Vol. 105 No. 50
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Box 40, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0
email: tip@sasktel.net
24 pages
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Minister Ritz appointments Donahue to Farm Products Council of Canada A griculture
Minister Gerry Ritz announced December 3 the appointment of Chantelle Donahue of Biggar to the Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC). Donahue’s appointment to the Council is for a three-year term effective immediately. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Chantelle Donahue to the Farm Products Council of Canada,” said Ritz. “Ms. Donahue brings with her strong leadership skills which, together with her vast experience and knowledge of the agriculture sector, will undoubtedly be assets to the Council’s work.” Donahue is from Biggar where she is co-owner of family grain and oilseed farm. She is also VicePresident of Corporate Affairs for Cargill, Limited. Donahue currently sits on a number of agricultural councils and associations. She is presently Chair of the Canada Grains Council and the Western Grain Elevator Association
Management Committee. Committee, the steering She is also Cocommittee for Chair of the the Roundtable Agriculture for Sustainable and AgriFood Beef and a C a n a d a representative on G r a i n s the Agriculture Roundtable a n d A g r i - Fo o d a n d , Canada Beef Canadian Va l u e C h a i n Roundtable R o u n d Ta b l e . f o r Recently, she was Sustainable Chantelle Donahue Director for the C r o p s , Canadian Agria n d V i c e - C h a i r f o r Food Trade Alliance. the Barley Council of Donahue holds a Bachelor Canada. Donahue sits of Commerce (Cooperative on boards for Cereals P r o g r a m ) f r o m t h e Canada, Malting Industry University of Alberta. Association of Canada, T h e F P C C ’s r o l e i s the Canadian National to provide oversight of Millers Association, and t h e n a t i o n a l s u p p l y Ag-West Bio Inc. She management agencies for is also a member of the poultry and eggs, as well Canada Meat Council Beef as to supervise national
Vehicle thefts on the rise, RCMP warn Between January 1, 2012 and September 30, 2014 reported vehicle thefts in the Biggar, Battlefords, Unity, Cut Knife, Maidstone, Rosetown, Rosthern and Warman Detachment areas have exceeded $2 million in value. The bulk of these thefts
have been vehicles of significant value from rural properties, most often left unlocked with the keys in them. In some instances they may have been stored in quonset huts or other outbuildings, providing a false sense of security for the owners.
promotion and research agencies for farm products. The FPCC is responsible for administering two federal laws, the Farm Products Agencies Act (FPAA) and the Agricultural Products
Marketing Act (APMA). The FPCC is composed of between three and seven members who are appointed by the Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The Chairman is also the Deputy Head of the organization and the only full-time Council member.
Puck battles . . . Biggar Novice Nats battle for the puck against the visiting Unity, Sunday. The heated battle ended in the favour of the Nats by a commanding 13-8 score. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam) The thieves are ranging over a wide area, entering yard sites during the night and stealing vehicles,trailers and other equipment that is easily started or moved. On occasion they are breaking into outbuildings to do
Happy Jolly Santa Smile . . . When the man in the December 3. Students and staff had the opportunity to red suit shows up, smiles magically appear, and at St. bend Santa’s ear, and have a picture taken as he readies Gabriel School, smiling for Jolly St. Nicholas was a given, for the big day! (Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)
so, but for many of these vehicles, the theft could not happen without the keys being present, especially with newer vehicles and chipped key technology. On one recent occasion, a property owner discovered the thieves in the act and went out to confront them, nearly being run over by the vehicle being stolen, so police are strongly urging the public not to make any attempts to physically confront or stop would be thieves and risk harm to themselves. Police are also encouraging property owners to take proactive steps to secure their property by locking up vehicles and equipment, removing the ignition keys from them and the buildings they may be stored in entirely. Police also recommend the installation of motion detecting security lighting in yard sites and on outbuildings that store vehicles and equipment of value. There are also options available to install motion detecting driveway and yard alarms that alert residents to someone entering the property, more information on these options should be available
from various security and alarm companies. Should any property owner discover would-be thieves on their property, call 911 immediately and try to gather as much detail as possible on vehicle and suspect descriptions and direction of travel, should they depart before police response arrives. Since Jan. 1, 2012, the Battlefords Rural RCMP Detachment has had 385 complaints of stolen vehicles, trailers, ATVs and/or snowmobiles. In that same time frame, there has been 291 recovered, although not all the recovered property was originally stolen from the Battlefords Detachment area. Many of the vehicles being stolen are being recovered in the rural area south of the Battlefords, stripped of tires, suspension and drive-train parts. Police suspect the thieves are reselling these parts, some of which would have significant value, such as engines, transmissions, differentials et cetera. If you have information about this call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477).
2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
The Biggar Associated Gospel Church held their annual Christmas Banquet at the Community Hall, December 6. Featured entertainment, The Daae Family put the spirit of the season into all who attended - it’s a birthday, after all, and God, Jesus, Family were themes for this, a holy time for many, and wonderfully conveyed by the Daae’s. Hoping this time of the season isn’t ‘rush, rush, rush; spend, spend, spend’, but rather a time to reflect of blessings and faith. Merry Christmas and God Bless! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
Council Minutes highlights The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held November 18, at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Ray Sadler, Aldermen Ron Arnold, Jim Besse, Alan Boyle, Penny McCallum, Eugene Motruk, and Kirk Sherbino. Council resolved that the General Accounts Paid in the amount of $56,694.51 and the General Accounts Payable in the amount of $22,755.76, be approved. Council resolved that the request from No. 300 Fisher Squadron Air Cadets to use the
Biggar Airport for a model rocketry day on Saturday, November 22, be approved. Council resolved that the Town accept the return of two cemetery plots located in the south half of Block 13 Section 11 from Michel de Bussac for the amount of $200 which is the amount originally paid in November 1984. Council resolved that the request from the Biggar and District Daycare for a donation toward their Kids Corner on the night of the Festival of Lights, be accepted and further
that we donate $100. Council resolved that the request from the Diamond Lodge Replacement Partnership for the next instalment for the new Diamond Lodge, in the amount of $253,424.34, be approved for payment. Council resolved that correspondence from Catherine Cournoyer of the Heritage Conservation Parks Canada regarding the CN Station meeting to be held on December 1, be accepted. • Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Job creation in Saskatchewan continues to lead the nation Saskatchewan has the strongest rate of job creation in Canada, according to the latest labour force report released today by Statistics Canada. There were 15,300 more people working in Saskatchewan in November 2014 compared to the same month last year. That’s a growth rate of 2.8 per cent – more than three times the national rate of 0.9 per cent. Saskatchewan also posted the lowest unemployment in the county for the 24th consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was just 3.4 per cent in November – about half the national rate of 6.6
per cent. “Our economy has now had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for two consecutive years,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said. “These new jobs have been created in many different sectors, which means if one sector slows down a bit, other areas of the economy are there to continue creating jobs and driving growth.” There were 5,700 new jobs created in trade (wholesale and retail) in the past year, 4,900 new jobs in finance, insurance, real estate and leasing, 4,800 jobs in other services,
and 4,700 new jobs in forestry, mining, oil and gas. Construction also had 3,500 new jobs. “Some of these jobs are highly skilled positions that require people with specialized training,” Harrison said. “Through the Canada Job Grant, we will provide up to $10,000 to employers to train and further develop their workforce - creating even more opportunities in our province.” Other highlights: • Regina CMA unemployment rate was 3.1 per cent (seasonally adjusted), the lowest among CMAs, while Saskatoon CMA’s unemployment rate of 3.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted) was second
Jr Blazers host tourney . . . Biggar Central School Junior Blazer Jordy Leschinski looks to make a pass, December 6. Blazers hosted Unity, Outlook and Kindersley, posting one win and two losses. Unity eventually went on to the tournament win. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam) lowest. • There were 11,100 more full-time jobs and 4,100 part-time jobs created compared to last November. • Private sector
employment up 8,100 and
was self-
employment up 6,500 from November 2013.
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Pirates look for win . . . The Perdue Pirates hit the ice at home versus the Battleford Beaver Blues, December 5. Feisty play on the Pirates part didn’t
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Opinions ......................................................... 4 Agriculture .................................................... 7 Christmas Shopping Guide......................11 - 14 Classifieds ..............................................17 - 19 Business & Professional Directories ......19 - 21 Sports & Recreatin.........................................22
4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Enjoy the weather and the season As the weeks and days countdown more and more signs are pointing to December 25, Christmas Day. The schools will be holding their annual Christmas festivities - concerts and movies and class parties. This year BCS is having a family night called a Christmas Festival. It’s an intriguing and new idea to include everyone in the holiday season. Choirs and music students are busy preparing for their concerts with last minute practices so that everything is perfect for the audience. Then there is the Christmas shopping. There are always those that seem to be done in September. Really, that is just wrong. However, one customer told me that even though she gets done early, there is always something that catches her eye at this time of year and very often she buys it and includes it in the Christmas stocking. So, she still gets into the December and pre-season excitement. Some go away and some stay at home to celebrate. And, for the last few days the weather has been a treat. One fellow commented on the fact that it is not very often we have water dripping from the roof tops in December. What a change from last year. Make sure you enjoy it now as winter in Saskatchewan has a way of changing in an instant.
An imbalanced global economy awaits more aggressive reforms by Glen Hodgson, Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist, Forecasting and Analysis It is now six years after the 2008-09 global financial crisis and recession, and the global economy is still out of balance. Feeble growth and inadequate structural reform in key regions, such as the European Union and Japan, have combined with fading growth prospects in emerging markets, and there are plenty of geo-political risks. On the positive side, a solid U.S. private sector recovery that is no longer dependent of “monetary morphine” (or quantitative easing) provides an important cornerstone for the global economy. Sharply lower oil prices are also making consumers everywhere feel a bit better, unlocking cash that can be spent on other goods and services. All of this adds up to slightly better prospects in 2015, notably in North America, but the downside geo-political risks from Ukraine
to the Middle East need to be watched carefully. Let’s start with the struggling regions. The EU is again at risk of recession. Italy is already in recession, France is facing mediocre growth and the German recovery is being held back by the slowdown in its major trading partners. The UK is in better shape, but we think the consensus EU growth forecast of around 1.5 per cent in 2015 is too high. The European Central Bank is once again considering the prospect of quantitative easing to ensure that the euro-zone does not slide into deflation. Although the EU’s fiscal and debt crisis has been stabilized, fundamental problems remain with excessive public sector debt and an unstable financial sector. Some have asserted the EU’s growth problems are due to fiscal austerity, but we think the real issue is a failure to address serious underlying structural problems, notably rigid labour markets that inhibit
employment growth, especially for young people. Almost all EU countries need to undertake bold policy reform to foster an economic environment supportive of growth. In Japan, the Abe government has succeeded in ending two decades of deflation, but its policy agenda is incomplete. Sales tax increases in 2014 raised prices, but also pushed the economy back into recession. Prime Minister Abe has called an election in an effort to secure a clear mandate from voters to continue to implement structural reform. Whether he will get a strong mandate remains to be seen. While major emerging markets will continue to outperform most industrial countries in 2015, they are not the sharp cutting edge of the global recovery. Recent performance has slipped and more active economic reform will be needed if the growth momentum is to be recaptured.
China is the bright spot among the BRICs and seems capable of sustaining growth of seven per cent in 2015. In InP.H. dia and Mexico, reform-minded governments are engaging in serious talk about opening up key domestic markets and attracting foreign capital to underpin their growth ambitions. Other emerging markets, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Ghana, are growing at a healthy clip. However, Brazil’s recent election did little to clarify its commitment to a growth-oriented agenda. Russia, meanwhile, is facing a collapsing currency, massive capital flight and flirting with recession, due both to the cost of economic sanctions and its own internal policy failings. But there is also positive news in the 2015 outlook, largely from the United States. The U.S. private sector recovery is finally strong and sustainable, even as quantitative easing comes to an end. U.S. growth in the third quarter was just revised upward to an annualized rate of 3.9 per cent. Employment and consumer demand are in full recovery, with U.S. consumer confidence generally on the upswing since the spring. All of the data point to U.S. growth in excess of 3 per cent in 2015, which will help to tow along the economies of both Canada
and Mexico through stronger demand for exports. The other positive factor for global growth in 2015 is the 30 per cent drop in oil prices this fall and the related international trade story. While oil producers and their governments, including those in Canada, will feel a negative revenue impact, consumers globally can redirect their spending away from oil and toward other goods and services, which will help to re-energize the overall economy. Global trade volumes had already rebounded in the third quarter, growing by more than 8 per cent on an annualized basis, which bodes well for the coming year. All in all, the global economy in 2015 is expected to approach growth of 3.5 per cent, mildly better than the past three or four years. The star performers can be easily spotted, as can the laggards. Fortunately, the U.S. is the star performer with the ability to carry the rest of the world economy on its broad shoulders. Glen Hodgson brings 32 years of experience and a specialization in international economic and financial issues to the position of Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist of The Conference Board of Canada. Mr. Hodgson is responsible for overseeing the Board’s macro-economic outlook products, tourism, custom
economic research, and is the Board’s chief spokesperson on economic issues. He has published two books and over 225 articles and briefings. He has written extensively on Canadian tax reform and has co-authored a series on the economics of pro sports in Canada. Glen is leading a new Conference Board research initiative, the Canadian Alliance for Sustainable Health Care (CASHC), just as he led the creation of the Board’s Global Commerce Centre. Glen is a regular contributor to the Conference Board’s economics blogs and The Globe and Mail’s Economy Lab. Mr. Hodgson joined the Board in September 2004, after 10 years at Export Development Canada (EDC). He also spent a decade with the federal Department of Finance. From 1984 to 1988, Mr. Hodgson served at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C., as Advisor/Assistant to the Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean. Mr. Hodgson has a B.A. (Honours) in Economics from the University of Manitoba, a M.A. in Economics from McGill University, and pursued Ph.D. studies at McGill. He is the current president of the Ottawa Economics Association and coached youth sports for many years.
www.biggarindependent.ca
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Fax: 306-948-2133
Publications Mail Registrations No. 0008535 Published by THE INDEPENDENT PRINTERS LTD. and issued every Thursday at the office of publication, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 Publishers - Margaret and Daryl Hasein Editor - Kevin Brautigam Advertising Consultant - Urla Tyler Composition - Tom Larson
E-mail: tip@sasktel.net
P. O. Box 40 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0
COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5
There is an annual event held every year the end of November that is most pleasant to attend. It is the Festival of Trees which is a fundraising event. While I attend the one in Saskatoon, there are tree exhibits held in many cities and smaller communities across the country. For those who love Christmas and enjoy decorating this is a chance to get ideas as the decorators really get into the spirit showing off their skills. And the themes. Some choose a coloured theme. There are old fashioned themes and ultra modern. Some are dedicated to children
and some are just plain fun. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon. All this left me wondering when and how this tradition of decorating a tree began. Interestingly, it appears that the custom of decorating trees started in the seventh or eighth century when the monk, Saint Boniface, came to Germany. He brought a fir tree for the German people to decorate, claiming that the triangular shape of the tree represented the Holy Trinity. Germans decorated the trees with simple, white candles. It was during the fifteenth century that the tradition expanded. Trees were decorated
with roses which were associated with the Virgin Mary. Later a fir tree was brought indoors and decorated with paper roses, lighted candles, wafers, nuts and sweets. Thus began the custom of decorating indoor trees during Christmas. You could say tree decorating “took off” from there. Ornaments were only limited by imagination. Families put their own stamps on their trees by developing their own distinctive style. Eggshells, cookies and candies were used. About 1610 tinsel was introduced and hung on trees. At this time, tinsel was made of pure silver. Then the custom found
The December sale of petroleum and natural gas rights raised $18.3 million in revenue for the province, bringing final land sale revenues for the 2014 calendar year to $197.9 million. The average of $988 per hectare for land sales in 2014 ranks third highest all-time, behind the $1,461 per hectare averaged in 2008 and the $1,029 per hectare averaged in 2010. “Saskatchewan has worked hard to develop a positive investment climate for the oil and gas industry, so it was reassuring when the recently released Fraser Institute’s annual Global Petroleum
Survey once again ranked Saskatchewan as the number one place in Canada and third globally for oil and gas investment,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “Record drilling and impressive land sale revenues over the past few years suggest that industry is pleased with our policies and regulatory regime, and given that we are competing on a global level for investment, the Institute’s report is something we take very seriously.” The December sale saw the Weyburn-Estevan area receive the most bids with sales of $11.9 million. The Kindersley-
Kerrobert area was next at $4.5 million, followed by the Lloydminster area at $973,220 and the Swift Current area at $864,218. The highest price paid for a single parcel was $1.3 million. Ranger Land Services Ltd. acquired the 1,165hectare exploration licence north of Arcola. The highest price on a per-hectare basis was $9,319. Northend Resources Ltd. bid $603,404 for a 64.75hectare lease southeast of Estevan. The next sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights will be held on February 2, 2015.
December Land Sale brings 2014 total to $198 million
their way into England. As English nobility began to decorate trees in their homes the ornaments developed into glass beads, handsewn snowflakes, lace, and other objects. Overseas in the Americas, food items were used because that is what was available. Apples (and other fruits) and nuts were popular. Paper streamers were used. The traditional scene of a family stringing popcorn and cranberries together and hanging them on the tree speaks strongly to the tradition of the day. Germans were also busy developing ornaments and in the 1880s glass ornaments began to be manufactured on a mass scale. Little glass toys like molds of children, saints, famous people and animals flooded the market. Many of
Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
these ornaments were hand painted and became highly prized possessions. Hand blown decorations also appeared at this time. F. W. Woolworth imported these glass ornaments from Germany to America and they were a big hit. Today we can’t imagine a Christmas tree without ornaments. I know some young mothers start the tradition of putting an ornament in their children’s stocking every year until they leave
home when they place them on their own trees. Some families have ornaments that have been handed down over the generations. Yet others prefer to embrace the modern with their tree decorating choices.
WATCH for Doreen’s Discount Day at
Leslie’s Drugstore Biggar • 948-3397
Melissa Baldwin (Missy) on your LPN graduation and being honoured with the “Most Outstanding Student” Award! Good luck with your new job at Royal University Hospital and your future RN and NP plans! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad and the rest of the family!
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DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY with Supreme DJ Midnight lunch and bubbly! Now I lay me down . . . You can’t help but smile as kids perform at the Biggar Carol Festival. Christmas dreams and holiday cheer . . . the kids have it right! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
by Bob Mason
Headgear! The above title may seem a little mechanical while trying to describe the thousands of things that we wear on our heads! But the odd cartoonist points out that some politicians heads have real gears in them that don’t mesh too well! Hats, as we call them, have almost gone out of style though (as far as that goes, so has hair!), but styles are styles, eh? At one time, so many hats were being produced, that whole economies relied on animal pelts (beaver, racoon, et cetera) to make them! It’s not likely though, that many of the top-hats of the time were ever worn on the fur brigades! According to my encyclopaedia, all over
.
the planet, a person can find hundreds of – don’t be confused by this! - “headgear” being worn by our, excuse me Robert Burns, “World Companions”. All the way from Korean “Cages” to Yugoslavian “Pillboxes”, but it is a pretty sure thing that one never sees a person wearing a Safari Pith Helmet at Chesterfield Inlet! A few years ago, a form consisting of two arms, two legs, a body and a head hidden way back there in a fur-lined parka hood, walked up to me and said: “Hello Bob! I’m Jeannie! Remember me? We just got back from sunny California!” Heck, until she spoke Y.T. had no idea who she
was! He even thought that the frost on her chin was a two-week growth of beard! And then I wondered how many “I just got back from the sunny south” cheeks had been frozen before people dressed for our Saskatchewan weather! Oh, the environment sure has a lot to do with what we wear on our heads! One winter many years ago (far too many I feel!) a young fellow offered to go out in the hills and help me haul some grain to the elevator. But, like most young men of his generation he never wore a hat! There was a cold, strong west wind, and he spent most of his “helping” time huddled up to the leeward side of the grain bin. Oh, it was a nice gesture on his part alright – and I don’t think that he froze his ears, but he never worked up much of a sweat shovelling wheat, either! Somewhere away back there, it was decided by the military people to use that old Haberdashery maxim, “The clothes make the man!” Immediately making heroes out of the men who wore their uniforms. The
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hats were issued with those uniforms, didn’t compliment them very much, either. Most of the unmentionable names those hats were called are going to remain just that, “unmentionable”! Having, in his hesitant way, had a chance to stroll across some of the fields where that “glamourous” equipment ended up, and seen comrades lying there, Y.T. sometimes wonders if clothes really “make the man”! Mentioning hats and uniforms, when we went overseas during World War Two, every soldier on board the old “Aquitania” (12,000 of them) was issued with safari-type pith helmets, displaying, for any spies who happened to be around, that we were going to a warm climate somewhere. Sorry! After some time at sea we ended up at cold, cold Greenick, Scotland and spent the winter of 1944-45 in cold northwest Europe shivering much of the time, just fooling those spies completely, eh! The steel helmets we traded those tropical hats for weren’t that comfortable either! Have you ever seen a bald-headed woman? Any European woman who had brazenly collaborated with the occupation Nazis had their heads completely shaven, and when we met a woman wearing a hat of some kind we knew
that she was trying to cover up her baldness. Many of the SS troops had been issued with and were proud of their helmets with two distinguishing lighting strokes on the side, but when taken prisoner they often threw them aside rather than be associated with the SS (Waffen Shutzsaffel) terrible reputation. “On June 8th, 1944, the 12th SS (Hitler Jugend) murdered 19 members of the Winnipeg Rifle Regiment that they had taken prisoner!” Enough of this “war” stuff, eh? It was a great thing, I feel, when the people who first came west traded their eastern-style clothing for things more comfortable, no matter how bulky it looked! One doesn’t have to be an Eskimo to know that an “Arab” style robe isn’t worn in Pangnirtung, Canada! It would also be nice if every five-gallon hat wearing cowboy could throw and accurate lasso, and every steelhat wearing soldier was a hero, but sorry again, it just isn’t that way! Mebbe it should be, but it isn’t! One of the local Biggar farmers took an old binder-canvas apart, cut it up, and on an old sewing machine fashioned a few (what he called) “Bear Hills original” hats, one of which his wife and he presented to Y.T. over a
cup of coffee in our gazebo in Perdue. And it is one of Y.T.s most prized possessions – mebbe it isn’t near as elegant as my storebought Fedora used to be, but with it’s crude, ragged outseam, and faded blue ribbon attached by a rusty old safety pin, it is sure a reminder of another race of people . . . and another time! Thanks Jim! When we were just boys in the 1920’s and early 30’s, one of mother’s uncles (who had been in the “Yukon Gold Rush”, and wearing a big buad hat), came to visit us at Radisson. Being young inquisitive kids, of course we asked him why! He explained that the wide brim of that hat was made to catch more gold dust when some drunken miner started throwing it around! Years later, in a book by Robert Service, I read: “He twists the things from off his poke – and swings it ‘oer his head. The nuggets fall around their feet, like grain. The rattle over roof and wall, they scatter, roll and spread, The dust is like a shower of golden rain!” I wondered if he had read those lines too! A fellow could go on all evening telling about the things we wear on our heads, but on account of I’m getting tired of all this stuff, mebbe I’d better put on my “night cap”, eh?
