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Volume 109 No. 20

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

In the news this week Staff

Photos With Santa Santa welcomed children to the Dekker Centre Sunday during the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees.

Sunday was Family Day with Santa, featuring a pancake breakfast, entertainment and, of course, photos with the jolly old elf himself. Photo by John Cairns

School divisions in the Battlefords are partnering with the North Battleford Fire Department and other agencies to provide emergency services responder training for high school students.

The program, announced Thursday, will have 27 students participating from North Battleford Comprehensive High School, John Paul II Collegiate and Sakewew High School.

For more turn to Page 3.

A new code of ethics is being adopted by North Battleford city council.

The code has been developed in response to provincial legislation requiring the process that went into effect on municipal election day this past fall. The code will eventually be extended to City employees, as well.

For more turn to Page 3.

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

A Festive Weekend in the Battlefords

The Church of Seventh-Day Adventists held their annual A Walk through Bethlehem event from Friday to Sunday. Members of the public travelled back in time to the town of Bethlehem on a momentous night for the community — the night when Mary and Joseph welcomed baby Jesus into the world. Visitors experienced the various merchants throughout the town and were able to spend their shekels on various items for sale. They also saw the town’s famous inn, which, unfortunately, was all booked up. Live animals were also part of the experience.

Photos by John Cairns

The Festival of Trees kicked off Friday night with the lighting of the 20-foot high big tree, with the John Paul II Cheerleaders taking part in those festivities. The event ran through Sunday at the Dekker Centre in North Battleford. Danica Lorer was featured entertainer during Sunday’s family day festivities. The Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees wraps up Thursday with Christmas High Tea.

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The Western Development Museum was a hub of Christmas activity Saturday as they held their annual A Prairie Christmas event. It included games, face-painting, food, as well as outdoor wagon rides, that had children’s faces lighting up with delight, throughout the afternoon.

Royal Canadian Legion No. 9 in Battleford held their Christmas Craft Sale and Trade Show on Saturday in the Legion Hall. Crafts, food and other items were up for sale and there were a few prizes up for grabs as well. For more photos from these events visit www.newsoptimist.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 3

Emergency services responder training

Program set up for high school students

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford is ushering in training for high school students looking at potential careers in firefighting and emergency services.

A memorandum of understanding was signed Thursday morning at Don Ross Centre by the various partners to bring emergency services responder training to the city.

Grade 10 students from North Battleford Comprehensive High School, John Paul II Collegiate and Sakewew High School have signed up for the training, which starts up in January 2017. A total of 27 students have signed up — 12 from John Paul II, 11 from NBCHS, and four from Sakewew.

It will involve training sessions running daily for two hours at the North Battleford fire hall, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. each day. There, students will learn from personnel from the fire department, WPD Ambulance, Battlefords

Albert Headrick speaks about the new Emergency Services Responder Training coming to area high school students in January. Various partners signed a memorandum of understanding at the ceremony Thursday at Don Ross Centre. Photos by John Cairns

RCMP detachment and Community Safety Officers about public safety and first response.

There will be both classroom work and training in the field. According to a news release issued Thursday, their training will include learning about firefighting and law enforcement, radio communications, CPR, first aid and EMS protocols.

They will also participate in search and rescue scenarios and also take part in

ride alongs with CSOs. The training is being offered free of charge to the applicants, and will count towards high school credits as well as credits towards future training.

Completion of the program will also allow the participants to receive certifications including Saskatchewan Fire Fighter Level 1, Red Cross Standard First Aid, CPR and AED, Saskatchewan Emergency Vehicle Operations Level 1, Incident Com-

mand System Levels 100 and 200 and Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers — Basic Rescuer.

The program is already in place in Prince Albert and a couple of other Saskatchewan communities.

The City of North Battleford has been looking at introducing this program in the community for some time, as a way to introduce students to the field and train potential first responders for a career.

“The reason why we actually took the approach … is to provide an opportunity for our youth to get involved in emergency services,” said Albert Headrick, North Battleford’s director of Protective Services and fire chief.

He noted the difficulty in recruiting and retaining trained emergency responders throughout Canada, whether it be for volunteer roles or paid positions.

“We’re hoping that this

response to recommendations from the inquiry into the scandal in the RM of Sherwood, in which Reeve Kevin Eberle was removed from office due to conflict of interest.

The more stringent disclosure forms for mayor and council were approved at the Nov. 14 meeting.

The provisions of the council code of ethics are based on other codes adopted elsewhere in the country, with many provisions based on the City of Ottawa’s code, according to city officials. However,

it is also designed to follow the provincial legislation requirements.

First reading took place of the new bylaw later at council and passed unanimously, which means the bylaw on the new code of ethics will come back for second and third reading and further debate at a later meeting. Mayor Ryan Bater praised the work done on the code so far.

“This is obviously a step in the direction of greater accountability for elected officials,” said Bater.

On a related note, also

coming in is a new employee code of conduct, which has already been legislated. City Manager Jim Puffalt and Human Resources Director Chandra Veer Singh reported the union has already been consulted with respect to the code over the past few months, and all the parties

have agreed to the draft.

It covers broad categories including integrity, respect, trust, professionalism, teamwork and communication. It also includes employee disclosure forms for every employee with respect to “actual or perceived conflict of interest” situations.

New code of ethics coming to City Hall

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

North Battleford council has now started the ball rolling towards a new code of ethics.

A council code of ethical conduct bylaw was introduced at council Nov. 29.

It is the response to the new provincial legislation that came into effect on the day of the municipal election requiring more stringent ethical and disclosure requirements of councillors. The legislation was a

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program will engage our youths and provide the opportunity for them to contribute to whatever community they want or make a professional career of it,” said Headrick.

Involved in signing the MOU were the fire department, WPD Ambulance, Battlefords RCMP, the Living Sky and Light of Christ school divisions and various other partners.

The other partners include Husky Energy, which are supplying the coveralls for the training to all the students. Representatives from SGI and Cherry Insurance presented $20,000 towards the program Thursday.

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Letter

A perfectly North Stars Christmas Dear Editor ‘Tis the season for North Stars fans to be jolly, but wait, we’ve been jolly for the last three months based on the play of Nate Bedford and Braeden Johnson’s Battlefords North Stars! It’s time to relay joyous greetings to some fine young gentlemen who contribute mightily to the Battlefords community. The Battlefords North Stars bring excitement and respect to our area. On game days, there are no “silent nights” as our “drummer boys” pound the opposition. They bring so much “joy to the world,” or at least to our “little town of North Battleford.” When we bear down and put the puck in the net, their goaltender suffers from a “holy night.” There are no chestnuts roasting on their lack of fire. Had enough yet? I know, the puns are a little frosty, but they don’t call me the Snowman for nothin’.

It’s time for this grey beard (it ain’t white like Santa’s just yet) to thank the players and staff, so here goes.

Taryn Kotchorek: Number 1 with a bullet. Taryn stops most everything that comes his way. Plays big in the net!

Probably the most photographed player in the building! Baby, it’s cold outside, when Taryn freezes out the opposition.

Throw on a beard, Taryn, ‘cause you’re our Santa!

Connor Sych: If you need a Santa body to take care of people in front of the net, Connor is your guy. He doesn’t “mask” indifference. There is no fooling with our big man! His Dad might be his only Achilles heel! When Connor is on, the Civic Centre’s rockin’.

Cody Spagrud: He isn’t related to Levi, but they are joined at the hip. He has blossomed into a big-time D-man who is capable in the clutch. Cody’s gift to the hockey season is his dependable and intelligent play.

Ryan Rosenberg: you have to love this guy from the Empire State. He sticks up for his team mates and rushes in to the offensive zone at opportune times. To our opponents, he’s naughty, ‘cause he sure ain’t nice!

Kendall Fransoo: This guy has really come to play this year. He’s playing a more disciplined game and it has shown in his performance. The leader of this pack — if you’ll notice, he has a “red nose.”

Conor Jensen: An effortless skater with deft puck handling skills. The cherished Number 7 suits Conor. From the beautiful state of Minnesota, home of Bud Grant’s Minnesota Vikings. Conor is as smooth as old Bing’s “White Christmas.”

Ben Allen: Crazy 8, is Ben just a misfit toy! When he is in on the ice, he can be a buzz saw. He contributes of-

fensively and defensively. Ben has been a tremendous addition to an already strong lineup.

Layne Young: He’s that special gift you receive at Christmas. When he opens up, you can’t contain your exuberance! He’s a force you can’t stop once he sets his sleigh in motion. We don’t need treats during the holiday season … it’s just a treat for us to be able to see Layne exhibit his magic throughout the hockey season.

Connor McIntosh: This guy plays with effort each and every time he’s out on the ice. You don’t want to rock around this Christmas tree. He’s tough and hearty as they come!

Troy Gerein: He is the spark plug that ignites our team with his physical play and is adept both offensively and defensively. He is one of our most valuable players. Troy’s the toy that, when he’s wound up, he goes all night!

Logan Nachtegaele: Our “Twelve Days of Christmas” guy suffered an unfortunate injury early in the season, but is now bouncing back nicely. He’s our Dasher that pulls the team behind him with his energetic play!

Levi Kleiboer: The Boer Warrior, Levi is the quintessential defenceman.

He is a smart defensive player and can also rush the puck. Combined with Cody, they are a shut-down pairing.

Wouldn’t it be great to get a pair of “Levi’s” for Christmas?

Jayden Nachtegaele: there’s no place like home for Jayden! A local product who hopes to have more playing time under the tree. He shows great promise!

Connor Logan: He plays with reckless abandon. He has been a positive offensive contributor, but can also be solid defensively. It will be a “blue, blue, blue” Christmas for the opposition when they see Sweet 16 on the ice.

Bryce Hall: Bryce plays much larger than his stature. Deck the halls with lots of scoring in the second half of the season, Bryce!

Coby Downs: Hallelujah! What a treat to have him back for another year.

When Coby’s on the ice, he is our Messiah, a goal-scoring delight!

Keaton Holinaty: this guy is going to be a force come playoff time. He has been contributing at both ends of the ice and has been opportunistic in his goal scoring opportunities. Keaton is your typical grinder who can put the puck in the net. You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!

Reed Delainey: Do you hear what I hear? I think I hear Reed is going to have a sensational second half and lead us to a “Winter Wonderland!”

Owen Lamb: His confidence is growing by the game. Owen is impressive with his intellectual play. He has all his gifts in order. Now, he just needs to deliver!

Connor Manegre: His controlled, aggressive play shows his heart and soul.

He keeps the opposition honest in the defensive zone and makes their jingle bells rock!

Brett Horn: It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Brett is on the ice.

He came to us from the East, but let’s not hold that against him. It’s the spirit of the season. Number 23 is our Eastern Star who has become a starlit performer!

MacGregor Sinclair: MacGregor is a cerebral player who has been a solid addition in his first year in the league. He is strong on faceoffs, perhaps an underrated skill to most. For MacGregor, it’s beginning to look a lot like showtime!

Keelan Saworski: we haven’t seen much of this recent acquisition due to our strong lineup. All he wants for Christmas is to see Number 25 on the ice.

Jeremy Velazquez: It’s Christmas time in Chicago, with all of the folks at home.

