Regional News-Optimist July 6, 2023

Tanner Huber of the Unity Cardinals had a rare three-pitch inning in the top of the second, during a 11-1 Cardinal victory over the Mervin Flyers Junw 29. The North Battleford Beavers host the Cardinals tonight, July 6, in the final regular season game of the NSRBL. |

Fish free this weekend

Submitted

Celebrate Saskatchewan’s abundant fishing opportunities by casting a line during the annual summer Free Fishing Weekend, July 8-9.

This weekend provides residents and visitors the opportunity to fish on all Saskatchewan’s public waters open to sport fishing without a licence. Angling limits and all other sport fishing laws are in effect, all of which can be found in the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide. If anglers wish to take fish out of Saskatchewan, they must purchase a license. Free Fishing Weekend does not apply in national park.

For more than 30 years, Free Fishing Weekend has encouraged participation in sport fishing and increased public awareness about angling opportunities in the province.

3 pitch inning!

Rare as an 8-ender in curling

By Helena Long Freelance Reporter

Tanner Huber, pitching for the Unity Senior Cardinals, had a memorable game with a three-pitch inning – three pitches, three hits, three outs – in a regular season North Saskatchewan River Baseball League game in Unity June 29, against the Mervin Flyers.

In the top of the second, swinging at the first pitch thrown by Huber, Mervin’s Chris Blaquire hit to Unity’s second baseman Brandon Griffiths who threw to Skylar Mackie at first, for the first out.

Next up was Mike Little whose bat also connected with the first pitch. Mackie fielded the ball and threw to Huber –who had scampered to cover first base – for the second out.

Heavenly Singers

Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church hosted Praznyk with more than 50 parishioners attending, some travelling from as far away as Edmonton.

Pictured are Sally Mischuk and Stella Ewanchuk, who were among those who sang from the balcony. For more information and photos, see inside.

Photo courtesy Audrey

Trey Koch was up next and immediately hit a high ball, caught by fielder Hunter Sperle for the third out.

As Huber was leaving the pitcher’s mound, Unity catcher Braden Polreis came out to shake his hand in congratulations before both players headed for the dugout.

Mary Anne Gaetz, who has faithfully kept score for the Senior Cardinals and many minor baseball teams for over 50 years, could not recall ever before having witnessed a three-pitch inning, by any team.

The Cardinals won the game 11-1.

NSRBL playoffs begin next week, with brackets to be decided. The North Battleford Beavers host the Unity Cardinals tonight at 7:30 in the final game of the regular season.

wicker.

Photo by Helena Long

You’re going to lose access to local news on Facebook and Google.

Dear readers,

Your access to local, provincial and national news is going to be revoked on Google, Facebook and Instagram.

And it’s not because of anything we’ve done.

Recently, Canada passed the Online News Act, also known as Bill C-18, which has led to a standoff between the government, Google and Meta — the parent company behind Facebook and Instagram.

Both Google and Meta have said they plan to cut ties with the news industry in Canada as a result.

This means Meta will block the posting and sharing of our news articles on Facebook and Instagram. Google will also remove links to our sites and articles in Google News, Discover and search results. They’ll also cancel significant content licensing agreements already in place with our parent company, Glacier Media.

Undoubtedly, this will have a huge impact not solely on us but, more importantly, on people like yourself who may use these platforms to discover what’s happening in your community and to get context to events happening in your own backyard.

We’re not planning on going anywhere, but here’s how you can help:

1. Sign up for our free daily newsletter by scanning the QR code. (And encourage your family and friends to do the same.)

2. Follow us on Twitter.

3 . Bookmark our website as the homepage on your devices.

4. If you own/operate a local business, consider supporting local by placing ads with 100% Canadian-owned media outlets, like us.

With your help, more people will be able to get their local news from a trusted source. In today’s age of misinformation, that’s more important than ever.

Thank you. We appreciate you.

Sincerely,

The Battlefords News–Optimist team

Aulinger honoured with Lifetime Member award

Contract awarded for city chambers renos

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

North Battleford council has awarded the contract for the permanent renovation of the new permanent city council chambers at Don Ross Centre.

LV Schell Construction has been awarded the contract for the permanent Council Chambers renovation project up to and in amount of $300,000 plus PST of $16,981.

According to a city memo, the proposed design for the new council chambers had been developed by administration and by North Node Architecture, Inc. who had been awarded the design work last year. Only one local contractor pre-qualified and submit-

ted interest in the project, that being LV Schell.

Council had already moved council meetings to Room 107 of Don Ross Centre as of April, 2022. Room 107 previously served as a general meeting room, and was upgraded to accommodate council meetings in that space. However, it wasn’t a full renovation into a council chamber.

Previously, council staged their meetings either virtually on Zoom, or at the Chapel Gallery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings had been held in the former council chambers on the upper floor at City Hall until the pandemic outbreak in March, 2020.

The plan is for LV

Schell to complete renovations on the new Don Ross council chamber in fall 2023, and for meetings to relocate back to its old City Hall council chamber location for about three months during that time while construction is underway at Room 107.

While the tender award was approved by council last week, it was not unanimous. Councillor Bill Ironstand announced he would be voting against, saying “we are doing adequate business with what we have.”

“This was one of our highest tax seasons on our community,” said Ironstand. “I understand that we did discuss this multiple times, but I will not be supporting this tonight.”

Twin Rivers Curling Club renews lease

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

The lease agreement between Twin Rivers Curling Club and the city of North Battleford has been renewed for another threeyear term.

By John Cairns SASKTODAY.ca

A major honour has been presented to North Battleford’s Gene Aulinger.

At North Battleford city council last week, Aulinger was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan Band Association. It is the organization’s highest honour.

Aulinger has been a long time volunteer in leading the North Battleford City Kinsmen Band and other musical activities in the community. He received the award from Amy Xhao, board member with the association.

“Gene, you’ve quite

literally done it all, from teaching band students, conducting bands including the North Battleford Kinsmen Community Band, adjudicating festivals, co-ordinating honour bands, arranging and teaching start up clinics for beginners, working out and co-ordinating summer band camps, mentoring interns, giving private lessons, performing in ensembles yourself and much, much more.”

She said that a letter of nomination for Aulinger came from Jason Caslor, one of his former students who is now director of bands for Arizona State University.

“While the music was obviously important to

him, the students in the band were more important. He cared about each and every member of the group,” Caslor stated in that letter.

“He understood that for so many students being in the band was about so much more than music. The band room was a safe place where everyone was welcome regardless of whether they played an instrument… I know for a fact that I w ould not be doing what I’m doing today if not for Mr. A.”

Mayor David Gillan congratulated Aulinger.

“Thank you for all your service in our great community over the years,” he said.

The term runs retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023 and runs to Dec. 31, 2025. Under the deal, Twin Rivers pays an annual lease fee of $1 a year for Northland Power Curling Centre.

Twin Rivers Curling Club has had financial issues over the years while operating at Northland Power Curling Centre, with their major challenge being the costs associated with operating the venue during the six months after the curling season is over.

Councillor Len Taylor told council last week that the curling club’s volunteers were “committed to increasing the revenues of the curling rink that go beyond six months of curling and fees attached to it.”

He pointed to events such as the recent Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations annual meeting held at the North-

lands Power Curling Centre facility, which attracted Indigenous leaders from across the province. Taylor also said the club hosted a steak and lobster night.

“According to Doug (Fehr of Twin Rivers Curling Club), it was a huge success this year … They generated more than $12,000 in profit,” said Taylor. “So they’re doing all they can to find ways to ensure that the club is able to cover costs when there’s not curling in the rink.”

However, Councillor Bill Ironstand raised concerns he heard from the community about the city’s subsidizing of the facility.

He pointed to comments such as “‘What are we subsidizing the curling rink for?’ ‘Why don’t they increase costs to their membership’? … This is beyond a couple of times a week, people talk to me about that one.”

In response, Taylor said the curling club would be happy to open its books to any member of the public. Taylor added the curling club is not being subsidized by the city.

“The curling is 100

per cent paid for by curlers in the building. The city provides some maintenance services in the building. And then there are six months of the year when the curling club tries to manage a large, empty building on behalf of the city, and it’s during those challenging times that require some additional support from the community. The curling club subsidizes the building, not the other way around.”

Fehr, who spoke at the meeting, added “we are paying about $3,000 to $5,000 per month in power costs in the months when we’re not actively curling.”

He said the club has looked at increasing fees, but pointed out there is a “break point” at which revenue gained from increases is negated by a loss of curlers.

“We are very cognizant of the fact that a high percentage of our curlers are seniors on fixed incomes, and we’re trying to keep curling affordable for groups that are disadvantaged, and for juniors to enter the sport,” Fehr said.

Seen here, is a photo of Dr. Jason Caslor, who grew up in North Battleford, his high school band teacher Gene Aulinger, and now international accompanist and performer Cole Knutson, formerly of North Battleford, at the Dekker Centre for a 2016 performance of the National Youth Band of Canada. | File

photo by Jayne Foster

Commentary

Food fraud in Canada is on the rise

By Sylvain Charlebois

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has recently released its annual report on food fraud in Canada, shedding light on a concerning trend. While this report often goes unnoticed, it is crucial for the federal agency to assess the authenticity of the food available in our country.

In its surveillance efforts, the CFIA focused on inspecting, sampling, and testing various food products, including fish, honey, meat, olive oil, other expensive oils, and spices. These targeted monitoring activities were carried out in diverse food establishments, encompassing importers, domestic processors, and retailers.

However, it is important to note that the report excludes the food service sector, despite its significant issues with food fraud.

In this year’s report, the CFIA collected and analyzed 844 samples specifically targeted to detect misleading representation. The analysis revealed the following percentages of satisfactory (non-fraudulent) samples:

Fish (92.7 percent, compared to 91.2 percent in the previous year)

Honey (77.5 percent, compared to 88.5 percent in the previous year)

Meat (99.1 percent, no results available from the previous year)

Olive oil (86.9 percent, compared to 87.8 percent in the previous year)

Other expensive oils (i.e. almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, mustard seed oil and sesame seed oil) (64.3 percent, compared to 66.2 percent in the previous year), and Spices (90.8 percent, compared to 92.1 percent in the previous year).

Consequently, when purchasing honey or oil in Canada, there is essentially a one in four chance of acquiring a fraudulent product.