Diamond Lodge News
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by Karen Kammer Hello everyone! It’s getting closer and closer to Christmas. We have been busy decorating the lodge for Christmas and it looks wonderful. Stop in anytime to check it out and visit with our residents. We would love to see you. Monday morning we exercised. In the afternoon we played Scattergories. Tuesday we caught up on current events and also enjoyed some cookies that a resident helped make. We played Wheel of Fortune after lunch. Wednesday morning
we did some baking with the residents. Later in the evening we had our monthly birthday celebration with Country II supplying the music. Everyone enjoyed it very much! Thank you to the St. Gabriel School students for supplying and helping with the lunch. You did fantastic! Thursday morning we had bible study and exercises. In the afternoon we played bingo. Landis CWL came to help and brought bingo prizes and goodies for the residents. We really appreciated your kindness. Thank you. Friday morning 10
residents enjoyed our breakfast club. They enjoyed it so much they wanted seconds. In the afternoon we sang along to a resident’s piano playing of Christmas carols. Saturday we played Home Sweet Home bingo. After lunch we watched a movie and enjoyed a bowl of popcorn. Sunday morning we played games and visited. Biggar United Church did our service this afternoon. Thank you for the lovely service. Wishing everybody a fabulous week ahead!
Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7
Bison bounding up for Sask producers
by Calvin Daniels
Canadian farmers have tried to diversify in a list of ways, both in terms of field crops, and livestock. Most have been largely unsuccessful, as those producers trying to make a dollar with emu, ostrich, fallow deer, lupins and seabuckthorn could attest. So it is always with more than a passing interest I follow the bison sector. The reason for my interest is because the sector has hung in through the years and has reached a point where, while still very much a niche, it is a
sector likely to stay. Like every sector in agriculture, bison farmers have seen their share of ups and downs. The issue though is with niche elements of farming, an extended downturn can literally kill the entire sector. Bison production though comes with some sizeable investment in pasture fencing and animal handling facilities, which I suspect has kept producers hanging on through downturns. The good news is the sector seems on an upward bounce at present.
At least that would be the indication of a report on the recent bison sale at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina. “Average prices were up over last year with twoyear-old bulls averaging $8,612 compared to $2,913 last year. Yearling bulls averaged $5,787, up from $2,150, and bred two-year-old females averaged $5,200 compared to $4,086,” reported the Western Producer. “Yearling female average prices more than doubled over last year to $3,242 from $1,543.” There is only one thing which gets producers paying more money for breeding stock, and that is optimism for at least the short term future of the sector. Optimism for farmers comes from good prices. Considering the beef sector is experiencing record high prices, it stands to reason bison producers would also be in line for good prices. The meat sector is
Sask Wheat agrees with government decision to extend railway volume requirements The Federal Government’s decision to extend minimum volume requirements for grain movement by rail comes as welcome news to the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat). Sask Wheat has been working with other farm organizations to ensure producers have a voice at a national level when it comes to issues in the transportation and grain handling system. “We are pleased to see the government’s continued pressure to adequate capacity in grain handling and grain transportation in Canada,” says Bill Gehl, Sask Wheat Board Chair. “However, capacity constraints still exist and better solutions are needed to ensure Saskatchewan wheat producers’ interests are protected and that customer demand is being met in all corridors.” Minimum volume requirements have helped improve timelines for west and east coast shipments from Canada.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced last week new requirements would be in effect until March 2015, and penalties will be issued for non-compliance. However, despite these improvements, Western grain producers are still facing significant challenges and consequential costs. According to a study commissioned by Sask Wheat, capacity shortfalls in the transportation and handling system cost Western grain producers an estimated $3.1 billion in 2013/14 and are on pace to cost an additional $2 billion in 2014/15. These losses are primarily due to an extraordinarily wide gap between export prices and the prices paid to producers, whenever export capacity is constrained. Currently the export basis is $40/tonne more than the historical cost o getting producers’ grain to export positions. If this continues through the remainder of the year it will be a tremendous economic loss for
Saskatchewan and for prairie grain producers. “When we start talking about losses in the billions, it is clear that grain producers are uniquely and significantly affected by these issues,” Gehl says. “We’re not asking for special treatment, just for fair and effective measures to be put in place, and we want to continue to work with the government to ensure Saskatchewan wheat producers’ concerns and interests are being heard at the national level.” Western Canada is estimated to have the second largest exportable supply of total grains and oilseeds in recent history in 2014/15. “Our producers are growing some of the best grain products in the world, and yet they are being charged an excess basis to ship their products to the markets that want them,” Gehl says. “We just want to ensure that we can efficiently get these products everywhere there’s demand for them.”
interrelated in terms of prices. There can only be so much spread between the various commodities before consumers switch what they take home for supper, so if beef prices are at all times high, all meats have to be trailing at least somewhat higher too. Terry Kremeniuk, executive director of the Canadian Bison
Association in the same Producer story, said the prices reflect producers’ optimism. “We’ve had pretty stable prices over the last three and four years, and I think that bodes well for the industry in attracting new people and additional capital,” he said after the 32 lots sold Nov. 25 for a total of $154,200.
Finished bulls are selling for about $4.55 a pound hot hanging weight, with females back 10 or 20 cents from that. It is good to see at least some diversification efforts made over the year for farmers have been successful for more than a blip in the annuals of farming.
Biggar Nationals Bantams vs Dinsmore Dynamos THURSDAY, DEC. 11 • 7:30 p.m. at Biggar Jubilee Stadium
GUARANTEED 50/50 of $500 …sponsored by the Biggar & District Credit Union.
Come out and show your suppport for our UNDEFEATED Bantam team! HOME Schedule… Thursday, Dec. 11 .............................. Dinsmore @ BIGGAR, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 .................................. Unity White @ BIGGAR, 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 .............................. Macklin @ Biggar in DODSLAND, 3:30 game Sunday, Jan. 11 ................................. Kindersley @ BIGGAR, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 ............................... Outlook @ BIGGAR, BMH Day, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 ................................. Unity Red @ BIGGAR, 2:30 p.m.
~ Playoffs to follow ~ 14122CP00
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
BCS Principal’s Report by Kim Fick The countdown to holidays is nearing an end, and as always our school is celebrating the season in many ways. For the first time this year, we are celebrating Christmas in our school with a focus on family activities, and the response from our families has been wonderful. Thursday, December 11 is our Christmas Festival, where our PreKindergarten to Grade 6 students will welcome
community and family members into the school with carol singing from 6:30-7:15, and following that our students and families are invited to participate in fun Christmas activities. The evening will end with a family tree lighting. There will be a silver collection, with money raised going to risers for various school performances. It should be a great festive evening! In my previous writeups I have shared areas
of our Engagement goal. The fourth area we are working on is ensuring that students, particularly those in Grades 7-12, feel that they have at least one teacher with whom they have a trusting relationship. Each year our students and parents are asked to complete a survey called “Tell Them From Me”. The student version of this provincial survey asks the students questions in a variety of areas, one of them being student engagement.
The results from last year showed that while many students identified one or more adults they felt connected with, there were some students in Grades 7-12 that didn’t have a bond with any specific teacher. Why is that important? Research has shown that students that feel a connectedness with a teacher will be more successful in school. This can be more difficult in high school than elementary, as in elementary the classes are with the same teacher for nearly the entire day, and in high school our students have several different
teachers. It makes sense that students will be happier and more successful when they feel comfortable, just as adults are in the workplace. To address this area of engagement, we were able to provide our Grade 7, 8 and 9 classes with more of a homeroom feel and have them with the same teacher as often as possible. Also, students were asked to choose three teachers that they would most like to spend time with, and based on their requirements were placed on a school team with a teacher supervisor and a mixture of students from Grades
7-12. Throughout the year, these multi-grade teams will work on team activities. The first was Christmas room decorating last week, and the students had a blast! This will be my last writeup for this year. 2014 has been a year of many challenges and successes for our school, and we look forward to the blessings 2015 will bring to us all. From the BCS 2000 staff and students, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a fun and safe holiday season with friends and family. See you in the New Year!
Gov’t wraps up Fall Session focused on keeping province strong
Someone out of tune? . . . A wee performer goes wide eyed during the recent Carol Festival at the Majestic Theatre. Maybe a little overwhelmed by being on the Majestic main stage, all the performers were very entertaining! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
/Cari Perih Residential Saleperson (306) 948-7995 Cari.Perih@HammondRealty.ca
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The fall session concluded December 8 with the government maintaining its focus on keeping the province strong. “I think the Premier said it best when he summed up Saskatchewan in one word: strong,” said Herb Cox, Caucus Whip. “For example, just this past Friday, StatsCan reported we saw over 15,000 new jobs created in Saskatchewan in over the previous year. “Saskatchewan’s job creation rate is three times the national average, our unemployment rate is 3.4 per cent, we just hit 24 straight months with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and our population continues to climb.” Cox added that this is in stark contrast to the bleak prospects for Saskatchewan’s people under the NDP. Some highlights of the fall session include: • Development of a 10year Mental Health and Addictions plan; • Opening of 79 new housing unit projects in
communities across the province as well as breaking ground on 13 more, totalling over 11,600 units developed and refurbished since 2007; • Opening of a long-term care home in Prince Albert and ground-breaking on another in Kelvington; • Proceeding with the Request for Proposals to build nine new joint-use schools across the province as well as a groundbreaking on the new K-12 school in Langenburg; • Confirmation of our province’s AAA credit rating by international rating agencies; • Balanced budget despite volatile oil prices with a projected surplus of over $70 million. “And thanks to growing economic strength, our government is able to make the investments that the NDP would not do,” Cox added. “We’re building new schools, we’re building new hospitals, we’re hiring doctors, nurses and health care workers, we’re building highways and physical
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TOWN
Biggar, Saskatchewan Revised Edition by
Duncan Rand Available at Biggar Museum & Gallery 105 - 3rd Ave. West, Biggar $35
infrastructure across the province.” Since 2007 under the Saskatchewan Party government: • There are 400 more doctors, 2,600 more nurses and 750 more people working in long-term care; • Surgical wait times have gone from the longest in Canada under the NDP to second shortest; • The government has invested over $6 billion in building hospitals, schools and highways. “We know there is much more work to do, and my colleagues and I are focused on the challenges that a growing province like ours faces, but I know the people of Saskatchewan are up to them and together we can tackle them,” Cox said. “We will continue to focus on getting results for Saskatchewan families, while the NDP remain mired in ideology. “They may have a different leader, but from everything we’ve seen, it’s the same old NDP,” Cox concluded.
WATCH for Doreen’s Discount Day
at
Leslie’s Drugstore
Biggar • 948-3397 Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9
The Majestic Theatre, Biggar DECEMBER
Í
Í
Friday, December 12 Saturday, December 13 8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14 2:00 matinee
“Book of Life” Genre: Animation
Rated: PG
For bookings and information please phone Bear Hills RDC @ 306-948-2295 This space is courtesy of The Biggar Independent
53. Summer precipitation 54. Ancient Roman boxing gloves 55. Silver Skates’ Brinker 58. Cobblestone
60. Policeman (French) 64. Pizza, apple or chiffon 65. Winglike structure 68. 37th state 69. Potato state
Solutions on Page 16
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 CLUES ACROSS 1. Hindu stratification 6. Least harm 12. Medical confinement 16. Silver 17. In a sick state 18. Belonging to me 19. 1/2 an em 20. “Makeover’s” Pennington 21. Take a seat 22. 1/10 meter (abbr.) 23. Atomic # 13 24. Fallow deer genus 26. Skin lesions 28. Charlie Parker’s sax 30. 31st state 31. Disparity 32. Poking stroke 34. Long time 35. Wm. the Conqueror grave 37. Hosts film festival 39. Mend 40. Gear teeth 41. Of cadmium 43. 1618 Reformed synod 44. Fringe-toed lizard 45. Where passengers ride drug 47. 1/60 hour (abbr.) 8. Saudi king to 2005 48. Initials of TV car9. Early word forms toon father 10. Yes in Spanish 50. Pack down 11. Ketchup veggies 52. ___ and feathered 12. Used to have (Scot54. Hyperbolic cosecant tish) 56. Operating system 13. Old Greek story(abbr.) teller 57. Atomic #99 14. Den 59. Crown owned Isle 15. Stockings 60. Santa __ trail 25. Scottish road sur61. Booze support group face 62. Footcandle 26. Diego, Francisco, 63. Retaliations Anselmo 66. Natural logarithm 27. Bodily cavity 67. Quality of useful29. Durations ness 31. About gene 70. Sitting position 33. “Footloose” actor 71. They turn litmus Kevin paper red 36. Supply weaponry 38. Neither CLUES DOWN 39. Capital of Syria 1. Brandy region of 41. Shortcut France 42. Feline 2. Equally 43. Have already done 3. Spittles 46. Rifle barrel cleaning 4. Very small tool 5. Ethiopia 47. High IQ group 6. Filled with sediment 49. Libra constellation 7. An antiviral AIDS 51. Perch genus
10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
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THE INDEPENDENT , BIGGAR, SK - 11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Draw Date‌ DECEMBER 19th
With each purchase at these participating merchants,
a $750 or a $500 or a $200 gift certificate to be redeemed at these participating merchants.
Put a genuine gift under the tree this year. We have everything from farm equipment, lawn and garden to toys and apparel!
12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Christmas Gift Giving Ideas…
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Galaxy Tab 3, 10.1” 16GB
SAVE $80, Reg. $399 …Now $319 Galaxy Tab 3, 7” 8GB
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Rothchild
¬Apple iPads and iPad Minis starting at $269
Gift Sets
SAMSUNG & LG TVs - 19” - 75” (Smart and not so smart!)
GREAT prices for Christmas, check in store! ¬Shaw Satellite Systems with 600 Receiver - $0
Net* With PVR Receiver - $49 Net*
Elle Jewellery Collection Receive a pair of Elle Solitaire Cubic Zirconia Earrings ($79 value) with any Elle purchase of $200 or more.
(*check in store for details)
Extended Shopping Hours: Thurs., Dec 11 & 18 • 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun., Dec., 21 • 12 noon - 5 p.m. Mon., Dec 22 & Tues., Dec 23 • 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
SAVE 15% on Keurig and Keurig 2.0 Coffee Brewers & Rivo Machines, starting at $69
‘Breville’ Kitchen Appliances Check out Bluetooth Speakers, Toques with Bluetooth Speakers… and other great accessories for your cell phones or iPods!
BIGGAR LEISURE (AVU)
217 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-2452
Open: Monday - Saturday…9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
216 Main Street • Biggar • 306- 948-2266 Store Hours… Tuesday - Saturday… 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Your Community Grocer! Main Street, Biggar • 306-948-3337
*Check out our weekly flyer for more great specials!!! STORE HOURS… MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8:30 A.M. - 7 P.M. SATURDAY, 8:30 A.M. - 6 P.M. SUNDAY, 12 NOON - 6 P.M.
Old Dutch Potato Chips
Dec. 12 & 13… check out 15%
… 3/$8
off selected items • Chocolates and ‘Planters’ Nuts,
BAGS OF NUTS,
walnuts, brazil, hazelnut, 300g-454g…$5.99
BAG OF MIXED NUTS, 800 g…$12.99
- ‘Pot of Gold’, ‘Turtles’, ‘Russell Stover’, ‘After Eights’ • Toffifee, 123 g…$2.49
‘Roughrider’ Swag - pewter & crystal Pins - Perfume & Cologne sets for men and women • Lottery Terminal • FREE Home Delivery • Test your Blood Pressure FREE • Customized Gift Baskets year round
• FREE gift wrapping
ENTER to WIN gift certificates!!
Leslie’s Drugstore 205 Main St., Biggar 306-948-3397
THE INDEPENDENT , BIGGAR, SK - 13
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Silhouette
Westwinds Motor Hotel ´([SHULHQFH WKH 'LŊ HUHQFHµ
Beverage Room with Cold Beer, Wine & Liquor Store
FRIDAY, Dec. 19
30% on the 1st item* 40% on the 2nd item* 50% on the 3rd item* Save an extra 10% on sale items* *check in store for details Our gift certificates fit everyone!!!
5 - 8 p.m. Drinks and Hors d’oeuvres LIVE Entertainment…
DOUBLE VISION
New Year’s Eve WED., DEC. 31
Live Entertainment… “Czar Bomba”
t Gif ng p p i wra le
• Midnight Champagne • Party Favours • Lunch
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216 Main Street • Biggar • 306-948-4855 Open… Tuesday - Saturday… 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
from our family to yours…
Merry Christmas Merry Christmas and to you and your All the from Best family in thefamilies New Year! our at
Battleford Furniture! Thanks for all the support in 2013 and we look forward to doing business with you again in 2014! … Chris Odishaw
RESERVATIONS Recommended 306-948-3301
Needing a night out but don’t want to drive… leave that to us!
FREE Shuttle Service, call 306-948-3301
Don’t Skimp on the Joy Wishing you more than enough happiness to go around this Christmas! …Anne Livingston
Biggar Weight Loss and Wellness Centre •Ideal Protein® Weight Loss Protocol •Slender You® exercise tables •Young Living Essential Oils •BeautiControl Cosmetics •Firma Energy Wear 317 Main St., Biggar (across from The Majestic Theatre)
306-948-7274 or 306-948-7682
HO-HO-Hope It’s Happy We’re all revved up to wish you a Merry Christmas powered by faith, family, friendship and joy.
Located at 192 - 24th Street West, Battleford - 2 Blocks north of the Post OfÀce in the Town of Battleford • Toll FREE 1-877-937-7474 • Local 306-937-7474 • Fax 306-937-7676 Check us out at www.battlefordfurniture.com
Big thanks to all of our valued customers for your trust and patronage.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!!
Chico’s Autoworks Richard Livingston
317 Main St., Biggar
306- 948-5077
14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Countdown to Christmas Thursday, Dec. 11
Friday, Dec. 12
Monday, Dec. 15
25% off
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Perfumes
Hickory Farm
All canvas prints
30% off
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Thursday, Dec. 18
25% off
25% off
20% off
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Jewellery
Christmas Candy
Friday, Dec. 19
Monday, Dec. 22
Tuesday, Dec 23
20% off
25% off
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All Gift Sets
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14 days to Christmas!
oinsettias Stock has arrived
Check us out on facebook!!! www.facebook.com/biggarpharmasave
L I V E
W E L L
W I T H
215 Main Street, Biggar • 306-948-3315 Hours… Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. FREE delivery Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Committed to the Community • Greg Pidwerbesky and Naomi Van Berkom
Designs by Ann 121 MAin St., Biggar •
306-948-3666
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15
Government introduces legislation to amend commercial vehicle seizures Commercial vehicle seizure amendments introduced today will strengthen the penalties for drivers while also making it less complicated for business owners to get commercial vehicles released in cases where the vehicle was seized due to the driving behaviour of the employee. Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance Don McMorris introduced the amendments to The Traffic Safety Act today in the Legislative Assembly. “These amendments provide stronger measures to help make our roads and highways safer,” McMorris said. The amendments will establish a three-day licence suspension for the driver of a commercial vehicle who commits certain high-risk driving offences. The driver’s licence suspension will apply in addition to the sevenday vehicle seizure for the following offences, when committed by an employee who is not the owner of a commercial vehicle: • cellphone use while driving (second offence within 12 months); • exceed speed limit by more than 50 km/r (first offence); • fail to stop for a peace officer (first offence); • exceed speed limit by more than double the speed (second offence within 12 months); and • driving without due care or reasonable consideration (third and subsequent offence within 12 months). The legislation is anticipated to be passed during the spring 2015 sitting of the Legislature. Supporting regulations are also being put in place to provide an appeal process for early release of a commercial vehicle, taxi or farm vehicle in cases where the vehicle was seized due to the driving behaviour of the employee. The following conditions must be met before the vehicle will be
WATCH for Doreen’s Discount Day at Leslie’s Drugstore Biggar • 948-3397
released: • the driver (employee) at the time of the offence is not the owner of the vehicle; • the owner can produce evidence that they have a written and communicated safety plan in place; and • the owner had obtained a driver’s abstract within
the previous 12 months for their employee. Regulation changes are expected to take effect early January 2015. The appeal will also trigger a National Safety Code compliance audit for the business. “We listened to concerns brought forward by businesses and have
consulted with numerous stakeholders to reach this decision,” McMorris said. “We believe these changes strike a fair balance between considering the business interests of commercial vehicle owners, and ensuring road safety by continuing to be tough on high-risk drivers.”
These changes will apply only to commercial vehicle seizures due to the driving behaviour of an employee. They will not apply to personaluse vehicles, for example when someone loans their vehicle to a friend or family member. In that situation, the usual grounds for appeal still
stand. To apply for early release of a commercial or personal vehicle, the vehicle owner – be it a business or individual – may purchase an appeal receipt from any motor licence issuer for $100 and call the Highway Traffic Board to book a telephone hearing.
14122MF00
16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Retail gas prices hit 4-year low Canadian average retail gas prices have hit a fouryear low and the trend to lower prices is likely to continue into the holiday season, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). “For many Canadians this week, the gas pump will be putting the smallest dent in their wallets in the last four years,” says Jeff Walker, CAA vice president of public affairs. “The sharp drop in prices of crude oil over the past couple months is
finally being reflected in Canadian retail prices.” Some city average retail prices have dropped as much as 5¢ per litre in the last week. Calgary dropped 5¢ per litre, while Vancouver and Toronto dropped 4¢ per litre since last wewek. Consumers can take advantage of CAA’s new Web site, getgasprices.ca that provides daily, weekly, monthly and yearly average prices for Canada, all provinces and over 110 cities. The CAA app
for mobile devices shows prices at over 11,000 individual gas stations across Canada, updated at least nine times a day. Getgasprices.ca lists today’s (December 4) national average at $1.09 per litre while Saskatchewan’s average price is $1.03. The two-day price trend features Saskatoon at $0.99 which makes this the lowest price in Saskatoon for the past month and also the lowest price in the past year. The local gas price for Re-
gina is $1.01, Prince Albert is $1.04, and Moose Jaw is $1.06. Check out getgasprices.ca for gas prices in Estevan, North Battleford, Swift Current, Weyburn, and Yorkton as well as other resourceful information. And CAA says lower prices should continue in the coming weeks. “The price of crude oil is still falling, which will add further momentum to already declining gas prices,” says Walker.
Government introduces legislation to create Teacher Regulatory Board Education Minister Don Morgan has introduced The Registered Teachers Act to establish the Saskatchewan Professional Teachers Regulatory Board (SPTRB). The board will be responsible for teacher certification and discipline in Saskatchewan. Currently, the Ministry of Education is responsible for certification. Discipline processes are administered by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF), the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents of Saskatchewan (LEADS) and the Ministry of Education. “This legislation is a
major step toward the creation of one professionally-led, self-regulated body for the teaching profession in Saskatchewan,” Morgan said. “The board will operate in the best interests of students, families, teachers and the public, and will be committed to the safety of all students and the integrity of all teachers.” The SPTRB will be governed by a nine-person board of directors which will be comprised of seven registered teachers and two members of the public. Once established, the board will oversee teacher certification and discipline related to misconduct or incompetence.
