News Optimist January 13

News

Mayor sells budget to Chamber

Sports

Everybody Has a Story

3

8

6

News Watch

Ray Tetreault

Gas prices are just fine

Tough loss for AAA Stars

Quote of the week No one likes it (the 2015 city budget) necessarily, but these are the realities.”

5

— Mayor Ian Hamilton

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Volume V Vol Vo olume 10 107 No. 22

North Battleford, Sask.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Battlefords Bright Spots

Arts and culture on the agenda

By Jayne Foster Staff Reporter

A Peck of Perfect Peppers What better way to ward off the cold of winter than planning for this summer’s garden. Get the temperature rising with a plan to plant peppers, like Flaming Flare above. See Page 19 for Erl Svendsen’s Garden Chat and a look at five new pepper cultivars. Photo courtesy All-America Selections

We’re on to a new year of activities around the Battlefords, and arts and culture are big on the agenda.

January will be a busy month at the Chapel Gallery. It’s closed this week for an exhibition change and Saturday it re-opens with The Gloaming: Part 1, an exhibition by Zachari Logan, recipient of the Saskatchewan 2014 Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Award for an Emerging Artist. This Saskatoon-based mixed media artist’s work has been seen around the world and the Chapel Gallery exhibition will be his first solo exhibition in his home province. Look for large scale drawings, a blue pencil series, ceramics and installation pieces.

There will be an artist’s reception for The Gloaming: Part 1 Saturday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24, the artist will be sharing tips and techniques on pastel drawing. Contact the Chapel Gallery to get involved.

On the same dates, there will be a Photoshop workshop at the Allen Sapp Gallery with artist Dean Bauche, the former director of galleries for the City of North Battleford. This workshop is

intended for all levels of experience.

This week is the beginning of a weekly Cree Class at the Allen Sapp Gallery.

Contact them for details. They hope to offer two levels.

Wednesday, Jan. 28 is the beginning of a weekly watercolour program with sessions for children and adults at the Chapel Gallery.

Jan. 30 and 31 at the Chapel Gallery, Karlie King will be teaching rug hooking in the Newfoundland style. King is Sask Culture’s animateur, promoting art and culture throughout Saskatchewan.

Saturday, Jan. 17 is a great time to celebrate Saskatchewan’s diversity of culture when the Svoboda Ukrainian Dance group presents their New Year’s Gala, Malanka, at the Don Ross Centre.

The tickets for this annual event go fast, so hopefully you won’t have missed out. Contact Haley at 306-441-8768.

There will be an afternoon celebration and an evening gala. Both include delicious Ukrainian food and entertaining performances.

There’s a great house concert coming up this month as well. Belle Plaine will be performing at The Gog Jan. 25. Email kelly.waters@lskysd.ca if you would like to attend. jayne@newsoptimist.ca

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 2

PICTURESQUE

PHOTOS BY LOUISE LUNDBERG

2014 Saskatchewanderer wraps up 12 months of adventure Staff Caitlin Taylor’s year-long

Saskatchewan journey has ended.

The 22 year-old Saskatch-

ewanderer will return to the University of Saskatchewan in January to continue pre-

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Throughout the past year, Taylor showcased Saskatchewan to the world.

She produced, shot and edited more than 30 videos.

Through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, she gained more than 4,500 new followers.

Taylor was the first Wanderer ever to travel outside of the province.

She visited Toronto for a national trade skills competition, and while there took to the downtown streets and shot “Talking with Torontonians,” one of her mostwatched videos of the past year.

She was also the first Wanderer to land in Athabasca Sand Dunes Provincial Park, home to the world’s most northerly sand dunes.

The video highlighting that trip is her most popular of the year with more than 7,000 views on YouTube alone.

“I am sad that my year is coming to a close, but grateful that I had this opportunity,” Taylor said. “If I could meet and speak with the next Saskatchewanderer, I would say: You will meet kind, intelligent people — artists, business owners, scientists, farmers — who are excited about what they do in this province. You will witness spectacular scenery — valleys, forests and crystal-clear

lakes. You will learn so much and you will fall in love with Saskatchewan. Get ready for one of the best years of your life.”

In addition to experiencing new destinations, Taylor interviewed successful artists, athletes and business owners who all call Saskatchewan home including Life of Pi author Yann Martel, tornado hunter Greg Johnson and NHL hockey player, and farmer, Keith Aulie.

Check out her adventures at www.saskatchewanderer. ca.

“Caitlin Taylor demonstrated that our growing province is not only beautiful, but a place where passionate, ambitious people reside to build successful careers and businesses,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said.

“I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours and can’t wait to see what the 2015 Saskatchewanderer has in store for us.”

“The Saskatchewanderer program brings profile to the destinations, attractions and events that showcase Saskatchewan hospitality and entice visitors,” Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said.

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great diversity in tourism experiences. The stories and adventures shared on social media by the 2015 Saskatchewanderer will generate interest in Saskatchewan as a great place to travel, Applications for the 2015 Saskatchewanderer position closed Dec. 1.

The project’s partners — Tourism Saskatchewan, and the ministries of Economy, Agriculture and Parks, Culture and Sport — are currently selecting the candidate who will start wandering the province in January.

CAA Saskatchewan has been a sponsor of the Saskatchewanderer program since its inception in 2011.

“As Saskatchewan’s automobile association of choice, we are pleased to be part of the Saskatchewanderer journey,” CAA Saskatchewan president and CEO Fred Titanich said.

“We look forward to this continued partnership that showcases our province and our people via the Saskatchewanderer.

By providing a CAA membership and gas vouchers, we know that the Wanderer will be safe and wellfuelled for future road trips and adventures.”

CAA Saskatchewan is on board as the exclusive sponsor of the 2015 Saskatchewanderer project.

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PAGE 3 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

City budget 2015

Mayor makes sales pitch to Battlefords Chamber of Commerce

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The 2015 City budget has been adopted, and now the city is busy selling the budget to the constituents.

Wednesday saw officials from City Hall meet the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce in a noon-hour luncheon, in which the budget was the prime topic of discussion.

Mayor Ian Hamilton delivered the budget address to the Chamber during a presentation that featured few surprises, given the budget process wrapped up several weeks ago. Several city officials, including City Manager Jim Puffalt, City Finance Director David Gillan and other members of council and administration, were also present.

Hamilton spent much of his address touting the initiatives and accomplishments of the past year before going into the details of the budget.

Those included a “special tax” going to asphalt repairs in the city.

That tax, which is estimated to cost property taxpayers an additional $12.50 per month on average, is in addition to increases of 4.5 per cent to the property tax as well as a five per cent water base and three per cent sewer base increase.

Hamilton defended the special tax as necessary to address the infrastructure needs of the city.

He explained the current rate of underground pipe replacement was not enough, and that the two senior levels of government were “offering only a fraction of the costs” to deal with the issue.

“We are essentially left to address this problem on our own,” said Hamilton.

The mayor explained a special tax based on foot frontage across the entire city would spread the burden more equitably, and also confirmed the special tax would be expanded in coming years.

Hamilton also spoke of the rationale for the early adoption of the budget in December, which he said would “allow administration to hit the ground running as opera-

tions resume (this year).”

He noted the addition of in-house engineering services at City Hall would allow “the proactive development of tendering documentation,” which he said would not only save significant consulting fees, but result in projects on the ground earlier and at better and more competitive value.

The impact of the special tax, and rising taxes in general, was a concern of Chamber members during budget deliberations.

But there was noticeably little opposition expressed and few questions from the audience of about 45 people at the luncheon.

The only question came from Chamber Executive Director Linda Machniak, who wanted some details on the impact of the special tax on properties normally exempt from property tax.

Mayor Hamilton confirmed those normally taxexempt properties would have to pay the special tax.

Those include churches, health facilities and school properties.

Hamilton also explained

Mayor Ian Hamilton, along with Chamber president Ryan Moe, addressed the audience at a Battlefords Chamber luncheon on the recently-adopted city budget, Jan 7 at Balych Mural Meeting Room at the Chamber building. Photo by John Cairns the decision for the special tax to be based on $3 per foot frontage as opposed to an approach based on assessment, saying the latter was seen as “quite inequitable in many respects.”

In speaking to reporters Hamilton said he believed people understood why the

special tax was needed.

“I do believe that the very in-depth debates and discussions that were held during the budget deliberations, and reported upon by the media, have been very effective in getting the message out to the community at large, and especially the business

Beattie to be guest speaker at President’s Banquet

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The guest speaker has been confirmed for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce President’s Banquet

in February.

He is Randy Beattie, the CEO of SaskWorks Venture Fund Inc. Beattie is also founding partner in RFM Capital Inc. and the incoming chair of the Saskatchewan Chamber of

Commerce.

The President’s Banquet takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Gold Ridge Centre, North Battleford.

The event will include the swearing-in of the new 2015 Battlefords Chamber presi-

Ballbreaker Supports Food Bank

dent Brendon Boothman of RBC Dominion Securities, as well as the incoming vicepresidents.

Those seeking informa-

tion about tickets can contact the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce for more information. Their email address is b.chamber@sasktel.net.

Pellet gun fired Friday Staff An investigation into gunshots reported Friday, has revealed the weapon was a pellet gun, according to Battlefords RCMP. RCMP responded to a complaint of gun shots being fired at about 5:50 p.m.

Friday.

Witnesses reported an aboriginal man, approximately 5’9”, with a slim build and dark clothing, fired two shots from a pistol and fled on foot.

An exhaustive search was completed by police without locating the suspect.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 4

rom

This Corner

By Becky Doig Editor

Party games are rather out of fashion but I remember one that I think was called telephone. Everyone sat on the floor in a circle and one person would whisper a phrase or sentence into the ear of the person beside them. That person would then do the same to the person next to them and so it would go around the circle. When the message got to the final person they would speak it aloud. The fun was in finding out how much the message would get messed up by the time it went around the circle.

That is a little like what happens with misinformation in this community. One person will theorize, the next person will broaden the theory and the next person after that will state the theory as fact. The “fact” is often far from the truth.

One such fact making the rounds concerns the ski trails on Finlayson island and it isn’t the first winter rumours have developed around the City’s failure to set the trails as soon as the snow flies.

While there might be more glamorous ideas about why the trails aren’t set the real reason is because there hasn’t been enough snow.

That was Director of Leisure Services Bill Samborski’s response to my query about the rumour I had heard. He says the trails are packed but the snow cover has still been inadequate for track setting.

“We need at least one and a half inches of snow packed on the ground in order to set the tracks, this has not been the case this year,” Samborski explains.

“When we choose not to pack or groom we do this knowing there is not enough snow on the ground and that we can do significant damage to the landscape and equipment if we rush the process.”

He added two pieces of equipment had been damaged so far this season, confirming in part one aspect of the rumour I heard, but the damage wasn’t to the snow machine that pulls the equipment. That is fully operational.

It seemed to those wielding shovels that the Jan. 2 snowfall should have been enough to get the machines rolling, but Samborski says it was fluffy and less than ideal for packing ski trails.

Samborski says they were hoping for delivery of a new rolling packer Thursday and with more favourable weather conditions the setting crews hoped to pack and groom Finlayson Island and Holy Family starting Monday. Other trails to be groomed are North Shore Trail, King Hill, John Paul II and Centennial Park.

Samborski says many environmental challenges — rain, melting and little snow — are adding up to make it a short skiing season.

So when the stars align and the trails are set we skiers will have to get out there as often as we can to take advantage of them. And we will be ever so grateful to the walkers who walk between the tracks and not on them.

Last word to Samborski: “We have a good ski community and so far they have been more than understanding.”

The twilight of the gods we have created complexities. The simple truth is, that added to whatever waste products of combustion in a current year are the waste products of the burning of fuels from thousands of years in Within the political, corporate and investment communthe past. This energy regime is unsustainable. ities the worship of wealth and its symbols continues. There In 2014, the wealth of fossil fuels still unexploited is is a growing undercurrent, however, of heresy. More and tremendous. The values of the systems used to extract the more people among the powerless multitudes understand they can’t eat legal tender, gems, precious metals, overpriced energy sources of the past, to process them, market them and burn them is unimaginable. The world mini-palaces or any of the other ostentatious has entered the Twilight of the PetrolHistory & Commentary from a trappings of wealth. Imagine, if you will, a eum Gods. Every effort is now being magnificent mogul clad in gem-studded silk Catalogue available from: made to maximize the wealth that the Speargrass Specialties and sitting on a golden throne. If he has no Box 298, Eatonia, Sk., S0L 0Y0 rairie petroleum industry can still generate. It access to pure water, he will die. If he has no Phone: (306) 967-2910 Perspective seems disloyal to even suggest the imaccess to unpolluted food, he will die. Logic Books by William Wardill mense profits of the petroleum industry should dictate that pure water and unpolluted www.speargrassspecialties.com that have helped Saskatchewan come of air and soil are the ultimate wealth of the age cannot continue. But it is logical. human race, and that all of these should be More than two centuries ago, available to all people as the basic human right.

Thomas R. Malthus postulated that unrestricted growth in The big news stories of today are not about global warmhuman populations would eventually outstrip the ability of ing and the desecration of the natural world. They are about containing the spread of ebola. They are about containing the planet Earth to support human life. There were responses by threat of terrorism. Outside of the Middle East condemnation disciples and scoffers. Among the scoffers were those who of the incredible brutality of the ISIS terrorists is widespread. believed that pestilence and war were all that was needed to limit population growth. In 2014 we remember and we We are seeing a military response in which Canada is only observe the continuing slaughter of warfare. We see the one of the nations at war with ISIS. The publicly acknowledged object of the multinational military response is to stop global threat of an ebola pandemic. The human populations still grow at an unsustainable rate while the resources of our the slaughter of the innocent by slaughtering the armies of planet continue to decline.

ISIS. Killing begets killing.

In the comparative safety and plenty of Canada we are As a war-weary United States again takes the role of leader in the battle against the horrors of extremism, Canada obedi- bombarded with appeals to save and protect those of our ently follows. We are, according to the Canadian government, species who face death from all manner of catastrophes. The images of grieving women and starving children melt the taking to the moral high ground. It doesn’t take a massive hardest soul. This does us credit, but the hard and bitter truth degree of cynicism to think that again joining our southern is that, wherever and however we save lives, we add to the neighbours as comrade-in-arms has something to do with surplus population. gaining President Obama’s approval of the Keystone PipeWe have entered the Twilight of the Petroleum Gods. line.

