Weyburn Concert Series to feature classical sounds of the Prairie Sons
The classical stylings of the Prairie Sons will grace the Cugnet Centre stage on Wednesday, Nov. 27, for the next performance of the Weyburn Concert Series, starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Weyburn Comp’s RISE choir will be performing from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., prior to the “Prairie Sons” concert.
Patrons are asked to come early to enjoy the
show and consider making a donation to help cover travel costs for the school’s Spring Music Trip.
Special Olympics will be on hand with water and baking at intermission.
Donations will be gratefully accepted.
As the Prairie Sons, cellist David Liam Roberts and pianist Godwin Friesen embody the expansive, nuanced perspective
of their home landscape in their concert program. The two award-winning musicians met at the Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School of Music, and recognized a kindred spirit in each other.
Both hail from the Prairies, began performing alongside other members of their families, and have been named to CBC’s list of Hot 30 Classical Musi-
Festival of Trees 25th anniversary to raise funds for Family Place
The 25th anniversary of the Festival of Trees is returning to an in-person auction for the decorated Christmas trees, in support of the Family Place’s Early Years Family Resource Centre, along with a silent auction and raffles.
The set up of the trees took place on Monday and Tuesday, and the viewing of the decorated trees and silent auction items opened on Nov. 20, at the Great Plains Ford auction building, located at 285 First Ave. SW.
Viewing of the trees will be open from Nov. 20-
23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The viewing will be closed on Nov. 24, and opens again on Monday, Nov. 25 from 1-7 p.m., and on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A special feature for families will be a visit by Santa Claus on Nov. 25 from 4-6 p.m., and children can sit on Santa’s knee with parents taking their own photos. Those interested in bidding for the silent auction items can go to the tree auction’s Facebook page from Nov. 20-25. November 26 is also when pickup
of the silent auction items will be held.
The evening for the tree auction, on Wednesday, Nov. 27, will be a ticketed event, at a cost of $20 for individuals or $150 for a table of eight. A charcuterie board will be served to the tables at intermission, and a cash bar will be available.
Tickets are available by calling the Family Place at 306-842-7477.
The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m., a presentation at 6:30 p.m. followed by the tree auction fundraiser.
cians Under 30.
The energy and innovation of the Prairie Sons invites you to take a fresh look at a familiar landscape, and to witness the miracle in the everyday.
Both Roberts and Friesen first experienced the thrill of performance as part of a musical family. Friesen grew up in Edmonton and Saskatoon, while Roberts grew up in Winnipeg. As the Prairie Sons, the two are dedicated to innovative programming and unforgettably engaging performances.
Described as a “deeply thoughtful and soft-spoken artist” by the Winnipeg Free Press, Roberts is an award-winning cellist, an athlete, and a passionate music educator with a bent toward philosophy.
Originally from Winnipeg, he began his musical career at age five busking with his older siblings.
Great-grandson to an amateur Métis fiddle player on his father’s side and descended from a long line of German Lutheran church organists on his mother’s, he is increasingly interested in exploring his family’s roots and Métis heritage.
With a sensitive, soulful performance style, David Liam has garnered considerable recognition in the Canadian music world. Along with being named to CBC Radio’s list of top young musicians, he was awarded First Prize at the 2022 biennial WMC McLellan Competition, won the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts’ Michael Measures First Prize, and was the 2021-22 recipient of the Hnatyshyn Foundation’s Developing Artist Grant for Canadian instrumentalists.
For many years, Roberts led the Back to Bach
Project, a global nonprofit organization which instills a love of music in children around the world. He continues to support this endeavour as a Back to Bach soloist.
Roberts is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma as a student of Hans Jørgen Jensen and Andrés Díaz at Toronto’s Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music, where he holds the prestigious Temerty Fellowship. His studies have taken to him to Poland, Slovenia and Italy, and some of his most formative mentors have been Yuri Hooker, Bryan Epperson and Joseph Johnson. An impassioned pianist who infuses his performances with emotion, Godwin seems to embody every note he plays, and his sentiment resonates in his listeners.
Continued on page 2
Setting up for the Festival of Trees
Kateryna Peregon put the finishing touches to this tree at the Festival of Trees on Tuesday. The fundraiser for the Family Place opened for viewing on Wednesday, and will continue until Nov. 26, with the exception of Nov. 24. Santa will be visiting on Nov. 25 from 4-6 p.m. where parents can take photos of their kids on Santa’s knee.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
The Prairie Sons to perform at Cugnet Centre
COMMUNITY
Ministerial Message: The importance God placed on Christmas
By Pastor Cam Weber, Weyburn Ministerial Association
Christmas is getting closer and we just had our first good snowfall, so people are getting in the Christmas spirit and scurrying around trying to find the right present for their loved ones, or planning travel to visit loved ones to share this special season together with family and friends.
