Moose Jaw Express, April 2nd, 2025

MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

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Friends of the Library to host spring book sale this April

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Book lovers in Moose Jaw will have another chance to browse a wide selection of used books while supporting their local library at the upcoming Friends of the Library book sale.

The sale, which takes place twice each year, is scheduled to run at the Moose Jaw Public Library during regular business hours on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12.

Proceeds from the sale will help support the library and enhance its range of programming.

“We have one sale every spring and fall, and they are to raise money for the library to purchase things that aren’t covered in their budget,” explained Rae Trites, publicity chairperson for Friends of the Library.

“We help support book clubs, children’s programs in the summer, and anything that they need.”

The sale will feature a variety of used books donated by the public, as well as books removed from the library’s collection. Visitors can expect to find titles across all genres, including fiction, mystery, non-fiction, and children’s books. In addition to books, the sale will also include items such as magazines and CDs.

“If you can believe it, there are still CDs out there,” Trites said with a laugh.

The Friends of the Library also maintains a used book and puzzle cart near the library’s circulation desk, with items available for purchase year-round. While the upcoming book sale will not include a dedicated puzzle space, Trites noted that a separate event for purchasing puzzles is being planned for later in the year.

Any books that remain unsold after the sale will be passed along to another organization to ensure they are either resold or recycled responsibly.

Friends of the Library is a volunteer-based, non-profit or-

ganization formed in 1989 that operates with the stated purpose of promoting and supporting the Moose Jaw Public Library.

Trites expressed her gratitude for the continued support during each sale.

“We appreciate the support of the community to help the library, and we want to thank them for their participation in our book sales,” she said. “There’s quite a wonderful community of people who come (down to the sale each time it runs).”

Book donations are still being accepted right up until the start of the sale. If you wish to contribute, donations can be dropped off at the library’s front service desk.

To learn more or to apply as a Friends of the Library member, visit MooseJawLibrary.ca/Friends-Of-The-Library.

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 Friends of the Library volunteer begins the barcoding process on books left over from a previous book sale at the Moose Jaw Public Library in 2024. Photo by: Aaron Walker

BEHIND YOUR TEAM CANADA

Baumann kicks off NDP campaign with rally at Timothy Eaton Gardens

Britt Baumann, the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan, launched her first campaign milestone at the Timothy Eaton Gardens with a general meeting and rally on March 29.

For Baumann, the event marked the beginning of an active outreach effort to promote the NDP and its values, offering an alternative to what she perceives as the growing influence of right-wing politics in Canada.

“This is our first official event, and it’s an opportunity to go out and speak to the community, and spread our message some more,” Baumann said. “Our message is about taking care of each other and giving people an alternative to voting for Pierre Poilievre or (Mark Carney).”

Baumann emphasized that the NDP stands firmly against the current political climate emerging from the United States, such as divisive rhetoric and policies. She drew a direct contrast between her party’s values and those of figures like U.S. President Donald Trump.

“That kind of alignment with Trump-style politics, with all the aggression and divisiveness, is unacceptable.

a universal framework for Pharmacare, and expanded dental care for Canadians.

Baumann also made a strong case for the importance of putting more money into the pockets of working-class families.

“We are all about putting money back in the hands of workers, not tax cuts for the rich” she explained. “We’re about tax cuts for the people doing the work.”

people, understanding their concerns, and hearing what’s on their minds,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Baumann plans to continue her outreach across the riding, focusing on rural communities such as Tuxford, Regina Beach, and Davidson, where the NDP aims to strengthen its presence.

We need to protect our values, promote our values, and make sure Canadians know that there is an alternative,” she said. “This is the time to work together, and the NDP is here to help the working class, not the billionaire class.”

A central theme of Baumann’s address was the party’s commitment to ensuring policies that benefit everyday Canadians, particularly those struggling with affordability. She highlighted the NDP’s past successes in implementing measures like the $10-per-day childcare,

Baumann was joined by her campaign manager, Elise Klyne, who spoke about their ongoing canvassing efforts. Klyne explained that the initial canvassing phase involves a general outreach to understand where voters stand and what issues matter most to the community.

“We’re focusing on priority polling areas — places where we’ve seen significant support in the past,” Klyne said. “At this stage, we’re just trying to talk to people and see where they’re at… By the end of the campaign, we’ll have a more targeted approach.”

Baumann echoed Klyne’s remarks, stressing the importance of building personal connections with voters throughout the campaign.

“Canvassing is about talking to

“We’re hoping to get out to rural areas in the next couple of weeks because they make up a large portion of this constituency,” Baumann said. “We’re focused on making sure our message works for both urban and rural communities. Affordability, (for one example), is something that impacts everyone, whether you’re a farmer or a worker (in an urban centre).

“We’re here to provide an alternative to what we’re seeing in the political landscape today,” Baumann said. “It’s about working for the people, not the powerful few.”

To learn more about Britt Baumann and her campaign, visit BrittBaumann. NDP.ca.

The next federal election is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 28.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

NDP candidate Britt Baumann kicks off her election campaign with a rally at the Timothy Eaton Gardens on March 29.

Left to right: Elise Klyne, Britt Baumann, and Melissa Patterson. Photo by: Aaron Walker

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PRISM Awards honour contributions of female role models, influencers, and mentors

After a five-year hiatus, the PRISM Awards, hosted by the Business Women of Moose Jaw (BWMJ), made a triumphant return — honouring the remarkable contributions of women across diverse industries in Moose Jaw.

The event recognized outstanding individuals who exemplify Perseverance, act as a Role model, are Influential, are Successful, or who serve as a Mentor — fitting the PRISM acronym.

The awards ceremony was held as a luncheon at Dance Images, with catering by High Regard Artisanal Catering and Kitchen, and a total of 11 nominees who were recognized. Six of those women received top honours on March 26.

“We’re really excited to be able to bring these (awards) back,” said Crystal Froese, president of BWMJ earlier. “The (BWMJ) itself is gaining more momentum than we even expected….”

Recognizing community leaders

The 2025 PRISM Awards winners included women from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and community spirit.

Perseverance Award: Kimberly Lewis was recognized with the Perseverance Award for overcoming significant challenges to start her own business. Despite obstacles — including a postal strike that disrupted her online sales — she has remained steadfast in her commitment to success while giving back to the community.

Role Model Award: Lynann Pethick was recognized with the Role Model Award. Her long-time volunteerism has benefited numerous organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, South Hill Community Association, the Friendly City Optimist Club, the Western Development Museum, and Wakamow Valley Park.

Sarah Simison was the runner-up for this year’s Role Model Award.

Influential Award: Michaela Turner received the Influential Award for her contributions as community and employee engagement manager at the Moose Jaw Co-op and her dedication to community service. Turn-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Achievement Award resulted in a three-way tie, with Doreen Bye, Lucille Gilliland, and Barb Jackman all receiving accolades for their decades of service.

Bye has spent years volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, organizing blood donor clinics, and contributing to various community initiatives. Gilliland has shaped early childhood education for nearly 40 years through her role at the Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre, while Jackman has devoted more than three decades to training dancers and instructors through Dance Images.

“(This was an) amazing event celebrating some amazing women in our community,” Froese said. “Congratulations to all the nominees.”

er’s influence includes overseeing the Moose Jaw Coop scholarship program, support for the Community Lunch Program, and donations through the Moose Jaw Co-op’s Community Fund, including a recent $10,000 donation to help Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre complete its move home this year following extensive renovations.

Shaunna Fritzler was the runner-up for this year’s Influential Award.

Successful Award: Della Ferguson was presented with the Successful Award in recognition of dedicating her career to grief support and community service. As a funeral celebrant at W.J. Jones and Son Funeral Home and advocate for mental health and hospice care at Seniors’ Centre Without Walls, Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, Journey to Hope, and Square One Community Inc., Ferguson has profoundly impacted those in need.

Gwen Fisher was the runner-up for this year’s Successful Award.

Mentor Award: Amanda Maki was honoured with the Mentor Award for her role as deputy commanding officer at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School. Maki has guided aspiring aviators in a male-dominated field, inspiring the next generation of pilots.

Historic lifetime achievement

For the first time in PRISM history, the Lifetime

This year’s PRISM Awards banquet was made possible by the efforts of Froese, Tara Johanna, Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, and Kelly Carty.

To learn more about the Business Women of Moose Jaw, visit BusinessWomenMJ.Wixsite.com or follow “Business Women of Moose Jaw” on Facebook.

Raymond James Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc., regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

The 2025 PRISM Awards banquet honoured the contributions of women in Moose Jaw. Left to right: Amanda Maki, Barb Jackman, Lucille Gilliland, Doreen Bye, Lynanne Pethick, Shauna Fritzler, Kimberly Lewis, Della Ferguson, Gwen Fisher, and Sarah Simison. Photo by: Business Women of Moose Jaw

Editor’s Note

The

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

This week you probably won’t be able to find a place to park within many blocks of the Temple Gardens Centre because Moose Jaw is currently hosting the BKT Men’s World Curling Event. I’m pretty sure everyone knows but this is a really big deal for our community.

As media sponsors for this event, we were able to attend the opening game as well as many others we hope to attend throughout the week, especially the final game. The first game was super exciting as Team Canada won their match, not to mention that by the end of the weekend they had won all their matches. So far so good!

I grew up in small town Saskatchewan and although we lived in the country, we were always either at the skating rink or at the curling rink all winter long. As well as hockey, curling is a mainstay sport for Saskatchewanians, and we learned how to play the game from an early age onward.

Curling is a great sport that requires accuracy, fitness and a good temperament. It’s really fun, as well as social but concentration is needed to perform without falling on your butt while sweeping. The seasoned players that have spent hours on the ice are usually the guys who take home the big prizes during the bonspiels, and I love watching their release as they stretch and slide to make their shots.

Apparently by the full attendance at the World Curling event through the weekend, Saskatchewan is full of curling lovers, and I am sure they have come to Moose Jaw from all over the province to fill the stands, as well as some supporters from around the world.

It’s really nice when you hear our team Canada praise Moose Jaw, the excellent facility conducive to this event, and the people who came out in droves to support the Canadian team. This should make each and every citizen here proud to hear that. Knowing that Moose Jaw has always been noted as the ‘friendly city,’ it seems the moniker is still true to its word. What’s really great is there are teams from around the world that get a chance to experience Moose Jaw hospitality. I know many volunteers who are taking their time to assist in duties that only an army of people can do at an event like this. Kudos to them for stepping up to share themselves giving selflessly so that the teams and spectators can have the best experience possible.

It’s also amazing how many interesting people you can meet at an event like this. I met a friend of a friend who resides in Drummondville, Quebec and was able to attend the opening game as well. Pierre is a very pleasant guy and has stories to tell, being in the movie industry in his working career and having spent time with Angelina Jolie for a good part of a year. That brought us to chatting about the recent Oscar Awards ceremony. He admitted he knows many of the celebrities and others that were nominated for awards.

I admit I annually try to watch them because I grew up with ‘stars’ in my eyes, thanks to my mother who never missed the annual event. For myself, I enjoy the gala fashion, hairstyles and sharing the evening with the rich and famous in Hollywood. They just don’t make movies like they used to, though, and I am sure that Hollywood is not the same place it was in years gone by. But one thing is probably for sure, I’ll be front row and centre in front of the tv next year oohing and ahhing over all the glamourous gowns and thankful that I am in my pajamas to do it.

MJPS warns about ‘grandparent/parent scam’ after over 30 victims come forward

By MooseJawToday.com staff

The Moose Jaw Police Service is warning the public about the “Grandparent/Parent Scam” after the agency received more than 30 reports on March 26, with a few callers saying they had fallen victim.

The MJPS wants the public to be vigilant, because in this scam, the fraudsters specifically target the elderly population. These scammers are researching their victims and their families through sources such as social media and obituaries before making contact.

Police have also discovered that the scammers are using the real names of their victims and, in some cases, their family members.

In the “Grandparent/Parent Scam,” the caller pretends to be a grandchild or family member who has been arrested or is in danger. The caller immediately indicates they need money and states that a lawyer, police officer, or judge will contact them.

Once information is obtained from the initial call, someone impersonating a lawyer, police officer, or judge makes a second call to the “victim.” The “victim” is instructed to withdraw a large amount of cash and await further directions.

Police officers, lawyers, judges, or jails do not call people to request money, especially cash. Also, if the caller is requesting payment via gift cards or Bitcoin, it’s a scam.

If you become suspicious of the call, contact your grandchild or family member to verify the claims or requests.

The Moose Jaw Police Service wants to remind the public not to provide personal information over the phone.

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291 468 High St.

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All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express. The contents of this publication are the property of the Moose Jaw Express. Reproduction of any of the contents of this publication, including, but without limiting the generality of the following: photographs, artwork and graphic designs, is strictly prohibited.

There shall be no reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher.

All ads in the Moose Jaw Express are published in good faith without verification.

The Moose Jaw Express reserves the right to refuse, classify, revise or censor any ads for any reason in its sole discretion. This paper may include inaccuracies or errors.

The Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any ads or messages in any of the publications editions.

The Moose Jaw Express specifically disclaims all and any liability to advertisers and readers of any kind for loss or damage of any nature what-so-ever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause.

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

Police are encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older and/or vulnerable adults to openly discuss the Family/Grandparent Scam to prevent continued victimization in the community. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

For additional scam prevention tips, visit the Moose Jaw Police Service’s Facebook and Instagram channels.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, call the Moose Jaw Police Service at 306694-7600. If you prefer to remain anonymous, call the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers with your information at 1-800-222-8477, go online at p3tips.com, or download the mobile app.

For more information on fraud attempts, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.

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Students create colourful moose statue for upcoming curling tourney

Mac the Moose is an internationally recognized and celebrated statue, but during the upcoming world curling tournament, another artwork known as “Map the Moose” will hog some of the spotlight.

Members of A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s art club spent several weeks painting a world map onto a sevenfoot-tall wooden moose, which features all seven continents and five oceans.

To honour the 13 teams competing in the 2025 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship from March 29 to April 6 at the Temple Gardens Centre, the students drew the countries’ borders on the map. They also painted directional arrows that indicate the distance to those countries from Moose Jaw.

The students explained that their teacher, Cori Saas, learned about the curling tournament from Heather Eby, vice-chair of the organizing committee, who wanted them to paint the world map on the “funky-lookin’ moose” and highlight the participating teams.

Most students agreed to take on the project — two focused on the moose while others painted the directional arrows — and immediately set to work. They started before the February break and spent almost two hours daily working, while they stayed late on Fridays.

“And then at first, we were just going to do the base colours (of) blue and green. We wanted to make it look a bit more interesting and a bit more real instead of very cartoony,” said Anna Fullerton, who worked on the moose.

Her sister, Mia, said they focused on painting

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Students from A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s art club gather with curling organizers to celebrate the creation of their artwork, which features the world map on a moose. In the picture, in no particular order, are Cori Saas (teacher), sisters Anna and Mia Fullerton, Jessica Haubl, Kaylee Jensen, Keaton Atherton, and Sara Leptin, and curling vice-chairs Heather Eby and Devon Oleniuk.

by Jason G. Antonio

mountainous regions to highlight the countries’ geography. She noted that being asked to do this was unexpected, while they struggled to find a blue-coloured paint they liked, but overall, she was happy with how it turned out.

“And it’s just hard to see the big picture before the completed project,” she continued, adding they didn’t originally add Antarctica due to limited space

but thought that it would be cool to have the moose standing in snow, so they painted parts of the continent on the animal’s legs and used a white base.

Exterior red house paint — used for the arrows — is “a really horrible” colour to use because it required several coats, while almost every country has three or four different colours that also required several coats, said Saas. Also, instead of painting the edges black, the students wrapped the colours of the continents and oceans onto the back.

Mia Fullerton said that a closer inspection reveals the oceans have different shades of blue and white to represent the depths — something people will see if they stand close to the moose.

“That’s awesome. I’ve got goosebumps,” said Eby, who, along with Devon Oleniuk, another vice-chair and the man who carved the wooden moose, picked up the colourful artwork from the school recently to take to the arena. “It is more than I could have ever asked or imagined.”

Eby said she asked Peacock’s art club to pursue this project because of its connection to the Project 104 High School Arts Collective’s anti-graffiti team. The group has painted murals around the city since 2014 with support from the Moose Jaw Police Service, including a 150-foot alley mural in 2023.

Oleniuk had constructed a similar wooden — but colourless — moose for the 2020 Scotties Curling Championship, something everyone enjoyed, she continued. She wanted to do that again this year but wanted a world map on it.

Photo

Parting thoughts on the Legion building

They held a farewell party for the Legion building at 268 High Street West the other night.

The Legion is moving a few blocks west to Fairford Street later this spring.

It was a neat, subdued event as members and guests dined and wined and socialized.

This site has been Branch 59’s home for almost 97 years, following the Legion’s first home on the property where the Grant Hall Hotel stands.

For all these years the place has been a meeting spot for veterans and families to visit, take part in activities with an organization raising funds to assist veterans and the community.

The Legion was once totally a veterans’ organization but has allowed nonveterans like YoursTruly to join in recent years.

My memories of the Royal Cana-

OPINION EDITORIAL: TRADING

THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

dian Legion go back to the early 1960s when living in Alberta with an uncle and aunt who were supporters and enjoyed the camaraderie.

My belief then was that the Legion folks were a bunch of drunks. It was and still is a false perception.

Sure there were and still are some heavy drinkers among members. You might be driven to drink if you had seen and experienced the horrific things veterans went through. Don’t judge until you wear their boots.

Nowadays the Legion serves a whole lot of non-alcoholic or low alcohol drinks.

Since coming to Moose Jaw in 1965 I’ve discovered what the Legion is all about and met numerous fine people by reporting on events and attending events.

I remember one evening when the

young girl just hired as a reporter was assigned to cover a Legion banquet and dance. That was fine but our photographer was also covering the dance. Just Peachy!

This was about the time when I was falling for this young reporter.

My photographer friend also had a thing for her. He even had his mother knit her one of those lovely heavy wool sweaters, called Cowichan that curlers used to keep warm in unheated rinks

I don’t know if I was jealous, or worried because he was a good dancer and I have two left feet.

Everything turned out just fine.

Many a time my partner and I took part in events from socials to dances.

A watershed event occurred in 1974 when flooding poured over six feet of water in the basement lounge in minutes with little warning.

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

The Legion was a much busier place in those times. Often I went there around 10 a.m. to pursue a news item.

The lounge was always full with plenty of visiting.

Gradually many veteran members passed away. Twenty years ago, veterans in Canada were dying at the rate of 3,000 a month.

Where the Legion once raised $100,000 a year for the community plus money for the poppy fund to help veterans and their causes, that amount has declined.

The 1926 building needed so much upgrading the building was sold and the hunt for a new home started.

So many memories and so much local history resides in those brick walls. The old place will be missed. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Mitny Refillery plans expansion, introduction of new wellness service

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Mitny Refillery is looking to expand into a larger space as the zero-waste business continues to grow in downtown Moose Jaw.

Owner Laurie Hysuick said the move will allow the store to better accommodate its customers and introduce new services.

“We need a different space for the expansion of our business,” Hysuick said. “We’re hoping to find a space that I can either build two rooms in, or it will have two rooms, and still have my nice pull-up parking spaces for my lovely customers who refill all their big items.”

Mitny Refillery, located in Moose Jaw’s historic CPR train station, is the city’s first refillery store. It offers ecofriendly and sustainable products, allowing customers to refill containers with items like laundry powder, shampoo, and toothpaste, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.

Since opening on June 6, 2023, Mitny Refillery has prevented more than 1,000 containers from entering the land-

Laurie Hysuick, owner of Mitny Refillery in downtown Moose Jaw, is looking to expand to a new, larger retail space as the business continues to grow. Photo by: Mitny Refillery/Facebook

fill, based on an earlier estimate by Hysuick, and also supports local artists by showcasing their work and promoting local talent.

While she has viewed a few potential spaces for the move, Hysuick said

she remains open to possibilities.

“I’ve been approached for a few ideas, but time will tell. I’ll see what becomes available,” she said.

“I hope to find somebody who will love this space as I have,” Hysuick continued. “I mean, it’s been very fortunate for me to start here and be seen as part of the downtown. I hope somebody else gets to experience that as well.”

New wellness service

In addition to expanding her retail operations, Hysuick is introducing a new wellness service using the Rubimed Reba device — a Swiss-designed machine that uses energy waves to address emotional and physical imbalances.