Government initiated this change to provide Saskatchewan teachers with the same authority and responsibility as other self-regulated professions in the province, resulting in a more transparent and clear process. “This is a uniquely Saskatchewan solution that strengthens the current system and safeguards the interests of students and the public,” STF Executive Director Gwen Dueck said. “The process of creating this new board has served to bring greater understanding of the need to continue and build on the longstanding, collaborative relationships within the
education sector in Saskatchewan. As partners in education, we have worked to maintain our shared responsibility for the broader system of teacher regulation.” In early 2015, the Ministry of Education, STF, LEADS, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, will establish an interim board of directors that will develop the bylaws and structure of the SPTRB. The SPRTB is expected to be in operation by fall 2015 and the interim board of directors in place by spring 2015.
Changes to Elections Act will make it easier to vote Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
I$ the taxman
calling?
At H&R Block, we’re open all year long to help: Q with tax advice Q amend a return Q interpret a letter from the CRA
Because when the CRA starts talking, it’s nice to have someone who speaks the language. 223 Main Street, Box 580 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 Phone: 306-948-2183 © H&R Block Canada, Inc. ƚ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŶŐ ŽĸĐĞƐ͘
Changes are now in effect that will make it easier for Saskatchewan people to vote in future provincial elections. The Election Amendment Act, 2014 was proclaimed Monday. “Everyone in Saskatchewan should have the
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Doreen’s Discount Day at Leslie’s Drugstore
Biggar • 948-3397
same opportunity to cast a ballot,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “The improvements that go into effect today will increase voter access, especially for those people who face personal obstacles when it comes to participating in the electoral process.” The amendments were developed in consultation with Elections Saskatchewan and the Official Opposition and were passed in the spring. “Changes reflected in the Act - including 11 recommendations put
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forward by my office are the result of a genuinely collaborative process,” Saskatchewan’s Chief Electoral Officer and head of Elections Saskatchewan Dr. Michael Boda said. “We are pleased to have worked closely with both government and opposition members to further reduce barriers for all voters in the province.” The amendments include new homebound voting provisions that allow voters with a disability to have election officials come to their home to take their vote. Saskatchewan is now
the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide special residence recognition to voters serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Active members from this province will retain their residency while serving elsewhere. Members coming to the province to serve here will immediately be able to vote in provincial elections. The new Act will also establish a permanent voter registry and remove the requirement for door-to-door enumeration. It will also remove restrictions on who can vote at advance polls.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 17
Employment Opportunity
Employment Opportunity
Check This Week’s Hottest Jobs
Employment Opportunity
Is your Corporation or Aboriginal Organization now hiring within Saskatchewan or Manitoba?
‘Almost Home’ Care Home is hiring care aides. Submit resume to Box 1135, Biggar, S0K 0M0, or drop off at 114 - 4th Ave. West, Biggar, or call Sandra @ 306-951-8300. 50c2
DEADLINE FOR
Advertise your logo and up to 3 job titles including location in 134 newspapers across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 950,000 in circulation, and run full job description on
www.firstnationsjobsonline.com for 35 days. All of this for $1062 plus g.s.t.
JANUARY 2ND PAPER WILL BE
DECEMBER 17TH
First Nations Jobs nline Contact Dan for more information 306 229 6774 or email: danbsully@sasktel.net
Obituaries
Memoriams
Loving Thomas L. Meszaros May 31, 1951 December 16, 2013
Tom Kelly
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August 24, 1931 - December 3, 2014 Tom Kelly passed away at the Diamond Lodge in Biggar, Sask. on December 3, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Tom was born in Biggar on August 24, 1931. Tom lived in Biggar his entire life, where along with his deceased wife, Wilma, owned and operated the Biggar Homestyle Motel and Restaurant for a number of years. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Greg along with his wife Alicia; and his daughter, Sharon along with her husband Jeremy, grandchildren Abigail and Brady; sisters, Margaret Brown and Jean Taylor; and brother, Joe Kelly. Tom was predeceasecd by his wife, Wilma Kelly; father, Tom Kelly; mother, Lottie Kelly; brothers, Pat Kelly and Martin Kelly; sister, Julia Kelly. Many thanks to the staff and caregivers at the Diamond Lodge for the excellent care Tom received over his last years. Interment of his remains is located at the Biggar Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Ave. West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. or Biggar Diamond Lodge, Box 340, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0 50c1
Fingerprints
“Not long ago God called you home, Our loss was Heaven’s gain, Though gone from sight, The fingerprints you left us still remain. The void you left no one can fill, Your loss too much to bear; But oh, what comfort now to find Your prints are everywhere! They show up unexpectedly In moments and in places… In sights and sounds, and scents; and even in the faces of those you touched with your warm heart and all your loving ways. These marks you left no flood can wash nor can time fade away. Though we miss you every day and we know we always will; you left us a legacy of love that lingers still. We’ll cling to precious memories in this time that we’re apart, And take comfort in your prints forever etched upon our hearts.”
…Dicksons
Until we meet again, lovingly remembered by wife, Karen; children and grandchildren, Chad, (Burgandy), Hayden, Lara; Kim, (Tyson), Chayce, Makayla; Jared, (Tamera), Koral; Michelle, (Mathew), Mya, Myles, Meeka; Joshua, (Sabrina) and Esmé.
Coming
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
18 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Memoriams HAWKINS, May: In loving memory who passed away December 14, 2005 “If roses grow in Heaven Lord please pick a bunch for us. Tell her we love and miss her and when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, we do it every day. But there’s an ache within our hearts because we are missing her today.” Lovingly remembered by your family 50p1
Cards of Thanks My sincere thanks to everyone for their support of kind words, flowers, food and encouragement after my recent surgery. It means so much to Murray and myself. Thanks again. Brenda Anderson 50p1
SUNDAYS in DECEMBER: Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans (PALs) will be worshipping at REDEEMER LUTHERAN Church at 10:30 a.m. except for December 14, when there will be a Service of Lessons and Carols with Christmas Pageant and a Santa visit after, starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Christmas Eve Service will be at Redeemer at 7:00 p.m. and Christmas Day at 10:30 a.m. For more information or pastoral services, phone Pastor Mark Kleiner at 306-9483731 or 306-9517122. 48/10tfn
SUNDAYS… You are invited to the weekly services of Biggar Associated Gospel Church, corner of 8th and Quebec Street @ 10:50 a.m. Worship will be at 10:50 a.m. Adult Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. The church office number is 306-948-3424, Terry Wicks, Pastor. 36tfn SATUR DAY, DECEMBER 13: Santa Day, presented by Royal Canadian Legion Biggar Branch, 1:30 p.m., Biggar Legion Hall. Come see Santa and get a treat! FREE movie at The Majestic Theatre, 2:30 p.m. 49c2
Final Bidding Day…
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 1 - 3 p.m.
“Christmas Magic Silent Auction” at the Biggar Museum & Gallery 105-3rd Ave. W. NOW OPEN for bidding, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. S U N D A Y , DECEMBER 14: 2:00 p.m. at the Biggar Associated Gospel Church, Prairie Notes presents “Sing a Christmas Carol” featuring a choral medley, ‘Christmas Time is Here’ with St. Gabriel School Glee Club and special guests, The Group. Adults, $10; kids under 12, $5. Everyone welcome. 48c3 S U N D A Y , DECEMBER 21: Our Lady of Fatima and Friends Parish Choir invites you to our “Spirit of Christmas Concert”, 2:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Landis. Desserts to follow. Silver Collection. In the spirit of giving, we will be donating proceeds to the church for new steps. 49p3
Wanted
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11: Biggar & District Arts Council presents… “ROBERT POST”, 7:30 p.m. at The Majestic Theatre,, Biggar. Adults/ Seniors, $25 (advance, $20); students, 13 and older, $15; children, 12 and under, $5. Advance and Season tickets available at de Moissac Jewellers, Biggar, 306-9482452. 48c6
Invitations SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13: You are invited by the family of Beth Young to a Come and Go Tea to celebrate her 85th Birthday from 2 - 4 p.m. at Biggar New Horizons.
Old battery collection, Fisher #300 Cadet Squadron. Drop off at the Biggar Landfill OR contact Quentin Sittler at 306-6582132 tfn Main Street Garage Sale is accepting donations of all items in clean and working condition. Please phone 306-948-1773 or 306-948-5393. Pickup available. tfn
Vehicles H E A T E D AU TOMOTIVE SHOP RENTAL! Do your own work, 4-post truck lift with roller jack, 7,000 lb. capacity. Hourly or Daily rates. Phone: 306-948-3670 or 306-948-4212. 44tfn
Tenders FOR SALE BY TENDER Tenders will be accepted on the following parcels of land located in the R.M. of Grandview No. 349, approximately 3 miles East and 1-1/2 miles North of Handel. NE-14-36-19-W3rd..................(pre-2013 municipal assessment - 58,900.00) SE-23-36-19-W3rd.................. (pre-2013 municipal assessment - 54,400.00) NW-13-36-19-W3rd................ (pre-2013 municipal assessment - 45,900.00) Tenders will be received by the undersigned on or before 12:00 o’clock noon on FRIDAY THE 19TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014 More information available upon request. Not necessarily the highest or any tender accepted.
NEIL LAW OFFICE Solicitor for Balzar Sperle Telephone: 306-228-2631 Fax: 306-228-4449 Email: neillawofÀce@sasktel.net P. O. Box 600 Unity, SK S0K 4L0
Land for Rent FARMLAND FOR CASH RENT in the R.M. of Marriott #317. NE-06-33-14, SE-0733-14, NW-08-33-14, SE-18-33-14, NE-0133-15. Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted. GST payable in addition to rent, if applicable. Prior cropping information available from owner, 306-882-3235. Offers may be emailed to dsfortin@xplornet. com, mailed to Box 1586, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0 or faxed to 306-882-3253. Closing date for offers, December 10, 2014. 47p3 Pasture land for rent in R.M. of Eagle Creek. Call for details. 306948-9186 22tfn
For Rent Charter/ Sherwood Apartments 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom Heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundr y facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwasher s, air conditioning, parking with plugins. For more information call: Karen/Kevin 948-9115 302 - 8th Ave. W. Biggar
Stop in to…
1st Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-2700
Houses for Rent Two and Threebedroom houses for rent. Close to downtown and school. Fridge and stove included. For viewing call 306-948-3674 or 306-948-9517 or 306948-7022. 50tfn
Services
If YOU are… • NEW to our communities of Biggar/Landis/Perdue • Have a new baby Call WELCOME
WAGON at 306-948-3837
Sheila Itterman We have gifts and information www. welcomewagon.ca
Biggar & District Arts Council are available for bar tending services at your f u n c t i o n s / eve n t s. Contact Denise at 306-948-2452. 40tfn
THE BIGGAR
INDEPENDENT on
NEWSSTANDS @
• Biggar Esso • Leslie’s Drugstore • Pharmasave • Quick Stop • Super A Foods • Shop Easy Foods • Weasie’s Gourmet Blends • Feudal Co-op, Perdue • The Store, Perdue
BOX 40, BIGGAR, SK S0K 0M0
Phone: 306-948-3344; Fax: 306-948-2133 Email: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca CLASSIFIED AD RATES Deadline - Monday at 5 p.m. 25 words or less ...... $13.00 per week over 25 words ...... 25¢/word If The Independent P.O. Box Number is used add $3.00 PLEASE READ YOUR AD -- Advertisers should read their advertisement the FIRST ISSUE it APPEARS and report any errors in time for the next insertion. The Independent is responsible subject to the conditions noted above, for ONLY the first incorrect insertion.
Obituaries, limit of 300 words, …without photo ..........................$65.00 …with black & white photo .....$70.00 …additional words, 25¢ per word “Happy” ads…Anniversary, Engagements, Birthday Greetings, etc. ................................................................$45.00 …with black & white photo ......$50.00 BOLD type ...................................$ 2.00 Italic type .......................................$ 2.00 Birth Announcements........$40.00 …with black & white photo ......$45.00 Administration Charges..............$ 5.00
CONDITIONS OF ADVERTISING ACCEPTANCE All advertising subject to publisher’s approval. It is agreed by The Independent and any advertiser using or requesting space that the publisher shall not be held liable for damages in event of non-insertion of or errors in advertisements. In excess of or beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by the non-insertion, or by that portion of the advertisement in which the error or non-insertion occurred whether such error or noninsertion is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise. All advertisers must assume responsibility for errors in any advertisement which is supplied to The Independent in handwritten form or given over the phone.
• ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE PREPAID •
NO REFUND on classifieds. Times to run must be stated at First Insertion. Enclose cheque, money order, Visa, MasterCard for your classified. Other Advertising Rates Available upon Request. The BIGGAR INDEPENDENT accepts advertisements in good faith. We advise that it is in your interest to investigate offers personally. Publication by this newspaper should not be taken as an endorsement of the product or service offered.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year Pick-Up/ONLINE…
$30 + $1.50 gst = $31.50
Inside 40-mile Radius…
$35 + $1.75 gst = $36.75
Outside 40-mile Radius…
$40 + $2 gst = $42
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 19
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.
Employment Opportunity Looking for a great career? Riverbend Coop in Outlook, SK is now hiring for a MEAT MANAGER. Experience required. Contact Dale or Shauna at (306) 867-8614 or by email - sforrister.rvrbnd@sasktel.net MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your workat-home career today! REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY, Experienced Vac Truck Operator with Class 1/3, clean abstract. To work in Macklin, SK area. Excellent wage & benefits. Fax resume 306-753-2268
ProvinceWide
Employment Employment Employment Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity Are you interested in using and navigating the revised federal
Temporary Foreign Worker Program?
ROADEX SERVICES requires O/O 3/4 tons, 1 tons and 3 tons for our RV division and O/O Semis and drivers for our RV and general freight deck division. Paid by direct deposit, benefits and company fuel cards. Border crossing required with valid passport and clean criminal record. 1-800-867-6233; www. roadexservices.com.
Trust CITRN to help you. Make the right connection today... Saskatchewan@chisca.ca Call + 1 (416) 466-3333 CITRN Canada Head Office: 500 Danforth Ave., Suite 309, Toronto, ON Canada LICENSED RECRUITERS UNDER GOVT OF SASKATCHEWAN © 2014 CITRN - CHIS Immigration Technical Resources Network
PO Box 46 Site 145 RR1 Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y1 Class 1 Drivers Required **$0.48/mile to start** **Paid Can/US border crossings** **Paid loading** **Paid unloading** **Benefits incl. vision, health, dental, disability** **Company matched pension** Contact Tyler P: 204.571.0187 ext. 5 F: 204.571.9363 E: theuchert@ renaissancetrans.ca
Caltex Resources Ltd. is seeking a Contract or Employee Production Operator in the Kerrobert Area - General understanding of oil and gas production operations, - Day-toDay management & reporting of single/ multi-well oil batteries, water gathering, injection system and atmospheric treating facilities, - Mechanical aptitude, desire to learn, ability to work as part of a team are the prime qualifications, - Individual requires a valid drivers licence, industry safety training/tickets. Also requires WCB and proof of insurance for contract positions. Caltex is an equal opportunity employer. Should you meet the qualifications and be interested in the position please forward your resume to careers@ caltexresources.com or via fax to 306-834-0025.
BE SEEN in the BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Required person to Cook and Clean for approx 10 man road construction camp; winter work with possibility of year round. Accommodations provided. Winter work is in south east part of Sask. Must have valid driver’s license; safe food handling ticket; and experience in a similar environment. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction, Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0 Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca
Auctions New Year’s Day Antique Auction Thursday, January 1st, 11:00am. Features: Beautiful Antique 1/4 cut Oak Furniture; special lamps and unique antiques. For info contact: Donogh Antiques 204-727-1088 website www.mrankinauctions. com Murray Rankin Auctions 204-534-7401 Killarney, MB. License 313936.
Business Opportunity GET FREE VENDING MACHINES Can Earn $100,000.00 + Per Year. All Cash-Retire in Just 3 Years. Protected Territories. Full Details CALL NOW 1-866-6686629 Website WWW. TCVEND.COM
Services Need A Loan? Own Property? Have Bad Credit?
CALL 306-948-3344
Services
Seed & Feed
MOBILE CUSTOM HEATED CANOLA GRAIN CLEANING. WANTED!! - GREEN CANOLA Avoid the spring rush cleaning for the winter - SPRING THRASHED months only. Contact - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS Jason Eiserman 306WANTED!! 662-7647 - BARLEY, OATS, WHT
For Sale PROVINCE -WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1400 for details. RURAL WATER TREATMENT. Patented iron filters, softeners, distillers, “Kontinuous Shock” Chlorinator, IronEater. Patented whole house reverse osmosis. Payment plan. 1-800-BIG-IRON (2444766); www.BigIronDrilling.com. View our 29 patented & patent pending inventions. Since 1957.
Livestock THE LLOYDMINSTER Exhibition Association’s 96th Annual Pride of the Prairies Bull Show and Sale. Featuring Halter and Pen Shows. March 8 - 9, 2015. Entries Close: January 6, 2015: www.lloydexh. com. 306-825-5571.
Seed & Feed Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM
Western Commodities
- LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!! HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252
Agriculture
Call GNG for massive year end herbicide sales: • Guaranteed best prices • All farmers welcome (no memberships) • Delivered to the yard • No deposit on containers • GNG dealers in most areas (new dealers welcome) Products: • Smoke – loaded glyphosate • Clever – one pass cleaver control • Foax – green foxtail and wild oats • Diquash – desiccant • Inject-N – full line of inoculants • Diesel fuel – 30,000+ litre min • 20+ new actives being developed
Agriculture GRAIN / FERTILIZER BINS -Factory Direct Pricing -Smooth Wall ––––––––––
www.westerncommodities.ca
www.biggarindependent.ca
1-800-746-6646 info@envirotank.com
For Sale STEEL BUILDINGS...” REALLY BIG SALE!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca STEEL BUILDINGS/ METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www. crownsteelbuildings.ca
Wanted WANTED: COLLECTOR PAYING TOP PRICES for old advertising dealership signs, plastic or metal. Service Station items, gasoline pumps, globes, oil cans. Red Indian, Dodge, Ford, etc. 306-221-5908, 306-369-2810
BIGGAR COURIER • Biggar to Saskatoon • Same day Service • Monday to Friday • 24-hour Answering Service
~Brian and Cathy Fick~
Cell: 306-948-7524
This space in this directory is available for only
$161.20 plus gst… one column x 2 inches for 26-week prepaid commitment (regular price is $20.16 per week = $524.16 plus gst)
Call 306-948-3344
306.237.7671 TROY MAY, owner/opertor Fax:306-237-.TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outÀts hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan
FAX SERVICE at The Independent
COURIER/HAULING
AUTOMOTIVE
Rockin D Trucking & Cattle
YH Truck, Ag & Auto
• Cattle hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer • round and large square bale hauling with step-deck or highboy semi-trailers • also buying and selling straw and forage • also machinery hauling Home • 306-948-2037 Alex • 306-948-7291 Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.
• Heavy truck parts • Agriculture parts • Automotive parts & accessories www.yhtruckagauto.com
Hwy 14 East, Biggar 306-948-2109
HAULS TO THE DUMP
LAND
TO RENT
PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. PREMIUM PRICES PAID WITH QUICK PAYMENT. RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca
Houses for Sale ORDER NOW! Before February price increase! BEST CANADIAN BUILT HOME BY MODULINE! BEST PRICE! Personalized Service 1520 sq. ft. Temora $99,900 1216 sq. ft. Oasis/Villa $79,900 960 sq. ft. Tuscan $69,900
AUTOMOTIVE
M & N REPAIR 701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar
306.948.3996 306.948.2700 Your Auto Parts and Accessories Dealer Open: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. • 8 a.m. - Noon.
Open Monday-Friday Mike Nahorney, Interprovincial Heavy Duty Journeyman Mechanic
Heavy Truck Repair SGI Safety Inspection Auto Repair TIRES
KRF Auto Centre 100% handwash Service Truck Full Mechanical Service Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. phone: George
306-948-3376
Ph/fax: 306-948-3856 or cell: 306-948-7896
after hours George: 948-4042
biggarindependent.ca
AVAILABLE
306-948-3344
Small moves and deliveries with ½ ton truck
J. G. Smith
FARM AND PASTURE
Weekend calls
1st Ave. West, Biggar
COURIER/HAULING
SUMMARY OF SOLD PROPERTIES Central - 206 1/4’s South - 75 1/4’s South East - 40 1/4’s South West - 65 1/4’s North - 6 1/4’s North East - 4 1/4’s North West - 12 1/4’s East - 51 1/4’s West - 49 1/4’s
~ Call Stan ~ 306-496-7538 1-888-699-9280 www.affordablehomesales.ca Yorkton
AUTOMOTIVE
COURIER/HAULING
FARMLAND WANTED NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS!
AGI Envirotank Biggar, SK
For all details please contact us at 306 477-4007 or info@gng.ag or visit our website at www.gng.ag
877-695-6461 Visit our website @
Land for Sale
Corner of Main Street & 1st Avenue West, Biggar
“Where we do it all for you!!” • Detailing • Vortex Spray-In Box Liners • Granitex Baked-on Coatings for Decks and Cement Flooring • Auto Accessories • Trailer Rentals Owned & operated by Kevin Fick
227 - 1st Ave. East, Biggar
306-948-1722
20 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Bear Hills Rural Development Corporation Box 327 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0
Licensed Journeyman Adrian de Haan
306-948-5291 PHILLIPS ELECTRIC • Residence • Commercial Wiring For free estimates Ph: 306-948-5393
HEALTH/WELLNESS
Michelle Spuzak,
Phone:
ELECTRICAL
Commercial and Industrial Electrical Wiring
PLUMBING & HEATING
Helping you Help yourself
306-948-2295 Fax: 306-948-5050
BIGGAR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION SERVICES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Goldburg Electric Ltd. • Residential • Commercial Contact Matt Craig
306-951-8004
ONLINE @
PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL
For all your home, business and rural needs Owners/Operators • Travis Young • Dallas Young • Claude Young
Biggar, Sask.
306-948-3389
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Services available…
• Shamanic Healing • Psychosomatic Therapy • Massage • Emotional Release Therapy
~ Gift Certificates ~ Evening, Saturday and in-home appointments available. 306-948-2548 or 948-9710
Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff
New Beginnings HEALTH/WELLNESS Wellness Centre
Biggar
Weight Loss & Wellness Centre
biggarindependent.ca
Cell: 306-221-6888
R.M.T. (NHPC member) Located @ New Beginnings Wellness Centre, 114 - 2nd Ave. W., BIGGAR
“Putting PERSONAL back into fitness training!” Wayne Baldwin, PFT, CPTA, CNHC
Specializing in Exclusive Seasonal Personal Training Sessions! …for weight loss, body sculpting, strength training.
Offering… One-on-One Rehab & Therapy Sessions
• ‘Ideal Protein’ Weight Loss • ‘Slender You’ Figure Salon Weight Loss Coach Anne G. Livingston 317 Main St., Biggar
306-948-7274
* Limited Memberships available to fully equipped Private Fitness Studio & Cardio Room Gift Certificates available
DENTAL
ACCOUNTING
DR. GLENN RIEKMAN Dentist
BIGGAR ACCOUNTING SERVICES
115 - 1st Avenue West 1 Rosetown, Sask.
