
Scandinavian
Coffee shops
Otherwise
Imitate
Black, in poetry
Trawling equipment
Tall woody plant
Daily Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, January 2, 2025
Sesame Street was brought to you today by the letter 'Q' and the
Moose Jaw Truck Shop
205 WANTED
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) Ice fishing partner wanted. Please call 306692-0800.
I pay cash for unwanted firearms, ammunition, and other firearm related items. Also free pick up of unwanted yard, garden, and acreage equipment, chainsaws, atv’s, snowmobiles, ect. Call of text 306-641-4447.
210 SERVICES
Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268
Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.
Cleaner with 20 years experience, professional and bondable, please call Rebecca at 306-990-0387
Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw, $60 and up. Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. Dry cut up firewood 10 - 14” lengths - Split wood$50/row, Not Split - $35/row, one row across truck box. 306-681-8749
160 MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE - Sunset Cemetery Last Supper Cremation Plot #212. Asking $1600, open to reasonable offers. Please call 306-693-2003.
135 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
6 metal poles 14’ x 3” heavy wall steel only $100. each, it’s a steal of a deal. Call 306694-1322.
110 AUTO PARTS
Looking for running or rebuildable Volkswagen air cooled 1300, 1500, or 1600 engine, must have dual port heads. Please call 306526-0016
165 HOUSEHOLD
For sale: double mattress and box spring, $75 OBO, please call 306-631-6928.
190 PETS
Weimaraner puppies for sale. Call 306-6414315.
OPINION/COMMENTARY
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
What Will 2025 Mean for Social Media? Some Thoughts
2024... that’s a wrap!
It was fun watching social media continue to evolve rapidly, especially in shaping how businesses and consumers interact online. This past Black Friday, shoppers ditched the mall in favour of shopping online. U.S. retail stores reported a modest 0.7 percent rise in sales this year versus a 14.6 percent rise for e-commerce.
2024 showed us that social media isn’t social. It’s a digital collection of bubbles, where like-minded individuals gather in their respective bubbles and talk “us versus them.” Thus, achieving social media success at a minimal level is becoming increasingly challenging since curating an audience—the key to social media success—requires attaching bubbles of like-minded people rather than freethinking individuals.
The popularity of videos under 45 seconds on social media will continue to grow in 2025, with platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn driving this trend. Short-form videos, all types of snackable content that capture attention within seconds, will continue to be one of the most effective ways to pique someone’s interest enough to stop scrolling momentarily.
One of the most significant shifts in 2025, because it allows users to own their data and have a say in how content is moderated, will be the growing popularity of decentralized social media platforms, often abbreviated as DeSo. These platforms
by Nick Kossovan
operate on independently run servers rather than being controlled by a single company, such as Meta (Facebook, Instagram). Mastodon, Lens Protocol, Steemit, and Gab Social, which I recommend you check out, to name a few, are decentralized platforms built on blockchain technology—equivalent to a digital notebook where everyone can see and trust the entries; hence why Bitcoin uses blockchain technology—giving users greater control over how their data is used and monetized.
Despite the growing concern over personal data, social commerce is set to thrive in 2025. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Pinterest have significantly invested in their shopping features, allowing users to discover products organically and make purchases without leaving their app. This shift is transforming social media platforms from merely a place to create and foster brand awareness to a cradle-to-grave sales channel.
After years of cultural sanitization and emotional suppression, I anticipate, thanks to Donald Trump’s re-election, social media will become more unruly, as Trump supporters will feel justified in speaking their minds. Sadly, social media is likely to regress to the toxic environment it was during Trump’s first presidency, particularly on his preferred platform, X/Twitter, especially now that he has Elon Musk by his side.
People feeling comfortable saying their quiet parts out loud will intensify rage-baiting as left-leaning Americans and
right-leaning Americans entrench themselves deeper in the “you must submit to our political beliefs” war that millions never seem to get tired of. Meanwhile, with an October election imminent here in Canada, Canadians can expect to witness a Justin Trudeau (left) vs. Pierre Poilievre (right) battle royale on social media platforms. I see a perfect storm brewing for 2025.
All this uncivilized discourse will be a boon for social media companies. The human tendency to be drawn to car wrecks but indifferent to roadmaps keeps us glued to our feeds. Scandals and drama ignite curiosity, while constructive solutions barely flicker on the radar.
