Regional Optimist December 24

Beltronics Pro 100 Radar Detectors $299

CONQUER OUTDOORS DON’T JUST RIDE. DOMINATE.

www.freedomrvandmarine.com

Kelly’s Computer Works 1281 - 100th Street

3052-99th Street, North Battleford, SK

306•445•2267 (CAMP)

Merry Christmas

from Management & Staff

Café

There will not be a smorg on December 25th

FREE treet S h t 5 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2015 - 10 eford, SK 2 9 14 Battl 188 om h 8 www.newsoptimist.ca Nort 06-445- ttlefords.c 3 aolba ions@ s s i m ad 3. News 13. Sports

R

eport says SHNB P3 approach will save $90 million.

Discovery Co-op Territorial Place Mall 9800 Territorial Drive North Battleford

S

tars back in action Jan. 7.

2015 record is 10-15-0-3.

Merry Christmas BATTLEFORD from our family to yours!

We will be closed on Sat. & Sun. Dec. 26 & 27 but will reopen Mon. Dec. 28 for the boxing week event!

192-24th Street West, Battleford • Phone 306-937-7474 • Fax 306-937-7676 www.battlefordfurniture.com • mail@battlefordfurniture.com

FURNITURE

“Where the difference is worth the drive” “Where the difference is worth the drive”

Contact Battlefords Ag Society 306.445.2024 Visit www.agsociety.com

Box 1029, North Battleford, SK. S9A 3E6 306-445-7261 Published every Thursday and circulated to homes throughout Northwestern Saskatchewan

Safety Training January 11 - 14, 2016

Global Ground Disturbance, Monday, January 11, 8-5, $160 H2S Alive, Tuesday, January 12, 8-5, $160 OSSA Fall Protection, Wednesday, January 13, 8-5, $165 OSSA Confined Space, Thursday, January 14, 8-5, $165

Call 306-937-5102 to register www.northwestcollege.ca NWC reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.

Wishing you and your loved ones

a joyous holiday season

and a year of health and happiness.

306-445-7799 1-888-677-4333 www.rainbowtoyota.com www.rainbowtoyota.com

BIG

BOXING DAY STOREWIDE

SALE

OPEN 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Smart Clothes.

Everyday Living.

MON-FRI 9am - 9pm SAT 9am - 6pm SUN 10am - 5pm

602 Carlton Trail, North Battleford 306-446-4441

Christmas in the Battlefords The Regional Optimist sent freelance photographer Averil Hall out on assignment to find the brightest lights, the prettiest pictures and the most seasonal scenes. Above, she captured the lights of Notre Dame Church in North Battleford in concert with the landmark water tower. For more photos by Averil Hall, turn to Pages 8, 9 and 10.

Photo by Averil Hall

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 2

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B ulletin

1291 - 101st Street North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y6

NORT H BAT TLEFOR D CIT Y

Box 460 306-445-1700

Find us on Facebook: City of North Battleford (Official) Follow us on Twitter: @citynb

STAY UP TO DATE on the latest CITY NEWS!

REMINDER!

Any outstanding balance on property taxes as at December 31, 2015 will become arrears on January 1, 2016 and be subject to a ten percent (10%) penalty.

Be a Snow Angel this winter, it’s the neighbourly thing to do!

BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE

Thee Snow Angel Program encourages healthy, willing residents to help others when clearing snow from sidewalks — especially elderly residents or anyone with health or mobility restrictions.

HOW IT WORKS

Lend a helping hand to a resident who needs it and then tell us about it, and if you receive help from someone, nominate them as a “Snow Angel.” Write or e-mail your Snow Angel story to us.(North Battleford residents only) •include the name and address of the Snow Angel•

MAIL NOMINATIONS TO:

OR E-MAIL NOMINATIONS TO:

NATIONSWEST FIELD HOUSE

Actiwave Day Actiwave Day Camp Actiwave DayCamp Camp Daily Camps Dec. 28, 29, & 30 9am - 5pm

DailyCamps CampsDec. Dec. 28, 28, 29, Daily 29,&&30 309am 9am- 5pm - 5pm Registration Only—$45 / Day Themed Snacks Provided Registration Only—$45 / Day Themed Snacks Provided Registration Only—$45Ages / Day6-12 Themed Snacks Provided Ages 6-12 *SWIMMINGAges * GAMES6-12 * CRAFTS * FUN* *SWIMMING * GAMES * CRAFTS * FUN* *SWIMMING * GAMES * CRAFTS * FUN* Dec. 28 Dec. 30 Dec. 29

Dec. 28

Dec. LEGO28 camp

LEGO camp

LEGO camp

City of North Battleford P.O. Box 460, 1291 - 101st Street North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y6

e ur s s i Le vice r Se

cityofnb.ca

Dec. 29

Dec. 29 Science camp

Science camp

Science camp

Dec. 30

Ice Dec. camp30

Ice camp

Ice camp

*Bring a bag lunch for supervised lunch hour

dmacdonald@cityofnb.ca

*Bringand a bag supervised hour *Drop off at Field House Picklunch up at for Aquatic Centre lunch 1/2 hour before & after camp

The City of North Battleford will send a thank you to the Snow Angels and enter them into monthly prize draws.

*Drop off at 306-445-1745 Field *Bring House and Picklunch up atfor Aquatic Centre 1/2 hour before & after camp Call 306-445-1790 for more information or to register. aorbag supervised lunch hour Call 306-445-1745 or 306-445-1790 for more information or to register.

*Drop off at Field House and Pick up at Aquatic Centre 1/2 hour before & after camp

Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre ★ NationsWEST Field House Call 306-445-1745 or 306-445-1790 for more information or ★ to register.

Sport Fields ★ Allen Sapp Gallery ★ The Chapel Gallery ★ Civic Centre & Don Ross Arena ★ Don Ross Centre ★ Walking Trails 400 m Outdoor Track ★ Finlayson Island Trail Adventure

......and tons and tons of programs, parks & activities!!

Check us out: www:cityofnb.ca • Book a facility: centralbooking@cityofnb.ca or (306) 445-1755

RECREATION PROGRAMS

THE CHAPEL GALLERY

Visit the Recreation section at cityofnb.ca

Free Skating Free public skating:

Civic Centre: Preschool/Senior skating

Wednesdays 1:15 – 2:15 pm

Public Skating

Saturdays 12:15 – 1:45 pm Holiday Public skating at the Civic Centre Dec 28th – 31st 1:15 – 2:30 pm

Don Ross Arena: Preschool/Senior skating

Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30am & 1:30 – 2:30pm

Thank you to the following Community Service clubs:

is located at 891 - 99th St., North Battleford

306-445-1745, 4-623 Carlton Trail, North Battleford, E-mail: coopaquaticcentre@cityofnb.ca, cityofnb.ca

(306) 445-1760

No fitness classes Dec. 24- Jan 3

The Chapel Gallery is closed due to renovations NORTH BATTLEFORD

The Chapel Gallery Jan. 15 - Feb. 7, 2016 A commemorative art installation honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Bonaventure Lion’s Club

306-445-1790 Visit our page in the Recreation section of cityofnb.ca

Royal Canadian Legion Branch #70 North Battleford Rotary Club

FREE

North Battleford Kinsmen Club North Battleford Lions Club North Battleford Elks Club

Registration is now on for the Winter 2016 session. Register early as space is limited! ★ Belly Dance★ Pre Natal fitness ★ ★ TCB ★ Yoga ★ Gentle Yoga ★ TRX ★

And More!!

To register drop in to the Leisure Services office at the Don Ross Centre – or NWFH or call (306) 445-1755 or (306) 445-1790

Lessons Begin Jan.9th/16

REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOV.30TH CALL 306-445-1745 FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER Every registration you get a single use family swim pass handed out on the 1st day of lessons.

FIND YOUR FIT Free Fitness Week!

ALL Fitness Classes are free to try Jan 4-8!

Twitter: @WWOSNB

Kiwanis Club of the Battlefords

St. Joseph Knights of Columbus #7336

WINTER SWIMMING LESSONS

www.walkingwithoursisters.ca

NATIONSWEST FIELD HOUSE

North West Hockey Development Association

BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE

RING

@SASKEWEW

JUST B

YOUR

WATER

Tuesdays 6-6:45pm Jan 5 - Feb 2 ONLY $42.50 Keep Fit in an environment perfect for you and your growing baby. Exercising in the water is refreshing & rejuvenating! Led by a certified instructor, each class includes cardio, strength training & flexibility.

Call 306-445-1745 or visit the Aquatic Centre for more info or to register!

NATIONSWEST FIELD HOUSE 306-445-1790 Visit our page in the Recreation section of cityofnb.ca

Page 3 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Ernst and Young report on Sask. Hospital P3 indicates $90 million in savings

Featured are artist renderings of the project.

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

A major value-for-money report on the combined Saskatchewan Hospital/integrated correctional facility was released Thursday, indicating substantial costsavings for the project.

The report was prepared by the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.

“The numbers in the value for money report have

been substantiated by Ernst and Young … that we are saving $90 million with respect to the construction of this facility using a P3 over a traditional approach, which is 18 per cent of the construction cost,” said Gordon Wyant, minister for SaskBuilds, speaking to the Regional Optimist Dec. 17.

According to the report, the total investment under the P3 – public private partnership – is $407 million,

which includes the cost of design, construction, finance and more than 30 years of maintenance to ensure it remains in like-new condition. Under a traditional approach, Ernst & Young states the cost would be $497 million for the same project if delivered through a traditional approach.

The new facility consists of 188 beds replacing the current 156-bed facility, and 96 secure beds for male and

Jingles at Town Hall Battleford town councillor Gordon Yarde was challenged to sing Jingle Bells at the close of Monday evening’s last council meeting of the year — and he seemed happy to oblige. He directed other council members and the gallery in singing the seasonal favourite. Mayor Derek Mahon issued the challenge, joking that after Montreal Canadien star defenceman P.K. Subban challenged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to warble the tune, he also issued one to Yarde.

Monday’s meeting was also the last official meeting of Town Administrator Sheryl Ballendine, left, who is retiring after nearly 35 years with the town.

See next week’s Regional Optimist for more news from town council. Photo

by Jayne Foster

female offenders living with mental health issues.

Also released was the request for qualifications, request for proposals, the first and second fairness advisor reports, value for money assessment and project agreement. Those can be found online at www.saskbuilds. ca.

The opposition has hammered away at the P3 for Saskatchewan Hospital and at Access Prairies Partnership, the consortium awarded the P3, for not featuring enough Saskatchewan content. Wyant maintains there is significant local content.

“This project is going to create about 1,500 construction jobs,” said Wyant. “We already know there are 10 Saskatchewan businesses which are engaged on the project today. We know that there will be more as the project continues to be built out.”

He also pointed to other P3 projects such as the Regina bypass and the Swift Current long-term facility as having local content. While there were some complaints and some concern, Wyant acknowledged, “that hasn’t been our experience with respect to our other projects and we are not expecting that to be our experience with this particular project.”

The opposition has also been critical of going the P3 route by saying the tradition-

al approach would save more money, but Wyant pointed out comparisons were made.

“We do what we call a public-sector [comparison], so we do a calculation as to what we believe the project will cost to build and maintain over a 30-year period if the government was to do it in a traditional approach.”

Wyant said they then “send the project out for tender and request for qualifications.” That is for construction and for the long-term maintenance over the 30 years, including the major life-cycle rehabilitation to keep it like new after that time.

So those bids are compared to public sector comparisons, said Wyant.

“The difference between those is what we refer to as value for money. That’s the

$90 million.”