The Fossil Fuel Age began a long time ago. The strongest What the world needs is harmony and wisdom enough to recognize that our most dangerous enemies are not on the battleearly impetus to the Petroleum Age occurred in 1915 when fields. We need to worship sustainability rather than profitBritain’s Royal Navy converted from coal to oil. That was ability. If we do not realize this and act upon this realization, less than a century ago. Arguments pro and con, then and now, about the burning of fossil fuels were and are filled with we will enter inevitably the Twilight of the Human Race.

By William Wardill

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 $43.00 Plus GST.

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PAGE 5 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

For now, the gas prices are just fine, thank you I have come to this conclusion about the province’s media. They are just obsessed with doom and gloom all the time.

Nothing good is ever happening, according to them. Whether it is senior citizens getting lousy food at residences at Christmas, or icy roads causing havoc, or the crime that goes on, the media never has a good thing to say about life in Saskatchewan.

Look at their coverage of oil prices. Seriously, you would think this is a total crisis for all people.

These folks look at the prices going down and they wail about how this is going to mean lower revenues for the province’s treasury, and how this is terrible and on and on.

Then you look at the international news and see the Russian ruble going down the tubes, and you get the impression the world is on the brink of collapse.

It really is a downer to see these headlines in the newspapers every time I stand in line to pay for fuel at the gas station.

But my mood changes the moment I find out my bill. Forty bucks? Really, that’s it? Last summer I would pay 60 or 70 bucks for gas!

I still cannot get used to these gas prices. It has gotten to the point where I will hear about how gas prices have gone down again, and I would kick myself because my car was already filled up with fuel, so I couldn’t take advantage of these deals.

Now, here’s my alternative counterpoint to the media party line about how the oil prices are supposed to be terrible news.

Actually, it’s good news, especially for me!

Instead of sinking my whole paycheck into gas like I used to, now I can spend it on other things, such as groceries, for one.

Instead of Kraft Dinner, I can finally afford decent food, and can even go to a restaurant occasionally now.

I can also save money to pay off credit cards, or save for clothing, electronics and other items. Also, I might finally be able to afford that road trip to Edmonton that I have been putting off for months on

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net end due to the gas prices.

Here’s an idea. Maybe you can finally go on that winter getaway vacation that you had been putting off for years because of the money you were always wasting on gas.

If you haven’t noticed, prices for winter getaway vacations are looking pretty good right now. Why are prices lower? Because the airlines no longer have to waste money on fuel, that’s why! They can finally offer some decent vacation package prices, which should help the struggling economies of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Cuba and elsewhere.

It also means an improvement for your own quality of life, because you might finally be able to escape the sub-30 January weather that is typical of life in Saskatchewan.

This is all good news for the economy. Notice I said “good” news, because as I see it, high fuel prices are always a good way to prompt a recession.

It was a big factor when the economic crisis hit in 2008. Yes, there was the housing crisis and the mess on Wall Street, but gas prices were absolutely through the roof that same

summer and making it difficult for anyone to spend their hard-earned money on other things. When he spoke in the Battlefords in 2009, I noticed Brett Wilson even referred to it as a factor impacting ordinary consumers.

The gas prices were so high that people simply could not afford other items. People were overextended to the hilt, and it fueled the economic crisis that happened later in 2008.

Now, with the prices lower, ordinary families have a fighting chance to claw their way back a bit.

That’s good, because it will help the other aspects of the economy that sorely need it.

There is one more good thing about the plunge in oil prices. This might finally wake up the Saskatchewan government to the notion that you cannot rely solely on resources to keep our economy afloat.

You have to diversify

newsoptimist.ca

✓ There should have been less money for that stadium in Regina.

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: What was the biggest news story in the Battlefords in 2014? ✓ The debate over the Official Community Plan/Zoning Bylaw

at City Hall. 6% ✓ North Battleford No.1 on Crime Severity Index again. 62% ✓ Building permits are through the roof. 8% ✓ New Community Safety Officers program

launched in North Battleford. 12% ✓ Announcement of P3s for new Sask Hospital/corrections facility. 12%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: Based on last week’s column about hockey by Brian Zinchuk, do you think trades involving junior hockey players ought to be outlawed in the SJHL? ✓ Yes. These players are too young to be traded. ✓ No. The players know that trades are a part of hockey. ✓ Only trade them during the summer. It’s too disruptive to school during the season. ✓ The alternative of cutting these players completely is far worse. ✓ I don’t care about junior hockey – same as Zinchuk.

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

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angiechief@hotmail.com

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The last thing we need is people losing their jobs.

It will be more than welcome for the industry for the price of oil to improve. Until then, I’m going to ignore the grim headlines and enjoy the cheap gas while it lasts.

Bring it on.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this opinion and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca

ucts, is totally self-inflicting. If Russia acts with more sense from now on, maybe that will be another good thing to come of these low oil prices.

Now, it probably isn’t a good thing for us around here if this oil crash goes on with no end in sight.

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and ensure other sectors of the economy are healthy as well, such as, yes, the film industry. I keep on harping about it, but it still irks me that our film and TV industry was driven out by the gutting of the film and TV tax credit.

At the same time our province was embracing the oil and gas sector to the hilt. That’s fine, but my point is you need to embrace every part of the economy, not just the resource sector. Because you never know what might happen if resource prices go south, like what is happening with oil.

It’s a lesson Russia is finding out the hard way.

That whole economy is driven by oil and energy.

For a long time, things were going well, so well that President Vladimir Putin and his gang were throwing their weight around in the Ukraine and elsewhere.

Now, oil prices are in the sink, and so is the ruble, and the economy is in ruins. Maybe this will finally force the Russian government to realize they need to abandon the disastrous sorts of policies that have isolated Russia from the rest of the world.

Getting into stupid fights with other countries, and then getting sanctions that restrict your ability to trade and sell your prod-

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 6

R ay Tetreault:

by John Cairns

’s e f i l s i h d n u o f He r i a h c ’s r e b r a b work behind a

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r, including ip mall at Colwood Corne str and t yp Eg and ael a year off. He went to Isr barbershop. skills he learned there a” and saw all the his the Se t, ing a special ad ou De ned the tur on it ed to oat t “fl He lost all his tools includ ture that y Tetreaul on. er lat dy han in rva . e It took a long time for Ra cu ion com ht would hts in that reg t has the rig nsibility was shear- sig walked where Jesus walked, and comb tha po res my . of find his life’s work. ing art ber “P bar “I ferent careers m ready for ault, a works so well in comb and I like it so He tried a number of dif sheep,” he said, to get the l portant to me,” said Tetre ing cia im it spe t’s un tha my a ’s as “It rk wo g, Adventist. y including auctioneerin Da g. thbin t. “You can’t replace ven aul lam Se t tre ou Te the d dev at on sheep g for well,” sai to do that job, kin w loo ho s f wa sel he him k, t gh bac manager doing research e tau He as simple as that.”

When he cam an, farming and e in handy later his son that. Something m com fro d uld rne wo lls lea od in such a ski and University of Saskatchew ngs. se do tho to and , something The loss of his liveliho ng ari thi she er in oth g es” on n. ok am sta str ani ion pact on and gh lance construct barbers were need in Af devastating way had an im uction job in on. It’s “ba It was while in that constr ly Tetreault. final “It took a British Columbia that he n. isio mb er on nu made a dec ther ano th wi t cha g lon a me. I felt op“I had with and ng rki wo s wa I t tha p pre sse d an d cha do what depressed.” he said, ‘Why don’t you you do It isn’t the you want? Why don’t like n’t do u yo if e, lik u yo first time Tetwhat ?’” ion uct str con in ng ult has dealt rki rea wo ple “What could I do that peo with adversity ess, pay in his life. would come to my busin the ve lea and do I at wh “How do me for r? oo fl the on deal with e u idu yo res You go from “Barbering.” it? upHe continues to proudly one step to the y’s Ra at ay tod ion dit tra t ne xt ste p an d hold tha p on ho ers rb Ba me Ty de yo u ho pe the Ol ford, next step will 100th Street in North Battle siness be better.” where he has been in bu rs. yea r fou t las Te t r e a u l t for the d Te tre au lt wa s bo rn an eded to put ne Hi s his lif e ba ck rai sed in Gr av elb ou rg. run da na Ca in ts family’s roo together. traces Ultimately, deep, with their ancestry her’s fat back to 1662 on his he ma de the ther’s side and 1642 on his mo decision to ha s gy olo ne ge ur sid e. “O return to Sasa,” nad Ca in e tim g lon a been katchewan and he said. fou nd a loc aed Their family was involv tio n in No rth the in far mi ng bu t als o in Battleford, ry. ust ind ing rac horse Street, facing the vily inon 10 0th and e on ph the on yer His father, Felix, was hea ing most he said, same as barbering. plo He got the em I knew s spend on after, he traffic. n able to the balance of a clipper. volved and he remember had “I all the qualifications. So er ov had all d s It is there that he has bee rne ack lea etr I at rac wh at k s Afghanitoo ion I ar, so cat ah nd ist, king full Ka wr ma to the of his va y de, in wa tra all his ing it’s was on racing. pursue his barber s r.” nes hai g har tin for cut a to nad ep Ca she rn ls too of his aring weste use of the skills and the harness racing from she knew he needed training for stan. ys bo the m fro n me Those were days when t the aul Tetre “That separates trade, including the razor. growing tor sport throughHe got his traina his experience. was booming as a specta of d sai his career in barbering. he ” re, the , He’s been able to attract ge en days a sev Community Colle , r fts ve shi ou veterans nc ur ny out Saskatchewan.

Va -ho ma at 12 ing ing ant It me new clientele, includ l over. I could his “al th ed be wi nch to ., d lau p.m use 0 and , es 7:3 50 rac to e . age Th ng at 0 a.m treault’s efforts towns.” All the graduati ia. After week, from 7:3 off until about the 90th who have heard of Te tor Vic of e tsid ou , ney e Sid name you a whole pile of in no days off or tim in Afghanistan. acks, he remem- career nths, he bought the shop. t is sadly major towns had racetr s a short respite, followed mo wa it few a en Th . the day in e g, The barber trade is one tha her lin s wa ne on to hair sty t. go e stin hav nth ld mo . bered. One of the stops cou tes eeno thr He t r aul the tre coming to North oice, Tetreault by ano we re the dying out, Te Battlefords. “I remember but barbering was his ch tre au lt’s cli en tel e the re the trade is something Te t. ing aul viv tre Re Te d sai in s,” tle bat do to off ded Battleford in the ‘50 hea to do now. He has ung men who tioneering but said. would Tetreault is trying rt an association urs and fellowship that yo ho ie the der es, ara He initially trained in auc tim cam me he So n.

“T to sta anista neer I didn’t have come in been looking ers” is what stood Afgh found as a “young auctio another platoon would you get with your custom ber ’s trade and their as bar y ed the t var ish tec abl est pro to the t ins es. aga vic ser nce his cha a ing of uir ch . mu ber pole that is rcuts, req out for him ether they needing hai re trademark — the bar we Wh . re ple the peo t to bu , g kin ing tal go auctioneers.” e “I lik business.

It was tough and got a job , it doesn’t ree thing, seen outside the sse d pa rti cu lar me on th for wi d, ee foo agr Ray moved to Saskatoon e dis Th or ts. ee efi ben Te tre au lt ex pre Poultry Science agr it is politics or fringe licensed with the Department of . ally matter — whether erb sup s As . wa an ew pleasure with those un sub tch dis te ska ori Sa fav d hard. But they fed ber pole rke at the University of bar wo the u religion, which is my two yo use o es, wh “Y rs d haircutte foo jec ts, wh ich s wa ere Th s. all mselves rec the s treault then pas they tell you you,” Te he said. trademark and re, the rld wo the d un aro yo u’ re no t from all well, off as barbers. siness, od food and it was cooked go s wa “It d “They are ruining the bu the e s o p u p u yo s e giv to aid afr t cut no der boys were for the simple fact they un t o d i s c u s s and the t. d more.” aul nte tre wa u Te d yo if sai re s,” mo ber bar at — it’s wh a mem- real ver ene wh e re who cam s the t int ou po The low There are people I en joy the was killed. ces for r, to n ve dia we na ho Ca d, the itte of rem ain co mm the mo st. So I ber on ing nd sta red dit rin g tra ion lt remembe dier ke ep ing the ba rbe kind of found Tetreau sol a of n fi cof the t’s own as one day alive, including in Tetreaul my niche with tarmac ne. pla rber is Ba the to the on y which Ra was loaded barbering.” him in my family, of had I e sur y tel olu . abs ud m “I’ After a he said. particularly pro barber t a day or two before” “I have a son who is a wh ile , ho w- chair, jus hold of me.” wood ent Br ta shop in ever, Tetreault “That go to Brit- and has a barber ing extremely me ho ed urn ret t aul tre Te Finally, rk at Bay, Victoria, do that’s dying needed a bia, where he planned to wo lum Co ish nd ou well. It may be a trade Ar ak. bre Victoria area. the in practises the p sho ber bar a uld out, but if a person wo 20 09 he so ld t aul tre Te day a s wa June 4, 2011 the trade, it booms.” his sho p, an d A massive fire wiped out . get for er nev e tak to decided

PAGE 7 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter Phone: 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-3223

E-mail: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

North Stars split opening games of 2015

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Battlefords North Stars (18-12-6-0) picked up a win and a loss in their first two games of 2015 with a 2-1 win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves (14-20-2-2) Thursday and a 3-0 loss in Melfort to the league leading Mustangs (25-9-3-4) Friday.

Thursday, Spencer Trembley made 29 saves, many of them on high-quality chances, to backstop his North Stars to victory.

It was the Ice Wolves getting on the board first, when their captain Adam Mograbhi stepped out of the penalty box, received a pass from Michael Cardinal and broke down the right wing before firing a wrist shot over the blocker of Trembley for his seventh of the year. Kyler Wilkinson got the second assist.

Nine and a half minutes later, Reed Delainey got the North Stars back in the game when he knocked home his own rebound on the power play. Connor Sych threw the puck towards the goal and Delainey was on the far side

North Stars’ Reed Delainey knocks home a rebound to tie the game at 1 against the La Ronge Ice Wolves Thursday. Photo by Craig Beauchemin in position to knock the puck in the net. Brady O’Sullivan grabbed the other assist.

Sych was fresh off being named to the CJHL Top Prospects game, which takes place Jan. 20 in Oakville, Ont. He was the only SJHL player named to the game.

Less than two minutes later, the North Stars scored to gain the lead for good.

Brenden Heinrich made a beautiful sweep pass from behind the net out front to O’Sullivan who made no mistake, one-timing the puck past Ice Wolves goaltender Austin

Rediron. Matthew Havens also assisted on the goal.

