Staff and students at Assiniboia’s schools will be savouring the last of their Christmas break as they are all set to head back to class Jan. 6, ready to resume a full slate of learning, extracurricular activities and participation in community and school.
For Grade 12 students, this is their last semester of grade school and before we know it, graduation will soon be upon them. The resumption of school will bring another flurry of activity including the next phase of their curriculum learning as well as basketball season and curling seasons.
January will go more
quickly for high school students, as they will soon be preparing for final exams set to run near January’s end. This is also the last six months of leadership for Principal Chadwich as he will enter retirement at the end of June. Take a breath students, staff and parents – as once school resumes, things will amp up quickly.
The hockey hiatus is almost over, as right after New Year’s Day hockey teams will kick it back up for the second half of their season. Teams will start working towards league and provincial titles to add to the banners in your rink. Hockey night in Assiniboia is nearly every night. The Assiniboia Minor Hockey program hosts multiple
teams in every division. Ice time will become more premium as league teams continue to play, with the added bonus of provincial teams preparing for their competitions are added into the practice and game schedules.
This is in addition to the Assiniboia Rebels senior games, as well as the Richardson Pioneer Southern Jr. B Rebels entering the last half of their season. Recreation hockey will also resume in the new year.
Assiniboia’s Unity Skating Club will be even busier as they prepare for upcoming test days, competitions and the annual ice carnival.
Your best bet for finding out all the details of what’s
going down at our local ice arena is to check the Town of Assiniboia Recreation Facebook page, the Town of Assiniboia website or the electronics in the Southland Co-op Centre. Don’t miss a minute of the live action at your local hockey rink.
The Assiniboia Curling club is lined up for a whole lot of action for the second half of their season with a nonstop lineup of bonspiels, playdowns and teams preparing for competitions. All action, unless a sanctioned event, is free to watch so come on down and catch some live curling action in your home rink. Your best bet for knowing what’s up next at the curling club is checking
out their Facebook page or coming down to the curling rink and checking out the bulletin board. Remember, ACC is hosting Mixed Doubles playoffs Jan. 30-Feb 2 and there is a committee working hard as they prepare to host Curling Canada Mixed Curling Championships, upcoming in Nov. of this year.
The Assiniboia Library is never idle in their efforts. Watch for details on their upcoming steak night fundraiser, set for Jan. 30.
The Prince of Wales Cultural Centre will be host an upcoming January Arts Council event.
The Shurniak Gallery continues the Alex Emond Exhibit, ‘Under Saskatchewan Skies’, showing until
Jan 24, 2025. Also on display until Jan. 24 is local photographer Hali Booth, showcasing her stunning photos taken representing ‘Amazing Africa’. Coffee row folks will soon be enjoying a resurgence in attendance at their coffee tables following the Christmas holidays. Folks can review all of the activity that they took part in over Christmas as well as sharing theories on what the new year will bring. Of course, there are still plenty of local sports to review along with theories on our weather this winter. So, you see you keep busy in Assiniboia with activities and wisdom from your friends on coffee row. Until next time.
Photo - Greg Nikkel/SaskToday.ca
Early Childhood Coalition Hosts Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree
Muriel Fehr
Tuesday, December 17th found the multi room at the Southland COOP Center abuzz with excited activity. Assiniboia’s Early Childhood Coalition hosted a Children’s Christmas Shopping Spree, together with the Town of Assiniboia. The lineup may have started small at 3:30, but by 4:30 it had reached the outer doors of the facility. As often as parents left with their children’s arms full of gifts for mom and dad, more families added to the line.
Members of the Early Childhood Coalition attending the event included Trista Jonescu, Amy Heatcoat, Shaye Chubb, Steph VanDeSype among others. Volunteers included Wyleen Hantelman on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Dionne Tjeltveit, Bonnie Batty and Lorraine McLaren in the first shift. An added bonus to the list were a group of young men belonging to the Weyburn Red Wings. Wiatt Lacoste, Jerome Maharaj, Lucas Schmid, Preston Patenaude and Luke Dekay were on hand to assist little shoppers for a few hours. As it turns out the Red Wings will be living with billets and playing their games in Assiniboia for a short time. These five were unable to play Tuesday due to injuries and other issues so their coach, Cody Mapes, voluntarily told them to participate. They took their volunteering seriously as they surely take their playing seriously. Many children had the pleasure of a hockey player helping them choose gifts for their parents.