The question that comes to my mind is, did God plan and prepare for Jesus his Son coming to the world or did it just happen? The Bible tells us in Gal. 4:4-5, “But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” What was the fullness of time that this verse
Stepping up for candies
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Young spectators stepped up to this truck for candy so they didn’t have to throw the treats onto slushy streets, during the Santa Parade in Midale on Saturday on Main Street. Many other floats ended up bringing their candies to the 39ers Club house afterward, and Santa and Mrs. Claus also came there for children to meet following the parade.
talks about?
To understand this, we must turn back in the Old Testament scriptures to Daniel 9:24-26, where it lays out the time frame. It says from the going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem in Daniel’s time (445 BC) to the coming of Messiah (Jesus) would be 483 years. The Jewish people who knew the scriptures knew it was time for Jesus the Messiah to come to the world. (Luke 2:25)
So, we can see God planned his Son’s coming into the world at least 483 years before it happened. God had prepared the world culturally (Matthew 1:17) Joseph’s lineage, (Luke 3:23-38) is Mary’s lineage and in many other areas that are too many to list in this brief article.
God used the Romans to provide safety and stability, the Greeks to provide the universal language and phil-
osophy that allowed the gospel message to flourish. So that by 55 AD, the Apostle Paul could say (Acts 19:10), “so that all they which dwelt in Asia (modern Turkey) heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”
We can see God placed great importance on his Son’s coming to this world many years in advance and had every detail in place before he came. Do we place that kind of importance on the true meaning of Christmas or are we more concerned with the materialistic things of this world?
I had someone ask me this week; I never see any Halloween decorations on your house, yet your house is all decorated up for Christmas? Why? My response was, our family choses to celebrate the coming of Jesus to this world to bring new life to whoever believes in Him, and not to celebrate the death
culture of Halloween. They had to think about this for a minute then replied, that makes good sense, and they would have to consider it further.
Let’s consider the importance of Jesus coming to this world (Christmas) this year and plan something specific this year to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Make a list of what Christmas (Jesus coming to this world) means to you, maybe you will need to adjust your priorities this year.
Remember God did all this planning and went through all what he did because he loves you and wants a relationship with you.
This is Pastor Cameron Weber, saying you are loved and special to God (John 3:16), so take time to reflect on this, this Christmas and share his love and new life in Jesus with your family and friends. Have a Blessed Christmas Season!
Prairie Sons concert will feature
award-winning musicians
Continued from front page
In 2022, he took first place at the OSM Competition (and received the prize for best interpretation of the imposed Canadian work). He also placed first in piano at the National Music Festival (2015), won the Glenn Gould School Concert Competition (2019), and took second place at the Piano Arts North American Competition in Milwaukee (2022).
Godwin frequently returns to play with the very first ensemble to which he belonged – he grew
up touring music with his parents and five siblings in the Friesen Family Band. The musical development he experienced during several Canadian tours and three album recordings was profound, and he began formal piano studies around age seven. In an age of artificial intelligence, Godwin speaks of what makes live music enthralling –embodying the emotion of the music, communicating with and without words, and the dedicated years of effort it takes to entice a range of sounds
from an instrument. He has made a promising start as a composer, and toured a narrated concert called “Songs of the Settlers” which told the history of Milwaukee through music in an artist residency with PianoArts.
Godwin holds a bachelor’s degree and an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School, where he studied with John O’Conor from 2016 to 2022. He is now pursuing a master’s degree at the Université de Montréal as a student of Jean Saulnier and Henry Kramer.
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‘Candy Girls’ practice for contest
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
The “Candy Girls” practiced a song as they geared up for a music contest, in the stage musical production of “Popstars – The 90s” at the Weyburn Comp. From left are Shannon, played by Harper Williams; Steffi, played by Brinlee Klapak; and Tina, played by Jyllian Payak. The musical will be held at the Cugnet Centre on Nov. 21-22 at 7 p.m., and on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. as a dessert theatre.
EDITORIAL
BE A SECRET SANTA TO SOMEONE
Sabrina Kraft skraft@glaciermedia.ca
The countdown until Christmas has started for many families in our community. Colourful and festive lights are being put up outside homes, and some local residents go all out by decorating their yards. It won’t be long until local community events start celebrating Christmas, like the annual Parade of Lights hosted by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and the Carol Festival, organized by the Weyburn Rotary Club.
Recently, while out Christmas shopping with my son, I attended the annual Gifted Winter Art Sale held at the Spark Centre and inside the Legacy Elementary School gym, organized by the Weyburn Arts Council. The event was well attended, with many other families purchasing from local vendors.