OFFICE HOURS Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone:306.882.2123 Emergency (after hours) 306.882.2006
BIGGAR DENTAL CLINIC 104 - 6th Ave. East, Biggar, Sask. Southeast entrance of Nova Wood Bldg. Hours… Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Kirk Ewen Doctor of Optometry
BUSSE LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers & Solicitors
- together with -
Roofing
MADGE ROOFING INC. “Setting a Higher Standard” ¬New Construction ¬Re-roofs ¬Torch-on ¬Tile ¬Metal ¬Asphalt ¬All repairs ¬Shakes ¬Inspections We offer 10 Year Workmanship Warranty and Liability/Torch On Insurance Excellent Local References For a FREE estimate please call… 306-948-5453
Hair Salons Christina Prpick of
Mane Essence Hair Salon
• Taking appointments Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. (Saturday and evenings on request) Contact Christina @
306-948-2712 PHOTOGRAPHY
306-717-2818 www.madgesaskroofing.com Biggar, Sask.
This space in this directory is available for only $161.20 plus gst… one column x 2 inches for 26-week prepaid commitment
Photos by Jocelyn Portraits, Family, Weddings & Sports Photography Biggar, Sask.
www.photosbyjocelyn.com
306-948-2814
Fitness Centre Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss 30-minute Circuit Personal Training Fitness Classes
…owned and operated by Brett Barber
102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar
306.948.2208
Perdue Massage & Acupuncture Clinic Registered Massage Therapist (MTAS)
Phone or Text:
306321-4991 Website: www.perdue massageclinic.com www.facebook.com/ perduemassageclinic
(regular price is $20.16 per week = $524.16 plus gst)
Stuart A. Busse, QC Larry A. Kirk, LL.B. 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK
306-948-3346 …serving your community since 1972
Roe & Peszko is a full service law office that practices… ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾
Criminal Law Commercial Law Family Law Real Estate Law Wills and Estate Law and our lawyers, William Roe, Q.C. Jason Peszko Lisa Watson Sophie Ferré look forward to assisting you and can be contacted at:
306-948-5352 or 306-244-9865
223 Main Street Biggar Box 580 Biggar, SK SOK OMO
306-948-2183 Email: ddolack@sasktel.net Website: www.hrblock.ca
CAMPBELL ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460 rod.campbell@sasktel.net 122 Main St., Biggar, SK
INVESTMENTS In Biggar Every Tuesday. Biggar Professional Building, 223 Main Street, Biggar
For appointments… 1-855-651-3311
Financial Planning Estate Planning Life Insurance 222 Main Street 306 948 5377
info@twhfinancial.ca www.twhfinancial.ca
SMALL ADS WORK You’re reading this one!
INVESTMENTS For all your investment needs, Visit…
Dean McCallum, CFP, CIM, FCSI
Lyndsey Poole
Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.
Mutual Fund Investment Specialist, Wealth Consultant Credential Asset Management Inc.
Pamela Eaton Mutual Fund Investment Specialist Credential Asset Management Inc.
Place a CLASSIFIED by phone
Call 306-948-3344
Phone: 306-948-5133
• Bookkeeping • Tax Returns • Financial Statements
Phone… 306-948-2548
LEGAL SERVICES
P. O. Box 1480 Biggar, Sask.
OPTOMETRISTS
Where you can feel right at home! Cell… 306-948-8048
201B-2nd Ave. West
306-948-3408
Visit us @ 114- 2nd Ave. W., Biggar
Call Making Biggar Smaller!
Garry A. Faye Chartered Accountant Notary Public
For FAX service,
306-948-3344
see us at The Independent, 122 Main Street, Biggar
tip@sasktel.net
Located at the Biggar & District Credit Union 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK • 306-948-3352 Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc., and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. ®Credential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under license.
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THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 21
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
SERVICES
Your authorized
Panasonic, Samsung, ¾ Auto & Home Insurance ¾ Farm & Commercial Insurance ¾ Health & Travel Insurance ¾ Life Insurance & Investments ¾ Farm Succession & Estate Planning ¾ Notary Publics Landis Of¿ce Hours: Biggar Of¿ce Hours…
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
304 Main St., Biggar Phone: 306-948-2204 Toll Free: 1-855-948-2204 Website: www.biggarinsurance.ca Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca
100 - 2nd Ave. W., Landis Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044 Website: www.landisinsurance.ca Email: landis@landisinsurance.ca
“We’ll getcha covered”
Contact us for all your insurance and financial services 306-948-3926 …located in the Professional Building 223 Main St., Biggar
FOR RENT BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income
M & N RE-
REAL ESTATE
WARNING
SERVICES
INSURANCE
Call: 306-948-2101
LG, Frigidaire, Shaw, Yamaha Audio Dealer; and Your authorized
SaskTel Mobility and High Speed Internet Dealer
BIGGAR LEISURE CENTRE 216 Main St., Biggar
306-
948-3955
BUSINESS OWNERS… Do NOT call for Computer and Network Support without READING this… Not all computer consultants are CREATED EQUAL! The question is who can you TRUST! To HELP you select the right support company, download our FREE copy of Advisory Guide “19 Questions You Need to Ask” from www.burntorangesolutions.com/biggar We specialize in supporting Rural Businesses with 5-60 PCs with a 1-HOUR RESPONSE GUARANTEED. Projects completed on TIME and BUDGET-ALWAYS For new businesses with more than 5PCs, your first hour is FREE
Burnt Orange Solutions
MONARCH MEATS
Modern Licenced Abbatoir • custom slaughter, cut and wrapping • sausage making, curing and smoking
222 Main St., Biggar
1-866-664-5227
Rebel Landscaping 306-948-2879, evenings 306-948-7207, daytime Ed Kolenosky
• sides of Beef available
SEED CLEANING
Saskatoon - Biggar Office DUANE NEUFELDT 403 Main St., Biggar
Licensed For: • Residential • Acreage • Farm
306-948-8055 Fax: 306-948-2763 www.DuaneNeufeldt.com
Proud sponsor of Children’s Wish Foundation
306-948-3384
McNULTY’S MOBILE SEED CLEANING Custom Cleaning of H.R.S. & C.P. S. Wheat
Phone: 306-948-5678
Wylie Farms Ltd. SEED CLEANING
A Sign of
Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!
113 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar
For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning Call: Bill: Dale:
306-948-5052
306- 948-2807 or 948-5609 948-5394
Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, ¼ mile west on Triumph Rd.
HammondRealty.ca Tim Hammond Broker/Owner, BSA, P.Ag.
SERVICES
Jerry Muc Phone: 306-948-2958
t Delivery
Custom Embroidery
Cell 306-948-7995 SoldByCari.ca
Cari Perih Residential Salesperson
Moonlight Therapy Janet & Candice Moon Colour Energy Therapists …for info & appts
306-948-7682 or 306-948-7128
• photographs • paintings • art prints • memorabilia • collages, etc.
Judy Kahovec…
Call Anne @ 306-948-7274 greengables2@sasktel.net
Biggar Sand & Gravel rd
113 - 3 Ave. W., Biggar
306-948-5052 Cell 306-948-4478 HammondRealty.ca Dave Molberg BSA
of The Battlefords Independently Owned and Operated
FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS… • Selling/Buying • Residental • Farm/Acreage • Commercial • Recreational
Wally Lorenz Sales Associate 1391 - 100th St. North Battleford, SK S9A 0V9 Day or Night
Cell: 306.843.7898 Bus: 306.446.8800 znerol.w@sasktel.net Web site: www.remaxbattlefords.com
CertiÀed Custom Picture Framer
Teams, Corporate and Personal Attire 306-882-4313, cell 306-831-7935
• trenching • trucking • water & sewer • sand & gravel • excavating Office …
306-948-3312 sales@gvsigns.ca
Ask Abou
306-948-5699
Anne G. Livingston
306-948-5052
• Snow Removal • Fences •…and Laser Engraving • Promotional products much more (mugs, mousepad, etc)
“Your complete decal and signage shop”
• Wood, metal, plastic signs • Vehicle & window graphics • Banners, stickers and Magnetic signs
moonlighttherapy@hotmail.com
113 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar
• Topsoil • Lawn Care • Leveling • Sod • Patio Blocks
Qualilty!
Fax: Canadian Seed Institute Accredited Pedigree, Commercial & Custom Cleaning FULL line of Cleaning Equipment including Gravity Table
• Driveways • Concrete • Garage Pads • Pruning • Planting
HONEYBEE SEPTIC TANK SERVICE Bob Kobelsky
306-658-4474, Landis AGRICULTURE
306-948-5455 THUR-O CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Cliff Forsyth Box 736, Biggar
Phone: 306-948-5600
Email: tip@sasktel.net Box 40, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0
GAS STATIONS
Perdue 5-Star Service - Under NEW Management Esso Full Service Gas Bar & Restaurant 306-237-4363 Open: Monday-Sunday • 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Holidays: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Contact US for PROFESSIONAL Printing of OFFICE SUPPLIES, FORMS and SERVICES… ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Faxing Photocopies Rubber Stamps Envelopes Letterheads Business Cards Receipts Invoices Statements Flyers Resumes Posters Menus Programs and Booklets Phamphlets Christmas letters File Folders
; ; ; ; ; ;
Sticky Labels Address Labels Social Tickets Draw Tickets Calendars and Day Planners Presentations and more… Call us now for your FREE quote on all your printing needs. Phone:
306-948-3344
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
22 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
Report of the 29th Annual Big Buck Nite (Held December 6, 2014 in the Sonningdale Hall) This year was a very bad year for deer but there was over 170 in attendance and 26 heads were scored by Jim Wiebe. Typical White Tail Deer Big Buck: First – Lyle Antonenko, Biggar, 163 6/8; Second – Kody Lovenuk, Sonningdale, 158 4/8. Youth (16 and under): First – Nickolas Lesko, Hafford, 138 5/8; Second – Brandon Lesko, Hafford, 138
3/8. Good Old Boys (55 and over): First – Ron Danielson, Sonningdale, 136 0/8; Second – Stu Foreman, Saskatoon, 134 6/8. Ladies: First – Diane Coben, Tessier, 149 1/8; Second – Kristen Andreas, Biggar, 142 1/8. Non-Typical White Tail Deer Big Buck: First – Don Zimmer, Handel, 194 3/8; Second – Travis Doshocy, Richard, 163 3/8. Youth:
First – Tanner Buchko, Battleford, 160 1/8; Second – No Entry. Good Old Boy: First – Bill Schultz, Sonningdale, 154 3/8; Second – No Entry. Typical Mule Deer Big Buck: First – Dallyn Panchuk, Saskatoon, 172 5/8. Non-Typical Mule Deer Big Buck: First – Riley Tallis, Langham, 181 2/8.
Perdue Bowl
Bowling results for the week of December 1-5 Club 55: MHS – Peter Hofmiester, 213; LHS – Joey Levitt, 208; MHT – Dennis Notschke, 518; LHT – Joey Levitt, 548; THS – DJ’s, 1,109; THT – DJ’s, 3,205; MHA – Al Levitt, 175; LHA – Joey Levitt, 178. Ladies League: LHS
– Dorrie Laberswieler, 234; LHT – Dorrie Laberswieler, 643; THS – High Rollers, 1,085; THT – Other Frame, 3,160; LHA – Joey Levitt, 190. Mens League: MHS – Al Levitt, 212; MHT – Jim Nicholls, 553;
THS – JAG, 716; THT – W.W.F., 2,044; MHA – Al Levitt, 181. Youth Bowling: Ayden Moody, 69; Rylee Moody, 115; Kierra Moody, 77; Adam Munro, 176; Trystyn Wegwitz, 116.
SOUTH OF HWY 7 WEST,
Atom Nats sweep Delisle tournament . . . Biggar Atom Nationals were crown the top squad during a tournament in Delisle recently. The Nats won all three of their game: 10-2 versus Saskatoon, 8-0 versus Delisle, and 8-4 versus Unity in the final. (Photo for The Independent by Crystal Evanisky)
Biggar Bowl bowling scores (December 1-6) Monday Mixed League: MHS – Reg Horner, 280; WHS – Krista Remeshylo, 207; MHT – Reg Horner, 602; WHT – Krista Remeshylo, 565. Tuesday New Horizons: MHS – Glen Shockey, 257; WHS – June Hoppe, 228; MHT – Jack Eckart, 730; WHT – June Hoppe,
602. Thursday Senior’s League: MHS – Glen Shockey, 258; WHT – Dianna Meger, 203; MHT – Glen Shockey, 614; WHT – Dianna Meger, 489. Y.B.C. Thursday’s, Bowlasaurus: High Score – Dominic Raschke, 70.
Pee Wee: High Score – Alara Ormiston, 98; High Double – Alara Ormiston, 169. Bantam: High Score – Julian Heimbecker, 113; High Triple – Julian Heimbecker, 306. Juniors: High Score – Hailey Boobyer, 149; High Triple – Hailey Boobyer, 360.
ROSETOWN, SASK. 2012 Chev Silverado, 1-ton dually crew LTZ, gray, 48,000km, StkT15218 .... $52,900
2013 GMC Terrain AWD, white, 32,446km, StkT14444A
... $26,900
2004 Chev Avalanche 4x4, charcoal, 148,902km, StkT15244B........................................ $11,900 2006 Volkswagon Jetta TDT, 202,000km StkC1451A ..................................................... $ 9,900 2006 Hummer H3 AWD, white, 136,259km, StkR5130A ................................................ $11,900 2007 Yukon Denali, 6.2L, white, 174,500km, StkR5160 ................................................. $24,900 2007 Chev Silverado ½ ext 4x4, brown, 90,700km, SkT14597A ..................................... $19,900 2008 Cadillac Escalade, white, 162,952km, StkT15912A................................................. $31,900 2008 Chev ½ ton, reg cab 4x4, white, 97.925km, StkT15184A ....................................... SOLD $19,200 2008 GMC Yukon XL SLT, 4x4, silver, 172,834km, StkR5081A ..................................... $22,900 2008 Chev Equinox LT AWD, black, 135,296km, StkT14655B....................................... $13,500 2008 GMC ½ crew SLT, All Terrain, black, 103,374km, StkT14767A ............................ $22,994 2009 Chev Equinox LT AWD, gold, 120,736km, StkT15138A ........................................ $15,900 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4, gold, 90,500km, StkT14821B ........................... $18,900 2009 Ford F-150 Supercrew Platinum, silver, 147,737km, StkT14811A ......................... $25,900 2009 Chev Avalanche LS, 4x4, silver, 158,900km, StkT15270A ...................................... $16,900 2009 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat, white, 138,214km, StkT15191A ............................ $31,994 2009 Chev Suburban LT 4x4, white, 184,000km, StkT1561A......................................... $18,900 2010 GMC Terrain SLE2, gold, 95,700km, StkC1442B ................................................... $20,900 SOLD $19,900 2010 GMC ½ crew SLT, white diamond, 185,200km, StkT15254A ................................ 2011 GMC ½ cew SLE Z71, white diamond, 60,658km, StkT14835A ............................ $26,900 2011 Chev Silverado ¾ LTZ 4x4, silver, 102,238km, StkT15240A.................................. $42,900 SOLD $28,832 2011 Chev Silverado ½ LT 4x4, Z71, blue, 54,961km, Stk14838A ................................. 2011 Chev Silverado ½ crew LTZ, white diamond, 71,900kkm, StkT15293A ................. $28,500 2011 Buick Lacrosse CXL AWD, carbon black, 131,655km, StkC1511A......................... $18,900 2012 GMC Terrain SLT AWD, gray, 17,465km, StkT14839A ......................................... $33,955 2012 GMC Acadia AWD, gold, 62,325km, Stk15223A .................................................... $34,900 2012 Silverado ½ crew LTZ, white diamond, 63,347km, StkT14717A ........................... $33,272 2012 GMC ½ crew Denali, white diamond, 89,460km, StkR5145 .................................. $33,900 2013 Chev Silverado ½ crew LT, silver, 31,167km, StkT14804B .................................... $34,900
If we don’t have the vehicle you want, we will FIND one for YOU!
Rosetown Mainline Motor Products Hwy #7 West, Rosetown, Sask. Toll free:1-877-979-7999 or 306-882-2691 Dealer License #311284
Pee Wee Nats take home tourney . . . A proud and excited Biggar Pee Wee Nationals pose on home territory, Saturday, moments after taking the top spot at their home tournament. Nats won A side beating the Battleford Barons, a team that had their number a few short games before. (Photo for The Independent by Andrea Harabek)
Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 23
14122MC01
505 Hwy. 7 West, Rosetown, SK S0L 2V0 OPEN: Monday - Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CLOSED: Sundays
1.877.979.7999 www.rosetownmainline.net
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
24 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
WHITE BOND PAPER Packages of 500 ONLY $4.99 each, plus taxes
Negatives are not lost by Delta Fay Cruickshank, for the Biggar Museum and Gallery Ritchie Photo Studio operated in Biggar and Rosetown between 1968 and 1989. The business was then purchased by Clarence Remple of Rosetown and renamed Prairie Image Photo Studio. Rempel closed the
business in 1992. He stored the approximately 30 file boxes of negatives for nearly 10 years before donating them to the Rosetown Photography Club in March of 2001. The Photo Club spent three years renumbering and cataloguing the more than 7,000 envelopes which are stored in the Club’s darkroom in
Rosetown Wheatland Library. The Photo Club members are now contacting the people whose negatives are listed in the catalogue in order to return them in exchange for a donation to the club. In 2005, the Photo Club approached the Biggar Museum and Gallery for help in contacting the
customers of the Biggar studio. At the museum is a copy of the catalogue. If your family had professional photos taken by either of these photographers from 1969-1992 the negatives could be available for you now! That could be 45 years ago . . . everyone sure has changed since then!
8.5” x 11” 20 lb White Carton of 5000 sheets
$40.99, plus taxes
Available at . . .
The Biggar Independent 122 Main Street, Biggar 306-948-3344
NO LIMIT ON QUANTITIES
The Biggar and District Daycare would like to THANK the following sponsors who made our Kids Corner at the Festival of Lights a successful fundraisesr… Royal Canadian Legion AGI Envirotank Town of Biggar Hammond Realty Biggar & District Credit Union Shop Easy Foods Super A Foods Western Sales Royal Bank Pharmasave Sarah Peiffer Photography Lindsay Hooper, Scentsy Consultant Provincial Home Oxygen, Laverne and Robert Morden
We were young . . . once! . . . Left to Right, Front Row: Catherine Jean Anderson, Barbara Rose Hawes, Lucianne Marie Lavioe, Gail Diana Rauch, Anita Olive Walper, Darlene Helen Redlick, Lorna Lee Lawson, Carolyn Linda Lang, Barbara Kaye Willis. Second Row: Glenys Dawn Clements, Darlene Mary Kucherhan, Diana Carol Watson, Wendy Kay Halpin, Glenna Marie de Moissac, Dianne Shirley Boudy, Yvonne May Gregory, Bonnye Geogia Dupuis, Sanda Lee Cecilia Mackie, Shirley Margaret Mansfield, Brenda Ann Coupland. Third Row: Ross
We’re moving back inside!!! On Monday, December 15th we will be open for business inside the Credit Union building
Edward Holt, Wayne Nicholas Evanisky, Edward John Sharman, Barry Robert Poletz, Robert Edwin Scott, William Jacob Singer, Gerald Lawrence Schweder, Douglas Floyd Arthur, Jack Webster, Larry Steven Tavanetz, Robert Martin Schlosser. Fourth Row: Dennis William Back, Barry John Dick, Ernest Henry Hawkins, Donald Joseph Pedrotti, William Lloyd Fisher, William James Turtle, Douglas Keith Brown, Brian William Brownlee, Ronald Richard Sully, Jame Harley Angelopoulos, Wayne Francis Wiese, Ernest Dale Hoppe.
Deadline for ads and classifides for the January 2, 2015 issue is December 17 at 5:00 p.m.
S ANTA DAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 1:30 p.m. • Biggar Legion Hall
Thank you everyone for your patience throughout the renovations
Come see Santa and get a treat!!
FREE movie at The Majestic Theatre • 2:30 p.m.
O Come Let Us Adore Him
May this Holy Season show you the way to peace, happiness and contentment. Blessings and thanks to you, our customers and friends.
Thursday, December 11, 2014 Urla, Kevin, Tom Daryl and Peggy
2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Gift exchange dos and don’ts Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping. Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and
friendly for all involved. DO set a gift amount limit. Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out. DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift ap-
pear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points. DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song.
When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun. DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents. DO ensure your gift is unisex. Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will
appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts. DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to. DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the
Wishing You all the Peace, Joy and Love of the Season! Season’s Greetings! The holiday season is a Ɵme to gather with our friends and families to enjoy the blessings in our lives. It is also a Ɵme when we reŇect on the passing year, look ahead to the future and make goals for ourselves and our community. ReŇecƟng on the past year, it has once again proved to be excepƟonal with over 4.7 million dollars in new residenƟal and commercial development that began work in 2014. Included in this local development, the Town saw the opening of the 3-storey 24 unit senior complex Central Park Place and the Almost Home care home. Biggar is experiencing substanƟal growth in both the residenƟal and commercial sectors over the past few years and shows signs of conƟnued growth and prosperity in the future.
majority of the grab bag gifts. Keep your sense of humor and you’re likely to enjoy grab bags a lot more. DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can trace that gift back to you and may be offended. DO make sure everyone is aware that there will be a grab bag gift exchange, as there needs to be an equal number of gifts to participants so everyone gets a treat. Hosts may want to have a few extra wrapped gifts around just in case someone forgets to bring their contribution. Gift exchanges in the form of grab bags, auctions, swaps, and other games make for fun additions to holiday festivities. They also can be a part of any family or friends gathering to add excitement and entertainment to the occasion.
In 2014 over $1.5 million dollars was paid to replace infrastructure, some of which are projects such as pavement, sidewalks, replacing old water lines, new playground equipment, pump replacement at the sewer treatment plant and landĮll expansion. The Town will conƟnue to replace old infrastructure on an ongoing basis. The Town of Biggar would like to announce the creaƟon of an Economic Development Oĸcer posiƟon and with that we welcome Amanda Carruthers as our Economic Development Oĸcer. We would like to welcome to our team Trishia Mayor as our clerk typist and Ryan Keller, Brandon Klassen and Josh Edwards into Public Works. As long Ɵme employee Richard Olson has reƟred, we welcome Mark Haynes as the new Town Foreman. The Town wishes Richard a very happy and well deserved reƟrement. In 2014 we also welcomed back our senior NaƟonals Hockey Team. In collaboraƟon with local businesses, hockey fans packed our rink in late October to show the world that hockey is sƟll alive and once again thriving in Biggar. We are excited to let you know that our rink is busy with Įgure skaters as well as a full slate of hockey teams from Mighty Mites to the Senior Nats.
In 2015, we look forward to the opening of the new Diamond Lodge long term care facility along with the newly renovated Biggar and District Credit Union, the new addiƟon to the Westwinds motor hotel and a Home Hardware with their opening date to be in December. The Town also wants to acknowledge the businesses that have relocated such as Biggar Independent, New U Fitness, and the Biggar Weight Loss & Wellness Centre, and we wish them conƟnued success. As we embark into a New Year we hope each of you take the opportunity during the holiday season to relax and spend Ɵme with friends and family enjoying love and laughter. On behalf of the Council, AdministraƟon and staī, we wish you a Christmas that is full of contentment, happiness and love, and we wish one and all a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Christmas 2014…
Hope It Delivers! Wishing you all the trimmings of a very merry season We appreciate your loyal support.
