The Carillon - Volume 65, Issue 22 - April 6, 2023

the carillon

the staff editor-in-chief holly funk editor@carillonregina.com

business manager thomas czinkota business@carillonregina.com

production manager shae sackman production@carillonregina.com

advertising manager holden norrie ads@carillonregina.com communications mehrnoush bahramimehr comms@carillonregina.com

web manager jaedyn whittal web@carillonregina.com

multimedia/graphics editors multimedia@carillonregina.com safal gangwani graphics@carillonregina.com lee lim copy editor aurel dumont copyeditor@carillonregina.com

news editor gillian massie news@carillonregina.com

a&c editor wren gessner arts@carillonregina.com

s&h editor vacant sports@carillonregina.com

op-ed editor hammad ali op-ed@carillonregina.com

distribution manager sun sidhu distribution@carillonregina.com

staff writer amina salah

staff writer victoria baht

staff writer nazeemah noorally news writer josh king

a&c writer will bright s&h writer sophia stevens contributors

katlyn richardson

board of directors holly funk, thomas czinkota, will bright, hammad ali, shae sackman, and amina salah

the paper

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The Carillon welcomes contributions.

Opinions expressed in the pages of the Carillon are entirely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Carillon Newspaper Inc. Opinions expressed in advertisements appearing in the Carillon are those of the advertisers, and not necessarily of The Carillon Newspaper Inc. or its staff.

The Carillon is published no less than 11 times each semester during the fall and winter semesters and periodically throughout the summer. The Carillon is published by the Carillon Newspaper Inc., a non-profit organization.

land acknowledgement

The Carillon is written on Treaty 4 territory. As such, staff recognize that we are living, working, and telling stories on and of Indigenous lands. We recognize that we are on the traditional homelands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakota, Lakota, and Dakota peoples, along with the homeland of the Métis nation. The Carillon understands that it is pointless to acknowledge the land on which we work without demonstrating our commitment to telling stories and prioritizing voices that further the return of this land to its sacred place.

the manifesto

In keeping with our reckless, devil-may-care image, our office has absolutely no concrete information on the Carillon’s formative years readily available. What follows is the story that’s been passed down from editor to editor for over sixty years.

In the late 1950s, the University of Regina planned the construction of several new buildings on the campus grounds. One of these proposed buildlings was a beltower on the academic green. If you look out on the academic green today, the first thing you’ll notice is that it has absolutely nothing resembling a belltower.

The University never got a belltower, but what it did get was the Carillon, a newspaper that serves as a symbolic bell tower on campus, a loud and clear voice belonging to each and every student.

the people’s friend; the tyrant’s foe

The University of Regina Students’ Newspaper Since 1962

So far the 2023 themes appear to be an intense lack of funding everywhere you turn, growing crises as a result, and everyone involved (so, everyone) feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. Immense anxiety and anger abound which should be no surprise to anyone paying attention, so our staff and contributors have taken care in these pages to offer much needed public information and insight.

We’re always welcoming new contributors as well as pitch ideas for articles, so if you’d like to write on something or believe that we should make an effort to, please don’t hesitate to contact our editorial staff.

Illegitimi non carborundum.

funk

The university is experiencing a damaging deficit, and seeks to solve the issue by raising tuition and encouraging faculty to retire among other methods.

While students are welcome to apply to URSU for PEC funding, requests have been mishandled and student groups are voicing immense frustration.

In a continuation of their running series, Will Bright shares on the tools and approaches they use when making art digitally.

While B.C. receives funding and rolls out dozens of harm reduction services, Sask. continues to withhold funding despite citizens demonstrating the same need.

The Student Wellness Centre has been operating for months now. Read up on the services they provide right on campus and how they go about providing them.

Contributor Katlyn Richardson covers the pros and cons of shopping local compared with the option to order products online.

Tuition hikes and budget cuts expected

Money makes the university go round

josh king news writer

The provincial budget was released two weeks ago, and included no funding increases for universities in the province despite a year of rampant inflation. The University of Regina’s projections for the 2023-2024 year involve a 4 per cent tuition increase and a 5 per cent budget reduction.

Prior to the release of the budget, the university has had a number of difficult financial years. The pandemic brought financial difficulties to the university through decreasing enrollment, especially of international students. As a result, the University of Regina signed a memorandum of understanding with the Provincial government which agreed to keep funding the same between 2021-2022 to 2024-2025, so the lack of increase in funding from the province was expected.

While many at the university were anticipating no additional support from the province, Britt Hall, president of the University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA), a union representing faculty at the U of R and associated colleges, said she “hoped that they would recognize that a 0 per cent increase in times of inflationary pressures of upwards of 6 or 7 per cent is a 6 or 7 per cent cut.” The president of the U of R told Global News on March 22 “there has been some challenges [sic], but I am really pleased with the trajectory.”

The neighbouring University of Saskatchewan released a statement about the provincial budget, calling it “predictable, stable support,” which allows universities to “better plan and forecast.”

While the memorandum of understanding did not give any funding increases, it did give the U of R about $5.5 million in each of the first two years of the agreement to help with the university’s COVID recovery. Going into the third year, the funding will not be

versity’s operations forecast from July 2022. Comparatively, the Federal government is budgeted to provide $2.6 million to the operating fund.

The provincial budget also provides additional funding to the university for specific projects, such as funding for French language programs, building maintenance, and expanding the nursing program. The funding outside of operational funding is an additional approximately $8 million.

made in June of 2022.

Trent Wotherspoon, the New Democratic Party chair of public accounts in the legislative assembly, said that the government missed “A real opportunity with this budget.” Wotherspoon went on to say the budgetary decisions will have a “big impact on the University of Regina.” In the 2022-2023 budgetary year, the U of R had an unexpectedly high shortfall. Admissions unexpectedly dropped rather than grew, leaving the admissions revenue

upcoming year, as enrolments increase post-pandemic.

In a personal correspondence, the president’s office confirmed “international student enrolment is up 17 per cent this semester.” The office explained that this marks “an all-time high” of first-year international student enrollment.

In the 2021-2022 budget year, a base budget reduction of 3 per cent was enacted. Further spending decreases have also been considered due to several

Overall, provincial funding was just under 50 per cent of university revenue in the 2022-2023 year. This proportion has been on a steady decline since at least the 2009-2010 year when it was just over 60 per cent of university revenue. Subsequently, tuition revenue has filled most of that gap.