There are many families who struggle to make ends meet throughout the year, and it can be even harder during the Christmas season when you have social events to attend, and want to express your appreciation to family and friends by purchasing gifts.
It is important not to forget about the most valuable gift of all - your time and presence. When you do attend social events, put away your mobile phone and actively listen to the friends and family who are in your life. It is also important to be prepared with a designated driver, or an alternate way home, if you are planning to enjoy alcohol
this season.
Another way to give of yourself is by small little acts of kindness to your neighbours, and any who might be in need in our community. Consider hosting a craft night and create a bunch of Christmas cards to be handed out to the senior homes in our community, or to those who are in emergency care and working long nights at the hospital, the police station, or driving a fire truck or ambulance.
You do not need a lot of money to be a Secret Santa to someone else in your life. A small gift card might go a long way, to a family or a coworker in need, and it might act as a reminder of how much they are appreciated.
Other ways to be a Secret Santa is by donating to non-profit organizations, to support their programs and services. The Salvation Army Food Bank will have their kettles out in the community where you can donate any spare change to their organization, and they always appreciate the donations of non-perishable goods or gift cards.
Christmas can be a magical time, and one where you can celebrate the people in your life and your community. It is not just the children who get excited about seeing Santa, as he attends photo opportunities around the city. Maybe you can donate a little time and be a volunteer elf for one of those organizations hosting a bake sale, or other family-themed event, and help them have a successful fundraiser for the whole community.
There may be some residents who will have a
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difficult time celebrating Christmas, or even the season, as they might have lost someone special in their lives. One could be a Secret Santa by just being a presence in their life, and spending time to listen and support them.
We have so many wonderful cultures and traditions that make up our community, that there is more than just Christmas to celebrate during the next couple of weeks too. Another way to be a Secret Santa is to learn about these other traditions, and share in the celebration hosted by other families in our community.
As the winter season can also include some difficult driving conditions, one could be a Secret Santa by watching out for people who need assistance moving their vehicle from a snowpacked road, or even that might need a battery boost to get started.
Be extra careful when you are driving on the highways, and take your time to drive safely when the roads are in winter conditions. Sometimes the best drivers are the ones who leave a little earlier so that they can drive slower when needed. Also remember to be courteous to larger vehicles when passing them, by giving them plenty of time.
Everyone in our community deserves to have a happy and festive holiday season, and every little act of kindness does help. Remember to do what you can for others, and do not be afraid to ask for support. Our community is very generous and supportive to those who are in need.
Tips on how to manage Bipolar Disorder
By Stan Popovich
It can be very challenging in dealing with bipolar disorder. Being bipolar can cause changes in your mood, energy levels, concentration, and your day-to-day activities. As a result, here are some tips on how to effectively deal with bipolar disorder in your life.
1. Learn about your situation: It is important to learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder and how it may interfere with your life. Educating yourself on how to deal with bipolar disorder will help you to get your life back on track. The next step is to get some help.
2. Find a counselor that you can work with: When asking for a counselor, always ask for someone who has a good reputation. Remember that finding a counselor to help you depends on how you interact with the counselor and how they interact with you. It may take a couple of times to find the right person, but do not give up.
Once you find somebody, the next step is to find the right coping strategies for your bipolar disorder. It is important to know what you can do to help get your life back on track. Following the advice of a mental health counselor is the best way in learning these strategies.
3. Be aware of changes in your mood: If you start noticing changes in your mood, you can work with your counselor who can give you some ideas on what you can do. With some practice, you will be better able to deal with your mood changes. This is why its so important to get help for your mental health issues rather than going it alone.
4. Avoid stressful activities in your life: Stress can be a big trigger for people who are bipolar. Identify areas of your life that are stressful and find better ways to manage that stress in order to keep your bipolar under control.
It is also important to avoid drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can make your bipolar disorder even worse and could trigger events that could create additional problems for you. Your best is to find effective ways in dealing with your situation rather than relying on drugs and alcohol.
5. Have a strong support system: Use the support of your family and friends who can help you out when you are struggling with your bipolar disorder. There may be times that you will need encouragement from the people you know when you have a bad day. Having a support system can also reduce loneliness and isolation.
Checking out presents at Gifted market
Krystal Glowatski of Collabartive Studios chatted with Andrea about one of the items she had on display at the Gifted winter art market, held on Saturday. A total fo 47 vendors set up in the Legacy Park gym, art gallery and multi-purpose room in the Credit Union Spark Centre.