TOWN OF BIGGAR COUNCIL, ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
Serving the community for over 15 years 212 Main St, Biggar Pizza Ray (aka Mayor Ray) and staff
948-4800
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
How to maintain workout routines during the holidays Between decking the halls, visiting family and attending holiday parties, it may seem like there is little time to maintain a workout routine during the holiday season. While the holiday season is an especially busy time of year, men and women who plan and stay dedicated to their routines do not need to let their health fall by the wayside until January. Several studies show that people can gain anywhere from one pound to a few pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although that might not seem like a lot of weight, a report in The New England Journal of Medicine noted that many people never lose the weight they put on during the holidays. Those who struggle to keep the weight off understand the importance of maintaining both a consistent fitness schedule and healthy eating habits. This may be challenging when the rich foods and parties synonymous with the holiday season are around to threaten healthy habits. Here’s how to stay on course. • Establish a regular exercise date. Treat exercise as any other obligation on the calendar. Make
it a necessity and not a luxury. Schedule time for workouts, even if it means removing something else from your agenda. • Don’t worry about the length of your workouts. If you’re accustomed to an hourlong workout but cannot fit in more than 20 minutes on some days, don’t skip the workout simply because it’s shorter. Make the most of that time by targeting larger, core muscles. • Change your schedule. You may need to alter your daily schedule to fit in gym workouts or other exercise. Try getting up earlier and heading out prior to work or school. This will open up time throughout the rest of your day, and you can use that time to meet the demands of the holiday season. • Get a trainer or a workout buddy. It’s far easier to blow off a workout when you go it alone. However, if you have a workout partner who is counting on you and vice versa, you may be less inclined to miss a workout - even when you’re not especially motivated to hit the gym. • Try new activities. Workouts need not be limited to exercises in the gym. Plenty of activities
work the body and burn ment. While cleaning up calories. Sledding, ice for holiday company, turn skating, skiing, and snow- on the radio and get your boarding are just a few heart pumping, too. Do leg winter sports that can raises while you’re prehelp you stay in shape. paring meals or do some • Choose a hotel with pushups off of the kitchen a pool or gym. If holiday counter. travel is on your itiner• Use your bodyweight. ary, select a hotel that has Even if you can’t make it fitness equipment. This to the gym, rely on your way you can keep up with own body resistance for your routine. Even swim- a thorough workout. ming a few laps in an in- Pushups, squats, burpees, door pool can provide a mountain climbers, jumpcardiovascular workout ing rope, and lunges are while you’re on vacation. some exercises that rely Remember, it only takes a on bodyweight for effectwo-week break from ex- tiveness. ercise to experience a fit• Periodically exercise ness regression, and you during the day. If you will only have to work have a few free moments harder to get back to your here and there during the current fitness level if you day, use these opportunilet exercise slide too long. ties to exercise. By the • Add short, high-in- end of the day, you may tensity exercises. Burn find you squeezed in an more calories in less time entire workout’s worth of with high-intensity work- exercise over the course outs. This way you won’t of several 10-minute inneed to schedule as much tervals. time for workouts but will Exercise and fitness do THE COUNTRY still get the benefit of ex-CLIPPER not have to play second ercise. fiddle to other holiday GROOMING & BOARDING • Transform chores activities. Make time for into exercise opportuni- workouts, and you will be ties. See that vacuum ahead of the game come cleaner, rake or broom as the new year. a piece of exercise equipProfessional Grade Pr Aroma & Colour Therapy Products Energy Therapy • Colour Co • Chakra Healing • Anti-aging facial Massage •B Biopulsar Diagnosis • Independent Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3
FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS We’d like to extend our warm wishes and gratitude to all our kind neighbours this holiday season. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure serving you.
McNulty’s Mobile Seed Wayne, Dorothy, Kenneth and Megan
306-948-5678
The Lord is come: let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing. – Joy to the World God bless you and your family this holiday season. Thanks for your support this past year, and we’re looking forward to serving you in the New Year
Biggar Flower & Gift Shop Ed and Evonne • 948-2616
0221 /,*+7 7+(5$3< Janet Moon, Candice Moon, Colour Therapists
For Information and Appointments…
306-948-7682 or 306-948-7128 Daily exercise need not fall by the wayside during the hectic holiday season.
TOP IT OFF with Cheer! WITH WARM WISHES AND
HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING YOU THIS YEAR!
y Kerryy and everyone y Troy, at…
Biggar’s Residential Professional. Acres of Expertise.
Biggar Hammond Realty would like to thank Cari Perih for her outstanding performance in Biggar’s residential real estate market. Cari’s expertise, knowledge, and work ethic have helped her achieve a personal record in 2014. Her professionalism and dedication to her clients is truly inspiring. Congratulations Cari on achieving such amazing results! We are honored to have you as part of the team and appreciate you as much as your clients do. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Cari Perih Cari.Perih@HammondRealty.ca
306-237-7671
SoldbyCari.ca
4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
shortbread meets its match TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AT THE HOLIDAYS Melt-in-the-mouth Try this all-time taste sensation if you dare. Directions: Christmas is our favourite time of year because it gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude for the good fortune of serving people like you.
1-800-529-9958 www.kramerauction.com
MERRY CHRISTMAS… The wreaths and the trees and the parties Aren’t what we need to convey It’s the birth of our Saviour, Jesus The real reason for this holiday. We wish to thank our loyal customers, and wish you the best in 2015.
Biggar Electrical Services 306-948-5291 Adrian and Barbara de Haan Lyle Zbeeshko
“Shortbread gets an upgrade in this recipe – perfect for the holiday season,” says Anna Olson, celebrity chef and host of Food Network Canada’s Bake with Anna Olson. “The dough can be made up to three months ahead and then frozen, to be thawed in the fridge before baking for a perfect mid-winter pick-me-up.” Skor Bits Shortbread Slice Cookies Makes about 4 dozen cookies Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 2 hours Bake Time: 16 minutes Ingredients 1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup (125 mL) icing sugar, sifted 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour 1/3 cup (75 mL) cornstarch 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 3/4 cup (175 mL) Hershey’s Skor bits
1. Using electric beaters (or a mixer), beat the butter for a minute, then add the icing sugar and beat until incorporated and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in the vanilla, then add the flour, cornstarch and salt and beat on low speed. Once incorporated, beat on medium-high speed (or more vigorously by hand) until the dough comes together. Add the Skor bits and stir in. 2. Shape the dough into 2 logs about 10 inches (25 cm) long (1 1/2-inches/3.5 cm across) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm. 3. Preheat the oven to 325 F (160 C) and grease or line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. 4. Unwrap and slice the dough into cookies 1/2-inch (5 mm) thick and arrange them on the baking trays leaving at least 1-inch (1 cm) between them. Bake for about 16 minutes, until the cookie barely start to show a little colour at the edges. Cool the cookies completely on the baking tray before removing. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Eco-friendly lifestyles aren’t just for adults. Encouraging kids to go green at a young age can set them up for a lifetime of making decisions with the environment in mind. The following are just a few ways parents can impart a sense of responsibility to the environment on their youngsters. • Lead by example. Many kids try to mimic their parents’ behaviors, and moms and dads can take advantage of that
have made it easy for kids to forgo outdoor activities in favor of more sedentary hobbies. Many medical researchers believe that such hobbies are contributing to higher rates of childhood obesity. But they also can harm the environment. Gaming systems, whether played on televisions, computers or handheld devices, use a substantial amount of energy. Parents who encourage more ecofriendly activities, such as reading or playing outside, can get the best of both worlds, as kids will be getting out and about and embracing activities that don’t harm the planet. • Ride bicycles more
Getting kids to go green
To All Our Membe rs W
by making sure kids see them as they recycle, conserve water or make other eco-conscious choices. If kids want to know why you’re separating trash or opting for tap water over bottled water, explain to them the positive impact that such behaviors can have on the health of the planet. • Encourage ecofriendly hobbies. Today’s youngsters have a host of technology at their disposal, and parents know full well that such access can be both good and bad. While technology can enhance learning in the classroom and beyond, gaming systems and other electronic devices
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Merry Christmas and many thanks for your kindness and your continued business!
Angie’s Hair Salon & Barber Shop Angie and Sherry 219 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-3696
often. Reducing fuel consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and even though kids can’t drive, that doesn’t mean they can’t pitch in to conserve fuel. Children who attend school close to home can ride their bikes rather than taking the bus or hitching a ride with mom or dad. Explain to youngsters the impact that such a choice can have on the environment, and ride bikes with your kids whenever possible, be it on trips to the park or to visit friends and family members. Many kids love to ride their bikes, and they might like it even more if they understand the positive impact that such a hobby is having on their planet. • Teach kids to reuse products. Waste is a significant environmental issue, but reusing products is a great way to cut back on waste. Items that would once be tossed into the trash after serving their purpose can be repurposed when tackling projects around the house, and kids can get in on the act, too. Rather than purchasing store-bought decorations for holidays like To all our Halloween or Chanukah goes our and Christmas, reuse old products to craft homemade decorations. Birthday gifts or items exchanged during the holidays can be wrapped in old newspaper instead of store-bought wrapping paper. Many products that would otherwise be discarded can be reused, and kids might enjoy finding new ways to make use of old items.
Ha
Ang
219 Main
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5
Celebrate with safety around your tree this holiday season Christmas trees are a beloved staple of the holiday season. Whether you prefer a freshly cut tree or an artiďŹ cial alternative, the day a Christmas tree is brought home or erected is when many people truly grow excited about the holiday season and begin to be overtaken by holiday cheer. But as beautiful and inspiring as Christmas trees can be, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that men, women and children exercise caution around trees so no accidents occur. The following are some Christmas tree safety tips courtesy of the National Fire ProtectionAssociation. â&#x20AC;˘ Choose the right tree. The tree you choose can go a long way toward en-
suring the tree will make it through the season accident-free. ArtiďŹ cial trees should be identiďŹ ed on their labels as ďŹ re retardant, which means they are less susceptible to ďŹ re, something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important since so many people drape their trees in decorative lights. A freshly cut tree should have fresh, green needles that do not fall off when the tree is touched. This indicates that the tree is not dried out and less susceptible to catching on ďŹ re. â&#x20AC;˘ Do not place the tree near a heat source. Even freshly cut and ďŹ&#x201A;ame retardant trees can catch ďŹ re, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that trees are not placed in close proximity to any
heat sources, including ďŹ replaces, radiators, heating vents, baseboard heaters, and candles. In addition, avoid placing the tree near lights or lamps that emit a lot of heat. â&#x20AC;˘ Keep the tree clear of exits. A Christmas tree should never be placed in a spot that bars an exit. Should an accident happen and the tree light on ďŹ re, all exits should be easily accessible so residents and guests can quickly get out of the home. â&#x20AC;˘ Add water to the tree stand every day. Water should be added to the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand every day. That water will not only help the tree maintain its color and aesthetic appeal, but also helps to prevent the tree from drying out. A dry tree is a signiďŹ cant safety risk, so be sure to check if the tree needs water when you wake up each morning and again before going to bed. Many trees initially need water both in the morning and at night. As the holiday season wears on, the tree will likely consume less water, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still best to monitor the standâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water levels every day until the tree is discarded. â&#x20AC;˘ Inspect lights before decorating the tree. All Christmas lights should be inspected before they are hung on the tree. Replace any loose or burned out bulbs, and inspect cords to make sure they are not worn down or frayed. Follow manufacturer in-
Tidings of Comfort & Joy Wishing you a warm and cozy Christmas Ă&#x20AC;lled with family, friends and all the comforts of home. We thank you for giving us such a warm welcome in the community.
Happy Holidays!
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Almost Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Care Home 114 - 4th Ave. W., Biggar Management, staff & residents
Wishing everyone a wonderful Holiday Season and all the Best in 2015 Thanks to all my customers for your support and I look forward to serving you in the New year!
structions carefully when stringing lights, as there may be speciďŹ c guidelines as to how many strings of lights can be connected at one time. â&#x20AC;˘ Use appropriate lights. Many lights are exclusive to indoor or outdoor use, so be sure to use the appropriate lights for your indoor tree. The wrong lights could be a safety hazard. Do not hang lit candles on a Christmas tree. â&#x20AC;˘ Turn lights off before going to bed. Though a Christmas tree may look beautiful when it is illuminated in the middle of the night when no other lights are on, the lights on the tree should always be turned off before going to bed or leaving your home. â&#x20AC;˘ Properly discard the tree. Trees that have dried out pose a considerable ďŹ re risk, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to discard a tree when it starts to drop needles. Do not place a discarded tree in the garage or lean it up against your home. If necessary, consult a local recycling company to determine the best way to discard your tree.
May your Christmas and the New Year be Ă&#x2026;lled with health, happiness and prosperity.
Central Plains Co-operative Ltd. Locations in Eston, Landis, Plenty/Dodsland and Rosetown Board, Management and Staff
306-882-2601
From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas and many thanks for your continued support. Your friendship makes it all worthwhile!
To Our Valued Customers at the Holiday Season
Lynn and Chuck Strate and staff
306-237-4282
Our best wishes for a holiday filled with good cheer, happiness, love and contentment. Thank you for your continued support! Staff and Families of
Ron and Cheryl Amy Rosetown Mainline Motor Products 1-877-979-7999 306-948-5338 (home)
6OJUZ 4, t www.northwestterminal.com
6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Rice pudding is festive with almonds and cinnamon
It’s time for holiday fun and gathering the family together to share a warm, wonderful yule. We hope the holidays bring everything you want! We wish you and yours the best season ever.
Management & staff
AGI-Envirotank Hwy #4, Biggar • 948-5262
MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANKS FOR YOUR PATRONAGE LYNDA’S HAIR SALON
MEET THE TEAM… RYAN, BARB AND LYNDA
306-948-3775
Spring into the holiday season with health, happiness and plenty of cheer.
Season’s Greetings! 1st Avenue Collision Center Ltd.
Instead of a traditional figgy pudding this season, try a new take on rice pudding with a delicious cinnamon-almond flavour. Sprinkling roasted almonds on top adds a terrific crunch that everyone will enjoy. Quick Cinnamon-Almond Rice Pudding Courtesy of the California Almond Board Ingredients 3/4 cup (175 mL) leftover cooked rice, preferably basmati or jasmine 3/4 cup (175 mL) Almond Breeze Original1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon 1/4 cup ( 50 mL) sliced almonds, roasted 1 tsp (5 mL) honey Directions Combine rice, almond beverage and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to
Holiday gift ideas for the new parent in your life Many parents fondly recall their first holiday season as a mom and dad. While youngsters may not remember much about their first Thanksgiving dinner with family or where their first Christmas present was placed under the tree, parents tend to cherish such memories, making their first holidays with children in tow very memorable. Loved ones of new parents can take steps to make this holiday season even more special. The following are some gift ideas for holiday shoppers who want to make this season even more memorable for the proud new parents in their lives. • Photo album: Today’s new parents have more pictures and video of their bundles of joy than any previous generation of moms and dads, as smartphones, tablets and other devices have made taking pictures much easier than in years past. But family members also have more access to such photos than ever before, making it easy to put together a special photo album of the new parents and their new
child. Pull pictures from the parents’ social media accounts or make an album of the numerous photos you have no doubt received since your loved ones became parents. Parents likely don’t have time to make such albums, so your efforts will almost certainly be appreciated. • Camcorder: Many smartphones are capable of taking video, but such devices are not ideal for shooting longer home videos new parents will want to watch for years to come. An HD camcorder with sufficient internal flash memory can allow new parents to take longer, higher quality videos with superior audio to those that are shot on smartphones. Such a camcorder may be costly for those shopping on a strict budget, but it’s a gift new parents are sure to love and utilize for years to come. • Nursery sound system: New moms and dads are no doubt anxiously anticipating the day when the newest additions to their households sleep through the night. Help speed up the arrival of
that glorious night with a nursery sound system that provides soothing sounds to create a perfect sleeping environment for newly born boys and girls. The results may not arrive overnight, but parents may soon find their lovable youngster is spending more of the wee hours of the morning sleeping and less time waking up mom and dad. • Spa treatment: Not every gift you buy for the new parents in your life needs to focus on helping them cherish their first holiday season as parents. New parents tend to experience lots of exhaustion in their
Carols
Did you know that the word “carol” means “to dance in a ring”? Caroling became popular with the beloved 13th century St. Francis of Assissi. Since most of his villagers
first few months on the job, but a spa treatment can be just the relaxing break they need from catering to their bundle of joys’ every need. Moms may prefer the full spa treatment, while dads may simply want a massage and some relaxing time in the steam room. Book a treatment for both mom and dad so they can spend some time relaxing during this hectic time of year. New parents often cherish their first holiday season as moms and dads, and the right holiday gift can make that first holiday season even better.
could not read, he enacted the Christmas story by arranging a manger scene using real people and animals and then led the villagers in joyous caroling.
Merry Christmas and
Happy Holidays from Dr. Kirk Ewen, Dr. Jason Garchinski and staff We Hope You Get Your Fill of Good Times This Christmas!
306-948-3356 Jeff,and Cindy, Jeff Cindy and Dan
medium-low and simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, until liquid is thicker and rice is a bit creamy. To serve, place in a bowl, top with roasted almonds and drizzle with honey. To roast slivered, chopped or sliced almonds: spread in an even layer on an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350ºF (180ºC) oven and bake 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant; stir once or twice to assure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to roast slightly after removing from oven. Yields: 2 Servings Nutritional Analysis: Per serving: 424 calories, 20 g fat (1.7g saturated fat), 49 g carbohydrates, 15 g protein, 7 g fibre, 24 mg sodium, 100 mg calcium, 541 mg potassium, 8.6 mg vitamin E.
1-855-651-3311
As another Christmas comes in for a landing, we’re Àlled with cheer and gratitude for wonderful customers and friends like you.
Merry Christmas & Many Thanks from our Entire Crew
Biggar Esso Ted, Oksa, Paula and Emma 306-948-3600
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Christmas tunes spread holiday spirit Some stores start stocking Christmas decorations and wrapping paper as early as the end of October, and some families begin decking their halls in holiday finery in late November. But for many people, the holiday season has not truly begun until the music synonymous with this festive time of year has hit the airwaves. Few things can make a person feel as festive as the holiday songs they know and love. Many families have a favorite musical artist whose music they consider synonymous with their holiday celebrations. While families have their own unique holiday traditions, over time certain holiday songs have emerged as favorites. These are the tunes you’re likely to hear played over and over on the radio. Billboard, which tracks the music industry’s most popular songs, compiled its own list of the most popular Christmas songs. The list measures the volume of people who have been exposed to the song on the radio, and is based on ranking rather than exact figures of listeners, and the following are the 10 most popular songs based on those parameters. 10. “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” by John Lennon: This song debuted in 1971 and was written by Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono. Performed with the Harlem Community Choir, the song was originally a protest song about the Vietnam Warm before it eventually became a Christmas standard. 9. “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” by Trans-Siberian
Orchestra: According to Nielsen, this instrumental mash-up of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells” is one of the best-selling Christmas digital singles in SoundScan history. A combination of full, classical orchestra and rock, “Christmas Eve” is a memorable and powerful piece of music. 8. “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby: Crosby crooned this tune in 1942 in the movie of the same name, and Irving Berlin’s song soon became one of the most popular holiday tunes of all time. It has been covered innumerable times and has become a holiday season standard. 7. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by Andy Williams: This popular Christmas song was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963. The song celebrates the traditions and feelings of the Christmas season. 6. “Feliz Navidad,” by Jose Feliciano: This Spanish-English pop song is recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers as one of the 25 most-played and recorded Christmas songs around the world. Puerto-Rican born Feliciano has said that the song has always been a bridge to the cultures that are so dear to him. 5. “A Holly Jolly Christmas, “by Burl Ives: This song was written by Johnny Marks, an American songwriter. Ironically, Marks was Jewish, but he specialized in Christmas songs and wrote many of the holiday standards people love, including this upbeat tune and “Rockin’ Around the
Christmas Tree.” 4. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” by Nat King Cole: Believe it or not, this song was actually written in the summer when composers Bob Wells and Mel Torme were trying to cool off with winter imagery. Snow-covered images and phrases eventually turned into lyrics for this popular song that was most memorably recorded by Nat King Cole. 3. “Jingle Bell Rock,” by Bobby Helms: This song has been performed by many, but Helms’ version of the is perhaps the best known. The song highlights the crossover style known as “rockabilly” and merges the classic “Jingle Bells” with rock n’ roll
references of the 1950s. 2. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” by Brenda Lee: Brenda Lee was a chart-topping female vocalist of the 1960s who owes much of her success to this beloved holiday classic. Despite the mature sound of her voice, Lee recorded this version when she was only 13 years old. 1. “All IWant for Christmas is You,” by Mariah Carey: This uptempo love song has become a Christmas classic and one of Carey’s most popular hits. She cowrote and coproduced the song with Walter Afansieff. It is one of the few, modern, original Christmas songs to stand the test of time and become an official Christmas standard.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7
Your Friendship… Makes It all Worthwhile! ... Is the chance to let you know how grateful we are for your friendshipand support as we wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year. It’s been a gift for us serving folks like you. Thanks!
WEASIE’S Gourmet Blends Louise and staff 211 Main St., Big Biggar • 306-948-1795
Season’s Greetings!!!
We’re Àlled with warm wishes and lots of good cheer For all the kind people we’ve served this past year. Thanks, friends!
PERDUE AGENCIES LTD. 306-237-4373
With thanks to all of those who’ve inspired us this past year. We are truly grateful for your friendship and continued loyalty .
Season’s Greetings… Shelly, Helen, Lorraine, Jeffery and Pat
The smells of gingerbread, cinnamon and cookies baking, stir our memories of Christmases past and remind us of how fortunate we are to be a part of this community.
Merry Christmas and many thanks for making us feel so welcome here.
SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE
MAY HAPPINESS AND BEAUTY ADORN EACH DAY OF THIS FESTIVE SEASON. WE HOPE YOUR HOLIDAY AND THE COMING YEAR ARE STREWN WITH GOOD FORTUNE, HEALTH,M
JOY AND PROSPERTITY. AS WE CELEBRATE ALL THE THINGS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR, WE COUNT YOU AMONG OUR BLESSINGS. THANK YOU FOR
It’s the holiday season and we’re all aglow As we recall all the good folks that we’ve come to know!
THE PLEASEURE OF YOUR COMPANY AND YOUR FAITH IN OUR BUSINESS.
Season’s Greetings!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Bear Hills RDC Board and staff
306-948-2295
M & N Repair Mike, Darlene and staff
701-4th Ave. E, Truck Route East, Biggar • 306-948-3996
Tyler Kachur, Alan Koop and partners 306-948-5133/ 306-657-8999
8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Strategies for last-minute shoppers
All of us here are ho...ho...hoping your holiday delivers a bundle of fun! We really appreciate all the good times we’ve shared with you this past year.