Comparing the results for fish and olive oil with those from the previous year, we find that they remain largely unchanged, with a marginal improvement observed in the case of fish. The differences in results between years were approximately one percent. However, concerning honey, there has been an alarming decline of 11 percent in compliance rates. Additionally, the compliance rates for other expensive oils and spices have decreased by nearly two percent and over two percent, respectively, compared to the previous year. These trends are indeed troubling.

It is essential to acknowledge that the test results presented in this report do not represent overall compliance rates across the Canadian market. Rather, the sampling specifically targeted products with a higher risk of non-compliance. Consequently, the figures obtained may appear unusually high. Nevertheless, these results indicate the prevailing issue of food fraud, which seems to have worsened or, at the very least ...

In cases of non-compliance, the CFIA promptly implemented control and enforcement measures in accordance with the standardized regulatory response

process. These measures encompassed the removal, detention, destruction, or re-labelling of products within Canada.

However, it is worth noting that the annual report does not disclose the names of the brands or fraudulent products. For the sake of public awareness and protection, it would be beneficial to establish a public registry listing the offending companies once their offences have been verified and substantiated. This would not only hold these companies accountable but also recognize the honest agri-food businesses that diligently adhere to regulations.

Over the years, the CFIA has made significant strides in addressing food fraud. Initially, it developed food labelling tools to enhance consumers’ understanding of food labels and Canadian labelling requirements. Consumers with safety concerns, such as the presence of undeclared allergens or suspicions of false or misleading food labelling, can report these issues directly to the CFIA. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of this recourse.

Given the impact of the pandemic and the prevailing supply chain challenges, the anticipation of certain companies resorting to unethical practices is not unfounded. Consequently, the outcomes observed in this study come as little surprise. Implementing heightened surveillance and rigorous testing measures is imperative

to ensure enhanced adherence to ethical standards within supply chains, thereby safeguarding the interests of consumers.

On a positive note, the findings pertaining to meat products offer a considerable sense of reassurance. Considering the historical prevalence of significant food fraud scandals associated with meat, it is both unexpected and gratifying to witness such encouraging results.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agrifood analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. © Troy Media

Letters welcome

Letters to the editor are welcomed by the Regional Optimist. All letters, including those which are faxed or emailed, must be signed and bear the address and telephone number of the writer. The name of the writer will be published. Letters are subject to editing. Personal attacks will not be printed. Letters will be rejected if they contain libelous statements or are unsigned.

Gordon Brewerton Senior Group Publisher Administration

Kylie Cooke • Elisha Parkinson • DTI/Receptionist

Editorial

Jayne Foster Editor SASKTODAY.ca

Miguel Fenrich Reporter

Advertising Sales

Candace Mack-Horton Sales Manager Composition

Claude Paradis Prepress Manager

commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any Regional News-Optimist staff.

For Valour

By R.H. Wood North Battleford

As noted by the late Frank Oatway, farmer and historian, just north of Wilkie a memorial marks the site of the single teacher Carluke school closed in 1956. My wife and I are from the village in Scotland from which the original settlers brought the name. This jam manufacturing community on the edge of the fruit growing River Clyde valley has a most unique claim to fame. At one time it was the home of three brave men, holders of the Victoria Cross, the highest possible valour medal i.e. more than any other community in the U.K. by population.

WoodPile The

On 18th. October 1918, Sergeant Thomas Caldwell (1894-1969) of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, while fighting in Northern France ran one hundred yards across open land towards a cell of soldiers in a farmhouse. He captured seventeen. On 12th. June 1915, Lance Corporal William Angus crept across no man’s land to rescue Lieutenant Martin, his commanding officer who also came from Carluke. He suffered forty wounds reminding us of Robert Burn’s phrase “man’s inhumanity to man”. Both William and Lieutenant Martin survived their injuries – our village was so proud of them.

Lieutenant Donald Cameron (1916-1961), lived in the end house

called “Havelock”, on the same street as my wife. He rose to fame on 22nd. September 1943.

Four midget submarines had been towed from Scotland across the North Sea. One broke away while another had engine trouble and was captured. The other two captained by Donald Cameron and by Basil Godfrey Place (1921-1994), both of whom received the Victoria Cross, were piloted through a gap in a defense boom across a Norwegian fjord and managed to get underneath the German battleship Tirpitz lying at anchor. Amatol explosives were attached. While scuttling their submarines, two sailors drowned. The survivors were taken aboard the Tirpitz – one hour later a tremendous explosion so damaged the hull that the battleship saw no further active service. Executions did not follow as the Germans were so impressed by the bravery of their six captives, all of whom eventually returned to Britain. The 1955 film, “Above Us the Waves” starring John Mills described this daring exploit.

Amatol was produced by the Nobel Division of the Imperial Chemical company (I.C.I.). My uncle James spent his whole life in the development and manufacture of explosives with this company. He

Sask. Gen Z author hosting first-of-its-kind writing workshop

SASKTODAY.ca

Award-winning Gen Z journalist, author and poet, and owner of northwest Saskatchewan’s leading fiction publishing company, Supernova Press, Miguel Fenrich, will be hosting the first-of-itskind for youth, by youth workshop at the Words of Wonder Festival on Aug. 6 at Manitou Springs. The event will run for 3.5 hours from 1 p.m to 4:30 p.m.

The From Concept to Publication: Gen Z & Millennial Writers workshop is designed to teach emerging writers how to author a short story, poem, or piece of fiction during the course of three and a half hours. Topics of discussion include the myth of the muse in writing, how to utilize AI, writing an elevator pitch and more, which will leave guests with an in-depth understanding of how to

publish a short work to jump-start their creative career.

“It’s important to acknowledge that writers are the lifeblood of Saskatchewan and Canadian publishing companies. Editors, agents, publishers, bookstores, all exist because of the talents of millions of writers who make that a reality. There needs to be more resources for emerging writers,”

Miguel Fenrich said.

“A chance at an indepth, intimate workshop for emerging writers is few and far between. But all authors were emerging at some point, and the more support for them, the better writing we will have in the country.”

This workshop with Miguel Fenrich of Supernova Press, comes on the heels of a Saskbooks and Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild panel where Fenrich was able to speak about

the company’s authorfocused publishing model and the inclusion of several progressive plans for the press including the removal of submission guidelines, work to create accessible eBooks, and working with authors on a personal level.

“Supernova Press is and will always be dedicated to authentic communication with writers, this workshop just being one of those avenues for that communication,” Fenrich added.

Miguel A. Fenrich was born in 2002. He is an award winning homeschooled Canadian novelist, journalist and photographer. Born of German and Sudanese descent, he has a long standing passion for racial justice and equality. He is serving a term as a director for SaskBooks and the Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild, and writes and lives on a farm near Battleford.

saw no active war service as his work was deemed essential. My father-inlaw was in charge of explosives and munitions when he was in service –an incredibly dangerous deployment.

Alfred Nobel, the Swedish engineer who discovered dynamite, amassed an incredible fortune. Awards are still provided annually as he intended for the betterment and advancement of mankind – not its destruction.

The recent Titan submersible tragedy unearthed these wartime and midget submarine memories.

Left to right: Sergeant Caldwell; Lance Corporal Angus – blind left eye; Commander Cameron, his V.C. medal visible. Photographed in 1953 at a Queen’s Coronation Medal Ceremony.

Victoria Cross medal. Photos courtesy R.H. Wood

Everybody has a story Moirae Choquette: leading Lambrusco to the North American market

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

THE BATTLEFORDS

— Although Moirae Choquette wasn’t technically born in North Battleford, growing up there with her family from six-monthsold, going to a French immersion school and cutting grass so she could afford to spend the money on her obsession with clothes, she began working at Battleford’s only ice cream shop at the young age of 14.

“I remember my parents being like, ‘OK kid, go get a summer job.’ There was an ice cream shop on Main Street in Battleford, and I managed to convince them to give me a job at 14,” Choquette said to the News-Optimist/Sasktoday. ca.

And Choquette’s desire for her own money, and by extension, independence, led her to work many jobs throughout the Battlefords and area, including Marion’s pharmacy while her friends were out snowboarding, a restaurant operated by the family of her brother’s girlfriend, Ruckers and Boston Pizza, attracted solely by the promise of tips and extra money.

That is, until after graduation, when Choquette began to wonder what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

“I was kinda going to just coast for the summer. I still wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.”

But Choquette was dreaming of the big city lights of Edmonton, managing to nab a job as a French translator at the Canadian Medical Conference and moving to the capital of Alberta without any actual plans.

“I was like just following my intuition about it,” Choquette said, noting that despite moving around for a bit, Edmonton became her home base for 18 years.

Still, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her life.

After some minor guidance from her father, she decided to do something a little different and went to school to study geology. After studying at NAIT for two years, thinking she’d go to Calgary and have a desk in an office, Choquette found herself in Fort McMurray in a camp, wearing coveralls and steel toed boots.

Choquette said, “It was very interesting, while I loved the work and I loved the study of it, the lifestyle itself just wasn’t for me … I kinda felt like an imposter, to be honest. I never really felt comfortable in that environment or what I was doing.

In 2009 with the recession hitting, she found herself laid off though the company offered to return her as a contractor. This would have required her to get her own truck and start her own business.

“I was like, ‘Over my dead body am I owning a Ford-F150. That is absolutely not happening,’” she said.

“At the point I quit, and my dad [said], ‘You’re leaving a six-figure career?’’ And what did I do? I decided I was buying a one-way ticket to London.”

A passion for storytelling uncovered Choquette went to the UK intending to stay in a hostel for a week. She figured if she didn’t get a job within a week, she’d shop, enjoy a week in Europe, and come home.

“I ended up going over [and] the universe had my back. I met the right people at the right time. Within a week, I had a place and two jobs to support myself, and I ended up staying a year and a half.”

Ultimately, she’d uncovered her passion: marketing.

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“I was like ding, ding, ding, why has no one explained what marketing is to me?” she said.

Looking back, Choquette had always had a hunch that marketing was her passion, with several of her jobs before moving to London in marketing and communication.

“And largely, marketing is storytelling. It’s being able to tell the story of a product,” she said, noting that, ‘Do people want a product?’ and ‘What stories can you tell them to bring the product to life?’ are just a few questions she answers with her job.

“I use my creativity and always choose projects or products to market that I’m passionate about and do that very authentically.”

When returning from London, she moved to Calgary, enrolling in online University of Athabasca courses to delve further into the world of marketing.