$9.4 million lower than expected, and operating costs were $3.4 million over projected revenue causing a surprise $12.8 million dollar deficit by December 2022 rather than the anticipated $3.4 million deficit. A budget discussion released by the university on December 7 called the situation

continued in this year’s budget. Based on the budget letter sent to the university, the U of R is set to receive $112 million in total operation funding from the province for the 2023-2024 year. Student tuition is forecast to generate about $109 million in revenue of operating income for the 20232024 year, according to the uni-

Saskatchewan is projected to run an approximately $1 billion surplus. While post-secondary funding has not increased, education funding in other areas has risen 6.2 per cent. In contrast, the U of R is expected to run an operating fund deficit of approximately $5 million in the 20232024 year, based on projections

“significantly worse than what was originally anticipated.”

To increase revenue, the university has “three initiatives that have been designed to increase international enrolments,” as stated in the operations forecast.

It also states that the U of R is expecting increased enrolment both domestic and foreign in the

years of deficits in the university budget. A letter sent to the units at the university on January 27 about the yearly budget said it is “clear that we must be ready for hard decisions in the development of the 2023-24 budget.”

The university’s letter also asked units to outline what the impacts

ince. While URFA is hoping to prevent budget cuts, Hall said “We don’t want to see these budgetary pressures be solved on the backs of students.” So, URFA is “calling on the provincial government to support the universities.” The March 16 presentation also seemed to settle on a 5 per cent base budget reduction, with anticipated further reduction of 3 per cent and 2 per cent in the next two years respectively. The potential losses of faculty positions due to decreasing budget is hoped to be achieved through attrition and early retirement.

Students are getting gouged by high tuition costs. Image: Illustration by Michaela Aguilar, manipulated by Lee Lim

The president of URFA also pointed to the possibility that “the number of sessional or contract instructors will likely decrease.” Hall went on to explain that this will have an effect on permanent staff, since it will “increase their workload.” Faculty attrition and retirement can also disproportionately affect smaller departments, who already have a small number of faculty.

of a 5-7 per cent decrease in their budgets would look like.

It isn’t just faculties losing money. A March 16 presentation by the university stated that there is an estimated 4 per cent increase in tuition costs for the 2023-2024 year, the maximum amount that tuition can be raised under their current agreement with the prov-

Hall said “one of the things that we’re hearing from some of our members in smaller departments is concerns about the viability of those small departments if we continue to be unable to refresh and bring people in.” Some small faculties, like the School of Journalism, are already down to two core faculty members. The president’s office said they “do not anticipate significant impact on program offerings or student services.” Though, Hall thinks budgetary cuts should concern students, because “our working conditions are your learning conditions.”

“We don’t want to see these budgetary pressures be solved on the backs of students.”

– Britt Hall, president of the University of Regina Faculty Association

PEC funding fiasco for students

URSU disorganization leaves student groups frustrated and flailing for funding

gillian massie news editor

Bailey Armstrong says the disorganization of the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) in trying to secure money through the Project, Event, and Conference Funding Procedure (PEC) funding applications has been “appalling.”

The President of the Regina Engineering Students’ Society (RESS) did not mince words. “Trying to get money from URSU is like pulling teeth,” said Armstrong. PEC are funds that can be applied for by anyone in the student membership that is in “good standings” with URSU, according to 3.1. Funding Eligibility in the PEC pack on the URSU

ing student groups were then unreasonably applied to RESS.

Ironing out this issue and distinguishing RESS as a separate group before continuing to follow the PEC application process was “concerning.” Armstrong said they were sent messages through an unofficial URSU communication channel for many of the answers they received.“We are frustrated with the lack of communication from URSU as a whole,” said Armstrong.

After submitting their PEC funding application, they did not get confirmation that the application had been received until less than 24 hours before they were invited to present to the URSU board of directors in a meeting to receive the funding requested. After scrambling to organize sched-

2022 until November 28, 2022. This was a month and a half later than in past years, and the last day for the refund being September 28, 2022. Armstrong said the only way they got the money was by approaching URSU for the money. The fact it had to go that far was “unacceptable.”

Bronwyn Heerspink, president of the University of Regina Politics and International Studies Students’ Association (UR POLIS), felt that she was in a “generally safe window” of time to receive funding for their event planned for January 20, 2023. “I felt like when we submitted it, we were confident we’ve given them enough time,” said Heerspink.

The PEC application sent from UR POLIS was submitted on November 18, 2022.

university community as judges, like very well-respected people aligned with this,” said Heerspink. “I feel really embarrassed on behalf of us that we have kept them in limbo for so long.”

When the PEC funding was finally ready for pickup, it was addressed to an individual member of UR POLIS instead of UR POLIS as an organization itself, and it was half the amount they had requested. At this point, Heerspink was fed up with the “disorganization” of URSU: “They’ve given us checks before; they have our information on file.”

Amidst budget cuts at the university, PEC funding is a lifeline for many student groups. Heerspink explained that they did receive $1,000 from their department in discretionary funds, but is

the URSU front desk are overwhelmed, and the desk itself is understaffed. Consequently, front desk staff are made to take responsibility instead of URSU leaders and staff members who oversee the approval of funds.

URSU stated at the 2023 AGM in March they had approved $60,000 in PEC funding to student groups.

Talha Akbar, general manager of URSU, explained he knew about the concerns on late PEC cheques landing in the hands of student groups. Akbar explained there was an issue in the final processing where he “wasn’t sure where final approvals were getting stuck.”

Akbar said they have fixed this issue, and that approvals for PEC funding are going much

website. Graduate students are ineligible for application.

After requesting forms for PEC applications on January 9 and receiving them nine days later on January 18, Armstrong said there was little to no instruction on how to fill them out. Another week later, Armstrong received

ules, Armstrong and her colleagues arrived at the place and time of the board meeting to find out that it had been cancelled. They received no indication the meeting would be cancelled.

“PEC is impossible to apply for,” reflected Armstrong. When RESS did present during a board

From there, a consistent game of back-and-forth with the URSU front desk followed. Members of UR POLIS approached the front desk to see if funding was approved or rejected. Sometimes they questioned whether the application had even been processed.

not hopeful that this will happen next year.