The elephant in the room is TikTok’s future in the U.S. On April 24th, President Joe Biden signed a bill, often referred to as the “TikTok TikTok’s,” that would ban TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform to an American” buyer by January” 19th, the day before Trump’s inauguration. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement on Friday, December 6th, after a federal appeals court upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as late January, “Today’s decision is an important step in blocking the Chinese government from weaponizing TikTok.”
If the law is upheld, as is likely, TikTok, with its massive American user base of over 170 million, will cease to operate in the U.S. on January 19, 2025. Thus, the biggest foreign competitor to Ameri-
can-based social media platforms will be eliminated. Ironically, given how banning TikTok would benefit X/Twitter, Trump, who in 2020 proposed banning TikTok to punish China for COVID-19, now opposes it.
You don’t need me to tell you we’re heading toward a serious power struggle between traditional and alternative media in the coming year. Everything we’re already seeing—the ongoing decline in trust in legacy media paired with the rise of alternative media via social media, podcasts, Substack, and private newsletters— will come to a head in 2025.
Admittedly, I spend more time than I should in the “digital world. “ I’m now questioning, as do many people in my circle, how much time I spend reading and viewing other people’s lives and thoughts rather than living my own. There’s just so much you can take in before your life goes by in a blur that you miss, and you realize life offline is a luxury.
One thing we won’t see changing in 2025 is the reason why we go onto social media; because other people go there.
_____________________________
Nick Kossovan is the Customer Service Professionals Network’s Social Media Director (Executive Board Member). Feel free to send your social media questions to nick.kossovan@gmail.com. On Twitter and Instagram, follow @NKossovan.
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.
Wassail
“Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green; here we come a-wandering so fair to be seen. Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too; and God bless you and send you a Happy New Year and God send you a Happy New Year.”
This Christmas carol and New Year’s song has been popular in England since the mid-1800s, but its origins probably go back much further than that time.
Wassailing is an old custom that goes back to the 1300s. The verb wassail comes from the noun wassail, which dates to the 1200s, and referred to an Old English custom of hospitality. A courteous host would offer a drink to a guest and toast them with the salutation wæs hæil, or “be in good health.” The guest would accept the cup and respond with drinc hæil, “drink in good health.” Wassail applied to the situation at which the drink was offered, and the term wassail was used to describe the actual drink passed around.
By the 1400s, wassail was used to refer specifically to a drink served at Christmastime. Wassail is usually a hot beverage made with wine, beer, or cider, augmented with spices, sugar, and usually baked apples. It is traditionally served in a large bowl.
The meaning of the verb wassail developed centuries later as carolers going around house to house during the
TRINITY UNITED CHURCH
Next Service: Jan 12th, 2025 10:30am Rev. Doug Shepherd
Christmas and New Year season, singing, wishing good health and holiday cheer, and hoping to receive some wassail in return.
As with many things in life, wassailing and wassail have acquired a dark side. Sometimes those engaging in wassailing have indulged in carousing, which means drinking liquor excessively and leads to dissolute behaviour. A wassail can refer to riotous drinking and noisy partying. Hopefully your Christmas party did not degenerate into this type of conduct.
A few decades ago, I used to gather the youth group at the church for wassailing around the small community in Manitoba in which I served as pastor. We would go door to door singing Christmas carols despite freezing temperatures and blowing snow. The group always looked forward to receiving Christmas goodies and cookies from the various parishioners. One house in particular was prized as the two bachelor farmers who wintered in town gave us a box of Christmas oranges every year.
The Gloucestershire Wassail, is an English Christmas carol from the county of Gloucestershire, dating back to at least the 18th century. The author of the lyrics and the composer of the music are unknown. The first known publication of the song was in 1928 in the Oxford Book of Carols. Canadian Celtic singer and composer Loreena McKennitt (born February 17, 1957 in Morden, Manitoba) recorded a version in 2008 on her Christmas album A Midwinter Night’s Dream.