Many of the little shoppers enjoyed the help of volunteers, coalition members and hockey players wrapping their gifts. One child got in the Christmas spirit and as soon as their gift was wrapped promptly unwrapped it necessitating a quick rewrap.
At 7:30 the last of the shoppers had finished wrapping the treasures for their parents and headed home. The shopping spree was over for the third year while it was estimated that at least 100 little people had been through and with the help of the many elves found the perfect gift to wrap. The funds gathered at the event stay within the coalition. Mom and tot groups, tummy time and play school are made possible in part by this fundraising project.
Time to get some quality winter boots
The cold season has arrived, and the first snowfall can quickly turn the sidewalks into slippery paths of ice. To reduce the risk of injury while walking, older adults are well advised to have boots that are both comfortable and safe. Get a grip on these options:
Boots with built-in crampons: Several boot models have small studs, or cleats, integrated into the sole. These studs are usually detachable, so you can easily adjust your footwear in response to the weather conditions and replace them when needed.
Non-slip models: These boots boast wider soles that provide excellent grip on icy surfaces, eliminating the need for crampons. They’re designed with the same technology found in topquality winter tires. They’ll keep you comfortable and warm on your winter walks.
Many types and styles of boots are available to fit your budget and walking habits. Visit your local footwear retailer to find the right pair for you.
Studded soles: If you enjoy walking and don’t mind the elements, you can buy detachable studded soles that fit almost any boot or shoe. These are particularly good in challenging conditions. However, make sure you can easily remove them indoors, as they can be slippery on surfaces like ceramic or wood.
Accessibility funding increased for Child Care Facilities in province
the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada have announced that regulated child care facilities across the province will now receive up to $3,200 per month for every child eligible under the Enhanced Accessibility (EA) Grant, an increase of $1,200.
The EA Grant assists regulated child care facilities in covering the additional costs associated with offering services to children who have intensive needs across various areas of development.
“We are listening to the sector and hearing their challenges on being able to offer specialized care,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “This increase in funding will allow Saskatchewan child care facilities to continue pro-
viding safe, inclusive child care for families of children with special needs.”
The grant is provided directly to a regulated child care facility and can be used to assist with the cost of additional staffing required to care for children with exceptionally high needs.
The number of children supported with the EA Grants can vary over time as more children enter regulated child care and require additional supports.
“This additional funding is a huge step to support our inclusive environments for children of all abilities,”
Natural Wonders Early Learning Centre Executive Director Sheila Paradis said. “The increased demand for early learning services in our community has also increased the demand
for inclusive services. This is a much-needed change and this increase will help us hire suitably educated inclusion supports who help children overcome challenges, improve their quality of life, impact educational outcomes and significantly influence life long success.”
The ministry is committed to supporting child care facilities in building their capacity to meet the needs of children with intensive needs. Supports include access to a tuitionfree Autism Certificate of Achievement, tuition-free inclusion micro-credentials, the Building Inclusive Practices initiative and numerous online resources and learning modules in the ministry’s Early Learning Portal to support inclusive practices.
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
With the last game of 2024 held Dec. 18, the Richardson Pioneer Southern Jr. B Rebels are looking to start the second half of their season on a mission, win more games. Eighteen games remain in their Prairie Junior Hockey League Schedule.
Eleven games in January will kick off Jan. 4 in Carrot River followed by a Jan. 5 match against the Saskatoon Royals. Five of January’s games on the
schedule are home games.
With only seven regular season games left in February, the Jr. Rebels will give their best efforts in 2025 in the hunt for potential playoff position, doing so with only one home game in February’s seven games remaining in the team’s regular season.
The team understands that their current position in the bottom of the Bill Johnston Division makes for a big hill to climb in the new year, they also believe positive steps forward will
only result in improvements each game.