Wheatland Seniors Centre holds activities
The Wheatland Seniors Centre in Weyburn held a number of games from Nov. 12 to 15, with the following results.
The winners of Kaiser on Nov. 12 were Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson in first; Norma Kapusianyk and Melba Bent in second; Shirley Sparks and Rose Levesque in third; and Brenda Paul
and Marlene Szczecinski in fourth.
In Canasta on Nov. 13, first went to Trina Maas; second was Shirley Cherpin; third was Kathy Carson; fourth was Sherrill Taylor, and fifth was Marlene Szczecinski.
The winners of HiLow Whist on Nov. 13 were Ray and Connie Boucher in first; Marge
Schultz and Fay Johnson in second; Dave Frayn and Brenda Paul in third; and Marie Marcotte and Ruth Boren in fourth.
In cribbage on Nov. 14, first went to Sheila Greiner and Stan Hubick; second was Shirley Sparks and Rose Levesque; and third was Marie Marcotte and Ruth Boren.
The winners of Friday
Dance practitioner to conduct South Asian dance workshop
Internationally acclaimed dance practitioner
Vrunda Upadhyay, a celebrated Bharatanatyam (or Indian classical dance) expert, is set to lead a South Asian dance workshop, an event not to be missed by art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
With over 20 years of teaching and performing experience, Upadhyay will bring her expertise to the workshop, which will delve into the beauty of South Asian dance traditions, particularly focusing on Bharatanatyam techniques, cultural storytelling, and the nuances of classical expressions.
The event will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22 and 23 at the Weyburn Public Library.
The times for the workshop are on Friday from
5-6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m.
This workshop offers participants a unique chance to learn directly from one of the foremost figures in the field, known for her deep knowledge and dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical dance.
Whether you are an aspiring dancer or an admirer of cultural arts, this event promises to be a captivating journey into the rhythms and expressions of South Asia.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Upadhyay’s artistry and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Indian classical dance.
For further details and registration, email to mdminstitute20@gmail.com or WhatsApp 9055986411.
bridge on Nov. 15 were Jeanne Molnar in first; Theresa Istace in second; and Erskine Sandiford in third.
The winners of shuffleboard on Nov. 15 were Mel Schindel and Stella Hoffart in first; Yvette Bauche and Shirley Sparks in second; and Ron Frayn and Coral Schindel in third.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
SPORTS
Weyburn Red Wings point streak ended by North Stars
The Weyburn Red Wings had their point streak of games ended at 14, after dropping back-toback games to the Battlefords North Stars over the weekend.
The Red Wings were edged out 4-3 in both games, on Friday and Saturday at Crescent Point Place.
On Saturday night, the two teams were tied at 2-2 after the first period, and after no scoring in the second period, the North Stars scored twice and Weyburn once.
After the Battlefords scored twice, including one on the power play, the Red Wings responded with two power play goals.
Cyprus Smith-Davis scored, with assists by Jerome Maharaj and Max Chakrabarti, then Chakrabarti scored, assisted by Maharaj and Jaxson Ruthven.
The final goal for Weyburn was by Ethan Dekay, assisted by Chakrabarti and Ruthven, and also came on the power play.
Dazza Mitchell was the goaltender, and stopped 30 out of 34 shots on net. He was pulled briefly for an extra attacker late in the game.
In Friday night’s game,
each team scored once in the first period, with Weyburn’s goal coming from Liam Fitzgerald, unassisted.
The North Stars scored twice in the second period, along with Weyburn’s Chad Lebeau, assisted by Fitzgerald and Josh Karman.
Each team scored once in the third period, with Weyburn’s goal coming with just under three minutes to go in the game, from Smith-Davis, assisted by Maharaj.
Angelo Zol was in net for the full game other than when he was pulled for an extra attacker, and he stopped 34 of 38 shots on net.
The Red Wings were scheduled to play in Melville on Tuesday night, but the game was postponed due to the bad weather and poor road conditions. A new date has not yet been set for this game.
The Wings’ next game will be a home match against Yorkton on Tuesday, Nov. 26. They will end November with a home game versus the Humboldt Broncos on Nov. 29, and a road game in Estevan on Nov. 30, for the second game in the Highway 39 Series.
Watching a goal go in
Red Wings player Liam Fitzgerald lifted his leg out of the way of the puck, which found its way to the back of the net in their game versus the Battlefords North Stars on Saturday night. The Wings had their point streak of 14 games end as they lost 4-3 in both games to the visitors.
Gold Wings win pair of exhibition games
The Weyburn U18 Gold Wings won both exhibition games they hosted over the weekend with Dakota College from Bottineau, N.D.
The Gold Wings won by scores of 7-1 and 7-2, with a couple of players recording hattricks along the way.