The Great White North has embraced this guy from the windy city. If he were a reindeer, he’d be our Dancer, ‘cause he ain’t no Vixen, it’s the hair!

Joel Gryzbowski: When Joel’s in net, we know we will have a holly, jolly night, as he entertains us with his acrobatics.

Solid and dependable and cool as a crisp sleigh bell.

And now we come to the big boys.

Robert Tanner: He’s the guy who puts all the misfit toys together and gets them wrapped and ready to go. Indispensable and valued, like the star that’s put on top of the Christmas tree.

Braeden Johnson: I could use a little of Jeremy’s hair, but, that isn’t really a Christmas gift. Braeden is our true North Star that will shine brightly in our team’s history. Christmas cheer to our heart and soul!

Nate Bedford: Nate is a gift to the Battlefords. Nate has humour and humility, having all the treasures that Santa possesses, including the suits. No pressure, Santa, but I asked in my letter to you if we could have a championship. And, we know, Santa, you always come through for us!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good North Star night!

Garnet Elmer (and his charming little elf, Ashlyn) North Battleford

Published since 1905

A community newspaper published Tuesdays

by Battlefords Publishing Ltd. 892 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 (Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to the above) Telephone: 306-445-7261 – Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net Personal Delivery Charge — Out of Town $44.29 Plus GST.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 5

Budget deliberations

Tax increases of three per cent proposed

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

City residents can once again expect to see increases in their property taxes and water and sewer rates.

The 2017 draft budget was presented at North Battleford city hall Wednesday night, which included administration’s proposed tax increases.

Those include a proposed three per cent increase in property tax revenue, an increase in waste management and tipping fees for the first time since 2013, as well as the removal of the resident commercial discount where the source of waste cannot be identified.

For utilities, a three per cent increase in base water and sewer rates as well as consumption rates is being proposed.

The UPAR program is also coming back in 2017 and an increase is being proposed for that program as well.

The program addresses aging underground pipes and roads. In 2016 the city replaced 1.9 kilometres of the 2.9 kilometres estimated to be required each year to get ahead of the annual need to replace underground pipes and road asphalt.

The operating budget calls for the continuation of programs and services by the City. No reductions are coming to service delivery and City Manager Jim Puffalt indicated a major announcement is coming with respect to their community safety strategy in the near future.

The five-year capital plan is also being deliberated with a number of projects proposed for 2017

alone, with major work impacting the downtown, the southeast quadrant and the airport.

However, it should be stressed these are proposals from administration at this stage and there could still be changes by the time the budget comes back to council for ratification.

The expectation is that the proposed tax and utility rate increases, as well as the UPAR numbers, will be discussed in detail during the second week of the deliberations and some changes could still happen.

Wednesday marked the first night of budget deliberations for the newlyelected city council since the October election. New North Battleford mayor Ryan Bater and members of council were all in attendance with the exception of councillors Greg Lightfoot and Kelli Hawtin. Hawtin listened in to the meeting by phone after giving birth to a baby girl two days earlier.

Members of city administration, including Director of Finance David Gillan, were also on hand as were members of the public in the gallery, including three representatives of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.

The first deliberation session concentrated on two civic departments: Leisure Services, and Planning and Development.

Director of Leisure Services Bill Samborski led council through the Leisure Services budget, which saw no major surprises. For 2017, Samborski said there would be no reduction in service and no increase in public access fees.

Expenditures for the

Wednesday night marked the first night of budget deliberations at North Battleford city hall. The first night of deliberations focused on Leisure Services, with director Bill Samborski leading that presentation, followed by the presentation of Planning and Development numbers by director Jennifer Niesink.

More budget deliberations were scheduled for Monday and Wednesday. Photo by John Cairns

department are up one per cent, but Samborski noted revenues are up three per cent and he found that significant.

“We’ve turned the corner,” he said.

One topic of considerable discussion was staffing. Leisure Services proposes to add a new scheduler position, budgeted at $53,000. The role involves keeping track of the scheduling of all the staff working at all the facilities, freeing up their managers to concentrate on their own roles.

The main driver behind the addition is to ensure enough staff are available at all facilities, particularly in situations where staff are out sick. Samborski cited increased pressure on the department to have enough staff on hand to be able to keep facilities open

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and running during scheduled hours.

The city manager concurred. “We cannot not open the doors,” said Puffalt.

On the capital side, the most pressing item is a $400,000 fire panel upgrade to Don Ross Centre.

That is a priority for 2017 and will be debt financed.

Another item is the Don Ross Arena boards and the capital work there would be done with an eye towards the 2018 Saskatchewan Winter Games.

However, the need to address the boards has been identified for some time and Samborski stressed the importance of dealing with the issue.

“If we start not doing this stuff, we’ll be closing another arena down,” Samborski said, referring to the closure of the Agriplex

rink over safety concerns with their boards.

The Civic Centre is due for capital improvements and the five-year capital plan includes emergency exit repairs, metal cladding on the north wall, boiler repairs, a lighting refit and enhanced security gates and cameras for the building.

Samborski indicated this would likely be the last major capital work for that facility, which is due to be replaced within the next 10 to 15 years.

Finally, a bike park is being planned for North Battleford in 2017 and it is to be similar to the one in Moose Jaw. It will be available to all bikes, not just BMX bikes, and is expected to provide more recreational opportunities for youth in the city, in addition to the current skate park.

“This will be a huge asset to the community,” said Samborski. The design fee is listed at $13,000 and $170,000 is slated for its operation.

The second area of discussion was planning and development, and Jennifer Niesink, director of that department, went through the numbers and projects in that area.

The discussion included projected UPAR spending, which is estimated at $3.3 million for 2017. Total operating revenue was estimated at $2,147,350, which runs ahead of expenditures by a budgeted $558,470.

With respect to capital projects, the biggest line item was $2.5 million for the Killdeer Park subdivision land development, to be funded by working capital.

Another big item is $400,000 allocated to sig-

nal lights at Carlton Trail and $510,000 towards the extensive roadwork and concrete for that street.

As well, $520,000 has been allocated for downtown redevelopment Phase 1, with $480,000 allocated to a road and walk on 100th Street and 101st Street, which is a carryover from the 2016 budget.

The 100th Street (20th Avenue to the mall access) local improvement is estimated at $887,000. The north entry feature construction for signage and corridors coming into the city from Highway 4 north is estimated at $600,000 with $480,000 coming from external funding and $120,000 from capital reserves. The east entry feature construction from Saskatoon, consisting of signage, infrastructure and landscaping, is estimated at $387,500. Administration is looking to complete both in 2017.

A major item for 2017 will be airport runway rehabilitation.

It was originally going to be a $550,000 project funded 50/50 between the City and the Province, but the City is now budgeting another $275,000 in order to accelerate the work for this coming year, so the City’s portion will be $550,000 plus the province’s $275,000 commitment that was already announced.

The plan is to complete the centre portion of the runway first (where the planes land) and then do the outer portions in future years.

The rehabilitation is considered urgent, with Director of Operations Stewart Schafer noting the runway pavement is already past its lifetime.

Continued on Page 7

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SaskBooks Book Pick Written By Carla Braidek Published by Thistledown Press Review by Shelley A. Leedahl $17.95 ISBN 978-1-77187096-2 Saskatchewan writer Carla Braidek’s most recent poetry demonstrates deep gratitude for the boreal forest in which she lives and the enviable life she’s made there, but, like anyone with the gift of imagination and the fancy of a dreamer, her emotional pendulum can’t help but swing toward “What if?”

Even the book’s title, A Map in my Blood, hints at

the restlessness that runs beneath poems that celebrate the natural world and its creatures, family, food, the work of the land, childhood innocence and rural living.

The opening poem, Where Do I Begin, sets the bar high. “Beginning” here can refer to the book itself or the spinning of a life’s tale. It’s also a phrase commonly used to express exasperation. I admire how the Big River poet begins with ordinary details — a broken ankle, helping fix a deck — then she takes an existential leap and asks: “how do

we know where a moment begins?” This questioning ferries readers to a deeper level. A spark fires, we’re engaged and committed to asking ourselves the same question about the details of our own lives. Making our own small worlds universally resonate is the key to successful poetry.

The poems swing between serenity and anxiousness, and at both extremes Braidek treats us to original images — “anemones ghost the lane by the bridge\rain dapples stones until appaloosa blankets\rumple on hills beyond the pasture gate.”

In Fingers Like Wings, she describes how work gloves that have fallen from pockets “trail on the path like bread crumbs marking, not the way back, but the place we fly forward from, fingers splayed into wind.” I love “a pot of daisies rises on

the veranda\one small sun reluctant to let summer go,” and her gorgeous image honouring “a man who keeps the sun in his pocket.” He is a gardener and preserver whose “jars\ glow on their shelves with the intensity\of a midsummer rainbow.” Easy to see this, and feel the quiet joy it transmits.

Braidek delivers glorious sensorial leaps — “good wishes smell\ faintly of oranges,” — and a good deal of musicality — “my neighbour’s corn is disappearing\ear by ear into the night”.

The restlessness is often indicated by hunger — “one day I wake up ravenous” — and is voiced in lines like “she struggles with possibilities\flips pages in her mind,” and “a

Written By Lloyd and Rose Virag Published by Lloyd and Rose Virag Review by Keith Foster $39.95 ISBN 978-09950034-0-8 Have you ever wondered about all those little churches that dot the Saskatchewan landscape?

Lloyd and Rose Virag have pondered them too, and set out on a motor trek of discovery.

Focusing specifically on Ukrainian churches because of Rose’s ethnic background, their results are recorded in Reflections of Ukraine: Ukrainian Churches of the Saskatchewan Countryside, an attractive coffee table book they self-published.

Lavishly illustrated with more than 700 colour photos taken at 160 different sites in Saskatch-

ewan, the book showcases 142 country churches.

The first seven chapters include Ukrainian Orthodox, Ukrainian Greek Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Greek Catholic churches. The next two chapters feature three Russian Orthodox churches and a surprising variety of other denominations with Ukrainian connections. Chapter 10 shows a selection of cemeteries where the churches no longer exist.

In captions and photos, the Virags have assembled a wide collection of churches, cemeteries and small chapels, known as kaplychkos. And these are just the ones that still exist. Some of the churches have been replaced more than once as the congregation grew. Many of them were originally

built from logs. Many have been restored, but others are badly in need of restoration.

Looking at some of these churches, it’s easy to visualize recently arrived Ukrainian immigrants in their worn, handmade clothes hard at work in the midday sun. One can almost see them cutting logs, shoring them up, spreading mud between the cracks, both inside and out, then whitewashing the interiors and exteriors. Multiple photos of the same structures taken from various angles in different seasons reveal intriguing perspectives. Hoar frost glistens against a closeup of an onion dome on a Ukrainian Greek Orthodox Church near Kuroki, for instance. Most photos, however, were taken

in summer. Although the Virags took most of them, members from the respective churches also contributed.

In addition to consulting local history books, the Virags drew on information from people they contacted on their journey. Historic plaques at the sites also provide background information. A map of Saskatch-

ewan on the back of the book highlights the rural municipalities where Ukrainian churches are scattered throughout the province, with a large concentration northwest of Yorkton. Armed with this 320-page hardcover book, readers are able to take self-guided tours.