“This is something I’ve been passionate about and studying for a long time,” she explained. “It uses energy waves… to help with trapped conflict, trauma, anxiety, and whatever else our body wants to hold.”

Hysuick recently completed her training on the device and has begun offering treatments without the machine

while she awaits the device’s arrival.

“It’s going to be the only one of its kind in Saskatchewan,” she said. “I finally completed my training last weekend, and I’ve started doing (limited) treatments already this week.”

So far, she said early feedback has been positive. “Everybody that I’ve connected with this week on treatments has been blown away with the results,” Hysuick said. “It has been awesome.”

The timeline for Mitny Refillery’s relocation is not yet determined, as Hysuick continues to search for the right space. In the meantime, she encourages those interested in learning more about the Rubimed Reba treatments and her other products and services to reach out.

“I’ll be glad to help them out,” she said. “It’s quite an amazing thing.”

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

Sask. LG honours 17 Moose Jaw-area officers and military personnel with medals

Saskatchewan’s lieutenant governor has recognized 17 police officers and military personnel from the Moose Jaw area for their contributions and achievements to society.

Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to recipients at Government House in Regina on March 25 and 26, with these residents including members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Armed Forces.

The recipients from Moose Jaw included Cheryl Abernethy, Joël Fortin, James Bernard Waidson, Tyler Arner, Crystal Lockyear, Regan B. Wickett, Joeseph Edward Barclay, Sarah Donaldson, Keaton Bell, Edgar Robert, Jody Michael Marchuk, Joshua Peneycad, Timothy Ross and Darrell Keith.

Recipients from Bushell Park at 15 Wing Airbase included Kayla C. Walker, Joseph Jean-Simon and Rachel Iseult Fox.

“It is a privilege to present Coronation Medals to such deserving people in recognition of their dedicated

By MooseJawToday.com staff

Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre presented King Charles III Coronation Medals to numerous recipients at Government House recently. Photo courtesy Facebook

service to our province and our country,” McIntyre said.

“As His Majesty’s representative in Saskatchewan, I am grateful for this opportunity to commemorate The King’s coronation while honouring these recipients for their excellence and willingness to serve and protect our communities.”

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a Coronation. The first Coronation Medal awarded to Saskatchewan citizens took place on May 6, 2024.

This medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country, while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General will administer the distribution of 30,000 medals on behalf of the Government of Canada through partnerships, including the Government of Saskatchewan.

Walter Says It’s Time After 45 Years On Exhibition Board

By Robert Thomas

The ceremony was small and brief; a small bouquet of fresh flowers and applause from the approximately 15 people who attended the Moose Jaw Exhibition Association Inc’s AGM.

But for Joyce Walter it was the end of a 45-year ride with the Exhibition.

A ride which never began with fanfare and applause but rather with under cutting tones of derision from more than a few.

A 45-year ride of firsts which many now consider ordinary stuff left the Moose Jaw Exhibition a much better place.

Walter, who has one of Moose Jaw’s largest Rolodex of community achievements, wasn’t initially welcomed by more than a couple of members to the Exhibition’s board in 1980.

Achievements stretching from her board duties at the Exhibition, being named Moose Jaw’s citizen of the year in 1989 and up to 25 years on Moose Jaw’s Canada Day Committee and more. Including a 55-year stint married to Ron.

Her initial appearance as an Exhibition board member was due to a critical editorial Walter wrote in the now defunct Moose Jaw Times Herald. A newspaper whose staff she joined in 1968 right after graduation from school in Parkbeg.

“I had written an editorial after the Fair that summer saying that I thought we should be in the A circuit instead of the B circuit. We were big enough for an A circuit midway,” Walter explained, adding “one of the board members phoned me saying ‘you don’t know what you’re talking about.’”

“He said if you think you know so much, why don’t you come be on the

board,” Walter said.

It was a challenge she accepted but there were hoops to jump through.

Walter remembers telling the board member she would do it but she needed to be nominated to get on the board.

“I said I don’t think that is going to happen,” she said.

Walter would relate the story to a friend Jim Slaney - who ran a popcorn stand and hobby shop downtown. Slaney would reply, “Oh I’ll nominate you.”

Walter would be nominated at the Exhibition’s AGM and elected - the first woman ever - to the Exhibition’s board.

She would hear from the board member who had challenged her.

“After it was all over, the old fellow came up to me and said you’re not as bad as I thought you were.”

Being nominated and elected to the Exhibition’s board was not the end of it as there was still some resentment amongst more than a few board members of the day.

The late Norm Smith would be instrumental in helping Walter to succeed.

“I came to my first meeting and nobody would sit beside me,” Walter said. “All the men and executive sat at the front table on the other side of the room. I thought this is going to be a lot of fun, but Norm (Smith) came in and said we’re going to be a team.”

Walter would start to fit in thanks to Smith.

“Norm Smith was the best one I ever worked with. He kind of took me under his wing and made me help and build things. I had my little hammer that I brought from work and he kind of laughed at me. He was really good to

me.”

Despite the initial hiccups, Walter said being on the board for 45 years has been worth it.

“You get to meet all sorts of neat people and you get to participate in all sorts of events you wouldn’t normally… you get to meet a lot of different people and you get to meet people in the community because you’re out representing the Exhibition Company.

“People don’t realize how important this organization is to Moose Jaw. But once you’re involved in it you see what’s going on.”

Walter would serve as rodeo chairman for several years, the fair chairman and president of the Exhibition Company at two different times.

The biggest accomplishment for Walter was when she and Ray Sheward managed to convince the provincial government to allow Sunday horse racing and the casino to operate.

The horse racing and casino are now gone as the rights were sold to the province with the arrival of Casino

Moose Jaw.

The Exhibition could have continued with their gambling endeavours, but Walter pointed out how difficult it would be to compete against the province’s downtown casino.

“That would have been foolish. There’s no way we could compete with the provincial government, so they bought us out.”

The sale to the province provided income to the Exhibition. An agreement set to expire in two years.

“It’s going to be a challenge to find funds to replace it but I think the board will be able to find different funds,” Walter said.

Asked why she was retiring from the board, she said time had caught up with her.

“It’s time. I’ve been around for a long time and my health isn’t what it used to be. And I’m getting older and it’s time for a change. We need to get new people on the board to get new ideas and take on new projects.”

Walter said rentals are fine but at the same time the Exhibition has to also start doing their own events.

“We need to do some other events on our own like we used to,” she said. “In the end the 45 years were worth it; I met some really, really neat people over the years.”

Despite initial misgivings, Walter was also named a life member of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions in 2015.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ lifestyles/2025/3/26/ms6qtl1jgpd3lvmf6czi4y5cw1w8m8

Joyce Walter

Veterinarians advise dog owners to exercise caution around wet soil, river trail areas

Local veterinarians are advising dog owners in and around Moose Jaw — especially around Wakamow Valley and the city’s northwest trails — to be aware of blastomycosis, a fungal infection that can affect their pets.

While not aiming to cause alarm, it’s important for pet owners to understand this condition to ensure the safety of their animals.

Dr. Melissa Smith, a veterinarian at Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital, has encountered cases of blastomycosis during her practice. She noted that the disease has been present in the area for decades.

“There is a fungal infection in Moose Jaw that has been endemic here… since I started practicing,” she said. “It has been around for the last 20 or 25 years at least.”

Blastomycosis is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which thrives in moist soils — particularly near riverbanks and areas with high humidity. Dogs can contract the infection by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Veterinarians are advising dog owners to remain vigilant when walking their dogs in areas around rivers or other bodies of water, such as this location in Wakamow Valley, as digging in or otherwise disturbing damp soil could lead to possible fungal infections. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Once inhaled, the spores can affect the respiratory tract and potentially spread to other organs.

The infection manifests through various clinical signs, often targeting the lungs. Common symptoms in dogs include coughing, fever, depression, weight loss, and loss of appetite. In some cases, skin lesions, eye infections leading to sudden blindness, lameness, and seizures

may occur.

Treatment typically involves the antifungal drugs itraconazole or fluconazole, which are administered over several months. While many dogs respond well to treatment, the prognosis varies. Dr. Smith noted that treatment can be costly, especially for larger breeds, due to the duration and dosage required.

The prevalence of blastomycosis remains hard to predict, with cases surfacing under varying environmental conditions. Dr. Smith noted that while there haven’t been many cases this fall and winter — she encountered one serious case recently — some years can see around five to 10 cases in the area. Reports of the fungus were also confirmed by Amanda Drake, registered veterinary technician (RVT) at Peak Veterinary Health.

It’s important to describe where your dog has been if you book an appointment for testing so veterinarians can better track instances of the fungal infection.

To help prevent your dog from contracting blastomycosis, avoid letting them dig, sniff, or play in moist, sandy soils — especially near bodies of water such as the Moose Jaw River and the Qu’Appelle River. It’s best practice to avoid these areas during wet conditions in the spring, fall, and after heavy rain.

Veterinarians advise owners to keep pets away from marshy, wooded areas and decaying vegetation, especially if the soil has been recently disturbed. Supervise outdoor activities, particularly in late summer and fall, and maintain proper yard drainage to reduce fungal growth.

If your dog shows symptoms like coughing, lethargy, or skin issues — especially following a visit to a walking trail — seek veterinary care promptly.

For more information, or if your dog is showing symptoms, call the Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital at 306-6941639, Peak Veterinary Health at 306-6924800, or speak with your veterinarian.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

More dessert recipes offered to soothe sweet tooth

My love affair with desserts comes from desserts traditionally being part of my family’s meals. No matter what the main course might have been — even Kraft Dinner or leftovers — we always ended the meal with dessert. It might have been fruit that Mom had canned in the fall, a dish of ice cream, a slice of cake or pie or a pudding made in the oven.

Bananas sliced and sprinkled with caramel or chocolate sauce were often my contribution to the end-of-meal.

Carrying on the sweet tooth tradition, this week’s recipes offer more ideas for end-of-meal sweetness.

• •

• HOT FUDGE PUDDING CAKE

2 cups flour

2 tbsps. cocoa

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup melted margarine or butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 tbsps. baking powder

1 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Sauce:

2 cups brown sugar

6 tbsps. cocoa

3 1/2 cups very hot water

Combine all ingredients except the walnuts and blend until smooth. Add walnuts and pour into an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.

For the sauce, combine the brown sugar and cocoa together in a bowl. Spread evenly over the cake mixture.

Gently pour the hot water over the sauce and cake. Do not mix.

Bake for 45-50 miutes at 325 degrees F. Cake should pull away from the sides and may jiggle a bit in the centre. Serve warm.

•

HEAVENLY HASH

1 small can crushed pineapple

2 tsps. flour

2 tsps. margarine or butter

1 egg, well beaten

2 cups small marshmallows

Drain the pineapple. Place flour and butter or margarine together in a small skillet or sauce-

pan. Mix well. Add the pineapple juice. Cook slowly, stirring constantly until thickened. Add the beaten egg and cook slowly for a minute or two. Remove from stove. Add marshmallows and drained pineapple. Transfer to a large bowl and let set overnight in the refrigerator. Before serving, add extra fruit, such as bananas or mandarin oranges. Mix in carefully.

Serve with a small scoop of ice cream topped with a maraschino cherry.

•

BAKED RICE PUDDING

1/2 cup short grain rice

5 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

2 tsps. nutmeg

Mix rice, milk and sugar together. (Do not substitute long grain rice.) Place mixture in a large baking dish.

Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Bake at 325 degrees F until thick and creamy, about 2 1/2 hours.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Refugee student shares his story of discrimination and resilience at anti-racism presentation

A refugee student from the Democratic Republic of Congo courageously shared his personal story of discrimination and resilience at an event at A.E. Peacock Collegiate in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The presentation was organized by the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) to foster conversations about the impact of racism and to promote inclusivity. Among the speakers was Claude Irakiza, who spoke about the challenges his tribe has faced and the lessons he has learned through his experiences.

Facing discrimination

Irakiza described how colonial-era border changes left his tribe marginalized, resulting in systemic discrimination in his former home.

“We all belonged in one country, but when they (colonial governments)

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

pictured, shares his personal story of discrimination and resilience during the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event at A.E. Peacock Collegiate on March 21.

created borders, we (suddenly) found ourselves in another country,” he said.

“We’ve been living there for five centuries… but now people are fighting because of tribalism.”

Tribalism, originally meant to foster social values and cultural traditions, has often been used as a tool for division and

conflict, he explained.

“Tribalism was there to teach us social values and share common beliefs and customs,” Irakiza said. “But now, tribalism created these invisible walls to divide us.”

Irakiza also shared the painful reality of being labeled with derogatory terms, which are used to justify acts of violence. “People are being killed every day” as a result, he said, noting that this dehumanizing language has been ongoing for decades and leaves many without safety or stability.

Finding unity in Canada

Since arriving in Canada, Irakiza said he has experienced a stark contrast in how people from different backgrounds can coexist.

“Whenever we (arrive here in Canada), we learn that our difference was nothing,” he said. “We become friends when we reach here.”

His reflections highlighted the possibility of overcoming prejudice through understanding and shared experiences.

“I don’t understand why we can’t do the same thing in our country,” he said. “Those invisible walls don’t exist here.”

Irakiza concluded his speech with a call for unity, urging others to reject discrimination and embrace compassion.

“I wish we can work on common interests, more than differences, and present a strong community,” he said. “Preach peace, strength, and love; united we stand.”

The MJMC continues to advocate for multiculturalism and supports initiatives to create a more inclusive society in Moose Jaw.

The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council shares a building with St. Andrew’s United Church at 60 Athabasca Street East. To learn more, call 306-6934677 or visit MJMCInc.ca.

Claude Irakiza,

Photo by: Aaron Walker

CFUW announces second recipient of province-wide women’s education grant

Women across Saskatchewan, including those in Moose Jaw, have a growing opportunity to pursue higher education thanks to the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Saskatchewan Council’s New Beginnings Grant.

The province-wide initiative, now in its second year, has named Holli Ironstand as its latest recipient.

Ironstand, a student in the mental health and addictions counselling diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, was formally presented with the $5,000 grant on March 21.

A resident of The Battlefords, she is raising her five-year-old daughter while balancing school and community involvement.

Having personally struggled with anxiety and depression, Ironstand is committed to helping others who face

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

similar challenges. Her choice to study mental health and addictions counselling reflects her dedication to providing support for those in need — demonstrating some of the desired qualities in the program’s recipients.

Ironstand is on track to graduate in June and hopes to continue her education with a bachelor’s degree in social work, with a focus on trauma care and postpartum mental health.

The CFUW New Beginnings Grant is open to Saskatchewan women aged 21 or older who are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have been accepted into a post-secondary education program.

Holli Ironstand (right) is the second recipient of the CFUW’s New Beginnings Grant program. Photo by: Submitted photo

“For generations, CUFW clubs in Saskatchewan have provided scholarships based on academic achievement,” the organization stated. “This grant expands on that tradition by recognizing the resilience and determination of women overcoming challenges to pursue education.”

Using your tax refund for car maintenance is really an investment in you and your family to ensure reliable transportation and safety for your day-to-day.

Last year’s inaugural recipient was Jessica Falcon, who returned to school after facing significant personal hardships. Her story, along with the high number of applicants, highlights the need for financial assistance programs such as this one.

The CFUW is a non-partisan, self-funded organization with 90 clubs across Canada and more than 6,600 members, including those in Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. With local clubs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Yorkton, the organization continues to support women’s education across the province.

Residents of Moose Jaw interested in applying for the next intake of the New Beginnings Grant can find more information online at CFUW-Saskatoon.org or by contacting CFUWSaskCouncil@gmail.com.

By Patricia

Spring

Equinox and Gardening

The spring equinox is the first day of spring. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is actually spring in your garden. The word “equinox” means “equal night” in Latin. So when we have both spring and autumn equinox, the daytime and nighttime hours are very close to equal. If the earth took exactly 365 days to revolve around the sun, then the date of our spring equinox would not change from year to year. The earth’s orbital period takes about 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the sun. The standard Gregorian Calendar has 365 days in one year and every four years, there is a leap day to account for the extra quarter day. Because of each quarter-day, the equinoxes (and solstices) occur about six hours later each year. When it is a leap year, the extra day makes the date of the equinox ear-

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT HOLY TRINITY BOARD MEETING IS MON. APR 14.

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division has scheduled a byelection for mid-June to replace trustee Christine Boyczuk, a long-time education and literacy supporter who died unexpectedly in February.

The division, in partnership with the City of Moose Jaw, plans to hold the byelection on Wednesday, June 11, with an advance poll held on Saturday, May 31. The call for nominations will start on Wednesday, May 7.

Division administration expects the byelection to cost $35,000.

Trustees received the byelection report during their recent March meeting and voted to:

lier. The different time zones, which further complicate the actual date of the equinox. The spring equinox will fall around March 20th and the fall equinox around September 23rd.

Plants do not realize that the true equinox is the exact moment that the sun crosses the equator and when both the North and the South poles are at virtually the same distance from the sun, they do sense the change. What this means scientifically, is at this moment, there is no tilt of the earth either

towards or away from the sun. Thus, at this moment, the sun rises due east and sets due west. For the rest of the year, the sun rises and sets at a slightly different spot. We often do not notice the slight changes, but we certainly realize in mid winter, the sun is at a different angle than in mid-summer.

The spring equinox is the beginning of longer days and warmer weather. The increased light exposure influences plant growth, encourages earlier flowering, and impacts the dates of planting and harvesting. In the fall, plants growth and helps us to decide spring planting and harvesting schedules. In the fall, the decrease in daylight hours and cooler temperatures gives the signal to plants to mature, complete their lifecycle and prepare for the long winter rest.

Throughout history, many civilizations have developed festivals, rituals and monuments to honour these celestial events. Equinoxes have held great symbolic value – representing balance, renewal and transition. These events also have an impact on the ecosystems of our earth. Birds rely on the equinoxes to guide their migration journeys. Humans are also tied to these seasonal changes, and societies have been able to thrive by aligning their activities with the natural world. The seasons represent the balance between light and dark-

ness and have many cultural, scientific and environmental implications. As gardeners, we get itchy fingers to get out into the garden and see what is growing. We poke around and look for the tiniest signs of life. When we find a tiny bit of green, or the earliest spring crocus – we rejoice. Coffee shop talk centres around the overnight lows and we all stop to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. The buds on our trees swell and we anticipate the burst of life when the first flowers or leaves appear. Flannel goes to the back of our closets, along with base layers and fleece jackets. We search for our rubber boots, and stop wearing toques every time we venture outdoors. We wake earlier along with the longer days and enjoy our evening light.

This is why the spring equinox is important to all of us! Happy Spring!!!

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

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

Byelection set for June to replace deceased Moose Jaw Catholic trustee

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

• Establish polling locations in Moose Jaw

• Name Curt Van Parys, the chief financial officer, as the returning officer

• Pay election officials the same remuneration rate that municipalities pay their election workers

• Use vote-counting machines

• List the occupation of the candidates on the nomination form and ballot

• Include a criminal record check with the nomination form Members also had the option — but did not choose it — to approach the Ministry of Education about operating with one fewer trustee until the next

school board election in 2028. There are currently five trustees on the board, with one spot open.

Van Parys told trustees during the meeting that division administration reviewed the Local Government Election Act after Boyczuk’s death to assess the implications of holding a byelection. Furthermore, administration met with Moose Jaw’s election officials to assess the logistics and implications of conducting this vote.

“We are definitely working with our municipal counterparts in terms of making sure this election is done properly,” he said. “And the election officials at the City of Moose Jaw are very grateful … of this process.”

For the process to proceed, Holy Trinity must approach city council and ask it to officially approve the byelection, Van Parys added. Division administration expected council to review — and hopefully approve — that request on April 7.

The board report noted that Holy Trinity has until Aug. 10 at the latest to hold the byelection, based on clauses in the Local Government Election Act. Also, council has until April 16 to approve the byelection date.

The next Holy Trinity board meeting is Monday, April 14.

Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

THE NEXT HOLY TRINITY BOARD MEETING IS MON. APR 14.

The Ministry of Education has provided Moose Jaw’s Catholic school division with an extra $1.7 million to address early learning, collective bargaining and the new joint-use school.

Trustees with Holy Trinity Catholic School Division received three finance-related reports during their March meeting that discussed how the additional money affected this year’s budget.