“And that kinda set me up for a trajectory in a career path that felt a lot more comfortable and much more suited.”

But her first real foray into the scene began with a mentorship with the Canadian Diabetes Association before she’d finished school, where she was tasked was implementing red clothing donation bins in grocery store parking lots. And although the previous summer student implemented three, Choquette implemented 16 throughout Alberta.

“After that, it was just like lighting a fire. I had found my space. It felt authentic. It felt like I knew what I was doing,” and to her, it all comes down to building relationships.

And after taking a job with Post Media, followed by a job with Edmonton Economic Development, followed by some Alberta tech companies, she took a life-shifting trip to India.

Tomato Wheels: From marketer to entrepreneur

“It was such an eyeopening experience … that is such a magical place and space; I love every single moment of it,” she said, amazed by the privilege so many people in Canada get to live.

“Literally, I had a quarter-life crisis. It was a reverse culture shock. I kept hearing a mantra in my meditations, ‘build a global brand, feed the world,’” she said, noting that she was angry and resistant, not understanding the true meaning behind the words.

Finally, surrendering, she began taking baby steps that saw her spice company, Tomato Wheels, born. The company was

based on the idea of selling rehydrated pasta sauces before Choquette obtained a worldwide scholarship to cook with David Chang at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, Italy.

“When the pandemic hit and everything shut down, I was just … I’m going to do a hard pause,” she said as the spice company pivoted to kitchenware, teaching her about the global supply chain, logistics, sourcing, launching projects and e-commerce, various tools that she was unaware was setting her up for something much more significant.

“Things kept happening, and I wasn’t really forcing it,” she said. But at the end of the day, competition was extreme, and shipping costs were intense. Choquette was interested in selling wine, and as she’d travelled to Italy many times in her 20s, Lambrusco was top of her mind as it wasn’t easy to find here in Canada.

“There is a massive gap in North America for this product. Is this the gap I’m about to fill?” She said, noting that there are 23,000 red wind labels in Canada, with only 31 are Lambrusco.

“I said, ‘OK, if I can really broadcast it.’” The rest is arguably history.

But she didn’t want to import product, she wanted to create her own. Networking her way into talking with one of Canada’s top sommeliers, Brad Royale, the two of them managed to find a fourthgeneration, family-owned and operated vineyard in Emilia Romagna, Italy, operating since 1925.

“After six months, they ultimately agreed to produce Lambrusco exclusively for Tomato Wheels,” she said, describing the Zoom calls that fostered partnership and communi-

cation.

“They are so passionate, they are so knowledgeable. The quality and the level of care they take, [it’s] so cool to learn from that. And it was amazing to see what goes into making a wine … half of this stuff was just mind-blowing, the process and the care it takes.

“Now I have a whole new appreciation [for wine]. Vines have to be planted and grow for four years before they can even be appreciated. Every single person I’ve worked with is so passionate about what they do. Everyone is here for the right way. The sommelier, the vineyard, the artist.”

Finally, after months of work, Tomato Wheels launched Lambrusco in the Canadian market in October 2022, and in the last six months, the sparkling red wine has been making waves across Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Now, Choquette hopes

that Lambrusco becomes what Prosecco was 10 years ago, filling a gap in the market while she’s able to give back.

“This has been such a learning journey … success for me is how I leverage this business to give back. Success to me is how I can build these bigger programs through Tomato Wheels. As this becomes successful, how can I give back to ensure there is healing in the world?”

Success for the young, Indigenous female entrepreneur from North Battleford sees her continue the family legacy of entrepreneurial spirit, as her grandfather and, in many ways, her father did before her. And as Choquette stays in Airbnbs across the country, exploring the United States and Mexico as she travels with her Lambrusco, she aims to make sparkling wine the most exciting thing since sliced bread.

A bottle of Moirae Choquette’s Lambrusco, a wine that her company Tomato Wheels is bringing to market in North America. | Photos by Futurpreneur ©Pixel Pumas Pro

Raised in North Battleford., this young, Indigenous, female entrepreneur is leading the charge in bringing a new sparkling red wine to Canadians.

How to prepare for the 2023 golf season

Golf season is here!

Here are a few tips to make your transition back to the green as seamless as possible.

1. Strengthen your muscles. Develop a consistent workout routine to help you improve your performance and reduce the risk of injury. Look up golf-specific exercises and stretches to make the most of your time.

2. Practice your short game. Set up an area in your home, like your basement or garage, where you can work on putting and perfecting your golf swing. Your goal should be to practice at least half an hour a week.

3. Invest in a golf club fitting. Using custom-fit equipment for your golf game can significantly improve your experience. A professional can help you find the right clubs for your swing, body type and ability level.

4. Re-grip your golf clubs. Slick or worn grips can cause control and accuracy problems. Therefore, hiring a golf retailer or qualified club fitter to re-grip your worn-out clubs is an excellent idea.

It may also help to watch online videos, attend a golf training seminar or play a few casual rounds at your local golf course. You’ll improve your game and keep up with the latest rules.

5 things to consider when choosing golf shoes

A good pair of golf shoes can go a long way to improving your game and increasing comfort while walking long distances on the course. Here are five things to consider when choosing a new pair.

1. Material. Leather is the most popular material choice because it’s breathable, flexible and stylish. Many leather shoes also come with a waterproof lining. Gore-Tex has many of the same benefits as leather but comes with a higher price tag, which may be worth it if you often play in wet or cold conditions. Polyester shoes are ideal for occasional golfers

looking for value.

2. Style. Golf shoes range in style from Oxfords and sneakers to sandals and boots. The first thing to remember is that many golf courses have dress codes, so not all kinds may be suitable. Additionally, consider the golfing you do. For example, sneaker-style shoes may be great if you’re a casual golfer. If you often golf at business meetings, you may want to choose a more upscale style.

3. Spiked or spikeless. The decision between spiked or spikeless shoes

comes down to climate and landscape. For instance, if you play in wet environments or on hilly courses, the enhanced grip of spiked shoes is hard to beat. Spiked shoes can be heavy but provide excellent overall support. Spikeless, however, are lightweight and can be worn off the course.

4. Laces. Traditional laces are the most popular because you can easily exact the fit of your shoe. However, Velcro fastenings and mechanical fittings are gaining popularity for their ease of use.

5. Size. Golf shoes usually fit tighter than everyday shoes to keep your foot secure and close to the ground. You should have no pain or pressure when walking and have about three to five millimetres of toe space.

Golf

Canada Day in North Battleford

INNOVATION FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

DESIGNATED OFFICE FOR THE SERVICE OF ENFORCEMENT NOTICES

Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 4 of the Support Orders and Support Provisions (Banks and Authorized Foreign Banks) Regulations under The Bank Act (Canada), that Innovation Federal Credit Union has designated the following office, for all provinces and territories, for the purpose of service of enforcement notices:

UNION

Pop-up tents invitation to fun this summer

Submitted

Light of Christ Schools

There is no need to be bored this summer. Light of Christ has you covered.

Look for our blue popup tents in school playgrounds and come join our bilingual “Pages in the Park” summer reading

program from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pop in for the entire time or just part of the time from July 10 to Aug. 4: Mondays – St. Mary playground; Tuesdays – Holy Family playground; thursdays – Notre Dame playground; Fridays – EMBM playground.

Outside the Battlefords, camps will be held: Unity –

St. Peter’s playground (July 19 and Aug. 2); Spiritwood – Rivier playground (July 12 and 26).

The camps offer books, activities and snacks, all served up with a healthy serving of fun. Participants will take home a free book in English or French each time . Everyone is welcome.

For more local news, check out

Canada Day events were held in Centennial Park near the Natural Play Space, hosted by the City of North Battleford. The hot day was a perfect one to cool off in the spray park or play on the bouncy castle. There was a barbecue and entertainment by Keegan Isaac and The Accidental Gentlemen, not to mention Bubble Soccer, lawn checkers and other family activities. | Photos by Averil Hall / Freelance Photographer

WDM hosts Indigenous People’s Day Powwow

There was a good turnout to the WDM for the National Indigenous Peoples Day powwow, attested to by the overflowing parking lot full of cars and buses. Many children were bussed in from the various schools around the Battlefords. “It is so good to see all the children enjoying the powwow,” one spectator mentioned. After each category from Tiny Tots to Golden Age Adults, prize money was awarded. There were up to 10 drum groups drumming/singing for the dancers.

| Photos by Averil Hall /Freelance Photographer

Growth That Works For Everyone

Saskatchewan Receives AA Credit Rating

Saskatchewan currently has the highest credit rating from S&P Global Ratings among Canadian provinces. Our finances are strong and we can responsibly invest in the programs and services that matter to Saskatchewan people while also committing to further paying down debt. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca

306-893-2619

Art Notes

Club members have a chance to show off

By Brianne Hager Battlefords Art Club

During the Summer Sizzler art show and sale hosted by the Battlefords Art Club last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to showcase my art among a talented group of 13 other artists.

The event took place in the Chapel Gallery and was a chance for club members to show and sell their artwork. It was wonderful to see so many beautiful pieces showcasing different styles and mediums, such as alcohol ink, acrylic, mixed media, and watercolour.

Quilt Patch

Summer a chance to finish quilt projects?

Visitors had the chance to peruse artist bios and engage in discussions with the artists, delving deeper into their artistry and creative processes.

More than 15 beautiful pieces of artwork were generously donated by club members for giveaways. All individuals whose names were drawn have been notified of their winning piece of art; their names are also posted at the club. Overall, the show was a resounding success, and seeing so many members of the community come out to support the art club and local artists was truly uplifting.

By Corinne J. Nedelec Rivers’ Edge qaQuilt Guild

The last meeting of the Rivers’ Edge Quilt Guild before the summer break was held on May 5 and was attended by 22 women.

The May retreat held on May 17, 18 and 19th had everyone working on their own projects, playing strip poker and having fun.

The guild has donated some quilts to the Battlefords Union Hospital and they’re on display in the canteen. These would make a great gift and you’d be supporting the BUH at

the same time. A quilt was donated to the BUH ladies’ night that was held on Apr. 1.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a quilt show being held in Saskatoon on Oct.27 and 28 at Prairieland Exhibition Park. This is put on by the Saskatoon Quilt Guild every two years. There’s possibly a bus going on Oct.27.

Contact Barb Sealy or June Newsham for more info.

Many retreats have been held in the area and are well worth the trip, meeting new quilters, learning new things, getting ideas,

etc.