“That’s probably not going to happen next year because of U of R budget cuts ,” she said. “[If] we can’t rely on URSU to give us some money, how are we going to run things? How are we going to organize anything?”

smoother with a turnaround time of two weeks. Akbar said the PEC holdup was “frustrating” when he found out about it.

URSU has seen a larger increase in requests for PEC funding since classes have gone back to in-person delivery, according to Akbar. The processes and pol-

instructions on how to properly fill out forms, but was confused with another engineering student group on campus. A long line of confusion followed wherein URSU mistook each engineering student group as one combined group in the PEC application process. According to Armstrong, limitations on the other engineer-

meeting, they did not get their desired funding amount. Armstrong said she can understand how some PEC requests do not get approved, but money student groups are entitled to and did not receive is a “slap in the face.”

RESS did not receive student membership fee payment for spring/summer 2022 or fall

With no answers from URSU staff, the event was pushed back from January 20 until March 3.

Heerspink said it was a difficult conversation to explain to community members who were acting as judges in the UR POLIS event that they would have to postpone the event to a later date. “We have members of the

Heerspink said PEC funding was eventually sent as a cheque with the correct amount and made out to UR POLIS, but is frustrated the cheque in her hands took four months to process correctly.

Both Armstrong and Heerspink agree that many of the people who are working at

icies that surround PEC funding need “severe review” so the process can become more streamlined.

“It is a long process to get these things [PEC policies] reviewed,” claimed Akbar.

Debacle? More like PEC-bacle. Illustration: Lee Lim

“

[If] we can’t rely on URSU to give us some money, how are we going to run things? How are we going to organize anything?”

– Bronwyn Heerspink

Earth warming will have dire effects on Sask.

According to the United Nations (UN), the Earth is very likely to warm above the previous target of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

It was only in October of 2018 that a special report by the UN’s International Panel on Climate Change called on countries to take immediate action to keep global warming below 1.5C. At that time, the report stated that global warming was likely to cross the 1.5C threshold if emission “continues to increase at the current rate.”

By October of 2022, the UN Environmental Programme declared that there was “no credible pathway to 1.5C in place.” An increase above 1.5C breaks legally-binding promises by world leaders in the Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015.

Cameron Esler, a member of the Canadian environmental organization The David Suzuki Foundation, said that crossing the 1.5C threshold shows “Our governments aren’t taking the necessary action.” Despite this, Esler believes pathways to keep warming below 1.5C still exist, “We just need to start following them.”

The Regina Energy Transition Campus Club (RETCC) is a group here at the University of Regina which advocates for a sustainable transition in Regina, and also say they still “hold out hope for keeping temperatures below 1.5 degrees.”

According to the World Emissions Clock, a publicly available tracker of global greenhouse gas emissions set up by the UN, even if Canada fulfills all of its current

promises it will not meet its share of greenhouse gas reduction to keep warming below 1.5C. When ranked per capita, Canada is in the top few of the largest emitters in the world.

On a smaller scale, some other governmental agencies in Canada have been trying to do their part to transition to a sustainable economy. Esler pointed to the City of Regina’s Energy and Sustainability Framework as an example, though he warned that it needs to be “funded and implemented now.”

When asked about government policy, RETCC said the climate crisis is “rooted in systemic racial and social inequities.” So, RETCC advocates for “all decision-making levels” to adopt an “intersectional climate justice lens.”

On an international scale, some progress is being made as well. In February of this year, the Caribbean saw the first implementation of a new extreme weather warning program called Early Warning For All. The initiative was promised at November’s COP27, an UN-led climate change meeting between world leaders, as an adaptation to a changing climate which involves increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Dr. Amber Fletcher, an associate professor in the department of sociology & social studies at the University of Regina, said “Hazards tend to reveal the stark inequalities in our society.” One example she provided is “people with fewer financial resources

[class inequality] have a more difficult time recovering from a flood.”

According to estimates from the World Emissions Clock, the world is estimated to release over 58 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions. This is 11.5 gigatonnes above what we should be releasing this year if we want to stay below 1.5C of warming.

Esler said that, for Saskatchewan, climate change means “more seasonal flooding, more seasonal drought, and more extreme weather events.”

The RETCC called attention to how climate change will have inequitable impacts on Saskatchewan residents, such as “rural Indigenous communities” which face the “forefront” of climate change. In urban areas, “economic, social, and health disparities will also be exacerbated.”

Dr. Fletcher agrees that “culture and colonialism affect people’s experience of a disaster.” Fletcher points to the example of increased wildfires, saying they “disproportionately affect Indigenous communities here in Saskatchewan.”

RETCC also pointed to the emotional impact on some people who “feel overwhelmed” in the face of a changing climate. For those feeling overwhelmed, RETCC says it is important to have a “strong network and community” that can help people feel “engaged.”

TikToks of suffering Regina citizens taken down

evidence of the prevailing stigma toward houselessness, addiction, and human struggles in general.

CCTV footage of Regina citizens in the throes of personal crises has been set to popular music and turned into supposedly comedic Tiktoks, mocking the suffering in our community. Portraying something so heartbreaking as something funny and trivial demonstrates the ever-existing stigma surrounding addiction, but also the lack of access to proper services that continues to bring Regina down.

The footage, captured by security cameras at various commercial and residential locations in Regina’s downtown, became 11 videos posted to TikTok showing people slouched over, moving in strange ways, laying on the ground, and exhibiting other behaviour associated with houselessness or substance use. These videos show some of the harsh realities of life in our city. But, rather than the tone of seriousness that such a topic demands, these videos are set to the chorus of “I’m a Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears, or other viral TikTok sounds. These videos are

The 11 videos were removed following backlash from the community. The original poster of the videos, an anonymous tenant not affiliated with any business, told Global News they are remorseful and hope these videos can spread awareness of the reality of Regina’s houselessness and healthcare issues. Regardless of whether anyone finds the videos funny or not, “I think it does need to get brought to light that this is a very raw and real look at what’s going on in the city,” the poster said.

No matter their intention or effect, the poster of those TikToks and the comments made on similar videos seemed to use familiar vocabulary to express their dissatisfaction with the city, whether it be the lack of healthcare services or the out-of-touch administration; several of these videos used the hashtags ‘#experienceregina’ and ‘#seeyqr.’ The use of these hashtags signifies feelings of disapproval and embarrassment toward both the state of housing and healthcare in our city and its ineffective governance and public relations.