Wyant confirms the project is currently still on time and on schedule. A webcam has been set up at www. pnrha.ca to track the Saskatchewan Hospital construction progress.

Battlefords MLA and provincial Environment Minister Herb Cox indicated he was pleased with the Ernst & Young report’s findings.

“As the MLA, what’s most meaningful to me is that construction will finish on schedule,” Cox said in a news release.

“The report confirms one big reason we chose a P3 – to make sure project risks, whether it’s bad weather or material shortages – won’t delay the opening. Savings are important, but most of all, this project is about better care for patients.”

Wishing you a holiday filled with simple pleasures and the warmth of family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

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Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 4

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Share your point of view!

Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223 Email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net

(Written Dec. 24, 2014) I peek inside the mailbox every day, wishing I could be expecting a Christmas card from you. But I know better.

It won’t be coming this year. Not like the years that have preceded this one.

We started exchanging Christmas cards 30 years ago.

You came and spent our first Christmas “without Dad” with us. You filled a gaping hole in our hearts, our supper table and our Christmas memories that year.

You have a quiet way of knowing. You look at each one of us and seem to hear so much more than we are saying.

You speak everyone’s language because you listen with your heart.

You were and still are a favourite uncle to all. We filled pages upon pages within our family’s book of stories and memories with all the ways you impacted all of our lives.

You quietly went about your life thousands of miles away from the place you call “home,” yet you remained connected and a great part of our family despite the miles and time that distanced you from us.

Every time you came home, there was great rejoicing among all.

Your nieces and nephews said perhaps it was because you came home at Christmas time, bearing gifts for all (and there were a lot of us). You were our family’s very own personal Santa Claus.

You gave and you gave and you gave.

We gave you our hearts, our trust and our loyalty in return.

You were an icon within our family, similar to Santa Claus, only better, because you were real. You weren’t just a fictional character who appeared only once a year. You

oots Bouquets A resident of a 105th Street neighbourhood extends a bouquet to the young girl, 10 or 12 years old, who was seen delivering anonymous cards to mailboxes in her area. The card the caller received featured a tree on the front and the message, “Merry Christmas, have a happy holiday” inside. *** A friend and I dined at Country Cuisine last Wednesday night. When we went to pay a woman came up and paid for our meal and wished us a merry Christmas. Thank you so much and season’s greetings to her and her family.

Maurice Huard *** Light of Christ Catholic School Division students and staff thank Discovery Coop for their “pay it forward” generosity and for truly living what Christmas is all about — spreading peace, hope and love. What a beautiful gift and lesson you have given our students and our Community. We thank you so much for keeping Christ in Christmas.

came back home at times of celebration, for reunions, for good times and bad. Santa is a fickle, fair-weather friend.

You showed up for “life.”

Yes, it was the year after you “showed up” for our family when I sent you that first Christmas card.

You are such a gentleman. Full of honour, respect, generosity and good manners. You replied to the first letter I sent to you and we became Christmas-time pen pals.

Your letters were always personal. You always asked about my family. You always made some comment about some little quality about “me” you had noticed. You put pen to paper and reading your words was always a gift.

You see what goes on beneath the surface of a person.

You speak to that quality. I truly believe your perception brought out the best in people. I know I felt a little more special than I really was when I read your words.

I am so very grateful that life, time and circumstances gave me the opportunity to know you a little more than I knew you beyond our annual Christmas card exchange.

I tentatively invited myself into your world when I approached you with the idea of collecting memories of Dad’s family. You were on board before the ship even arrived. You not only encouraged me, you said you thought it would be a great idea before you read my proposal.

And so our voyage began.

Six years ago, Mom and I went out to spend several days with you after Christmas. It was the beginning of “our story,” not just our family’s memoirs. It was the beginning of the story of getting to know the man behind the gifts, kind words and annual Christmas letters.

When I first came up with the idea to collect stories of Dad’s family, it was because I had a quest to know everything I possibly could about my own dad. Wrapped up in the incredible gift of hearing story after story about Dad, was the gift of knowing his brothers. You were my go-to-brother when I had a question. You must have cringed when you opened up email after email, question after question asking for clarification on the answers you provided.

We wrote a lot. We talked many times. You came to my home and allowed me to do you the favour of being your host.

In all the times we spoke, you rarely spoke of yourself.

You would talk of your friends. And, boy, do you have friends! You have kept in touch with people you worked with and come to know. You never broke the connection.

Your friendships go back decades upon decades.

Then I thought of our first Christmas card exchange. Of

A community newspaper published Thursdays

by Battlefords Publishing Ltd. 892 - 104th Street, North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 1M9 Telephone: 306-445-7261 • Fax: 306-445-3223 E-mail: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net Publications Mail Agreement Number 40051948

2012 SWNA

BEST OVERALL

NEWSPAPER (Circ. Class E)

Life

as I know it

By Colleen Crawford course! You would keep in touch with anyone who took the time to keep in touch with you. Where there is a reciprocal exchange of words, whether it is once a year or every week, the seed of friendship is watered and nurtured so it has the opportunity to bloom whenever the sun may have the chance to shine down upon it. You, the horticulturist of our family, planted many seeds along your way.

You aren’t able to “tend your garden” this year.

You, for the first time since I have known you, are tending to yourself.

It must have been an excruciating year for you.

Yet you kept doing what you had done all the years that preceded this one and just kept moving forward; still thinking of others, still doing for others. Then you broke. We all have our limits. You reached yours this year.

You are still my hero. I wrote your Christmas card and mailed you a small piece of my heart. You may or may not remember it this year. You have a lot of other things on your mind.

I peek into my mailbox each day, wishing I could see your handwriting on an envelope. I know it won’t be there.

But I feel it in my heart. You would be showing up in my mailbox if you could be.

I brought out your card and letter from last year and reread them this morning. The small things. Realizing you spelled my youngest son’s name with a “C” instead of a “K” and correcting it (with a notation in the margin). You took note of these small nuances of life. Your letter was anything but a form letter. It was to me, and to me only.

You spoke of “how much ground we covered,” your very kind way of referring to the fact I had talked your ear off when we went out for supper when you last visited. You made a gentle reference to the great restaurant I found for us. I took the wrong turn and we ended up on a very, very long detour to what should have been a very short trip.

“You remember everything,” you have told me time and time again. Oh, my dear uncle, it is you who has set the bar.

It is you who has an eye for noticing the subtleties within people, within life and within the actions of those you encounter, who remembers so much.

You speak to the “little things.” Even now. Even when I spoke to you a few days ago, you thought to ask about my “young guy” and you asked about my middle son’s farm. Even now. You have so much to contend with at the moment, yet you are still seeing and hearing far beyond the surface of what a person says.

Continued on Page 5

Becky Doig Editor

John Cairns Reporter

Jayne Foster Reporter

Alana Schweitzer Publisher

Valorie Higgs Sales Manager

Jessica Woytowich Advertising

Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

Scott McMillan Advertising

Page 5 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Tough Christmas for many Joes and Marys Several years ago I wrote a fictional account of Joe and Mary, two Newfoundlanders who had left the Rock to find their fortune in Fort McMurray. They were expecting a child, there was literally no room at the inn, they were sleeping in their vehicle, and life in the promised land was very tough and bleak indeed.

A similar tale could be told this year, with oil now floating around $35 US a barrel for the benchmark West Texas Intermediate.

It’s a harsh world out there in the oil country and about to get much harsher.

In recent weeks I’ve talked to more people who’ve been laid off. One said he had put out about 30 resumés in the month or two since he was laid off.

He had been the last man standing with his company.

And those that he applied to told him they had hundreds of other applications already.

Many who were laid off with the spring breakup of 2015, have not had work since. They will soon start running low on the number of weeks left in their employment insurance benefits, with no end to this downturn in sight. If anything, it’s getting much worse.

Another company I spoke to had laid off half its staff in the past year and the phone is barely ringing.

While the staff has been

Missing card

Continued from Page 4 You spoke to my cousin about a reaction you saw in her when she didn’t say a word. Even now.

I have placed last year’s card up in my tree in a place of high honour. It is exactly the place where I hold you within my life. I am sending you my hope and wishing it could make a difference.

You have truly made a deep and lasting impact upon me, our family, your friends and the world around you. You have planted many seeds along the way. It is time for you to bask in the autumn sun and reap the rewards of a garden well tended.

Be well, my dearest uncle. Maybe next year I will find your handwriting in my mailbox. I am full of hope. Always have been.

Always will be.

(Update: Dec. 6, 2015 — When I phoned to ask my uncle’s permission to publish this very personal story, before he even knew the purpose of my call, the very first words he told me upon hearing my voice was, “Well, you will never guess what I was just doing as you called! I have just addressed an envelope for a Christmas card to Colleen Crawford!”

So much can change in a year, a month or even a day.

Never lose faith.

reduced by half, their work was down by two-thirds.

They wouldn’t lay off anyone before Christmas, but who knows what the New Year will bring? They had been on a federal government work-share program since the spring, but it had just expired.

That program is designed to help companies and workers get through a rough patch and has been used successfully in the past by oilfield companies during previous downturns.

But again, there’s no end in sight for this downturn,

rom

the top of

the pile

By Brian Zinchuk

Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers

Association 2012 Columnist of the Year even if there is an end for each work-share benefit.

Workers who had come from Ontario and Manitoba saw the writing on the wall months ago, and left, spar-

News-Optimist.ca Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: What’s your preference in Christmas trees?

• I like the real deal.

42% • Give me artificial, no needles!

59% • No tree for me. I don’t celebrate Christmas.

16%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll:

A study on generosity sees Saskatchewan having the biggest decrease in giving amongst Canadian provinces, and Canadians in general are less generous than Americans.

What do you think?

• I give what I can. It isn’t a contest.

• Times have been tougher. Charity begins at home.

• Canadians are less likely to get a tax receipt for their gifts, so the numbers are skewed.

• This study doesn’t count crowd funding, so it is not relevant.

• This study doesn’t tally time spent by volunteers, so it is not relevant.

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

ing the necessity of laying them off. They had come to Saskatchewan to work at a good paying job. Those jobs were over, so it was time to go home.

A look on Saskjobs.ca shows 280 jobs listed in Estevan and area. Five years ago, it was common to see that number around 1,100.

As of Dec. 20 there were a handful of service rig and hyrovac companies looking for workers. That was about it for oilfield jobs. Newspapers that once had a half dozen pages of career ads (including mine) now have next to none. There was a job posting for manager at a dollar store, though.

When Premier Brad Wall brought up concerns recently about energy workers who had lost their jobs, he wasn’t kidding.

Tim McMillan, once Wall’s minister responsible for Energy and Resources, and now president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, told the National Post in an interview posted Dec. 18 they expect to see 100,000 jobs lost in the oil and gas sector, including 40,000 direct jobs, by the end of 2015.

If we saw that many jobs evaporate in one sector in Ontario (say, automaking) in one year, what do you think the reaction would be?

If I were writing about my fictional Joe and Mary now, I would say they finally found work in Fort Mac all those years ago, but the insanely high cost of living made it difficult

to get ahead. They finally bought a house, but in the last year that house lost $125,000 in value, but their mortgage did not. The oilsands project Joe had been working on was shut down due to low oil prices and the Alberta government’s increase in corporate taxes.

And their kid? That kid’s going to be hoping the food bank has a hamper for them this Christmas.

It’s going to be a tough Christmas for too many Joes and Marys this year, and it won’t be fiction, either.

— Brian Zinchuk is editor of Pipeline News. He can be reached at brian. zinchuk@sasktel.net.

THE BATTLEFORDS

December 11, 12, 18, 19 and 31, 2015

306 446-2827 306 480-9876 This season, hand the reins over to us.