Compiling these colourful images for their coffee table book was ob-

viously a labour of love for the Virags, and a tribute to Rose’s Ukrainian heritage.

Reflections of Ukraine: Ukrainian Churches of the Saskatchewan Countryside is also a flattering tribute to these little Ukrainian churches that inhabit our prairies and woodlands.

This book is available at your local bookstore or fromwww.skbooks.com.

with low ambient noise) and "lo-fi" environments ("the confusing 'noise' of modern life"). The composer felt that, like music, soundscapes had the ability to "enrich the inner lives of the creator and listener," and he and his students collected sound from Canadian cities and European villages. From this they created "aural images.”

The "immersive" aspect is the "social life of sounds," ie: "the myriad

reflections, refractions, and reverberations that depend on the configuration of a particular performing space."

Practical examples include John Wynne's work with sound at a hospital in London, England. Using recordings and photography, Wynne provides the experience of "lying in the next bed trying to interpret" what's going on with a neighbouring patient.

The project stimulates imagination.

Contributor Andrea Polli discusses the history of music from natural processes, ie: Aeolian harps and wind chimes, Balinese bamboo organs and the light whistles attached to the tails of young pigeons in China that produce "an open air concert.”

Gabriele Proy's Austrian project, Waldviertel: A Soundscape Composition,

was one of the most accessible, and his recording among my favourite. He designed his soundscape to represent a "portrait of a day," using only nature sounds, church bells and a fire siren (played Saturdays at noon), things that represented his fond childhood memories of this forested rural region. He combined these "sound memories" and layered them with meaning.

Like reading poetry, engaged "listening" gives us pause, and opens us to deeper realms of perception. Sound like a great idea? If you agree, you'll gain much from this illuminating text, which includes photos and charts, and the accompanying DVD. — This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.skbooks.com.

A Map in My Blood

Reflections of Ukraine: Ukrainian Churches of the Saskatchewan Countryside

Art of Immersive Soundscapes Edited by Pauline Minevich and Ellen Waterman Published by University of Regina Press Review by Shelley A. Leedahl $39.95 ISBN 9-780889772588 Music, laughter, the rustling wind: sound enriches our lives. Of course it can also work the other way, as anyone with belligerent neighbours can attest.

Sound is an interesting field of study for scientists and artists. I'd never heard of "immersive soundscapes," and was curious to learn what they are, why they matter, and who's creating them.

Enter editors Pauline

Minevich (associate professor in the Department of Music, University of Regina) and Ellen Waterman (dean of the School of Music and professor of musicologies at Memorial University of Newfoundland), who collected the disparate papers presented at the 2007 international conference "Intersections: Music and Sound, Music and Identity," held in Regina, and published them and a DVD of the presenters' audio and video explorations with sound in the book Art of Immersive Soundscapes.

Combining science and art, rural and urban, nature and technology, macro and micro, the featured com-

posers in this book show us a fresh and interesting way to experience and understand our social and physical worlds.

The interdisciplinary "soundscape movement" began in the 1960s at B.C.'s Simon Fraser University, when composer R. Murray Schafer (and grad students) wanted to spotlight the "critical lack of attention to our sound environment, and its effects on our wellbeing." They sought to increase public awareness of sound environments, including noise pollution, and how those environments impacted people.

Schafer differentiated "hifi" environments (harmonious sounds, ie: streams,

void wants to be filled.”

We all hunger, but what’s described in The Rock, a narrative told in one long paragraph, is as close to my idea of utopia as it comes. “A day on one’s own property with time to sit on the deck and watch the children play, then move to the campfire where vegetables and ‘moose strips’ are roasted.

The ‘dogs skulk at the edge of the yard, half crazy with the smell of fresh meat,’ and as evening arrives the guitars and fiddles comes out, and the children settle onto laps by the fire. If only that were the tune of “all our lives\ being sung,” what a happier world this would be.

This book is available at your local bookstore or from www.skbooks.com.

Local club seeks ammendment

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

City council heard Monday from a local cheerleading club that was seeking a rezoning in order to operate.

Lesia Rathje from Cheer Legacy Athletics was before council to seek a text amendment to the zoning bylaw to allow “clubs” as a permitted use in the Light Industrial District M1 and the Heavy Industrial District M2.

Right now Cheer Legacy Athletics operates at 10030A Marquis Avenue in Parsons Industrial Park, part of the M2 zone. However, administration indi-

cated in a memo to council that it does not support that location, as it was not up to fire and building code regulations, and the club has been seeking a new location at 771-109th St. That location is in the M1 zone.

In the memo, City Director of Economic Development Jennifer Niesink noted administration had been working with Rathje to find a suitable location.

Administration recommended to council that the rezoning amendment for the M1 zone be approved and that a meeting be set up with the proponents to look for a new alternate location for the club. The

Staff Reporter

Insp. John Sutherland provided the monthly RCMP policing report, focusing mainly on police operations and initiatives.

He noted that a community policing unit is being developed that will concentrate on education and crime prevention program delivery.

A meeting has also been scheduled for December with mayors and administrators as well as Chief Lori Whitecalf of Sweetgrass First Nation on integrating community po-

Budget

Continued from Page 5 A budgeted $200,000 has been allocated towards addressing the storm drainage issues in Fairview. There is also a $65,000 allocation towards formalized downtown parking lots, with the idea to encourage people to park in those lots instead of on the empty lots the city is offering for sale. More about that proposal is due to come back to council in January.

The full draft 2017 budget is available online at the City of North Battleford website at www. cityofnb.ca. Also online are the five-year draft capital budgets for each department with a complete rundown of proposed capital projects, costs and potential funding sources.

Deliberation sessions were scheduled to resume again Monday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 7 beginning at 5 p.m. each night.

It is during these sessions that the major discussions are to occur on property taxation and utility rates.

Among the items expected to be discussed Monday, according to city officials, are the City’s debt limit and whether it will need to be raised to accommodate all the capital projects the City is seeking to get done for 2017. Currently, their debt limit is set at $45 million.

licing delivery across the detachment area.

Sutherland called the meeting significant because it will be the first time they will have everyone at the table to give direction.

Mayor Ryan Bater welcomed that initiative, saying “crime and safety don’t just stop at the borders of this city.”

Also coming up at the meeting was a discretionary land use application from CN for a new 46-metre radio communication tower in its yard site. The tower is the same height as the one that already exists. The new tower will be placed approximately 320 metres east from the existing tower location. The discretionary use application was carried unanimously.

In announcements, City Manager Jim Puffalt informed council that Jennifer Niesink had been appointed director of Planning and Development.

She had been with the City for three years as di-

News-Optimist.ca Last week’s News-Optimist online poll:

Canada Post has announced the old post office building on 22nd Street is for sale.

Officials say no decision on a new location will be made until the building is sold. What do you think?

• Canada Post should have dealt with problems in the historic building and resumed operations there.

50% Lesia Rathje from Cheer Legacy Athletics makes her pitch for a zoning amendment at city council Monday. Photo by John Cairns

amendment is not going ahead for the M2 zone.

A resolution to authorize administration to prepare a bylaw to amend the

zoning bylaw to include “clubs” as a permitted use in the Light Industrial District M1, passed unanimously.

RCMP focus on education, prevention

By John Cairns

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 7

rector of Economic Development and had been the acting director of Planning and Development over the past year.

An extensive search was conducted and Puffalt said they were happy to find the right candidate internally, saying Niesink has “proven herself in the position.”

Not in attendance at

Monday night’s council meeting was Councillor Kelli Hawtin. Mayor Bater was able to share the happy news that Hawtin had given birth to a daughter that day at 9:03 a.m.

In proclamations, Mayor Bater proclaimed AIDS Awareness Week, HIV Awareness Week and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness week.

75 calls fielded Staff Battlefords RCMP responded 75 occurrences between 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 and 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4

Sunday, Dec. 3 6:28 a.m. - Report of an assault at a residence in the 1800 block of 92nd Street.

Charges laid as a result.

8:16 a.m. - Report of damage done to a vehicle overnight. Reported for insurance purposes.

9:24 a.m. - Report of a sexual assault at a local

• Canada Post should sell the building for $1 to a developer willing to restore it to active use.

30% • Canada Post should begin working on a new downtown location immediately. Husky Energy still hasn’t satisfactorily explained why it took so long to discover the break.

20%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll:

With city budget talks still underway, what should the budget priority be?

• Avoid all tax increases.

• Pay down the debt and do not raise the debt limit.

• Maintain all service levels.

• Focus spending on infrastructure, roads and pipes.

• Focus on public safety and more policing.

Visit www.newsoptimist.ca Follow Battlefords News-Optimist on Facebook and BfordsNewsOpt on Twitter

Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

residence in North Battleford. Investigation ongoing.

9:28 a.m. - Impaired operation of motor vehicle.

Charges laid as a result.

9:32 a.m. - Report of damage to a vehicle overnight in the 1600 block of 91st Street.

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A knitting group in North Battleford has made their latest donation to Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program. This year the knitters decided to make blankets for the program’s kids in time for Christmas. In total, the group of 12 women will donate 115 blankets to BECIP, after having kicked off the project in April. In the photo are members of the knitting group and Colleen Sabraw, executive director of BECIP. Photos by Shannon Kovalsky

Knitters achieve goal of 100 blankets

By Shannon Kovalsky Staff Reporter

Hey Kids!

Get into the Christmas spirit and send your letters to Santa!

This Christmas just got a little bit warmer for children in Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program.

A group of local knitters have reached their goal, and then some, for hand-knit and crocheted blankets, although a few short weeks ago, knitter V. Sidebottom says they were beneath their estimates.

“We started around April and maybe about three weeks ago we had a count and we had 85 [blankets] and I thought ‘my god, are we going to get them finished?’”

The group then swathed the town with posters and knitters previously unknown to the group began to stop by the usual meeting place, Crandleberry’s.

“Today,” Sidebottom announced, “we’ve got 104.”

And the group expects to have 115 blankets when it’s all said and done and they make the official donation to BECIP. Colleen Sabraw, executive director of BECIP, was delighted with the variety of styles and colours of the blankets and noted that each child in the program will receive a blanket.

BECIP provides instruction and programs for parents of children with developmental delay from birth until five years of age. Every year the organization gives out a Christmas present to the children registered in their program, and thanks to the 12 women in the knitting club, BECIP will supplement their gift — this year’s is a book — with the group’s donated handmade goods.

“Each year we give [the kids] some sort of Christmas gift,” says Sabraw.

“The ladies have made hats

and mitts before and this year they wanted to make blankets. So [our] staff will be taking a wrapped gift tucked inside [the blanket].

“What’s so cool is they can sit up on their mom and dad’s knee, curl around with their blanket and read their book.”

And the kids in BECIP aren’t the only ones getting a blanket to curl up in this year. During the group’s meet up last Tuesday, with the tables piled high with a vibrant variety of blankets, one Crandleberry’s customer mistook the group’s inventory for a sale. Upon hearing the customer was keen on purchasing one for his wife, the knitter of the blanket happily gave it to the man for free.

Amazed, the man remarked that the spontaneous gift was going to make his wife very happy.