The yearend lunch was held on May 26 with over 20 ladies attending. I’m told the food was delicious, a roast beef meal with all the trimmings was provided by Warren’s Catering. The next meeting of the new year will be held on Sept.1 at 1 p.m., which is the first Friday of the month, at the Don Ross Center (center door). We received a $500 grant from SaskEnergy. Happy quilting, enjoy your summer and stay cool! Remember those UFOs, ladies!

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill, MLA for The Battlefords office@jeremycockrill.ca

Ryan Domotor, MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford domotor.mla@sasktel.net

Gordon Bland

Grace Gerein

Jean Dunn

John Bowyer. Photos submitted

“To quilt is human. To finish is divine.”

An unsewn legacy: The unseen Canadian women saving lives in Second World War

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

While the Second World War raged across Europe, killing more young soldiers and civilians than ever in the trenches and the skies, the beaches and the streets, in gas chambers and forced labour camps, some newspapers across Canada had people complaining about the clickety-clack of knitting needles.

That meant that women across the prairies were knitting in churches. They were knitting in Women’s Institutes. They were knitting at farmer auxiliary meetings. They were knitting absolutely everywhere. And all this making of baby blankets, socks, quilts, scarves, blankets, and more, was so that the women of the prairies could chip in and ‘do their bit’ for the war effort.

And yet, most of these women contributing to Canada’s shared legacy, who sat down every day in and around the countless duties of a house or farm wife at the end of the 1930s, did so in obscurity. Mostly unrecognized, these unsung heroes in the hundreds of thousands who did what they could to support millions of people wracked by war, lived out their lives in obscurity.

Until now. It is this idea of a legacy that draws people like Pam Robertson Rivet to help uncover the history of these women as they knitted, sewed, and quilted themselves into Canada’s history.

“I want to talk to you and introduce you to this concept of legacy ... So part of what I’m doing with these presentations is calling attention to the people who were involved,” said Rivet at her June 6 presentation in Battleford chronicling the project she hopes will help preserve the Second Word War quilts returned from overseas.

The Perseverance of Spirit

According to Rivet, a quilter and veteran herself, in the 1920s, Premier Bennett was presented with a request for $20 million in aid for unemployed people as Saskatchewan overcame the great depression. That was on top of facing another world war a mere 20 years after the first one. Adjusted for inflation, that $20 million dollars shakes out to $369 million in 2023.

“It just wasn’t possible, but that was what was necessary to sustain people who were unemployed at the time for 12 months.”

And it was like this across Saskatchewan. The province was struggling. In 1929, a newspaper story mentioned the relief

supplies being sent from Ontario to Saskatchewan. Amazingly, by the time the war started, Saskatchewan was sending tremendous amounts of relief supplies over to Britain in the form of socks, quilts, and various handmade goods.

“So in that very short time, all of a sudden, we pivoted and changed what we were doing and what the priorities were, and my goodness, things are going overseas.”

Eventually, the Canadian Red Cross began sending quilts overseas en masse, made out of anything people could get their hands on. Things ranging from old clothing to scraps of fabric., stuffed with long underwear or other forms of batting. Anything in an attempt to provide comfort to people facing the loss of their homes, belongings, or lives in Europe.

“So at the time, especially in World War Two, everything that was going overseas was co-ordinated through the Canadian Red Cross. Nobody else was allowed to send stuff,” Rivet said, noting that rebellious Canadian women made the quilt preservation effort possible at all.

It was normal to have labels on the quilts, that said, ‘Gift of the Canadian Red Cross.’ They were very clear telling the women making the quilts not to sign them or label them. But thankfully many women didn’t listen. One Albertan group signed their quilts with Alberta at the bottom and the top and Canada along the sides. Another knitting group in Moose Jaw had labels that said, Gift of the Canadian Red Cross - Moose Jaw branch.’

And it’s because of this subtle rebellion that women and their descendants were able to be recognized for this. Like in Marchant Grove, a former community near Shellbrook, Sask, where the head of the Canadian Red Cross Quilt Research Study Group, in England, was able to trace the quilt back to its original home near Canwood.

One woman ran hostels for bombed-out Londoners while their own home was being assessed or while people were recovering if they were injured. A group of quilters from Peace River, when unable to get to their Red Cross meeting because the Red Cross had to fulfill their quotas due to muddy roads, came into town on horseback.

“It’s remarkable the efforts that people went through ... we are just ordinary people finding ourselves in extraordinary times and the lengths that people go to answer the call, [it’s] just remarkable.”

The Power in a Name

But there is a specific type of quilt that was extremely popular in Saskatchewan during both wars, and those are the Canadian Red Cross signature quilts. quotes. These allowed a person’s signatures to be embroidered on the fabric for 10 or 25 cents.

A quilt made in Waskatenau raised $300 in 1917 in a community of 200 people. Once, the women’s patriotic society in Moncton raised $7,700 in the First World War. And with that, they made nearly 5,200 pairs of socks. Women’s signatures and donations were collected at every homemaker’s club or outside every meeting of the United Farmers of Alberta.

“And at the time, the Canadian Red Cross said if you can make $1,000 with a quilt, which is an extraordinary amount of money that will stand up a field hospital ... this is at a time when the average earning for a farm worker is about $30 a month in Alberta and Saskatchewan. So they were raising a lot of money.”

And a prime example of these quilts is in the story of Billy Bishop’s wife, Mrs. Margret Bishop.

She decided to use her husband, Billy Bishop, (on who the book and play are based) to collect signatures while he travelled recruiting pilots at the request of the government. Her signature quilt contained signatures from Winston and Clementine Churchill, Lucille Ball, Bing Crosby, Spencer Tracy, Hedy Lamarr, Rube Golderg, Walt Disney and more celebrities and public figures who were helping drum up support for the war effort.

By the end, they had collected over 1,100 signatures and raised over $12,000 (almost a quarter million in today’s money) in raffle tickets to win the

quilt.

Another story featuring quilts and Canadian women in the Second World War follows Ethel Rogers Mulvany who, while kept among 4,000 women in a prison designed for 400 in Singapore, worked with the other Canadians to create quilts while kept as prisoners of war with their husbands.

“And what she had told the women was embroider square, but make it meaningful, so that whoever sees square understands,” Rivet said, noting that women would embroider imagines of maple leaves, locks, or other images that proved their safety.

“The women in those prisons made three quilts. And the intention was they would send the quilts to the hospital side where all the husbands were with messages.”

The Connecting Power of a Good Quilt

“Part of the reason I’m doing this is to give voices to these people’s names ... remember the people, remember what they did,” Rivet said.

Overall, more than 10,000 chapters of Canadian women made almost

half a million quilts in just six years, with over 400,000 distributed by the Red Cross and 50,000 made in Saskatchewan alone.

The quilts were counted separately from other items of clothing of clothing, and in those six years, Canadian women made over 55 million articles of clothing including every sock, blanket, pair of boots or shoe, that were sent overseas.

“It’s just mind-boggling number, but it really shows the strength and resilience of people who have a common cause and who are willing to work together. And so the legacy of some of that is a bit muddy until we decide what it means for us today to have done all these things,” Rivet said.

“What does it mean for us to look at it and go, ‘you know, the war was a long time ago. It’s 80 years.’ 400,000 quilts and six years, whereas a charity today, typically, a good year at Quilts of Valor [a non-profit making quilts for veterans] was 1,500 quilts,” Rivet said, noting that a group making quilts for the survivors of resi-

dential schools did about 1,800 quilts in the first 18 or 20 months.

“How on earth do we even quantify 400,000 quilts?”

Now, only 60 of these signature Red Cross Quilts remain as Rivet works to tell their story as much as possible

Sue Reich, an American quilt historian who has written several books about signature quilts, also said that the Canadian Red Cross quilts are the most important quilts of the 1900s.

“Because there are 60 of them left that we’re bringing back to Canada so that people can study and look at them and enjoy them and celebrate the people who made them, instead of needing them locked up in some lady storage container over the house,” Rivet said, noting Reich’s comments from an interview with her.

“I think that’s absolutely incredible ... I think that’s about doing our best for our communities, being part of our communities and wanting to be part of something that’s a little bigger.”

Pam Robertson Rivet pictured with a Second World War quilt returned to Canada. | PhotoS by Miguel Fenrich

Despite rumours Battleford United Church is still open for business

to move from a building where they were bursting at the seams apparently. Yeah, to come here would have been boggling,” Johnson said.

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

BATTLEFORD — Despite circulating rumours that a chapter of the United Church in Saskatchewan was closing its doors for good following the COVID-19 pandemic, Battleford’s United Church, which celebrated its 98th birthday in June, is still very much alive.

“It’s kind of a rumour in the community that this church is closed and has been for a while, but it hasn’t. It is never closed

except for a space during COVID. And then we close for a month in the summer for vacation time. But we’ve heard from several people, ‘we thought you were closed,’ and we’re not,” Shelia Johnson, the board chair, told the NewsOptimist/SASKTODAY.ca

The rumour started after the church posted a for sale sign on their lawn. With directives from their regional council to shut down the church for a few months during the pandemic and a shrinking congregation, there

was originally discussion to sell the church and move to a smaller location, fuelling the rumours that the chapter was closing.

Addressing the rumours about the “for sale” sign, Johnson added, “... we thought we wanted to downsize because our congregation is smaller than this building requires ... But once we considered it, we thought, ‘Well, really, where are we going to go? Is it necessary that we should be homeless because we don’t need this building?’”

And though the church has called many buildings home throughout its 98-year life after Reverend Tyndale of Wilkie moved to the area to preach in June 1925, their current home on Fourth Avenue in Battleford was finished being built in June of 1984 almost entirely due to volunteers.

“It took, I think, almost two years to build, so it was a work in progress most of the time, and, of course, it required of major commitment from the congregation at that time, too,

“That’s one of the reasons why we talked ourselves out of selling it was because there’s still a few members that did a lot of work that are still alive and well, and are still a major part of this congregation, so it was going to break their hearts to sell it. So we didn’t ... in the end, we decided that we would just carry on in this large building until we reach an end.”

And Johnson hopes the end doesn’t come soon.

Following the unanimous vote to remain open and not sell the church, plans began to get the church’s name out there again in hopes of seeing more rentals for weddings, funerals, concerts or other local events.