THE WASSAIL SONG
Wassail, wassail, all over the town, our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee,
Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Here is to Cherry and to his right cheek, pray God send my master a good piece of beef, And a good piece of beef that may we all see; with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee. Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Here is to Cherry and to his right eye, pray God send my master a good Christmas pie, And a good Christmas
pie that may we all see; with our wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee. Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Here is to Cherry and to his right arm, May God send my master a good crop of corn, And a good crop of corn that may we all see; with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee. Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Here is to Cherry and to his left ear, pray God send my master a barrel of beer, And a barrel of beer that may we all see; with our wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee. Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Here’s to our cow and to her long tail pray God send our master he never may fail A bowl of strong beer; I pray you draw near, and our jolly wassail it’s then you shall hear. Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Come, butler, come fill us a bowl of the best, then I hope that your soul in heaven may rest; But if you do draw us a bowl of the small, then down fall butler, bowl and all! Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
Where is the maid with the lily white smock, that do trip to the door and draw back the lock? O let us all in and seek how you do, saying: Nan, if you will, we will welcome you too, Refrain: Drink to thee, drink to thee, with the wassailing bowl we’ll drink to thee.
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.
Order of the Eastern Star installation
277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK Mizpah Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star, held the installation of its 2025 officers on Dec. 2, 2024.
Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.
Please contact us for more information Moose Jaw Health Foundation 55 Diefenbaker Drive Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 Phone (306) 694-0373 www mjhf.org
November 5, 2024
1st – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
2nd – Frank Van Breugel & Judy Bender
3rd – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan
Hidden Score – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe
November 12, 2024
1st – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
2nd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel
3rd – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan
Hidden Score – Frank Van Breugel & Clayton Sjoberg
November 19, 2024
These members come from Regina, Swift Current, Drinkwater, Assiniboia, and Moose Jaw, and continue to support a variety of charities both locally and provincially.
This is a reprint following the original article in volume 17, issue 52 of the Moose Jaw Express dated Dec. 25, and includes Worthy Patron Stuart Doherty whose name was missed in the original photo caption.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WINNERS
7 p.m. - Tuesday Nights, Cosmo Senior Centre
1st – Judy Bender & Linda Sempel
2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Cobbe
3rd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel
Hidden Score – Diane Bruck & Yvette
Storozuk
November 26, 2024
1st – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole
2nd – Clayton Sjoberg & Frank Van Breugel
3rd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittee
Hidden Score – Ronald & Linda McGinnis
December 3, 2024
1st – Rae Trites & Anita Duncan
2nd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel
3rd – Bob Cobbe & Vivian Brailean
Hidden Score – Clayton Sjoberg & Frank Van Breugel
All bridge players are welcome to join our club. In addition, if you are interested in learning how to play, we would like to help.
We play at the Cosmo Senior Centre on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more information contact Anita Duncan at 306-6301256.
We are committed to guiding you with dignity and respect, helping to celebrate the lives of your loved ones.
Going ABOVE and BEYOND expectations is what sets us apart
Dayna Chamberlain General Manager
Back row, left to right: Cheri Cowan, Barb Webb, Dianne Sanborn, and Elain Haaf. Middle row, left to right: Maxine Olmsted, Shirley Doherty, Andrea Klassen, Sue Butz, Lynne Moffatt, Amy Moffatt, and Lloyd Pethick. Front row, left to right: Lynann Pethick, Gillian Moffatt, Cheryle Svab (Worthy Matron), Stuart Doherty (Worthy Patron), Ray Moffatt, and Margaret Tatarinoff. Photo by: Submitted photo
Gravelbourg shuttle service celebrates new vehicle, garage
The Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle Service has been helping area residents reach their medical appointments since 2019 and recently celebrated the purchase of a new vehicle and the opening of a new garage.
Residents, board members, volunteer drivers and local, municipal and federal dignitaries gathered at 105 Fourth Avenue East in the southwest Saskatchewan community on Dec. 19 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the two achievements.
The shuttle service is a charitable organization that provides essential transportation for health-care appointments and, during the past five years, has travelled over 240,000 kilometres while assisting hundreds of people who lack personal transportation.
The service offers on-demand rides to appointments in Moose Jaw, Regina, Swift Current and Saskatoon.
“This is a big occasion (and important milestone) for our little community organization,” said event MC Al Sutherland, noting that Gravelbourg Cares was a fledgling organization just a few years ago, but today, it is a firmly established and vital service for the area.