Village of Perdue Mayor Dave Miller, Council, and staff 306-237-4337
Holiday shoppers tend to fall into three distinct camps. There are those peoplewhohavecompleted all of their shopping and wrapping even before November ends. Others shop in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Finally, many people wait until the last minute, and such shoppers are the ones seen rushing from store to store on December 24. Waiting until the last possible second to purchase a gift may not prove much of a problem when shopping for birthday gifts. But come the holiday season, such procrastination may find shoppers perusing limited inventories and dealing with other frantic proscrastinators. But even those shoppers who still plan to put off their holiday shopping can make the most of
such stalling this holiday season. • Consider eGift cards. Many retailers offer digital gift cards that can be emailed in a matter of minutes. Purchase the card from the online retailer and email the redemption code to the gift recipient. Time the email to arrive on Christmas morning or include all of the necessary information in a holiday card. • Ship to store. Some shoppers like the convenience of ship-tostore services.This enables a person to purchase a gift online but avoid shipping charges by having the item made available at a store location. In-stock items are typically ready the day of purchase, and this helps you avoid crowds and impulse buys, as online purchases are typically available at special pick-up locations
in the store that allow online shoppers to skip long lines at the registers. • Avoid gimmick gifts. Skip the “as seen on TV” aisle at the store or trendy infomercial gifts. Such gifts may suggest to their recipients that you waited until the last minute to buy the gifts and then really didn’t have any good ideas. • Expect extra charges and factor such charges into your budget. Procrastinating may work for your schedule, but expect to pay more if you shop online and require shipping. You will probably need to expedite shipping if you expect to have gifts delivered on time. Verify the delivery date before making any purchases. Paying more for shipping may outweigh the hassle of driving to store after store searching for gifts. Online retailers
like Amazon may even offer selective delivery on Christmas Eve. • Check store hours. Some stores offer extended shopping hours to meet the needs of lastminute shoppers. You may be able to visit early morning or late at night to skip the crowds. Certain department stores time sales with these extended hours, such as “early bird” or “night owl” specials, so you may even be rewarded for procrastinating. • Shop smaller retailers. One way to avoid the hassles that often come with holiday shopping is to patronize smaller, independent shops. Chances are the crowds will be smaller at these shops and you may have access to a more unique selection of gifts than you would find at the nearby mall.
No holiday celebration is complete until eggnog has been served The holiday season is rife with tradition, from Christmas trees to lighting displays to visits with Santa Claus at the local mall. Families reunite come the holiday season to exchange gifts, enjoy meals together and do a little catching up along the way. But the holiday season also is synonymous with parties. Whether it’s to enjoy an office holiday party, a gathering with family and friends or a more intimate gathering at home, such celebrations are a big part of the holiday season and a main reason why this is such a festive and beloved time of year. As this is a season of celebrating, it’s good to
Christmas is a time for renewing our faith — in God, in ourselves and in our fellow man. For your faith in us we are ever so grateful and we look forward to your continued friendship. Happy Holidays!
E-Kay Enterprises
George and Joan Ekman, Leroy and Tracy Ekman & Staff
306-948-2544
remember that no holiday party is truly complete until eggnog has been served. Enjoyed almost exclusively during the holiday season, eggnog is as much a staple of holiday celebrations as stockings hung by the chimney with care. This year, impress your holiday guests with the following recipe for “Excellent Eggnog” from A.J. Rathbun’s “Good Spirits” (Harvard Common Press). Excellent Eggnog Serves 8 8 large eggs, preferably organic 21/4 cups superfine sugar 8 ounces brandy 8 ounces rum 4 ounces bourbon 1 quart milk Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish 1. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, setting the whites aside for a moment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the yolks with a hand mixer until completely combined. Add the sugar and beat until it reaches a creamy consistency. 3. Add the brandy, rum and bourbon, and then the milk, beating well. 4. In a medium-size mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form (be sure before beating the whites that you have cleaned and thoroughly dried the beaters). 5. Fold the egg whites into the yolk-sugar-alcohol mixture. Refrigerate the mix until well chilled (at least 3 hours). 6. Stir to recombine as needed. Serve the eggnog in mugs, topping each serving with some nutmeg.
Sending Our Best at the Holidays Here’s hoping your holiday delivers a bundle of joy and good cheer.
The Foundation wishes to thank all who have assisted with their monetary donations. Without your help, we could not support may local organizations with their projects. May this Christmas season remind all of us of the joy in our lives and of the joy given to others due to your support.
Merry Christmas! Parrish & Heimbecker Limited
Biggar & District Community Foundation extends to all a Joyful Christmas and Happy New Year! Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0
Hanover Junction Biggar, Sask. www.parrishandheimbecker.com
306-948-1990
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9
Winter plants brighten spaces Spring and summer have the colorful blooms and rich greenery that make the great outdoors so lush and inviting. Autumn is awash in vibrant colors that beckon people outdoors to explore. But winter has a poor reputation with regard to natural beauty. While it’s true that many plants and wildlife retreat into hibernation come the colder temperatures, some choose the wintertime to bloom. Other plants and shrubs continue to hold on to their leaves and color despite the cold. Hardy winter plants do more than just survive the snow and ice. Many thrive and have the potential to add that unexpected touch of color to an otherwise dreary landscape. In addition to berry bushes that can feature bright red, yellow and orange berries perfect for holiday decorating, plenty of other plants
are visually appealing through colder temperatures. • Mahonia: Some varieties of mahonias bloom in the winter and can be hardy up to USDA Zone 9. The close relative Oregon grape holly will flower in very early spring. • Camellia: Camellias grow flowers similar in shape and size to roses. They range in shade from light pink to bright red. Camellias can bloom all year long in moderate temperature zones. Even in colder zones, some cold climate hybrids can continue to add welcome color to the garden. • Daphne: The fragrant flowers of many daphnes appear in mid-winter. The variety Jacqueline Postill is evergreen. • Evergreen holly: Perhaps the evergreen holly is the quintessential winter plant. Green shiny leaves and bold red berries can be a bright spot in a winter garden. A holly hedge
also can serve as a wind and privacy barrier. • Japanese pieris: Flower buds on this shrub, sometimes called the “Mountain Fire,” thrive from fall through winter. This shrub needs moist, well-drained soil and should be placed in a shaded location in warmer climates. • Hellebore: Also called the “Christmas Rose,” hellebores can be delightful in areas of the country where winter flowers tend to be rare. The plant bears pure white flowers that often age to pink. • Snowdrop: These delicate white blooms often pop out of a layer of snow even before the first crocuses of spring. Snowdrops can wait out harsh weather and even extended snow events before eventually sprouting. • Crape myrtle: There are around 50 species of these trees and shrubs that are native to parts of Asia and India. The
Holiday waste by the numbers The holiday season generates a lot of waste, and many things contribute to this excess of trash this time of year. • Thousands of paper and plastic shopping bags end up in landfills after the holiday season. Reusable cloth bags can limit the amount of bags tossed away, and users of plastic bags can recycle those bags at appropriate receptacles. • Four million tons of waste is attributed to shopping bags and wrapping paper. Recycling paper or
looking for reusable items in which to wrap gifts can cut down on paper waste. • Approximately 33 million live trees are cut down and sold in North America each year for Christmas. If you use a live tree, be sure to recycle it so it can be turned into mulch instead of being sent to a landfill. Otherwise, consider buying a potted tree and planting it after the holidays. • Nearly 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold and exchanged each year in the United
States alone. This many cards can fill a football field 10 stories high. One less card sent per person can save roughly 50,000 cubic yards of paper. Electronic greetings are another way to save paper. • If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.
Wishing all of you a most Merry Christmas, because serving you has been such a good time for us!
PRAIRIE BRANCHES ~ Board, Management, Staff and Participants
iWish You a Merry Christmas Here’s hoping your holiday is programmed with enough joy and laughter, to last all year round. We value your support and thank you for doing business with us this past year.
Biggar Leisure • Flat Panel TVs • Appliances • Computers and Computer Repairs • Apple products • SaskTel Cellular and Highspeed • Digital Cameras • Security Systems
216 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-2266 Larry, Sandy, Brock, Floyd, Tracey, Tracy, Larysa, John
Joyous Greetings
There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!
May your home be blessed with peace, love, joy and contentment throughout the Yuletide season. We feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbours like you. Thanks!
WITH THE VERY BEST OF WISHES FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS
Sunshine Family Care Home
trees bloom beautifully and continue to hold on to their bright colored flowers in warmer climates. • Winter jasmine: If you want to create a mid-winter color splash, consider the climbing winter jasmine, which is hardy in zones 5 to 10 and blooms in January. • Jelena witch hazel: These curly, oddshaped blooms have a rich, copper color and can bloom as early as January. This plant also is an orange-red color in autumn. • Kaffir lily: Also known as the “Red River lily,” these perennials appear in the fall but can still bloom on mild days in the winter. These plants prefer wet conditions. • Winter vegetables: Planting cabbage, spinach or swiss chard can give you something fresh to eat through late autumn and even into winter if you have a greenhouse or cold frame in the yard. Winter may be characterized by dreary landscapes, but plenty of plant life thrives in spite of the chill.
Have A Jolly Holiday
Shannon de Vries, Residents and Staff
306-948-3644
To all our good friends, let us extend our sincere thanks and warm wishes for a very, merry holiday season.
Rosetown - Biggar - Elrose Outlook - Davidson - Central Butte
10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Secret ingredients make wonderful whoopie pies
Wishing our four-legged friends, all the creature comforts of a joyous and memorable holiday season… lots of good times and good memories.
THE COUNTRY CLIPPER
Season Greetings!
GROOMING & BOARDING
Natural health care for pets. Janet Moon and staff • 306-948-2091
he ringing we hear, could be Santa’s sleigh Bringing our thanks and warm wishes your way long with our hopes for peace on earth And a season that’s Àlled with joy and mirth. o wherever you’re headed and whatever you do May our glad tidings travel with you!
Thanks for your valued patronage!
Excell Tire operating i under d IIntegra t
306-948-3376
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Tire Auto Centre George, Ann, Ron, Don, Curtis and Chris
Anna Olson, celebrity chef and host of Food Network Canada’s Bake with Anna Olson, knows a thing or two about baking – and now she has something extra special to share. “A whoopie pie is really not a pie at all, but is more like cupcake meets cookie,” she begins. “This recipe will give you two tender, cake-like cookies sandwiching a fluffy chocolate filling.” Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies Makes 20 small (cupcake-sized) whoopie pies Prep time: 25 minutes Bake time: 13-15 minutes Ingredients Batter: 2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (125 mL) natural cocoa powder 1 1/2 tsp (20 mL) baking powder 1 cup (250 mL) packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into pieces 1 cup (250 mL) 2% milk 1 large egg 1 tsp (15 mL) vanilla extract 1/2 cup (125 mL) milk chocolate chips Filling: 1 cup (250 mL) milk chocolate chips 1 250 g pkg cream cheese, at room temperature 3 cups (750 mL) icing sugar, sifted Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper. 2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder into a large bowl. Stir in the brown sugar. Add the butter and mix in using electric beaters on medium speed (or in a mixer) until pieces of butter are no longer visible
(the mixture will look like cookie crumbs). 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg and vanilla. Add this all at once to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed to incorporate. Increase the speed to medium high, beating for about 2 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy. 4. Using an ice cream scoop (a 22 mL scoop will yield 40 pieces) scoop the batter onto the prepared baking trays, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) between each scoop. Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the top of the “cake” springs back when gently pressed. Cool the “cakes” completely on the baking tray before removing with a spatula. 5. For the filling, place the milk chocolate chips in a metal bowl placed over a pot filled with an inch of gently simmering water, stirring with a spatula until melted (alternatively, you can melt the chocolate chips in the microwave on medium heat, stirring every 10 seconds until smooth) Set aside to cool slightly. 6. Beat the cream cheese with electric beaters (or in a mixer) until smooth, and then add half of the icing sugar, beating again until smooth (the filling will be runny). Add the melted milk chocolate, beating to incorporate, and then add the remaining icing sugar, beating on high speed until fluffy. 7. To fill, spread a generous amount (3-4 tbsp/45-60 mL) onto to the bottom of one “cake” and then sandwich the filling with a second “cake”. Alternatively, you can pipe the filling using a piping bag fitted with a large star or plain tip. The whoopie pies can be stored chilled for up to 3 days, but are best enjoyed pulled from the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
There’s no place we’d rather be at Christmas than right here, with all our good friends and neighbours. For your goodwill, we are truly indebted, and we wish you all a beautiful holiday and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Biggar Accounting Services Garry, Sharon, and Charlene • 306-948-5133
We’d like to chime in with our best wishes and thanks.
Merry Christmas!
Fe\ Jkfg ?Xi[nXi\ Jean, Emil, Heather, Tammy and Dave
306-948-5626
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Get organized for easy holiday decorating Celebrations go a long way toward making the holiday season a special time of year. Each holiday offers the opportunity to transform both the interior and exterior of a home into a holiday wonderland blending both store-bought and handcrafted decorations and ornaments. As families grow, many amass various holiday trinkets and decorative items that become part of their holiday traditions. Some decorations hold special sentimental value, while others are standard decorations found in homes across the globe come the holiday season. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by
holiday decorations, but organizing such items can make the process of giving your home a holiday facelift that much easier. Color-coding Storage bins are the unsung heroes of holiday decorating. Such bins keep treasures safe and out of the way in attics, basements and closets. Employing a color-coding system to organize holiday decorations will make it easier to identify items and their corresponding holidays. Christmas objects can be housed in red or green storage containers, while Halloween decorations can be placed in orange containers, and so on. Investing in durable,
plastic bins with lids will keep items clean and orderly. Designate a storage spot Hunting and pecking around the house for holiday decor can make the process of decorating that much more timeconsuming. Not knowing where the strings of lights or extra extension cords are stored can drag out the time it takes to decorate. Establish a designated storage area for ornaments, lights, wreaths, and other items used to decorate your home come the holidays. Out-of-the way spots like attics or seldom-used closets make good storage spots for holiday decorations,
Invest in some sturdy, durable storage containers in various colors to organize holiday decor.
Sprucing up vegetables Try these tasty toppings for basic hot cooked vegetables. Combine 1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs, 1-1/2 teaspoons melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes and a dash of salt. Sprinkle
over cooked vegetables. Melt 1/4 cup butter over low heat; stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon slivered toasted almonds, 1 tablespoon minced chives or 1 tablespoon
grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle over cooked vegetables. Prepare a packaged white, hollandaise or bernaise sauce mix as directed and serve over your vegetable of choice.
Wishing you a season Àlled with lots of love, laughter and joy. For all your support, we are deeply grateful.
MADGE ROOFING Jann, Solana and family
306-948-5453
guaranteeing that such items won’t get in the way throughout the rest of the year. Sort and replace as you go Take the time to periodically go through decorative items, removing anything that is broken or worn beyond repair. It takes time to go items through piece by piece, but this will save time next year when decorations are taken out again. The longer you wait to sort items and do a little cleaning, the more time it ultimately takes to clean house. Keep a running list Although you may have a general idea of the items you have packed away, some things may be forgotten. Keep an informal inventory of decorations and supplies so you don’t purchase any duplicates. If you notice your list is lacking some items, shop pre- or post-season sales when items tend to be less expensive. Try to avoid shopping for holiday decorations right around that holiday, when stores are running out of stock and prices are typically at their highest. Decorating for the holidays can be fun, and it’s even more fun when homeowners take the time to carefully organize their decorations.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11
Home Is Where the Heart Is
fThanks for from Our warming our hearts your P Place towith Yours friendship and kind support this year.
Neighbours like you make us especially proud to call this Àne community home.
Merry Christmas!
113-3rd Ave. W., Biggar • 306-948-5052
Welcome The Season!
There may be a chill in the air at the holiday season, But we’re Àlled with much warmth and you are the reason. So to our many good friends both far and near,
We bid a most joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you to our customers for their support.
1-866-934-6675/306-934-6675
12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Ministerial ReÁections brought to you by the Biggar Ministerial Association
The Search of the Mysterious Magi
ST. GABRIEL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Biggar ~ SUN., DEC. 21… 11 a.m., Mass WED., DEC. 24… 8:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass DEC. 25… NO Mass SUN., DEC. 28… 11 a.m., Mass THURS., JAN. 1… 11 a.m., New Year’s Day Mass
BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH ~ SUN., DEC. 14…11 a.m. SUN., DEC. 21… 11 a.m., A Service of Christmas Music by the Biggar United Church Joy Singers, Refreshments to follow WED., DEC. 24…7:30 p.m., Candlelight Christmas Eve Service SUN., DEC. 28… NO worship service SUN., JAN. 4… 11 a.m., Sunday worship with Communion. Potluck lunch to follow.
BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH ~ SUN., DEC. 21… 10:50 a.m., Christmas Sunday Worship Service; 6:30 p.m., Service of Carols & Christmas ReÆections SUN., DEC. 28… NO Worship Service PALS COMMUNITY CHURCH ~ All Services at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 319 - 7th Ave. E. & Ontario St. SUN., DEC. 14… 7 p.m., Service of Lessons and Carols and Carols with Christmas Pageant. Dainties to follow, plus a visit from Santa Claus. WED., DEC. 24… 7 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service WED., DEC. 25… 10:30 a.m., Christmas Day Service SUN., DEC. 28… 10:30 a.m. First Sunday of Christmas Service SUN., JAN. 4… 10:30 a.m. Second Sunday of Christmas Service
The Biggar and District Ministerial Association wishes you all the joy and blessings of the Christmas Season.
by Father Michel Bedard, Our Lady of Fatima, Landis and St. Gabriel, Biggar. Jesus – the Son of God – came to earth for a purpose: to die for our sins and show us how to live. We all have many flaws and the child of the crib invites us to get rid of them for our own well being. “Joy to the World” Jesus came for our good – that we might have life. Jesus wants us to be life giving. We are invited to con-
SUN., DEC. 21… 9 a.m., Mass WED., DEC. 24… 6:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Mass DEC. 25… NO Mass SUN., DEC. 28… 9 a.m. Mass THURS., JAN. 1… 9 a.m. New Year’s Day Mass
PERDUE UNITED CHURCH ~ SUN. DEC. 14… 11 a.m., White Gift Sunday, gifts to Quint Lodge (young men ages 15-20) SUN., DEC. 21… 11 a.m., Service of Carols WED., DEC. 24… 5:30 p.m., Christmas Eve Service NO services December 28 & month of January.
ASQUITH UNITED CHURCH ~ SUN. DEC. 14… 9:30 a.m., White Gift Sunday, gifts to Secret Santa SUN., DEC. 21… 9:30 a.m., Service of Carols WED., DEC. 24… 7 p.m., Christmas Eve Service NO services December 28 & month of January. SAT. DEC. 20…Christmas Program, 11 a.m. at Biggar New Horizons Worship Service… SATURDAYS, 11 a.m.
a dazzling display of angels. When the Magi saw Jesus, they presented him with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and worshiped him. Then they left for their home country, still enshrouded in much mystery. Pageants and pictures have offered imaginary answers about the roll of these mystery men in the Christmas account. But better questions from our hearts are clearly answered in Matthew’s brief sketch. First: Who might seek out and worship the incarnate Lord and King of kings? Answer: From lowly
shepherds to lofty people of renown, all are invited to come by faith and seek and worship Him. Secondly: How can we find the way? Answer: Just as the Wise Men followed the starlight God had provided, so as we follow the light He provides in His Son and His Word, we will find the One who came as light and life to give seekers life and light (See John 1:1-5; John 8:12; 2Cor. 4:6). Anyone will also be wise who follows in the path of the wise men seeking the wonder of the heaven-sent king.
Jesus – The Light of the World
OUR LADY OF FATIMA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Landis ~
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST ~
need to see their roll in the birth of Christ. Like the Magi, perhaps we can follow the light God gives us to find the answers we need. They arrived in Jerusalem asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?” (Matt. 2:2) and were directed to Bethlehem of Judea according to the prophecy of Micah 5:2. The star they’d been following directed them to the house where they found Jesus and they rejoiced exceedingly. Jesus’ first seeking visitors to the manger where he was born had been the lowly shepherds directed by
tribute and use our God given talents for those who surround us. Life for those of maturity and meaningful living can never be all fun and frolic, work, yes hard work, and the use of much elbow grease is the lot of those worthy of the name Citizen, of the community, nation and the world. Unhealthy habits do nothing for us, yet their appeal can be so strong that we warmly welcome them. Unhealthy habits make us slaves funding
Christmas Season Services
to these questions are clear. We envision them as monarchs or magicians, ambassadors or astrologers – three wise men or three kings. Three is surmised because they presented three gifts. We picture them in exotic clothing and traveling by camel. Matthew, Chapter 2 gives us the light we
dreams, the virgin birth, and the incarnation of God have already aroused in the Bible’s account of Christmas. Who were these men from the East? What were they seeking, and was their quest successful? Why did they receive such an amazing invitation? Not all the answers
by Pastor Terry Wicks, Biggar Associated Gospel Church Some years ago someone coined the phrase, “Wise Men Still Seek Jesus” as a title for a magazine article. The Wise Men, or Magi, add magic and mystery to further stir the wonderment that prophecies, angels,
O COME LET US ADORE HIM!
May you and yours revel in the splendor of the season.
R.M. of Biggar #347 Council and staff 948-2422
the dark and less noble side of creation, inviting us to be that which was never in the mind of God and His intention in creating us. Unhealthy habits lead us away from happiness, peace and joy and we see this in the ones who have swallowed them (hook, line and sinker). Sin can never become virtue that is true yet we are asked by the Lord to be gentle with those caught in this web (bad habits) and to remember that: “There but for the grace of God go I.” May I take this opportunity to wish a holy Christmas to all the great people of this part of the world. May we allow our God given talents and abilities to shine like the star which led the kings to Jesus. May God bless and protect and guide you all through 2015 and always. Much love, Fr. Michel Bedard, Pastor of Our Lady Fatima, Landis and St. Gabriel, Biggar.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13
Let us go to Bethlehem by Rev Jane Gallagher, Biggar United Church When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” (Luke 2:15) What does Christmas mean to you? To answer that question, one almost has to ask, ‘What is it that you are you looking for? What do you come seeking to find? What
do you come expecting to see?’ The shepherds travelled to Bethlehem long ago, to see what the Lord had made known to them. What is God trying to show you, or make known to you this Christmas? Every year, we come to Christmas, each of us searching for something, for someone. We come like shepherds did long ago, to look, to see, to discover that the Lord is making known to us in this tiny child, lying in a manger. No matter how familiar the story
is, we can see or hear something different each time. His coming into the world so long ago, calls us to be awake and pay attention, to what God wants to be made known to us today? Each year, when we come to the stable to worship the Christ child, we come looking through the lens of our own human stories, filled with joy and sorrow, loss and struggle, hope and despair; a whole bucketfull of experiences, of our on-going human drama called life. We come to
Jesus came to bring hope, joy, peace by Pastor Mark Kleiner, PALS For the second year in a row, PALS will put on a Christmas Pageant, as part of our annual Service of Lessons and Carols at Redeemer on Sunday, December 14. This pageant brings the narrative of Jesus’ birth to life in theatrical form, with our youngest thespians playing the animals in the manger, and the older ones portraying Mary and Joseph, the angels, shepherds, wise men, and so on – we even have one actor portraying the start of Bethlehem. Adults participate by providing direction, costumes, lighting, and reading the opening and closing scripture passages. Church in general and the Christmas pageant in particular can provide a rare opportunity, in our generationally segregated world, for
people of different ages to come together and create something. In this case, that ‘something’ is the enactment of the story of how the light shone in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. We have no shortage of examples of darkness to list this Christmas season – wars and rumours of war, the ongoing national tragedy of missing and murdered Aboriginal women girls, contentious battles over the stewardship of land and energy policy, recent accounts of the abuse of vulnerable people by care providers, and the list certainly goes on. We disagree, sometimes passionately, about what these things mean, and what we are to do, or not to do, to address them. Through all of this, we may feel overcome by the seemingly intractable darkness of the world ‘out there’, or the darkness
that has set in closer to home – in our families, at our workplaces, on coffee row. If you find yourself this season walking in the darkness, you may well be yearning for the light. With the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the light has come into the world. The light shines in the darkness – and the darkness has not overcome it. The light of Jesus shines, not as a distraction to divert our attention away from the darkness,but to transform the darkness. Come to church this year to hear the story and experience this transformation, as the seeds of hope, joy, peace, and love take root in your heart and change your life. That is what Jesus came here to do, and that is exactly what He is doing. Making a way, where there is no way. God’s blessings to you this Christmas season.