Three of the Rebels roster have earned spots, Belanger, Skarbon and Smolinksi are on the South roster for the upcoming Prairie Junior Hockey League All Star game and those same players are looked to as leaders for fueling the charge for a strong finish to the team’s regular season.
You can follow the team on their Facebook page or check the PJHL website for the full schedule.
A familiar face at the Assiniboia Royal Bank will close her till for the last time as Sharon Schauenberg retires after 18 plus years. Cake and coffee were offered to anyone wanting to wish Sharon the best on Dec. 19 and 20 at the Royal Bank.
Editorial & Opinions
Sabrina Kraft skraft@glaciermedia.ca
We all have different social support systems in our lives, from family and close friends, to participating in mental health programs that are available in our community. A strong social support foundation is essential for maintaining physical and psychological health.
It is important to remember that a balanced support system means that you are both there to offer advice and a shoulder to lean on, in addition to needing support of your own. Having a few people you trust and can turn to can help you manage everyday challenges, make difficult decisions, or even during a crisis situation.
The most integral parts of any strong support system is having communication and trust. Look out for any signs of someone struggling with their emotional health, as it can reflect in their day-to-day routines and behaviours, even before they are able to identify their own emotions.
It can be so meaningful to have a true friend or support person, who just knows when you are struggling, and need someone to talk to. We as humans are very social creatures, so we do have that internal need to have someone to lean on, and someone to confide in.
For those who are still creating their own support system, there are several small steps you can take. First, reach out to trusted friends and family members, as simply saying hello or
helping them with a task can lead to creating a connection, and having conversations.
Look around your community to join a club or group that shares your interests. You can also take a class to help meet people who share your likes and interests. There are many volunteer groups in our community who would welcome new members, and they are a great way to find those social connections.
If you are facing a personal challenge, consider joining a peer support group to help take care of your mental health and connect with people who are facing similar situations. There are many valuable mental health programs offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Red Cross, and Envision Counselling that can help provide more professional support.
There are times when you can feel overwhelmed and not know where to turn, and you feel too stressed to even manage and express these feelings. If you need to take a step back and take some time to yourself, make sure you reach out to your support system ahead of time.
Do not expect friendships or bonds to be created quickly, as building a strong foundation will take time and dedication. Also remember that it should not be ‘all about you’ either, as there will be times when you need to be the support person for someone else.
Every social circle can run into challenges and obstacles, or conflicts. It can be hard to be open
VALUE YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEMS
minded and listen to both sides of the story, and there might be times when you need to remove a toxic person from your social circle. Remember that while this process can be hard, and take a lot of time itself, that it is important that the people in your life have a positive influence.
Self care routines are also an important part of maintaining your mental health. Some examples are getting enough sleep, exercising as appropriate for your own health, eating healthfully, spending time with loved ones, using relaxation exercises and practicing meditation. Also take those valuable social media breaks, and spend real time with the people who are important.
Social interactions give us a sense of purpose, belonging, increased levels of happiness, reduced stress levels, increased self-worth, and confidence. All of these things are good for our overall mental health and well-being. It is important you take the time to create a strong foundation and the right social circle full of supportive people.
Remember that everyone’s support system will look different. They can be anywhere from one to 10 people and include diverse people from different areas of your life.
Also take time to send your appreciation and love to those who you consider to be part of your support system. Take those moments to brighten their day, and remind them that you are there when needed too.
Submitted
by
Karen Meagher Messiah Lutheran Church
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King.” What a wonderful message we sing in this carol at this time of year! For many of us, the Christmas season is filled with joy as we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ.
It is the time of year when we give generously to food banks and other organizations that need our charitable help because we know that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.
I see signs of the Christmas spirit all around us in the kindness and joy of the season. In Matthew, the angel tells Joseph, “Look, the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” We see God with us in all of the joy, kindness and generosity of this time of year. However, after Christmas we often feel deflated. We forget that Jesus is always with us. The generosity, joy and kindness of Christmas fall off abruptly. In the second verse of that wonderful carol it starts, “Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns.”