La Ronge had multiple chances to tie the game in the third, with three power plays, including two in the final minutes of the game, but they were unable to sustain much pressure in the North

North Stars trade captain Keller to Manitoba

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Canadian Junior Hockey League trade deadline was Saturday evening, and the Battlefords North Stars didn’t stand pat.

At about 5 p.m., it was announced they had traded North Stars captain Ryne Keller to the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

playoff games.

He sits fourth on the alltime games played list for the North Stars franchise, behind Tony Oak (202,) Woody Klaasen (191) and Fraser Allan (190.)

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Stars since the 2011-2012 season, playing both forward and defence.

In 184 regular season games, he recorded 24 goals and 47 assists, as well as a goal and four assists in 24

In exchange the North Stars received future considerations, which could be a player to be named later or cash.

The Wilkie native had been a member of the North

Stars zone and dropped a 2-1 decision.

Friday in Melfort was a different story.

Trembley played great

once again, making 34 saves, but the offence was unable to gain traction en route to a 3-0 shutout loss.

The Mustangs got on the board just over six minutes into the game, when Dakota Boutin scored his first of two goals on the night. Nick Hermary and Luc Lemire grabbed assists.

Melfort right winger Travis Mayan picked up two assists in the game, increasing his lead in the SJHL scoring race. He now has 59 points in just 41 games.

The North Stars power play struggled once again, as they finished the game 0-for-5 on the man advantage.

The SJHL trade deadline was Saturday evening; the only transaction the North Stars made was sending captain Ryne Keller to the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for future considerations.

The North Stars return to action tonight when they host the Humboldt Broncos (1419-3-0) at 7:30 p.m.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 8

Big win, tough loss for AAA Stars over the weekend

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Battlefords AAA Stars (18-9-0-1) picked up an easy win and a hard fought loss against the Swift Current Legionnaires (7-21-0-2) over the weekend.

Saturday, Brett Pongracz made 34 saves and Layne Young had two goals and an

assist in an 8-0 trouncing.

It took the Stars nearly 14 minutes to get on the board, when Braydon Buziak knocked home a rebound after Legionnaires goalie Chantz Vinck made a great split save on the original chance. Jared Hillis and Owen Lamb were credited with assists.

Four and a half minutes later, Spencer Bast stole the

January 13 The Battlefords North Stars host the Humboldt Broncos at the Civic Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

January 16 The Meota Combines meet the Spiritwood Silvertips at the Civic Centre. Game time is 8 p.m.

January 17 The Twin Rivers Curling Club hosts the 4-H Region Playdowns at the Northland Curling Centre.

January 17 & 18 The Battlefords AAA Midget Sharks meet the Prince Albert A&W Bears at the Battleford Arena. Saturday’s game time is 7:30 p.m. The teams play at 1 p.m.

Sunday.

January 22 The Battlefords AAA Midget Stars go up against the Saskatoon Mintos at the Civic Centre. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.

To submit an item for the Sports Calendar email newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net, fax 306-445-3223 or call 306-445-7261.

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puck along the far boards and centred for Young who made no mistake.

After Keelan Saworski scored his first goal as a member of the Stars just three minutes into the second period, Vinck turned the puck over behind his own net and Kyle Salaway scored, ending Vinck’s day.

Vinck finished with 22 saves, and Caleb Lumbard took over, not faring much better.

The Stars scored a powerplay goal just 57 seconds into the third period, when Brandon Lesko tapped home a rebound on a Young wraparound chance. Kaleb Dahlgren got the second assist.

Battlefords would add three more goals from Bast, Young and Troy Gerein for the 8-0 final.

Sunday saw a much different Legionnaires team.

Lumbard got the start in goal for Swift Current, and stood on his head making 54 saves, plus three more in the shootout, for a 4-3 win.

The Stars jumped out to a 2-0 lead, on goals from Saworski and Chad Grambo.

Saworski took a pass from behind the net from Salaway and scored his second goal in as many days 6:32 into the game. Keifer Hintz got the second assist.

PICK UP IN-STORE

Swift Current’s Matthew Kesslering scores the shootout winner in Sunday’s game. Photo by Craig Beauchemin Just 2:20 later, Bast was stopped on a partial break, but Grambo tucked home the rebound for an early 2-0 lead. Kaelen Holt was credited with the other assist.

The shots finished 25-4 in favour of the Stars after the first period, as Talen King wasn’t tested often in the Battlefords net.

The Legionnaires picked

up a pair of goals in the second period, as Matthew Kesslering and Tanner Brewster scored to even the game after two periods.

Early in the third, Swift Current took the lead on a power-play goal by Connor Odelein.

Two minutes later, the Stars tied the game when Dahlgren scored on the rebound of a Lesko shot.

The game finished with the shots a staggering 57-25 in favour of the Stars, but Lumbard stood tall getting his team to the shootout.

After King stopped Caleb Griffen and Odelein, Kesslering made a nice move before sliding the puck past a sprawling King to give his team the chance to win the game.

Traye Tkatchuk had to score to keep the game alive, but he sent the puck wide as he tried to pick the corner and the Legionnaires stormed the ice to celebrate the victory.

The Stars now travel to Beardy’s to take on the Blackhawks (11-18-0-1) Thursday.

Combines win, Beaver Blues split weekend games

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

The Meota Combines (9-2-0-0) won their ninth straight game, and the Battleford Beaver Blues (7-5-0-0) picked up a win and a loss over the weekend.

Friday in Hafford, Cody Ryan scored twice to help his Hawks (7-2-0-1) take a 4-3 game over the Beaver Blues.

Darren Delainey and Andrew Galambos also scored for the Hawks, while Kristian Sawyshyn got the win in goal.

Keegan Sparrow did everything he could to keep the Beaver Blues in the game, scoring twice and adding an assist in the losing effort.

Mitch Cooper had the other goal and Mike Silvester took the loss.

At the Civic Centre the same night, Brett Miller and Tyson Knight each had a hat trick to lead the Combines to an 8-5 win over the Shellbrook Silvertips (6-4-0-1.)

Kyle Gregoire, Bo Gervais and Brody Tatchell all had three points to help the Combines to victory.

Saturday at the Battleford Arena, the Beaver Blues

found their offensive touch, scoring nine goals in a 9-7 win over the visiting Maymont Settlers (4-3-0-1.)

Sparrow was at it again, as he scored three times in the win. Travis Keller had a goal and three assists, while Brett Michnik also had two goals in the game.

Kyle Litchenwald was the star for the Settlers, as he had four goals and an assist in the loss. Mitch Hawtin got the win for the Beaver Blues.

Those two will play a rematch tonight in Maymont, while the Combines are in Glaslyn to take on the North Stars (5-5-0-0.)

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Combines captain Tyson Knight scores his second of three goals in an 8-5 Combines win Friday night. Photo by Craig Beauchemin

PAGE 9 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Part I of II

Dan and Diesel, 14- and 15-year-old purebred Belgians formed part of the four-horse team offering sleigh rides at the Jasper Park Stables over the Christmas season.

A horse‐drawn Christmas in restaurants smelling terribly of rotten eggs. Maybe we didn’t receive welcoming side glances from other patrons not because of our raucous conversations and loud laughter but because we were smelling terrible in public places.

We were staying on the farm, complete with the smelling shower, because my father and his friend had picked up a two-and-a-half week job driving horses. The two were in charge of wagon rides at the Jasper Park Lodge. Over the Christmas break, I volunteered my time helping out with the wagons, harnessing the horses and sweeping snow off the wagon benches.

In the morning, we were tasked with prepping the horses to be harnessed at the ranch, and then loading them into a large white horse trailer.

Once the horses were loaded, the four of us – Leonard, my dad, myself and the boss – would cram into the boss’s truck and head over to the lodge for setup.

The boss’s name was Dale, an old cowboy in his 70s, who had purchased the ranch after his third attempt at retiring.

He was a nice enough fellow, didn’t speak much and wore a cowboy hat. He lived on the ranch with his wife Mary in a log house on top of the hill.

They even invited us over for Christmas dinner one night.

Good people, I would have to say.

Back to the horses. To prepare the animals – four Belgian draft horses weighing on average around 1,800 pounds each – we would lead the animals out of the corral and tie them up at the hitching post in the tack shed area.

Here my father handed me a curry comb and a brush, two items I used to scratch and pull the extra horse hair away

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I volunteered to help my father and his friend with chores involved in offering the sleigh rides. I was given the tricky task of harnessing Dan and Diesel. It was a process in solving a huge puzzle of knots. Below is Paul the marten who contributed to 4D Netflix experience one of the nights I stayed at the ranch. Photos submitted

in two sequential wiping motions; first with the curry comb and then with the brush. I am told by the cowboys there are two main reasons for brushing down a horse. First, it gives you the chance to check every inch of the animal for sores and second, you need to especially focus on brushing off the matted hair where the collar will sit, to reduce pain from pulling hairs.

After the brushing was complete, I was told to go into the tack shed and pull a draft harness from one of the shed’s harness hangers. I was put in charge of harnessing Dan, Diesel’s brother. I was told they are full brothers, full Belgian and 14 and 15 years

• NO SNOW TO SHOVEL • NO GRASS TO MOW

It was late at night, no one was awake. I was by myself on a couch with earbuds in my ears, iPhone in my hands and Netflix playing an episode of the X-Files on the tiny screen.

The blinds are pulled up on the window directly in front of me, so the farmyard is easy to see. It’s eerie in a way. Perhaps it’s because I’m also in the middle of reading On the Farm, a heavy tome about the escapades of Robert William Pickton. Through the window I can see barn-like structures stacked with round hay bales. A large payloader is directly in my line of sight.

The scene is reminiscent of the front cover of the book, a black and white picture of the Pickton farm located somewhere near Vancouver, B.C., in Port Coquitlam.

My earbuds blare creepy and suspenseful sound effects and music from my phone, while Dana Scully and Fox Mulder attempt to track down a group of devil worshippers in a small town. I did not expect a 4-D experience soon to add to my moment of suspense and eeriness.

Earlier in the day I had seen a long black creature, which looked like a weasel or ferret, cross over a snowbank during dusk and scamper off out of sight of the window.

Just as the music was extra loud in my ears, when something encroaching was surely about to jump out at Mulder and Scully, and just as I was running over the recent stories I had read about Pickton in the book, that little black creature somehow returned and, unbeknownst to me, had snuck up to the window. He then violently flung himself at it like a bird who had lost its way.

The window donged.

My body jumped. My heart thumped. I was stunned.

Somehow Netflix had added a new feature to my subscription, an option I had involuntarily chosen where real life occurrences would align directly with the action on the screen. This was truly a 4-D experience and I was impressed. Technology these days.

The next day I found out the creature was a marten.

Everyone wanted to call him Martin, but I insisted on calling him Paul, a political pun.

It was probably one of the funniest things that happened to me during my Christmas vacation in Jasper, Alta., at the Jasper Park Stables.

The rest of my Christmas would be spent catching up on reading, playing board games, taking in some local restaurant culture and appreciating two half-days on the slopes of Marmot Basin.

Arriving just before Christmas, my mother and I joined my father, his friend Leonard and Leonard’s wife Lorna for some free accommodations. We received free accommodations because we were staying in the ranch’s staff housing buildings with my father. Our place had three bedrooms with single beds, and a single and separate small room with only a stand-up shower in it, a shower I soon dubbed the “reverse shower.”

I called it the reverse shower because you went in smelling kind of bad and came out stinking worse, or so it seemed. The water from the well was so rich in sulphur it had a terrible sour gas smell. Luckily it smelled during the shower only, unless we were tricked and had become used to the undesirable, but interesting, odour. I sometimes wondered if we were going out to eat

CONDO LIFE CAN BE FOR YOU

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old. Unfortunately, Dan has an old back with an S-curved spine. I guess it comes with age.

The first thing I had to do was attach the collar around Dan’s neck. The collar is a large round piece of equipment that reminded me of an oval-shaped motorcycle tire.

There was a buckle to undo and then I placed it around the neck and did up the buckle, much like putting on a belt to hold up your jeans.

The harness is separate from the collar. I pulled it off the rack from inside the tack shed and it reminded

me of a knot, a tangle of leather straps, buckles and all sorts of intertwined mess. I was told to put a piece, called the hame, up and over the collar and to attach it directly to the collar itself. The hame then leads down the horse and towards the tail where I was told to attach the breeching around the ass area. I was getting a little frustrated. None of this tangle made sense to me. I couldn’t help but laugh on the inside at my feeble attempts at unlocking the secrets of the tangled draft harness.

When the harness was finally in place, we loaded the horses and headed out.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 10

Court briefs

Kaminsky enters guilty plea in fraud case Staff A North Battleford financial advisor has entered a guilty plea in a wide-ranging fraud case involving investors.

Adelia Kaminsky, aka Adele Kaminsky, of A K Financial Planning Services pled guilty to one count of

fraud over $5,000.

The remaining charges – fraud under $5,000, laundering proceeds of crime and possession of the proceeds of crime – are to be withdrawn at the conclusion of sentencing.

The plea of guilty was entered in North Battleford provincial court Friday morning.

The date of Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 1:30 p.m. has been set for sentencing. The case has been adjourned to that date. Among the reasons for the adjournment is to allow time for victim impact statements to be filed in the case.

Kaminsky had been under investigation for some time by the RCMP, and also by the Financial and Con-

sumers Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) who alleged Kaminsky knew, or reasonably ought to have known, she was perpetrating a fraud on investors by selling investments in EnviroCan Private Placement.

Mosquito Fraud

The case against five officials of Mosquito First Nation facing various fraud and

forgery-related charges will return to North Battleford provincial court Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.

Lawyers for the Crown and for the five accused – former chief Noel Stone Jr., Derrick Graham, Milton Oxebin, Elbert Pahsaknunk and Anderson Moosomin – appeared for a brief court appearance in North Battleford

Friday morning.

The Crown had sought the adjournment due to health issues involving the prosecutor at the moment as well as to deal with issues surrounding disclosure in the case.

Trafficking Charges

A 32-year-old woman is facing charges after a search warrant was executed on Sweetgrass First Nation by RCMP Tuesday.

Members of the North Battleford Provincial General Investigations Section, Battlefords Rural Detachment and Battlefords Police Dog Service executed the warrant at 2:30 p.m.

Found on the property were approximately three ounces of marijuana, cash and what police describe as evidence of drug trafficking.

Kristin Leigh Fineday has now been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Fineday has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.

Enforcement role ended for SPCA Staff

15013SMF00

The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced they will not renew their contract with the Ministry of Agriculture for enforcement of The Animal Protection Act. The Saskatchewan SPCA will be focusing on programs and services related to education and the prevention of animal cruelty, according to a government press release.