“This church has amazing acoustics. We rent to various groups, including a choir that comes here weekly during their season. And we have another

congregation that joins us,” Johnson said, noting that they rent to the Korean Presbyterian congregation or their “wonderful” downstairs area for receptions or their kitchen that could see caters brought in.

“We don’t care what denomination they are, any denomination. It’s just like a community building.”

And though it’s easy for some, keeping the building maintained with an aging congregation as they try to expand their message can sometimes be difficult.

“It’s a lot of work for a few people to try and maintain the building ... so it’s a limited number of people who do the work that’s necessary. And we’ve accepted that we’re not going to do any major upgrades to the building in the time that we are here now,” she said.

“We’ll stay here as long as we possibly can. And when we have no more congregation, then we’ll discuss that big C word. But until then, we’re going to stay,” Johnson said.

“This church is open.”

Delmas Residential School walk set for July 28

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

The Little Pine Residential School Survivors Group is hosting its third annual walk to honour the ancestors, students and survivors of the Delmas (Thunderchild/St. Henri)

Residential School on July 28. The grassroots group of engaged volunteers, community leaders, and survivors are working to both honour their ancestors and inspire healing from the inter-generational impacts of the residential school system.

“We are working to honour our ancestors and take up leadership for healing from the inter-generational impacts of the Indian residential school system. Since the earth-shaking discovery of the 215 children buried at the Kamloops Indian Residential

School in 2021, we have hosted our annual Walk to Honour Indian Residential School Survivors for our healing and for the children that didn’t make it home,” the group said in a release.

On July 28, the event starts at 7 a.m. at Little Pine Hall with breakfast before starting the 37.2-kilome-

tre walk at 8:30 a.m. At roughly 4:30 p.m., the walk will be completed with a drum reception and a commemoration event at about 5 p.m. at the former site of the Delmas Indian Residential School.

Their team will provide wellness support for walkers, standard first aid and

mental health and a mobile hydration station. Supper and evening events will be at the hall in Delmas.

“We have grown to a hearty 100 people in attendance on average over the past two walks, and we expect to host even more supporters this July as our memorial builds momentum.”

Poundmaker Museum plans summer events

By Miguel Fenrich Staff Reporter

Miyawatama Culture Inc. and the Poundmaker Museum have announced a slate of summer events on Poundmaker First Nation, including the grand opening of a cultural lodge for various community events and this year’s upcoming festival,

National Indigenous Peoples Day saw the opening of the cultural lodge.

The month of July will bring local artists, both nationally and international to the community and the new culture site with the culmination of a festival

from July 18 to 21, and will include the Plains Indian Sign Language workshop, cultural teachings and lectures every afternoon.

“The Plains Indian Sign Language workshop is the only workshop of this nature taking place on Turtle Island and is an excellent medium for language retention and revitalization.”

Artists coming to the festival include Maori dancer Charles Koroneho, Innu poet Natasha Kanape Fontaine from Montreal, Polish Bengali dancer Sabina Sweta Sen, and the singer Iskwe.

“Our festival is open to all peoples as we believe

that Indigenous performance is an artistic genre open to all people and not one limited by colonial Identities.”

The Poundmaker Museum is also a partner in these events and a venue for some as the museum led the efforts of the Exoneration of Chief Poundmaker in 2019, is a leading Indigenous museum in this country and is the only museum located in an Indigenous community in Saskatchewan.

For more information contact them at 306-3173097 or email miyawata. films@gmail.com.

Shelia Johnson, chair of the board (right) pictured outside the church doors with Donna Svenkeson, secretary. at right is the Battleford United Church. | Photos by Miguel Fenrich | Photos by Miguel Fenrich

Fire board recognizes long serving volunteers

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

MAIDSTONE —

Maidstone Waseca and District Fire Board chairman, Laurie Wakefield, presented years-of-service plaques to 11 members who have volunteered with fire and rescue for five years or more. Congratulations and gratitude are extended to all the department for your dedication and exemplary service to the community.

Maidstone RCMP treated the community to a free barbecue lunch at Memory

Lane in Maidstone on June 28. We have a terrific staff at the Maidstone detachment with six constables, two enhanced constables

(paid for by the RM of Britannia), one corporal and one sergeant plus office staff. We are currently short two constables. They cover the rural municipalities of Eldon, Paynton, Britannia and Wilton, villages of Waseca and Paynton, and towns of Maidstone, Lashburn and Marshall. Thank you to all of you.

Maidstone Museum is extremely grateful to Barry McConnell for donating a load of gravel for our front parking lot. Thank you to Jug for doing a great job spreading it. June 26 was the last day of school tours when Mrs. Kraft’s and Ms. Cox’s Grade 2 classrooms came to the museum. Mrs. Anderson had a wonderful visit with the students and

looks forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

Standard Hill Lakers played to a full house June 29, the evening they paid recognition to minor ball players. Oliver Wyatt of the 5U Lakers was drawn to throw out the first pitch. Standard Hill won the game against North Battleford Beavers 12-5, putting them at the top of the NSRBL with a 10-1 standing. Their last regular season game is Thursday, July 6 in Mervin at 6:30 p.m. Stay tuned for the playoff schedule.

Maidstone Lakers 11U and 1 U girls’ teams head to provincials in Saskatoon and North Battleford, respectively, on July 7 to 9. Good luck to both teams.

Maidstone Waseca and District Fire Board chairman, Laurie Wakefield, recently presented awards to: Murray Lundquist - 30 years, Calvin Nicholson - 30 years, Kelly McMillan - 15 years, Curtis Sutherland - 20 years, Brenna Giesbrecht 1- 0 years, Josh Wyatt - 10 years, Trevor McLaren - 15 years, Jesse Bowering - five years, Brent Olson - 10 years, Johnathan Schempp - five years and Tyler Fritzfour years. Missing is Mike Andruik, five years. | Photo courtesy Kathy Utri

Maidstone Pharmacy’s colouring contest entries beautified the store leading up to Canada Day. Winners were Ezra Vander Walt and Josie Gossner. Great job, everyone.

Maidstone Disc Golf results from June 30tleague night were: first (10 strokes under par) Jaxsen Rowlands, Matt Sayers, Bren-

dan Donovan; second (nine strokes under par)

Shawn Gratton, Jacquie Donovan, Justin Wiltermuth; third (eight strokes under par) Cody Garnham, Ryan Donovan, Morgan

Thomarat. Closest to pin on Holes 7, 9 and 16 were all won by Ryan Donovan.

A big thank you to NextGen Automation for donat-

ing some of the prizes. Grace Community Church is excited to host Agape summer kids’ club July 24 to 28. Children will enjoy an exciting week of adventure with crafts, games, stories, snacks and much more. Please preregister with Melanie at 306-716-6682 (call or text).

Continued on Page 15

Alexas Blom

Justin Moore

Allison Wawryk

Reese Cherwinski

Carter Burton

Roberta Falconer

Daylon LaFreniere

Summer Dewart

Hunter Reid

Toni Hall

More M’stone

Continued from Page 14

Maidstone Guiding 2023-24 registration is open for Sparks (age 5-6), Embers (7-8), Guides (911), Pathfinders (12-14) and Rangers (15-17). Visit www.girlguides.ca to sign up for a year of fun.

Reminder: Maidstone Farmer’s Market starts this Friday, July 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Silver Lake and continues until the end of August.

Editor’s note: This is Kathy Utri’s report from June 29. In the process of layout it became scrambled. In with her previous week’s column that was left out in error. Newspaper gremlins are a gift that keep on giving. We apologize for the mix up.

Synergy Credit Union held a member appreciation barbecue at the Maidstone branch June 15 with staff cooking and serving guests. Synergy mascot, Fat Cat, was on hand to cavort and visit with the kids and young-at-heart. Besides providing lunch to a large crowd from our community, Synergy fed the entire elementary school a burger/hot dog, chips, drink and cookie. Several Grade 11 students helped, resulting in branch manager Jodi Zerr and member service representative Candace Martin presenting a $500 cheque to the Maidstone 2024 grad class. Thank you, Synergy, for all you do for our community.

June 24 was a beautiful day for a wedding when Jason and Rachel Tuplin exchanged vows at St. Faith’s Church on the Maidstone Museum grounds. We wish the newlyweds and their children a lifetime of happiness.

Congratulations to Dave Speirs on being awarded the Merit Award from Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association for his many years of service in school athletics.

Maidstone High School athletes excelled under his guidance and we are grateful for Mr. Speirs’ superb dedication to sports.

Congratulations also to Gordon Laybourne on winning the RCMP bicycle award for volunteering in our community. As a volunteer myself, I’m heartened when young people reach out to lend a hand to others. Constable Emily Kessler presented the Nakamura mountain bike to Gordon on June 23 at Maidstone High School.

Maidstone pre-kindergartens held their graduation ceremony June 20 at Maidstone High School gymnasium. Pictures of the grads were taken with their families, the class performed two pieces, certificates were presented and a video was enjoyed by the crowd. Thank you to Ms. Whiting, Mrs. Stonehouse and Mrs. Rhinehart for an educational year. The children are excited to be going to kindergarten in September.

Ratushniak Elementary School thoroughly enjoyed a day at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford June 21, the day to recognize and celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Metis across Canada. The National Indigenous People’s Day traditional powwow was a wonderful experience for all who attended.

Maidstone Museum welcomed Mrs. Bedford’s Grade 1 and 2 class from Lashburn June 22. The group participated in River Bend School and General Store activities, played old-

time outdoor games and ended with a wiener roast lunch.

Maidstone Bowling Alley’s fundraising doubles tournament was held June 25. Six teams competed, raising $240. Prizes were awarded as follows: high score 642 – Ryan Donovan/Matt Sayers, low score 379 – Jack Donald/Noah Schempp, oldest bowler –Denise Newton, youngest bowler – Parker Schempp, hidden score 169 – Denise Newton (Pat Armstrong 164).

Maidstone Museum looks forward to seeing lots of visitors on Canada Day. Girl Guides will have kids’ activities including a foam machine in the museum front yard after the opening ceremonies until 3 p.m. (Bring a towel and perhaps a change of clothes.) The library will have a kids’ activity in the play area next to the ice house and in the afternoon the museum will have kids’ races and straw scramble in the courtyard. The concession will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with burgers, hot dogs, drinks and ice cream. Enjoy live and recorded music, blacksmith demos and a threshing demo (pending), as well as a stroll around the village. Book a tour for another day throughout the summer. Be sure you have raffle tickets in support of the museum –prize draws will take place in the afternoon.