In 2022, the non-profit applied to the federal government’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund to support its next phase of growth, which included a new garage and a new fuel-efficient vehicle, he continued.
The organization’s application was successful, and it received enough money
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
to pursue both initiatives. With the application process, Ottawa provided 80 per cent of the funding and the non-profit provided 20 per cent.
Since 2019, the shuttle service had been using a Ford Transit van, but in September 2023, the board purchased a 2024 Hyundai Tuscon and traded in the van, which had accumulated more than 196,000 kilometres, said Sutherland.
“It was a time for a change to something more affordable, comfortable and fuel-efficient for our clients,” he remarked.
The shuttle is used nearly five days a week and drives roughly 1,000 kilometres per week, and since last year, it has already logged over 64,000 kilometres.
Sutherland noted that, since purchasing the hybrid SUV, the organization’s fuel
expenses have dropped by 40 per cent, which has allowed it to pass on the savings to clients. Typically, the service asks for donations to cover the distance of each trip, and while most people meet this request, some cannot, so the organization works with them.
“We’ve never denied service due to an inability to pay. Some clients even donate more than we ask, which helps offset any shortfalls,” he added.
Meanwhile, the new garage sits on a lot that the Town of Gravelbourg owns and leases for $1 per year, while the non-profit does not have to pay property taxes with this arrangement, said Sutherland. Former mayor Darcy Stefiuk and the previous town council were instrumental in setting up this agreement.
Community contractor Larry Bevans constructed the garage this summer, Gross Electric installed the electrical components, and John Quigley at No Problem Machining and Welding provided the materials for the sign on the roof’s peak, the event MC continued.
Furthermore, HB Service provides free oil changes and tire swaps — they happen every six to seven weeks — for the shuttle SUV, and the community car wash offers free washes.
Sutherland also singled out Wendy Lorrain, the shuttle service’s only dispatcher, for working tirelessly to fulfill clients’ needs, scheduling every trip, and doing “a super-human job (of) making everything run seamlessly.”
However, the “heart” and “backbone” of the Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle Service is its 15 dedicated, unpaid volunteer drivers, who give up their time — often an entire day — to drive people to their appointments, the event MC continued.
“All they get is lunch money, so it’s not about the cash for them … . Our clients consistently praise our drivers for their safe, friendly and professional service,” said Sutherland.
Sutherland added that the service ensures that residents remain in their homes instead of moving to large centres for medical care, which also preserves the town’s population, supports businesses, attracts people and keeps the community thriving.
Did You Know – The Walter Scott Building
Did you know, the first Premier of the Province of Saskatchewan was from Moose Jaw? The big Walter Scott Building on the NE corner of High Street and Main Street carries his name.
Walter Scott was a Liberal – and that is going to annoy a lot of Saskatchewan
Main and High Street, Moose Jaw
By Richard Dowson
people today – but hay – different times. Walt won the election on December 13, 1905 running on the slogan, ‘Peace, Progress and Prosperity’. Might work today!
The Scott government helped establish rural ‘mutual’ telephone systems; the Saskatchewan Co-operative grain elevators; they granted female voting rights in 1916 and the Scott government supported Catholic Schools.
Walt’s government had the usual scandals, mostly over liquor licences –but nothing they couldn’t weather. He resigned on October 20, 1916 due to ill health and moved to Victoria.
Walter made his money speculating on real estate in Regina and the ownership of newspapers. At one time he owned the Regina Standard, the Moose Jaw Times and the Regina Leader.