The Saskatchewan SPCA has been enforcing The Animal Protection Act for 40 years. The current two-year contract expires March 31.

“Animal welfare is and always will be a priority for us,” Saskatchewan SPCA board of directors president Constance Roussel said.

“However, after much discussion our board felt that we can better serve the animals and the public by focusing on education and prevention.

We thank the ministry for working with us through this transition and look forward to continuing to work with them under our new focus.”

The Ministry of Agriculture says it is exploring other options for delivery of investigative services.

The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. Established in 1928, the Saskatchewan SPCA is governed by a volunteer board of directors, with the head office located in Saskatoon.

PAGE 11 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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OBITUARIES CHMELNYK, VICTOR: It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Victor Chmelnyk, of North Battleford on Thursday, December 25th, 2014 at the age of 70. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Sonia, his sons Mel of North Battleford, SK, Corey (Jodi) of Summerfield Beach, SK, and daughter Audrey (Trevor) Polichuk of North Battleford, SK; grandchildren Alex and Jorja of Summerfield Beach, SK, Ethan of North Battleford, SK; brothers Mike (Margaret) of Saskatoon, SK and Bill of Vancouver, BC; sister Elizabeth Keyko of North Battleford, SK; mother in law Pauline Keyko; sisters-in-law Carol Chmelnyk, Joyce Chmelnyk, Josie Chmelnyk, Elaine (Nick) Kowalchuk, and Carol (Dave) Crawford; brothersin-law Paul Weinberger, David (Diane) Keyko, Allan (Linda) Keyko, Gerald Adamus, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Victor was predeceased by his father Paul, his mother Xenia; brothers Jim, Slowko, Harry, Joe and Peter; sisters Rosie Weinberger, Mary Sorowka and Veronica Chmelnyk; father-in-law Walter Keyko; sister-in-law Kathy Adamus; brothers-in-law Pete Sorowka and Victor Keyko and nephew Eddie Chmelnyk and great nephew Shawn Zubiak. If friends so desire, donations in Victor’s memory may be made to The Battleford Union Hospital Foundation. Condolences for the family may be left at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, January 9th, 2015 from Notre dame de Lourdes Parish, North Battleford, SK. The family placed their trust with Megan Donlevy of Sallows and McDonald - Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford. (306) 445-2418.

HELEN BLANCHETTE (NEE ST. MARIE): It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Blanchette on January 5th, 2015. Helen St. Marie was born on the St. Marie homestead one mile west of Cavalier, Saskatchewan, March 6th, 1923. She was the second eldest of 8 children. Helen married Rudy Blanchette November 16th, 1943, celebrating their 70th anniversary in November of 2013. Together they raised 7 children and were blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Helen loved fashion and looked elegant wherever she went. She was a very talented seamstress, one of Vawn and area’s best. Her daughter had hand sewn dresses every season.

She was able to put together several patterns to make a one of a kind design. Helen could have rocked the Paris runways with her haute couture designs. Her talents also included cooking great meals for family and friends. The French tradition of meat pies at Christmas dinner was one of her specialties. A birthday was never forgotten. Every one of her children and Rudy could always depend on being honored with an angel food birthday cake, sometimes with money hidden inside. Helen spent many hours with her children at their school and sports activities. She generously contributed to community events in Vawn and was a member of the Vawn CWL, and later the North Battleford CWL. Her agility and long life can be attributed to always keeping busy gardening, picking berries, canning and preserving food to feed her family. The deep freeze and cold room were generally very well stocked. Her flower gardens reflected her love of colour and great designs. During retirement, Helen had many fond memories of dancing, fishing, cross country skiing and travelling with Rudy in their motor home. Since April of 2012, the Harwood Manor gave loving care to Helen. She enjoyed not having to cook and being treated so well. She was thought of a grandmother to some of the staff. Ask any one of her seven children and they will tell you the same thing: “We loved her will all our hearts” - “Children and Mothers never truly part, bound in the beating of each other’s heart.” Author Charlotte Grey. Memorial donations can be made to the charity of the donors choosing. Funeral services were held Thursday January 8, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Church in North Battleford. Family has entrusted the staff of Sallows & McDonald-Wilson & Zehner with arrangements (306) 4452418.

HOFFART: It is with great sadness the family of Cecile Mary Elsie Hoffart announces her passing on December 28th, 2014 at the age of 76 years. Cecile is survived by her loving daughters Terry (Brian) Wicks and Jackie (Larry) Felker, grandchildren Charles Wicks and Janet (Colter) Bischler, brothers Ed (Marg), Joe (Carol) and Ron (Norma), as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cecile was predeceased by her daughter Susan Hoffart; husband Andy; sister Doris Rivard; brother Ernest Rivard and her parents Emile and Elsie Rivard.

If friends so desire, donations in Cecile’s memory may be made to The Battleford Union Hospital Foundation. Condolences for the family may be left at www.sallowsandmcdonald.com. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, January 2nd, 2015 from Notre Dame Church. The family placed their trust with Megan Donlevy of Sallows and McDonald - Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford. (306) 445-2418.

IRVINE: In Loving Memory of Thelma Alphena Irvine who was born Sept.15, 1933 at Mayfair District, Sk. and passed away Dec. 29, 2014 at Saskatoon, Sk. Left to cherish Thelma’s memory: her loving son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Lowell (Nicole) Irvine and their family: Chanel(Bret) Thompson: Asher and Eva Olaya; Kael (Jayla) Irvine: Maddox and Hadley; Jaice Irvine (fiance, Lorelei), all of Saskatoon, Sk; godson Dennis Nesseth; brother, Arnold Nesseth, Mayfair, Sk.; sister, Karren Pederson, Moose Jaw, Sk.; nieces and nephews who were very close to Thelma. Thelma was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Edward Irvine; her parents Ole and Anna Olea Nesseth; siblings: brothers: Kermit, Phil, Ker, Harley, Art, Helmer, Dennis, Cliff; sisters: Elsie Bernier, Ragna Csontos, Olive Clark and Irene Wyntonyk. A Celebration of Life Service was held Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015 – 2:00 p.m. from Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford, Sk. with Rev. Frances Patterson officiating. Family memories were shared

by Lowell and Nicole Irvine. Gifts of Music were presented by Glenn Goodman – Organist/Pianist, Third Avenue Sanctuary Choir, Duet: Lowell and Chanel – “Amazing Grace”, Soloist: Robert MacKay – “Be not Afraid”. The Hymn Selection was “On Eagle’s Wings”.

Special Selection – John McDermott – “One Small Star”. The Honourary Pallbearers were “All who shared Thelma’s Life”. Active Pallbearers were Kael Irvine, Jaice Irvine, Bret Thompson, Jim Irvine, Nigel Nesseth, and Stacey Nesseth. Thelma was the 13th child born to Anna and Ole Nesseth. She grew up in a small house with many brothers and sisters knowing the value of hard work and laughter. She and her siblings attended Wanganui School near Mayfair. After working briefly in Eston and BC she returned home where, in 1958, she married Stan Irvine, the love of her life. Together, they began their life on the farm. A year later they were blessed with a son, Lowell. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother (GG). She enjoyed curling, playing in her younger years and later watching on tv, helping out in the Mayfair community, playing cards, dancing, picking berries, tending her garden and of course creating fantastic meals. She loved to spend endless hours creating unforgettable pies, lefse, potato balls, flat bread and cookies at Christmas for her family and nieces and nephews. Her talents in the kitchen were only matched by her desire to care for other’s needs making them feel special in so many ways. Thelma and Stan loved the farm, continuing to travel back and forth from North Battleford where they moved to in 1978. They continued to farm as well as maintained a huge garden. She kept an immaculate clean home, enjoyed camping with her family and later with Stan in their motorhome where they both enjoyed berry picking and fishing. They also enjoyed a few trips to Hawaii, Mexico and Arizona. Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, Thelma moved into Saskatoon in 2013 to be closer to her family. She handled all of her medical challenges with incredible grace and dignity. On Dec. 29th, she joined her soulmate and husband to dance in heaven, on the 14th anniversary of his passing, a true love story. Memorial Donations are requested to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan 301-2550-12th Ave., Regina, Sk. S4P 3X1. Interment took place at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, North Battleford, Sk. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service, North Battleford, Sk. ____________________________________________________

FURNISS (NEE PARRY), Gwen: November 3, 1927 - December 20, 2014. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother Gwen. Predeceased by husband Fred, brothers Keith Parry and Bert Parry, grandson Paul Smith and son-in-law Kurt Day. Gwen was born in North Battleford Saskatchewan where she she met and married Fred. They moved to Chilliwack in 1950 where they raised their three daughters.

Gwen worked for F.W. Woolworths for 25 years. Fred and Gwen retired back to their hometown of Mervin Saskatchewan in 1980 but returned to Grand Forks in 1996. After Fred’s passing Gwen returned to Mervin until this past summer when she returned to Grand Forks to spend her final days with her family. Gwen was always active with many favourite pastimes. She was a seamstress making clothes for her three daughters and many friends. Her green thumb was admired by many. Her flowers not only filled her yard, but also the entire hometown of Mervin. Gwen was an avid golfer for many years as well as a bowler. Fred and Gwen were instrumental in having a Bowling Alley built and operated all by volunteers in their hometown of Mervin. She is survived by brother Lloyd Parry, daughters Lynne (Leverne) Lee and Wendy (Don) as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Celebration of life to be held in Mervin Saskatchewan in late spring 2015. ____________________________________________________ HRYNUIK, Anne: of River Heights Lodge, North Battleford, and previously of Loon Lake, Sask., beloved mother of Sherry (Harold) Jimmy, Corrine Helmeczi, and Marlene (Curtis) Kotchorek, and loving partner of Raymond Corbeil passed peacefully at River Heights Lodge on December 17, 2014 at the age of 74. Her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, partner and friend was celebrated on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel Gallery, North Battleford with Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Joyce Salie in charge of arrangements. Anne Hrynuik was born on Dec. 21, 1939 in Loon Lake to Anton and Tekla Trociuk of the Big Bush area. She married Fred Hrynuik on Dec. 28, 1961 and the couple lived on the Hrynuik family farm for 40 years where they worked side by side in the farming operation. Anne was also an exceptional gardener and provided cucumbers and other fresh produce for years to people in the area. Anne was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2002 after 40 years of marriage. She retired from the farm shortly thereafter and moved into the Villa in Loon Lake, followed by a move to Valley View Towers II in North Battleford. It is here that Anne met Ray Corbeil and the two of them enjoyed several wonderful years together travelling, visiting friends and family, going for coffee daily at Walmart and frequenting the casino. In 2013, Anne and Ray bought a condo in North Battleford where they resided until April 30, 2014 when she was admitted to Battlefords Union Hospital and later moved to River Heights Lodge. Despite having had lung cancer several years ago, Anne was a fighter and overcame that health challenge, but was forced to be on oxygen when chronic lung and heart problems became too debilitating. In addition to having three daughters: Sherry, Corrine and Marlene, Fred and Anne were proud grandparents to Regan (Justyne) Crush, Courtney Crush (Ashton Igini), Eric Helmeczi and Evan Helmeczi, and son-in-law Ron Crush. Anne is also survived by sister-in-law, Olga (Edgar) Rosenke and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Bill and John Trociuk, and sisters Kathy Smith, Lee Cummings, Sonja Jones and Mary MacDonald. A graveside memorial and Internment of cremains will take place in the spring of 2015 at Tomlinson’s Cemetery, Loon Lake. The family wish to thank the staff of BUH and River Heights Lodge for their tremendous care and support during Mom’s stay, and to everyone who sent messages of condolence during our time of loss. Memorial donations can be made to River Heights Lodge, North Battleford or the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation in memory of Anne Hrynuik. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium, North Battleford, Sask. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 12

OBITUARIES JACKSON, John Benjamin: October 1, 1913 - December 27, 2014. Our precious father passed away peacefully in Hanna, Alberta on December 27, 2014 in his 102nd year. He was the beloved husband of Jane, who predeceased him in 2007, and the loving father of Beverley (Art) and Donna (Ron), beloved grandfather to four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Dad was born in the Speers district, farmed at Langham and Keatley before moving to Edam, where he farmed until his retirement from farming in 1972. He finished his working life working at Case in Saskatoon. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home (east on 8th St, first right past Briargate Rd). Arrangements entrusted to Paula Olson, Hillcrest Funeral Home, Saskatoon, SK 306-4774400. ____________________________________________________ BEAUDOIN: Mr. Daniel Beaudoin passed away suddenly at his residence on December 26, 2014 at the age of 59 years.

Prayer Vigil took place on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial took place on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Anthony Afanagide officiating, both services were held from St. Joseph Calasanctius Roman Catholic Parish. Left behind to cherish Daniels memory are: his wife Gaetanne ,his children Charles (Jyllel) Beaudoin ,Denee Beaudoin ,Dustin Barthel ,Christoph (Vanessa) Zahner ,Samantha Shaw ,his grandsons Parker Barthel and Caleb Shaw, special niece Jordynn Corbeil. Daniel was predeceased by his parents: Wilfred and Julia Beaudoin, his brother Marcel Beaudoin. Memorial donations in memory of Daniel may be directed to Heart and Stroke Foundation (279 - 3rd Ave N. Saskatoon, Sask. S7K 2H8) or the Villa Pascal Nursing Home (1301 113th St, North Battleford, SK S9A 3K1) Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

WIEGERS: In Loving Memory of Marie Therese Wiegers who was born March 8, 1929 in Hong Kong, China and passed away December 22, 2014 in North Battleford, Sk. Left to cherish her memory, her husband Leo and her son, Leo Jr. One of seven children, she is survived by four brothers: Philip in Hong Kong, Carlos (Charito) and Fernando (commonly known as Dino) and sister-in-law Ani in Australia, and Alphonse (Gena) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Therese was predeceased by her parents, Fernando D’Almada Remedios and Carmen Maria Osmond, sister Sister Bernadine, brother Eduardo, sister-in-law Auralia (Edward) McConnell, brothers-in-law Theodore, Norbert, Vincent, Joseph, and Alphonse, mother and fatherin-law Bernard and Josephine (Lichwe) Wiegers. Vigil of Prayer was held at Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford, Sk. Friday, Dec. 26, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Fr. Gerard Legaspi presiding. The Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Celebrant Arch- Bishop Murray Chatlain and Concelebrant Fr. Cuong Luong. Terry had the wonderful gift of being able to strike up a conversation anywhere and with anyone. She served many charitable organizations. Terry started the Educational Rhythmics program, a program based on music for the mentally and physically challenged. Terry was a member of the Happy Seven Club, the Catholic Youth Organization where she met her husband to be. For many years she had been a member and President of the Autism Society of the Battlefords, a Catholic Women’s League member, Chairperson of the Notre Dame Fundraising Committee. As well she was active in the Battleford Union Hospital Retirees Association. Terry was full of hope, peace, and love for her husband, son and Lord. She retained her wonderful sense of humour and playfulness, even at the height of her suffering. Memorials are requested to the Marie Therese Wiegers Memorial Fund c/o The Battlefords and District Community Foundation Box 1302, North Battleford, Sk. S9A 3L8. Interment of Cremated Remains was at the North Battleford City Cemetery on Saturday Jan. 3, 2015. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service.