CALL OPERATION RED NOSE

H o l id ay

Gif t

GI VEAWAYS CONTEST WINNERS Prize From

Four K Auto Bill & Dons Battleford Home Hardware DMD Studio Kelly’s Computer Works Fabricland Artrageous NAPA Auto Parts

Winner

Elsie Demyon Eloise Brown Jeanne Laycock Donna Stewart Val Morin Thelma Wakelin Holly Mercer Karen Gordon

Thank you to the participating businesses and Congratulations to the winning entries.

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 6

Lengthy sentences for Capitol Theatre kidnapping Staff A bizarre kidnapping incident that started at the Capitol Theatre and ended with a hostage being tied up and left in a hole outside the Battlefords has been dealt with in the courts.

The two adults accused in the case, Garth Iron and Stephanie Sample, appeared in provincial court Dec. 9 and received lengthy sentences.

Iron pled guilty to kidnapping, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats.

Sample pled guilty to kidnapping.

Iron was sentenced to six years in custody, less remand time, while Sample was sentenced to four years less her remand.

There was an agreed

statement of facts submitted, but the sentencing was not a joint submission. The Crown had sought a seven-year sentence for Iron and four and a half for Sample. The defence called for four to five years for Iron and a time-served sentence with three years probation for Sample.

Three youths who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act had also previously been sentenced. One 16-year-old youth entered guilty pleas to kidnapping, assault with a weapon, uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and received 30 months secure custody on the kidnapping charge – 20 months secure custody followed by 10 months under supervision in the community. On the other charges he received 24 months secure

custody, or 16 secure and eight under supervision in the community. This was in addition to his remand time of 105 days.

Two other 16-year-old youths were sentenced Nov. 6. One pled guilty to kidnapping, assault with a weapon, uttering threats and possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace and received 30 months secure — 20 months secure plus 10 months supervision. He was also sentenced for mischief that occurred while he was in custody.

The other youth pled guilty to kidnapping and possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace. Crown and defense made a joint submission for 18 months open custody — 12 months custody and six under supervision

Good Samaritans victims of armed robbery Staff Two would-be good Samaritans became victims of armed robbery Saturday morning after they stopped to help at the scene of a rolled SUV on Highway 16 east of Saskatoon.

Instead of gratefully accepting assistance the occupants of the SUV produced a gun and proceeded to steal the vehicle of the two woman offering assistance, according to Saskatoon RCMP. The two women fled into the bush and hid. They were not harmed, but police say they were extremely traumatized by the incident.

Five people from the Battlefords and surrounding First Nations have been charged with multiple serious criminal offences in a wide-ranging incident that began with an armed robbery in Clavet early Saturday morning evolved into a pursuit involving three RCMP detachments and the Saskatoon Police Service.

Two adults and three youths were arrested in North Battleford later that day after abandoning a stolen vehicle on the south side

of the city and fleeing on foot.

Saskatoon RCMP responded to the robbery in Clavet at 2:50 a.m. Police say a firearm was used during a robbery at the victim’s residence.

Police say the suspects left the scene and a short time later the stolen SUV the suspects were operating rolled near Highway 16. After stealing the vehicle of the women who stopped to help they continued toward Saskatoon on Highway 16.

According to RCMP, a Saskatoon RCMP Detachment member and the Saskatoon Police Service members located and pursued the suspects through to the north end of the city on Highway 16. Two attempts were made to stop the vehicle with spikes.

RCMP Warman Detachment also teamed up with Saskatoon Police Service in the pursuit, and a spike belt was deployed on Highway 16. The suspect vehicle again avoided the spike belt.

After the five suspects abandoned their second stolen vehicle in North Bat-

tleford, four were immediately apprehended. A short time later the fifth suspect, a 21-year-old man was arrested with the assistance of the Saskatoon Police Service canine unit.

Police say two adult men, two male youths ages 15 and 16 and one 16-year-old female youth were arrested.

Saskatoon RCMP report that no one other than the suspect apprehended by the police dog was physically injured in these events. The suspect involved with the canine unit dog was transported to hospital and treated for his injuries.

All five remain in custody and have been remanded for court in Saskatoon. At present the list of charges number 33 including armed robbery, uttering threats of death, assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm, assaults, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, possession of weapons dangerous to the public and multiple property related offences including mischief, break-ins and possession of stolen property.

“The successful apprehension of the suspects involved in these serious circumstances was a result of the team work of three RCMP detachments and the Saskatoon Police Service, who stayed with the pursuit through to the arrests,” says S/Sgt. Greg Abbott of the Saskatoon RCMP. “The Saskatoon City Police Service members stayed with the RCMP in support of the apprehension of suspects whose actions had placed victims in circumstances that could very well have been more tragic. Public safety and protection was of the highest priority in the actions taken by the RCMP and Saskatoon Police members to apprehend the suspects in this case.”

in the community — and 12 months probation to follow.

Both sentences were in addition to five months already in custody. The court followed the joint submission.

The sentences bring an end to one of the more shocking and troubling cases to hit the Battlefords and area in recent years.

The charges stem from an incident that transpired on June 4 of 2015.

The following facts were outlined in the agreed statement of facts filed with the provincial court in the case.

The situation came to light around 1:30 a.m. June 4 on 99th Street, when RCMP saw a man who appeared to be hurt. He was later taken to the RCMP detachment for a statement. Based on all the statements filed what happened was as follows: The victim had been taken to the basement of the Capitol Theatre around 8:30 p.m. and an argument ensued over a drug debt. The victim was yelled at and asked where his money was. He was tied up and, according to the facts, Garth Iron made attempts to choke him with telephone wire. He was also blindfolded and Iron and two of the accused youths began hitting his legs with a hammer. An air powered pellet gun was also brought down and shot off, and it was pointed at the victim’s head while one of the youths accused asked for money.

According to the statement of facts, Iron and two others continued assaulting the victim for a couple more hours and he was confined

to the basement until around 11:30 p.m. A call was then made to Stephanie Sample, manager of the theater. She arrived with her car, and it was after 11:30 p.m. that the victim was placed, blindfolded, into the trunk of Sample’s car. She drove and, with Iron and two accused youths in the vehicle as passengers, the victim was driven out to a rural area outside the city.

On the way, the car stopped at Tim Hortons drive through in Battleford where the victim heard his kidnappers order smoothies and a triple triple.

They finally made their way to a field on Twin Lakes road where the victim was taken out of the trunk of the car and placed in a hole. He was hit a few times and had also been hit in the knees with a shovel.

The victim was left in the field, where he got himself untied and thought he saw his attackers drive away in a red car. Afterwards, Stephanie Sample drove Iron and the two youth back to Capitol Theatre and dropped them off.

According to the statement of facts, following the incident the RCMP investigated further and the victim led police to a location on Twin Lakes road about three kilometres outside of town.

There, police found a hole with telephone wire in it and a sock close by.

RCMP at the Capitol Theatre location found several partially melted candles, a hammer, pliers and large wrenches, along with broken glass from a bottle in

the basement. A search warrant was also issued on Sample’s car, which contained a number of items, including a grey camouflage bandana and a pellet gun.

Surveillance video from the theatre was also obtained, showing Iron and two others in the office using telephone wire to tie one another up and trying to get out. Video also showed another accused loading a pellet gun, and later showed the return to the theatre of Iron and two youth at around 1 a.m.

The facts of this case had not been revealed to this point, due to publication bans issued during the show cause hearings of the five accused.

All five individuals accused in the case had been ordered remanded in custody after their show cause hearings. The case was notable in that none of the accused had criminal records.

Also notable was the fact the accused were remanded on tertiary grounds — whether release would bring the administration of justice into disrepute.

In ruling on show cause in Sample’s case, Judge Dan O’Hanlon refused release.

His ruling July 13 stated, “I have to conclude that a reasonable member of the community, in other words, a reasonable, well-informed person, not a legal expert with an in-depth knowledge of our criminal justice system, would be satisfied that denial of release is necessary to maintain confidence in the administration of justice.”

Icing For the Rinks Monday at the North Battleford Civic Centre, Battlefords MLA and Environment Minister Herb Cox presented $7,500 to Mayor Ian Hamilton of the City of North Battleford for ice rink facilities under the Community Rink Affordability Grant. The province-wide grant goes towards defraying operating costs and any minor renovations. This grant amounts to $2,500 each for three City’s ice facilities — the Civic Centre, the Don Ross Arena and Northland Power Curling Club. “Anything we can do to help out to defray a few costs, we’re very happy to be able to do it,” said Cox. Mayor Hamilton welcomed the funding, which will help the City keep municipal taxes down for operating the facilities. “It makes a big difference in the City of North Battleford for making these services accessible and available to the public,” said Hamilton. Photo by John Cairns

Page 7 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 8

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 10

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Ritz welcomes U.S. moves $770,000 for targeted towards repeal of COOL police initiatives taff

Funding for seven RCMP positions in the Battlefords Staff

The City of North Battleford has once again received a Municipal Police Grant from the province of Saskatchewan in the amount of $770,000.

This goes towards targeted policing initiatives and is similar to past amounts from the province. It goes towards funding seven North Battleford RCMP positions in 2015-16.

The grant supports 125 municipal police positions and targeted police initiatives around Saskatchewan.

Last week, it was announced Meadow Lake had also received a grant for $770,000, which again supports seven RCMP positions in that city.

“Community safety has always been a major priority for the Government of Saskatchewan,” Environment Minister and North Battleford MLA Herb Cox said in a news release on behalf of Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell.

“We are able to provide support to the community of North Battleford through continued funding of the Municipal Police Grants.”

“The continued support of the Municipal Police Grants enables us to ensure our community’s safety,” North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton said in a statement.

“We are grateful to the province for their continued support of policing in North Battleford.”

Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Gerry Ritz has welcomed the inclusion of repeal of Country of Origin Labelling in the funding bill currently before the United States Congress.

Ritz, the Conservatives’ International Trade critic, and agriculture critic Chris

Warkentin supported the repeal efforts in a release.

But Ritz, a longstanding COOL opponent, also took the opportunity to urge the Liberal government to keep up with retaliatory measures until the legislation is made final.

“We are heading in the right direction, but we have been in this position before.

The Liberals have the capacity to do more than just sit around and wait,” said Ritz.

“I have been fighting this discriminatory program since before it became law.

The Liberal government needs to be clearer about their position and continue with the retaliatory process in case things derail.”

The spending bill must

be passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate and signed by President Barack Obama for the repeal to come into force. Meanwhile, Canada was poised to receive final WTO authorization to retaliate Friday after being awarded the right to $1 billion in trade sanctions against the United States last week.

ers, brokers, mechanics, manufacturers, managers of banks or insurance agents, carrying on business in, or resident in, a district that has a population of not less than 2,500, may associate themselves together as a board of trade.”

A total of 38 merchants signed their names and professions to the documents, which included some well known community surnames such as Craig (meat merchant), Churchill (insurance agent), Houston (bank manager), Wakelin (druggist), Ross (lumber dealer) and Maher (merchant).

According to the Chamber news release the busi-

nesses included “a blacksmith, a watchmaker, two horse dealers, merchant tailor, a wine merchant, a physician and assorted other merchants.”

The document requesting formation and incorporation of what would initially be the North Battleford Board of Trade were then forwarded to Ottawa for registration.

That was returned along with a certificate of formation certified by signature of the deputy registrar general of Canada dated Jan. 26, 1906.

Feb. 3 1906 marked the first follow up meeting to adopt the constitution, elect officers and appoint a com-

mittee to work on the burning issue of the day — the traffic bridge. The first president was H. W. Detwiller, who was elected by acclamation.