“Without defect” by Archie Jantzen In a Jewish house-hold, choosing a lamb for a sacrifice: “Yes! Yes! There’s a good lamb – perfect from nose to tail. Wait! Wait! Are the eyes bright and clear? Yes! Good! Are all the legs and feet normal and healthy? Yes, no weakness or abnormality. Great! Nothing misshapen about the body, or the spine? All’s well! Any other defect? No defect. Wonderful! That’s the one we’ll take to the temple, to present (with the help of the priest in attendance) as a sacrifice to God. He is perfect, and we show our respect for Him when we offer a perfect lamb. I’m so glad
He accepts our sacrifices, forgiving our sins and receiving our worship.” In my sinful world, in need of redemption: “Yes! Yes! There’s a good Person – perfect from head to food, inside and out. Wait! Wait! Is He really as godly as He seems to be? Yes! Eager to be ‘about his Father’s business’ from a very young age. Good! But does He care as much about ordinary people has He claims to? Yes! He’ll even touch a person infected with leprosy! Amazing! And there are no blemishes of character – no immoral or hateful thoughts and ambitions? No! Great! Then this is the One Who is called ‘the Lamb of
God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ He’s God’s perfect sacrifice, provided to take our place, and to reconcile us to God, Who will put away all our offences.” I guess nobody could have really known and understood, when that sweet and perfect little baby was born, but His destiny was foretold. “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isa. 53:6). Now it’s Christmas time again; what a great time to say a heart-felt “Thank You!” May God richly bless you and yours as you celebrate together.
the stable and lay down our own gifts, the stories of our lives before the Christ Child, and ask what is it, that God wants to be made known to us, here and now? What has this child of God, come to tell you, to teach you, to show you? It might be the revelation that life can be messy, complicated and untimely – but God comes to us and dwells with us anyway. Perhaps the Christ child reminds you of endless possibilities, existing in all of us, even when things seem improbable and unlikely. Perhaps the child is giving you a message of hope – that even when life is looking its bleakest, God’s love breaks forth into the darkest night, and shines the light of hope that cannot be dispelled. Maybe the child is showing you something coming to life in you, if you just let it, nurture it, wait for it, pray for it, and let God work in
you; that God is bringing something to life in you. Or maybe the Christ child is simply showing you love – the wonder of love, the grandeur and mystery and unbridled passion of God’s love for you, for all people of all walks of life, and for all creation. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what you have done with your life, this little child is telling you, that you are so important that God is coming to dwell with us and be one with us. This year, make that journey to the stable, and ask what it is, that God is making known to you in your life right now. But you must take the initiative – God waits patiently for us to make room in our hearts for God to dwell. You need to take the effort to show up, to work, to search, and seek out what the Christ Child has to tell you or show you. You have to be open , willing, and ready – for whatever
God might reveal to you, in this Christ Child who is love in the flesh, and has come just for you, and just for everyone and everything on earth. This Christmas, take some time, to journey to Bethlehem, to hear the story with new ears and an expectant heart; go with courage, go with hope, and most of all, let God lead you to the Christ child who is just waiting for you to show up. And you will be so surprised, by what God has made ready, to be made known to you. Have a blessed Christmas friends, and may the Christ Child give birth to new beginnings, new hope, new possibilities, and new life in you. May you know the love of God, who has so many things to show you, that will open your eyes, dazzle your hearts, and leave you on a journey that never ends. Merry Christmas.
The miracle of The Christmas Story by Rev. Beverly Dyck, Biggar Church of God Mother and Father-inlaw had given each of us Christmas money as a gift for the last many years. Father-in-law had passed on many years before the telling of this story and Mother-in-law kept up this tradition. It was fun for each of us to plan what we could get with that money, and as long as we hadn’t spent it, the options were wide open. So for the last several years, I had saved that money and in the back of my mind, I began to think of saving up for a harp. A harp is a very heavenly instrument, tradition would picture angels sang at Jesus’ birth playing harps and angels and harps are certainly a part of images we have when we think of heaven! When my husband realized that I was saving money for a harp, he sold an old vehicle and gave the money to my harp fund. Then he encouraged me to go out and get a harp. I went to the music store and looked. The harp that I had earlier seen was no longer available. The ones in the store were either too
expensive, or too large or too something. So I was persuaded to order a harpsicle. Harpsicles were available in a wide variety of colours, I chose red and in my mind I was picturing a cherry-red wood. Finally the harp arrived – it was a very Christmas red. When I recovered from the surprise of the colour, I came to love my Christmas red harp. Mother-in-law’s health was declining and in January we realized that she had only days or hours left. Family gathered around her. We had meaningful communion with her, as she hovered between life and eternity. Her mind was bright, and she reminisced with us but her spirit was clearly very in touch with the beyond. Even though I had only had the harp for a few weeks and was not very skilled with it, I took it to show her. I shared with her that her money gifts had gone towards this instrument. I played for her – some songs I had been working on, and she suggested some. She suggested “Over the Sunset Mountains.” And I played that for
her as well. Days later I played that same song at her funeral. Though I was nervous and quite new at the harp, God supernaturally enabled me to play this at her funeral. It was a very moving experience. I think of The Christmas Story. The shepherds were in their fields keeping watch over their flocks and the angel of the Lord came to them and announced that the Saviour, the Christ, the Lord had just been born in the nearby town. Then suddenly a great company of angels joined the angel and they were praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.” Luke 2:14 Were there harps there? We do not know. But somehow harps make us think of heavenly things. And the wonderful news is that Jesus did come to bring peace to mankind’s hearts. The Bible appeals to us, “Who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Creative ways to celebrate Chanukah Many jokes have been shared about the complexity of growing up Jewish surrounded by Christian friends and the overwhelming influence of Christmas come the month of December. Seemingly everywhere you look buildings, stores and homes are decked out in lights and decora-
tions. But Christmas celebrants are not the only ones with reason to be festive this time of year, when Chanukah is also cause for celebration. Perhaps due to its proximity to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chanukah tends to be the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday in Amer-
ica. Even though it is officially listed as a minor holiday, Chanukah is important to families across the globe. In fact, because the basis of Chanukah is rededication to the faith, it very well may be an instrumental celebration for families who may need to find their way back to the roots of their beliefs. Chanukah celebrations may not feature lavishly decorated trees or scores of celebrants belting out carols, but it bears significance for the thousands of people who celebrate each year. While Chanukah is steeped in tradition, the following are a handful of ways you can add a creative spin to your family’s festivities this year. • Light: One of the major tenets of Chanukah is how light can shine and lead a person through dark periods. This is typically exemplified by the lighting of the menorah, which is prominently placed in windows or other visible areas of celebrants’ homes. This Chanukah spend time with someone who may be dealing with an ill-
ness or the loss of a loved one. You may be the light that inspires this person each day. Give candles to friends and family members to symbolize the light that will shine in the future. • Oil: Another component of Chanukah celebrations is the focus on how a one-day supply of oil somehow lasted eight days during the rededication of the temple’s menorah. Many ways to include oil in celebrations exist. Some people like to get creative in the kitchen, serving fried foods and desserts. Think about giving gifts of oil, such as fragrant essential oils that can be used in potpourri or in the bath or shower. Working alongside their parents, children can see
how a wick drenched in oil can serve as an efficient lighting source and decorate the home with these homemade oil lamps. • Twenty-five: Bring attention to the number 25, which is significant when celebrating Chanukah. The word Chanukah can be divided into two: Chanu, meaning “they rested,” and Kah, which is the numerical value of 25. On the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, the Maccabees rested from their battle with the Greeks and triumphantly marched into the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Make 25 a part of celebrations by inviting 25 people to celebrate with you or ask children to make murals with 25 different adornments.
• Charitable giving: Gift-giving is now a component of Chanukah celebrations, but it wasn’t always. Greater importance was once placed on the lighting of candles to publicize the miracle and evangelize the faith. Some poor people could not afford candles, and these people would go door-to-door for candle funds, or “gelt,” to be able to purchase candles and kiddush wine. Some Jewish families prefer to give money rather than gifts on Chanukah to keep with the tradition of Chanukah gelt. However, families also can incorporate charitable giving in their celebrations as a way to reinforce the customs of giving to the poor.
Warm up the winter with almond-inspired hot chocolate Nothing comforts us on a cold day like a cup of hot chocolate. From a skating trip with the family or getting cozy in front of the fire, hot chocolate warms from the inside out. This version, made with almond beverage, is also a delicious option for those who are lactose-intolerant. The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Ingredients 2 cups (500 mL) Almond Breeze Original 1/3 cup (75 mL) bittersweet or milk chocolate chips2 tbsp (30 mL) miniature marshmallows Directions Heat almond beverage, chocolate chips and 1 tbsp of miniature marshmallows in a small saucepan over medium heat until chocolate
and marshmallows are melted, stirring frequently. Pour mixture into large mugs for serving and top with remaining miniature marshmallows. Variations: Chocolate Mocha: Stir in 1 tsp instant espresso powder. Mexican Mocha: Prepare Chocolate Mocha, adding a generous pinch of cinnamon. Chocolate Caramel: Omit marshmallows and stir in 4 caramel candies. Yield: 2 servings Nutritional Analysis: Per serving: 210 calories, 9 g sugar, 10 g fat (4.5 saturated fat), 30 g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 1 g fibre, 0 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium. % RDI: 20% calcium, 10% vitamin A, 6% iron.
How to stay in the holiday spirit as you shop If you still feel disorganized with your gift list as we head into the home stretch of the holiday season, here are seven top tips to get it all done, courtesy of Simon Shopping Destinations, known to be one of the world’s largest builders of Premium Outlets, Simon Malls, and The Mills. Tip #1: Ease up on yourself and embrace the spirit of the season. Shopping centres are crowded after all, mainly because the world is full of love for family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you need to wander aimlessly. Check the websites of your favourite individual centres for their extended holiday hours. Tip #2: Make a list and check it twice. Create a plan and map it out. No matter whether you are
looking for value conscious items or high-end brands, each outlet posts its mall map and you can start this preparation at www.simon.com/travel. Planning your route in advance will save you time and steps. Tip #3: Know the amenities of your shopping centre. While on the site, check for wheelchairs and stroller rentals, if needed, and for ATM machines and foreign currency exchanges. Tip #4: Plan your transportation. Most shopping centres have huge parking lots, but perhaps you want to travel with friends on a bus and skip the whole parking issue altogether. The management at Simon properties says it will give discounts and amenities to groups and tours of 10 people or
more. Depending on the shopping centre, you can also find valet parking and shopping shuttles to take you to and from your car. If you are a real devotee of these malls, you can even download a mobile app on your iPhone or Android to guide you with every visit, including a parking reminder. Shop & Stay packages are also available at many major shopping centres with hotels onsite or nearby. Tip #5: Plan distractions for your pre-teens and teens. For example, many of the shopping centres provide free WiFi hotspots for Nintendo 3DS game players. Tip #6: See Tip #1 and remember to take a moment, even in a busy shopping centre, to look around at the joy of the holiday spirit.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15
Celebrate with religious sights and sounds In many ways, secular celebrations garner more attention than religious gatherings during the holiday season. But all it takes is a little digging to find religious services to fill our calendars come the month of December. Midnight Mass Many Christian churches commemorate Jesus Christ’s birth with a special midnight Mass on December 24th. Some Christians wait until the clock strikes midnight to place baby Jesus figurines into their Nativity scenes a t home. Midnight Mass may bring entire communities together to share the holiday season message of joy and peace. Midnight Mass also may feature
awe-inspiring performances by church choirs or private performers who lend their talents to the festivities. Living Nativity Area houses of worship and community centers may produce their own Living Nativity performances. Costumed volunteers and actors present the story of Christ’s birth and the good news that followed. This can be an especially exciting experience for children and may also be a creative way to reinforce religious beliefs, especially to children who may have difficulty otherwise relating to written text. Christmas pageants In some areas, children play integral roles
in recreating the story of Christmas. Private Catholic schools may offer performances of Christmas pageants that explain the Nativity and other events leading up to the birth of Christ. Parents and extended members of the family can enjoy a religious experience while also sharing praise for their youngest performers. Volunteer efforts Houses of worship may organize clothing drives, holiday meals, toy donation collections, and many other community events this time of year. Volunteer to lend a hand at such events, which can help to remind you that the holiday season is one of giving.
Community candle lighting Jewish celebrants may participate in a community-sponsored hanukkiyah (Chanukah menorah) lighting ceremony. Although candles or oil is traditionally burned for Chanukah, many public places use an electric system for safety and convenience. The lighting has a schedule based on tradition and ritual. A Chanukah candle lighting service can bring the religious experience alive for many involved. Caroling Christmas caroling, which likely evolved from the British tradition of wassailing, has largely fallen out of favor. However, many close-knit towns and communities still include caroling among their traditions. Caroling can be a great way to spread holiday share cheer. Although carols are often a blend of religious and secular tunes, many people find their faith is revitalized by joining their friends and neighbors to carol during the holiday season.
May your season be blessed with joy and success.
Keelar Contracting Ltd. Larry, Colleen family and staff
306-237-9127
Merry Christmas Nativity scenes are popular in time for Christmas. Some may be filled with statuettes, but some communities sponsor a live Nativity show.
Wishing You Cart loads of Joy
We hope your holiday is filled with lots of good stuff… happiness, friendship, peace, gratitude, goodwill and more of your favourite things!
MERRY CHRISTMAS and thanks for choosing us!
Biggar Shop Easy F•O•O•D•S Committed to our Community Greg, Naomi and staff
306-948-5144
and Happy New Year!!! From Our Hearth To Yours
When it comes to Christmas, we’ve got you covered -- with our warm wishes and heartfelt thanks.
16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Time to talk turkey Few foods receive the fanfare of turkey come the holiday season. The National Turkey Federation says Americans eat 46 million turkeys each Thanksgiving and another 22 million on Christmas. An additional 19 million enjoy turkey as part of their Easter celebrations. Though turkey is enjoyed throughout the year, it is most popular during the holiday season. Some celebrants may want to know more about this beloved
bird before sinking their teeth into their next holiday meal. The following turkey tidbits may surprise you. • Turkeys are large game birds that are closely related to chickens, pheasants and quail. • The turkey’s scientific name is “meleagris gallopavo,” which is the wild turkey from which the domesticated turkey many people eat descends. There is another species of turkey known as the ocellated turkey, which is native
To the Coolest Folks We know.
go our very best wishes for a fantastic holiday.
Nodwell Roofing
Trevor Nodwell • 306-948-5637
to the Yucat·n Peninsula in Mexico. • By the early 1900s, the wild turkey neared extinction. Restoration projects have increased the number of turkeys from approximately 30,000 birds back then to nearly seven million now. • Despite their size, turkeys can fly in the wild. They often perch in trees to sleep to protect themselves from predators. Some domesticated turkeys may not fly because they have been bred to be overly large to produce more breast meat. • The heaviest turkey ever raised was 86 pounds. • A male turkey is called a “tom” or a “gobbler,” while female turkeys are referred to as “hens.” Only the male will make the familiar gobbling sound, which is used to attract mates. • A hen is smaller than a gobbler and does not have the distinctive beard of modified feathers that gobblers have on their breasts.
Males also have sharp spurs on their legs for fighting. • Male and female turkeys also can be differentiated by their droppings. Male droppings are spiralshaped, while females’ look like the letter J. • Both genders of turkey have snoods (the dangling appendage on the face) as well as red wattles under their chins. • A hen can lay about 10 to 12 eggs over a period of two weeks. The eggs will incubate for 28 days before hatching. Baby turkeys are called “poults.” • Turkeys and peacocks may look similar, but they are not closely related. • Turkeys have excellent vision due to their eyes being located on the sides of their head. This gives the birds periscopic vision. • The gizzard is a part of the turkey’s stomach that contains tiny stones that the bird has swallowed. The stones facilitate the digestion
process. • Benjamin Franklin did not support the bald eagle as the nation’s symbol, feeling the turkey would be a better choice. In a letter to his daughter, he wrote, “He [bald eagle] is a rank coward; the little kingbird, not bigger than a sparrow, attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. For in truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America. Eagles have been found in all countries, but the turkey was peculiar to ours .” • Turkeys will have 3,500 feathers at maturity. Rumor has it the costume worn by the “Sesame Street”
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December 24 until noon December 25, 26 December 29 and 30, regular business hours December 31 until noon January 1 Friday, January 2, regular business hours
character “Big Bird” is made of turkey feathers. • The turkey shares its name with a country. But why? A turkey bears some resemblance to the guinea fowl. Though it is native to eastern Africa, the guinea fowl was imported to Europe through the Ottoman Empire and came to be called the “turkey-cock” or “turkey-hen.” When settlers in the New World began to send similar-looking fowl back to Europe, they were mistakenly called “turkeys.” • Despite an abundance of turkeys being eaten between November and January, June is National Turkey Month.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Holidays potentially hazardous to pets The holiday season is full of joy. But in the midst of decorating and socializing, pet owners may overlook the needs of their pets. Hectic schedules and homes full of unusual dÈcor can throw pets off-kilter. No pet owner wants their pet to feel uncomfortable or suffer any injuries, so it’s important that owners exercise caution with the following items come the holiday season. • Bones: Is turkey on the menu for the family feast? If so, resist the urge to toss some bones and scraps to dogs or cats. Small bones or bone chips can become lodged in the digestive tracts of pets and cause serious injury. If you want to provide your pet with a holiday treat, choose a safer, store-bought bone. • Aromatic oils: The holidays are not the same without the familiar scent of mint, cinnamon or pine. Some people resort to scented
candles or aromatherapy oils to create the perfect holiday ambiance. But some synthetic aromas or even natural extracts can be toxic to cats and dogs. Stick to nontoxic items and keep them well out of the pet’s reach. • Chocolate and other sweets: An abundance of treats seems to be par for the course during the holiday season. Dogs should avoid all chocolate, but dark chocolate poses a particularly serious threat. Chocolate can cause agitation, elevated heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and even death. In addition, candy or cookies sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure for dogs. • Pine needles and trees: When ingested, pine needles can puncture the intestines of pets. In search of an easy drink, dogs and cats may be drawn to the fresh water reservoir of live trees,
increasing the likelihood that they knock over a Christmas tree, injuring themselves and causing damage around the house. Trees should be properly secured, and fallen needles should be promptly discarded. • Tinsel and decorations: Skip the tinsel if you have a cat. Felines are likely to mistake tinsel for a toy. Eating tinsel can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract, as it may get caught in the stomach while the rest of it continues to pass through the intestines. Tinsel also may wrap around the tongue, increasing the cat’s risk of choking. Ornaments also are tempting playthings. Cats may pounce on glass ornaments, breaking them and suffering injury. Keep pets in mind when selecting tree ornaments, and opt for unbreakable ornaments when possible. • Electrical cords: The American Animal
Hospital Association says holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Secure all cords and keep them out of reach of pets. • Candles: The subtle flicker of a lit candle can add ambiance to a space. But all it takes is the swish of a tail or the pat of a paw to knock over a candle and spark a fire. Never leave lit candles unattended. If you have boisterous pets, opt for LED simulated candles instead. • Alcohol: Spirits are sometimes a part of celebrations,but alcoholic beverages should be kept out of reach of pets. Alcohol suppresses the immune system, and it can result in significant health issues for pets who consume it. The holiday season is a time for celebration. Ensure that these festivities are as safe for pets as they are enjoyable.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 17
May the peace and joy of this holiday season be with you always
Duperow Co-op Management and staff
Holiday films to lift your spirits Many families have their own unique holiday traditions, but some traditions transcend familial lines to become an integral part of many people’s holiday celebrations. One of the more popular traditions during this festive time of year is to watch a favorite holiday film with family and friends. With that in mind, the following are some of the most beloved holiday movies ever to make it onto the big screen. • “It’s a Wonderful Life”: Perhaps no holiday film is more beloved than this 1946 Frank Capra-directed classic. Screen legend Jimmy Stewart plays a desperate businessman contemplating suicide during the holiday season. But a guardian angel helps him realize all the good fortune in his life by showing him what life might have been like if he had never
existed. • “White Christmas”: This 1954 song-anddance film stars Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a pair of longtime friends and ex-military men who fall in love with a sister act team that includes famous singer (and aunt to George Clooney) Rosemary Clooney. Crosby and Kaye join forces to save the failing Vermont inn of their beloved former commander. • “Miracle on 34th Street”: Natalie Wood stars in this 1947 classic that follows the trial of Kris Kringle, who claims to be Santa
Claus and must prove otherwise to avoid being institutionalized. Nominated for Best Picture at the 1948 Academy Awards, “Miracle on 34th Street” won three of the prestigious statuettes, including a Best Supporting Actor OscarÆ for Edmund Gwenn, who played the jolly old man in the red suit. • “Bad Santa”: Though not quite as heartwarming as many holiday films, this 2003 black comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as miserable, alcoholic con man “Willie,” who poses
as a mall Santa Claus so he can rob a department store safe on Christmas Eve. But in spite of its rather raunchy take on the holiday season, the film is ultimately a story of redemption as Willie befriends a bullied youngster and begins to turn his life around. • “A Christmas Carol”: Those looking for a more traditional take on holiday films need look no further than this 1951 adaptation of the Charles Dickens novella, which tells the tale of bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is haunted by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.
May your holidays be Àlled with seasonal joy, old-fashioned traditions, and the blessings of family and friends. Thank you for shopping with us. We look forward to your continued patronage with much appreciation.
Shirley, Jason and staff • 306-948-3337
IT’S SHAPING UP TO BE A GREAT HOLIDAY Another great season is shaping up and we owe it all to you, our members and friends. Thank you for your support… Brett Barber and staff
We’re sowing our best wishes with the hope that they grow into joy and prosperity for the folks that we know!
~ and ~
Full Fitness Facility and Circuit Personal Training, Kickboxing, Sweat with Brett Fitness Classes, Nutrition Consulting OPEN… OPEN … - 7 days a week -- 5 a.m. - 11 p.m. Co-Ed Hours, 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. 102 - 3rd Ave. West, Biggar
306-948-2208 or 306-948-9750 (cell)
www.louisdreyfus.ca
Management and staff Wilkie, SK. 306-843-3113
18 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Merry Christmas
from all of us May the coming year bring peace, joy and enlightenment to you and those you cherish.