CARD OF THANKS The Leo Wiegers family wish to express our sincerest appreciation to the medical and nursing staff, especially to Dr. Bushidi, Home Care and to the domestic staff of Battlefords Union Hospital for the excellent and cheerful care they provided my wife Marie Therese (always called Terry) during her long illness and passing.

The family also express great appreciation to all who visited, brought flowers and food, prayed for her, and wrote her, had masses said for her, spent hours at her bedside and even overnight, as well as those who helped her prepare her funeral mass, and those who were in attendance at her death. A special thank you to Father Cuong Luong for his prayers and support, and finally a special thanks to Battlefords Funeral Service for their very caring service and helpful advice. _____________________________________________________________

FREHLICH: Mrs. Eva Frehlich passed away peacefully on December 31, 2014 at the River Heights Lodge at the age of 83 years. A Celebration of Eva’s life will be held in the spring of 2015.

Times and dates will be announced when made available.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca.

MARTIN: Bruce, Oct. 30, 1958 Dec. 23, 2014. Bruce passed away peacefully after a noble battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Laura Martin, two sons, Trevor (Cerys) and Tyler (Charmaine). Parents Walter and Ida Martin, Siblings Karen (Brian) Colbourne, Blake (Karen) Martin, Bonita (Claudio) Martins, and Brad Martin. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements provided by Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Two Memorial services are planned, Saturday, Jan. 17, 11:00 a.m. Fort Sask, United Church, 10409-100 ave., Fort Sask, AB. Internment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens to follow Jan. 24, 2:00 p.m. Vawn, SK Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lady Minto Trust Fund (Long Term Care - Edam, Sask.) ____________________________________________________ ROSARIO: Sister Ann Rosario (Dolore Desmarais) passed away peacefully on December 27, 2014 at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Prayer Vigil took place on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. with Betty Stone presiding. Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Anthony Afanagide officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in St. Solange Cemetery in Hafford, Sask. Left behind to cherish her memory are: her sisters: Doreine Kulpa and Dorothy Guy; her nieces and nephews: Eva (Mark) Sabir, Brenda Krawetz; Carol MacDonald, Delbert (Sheila) Miller ,Allan (Gwen) Miller, Alden (Lorna) Miller, Susan (Reynold) Striga, Michelle and Coleen Desmarais, Calvin and Larry Guy and all their families and the Sisters of the Child Jesus. She was predeceased by: her parents: Rosario and Ann Desmarais: her brothers: Donald, Dorio and Dorell: her nephews: Douglas MacDonald and Peter Krawetz. Memorial Donations in memory of Sister Ann Rosario may be directed to the Oasis Care Home, General Delivery, Speers, Sask, S0M-2V0. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium. For those wishing to leave a condolence you may do so at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca.

RACKEL: In Loving Memory of Kathleen Florence Rackel who was born Dec. 29, 1917 at Herbert, Sk. and passed away Dec. 20, 2014 at Battleford, Sk. Left to cherish her memory: her loving sons and their families: Ross(Lou), Cochin, Sk – grandchildren: Kurt(Linda) and Rebecca(Jackson) Meston and greatgranddaughter Brynn; Brent, Edmonton, AB; Daryl(Judy), Spruce Grove, AB – grandchildren Joel and Leah; sister-in-law, Josephine Rackel; nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her husband, Vernon John Rackel, April 5, 2008; parents, Herman and Marie Heft; sisters: Eva Heft, Dorothy(+Joe) McDermott, Edna(+Jim) Gilbey, sister-in-law, June(+Jerry) Koopman, Fern(+Arthur) Dexter, Jean McCormick, Ora(+Jiggs) Koopman; brothers-in-law: Warner Rackel, Omar(+Vera) Rackel, Owen(+Fran) Rackel. Celebration Of Life was held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 – 2:00 p.m. from Third Avenue United Church, North Battleford, Sk. with Rev. Frances Patterson officiating.

Shared memories were shared by Grandchildren – Kurt, Rebecca, Joel and Leah. Urn Bearer was Karen Willis. Music Ministry was Glenn Goodman – Organist/Pianist; Third Avenue Sanctuary Choir; Lou Rackel – Soloist: “Amazing Grace”; Robert MacKay – Soloist: “Peace In The Valley”; Hymn Selections: “In The Garden” – “O Little Town of Bethlehem”; Recessional: “Children Go Where I Send Thee”. Memorials are requested to The Battlefords District Care Centre Box 69, Battleford, Sk. S0M 0E0. Interment at Cremation Section – City Cemetery, North Battleford, Sk. ____________________________________________________

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POLISCHUK: Alex Polischuk July 24th, 1922 - December 16th, 2014. With great sadness we announce the passing of Alex Polischuk, at the age of 92 years. Alex was a sweet dear man who adored his family and never uttered a complaint. He lived life to the fullest. When family would visit he would say “I’m satisfied with my life. I did what I wanted to do. I had a good life. I’m no spring chicken ya know”. There was never a time that Alex wasn’t there for his family, he always had great advice and was always positive. When people look back at the times they had with him, they would be happy times, so many good memories to share because that is the legacy that he left behind. One such favorite of the family was Christmas time, when everyone would gather together and share stories, laugh, and eat some of grandma’s baking, perogies, presents and there was often a line up for the punch. It was the time of year that brought everyone together, something that everyone looked forward to. Alex grew up on the farm, farming with his father and going to community dances, playing baseball in the field, and eventually becoming the young man being sent to war. Because of his experiences in the field and army, he learned the value of hard work and instilled that lesson into his children and grandchildren. After he left the army he worked on the railroad, when he spent time in B.C. and dreamed about the day he would own a piece of land of his own.

Alex met and married the love of his life, Helen, adopting four of her children. After moving into River Heights, Alex remained ever steadfast in his appreciation for the little things, a roof over his head and his meals prepared for him. He kept to himself by reading, watching TV, and the usual jokes with the staff. Alex will be missed by his darling wife Helen, daughter Valorie Higgs; grandson Riley Higgs (Jana); granddaughters Amanda Higgs(Jason) and Carmen Swift (Brad); step children Bella (Ray) Marjoram, Marian (Jim) Milnthorp, Donna Villeneuve & Larry (Lynn) Hawryliw; brother Peter (Ann) Polischuk. He was predeceased by Ruby, Annie, Nettie, Jean, Mike, Walter & Lorne.

BERGERON: In loving memory of Anne Bergeron who passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the age of 88 years. Jessie leaves to mourn her passing: five children: Maurice (Pat), Norman (Bev), Sherryl, Darren and Richelle; seven grandchildren: Kelly, Darryl, Corinna, Michelle (Ryan), Kelsey, Brendon and Jordan; two greatgrandchildren: Dayton and Dominic. Jessie was predeceased by her husband, Art; son, Lloyd and son-in-law, Tom. The Mass of Christian Burial was conducted from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Edam, SK. on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 2:00PM with the Father Peter Paase officiating. Two of her grandchildren, Kelly and Darryl gave the eulogy.

Edam Community Choir and organist, Mary-Anne Corbeil were in attendance. Interment was held in the Edam Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Jessie may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Eulogy Good afternoon. I would like to give you a little background on Grandma Bergeron’s life which we are celebrating today. Grandma was born and raised in this community. She was a nurse for 24 years in the Edam hospital. She also spent 20 years working along side Grandpa Bergeron when he was the bulk Esso agent. Grandma’s retirement was happy but uneventful until she has the misfortune of being severely injured in a fall in July. The last 4 months were hard ones for Grandma but she was determined to get better and eventually went back to her own home. Kelly and I visited Grandma on Thanksgiving and Grandma and Auntie Sherryl made us a really nice mean with cabbage rolls that Kelly likes so much.

Grandma’s last 9 days were spent in St. Paul’s Hospital in the ICU. She passed away peacefully on Sunday night with Auntie Sherryl, Uncle Darren and my mom Pat by her side. I would like to thank all of you for coming today to help us celebrate Grandma Bergeron’s life. Every week I would phone Grandma just to talk with her about anything and everything. Grandma would tell me and others that I was her favourite grandchild because she enjoyed our weekly phone calls. Grandma was very special to me too. Darryl and I loved and will miss her very much as I/m sure you all will. We would like to read a poem to you: Sleep well grandma Your pain is in the past.

It was time for you to go, You’ve finished your task.

Sleep well Grandma Grandpa’s been waiting for you.

To join him up in heaven, So his one will again be two.

Sleep well Grandma We already miss you so Knowing it was your time, Doesn’t make it easier to let go.

Sleep well Grandma But every once in a while.

Look down at us from heaven, And let us feel your smile.

Card of Thanks We would like to thank Lynette and the Lady Minto health centre, the doctors and nurses from Riverside memorial Hospital and St.Pauls for the kindness and care shown to our mother and grandmother. We would also like to thank Fr Paase, organist Mary-Anne Corbeil, the Edam Community choir, the ladies for serving lunch and McCaw Funeral Service. Maurice, Pat, Kelly, Darryl, Sherryl and Darren Bergeron. ____________________________________________________

PAGE 13 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

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CAREER TRAINING NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER! CanScribe Medical Transcription graduates are in high demand. Enrol today and be working from home in one year! info@canscribe.com. 1800-466-1535. www.canscribe.com.

FARM SERVICES

BEST CANADIAN BUILT HOME

BY MODULINE! BEST PRICE! Personalized Service 1520 sq. ft. Temora $99,900 1216 sq. ft. Oasis/Villa $79,900 960 sq. ft. Tuscan $69,900

~ Call Stan ~ 306-496-7538 1-888-699-9280 www.affordablehomesales.ca Yorkton Weekend calls

HOUSES FOR RENT Town House for Rent available Feb. 1, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, partially furnished. Adults only. No Smoking, no pets. Nicely updated. 306-480-4699

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

SENIORS AFFORDABLE HOUSING New easy access 2 bedroom unit in a four-plex 6 appliances $821/month.

Must be 55+ and make under $44,500 per household.

Call Mel 306-445-1044 One Bedroom apartment for rent comes with fridge and stove, references required. 445-4646

LAND/PASTURE FOR RENT Land for Rent in RM of North Battleford #437. Phone 306-481-6837.

SUITES FOR RENT 1 Bedroom Basement Suite for Rent includes heat/water, tenant pays own power. No smoking, no pets, no children. Looking for quiet working adult. Off street parking/newly renovated. Rent $750/monthly, damage required & references. Available October 1. Call 306-481-3288.

Large 2 Bedroom suite main floor of the house. All utilities and cable included. Coin operated laundry on site. No small children, smoking or pets. Quiet working adults. Available Dec 1. $1350/month plus damage deposit. Ref required. Call 306-4813288 Leave message.

FEED & SEED HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

- GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!!

- BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!!

HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

Advertise your job title and location in 85 newspapers throughout Saskatchewan (500,000 circulation) and have the position referred to www. firstnationsjobsonline .com for the full job description. Ad stays online for 35 days $709

Invites applications for Principal and Vice-Principal For full description of this job please visit www.gscs.sk.ca or www.firstnations jobsonline.com

For more information contact www.firstnations jobsonline.com

First Nations Jobs nline is now hiring General Labourers and Journeyman Millwrights in Wynyard Sask.

Shift Start time varies based on collective agreement and the position.

• We offer full benefits • Safety is our #1 priority • Periodic wage increases • Opportunity to apply to internal job postings Please apply by submitting your resume to: Kristen Temple ktemple@sofinafoods.com

phone 306 229 6774 email: danbsully@sasktel.net Call GNG for massive year end herbicide sales: • Guaranteed best prices • All farmers welcome (no memberships) • Delivered to the yard • No deposit on containers • GNG dealers in most areas (new dealers welcome) Products: • Smoke – loaded glyphosate • Clever – one pass cleaver control • Foax – green foxtail and wild oats • Diquash – desiccant • Inject-N – full line of inoculants • Diesel fuel – 30,000+ litre min • 20+ new actives being developed For all details please contact us at 306 477-4007 or info@gng.ag or visit our website at www.gng.ag

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Winter Work

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Call 306-769-8777 or 306-260-4074; Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

STEEL BUILDINGS/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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

35 years of Making Dreams Come True!

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Calling all singers and dancers 15 years of age or older Auditions for 35th Anniversary Summer Tour January 31 and February 1 in Regina Call 306-522-3400 or email daylene@ saskatchewanexpress.com

1282 - 101st Street North Battleford, Sask.

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

CAMERON ODISHAW LA COCK Chartered Professional Accountants 300 - 1291 102nd Street North Battleford, SK, S9A 3V4 Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245

PARTNERS Dale L. Cameron, CPA, CA Suzanne L. Odishaw, CPA, CA Jacques La Cock, CPA, CA Derek Sieben, CPA, CA Stephen Mann, CPA, CA

Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling!

PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE

CALL 306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-1977 Email: battlefords.publishing@sasktel.net

Application forms at www.saskatchewanexpress.com

COMING EVENTS

Ensure costs will never go up, lock in your funeral costs today.

We accept new and existing Purple Shield policies.

“Reinventing Tradition - Where Heritage Meets Innovation”

Northland Power Curling Centre CUPlex - North Battleford

306•937•2431

January 14, 21, 28 Adult Learn to Curl February 7 Tim Hortons U14 Youth Bonspiel February 11 & 12 Battle West District Playoffs February 27, 28 & March 1 Battle River Rocker Women’s Bonspiel

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 14

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Conacher Contracting Services Ltd two vacancies for General Farm Labourers. Duties will include working as part of a team during seeding, spraying and harvesting operations.

You will also be responsible for maintaining inventories, supervising part-time farm hands as well as performing general farm duties.