On Saturday, it was Hallie Parada with the hattrick, including scoring the first goal of the game in the first period, assisted by Julia Durr. Durr then scored, assisted by Parada and Peyton Halayka, and Nola Exner scored from Kaitlyn
Spiking the ball back to the Ardens Weyburn Comp Eagles player Emily Marcotte spiked the ball at the Swift Current Ardens blockers, as teammates Kayleigh Buss and Anna Tronson watched the play close by. The Ardens defeated the Eagles, and went on to win the 5A provincial girls volleyball championship on Saturday, hosted by Weyburn at the Eagle gym.
Mah and Kiah Shields.
There was no scoring in the second period, and Parada scored six minutes into the third period, assisted by Durr and Scarlett Lindsay.
Liv Peck got on the scoreboard, assisted by Makenna Sumners and Shields, then Parada finished her hattrick, assisted by Halayka and Durr.
Weyburn’s last goal was by Sumners, unassisted, with two minutes left in the game.
Amy Swayze was in net for the game, but there was no record of saves or shots on goal.
For Sunday’s game, it was Julia Durr’s turn for a hattrick, and she scored the first two goals of the game in the first period. She was assisted by Halayka on the first goal, and by Halayka
and Lindsay for the second goal.
Ayla Klus got on the scoreboard, assisted by Exner and Jade Olszewski, then Kadence Dansereau scored unassisted.
Parada rounded out the scoring in the first period, assisted by Lindsay and Durr.
Durr then completed her hattrick early in the second period, assisted by Halayka, and Olszewski scored the last goal from Exner and Klus.
Tila Boyd was in goal for this game, and made 24 saves on 26 shots on net.
The Gold Wings will have a bit of a break from league action until the Nov. 30-Dec. 1 weekend, when they will host the Swift Current Wildcats, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
WCS Eagles senior girls compete in 5A prov’ls
The Weyburn Comp Eagles senior girls team competed as the host team in the SHSAA 5A Girls Provincial Volleyball Championships on Friday and Saturday.
The girls first faced the Swift Current Ardens on Friday afternoon, and the Ardens went on to be the eventual provincial champions, beating out Balgonie in the gold medal finals.
The Eagles lost by scores of 25-19 and 25-10, then faced Regina Campbell, losting by scores of
25-17 and 25-21. On Saturday, Weyburn played Saskatoon St. Joseph and lost by scores of 25-15 and 25-11, and finally played Prince Albert Carlton, losing by scores of 25-11 and 25-21. In the finals, Swift Current beat Balgonie by scores of 25-15 and 2523 to take the provincial championship. Altogether there were 10 teams on hand for the two-day tournament, including 175 players and coaches.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn Theatre set up at Gifted
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Three board members for the Weyburn Theatre Co-operative manned a booth at the Gifted winter art market on Saturday, selling ornaments as a fundraiser for the new theatre project. They included treasurer Sean Purdue, president Ryan Janke and Corey Morrissette.
RCMP investigating stolen trucks
Weyburn RCMP recovered one of two trucks reported stolen in the past week. RCMP received a complaint that a white 2013 Ford F550 was stolen from a property in North Weyburn on Nov. 19, and later notified media on Tuesday afternoon this truck had been recovered. Earlier, on Nov. 15, Weyburn RCMP received a complaint that a grey 2003 Ford F250 was stolen from a property in Halbrite. The truck has a black slip tank in the back and had Sas -
katchewan licence plate 211NJE at the time of the theft.
If you have information related to these advisories please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
SE Cornerstone board chairwoman re-elected, vice-chairman defeated
The chairwoman for the South East Cornerstone Public School Division’s board has been re-elected to another term.
Audrey Trombley defeated Cheryl Lake 284133 to win the election in Subdivision 5 during the school board election on Nov. 13. Subdivision 5 includes Fillmore, Stoughton, Midale and Macoun.
Trombley has been a trustee on the school division’s board since its inception in January 2006, when six divisions were amalgamated into South East Cornerstone. She has been the chairwoman for most of those 18 years.
A total of 418 votes were cast. One was classified as spoiled or declined.
The Cornerstone board’s vice-chairman, Jim Vermeersch, was defeated 418 to 84 by Velda Weatherald in Subdivision 2, which includes Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, Maryfield and Wawota.
A total of 506 votes were cast in the subdivision. One was listed as spoiled or declined, and four were rejected.
Vermeersch had been on the school board since 2018. He started as one of the trustees for the city of Estevan, and became the subdivision 2 trustee in 2020 after he moved to that area. Weatherald
is a former educator and superintendent.
Norma Hewitt-Lendrum and Megan Schick will be the trustees for the city of Weyburn.