I wonder if the rest of the year could be as joyous as the Christmas season if we sang that verse to ourselves each day as a reminder that Christ is with us! Perhaps by remembering God with us for the rest of the year would inspire our love, kindness and generosity throughout our community for the whole year.
It’s not just an ‘old age’ issue Over one billionyoung adultsare at risk of permanent,avoidable hearingloss.1
Commonbarrierstogetting hearingaids
•Denialofhearing struggles
•Financialcostorother priorities
•Self-consciousnessabout using hearing aids
•Misperception of hearingaidsas uncomfortable, bulkyand unattractive
•Expectation of sound being unnatural or not working in noise2-4
in 5people who couldbenefit fromhearing aids actuallyuse them, leaving many to miss outonthe sounds of life,communicatingand socialising 1
Personal and emotionalimpacts
Untreatedhearingloss can affect physical andmental healthand result in increased social isolation, loneliness and depression;5 acuteorchronic fatigue;6 relationship issues;7 and difficulties at work 8
Untreated hearing loss Hearing loss is the potentially biggest modifiableriskfactor for dementia.9
Studies have shown hearingaidsmay normalise dementiarisk in peoplewith hearing loss.10
The holistic benefitsofhearingbetter
More women eligible for breast cancer screening
More Sask. women will be able to access breast cancer screening starting January 1st as an important step in cancer early detection. Starting January 1, women between the ages of 47 to 49 will be eligible for a screening mammogram. A healthcare provider’s referral is not needed to book an appointment.
The current breast screening eligibility ages are 50 to 74 but will be gradually lowered as part of a phased approach over the next 18 months to include ages 40 to 49. The next phase will begin on June 1, 2025, when breast screening will be open to women between the ages of 45 to 47.
A breast screening mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast that plays an important role in finding breast cancer early. Most healthy women should have a screening mammogram every two years. To be eligible, women must be the appropriate age, and: have no breast symptoms, such as lumps, discharge, or skin changes; not have breast implants; not in active follow-up for breast cancer; and have been cancer free for five years.
Women who are the eligible age can book a mammogram at any of the eight screening locations in Saskatchewan. To book an appointment, or for more
information on mammogram wait times, hours of operation and to find the nearest location, call 1-855584-8228 toll free.
Another screening option is the Mobile Mammography Unit, which visits locations in rural and remote northern Saskatchewan every year,. Approximately 75 per cent of breast cancers diagnosed through the Sask. Cancer Agency’s Screening Program for Breast Cancer are early stage. Screening mammograms are for healthy women, while diagnostic mammograms are for women who have breast symptoms.
Women who experience breast symptoms or concerns at any age, or who would like to know more about their individual risk for breast cancer, should speak with a healthcare provider, or go to a walk-in clinic to discuss next steps.
Expanding the breast eligibility age to 40 will increase the eligible population by approximately 76,000 women. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health have been actively planning for the increased demand for breast screening mammograms including capacity, to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation.
Hearinglossaffec ts 1in8 of us.Thatmeans we alllikelyknowsomeone whoishaving some troublehearing.Tohelp, we arejoining hearingcareprofessionalsnationwide to help individualsinour communitybydonatinga setofReSound hearingaidsto thosewho cannot afford them
If youknowsomeone whocould benefitfrombetterhearing,pleasenominate them fora free setofReSound hearingaidsusing thefor mbelow
Nomination form
Your Name:Phone Number:
Email:
Relationship to person youare nominating:
Please provide thefollowing infor mation aboutthe person youare nominating:
Name:Phone Number:
Email:
Brieflydescribetheir experience with hearingloss, whyyou decidedtonominate them andhow they wouldbenefit if selected (Maximum of 150words)
Coolidge HearingCare GeraldineRuzicka (306)642-4242 101-3rdAve East Assiniboia,SK. S0H0B0 geraldine@coolidgehearing.com Each participatinghearing care
Our Town
Sherri Solomko Freelance Reporter
A new year brings new and exciting things to Assiniboia, namely the Assiniboia Curling Club.
With the ACC being experienced hosts from past events, they are excited to be selected by Curling Canada to hold a national competition in the community.