“It’s the Christmas season now!” he announced to the group.

Letters will be featured in our Christmas edition on

December 22th, 2016.

Don’t forget to include your name and age on your letters.

All letters must be received by December 13th to be printed.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 9

From the Battlefords to Standing Rock, local environmental group hosts benefit

Water is Life, Treaty 6, The Battlefords hosted a concert with proceeds going toward the Oceti Sakowin camp near Standing Rock, North Dakota. Pictured here attendees visit together prior to the start of the concert. Photos by Shannon Kovalsky

By Shannon Kovalsky People from the Battlefords and the surrounding area gathered in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion No. 70 in North Battleford Thursday night in solidarity with water protectors some 1,000 kilometres away near Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota.

The event, which had speakers, dinner and a concert, was organized by local environmental group Water is Life, Treaty 6, The Battlefords to benefit Oceti Sakowin Camp, the largest of the anti-pipeline encampments that sits just north of the Cannonball

River.

Elizabeth Cline, a founder of Water is Life, Treaty 6, The Battlefords, says she was compelled to start the group following the Husky Oil spill on July 21 when more than 200,000 litres of oil flowed into the North Saskatchewan River.

“I think as a society we just need to start being more careful with our water,” said Cline. “Once that heavy crude goes into your river, it doesn’t come out.

I mean, they’re able to retrieve some of it, but much of it is lost and settles to the bottom of the river and remains toxic.

“Once we contaminate our water, then what?

The legislative assembly chambers, home of debates and Question Period, may have the highest profile, but it is at the committees where much of the real work happens behind the scenes in the legislature.

As it turned out, the activities of the Public Accounts Committee took centre stage last Monday at the legislature. The committee includes several Northwest MLAs including Herb Cox (the Battlefords), Larry Doke (Cut Knife-Turtleford) and Randy Weekes (BiggarSaskatchewan Valley).

Appearing that morning was provincial auditor Judy Ferguson, who had a number of things to say about their audit into the Global Transportation Hub land deal. Here is the Hansard account of her remarks.

Ms. Ferguson: — Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Deputy Chair, members, and officials. …

I just wanted to reinforce a couple of points that we raised at the last meeting.

And the reason that I do that … is that our office is a bit concerned that our finding — which is [that] the audit did not find evidence of conflict of interest, indications of fraud or wrongdoing by GTH management or the board of directors — is not well understood and has really I think overshadowed our audit conclusion. When

we sit back and pause as an audit office, we think this may stem from an insufficient understanding of audit, and perhaps that’s impacting the understanding of the results of our GTH audit.

So as noted in our report, and as we raised in the November 8th Public Accounts Committee meeting, our office did not do a forensic audit or audit the activities of private sector individuals or corporations.

Rather, as we expressed at that meeting and in the report, the GTH audit focused on GTH processes to acquire land. The purpose of the audit was not to accuse or vindicate individuals or entities involved in specific land transactions, as may have been the purpose of a forensic audit.

As previously emphasized, we did the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. We refer to these standards as GAAS. …

GAAS doesn’t allow the auditors to ignore risks of fraud due to ... or errors or irregular acts, as they relate to the objective of the audit. … GAAS expects auditors to identify such risks, carry out audit procedures in response to those risks, and assess the audit and evaluate the audit evidence.

In addition GAAS recognizes, owing to the inherent limitations in au-

Staff Reporter

Maybe it’s OK for those of us who live in cities with municipal water treatments, but there are people who don’t.”

Cline also stated she felt there was a lack of information regarding the effect on animals around the river and the aquatic species that live in the river.

Communities along the North Saskatchewan River know all too well the risk of leaking pipelines, which may have something to do with the local solidarity movement. As Cline noted, “We don’t want what happened here to happen there.”

Jordan Nicotine, a fellow member of the environmentally minded

group, says the proceeds from the benefit concert will be travelling south to Oceti Sakowin, but their local group has seen the ripple effect of anti-pipeline protests up north as well, saying, “It’s not us just helping them. They’re helping us because it’s not going to stop in South Dakota, it’s going up, it’s making its way across the land.”

Nov. 29, the federal government announced approval for two new pipeline projects, Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain and Enbridge’s Line 3 and already there has been talk of protest. Speaking at the benefit Thursday night was elder Alexander Kennedy, who noted that people in B.C. will not be as receptive to the proposed pipelines as people in the prairie provinces.

Nicotine says protesting pipelines is just the first hurdle of environmental security. “We’re fighting an entity. I understand pipelines are the safest way to transport oil, but this is just the beginning of what we have to do.”

The group says they’d like to see the government move toward cleaner

Elder Alexander Kennedy addressed the crowd and later led attendees in a prayer.

Benefit-goers chat prior to the event getting underway.

energy. Cline also noted a need for stricter regulations on oil companies by the government and more effective monitoring of pipelines.

It was reported Monday, the protesters had won an initial victory, as construction of the pipeline

has been called off,.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a statement saying they would not be granting permission for the Dakota Access pipeline.

The protesters are vowing to remain at the camp, however.

rensic audit, do you think that that’s necessary?

Ms. Ferguson: — Our office hasn’t been asked to do a forensic audit … but if our office was asked to do a forensic audit, I think we would probably pause on that at this point in time, because we understand that there is a police investigation under way and the scope of the investigation does include the activities related to GTH’s acquisition of land from the private sector. And so our office would pause in terms of doing that, in that it might ... It would result in a duplication of use of public resources to do that work.

Mr. Doke: — Thank you. And I guess that asks

or answers the second part of my question if in fact ... I believe the opposition has forwarded that to the RCMP. So if the RCMP are conducting an investigation, of your opinion then you wouldn’t be doing a forensic audit at the same time?

Ms. Ferguson: — Yes, that is what I was trying to express.

Mr. Doke: — Okay.

Thank you.

What Ferguson had to say was fresh ammunition for Opposition leader Trent Wotherspoon in the afternoon, as he again sought answers from Premier Brad Wall on the topic of the GTH land deal in Question Period.

Continued on Page 10

Auditor’s comments heat up Question Period

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net dits, there’s always the unavoidable risk that an audit carried out under GAAS may not detect fraud, wrongdoing, or conflict of interest. To acknowledge this limitation, we stated that the audit did not find evidence of conflict of interest or indications of fraud or wrongdoing by the GTH management and board of directors. … we want to emphasize that the audit did not conclusively state that there was no conflict of interest, fraud or wrongdoing with respect to these land transactions related to GTH. As indicated in our report, our conclusion is that the audit did not have effective processes to acquire land for the purposes of transportation logistics hub from the private sector reflecting fair value.

As our office has previously stated, ineffective processes have left taxpayers exposed to increases in land value and paying for increased land prices.

Later in the meeting,

committee member Larry Doke had questions for the provincial auditor with respect to whether a forensic audit should be done.

Mr. Doke: — Thank you, Madam Chair. As I said earlier, I thank you for your clarification on your opening statements, and that’s good. So as the official opposition and others have asked for a fo-

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Auditor’s comments heat up Question Period Continued from Page 9 Mr. Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, this morning at Public Accounts the auditor asked for some time to “reinforce a couple of points.” Mr. Speaker, she was concerned that her conclusions were, “not well understood,” and, Mr. Speaker, that a line in one press release has, “ ... really I think overshadowed our audit conclusion.”

Mr. Speaker, the Auditor wanted to “ ... emphasize that the audit did not conclusively state that there was no conflict of interest, fraud, or wrongdoing …”

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier acknowledge that the lines he’s used time and time again are wrong? Will he retract those comments, his weak and tired talking points, and will he finally start to answer the questions that Saskatchewan people are deserved in that government’s GTH [Global Transportation Hub] land scandal?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Wall: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the member for his question. There was no scandal. The member keeps using that description. Clearly, Mr. Speaker, that’s not been the case, as evidenced by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s report on the matter with respect to the member who was the minister at the time, and it’s also consistent with what the Provin-

cial Auditor found and did not find.

Mr. Speaker, I was very careful to quote the press release from the Provincial Auditor over and over again as late as last week.

Again, from the Provincial Auditor’s press release that accompanied the report: “The audit did not find evidence of conflicts of interest, or indications of fraud or wrongdoing by the GTH management or Board of Directors.” Now one of the board of directors would have been the minister.

Well here’s what else she said this morning: she referenced generally accepted accounting standards. She said GAAS doesn’t allow the auditors to ignore ... doesn’t allow the auditors to ignore risks of fraud due to ... or errors or irregular acts, as they relate to the objective of the audit. Rather, as we previously highlighted, GAAS expects auditors to identify such risks, carry out audit procedures in response to those risks, and assess the audit and evaluate the audit evidence.

What the auditor is saying is that generally accepted accounting standards would require an auditor to not ignore risks of, signs of fraud. And so in the accompanying press release, she says …“The audit did not find evidence of conflicts of interest, or indications of fraud or wrongdoing by the GTH

management or Board of Directors.”

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, that Premier should be embarrassed, plain and simple ... [inaudible] ... Saskatchewan people is nothing but a disrespect to try to dismiss this as not a scandal with millions of dollars that have been wasted, where taxpayers have been ripped off, where nuns have been ripped off, is nothing short of a disrespect to all people in this province.

Let me try again: “ ... we want to emphasize that the audit did not conclusively state that there was no conflict of interest, fraud, or wrongdoing . . .” Will the Premier agree with the auditor here today? Does he agree that this clarification is very important? And will he change his and his Sask. Party government’s arrogant dismissal of this very serious issue?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Wall: — Mr. Speaker, there is so much that needs to be corrected in the hon. member’s preamble every single time he stands up, including, Mr. Speaker, this notion, this ridiculous notion that the government was dismissive of concerns with respect to the transaction.

In fact it was the government, in fact it was our office that asked the audi-

tor to look at the matter.

It was our office, when asked, would we make all of the cabinet materials available ... And that’s not always done, Mr. Speaker, as we know the tradition of cabinet documents and their confidentiality. We were asked, would you make all of the emails, all of the cabinet documents available for the independent officer of the legislature to review?

Mr. Speaker, we did exactly that. We said, absolutely. Everything should be available for the auditor and her team …

Wotherspoon would later take aim at Doke’s exchange with Ferguson.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — … Today, one of the Sask.

Party committee members repeated a point that the Premier and his minister often use, that a forensic audit apparently wouldn’t be needed. But, Mr. Speaker, the auditor’s answer was very clear on this as

well: “... if our office was asked to do a forensic audit, I think we would probably pause on that at this ... time because we understand that there is a police investigation under way and the scope of the investigation does include the activities related to GTH’s acquisition of land from the private sector.”

To be fair, she said that she’d pause before going ahead, but because of an RCMP investigation into this scandal.

Will the Premier finally stand up and admit that his justification he’s been using against a forensic audit has been wrong? Will he start answering, stop obfuscating, and finally open up his office and fully cooperate with the RCMP’s criminal investigation into his government’s GTH scandal?

The response came from Minister of the Economy and the GTH, Jeremy

Harrison.

Hon. Mr. Harrison: — … The Provincial Auditor did directly address the issue of a forensic audit. She said that there would be ...