Kevin Keating and Craig McDonald will be the trustees for the city of Estevan. Keating is a veteran trustee in his second term as an Estevan trustee, and had been a trustee prior to that, while McDonald is entering his first term on the board. Eric McCrimmon did not seek a second term as Estevan’s trustee.
Other board members returning to the table via acclamation include Devona Putland in Subdivision 1 (Rocanville, Wapella and Moosomin); Jim Henderson, Subdiv -
ision 3 (Redvers, Carnduff and Carievale); Tami Scott, Subdivision 4 (Lampman, Alameda, Oxbow and Bienfait); and Michelle DeBruyne, Subdivision 6 (Ogema, Pangman, Yellow Grass, Radville, Gladmar and Oungre).
The first meeting of the new Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division’s board was held November 20 at the division office. An organizational meeting was held, where the board voted on chairperson and new vice chair. Details of that election will be published in the November 27th Weyburn Review. Other details of the November 20th board meeting will also be released in the Review.
Audrey Trombley, left, and Jim Vermeersch
Photo courtesy Norm Park/SECPSD
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Dancing onstage for ‘Popstars’ musical
The ‘X-Force’ group performed in a scene from “Popstars - The 90s”, a musical featuring 90s music at the Weyburn Comp. The group includes Alex Paszkiewicz, Max Kilback, Logan Caddick, Jayden Stang and Jonas Burdan.
WCS to present ‘Popstars – the 90s’ musical at Cugnet Centre
The Weyburn Comp’s Senior Musical group have been hard at work rehearsing and will be performing “Popstars – The 90s” musical at the Cugnet Centre this week.
The first performance of “Popstars” was on Tuesday afternoon, and the remainder will be evening productions and a matinee dessert theatre on Sunday afternoon.
The musical will be held on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults, seniors and students are $15, and children five and under can get in for free with an adult ticket. Tickets
for the dessert theatre are $25 each, and all tickets can be purchased at the Weyburn Comp School’s main office.
The story is set in a school in the 1990’s where Mark is head over heels in love with his girlfriend, Shannon Van de Witt. Mark is played by Jonas Burdan, and Shannon is played by Harper Williams. When Shannon learns that pop-band impresario Simon Austin (Logan Caddick) is the surprise judge at the State Talent Show, she dumps him for her chance at showbiz stardom.
Mark rapidly goes from high school hero to high
school zero. His garage band buddies rally around him and soon a plan for revenge is hatched to change their grunge band to a boy-band and snatch the Talent Show title from Shannon’s Candy Girls, who include Tina (Jyllian Payak) and Steffi (Brinlee Klapak).
There’s just one small problem... the boys can’t dance. Mark enlists the help of the ultra-talented new girl, Ella (Kailynn McFadden) to help with their boy band make over and sparks soon fly.
Other cast members include Max Kilback as Patrick; Jayden Stang as
Shane; Alex Paszkiewicz as Vinne; Cara Johnson as Charlie; Keira Mahnke as Carrie; Ella Leko as the host; Lily Moffat as the school principal; Ivan Zaika as the coach; Markuss Skujins as Pete; Beth Hamel as
Amber Shue, and as a personal assistant.
The musical is packed with pop smash hits from the hyper-coloured 1990’s by artists such as The Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, N*SYNC, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, MC Hammer and many more.
The musical director is Brayden Jensen, and the pit orchestra includes Jeff Lunde, Isaiah Perdis, Niomi Mile, Haroun Mathew and Davin Cascagnette.
Wind turbines issue to come up at
SARM
Delegates from Rural Municipalities will gather in Saskatoon today, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21 for the annual mid-term convention, where one of the resolutions will relate the wind turbine issue in the RM of Weyburn.
There will be a number of addresses, break-out sessions and debate on resolutions at the two-day fall gathering, held just one
mid-term convention
week after the municipal elections were held across the province.
Out-going SARM president Ray Orb will be sharing his views in a fireside chat, along with the incoming executive, and a session will be held for newly-elected RM councillors on public sector procurement.
There will also be information on the new
Saskatchewan Marshals program, a review of the Municipalities Act, and a peer group discussion session that will cover topics like irrigation, RMs bordering urban areas, and oil and gas tax arrears.
Among the resolutions to come up for votes on Wednesday will be one from the RM of Weyburn in relation to wind turbine projects.
As there are no regulations in place for wind turbine design constraints, the RM is asking that if the government is not willing to put regulations in place, then a moratorium needs to be implemented on wind projects until there are regulations for municipalities to follow.