How much money lost in the Experience Regina rebrand could’ve gone to housing or harm reduction? Harm reduction sites in Regina rely on crowdfunding and donations; they receive little to no provincial funding. Currently, the City of Regina Catalyst Committee is voting on where to construct a “multi-purpose arena” in the Regina downtown area. The City of Regina is willing to spend likely millions in tax dollars to build a sport and concert arena in the same neighbourhood of the city where people don’t even have proper access to housing or addictions services.

In their apology, the original poster of the videos said “I’m sorry to anyone I hurt by posting the videos but hopefully it brings awareness to the crisis people are in downtown and we can start to change for the better.” While individual accountability is necessary, the addiction, the houselessness and hopelessness, and the abysmal health and living conditions shown in these videos cannot be remedied by citizens alone. When people ‘experience Regina,’ that shouldn’t mean experiencing humiliation instead of help.

Burn, baby burn.

Image: qimono via Pixabay manipulated by Lee Lim

josh king news writer

1.5 degree Celsius increase on Earth, and it’s only heating up

arts & culture

Learning digital art: tools and practice

Pick up a new hobby, and learn to do it right from the start

In the last several years, digital art has been on the rise. Lots of artists are switching from traditional mediums to learn digital skills. Starting digital art can be daunting. Sometimes it can feel like starting from the beginning of your art journey. Fret not, artists, I’m here to help you start on your journey to become a digital artist. Whether you’ve been doing traditional art for years, months, weeks, or you’re brand new to art, this article is here to help you.

If you watch lots of YouTube videos of digital artists, they normally use a Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet; it’s the big one with a huge screen. Non-screen tablets are better for beginners, and they aren’t nearly as pricey. My first tablet was the Wacom Intuos which cost around $90. As a beginner, I really loved this tablet. It was small so it was easy to carry around, there were four programmable buttons for me to change to my liking, and it came with a few free programs.

If you’re looking for more buttons and around the same price, I’d get the Huion H1060P. It has 12 buttons and is roughly the same size as the Wacom Intuos and a similar price at $80. If you’re looking for something cheaper, I’d check out the Gaomon S620. It has four buttons, like the Wacom, and costs $60.

The biggest learning curve with a no-screen tablet is the lack of screen. Using it requires good hand-eye coordination, because whenever your hand is holding the pen and tracing along the tablet, it’s going to show up on your computer screen. You have to look at whatever screen the tablet is connected to instead of the tablet. It takes some time getting

$10 on the App Store and it’s one of the best programs I’ve ever used for drawing. You pay the $10 fee once, and then you have the app forever, no more payments. It’s incredibly simple to use and it’s a great program.

My first program was Corel’s Painter Essentials, which came free with my Wacom but otherwise costs around $65. This was a great beginner program for me and is highly recommended for beginners. The brushes were simple to use, very organized, the hot-keys were easy to find and understand, and it allowed me to learn a lot about digital art.

If you’re looking for something free, I’ve heard great things about Krita, but I’ve never used it myself. It’s known as the best free art program out there.

If you want to drop a little something on a program not for beginners, I use Clip Studio Paint. I adore Clip Studio Paint. It’s very organized, not too difficult to understand, and has some great features. Photoshop is the industry standard, but I wouldn’t start with it. It’s expensive, has a steep learning curve, and it’s just not that good compared to options like ProCreate and Clip Studio.

Getting back to the tablet learning curve – once you have a tablet and a program, you can start drawing. But it’s not that simple. You’ll find that, as soon as you start using the program, your art doesn’t look like it usually does on paper. That’s okay, mine didn’t either. It’s going to feel strange not seeing your hands as you draw. Start with some warmups every time you use the tablet. Draw some shapes until your hands feel more comfortable with it. If you want to overcome the learning curve quickly, I recommend doing math or writing with the tablet. Learn to write words and letters first like you would on

going to get frustrated and want to give up – but don’t. If you’re a portrait artist like me, go to @ theheadshotbox or @andybrown. photography on Instagram. Both of these accounts are UK-based

what you’re comfortable with.

While we’re on the topic of references, start doing some studies – hair studies, eye studies, nose studies, body studies, any sort of study you want. Bring a picture

Who’s ready for a night out?

Illustration: Will Bright

new tablet and program. It also allows you to try out some of the new tools in your new program. It’s a stakes-free way to learn new things about drawing and digital art.

If you started art traditionally like I did, use that to help you with your digital art. Take a picture of your linework for a piece, upload it to your program, trace the linework on a new layer, and delete the original layer. Then, try some things out. This is a good way to learn how to colour, paint, and render in digital art.

used to this, but I got the hang of it in about a week and most people say the same.

The next most popular question is what program you should use to draw. There are lots of different art programs out there, and what works for one person might not work for you. If you already have an iPad, get ProCreate. It’s

paper. Once you get the hang of that, you can start drawing and it’ll feel easier than trying to draw right away.

In my other art articles, I’ve emphasized using references, and I’m going to again. If you’re a beginner trying out a medium for the first time, don’t draw from memory. Odds are you’re

headshot photographers, mainly for actors. It’s a gold mine of pictures of tons of different people with different angles, outfits, and faces. If you don’t want to start with any intense drawings of characters you know and love, try drawing some random people from these accounts. Get your feet wet by sketching people in different styles and ways until you find

of a person (head back to those Instagram pages if you want) into your drawing program and trace. When you’re making your art later on, avoid tracing – especially if you want to sell your art – but it’s okay now because you’re studying and learning. If you’re doing a hair study, trace out the hair from the reference. See how it feels to use that as a guideline with your

Lastly, be patient with yourself. Digital art can be really frustrating, especially when your art doesn’t look like you want it to. But you’ll learn. It’s just going to take some time, and you’ll grow. The art I made four years ago when I started digital art looks nothing like the art I make now. The art I made a month into digital art didn’t look like the art I made when I first started. The art I made last year doesn’t look like the art I make now. You’ll learn and you’ll grow the more you work on your digital art. Don’t give up. I believe in you. Happy drawing!

“You’ll find that, as soon as you start using the program, your art doesn’t look like it usually does on paper. That’s okay, mine didn’t either. It’s going to feel strange not seeing your hands as you draw. Start with some warm-ups every time you use the tablet.”