The organization is now known as the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce, representing 375 businesses and organizations employing some 6,200 people across the Northwest. A number of events are in the works to celebrate the anniversary in the 2016 year.

The first will be “Celebrate Saskatchewan.” A date for that event is to be set early on in 2016. More details on celebration plans are expected in the new year.

110th anniversary for C of C Staff

A major anniversary milestone is coming for the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.

Dec. 29 marks the 110th anniversary of the formation of the organization.

That was the date in 1905 of the inaugural meeting when business leaders in the newly-formed community met in order to organize a board of trade.

According to the news release issued by the Chamber on Monday, in order to become incorporated the business leaders needed to meet requirements of the Boards of Trade Act (Canada). Part 1 of the legislation indicates “any number of persons, not fewer than 30 who are merchants, trad-

Income tax fine levied Staff A North Battleford man has been fined for failing to file personal tax returns.

The Canada Revenue Agency announced Gerald Belyk, age 56, pleaded guilty to the charge of failure to file personal income tax returns for 2012 and 2013. He was fined $1,000 for each of the missing personal returns, for a total fine of $2,000.

According to court records Belyk has until Dec. 1, 2016 to pay the fines, and the

outstanding returns must be filed by March 14, 2016.

Canada Revenue Agency reminds people that when individuals are convicted of failing to file tax returns, in addition to any fines imposed by the courts, they must still file the returns and pay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest owed, as well as civil penalties that may be assessed.

As well, the CRA says if you ever made a tax mistake or omission, they offer a second chance through its Vol-

Two taken to hospital after collision Saturday Staff The intersection of Carlton Trail and Territorial Drive was the scene of a two vehicle collision about 9:20 a.m. Saturday. Two people were transported to hospital. One was treated on the scene and released.

North Battleford Fire Department was on the scene to

perform an extraction of one passenger from a vehicle.

They remained on the scene for about an hour.

Both vehicles sustained major damage and had to be towed.

On the scene were WPD Ambulance, one apparatus and four personnel from NBFD and Hardy Towing.

untary Disclosures Program.

If you make a valid disclosure before you become aware the CRA is taking action, you may only have to pay taxes owing plus interest. More information can be found on the CRA’s website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures .

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Nativity Goes On the Road Third Avenue United Church volunteers took the nativity to seniors last week, visiting River Heights Lodge Wednesday and Battlefords District Care Centre Thursday. Residents took part by singing along and some dressed the part to portray angels, shepherds and the three wise men. Photos by Jayne Foster

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 12

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‘Bad break’ leads to another Bombers win Dustin Saracini

Sports Reporter

Coming into Saturday night’s contest between the North Stars and the Bombers, Flin Flon had been one of the hottest teams in the SJHL, winning all six of their past games.

They would crawl back from a 2-1 deficit in the third period, scoring with a minute left, winning their seventh in a row and fourth of the year against the North Stars.

On the other end it was

the Battlefords offence that had managed only two tallies in their last 120 minutes played, something that just hasn’t made much sense coming from the highest powered offence in the SJHL. They scored two in the first period Saturday.

Connor Sych kicked off the scoring with an absolute bomb from the point deflected by Dustin Gorgi just as their first power play ended.

At the other end it was Taryn Kotchorek coming up with a massive post-to-post

save to rob Flin Flon of their equalizer.

One of the problems for the Bombers has been their depth this year. Alex Smith, Joel Kocur and Brandon Switzer have been dominant, all top 10 in scoring. From there, it is a massive drop off, with the next player register-

mix, our defence will have to be committed and positionally aware.”

I’d argue here that the best defence is a good offence, and that’s what was on display at the Civic Centre.

While the Battlefords did a fine job of shutting them down, it was Jake McMillen who led the way for the North Stars offence with a hat trick, he now sits at 25 goals on the campaign.

Troy Gerein got on the board in the first period with

his first goal of 2015. He has been a spark plug of late, hitting many posts, just not being able to find the net until tonight. Bryce Hall started the goal with a nice move around the Bruins defence, throwing a pass into the slot where Gerein was waiting.

The forward took it on his backhand, transitioned to the forehand before snapping a wrist shot home.

Two of three of McMillen’s tallies came on the power play, in which the North Stars went two of

ing in at 60th in the SJHL for points.

They didn’t need much depth Saturday, while the three of them combined for seven points.

Smith tied the game in the first period after jumping on a loose puck in the slot, snapping a wrist shot just under the glove of Kotchorek.

With 20 seconds left Jake McMillen restored the one-goal lead with a blast from the left wing that just trickled through the pads of Bombers netminder Zac Robidoux.

It was tough to break into the heart of the defence for either side during the second period. Neutral zone play, harmless shots from the perimeter and a scoreless frame was the result.

The Bombers started off the third period with a power play, and they capitalized.

A cross-crease pass had Kotchorek go post-to-post and in perfect position, but, somehow, Brandon Lesko snuck the puck through his five hole for his fourth of the season.

With a minute left to

play, it was Jordan Wiest who broke his stick on a slap shot. Switzer took the puck in transition and went one-on-one with a stickless Wiest. The forward was able to get deep into North Stars territory because of it and sniped a shot past a screened Kotchorek and into the top right corner.

“It was a good shot and beat our goalie clean. What are you going to do when he breaks his stick? You can blame Sherwood for that one,” Coach Kevin Hasselberg said.

six on the game. He was in perfect position for both of them, cleaning up rebounds from both Nathan Alalouf and Tyler Fuh. It was a game where the Battlefords had to make the most of their power play opportunities, as Estevan’s penalty kill unit is ranked eighth in the SJHL.

Baxter Kanter added an empty netter to give the North Stars their two-goal advantage late in the final frame.

The North Stars had the Bruins on their heels for most of the night, outshooting them 48-30.

Taryn Kotchorek had an-

other solid night in net, stopping 27 of 30 shots and coming up with big saves when they needed it most.

The Battlefords head into the Christmas break first place in the Finning division and in the SJHL with 53 points. They take on Kindersley New Year’s Eve.

North Stars maul Estevan Bruins for a win

By Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

The North Stars head into Christmas break with a 5-3 victory over the Estevan Bruins Sunday.

Coming into the tilt, coach Kevin Hasselberg was well aware of the talent the Bruins have outside of their leading scorer Darcy DeRoose.

“With Owen LeClare, Braden Oleskyn, Lynnden Pastachuk, Keegan Allison and the Duret brothers in the

Explosion of offence for the Beaver Blues

By Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

Fresh off of their first win of the season, the Battlefords were at it again. This time on the road against the last place North Stars.

An incredible outburst of scoring led the Blues over Glaslyn, 11-2, in Turtleford.

Half of the offence came from Kevin Bendall and Jordan Keller, who combined for nine points on the night,

each scoring a hat trick.

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with five points, finding his teammates all night long with four helpers. He now leads the club with eight points.

Tyler Wasmuth scored his first of the season, while it was Mitch Phillips rounding out the scoring with his first and second of the campaign.

Adam Merkosky provided the bright spot for Glaslyn, also finding the back of the net for his first and second goals of 2015.

Mitch Hawtin registered his first win of the year. He is now 1-2 with a 4.67 GAA. The Beaver Blues jumped in the standings after their last two games and now sit in a tie for fourth place.

JPII Junior Crusaders off to a hot start Staff The John Paul II Collegiate junior boys’ basketball team is off to a 7-0 start versus their junior competition.

The Crusaders took home first place at the NBCHS Vikings tournament with victories over Lloydminster Holy Rosary High School, NBCHS Vikings “A” and NBCHS Vikings “B” teams.

The Crusaders have also posted victories over the Unity Warriors and, most recently, a 35-point victory over the Lloydminster College Park Cobras.

The junior boys will look to keep things rolling after Christmas with tournaments at Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster, Bishop Lloyd and E.S. Laird Middle Schools in Lloydminster, Jonas Samson School in Meadow Lake and Unity Composite High School.

The Crusaders will also be competing in exhibition games after Christmas. The matchups will be against Lloydminster College Park, Legacy Christian Academy and St. Joseph’s High School from Saskatoon.

John Paul II Crusaders in junior boys’ basketball action. Their season resumes in the New Year. Photo submitted

Page 13 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Third period meltdown leads Blazers over Stars Dustin Saracini Sports reporter

The Battlefords Stars hosted the Saskatoon Blazers Saturday for some afternoon hockey at the Civic Centre.

It was a big game in terms of standings, with the Stars given the opportunity to tie the Blazers and put themselves in a three-team deadlock for eighth place.

Late period penalties would end up costing the black and white down the stretch, blowing a two-goal lead and falling 5-4.

The first provided the crowd with extensive neutral zone play, with both teams making the most of their rare chances.

A rebound kicked away

by Jake Taylor, but cleaned up by Benson Thorpe on the fourth shot of the game, gave the Blazers an early 1-0 lead nine minutes in. Jake Chartier had the initial shot.

Thorpe was waiting on the doorstep for his first of the year.

A drop pass from Owen Lamb to Ben Hiltz tied it all up three minutes later.

Hiltz hit the back of the net with a nice wrist shot from the right hash mark past a screened Joel Grzybowski.

His sixth of the season was a result of a clean breakout that began with a crisp Keegan McBride pass from the Stars’ end.

Saskatoon would get back on the board in the second period after a partial breakaway gave them a 2-1 advantage. A feed from Brayden Camrud sprang Landon Markovich down the right wing, who released a snapshot short side, and under the glove of Taylor.

The tally was his fifth of the year.

A carbon copy of the Blazers’ first goal brought the Stars back just a minute later. Dawson Bacon had

the initial shot that bounced off the pad of Gryzbowski, right onto the stick of Jordan Mish who had a wide open net. Kenzie Arnold registered the second assist.

The AAA Stars kept coming, scoring back-toback goals, the first tally being a strange one. Tanner Brewster scored his 12th of the season after taking a wrist shot through the defenceman trying to knock it down with his glove, just beating the netminder.

A shorthanded breakaway goal by Owen Lamb in the opening minute of the final frame gave the Stars a 4-2 advantage. After the original shot was stopped, Lamb took his time to find the short rebound, eventually beating a sprawling Gryzbowski. Keelan Saworski was there to provide the chance.

A pair of five-on-three chances and some undisciplined hockey gave the Blaz-

Meota Combines win big against Cut Knife

By Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

Six days after Meota put 10 on the scoreboard against Maymont, they hosted the eighth place Cut Knife Colts Friday at the Civic Centre.

Cut Knife has had their struggles connecting on offence, sitting second last in the SPHL for scoring, with just 11 in five games.

Although the struggle to score didn’t continue, the rally wasn’t enough in an 8-6 Combines win.

It didn’t take long for Meota to take the lead.

Just 30 seconds in, Brandon Sentes took a Bo Gervais pass and scored on Meota’s

first chance of the game.

Slicing around the right face-off dot, what looked like a shot that wouldn’t do much damage ended up slipping through the wickets of Josh Thomas.

Cut Knife came back to tie it at one. Teddy Bear scored his first of three on the night after crossing the blue line with a bomb of a slap shot through traffic that skipped off the glove of Dallas Wright. Kenton Albert and Ashton Hewson collaborated on the tying mark.

The Colts then took the lead with a cross-crease feed from the right half wall that found the stick of

Bear, deflecting it past the outstretched pad of Dallas Wright.

Two quick unanswered goals from the Combines made it 3-2.

Brody Tatchell tied the game up three minutes later taking matters into his own hands. After weaving past two defenders on the left wing he snapped a quick-release wrist shot far side and over the shoulder of Thomas.