The Canada Day poster is up and it’s going to be another fantastic event in Maidstone. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall at 8 a.m. The parade takes off at 1 a.m. Other activities during the day include children’s activities, slo-pitch tournament, a beverage garden, horseshoes doubles tournament and activities

at the museum grounds. A couple of events not on the poster include slow tractor show and races – the lineup starts by the ball diamonds after the parade and races start around noon or later (when everyone is ready to go). Categories are under 2 mph, 2 mph and over, and lawn/garden tractors. Details of the Flatlands Kennels dog show were not finalized in time for my deadline but they’ll be coming to do a demo.

July 27, 28

Jackie Wright will have her pie shack open again and, believe me, her homemade pies are to die for. It all wraps up with fireworks at 11 p.m. Maidstone Disc Golf will not have an activity on July 1. Instead, for this week only, league night will be on Friday (June 30) with team scramble cards, alternate basket locations on some holes, closest to pin contests and, once it’s dark, a glow round. Come

out and enjoy the preCanada Day celebration.

The U11 girls’ provincial team won the final 17-15 to take home the Cassidy Cup in the GPLS finals at Unity on the weekend.

The U13 boys’ ball team went undefeated and beat the hometown team, Muenster, 5-3 in the final. Way to play, boys!

Standard Hill Lakers won 6-2 against Unity June 20 and 7-1 against Meadow Lake June 22 to put them at the top of the NSRBL with an 8-1 standing. They played Lloydminster tonight (June 26) but the score wasn’t posted yet. At their game on Thursday, June 29 (hosting North Battleford at 6:30 p.m.), the Lakers will celebrate minor ball in our community. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided to all minor ball players and one lucky winner will be selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Maidstone Farmers Market will start up on Friday, July 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Silver Lake Regional Park and will go every Friday until the end of August.

Join McConnell for a plein air painting workshop

SASKTODAY.ca

Artist Grant McConnell is leading a plein air painting workshop hosted by River Valley Programming on July 27 and 28.

The inspiration for works created will be views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

McConnell will provide a brief demonstration prior to each session 27 par-

ticipants can meet at the Chapel Gallery Patio. The July 28 session will be at the Poundmaker Trail traffic pullout. Attendance is free, and organizers say space is limited. Registration must be received by July 21. To register phone 306-445-1750, email galleriesofnb@ cityofnb.ca, or go online at www.cityofnb.ca>Parks and Recreation>Bookings and Registrations. Materials are not provided.

RCMP members on grilling duty at a barbecue hosted in Memory Lane are Cst. Noah Devine, Cst. Kelan Henderson and Sgt. Jolyne Harrison. | Photo courtesy Kathy Utri

Maidstone celebrates Canada Day with panache

By Kathy Utri Correspondent

Canada Day 2023 was celebrated in style in Maidstone. The day started off with a delicious pancake breakfast served up by the bowling alley in the Legion hall.

At 10 a.m., parade marshal Bill Foster sent the parade off around town with people lined up all along the route. There were more than 30 entries including fire engines, bicycles, scooters, old-time vehicles and, of course, floats. Winners for the floats were: first - AG Foods, second - Waseca, third - Kin Club Maidstone. Bicycle/ scooter winners were: first - Ben Henderson, second - Jacob Campbell, third - the scooter trio of Judy Rhinehart, Joyce Orange and Irene Olson. Thank you to judges, Cindy Hogan, Christine Carlson and Betty Dekker.

Slow tractor races organized by Richard Meynberg took place on the road by the ball diamonds around noon and were again a big hit.

Eleven tractors entered:

Bill McLaren won 2 mph and over, Al Schmidt won

under 2 mph and Richard Meynberg won lawn tractors by default. Albert Duhaime won the barrel race which consisted of a tractor pushing a barrel 100 feet with the front wheels.

Next year Edgerton’s races won’t be on the July 1 so we’ll have more tractor entries. After the tractor races, Vince Gerlinsky hitched up his wagon to his tractor and provided rides through Delfrari-Victoria Park for everyone.

Five teams played ball throughout the day. With many people away for the long weekend, both slo-pitch and horseshoes were just for fun with no declared winners.

Joshua Langill ran the kids’ scavenger hunt in the park with prizes donated by local businesses for everybody. Five bigger prizes were given for finding a specified object.

Kin Club of Maidstone had the beer gardens going from noon till late night. It was a sweltering hot day so this tent proved to be a popular spot for visiting and trying to cool off On your way through the park, you had to stop at Jackie’s Pie shack to grab a slice of pie (al a mode if desired). There were asbolutely so

many varieties.

Maidstone Museum was a hub of activity throughout the day. Girl Guides had a variety of children’s games set up in the museum’s front yard with the foam machine being a messy but popular activity. People strolled around the museum’s old-time village, grabbing a bite to eat and a cold drink from the concession, listening to the Yellowhead Ramblers (Jean McPherson, Alan Hinde, Rodney Ferguson and Bill McGilvery) play a variety of tunes, taking in Greg Rigden’s intriguing demonstrations in the blacksmith shop, and vis-

iting with Lorna Foster of Lakeland Library Maidstone branch in the children’s play area.

Megan Young and the 13U girls provincial ball team co-ordinated children’s races in the museum courtyard. Different age groups participated in potato sack, egg (golf ball)/ spoon and sprint competitions, with everyone running a great race.

The threshing team fired up their engines (Vince Gerlinsky and Aaron Paton on the tractor, Alan Hinde as site manager, Les Graham with Ben and Jack Foster pitching sheaves, and Bill

McGilvery as site safety overseer), creating a huge pile of straw which led into the children’s straw stack scramble. With lots of candy and coins scattered in the straw by museum volunteers, the kids zestfully searched through it for treasures.

The museum’s afternoon ended with raffle draws. Thanks to all who made this a sell-out. Winning the $500 Diamond 7 Meats certificates were Sherry Jurke and Kelly Nielsen; the YETI cooler was won by Colleen Rosenthal and the garden dump wagon winner was Helaynea Croke.

The weather turned cool and wet about 5 p.m. as a nasty storm developed. With a severe thunderstorm watch in place, it looked like the day might come to an end, but the system blew through, and we were fortunate to not get the tornado, hail, heavy rain and damaging winds others experienced around us. At 11 p.m. the night sky came alive with a brilliant fireworks display which brought Canada Day festivities to a fascinating finale. Thank you to the many volunteers who made this special day possible and to everyone for coming out.

H. Hardcastle School

Gage McDonald Lacy Pelchat

Ashlie Welin Allison Blanchette

Latendresse

Above, the scooter trio of Judy Rhinehart, Joyce Orange and Irene Olson. placed third in the parade’s bicycle/scooter category. Top right, Vince Gerlinsky hitched up his wagon to his tractor and provided rides through Delfrari-Victoria Park. Lower right, a threshing demonstration created a pile of straw for the children’s straw stack scramble. | Photos courtesy Kathy Utri

More than 50 attend Praznyk at Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

The following is submitted by Audrey Mustaler.

Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension of Our Lord hosting of Praznyk June 10 was a huge success. The weather was perfect, sunny with a nice breeze. More than 50 parishioners attended. Some travelling from as far away as Edmonton — Ed and Joanne Kells (Joanne grew up in Redfield), Vera Horn and Sylvia Rodrique (both daughters of Irene Polichuk, also raised near Whitkow.) and Boris Ewanchuk (who also grew up in Whitkow.)

From Saskatoon were Melanie Demyon and many members of Germaine Muzyka’s family. The day started with divine liturgy, then everyone enjoyed a potluck before heading to four local cemeteries — Kindrachuk, Glasslake, Demyon and the original site of the Whitkow Catholic Church.

Jim Tkatchuk, Audrey Mushtaler (nee Ewanchuk) and Ray Ewanchuk presented Father Ivan Nahachewsky with the flower of Ukraine, a sunflower, as a thank you for his many years of dedication to

Whitkow and the preservation of its Catholic church.

Sadly, the day had to come to an end, but Father Ivan continued his Whitkow visit with a peaceful kayak ride on Glass Lake.

“The bird life was excellent. I also had a 10-minute visit with an old beaver. Very friendly. Hovered around me within a five-metre radius,” he reported.

History The Whitkow Catholic hall has been closed for years, prone to break-ins, and if anyone got hurt- the eparchy would be liable. So, in late winter 2017, it was demolished. The tables and benches were salvaged to place in the back of the church for functions.

The church has also suffered many break-ins and vandalism, with the most recent being the disappearance of a precious statue of Jesus.

The church had been closed for 18 years, but with the hard work and determination of the local parishioners, re-opened six years ago. Since then, fundraising efforts resulted in the roof being re-shingled last fall, a job well done to Jesse and his crew from Thunderstorm Roofing in Saskatoon.

In addition to the annual

Praznyk, a one-year memorial for Walter Ewanchuk was held at the church, plus a photography group from Saskatoon felt the church would be a great place for their year-end trip.

It is hoped this will be known as a community church, with doors open to welcome everyone, no matter their faith, and that with continued restoration efforts this quaint, peaceful, little church in Whitkow will be around for many more years to come.

Mark June 8, 2024, on your calendar for next year’s Whitkow Praznyk. All faiths are welcome.

School

Father Ivan Nahachewsky at the site of the original Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Jim Tkatchuk, Audrey Mushtaler and Ray Ewanchuk presented Father Ivan Nahachewsky with a sunflower at the conclusion of Praznyk at Whitkow June 10.

The congregation at Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church during Praznyk June 10. | Photos courtesy Audrey Mushtaler

Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Ascension of Our Lord. Please turn to Page 18 for more photos.

Praznyk at Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church

Brody Wapass

Kristopher Armstrong Liam Kerr

Quincy Demencuik-Angus

Chantal Whelan Danica Garner Maryitta Minish

Jean Son Destini Lint Henry Meetoos

Keely Muyard

The cemetery tour June 10 included Demyon Cemetery.

A great gathering place to catch up with friends: Orest Demyon, Jim Tkatchuk, Boris and Ray Ewanchuk.

The old hall in Whitkow before it was demolished.

Thunderstorm Roofing, along with Ray Ewanchuk and Audrey Mushtaler. The firm completed reshingling of Whitkow Ukrainian Catholic Church last fall.

Participants in Praznyk visit Glass Lake Cemetery.