Specific Duties include: - Operating farm equipment (Air seeders, sprayers, swatters, combines) - Maintaining farm equipment - Cleaning farm equipment and - Perform general farm maintenance - Perform other farm duties, as directed Qualifications: The successful candidate(s) should have a minimum of 1-2 years related farming experience in addition to the essential skills below: Essential Skills and Abilities - Job task planning and organizing - Critical thinking - Problem solving - Working with others - Ability to coordinate numerous activities in an organized manner.

Wage Expectation $16-19 per hour, depending on experience.

Job Requirements - Experience with farm equipment - Class 1A driver’s license will be an asset Apply with resume to conser@sasktel.net or by mail to Box 84 Turtleford, Sask. S0M 2Y0

NORTH STAR COOPERATIVE, Cavalier ND is seeking a qualified General Manager. This is a successful bulk & retail energy, C Stores, and agronomy cooperative with sales of $35 million with multiple retail locations. Financial and personal management experience is required.

Email: larry.fuller@chsinc.com or fax (888-6535527) resume to: Larry Fuller, 5213 Shoal Drive, Bismarck ND 58503.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

COMING EVENTS

Community Events Calendar ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

Thursdays

If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, we can help.

CALL ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

446-6166

Grief Share Support Group for those dealing with the death of a loved one at the Living Faith Chapel at 7:30 p.m. New session start January 29. Pre-registration required. Phone Wendy at 306-445-7315 or Sue 306-445-6658.

Saturday, January 17 Svoboda Ukrainian Dance presents New Year’s Gala “Malanka” at the Don Ross Centre. Tickets still available for afternoon & evening events. Call Haley Dubrule for tickets 306-441-8768.

Saturday, January 17 Club 70 - Cherokee Rose at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. with lunch. Phone Les & Donna at 306-845-3772 for more info. Everyone welcome.

Saturdays - Jan. 17, Feb. 21 & Mar. 14 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in North Battleford. Registration is mandatory. No fee for sessions. Call 1-877-964-5501 to register.

Location will be advised when you register. Adults only, no child care is provided.

Tuesday, January 20 Crokinole Tournament, Borden Senior’s Centre at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 21 Bingo at the Borden Senior’s Centre at 7:00 p.m.

Thursdays, January 22 & March 26 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program for High Conflict Situations from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in Saskatoon. Parents who have attended the regular parenting after separation and divorce program may benefit from attending this session.

Call 1-877-964-5501 or (306) 964-4401 in Saskatoon.

Thursday, January 22 - February 26 Are you living with a chronic (ongoing) Pain? Would you like to learn better coping skills. Prairie North Health Region is offering a FREE workshop. Classes will be held every Thursday from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Maidstone Health Complex Multi-purpose room. For more information and to register call 1-888-922-5867 or 306-446-8613.

Saturday, January 24 Borden Fireman’s Snowmobile Rally at Borden Hall. 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. registration, hamburger chili meal, 12:00 - 7:00 p.m. 50/50 prizes. Call Scott at 306-241-2884 or Jamie at 306-997-2222 for info.

If not enough snow alternate date is February 7th.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday, January 25 All You Can Eat Sunday Brunch at the Knights of Columbus, 1202 - 105th Street 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Monday, January 26 Depression Recovery Program - 8 week program - Depression should not be tolerated as a lifelong condition with its miserable effects. Free introductory session Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1161 - 93rd Street. For more information phone 306-824-4610 or emial us at todaysrecovery@gmail. com. The 8 week program starts Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 3 - March 10 Are you living with a chronic (ongoing) Pain? Would you like to learn better coping skills. Prairie North Health Region is offering a FREE workshop. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. at Suite 109 at the Co-op Plaza in Lloydminster. For more information and to register call 1-888-922-5867 or 306-446-8613.

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 12:00 noon Friday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

CALL NOW • 306-445-7261

FOR THE BEST COVERAGE IN THE COMMUNITY

• DOOR-TO-DOOR • CARRIER SERVICE • TOTAL COVERAGE OR PERSONALIZED COVERAGE

PAGE 15 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Take the time to listen to and trust your inner voice During the holiday break my wife dragged me back to Winnipeg, Man. to visit her family. On our trip we passed Elie, a small town outside Winnipeg on the Trans-Canada. In 2007 the town was rocked by a tornado. I’ll never forget that night, not because I was

there, but because of what happened that night to me when we lived in Winnipeg.

Not aware of the swirling cloud just west of us, my then pregnant wife was afraid our lawn chairs would take off in the wind.

Of course I was not willing to argue with a pregnant

Spam email, calls circulating from ‘SaskPower Billing’ Staff SaskPower says it has become aware of telephone and email scams currently circulating and reminds customers to report suspicious activity to their local police department.

According to a a SaskPower press release, customer was recently phoned by someone posing as a SaskPower employee who told the customer that unless she purchased and supplied the serial number from a pre-paid power card (not currently sold in Saskatchewan), or a prepaid VISA card, her power would be disconnected within an hour. The call was made from a 1-800 phone number. In this case the scammer was not successful.

Officals say SaskPower never asks customers to purchase pre-paid cards of any kind and works with them on repayment arrangements for overdue accounts to avoid disconnection.

If in doubt of the authenticity of a call, hang up immediately. To verify the status of an account contact SaskPower at 1-888-757-6937.

Customers are also reminded to protect themselves from email scams requesting them to download or send personal information. One such email scam currently circulating claims to be from “SaskPower Billing” with a zip file for customers to download.

SaskPower does not email customers asking them to download their statement, or provide account information. Any customers who have subscribed to MyPower Account are directed to their secure MyPower Account login to view their bill when it is ready.

Anyone who has been the target of scammers is encouraged to report the incident to their police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from fraud at: http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude. ca.

woman, so I complied and went outside and braved the thunderstorm. I tried my best to gather the chairs, until I heard not a thunder clapping sound but a crunching sound. Spooked I ran back inside and confessed to my wife that I got scared and didn’t feel safe getting the chairs and hoped she valued my life more than the chairs, and she did.

The next morning we awoke to find the neighbour’s tree had fallen into our backyard and was smothering the lawn chairs that I was asked to retrieve.

I learned two things, if not more, from this experience.

MC, CCC, PHEc

First is to trust your own instinct. Whether you call it your gut, Jiminy Cricket, heavenly promptings or inner voice, trust it and listen to it. I have learned if you don’t listen to it there is a backlog and you won’t hear from it. Like a physical

muscle you need to use it or it will weaken.

Second is to trust your spouse’s instinct. If they mention discomfort or fear, listen to them. For example, recently my wife felt like our daughter shouldn’t attend an extra-curricular

Record power use recorded Staff Saskatchewan reached a new record for power during this prolonged cold snap.

Colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours combined to push Saskatchewan’s new record peak load to 3,583 megawatts (MW) at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 4, according to SaskPower.

Last winter’s peak of 3,543 MW was set on Dec. 6, 2013.

“We continue to set new records for power consumption, the result of more people living and working in our province than ever before,” said Mike Marsh, SaskPower acting president and CEO. “We are working hard to make sure our infrastructure can support this trend by renewing our equipment and looking to innovative options to supply power.”

Since the end of 2013, SaskPower has added approximately 7,800 new residential, commercial and industrial customers.

To lighten the load and curb their power bills this winter, SaskPower’s customers have the power to save:

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• Turn down the thermostat. Changing the temperature of your home by even a few degrees can make a big difference. For every degree you lower your thermostat overnight for an eight-hour period, you can save up to two per cent on your heating costs.

• Plug in your car with a timer. Your car only needs to be plugged in for four hours.

Use a block heater timer to save around $25 a year.

• Turn out the lights. Shorter days and longer nights mean interior lights in your home are on longer. Remember to turn out the lights when you leave a room. Better yet, cut down the power they use by about three quarters by using LED light bulbs.

• Customers on equalized payments should keep an eye on their bills and any balance being carried, to avoid one large bill at the end of the year.

function. I agreed to follow her instinct. Of course nothing extraordinary happened; there was no fire, peanuts were not served and there was no storm. Neither did anything happen at home.

Of course we will never know if anything would have happened, nor should I chastise my wife for expressing fear over something that didn’t happen.

If you haven’t been listening to your inner voice, start to. If you haven’t been listening to your partner’s voice, start small. It’s different to follow your own gut feeling to that of someone else.

If your gut feelings disagree, discuss it. Understand each other’s history and context, and try to understand the feelings from your partner’s perspective.

See if doing such a thing will help you become one in your relationship.

As you start to listen to yourself and others, you’ll be surprised how it will impact your relationship.

And who knows, if I hadn’t trusted my gut feeling that night and my wife hadn’t respected it, that could have been me buried and smothered by my neighbour’s tree.

15013SBS00

15013SMC01

FULLY

LOADED

LEASE EVENT

WITH YOUR FIRST TWO BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS ON US*

ELIGIBLE OWNERS

RECEIVE UP TO

LEASE

$1,500 CASH IN WINTER

6.3 †

L/100km hwy

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AIR CONDITIONING POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, MIRRORS REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY

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2015 CRUZE LT

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OFFERS END FEB 2ND

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ON NOW AT YOUR PRAIRIE CHEVROLET DEALERS. PrairieChevrolet.com 1-800-GM-DRIVE. Chevrolet is a brand of General Motors of Canada. Offers apply to the lease of a 2015 Cruze LT (1SA/K05/MH8/R7T) and Equinox LS FWD (1SA/K05) equipped as described. Freight ($1,600/$1,650) and PDI included. License, insurance, registration, administration fees, dealer fees, PPSA and taxes not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offers which may not be combined with other offers, and are subject to change without notice. Offers apply to qualified retail customers in Prairie Chevrolet Dealer Marketing Association area only. Dealer order or trade may be required. * Offer valid to eligible retail lessees in Canada who have obtained credit approval by and entered into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from January 12 through February 2, 2015 of any new or demonstrator 2015 model year Chevrolet (except 2015MY Chevrolet Colorado 2SA). City Express excluded at outset of program; will be eligible once residuals become available. General Motors of Canada will pay the first two bi-weekly lease payments as defined on the lease agreement (inclusive of taxes). After the first two bi-weekly payments, lessee will be required to make all remaining scheduled payments over the remaining term of the lease agreement. PPSA/RDPRM is not due. Consumer may be required to pay dealer fees. Insurance, licence, and applicable taxes not included. Additional conditions and limitations apply. GM reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without prior notice. See dealer for details. †† Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any model year 1999 or newer car that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2014, 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickup models delivered in Canada between January 12 and February 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $750 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicles (except Colorado 2SA, Camaro Z28, Malibu LS, Silverado 1500 and HD). Offer applies to eligible current owners or lessees of any Pontiac/ Saturn/SAAB/Hummer/Oldsmobile model year 1999 or newer car or Chevrolet Cobalt or HHR that has been registered and insured in Canada in the customer’s name for the previous consecutive six (6) months. Credit valid towards the retail purchase or lease of one eligible 2014, 2015 model year Chevrolet car, SUV, crossover and pickups models delivered in Canada between January 12 and February 2, 2015. Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive): $1,500 credit available on eligible Chevrolet vehicles (except Chevrolet Colorado 2SA, Camaro Z28, and Malibu LS). Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GMCL dealer for details. GMCL reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. † Based on GM Testing in accordance with approved Transport Canada test methods. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. > Based on WardsAuto.com 2012 Upper Small segment, excluding Hybrid and Diesel powertrains. Standard 10 airbags, ABS, traction control and StabiliTrak. *^ Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). ~ Requires compatible mobile device, active OnStar service and data plan. Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on certain vehicles and in select markets. Customers will be able to access this service only if they accept the OnStar User Terms and Privacy Statement (including software terms). ¥ Lease based on a purchase price of $21,006/$26,441 (including $1,500/$1,000 lease credit and a $664 Winter Cash) for a 2015 Cruze LT (1SA/K05/MH8/R7T) and Equinox LS FWD (1SA/K05). Bi-weekly payment is $99/$139 for 48 months at 0.5%/0.9% APR and includes Freight and Air Tax, on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometers limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,450/$1,600 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $11,769/$16,091, plus applicable taxes. Option to purchase at lease end is $9,541/$11,019. Price and total obligation excludes license, insurance, registration, taxes, dealer fees, optional equipment.

Other lease options are available. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with other offers. See your dealer for conditions and details. General Motors of Canada Limited reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. ‡‡ Comparison based on 2013 Polk segmentation: Compact SUV and latest competitive data available and based on the maximum legroom available. Excludes other GM brands. ^ Whichever comes first. Limit of four ACDelco Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ^^ Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 16

Hwy 4 North, North Battleford

Phone 306-445-3300

Toll Free 1-877-223-SAVE (7283)

PAGE 17 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Historic North Battleford

Tuesday, 2015 Tuesday, January January 13, 13,2015

The little white house on the corner

The little white house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once the centre of a bustling dairy farm

By Richard W. Hiebert A block South of Holy Family School, on the corner at 18th Avenue and 92nd Street, sits a modest and unpretentious little white house.

During the 44 years that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lived in North Battleford, I have driven by the little white house hundreds of times. Yet I, like almost everyone, had no idea that it had a unique and fascinating history. Then a call from a local history buff persuaded me to research and write the story on the little house. As my colleague put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The little white house has a remarkable and storied past â&#x20AC;&#x201C; stretching back to our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early history.â&#x20AC;? Here is its story.

The little house was built in 1929 by Bob Malletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Robert Samuel Mallet.

The story of the little white house is essentially the story of Bob Mallet who grew up there and his grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dairy farm. The dairy barn was located west of the little house and next to where is now a back alley. Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house was situated just west of the barn on the property where Mr. Chong and his family now live on 91st Street.

Haystacks occupied property south of Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfather â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house â&#x20AC;&#x201C; across 18th Avenue. Pasture land stretched west past where Bready School now sits, to the northwest and north past Territorial Drive, a full mile North to the Nyholt property.

Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land was bounded on the south side by what is now 17th

Avenue. The property south of 17th Avenue was owned

by Otis Jones who operated a large piggery. Holy Family School sits on the site of the manure dump.

The population of North Battleford in 1931 was 5,989.

The city was well developed to 15th Avenue to 96th Street on the west and 107th Street on the east. But there was virtually no construction, roads, or any kind of infrastructure development to the east and north east of the Mallet dairy farm. A house here and there dotted the landscape.

Interestingly, another dairy farm occupied the land on which sits the presentday River Heights Lodge. A large ravine ran north to south about 300 yards east of the little house (through what is now Kinsmen Park) across Railway Avenue West toward the west side of King Hill.

The south part of the ravine still exists and can be easily seen from Railway Avenue.

Bob Mallet was born on April 19, 1932 to Robert and Hedly Mallet at Notre Dame Hospital in North Battleford.