Tyson Knight and Gervais then came barreling down the ice on a two-onone, finishing off the play with a cross-ice pass through the slot and into the back of the net.

Continued on Page 14

There was an explosion of offence at the Civic Centre Friday night as the Meota Combines scored an 8-6 win over the Cut Knife Colts. Photo by Dustin Saracini

The Battlefords AAA Stars will be back in action Jan. 7. Photo by Dustin Saracini

ers just what they needed to crawl back into the game.

Saskatoon made it 4-3 after Mitchell Zambon scored on a wide-open cage off a rebound. Braden Krzak made the initial shot from the right hash mark.

Then it was Camrud scoring his seventh with an absolute blast, firing it top right corner through moving bodies. Rookie Jordan Hudson teed up the one-timer.

Blazers made it three unanswered goals in the final five minutes of the game to take the 5-4 lead with just 1:30 left on the clock. Taylor stood tall on a breakaway chance before a big scramble in front of the net led to Thorpe scoring his second of the game, poking the puck past the goal line.

Pulling the goalie solved nothing. The Stars had their chances but couldn’t get a

puck through the sacrificing bodies of the Blazers to tie the game up.

For two and a half periods, this was the Stars game to win. Out-working and out-skating Saskatoon for the puck. Penalties put the final nail in the coffin.

The Battlefords now break for Christmas and are back in action Jan. 7. Their record reads 10-15-0-3 in 2015.

Stars fall in Prince Albert

By Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

The Mintos and the Stars have gone head-to-head twice this season, serving as solid matchups to watch.

For being one of the best teams in the SMAAAHL, the Mintos seem to have trouble putting away the black and white.

Thursday was a different story.

Coming off a pair of 7-2 losses, Lance Alm and the Battlefords had a tough time in Prince Albert, coming out on the wrong end of a 6-2 contest.

Alm stopped 16 of 22 shots before Jake Taylor took over in the final frame, stopping three of three.

Owen Lamb fed Keelan Saworski with five minutes left in the first to put the AAA Stars on the board with an early one-goal advantage.

The Mintos rattled off six unanswered tallies until Saworski, in the final frame, scored his 12th of the season. With the mark, the forward now leads the Battle-

fords in goals. He and Lamb, who assisted on his second as well, have created a nice duo on the top line. Veteran Tanner Brewster isn’t far behind them with 17 points.

Despite having 13 rookies, the Stars still have a legitimate shot at a nice playoff run. They have shown throughout the season that they can contend with the

best in the league. There has been a nice balance of scoring and the ability to roll lines. Jayden Nachtegaele leads all first years with 15 points.

- See more at: http://www. newsoptimist.ca/sports/local-sports/saworski-scorestwice-stars-fall-in-princealbert-1.2136252#sthash. utiV23nU.dpuf

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 14

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Trailbreakers unveil new warm up shelter Roughrider fans will feel more than welcome

By Dustin Saracini Sports Reporter

Thanks to Discovery Coop and Allout Graphics and Design, Battlefords Trail Breakers Snowmobile Club now has a stunning new warm-up shelter.

President Dale Woytiuk cut the ribbon Thursday, Dec. 17 to signify the opening for all members, who are hoping the snow comes for yet another successful season.

The warm-up shelter is the only fully themed building out of all the trails around Saskatchewan.

Roughrider fans will feel right at home when they first step inside a warm and cozy area that is synonymous with the locker room. The names of Ron Atchison, Bill Baker, George Reed and Ron Lancaster cast themselves around the wall, as if the football team is getting ready to hit the field.

The shelter took a volunteer crew just about a month to build, finishing it Wednesday last week.

The Trail Breakers’ expansive trails rank as the third longest in Saskatchewan, with 450 kilometres of groomed trails. Sledders explore seemingly endless trails, which stretch across North Battleford, Meota, Vawn, Edam, Livelong, Turtle Lake, Glaslyn, Cochin and Delmas. The trails run along creeks, through val-

leys and over rolling hills.

Approximately 10 people oversee each section, who then employ their own staff to keep it running smoothly.

“You could literally get on the trail here and sled all the way to the Maritimes.

Every province has a trail system,” said Woytiuk, who has been working with the club since 1998.

“It takes a huge volunteer base and a dedicated volunteer base. If you don’t have that dedication then it won’t happen,” Tim Schultz said of how they keep the trails in good condition.

Volunteers set up signs throughout the trails, which is one of the most important jobs that can be done in this activity.

Woytiuk says they usually get around 25-30 volunteers each season.

The Trail Breakers are still not concerned with the way the warm weather has stuck around, saying there have been worse years in the past.

Knowing Saskatchewan, the trails will be in perfect shape sooner rather than later.

And it’s never too early to get in on the fun. Feb. 26-27 will be the Provincial Snowmobile Festival in North Battleford. There will be self-guided trail rides and pre-determined trail rides throughout the weekend. Prizes will also be available at the cowboy and cowgirl themed festival.

Battlefords Trail Breaker members and sponsor representatives celebrate the grand opening of Saskatchewan’s first Roughrider-themed warm up shelter. The ceremony took place at Charabin Seed Farm Thursday before the shack was moved to its location along the trail Friday. In the photo are Doug Noble, Mike Nord, general manager of Discovery Coop, Dale Woytiuk, Laurier Chasse, Nicole O’Driscoll, Dale Charabin, Tim Schultz and Ken Willie. Photos

by Dustin Saracini

Meota Combines win big Continued from Page 13 The Colts continued to go back and forth with Meota, scoring two goals in 30 seconds.

THE BATTLEFORDS

December 11, 12, 18, 19 and 31, 2015

306 446-2827 306 480-9876 This season, hand the reins over to us.

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Kenton Albert, who had a big four-point night for Cut Knife, chipped in with a blocker side snipe. Albert took the pass from Bear from behind the net and was left all alone.

Bear would score his third of the game, continuing to exchange shots with Meota. Albert returned the favour, feeding him a pass from the right half wall before Bear wristed one just under the glove of Wright to restore the Colts’ lead.

Meota came busting back with a beautiful tictac-toe pass from the blue line to the left hash mark, then a cross-crease pass found Michael Pylypow, who scored his third of the season. Riley Albert and Daxen Collins provided the spark on the goal, tying it at four.

Good News!

Santa is on his way, and we wish you a very merry holiday.

The Combines took the lead minutes after, with a shot that rebounded off the mask of Thomas and onto the stick of Brett Miller for his team-high ninth point.

Brody Tatchell had a night to remember, finishing with a hat trick and four points, while Gervais and Burt finished with three helpers each.

From there, they wouldn’t look back, now having won three of four, Meota is one of the hottest teams in the SPHL. The Combines had a back-to-back series against Cut Knife, playing them again Tuesday.

— See more at: http:// w w w. n ews o p t i m i s t. c a / sports/local-sports/meotawins-big-against-cut-knife1.2136760#sthash.H0bnMyqW.dpuf

By Allie Raycraft

ew Horizons Curling

Kismer Sweeps First Round The Bob Kismer rink were the undisputed champions of the New Horizon’s Curling fall season.

Peter Pauls presents the trophy to skip Bob Krismer, third Tom Foster, second Pat Tillmans, lead Marya Devonshire and lead substitute Kate McHarg. Photo submitted

Page 15 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Regional Optimist

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The annual Battlefords AAA Sharks alumni game Dec. 17 at Battleford Arena ended in a 4-3 victory for the current crop of midgetaged players.

The alumni might dispute the outcome, as in the

final seconds Morgan Fraser, current Red Deer Rebels rookie, got hold of a loose puck with her glove and put it in the back of the net.

Seventeen alumni came to play including current coach Ashley Rafuse, former coach Ashley Gauthier and former trainer Rachel Trach.

Other players included Keinyn Nordell, Morgan Fraser, Emily Wilson, Laura Harper, Amanda Grainger, Naomi Albert, Brittany Babcock, Taylor Durocher, Taylor Cave, Sarah Oliphant, Brooke Lonoway, Tori Bonnett, Alyssa Alger and goalie Jamie Powers.

The Sharks appreciate the support of community members who came out for the fun evening and the support of those who were able to bring warm winter clothing, food or cash for donations to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

We are proud to be adding to our list of products and services offered! We are now selling and servicing all your fire extinguishers. We can come to you with our Mobile Fire Extinguisher Servicing unit or you can bring your extinguishers to our store location and our experienced and certified technician will be happy to serve you. Call Blair for more information and bookings! 306-445-2707

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Thursday afternoon was a time for the students of the Braided Journey program at John Paul II Collegiate to celebrate Christmas.

This was the second year the program held a Christmas dinner and it was another opportunity to develop fellowship among the First Nation and Métis students and make them feel welcome at the high school.

Braided Journey, with the guidance of graduation coach Shalen Fox, has been successful in improving graduation rates for First Nation and Métis students.

John Paul II Collegiate has one of the top graduation rates in the province for indigenous students.

Families were also invited to meet staff in a relaxed and informal setting.

Fox said the idea for the dinner was to “build relationships to make sure our students are comfortable in the school and make sure our parents are comfortable coming into the school.

That’s the biggest thing.”

The meal itself stayed true to the traditions and values of First Nation culture. It started with traditional drumming from John Paul II students and a prayer.

There was a wide selection of food that students

home economics lab.

About 150 people showed up and students welcomed the opportunity to have a Christmas dinner at the school with their families.

Eve, a Grade 10 student, said the food was “awe-

and meet new people, share memories.”

Thunder, a Grade 11 student, liked the idea of holding a Christmas meal at the school because there are a lot of people “that don’t have Christmas dinners, and we have it for them.”

Regional Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 18

Jazz at the Legion Connor Newton was at the North Battleford Legion Branch No. 70 Saturday night to perform a concert in time for Christmas. Newton was in the Battlefords for a performance in March and was back, after spending the last four months studying music at the University of Toronto. Accompanying Newton were Barrie Redford on trumpet, Byron Olsen on guitar, Ross Nykiforuk on the keys, Tom Kroczynski on bass and Don Tatchell on drums. Photos by John Cairns

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Page 19 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Three Kings came riding from far away, Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar; Three Wise Men out of the East were they, And they travelled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.

And the people answered, “You ask in vain; We know of no King but Herod the Great!”

They thought the Wise Men were men insane, As they spurred their horses across the plain, Like riders in haste, who cannot wait.

The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy.

And when they came to Jerusalem, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, Sent for the Wise Men and questioned them; And said, “Go down unto Bethlehem, And bring me tidings of this new king.”

His mother Mary of Nazareth Sat watching beside his place of rest, Watching the even flow of his breath, For the joy of life and the terror of death Were mingled together in her breast.

Three caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, Three caskets of gold with golden keys; Their robes were of crimson silk with rows Of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, Their turbans like blossoming almond-trees.

So they rode away; and the star stood still, The only one in the grey of morn; Yes, it stopped – it stood still of its own free will, Right over Bethlehem on the hill, The city of David, where Christ was born.

They laid their offerings at his feet: The gold was their tribute to a King, The frankincense, with its odor sweet, Was for the Priest, the Paraclete, The myrrh for the body’s burying.

And so the Three Kings rode into the West, Through the dusk of the night, over hill and dell, And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast, And sometimes talked, as they paused to rest, With the people they met at some wayside well.

And the Three Kings rode through the gate and the guard, Through the silent street, till their horses turned And neighed as they entered the great inn-yard; But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, And only a light in the stable burned.

And the mother wondered and bowed her head, And sat as still as a statue of stone; Her heart was troubled yet comforted, Remembering what the Angel had said Of an endless reign and of David’s throne.