One report showed that the ministry provided an extra $50,000 to support the division’s Early Learning and Intensive Supports (ELIS) Program, which provides access to high-quality early learning programs for three- and four-year-old children who have intensive needs.

This additional support will increase the school division’s ELIS Program spaces to five from three.

Furthermore, the province provided $422,667 so Holy Trinity can address the pending settlement of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

Province gives Holy Trinity $1.7M more for three projects

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

“The Ministry of Education is making this payment based on estimated wage settlement amounts with a reconciliation of actual costs being completed later in the fiscal year,” the report said.

These two financial amounts total $472,667, which increases Holy Trinity’s 2024-25 budget to $47,793,307 from $47,320,640.

A second report showed that the ministry provided Holy Trinity with an extra $1,206,528 in capital funding for Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary School, part of the joint-use building on South Hill.

The cost in June 2023 that the Catholic school division was expected to pay for its share of the project was $28,977,045, but that number has risen to $30,183,573 with the extra provincial funding.

The two areas that increased were siteworks activities, which jumped to $1,00,276 from zero, and maximum construction contingency, which increased to $897,907 from $691,655.

Therefore, the ministry gave the

school a total of $1,679,195.

While the province gave Holy Trinity extra money for several initiatives, it also reduced funding for the division’s Canada-Saskatchewan Agreement on Minority-Language Education and Second Official-Language Instruction program.

The organization had budgeted $69,923 in revenues for the 2024-25 school year, but the province reduced that grant by $26,503 — or 37.9 per cent — and reduced it to $43,420. Of that remaining amount, $13,044 will support teacher recruitment and retention.

The report did not say why the province reduced the grant funding.

Meanwhile, a third report looked at the division’s second-quarter finances and showed that, as of Feb. 28, Holy Trinity’s operating revenues were at 43.6 per cent of budget. In comparison, that number in the previous three fiscal years averaged 49.3 per cent.

Curt Van Parys, the division’s chief financial officer, said “a gap” between this year’s percentage and the three-year

average is because the CBA amount the province provided was not included in the Q2 report since the board had just approved receiving that money. So, the third-quarter report would reflect those financial changes.

“When our funding was provided (by the ministry) back in March (2024) for this fiscal year, there was additional funding of about $800,000, also to offset the cost of a future provincial collective bargaining agreement,” he continued.

So, if the division had received all the CBA-related incomes consistently throughout the year, its operating revenues would be at roughly 48 per cent of the budget, the CFO said. Thus, his concern about the gap dissipated.

Meanwhile, that same issue affected operating expenses, because the division had expended 50.4 per cent of its operating budget by Feb. 28, compared to the three-year average of 54.4 per cent, Van Parys added. So, aside from that main concern, revenues and expenses “are where they should be” for this time of year.

Lack of spare bus drivers affecting Moose Jaw’s Catholic school division

Holy Trinity Catholic School Division’s transportation department appears to lack enough bus drivers, considering the manager has jumped behind the wheel several times to ensure students make it to school.

Board trustees received a transportation accountability report during their March meeting, which looked at the division’s activities from Sept. 1, 2024, to Feb. 28, 2025.

The report showed that the organization transported 1,187 students during the first six months of the school year, which was consistent with the past three school years. Data from that period showed the division transported between 1,122 and 1,189 youths throughout those school years.

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Furthermore, during the first half of the 2024-25 school year, Holy Trinity cancelled 70 routes — or 140 total runs — because of weather, whereas during previous years, the weather forced the cancellation of 56, 70 and 42 runs, the data showed.

Moreover, Chinook School Division, Holy Trinity’s partner in southwest Saskatchewan, was forced to cancel 86 routes — or 172 runs — during the past six months because of weather, the report said. Also, Prairie South School Division, which covers South Hill and rural transportation, cancelled 200.5 routes — or 401 runs — during the same period, mostly because of driver availability.

Meanwhile, Holy Trinity buses

travelled 226.3 kilometres daily on regular routes in Moose Jaw north, while the average age of those buses was 8.1 years; buses on regular routes were on average 7.5 years of age, while the spare fleet’s age was on average nine years.

Also, the buses were full 87.6 per cent of the time, while the average runtime ride time in Moose Jaw was 29 minutes and the longest one-way ride time in the city was 38 minutes.

Curt Vany Parys, the division’s chief financial officer (CFO), said recruitment of bus drivers has been an issue because the marketing has been “tightening up.”

“Our bus supervisor … has actually been driving (a) bus on a fairly

frequent basis the last little while, so (that’s) a cause for concern there in terms of needing to rebuild our substitute list,” he continued.

The report noted that the division has no temporary positions in place for this year, although it has interviewed five people who are willing to train for their S-class licence endorsement.

Meanwhile, the transportation manager has been learning how to use bus planning software, which has made the division more efficient in transporting students to schools, the CFO added. Specifically, the software tracks fuel management and ensures that buses drive the least number of kilometres possible during their routes.

Wakamow Rotary Club’s second annual ‘Fly the Flag’ fundraiser returns

The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow’s second annual flag fundraiser is flying once again, as the community group is encouraging residents to display their patriotism by waving the national banner.

“A flag in your front yard is a great way to show your pride in being a Canadian. This year, especially, we all want to show off our beautiful country to our neighbours and to the world,” said Marian Kettlewell, who, along with her husband David, is a co-ordinator of the Fly the Flag with Rotary Fundraiser.

Residents and businesses can participate in the fundraiser with a onetime subscription fee of $60. A Rotary volunteer will take a three-foot by fivefoot Canadian flag on a 10-foot pole and plant it in the front yard of homes and businesses for several days before and after the long weekends of Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day.

Subscribers can participate by going to the website RotaryClubofMooseJawWakamow.org and clicking on the flag image, where they enter their infor-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

metal pole on a stake in the ground about two feet from the front edge of the yard. When they register, subscribers should let the club know if they have underground sprinklers.

Due to the success of last year’s fundraiser, the resort villages of North Grove, South Lake, Sun Valley, the hamlet of Parkview and Palliser Regional Park are invited to participate this year, in addition to Moose Jaw, Kettlewell said.

Meanwhile, the money raised will support organizations in Moose Jaw and internationally, as recent donations have gone to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, the food bank, Phoenix Academy and Hunger in Moose Jaw, she continued.

funds to Guatemalan Rotary clubs to manage the construction of classrooms, kitchens and washrooms in schools in disadvantaged rural communities. Also, the club contributes to scholarships in Guatemala to enable students to attend school past Grade 6.

“The club appreciates the generous assistance for the flag fundraiser from the Williams family at Cypress Paving, from the folks at Eecol Electric, and from Routific, the Canadian developers of the route optimization software that is used,” said Kettlewell.

Other fundraisers the Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow has planned this year include a Shred Day in May and pancake breakfasts in the summer, she added.

mation and pay by credit card. If anyone wishes to purchase a flag subscription as a gift or for a second location, they can complete the subscription form again with the additional name and location.

Subscribers do not need to be home when the flags are installed or removed.

The Rotary volunteers place the hollow

To promote literacy, the club donates two post-secondary scholarships to students and gives to the Festival of Words. The club also donates to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, where children receive a free book each month from birth until age five.

Internationally, the club provides

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

of this publication.

Move over hockey; the curlers are back in town

As the BKT World Men’s Curling competitions near the mid-point of the draws, and as I burrow into my seat on the downstairs couch in front of the television, I couldn’t help but think back to the days when bonspiels were part of the radio sportscaster’s schedule.

Move over hockey: curling season was sweeping into the homes of the province and the nation.

Back as a youngster, I didn’t know that much about curling, other than my brother was on a team and the devotion of that team to weekend bonspiels was not to be questioned. In those days cash prizes were limited to the A side winners. And often prizes were merchandise rather than cash, hence the tea pots his team won one year as they ended up out of first place.

Through those rock-by-rock radio broadcasts my family was able to follow the fortunes of the Curling Campbells from Avonlea, Sask. With a member of my family being employed by the Campbells, it was our obligation to pay attention to the fact that in 1959 the team of Garnet, Glen, Don and Lloyd won the men’s Brier in 1955, the very first Saskatchewan team to make it to the top stand of the podium.

That Brier was held in Regina in the old stadium and so it was virtually a home crowd win for the Campbells, the team that went undefeated in the round robin of 11 teams, defeating opponents by 126-53 over the course of the competition.

Garnet Campbell competed in 10 Briers, playing more than 100 Brier

games through his career.

The World Men’s competitions didn’t start until 1959 but if there had been such an event in 1955, there is a very real chance that The Curling Campbells would have occupied the top spot in the world.

As one looks at the history of the men’s world competition over the past years, it should be noted that Canadian teams have won 57 medals since 1959: 36 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze, making Canada the leader among nations.

Second place is held by Scotland with 36 medals: 6 gold, 21 silver and 9 bronze. Third is Sweden with 27 medals: 12 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze.

The Ernie Richardson team from Regina stood atop the gold medal perch in 1959, 1960, 1962 and 1963.

Crown Shred & Recycling from Regina is coming to Moose Jaw on Saturday, May 10, to receive people’s sensitive documents and papers and shred them securely. The pancake breakfasts will take place on Saturday mornings in July and August at the Kiwanis River Park Pavilion in Wakamow Valley.

It should be noted that in 2015 a team skipped by Moose Jaw’s Pat Simmons won the bronze medal.

Canada’s representative this year, a team skipped by Brad Jacobs, won silver in 2013 with a different set of team mates. With a home country cheering him on, there is a definite chance the Canadian domination of the competition could continue.

Good luck to the Jacobs’ team from fans in the stands, and from fans at home, not listening on radio, but watching shot by shot on TSN, explained in detail by an excellent group of analysts. And Good Job, Moose Jaw, for bringing this world class event to the city.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

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

Sonja Susut, with The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow, plants a Canadian flag in front of a home. Photo submitted

48-5TH AVE NE

Cultivator by Conexus unveils future of Sask. agtech innovation

Cultivator powered by the Conexus Credit Union announced the fourth cohort of its Agtech Accelerator at Canada’s Farm Show in Regina last week, with the three-month program offering resources to help participating companies scale their businesses.

The new cohort includes startups from across Canada and the UK and was unveiled on March 19.

The Saskatchewan-based program has already supported 47 agtech companies across three cohorts, empowering them to scale with capital, mentoring, and valuable industry connections.

Laura Mock, director of Cultivator, said the program is pivotal to attracting global talent to the province.

“Based in Saskatchewan and connected globally, this program leverages the natural strengths of Saskatchewan’s agricultural ecosystems to help founders build out their agriculture innovation in a way that will add value to producers,” Mock said. “Founders and farmers are at the heart of everything we do with the accelerator.”

Mock noted that, of the 10 Canadian companies in the cohort, four are from Saskatchewan — demonstrating what could be the largest representation of Saskatchewan-based companies to date.

So far, Cultivator has helped companies raise $119.2 million in private capital, generate $72.1 million in revenue, and create 193 new jobs.

This cohort is poised to continue the trend, with participants from the UK joining as part of the Innovate UK Global Incubator Programme, aiming to further accelerate global agtech innovation.

Cultivator supports participants through a combination of in-person and virtual programming, beginning with an intensive week of mentorship and followed by three months of virtual sessions tailored to each company’s needs. At the end of the three-month period, these businesses will be presented at a finale event in Saskatoon aligned with Ag in Motion, Saskatchewan’s largest outdoor farm expo on July 15 to 17.

“We bring in mentors from across the agricultural sector and business industries to help accelerate the

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growth of these companies,” Mock said. “It’s about creating technology and solutions that will truly benefit farmers and the agricultural community.”

One of the companies in this year’s cohort is AgScouter Agronomy, built around cloud-based software for the agriculture industry and co-founded by Jill Sharko and Kara Annand.

“This program will help connect AgScouter with agtech experts and expand our network,” Sharko said. “We are excited to showcase what our company has done and what we have planned for customers looking to digitize their field management.”

Looking ahead, Cultivator has set ambitious goals to further grow Saskatchewan’s agtech ecosystem. Its goal is to support 35 companies by 2030 and 250 companies by 2050.

“It’s about creating sustainable businesses that will keep growing, and eventually reach that $1 million threshold. We want to help these companies scale and reach profitability faster than they would independently,” Mock explained.

Graduating companies will receive ongoing support. “We have a structured alumni support program to help our graduates continue to grow,” Mock noted. “For example, alumni will be invited to network with

investors at our demo day and other events — like Ag in Motion — where they can connect with producers and industry leaders.”

In addition to the accelerator, Conexus continues to support local farmers with its new $100 million Ag Grow Fund, allowing producers to access discounted interest rates and reinvest in their operations.

Conexus’ investment in agtech innovation aligns with its broader mission to support Saskatchewanbased entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2019, Cultivator has incubated more than 170 startups across various industries, offering support to accelerate their growth.

“Cultivator is about more than just supporting companies; it’s about helping them build sustainable businesses that create jobs and grow the economy,” Mock said. “By continuing to leverage Saskatchewan’s strengths in agriculture, we can attract innovators from around the world and turn Saskatchewan into a global hub for agtech innovation.”

For more information, visit Cultivator.ca and Conexus.ca.

Laura Mock, director of Cultivator by Conexus, announces the launch of Cohort 4 during Canada’s Farm Show in Regina on March 19. Photo by: Conexus Credit Union/Submitted

Interest rates on GICs have fallen stiffly from the five per cent level to 3.5 in the last few weeks.

The safety of GICs and savings accounts is relied upon by many investors.

The alternatives on the market are risky and bring with them the danger of losing your investment.

Some investments are less risky than others. Beware of dangers to your financial health

Preferred shares are less risky than stocks with high yields but those dividend rates are re-set every five years. If interest rates increase in the meantime the value of the preferred share drops.

Reset dividend rates may be higher or lower, depending on current interest rates.

One investment that fluctuates in value but not usually as much as stocks is real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Alternatives to low interest GICs exist BIZWORLD

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

They pay out most of their earnings annually to investors. Many make monthly payments.

RioCan owns some of the biggest and best shopping centres in Canada. In the last few years RioCan has entered the hot apartment market using vacant land on mall sites.

Priced just above $17 RioCan has fallen 15 per cent from the $20 level, based on the loss of a number of Hudson Bay stores from bankruptcy.

The Bay anchor stores paid much lower rents than others. RioCan says it can easily make up the Bay losses.

This REIT yields 6.69 per cent and investors have a good shot at a capital gain. The company pays out only 60 per cent of earnings.

Three choices tied to fortunes of major retailers are Choice Properties REIT, Crombie REIT and CT REIT.

Choice Properties fortune is linked

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

to the Loblaw stores (SuperStore, No Frills) as owner of properties. Priced at $13.85 Choice yields a nice 5.52 per cent.

Loblaw is in the midst of a significant store build and upgrade.

CT REIT gets most of its revenues from ownership of Canadian Tire stores and malls anchored by Canadian Tire. Priced at $14.52 CT REIT yields 6.38 per cent.

Crombie REIT owns real estate leased by Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart and the Province of Nova Scotia.

At the current $14.24 Crombie yields 6.25 per cent.

In a different sector Automotive Properties REIT owns property and buildings leased by automotive dealerships in Ontario, Quebec, and the four western provinces.

Priced at $10.47 this REIT yields 7.6 per cent.

In the food business some riskier REITs include A and W, Boston Pizza Royalties, and Pizza Pizza.

Some things about REITs to remember:

REITs pay out earnings and taxfree capital from depreciation as part of dividends. In some the percentage of capital returned is quite high.

When you get a return of capital there is no income tax on it but the taxocrats get you when you sell. The capital return you received is added to the base price so you pay more tax unless the REIT is in a registered account like an RRSP or TFSA.

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

Chamber releases list of finalists for MJBEX awards

By MooseJawToday.com staff

The Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce has released the nominee list for the 23rd annual Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards (MJBEX) program, which recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions in the community.

The annual banquet is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, at the Temple Gardens Centre, formerly the Events Centre. Tickets can be purchased at https://mjcc.awardify.io/awards-gala.

The MJBEX ceremony will be a night of recognition, networking and celebration, while the chamber is inviting entrepreneurs, business leaders and residents to attend and applaud the nominees and celebrate the community’s vibrant business landscape.

“We invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the nominees and the broader business community,” said CEO Rob Clark. “This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Moose Jaw’s businesses and we look forward to a memorable evening of honouring their

achievements.”

The chamber added that it keeps all nominations, applications and business submissions confidential and in a secure location during the process, while it makes the documents available only to the judging teams.

The finalists in each category include:

• Agricultural and Agri-Business Excellence Award: Canadian Wool Pellets, McDougall Acres Grainex Inc. and M&T Feedlot

• Business Innovation: CAE Military Aviation Training, Golden West Trailer and Equipment Ltd., Mitney Refillery, Prairie Bee Meadery and Simpson Seeds Inc.

• Community Involvement: Blue Whale Financial Solutions Inc., Control Jiu Jitsu, Houston Pizza, Festival of Dance and The Mad Greek Eatery

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: Fountain Tire (Moose Jaw) Co. Ltd., GATX Rail Canada, Oak View Group and Tim Hortons

• “Hell Yeah” Award: Nanem STEM Academy, R & S Family Restaurant, Running Wild Rescue, Seven Stones by Kimberly and Southern Meats Ltd.

• Impact Award: Citizens All Association, Hunger in Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw Festival of Dance, Running Wild Rescue and Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre Inc.

• Marketing: Jillian’s Design Elements, Mitny Refillery and Seven Stones by Kimberly

• New Business: 3Keys Property Management, Canadian Wool Pellets, Civic Centre Dental Clinic, Honey & Co and J&J Meyer - UFA Moose Jaw

• Pillar of the Community: Chow McLeod Barristers & Solicitors, Crescent Park Chiropractic Centre, Gary Overs Kennelling and Obedience, HK Henderson, McCauley Agencies, McKarrs Furniture & Mattress Shop and W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home

• Service Excellence Award: Bright Side Electric, Celtic Heart Health Beauty Day Spa, Envi Jewellers , McCauley Agencies, Panda Tire & Auto, Pro Works Painting and with. intent.bodypiercing

• Young Entrepreneur: Dakota Moffat — Dakota Moffatt Construction, Hannah Abbott — Ombre Lash & Beauty Bar, Jasmin Wenarchuk — T Pups Parlour Inc., Jaymin Stewart — Shades of Jay Warehouse, Kolter Mealing — The Blue Line Hockey and Parker Chow - Chow McLeod Barristers & Solicitors

Residents can vote for their favourite business through The People’s Choice Award. Voting occurs between April 10 and 15 at https://mjvote.awardify.io/.

The chamber will also announce the Business Leader of the Year and Business of the Year during the banquet. Visit www.mjchamber.com for more information.

Quilter’s Haven owners stitching up their final chapter after two decades

After two decades of stitching together a close-knit quilting community, Quilter’s Haven is set to close its doors later this year as its co-owners prepare for retirement.

Owners Arlyce Thompson and Heather Carruthers hope their beloved shop will continue under new ownership, allowing its legacy to live on.

The decision to close comes as Thompson and Carruthers mark their 20th year in business — a milestone they never expected when they first embarked on this journey in 2005.

“We kind of started talking together in the summer 20 years ago,” Thompson said.

Carruthers added that the timing was right. “I was ready for a change,” she said. “I was in a very stressful job, and I wanted to do something fun before I died. Here I am, 20 years later, still alive and having fun.”

Located in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, Quilter’s Haven has been a hub for quilting enthusiasts, offering fabrics, supplies, and classes for beginners and seasoned quilters alike.

“There was some stress, but it’s been so much fun,” Carruthers said. “We love our customers; we have the best customers in the world.”

Over the years, Quilter’s Haven has been more than just a store — it has been a gathering place where friendships have formed, skills have been shared, and support has been given in times of need. The shop’s commitment to community service has been evident through its charitable quilting projects.

“We made quilts for High River, Alta., when they had the floods (in 2013), for the Slave Lake wildfires (in 2011), and for the Humboldt Broncos (in 2018),” Thompson said. “It wasn’t just us; our customers brought us quilts and said, ‘We’d like to donate these for this purpose.’ Everybody helps.”

The shop was also home to a quilting group that started with just six

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Quilter’s Haven will continue under new ownership. The business is currently for sale, and the owners are willing to help a potential buyer transition into the role.

“We’re looking for someone younger, someone who loves quilting, and someone who is willing to learn,” said Thompson. “We’re willing to share our knowledge, our suppliers, and even our client list.”