Scott suffered from Manic Depression, known today as ‘bipolar disorder’. He had intense mood swings; from high energy to severe depression. “In 1935, Scott was committed to the Homewood Sanitarium in Guelph, Ontario, where he died on March 23, 1938.” (Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan)
For more interesting information check out the Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan – online
Al Sutherland, a volunteer driver with the Gravelbourg Cares Shuttle Service, drives client Claire Levac to a medical appointment in the new shuttle SUV. Photo submitted
Walter Scott Building – Credit: Unknown
Walter Scott. Saskatchewan Archives Board R-D1882
UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW
If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@ moosejawexpress.com
Superannuated Teachers of Sask. Moose Jaw Branch LUNCHEON will be held on Wednesday, January 15 at the Masonic Temple Hall located at 1755 Main St. NEW LUNCHEON FORMAT: 10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Chat -circulate and connect with past colleagues/11:00 – 11:30 Speaker - Mary Lee Booth: SQUARE ONE/11:40 – 12:30 Roast Beef Dinner, Caterer: Charlotte’s 12:35 -1:15/Meeting, for those of you who wish to stay. Cost: $15 per STS member and spouse. $25 for non-members. Please RSVP to Rosalie by Jan.12 @ 306-691-0696, or email stsmoosejaw@gmail.com, or click on the link in your latest STSMJ Newsletter. (If you haven’t received your newsletter please check your junk/spam mail or, follow the directions on www. stsmoosejaw.com. Future Meetings: Wed. March 19, 2025/Wed. May 21, 2025
The Moose Jaw Art Guild will meet on Thursday, January 16, 3:00 pm at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery. For information call 306-631-3148 or 306692-6667.
“The Friendly City Optimist Club presents the 3rd Annual Name That Tune event on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Place: Moose Jaw Library Theatre. Time: 7:00 pm. Cost: $20. Come and have fun while watching 6 local organizations vie to see who can identify the tunes played. All proceeds will go to supporting youth food security in the city.”
Square One Community Fundraiser will be held on January 30th at the Crushed Can. Dinner from 4:30-6:30pm – ribs/ baked potato/salad. Tickets $25pp. Advance Tickets required. Please contact Square One Community for additional information.
Lawn Bowling is a sport for all levels of ability. During winter, Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling club invites everyone to try it on the turf at Yara Centre now at @10amInstruction & play (at your pace) will be available Tues & Thurs mornings@ 10am. For more info phone or text 306-6308160 or visit www.moosejawlawnbowling. com
Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: January, February, March, April and May. No meeting in December. Call or text 306 756 2819.
The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm at St Andrews Church until May. Learning, comradery, fun challenges, quilting and Community Projects.
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
The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will resume meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. The first meeting will be at 6:30pm, in Lindale School staff room, 1322 11th Avenue NW (north entrance). Phone 306-693-5705 for information.
Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights from 7-9pm at St. Mary’s School, 720 – 5th Ave. SW. Dance in a square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles or doubles welcome!
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.
Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis to take place on the third Friday of each month
Church of Our Lady Bingo takes 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.
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 306-6841464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetingsWednesday 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 organization provides communication and leadership skill training that fosters confidence building, personal and professional development in a supportive environment. Moose Jaw is home to 2 clubs: TAP and Big Country. TAP meets on line on Tuesdays@7. TAP club is transitioning to a resource for building environmental awareness. BIG COUNTRY meets Wednesdays@7 at Saskpolytech & on zoom(hybrid). For information text 306-690-8739
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group Meets
The Whoopee Cushion
By Richard Dowson
Did you know that imitating the sound of a fart has a history dating back to Roman times? And maybe before – like in caves?
And did you know the modern Whoopee Cushion was a Canadian invention. In the 1930s the JEM Rubber Co. of Toronto made the first modern whoopee cushion. They franchised the idea out to an American company. The Whoopee Cushion is so iconic that Heritage Toronto erected a plaque near where the old JEM Rubber Company factory was located at Dundas Street West and Scarlett Road.
at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. . scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops.org
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
Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca
The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw Contact: 306-692-5453 Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGIONBranch 59 Moose Jaw Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59 BINGO – Monday @ 6pm CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please sign-in by 1pm
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
January 18 - SOCIAL DANCE - Len Gadica from 7:30pm - 11:00pm. Cost: $15.00 per person includes lunch.
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, open 12-6 pm, Smear – Starts at 1 pm
Every Thursday, open 12-7 pm, Smear – Starts at 1 pm, Crib starts Sept. 5th; registration at 1 pm; Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner or sign up as a spare. Every Friday, open 1-10 pm, drop in shuffleboard. Register at 1 pm. Play starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a partner. Drop in pool and darts. Register by 6:30 pm. Play starts at 7 pm. Bring a partner. Every Saturday, open 1-7 pm. Meat draw starts at 4:30 pm, 10 meat draws, 4 free draws, gift card and 50/50. Everyone welcome.
Hall rentals available – book now!
FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395
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 DROP IN DARTS - Every Wednesday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, draw for partners, starts at 7:00 pm.