“Of the child that is born,” said Baltasar, “Good people, I pray you, tell us the news; For we in the East have seen his star, And have ridden fast, and have ridden far, To find and worship the King of the Jews.”

And cradled there in the scented hay, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, The little child in the manger lay, The child, that would be king one day Of a kingdom not human, but divine.

Then the Kings rode out of the city gate, With a clatter of hoofs in proud array; But they went not back to Herod the Great, For they knew his malice and feared his hate, And returned to their homes by another way.

are children, 10 per cent are youth and 10 per cent are seniors.

• Since opening its doors it has housed 36 individuals from the shelter into the community, setting them up with the basic necessities such as furniture and housewares through the community’s donations.

• The Lighthouse has provided for 405 different individuals in the emergency shelter from Jan. 26 to Nov. 30.

• 47 of those staying in the emergency shelter were children accessing with a parent.

“We could not continue without your kindness towards those in need in our community. Thank you again for giving hope, dignity and change,” say The Lighthouse staff. “Donate today to ensure there is a warm place for everyone this Christmas!”

Visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ the-lighthouse-supportedliving-inc/.

Those donating online will receive an automatic tax receipt via email.

To mail a donation the address is: The Lighthouse, 962-102st St., North Battleford, SK S9A 1E4. A tax receipt will be mailed.

The Lighthouse is a registered charity.

Available at Concorde Mall North Battleford

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The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords is encouraging the public to think of the hungry, homeless and hurting in the Battlefords and how they can offer them hope, dignity and change.

The Lighthouse is happy to accept financial donations and also welcomes volunteers.

In addition, there are a number of items on a wish list that would make a difference to its clients: underwear (men’s and women’s), mittens, warm jackets, canned vegetables, turkeys,

hams, powdered juice mix, sandwich meat, granola bars, snack size apple sauce, juice boxes, toothbrushes, travel-sized toothpaste, feminine products, disposable razors, bath towel and socks.

Here are some statistics on the impact The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords has made in the community this year: • More than 200 meals are being prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner every week. On average The Lighthouse serves 2,200 meals a month.

• 15 per cent of the clients accessing the meal program

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Regional Optimist

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By Elizabeth Harrison Once upon a time, so long ago everybody has forgotten the date, in a city in the north of Europe, with such a hard name that nobody can ever remember it, there was a little seven-year-old boy named Wolff. His parents were dead and he lived with a cross and stingy old aunt, who never thought of kissing him more than once a year.

She sighed deeply whenever she gave him a bowlful of soup.

But the poor little fellow had such a sweet nature that in spite of everything, he loved the old woman, although he was terribly afraid of her. He could never look at her ugly old face without shivering.

As this aunt of little Wolff was known to have a house of her own and an old woolen stocking full of gold, she had not dared to send the boy to a charity school. In order to get a reduction in the price, she had so wrangled with the master of the school, to which little Wolff finally went, that this bad man, vexed at having a pupil so poorly dressed and paying so little, often punished him unjustly. He even prejudiced his companions against him, so that the three boys, all sons of rich parents, made a drudge and laughing stock of the little fellow.

The poor little one was thus as wretched as a child could be and used to hide himself in corners to weep whenever Christmas time came.

It was the schoolmaster’s custom to take all his pupils to the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and to bring them home again afterward.

Now, as the winter this year was bitter, and as heavy snow had been falling for several days, all the boys came well bundled up in warm clothes, with fur

caps pulled over their ears, padded jackets, gloves and knitted mittens, and strong, thick-soled boots. Only little Wolff presented himself shivering in the poor clothes he wore both weekdays and Sundays and having on his feet only thin socks in heavy wooden shoes.

His naughty companions noticing his sad face and awkward appearance, made many jokes at his expense, but the little fellow was so busy blowing on his fingers, and was suffering so much with chilblains, that he took no notice of them. So the band of youngsters, walking two and two behind the master, started for the church.

It was pleasant in the church, which was brilliant with lighted candles. The boys, excited by the warmth, took advantage of the music of the choir and the organ to chatter among themselves in low tones. They bragged about the fun that was awaiting them at home. The mayor’s son had seen, just before starting off, an immense goose ready stuffed and dressed for cooking. At the alderman’s home there was a little pine trees with branches laden down with oranges, sweets and toys.

And the lawyer’s cook had put on her cap with such care as she never thought of taking unless she was expecting something very good!

Then they talked, too, of all that the Christ Child was going to bring them of all he was going to put in their shoes which, you might be sure, they would take good care to leave in the chimney place before going to bed. The eyes of these little urchins, as lively as a cage of mice, were sparkling in advance over the joy they would have when they awoke in the morning and saw the pink bag full of sugarplums, the little lead soldiers ranged in companies in their boxes,

MISSING Tamra Keepness MissingKeepness

C/F CASE NO: 3136-U DATE OF DISAPPEARANCE: July 5, 2004 LOCATION: Regina, SK DATE OF BIRTH: Sept. 1, 1998 EYES: Brown HAIR: Brown (bobbed cut) WEIGHT: approx. 40 lbs.

HEIGHT: 3'5"

PARTICULARS: Tamra was last seen in her Regina home around 11pm Monday, July 5, 2004. When last seen she was wearing a light blue striped halter top with pink accents, light blue jeans and may be in rubber boots or barefoot. Tamra has 2 circle type birthmarks (one pale and the other darker in color) on her stomach. Also an inch scar on one of her legs below the knee.

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the menageries smelling of varnished wood and the magnificent jumping jacks in purple and tinsel.

Alas! Little Wolff knew by experience that his old miser of an aunt would send him to bed supperless, but, with childlike faith and certain of having been, all the year, as good and industrious as possible, he hoped that the Christ Child would not forget him. He, too, planned to place his wooden shoes in good time in the fireplace.

Midnight mass over, the worshippers departed, eager for their fun, and the band of pupils always walking two and two, and following the teacher, left the church.

Now, in the porch and seated on a stone bench set in the niche of a painted arch, a child was sleeping, a child in a white woolen garment, but with his little feet bare, in spite of the cold.

He was not a beggar, for his garment was white and new, and near him on the floor was a bundle of carpenter’s tools.

In the clear light of the stars, his face, with its closed eyes, shone with an expression of divine sweetness, and his long, curling, blond locks seemed to form a halo about his brow. But his little child’s feet, made blue by the cold of this bitter December night, were pitiful to see!

The boys so well clothed for the winter weather passed by quite indifferent to the unknown child, several of them, sons of the notables of the town, however, cast on the vagabond looks in which could be read all the scorn of the rich for the poor, of the well fed for the hungry.

But little Wolff, coming last out of the church, stopped, deeply touched, before the beautiful sleeping child.

“Oh, dear!” said the little fellow to himself, “this is frightful! This poor little one has no shoes and stockings in this bad weather, and, what is still worse, he has not even a wooden shoe to leave near him tonight while he sleeps, into which the little Christ Child can put something good to soothe his misery.”

And carried away by his loving heart, Wolff drew the wooden shoe from his right foot, laid it down before the sleeping child, and, as best he could, sometimes hopping, sometimes limping with his sock wet by the snow, he went home to his aunt.

“Look at the good-fornothing!” cried the old woman, full of wrath at the sight of the shoeless boy. “What have you done with your shoe, you little villain?”

Little Wolff did not know how to lie, so, although trembling with terror when he saw the rage of the old shrew, he tried to relate his adventure.

But the miserly old creature only burst into a frightful fit of laughter.

“Aha! So my young gentleman strips himself for the beggars. Aha! My young gentleman breaks his pair of shoes for a bare foot! Here is something new, forsooth.

Very well, since it is this way, I shall put the only shoe that is left into the chimney place, and I’ll answer for it that the Christ Child will put in something tonight to beat you with in the morning! And you will have only a crust of bread and water tomorrow. And we shall see if the next time, you will be giving your shoes to the first vagabond that happens along.”

And the wicked woman having boxed the ears of the poor little fellow, made him climb up into the loft where he had his wretched cubbyhole.

Desolate, the child went to bed in the dark and soon fell asleep, but his pillow was wet with tears.

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 20

But, behold! The next morning when the old woman, awakened early by the cold, went downstairs. Oh, wonder of wonders, she saw the big chimney filled with shining toys, bags of magnificent bonbons, and riches of every sort and standing out in front of all this treasure, was the right wooden shoe the boy had given to the little vagabond. Yes, and beside it, the one which she had placed in the chimney to hold the bunch of switches.

As little Wolff, attracted by the cries of his aunt, stood in an ecstasy of childish delight before the splendid Christmas gifts, shouts of laughter were heard outside. The woman and child ran out to see what all this meant. All the gossips of the town were standing around the public fountain. What could have happened? Oh, a most ridiculous and extraordinary thing! The children of the richest men in the town, whom their parents had planned to surprise with

the most beautiful presents, had found only switches in their shoes!

Then the old woman and the child thinking of all the riches in their chimney were filled with fear. But suddenly they saw the priest appear, his countenance full of astonishment. Just above the bench placed near the door of the church, in the very spot where, the night before, a child in a white garment and with bare feet, in spite of the cold, had rested his lovely head, the priest had found a circlet of gold imbedded in the old stones.

Then, they all crossed themselves devoutly, perceiving that this beautiful sleeping child with the carpenter’s tools had been Jesus of Nazareth himself, who had come back for one hour just as he had been when he used to work in the home of his parents; and reverently they bowed before this miracle, which the good God had done to reward the faith and the love of a little child.

Sharks Attack Hunger Fans who attended the Battlefords AAA Sharks alumni game at the Battleford Arena Dec. 17 donated food and coats for kids to the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre. The team also donated $298 from admission donations, 50/50 and Scoro. Steph Gilchrist, Battlefords AAA Sharks manager, presents the donations to Executive Director Erin Katerynych.

Photo submitted

Gold Eagle Gives Erin Katerynych, executive director of the Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund, receives a donation from Gold Eagle Lodge, presented by Malcolm Anderson, general manager. Gold Eagle Lodge was able to add five Christmas hampers, 17 kids gifts and extra food donations to the Empty Stocking Fund. Photo submitted

Page 21 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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‘First Xmas’ can mean many different things

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Stuffing the Stockings It has been an active few days for the Empty Stocking Fund in their final push towards filling up hampers for families in need this Christmas season.

Thursday volunteers sorted through some two ambulances worth of toys donated through the WPD “Cram Our Ambulance” campaign. Sunday, volunteers were busy at the Empty Stocking Fund offices handing out the Christmas hampers and toys for the families that had arrived. That was an intensive effort through the morning and into the afternoon. Monday around 3 p.m., Loraas Environmental was scheduled to make their donation. It was originally scheduled for Thursday but was pushed back, mainly because Loraas was overwhelmed by the number of donations they received. Photos by John Cairns

When we decided the theme for this year’s Wilkie Unity Press-Herald Christmas issue was going to be “First Christmas” my mind raced with topics.

A first Christmas in our newly-built house on the farm, with extended family numbering 17 celebrating together, is one memory to recall. My mom was the ultimate host and took great pride in her decorating and baking.

She sewed 17 patchwork stockings to be hung on the mantel. That year all the “kids” were in their teens, the theme was no longer a gift exchange but “stuffing” each other’s stockings and what great entertainment that provided. She made sure dad had cut plenty of firewood to keep both main floor fireplaces going to add to the ambience.

Our family loved to play games, so Mom had us assist in the game planning, ensuring every generation would have some fun.

The assortment of baking was created for weeks prior, not to be touched by us as we watched it go into the freezer.