Carruthers added that the store remains a viable business and an important part of the community. “It would be a shame not to have (a quilting shop) here,” she said.

As they prepare for their final months at the shop, Thompson and Carruthers are reflecting on the many memories they’ve built at Quilter’s Haven — the impact of which will be felt long after the last spool of thread is sold.

women and grew into a much larger initiative.

“They would come once a week, and we would make quilts,” Thompson said. “If we found that someone in the community needed one — whether it was a sick child or someone who lost a loved one — we’d make sure they had something to wrap themselves in. There’s nothing quite like giving them a quilt, you know.”

A destination for quilters near and far

Quilter’s Haven has drawn customers from across Canada and beyond, thanks in part to the owners’ early dedication to attending trade shows across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.

“In our younger days we travelled a lot, and that helped build relationships with customers who still follow us today,” Thompson said.

The shop’s downtown location has also played a key role in its success.

“We get a lot of visitors staying at the Grant Hall Hotel, or at the spa…,” Carruthers said. “We’ve sent mail orders all over Canada — to Newfoundland, Vancouver Island, even Australia and Italy a few times.”

Hoping for a new chapter

Although the owners are preparing to step away, they remain hopeful that

“We just want to thank everybody for their support over the years,” Thompson said. “We’ve enjoyed serving them, and we’ve loved being here in downtown Moose Jaw.”

Quilter’s Haven is located at 422 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-8523. For more information, visit “Quilters Haven” on Facebook.

Co-owners Heather Carruthers (left) and Arlyce Thompson (right) hold up the first quilt displayed at their shop, “Blue Jean Flannel Rag Quilt.” In the background is “Celtic Beauty,” which will be raffled off in the upcoming “Think Outside the Block” quilting show hosted by the Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild on April 25 and 26. Above, patterns are displayed and made locally by Chi Chi Designs. Photo by: Aaron Walker

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 7

City administration has put together a list of reasons why the building of fourunit infill developments is good and bad and has offered a conclusion about their construction.

The reasons were included with a report presented during the March 24 executive committee meeting about changing the zoning bylaw to allow for these legal “as-of-right” developments for the City of Moose Jaw to be eligible for federal funding for major infrastructure projects.

The pros of such developments

Increased housing supply

• Enables the creation of more housing units within existing neighbourhoods, helping to alleviate housing shortages and improve affordability

• Provides more diverse housing options (e.g., duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes) to meet the needs of families, seniors, and young professionals

Efficient use of municipal infrastructure

• Maximizes the use of existing municipal services (e.g., water, sewer, transit) by increasing population density in already-serviced areas

• Reduces the need for costly infrastructure expansion compared to

new greenfield developments

Environmental benefits

infill dwellings in Moose Jaw

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

ity by attracting more residents and supporting local businesses

• Promotes denser urban development, which can reduce urban sprawl, preserve natural areas, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging active transportation and public transit use.

Streamlined development process

• By removing the need for rezoning or discretionary approvals, developers and homeowners can add units faster and with less red tape

• Reduces administrative burdens on municipal staff and decision-makers Alignment with housing policy goals

• Supports mandates and policies from other levels of government, aimed at increasing housing density

• Aligns with federal and provincial funding programs that prioritize housing choice and densification

• Aligns with Moose Jaw’s Official Community Plan objectives for residential development (section 4)

Economic development

• Encourages small-scale, incremental development that can benefit builders and tradesmen

• May enhance neighbourhood vital-

The cons of such developments

Community pushback

• May face opposition from existing residents concerned about changes to neighbourhood character, property values, or increased density

• NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) can delay implementation and create social tensions

Parking and traffic concerns

• Increased density can lead to parking shortages and traffic congestion, particularly in areas not designed for higher density

• Managing on-street parking and transportation demand may require additional policies or investments

Infrastructure strain

• Older or undersized municipal infrastructure may not be equipped to handle increased density without upgrades, leading to costly retrofits

• Additional pressure on schools, parks, and other community amenities may necessitate capacity planning

Design and compatibility issues

• Poorly designed multi-unit developments can clash with existing archi-

tectural styles, leading to aesthetic concerns and reduced neighbourhood cohesion

• Ensuring high-quality design standards may require additional planning resources

Affordability risks

• While increasing supply generally helps affordability, some units may still target higher-income buyers or renters, especially in desirable neighbourhoods

• Speculative development could drive up land values, making the overall affordability impact uneven

• Additional staff training and public education may be necessary to manage implementation effectively

Conclusion

“Adopting four units as-of-right in low-density areas offers significant benefits, particularly for addressing housing shortages and making efficient use of infrastructure,” the report said.

“However, success depends on careful planning and mitigation strategies for parking, design, and infrastructure challenges,” the document added. “The City of Moose Jaw has proposed new development standards for fourplexes, which are included in the amendment report.”

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 7

City hall is determined to acquire federal funding for three big projects, so it’s obeying directions from Ottawa to amend the zoning bylaw to allow for more infill development.

During its March 24 executive committee meeting, city council unanimously approved a recommendation authorizing city administration to proceed with public notice requirements and bylaw preparation for a zoning bylaw amendment to permit four-unit dwellings “asof-right,” dependent upon applicable development standards in residential zoning districts.

Furthermore, city hall must engage in public consultations with affected neighbourhoods as part of the public notice policy requirements.

City administration initially asked council to waive this requirement since it would likely cost $12,000 to distribute mailouts.

These changes will align the municipality’s practices with the federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) requirements and ensure it is eligible to receive funding.

Moose Jaw has applied for $26.564 million in CHIF funding for the Crescent View Headworks venue replacement project, the infrastructure (cast iron) renewal program and the South Hill pumphouse and reservoir initiative.

According to a council report, allowing a land use “as-of-right” means city hall can support projects without the need for discretionary approvals, public hearings or council votes.

“While permits are still required to confirm compliance with zoning regulations, the building code, and other administrative requirements, no additional approvals are needed,” the document noted.

In the zoning bylaw, permitted developments don’t require a public hearing or council approval, except for those in hazardous areas — slump or flood zones — that require a geotechnical report or mitigation measures, the report continued.

Moose Jaw has three residential

Zoning changes to enable more four-unit infill dwellings in Moose Jaw

zoning districts, including:

• Low-density residential districts (R1, R1A, R1B), which are primarily single-family homes

• Residential districts (R2, R3 and R4), which are medium-density, high-density and core-mixed, respectively

• Specialty districts (R5, R6 and R7), which are large rural-style acreages, mobile and manufactured homes and extra-large lots on the city’s edge, respectively

The report noted that some changes to the zoning bylaw are:

• Introducing a new defined land-use category for dwellings of three- and four-units

• Adding four-unit dwellings as permitted uses in R1, R1A and R1B districts

• Clarifying that three- and four-unit dwellings are multiple-unit dwellings and can continue in R2, R3 and R4 districts

• Exempting R5, R6 and R7 districts due to their “unique zoning contexts”

• Creating development standards for dwellings of three- and fourunit, specifically, their lot frontages, depth and area to ensure compatibility with existing neigh bourhoods

• Removing out dated references about “second ary suites type 2” in R1A and R1B districts

Uptake of this development will likely occur gradu ally and depend on factors like econom ic feasibility, infra structure capacity, market demand and availability of materials, the report added. Also, it’s un-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

likely that these new four-unit dwellings will negatively affect existing neighbourhoods’ character or charm.

Council comments

Coun. Chris Warren said he understood that the cost and effort to mail out notices could be too onerous, so he wondered if administration could insert notices with quarterly utility bills.

Finance director Brian Acker said administration plans to mail out two utility-related notices soon but could delay one so a letter about this zoning change could be sent instead. This would ensure residents read the mailout and pay attention.

Acker added that of the roughly 10,500 residential and commercial properties, about 1,800 have registered for online billing.

“In the past, there was another change and we waived the large signage and a citizen or two was unimpressed and we got ourselves into trouble approving that …,” said Coun. Jamey Logan. “It (mailouts) does seem like a large task, but … this is a big change and I just want to ensure every-

body’s informed.”

Coun. Patrick Boyl expressed his opposition to the federal government’s intrusion into Moose Jaw’s jurisdiction by forcing unnecessary densification changes into the zoning bylaw just so the municipality can acquire infrastructure funding.

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

R. M. OF HILLSBOROUGH NO. 132

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R. M. of Hillsborough No. 132 for the year of 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days, Monday thru Thursday, except holidays beginning April 1, 2025 until June 2, 2025.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd, Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 2 nd of June, 2025.

Dated at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this 2 nd day of April, 2025.

Colleen Ferguson Assessor

ASSESSMENT NOTICE

R. M. OF RODGERS NO. 133

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R. M. of Rodgers No. 133 for the year of 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on the following days, Monday thru Thursday, except holidays beginning April 1, 2025 until June 2, 2025.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with: The Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd, Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0, by the 2 nd of June, 2025.

Dated at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, this 2 nd day of April, 2025.

Colleen Ferguson Assessor

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 7

The City of Moose Jaw wants to complete its smart water meter project this year but must convince nearly 1,000 property owners to jump on board the initiative.

City administration provided an update about the project — approved in December 2020 and begun in October 2022 — during the March 24 executive committee meeting.

Of the 12,560 water meters in Moose Jaw, contractor Neptune Technology Group Canada Co. has replaced 11,622 — a completion rate of roughly 92.5 per cent — with new technology, leaving 938 properties on the “soft refusal list,” a council report said.

Those owners have not engaged with Neptune or city hall during the communications phases between 2022 and 2024, even though those phases were focused on account holders, the document continued. This focus created a gap in rental homes and busi-

Smart water meter project nearing completion in Moose Jaw

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

nesses, which means the city’s communications this year will be directed at building owners.

Of those 938 soft refusals, 24 locations are considered “a hard refusal.”

The report quoted several sections of the sewer and water utility bylaw about who maintains and controls the water meters (the city and city engineer, respectively), about the city treasurer having the power to discontinue water supply to delinquent properties and about what happens to a meter that fails to meet the property technological requirements.

“The previously used city-owned meters are obsolete and do not meet the requirements set by the city engineer or the department of operations,” the report said. “(Moreover), the city is no longer purchasing parts to service these meters. Additionally, the city will not offer an opt-out option to maintain service for the obsolete meters.”

Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw No. 161 2025 Assessment Roll Notice

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Moose Jaw No. 161 for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, inclusive, except holidays beginning Thursday, March 27, 2025 until Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

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

Any person who wishes to appeal against the assessment is required to file a notice of appeal by May 27, 2025 with: Nicolle Hoskins Secretary to the Board of Revision, Box 149 Meota, SK S0M 1X0

A $25.00 appeal fee is required, payable to: The R.M. of Moose Jaw No. 161, #3-1410 Caribou St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7S9. The fee will be returned if the appeal is successful.

Dated this 27th day of March 2025

Mike Wirges Assessor

Furthermore, the city has flagged 36 properties as “homeowner tasks,” where contractors cannot access sites, there are lead services, or there are plumbing issues that prevent

installation, the report noted. The city will again issue letters to those owners about addressing those concerns.

Meanwhile, there are 106 locations where the city must address issues, with 13 areas related to missing or inoperable municipal-owned curb stops and the remaining issues involving condos or apartments with multiple accounts, seasonal meters, sold properties or similar issues, the document said.

Neptune plans to install 216 remote shut-off meters at locations identified as “high-turnover properties or sites with previously identified issues,” the report continued. Meanwhile, the city will install 13 shut-off devices this spring and perform 90-day field trials on those meters to “confirm processes and ensure proper operation before further installations.”

The report added that city hall plans to spend $1.149 million this year to finish the project.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, told council that Neptune had planned to install the shut-off devices this summer, but faced problems commissioning the new technology. So, the operations department is “bench

City manager

to

help

testing” two devices to determine their effectiveness, and if those tests are successful, it will help install the remaining devices this fall.

Coun. Jamey Logan inquired about the 28 “hard refusal” locations and whether people were “going down the rabbit hole about health concerns” with the wireless technology.

Harlton said he didn’t know what the actual reasons were but thought the health concerns “to be the case.” He noted that no Canadian municipality that uses smart water meters had reported any health risks, therefore, he didn’t “see any avenue for an exemption.”

Coun. Heather Eby asked whether city hall had received any complaints about higher meter readings after the new devices were installed.

Harlton replied that no one had complained recently, although during the initial installation, there were “a number of people” who said their consumption estimates were higher than normal. However, “most were happy and relieved” to receive actual readings, which alleviated their concerns.

elect two directors to water treatment plant board

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

City manager Maryse Carmichael will use Moose Jaw’s voting rights to elect two members to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation’s board of directors during its upcoming membership meeting.

City council voted unanimously during its March 24 regular meeting to authorize the city manager to exercise the municipality’s voting rights to nominate Greg McIntyre and James Dundas for a three-year term ending in 2028.

The cities of Regina and Moose Jaw are the voting membership holders of the corporation and, un-

der a joint agreement, must exercise their voting rights at a membership meeting to appoint board members whom the governance and nominating committee has recommended, a council report explained.

The articles of incorporation and unanimous membership agreement allow the board to have five to nine voting members, with eight people currently acting as directors, the report continued. However, the terms of Dale Schoffer and Judy May expire in April, as they have served the corporation for the maximum allowable term of office of

nine years.

With the appointment of McIntyre and Dundas to the board, the group will be comprised of Pat Wilson, Jessica Theriault, Daryl Posehn, Ben Boots and Patricia Warsaba (2026); Grant Ring (2027); and McIntyre and Dunas (2028).

The reappointment rounds out the competencies on the Buffalo Pound board and ensures the continuation of geographic representation from both cities, with Boots and McIntyre representing Moose Jaw, the report added.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE

NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 7

City hall wants to replace nearly 1,400 square metres of sidewalks, gutters and curbs this year but will require an extra half-million dollars to do it.

During its March 24 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to authorize the engineering services branch to transfer $550,000 from the paved roads budget to the sidewalk, curb and gutter budget.

The branch budgeted $3.35 million this year to repave and upgrade roads, while it budgeted $950,000 to enhance sidewalks, curbs and gutters. The transfer means those numbers will become $2.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

While the city does replace some sidewalks when repaving roads, it also focuses solely on rehabilitating sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

The city plans to upgrade 10 streets — and their related sidewalks — this year, based on their poor pavement condition ratings, a council report said.

Those locations include:

• 13th Avenue Northwest from Montgomery to Albert, Albert to Carleton and Carleton to Grace, including 495 metres of asphalt and 975 square metres of concrete

• 16th Avenue Southwest from Coteau to Duffield and Duffield to Vaughan, including 285 metres of asphalt and 50 square metres of concrete

• Fourth Avenue Northwest from Caribou to Hochelaga, Hochelaga to Athabasca, Athabasca to Stadacona and Stadacona to Ominica, including 325 metres of asphalt and 458 square metres of concrete

• Main Street North from River to Manitoba, including 100 metres of asphalt

• Coteau Street West from 12th to 11th, including 185 metres of

Council to use $550K from roads budget to address ‘horrendous’ sidewalks

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

asphalt and 22 square metres of concrete

• First Avenue Northwest from Saskatchewan to MacDonald, including 180 metres of asphalt

• Main Street alley west from River to Manitoba, including 80 metres of asphalt

• Thatcher Drive East from Ninth Avenue Northwest to Highway 1, including 390 metres of asphalt

• Ninth Avenue Northwest from the railway at Normandy Drive to Thatcher Drive, including 390 metres of asphalt

• Ninth Avenue Northwest from Thatcher to Westpark, Westpark to Paul/Iris and Paul/Iris to Highway 1, including 1,385 metres of asphalt

Meanwhile, city hall plans to replace 1,350.54 square metres of sidewalks, curbs and gutters in 150 locations.

Administration’s comments

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, made it clear that without the transfer of $550,000, none of this extra work would be possible, so he thought “this was the best way forward.”

Removing this money from the paved roads budget means city hall will address 300 to 500 fewer metres this year, he continued. Furthermore, not transferring this money may challenge the city’s ability to upgrade other road locations since the worst roads also have the worst sidewalks.

Harlton pointed out that there are four major sites that city hall didn’t include in this year’s repair plan since the cost to upgrade the roads is $965,000 and the cost for the adjacent sidewalks is $1,472,000.

He added that his department has transferred money between these accounts before so both initiatives could be completed.

Streets and alleys

With 13th Avenue, Coun. Heath-

er Eby preferred to see the city repave the road and upgrade the sidewalks simultaneously instead of returning later to upgrade the latter and, in the process, damage the former.

Eby also inquired about repaving the Main Street alley behind the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, saying that area “is a disaster.”

Harlton answered by saying upgrading that alley would be the first major capital investment that city hall had made downtown, while it was something he wanted to expand in the future.

The mayor then asked whether city hall had considered using its reclaimed asphalt to build up alleys to two inches of new pavement.

Administration’s preference is to maintain paved alleys downtown, but it never submitted a proposal during the 2025 budget talks to use that material since other initiatives took precedence, said Harlton. So, he will consider that suggestion and bring forward a proposal.

Coun. Dawn Luhning agreed that parts of 13th Avenue have “been horrible” for years, while it seemed as if the city had upgraded that road five times in the last decade since it “never seems to be right.” She wondered if cast iron pipes were under that street that needed to be removed.

There is always a risk that the city may have to rip out cast iron pipes after paving a road, but it usually checks pipes, repairs them, and even replaces them before paving, said Harlton. The big risk is property owners wanting their service connections replaced after the city has paved their roads.

Harlton added that the city wasn’t replacing every sidewalk on both sides of 13th Avenue since it would need to first conduct separate condition assessments to determine the walkways’ deficiencies.

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT

Pursuant to section 187 (1) of The Cities Act, notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the City of Moose Jaw for the year 2025 has been prepared and is open to inspection at the City of Moose Jaw, Finance Department, Main Floor, 228 Main St N, Moose Jaw from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday, April 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025 with exception of statutory holidays. The assessment roll can also be viewed on our website at www.moosejaw.ca/assessment.

Any person having an interest in any property who wishes to appeal the assessment of that property to the Board of Revision is required to le his or her notice of appeal in writing to:

The Secretary of the Board of Revision, Western Municipal Consulting, C/O 228 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 3J8 On or before the 30th day of May 2025.

Dated this 31st day of March 2025.

Bill Fraser Acting City Assessor(A)

APPEAL FEE SCHEDULE

Assessment appeals to the Moose Jaw Board of Revision must be accompanied by the appropriate appeal fee*:

Residential Property (up to three units): Condominium (Residential): $30/property $30/unit

Other - see fee schedule below:

to

to 800,000

to 900,000

to 1,000,000

1,000,001 to 1,100,000 $550 1,100,001 and over $600

*If there is an error on the notice for ownership, property address, and/or legal land description, a copy of the current Certi cate of Title must accompany the "Notice of Appeal" form. NO FEE IS REQUIRED.

*If there has been any change to school support, signature of all registered owners listed on the "Notice of Assessment" must appear on the “Notice of Appeal” form. NO FEE IS REQUIRED.

Please make cheques payable to City of Moose Jaw.

CITY HALL COUNCIL NOTES

THE NEXT REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING IS MONDAY, APRIL 7

There are thousands of metres of cast iron pipes and feeder mains that city hall wants to replace during the next five years, so it’s hoping that federal funding can support those projects.

During its March 24 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to support the municipality’s grant application for its infrastructure renewal of cast iron water pipes and feeder main project to the federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

The project cost is roughly $31.7 million, with the City of Moose Jaw contributing $19.02 million and — if the application succeeds — the CHIF covering $12.68 million. The city would fund its portion through the operating budget and the cast iron water main replacement and feeder mains budget.

This is the third initiative that council has submitted to CHIF, with the first being the $66.4 million Crescent View

City hall hopes three federal grant applications will be successful

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Headworks venue replacement project and the second being the $9.8 million South Hill water pumphouse and reservoir project.

Moose Jaw’s water infrastructure includes cast iron pipes that are from the early 1900s and are nearly finished, while they are prone to corrosion, which causes loss of pipes, low fire-flow values and inadequate water supply during peak times, a council report said.

The city initiated the program in 2015, which was initially designed as a 20-year, $117-million program to replace roughly 80 kilometres of outdated and failing cast iron water mains, the document continued.

Since then, however, the program has evolved to include other services such as sanitary and storm sewers, sidewalks, and road renewal, the report pointed out.