She would put it on pause, I believe, even if requested by the committee.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would quote the Provincial Auditor as well in terms of the quantity of information provided in the audit that she did do. On June 8th, her quote: “And frankly, if we did a forensic audit, there would be a lot of matters that we included within our report that would have not been provided to the committee.” Meaning there was actually more information provided to the committee in the context of the audit that she did, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Well, there they go again, Mr. Speaker.

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North Stars defence impressive against Humboldt

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

Throughout the 201617 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the offensive firepower that the Battlefords North Stars forward core has provided on a regular basis has been impressive to watch.

Friday night in Humboldt, the North Stars blueliners got in on the act.

Cody Spagrud and Ryan Rosenberg both found the back of the net at the Elgar Petersen Arena, while the defence limited the Broncos to just one shot on goal in the second period and only 16 in the entire game, as they picked up a 3-1 victory.

“Since I got here to North Battleford I’ve received a call from around 20 different Junior A teams from across Canada looking to get involved in acquiring some of our defencemen,” North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford said. “I’ve been pretty steadfast to all of them that it would have to take a really special trade offer to try and break up this unit.

“The defence is the strength of our team. When we play well in our end and

are strong in all aspects of the game, we’re usually able to come out on top.”

In his last game before travelling to Leduc, Alta. on Sunday with teammates Levi Kleiboer and Layne Young to take part in the World Junior A Challenge selection camp for the Canada West team, Cody Spagrud led the way on offence.

He scored off a point shot on the power play in the third period and also had an assist in the first period, as his initial shot was redirected off McGregor Sinclair’s stick and right to the stick of Ben Allen.

Allen broke a 1-1 tie on his 10th goal of the year.

“Any shot is a good shot,” Spagrud said. “I like to take a chance on goal from anywhere, really. The more shots you have on net, the better chance you have of winning.

“I thought we played a lot better tonight than we did here a week ago. It was a more consistent effort and we were able to find a way to finish things off.”

Ryan Rosenberg also found the back of the net for the North Stars, as the blueliner unleashed a powerful shot from the point for his first goal of the sea-

son.

Unlike their last trip on Nov. 23, the North Stars were able to stop any late third period comeback attempts from the Broncos, as they did a great job of slowing down the offensive attacks from top forwards Chris Van Os-Shaw and Erik Gardiner.

“I was really proud of the way that we finished the game,” Bedford said.

“The way we preformed in the third was totally different than what happened here last time, when we were focused too much on individual things and allowed Humboldt to work their way back into the game.

“We were little snakebitten tonight, especially on the power play, as Humboldt was doing a great job on the penalty kill, but our guys just stuck with the game plan.”

Joel Grzybowski made 15 saves in the win for the North Stars, with his only blemish coming on a first period goal by Brayden Camrud.

Garrett Mason turned aside 45 shots in the loss for the Broncos, who have a 18-12-0-1 record and are 11 points behind the North Stars for first place in the

Battlefords North Stars defenceman Connor Sych shoved aside Humboldt Broncos forward Dawson Atamanchuk while Ryan Rosenberg watched during SJHL action in Humboldt Friday. Photo by Lucas Punkari

Finning Division.

The North Stars, who have won their last three games, now have a 24-6-00 record and lead the Estevan Bruins by three points in the race for first place in the SJHL standings.

Prior to Friday’s game, the North Stars made a couple of roster moves.

Eighteen-year-old forward Jeremy Velazquez, who had four points in 17 games, was traded to the La Ronge Ice Wolves for a

player development fee.

The team also assigned forward Keelan Saworski to the Fernie Ghostriders of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, while forwards Connor McIntosh and Jayden Nachtegaele will now suit up for the Prairie Junior Hockey league’s Saskatoon Quakers.

Both McIntosh and Nachtegaele are still affiliated players with the team and can be called up if

needed during the regular season.

Next up for the North Stars is a trip to Pinehouse Wednesday night to face the Ice Wolves.

They will return to the Civic Centre Friday for their annual Teddy Bear Toss game against the Yorkton Terriers, with the Kindersley Klippers coming to town Saturday.

The North Stars will then host the Flin Flin Bombers twice next week.

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PAGE 12 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Sharks drop weekend series to Bears

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battlefords AAA Sharks took on their traditional rivals, the Prince Albert Northern Bears, for two games at Battleford Arena this weekend.

While the Sharks have been much improved this season, they faced a tough chore as the Bears have been near the top of the league early on this season, in second place right behind the Saskatoon Stars.

The first game on Saturday night saw the Bears dominate the Sharks by a 6-1 count.

In the game the Bears outshot the Sharks 55-25, keeping goalie Chantel Weller busy in the Sharks net.

Power plays were a deciding factor in the game.

The Bears went four for seven with the extra skater advantage while the Sharks went zero for six.

The first two Bears goals were scored on the power play, by Kate Ball in the first and then Hannah Koroll in the second.

Sierra Parenteau’s goal made it 3-0 Bears after two periods.

In the third, Abby Soyko and Miranda Heidt added two more power play goals before Parenteau scored her second of the contest.

Jordan Kulbida scored the lone goal for the Sharks, unassisted, with 4:19 remaining to round out the scoring.

The players of the game Saturday night were Abby Soyko for Prince Albert and Ensley Fendelet for the Sharks.

In the second game on Sunday afternoon, a power play goal by Story Navrot gave the Bears the opening goal in period one. Shots were 17-6 PA in the first.

The Bears added four more in the second from Parenteau, Soyko and from Jadyn Kushniruk, who had two goals, one of them on the power play.

Ensley Fendelet got the lone goal of the period for the Sharks at the 7:02 mark, with an assist from Keara Amson.

In the third period, Parenteau and Kassidy Kicia added goals for Prince Albert, while Jessie Herner added a second Sharks goal from Dakota Petersen and Ryleigh White.

The final score was 7-2.

The final shots on goal were 48-30 for the Bears.

Dakota Peterson was the player of the game for the Sharks Sunday. Ireland South won the award for the Bears.

After this weekend’s games, the Sharks have a a 3-9-0-1 record this season and are in seventh place in the SFMAAHL standings.

The Sharks play again Dec. 17 and 18 in Saskatoon against the Stars.

They will then be off until Jan. 7 and 8, when they will host the Weyburn Gold Wings for two games at the Battleford Arena.

Battlefords Sharks goaltender Chloe Burt faced a swarm of shots from the Prince Albert Bears Sunday afternoon at the Battleford Arena. Burt, who splits duties with Chantel Weller, made 41 saves for the Sharks as they suffered a 7-2 loss to the Bears. Photo by John Cairns

Successful road trip moves AAA Stars into a SMAAHL playoff spot Staff Following a tough 6-1 loss to the Prince Albert Mintos on the road last Thursday, the Battlefords AAA Stars had a much better effort away from home this week.

Thanks to three straight

victories in a four-day stretch, the Stars have improved to 9-11-1-1 in Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League play this year.

They now also hold the eighth and final playoff spot in the SMAAHL standings, as they lead the Swift Current Legionnaires by a single point.

Their winning ways began at the Flying Dust Reserve Arena Thursday, as the Stars came away with a 4-3 shootout win over the Beardy’s Blackhawks.

After the Blackhawks tied the game on the power play with just 58 seconds left in the third period, the Stars came up big in the skills competition.

Jaden Shewchuk kept his team alive with a goal in the third round and Dylan Esau scored the game winning goal in the fifth round.

Esau, Shewchuk and Austin King-Cunningham all scored for the Stars in

regulation, while Adam Beckman had a pair of assists.

Lance Alm made 34 saves to earn the win.

Dodge Long scored a pair of goals for the Blackhawks, including the game-tying goal late in regulation.

Quinn MacDonald led the way for the home team with a goal and two assists.

Alm was stellar in goal once again for the North Stars Saturday in a 5-0 win over the Tisdale Trojans, as he made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season.

Dayton Buchanan and Shewchuk led a spread out offensive attack for the Stars, as they had a goal and an assist each.

Luke Reid dished out a pair of helpers, while Esau, Matthew Flodell and Tyson Meyers also found the back of the net.

Ethan Anders made 23 saves in the loss for the Trojans, who allowed two empty-net goals in the

third period.

Shewchuk continued his strong weekend on offence in Sunday’s rematch in Tisdale, as he scored with 45 seconds left in overtime to give the Stars a 4-3 win.

Meyers led the way for the visitors with two assists, with the other goals coming from Jordan Mish, Parker Gavlas and KingCunningham.

Joseph Young was spectacular in net for the Stars, as he made 43 saves in nearly 65 minutes of action.

The Stars will look to continue their winning ways at the Civic Centre Tuesday, as they’ll play host to the Mintos at 7:30 p.m.

The Mintos, who are just three points ahead of the Stars in the standings, feature the league’s top scorer in Logan Barlage.

A prospect of the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, the 15-year-old has 36 points in 21 games this year.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 13

High scoring weekend in the SPHL Staff Fans of firewagon hockey from the 1980s certainly got their money’s worth across the region this weekend in Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League action.

For the Meota Combines, it was a successful weekend for the North Battleford based team as they won their first game of the season.

After falling to 0-3 for the campaign after dropping a 6-3 battle to the Glaslyn North Stars Friday at the Civic Centre, the Combines bounced back on home ice Saturday with an impressive 11-3 win over the Spiritwood Timberwolves.

Bo Gervais led the way for the Combines Saturday, as he scored two goals and had three assists.

Michael Pylypow and

Brody Tatchell both had a goal and three assists, while Aaron Cardin found the back of the net once and helped to set up two other goals.

Branden Sentes scored twice, while Scott Maunula, Levi Pollard, Vince Sauvie and Derek Welford also found the back of the net.

Justin Cote, Bryce Gatzke and Jordan Henri scored for the Timberwolves in the loss.

Pylypow was the top offensive performer for the Combines in Friday’s loss, as he scored twice.

Sentes had the other goal and Gervais had two assists.

Trent McNabb and Damien Nordell both scored twice for the North Stars. Their other goals came from Brandon Lang and Garth Matrenko.

Meanwhile, the Battlefords Beaver Blues had a wild game Friday at the Battleford Arena, as they lost a 7-6 thriller to the Hafford Hawks.

Cody Danberg had a strong performance for the Beaver Blues as he scored two goals and had two assists.

Kevin Bendall and Brent Salzl each had a goal and an assist in the loss for the hosts, who now have a 3-2 record.

The other goals for the Beaver Blues came off the sticks of Jon Hosegood and Tyler Wasmuth.

Ryan Scheafer was the difference maker for the Hawks, as he scored a goal and helped set up four others.

Brandon Ewanchuk and Scott Thompson each scored twice, while Kyle Rivett and Cole Rathgeber

also found the back of the net.

The Hawks would pick up another road win Saturday with a narrow 5-4 triumph over the Maymont Settlers.

Rivett, Rathgeber and Scott Linell led the way in that game with a goal and an assist.

Chad Tichkowsky had two goals and an assist for the Timbewolves in the loss.

In other SPHL action Friday, the Shellbrook Silvertips cruised to a 7-3 win over the Edam Three Stars.

That trimph was a big one for the Silvertips, as they remain unbeaten in the SPHL with a 4-0 record and moved into first place in the league standings.