He received his elementary education at King Street School, and his high school education at the North Battleford Collegiate Institute.

Bob lived in the little house until 1955.

Growing up he helped with the farm work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; forking hay and feeding cattle, cleaning the barn and hauling manure, and helping with the milking operation. He also had to split wood, pile wood, feed chickens, gather eggs and haul them to Shiplettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Dairy located across

Photo submitted from the present site of the Bowlarena and pick weeds and hoe in the family garden.

But life wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all work and no recreation. There was still time to play with friends and explore.

Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandparents arrived in North Battleford in 1909.

Details about Robert James Malletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and business dealings are sketchy, but we know he operated a dairy in partnership with a Mr. Headly. This partnership was dissolved and by 1920, Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfather was running a successful dairy enterprise at what is now 18th Avenue and 91st Street.

Likely the best descriptive phrase of a dairy farm operation is that it is labourintensive. That holds true even today, but running a

dairy farm in the 1920s and 1930s was truly an exhausting proposition. Perhaps the most demanding part of the operation was providing feed for 50 dairy cows. Cows had to be herded to pasture and then herded back. Hay had to be cut, forked onto hay wagons, transported to the farm site, forked into large hay stacks, forked again onto wagons, then forked to the barn loft and finally forked down through a door to the cattle below.

Green feed (oats) had to be cut, made into sheaves with a binder, stooked, forked onto wagons and transported to the farm site. The Mallets bought hay and raised oats on 70 acres of land just west of the Omar Hebert farm located northeast of the city, a three-

mile haul to the farm site. Of course, all of this hay and green feed resulted in prodigious amounts of manure, all of which had to be shovelled onto a stone boat and moved by horse to the manure dump.

The Mallets did not use tractors in their dairy operation, only horses. Considering that the dimensions of the Mallet dairy barn (built out of railway ties and concrete block) were 100 feet by 60 feet, that was a lot of manure to shovel. One can imagine farmers and hired hands were in superb physical condition in those days.

Feeding 50 dairy cows was a fundamental component of the dairy operation. So was providing water for 50 dairy cows. Fortunately, watering cows was considerably less

taxing because Mr. Mallet had invested in watering bowls. The well was in the middle of the block between 91st Street and 92nd Street.

Water was pumped into the barn by electric pump. Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandfather had also gone to great expense to invest to connecting to the North Battleford power grid with a line running from east of the ravine.

Water bowls were in place for every two cows. The cows were restrained by iron stanches hooked at the top which opened and swivelled with the top closing over the cowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neck â&#x20AC;&#x201C; hooked on chains at the top and bottom to allow swivelling. This allowed the cow to move its head up and down, and to lie down. The cow could push its nose into the water bowl in front to activate water flow.

Fifty cows were milked twice a day by hand, until 1939, when Delaval Milking Machines were added to the operation. It was necessary to bring in hired help for this.

The milk was not pasteurized (the Co-op began pasteurizing milk at its plant on Railway Avenue West in 1935) but it was cooled. Five-gallon cans of milk were transported to the cellar of the senior Malletâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house and poured into a large lever-operated copper holding tank. Jars were then filled, one by one, and capped by hand. The milk was left to cool until the following morning at which point it was transported upstairs and into the horse-drawn milk wagon ready for the daily run.

Continued on Page 18

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 18

Hanbidge on Horticulture

The little white house on the corner Continued from Page 17 The daily door-to-door milk run began early in the morning. The entire west city was covered street by street, an undertaking that usually finished before noon. Clients traded their empty containers for full jars. During the Great Depression, the Mallets were lucky to get paid in cash. Often, payment was a matter of trading milk for items, music lessons, doctors’ appointments, and the like. In a 1935 edition of the The Optimist, 11 quarts of milk were advertised for $1. Hard times also required that the dairy operation be scaled down so that the Mallets were milking fewer cows.

In 1935, Robert Mallet quit delivering milk door to door and sold directly to the Co-op Dairy at 1192 – 97th Street who in turn wholesaled it to grocery stores, and sold it directly from the plant. This move likely cut the labour requirements of the dairy operation by 35 per cent.

Disaster struck the Mallet dairy operation in the summer of 1943. During a yard cleanup, sparks from burning grass, propelled by a small whirlwind,

The allure of the palm tree

By Patricia Hanbidge

were carried to the hay on the roof of the barn, igniting it. The fire quickly spread to the straw insulation and the rest of the barn. The loss of the barn meant that the cows had to be put out to pasture for the entire summer, and milked outside. A temporary barn had to be hauled in for the winter.

Robert senior sold his dairy farm to Henry Volk in 1945, after which it exchanged hands a number of times. By the mid 1950s, the cows had been sold, the buildings dismantled and the enterprise ceased to exist. By the early 1960s, all traces of the dairy farm had disappeared as the boundaries of the city steadily pushed westward and northward.

All that remained was the little white house on the corner.

Bob inherited the little house from his father in 1955 and owned it until 1987 at which point he sold it for the princely sum of $24,000. It was subsequently sold again, and then again for $139,000.

A single mother and her young daughter currently occupy the house.

(Source - Bob Mallet)

The palm is never so appreciated as in the heart of winter here on the Prairies.

I think, in our minds, palm trees mean warm climates, wonderful oceans and lots of white beach sand. And I ask you what could possibly be more attractive when the temperature drops to -45 C. This year I had the great fortune to bring in 2015 on the west coast of Canada, and, yes, with palm trees.

There are several palms that are really quite tolerant to some cold and frost. One of the most popular palms I was admiring today is the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). It is tolerant of temperatures down to -12 C so is perfect for the area I am currently in. They are tolerant of a variety of light levels and require almost no maintenance. Consider this an option if you are fortunate to live in zone 8.

The Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis ) offer a bold statement in the garden and are popular in containers here on the west coast. It is extremely drought tolerant and needs to be planted in full sun. If the temperature drops below -10 C this palm will need some protection.

IZEN OF THE Y EA CIT R OR

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CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AND JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

BANQUET

So now you are excited we can grow palms in Canada, most of the palms are considered to be tropical and cannot grow in temperatures less than 15 C (59 F). The most famous, and romantic, palm ever is of course the coconut palm that can be found growing by the warmer seas right around the world. It soars above the surf to heights of 30 metres. To grow they need moist, well-drained fertile soil and lots of full sun. They are resistant to high winds and are even able to survive hurricanes. Traditionally they are used for their wood, oil and of course foliage to create thatch roofs.

Some of the other palms we see regularly in atriums and greenhouses are the Fishtail Palms (Caryota spp.).

They are actually tolerant of both lower humidity and lower light areas. These palms are found under the canopy in their natural locations. This

makes them perfect for our sunrooms or conservatories.

They are fast growers and enjoy being placed outside for the summer in shady locations. It seems to offset the long winter that our plants also endure.

Parlor or Butterfly Palms are also a nice choice for us as they are relatively inexpensive, and seem to do pretty well in our living areas.

In fact, if you are fortunate enough to have a bathroom with good exposure and enough space to house a small palm, you might be closer to emulating a tropical oasis for the palm. The extra humidity helps to keep them healthier.

For those of us dreaming of palms here in Saskatchewan, why not grow a few from seed. They are actually easy to grow but have a long gestation period so growing them helps increase our patience. Remove the fleshy

coverings and soak the seeds in tepid water overnight.

Discard any seeds that are still floating and plant those that have sunk to the bottom of the container. Use any seed starting mix and keep them warm to help hasten germination.

As far as care for your palms, it is really rather simple. Remove spent fronds to keep them looking tidy and ensure they are watered weekly. They do like a fertile soil and crave iron, magnesium, maganese and potassium so fertilizing occasionally with a product containing these nutrients is recommended.

— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at saskhort.com.

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PAGE 19 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Hot Sunset

Emerald Fire

Pick a peck of perfect peppers: AAS gives five new cultivars the green thumbs up

By Erl Svendsen Most years, I grow four or five pepper cultivars, a few hot and the rest sweet.

I have my tried-and-true, dependable standbys. But I like to try a few new introductions to add variety to my garden and, frankly, to have something no one else in the community garden has. I start by scanning seed catalogues through their “what’s new” section, usually in the front.

And I may try a few of those if their descriptions tweak my interest. But I have little idea how they’ll perform.

For unbiased evaluation of new varieties of bedding plants and vegetables, I look to All-America Selections.

This year, as luck would have it, AAS has given five new pepper cultivars of both persuasions the thumbs up [Note: For other 2015 and past winning introductions, check out AAS’ website – www.all-americaselections. org].

First up is Emerald Fire F1 jalapeno. It is at the low end of fiery at 2500 Scoville heat units (habanero and scotch bonnet are rated at 100,000 – 350,000). The fruit is extra large (3.5 inches long by 1.5 inches thick) with thick walls, ideal for roasting, stuffing, pickling or used in salsas. The fruit is resistant to cracking, even when allowed to ripen to red. The plant can reach over two feet in height and produce up to 25 to 30 peppers. Ready to harvest after 90 days.

Flaming Flare F1 fresno pepper is another mildly hot pepper (rated slightly higher on the Scoville heat scale), gaining in heat as it ripens.

The sweet, spicy flavour notes are an excellent addition to chili sauces. Fresno peppers are slightly longer (3.75 inches) and more tapered than jalapenos. Plants grow to over two feet tall and produce 15 or more peppers.

This is an early variety, ready for harvest after 75.

Hot Sunset F1 is a hot wax pepper, but mild in comparison to jalapeno or fresno types, rated at only

Pretty ‘N Sweet F1 650 Scoville heat units. The judges noted that the large (7.5 inch long), thick-walled fruit had exceptional flavour unlike some hot peppers that are all heat. Great fresh, pickled or roasted. The peppers ripen to red on two-foot tall plants; ready to harvest after 85 days.

One to the winning sweet peppers, Pretty N Sweet F1, is a prolific multipurpose cultivar, producing over 100 peppers on medium-sized plants (18 inches tall). As the season progresses, the multitudes of small, conical upright-held peppers will be in various states of ripeness,

ranging in colour from yellow to orange to fully ripe red. Is it an ornamental pepper or an edible pepper? It’s actually both, with a sweet delicate flavour. Great fresh in salads or added to stirfrys and other pepper dishes. Ready to harvest after 60 days.

Rounding out the winning five is Sweet Sunset F1 sweet banana pepper. Expect 15 – 20 large (7.5 inch long), tapered peppers per tall (two feet plus) but bushy plants.

Immature peppers are light yellow, ripening to a bright red. As with the other varieties, this one also had winning flavour. Ready to harvest

Sweet Sunset. Photos courtesy All-America Selections after 85 – 90 days.

These five peppers should be started indoors by midMarch and transplanted after all chance of frost is passed in late May/early June. They need full sun and moderate moisture. These sturdy plants do not require staking and will do well in the garden as well as in containers.

The AAS organization has trial gardens in Canada and the United States across many geographic and climatic regions. In addition to the network of trial sites, there are display gardens where home gardeners can view some of the recent AAS top

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 20

The little brick building: fifty years a shoemaker We do not know the bricklayer or where the bricks were made. We do not know how long it took to build or how much the building cost. We do know that it was a familiar sight for more than five decades, a place where no pair of shoes was marked with its owner’s name, but every pair and owner were remembered by the shoemaker. The smells of leather and polish were absorbed into the brick until 1979 when, nearing 80 years

Submitted Western Development Museum

Did the narrow brick building on North Battleford’s Railway Avenue seem like a castle to shoemaker Jake Marjan when he established his business there in 1932?

At the insistence of his parents, who saw no future for him in Yugoslavia, Marjan immigrated to Canada in 1926. Arriving in Halifax with $5 in his pocket, the 26year-old immediately found work and sent money home to reimburse his parents for the ticket to Canada. From there he worked his way across Canada, employed by lumber companies and the railroad, until he reached North Battleford. There he looked for work in the shoemaking trade he had learned in his homeland.

In 1931 he met and married Lottie Martin who had emigrated from Poland and whose family farmed in the area. In 1932 the young couple commissioned a small brick building to be built where Jake could establish his own business, a shoe shop he would run for the next 50 years. Marjan returned to Yugoslavia only once to share the news of his marriage and

old, Marjan retired.

Now the brick building is in its 80s and its bones are weakening. The ceiling, walls, floor and windows need attention. At this time the brick building is not open to the public because of these problems. Your purchase of a Great Escapes Vacation Lottery ticket from the WDM supports the preservation of this unique landmark, one of North Battleford’s early brick buildings.

www.newsoptimist.ca Don’t miss any of our online columns rom

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Jake Marjan he established his shoe making business in this brick building in 1932. Photo submitted new business in Canada. Before another decade passed, the Second World War raged and Marjan’s parents had died in concentration camps.

This small brick building

represents a Battlefords area story from beginning to end.

It reflects a Saskatchewan story of immigration and making good use of skills honed in a far-off land. The

dream the elder Marjans had for their son and the children he might have came true in Canada, in North Battleford.

Marjan did not keep the construction records in 1932.

Regular contributor to newsoptimist.ca

Cairns on Cinema

ohn Cairns News Watch

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net

Life

ocking Hearts Together

as I know it

By Josh Lockhart, MC, CCC, PHEc

By Colleen Crawford

lockinghearts@gmail.com

Economic performance strong in 2014

eighbourly Advice

askatchewan Skies

According to Ed

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

Staff As 2014 comes to an end, Saskatchewan’s economy will likely set records for population growth, jobs created, manufacturing sales and wholesale trade, according to a government press release.

“There were major forces at work in 2014 that impacted economies all over the world,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “In spite of those pressures, several economic indicators surpassed 2013 levels as a result of our diversified and resilient economy.”

Saskatchewan’s population hit a record 1,129,899 on October 1, 2014, up 1.63 per cent over October 2013, which is the second highest growth rate among the provinces.

The unemployment rate in the province remained low at 3.4 per cent

in November 2014. Saskatchewan has had the lowest unemployment rate among the provinces for 24 consecutive months. In the JanuaryNovember period, Regina had the lowest unemployment rate (3.4 per cent) among major Canadian cities, while Saskatoon had the second lowest rate (4.1 per cent).

Saskatchewan’s job growth remains positive, with November 2014 recording 15,300 new jobs held when compared to November 2013, an increase of 2.8 per cent - more than triple the national average. This was the trend for the year with the first 11 months of 2014 recording an increase in employment of 10,500 people in the province, up 1.9 per cent over the same time period in 2013. Saskatchewan had the second fastest rate of job growth among the provinces.

“Job growth continued to be strong

in 2014,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said.

“We made significant investment into Adult Basic Education programming as well as training and apprenticeships to ensure our work force remains strong.”