DROP IN CRIBBAGE - Every Monday evening and continues until April, 2025 - $2.00 per person, registration between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm – play starts at 7:00 pm.
Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-6935989 or email ajones@wdm.ca
of moose jaw
Community Connection seeks volunteers to continue offering warm meals this winter
Community Connection, a local volunteer-run outreach program, is on a quest to find volunteers as it continues to offer its support to the bagged lunch program held each weekend by St. Aidan Anglican Church assisting Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable residents this winter.
“Community Connection is currently looking for volunteers to fill three different roles,” announced Crystal Harvey, a Community Connection co-ordinator. These openings include community support roles, cooks, and servers.
Support workers volunteer from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Cooks volunteer from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays and on statutory holidays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and servers volunteer on Sundays from 4 to 5 p.m. — with time to clean up afterwards — and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on statutory holidays, plus cleanup time.
“So, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, we provide volunteers that help create a welcoming and calm environment while they (St. Aidan Church) serve their bagged lunches,” she added.
The outreach program also steps in to plug a gap in food provision by offering a hot meal on Sunday afternoons and on statutory holidays — a time when St. Aidan Church isn’t available to serve meals and when no alternatives exist within the community. Thanks to an ongoing partnership and shared sense of purpose, St. Aidan Church offers its hall to Community Connection during these times.
Volunteers who offer to cook will be given a menu and ingredients and two to four individuals are required for the role. The menu features a rotating hot meal and anyone can suggest new meal options.
St. Aidan Anglican Church continues to run a weekend bagged lunch program with Community Connection offering its support and follow-up warm meals on Sunday afternoons and statutory holidays. The church is located at 124 First Avenue Northeast.
Servers deliver the food and clean up afterwards, and three or more individuals are needed for the role.
Whereas cooking and serving roles are more easily filled, volunteers offering community support typically require some level of advanced training not offered by the organization. Two community support workers are responsible for helping to create a welcoming environment, building relationships, and helping de-escalate situations if required.
Community support volunteers are primarily responsible for building relationships, Harvey said. “(We) sit and connect with (guests), we drink, we make coffee, and provide coffee — that’s about it.
If somebody needs (assistance), let’s say they’re having a rough day, we will help them connect with different resources in our community.”
Harvey noted that every event hosted by Community Connection welcomes the
donation of warm winter clothing, jackets, and personal hygiene products that will be available to guests and volunteers as required.
Later this month, Community Connection is also planning to host a volunteer information night and a separate naloxone training event with a time and date to be announced.
“Volunteers with Community Connection find it (to be) quite a rewarding opportunity,” Harvey noted. “They get the chance to build relationships with a variety of people in our community. We have a lot of laughs and fun, and we also get to bring some connection to folks that may be feeling isolated or disconnected from their community.”
Harvey said that volunteer roles are offered on a flexible schedule and can include a single day, month, or every day, with no long-term commitment required.
To volunteer, simply email ConnectionMJ@gmail.com and state the role you wish to volunteer for. A member will reach out to arrange a meeting to get a feel for the venue before duties begin.
You can learn more by calling 306313-4576 or visiting ‘Community Connection’ on Facebook.
St. Aidan Anglican Church Parish Hall is located at 124 First Avenue Northeast.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Photo by: Aaron Walker
Square One to host fundraiser supper to assist its supportive housing initiative
Square One Community Inc. is preparing to host a fundraiser supper to help vulnerable individuals throughout the community with the provision of affordable housing and wrap-around supports later this month.
The Winter Warmup fundraiser supper will be held at The Crushed Can on Thursday, Jan. 30, and will be held as a come-and-go event running from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“Once again this year, Square One Community is running the Winter Warmup fundraising supper, and this year it’s being held at The Crushed Can,” announced Maxton Eckstein, the co-ordinator of Square One.
“I don’t know if… you’ve been to The Crushed Can for a fundraising dinner before, but they have some of the absolute best barbecue and ribs in town,” he added.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Winter Warmup fundraiser will include a meal of ribs, salad, and a baked potato, and the meal is intended to raise funds in support of the organization’s new housing initiative. In the initiative, Square One has utilized the William Milne Place building to provide 15 independent living suites so community members who have transitioned from the Willow Lodge or through a referral can take the next crucial step toward living independently.