Brett Mason was a oneman scoring machine for the Silvertips Friday, as he found the back of the net four times.

Tanner Moar, Brett Robillard and Mitch Wourms all had a pair of assists for the defending

league champions.

The Silvertips other goals came from Jordan Bouchard, Josh Elliot and Jordan Greeneyes.

Tristan Deronoski and Owen LaClare both had a goal and an assist for the Three Stars.

Mitch Wall also scored for the Three Stars in the loss. He’s now tied with Salzl of the Beaver Blues for the SPHL scoring lead with 16 points.

Layken Heidt was the top player in Friday’s other SPHL game, as his two goals helped the Settlers to a 5-2 win over the Cut Knife Colts.

Corey Soonias had a goal and an assist for the Settlers, who also got goals from Jack Einsideder and Chris Risling.

Justin Waskewitch had both goals for the Colts in the loss.

Heading into this weeknend’s action, the leagueleading Silvertips have eight points on the year and are two points ahead of the Beaver Blues, Three

Stars and Hawks in a tight race for first place in the 10team league.

The North Stars sit in fifth place with four points and are a single point ahead of the Settlers.

The Combines have two points are in a four-way tie for seventh place with the Colts, Timberwolves and Radisson Wheatkings, who had the weekend off.

League play resumes Friday with the Combines visiting the Timberwolves and the Silvertips hosting the Wheatkings.

The Beaver Blues will be on the road Saturday to face the North Stars.

The other two SPHL games Saturday will see the Hawks visist the Wheatkings and the Silvertips square off with the Three Stars in Edam.

The Combine will also be in action next Wednesday night when they take a trip to Glaslyn to face the North Stars in a 8 p.m. battle.

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Top photo, Tyler Wasmuth celebrated after scoring for the Battleford Beaver Blues Friday night at the Battleford Arena in a 7-6 loss to the Hafford Hawks.

Above, Levi Pollard raced in on goal for the Meota Combines in their 11-3 win over the Spiritwood Timberwolves at the Civic Centre Saturday. Photos by John Cairns

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PAGE 14 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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OBITUARIES AYRE: Doris “Jean” Ayre passed away at Lady Minto Health Care Centre, Edam, Saskatchewan on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the age of 96 years. Jean is survived by: her four children, Myrna (Len) Aschenbrenner, Bev (Bill) Meikle, Carol (Bob) Alexander, Elaine (Dave) Romanell; her grandchildren: Barb (Brad) Villeneauve; Kevin (Vanity) Aschenbrenner; Shane (Jen) Meikle; Shana (Kelly) Ellis; Kim (Rob) Goodall; Craig (Marie) Alexander; Jim (Sharon) Windo; Darcy (Curtis) Bonsan; and Pam (Gavin) Vermette; her great grandchildren: Jenna and Jadon Villeneauve; Jarett, Cheyenne and Chase Aschenbrenner; Tyler and Carlie Meikle; Abby, Paige, Aiden and Maddy Ellis; Lindon and Hunter Goodall; Nate and Cam Alexander; Brett, Kylie, and Coltan Windo; Brooke and Lee Bonsan; and Owen, Carter and Kenna Vermette. The Funeral Service for Jean was conducted from the Edam Community Centre, Edam, Saskatchewan on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Cannon Don Skinner officiating. The eulogy was given by Shane Meikle with Carlie Meikle presenting a special reading entitled “What is a Mother?” Soloists was Lawrie Ward, accompanied by Sharon Brydges, and Abby Ellis performed “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” and “Grandma.” The hymns were “Jesus Loves Me” and “There’ll Be Peace in the Valley” accompanied by Bill and Bev Meikle. Scripture readings were given by Elaine Romanell and the reading “Footprints in the Sand” was presented by Lindon Goodall. The Recessional was special music of “How Great Thou Art”. The active pallbearers were all the grandchildren and the honorary pallbearers were all the great grandchildren. The internment was held in the Edam Municipal Cemetery, Edam, Saskatchewan.

The reception was held in the Edam Community Centre.

Donations in memory of Jean may be made to Edam Trinity United/Anglican Church, Lady Minto Hospital Resident Fund or the Edam Municipal Cemetery Fund. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends who shared warm expressions of sympathy, remembrances, supplied food, generous memorial donations and numerous acts of kindness.

Special thanks to grandson Shane Meikle for delivering the eulogy, daughter Elaine Romanell for the scripture presentation and the great granddaughter Carlie Meikle and great grandson Lindon Goodall for special readings. The compassionate professionalism of officiant Rev. Donald Skinner and the McCaw family was greatly appreciated. The presentation of music by nephew Lawrie Ward, neice Sharon Brydges, great granddaughter Abby Ellis, Bill and Bev Meikle and the large community choir added greatly to the service of remembrance.

Family appreciated the generousity of the Hanson family for the use of their family home. Thanks also to the Edam AUCW for the delicious lunch at the reception. ___________________________________________________

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TOSCZAK: The family of Octavie Tosczak is saddened to announce her passing on Friday, November 11th, 2016 at the age of 99 years.

Octavie was born in Limerick to Peter and Louise Mergen on October 20th 1917.

Octavie will be remembered by her loving family: son Lloyd (Mary) Tosczak and his children Darlene (Dave) Betty, Donald (Trisha) Tosczak, Kurt (Cheryl) Tosczak and Tracy (Mike) Gordon; daughter Marie (Jack) Milnthorp and her children Leonard Weber, Josephine Copeland (Kevin), Belinda Weber and 6 step children; daughter Eleanor Tosczak; daughter Rose (Don) Frogner and her children Dean (Therea) Frogner, Tina Frogner and Jason Frogner; daughter Elaine (Bill) Curtain and her children Mary Curtain and Michael Curtain; son Paul (Susan) Tosczak and his children Ian (Selay) Tosczak, Matthew Tosczak, Daniel (Laura) Tosczak and Nicolas Tosczak; son Roland (Brenda) Tosczak and his son Trent Tosczak; son Gerald (Lavern) Tosczak and his children Daylin Tosczak and Wade Tosczak; daughter Brenda Tosczak (Ken Rintoul) and her son Kristian Rintoul; daughter Lillian (Kel) Lybeck and her children Natasha (Chris) Herron and Chrystal Maxium; daughter Debbie (Dan) Verhalle and her son Mark Verhalle; as well as numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Octavie is predeceased by her husband Walter; son in-laws Leonard Weber, Maurice Boutin and Myron Head; daughter in-law Gail Tosczak; siblings Helena, Catherine, Emile and John; parents Peter and Louise Mergen; step-father Peter Hirsch. A funeral mass for Octavie was held on Friday, December 2nd at 11:00 am from St. Vitals Catholic Church with Father Greg Elder as celebrant. Interment took place from Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, with luncheon followed at the St. Vital Church Hall. Memorial donations in Octavie’s memory may be made to Battlefords District Care Centre, Ward 4, Box 69, Battleford, SK, S0M 0E0, or to St. Vitals Catholic Church, Box 58, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0. Condolences for the family may be left at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com. Funeral arrangements for Octavie have been entrusted to the staff of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford (306) 4452418

WOOD: Josephine Wood (Zubiak), born April 27, 1918, passed away November 22, 2016 at Villa Pascal with her family at her bedside.

Josephine was born on a farm located near Goodeve, SK, living there for 5 years then moving to Hawkeye and then to Glaslyn where she met her husband Seth Wood. They farmed there together for 28 years, raising three children and making memories that we will cherish forever, then moving to North Battleford to enjoy their retirement years together. Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Seth Wood; sisters: Mary Deason, Annie Czuy and Helen Zubiak.

Josephine will be greatly missed by her children John Wood (Shirley): Tim Wood (Lisa) – Connor; Tammy Leatherdale – Lauren & Jacob; Cindy Wood (Richard Farrell) – Justin & Braeden; Joan Booy (Jerry): Murray Booy (Iracema) – Nicolas; Corinna Booy-Nolin (Patrick) – Liam; Darcy Booy (Angela) – Breanna, Shelby & Ashlyn; Harvey Wood (Joanne): Chad Wood (Bobbee-Jo) – Breydan (Shayla) – Brantt; Jennifer Gabruch (Trevor) – Rylan, Kleysen & Daysen; brother: Harry Zubiak (Hilda) and many family relatives. Funeral Service was held at ‘The Garden Chapel’ – Battlefords Funeral Service November 26, 2016. Memorial Donations are requested to Villa Pascal, 1301-113th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 3K1. Interment was at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.

Card of Thanks The family of Josephine Wood would like to thank the nurses and staff of Villa Pascal for their compassionate and loving care that was given to Mom “You are the Best”. Thank-you to Rev. Janice Trost officiant at the Funeral Service, organist and friend Joan Harrison, soloists Robert MacKay and Joan Harrison.

Thank-you to Bob at Battlefords Funeral Service for always being just a phone call away. ___________________________________________________

FUNERAL SERVICES KURASH, Jo-Anne nee Lust February 24, 1951 – November 26, 2016 Jo-Anne Kurash beloved mother of Laura and Sean and Nana to four grandchildren of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the age of 65 years.

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A Celebration of Jo-Anne’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday December 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. __________________________________________________________

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 15

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COMING EVENTS

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www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Community Events Calendar ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

Tuesdays

Battlefords Humane Society Chase the Ace Diamond in the Ruff Lottery.

Tickets $5 each or 3 for $10. Weekly winner gets 20% of that week’s sales plus CHANCE TO WIN 30% progressive jackpot! Tickets must be purchased weekly to WIN! Don’t miss a draw - weekly subscriptions available. All proceeds to Shelter-Us Building Fund. Draws every Tuesday morning, 9:00 a.m., Lakeland Vet Clinic. Call The Shelter for more details 306-937-MEOW (6369). Lottery licence LR15-0091.

Saturday, December 10

Topline Dance Club - Gold Tones from 8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. at 1351100th Street, Legion Hall, downstairs. Lunch served, minimum age 19, dress casual. Contact Sharon 306-446-0446, Leela 306-445-7240 or Jean 306-445-8815. SOLD OUT

Saturday, December 10

Radisson Royal Purple Tea & Bake Sale at the Radisson Hall at 2:00 p.m. Santa arrives in town at 2:00 p.m. to give out candy bags from Radisson Firemen.

Saturday, December 10

D I R E C T O R Y SWANSON GRYBA & COMPANY

Seniors Fun Day at St. Joseph Hall 1942-98th Street, North Battleford.

Bingo at 2:00 p.m. Coffee 3:00 p.m. Entertainment 3:00 p.m. by Meota Hobbey Band. 4:00 p.m. Hot Christmas Supper. All seniors welcome.

1282 - 101st Street North Battleford, Sask.

Telephone 306-445-0488 Facsimile 306-446-3155 -PARTNERSGarth Swanson, CPA, CA Greg Gryba, CPA, CA

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Manager of Pasture Operations Meeting Lake Grazing Association Inc. of Mayfair, SK is now accepting tenders for a contract pasture manager for the 2017 grazing season.

Please email: meetinglakegainc@gmail.com for a tender package.

Closing date Dec. 15, 2016

KANAWEYIMIK CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES INC.