– Will Bright

SaskAbilities Paper Egg campaign

Learn how to help create accessibility in Saskatchewan

victoria baht staff writer

Founded in 1950, SaskAbilities is an organization that works to help and create communities that are inclusive for everyone of all abilities. They work to help people by providing and finding programs and services. The history of SaskAbilities is one to remember, and it will be discussed briefly here, but you can find more in-depth history on their website.

The story of SaskAbilities started in 1950, and their website claims that “families of children with cerebral palsy believed there could be better education, treatment and services for their children and others like them.” As the organization worked and the council moved forward, they became known as the Saskatchewan Abilities Council. Years later, the organization now works to offer individuals opportunities that they were not always given. They continue to strive for quality of life, diverse services, and experiences for people with disabilities.

Now that you know some history of SaskAbilities, let me explain why we are talking about SaskAbilities. SaskAbilties holds a fundraiser that takes place from March 13 to April 30 known as the Paper Egg (unstoppABLE) campaign. This is a fundraiser and campaign that takes place in participating businesses around Canada to help collect donations and make a positive difference in communities.

The Carillon spoke with Donna Mouflier who is the fundraising specialist for SaskAbilities at the Regina location. Mouflier helps people understand the history, its importance, and why this specific fundraiser is essential to the Regina community.

Based on what was discussed with Mouflier, the fundraiser was originally created by Easter Seals Canada. It is a Canadian-wide campaign that takes place in different provinces around Canada. It used to have significance correlating with Easter, although over the years it has shifted away and is now known as the Paper Egg campaign.

“Each spring our Easter Seal retail partners in cities and towns will encourage their customers to donate to Easter Seals at their store and checkout counters. In return for a donation, they will receive a paper egg to write their

name on it and that paper egg gets displayed in the store to again further promote this worthy cause.”

If you are looking to find a paper egg near you, you can find them at Smitty’s, Booster Juice, Northgate Mall, Victoria Square Mall, and other participating grocery stores and restaurants.

Let’s learn a bit about the his-

tory of the campaign, what you can look forward to, and how this benefits Regina and surrounding communities. In the past, the Paper Egg campaign used to play a highlight in the community for the Easter season, celebrating the holiday spirit and adding some colour to your grocery stores and local markets. In the past, the pa-

per eggs that you could buy for a charitable donation used to be very Easter-themed. You could buy an easter egg back in the day that was blank, and you got the chance to colour it in, make it your own, and add your own brightness to the community or the grocery store. It seemed like it could have been a real eye-open-

– Donna Mouflier

er for children, youth, and even adults just to do a quick craft and donate to a good cause. Over time, the Easter Seal campaign decided to take a turn in its campaign and the design itself a little bit. Now you can find eggs with pictures of children and youth who may be experiencing a disability. Ultimately, I think both are great ideas that are eye-catching, create awareness, and are a great way to add some brightness to the stores and something to look forward to in the spring.

So, we know what to look for in the stores and in the community, but how does this campaign work and how does it benefit the surrounding community you may be involved in? Well, the history of this campaign is quite powerful for youth who experience disabilities. Mouflier stated that “In normal we are raising between $20-25,000 through looking at past histories. This year, we are looking at raising over $30,000 dollars.” That is a high goal, but based on the history that has gone on in the past this campaign is successful, so they may yet meet this lofty goal.

When you donate toward this campaign, all funds remain in the province where you make the donation. “All of the donations that are made towards the Paper Egg Campaign remain in Saskatchewan and go towards our programs for the children and youth that are experiencing disabilities. The three programs are camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology.” As Mouflier explained, all the donations that you make in Saskatchewan stay inside of Saskatchewan, which seems like just an additional reason to be motivated to donate to a good cause.

As spring is here, it is getting brighter outside and the sun is coming out (or so we hope). It gives us that chance to recognize and look forward to summer fun for ourselves, when we get to spend time with our loved ones outside and create memories. Well, why not help others create memories? When you donate towards the Paper Egg Campaign, you can help raise funds for Camp Easter Seal and Summer Fun. You can donate and find out more information at saskabilities. ca. Thank you Mouflier for sitting down with us and teaching us about this amazing organization inside of Saskatchewan and some information on how to give back to the community.

“All of the donations that are made towards the Paper Egg Campaign remain in Saskatchewan and go towards our programs for the children and youth that are experiencing disabilities. The three programs are camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology.”

sports & health

Harm reduction: B.C. v. S.K.

Both provinces have an overdose crisis, but there are big differences in approaches to support

sophia stevens s&h writer

In the recent Saskatchewan budget, funding was not allotted for harm reduction sites. Prairie Harm Reduction provides supervised consumption sites to people who use drugs and may need support. The idea of this program is to meet people where they are at so that the most helpful support can be given directly to every individual who needs it. The purpose of these harm reduction sites is to build relationships with and safe spaces for people experiencing drug addiction.

This holistic approach can help lead to stability in a person’s life, getting them to a place where their addiction does not consume their daily life. Programs like Prairie Harm Reduction can also help connect people with employment opportunities to help rebuild their lives in new and meaningful ways.

Kayla DeMong, executive director of Prairie Harm Reduction, said in a CBC News interview that

“The provincial government has repeatedly rejected funding [requests] for the supervised consumption site.”

The province of Saskatchewan is not the only province trying to navigate funding for the implementation of harm re-

duction sites. The government of British Columbia is dealing with similar challenges in navigating a growing addiction crisis within their province. Although B.C. has a much larger population than Saskatchewan, it’s important to see how other provinces are han-

Student Wellness Centre recap

dling health crises such as overdoses and their prevention.

The Government of Canada recently announced that over $3 million would be sent to B.C. to address harms related to substance use. Akshay Kulkarni for CBC reported on March 11, 2023 that, since 2016, there have been more than 11,000 people in B.C. reported to have died due to drug-related overdoses. According to the B.C. coroner service, in 2022 there were 2,272 suspected deaths that occurred from toxic, unsafe drug supplies. 1,251 of these deaths occurred in private residences.

As of 2022, B.C. has implemented 44 harm reduction sites with 14 involving the Vancouver Coastal Health region. A ministry spokesperson told CBC that “in the latest budget, the province is investing $56 million over three years into services including new OPSes [Overdose Prevention Strategies] and prescribed safe supply.” Advocates for harm reduction sites in BC believe that the province needs to invest more in accessible overdose preven-

tion sites in order to address the underlying concerns associated with addiction. The province recently announced that more overdose prevention sites are coming, which will include safe inhalation spaces.