From 2026 to 2030, the municipal-

ity wants to place roughly 11,505 metres of cast iron pipes with new, durable PVC pipes and install 1,110 metres of new 400-millimetre feeder mains.

This project, the city says, should improve water pressure, fire flow values, water distribution efficiency, address critical infrastructure deficiencies, support future population growth, create jobs and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Funding chances

One concern council had with submitting three projects to CHIF was the municipality’s chances of receiving federal funding could be lessened.

Tanya Reimer, city hall’s grant writer, said Ottawa has encouraged municipalities to submit as many applications as they can. Moreover, if those applications fail, then municipalities can submit applications to a provincial funding stream that’s opening soon.

Pick a project

One concern Coun. Patrick Boyle had about submitting this application was cast iron piping affected roughly 30 per cent of the community while the lift station and the pumphouse affected everyone.

Length of cast iron project

Coun. Heather Eby said the cast iron replacement project was planned as a 20-year initiative, but it has evolved into a 30-year project. She then wondered what a realistic outlook was.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, said if the city replaces three kilometres of pipes annually, then the program will take roughly 30 years. Meanwhile, city hall has reached the program’s halfway point, so near the end, it will need to discuss the type of pipe to install and whether it wants to increase capacity.

Federal grant could help Moose Jaw with $10M pumphouse project

City hall wants to upgrade the South Hill water pumphouse and reservoir to increase capacity and enhance efficiency and hopes a federal grant can support the $10-million project.

During its March 24 regular meeting, city council voted unanimously to support the municipality’s project grant application to the federal Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada program’s Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).

This is the third initiative that council has submitted to CHIF, with the first being the $66.41 million Crescent View Headworks venue replacement project and the second being the $31.7 million infrastructure (cast iron) renewal program.

The current pumphouse system dates to 1977 and has aging pumps and electrical equipment that are nearly finished, a council report said.

Rehabilitating the structure — total cost is expected to be $9,808,568

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

— would increase reservoir capacity to 11,350 cubic metres from 9,100 cubic metres, make it more operationally efficient and add improved control systems and a backup generator, the document continued.

Furthermore, the project should enhance the water distribution system, improve fire protection, increase reliability, support future population growth and new housing developments of up to 60,000 residents, attract developers, promote sustainable development, lead to long-term cost savings and create more jobs, the report said.

CHIF covers 40 per cent of projects’ funding needs, which means if city hall’s application were successful, the fund could provide $3,923,427, while city hall would cover the remaining $5,885,141.

The report noted that the city would fund the project through the operations budget and the water reservoirs budget. Contingency funds would also be in-

cluded to cover unforeseen expenses.

The application deadline of March 31 was set months in advance of the election call, so the federal government’s departments will still take grant applications, administration continued. The intake process may remain the same if the Liberals return to power, while it could change if another party forms government.

Coun. Patrick Boyle, a regular critic of the federal Liberal government’s intrusions into municipal jurisdiction, expressed concern with submitting multiple applications since Ottawa — or at least, its bureaucrats — may decide to fund Moose Jaw’s cast iron application instead of the more important Crescent View initiative.

He then asked administration how it would prioritize funding the three CHIFsubmitted projects.

City manager Maryse Carmichael replied that administration will direct all funding toward the Crescent View head-

works project, while she would discuss the situation with city hall’s grant writer, Tanya Reimer, who has a good relationship with her federal and provincial counterparts.

Carmichael noted that she would ask Reimer whether submitting several applications would change the municipality’s odds with acquiring federal funding.

Bevan Harlton, director of operations, chimed in and said all three infrastructure projects — Crescent View, South Hill water pumphouse and reservoir, and cast iron — are tender- and shovel-ready. However, he was unsure whether that fact would increase the city’s chances of acquiring money.

Harlton added that Moose Jaw, because of its size, has no assurance of receiving future grant money for projects, while city hall does not make any budget projects contingent upon federal or provincial funding.

Prairie Hearts to host ‘Quilt Outside the Box’ quilting show this April

The Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild is set to bring vibrant patterns, intricate designs, and a showcase of artistic craftsmanship with its annual “Quilt Outside the Box” quilt show this April.

The show will be held at the Temple Gardens Centre and will feature more than 200 quilts, a variety of vendors, live demonstrations, and a special trunk show. The quilting show will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

“This year’s show is going to be packed with excitement,” said Terri Florkiewicz, president of the Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild and chair of the event.

“There’s going to be over 200 quilts on display… and any quilter can come and shop there as well. There is also going to be a boutique where members of the guild have made items to sell,” she added.

Quilt Outside the Box is one of only two judged quilt shows in Saskatchewan, with the other being in Saskatoon. The show will feature judges Carole Gold from Peace River, Alta., and Wanda Diboll from Portage la Prairie, Man., who will evaluate quilts and provide helpful feedback for participants.

“Our quilt show is a judged quilt show,” Florkiewicz said. “The judge comes and looks at all the quilts… and gives you some comments on how you’re doing. They comment on the good things about your quilt, and maybe

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

something that you can improve on it.”

Ribbons and cash prizes will be awarded to top entries, and there will be a special category for first-time entrants as well as a youth category for quilters under the age of 18.

One of the highlights of the upcoming show will be the presence of featured quilter Colleen Lawrence. Lawrence, known for her work with batik fabrics, will have a dedicated booth showcasing her creations. In addition to being a prolific quilter, she is also a long-arm quilter, specializing in the process of stitching together the three layers of a quilt using a large, specialized machine that she’s bringing to the show.

Beyond the competition, attendees can look forward to quilting demonstrations on both days, raffle baskets, and a raffle quilt. A unique addition this year is a Volkswagen car, which will be fully covered by a large quilt for a fun and creative twist.

“This year, something different we have is a Volkswagen that’s going to be inside the building, and it will have a car quilt,” Florkiewicz said. “So, the whole car will be covered in a quilt.”

Another major attraction is the trunk show, scheduled for Friday, April 25, starting at 7 p.m. Carole Gold will be presenting her personal journey through quilting, sharing insights into the creative process and sharing how quilting has influenced her life.

“We look forward to seeing everyone come out and enjoy the show,”

Florkiewicz said. “There will be a little over 200 quilts to come and enjoy, and there are lots of things to see and do.”

Tickets for both the quilting show and the separate trunk show are available now. They can be purchased online at SaskTix.ca or in person at the venue on the day of the event.

Admission to the quilt show is $15 per day or $25 for both days. The stand-

alone trunk show will cost an additional $25 to attend.

For more information on the Prairie Hearts Quilters’ Guild, visit PrairieHeartsQuilters.com or “Moose Jaw Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild” on Facebook. You can contact the guild at PrairieHeartsQuilters@yahoo.ca.

The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF REDBURN NO. 130

BYLAW NO. 01-2025

A Bylaw to Amend Bylaw No. 40/79, Known as The Zoning Bylaw

The Council of the Rural Municipality of Redburn No.130, in the Province of Saskatchewan, enacts to amend Bylaw No. 40/79 as follows;

1. Section 4.A(2). Permitted Uses in the Agricultural District, is amended by repealing and replacing subsection 4.A(2)D with the following:

D) Oil, gas and CO2 wells, but excluding intensive oil, gas or CO2 processing development.

2. Section 4.A.(5), Regulations in the Agricultural District, is amended by repealing and replacing subsection 4.A.(5)G Minimum Separation with the following:

G) No dwelling shall be located with less than a minimum separation distance to an operation, other than the residence of the operation, as follows:

a) to an Intensive Livestock Operation

ILO Separation Distances

b) 305 metres from a licensed public or private liquid waste disposal facility;

c) 457 metres from a licensed public or private solid waste disposal facility;

d) 305 metres from a honey processing facility;

e) 400 metres from an Aggregate Resource extraction operation;

f) 1.0 kilometre from sour gas wells and 75 metres from other oil, gas or CO2 wells;

g) 500 metres from an Ethanol, Fertilizer or Potash development;

h) 305 metres to a non-refrigerated anhydrous ammonia facility licensed by Province of Saskatchewan; or

i) 600 metres to a refrigerated anhydrous ammonia facility licensed by the Province of Saskatchewan.

3. This Bylaw shall come into force on the date of final approval by the Minister of Government Relations.

Read a First time this 18th day of March, 2025

Candice Zinn Administrator

One of the quilts displayed at the Western Development Museum during Community Heritage Day on Feb. 22. Photo by: Prairie Hearts Quilter’s Guild

Collectibles show by Sukanen Ship Museum busy

Once a collector, always a collector.

Dale Harvey was bitten by the collecting bug as a boy when he dragged home gunny sacks of discarded treasures from the Craik dump.

After several career moves he bought a variety store on Main Streetin Moose Jaw which became an antique, collectibles and jewelry outlet.

The store was sold several years ago but Harvey still has much of his lifelong collections.

He was back at the Sukanen Ship Museum antiques/collectibles/used car parts show for the second year.

Harvey was happy after the first day.

“It was really really good,” he commented. “It was better than last year was for the first day.

“I think it will be better today.” The show drew about 1,700 people.

Pickers Conrad and Angie Fleury of Calder, Sask. were selling auto-related signs and cans for

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

about the 10th year.

“We always do well here,’’ he said. “We’ve been coming for years.’’

She is originally from Calgary, he from Manitoba. She wanted to move from Alberta because “here you can afford to buy a house.”

He is second cousin to Theo Fleury, former Calgary Flames star who started with Moose Jaw Warriors.

“I used to play defence against him,” said Conrad. “My uncle asked me to go easy on the little guy,” said the six-

footer.

“He was all about hockey. All of us would grab a beer at times but not him. He didn’t drink. He didn’t smoke. He saved himself for hockey.’’

Vendors at the show do a lot of trading and buying from each other

One vendor from Swift Current said he did okay but he bought too much.

Told that Old George Chopping from Whitewood’s Old George’s Antiques had spent $300 on stuff the morning the show was set up, he felt better.

Old George found a 26-inch high lizard in waiter’s garb with a bottle in hand to put in his saloon at his museum village.

The 1966 Comet Mercury convertible raffle was a huge attraction with about 25 per cent of the limited ticket run sold.

One ticket buyer looked in the large trunk and noted: “Enough room to put the girl friend in and sneak into the

drive-in. When you get in you went in the back seat.”

Sneaking people hidden in the trunk to drive-in theatres was common.

The Museum really appreciates the car donation from Jerry Kaiser, said president Gord Ross. “It’s a great attraction.’’

Next the car raffle will be at a Saskatoon car show with about 50,000 spectators.

Winners of the 50-50 draws were Orville Tripp, $159; and Rick McAlpine, $269.75.

joy@sasktel.net

Sukanen Ship antique show a paradise for passionate collectors

It was an antique collectors’ paradise at the exhibition grounds recently as hundreds of people browsed for items that reminded them of their childhoods or could help decorate their homes.

George Chopping with “Old George’s Antiques” in Whitewood brought many items from his museum, a 12-acre complex that includes a 140-year-old 20-room mansion and a village with more than 30 pioneer-era buildings.

Ol’ George also picked up some vintage items to improve his museum, including a Second World War-era tobacco box that once cost 70 cents, a 1930s glass Pepsi bottle from Starlite Bottlers in Saskatoon and a 1920s Hudson Bay Trapper Point blanket that was made in England.

Chopping, 82, explained that he purchased the historic mansion and es-

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

tate in 1985 and turned it into a space to display his vast collection. However, because of health challenges and age, last year he gave the entire estate to a couple — Kinnen Balan and Joe Dorma — he’d known for 20 years.

Balan said she and her husband share the same passion for antiques as Chopping, while she’s always loved the 1885-built house, so they jumped at the chance to take over his museum. She

noted that this is the first year they will be operating the complex.

Another vendor was Gerald Waslen from Moose Jaw, who enthusiastically claimed that one of his displays was “the most expensive shelf in this show.” The shelf featured two sets of Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls, along with a windup Mickey.

Waslen alleged that one set of dolls was from the 1930s and was worth $3,000, a second set was from the 1980s and was worth $200, and the wind-up walking toy was worth $3,000. He said he found the walking toy in 1985 on a farm near Old Wives Lake, although he couldn’t recall where he’d picked up the dolls.

The Sukanen Ship Museum’s opening day is Wednesday, May 14, its Show and Shine is on Saturday, June 7 and its Flea Market is Sunday, June 29. Visit

www.sukanenshipmuseum.ca for further information.

Ron Walter can be reached at ron-

George Chopping displays a 1920s Hudson Bay Trapper Point blanket he found at the antique show. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

These Disney dolls are worth between $200 and $3,000, according to collector Gerald Waslen. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Community Players to stage largest-ever production with ‘The Sound of Music’ this June

The Moose Jaw Community Players theatre is preparing for its most ambitious production yet as it brings the popular musical “The Sound of Music” to the Mae Wilson Theatre this summer.

The upcoming production also coincides with the musical’s 60-year anniversary, adding to the excitement surrounding the show set to run for ap proximately two-and-a-half hours each night from June 19 to 21.

“It’s definitely the most ambitious production that we’ve taken on to date,” said Ivy Sheward, communications di rector for Moose Jaw Community Play ers.

“Musicals are a big undertaking, and we already have upwards of 80 peo ple involved — whether it’s on stage, sewing costumes, taking part in the or chestra, finding period pieces, or creat ing sets.”

First performed on Broadway in 1964, “The Sound of Music” has become one of the most cherished musicals of all time, known for its timeless songs and heartwarming story. Now, the Moose Jaw Community Players are taking on the challenge of bringing the classic to life with a large cast, live orchestra, and an extensive backstage crew.

The scale of this production is un precedented for the Community Players, with more than 80 people involved in various capacities. From actors and mu sicians to set designers and costume cre ators, the project has drawn significant participation from the community.

A key feature of the production is the involvement of young performers, with approximately 15 students partici pating both on and off the stage.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“One of my favourite parts about ‘The Sound of Music’ is that we have so many ridiculously talented kids in

tion can contact the group at MooseJawCommunityPlayers@gmail.com.

With the premiere just months

ate something so cool.”

For more information, visit “Moose Jaw Community Players” on Facebook.

Championship Draw start: Canada turns in steady showing on way to win over Japan to open World Men’s Curling Championship

DRAW 1: Great start: Canada turns in steady showing on way to win over Japan to open World Men’s Curling Championship

Three-spot in sixth gives Jacobs rink control on way to 7-3 victory in opening draw in Moose Jaw

It took a few ends for Team Canada’s Brad Jacobs to get on the

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

scoreboard in their opening game at the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship, but once they did, it was all systems go.

Jacobs and his rink of third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert scored a pair in the fourth end, another three in the sixth and would go on to a 7-3 victory over

Japan in Draw 1 of the tournament Saturday afternoon in Moose Jaw. The contest was played in front of a packed Temple Gardens Centre, with the 4,500-seat arena nearly selling out for the opening draw -- and needless to say, it was a special moment for the Jacobs foursome.

DRAW 2: Canada survives late-game scare, go on to win over Germany at World Men’s Curling Championship

Germany scores three in ninth to make it close, Canada holds on for 7-5 win and perfect opening day Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

It was a little closer at the end than Canada would have liked on Saturday night at the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship, but the crowd favourites once again found a way to win.

Canada’s Brad Jacobs built a 6-2 lead through eight ends but saw Germany’s Marc Muskatewitz rally with three in the ninth to make things close coming home before finishing things off with a 7-5 victory.

As a result, Jacobs, third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert are 2-0 after the opening day of competition at Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw.

“Every team in this championship is going to be strong,” Gallant said. “It’s deep, it’s a 12-team round robin and a long

round robin, so you just have to stay sharp and try to stay consistent. There are going to be some peaks and valleys as you go on, but just stay positive and enjoy it and have some fun out there.”

Other results from Draw 2 saw China (Xu Xiaoming) score six over the final three ends to

defeat Sweden (Nicklas Edin) 9-5, while the other two games ended after six ends, with Italy (Joel Retornaz) defeating Korea (Hyojun Kim) 9-2 and Scotland (Bruce Mouat) downing Austria (Mathias Genner) 12-2. Up to date results and standings can be found at www.worldcurling.org.

Skip Brad Jacobs and Marc Kennedy of Team Canada look on as Japan skip Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi calls to his sweepers during Draw 1 of the BKT World Men’s Curling

Action from the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship game between Canada and Germany on Saturday night. Randy Palmer

DRAW 3: Scotland’s Bruce Mouat off to perfect start at World Men’s Curling Championship after amazing season

Former World champion entered event as top seed, off to 2-0 start through first three draws

Anyone who knows about the kind of season Scotland’s Bruce Mouat put together this winter will be completely unsurprised to find out he’s currently unbeaten at the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship.

After rolling to a 12-2 win over Austria’s Mathias Genner in their opening draw on Saturday evening, Mouat and his rink of third Grant Hardie, second Bobby Lammie and lead Hammy McMillan battled to a 9-6 win over Japan’s Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi in the morning draw Sunday, to improve to 2-0 thus far.

That’s pretty much as expected for the 2023 World champion, especially with how things went on the spiel circuit

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

in the lead-up to Moose Jaw -- Mouat isn’t just the top-ranked team in the tournament, he’s number one with a bullet, with more than a 100 point lead over Worlds number two Brad Jacobs of Canada.

Other results from Draw 3 saw China (Xiaoming Xu) score four in the eighth end to take an 8-2 victory over the United States, while Czechia (Lukas Klima) scored one in the 10th to defeat Germany (Marc Muskatewitz) 8-7 and Switzerland (Yannick Schwaller) put up three in the ninth for a 9-4 win over Austria (Mathias Genner).

Standings heading into Draw 4 on Sunday afternoon are as follows: Canada (Jacobs) 2-0

Scotland’s

throws his final stone as Bobby

prepares to sweep against Japan during Draw 3 on Sunday morning. Randy Palmer

China (Xu) 2-0

Czechia (Klima 2-0

Scotland (Mouat) 2-0

Switzerland (Schwaller) 2-0

Italy (Retornaz) 1-1

United States (Dropkin) 1-1

Norway (Ramsfjell) 0-1

Sweden (Edin) 0-1

Austria (Genner) 0-2

Germany (Muskatewitz) 0-2

Japan (Yamaguchi) 0-2

Korea (Kim) 0-2

Be sure to keep an eye on www. worldcurling.org for up to date scores and standings throughout the week.

DRAW 4: Canada keeps roll going with commanding win over Korea at World Men’s

Curling Championship

Fast start paces Brad Jacobs foursome 9-3 win in eight ends as Canada remains unbeaten Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The beat just keeps rolling on for Team Canada at the BKT World Men’s Curling Championship.

Brad Jacobs and crew improved to 3-0 through the first two days of the tournament with a 9-3 victory over Korea in their lone game Sunday at Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw.

It was almost as comfortable a win as a team could have at such a highly competitive event, as Jacobs, third Marc Kennedy, second Brett Gallant and lead Ben Hebert roared out to a 5-1 lead through three ends, never let Korea’s Changmin Kim score more than a single point, and were largely in control from start to finish.

Canada curled 96 per cent as a team, with Hebert hitting 100 per cent, Jacobs 98 per cent and Gallant 89 per cent.

“I think we’re staying in the moment and focused on trying to make each and every shot,” Kennedy said. “Hitting our weights and I thought Brad has had a really good feel for where to

put the broom. Our skip is comfortable right now and I think that’s probably the most important part.”

Getting off to the perfect start through the first two days was especially important with the tough games against elite teams coming up -- like Monday afternoon against the tournament’s top seed in Scotland’s Bruce Mouat.

One thing that’s for certain is Canada will have Moose Jaw’s support the whole way. A total of 4,134 fans took in Draw 4, and crowds of that size will

likely be the norm for Jacobs’ draws going forward.

“It’s goosebumps every time you’re out there,” Kennedy said. “You know what, honestly, twice in that game I’m kind of looking around hoping I don’t wake up. It’s almost a little bit of a dream out there right now and exactly what we’ve been hoping for as a team… It’s like having a fifth man out there. Just a wonderful place to play. Perfect atmosphere, great building, just loving every second of it.”

None of the games in Draw 4 went the distance as the United States (Korey Dropkin) defeated Switzerland (Yannick Schwaller) 12-7 in eight ends in a back-and-forth contest, Norway (Magnus Ramsfjell) downed Czechia (Lukas Klima) 7-3 in nine ends and Sweden (Nicklas Edin) took a 10-5 nine-end win over Japan (Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi) in nine ends.