Kindrachuk Cemetery was also visited by Praznyk participants. Photos courtesy Audrey Mushtaler

BOLDT: September 2, 1930 –June 16, 2023 On September 2, 1930, Martha Freida Harder was the first child born to John and Elizabeth (Wall) Harder at Gilroy Sask. The drought of the 1930’s hit hard in Southern Saskatchewan and after much debate it was decided the family would move north where there was green grass and poplar trees. In August 1933 her parents, paternal grandparents and her aunt loaded all their possessions onto wagons driven by horses, the livestock followed with grandpa on a pony to watch for any stragglers. After a month they arrived in the Carrollton School district to start their new homestead. Martha attended the Carrollton school for 10 years and finished her two remaining years at Hepburn High. It was during this time her parents moved to the Avery school district upgrading from a log house to a spacious 2 storey home. In 1950 Martha began to go to choir practice with her neighbour’s son, Werner Boldt. It was during those horse and buggy rides that a budding romance started and on October 15th, 1950, they were married. Life was not easy, but they were young, in love and ambitious and the future did not frighten them. With the Lord’s blessings the horse and buggy years were replaced with machines, but still the cream cheques kept the economical wheels turning. In 1966 they were able to build a new barn and a neighbour sold them his milking machines. The dairy continued to flourish and with that in 1973 Martha was able to get the new house that had been a long-time dream of hers. As a young child Martha sang the chorus, “into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in today, come in to stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus. When she sang the chorus, she meant it and was baptized August 11, 1946. She joined the Glenbush M.B. Church and actively served on the Ladies Aid Committee, taught the Ladies Sunday school class and was the church pianist in her later years. Her faith was evident in the way she cared for others, always putting their needs above hers, calling family to keep in touch, never complaining and welcoming new spouses into the family and loving them as her own children. Martha was blessed to be able to live in her own home into her 90’s making meals, gardening, and looking after her two spoiled cats who thrived on having their potatoes heated up before having it served to them. On June 3, 2023, Martha had a stroke which hospitalized her, and she remained there until her passing. Mom will lovingly be remembered by her family Ray (Trudy) Boldt and their family: Jenelle (Scott) Lepp, Stephanie, Steven (Angie); Burt (Pauline) and their family Samantha, Cassandra, Dami-Anne (Cliff) Reiter, Dawn Schwartz fiancée (Jeff) McCallum, Ryan Schwartz, Amber (Paul) Funk, Barrie (Dian) and their family Chad, Dee Jay (Chris) Cobbe, Marcie (Greg) Hope; Leona (Don) Baerg and their family: Jenilee (Steve) Evans, Chris (Lierin) and 23 great grandchildren. Martha is survived by sister-in-law Hilda Harder, Madeline Harder, siblings: Betty Smith, Lorena (Larry) Kehler, Jake, Agnes (Lawrence) Olfert and many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by her husband Werner, son Dorie, sister Edith White, her brothers, Ben and Walter, sisters-in-law Nettie Harder and Lee Harder and brother-in-law Ross Smith. Martha will lovingly be remembered by her family and friends, she has been promoted to her heavenly home, the celebration she spoke of has come true. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday June 20, 2023 - 2:00pm. at the Medstead Community Hall with Pastor Keith Klippenstein officiating. Music ministry was provided by Marjorie Klassen and Kathy Covert. The Eulogy and Tributes were given by Don Baerg and Martha’s Granddaughter’s Stephanie Boldt and Jenelle Lepp. Pallbearers were Ray Boldt, Barrie Boldt, Steven Boldt, Don Baerg, Chris Baerg and Scott Lepp. Martha’s final resting place is beside her beloved husband Werner in the Glenbush Mennonite Brethren Cemetery. Donations may be made to Canadian Bible Society, 10 Carnforth Road, Toronto, ON M4A 2S4, donorenq@biblesociety.ca, in memory of Martha Boldt as tokens of remembrance. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

Rowswell: Amy Eleanor Rowswell (nee Stephens) passed away peacefully on June 26, 2023 at the Cut Knife Long Term Care Home in Cut Knife, SK. Amy was born on March 14, 1926 in her parents’ farm house south of Rockhaven, SK. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Sheila (Frank Pagnotta); daughter Diane (Torben Sorensen); granddaughters Chalotta (Calvin Coulombe), Erica (Martin Clausen) and their baby daughter Liva, Anja (Jonathan Behuniak); her son Kevin (Cheryl); grandson Jordan (Kendra) and daughters Ava and Jayla; granddaughter Jamie Knight; her sister Gene Elliott; sister-in-law Dorothy Bond; and numerous nieces and nephews. Amy was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Jack Rowswell, father Oswald Stephens, mother Iva Stephens, sister Grace Wright, brother Harold Stephens, sister-in-law Sylvia Stephens, brothers-in-law, Sheldon Elliott, Art Wright, Tom Bond and grandson Curtis Rowswell. A Private Family Funeral will be held for Amy. Tributes for Amy, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to the Town of Cut Knife Long Term Care Home or Parkinson Canada. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service. 306.948.2669.

In loving memory of

Ramona Houle

May the winds of Heaven blow softly And whisper in your ear, How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here.

Sadly missed and Always Remembered Larry, Chantel, Meagen, Mom (Anni Baier) & All family members

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Service Managers, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices and Sales roles. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

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Send resume and work references to:

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LEGAL NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE THAT; any ONE with a prior, equal, or superior right, interest, CONDUCT, treaty or Convention in/to/for/of the NAME and property of: MARTY DALE COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, MARTY DALE Estate, or: JACKIE LYNN COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, JACKIE LYNN Estate, or: JACKIE LYNN OGILVIE and/ or OGILVIE, JACKIE LYNN Estate, or: HUDSON

DALE COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, HUDSON DALE Estate, or: PHOENIX LYNN COCKRUM and/or COCKRUM, PHOENIX LYNN Estate; in any style or variation thereof capable to confuse, suspend, or clog said NAME, Title and/or Estate is hereby WARRANTED to present their said claim to Witness: Jenay Larsen c/o; box 815 Meadow Lake, SK S9X 1Y6, before 21st day of July 2023.

PUBLIC NOTICE

RM of Mervin No. 499 Public Notice Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Mervin No. 499 intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 94-3, known as the Basic Planning Statement (BPS), and Bylaw No. 94-4, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

PUBLIC NOTICE

Resort Village of Aquadeo Public Notice – Basic Planning Statement and Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Aquadeo (RV) intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw No. 18/89, known as the Basic Planning Statement (BPS), and Bylaw No. 19/89, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

INTENT: The primary intent of the proposed BPS amendment is to assign the policy scheme of the RV to lands restructured within its boundaries from the RM of Meota No. 468 (RM). Commercial and Residential land use policy areas will be applied to best reflect the existing and future land use of these areas. The primary intent of the proposed ZB amendment is to assign the zoning scheme of the RV to lands restructured within its boundaries from the RM. The amendment would zone lands to best reflect the current and proposed land use within the RV using the C – Commercial district and R1 – Residential districts.

AFFECTED LAND: Lands restructured into the RV would be affected by the proposed amendment. Said lands include the two lots within the RV boundaries north of Hwy 674 and the lands within Plans 00B11019, 101938653 and 102069323 at the east end of the RV. A copy of the proposed amendments including a map showing the affected lands, the proposed policy areas and proposed zoning is located for public viewing at https://aquadeo.net/public-notices.

REASON: Upon the restructuring of land within a new municipality, the planning controls of the former municipality remain in place until such time they are replaced by bylaw. Consequently, the RV wishes to add content to its own BPS and ZB to reflect this change, assign suitable policy areas and zone these lands accordingly.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RV office between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Wednesday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost or by emailing aquadeoadmin@gmail.com and asking for a copy. The office can also be reached at (306) 386-2942. A digital copy of the amendment is also available at the web address listed above.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on July 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM for the BPS amendment and July 21, 2023, at 10:15 AM for the ZB amendment, at the RV Office. Written submissions and requests for verbal representation must be received by July 18, 2023. For additional information, please contact (306) 386-2942 or aquadeoadmin@gmail.com. Written submissions can be mailed to: Box 501, Cochin, SK, S0M 0L0 Issued by the Resort Village of Aquadeo this 26th day of June, 2023.

Gina Bernier, Chief Administrative Officer – Resort Village of Aquadeo

INTENT: The proposed BPS amendment (2023-22) would introduce land use planning objectives and policy regarding the temporary principal use of a recreational vehicle (RV) on a site while in the process of conversion to a permanent allowable use. The proposed ZB amendment (2023-23) would: introduce general evaluation criteria for development permit extensions; introduce a new discretionary permitting and evaluation process in the Agricultural (A), Country Residential (CR1 & CR2), Lakeshore (LD1, LD2, and LD3), and Conservation Districts (CON), for the placement of a RV as a temporary principal use on a site for a one year with potential permit renewable for up to four additional years; specific permit fees would be added for the temporary RV permits and renewals; regulation regarding accessory placement of RVs would be replaced; min. floor area requirements for principal dwellings in said Districts would be reduced to 20.44m2 (220 ft2); the definition of “Dwelling Unit” would be modified to clarify its basic components and to specifically exclude RV (and similar) uses; and, several other changes would be made to effect the intent of the new temporary principal RV permitting scheme (eg. renaming of uses and section heading, application and permitting requirements or exclusions, re-ordering of existing content).

AFFECTED LAND: Lands within the A, CR1, CR2, LD1, LD2, LD3, and CON Districts would be affected by the proposed bylaws.

REASON: The current scheme of the RM to allow RVs as a transitional use is set to expire January 1, 2024. In response to ratepayer inquiries and concerns, the RM is proposing a new scheme to allow the temporary placement of a RV as a principal use subject to landowners progressing towards establishing a permanent allowable use. The proposed policy and implementation are explicit in that conversion to permanent principal use is the objective and the basis for allowing the temporary RV use, and will only be considered where a clear plan for permanent use conversion is presented for evaluation in both initial permitting and any renewal. Min. floor areas would be reduced to allow for smaller principal dwelling options for initial placement on a site for more flexible and less costly build options. The balance of the proposed amendment is intended to support the new proposed permitting scheme for temporary RVs.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM of Mervin No. 499 office between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost, by emailing the contact below. Copies of the proposed amendments are available for viewing here: https://rmofmervin.ca/planning_ development/planning_development_public_notification.html. Additionally, the RM has created a Frequently Asked Questions document to help understand the details of the amendment.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Livelong Community Hall, located at 1532 Main Street, Livelong, SK, to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendment. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person representations. Only those who have made arrangements to speak on behalf of themselves or a group may be heard at the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for in-person representation must be received by the RM office or its Planner by Wednesday, July 12, 2023. For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 845-2045 or rm499@rmofmervin.com. Box 130 Turtleford, SK S0M 2Y0.

Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 1st day of June, 2023.

Brenda Ottenbreit CAO

RM of Mervin No. 499

Hi I’m Wiley!

@

www.boechlerschiraauction.com

THIRD AVENUE UNITED CHURCH requires a Part-time

OFFICE CO-ORDINATOR

approximately 20 hours per week, flexible scheduling possible.

• The successful applicant will be a mature individual with good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

• Computer experience in word processing and accounting is necessary

• Responsibilities will include secretarial and financial functions, as well as management of the rental of church facilities

Closing date for applications when successful candidate is hired

Position to commence at a date mutually determined with successful candidate

Please send resume with references to: Ministry and Personnel Committee Third Avenue United Church 1301 – 102nd St. North Battleford, SK S9A 1G4

For further information you may call 306-445-8539

GRADER OPERATOR R.M. OF MAYFIELD NO. 406

The Rural Municipality of Mayfield No. 406 is currently accepting applications for the position of Grader Operator. Employment is full-time year-round, or can be seasonal full-time, depending on the applicant’s needs.

Eligible applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, along with the ability and knowledge to operate and service a wide range of municipal equipment.

Duties include but not limited to:

Road grading and maintenance

Road construction

Culvert and sign installation and maintenance

Equipment maintenance and repair

Other duties as directed by the Foreman and Council

Salary will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications. The RM offers an excellent health and dental plan as well as a pension plan.

Interested individuals should submit their resume to: RM of Mayfield No. 406

Box 100 Maymont SK S0M 1T0

Email: rm406@sasktel.net

Tel: (306) 389-2112

The position will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

RESORT VILLAGE OF AQUADEO

Public Notice

Zoning Bylaw Amendment Notification

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Resort Village of Aquadeo (RV) intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, a bylaw to amend Bylaw No. 19-89 known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT: The proposed amendment would introduce breezeway corridors as a discretionary use in the R1 -Residential District; general regulation and evaluation criteria would be provided for the use. A definition for “breezeway corridor” would be added to define the term.

AFFECTED LAND: All lands within the R1 -Residential District in the RV would be affected by the proposed amendment. The new breezeway corridor definition would apply broadly throughout the RV.

REASON: Existing minimum front yard setbacks for attached and detached private garages in the R1 District are 7.5 m and 1.5 m respectively. Currently, where a garage is attached to a residence, it is deemed to be part of the residence and the increased setback of 7.5 m applies. Council has received a number of inquiries from ratepayers about connecting existing dwellings to existing garages. Current prescribed setbacks would not allow for the connection of the two structures by breezeway or a corridor. The proposed amendment would allow for this ‘connecting’ of buildings without the requirement for the 7.5 m setback.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RV Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Copies will be available to the public at a cost or by emailing aquadeoadmin@ gmail.com and asking for a copy. The office can also be reached at (306) 386-2942. A digital copy of the amendment is also available at this web address: https://aquadeo.net/public-notices.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on July 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at the RV Office. Written submissions and requests for verbal representation must be received by July 18, 2023. For additional information, please contact (306) 386-2942 or aquadeoadmin@gmail.com. Written submissions can be mailed to: Box 501, Cochin, SK, S0M 0L0

Issued by the Resort Village of Aquadeo this 29th day of June, 2023.

Gina Bernier, Chief Administrative Officer – Resort Village of Aquadeo

CAREER OPPORTUNITY FISHER’S DRUG STORE

Fisher's Drug Store is a large independently owned pharmacy operating under the Pharmachoice banner. We offer a friendly work environment and have very attractive store hours. We are open from 9am to 6pm during the week and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Pharmacist Assistant

• Are you looking for a new Career with advancement opportunities?

• Are you detail minded?

• Do you like to meet new people?

• Do you like to to help people?

• How about working in a friendly work environment?

• No experience is necessary. We provide all the training for you in your new role as Pharmacist Assistant.

• We offer a great wage and benefits package, RRSP plan plus a fairly flexible work schedule.

For further information, for both opportunities, please contact Darren Erbach at 306-445-6153 or send resume to fishersdrugstore@sasktel.net

Borden and District News

Farmers market adds new Langham vendor

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Farmers Market is every Friday until October in the Seniors’ Room in the Borden Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and every week there is a 50/50 draw.

Winning the cash for June were Mel Brooke, Joyce Olzewski, Martha Rempel and Kerry Piermintier. Kerry is also a new vendor from Langham selling many handcrafted and interesting items along with her sewing.

Regular vendors are Karen Kerr, Marie Polichuk, John and Donna Ridgewell, Joyce Olzewski, Borden Library, Carrie Harkness, Kathy Young,

Ruben and Martha Rempel, Great Bend Acres and Bev Assman for the Borden Lions Chase the Ace raffle.

The winner of the Chase the Ace on June 29 was Sandra Long and the jackpot is now over $2,000 if you pick the Ace of Spades.

Radisson Seniors’ Club host a bingo night in the Goodrich Centre on July 10 and 24 at 7 p.m. and there is a backyard music concert at 1 p.m. on July 9, 16 and 24 outdoors at the centre. Bring your lawn chairs. Admission is by donation.

The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly potluck supper and program June 29, in the Bor-

den Community Centre with just over 40 out to enjoy the meal and sing Happy Birthday to June celebrants – Florence Neufeld, Anne Palmer, Dianne Winter, Ruben Rempel, Mel Brooke, Sandy Long, Elaine Gunsch, Mary Hunchak and John Petrun.

President Ed Neufeld welcomed everyone, gave the blessing and after everyone enjoyed the meal and birthday cake, Ed introduced Terry Pugh of Saskatoon who entertained for the evening.

Terry played the guitar, sometimes the harmon-

ica and sang for several songs, one in French, then switched to his accordion for some old favourites.

Terry also told many jokes interspersed with his playing and singing, and then he switched back to guitar and harmonica for some older western and gospel

songs including The Old Rugged Cross.

The next Friendship Club potluck supper is July 27 at the acreage of Ed and Dianne Rawlyk at 5:45 p.m. The club pays for burgers, hot dogs, buns and dessert and members bring salads.

Above, June birthday celebrants at the Borden Friendship Club supper June 29 were: standing - Mel Brooke, Florence Neufeld, Ruben Rempel, Mary Hunchak and John Petrun; seated - Dianne Winter, Elaine Gunsch, Anne Palmer and Sandy Long. At right, Terry Pugh of Saskatoon entertaining at Borden June 29.| Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

Mayfair

High school graduates have local connections

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Ah! The sights, sounds and smells of summer. Embrace life to the fullest as we are so fortunate to experience four seasons with varying temperatures. When the sun is beating down and one is outside pulling weeds by hand now that’s torture. Getting one’s body out of bed by 6 a.m. when the morning air is so fresh is the best time for outdoor tasks. Experts say that is the best time of the day for watering plants or later into the evening.

Congratulations to two Grade 12 graduates who have connections to Mayfair. Carla (Kelly) Soucy’s ( nee Cherwinski) from Calgary second oldest, Kamdyn, graduated May 25. Leanne/Stephen Cherwinski and Betty/ Albert Soucy of Leoville are his proud grandparents. Second-oldest child, Mackenzi of Michelle (Chad) Schwartz (nee Liebaert) from Flin Flon, Man. graduated at the end of June. Excited grandparents,Mayfair’s Faye and Keith Liebaert attended the grad and are

camping in the northern wilderness for a week.

Travelling with them is daughter Jenelle and her two children from North Battleford. They don’t get to see their daughter Michelle and family often.

Carla Soucy and Michelle Schwartz were a year apart while attending Mayfair school.

From Calgary last week, oldest daughter to Rick and Valerie Taylor, Mackenzi, visited her parents on their Mullingar farm. Carmen Paradis was a guest at Mayfair’s All Saints Catholic Church last Sunday. The whole congregation had a good chat with Carmen after mass during coffee and muffins. We are now back again (was not allowed for the past two and a half years because of government COVID rules) having this. It is the last Sunday of the month enjoying fellowship, much laughter and catching up on local rural news.

For the months of July, August and September mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Mayfair. There has been confusion over the time lately. The priest also has Sunday services in

Hafford at 9 a.m., Marcelin at 1 p.m. and Muskeg First Nation early Saturday evenings. Muskeg is situated north of Blaine Lake and its southern boundary adjoins Mistowasis First Nation. So as you can see our Pastor Madonna-Godwin Aghedo has a large territory to look after.

The Meota Meewasinota Craft and Trade fair is on the second Saturday of

July. The farmers market is scheduled for: July 17 and 22 and Aug. 5 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind the concession stand. Meota Regional Park is offering swimming lessons July 1914 and Aug. 7-11. Lots to do in all of Saskatchewan’s regional parks. Happy camping and hope it keeps raining a bit so everyone can experience sitting around the campfires.

The weather turned wild later afternoon of Canada Day in and around the Battlefords with devastating. Coming from the west a ripper tore through Denholm, Ruddell, Maymont and east. Large old trees had enormous branches were down on the ground in no time plus tons of smaller ones. Garbage cans were strewn amongst other garbage flying in

the air! The Starycki farm of Maymont experienced metal grain bins down plus another building. Many others didn’t fare well either.

Fireworks at Meeting Lake were a real crowd pleaser. I was in the crowd with many others, young and old. The rain had stopped so the fireworks were a go! Shortly after it rained again.

Sailing school draws 15 participants

By Trudy Janssens

Meota Lakeshore Paddle and Sail

It’s happening in Meota. Sask Sail has arrived with their training boats and the four-day sailing course has started. There are 15 people

registered for the two sessions per day. Watch the upcoming news for results. Also watch for anyone trying to sell a Yamaha 20 hp boat motor. It was stolen out of the clubhouse, just before we really needed it for our sailing lesson safety boat.

Above, gear is unloaded in preparation for Sask Sail sailing lessons on Jackfish Lake hosted by Meota Lake Shore Paddle and Sail. Atleft, Gear ready for the 15 participants in the Sask Sail four-day sailing lessons July 3 to 7 at Jackfish Lake. | Photos by Trudy Janssens