What does British Columbia’s approach say to Saskatchewan regarding the prevention of overdoses? It says that overdose prevention sites can be beneficial if used effectively, and that fewer people die from toxic drug supply and overdoses when these sites are funded properly.

B.C.’s approach shows that holistic implementation of harm reduction sites can be effective, but those benefits come at a literal cost. It also shows that the government of Saskatchewan needs to address concerns relating to overdoses and drug use through some form of meaningful action, whether through providing funding to organizations or establishing a government program that gives a holistic approach to the province’s persistent drug toxicity and overdose crises.

Touching base with the campus place for students’ healthcare needs

Have you been procrastinating on your visit to a medical clinic because of your busy study schedule or other priorities? The Student Wellness Centre at the U of R recognizes the value of prioritizing health and does what it can to operate as a one-stop-shop for students to access a range of healthcare services, counseling, wellness programs, and health education resources. Are students making optimal use of this free resource at their disposal?

Nurse practitioner Erin Wellsch noted that many students are unaware of the medical clinic available on campus. She also shared insights on how the Student Wellness Centre has evolved since it opened, where it could be headed for future development, and gives a general idea of the comprehensive care provided that addresses the diverse needs of students.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What are some of the most common health concerns that you see among university students at the clinic?

There is a lot of variety but lots of cough and flu, especially around mid-fall to winter [they] are more common, as well as kind of minor injuries and sprains especially when it’s really icy out. And then I also find lots of students coming for contraception counseling or sexually transmitted infection testing. [...] Kind

of what you would go to a community clinic for and see a nurse practitioner there, [that] is what we do here.

Do you primarily operate as an appointment-only service, or do you also offer walk-in appointments for students in need of immediate assistance?

Right now we prefer appointments, but we do offer sameday appointments. So, you see, if somebody walks in and needs to be seen urgently that day whether they hurt themselves or had a sprain, we would definitely see them at a set walk-in time. It just depends on the availability, but we do try our best to see urgent needs. It is also important to know that we are not an emergency room, so certain things may need to be referred out to higher-level care emergency rooms.

To date, what have been the responses of students to having an in-house wellness centre?

It’s been very positive. A lot of students do not realize that we actually have a clinic at the university on campus, so they are very happy to know that. It is sometimes very difficult to find health care services off campus because they [students] may not be familiar with Regina yet, or they are busy and they would like to have their healthcare [needs] met on campus.

How do you work with other health professionals at the university, such as counselors, to ensure that students from all backgrounds and identities receive comprehensive care?

I collaborate a lot with other professionals like the psychologist who has different expertise, and we can collaborate to provide the patients with the best care. We do operate with confidentiality. Within the student wellness centre itself, there are student mental

health services and student health services. [...] We have the student fill out a consent form, and then we provide collaborative care. What I have to offer and what the psychologist has to offer are different, but the main purpose is to help out the student. We have different expertise to offer, and it’s really nice to have that on campus.

Can you describe any new or innovative health programs or services that the clinic has introduced?

In the future we are hoping to do some initiatives around contraception and STI testing, and a whole lot more to offer on a regular basis.

What advice would you give to students who are nervous or unsure about accessing healthcare services at the university, and how can you help ease the uncertainties of someone during their appointment to make them feel comfortable?

We are a very welcoming environment and we understand that [there are] a lot of students from different backgrounds and different cultures who are away from home for the first time [who] may be a bit nervous to access health care. […] We just let them know that we are welcoming and culturally sensitive.

We take the time to listen and get to know the students. [...] We are here to help them the best we can and everybody is respected, just kind of how health care should be. Depending on what they are seeing me for, it’s kind of like a shared decision-making process, and with that we make an informed and shared decision. We work with the student to figure out what would be the best treatment plan for them based on their values and background.

Let’s make Saskatchewan the nalox-zone.

Photo:: Lee Lim

Photo: Holly Funk

The journey to March Madness

This year’s March Madness has left many people shocked and surprised, as many major upsets have occurred on both the men’s and women’s sides. Let’s break down the Final Four teams on both the men’s and women’s sides, and their unique journeys getting to the Final Four.

On the men’s side, all of the first to third-seeded teams were out, leaving the University of Connecticut as the highest-ranking seed left in the Final Four. The men’s Final Four consists of Florida Atlantic University, seeded ninth, playing San Diego State, seeded fifth, and the University of Miami, seeded fifth, playing the University of Connecticut, seeded fourth. This Final Four is definitely not what college basketball fans predicted.

In order for the Florida Atlantic University to make the Final Four, they had to beat some impressive teams. They started the first round of the tournament by beating the University of Memphis in a nail-biter that ended with a score of 66-65. The team would then go on to beat Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 7870 in the second round. Florida

Atlantic then beat the University of Tennessee in the Sweet Sixteen with a score of 62-55. In the Elite Eight, they would beat third-seed Kansas State in an upset with a score of 79-76.

Florida Atlantic are now headed into the Final Four as underdogs, and are set to play San Diego State. San Diego State has also delivered some upsets during this tournament. San Diego started by beating the College of Charleston 63-57. They then went on to demolish Furman by a score of 75-52 in the second round. During the Sweet Sixteen, San Diego delivered an upset by

Houston in the Sweet Sixteen with Miami beating the firstseed Houston 89-75. In the Elite Eight, Miami would go on to beat the University of Texas 88-81, clinching a Final Four spot.

Miami is set to take on the University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies in the Final Four. Both of these teams are closely ranked, therefore making it exceedingly difficult to make a prediction going into the game. The University of Connecticut began the tournament by beating Iona in the first round with a score of 87-63. In the second round, the team beat St. Mary’s with a score

seed Louisiana State University (LSU) vs first-seed Virginia Tech, and second-seed Iowa vs firstseed South Carolina. In the first round, LSU beat Hawaii 73-50 to advance to the second round where they beat Michigan 66-42. In the Sweet Sixteen, LSU beat Utah in a close game with a score of 66-63.