“We will be having our kick off on February 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the upper lounge of the Curling Rink. We will be selling event passes for $60. That is for rush seating and gets you into all the draws for the week,” affirms Cheri Blackwell, committee member.
The committee also announces that they will be selling reserved tables and chairs behind the glass in the lounge. The tables will be $250 each and the chairs will be $50. That is on top of your event pass. There is a limited number of each so it will be first come, first served. There is expected to be a high demand for this
unique opportunity. This special seating will not be available online, only rush seating tickets for the event will be available online for those who can’t make it in person Feb. 6.
Blackwell provides the ticket booking website, https://sasktix.evenue.net/
Of course, with any bigticket event, volunteers are needed. Blackwell said their kick off event will also include a sign-up sheet for those looking to help out in areas such as the bar, the door and 50/50 tickets. Interested parties can contact an Assiniboia Curling Club member if they want to get on that volunteer list prior to that date.
“Finally, we have started handing out our sponsorship packages. If we haven’t got to a business and they would like to be a part of this exciting opportunity, they can contact the rink at (306)642-5115 or email curlassiniboia@live. ca and we will get one to them,” said Blackwell.
The national championship is slated for Nov. 2-8
2025.
A March 2024 story in Assiniboia Times and SaskToday.ca included an official Curling Canada release stating, “The Canadian four-player mixed championship always is an event to remember and we’re excited how Assiniboia will embrace it in 2025,” said Nolan Thiessen, chief executive officer of Curling Canada. Kyle Jahns, communications coordinator for Curling Canada, adds,” Curling Canada hosts a bid process every year for its events. The bid placed by Assiniboia checked off all of the boxes we look for in a host committee:
experience hosting curling championships and an enthusiastic curling community with support from both fans and businesses. We know Assiniboia will put an exceptional event for everyone involved and we are looking forward to 2025.”
Host committee cochairs, Harvey Hysiuk and Cheri Blackwell, acknowledge that they have members from the curling club with event host experience and plans are underway to showcase Assiniboia and surrounding communities in southern Saskatchewan. This Canadian championship will be seven days of great competition for curl-
ACC to host kick off to 2025 Canadian Mixed Curling Championships
ers and fans alike.
Assiniboia will be the 61st edition of the Canadian Mixed Championships, and the 2025 event will be the third time in four years it has been stated in Saskatchewan. Prince Albert hosted in 2022 with Team Quebec, skipped by Felix Asselin, winning the championship, with Saskatchewan’s Shaun Meachem winning in Swift Current in 2023.
This is the first time Assiniboia has been chosen to host a Curling Canada Championship event, but residents and those amongst curling circles in Saskatchewan say they are not surprised as past events
Mary Birss artwork
on
have showcased not only ACC and committee capabilities but the amazing curling facility Assiniboia has to offer.
The CC media release also quoted Executive Director of CurlSask Steve Turner as saying, “Assiniboia has proved to be a remarkable host for major events in the past and I have every confidence that the 2025 Canadian Mixed Championship will be no exception.”
The excitement is building in Assiniboia, and the province as another bigticket event announced rippled throughout curling communities throughout Saskatchewan.
display at the
Assiniboia library, until end of February
The Assiniboia and District Arts Council recently announce that art created by Mary Birss will be on display at the Assiniboia and District Public Library until the end of February.
Born in Toronto, Birss’ father was in the R.C.A.F. so she lived in places all across Canada, as well as six years in France.
(p) 306-266-2002 (f) 306-266-2020 (email) rm43@sasktel.net Only those considered will be contacted
“I started painting, mostly in oils, in the 1980’s, but had to stop when the chemicals became too much,” says Birss. “I moved to Assiniboia in 1988, and, as a single parent of three, had no time to paint.”
Marrying in 1995, Birss says she went through some dark times losing family members.
“My husband Steve encouraged me to paint again. I had watched some demonstrations of fluid painting on YouTube and decided to give it a try. I loved it. So relaxing, and blowing the paint was just what the doctor ordered.”