Kanaweyimik is an independent, non-political child welfare Located in Battleford, Saskatchewan, Kanaweyimik is an agency providing child Child welfare family services independent, non-political andand Family Services agencyto five First services Nations.to Moosomin, Mosquito, Red Pheasant, providing ve First Nations communities.

Saulteaux & Sweetgrass First Nations contract for services THERAPIST/COUNSELLOR POSITION with Kanaweyimik.

Full-Time

The following is a general description of an Intake/ Kanaweyimik Worker is offering full-time position. therapist/counsellor Investigation (Sociala Worker) Salary will position within a unique, exciting and newly established be commensurate with experience, training and education. counselling program. We provide a multi-disciplinary, holistic, This is a full-time, permanent therapeutic treatment service toposition. individuals and families who have experienced violence and abuse. Our program uses both Western therapeutic and Aboriginal cultural perspectives.

Extensive training and ongoing clinical supervision will be provided.

INTAKE/INVESTIGATION WORKER (SOCIAL WORKER)

QUALIFICATIONS

The Gord Slater Annual Jacket Drive & Kids Mini Carnival at Connaught Elementary School, 902 - 107th Street from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. We are collecting jackets, also donations for door prizes and items for the silent auction. For more info please call gord.slater@hotmail.com or Sandra 306-441-8003.

Chartered Professional Accountants

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, December 13

Wednesday, December 14

Borden Senior’s Club Christmas Bingo at the Borden Community Centre Club Room at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 17

Club 70 Dance - Leon Ochs at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight. Everyone welcome. Lunch served at 12:00 midnight.

Saturday, December 17

Battlefords Cowboy Church Inc. - Pot Luck Supper and Christmas Carolling at the Legion Hall in Battleford starting at 6:00 p.m. Bring a dish - everyone welcome. For more info contact Shirley Smith at 306-937-2733.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m.

Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

1 POSITION

• •The Intake/Investigation Worker is directly responsible to A Masters degree in a related eld or a Registered Psychologist the Supervisor and/or Executive Director; in Saskatchewan Experience providing individual, group and family therapy • •Manage a caseload in the area of child welfare and family •support services; Knowledgeable and sensitive to Aboriginal issues with an understanding of to theprovide dynamics of intergenerational abuse • Intake services initial screening, assessment • Computer skills and referral services for clients contacting and/or referred • Excellent verbal, written and time management skills •to Kanaweyimik for services in the area of prevention and A clear criminal and child abuse records check •protection; A valid driver’s licence • An Responsible for child abuse investigations referred to immediate or negotiable start date with very competitive Kanaweyimik with the assistance of RCMP as required; salary and benefts.

• Services to families in need of support to prevent children Due to the focus of the position being to provide services to coming-into-care; First Nations individuals in an agency operated by member First • Nations, Maintain computerized recordings, preference will bedata, givencase to those applicantsindividual for this and family files, etc; position who are of aboriginal ancestry.

• Coordinate case planning sessions and monitor case Please forward detailed resumés by email to: tony@tonymartens.ca plans to ensure families are receiving services; or by mail to: 9621 - 161A Street, Surrey, B.C. V4N 2E8. Please • address Will comply with the provisions the Kanaweyimik M.Sc., BSW, RCC, RSW. to the attention of Tony Martens,of Personnel Manual as it exists from time to time.

Deadline for accepting applications is March 31, 2014 at 5pm local time.

QUALIFICATIONS person: Tony Martens 604-583-6612. Only successful • Contact Must have a University Degree from a recognized School candidates who make the short list will be contacted. of Social Work; Recruitment process to continue until a successful • Must have at least 5 years experience and proven ability candidate is selected. to work in the social services area with families and children; • Must demonstrate knowledge of The Child & Family Services Act; • Must have work experience assessing families and children; • Must demonstrate a clear understanding and knowledge of native family systems; • Must demonstrate knowledge in the area of family violence dynamics; • Must demonstrate knowledge of the effects of separation as it relates to placement of children; • Knowledge of the Cree language is an asset; • Computer skills are a position requirement; • Excellent verbal, written and time management skills are required; • A clear criminal records check MUST BE PRESENTED AT INTERVIEW; • Must have a valid drivers licence.

Application deadline is December 12, 2016 at 5:00 pm.

Start date to be determined. Please forward resumés by fax, email or mail to: (306) 445-2533, marleneb@kanaweyimik.com.

Only successful applicants will be contacted for scheduled interviews. Recruitment process to continue until a successful candidate is selected.

Kanaweyimik Child & Family Services, Inc. P.O. Box 1270 Battleford, Saskatchewan S0M 0E0 Attention: Marlene Bugler

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PAGE 16 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Legislature bids farewell to Roger Parent It was a sad final day of the fall legislative sitting Nov. 30. The news had broken that Roger Parent, MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin, had died of cancer in hospital. Parent’s cancer was made public knowledge only the previous day in the news media.

In the wake of the news, the final Question Period of the fall sitting was cancelled. Instead, extended time was allowed for statements of condolence from both Premier Brad Wall and opposition leader Trent Wotherspoon, as recorded in Hansard.

Wall was emotional as he spoke of Parent, whose seat in the legislature was draped with a Saskatchewan flag.

Hon. Mr. Wall: — “That in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee we may glorify thy holy name and finally, by thy mercy, attain everlasting life.”

These words you just led us in, in the daily prayer that begins each proceeding, Mr. Speaker. Though sometimes the routine of a prayer can rob it of its petition or its aspiration, but not today, Mr. Speaker. For in that prayer, in those words, rests the hope we have for the family of our friend Roger Parent, for Saskatoon Meewasin — that last evening, when he passed away, was not the end. For his family gathered in this House today, this legislative family, it is where our hope rests, too.

Before I go on, I want to thank the hon. Leader of the Opposition. He came to my office this morning to extend condolences on behalf of his team to me, for my team, for this team, for Roger’s team.

That was appreciated. And we’re also wanting to say thank you to the Leader of

the Opposition and the caucus opposite for their co-operation in allowing for this tribute.

There are many titles represented in this venerable Chamber. Yours is quite a title, Mr. Speaker.

The Leader of the Opposition, Premier, ministers of the Crown, whips, House leaders — all impressive as titles go, perhaps. But none as great and none as honourable as those few among us who can honestly and credibly be called constituency men or constituency women.

Roger Parent was a constituency man. He worked hard to serve and to represent the people that sent him here. He never forgot the people that sent him here.

Most discussions I had with Roger would involve him saying something like,”you know what I’m hearing; or, my people are saying.” And when Roger said that to you, you knew that that was exactly the case because he would have just been talking to them. He would have been door knocking. He would have seen them about the community. He would have been returning phone calls. And he would then be, in those conversations, giving voice to his constituents. And then he would advocate for them, sometimes for their individual plight or their individual case, and sometimes on broader policy matters that he believed might uplift the station of the people that he called his constituents.

He was a constituency man who was very proud of the diversity of his constituency. Members on both sides of the House will know that that part of Saskatoon, like other parts of our ma-

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net jor cities, there are so many newcomers that have moved there. And in his very first speech in this House — it was the 6th of December, 2011 — he talked about those newcomers. … He was a constituency man who found all of the challenge and all of the honour that any of us might seek from our vocation in the job that he had earned.

In my one-on-one meetings with Roger, we would canvas what his aspirations were, or I would ask him what else might he want to do in politics. And he said, “Well I’ll do whatever I’m asked,” but he said, “I’m happy being an MLA.” He said to me, and I remember he said, “It is an honour to be an MLA.” You know, that’s a rare thing in politics today. I was surprised to hear it the first time. He said it subsequently to me that, when we had other meetings, and I shouldn’t have been surprised that that was what he wanted to do because he worked so hard to do it. He ran four times, twice unsuccessfully. The last one very, very close, and some would have at that point been discouraged and probably decided to do something else, but he kept at it, battling in a contested nomination and then winning the seat, and then winning again.

He was a constituency man. But he brought a provincial perspective as well.

His priority was an economic one. He believed … we really did need to focus on the economy, that that was the best way to ensure long-term quality of life for not just his constituents but people around Saskatchewan.

In that same maiden speech in December of 2011, he offered a series of touchstones to his vision.

But the very first one he mentioned is that his objective, his goal, his vision would be that this province would be a province of 1.1 million people by 2015, and I am glad he lived to see it. … Before politics, Roger used his skills and his training as an economic development professional, and I was in the economic development profession at the time he was involved in the Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association.

And I was too — not as involved as he. But his priority was Aboriginal economic development. He was proud of his Métis heritage, and he was determined to be a part of uplifting all people through opportunity.

Roger was a constituency man, but he had his other passions, as we all do. He loved to hunt. He loved to golf. He was a left-

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hander like I am, but that’s where the similarities ended because Roger was good.

He was also pretty good at swinging a hammer. He’s very good at home improvement. He shared projects with me, and this was a passion of his.

But here lately, seeing him beam about his grandson Nash betrayed the fact that there was a new passion, a greater passion. Nash is the son of his daughter Shanaya and her husband, Kyle. And those of us who have worked alongside him and those who knew and loved him best I know will resolve this day, and all the days forward, that they’re going to ensure Nash knows the quality and character of his grandfather.

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he invokes the peace that passeth all understanding.

And what he meant by that, clearly, is that there are for certain profound losses, certain sudden tragedies, where there ought to be no immediate peace for anyone that’s endured them — that we could understand, at least — and so then we might want to pray for the peace that passes understanding. So whatever our tradition today and whatever our faith, that is what we must do for Sheila and her family, whom he called … his rock, and for all who mourn Roger.

And still there is the assurance of the psalmist who said, sorrow lasteth the night, but joy cometh in the morning. We know it will take much more than one night, Mr. Speaker, but we pray today that the sorrow and the loss that Sheila and her family feels, that we all feel, will soften to longing and then to wistfulness and then to good memory and then even to smiles and, yes, to joy that we got to know Roger, that we were able to work alongside him, and that they had the chance to love him and be loved by him.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Eloquent, thoughtful words from the Premier here today, emotional and passionate words for definitely a good person within this Assembly and within our province.

I think it’s important to say that we mourn togeth-

er and we stand together.

And this will be a different type of day here in this Assembly here today. We get engaged in battles often in this Assembly that are very important, some battles that aren’t that important. But today, to properly mourn this sitting MLA, this very good person, we lay down those battles and we remember him properly.

It’s a sudden and devastating passing of a sitting MLA of this Assembly, of a very good person, of a very good family man.

And I didn’t get the chance to know Roger to the level that the Premier and others opposite would have. I appreciate the stories that are shared here today.

But in the experiences that I had with Roger — and in fact they were many, often quite brief exchanges — I found an affable, gentle, caring individual, something that I think is sometimes lost in the whole discussion of what happens in this Assembly and how we engage in the discussions that are relevant to our province, that many in this Assembly engage in as people and citizens. And while heated moments occur on this floor and through question period, as they should, there’s a humility and a humanity that many members bring to their work, and Roger’s certainly one of those individuals. … It’s fair to say that cancer has touched all of us. But I think, as we remember Roger, we also think of those all across our province that have taken on this battle with this terrible disease, all of those that are currently battling this terrible disease. And I think we each think of those within our own lives for whom have taken on this battle and for whom have been lost.