During the Elite Eight, LSU beat Miami with a score of 5442, which secured them a spot in the Final Four. Virginia began the tournament by beating Chattanooga 58-33 and South Dakota State 72-60 to move on the Sweet Sixteen. In the Sweet Sixteen,

by beating Norfolk State 72-40 and South Florida 76-45. In the Sweet Sixteen and then the Elite Eight, South Carolina beat UCLA 59-43 and Maryland 8675 to secure them a spot in the Final Four. South Carolina was a favourite for the game against Iowa as they are better seeded. Former United States president Barack Obama predicted in his bracket that South Carolina would win the whole tournament. Contrary to the predictions of many on March 31, in a thrilling game, Iowa beat first-seed South Carolina with an end score of 77-73. At the time of writing, Iowa and

beating first-seed University of Alabama with a score of 71-64. In the Elite Eight, San Diego just barely managed to beat Creighton with a score of 57-56. San Diego State are now favourites going into their game against Florida Atlantic University, so it will be interesting to see how they respond knowing that this time they are the favourites going into the game.

The University of Miami started the tournament by beating Drake 63-56. Miami then went on to demolish the University of Indiana 85-69 in the second round of the tournament. The team delivered an upset to

of 70-55. The team then went onto play Arkansas in the Sweet Sixteen, where they beat them 88-65. The University of Connecticut then demolished Gonzaga 82-54 to secure the Final Four spot. Although UConn and Miami are tightly ranked, UConn has continuously demolished their opponents in the lead up to the Final Four which potentially gives them the edge going into their game.

Unlike the men’s side where massive upsets have led to a unique Final Four, the women’s side has been relatively predictable. The Final Four on the women’s side consists of third-

they beat Tennessee 73-64, and then bested Ohio State 84-74. LSU would go on to beat Virginia Tech 79-72 in an upset.

Iowa began the tournament with a decisive win over Southeastern Louisiana with a 95-43 victory. The team then played Georgia, winning 74-66, and took on Colorado in the Sweet Sixteen where they won 87-77. In the Elite Eight, Iowa beat Louisville 97-83 to secure them a spot in the Final Four. Iowa’s opponent in the Final Four is South Carolina, who are seeded first in the tournament.

South Carolina started the first round of the tournament

LSU are set to compete for the national championship.

The implementation of March Madness brackets has been on the rise over the years, so much so that billionaire Warren Buffet has made a bet he’ll pay someone $1 billion if they create the perfect March Madness bracket. The perfect March Madness bracket is yet to be fulfilled considering the major upsets that tend to happen during the tournament. Will next year be your year to achieve the perfect March Madness bracket and help to support college basketball?

sophia stevens s&h writer

How each team in the Final Four brackets navigated their way to the top

It’s anybody’s game.

Illustration: stymeist via Pixabay and OpenClipart-Vectors via Pixabay, manipulated by Lee Lim

“

The implementation of March Madness brackets has been on the rise over the years, so much so that billionaire Warren Buffet has made a bet where he’ll pay someone $1 billion if they create the perfect March Madness bracket.”

– Sophia Stevens

Making the most of your summer

Summer is the perfect time to recharge, explore, and grow. As a student or recent graduate, you can optimize your summer by balancing work, internships, travel, and relaxation. This includes developing new skills, networking, staying motivated, and reflecting on your personal goals and mental health. Figuring out how to make the most of this time can be challenging, but with the right mindset and some planning, students can have a productive and fruitful summer.

Engaging in an internship or a job related to your field of study during the summer can be a game-changer for your career prospects. This can provide valuable experience, help you build a professional network, and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation. The key is to find an internship or job that aligns with your interests and career goals. Many organizations start recruiting for co-op and summer job positions months in advance, so it is important to start your search early. If you are a recent graduate, make sure to connect with your professors or alumni network as they can offer valuable advice and recommendations for your job search. While Regina and Saskatchewan offer many great job prospects, you can keep your options open and also consider job opportunities beyond. Many companies offer internship positions in other provinces, and this can certainly be an enriching experience, especially if you’re a travel enthusiast.

If you’re looking to explore new places and cultures during your summer break, traveling can be a great option too. Saskatchewan may not be the first choice on many people’s bucket lists for tourist destinations. However, it is certainly a hidden gem to explore if you’re seeking a respite from the fast-paced lifestyle of urban areas. Saskatchewan is rich in culture and history, with many museums such as the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Western Development Museum, and the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and its heritage sites that showcase the past. Saskatchewan is also home to some popular lakes, including Lake Diefenbaker, Wascana Lake, and Candle Lake among others which offer various recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping.

in check

British Columbia, the Banff and Jasper National Parks, the diverse wildlife, and the vibrant culture of Alberta is also worth exploring. If you’re a fan of music and festivals, Ontario is the place to be. Take a trip

a great way to broaden your horizons. As you delve into new hobbies or skills such as cooking, painting, or dancing, you can attest to a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. The feeling of learning and

one. A visit to Excalipurr Cat café, located at the heart of the city, is also a unique way to spend your time while volunteering in Regina. It’s not just a haven for the feline companions awaiting adoption to find their forever homes, but it’s also a cozy spot for you to relax, grab a coffee, and hang out with the adorable cats.

While making the most of your summer break is important, it’s equally essential to avoid burning out in the process. Striking a balance between enjoying yourself and planning your activities is key. Over-planning can often lead to stress and fatigue, so take the time to relax and recharge as well. One tip is to prioritize your activities and commitments. Make a list of what’s most important to you, and focus on it first. Schedule downtime for yourself, whether that’s spending time alone, with friends, or just having the courage to say no to activities and engagements that do not align with your priorities or add unnecessary stress to your life. After all, taking care of yourself is also essential to enjoying a fulfilling summer.

Practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and connecting with loved ones are effective ways to focus on your mental health during the summer. Whether it’s through regular exercise, meditation, spending quality time with your pet, or simply taking time off to do things you love, make sure to dedicate time to yourself each day. Try going on a walk without your phone and focus on the present moment and see how this increases your mindfulness, uplifts your mood, and reduces your anxiety and stress. Don’t be afraid to brave the odds and seek help when necessary to prioritize your emotional well-being.

To crown it all, summer is the perfect time to soak up the sun and create meaningful memories. Remember that the summer is like a popsicle – sweet, refreshing, and yet disappears too quickly. So, savor every moment and make it a summer to remember!

to Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Algonquin Provincial Park, Royal Ontario Museum, or even Canada’s Wonderland to level up your traveling experience.

Expand your summer experience by taking a step out of your comfort zone and exploring new opportunities. Attend a class

improving yourself can be such a rewarding experience, leaving you with pride and confidence. Not only will you gain a new skill, but you will also get to interact with new people who share your interests.