“You never really know how the pictures will turn out,” says Birss. “Or what you will find
hidden within. I hope you will enjoy my work.”
Mary Birss’ art is on view at the Assiniboia Public Library during open hours until the end of the February as part of the “Art’s Up” partnership between the Assiniboia and District Arts Council and the Assiniboia and District Public Library.
The 2025 Loraas Recycling & Garbage Schedule is now available for pick up at the Town Office or online at www.assiniboia.net
LANDFILL HOURS
The Landfill, located west on highway 13, then north on Range Road #3015 at Landfill sign, is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed from 12-1). Please report to the operator before dumping and ensure all loads are covered to prevent littering. Christmas Trees can be take to the dump free of charge 2024 PROPERTY TAXES
All unpaid 2024 property taxes are now in arrears as of January 2, 2025 and have received a 10% penalty. Call us at the Town Office, 306-642-3382, for remaining balance prior to payment to ensure all arrears are paid in full
PROPERTY & UTILITY PAYMENTS
Payments for utilities/property taxes are accepted ANYTIME by the Town of Assiniboia during the year. Try making payments at regular intervals on or before the billing due date to keep it manageable! Give us a call to get advice on increment payment estimates.
VOYENT ALERT!
Did you get the Utility Notices & Holiday Service Schedule on December 16, 2024 sent out Voyent Alert? If not, head on over to our website and hit “register today” button on the home page for Voyent Alert! Voyent is the town wide instant messaging service to inform you of important information immediately. Voyent messages can be received via the app, a text message, an email or a phone call. For more info or help registering, call the Town Office at (306) 642-3382, we will gladly sign you up. We currently have 1293 subscribers!
Reminders:
→ Prepayment Notices for Property Taxes will be sent out shortly with discount opportunities.
→ Submit your event’ on our events calendar - www.assiniboia.net/events_calendar All submitted events will be shared on social media!
→ COUNCIL MEETING: The next Council meeting will be January 14, 2025. Council meetings are held in Council Chambers the Asaskan Complex, 131 3rd Ave West.
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Many recreation opportunities in Assiniboia to help reach resolutions
Sherri Solomko
Freelance Reporter
With the incoming new year comes the inevitable new year’s resolutions, did you make yours?
Fitness and wellness traditionally tops the resolution roundabout.
In Assiniboia, there is no lack of options for you to get moving or pursue wellness goals.
Here is your reminder of the multiple recreation opportunities offered in the Town of Assiniboia.
Many of these activities are free to participants. The best bet for looking up what you are interested in is to check out assiniboiarecreation.com or stay
tuned to the Town of Assiniboia Recreation Facebook page for the latest details and updates. Check out this growing indoor sport, as the Prince of Wales Auditorium is home to pickleball on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Tuesdays, there are two options for badminton, also at Princes of Wales with youth and family times at 6:30 p.m. while the adult options are at 8 p.m.
Residencts can also check out the Southland Co-op Centre for available skating times. SCC also offers a climbing wall and a virtual activity room for a new option on exercise. The simulator of -
fers options that include golf, baseball, cricket, bocce ball, dodgeball and more and the space can be booked by the hour.
While the second half of curling season tends to be the busiest one for the Assiniboia Curling Club, you can check with a club member directly or on the club’s Facebook page as there still may be open opportunities for Family night curling or Friday night doubles action.
Gentle Yoga takes place at Stride Studio in Assiniboia, open to all ages and abilities and runs Tuesday mornings.
If you love shooting hoops, then there is an op-
tion for you as adult recreational basketball takes place on Thursdays at 7th Avenue gym.
Adult recreation volleyball takes place Sunday nights at the ACHS gym. This is another free activity and participants must be graduated from high school to play.
Local residents still have options to walk in the winter as the SCC website states, “The walking track is open and free to use and the hours are the same as the ice schedule.”
Other recreation and wellness opportunities in Assiniboia include membership options at Stride Spin Studio, X-treme Fit-
ness, Giselle’s Showtyme Dance and AT Burnay Fit. It is best to reach out to these businesses to see what these programs offer, and what might work for you.