Standings through four draws are as follows:

Canada (Jacobs) 3-0

China (Xu) 2-0

Scotland (Mouat) 2-0

Czechia (Klima) 2-1

Switzerland (Schwaller) 2-1

United States (Dropkin) 2-1

Italy (Retornaz) 1-1

Norway (Ramsfjell) 1-1

Sweden (Edin) 1-1

Austria (Genner) 0-2

Germany (Muskatewitz) 0-2

Japan (Yamaguchi) 0-3

Korea (Kim) 0-3

Unfortunately, the Moose Jaw Express is a weekly community newspaper and because of publishing dates Mondays each week, further coverage of the Men’s World Curling events for the rest of the week will appear in the April 7th edition, although you can read the full stories online each day throughout the week at MooseJawToday.com.

Be sure to keep an eye on www. worldcurling.org for up-to-date results and standings from throughout the week.

Bruce Mouat

Lammie

Canada’s Ben Hebert and Brett Gallant sweep a Marc Kennedy shot.

Regina Pat Canadians win Sask Male AAA Hockey League championship with sweep of Moose Jaw

Regina takes 3-1 win in Game 3 to claim title, advance to West Regional beginning Thursday in Kenora, Man. Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Regina Pat Canadians are the 202425 Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League champions.

The Pat Canadians finished off their championship final series with a 3-1 victory over the Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors in Game 3, giving Regina a three-games-to-none sweep in the bestof-five series.

Regina won the previous two games in similar fashion, falling behind early before rallying for 2-1 victories in Game 1 on Sunday, Mar. 23 and Game 2 on Tuesday, Mar. 25.

for Regina since 2015, when they won the Western Regional and ended up with bronze at the Telus Cup national tourna ment.

As was the case in every game of the series, Game 3 was another close battle from start to finish, but the Pat Canadians got off to exactly the start they were hoping for and would have their win.

Both Tabashniuk and McKechnie faced a total of 19 shots in the contest.

The Pat Canadians will now have a bit of time to refocus before hitting the road to Kenora, Ont., where they’ll represent Saskatchewan in the Telus Cup Western Regional playdown beginning Thursday.

At just 17 years old, Zayden Anderson has already secured his place as one of Moose Jaw’s most accomplished young athletes.

A Grade 12 student at Vanier Collegiate, Zayden’s dominance in track and field has led him to break records, earn provincial — and national — recognition, and set his sights on one day competing in the Olympics.

His mother, Trisha Anderson, has been at his side through every step of his athletic journey.

“Zayden started off when he began playing baseball when he was four,” she said. “He did that for a very long time, and then in Grade 9, he did track and field. About two weeks before provincials, he decided to try hurdles, and was

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Anderson said. “He was like, ‘I’m going to do it for my Grade 12 year,’ and he ended up getting touchdown after touchdown. Now he wishes he would have played football through all of high school.”

His grandmother, Lori Braun, has been equally impressed with his athleticism and character.

“He’s absolutely amazing,” she said. “He’s even blown university students out of the water, and he is such a good kid.”

Despite his demanding athletic schedule, Zayden is also a dedicated student, maintaining honour roll status throughout high school. In 2024, he was recognized as Vanier’s Male Track and Field Athlete of the Year. On

Luka Smerek scores big with Hockey Canada Foundation assistance fund

For 12-year-old Luka Smerek, hockey has always been more than just a sport — it’s a chance to make friends, build confidence, and be part of a team.

This season, Luka’s hockey journey received an extra boost through the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, providing much-needed financial support for his family.

The fund helps families manage the rising costs of minor hockey. Luka received a $500 grant, easing the burden of registration fees, which can be around $1,000 — before factoring in equipment, travel, and other affiliated expenses.

His mother, Michelle Smerek, said the support made a world of difference.

“I’m on disability, so it’s not a very high income (for our family),” Smerek explained. “When Luka was going to be in hockey this year, I reached out to the Hockey Canada website, and saw that they had the Assist Fund. On their application, there’s a little box that asks if you want to share your story, and I checked it off.”

Luka’s story resonated with Hockey Canada, leading to his selection for its national video campaign this year. To capture the moment, a camera crew

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visited Moose Jaw in January to share Luka’s story during a regularly scheduled practice.

“It was really exciting,” Luka said. “My teammates were really excited about it. I liked being interviewed, but I was nervous, especially with all the lights and cameras.”

His coach, Cory Harkness, and members of his team were thrilled to see Luka’s story gain national recognition.

Beyond the spotlight, the funding ensured Luka could fully participate this season.

“Even just $500 really does help,” Smerek said. “It helps offset other costs that come with the season. It’s a great amount that takes the stress off, and it gave us the freedom to buy those little extra things like skate guards and hockey tape.”

For families like the Smereks, sports are about more than just athletic development. Luka, who is homeschooled and diagnosed with ADHD, has found a sense of belonging and structure on the ice.

“Hockey is a great outlet for him to be with other kids, have a social life, and build connections,” Smerek said. “And

Central Butte News

Congratulations to Bristol Dean of Central Butte! She is one of 19 selected to represent Team Saskatchewan when they compete in the U15 Female Lacrosse Minor Box Nationals in Halifax, Nova Scotia August 11-15, 2025. Bristol played with the Moose Jaw Mustangs last season

Luka Smerek plays in the Moose Jaw Minor Hockey league and received a grant this year from the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund. Photo by: Hockey Canada Foundation/YouTube (screenshot)

for me, it’s so valuable to see him grow and be surrounded by positive role models like his coaches.”

The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund has supported thousands of young athletes across the country since its inception in 2020. Designed to make hockey more accessible, the fund has provided over $3 million in grants, benefiting more than 8,500 children.

While the financial support is crucial, Smerek emphasized the broader impact of the program.

“Sports are not just about keeping kids active,” she said. “They’re about

The Central Butte U7 Flyers had a great season this year. They played 9 games against Beechy, Davidson Red, Davidson White, Loreburn, Herbert and Moose Jaw. The U7 also went to 2 jamborees that were held in Davidson and Gravelbourg. They attended 2 hockey camps. One by the Central Butte Senior Flyers, which is always great to watch them interacting with the kids. The second camp was with former NHL player, Ehtan Moreau, which was also fun for the kids. The team hosted a home tournament and then ended the year with a tournament in Herbert. All in all, they had a very successful year.

life skills, confidence, and showing kids how important they are. For Luka, it has been an opportunity to feel supported and valued.”

As Luka looks ahead to the next season, he’s set on a new challenge that remains available to him — returning to his roots as a goalie after playing as a defenseman in recent years.

For families facing similar financial challenges, Smerek hopes Luka’s story serves as a reminder that support is available.

“Hockey Canada’s Assist Fund is amazing for making these opportunities possible,” she said.

Applications for the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund will reopen in August for the 2025-2026 season, but you can leave your contact information to be notified when the application portal reopens.

To apply and learn more about the program, visit AssistFund.HockeyCanadaFoundation.ca.

You can view Luka’s story on YouTube by visiting YouTube.com/ watch?v=9R3SUOLRwGk or by searching for “Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund in Action — Luka’s Story.”

Back row l-r: Coach Derek Trumbley, Assistant Coach Richard May, Warren May, Kord Hallborg, James Bryan, Farly Olliver, Ryan Hallborg, Kesslee Mattus, Noah Gravelle, Assistant Coach Clinton Paysen. Front row l-r: Berklea Noga, Myles Slinn, Maddock Trumbley, Brand Dean, Asher Paysen, Townes Gilliand

Dancers showcase talent and camaraderie at 39th annual Invitational Dance Carnival

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The 39th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival wrapped up on March 30, after four days of high-energy performances, friendly competition, and a celebration of Saskatchewan’s vibrant dance community.

Held at A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s auditorium, the carnival brought together nearly 600 dancers from 15 studios across the province. Performers showcased their skills in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, and acro, with sessions running throughout the weekend.

Directors Barb Jackman and Denise Maisonneuve, who have organized the competition for the past 39 years, said this year’s event has been another success. Jackman said the atmosphere remained positive and supportive, emphasizing that the event was about more

than just winning medals.

“The vibe is real, with lots of camaraderie and friendship,” Jackman said. “It’s a competition, but it has kept the same vibe as a (good-spirited) dance community.”

One of the highlights of the event was the Sahara Spa Spirit Awards, presented at the end of each session. These awards recognized dancers not just for their technical abilities, but for their passion, stage presence, and commitment to the art form.

While the competition ran smoothly overall, co-director Denise Maisonneuve noted that spring weather conditions created challenges for some out-oftown dancers.

“The weather caused a bit of havoc for our out-of-town (dancers), and some couldn’t make it…,” she said, noting that conditions had slightly improved later in the weekend.

Jackman and Maisonneuve worked for months in advance to ensure everything ran smoothly.

“We started working on putting this together back in September,” Jackman said. “Then, once we get here, we rely on our volunteers to help in some areas. I’m backstage, and (Denise) is up at the top, making sure everything’s running up there. So yeah, (together) we’re a well-oiled machine.”

Both directors originally owned dance studios, but have continued organizing the event long after stepping away from studio ownership. Their dedication has helped keep Moose Jaw’s dance community connected for nearly

four decades.

“We’re still working to keep the dance community united and sharing all that talent on the stage,” Maisonneuve said.

With another successful year in the books, the Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival reaffirmed its place as a premier event for dancers across Saskatchewan.

For more information and photos, visit “MJ Invitational Dance Carnival” on Facebook.

A group photo from the Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival featuring performers on the morning of March 29. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Directors Barb Jackman (left) and Denise Maisonneuve (right). Photo by: Aaron Walker

A few highlights from the 39th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival.

Photo by: Protec Studios

A few highlights from the 39th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival.

Photo by: Protec Studios

A few highlights from the 39th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival.

Photo by: Protec Studios

A few highlights from the 39th annual Moose Jaw Invitational Dance Carnival.

Photo by: Protec Studios

Exhibition Seen As Major Tourism Economic Driver For City

“People don’t realize how important this organization is to Moose Jaw. But once you’re involved in it you see what is going on” — Joyce Walter - outgoing 45 year board member

At their AGM the discussion turned towards the Moose Jaw Exhibition and its hidden importance - both economic and social - for the city of Moose.Jaw.

Entertainment during the 2024

By Robert Thomas

“We’re a major driver of tourism,” George Fowler told AGM attendees as part of his annual report.

“We are a driving force of tourism in the city,” he said.

Fowler pointed to the provincial government which is starting to see weddings as also tourism events.

“Half of the people attending weddings are from out of town and the provincial government is seeing this as tourism.” he said.

The province’s view is based upon usually half of the guests at weddings are from out of town and they rent hotel rooms, buy meals and make many of the same expenditures as out of town visitors do.

Renting their facilities for weddings is a major source of income for the Exhibition Company.

The annual Hometown Fair, the

largest event to happen on the Exhibition Grounds, brings in thousands of visitors every year to various events.

The Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association stages their annual provin-

cial championships which brings out 500 horses in the multi-day event.

“They’re willing to drive in from all over the country and there is a major benefit from that,” he said, adding “We are important to the tourism of this city.”

The recent Canadian Power Lifting Championships was seen as a success. The Canadian championship brought in 400 competitors from across the country to the weeklong event.

Last year the western power lifting championships were held bringing in hundreds of competitors for the multiyear event.

Fowler said the estimate was between 175,000 and 200,000 went through the grounds last year.

https://www.mjindependent.com/lif estyles/2025/3/28/2ydz3956g5hnoufqnn p0o2nsytwdi9

In photos: Moose Jaw’s Francophone community celebrates heritage with ‘Tintamarre’ parade

A roaring sea of green and yellow filled downtown Moose Jaw as the city’s Francophone community celebrated its rich heritage with the annual “Tintamarre” parade on the morning of March 26.

Organized by the Association communautaire fransaskoise de Moose Jaw (ACFMJ), the parade began at the Crescent Park Amphitheatre and wound its way to École Ducharme School. More than 500 participants — including students, teachers, police officers, and other community members

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / Photos by: Aaron Walker

— marched, waving flags and making joyful noise with bells, whistles, and other noisemakers.

Christian Poumeni, ACFMJ’s community officer, energized the crowd as they paraded through the streets, making noise to symbolize the

resilience and pride of the Francophone community.

“We are excited to let Moose Jaw know we have a big Francophone population here,” he said earlier. “It’s a celebration of our culture and our ability to speak and learn French.”

Participants represented

five schools that offer Frenchlanguage instruction or French immersion programs, alongside students from the University of Regina’s La Cité universitaire francophone. City officials, local dignitaries, and members of the Moose Jaw Police Service also joined in the celebration.

Tintamarre, meaning “racket” or “uproar” in French, is a longstanding Acadian tradition that unites French speakers across Canada. The tradition dates back to 1955, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the British expulsion of the

Acadians. It has since grown into a joyful celebration of Francophone heritage.

Following the parade, a ceremony at École Ducharme featured French-language speeches, commending the participants and encouraging them to embrace their bilingualism. To learn more about ACFMJ and available Frenchlanguage services, visit ACFMJ.ca or “ACF Moose Jaw — Communauté francophone” on Facebook. You can also call 306-692-8112 or email ACFMooseJaw@gmail.com.

hometown fair - MJ Independent file photo

Equine events are popular at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company - MJ Independent file photo

Mechanics learn ‘less invasive’ vehicle repair method during conference

Mechanics who remove dings and dents from vehicles typically use one method to make repairs, but a recent conference showed some technicians another option that’s less damaging to surfaces.

The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) held its two-day spring conference and banquet in Moose Jaw recently, which attracted dozens of repair technicians from across the province.

One session, called “glue pull training,” occurred in A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s automotive shop and was led by Colour Compass Corporation (CCC) in Edmonton. The session also enabled some autobody students to watch and go hands-on.

Terry Beattie, president of SAAR and owner/operator of LB Beattie Autobody, explained that a repair technique used heavily in the past saw technicians sand or grind off paint from a damaged area and weld a metal tab onto the panel to pull out the dent. However, this created other problems that affected the panels’ structural integrity.

The materials used to make vehicles today are weaker than in the past, so they can’t always handle this technique, he continued. So, the “glue pulling” method sees technicians glue onto the surface plastic tabs with hooks and then pull out the dent with various tools.

“This is less invasive,” Beattie added.

Stefano Liessi, the training and curriculum co-ordinator with CCC, said

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

them.

Kaleb McCrystal, a Grade 12 autobody student at Peacock, attended the seminar because it was not something he regularly saw and would likely never see again — unless he joined the trades.

Amara Davidson, another autobody student, said it was interesting to learn about the technique since it is the future of the industry. Even if she didn’t pursue this field, it was still good for her to know how today’s technicians repair vehicles.

The autobody class teaches students about dent-pulling, welding and bodyfilling, but nothing as extensive as glue-

pulling, she added.

Charlie Matus, 64, from Candle Lake, has been in the automotive repair industry for 47 years and said the gluepulling technique was new to him.

“Our trade is all about new technology (because) it’s always changing and always growing,” he said. “And if you don’t stay on top of it … then you’re behind.”

Liessi, who has worked in the industry for 40 years, said it has been incredible to see an evolution in repair methods, especially since vehicles contain more technology and technicians are forced to adapt how they fix them.

this method keeps the original paint in place, reduces the work area, makes for a more efficient, cleaner and healthier repair and reduces the chances of something going wrong. This method is also versatile and flexible and can be used on large and small repairs.

The glue-pulling method has been around for roughly 12 years, but it’s taken off in the last five years due to more research and development, he continued.

This is a great method to teach new students, especially high school youths, since they will have that experience when they start working after graduation, he said. Some repair practices are still “very old school,” but those are fading away since new ideas are replacing

Moose Jaw has an Integrated Youth Services Hub called HOMEBASE. It’s FREE and open to youth 12-25 years of age.

Accessing Support

HOMEBASE

Connects are Key

Positive

Improving Wellness

Ray Schalk (second from left), a conference participant and an autobody instructor at Sask. Polytech’s Regina campus, speaks to A.E. Peacock Collegiate students about the repair method. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Declan Trudel from Prince Albert buffs a door panel before plastic tabs with hooks are glued to the frame. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Wakamow Rotary celebrates completion of washroom project in Guatemala

Hundreds of Guatemalan schoolchildren now have access to modern bathrooms thanks to the Wakamow Rotary Club of Moose Jaw.

Club members held an online meeting recently with their partners in the Central American country to celebrate the completion of the six-year project. The initiative saw Moose Jaw Rotarians provide financial support — with help from four other Saskatchewan clubs — while their Guatemalan counterparts constructed the venues.

The total budget was US$317,750 (CDN $454,570.51), which allowed the Guatemalan Rotarians to build 24 washrooms in schools in the City of Nueva.

Glenn Hagel, Moose Jaw Rotarian and the project’s international club lead, explained that the group initially partnered with a club in Chuchu, Guatemala, in 2015 to support the construction of classrooms, kitchens and playgrounds in schools there.

However, during that partnership, the Canucks learned that many schools have “horrific washrooms” — outdoor biffies — that make Canadian porta potties “look like castles here,” he said.

Moreover, they learned that Guatemalan girls quit school once they entered puberty because they have no safe, secure or clean place “to deal with (the) reality (of oncoming signs of becoming a woman) .”

“If you believe in gender parity in education, then in Guatemala, you have

Kendra Marchand & Brayden Goodwin

Moose Jaw, SK March 19, 2025

8:32 am

Female

6lbs, 15oz

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

to believe in washrooms,” Hagel said. “It’s a funny-sounding statement in Canada, but in Guatemala, that’s a bigtime reality.”

This situation prompted Hagel and fellow member Marian Kettlewell to connect with other clubs in southern Saskatchewan to see if they would contribute money annually to build modern washrooms at that school.

The other clubs agreed and began making donations.

Two years later, a club in Nueva reached out and asked if the Moose Jaw club would help build washrooms in 24 schools across the city, Hagel continued.

“I checked (and) Chuchu School was on the list, and I said to them immediately, ‘Chuchu School is on the list and you have a partner,’” he chuckled.

Rotary clubs in the district and across Canada and the United States

Courtney Sagal & Ryan Shepley

Moose Jaw, SK March 2, 2025

3:38 am

Female 7lbs, 10oz

Paige & Shawn Rempel

Moose Jaw, SK March 21, 2025 11:41

Female 5lbs, 15oz

Kristin Cathenwood

Mantta & Travis Mantta

Moose Jaw, SK March 11, 2025

12:18 pm Male 8lbs, 9oz

Jasdeep Kaur & Amandeep Singh

Moose Jaw, SK March 25, 2025 11:42

Female 6lbs, 14oz

began donating money, with those donations reaching US$317,750, including Rotary International providing a grant of $135,750.

Hagel noted that this grant was the biggest one the international organization had ever provided to the district.

Wakamow Rotary Club signed a memorandum of understanding with its sister club in Guatemala in 2018, and, in 2019, construction began. Chuckling, Hagel added that construction would have finished sooner if not for the coronavirus pandemic.

This work occurred through an initiative called the “Ripple Effect Committee,” which aims to improve schools and learning opportunities for Guatemalan students, most of whom are of Mayan ancestry and from “extremely poor families,” Hagel said.

Public education ends in Grade 6

Nicole & Tyrell Hicks

Mortlach, SK March 13, 2025 8:24 am Female 7lbs, 14oz

Tristyn Schlamp & Dustin Schlamp

Estevan, SK March 26, 2025 8:26 am Male 6lbs, 9oz

for most students, while youths from wealthier families attend private institutions for middle school and high school, he continued. This makes education “a very precious commodity,” so Rotarians attempt to help poor students build a firm foundation for their futures.

Besides building bathrooms, this project also included educational training (of body changes during puberty) for girls, their mothers and their teachers, along with basic sexual education for all students, Hagel said.

Furthermore, students ensure there is toilet paper in the stalls, that the taps are functioning and that mirrors are in one piece. Their parents also support the maintenance of the washrooms, which helps those who have no indoor plumbing at home understand this infrastructure and overcome their fear of using it.

Wakamow Rotary’s relationship with the Neuvo club also evolved during the six years, as the groups initially communicated by email before meeting eight to 10 times annually by Zoom, the Moose Javian said. Furthermore, while Moose Jaw members are satisfied with having provided funding, they are thrilled to have become friends with their Guatemalan sister club. Hagel added that it’s satisfying to be a member of an organization that “can be part of literally building a better world” and that makes others’ circumstances better through education.