Village of Landis Council and staff
A world of thanks and best wishes to our neighbours, customers and friends.We feel fortunate to serve great folk like you!
306-948-2643 • Biggar
The many ways to recycle Christmas greeting cards The Greeting Card Association says some 6.5 billion greeting cards are purchased every year. Of those, around 1.6 billion are Christmas cards. Exchanging cards is a great way for people to show their loved ones that they’re thinking about them, and such cards make for festive ornaments to display around homes. But when the holiday season ends, recycling those cards into other items can make good use of the paper resources and turn what’s normally a
single-use item into an enduring trinket. • Turn this year’s cards into next year’s gift tags. Cut out circles, rectangles or any shape you desire. Otherwise, visit the scrapbooking aisle of your favorite craft store and purchase a paper punch to make easy work of cutting those shapes. • Transform a greeting card into a mini puzzle for a youngster. • Glue silly characters from Christmas cards onto a sheet of magnet. Then use these magnets
for decorations next year. • Frame favorite cards so their messages can endure year after year. • Turn a beautiful card into a keepsake. Use a decoupage medium to attach a card to a ceramic or wood backing. Coat with a polyurethane top coat to protect it. • Use greeting cards to make wine charms for holiday entertaining. Guests can keep track of their glasses with ease. • Use cut-outs of cards to improve the appearance of plain gift
It’s going to be a VERY GOOD YEAR!
Here’s hoping your holiday season Ànds you laughing all the way!
Merry Christmas and many thanks for your generous support.
BIGGAR HOTEL Tammy, Monty and staff • 306-948-3641
wrap or bags. • Insert cut rounds of greeting cards into the inside of can lids to create crafty ornaments. • Make a paper Christmas tree from cutouts on greeting cards. • Encourage kids to make a photo collage from the cards they like. Mount their efforts on poster board and save for next year. • Donate used cards. St. Jude’s Ranch recycles greeting cards by reselling them to help fund programs.
Warm Wishes
for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year We value your business and look forward to serving you in the new year.
The board, staff and management of
Landis Credit Union 306-658-2152
Saskatoon/Biggar
Duane Neufeldt Serving Biggar and Area
306-948-8055
Randy Weekes, M.L.A. Biggar Constituency 948-4880, toll free Happy 1-877-948-4880 New
Box 1413, 106-3rd Avenue West, Biggar
Year!
Even though snow is blanketing the landscape, we’re warmed by having such good friends and neighbors around us this season. We hope you have a joyful and festive holiday, and a very happy and healthy year ahead.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 19
The thing we value most about our business is the chance to meet people like you! Merry Christmas and much happiness to you this holiday season.
221 Main St. • Biggar Kelly, Floyd, Makenzie, and staff
306-948-5355
Peace On Earth… Goodwill Towards All Mankind… …and sincere thanks for all the goodwill you’ve shown toward us this past year. We look forward to your next visit.
Create kid fun in your holiday kitchen: the more sprinkles the better From confetti-decorated sugar cookies and taffy pudding to gingerbread houses and hot chocolate, holiday treat-making is the best combination of delicious and messy – especially if children are involved. Whether you are baking with kids or a kid-atheart, ‘tis the season to create delightful family traditions --- and clean up later. After all, memories are made in the kitchen, so enjoy every dropped egg and scattered cup of flour along the way. Here’s a simple recipe that is as fun to make, as it is yummy to eat. Sure to become a favourite, Pretzel Sweets use easy-to-find ingredients and are a breeze to whip up. They are also a no-bake treat so little hands can help. Customized with toppings like sprinkles, these super-easy pretzel snacks are a perfect way to surprise and delight family and friends.
Pretzel Sweets Ingredients • Bag of pretzels (salted or un-salted) • Chocolate chips (white, dark, milk chocolate are great, or try butterscotch chips) • Toppings of choice (sprinkles, chocolate-coated candies, flaked coconut) Procedure • Line two baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper • Place pretzels in a large bowl • Sort toppings of choice and place onto individual plates • Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt to a creamy texture • Dip pretzels into chocolate and shake off any excess • Take your chocolate-coated pretzels and roll them in toppings of choice • Set on baking sheet to cool • Enjoy
Quick Stop Convenience Store & Fas Gas Bar Sharon, Tracy, Ray, Jamie and staff
306-948-5494
from the Board of Directors and Staff at
Feudal Co-op Bulk Petroleum Cardlock Convenience Store Highway 14 • Perdue
306-237-4639 or 1-877-358-9677
Merry Christmas! With thanks and warm wishes from all of us to all of you.
May the peace and happiness of the Christmas season carry you and your family through the new year and beyond. Thank you for your patronage.
Phillips Electric
Spyder AutoBody 948-2044
Biggar • 306-948-5393 or 1-306-221-6888 Dave and staff
Fred, Patsy, Curtis, Roy, Bryor, Teagon, Josh
20 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
The man behind the beard
May peace, joy, harmony and contentment visit your home during this special time of year. We are sincerely grateful and look forward to your continued friendship.
1st Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-2700
Jack, Carolyn and families
Have A HAPPY Y! A D I L O H We’re sending this little note your way. To wish you a happy holiday Filled with enough joy and cheer, To last throughout the coming year. Thanks for your patronage and we’ll see you next year!
REBEL LANDSCAPING Ed Kolenosky and family
306-948-2879 or 306-948-7207
Friends like you are just our style. Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you. Thank you for your continued support.
Every Christmas Eve, children go to bed eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. This merry gentleman is purported to visit the home of every good girl and boy, delivering gifts and cheer along the way. Before the modern evolution of Santa Claus lived a very real and generous individual named Nicholas. In the third century, Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myrna in presentday Turkey. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, believing that giving should be done secretly and sacrificially in Jesus Christ’s name rather than one’s own. Stories tell of Nicholas paying the dowry for poor daughters to enable them to get married. He reportedly put coins in
the shoes of those who left them out for him. It is believed Nicholas helped to restore the hope of hundreds of people in his community, making him a beloved and revered Bishop. Throughout his ministry, Nicholas fervently shared his life and fortune with others. Nicholas continued to be revered and commemorated by many Christians even after his death. His charity and unselfish works helped inspire generations of the faithful,and he eventually was named the patron saint of everyone from merchants to sailors to pawnbrokers. No one really knows what St. Nicholas looked like. But in 2005, a forensic laboratory in England reviewed historical data and photographs of the
remains taken from St. Nicholas’ grave in the 1950s. Researchers concluded that he was a small man, perhaps no more than five feet in height, with a broken nose. This image certainly does not fit with the robust frame and other imagery awarded St. Nicholas in more modern years. St. Nicholas is believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus, which was a name taken from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contracted form of Sint Nicolass, or St. Nicholas. Tales of the real St. Nicholas’ giving spirit were blended with a fictional personification by New York-based newspaper writers who blended the St. Nicholas name with the appearance of a Dutch town citizen.
The goal was to reach out to the primarily Dutch immigrants living in New York at the time. This jolly elf image was given a boost by the publication of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which was published around the same time. Eventually, the merry Santa Claus portrayal began to outshine the more accurate St. Nicholas version as a religious man, fostered by political drawings and caricatures that depicted Santa as a chubby sort in a red suit. That image prevails to this day. Beneath the Christmas symbolism, the beard and the presents associated with Santa Claus lies a tale of generosity that originated with St. Nicholas.
Giving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As more and more people are conscious of reducing their impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally conscious products and services has grown. Choosing earthfriendly gifts is not only generous, but giftgivers also can rest assured they’re doing their part to safeguard natural resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas for the ecoconscious people on your holiday shopping list. Locally made products Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not produced halfway around the world, meaning they don’t
contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which also are a great way to support businesses in your community. Gifts of service A massage or music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources, and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient, rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or
agree to help them shop for groceries. Recycled goods When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts if you know where to shop. Natural gifts Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herbgrowing kit that enables them to experiment with
freshly picked basil or thyme in the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the evergreen after the holidays have come and gone. Antiques New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique shops for items that have interesting histories. The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesn’t have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.
Eco-friendly gift ideas for ‘green’ giving
Randy Weekes, M.L.A. Biggar Constituency 948-4880, toll free 1-877-948-4880 Box 1413, 106-3rd Avenue West, Biggar
Another opportunity to tell you how much we appreciate your support.
Happy Holidays!
216 Main St., Biggar Sandy, Larry, Linda and Vickie
306-948-4855
~ Board and staff ~
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Five fun ways to make holiday memories together in the kitchen In most houses, fresh-from-the-oven cookies don’t last long – especially around the holidays. What does last however, are the memories shared with loved ones baking in a warm kitchen and the satisfaction of enjoying a delicious treat (or two!) made from scratch. Anna Olson, celebrity chef and host of Food Network Canada’s Bake with Anna Olson, knows just how great spending time in the kitchen can be at this time of year. “Holiday baking always stirs up memories for me
of spending time with my loved ones,” says Olson. “Laughing over spilt ingredients, sneaking a bit of chocolate here and there, watching cookies rise and smelling the sweet aroma of sugar, butter and vanilla.” To make your own memories this season, why not try a few of Anna’s favourite baking tips for the most festive time of the year: 1. Start with the basics. Olson suggests stocking your kitchen with essential ingredients. Keeping the basics like flour, sugar, eggs, butter,
nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips on hand means you are ready to start baking at any time. 2. Make it fun. Play your favourite music or holiday tunes to really get you in a festive spirit. Singing and dancing around the kitchen can be just as fun as the baking process. 3. Get inspired. Instead of adding just regular chocolate chips, for example, brighten up the cookies with different flavours, like the variety offered by Hershey’s Chipits. Having fun
ingredients in your pantry will help avoid a baking rut. 4. Change it up. When it comes to holiday baking we often think of the classics, like decorated sugar and gingerbread cookies, but know that you can branch out and try something modern like cake pops, or whoopie pies with a holiday twist. 5. Or keep it simple. Never underestimate the power of a chocolate chip cookie. Wonderful memories can be made even over the simplest recipe.
The role of a lifetime - for many actors First published on December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter miser whose Christmas Eve encounters with the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come spark a transformation from a penny-pinching near-recluse into a benevolent do-gooder. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has endured for nearly 175 years, and figures to remain a staple of the holiday season for years to come. But as much as audiences enjoy the tale of Mr. Scrooge, so, too, do actors enjoy giving their take on this memorable miser. Nary a year has passed since the classic tale was first adapted for the stage in 1844 that an actor, be it amateur or professional, has not portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge, and such portrayals have taken place on the stage, the small screen, the silver screen, and even the radio. Some manifestations of the old miser have been true to
Dickens’ version, while others are modernizations of the legendary writer’s original story. The following are some of the more memorable performances from actors tasked with playing Ebenezer Scrooge. • Alastair Sim: Considered by many film critics to be the best version of Ebenezer Scrooge to ever grace the stage, screen or airwaves, Sim’s 1951 performance is still celebrated to this day. Sim would reprise the role 20 years later in the OscarÆ-winning animated version. • Albert Finney: The England-born Finney won the role of Ebenezer Scrooge despite being just 34 years old at the time the 1970 musical adaptation was made. Finney would win a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film, which was titled “Scrooge.” • Tom Ricketts: Though not necessarily as renowned a performance as some others who would follow in his footsteps as Ebenezer Scrooge, Rick-
Hope the holidays bring you good cheer, and Àll you with the spirit of the season. We’re very grateful for your patronage. Please come and see us soon.
Biggar Liquor Board Store Lana and Cindy
306-948-3575
etts’ efforts are memorable because his 1908 performance came during the silent film era. The 15-minute short version of “A Christmas Carol” marked Ricketts’ first onscreen role after he earned a reputation as a great Shakespearean actor in his native England. • Reginald Owen: Like Ricketts, Owen’s performance did not garner any special acclaim, but it did mark the first American feature length attempt at telling the Dickens story. The role went to Owen after the legendary Lionel Barrymore, who holiday film fans may know as the mean-spirited “Mr. Potter” from the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was forced to drop out of the film due to a medical condition. • George C. Scott: Scott’s 1984 turn as Ebenezer Scrooge is memorable for all the right reasons, as the made-for-television tale starring this OscarÆ winner is widely con-
sidered one of the best adaptations of the story ever made. That success may not have come as a surprise to industry insiders 30 years ago, as the version starring the “Patton” actor was directed by Clive Donner, who served as film editor on the acclaimed 1951 big screen version. • Bill Murray: Though his character was not named “Ebenezer Scrooge,” Murray played a Scrooge-like character in 1988’s “Scrooged,” a hilarious modernization of the classic tale. In the film, Murray plays a heartless television executive who undergoes a Scrooge-like transformation while planning a live adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” for his station. Charles Dickens’ memorable novella “A Christmas Carol” has endured for nearly 200 years. That endurance can be credited to both Dickens’ unique storytelling and the numerous actors who have memorably brought Ebenezer Scrooge to life.
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 21
May you find everything you want under the tree, and in your heart this holiday season. For the gift of your friendship, we are sincerely grateful.
Ivan and Bernice Young and Paul Ogrodnick 306-948-3381
love peace of joy blessings the season Wishing you and your family, all the gifts of this magical time of year. For your friendship and support, we are deeply grateful and look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
Merry Christmas! Grondin Funeral Services Ltd. 306-948-2669
May your year be Àtted with good times, good friends and good fortune. We thank you for your generous support and look forward to serving you again.
Crop Production Services Management and staff
Hwy #4, Biggar, • 306-948-1753
Biggar Veterinary Clinic Dr. M. O. Isinger and family, Paulette Ireland-Hegland 306-948-3642
22 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Create an energy-efficient home for the holidays
With Our Thanks for Your Business! Happy Holidays to our customers, neighbours, associates and friends at this festive occasion. We appreciate you hanging in there with us!
Royal Bank
~ Biggar Branch staff ~
‘Tis the season to be festive, and that usually means stringing up hundreds of twinkling lights to create a welcoming glow on dark winter nights. Some people view the holiday season as their chance to go all out with regard to decorating their homes with an abundance of lights, inflatable lawn ornaments and maybe even some mechanical figures. While these decorations certainly may be symbols of the season, it’s easy to forget just how much energy and resources they consume. A typical strand of lights uses around 300 watts of electricity. Multiply those figures by the dozens of strings of lights people use and it’s easy to see how quickly energy usage can add up. In addition to lights, lit candles, animated dolls, wreaths, trees, and scores of imported ornaments contribute to the energy consumption per household. Even so, environmentally conscious individuals need not skip the holiday dÈcor and entertaining. Fortunately, there are various ways to be energy effi-
cient with holiday dÈcor this season. • Switch to LED lights. LED lights consume a fraction of the energy traditional incandescent bulbs do. While a standard string of 50 lights consumes 300 watts, LED sets only consume four watts. This not only saves energy, but also considerable amounts of money over the course of the holiday season. • Use fiber-optic decorations. Fiber optic items are lit by one light. The illumination carries through the fiber optic cables to the entire decoration. • Use a power strip and timer. Plug decorations into a power strip (be sure to follow the recommended power load for safety) and hook everything up to a timer so lights are not on when no one can see them. • Check light strands. Always inspect lights
for frayed wires and any damage. Frayed lights are less efficient and pose a considerable safety risk. • Enhance decorations. Use mirrors and reflective ornaments to give the appearance of more lights without actually adding more. • Turn off ambient lighting. † tree lights or the lights framing a picture window should be sufficient to light up a room. Keep lamps and overhead lighting off while the tree is lit to save money and energy. • Lower the thermostat. When entertaining, turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Having extra people in your home will raise the temperature. Similarly, heat generated by the oven and other cooking appliances can warm up a home. Don’t waste energy by keeping the heat turned on high.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries. According to Energy Quest, 40 percent of all batteries are purchased during the holiday season. To power those many gifts and devices, use rechargeable batteries which can be used again and again. • Change your cooking practices. Smaller appliances use less energy. Put those toaster ovens, slow cookers and electric fryers to good use. Only use the oven if you are cooking a large meal. • Wait until the dishwasher is full. Pack in the dishes from holiday meals, and only run the dishwasher when it is full. • Reuse items whenever possible. Many items around the house can be put to good use as decorations, holiday servers or gifts. Take inventory of what you have before you go out and purchase new decorations.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Hon. Gerry Ritz, P.C., M.P. Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food Battlefords - Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.com
Decorative lights can consume a considerable amount of energy. Scale back or invest in LEDs, which are more energy-efficient lights.
Mistletoe Saskatchewan’s Ag Real Estate Professionals. Acres of Expertise.
Mistletoe, it is told, was considered the plant of peace in ancient Scandinavia. If enemies met under the mistletoe, they declared a truce for
the day. This is possible how the modern day custom of kissing under the mistletoe came about.
Biggar Hammond Realty would like to thank Dave Molberg for his outstanding contributions to the success of our company. Dave leverages his vast experience, valuable knowledge, and comprehensive network of contacts to deliver exceptional results to his clients. By providing his Buyers with the highest quality selection of farmland listings, he provides Sellers with extradinary results. Congratulations Dave on a very successful year! We sincerely appreciate your loyalty, expertise, professionalism, collaboration and commitment to providing your clients with the highest level of satisfaction. You truly have Acres of Expertise. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Season’s Greetings THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT
To all our friends and customers out in Biggar and area -- we appreciate your support and wish you all a Happy & Healthy New Year.
~Murray & Lori McNally~
Dave Molberg
•
Dave.Molberg@HammondRealty.ca DaveMolberg.HammondRealty.ca
HammondRealty.ca
AUTOMATICS/STANDARDS th
525 - 44 St. E., Saskatoon • 306-242-2225 “We do things right allomatically”
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 23
Holiday music releases on the horizon Traditions vary from family to family, but many families share a love of holiday songs and carols at this time of year. Many notable performers have lent their voices to timeless classics or created entirely new songs that have gone on to become perennial favorites. Every year new singers showcase their talents with Christmas releases, and 2014 is no different. Holiday albums available this year include country artists’ collaborations, a carol collection from a singer-songwriter and a surprise swing-jazz
release from an actor and voiceover artist. • Grammy-winning vocalist Michael W. Smith teams up with a bevy of country music greats on his “Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas.” Popular artists Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, and even U2’s Bono appear on this album, which features an orchestral flavor. The album is Smith’s fourth holiday release. • Those looking for another Christmas album to freshen up their collections can look to “Sings Christmas Carols”
from Mark Koselek. The singer-songwriter and frontman for the band Sun Kil Moon lends his baritone and guitar chops to several classic Christmas carols, including “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “The First Noel.” • Seth MacFarlane may have Oscar and Grammy nominations to his name, but soon he will have a Christmas album to his credit as well. MacFarlane recorded “Holiday for Swing” during the holiday season last year. The release follows MacFarlane’s critically
acclaimed musical debut, “Music Is Better Than Words.” The actor collaborates with Norah Jones, Sarah Bareilles and others on the tracks, which have a jazz-blues feel. In case you happened to miss the release of the variety of Christmas albums last year, choose among “I Wanna Go Surfin’ With Santa,” by the Hollyberries; “Horror Xmas,” from The Misfits; “Snow Globe,” by Erasure; or “On This Winter’s Night,” from Lady Antebellum.
With thanks and glad tidings from us this holiday season.
Gift Certificates available
KRF Auto Centre • Granitex Baked-on Coating • Vortex Spray-in Box liners • Auto Accessories • Detailing • Trailer Rentals 227 - 1st Ave. East, Biggar • 306-948-1722
Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season. • Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone. • In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible. • Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbors to a long and healthy life. • Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number.Similarly,there’s
no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older. • Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents. • Santa has his own official postal code. It’s H0 H0 H0. • The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas. • Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees sold today were likely planted in 1999. • Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States
until June 26, 1870. • Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard. • Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female. • Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born. • Many people may be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants. • Each holiday season,
PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011. The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.
In this season of celebration, we are reminded of both the diversity and bounty that nature provides us, and are grateful for the richness and beauty of this wondrous season. We are also grateful to share it with good people like you, and wish you all the best during this special time of year.
Wylie Seed & Processing Dale, Bill, staff and families 306-948-2807
WISHING YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROPEROUS 2014
Wylie Seed & Processing 306-948-2807 HOLIDAY HOURS… Dec. 24 - 6 a.m - 7 p.m. Dec. 25 - CLOSED, Christmas Dec. 26 - 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Dec. 27 - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 28 - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Looks like another great season is shaping up around here, and we owe it all to you, our members, neighbors and friends. From all of us to all of you, go our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. We look forward to seeing you again.
Diamond Gym and Thuro-Janitorial Services Laurie, Cliff and staff
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306-948-5600
Dec. 29 - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 30 - 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Dec. 31 - 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Jan. 1 - CLOSED, New Year’s Day Jan. 2 - regular hours, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
24 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014
Did you know? Though there is no official data that declares the best-selling holiday toy for children of alltime, it’s fair to assume the lovable “Sesame Street” figure Elmo is high on the list of most popular holiday toys. Much of that popularity can be traced to the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996. Though not the first Elmo doll, Tickle Me Elmo became the must-have gift of 1996, when parents searched far and wide for the doll that laughed when users tickled its stomach. During the holiday season of 1996, many people paid far beyond market price just so their children could wake up on Christmas or Chanukah and have a Tickle Me Elmo doll to call their
Here’s hoping your holiday season turns out to be a real classic. May it be filled with good old-fashioned days of friendship, love and laughter. We thank you for blessing us with your visits this past year. Seeing customers like you is always a treat.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Westwinds Motor Hotel “Experience the Westwinds Difference” Dayna,Trent and staff
306-948-3301
own. Since 1996, Elmo has been reincarnated many times over, and each Elmo doll seems to inspire its own craze come the holiday season. Released in 1998, Walk ‘N’ Talk Elmo was a popular children’s gift, as was Rock ‘N’ Roll Elmo (1999), Tickle Me Elmo Surprise (2001), Chicken Dance Elmo (2002), and SHOUT Elmo (2005). In 2006, Mattel, the company that produces the Elmo dolls, announced a special commemorative Elmo to mark the 10year anniversary of the introduction of Tickle Me Elmo. That, too, sparked a buying frenzy, as some reports indicated private sellers were selling the latest Elmo, known as TMX Elmo, for thousands of dollars.
Christmas hangings All I want for Christmas is for my children to hang up three things -mistletoe, stockings and the phone.
Away in a Manger Although scholars dispute the point, many believe that this carol was written by Martin Luther for his children,
and it is often called Luther’s Cradle Hymn. There are several different melodies for the lyrics.
There’s No Place
Like Home for the Holidays Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and every happiness in the New Year.
35 years of serving Biggar and area 1979-2014
Carter Plumbing & Heating Water Heaters, Softeners, Pumps, Furnaces, Underground Sprinklers, Air-conditioning
306-948-2624
Sending you warm wishes at Christmas and throughout the year!
From all of us at Heartland Health Region
Filled With Our Gratitude We’re hoping your holiday season is an equal mix of harmony and joy. For your goodwill and trust, please accept a generous measure of our sincere gratitude.
L I V E
W E L L
W I T H
PHARMASAVE
®
Management and staff 215 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-3315