If you have a fourlegged furry friend, the Assiniboia Dog Park is a great option to get both you and your pup some outdoor exercise. the Dog Park is located on the far east side of the Fairgrounds. (East on Assiniboia Avenue)
If your wellness goals are seeking peace in your life, check out any of the churches in Assiniboia for worship times or activities.
Volunteering offers one of the best infusions of feel-good powers. You may want to consider volunteer options around your community, or join one of your community service clubs to start the year off in a new role. If local residents are unsure what wellness avenue to pursue for yourself, check in with family, friends and neighbours and see what they are enjoying or what they might recommend. One can also touch base with Assiniboia’s Recreation and Wellness Manager for options that might work for you. In Assiniboia, residents benefit from all the opportunities available to them for their wellness goals
Anticipation for New Year, as Assiniboia raises the bar each year
It’s another New year and oh, the anticipation that brings.
A story in an earlier issue outlining the successes and challenges in Assiniboia tells the tale of a community bent on raising the bar each year and ensuring visitors or business people want to be a part of who we are.
Rider season was highly anticipated in 2024 as fans felt the hopes of a Grey Cup appearance rise with each win that sent Saskatchewan’s team into playoff season. The new year will once again bring new hope
as a new coach reassured us in his inaugural season and fans are anxious to see if the last season will transition into an even greater season in 2025.
A gruelling long drought was somewhat alleviated in 2024. Early snowfall this winter already along with promising snowfall forecasts has our agriculture industry hopeful once again that relief is on the way for dry land. The new year will either bring renewed anxiety or renewed hope but the same eternal optimism remains in farm country. While this year’s provincial election was either just
what you voted for or you were hoping for change, you might be getting both as Premier Moe promises he has listened to those who voted for change. We will see what the new year brings on that front.
Assiniboia voiced confidence in their mayor and council be acclaiming them all for another four-year term, meaning residents are pleased with the leadership for their community and they are anxious to see more good things on the horizon.
As electronic venues become more prevalent in information sharing the future of small-town
newspapers is a concern for those in this industry. However, the reassurance that the new owner of the Times building has renewed a lease with the Times, meaning your local paper is staying put was a relief to many.
Telemiracle, an idea that started 49 years ago, will keep our province’s Kinsmen and Kinettes busy as they work tirelessly raising much needed funds for Saskatchewan’s only telethon. Did you know a contingent of Assiniboia Kinsmen members were part
of the inaugural meetings with other Kinsmen clubs across the province along with TM founder, Urb Donlevy, to create this continued success story in our province’s community culture?
Every single topic brought up in this article all have one thing in common. None of them become prevalent, significant or workable without support. Fan support, personal assistance support, moral and verbal support, physical/emotional support or the support that comes from rolling up
one’s sleeves or opening up a wallet. Even support in the way of banding together or creating opportunities is sought.
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”
--Melody Beattie, author of ‘Codependent No More’, 1987” “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”-- Benjamin Franklin, ‘Founding Father’ of America”
WSA reminds to verify ice thickness when enjoying the outdoors
With colder temperatures arriving and ice beginning to form on waterbodies across the province, the Water Security Agency (WSA) is reminding the public about ice safety.
Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness and its strength can vary considerably from one area to another. The date that ice becomes safe at a particular site varies from year to year, requiring the verification of the thickness each
year as opposed to relying on past experiences.
As a guideline, you need at least 10 centimetres (four inches) of ice to walk on, 20 cm (eight inches) to drive a snowmobile or ATV on, 30 cm (12 inches) to drive a car or light truck on, and more than 30 cm (12 inches) to support a heavy truck.
Be aware that any activity on ice has risks and guidelines are provided to help individuals make a decision about whether to venture onto the ice. Thick-
ness is just one consideration when evaluating ice safety. Clear, hard ice is the only ice recommended for travel. Also avoid ice that: looks slushy; has thawed, then froze again; is near moving water; is layered, caused by sudden temperature changes; or has structures on it, such as pressure ridges. Ice thickness can be unpredictable and difficult to assess at times. To be sure, always check the ice thickness before you travel on it.