Lexi & William Mocza

Mortlach, SK March 13, 2025 1:20 am Female 9lbs, 12oz

Trinity Ballantyne

Moose Jaw, SK March 26, 2025 4:07 pm

Madison & Graeme Lynn

Marquis, SK March 14, 2025 10:41 pm

Female 7lbs, 11oz

Paylyn & Jordon Haug

Moose Jaw, SK March 28, 2025 3:02 am

Viola & Andrit Gashi

Moose Jaw, SK

March 19, 2025

12:37 am

Female 9lbs, 5oz

Courtney & Travis Hicke

Moose Jaw, SK March 30, 2025 1:40 am

8lbs, 2oz

Students and Rotary Club members in Guatemala celebrate the construction of new toilets at a school in the country. Photo courtesy Glenn Hagel

Hope Ministries launches website, continues search for a permanent home to expand services

Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. is continuing its search for a permanent facility while expanding its outreach and making it easier to get involved in its mission of fostering a sense of belonging in the community.

The local non-profit, which provides meals and support services to those in need, recently launched a new website, Hope.ca, to provide information on its programs and ways for the community to help out.

“(The new website) talks about what we’re doing right now and how people can help out,” said Rachel Mullens, executive director of Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc.

The search for a home

Despite progress in other areas, Hope Ministries has yet to secure a permanent home. The organization continues to operate out of partner locations, with lunches served at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and suppers provided at the Salvation Army downtown from Monday to Friday.

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While no final decisions have been made, Mullens emphasized the need for a location that balances client needs with downtown business concerns.

“We obviously want to have a space that’s convenient for the people we serve, but we also want to be aware of the concerns of the downtown core and downtown businesses,” she said. “We want to work in partnership with the city and downtown business (owners) to make sure that everyone is… happy with where we’re located and what we’re doing.”

Future plans

Once a permanent facility is secured, Hope Ministries plans to expand its services, including the introduction of a new “day space.”

“We want to be open from eight in the morning to eight at night, so that people have a place to go,” Mullens explained. “(This way), they’re not just on the street — they can go hang out, have coffee, visit… (and) just have a space that people can call their own.”

While additional programming is

A small warming space is also available at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays and Fridays. The church is located at 1010 Main Street North.

still being developed, the day space would be one of the first initiatives launched in the new location.

Mullens wants the community to understand that Hope Ministries serves a broader demographic than just those experiencing homelessness.

“We don’t just serve the unhoused,” she said. “We serve the working poor — families and people who are working, but can’t make ends meet. We also serve seniors who are on fixed incomes… Some of them are lonely, and they just need some companionship.”

In the ongoing effort to secure a permanent facility that will enable the non-profit to expand its services, Hope Ministries is looking for continued community support. Mullens said financial donations, food contributions, and volunteers are always needed.

“If they go on our website, we have all the ways to donate on there,” she said.

The organization is currently promoting its “Hot Meals for All” fundraising campaign on Facebook. The campaign’s goal is to remind residents in need that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

“We’re running a fundraising campaign on social media right now, and people can check that out and donate or simply share the information,” Mullens said.

To learn more about Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc. and its role in the community, visit Hope.ca, “Hope Ministries Moose Jaw Inc” on Facebook, or email HopeMinistriesMJ@gmail.com.

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.

Meticulous

It is tax season again. Accountants and numerous individuals are meticulously pouring over the financial details on government forms to file income tax documents on time. I remember my mother, years ago, spreading receipts and forms all over the kitchen table to fill out the tax returns for the family. She had meticulously set aside all the financial information during the year and now with meticulous attention started filling out the sheets while flipping through the tax return booklet.

Meticulous means by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details. When it came

to lab work the scientist was a meticulous researcher, performing the same experiment many times before writing the report.

Meticulous entered the English language in the 1500s from the Latin meticulosus, meaning fearful, coming from the Latin noun metus, fear. Meticulous was originally used as a synonym of frightened and timid. The woman, meticulously guarding her meager possessions, felt a deep sense of meticulous trepidation as the storm clouds gathered. By the 1700s this meaning of meticulous was abandoned.

Then in 1827 meticulous acquired a new meaning of overly and timidly careful. This was probably influenced by the French word meticuliux, meaning one who pays a lot of attention and care to how one acts, fearing the consequences of making a mistake. Eventually meticulous implied painstakingly careful, with no connotations of fear, and this became the most common meaning.

Synonyms of meticulous include conscientious, diligent, scrupulous, circumspect, thorough, and punctilious.

Conscientious suggests a person paying close attention to the task at hand. The honour student was conscientious in the completion of all assignments during the year.

Diligent means characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort. His work was characterized by diligent examination of all aspects of the job.

Scrupulous implies painstakingly exact. She filled out every form with scrupulous care.

Circumspect means being careful to consider all

circumstances and possible consequences. The trade commissioner was circumspect in every deal that was sent to the government for approval.

Thorough suggests actions marked by full detail. The witness gave a thorough description of the accident. Punctilious means marked by or concerned about precise accordance with the details of codes or conventions. The priest was punctilious in leading the liturgy, even to the finest of points according to the rubrics.

I must admit, following my mother’s example, that I am meticulous when filling out my taxes, although I use a computer program, not paper, to file my income tax forms. I check and check and then recheck to make sure I have done everything correctly. In my meticulous toil there is still a little bit of the old meaning – fear. I fear the possible audit of the Canada Revenue Agency, so I am meticulous

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.

Cosmo Centre set to host annual spring trade and craft fair on April 5

As the weather warms and Easter approaches, local artisans and businesses are gearing up for the annual Cosmo Craft and Trade Fair, set to take place at the Cosmo Centre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.

Featuring a diverse lineup of over 30 vendors, the event will showcase everything from handmade crafts and home-baked goods to jewelry, books, and specialty products from well-known brands such as Avon, Fifth Avenue Collection, and Watkins.

“This year, we have lots of different vendors,” said Anita Duncan, event organizer for the upcoming craft fair. “We have everything from baking, homemade crafts, and jewelry, to unique businesses like reflexology. We even have an author (lined up to attend) who has written about the Titanic.”

The fair, held twice a year in both spring and fall, serves as a vital fundraiser for the Cosmo Senior Centre, with all proceeds going toward the multi-use facility.

In addition to the wide range of vendors, members of the Moose Jaw Art Guild will be in attendance to showcase a selection of their creations. The guild, which brings together artists of all skill levels, will have a variety of paintings and other artwork on display and

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

available for purchase.

The trade fair will also be a great time to express interest in a proposed art workshop to be held at the Cosmo Centre. You can inquire by speaking to a member of the Moose Jaw Art Guild.

The fair offers a great opportunity for local artists, crafters, and small businesses to connect with the community. Attendees will find a variety of unique, handcrafted items including greeting cards, candles, beading, bedding, and towels.

“We also have a lady selling beautiful linens, and someone offering reflexology services,” Duncan added, noting that the reflexology will be provided by Moose Jaw Reflexology. “She’ll have a chair set up for people who want to try a sample of what reflexology is all about.”

For those looking to get a head start on Easter preparations, the event promises seasonal baked goods, handmade gifts, and special Easter baskets for both children and adults.

“There will be (Easter baskets) for kids which will have toys along with other baskets with chocolates. As we cannot forget the adults, there will be coffee and tea

baskets as well to purchase,” Duncan said.

Visitors will enjoy a selection of home cooking from the Cosmo Centre’s onsite concession, including its range of chili, sandwiches, hot dogs, popcorn, homemade cinnamon buns, and an assortment of pies.

Adding to the excitement, attendees can purchase 50-50 raffle tickets for a chance to win some cash while supporting the centre.

With something for everyone, Duncan encouraged the community to come out and support the Cosmo Centre, which hosts a wide range of events from square and line dance workshops to seasonal craft fairs and live music concerts, including talented bands from Puerto Vallarta including “The Lovers” and “The Gecko Band.”

“Come on down, get some Easter baking and some cards, or just take a look and see what our local vendors have to offer,” she said.

The Cosmo Senior Centre is located at the corner of Third Avenue Northeast and Fairford Street East. For more information, visit “COSMO SENIOR CITIZENS MOOSE JAW” on Facebook.

President of constitutional rights group to speak at pro-life banquet

The president of an organization that works to defend the constitutional freedoms of Canadians through litigation and education will be the guest speaker at this year’s Moose Jaw Right to Life banquet.

Lawyer John Carpay with the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) will discuss his work with the pro-freedom organization during the pro-life group’s annual banquet, which occurs on Friday, April 4, at Church of Our Lady Hall.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 each or $210 for a table of eight, while there will also be a silent auction. To purchase tickets, phone 306-694-4111.

“Some of our board (members) heard him speak before and he really emphasizes the need to protect basic Charter … rights and freedoms in Canada,” said Jean Landry, board president of Moose Jaw Right to Life.

“Whether it’s peaceful protests or freedom of speech, whether we agree with who or what he is defending isn’t the main concern,” she continued. “(Instead), it’s the fact that what has happened goes against the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.”

Landry pointed to several court cases that the JCCF has handled to highlight the work the organization does to support pro-life groups that face barriers in promoting their messages.

For example, last June, the Justice Centre supported Edmonton Pro-Life in acquiring a booth during the

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

city’s annual KDays Festival. The charity had had a booth since the 1980s, but in 2022, the Explore Edmonton Corporation (EEC) unilaterally cancelled the organization’s booking without explanation.

After taking a year off, Edmonton Prolife applied last year for a booth but received an unclear notice that its application had been rejected because it had not met vendor criteria or because of a lack of space.

On June 4, 2024, Justice Centre lawyers filed a lawsuit at Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton against EEC for not allowing the pro-life group to acquire a booth in violation of its Charter rights.

A second example occurred in May 2023 in Ottawa, where a pro-life group wanted to display images of aborted fetuses on signs during their press conference at the National March for Life on Parliament Hill. Before the press conference, a member of the Provincial Police Service (PPS) reviewed the signs and then prevented the group from showing them because he considered them

too graphic.

This decision was later reaffirmed in an email referring to the “General Rules on the Use of Parliament Hill.” At the time, the policy prohibited signs “that are obscene, offensive, or that promote hatred,” but the policy was later expanded to prohibit any “signs or banners that display explicit graphic violence or blood.”

On June 30, 2023, the Justice Centre helped the pro-life group file a notice of application in the Federal Court, challenging the violation of their freedom of expression in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, in 2017, Prince Albert’s pro-life group attempted to fly its flag on city hall’s courtesy flagpole to recognize “Celebrate Life Week,” something it had done for 20 years. However, the mayor said the flag raising would not be raised, but the city would still proclaim Celebrate Life Week.

The JCCF filed a court application against the City of Prince Albert and sought to have the municipality reverse its decision. The organization then took the case to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, which upheld the lower court’s decision of costs against the city for its misconduct but did not address the city’s Charter violations.

JCCF also addressed a similar issue in Yorkton in 2017, with that city council eventually voting to proclaim “Respect for Life Week.”

Moose Jaw Right to Life can be found on Facebook.

Big Shiny Tunez concert to celebrate new hospice care wing at Pioneer Lodge

Music, nostalgia, and community spirit will fill the air at the upcoming Big Shiny Tunez concert, a fundraising event hosted by Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw and sponsored by Casino Moose Jaw to celebrate the planned launch of the new hospice care wing at Pioneer Lodge.

The concert will take place at the Temple Gardens Centre, starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

Big Shiny Tunez will feature local band The UnCoolas, fronted by Aaron Ruston. The group is known for playing fan-favourite hits from the ‘60s through the early 2000s, ensuring a packed dance floor from start to finish.

“I’ve been to one of their events before, and I tell you, that dance floor was packed — you couldn’t even get in at times,” said Sara Bryan, chair of Heartland Hospice. “It’s just one of those (events) where you know every song that comes on right away.”

The show also commemorates the official opening of the new wing, scheduled for Friday, April 11. While the main rooms and family areas will be fully operational, some work will still be in progress on the sacred space and outdoor garden — which is what the concert fundraiser will help support.

“We still have lots of fundraising to go for our capital campaign, so the support from the community is always so appreciated,” Bryan said. “Even after we

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

finish all the work on the wing and the sacred space, we’ve got lots… that we offer… to the people in the wing.” This includes cable TV, onsite counselling services, welcome packages, and support for the My Wish campaign.

Beyond the music, guests can look forward to a variety of interactive elements, including a 360 photo booth, donated by Sask Spins + Smiles.

Car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to check out a collection of classic vehicles on display, including a 442 Oldsmobile, a 1970 Mustang Boss 302, and a 1989 Mustang 5L hatchback.

Additionally, a silent auction and 50/50 draw will be accessible online in the weeks leading up to the event, with winners announced during the concert. Auction items have been generously donated by Jillian’s Design Elements, Hillcrest Golf Course, Wrapture Spa and Boutique, and many more.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in styles from their favourite decade from the ‘60s through the early 2000s.

“We have some prizes for the best costumes from

each decade,” Bryan said. “So, the best-dressed person from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and so on (will receive recognition and a prize).”

In the weeks leading up to the concert, Heartland Hospice is hosting a Facebook contest with the chance to win two free tickets to the show. The winner will be announced on April 28.

The online contest will ask, “What’s one of your favourite nostalgic toys that you remember from your childhood?” Bryan explained. “Is it a pet rock? Was it a Tamagotchi? You would then post your favourite toy, do the usual like and share, and we’re going to do a draw… for those two tickets.”

With live music, dancing, and a roast beef dinner, Big Shiny Tunez is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in support of a vital cause.

“We’re hoping for a great turnout, because the more the merrier, and we still have lots of fundraising to go for our capital campaign,” Bryan said.

Tickets can be purchased now at the Temple Gardens Centre box office or online at Sasktix.Evenue.net.

For more information, visit HeartlandHospiceMJ. ca, ‘Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw’ on Facebook, or call 306-690-8699.

The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

John Carpay, president and of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Photo courtesy JCCF

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

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

9 2 3 2 1 7 9 6 4 1 4 3 8 5 2 1 9 7 4 5 9 8 3 2 1 8

2025 KrazyDad.com

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

ACUTE, BLACK, CHASE, CLOWN, CRANK, DOMAIN, DRIFT EAGLE, ENTRY, ERASE, FALCON, FENCE, GIDDY GOAL, GREAT, HAZARD, HEAVY, KETTLEDRUM, NAVY, OTHER PIANO, ROAR, SENSE, SHARP, SINISTER, SPEAR, TAUNT TRASH, UPSET, WARRANT, WEDGE, WELLSPRING, WISE, WRONG

ACROSS

1. Identical

5. Illustrated

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

10. Goblins

14. Coagulate

15. Sound

16. Type of sword

17. Accomplishment

19. Culminating point

20. Permit

21. British biscuit

22. Off-white

23. Stalker

25. Funeral piles

27. “I agree” 28. Water removal 31. Adjust again 34. Sneaks a look

35. Wetland

36. Gorillas

37. Squeeze

38. Online journal 39. Zero 40. Requires

Sows 42. Icebreakers 44. Honey insect

45. Stop

46. Choral composition

50. Mend

52. Approaches

54. Consumes

55. Freshwater mussel

56. Perspicacity

58. Economic prosperity

59. Rent

60. Lack of difficulty

61. Rational

62. Aromatic compound

63. Lyric poems DOWN

1. Anagram of “Clasp” 2. Change 3. Slogan 4. Estimated time of arrival 5. Social events 6. Hearsay 7. Gulf port 8. Juice extraction device 9. Excluding

Paradise 11. Like human thumbs 12. Ale or lager 13. Alluring

18. A small island

22. Colored part of the eye

24. Y Y Y

26. Long-haired wild oxen

28. Accomplishments

29. Not bad

30. They come from hens

31. Hindu princess

32. Majestic

33. Choice

34. False appearances

37. A leguminous plant

38. Borscht vegetable

40. He built the ark

41. Perception

43. Develop into

44. Swap

46. Reason

47. Coming up

48. Thigh armor

49. Donkeys

50. Taverns

51. Dwarf buffalo

53. French for “State”

56. Beer

57. Modern

205 WANTED

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-684-1084.

Looking for unwanted media records, video games, VHS tapes, CD’s, and stereo equipment. Will pick up, 306-527-7786 or 306631-8399.

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, etc.. Call of text 306-641-4447.

135 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

6 metal poles 14’ x 3” heavy wall steel only $100. each, it’s a steal of a deal. Call 306-694-1322.

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

CLASSIFIED ADS

306-630-2268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Cleaner with 20 years experience available for spring cleaning and move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306-990-0387.

Carley’s Cleaning Services for residential, commercial, move outs/ins, insured and bonded, affordable rates, reliable services, discounts for seniors, free quotes call 306-513-9999

160 MISCELLANEOUS

Large number of puzzles, 1000 pcs, like new condition with no pieces missing, $8 each. Heat massage seat pad, $25. Two 2’x4’ decorative drop-in leaded glass, $25/each. Text or call 306631-3777.

165

HOUSEHOLD  ANTIQUE ITEMS FOR SALE: Antique Wall

Phone - $350, Treadmill - $500, Hosier Cabinet - $800, Desk w/ decorative legs$500, Smoker Stand$200, Desk/Bookcase - $350, Foot Warmer - $250, Sm. Dresser w/ Mirror - $200. Please call – 306-630-6702

140 FOR RENT

Senior Living Condo for Rent - Points West Retirement Centre, 917 Bradley Street, Moose Jaw, SK. Friendly, warm, home like atmosphere, open floor plan with large living room, full selfcontained kitchen, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closet, balcony, corner unit with beautiful view in 3 directions, ensuite washer and dryer, individual thermostat for heating or cooling, garage available, large and bright dining and common area floor plan, entertainment and bistro facilities, monthly or individual meals available, shuttle service available. For more information or viewing call: Dan 306 631-1669, Judi 306 631-0742

225 GARAGE SALES

Garage Sale APRIL 10, 11, 12. Thursday/Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. 286 Wellington Drive. Clothes, crafts, gardening supplies, household items, movie, tools, toys, and more. Held in a heated/well organized garage.

220 HELP WANTED  Wanted: Person who does body work out of own garage. F150 with rusted rocker panels, etc. Please call Ken at 306-631-6928.

“Life would be

-- Mark Twain

Obituaries / Memorials

BERNARD

Yvonne Falcon Bernard (née: Anderson) left us to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on December 24th, 1939, “Pinky,” as she was called by those closest to her in her early days, lost her mom before she was 2 years old. However, she grew up under the care of a loving grandmother, “Mama,” and aunts, uncles, and cousins. Later, she met her “Chinese” sisters and brother of whom she was very proud.

After her Nursing/Mid-Wifery Education in Essex, England and Glasgow, Scotland, Yvonne married the “love of her life”, Earl Bernard, whom she had known from age 7. She was blessed with daughters, Faith Allyson Michele (Russel) and Lydia Nadine, and son, Mark Andrew Stafford. As time went on, she was blessed with, and proud of, her grandchildren: Kahlen (Carli), Jaden, Tyler (Megan), Jonah (McKenna), Heidi (Dawson), Jennaya (Josh), and Dominik; great-granddaughter, Arya; and also, special friends of the family, Beth Burris, Darren Chase, and Mark Branning. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for the care provided to Yvonne.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her!

The Funeral Service was held on Friday, March 28th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Yvonne’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

REDSTONE: BETSY

August 15, 1938 - March 18, 2025

Betsy Redstone, aged 86 years, passed away at Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility, Imperial, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. A Private Family Graveside Service will take place in Imperial Cemetery at a later date. For those so wishing, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Long Lake Valley Health Care Auxiliary would be appreciated. For online condolences, tributes or memorial donations please visit: https://fotheringham-mcdougall.com/

CRYSTAL ANNE STARK

It is with great sadness that the family of Crystal Anne Stark announce her passing on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025. Crystal grew up on a farm west of Moose Jaw, SK.

From an early age all Crystal wanted was to be a teacher. She had a love of reading and was a strong library supporter. After graduating from the University of Regina, she started her teaching profession at Gravelbourg Elementary and High School. It was while teaching in Gravelbourg she met and later married Dennis Stark of Mossbank, SK. They would have 25 years together and built a happy life on the farm. Crystal would end her teaching career at Mossbank Elementary. To Crystal her students were her kids.

Crystal had a great love for all animals, especially her dogs and many cats. Every night you would find her walking with them in the fields. Crystal would spend many hours in the greenhouse tending to her plants. She was always the first to help others and volunteer. She touched the hearts and lives of everyone that had the chance to meet and know her.