The Christmas meal was the first time that I can remember not including a “children’s” table, as her large, new kitchen enabled her to set up tables that would seat everyone comfortably. And a memorable meal it was, including mischievous teenagers wagering to see how long it would take a favourite dish to make its way around that long table.

This was before VCRs, mobile phones and 24/7 satellite television. Teenagers actually found ways to entertain themselves inside and out. I recall plenty of laughter and time flying by quickly.

As the company all departed, the sentimental melancholy set in, however it remains one of many fond Christmas memories I have and can also be added to one of the chapters in my life’s book, under the title “First Christmas” A first Christmas that was non-traditional can be described as unique. People today are used to getting all of our highway hotline information via tweet, text, Facebook or looking on the computer. When we were first married, my husband had a summer job and a winter job with highways. In the winter his job included manning the Highway Hotline phone. His shift included Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, if it was his turn.

Besides managing updates with all media sources, he fielded incoming updates from snowplow operators who were out treating the roads, as well as callers who were travelling and wanted to know the conditions ahead of them. This was no

lonely “Maytag Man” job, as that phone rang frequently.

Not wanting the poor man to spend Christmas alone, I did my best to create a feast for two and would spend several hours with him while playing endless hands of cribbage between callers.

There wasn’t a Christmas tree in our midst, or the sights and sounds of a house full of company enjoying the festivities around us, but we both recognized, while it wasn’t the Christmas anyone had wanted, neither of us were alone and we could make the best of it together.

Even though there have been many Christmases since then that the Highways job has kept him away from home Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, that “first Christmas” experience in that little office wishing strangers a Merry Christmas and safe travels while taking turns beating each other in cribbage is certainly another experience I can add to the memory bank under the “first Christmas” category.

A first Christmas after a child has left home definitely rings true to the theme.

I can recall easily the first Christmas I returned home after heading to college.

It was as exciting to see your family and what had changed around home as it was to reunite with many other friends who had also left home after graduation.

I reminded myself of these feelings when we were welcoming our daughter home for her first Christmas home from university. We were excitedly preparing our house with all her favourite decorations and foods as well as planning out Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. She arrived home a week or so early as her hectic exam schedule at university was done and she was eager to have some down time. And, even though I had experienced this myself as a young person, the continual call of friends who were also anxious to see her left me feeling as though I was being deprived of her time. Yet we kept encouraging her to see everyone she could while she was at home, inviting them to come to our house, so we could also reconnect with these kids, too.

Long study hours, lon-

ger nights reminiscing with former classmates caught up with the poor girl and again we selfishly felt deprived of her time as she caught up on sleep. Yet, what we did notice and appreciate, at meal time or TV time, she was phone free – wanting to “be in the room, when she was in the room.”

The messy room that used to drive us crazy when she lived here was now a welcome sight as that meant, for the time being, her room wasn’t empty. Another willing hand in the kitchen with preparation or clean up just so she could catch up with me, was one of those heartwarming moments that brought back floods of memories of me doing the very same activity with my mom after I had left home.

Traditions we thought she may have grown out of were now welcome and almost exciting as it offered a taste of the past and the familiar.

We reveled in all the little things, with her wanting to savour each moment as we knew all too soon she would be headed back to the city to kick start her new school year as well as reconnect with the new friends there.

Sentimental melancholy that sets in after every anticipated holiday or event, leaves us feeling a little sad and a little forlorn. Until that happy voice tells us she made it home safely and hearing the excitement in her plans in her new home in the upcoming weeks, cheers us up.

This “first Christmas” chapter has yet another tale to add.

It doesn’t matter what your theme or chapter is about, a first Christmas experience or the most recent Christmas experience, none of these experiences mean any more or any less. What is important are the feelings they have evoked, the memories they gave us and the stories we are able to recall about these Christmases, no matter what chapter they fall under in your life’s book of stories. You see Christmas is not just a date, but a state of mind.

“Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance, each beautiful, unique and too soon gone.”

— Deborah Whipp

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 22

Businesses targeted

Attempted credit card fraud investigated Staff

SPIRITWOOD — Spiritwood RCMP are investigating attempted fraud by a young woman at three local businesses Wednesday, Dec. 16.

According to police, the business described the actions of a woman, estimated to be about 19 years old, as suspicious.

Businesses reported the woman tried to make large purchases including gift cards with a Visa that they

allege had been tampered with. According to the reports the magnetic strip and chip on the card would not work, however, if the number was entered manually, the transactions would have gone through.

The woman is described as Caucasian with a darker skin tone and is approximately 5’ 7” tall with a slender build. She had pink hair.

The suspect was driving a white 2013 four-door Dodge Ram with Alberta licence plate BST 9306.

The vehicle has black rims, oversize tires, is lifted, has tinted windows and blacked out tail lights.

RCMP say their investigation has revealed this woman is a suspect in fraudulent activity in stores in Southern Saskatchewan, Saskatoon and several places in Alberta.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Spiritwood RCMP at 306883-4210 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 24

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O Christmas Tree

A history of an enduring holiday tradition

By Erl Svendsen The Christmas tree is an essential element of the season’s celebration. And has been for centuries, even before there was a Christ or a Christmas.

The earliest records are of Romans decorating trees with bits of metal for Saturnalia, a winter solstice celebration honouring Saturn. In the northern countries, evergreen boughs were brought into the home as a reminder that winter and darkness was a passing season and that the sun, green growth and farmers’ harvests would come again.

The greenery also added colour to a season that was dominated by white, brown and grey and helped to freshen the air in peasant homes that they usually shared with their livestock.

Evergreens also had a mystical or magical quality in early cultures. They symbolized eternal life for the Vikings and Druids. And they contained good spirits that could overcome the evil magic that “killed” deciduous trees and protected homes from evil spirits.

Because of their close association with pagan rituals, early Christians were forbidden to decorate their homes with evergreens, especially around the winter solstice (Dec. 21). The proscription against using evergreens

continued into the 18th Century where in England, the Puritans forbade observing Christmas believing such celebrations promoted irreligious frivolity. But the ban was not universal. Riga, capital of Latvia, claims the first Christmas tree in 1510.

Germans too celebrated the season with evergreen trees and could buy a tree at a lot as early 1531 in Alsace (now part of France).

Initially, the Norse and German pagan solstice tradition of decorating trees was repurposed by Christians – not to celebrate Christ’s birth, but to symbolize Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden. They decorated “paradise trees” with apples Dec. 24, feast day for Adam and Eve. By the early 1600s, trees were decorated more extensively with paper, foil, tin shapes, lace, dolls, fruit, sweets, small gifts and tinsel, all topped with a star to symbolize the star from the first Christmas night.

Martin Luther is usually credited with adding lights.

Walking home one evening, he was struck with the beauty of the stars set against the backdrop of evergreens. In order to recapture the scene and to use it to represent Christ as the Light of the World (John 8:12), Luther attached candles to his Christmas tree. While the fire marshal may not approve today, my fondest Christmas

arden Chat memory is as a six-year-old at my grandfather’s house in Norway. It was our first Christmas on the farm and, to make it extra special, he decorated the tree with lit candles.

Meanwhile, over in England, Queen Victoria erected the first Christmas tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. This was not a random whim by the Queen, but likely a tradition that her husband, Prince Albert, brought from his native Germany. Taking their cue from their monarch, the rest of the country started putting up Christmas trees.

In North America, Christmas trees didn’t make it into mainstream until the 1850s because of the strong Puritan influence. In 1851, Mark Carr started the first tree lot in the United States, selling trees for five and 10 cents, larger trees sold for 25 cents. What a deal!

President Pierce really put the whole Christmas tree notion in North America in full gear by putting the first Christmas tree up in the White House in 1856.

Edward Johnson, Edison’s assistant, came up with the idea of using a string of lights to decorate trees. Cer-

tainly a much safer alternative to using lit candles. This made decorating outdoor trees a possibility and, by 1912, decorated trees in public spaces were beginning to

be a common sight.

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

NEW www.facebook.com/ saskperennial). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions, workshops and tours.

Stuffing the Stockings Empty Stocking Fund Executive Director Erin Katerynych with Nick Nykiforuk, who celebrated his 90th birthday Dec. 22. Instead of gifts, his family collected food for the Empty Stocking Fund to honour him. Photo submitted

B.C. weather has come to Saskatchewan Now we have B.C. weather in Saskatchewan.

We had a week of cloudy, hoar frosty weather and now it has turned cold. Next year it should be a wet June.

We will see. This has not been much of a winter, so far, but we are a long ways from spring. As I write this we are two days from the shortest day of the year.

Any time we get to the winter solstice without much winter, it makes for a short winter. Last year we had two months of snow on the ground by this time.

On the home farm, son Ron had John and Barry Davis come in with a track

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hoe and clean up some old buildings. My grandfather Karl Hult was a builder and he had some Swede and Norwegian cronies he employed. They built a lot of farm buildings. They may have been a bit short on English, but they really knew how to saw lumber and pound nails.

Ron has been in the yard about 10 years and seems to be on a seek and destroy mission. First he did in all the old 12-by-16 square wooden granaries. There were about a dozen of them.

He hauled them out in the field and burned them. That wasn’t really a loss. Ron then knocked down the bunk house and a chicken house.

There were some antiques in the bunkhouse.

He didn’t save anything.

He destroyed everything. I got to calling him Ron the wrecker. Then he knocked

ic’s

View

By Victor Hult

Regular contributor to newsoptimist.ca down the pig barn that had an overhead hopper to put grain in the chopping mill.

There was also a tractor shed on the end that they could heat so the tractor would start in the winter.

That all disappeared. There was a scale building and a cattle barn and another tractor shed. Gone! Now the only thing left was the chicken house, workshop and drive shed building.

The chicken house was about 24 by 60. Grandma Ida raised a lot of chickens and turkeys. The workshop

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attached to the chicken house was about 24 feet square. The drive shed was attached to the workshop and it was about 60 feet long. All the buildings were attached to one other so it was a long building. All the buildings were made in the 1920s. When the ‘30s came all building stopped.

The roofs were collapsing, the buildings were done. In their day these were significant buildings.

Now after 80 or 90 years, the end was here. John and Barry loaded up the buildings into an ore truck and hauled the debris down to a slough area. The pile was burned and they will come

back later and bury what is left. It was the right thing to do and it really makes the yard look different.

Ron actually looked at things that were in the buildings this time. He said he had found an orange pipe frame and wanted to know what that was for. I had not seen it in years, but I knew right away what it was. My father Arthur had bought it at an auction sale somewhere. I told Ron that there was a cone somewhere like a giant pencil sharpener. This cone went on the tractor PTO and the frame had a lever on it that held the post from turning and you pushed the post in with the tractor running and sharpened the fence post.

It was positively the most dangerous invention I have ever seen.

Ron found a bunch of harness for horses. I’m sure that it would be all dry and rotted by now. He found some fire extinguishers that were red fluid in glass bulbs that you threw at the fire and were supposed to

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put the fire out. Some travelling salesman got Arthur for those things. There was a forge with a hand crank fan in the workshop.

They salvaged the fan but smashed the cast iron table.

What was the point of that?

One is no good without the other. As my grandfather’s helper, I cranked that forge many a time as Grandfather was bending metal. You have to have just the right speed. No one does blacksmithing anymore.

Copies of the book compiled by my wife and daughter of my lifetime of writing are still available.

The price is $30 and you can order by calling 1-780875-3661.

Joke of the week: A 60-year-old man goes into the doctor for a checkup.

The doctor looks him over and says, “You are in good shape.” “Yes,” the man says, “I want to live to be 100 years old. I eat only organic food, I do not eat red meat, I don’t do alcohol or drugs.