Volunteering is also a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and

As a student, you may also be interested in exploring other activities in other provinces. If you’re a fan of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, British Columbia offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The Rocky Mountains, Okanagan Valley, and the historic city of Victoria are must-sees for any nature enthusiast. Located just a few hours east of

or workshop to develop a new skill, volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about, or take on new challenges to try new things and create meaningful experiences. This is the time to break away from the routine and get that adrenaline rush by trying something different. It’s an opportune time to grow as an individual. Taking an elective class or attending a workshop can be

give back to society. The Regina Open Door Society (RODS), the Regina Food Bank, and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society are some stellar examples of non-profit organizations within the city where you can volunteer and make a positive impact on the lives of others. With a wide range of organizations and causes to choose from, there is something for every-

nazeemah noorally staff writer

The sun-soaked months will pass fast, so now’s the time to get your priorities

“Schedule downtime for yourself, whether that’s spending time alone, with friends, or just having the courage to say no to activities and engagements that do not align with your priorities or add unnecessary stress to your life.”

– Nazeemah Noorally

Summer fun in the city

There’s plenty to enjoy in the prairies

victoria baht staff writer

As it is now April, a great majority of students are preparing for finals as the winter semester comes to an end. What are your plans after the finals? Are you unsure what you should do for the spring/summer term? Have you had the same routine for a few years now? Are you looking for advice as a first-year student? Do you want to hear what other students do? Well, look no further. I am going to reflect on my spring/ summer terms over my years of university. I have been going to university for five years now and this will be my last spring/ summer term!

When it comes to the summer break, I have two major requirements for myself. I use the summer break as a time to work and gain money for my tuition, but also as a time to refresh and feel rejuvenated. As a personal reflection over my five years of post-secondary when it comes to summer, I have always spent the months of May to August working full time or close to full time. It gives me the time to work on my skills and get some funds towards my tuition for the upcoming school year.

Should you take a summer class while you are working full time? For me, taking a spring class and working almost full time was the perfect combination because it gave me the chance to work, cram out one more class and get closer to graduating, and it works out well, keeping in my mind that I usually only take four classes per semester, so getting that extra class in really helps me out! Typically, when I take a class, I take it

in the spring semester (May and June) and I take the summer (July and August) off just like in high school and elementary school. I use this time to work and refresh, take a break, and fully rejuvenate myself.

Taking a break is good and quite honestly is much needed for all of us. I

will share some of my personal favourite things to do in and around Regina. You can read this article now and come back to it in the summer for some great recreation ideas. Outdoor summer activities are my favourite go-tos when the sun is high and the weather is hot, such as going for a

To shop local or to pay Bezos...

nice walk, hike, paddle boarding, or kayak fishing on the lake. These are some activities that you can do on your own or with a friend. Saskatchewan has lots of lake that you can choose from. I personally have a passion for paddle boarding, and nothing is better than laying down in the middle of the lake and looking up at the sky in silence. It is truly breathtaking and forms some of my favourite moments and memories of summer. You should really try it out if you can.

If exploring the outdoors is not your thing, do not worry, I also have other suggestions. I love spending Saturday mornings at the farmer’s market and getting some personal goodies. It is a real treat, and honestly, you can just wander or you can look around and get yourself some nice fruit or homemade baked goods. After I have gathered some goodies, I love to go and get a new book. You can stop at the Regina Public Library downtown and find some good ones. Once you find what you are looking for, you can go to Wascana Lake and enjoy reading it by the water, or you can take the book home and read outside in the backyard. After reading a couple of chapters, I love making a good meal on the barbecue, because let’s be real, nothing is better than a nice grilled meal in the summer! You could also hit up an ice cream shop. Regina has plenty of ice cream shops in town that you can choose from. You can actually check my article from last summer to learn about all the different ice cream shops in Regina.

That is what my summer looks like in a nutshell!

There are many great reasons to support local shops, but finding what you need isn’t always simple

Over the last few years, with the influence of the pandemic, there has been a growing call to shop at locally-owned businesses. Regina has a variety of local businesses based on what your interests are, which is pretty incredible for a place this size. A local business owner is far more likely to give good service and quickly fix errors.

I have been trying to avoid Amazon shopping unless absolutely necessary (as in I need something, have checked a few stores, and then did not find what I need). As a plus-sized person, it’s honestly hard to get clothes that are actually affordable (not $60 per item). I often rely on sites to just have a decent wardrobe without breaking the bank. The only in-person place I have found that doesn’t cost a ton is Warehouse One and it’s an international chain, not a locally-owned business. While local clothes shopping may be a bit limited, there are a ton of other places here that meet a variety of interests.

One of my favourite places is Comic Readers. I have spent so much on Pokémon model kits lately, especially Eevee ones, even though I was there for something else. I got into Magic: The Gathering during the pandemic and Comic Readers is the best place to get cards during new set releases, since Walmart likes to jack the prices up $20 at a minimum. Also, during the pre-release period you can participate in events to play with others. The staff that work there are very welcoming to people just getting into a new hobby, which really helped me get started and meet new people.

Another local business I love is Excalipurr on Albert Street. Excalipurr is our local cat café where adoptable kitties can

Doing the right thing can be difficult when it risks breaking the bank.

find their ‘furrever home’ with the patrons. Every time I am there I find another cat I want. My mom also loves this place. An extra great part is the pay-it-forward board where people can buy drinks or coffees for those who may need it. Finding these connections are so integral in their success.

Amazon has killed many local businesses due to the simplicity of ordering from home. For someone with a disability, Amazon has become a way to quickly

get just about everything all within a few days with a very low chance that the needed supply is unobtainable. Because of this scenario, I have come to believe that, unless absolutely necessary to do otherwise, supporting local is the right thing to do. These business owners often try to give back to the community as much as they can. Buy your meats from local butchers, your bread from bakeries, and your hobby from local hobby stores. But do not go out of your

way to harm yourself if using large chains makes your life easier. Look out for yourself in a world that is growing more harmful because you deserve to enjoy things and be easier on yourself. Hopefully someday we’ll see an Amazon equivalent that lets you order local to your door.

A perfect spot to relax, maybe read. Just be careful about the geese.

Photo: Haydn Blackey via Flickr

Illustration: Clker-Free-Vector-Images via Pixabay, manipulated by Lee Lim