Crystal’s passing leaves many family and friends to mourn, including her parents, Murray and Judy Cochrane; brother, Douglas (Sarah) Cochrane; mother-in-law, Edna Stark; sisters-in-law: Sherry (Tom) Foord, Sandra (Rick) Voisin, and Dianne (Craig) Mahura; brother-in-law, Larry Stark; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Crystal was predeceased by her husband, Dennis Stark; father-in-law, Norman Stark; and niece, Christina Singbeil.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Providence Place in Moose Jaw, her speech therapist Jaimie Atkins, and Dr. Janessa King for the compassionate care and support Crystal received over the past year in her battle with West Nile. A special thank you is also extended to the staff at Regina General Hospital, Assiniboia Union Hospital, and Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw.

It was Crystal’s wish that there be no funeral service after her passing. A Celebration of Crystal’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Crystal and her family ask that donations be made in her memory to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7 or to your local Humane Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

“The bread never falls but on its buttered side.”

Obituaries / Memorials

SOWIAK, SLAW

Slaw Sowiak passed after a brief illness, surrounded with the love of his family on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Regina, SK. He was born on December 28, 1938, to Harry and Rosalia Sowiak in Moose Jaw, SK, the middle of three children. Slaw began working at SaskTel in 1955 after graduating from Central Collegiate. He enjoyed many opportunities and worked with many colleagues during his 33-year career and held a particular pride in spending more years in retirement than he did working. The greatest joy of Slaw’s life was his marriage to Patricia (née Spriggs). They met and married in Moose Jaw after Patricia became an R.N., moving to Regina in 1971 where they shared their lives together, building a home and raising their son and daughter.

Slaw is survived by son Michael; daughter Christine and son-in-law Dr. Brian Rusted; brother Gord and sister-in-law Joyce; nephew Chris Sowiak, his wife Kathy and children Ty, Darius and Taylor; brother-in-law Paul and wife Joanne; niece Katie Spriggs; nephew Chet Spriggs, his daughter Karma and wife Tana. Slaw was preceded in death by Patricia; both parents; and sister Eunice.

Slaw’s family declines any flowers, asking only that you remember the life and love he shared with Patricia, his quiet and steady dedication to his family, friends and the community of Holy Rosary Cathedral, his ability to build or fix pretty much anything, and the sparkle in his eyes when he gave you a sly grin.

Prayers will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held in remembrance of Slaw at Holy Rosary Cathedral, 3125 13th Avenue, Regina, SK on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com

KENNETH MICHAEL RUDICHUK

December 30, 1947 - January 26, 2024

DONALD WAYNE RUDICHUK

March 12, 1952 - March 9, 2024

To read the full obituary for Kenneth & Donald, visit: https://cypressfuneral.ca/obituaries/ken-and-don-rudichuk

“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”

- Anne Frank

Local, military talent showcased at concert

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

The Friends of the Forces Fellowship annual musical revue concert at the Timothy Eaton Centre featured local talent from the community and from 15 Wing. The concert is intended to showcase talents from these two places.

Rev. Doug Shepherd and Heather Shepherd kicked off the concert with a rousing medley of songs that included an old Irish drinking song.

Snowbird pilot Capt. Rich MacDougall, once in the top 10 of the David Foster Talent Hunt, and accompanied by guitarist Justin McCrae, sang modern country songs.

MacDougall has performed at many Fellowship concerts, but this is his last year with the Snowbirds.

He did a surprise duet

with Alethia Stafford, singing the Shania Twain hit From This Moment. They have practised at karaoke.

Stafford is working on a music career with her band Fame Fatale.

Her one-year-old band was nominated for best rock band in Saskatchewan. She writes ad copy, composes music and does voice-overs for Rawlco radio stations in Regina.

Stafford and her mother Kim Churko were surprise vocalists ac-

companying Roger Blager, a local singer and keyboard player who has weekend gigs at the Grant Hall and Hopkins Parlour.

Indigenous dancer and army cadet instructor Wayne Fisher shared his culture’s dance and colourful regalia to rousing approval.

In her first solo performance nine-year-old Avary Klinger from a 15 Wing family got a standing ovation singing the inspiring song, A Million Dreams.

Peacock Collegiate student Joachim Tyrie’s songs included a breakup piece and the cowboy song The Calgary Roundup.

Fourteen members of the recently formed Cornerstone Christin School Vocal Jazz Choir under the direction of Josh Carley were well received.

The afternoon closed with toe-tapping to Kelly Sapergia’s accordion. His rendition of the Chicken Dance found a number of people unable to resist performing the dance.

15 Wing Commander Col. Dan Coutts said many veterans choose to retire in Moose Jaw.

Co-master of ceremonies Starla Klinger said her family will be sorry when posted elsewhere later this year.

Phi Adkins, also co-master of ceremonies, said the Fellowship is not producing a car show this year.

About 115 attended the eighth concert produced by the Fellowship.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

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

Cosmo’s Crafts and Trade Fair at the corner of 3rd Ave NE and Fairford St will be held on Saturday, April 5th from 9am-3pm. Vendors will be selling jewellery, candles, homemade cards, pictures & paintings, books, towels, stuffies, toys, scrapbooking, knitted and crocheted crafts and delicious homemade baked items. Mary Kay, Fifth Avenue Jewellery, Watkins and Avon representatives will be at the Fair. For those looking for Easter Baskets there will be some for kids which will have toys and along with other baskets with chocolates. As we cannot forget the adults, there will be coffee and tea baskets as well to purchase. The Concession will be open and 50/50 tickets will also be sold.

Friends of the Library Used Book Sale will be held at the Moose Jaw Public Library

Friday on April 11, 1 pm to 4:30 pm and Saturday, April 12, 9:30 am to 3 pm. Adult books, children’s books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and more! Everything is priced to sell and it’s a great way to support the library.

MINTO Easter Tea and Bake Sale will be held at Minto church – 1036 7th Ave NW on Saturday April 12th from 2-3:30pm. Admission is $5.

The Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Association, Battleford, has been operating since 1983, and is proud of the Hall of Fame and Museum in Battleford. The 41st Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, April 13 at 1pm, 2025 at The Saskatchewan Baseball Museum in Battleford, located at 292 - 22nd Street, Battleford. Are you interested in baseball? Are you interested in history? Are you interested in your community? Join the Board of Directors! We need you! Call Jane at 306.441.5886. Everyone is welcome at the AGM on April 13th!

Spring Brunch and Learn will be held on Saturday April 26th at Hillcrest Church. Pls use north doors. 10am coffee – meet and greet/10:30am brunch by Wakamow Rotary/11:15 Presentation by Food and Water Security Agencies and Wakamow Rotary. Tickets $20. Email communitysquareone@gmail.com HEAR FIRSTHAND ABOUT THE WORK OF: Square One Community/Willow Lodge/ John Howard Society/My Place Program & Lunches at Zion & St. Andrews/Hope Ministries/St. Aidan Lunches/ Hunger in Moose Jaw…Wakamow Rotary. 1975 AE Peacock High School 50th Reunion June 13 &14, 2025 - 1975 AE Peacock 50th Reunion: Alumni and Friends. We are looking for former classmates and friends from 1975, and the years surrounding our time at Peacock High School. Email our celebration committee for more information, peacock1975reunion@gmail.com. Please include your name and email address.

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 @10am - Instruction & play (at your pace) will be available Tues & Thurs mornings@ 10am. For more info phone or text 306-630-8160 or visit www.moosejawlawnbowling.com

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: April and May. 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 oncea-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 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@gmail.com Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

TOASTMASTERS 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 online 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 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

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) offers meetings every Wednesday evening too in the Alliance Church located at the corner of 9th Ave NE and Thatcher Dr. Use the West side entrance and you’ll find us down the hall in room 107. Weigh ins are 6:30-7 followed by a half hour meeting. Scale weighs up to 500lbs. Join us as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Visit www.tops.org for more information.

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 306692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

CHILDREN’S PRGRAMMING:

L’HEURE DU CONTE (FRENCH STORYTIME) Samedi 12 avril 10h30 à la chambre des enfants pour les 0-5 ans et leurs soignants All levels of French language are welcome

DAYCARE STORYTIME Thursdays @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring daycare providers! Drop-in Program

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME Wednesdays @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 2-5 and their caring adults! Drop-in Program

LITERACY CALENDARS Download April Early Literacy Calendar for infants and pre-school children Download April Children’s Literacy Calendar for elementary-aged children

BABY STORYTIME Tuesdays @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 0-2 and their caring adults!

LEGO WEEKENDS! Every Saturday and Sunday during open hours in Children’s Department for ages 4-12. This is a self-guided activity

MAKE YOUR OWN BOUNCY BALL Saturdays, April 5 @10:30 am in Children’s Program Room for ages 4+. Registration required

TNM CLOTHES PIN BUNNY Available April 8 during open hours at Children’s Circulation Desk for ages 4-12. One kit

per child. Available while supplies last.

MAKER SATURDAYS April 12 & 26 @2pm in Children’s Room/HT Room for ages 8-12. Registration required April 12: Pipe Cleaner Animals/April 26: LEGO Spike Prime. MINECRAFT ON HOOPLA Build your next adventure! The Minecraft movie is out April 4th! Join a community of creative builders and explore the world of Minecraft with this collection of books, comics, music, and more on Hoopla.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING:

TEEN D&D: BUGBEAR COVE Group A Tuesdays, Apr 15May 27 at 6:30 pm/ Group B Thursdays, Apr 17 to May 29 at 6:30 pm for ages 12-16. Registration required

TEEN SPECIAL PROGRAM Wednesday, April 30 @6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Registration required Project: Paper Flower Picture Frames

TEEN MAKERS Wednesday, April 2 @6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Registration required. Project: Embroidery

TEEN GAMERS Wednesday, April 9 @6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Drop-in program

TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, April 16 @6:30 pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 12-19. Drop-in program Project: Pop Art Pencil Holders

MOVIE MATINEE Saturday, April 19 @2:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for all ages welcome Drop-in program Movie: In the Heights (PG)

TEEN ANIME+ CLUB Wednesday, April 23 @6:30 pm in the MJPL Theatre for ages 12-1.9 Drop-in program Movie: I May be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo ANY BOSS to Clock Out on Time (PG)

ADULT PROGRAMMING:

MJPL MOVIE CLUB Monday, April 14 @6pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Drop-in program. Movie: Charade DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Thursday, April 24 @6pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Drop-in program Movie: Anselm

MJPL MOVIE CLUB Monday, April 28 @6pm in the MJPL Theatre for adults. Drop-in program. Movie: A Different Man TECH TIME Available by appointment during open hours in Main Library for adults by appointment only - please call the Library at 306-692-2787 to schedule an appointment.

MAGIC THE GATHERING Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19 & 26 @2pm in the Reading Room for ages 13+. Drop-in program .

CHESS CLUB AT MJPL Sundays, April 13 & 27 from 1-4pm in Reading Room for all ages. Drop-in program

MAKER NIGHT Monday, April 14 @6:30pm in Herb Taylor Room for ages 13+Ages: 13 and up. Registration required. Project: Hanging Rope Planter NATURAL LANDSCAPING, BEES & SEED EXCHANGE Saturday, April 26 pm from 1-3pm in the MJPL Theatre for all ages. Guest Speakers: Naomi Hunter & Wild from 1-About Moose Jaw

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw Contact: 306-692-5453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw

Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE –Tuesday @ 1:30 pm - Please sign-in by 1pm

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pmEveryone welcome Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw. ca . The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm. Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-Thurs 8am-8pm and on Fri 8am-4pm

Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cinnamon Buns on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards daily 8a.m. – 4p.m.; Monday & Thursday evenings 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday & Thursday mornings @ 9a.m/ Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m./ Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m./ Weds pickleball @5pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

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

Thursday @9:30 am.; Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m.

Beginners is Monday @1pm; 500 Cards – Thursdays @ 1 p.m; Spades – Tuesday and Fridays 1pm ON HOLD

Full Body work out – Monday’s 10am

Scrabble – Monday’s at 1pm

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

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

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1

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cosmo@

: Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/Pickleball 3:45 Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pmFriendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pmFloor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/Art Drop In - 1:00pm/Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 12:00pm/ Hand/Foot Canasta - 1:30pm/Beginner Pickleball - 3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball - 6:30pm Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre AGM will be held on April 17th at 1pm. 1:00 pm. All proposed motions must be presented to the office administrator, 48 hours prior to the annual meeting, so they can be available in the meeting package. Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net Open Monday to Saturday, 12 pm to closing. Closed on Sundays and stat holidays.

Upcoming: March 20th Rib Night at the Crushed Can. Tickets are $25 each. We will also have a 50/50 draw. For tickets, please contact 306-692-4412.

Hiring part time bartenders. Please drop your resume off at 279 High St. W.

Every Saturday Meat Draws. Draws start at 4:30 pm with 10 meat draws, gift cards and 50/50. Everyone is welcome.

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 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

Derek McRitchie

(306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill

(306) 631-9966

Bill McLean

(306) 630-5409

Tanya Minchin

(306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol

(306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer

(306)684-4266

Nearly 150 friends and members of Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion packed the venue’s lounge recently to remember the good times at their building and say goodbye to “an old friend.”

Branch No. 59 held a farewell banquet to honour their nearly 100-year-old building at 258 High Street West, which they are leaving for 693 Fairford Street West because their current lease expires on May 1.

Veteran Alex Cameron, 87, joked that he attended the banquet only because he was hungry.

“As a member of this unit for 50 years, I thought I better make an appearance with my friends and say goodbye,” he said. “I got my 50-year pin (recently) … and I’ve (held) just about all the executive member (positions).”

Cameron arrived in Moose Jaw in the fall of 1974, several months after a big flood hit the community and filled the Legion building’s basement with

more than six feet of water.

The lounge had been repaired when he arrived, so there was little indication that water had damaged the venue. How ever, members had installed a plaque showing the water’s height.

Asked about his favourite memory, Cameron said he was thrilled to attend a national Legion curling championship in 1993 with three other members. He added that only two teammates are still living.

Doris Wilkinson joined with her husband 45 years ago and has enjoyed being a member. She noted that they vol unteered and curled regularly, usually

alongside the Camerons.

Attending the banquet was important for Norma Richardson since it was a “milestone event” for the building. She has been a Legion member for 30 years and enjoyed the camaraderie of others, while she realized after attending several provincial conventions that there was more to the organization than the bar.

“… I learned that the Legion advocates for veterans and the poppy fund. And I have been volunteering ever since,” she said, noting she has handled public relations on and off since 2012.

Dan MacAuley, past president from 1997 to 1998, has had great experiences

cation showed the community that the organization was serious about keeping its charter and serving veterans.

Amy Smith was one of 28 new people who joined recently; she became a member because she wanted to meet people after moving to Moose Jaw.

“I said I need something to do when I retire, (so) I found my retirement place to live,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming; Moose Jaw is the friendliest place I’ve ever lived. And I couldn’t be happier to be part of this wonderful

Smith added that she was excited to see the new Legion building and begin

Ron Walters stands next to a plaque

Legion basement in April 1974. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Veteran Alex Cameron humorously says goodbye to the legion’s building. Photo by Ron Walters

Public Library emphasizes intellectual freedom during Freedom to Read Week

The Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL) recently participated in Freedom to Read Week, an annual event that promotes intellectual freedom and raises awareness about censorship in literature.

The initiative encouraged readers to explore books that have been challenged or banned throughout history, and to reflect on the implications of restricted access to information.

As part of the observance, the MJPL set up a special display featuring a selection of challenged books. Gwen Fisher, head librarian at the public library, said the goal was to spark conversations about the importance of intellectual freedom.

“We just featured some books from our collection that have, over time, been challenged,” Fisher said. “We were just inviting patrons to notice… that books do get challenged, and we featured some of those items here in the library.”

Raising awareness about intellectual freedom

While some books are banned or

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

challenged due to controversial themes, Fisher emphasized that Freedom to Read Week serves as a reminder of the right to access diverse perspectives.

“We basically just want to bring awareness to Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom,” she said. “People’s capacity to form their own opinion and have access to a range of diverse opinions… is a really important element of our democracy.”

Fisher noted that intellectual freedom is frequently overlooked, making it essential for libraries to bring attention to the issue.

“Freedom to Read Week has been occurring for many years, and libraries always participate in order to help people remember something that is easy to take for granted,” she said.

Books that have faced challenges

Several books in the MJPL’s display have been the subject of past challenges. While Fisher did not select the books herself, she highlighted some notable

THIS WEEKS

FLYERS

titles that have faced censorship.

“George Orwell’s 1984 was one that comes to mind,” she said. “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz has been challenged. Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan was challenged in 1960. Over time, there have been a lot of different challenged items. The Golden Compass was challenged in 2007, (as were) The Handmaid’s Tale and even Harry Potter.”

Books can be challenged for a multitude of reasons, including political ideologies, religious perspectives, or concerns about content deemed inappropriate for certain audiences. Fisher noted that while libraries acknowledge these concerns, they work against censorship.

“Traditionally, we work against censorship,” she affirmed. “We might relocate an item, but we would never censor something. We work against censorship in general.”

She added that books are only considered for removal if they contain hate speech or criminal content. Otherwise, the library prioritizes the provision of a diverse range of materials to its patrons.

“When we start to censor each other, then we are limiting our capacity to make informed choices,” Fisher said.

“The library aims to not make informed choices for citizens; we invite citizens to make those choices for themselves.”

A community resource

Fisher explained that library collections are developed based on community interest, the available budget, and space limitations — not on censorship. If a book isn’t available at the MJPL, patrons can request it through the interlibrary loan program.

“We can’t buy every book, and that’s just because of our budget limitations,” she explained.

During Freedom to Read Week, the library’s display evolved as books were borrowed and returned, with the goal of increasing public awareness about intellectual freedom.

“What’s important to us is less about the content and more about the fact that… intellectual freedom is a right,” she said. “The library doesn’t endorse everything on our shelves… we’re not trying to dictate what people think or borrow; we just provide access.”

Fisher noted that the conversation about censorship extends beyond libraries and is relevant to journalists, publishers, and the media.

“Despite whatever opinion you have… we both provide access to information,” she said. “It’s a very valuable right that each individual holds in our democracy.”

For more information about Freedom to Read Week, visit FreedomToRead.ca.

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.

*Full Circulation means every home & paper should have this yer. If you are missing call us @306-694-1322. *Selected Areas means only selected areas were chosen by the business or agency (please call the business).

THANKS FOR READING

The Moose Jaw Express

A look inside the rotunda of the Moose Jaw Public Library. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Moose Jaw

Listing of Moose Jaw & Area properties and things for your home

WestHeath

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1301 Hochelaga St. W.

Located in Palliser Neighbourhood, this home has an inground Pool and space for indoor and outdoor living. This is a home to entertain in your friends and family all year long!

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918 Henry Street

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1103 Simpson Ave

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1073 2nd Ave.

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75 Brigham Road Beautiful 2 Storey Custom Built, with 1680 sqft. on 2 oors, with lower level partially nished. Steps to new super school. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, Mudroom, Bonus Room. Fully Fenced, Landscaped & parking pad ready to build your garage!

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1055 7th Ave. SW Gated Acreage in the City! This is truly a unique and rare property overlooking the valley. 2.36 Acres on city water. Fantastic opportunity, stately grounds, home w/2 Dbl. Att. Garages, PLUS 2 Additional Oversized Garages & Parking Pads. Location is Perfect!

This is beautifully maintained w/excellent family space. Several Updates in this 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Home situated on a large lot w/Oversized Garage!

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48 Brigham Road

NEW Construction comes fully nished including Dbl. Det. Heated Garage, Landscaping & Fence. 4 Beds, 3 Baths, Quartz Counters. Call For Details.

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MLS®# SK992757$769,000

320 Hochelaga St W.

NEWLY constructed bungalow is fully nished, move-in ready & located steps away from downtown & local amenities. 3 Beds, Den, O ce, Main Floor Laundry & even a Dbl. Det. Heated garage.

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3 Iron Bridge Terrace In Prestigious neighbourhood of NW area of Moose Jaw, this home is fully nished nestled on just under ½ acre of landscaped & fenced land. Enjoy 5 Beds/3 Baths, Flex spaced and room for your growing family!

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1022 Clifton Ave Welcome to Caldwell Manor. Stunning 2 ½ Storey Home! A home to love and has the space for any family! So many updates, with so many precious character features. A must see!

MLS®#SK996440$454,900