“The RM of Weyburn has faced opposition from ratepayers and community members on this project. Provincial standards in place would assist council with a bylaw amendment and not make a decision based on personal opinion,” states the background supplied with the resolution.
Other resolutions to come up will include topics ranging from ditch mowing, construction delays, SaskPower rates for municipal rinks, to the federal capital gains tax and a request to reinstate strychnine for the control of gophers.
The sessions on Thursday will include a SARM legal question-and-answer session, preparing for revaluation in 2025, agricultural water drainage, a panel discussion on choosing rural Saskatchewan, and a presentation by STARS air ambulance.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Envision Counselling launches annual gift card drive
Envision Counselling and Support Centre is launching its annual Gift Card Drive, with their kickoff sponsor, Purechem Services. Giving Tuesday is just around the corner.
“Giving Tuesday is an International day of giving,” said Envision Counselling’s executive director, Lynda Rideout. “This is a day to celebrate the communities in which we live by coming together and encouraging charitable giving.”
Rideout shared, “At Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., we recognize that many of our clients are currently struggling to make ends meet within our communities. The annual Gift Card Campaign is an incredible way to offer a helping hand.”
She added, “We are so fortunate to have our Gift Card Drive kicked off and sponsored by the generous team at PureChem Services. Their support is paving the way for this year’s campaign, and with their help, we are hopeful to bring much-needed relief to those currently living in abusive situations, those who have recently left, and those working toward a healthier future for themselves and their families.”
The overall goal of Envision’s campaign is to offer support and hope during the holidays to the individuals and families we serve and have identified as being unable to meet their basic
needs. Whether it be food, warm clothes, gifts for the children, or even gas for the car, gift cards help to fill the gaps that these families may experience during this colder holiday season.
Envision also uses gift cards from various businesses to disburse to people who need emergency help, based on their situation.
Clients may be going without items such as baby supplies or clothing if they flee a relationship without time to properly pack up. They might need gas cards, specifically to attend counselling sessions, when they are isolated in a rural location. And particularly this year, they may be unable to purchase gifts for the holidays.
“Imagine if every person who was able, donated just one gift card, whether it be gas or grocery,” said Rideout. “We would be able to help an incredibly wide number of individuals and families throughout the holiday season, as well as ongoing throughout the year.”
By donating gift cards, Envision is able to provide support to as many clients in need as possible. This campaign gives individuals more choices and an added sense of empowerment, or autonomy, which is really important to the agency. The preferred stores are those with gas or grocery options, such as Walmart, Co-op, No Frills or Wholesale Club, Dollarama or Esso. Director of Operations,
Laura Melle added, “When we are sitting with someone in our office who has just left an abusive relationship with nothing but the clothes they are wearing, it is incredibly powerful to be able to hand them a gift card to purchase the items they need for themselves and their children. Things like clothing, toiletries, food, diapers, etc. some-
times even gas cards to have the means to travel to where their supports are, where they can feel safe and supported.”
There are three ways to participate in the Gift Card Drive: Gift cards can be dropped off at Envision Counselling offices in Weyburn, Estevan or Carlyle. Call any of the office locations ahead to make arrange-
ments. Put your donation of gift cards in the mail to: Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc., Box 511, Estevan, SK, S4A 2A5.
• Make a monetary donation online. Visit www. envisioncounsellingcentre. com. Choose Gift Card on the menu option, and Envision will purchase cards to distribute during the holi-
days. All donations over $25 are able to receive a charitable receipt.
“We look forward to another successful Gift Card Campaign with the incredible support of generous and dedicated individuals within our communities,” Rideout said. “We truly couldn’t do it without you and the support of our sponsors.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus make early visit
Mrs. Claus and Santa made an early visit this season to Midale, visiting the Midale 39ers Club following the Santa Parade on Saturday morning. The wet slushy snow meant that the candies were brought in to the 39ers club house to give out to the children rather than throwing them onto the slushy street.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
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Ingots, Sterling Silver,Old Quality Watchesworking or not, Rolex, Omega++ Todd
Enbridge official addresses RM meeting
Sam Munckhof-Swain, director, Indigenous economic partnerships for Enbridge (standing at left) spoke at the meeting hosted by the new RM of Weyburn council on Thursday evening. The council, on stage, included Doug Dembiczak, Mike
Jeromy Charlton, Josh Mainil and at right, the newly-elected reeve, Bud Grohn. Missing was Coun. Dustin Bell.
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Weyburn RM residents bring questions on turbines to meeting
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Residents of the RM of Weyburn brought their questions and frustrations with the proposed Enbridge wind turbine project to a public meeting on Thursday evening at Cecilia’s Hall.