Manufacturing sales totalled a record $14.0 billion in the first 10 months of 2014, a 5.9 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Wholesale trade totals for the first 10 months of 2014 were a record $21.6 billion, up by 4.0 per cent over the first 10 months of 2013.

“Looking back at 2014, it was a fairly good year for Saskatchewan,” Boyd said. “As for 2015, forecasters predict the price of oil and our economy will bounce back – and we’ll return as one of the top economic performing provinces in Canada.”

By James Edgar

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca

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PAGE 21 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

The eyes have it

LIFE

PUZZLE NO. 709

26.King toppers 27.Short play 28.“For ____ Eyes Only” 29.At another place 30.Fruit drinks 31.Chew on 35.Leak 38.Soil 40.Green lizard

as I know it

By Colleen Crawford They say the eyes are the window to the soul.

An adoring new parent gazes lovingly at their brand new baby. Two people newly in love reflect trust, hope, fear, anticipation and adoration.

Then disappointment, hurt, disinterest, disillusionment, indifference may seep in, as that love goes awry. Within friendships, we sense interest, encouragement, support and all that friendship will endure.

We look into the eyes of our furry friends, their body language and all that is spoken without uttering a word. Then there is the gift of looking into the eyes of a family member and seeing the reflection of a person you lost years ago.

There is so much that is spoken and heard when you look into a person’s eyes. When I think of the relationships within my life that have flourished and those I lost, I remember the eye contact. I can feel the wordless communication that spoke louder than the loudest shouting match or the quietness of knowing another person cared, without a word being spoken.

In almost every case (when it came to matters of the heart), I can recall their eyes told the story before the words came.

When I was madly in love, I remember when that emotion was reflected back to me. When I saw and appreciated the person for who they were, I saw their appreciation reflected back to me. When and how does the hurting begin? Was there a time when I misread his eyes?

When I thought I saw something that wasn’t there? When he looked back into mine, did he see my hurt reflected back to him?

My youngest son has Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

SASKFACT In 1941, the western red lily was chosen as the ofÀcial Áower of Saskatchewan. This lily grows in moist meadows and semiwooded areas.

– Tourism Saskatchewan

often wondered aloud why animals can’t speak to us.

It made me reflect on the ease with which a person can lavish attention and love on our beloved pets when it is often not in our nature to act so outwardly loving to our human companions. Our pets communicate pure and utter trust and love back towards us.

It is akin to the look of a young child, who will gaze into your eyes with purely unconditional love. They love the world and the world loves them back.

When I look back at the reflections I have seen in the eyes of those who have touched my life, I know when I see the best in a person that is what is usually reflected back to me.

When a person is talking to you, listen to what they are saying with their eyes.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this story and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca It’s easy. Just sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or Google.

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ACROSS 1. Picnic spot 5. Tablets 9. Bikini part 12.Bassoon’s cousin 13.Door sign 14.Lamp fuel 15.Duct 16.Traitor 18.Stairs 20.Corn piece 21.Relax 24.Prima donnas 28.Craving 32.Scratch 33.Not young 34.____ Canyon 36.Flowered necklace

37.Exploited 39.Most frightening 41.Pine substance 43.Sprig 44.Yak 46.Hockey disks 50.Most delicious 55.Elaborate solo 56.Tick off 57.Superior, e.g.

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Tuesday, January 13, 2015 - PAGE 22

The great need of living water for the soul Conflicts in other parts of the world have driven multitudes from their homes into crowded and vermin ridden refugee camps. We see these tragedies played out in the news. Makeshift shelters, overcrowded and unsanitary, filled with worried, fearful people. One of their greatest needs is a continuing supply of clean water.

We live on a watery planet.

Nearly three-quarters of the earth is covered with it. Yet in a given location, drinkable water may be in short supply.

Stagnant, stinking pools there may be, brackish water, fetid swamps, foul pool polluted by human or animal waste, or poisoned by industrial chemicals, all will be consumed at great peril.

Fresh, clean water — the Bible has a term for it, used a number of times. It’s called “living water.” The phrase suggests both movement and superior quality. Living water comes from flowing streams and spring-fed pools (also called “running water,” Gen. 26:19) It is fresh and sparkling, refreshing and life sustaining. And since it is flowing, there is also the promise of continuance and abundance, providing all the water that anyone could need.

whom those believing in Him would receive.” (Jn. 7:38-39) John Willard Peterson (1921-2006) was a prolific hymn writer. Not only books of songs but choral works came from his pen. Published over sixty years ago, his gospel song Springs of Living Water celebrates the revitalizing work of God in the soul. It echoes the words

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise Bible Studies.com When the prophet Zechariah speaks of the second coming of Christ (Zech. 14:34), he describes a dramatic change in the topography of the land: “In that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur.” (vs. 8) Several times the Bible uses our phrase as poetic imagery. In the Song of Solomon, the bridegroom speaks of his beloved as “a well of living waters.” (S.S. 4:15) And in Jeremiah the Lord uses the phrase of Himself, saying, “My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jer. 2:13) Many in Israel had turned

away from the living Lord to go after false gods. They had forsaken the One who is the source of life, and embraced lifeless idols.

In the Gospel of John, the other side of this spiritual coin is presented. The work of the Spirit of God in bringing new life and salvation to the soul is described to a Samaritan woman by the Lord Jesus: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water....The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (Jn. 4:10, 14) Later, the Lord declared, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” And John comments, “This He spoke concerning the Spirit,

of Christ to the woman of Samaria, that He could give her “living water,” and she would “never thirst.”

The song says, “I thirsted in the barren land of sin and shame, / And nothing satisfying there I found; / But to the blessed cross of Christ one day I came, / Where springs of living water did abound. / Drinking at the springs of living water, / Happy now

and I, my soul they satisfy; / Drinking at the springs of living water, / O wonderful and bountiful supply.”

In the words of Christ, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

(Jn. 10:10) Those who put their faith in Him are reborn and renewed by the Spirit, who comes like refreshing waters to the soul.

‘Look, the water is moving’ Just days after Christmas, I took my final ferry trip of the year. After several days on a most pleasant business trip, I was heading home.

In view of having a totally relaxing experience I’d chosen to take the bus; not only was it less expensive, it was less stressful than driving up British Columbia’s winding Sunshine Coast. The water was flat and I looked forward to a non-eventful 50-minute sailing. After exiting the bus, I hurried up to the passenger deck, grabbed a cup of tea in the café and then seated myself next to a portside window. Shortly afterwards I heard the engines kick in and with a shudder the ship began to back out of the dock. There was nothing extraordinary

about it; in fact, it couldn’t have been more ordinary.

That’s when I heard the delightful voice of an excited little boy, “Daddy, look!” he called, “Look, the water’s moving.”

I instinctively looked out to confirm what I already knew: although it was the ship that was in motion, to an inexperienced eye, it seemed as if the water was doing the propelling instead of the vessel’s engines. It definitely

was a matter of perception.

Life can be much like that, a matter of perception. Viewing the chaos of world conditions and the all-too-frequent questions that living can bring, emotions can be mixed. What’s behind my current situation?

Who’s in charge of these circumstances? Is it the boat or the water that’s moving all around me?

“The floods have lifted up, O Lord, The floods have lifted up their waves,” wrote one of the psalmists but then, in a declaration of praise he continued. “The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea!”

Come ship or sea, He reigns!

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice.

Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

TERRITORIAL DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay nd

1372 102 St 306-445-3009

Notre Dame (RC) Parish

ANGLICAN PARISH

Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m.

Sundays - 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SERVICES St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m.

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m.

OFFICE 306-445-3836

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK Rector: The Rev. Peter Norman

Hosanna Life Center 306-445-5079

Meeting at 1122 - 101st Street Pastors: Peter & Lydia Litchfield Members of Christian Ministers Association

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 1401 - 98th Street North Battleford, SK

Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

Community Baptist Church 1202 - 103 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-446-3077 PASTOR: RON BRAUN

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome Canadian National Baptist Convention

Pastor Dave Miller Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Phone 306-445-9096

Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Come Join Us Sunday’s At 11:00 am

306-445-5901 SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church

A warm welcome is extended to everyone!

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

306-445-4818 tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Living Water Ministry

Pastor Brian Arcand Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada Phone: 306-445-4338 Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 Service Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611 For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson

(YHU\RQH :HOFRPH www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

PAGE 23 - Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Cairns on Cinema

2014 Box Office Year in Review: Lots of nonsense, boring lineup

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Welcome to my annual look back at the winners and losers at the movies over the past year. Yes indeed, it is the Box Office Year in Review for 2014, a look back at the motion pictures that you, the audience, flocked to see.

What is most remarkable about last year has not been the overall box office story, but all the other nonsense that went on. I am talking, of course, about the massive cyberhacking of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. that brought that company literally to its knees.

The multitude of confidential information and emails that were leaked, many of them embarrassing, as well as the threats made against the release of The Interview were clearly the story of the year.

Of course, the whole saga of The Interview being pulled from cinemas, and then reinstated shortly after alongside a major digital release, was another major news item.

In the end, I am not convinced that whole mess made much of a difference to the overall big picture with Hollywood in 2014. As I said before, The Interview probably would have flopped on its own merits had these North Korean sympathizers left the movie alone and not raised heck about its portrayal of supreme leader Kim Jong-un.

Keep in mind Sony’s original plan was to release this movie in October, and anyone who knows the movie industry knows October is “dead season” at cinemas when the flops and other junk is released. Clearly, Sony did not have confidence in The Interview to begin with.

All the problems associated with that release would have made no difference at all in the grand scheme of things as far as which movies would have made it to the Top 10 for the year at the box office.

That is all I have to say about The Interview, Sony and that whole controversy.

Now, a look at the overall box office results.

The big line of bull we got from people about the box

office had to do with how digital technology, pirating and competition from video games, iPads and the like was to blame for the drop off in revenues at the cinemas in 2014.

I’m sorry, but this had nothing to do with it! It was a down year because the movies at the theatres were unoriginal. It was a boring lineup served up by Hollywood.

It’s as simple as that.

That’s the reason people stayed home to play video games and use their iPads and watch their big-screen TVs, because going to the movies just wasn’t worth it.

We had one retread after another all summer long. We had yet another Spider-Man movie, yet another X-Men and another Planet of the Apes. They brought back Godzilla from the ocean depths and then they served up yet another bad Transformers movie, and on and on. They even brought back Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and threw Megan Fox of Transformers fame into the cast, just for the heck of it.

In fact, if you look at the top movies for the year, it’s really telling that among the big hits were (a) The Lego Movie and (b) Guardians of the Galaxy. Why did these two do well? Maybe it was because these movies were new franchises, with new characters and fresh ideas, for a change.

Now, granted, not all the retreads were bad movies.

In fact, some of them were pretty good. In general, though, people were starved for original entertainment.

These two movies delivered in spades and the box office reflected it.

Overall the lineup of movies was, with few exceptions, not of the calibre where movie fans were inspired to jump up and down and say “wow, I want to see this movie.” That’s why, according to Rentrak Corp., movie-going revenue was down over 5.2 per cent for the year, to $10.35 billion.

During the summer months, the box office was down even more, something like 15 per cent.

And I am convinced the doldrums will continue.

Maybe 2015 will be better simply due to the numbers of major movies being released, but the only way the box office will really rebound is when we again see some compelling, buzz-worthy projects released, such as that Batman-Superman movie that has long been talked about. We need to see the kind of movie that will excite the masses the way Avatar did or The Dark Knight or The Avengers. Only then will you see people marching back to the theatres in droves.

Summing it up, 2014 was a lousy year, in all kinds of ways. The hacking at Sony really was the icing on the cake.

Now here is a look at the 2014 releases that finished in the Top Ten for the year, with domestic revenues as of Jan. 6, 2014. The numbers are courtesy the folks at Box Office Mojo.

Sneaking into number 10 is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Fox) with a domestic haul of $208,545,589.

At number 9 is the animated Big Hero 6, from Buena Vista, with a haul of $211,561,351 and counting.

Its Nov. 7 opening weekend drew $56,215,889.

Number 8, and also still counting, is The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

(Warner Bros.), which has hauled in $222,379,434.

Its Dec. 17 release made $54,724,334 on its opening weekend.

At no. 7 was X-Men: Days of Future Past (Fox) with a haul of $233,921,534.

Its opening in May drew $90,823,660.

Number 6 was Maleficent (Buena Vista), starring Angelina Jolie, with a haul of $241,410,378 Number 5 was T r a n s formers: Age of Extinction (Paramount), which made $245,439,076 after an opening weekend total in June of over $100 million.

At number 4, The LEGO Movie (Warner Bros.), with a haul of $257,760,692.

Most notable was that this was a February release that dominated the box office for the early portion of the year.

At number 3, Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Buena Vista), made $259,766,572. Also notable was the fact this movie was released in April, and therefore set records for the month when it was released. Its opening weekend topped out at $95,023,721, which was an April record.

Now, we come to the battle

for first place for the year.

Usually, this is the point in the column where I would declare a box office champion for 2014 with all the bells and whistles associated with it. But I am in no position to do that because, as of this week, the race is still too close to call.

As of Jan. 6, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (Lions Gate Films) had made a domestic box office total of $324,301,247. Its opening weekend in November totalled $121,897,634.

Not far ahead, at the moment, is Guardians of the Galaxy (Buena Vista), which is the current leader at $333,055,258. Its Aug. 1 opening weekend haul was $94,320,883.

The problem for Guardians of the Galaxy is that it has made about as much money as it is going to make.

Mockingjay Part I, meanwhile, is still in theatres and still making money. Last weekend alone, it took in over $7 million.

It should be another week or two before Mockingjay Part I passes Guardians of the Galaxy to become the Number One movie at the domestic box office for 2014.

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Here’s another thing to consider, that latest Hobbit movie, which currently sits at number 8 overall, is still in theatres and still making money. Last weekend it made $20 million alone. So it has an outside chance at eventually catching Mockingjay for the lead if it keeps on making money. At this point I would say it is a long shot.

The bottom line is, I cannot tell you with certainty which movie is the box office champion of 2014. From my vantage point, it looks like it will be Mockingjay Part I, but nothing is official yet.

That about does it for my look back at 2014 at the box office! What will 2015 bring?

Well, let’s see. Taking a quick look at the calendar, there’s going to be another Avengers movie, another Ted movie, another Magic Mike, another Terminator, another Alvin and the Chipmunks, another Mission Impossible, another Star Wars movie and of course, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part II. Yes, it looks like another year of the same old, same old at the cinemas in 2015.

Just like it was in 2014.

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