At this time our thoughts and prayers are simply with the family. And, Mr. Speaker, finally I do want to offer our deep condolences to all members opposite in that entire caucus — a very difficult day and a very tragic loss. Our sympathies and our care rest with each and every one of you for losing this valuable member of this Assembly and a good colleague, I know.

So, Mr. Speaker, we’re thankful for the life of Roger Parent.

The Speaker: — Would all members please rise for a moment of silence.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - PAGE 17

About the men and women who changed history Down through the centuries there have been many individuals who seemed to have a significant influence on the course of history, whether for good or ill.

Take a broad look across history, and see how many men and women altered the way we see the world, or act in it, in significant ways. Names such as Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein and Adolf Hitler, or Marie Curie, Helen Keller and Harriet Beecher Stowe, all had a lasting influence.

In the Bible, Moses, David, Peter and Paul, along with Eve, Esther and Mary, come to mind, and there are many others. In Christian history, there is Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, John Wesley, Dwight Moody, C. S. Lewis, Billy Graham and many more. Affecting sacred music are people such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frederick Handel and Felix Mendelssohn.

The saints of God have always been singing. The Israelites sang God’s praises, when they were delivered from the Egyptians at the Red Sea (Exod. 15:1), and the saints in heaven will still be singing that song, along with others (Rev. 15:3). In between, we are assured, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing

praises to Your name, O Most High.” (Ps. 92:1) We are aided in this by those who have written our hymns and gospel songs — John Newton, James Montgomery and more.

And three names stand out in the Golden Age of Hymnody (roughly 1700 to 1900), not only for the number of songs they produced (about 16,000), but for the many still found in our hymnals. They are Isaac Watts (1674-1748), Charles Wesley (17071788), and Fanny Crosby (1820-1915).

Let’s give our attention for a moment to the first of these, Isaac Watts. A true genius, Watts learned Latin and Greek before the age of 10. He was also writing a great deal of poetry during this time. At the age of 14, he trusted Christ as his Saviour, and turned his attention to how he might serve the Lord.

Young Isaac grew up in a church that didn’t believe in singing hymns.

They only sang poorly versified versions of the psalms in the Bible. But as a teen, Isaac became quite dissatisfied with this. He spoke about it to his father, who was a deacon in the church. He argued that the psalms, wonderful as they are, didn’t cover New Testament truth, particularly about Christ and His cross.

Finally, the man agreed that his son could try his

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

hand at writing hymns.

His first was about Christ, “the Lamb of God.” (Jn. 1:29) “Behold the glories of the Lamb / Amidst His Father’s throne: / Prepare new honours for His name, / And

songs before unknown.”

The congregation was so delighted with the new song, they asked Isaac to provide a new one for each Sunday. This he did for the next four years, eventually writing more than 600,

and earning for himself the title of the Father of English Hymnody.

He gave us O God, Our Help in Ages Past and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. But here is one of his lesserknown creations, showing he certainly didn’t totally abandon Psalms. This one, published in 1719, is a paraphrase of Psalm 18:1-6 and 15-18.

“Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength, / My rock, my tower, my high defense; / Thy mighty arm shall be my trust, / For I have found salvation

What a gift exchange!

I’ve decided it’s time to stop trying to buck the tide and go with the popular trend in gift giving. Having come to that conclusion and decision, I’m buying a few gift cards. Here’s my reasoning: number one, I need to accept the long-avoided reality that I honestly don’t know what to buy for some of the people on my gift list; number two, several provinces between family members mean postage expenses that often far exceed the value of the gift. Finally, I’m tired of

battling crowds in malls and parking lots.

Not knowing what to buy for family members should be relatively easy since these days I purchase only for them.

Still, I don’t blame myself because it seems even they don’t know what they need. Wants are usu-

ally beyond my and their budgets.

Gift cards enable us to span the distances without breaking the bank. I send a card, they do the buying and I’m off the hook for shopping. A trip through a cashier’s aisle provides an escape from the craziness of crowds and enables a quick return to the peace and quietness of my home.

Each of these reasons reminds me of the exchange of gifts between me and my heavenly Father. As unfair as it is to my way of thinking,

thence. / In my distress I called my God, / When I could scarce believe Him mine: / He bowed His ear to my complaint, / Then did His grace appear divine.”

“With speed He flew to my relief, / As on a cherub’s wing He rode; / Awful and bright as lightning shone / The face of my deliverer, God. / Great were my fears, my foes were great, / Much was their strength, and more their rage; / But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still, / In all the wars that devils wage.”

I turn over my fears and my pain to Him who knows the deepest needs of my heart.

He gives me what I need most, His peace.

Even in those times when I can’t articulate my requests He knows exactly what’s best for me.

As I yield my will and my life to His control He pours out His blessings in ways I could never have imagined.

“You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” Psalm 30:11

PAGE 18 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016

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25.Song concluder 41.

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1. Buttonhole, e.g.

52. Green Copyright © 2015, the Penny Press au2. “Belling Cat” 53. Fertilizer ingredient thor find 54. Like “The X-Files” 3. Strong belief on the ____ 4. Followed dge’s 55.Dogs and 55. Despot’s duration ncern 31.Made holy 5. Cap cats 57. A chip, maybe 6. “___ to Billie Joe” gnal assent 32.Clan 56.Fountain 59. “Check this out!”

7. Greek____ physician and s 34.Turf 60. Blueprint writer ANSWER TO PUZZLE NO. 757 aft animals 35.Stags and 8. Brainy 57.Young adult 61. Charlotte-to-Raleigh bucks ot temper dir.

9. Coagulate 38.Foot parts 10. Member oderately DOWN of Obama’s 62. “What’s ___?” ld 39.Polite chap party1. Shy 63. “___ alive!” (con11. Biochemistry abbr. cade unit 2. Woodsman’s 40.Winding 12. Baseball’s Master traction) curves implement ort-term job 64. Boozehound Melvin 41.Coin side 13. Bygone 3. Caribbean, ne ____ bird e.g. insignia 44.Hobo 19. Astronaut’s ernate

Across E NO. 757 1. Call at first 5. Clothing 9. Kind of drive 14. Economical 15. Sandler of “Big Daddy” 16. Slow, musically 17. Egyptian fertility goddess 18. Tumors containing dark pigment 20. Add 22. A Muse 23. They’re game 26. Clip 30. Clobber 31. Rub 33. Parenthesis, essentially 36. Kind of concerto 39. Like Cheerios 40. Constant motion without an energy source 43. “Encore!”

SS 44. Author28.Take Mark it

45. “___ moment” 46. College grounds 48. History Muse 50. “... or ___!”

51. A proprietor of an inn 56. Hawaiian island 58. Prepare, as tea 60. Deadly disease where brain swells 65. Western blue flag, e.g.

66. About 67. Kill, in a way 68. Butts 69. North American flycatcher 70. At one time, at one time 71. Cast

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Diane Waines was the grand prize winner of the Battlefords Humane Society’s Chase the Ace Diamond in the Ruff Lottery contest, a fundraiser for the Shelter Us campaign. Michelle Spark presents the $6,255 prize to Waines and her husband Roman. (Apologies for incorrect information printed with this photo Nov. 29.) Photo submitted

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Frankincense and Myrrh, gifts of the Magi

Myrrh resin. Photo by GeoTrinity

By Erl Svendsen One gets the sense that frankincense and myrrh were considered valuable gifts, or else they would not have been referred to as treasures along with the gold the wise men gave to the baby Jesus. And these were considered acceptable and even traditional gifts given to royalty in ancient times. But what does frankincense and myrrh have to do with the gardening column? Well, I was surprised to discover they are both derived from plants, and even more surprised to learn these are still being produced and in high demand.

The word frankincense comes from old French, “franc encense,” meaning high quality incense.

Essentially, frankincense is the dried sap or resin of a number of Boswellia species. These are small, scraggy, hardy trees or shrubs, with even one species that can seemingly grow out of solid rock. The bark is slashed (tapping) to cause milky-white resin to bleed out and harden to form “tears.” The tears are harvested after about three months. Trees are tapped two or three times per year.

Quality and appearance of the resin depends on the species, growing conditions and time of harvest.

More than 80 per cent of

the today’s production is centred in Somalia, with the rest from neighbouring Ethiopia, Sudan, southern Arabia and other central African countries. All the work – tapping, harvesting and sorting – is done by hand.

Frankincense was and is used as incense, in perfumery and aromatherapy.

The essential oil is extracted using steam distillation.

The perfume is described as slightly lemony and spicy with conifer (balsam) undertones. The resin also is used in traditional medicine to aid in digestion, promote healthy skin and to treat arthritis and wounds. Modern medical research suggests it does have therapeutic value in treating osteoarthritis in addition to anticancer activity in cell cultures.

Frankincense smoke has been shown to relieve depression and anxiety in mice, which, if it has the same effect on humans, would add to its value as incense.

Similar to frankincense, myrrh is also an aromatic tree resin that has been used throughout history as incense, perfume and medicine. It was an ingredient in holy Jewish anointing oil used to anoint the Tabernacle, high priests and kings and the ancient Egyptians used it in embalming mummies.

Picturesque

Frankincense resin. Photo by Peter Presslein

The name comes from Aramaic “murr” and Arabic “mur” meaning bitter, referring to its taste. It is harvested from a number of Commiphora species that grow in the same region as Boswellia (source of frankincense). The most commonly used species, Commiphora myrrha, is a small, thorny tree or

shrub that usually grows on thin, calcareous soils in arid regions. The bark is slashed to produce a waxy resin that thickens quickly, eventually hardening into a hard, glossy deposit that gradually darkens as it ages.

In traditional medicine, myrrh is used as an antiseptic in mouth washes, to treat wounds, as a pain reliever for toothaches and in liniments for bruises, aches and sprains. Modern medical research has shown it has anticancer activity in cell cultures, improves glucose tolerance in normal and diabetic mice, treats pain in mice, and lowers

LDL (so-called “bad”) and raises HDL (so-called “good”) cholesterol levels in limited human trials.

— This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@ yahoo.com; www.facebook.com/saskperennial).

Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions, workshops, tours and other events.

NORTH BATTLEFORD 306-446-7177 or 306-480-9876 Dates: Nov. 25 & 26, 2016 Dec. 2 & 3, 2016 Dec. 9 & 10, 2016 Dec. 16 & 17, 2016 December 31, 2016 Hours 9:00 pm - 2:00 am

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Babies

Full Colour Pull Out Feature January 5, 2017 - Regional Optimist

Jaxon Robert James Paules

September 19 Parents: Amber Rose & Bobby Paules Grandparents: Deena Paules, Robert Paules, Carmen Rose, Gage Bird

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2016 Beautiful Babies

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Box 1029 892 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6

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Battlefords Publishing

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Max color photo size is 4x6.

Print information clearly on form & back of photo.

— Photo by Louise Lundberg

Boswellia shrub (frankincense source). Photo by Mauro Raffaelli

Birthdate (mm/dd/year): ________________________________________ Grandparents: _______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Contact Name:_______________________________________________ Phone #: ___________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ PHOTO CAN BE PICKED UP AFTER JANUARY 6, 2017

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PAGE 20 - Tuesday, December 6, 2016