Currently, six individuals are utilizing the organization’s housing initiative starting on Dec. 2, 2024.
“The funding that comes in from this fundraiser will go directly into us continuing these front-line services and (we hope) to be able to open up more of these spaces to other individuals in the community who are in need of immediate supports,” Eckstein said.
Tickets are on sale now for $25 apiece and all proceeds go directly toward Square
One’s supporting housing initiative.
As the event is likely to sell out early, anyone interested in participating is advised to purchase their tickets well in advance.
To purchase your tickets, email CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com or send a direct message on the organization’s Facebook page. If you prefer to pay via e-transfer, use the same email address and include a note reading “Winter” in the message.
To learn more about Square One and its work in the community visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com, follow ‘Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or email the organization at CommunitySquareOne@ gmail.com.
The Crushed Can is located at 82 Manitoba Street West.
First intake marks milestone for Square One’s supportive housing program
The anticipated supportive housing initiative led by Square One Community Inc. has commenced services with the program’s first day of operations opening up on Dec. 2, 2024.
“We formally launched at the beginning of December at Square One Community into a front-line service, and right now we are currently supporting six individuals (who are) already here at the facility at William Milne (Place),” said Maxton Eckstein, Square One’s coordinator.
Square One’s supportive housing initiative provides independent living accommodations for up to 15 individuals, and the program has the potential to expand through a partnership with the Moose Jaw Non-Profit Housing Corporation.
“Once somebody has been staying fairly consistently at the (Willow Lodge) shelter and (have been) receiving those initial services, they’ll then be referred to the supportive housing program here,” Eckstein explained.
Once referred, an individual will then be offered an independent suite at William Milne. These individuals then receive daily services from Square One with the aim of helping them maintain their tenancy and ultimately taking the next step towards full independence.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Square One’s current priority is to secure funding to expand staffing, as limited resources are now restricting how many clients the organization can support. With 15 suites available in the building, only six are currently in use due to this limitation.
The ongoing need for specialized support, training, and developing a consistent bond of trust means that the role cannot rely on volunteers but will require additional permanent staff.
“At these initial stages (of the recovery program), we’re looking for people that can provide that direct front-line support to individuals that need intensive care coming right out of homelessness,” explained
Eckstein.
For Square One, collaboration with local businesses and other enterprises has been critical in launching its frontline services. However, as Moose Jaw continues to grow and the needs of its residents continue to evolve, Eckstein is calling for urban-level funding to continue meeting these ever-growing needs.
“What’s really interesting about Moose Jaw is, being the largest rural and remote community in the province, sometimes it can be very difficult to attract the funding needed for new programming,” he explained.
Square One is also looking to expand its partnership with the federal and provincial governments, as well as other businesses and community organizations. The earlier Point in Time count suggested that around 74 individuals are currently unhoused, and Eckstein’s goal is to find a way to help them all.
Eckstein said he’s constantly impressed by the actions of the community and added that Square One can only continue to offer its outreach programs with this ongoing support.
“I’d also like to mention that I’m really proud of our community in the way that they — right now — are responding to this cold snap that we’re having,” he said.
“I’m seeing restaurants allowing people to come in and warm up, and I’m seeing community members offering warm winter gear to people walking along the street.
“It’s just a wonderful time to see the real spirit of Moose Jaw come out during this cold snap, and it gives me great hope for the future of unhoused individuals here in the city,” Eckstein said.
Eckstein emphasized that these acts of kindness reflect the compassionate and proactive nature of the local community — a spirit that gives him hope in the effort to provide individuals a new chance at life.
“Our hearts are really warmed by the efforts this community has put forward,” Eckstein concluded.
One way you can help support this initiative is by attending the rib night fundraiser to be held at The Crushed Can on Jan. 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with tickets available by contacting Square One. The organization will also be hosting its Walk for Warmth fundraiser around midMarch.
To learn more call 306-631-9340, visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw. com, follow ‘Square One Community Inc. Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or email CommunitySquareOne@gmail.com. William Milne Place is located at 132 Fairford Street West.
Square One’s supportive housing initiative operates out of the William Milne Place building at 132 Fairford Street West. Photo by: Aaron Walker
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