The newly-elected council was present for the meeting, which was called following a petition submitted requesting that one be held on the issues around the project. A lawyer from SARM was also present, and three representatives from Enbridge were on hand to provide information.
RM resident Kim Brady told the Enbridge representatives early on they didn’t really want them there, but many of the questions that arose were aimed at the company.
The SARM lawyer, Mike Morris, explained the legal process that the RM council will have to follow if they are going to amend their zoning bylaw and Official Community Plan, and any amendments made has to have approval by the Minister of Government Relations.
He noted while this meeting was petitioned for, it does not replace an RM council meeting where votes are taken on the zoning bylaw, if amendments are proposed.
Asked if the RM will conduct an impartial and full environmental review of the proposal, residents were told the RM will do the best job they can, and that they have really good
staff capable of carrying out any required work. If they need further assistance, such as legal help, they will be able to access that as well.
Pressed on this, the residents were told if the RM staff doesn’t have the expertise to look into this, they will look to an outside party to help them out.
On issues like noise levels and setbacks, the Enbridge representatives said they will endeavour to follow the RM’s bylaws.
Sam Munckhof-Swain, director, Indigenous economic partnerships for Enbridge, acknowledged that they were putting the council in a tough spot, and also gave an apology for how the news about the proposal came out, shocking and angering many residents.
He said Enbridge will be holding an open house on Dec. 11 at McKenna Hall, and they will be providing an update on the project, including adjustments that they have apparently made to the timeline and to the proposed setbacks, based on the feedback they have been getting from RM area residents, “so we have enough time to get it right.”
In a statement made by Enbridge after the meeting, the company said, “At the town hall, we plan to share a new project schedule that will allow more time for community engagement and a revised wind turbine layout that incorporates larger minimum residential setback
distances, among other design considerations. In the meantime, Enbridge remains committed to having conversations with Weyburn-area residents, gathering input and working with the community to help shape what we believe will be a beneficial project for the area and the local economy.”
As the meeting went on, many questions were referred to the upcoming open house, where more details will be spelled out about the project and how they are responding to residents’ concerns.
Newly-elected Reeve Bud Grohn told the company representatives, “I don’t feel this should cost taxpayers one single dollar to bring this into the community. That’s the only reason I ran for council – I didn’t do this for fun.”
In response to what they would do if the noise levels exceed what’s in the RM bylaws, Munckhof-Swain said, “What we’ll do is make sure we comply with your bylaw. It’ll be on us to fix it.”
Residents questioned the continued use of a health study done in 2014 on wind turbines, as Brady pointed out the study itself states it is not to be applied to any areas outside of the study area, and that the study authors felt it was inconclusive.
One resident asked if
the council was willing to send this project to a referendum of the ratepayers, and they mostly nodded their assent.
Council members were asked if any of them had done any research into the whole issue of turbines and their effects on neighbouring properties and residents.
Josh Mainil noted he had, and had visited both the Assiniboia and Kipling sites of turbines as well as being in touch with those and other municipalities about the wind farms.
“I’ve been doing as much as I can to learn about them,” he said.
Mainil was asked by a resident if he stood by a statement said during the recent election campaign, that he doesn’t agree with delaying the turbine project at the risk of legal ramifications to the RM.
“I don’t think I said that. I don’t know why there would be legal ramifications to myself or the RM,” he said.
Resident Don Bourassa said he’s lived in the RM for 32 years, and he will have between 18 and 21 wind turbines within a five-mile radius of his home and he won’t receive one cent in compensation for that because none of these turbines will be on his land.
“You think that’s okay?
All of a sudden I’ve got these things beside me, and that’s okay?”
Munckhof-Swain said if residents want to know how they’ve adjusted the distances from residences and property lines, they need to come to the open house and see what the new updated plans are.
“We believe we can build this project responsibly, and it is going to provide a lot of value to the RM of Weyburn and RM of Griffin,” he said.
One resident pointed out there is land near Estevan that has no one living on it and is relatively near to transmission lines.
The Enbridge officials were asked point-blank if they will pull out of this area if the RM council votes against it, and Munckhof-Swain said there is no easy answer to that, as they have to see what the costs are and
what the bylaws of the RM say, if they will be able to go ahead with the project or not.
A resident commented that the provincial government may force them to accept this project whether the RM wants it or not, and MunckhofSwain answered, “That’s not what we’re saying. It’s a process and we have to go through it.”
“Would you consider just going away?” asked Brady.
“Our commitment is to work with this project. We think this is a good project for the RM. There’s a lot of people in the room who share the same view as you, but there are a lot of people not in this room who don’t share that view,” said Munckhof-Swain. “It’s up to the council how this is going to proceed. We’re not going away.”
Fellner,
Culham,