I watch my weight and, if I need to, I go on a two or three day fast. I go to bed every night at eight o’clock.”

The old doctor shook his head and said, “Why do you want to be 100? You have taken all the fun out of living.”

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Page 25 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Old time dance may continue in new year

By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent

Christmas Eve mass is 7:30 p.m. in All Saints Catholic Church in Mayfair with Father Vu officiating. Many family members who live a distance from their parents partake in this special church service, thus making a full house. It is always a pleasure to see the neighbours’ children and grandchildren during the festive season.

The old time dance session was a real success and

ayfair News some would like to continue in the new year. We made it a real fun party on the last night, Dec. 15. Many variations of new and older dances were learned. Now, the task is to remember the steps to all of the newly acquired dances.

Yoga will definitely start up in January as this is a

good form of exercise and relaxation.

Jeanette Swistun has returned from her visit with her sister Glenda (Dick) Starycki from Vancouver Island. The rainy weather and high winds were rampant one and a half weeks ago.

Wishing all of the readers a very merry Christmas with your family and friends. Enjoy the not overly cold weather that the weatherman is bringing.

Dressing Down Delivers Delta Co-op staff chose to distribute funds from their dress down days to three organizations this December. Two cheques were presented by the Wilkie grocery manager, Amanda Roth. A cheque for $400 was presented to Prairie Branches (above left) with locations at both Unity and Wilkie, accepted by Eunice Washkowsky. A donation of $300 was awarded to Bethany Homes (above right) in Wilkie, accepted by Lynn Christensen. Delta Co-op administration staff member, Sandra Wagner, presented Unity Fire Chief Leroy Timmermans (above) with a $500 donation for the Stars Air Ambulance. Staff at the Wilkie and Unity locations pay for the privilege of “dressing down” each Friday, with staff choosing charitable organizations to support. Photos by Sherri Solomko

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 26

Page 27 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Advertising

Press To our loyal readers and advertisers, your support, trust and loyalty throughout the year is what drives us to surpass what we do week after week and bring to you information that matters.

Thank you for your support over the past year and we look forward to many more.

Happy Holidays to everyone, enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

- Management and staff of Battlefords Publishing Ltd. and Turner Warwick Printers.

Publisher

Alana Schweitzer

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May your season be filled with peace, love and joy.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 26

Page 27 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Advertising

Press To our loyal readers and advertisers, your support, trust and loyalty throughout the year is what drives us to surpass what we do week after week and bring to you information that matters.

Thank you for your support over the past year and we look forward to many more.

Happy Holidays to everyone, enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

- Management and staff of Battlefords Publishing Ltd. and Turner Warwick Printers.

Publisher

Alana Schweitzer

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Composition

Inserting/Circulation

May your season be filled with peace, love and joy.

Front Office

Editorial

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 28

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Town sparkles with festive Christmas displays

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends and loyal readers. Wishing you all the gift of health and happiness.

Don’t forget Christmas Eve service at one of the four churches in town. The peaceful surroundings, the beautiful music and message of Christmas are guaranteed to put a song in your heart.

Check out some of the fantastic Christmas light displays that have been put up by residents and businesses around town. It’s a great chance to share some social time with family or friends, or why not ask a senior or neighbour who might be all alone to join you for a little Christmas fun with your group. Also watch for the familiar vehicle of Gary as he has once again decked out a truck and trailer with lights and figures as he drives around town to put a smile on people’s faces just because he loves Christmas and he loves to share a little Christmas spirit around town.

Continue to spread good tidings throughout your community this holiday season. Help a senior shovel or chip ice off their property.

Visit a shut in or someone who is alone this Christmas. Take the opportunity to spend extended time with your family, electronics free.

Find a way to shine a light on someone who is not having such a happy holiday either because of loss, illness or loneliness. The best gift you can give away is the gifts you have to offer of yourself.

Secret Santa was thrilled with some of the monetary gifts they received this December that included the Unity Public School turning over their silver collection from their annual Christmas Concert of $525.15, which were topped off with the staff taking up a collection adding another $310. Con Alexander Trucking held a silent auction at their annual staff Christmas party and turned over the proceeds of $1,605 to the Secret Santa program.

The many things offered

nity News by our community resource centre are still unknown to many. Beginning with research, discussion and preliminary meetings in 2007 the Unity Community Resource Centre opened its doors in 2008. Services offered include: “new to you” clothing depot, Unity Food Bank, Heartland Health District Autism Support, family support services coordinator, parent mentoring program, mental health counsellor, Ministry of Immigration resources, UTEC store front school for students wishing to complete or upgrade their high school education, community groups and moms and tots.

The resource centre operates solely on donations and grants. The board organizes fundraisers throughout the year. Gently used computers were donated by Unity Credit Union that allow free Internet and computer access for those that need it. One part-time employee helps with incoming donated items. There is also a job posting board for those looking for employment.

The “Celebrate Unity” committee is looking for nominations for those in our community who have contributed time and dedication to community groups, activities, events, programs or activities. Deadline for nominations is Feb. 5 and you can email helena@helenalong. com with your nomination.

The celebration event itself will be held the first week in March.

Unity Credit Union chose a number of ways to give back to their community in December that included presenting a cheque in lieu of flowers at the UCRC grand opening Dec. 10 as well as running a campaign on their Facebook page inviting followers to respond and a winner would be chosen. Each post’s winner won a $50 gift certificate eligible to be used at any Unity business and a $50 donation would be made to the win-

ner’s charity of choice. This gesture allowed multiple winners throughout December.

Delta Co-op staff, who pay for the privilege of dressing down each Friday, turned some of these collections into Christmas donations to local charities that included Prairie Branches group care homes, Bethany Assisted Living in Wilkie as well as Stars Air Ambulance, totalling $1,200.

Staff and students are officially on a well-deserved Christmas break set to resume classes Jan. 4.

A big shout out to UCHS Activate Team/Positive School Climate Committee, along with our UCHS leadership class who were encouraging “positive posting” in their 12 Days of Christmas Compliments campaign. Check out the page @ ActivateUCHS for some excellent reading in over 1,000 posts.

The curling club Boxing Day bonspiel will be held on the Dec. 26 with regular league curling resuming Dec. 29. Junior and school programs will be on break until school resumes.

Take the opportunity of some down time this holiday season to spend quality time with your family either enjoying the outdoors or watching a movie or two.

Put down the electronics for a time and just talk to those around you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who stopped to tell me they appreciate this column, even if they don’t live in Unity. It is great to feel appreciated. I wish you all much health and happiness this coming year and many blessing to you all this Christmas season.

The Unity multiple 4-H club annual craft retreat will be held Friday, Jan. 14 to Sunday, Jan. 17 at the Legion Hall in Unity. The cost is only $85 and includes meals and snacks. Registrations can be dropped off at JayDee Ag Tech or the Press Herald office with the deadline being Jan. 11.

Coffee row folks may now be seen in reduced numbers as regular rowers are either hosting family or

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Unity Public School principal Karalyn Brown presents Unity’s Secret Santa chairperson, Sharon Riou, with $835.15. The sum represented the silver collection taken at two days of their Christmas concert, totalling $525.15, and UPS staff took up a collection raising another $310. Photos by Sherri Solomko

Con and Marie Alexander, shown here with Unity Secret Santa chair Sharon Riou, presented $1,605 to the Secret Santa program. The donation represents proceeds from a silent auction held at Alexander Trucking’s staff Christmas party.

visiting family over the holidays. Nonetheless, this part of our community culture is still present and there is still no lack of topics to discuss for whoever is able to at-

tend. Whether its Christmas plans they have, the action at the local hockey and curling rink or discussing the weather this winter, there is always something to mull

over while enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. So, you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next time …

Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium The Battlefords ONLY Locally Owned Funeral Provider

The holiday season is a difficult one for those who have recently experienced a loss.

Those we love who pass away live on in us through our memories and our character.

Please know Eternal Memories Funeral Services & Crematorium is thinking of your family through this holiday season.

From our families to yours, season’s greetings.

Eternal Memories Funeral Services & Crematorium, TREVOR WATTS providing Dignified, Respectful Funeral Director and Compassionate Care. & Owner/Operator

www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK

306-445-7570

Page 29 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Scan here for careers online

All the right choices for you to reach More People...

Ph.: 306-445-7265 / 306-445-7266 Deadline: Tuesday 1 p.m.

Deadline: Friday 1 p.m.

OBITUARIES KRYZANOWSKI: Kryzanowski, Marie Josephine Elizabeth was born July 8, 1933 to Philip & Mary Forest in North Battleford.

Marie married Thomas Kryzanowski November 16, 1953.

They had 4 children. To Marie her family was first and foremost.

When the kids were growing up, she would sew them clothes and winter jackets, quite often making her own patterns. Marie did sewing for other people in the community as well. Many people were also the recipients of her knitted siwash sweaters, crocheted doilies, and tablecloths. When the grandchildren were of school age, Marie crocheted little Christmas stockings and Easter baskets for everyone in their classrooms.

One Christmas she crocheted 250 stockings for the whole school.

Marie loved Christmas and loved to bake. She especially enjoyed it when the grandchildren would come over and ask to decorate the cookies. Marie loved to be involved in the grandchildren’s lives.

Their visits even when they became adults and were married were extremely important to her. She was always interested in what they were doing. One of her favourite phrases to them as they would introduce her to new things was “ welcome to the 21st century.” She loved to feed people, and as soon as you walked in the door for a visit, she would sit you down to the table and put a large meal in front of you. Tom and Marie loved to travel and camp especially in the mountains. They made many trips on Toms Harley Davidson motorcycle. Tom would fondly tell the story of the year that Marie “twiddled her thumbs around the world”. She didn’t have to look at her work while crocheting, so she figured she should be able to sight see and crochet while being a passenger on the bike. She took along a shoulder bag to put her crochet cotton in & crocheted a lot of items while they travelled that year. Marie was an extremely courageous person that always put others first. She had a great sense of adventure and was also willing to go on solo adventures.

She enjoyed touring Vancouver, even when her hearing was failing, she would venture out on her own, walking or taking the bus everywhere that her heart lead her. Marie worked at River Heights Lodge for 26 years as a care aide, retiring in 1996. In the past 15 years, Marie’s hearing started to go. She ended up with profound hearing loss so she did not socialize outside of the immediate family circle.

She would go to the Co-op daily for her newspaper and a few groceries but would often avoid people that she knew, just so she would not have to respond to their questions as she was not able to hear them. Tom and Marie had loved each other dearly, so when Tom passed away in August 2013, Marie was broken hearted. In May 2015, Marie moved into River Heights Lodge as a resident.

Marie did not disclose to others how much her health had gone downhill. In July, Marie was diagnosed with cancer, but with her heart condition, surgery was not an option, nor was chemo. Marie took this in stride, with comments like, “well, I’m 82 years old” or “there are people who are worse off than me” or “ I’m okay, don’t worry about me.” Marie passed away on November 5, 2015 with several of her family members and pastor Keith Klippenstein with her. “Mom (Grandma), we know you are no longer in pain and we know you are riding with Dad (Grandpa) in Heaven on the Wings of Angels. Mom, We love you lots and we will miss you dearly”. Marie leaves to mourn her passing; four children: Theodore (Nadine MacCumber), Debra (Brian) Southgate, Roy (Connie Jamieson), Kim (Graham ) Henderson; 9 grandchildren: Evelyn (Dustin) Reynolds, Zane (Lani) Southgate, Nancy (Chum) Denis, Anita (Tyson) Blum, Kevin and Sarah Henderson, Mikayla Kryzanowski , Donovin and Jacob MacCumber; Three great grandchildren: Trenton and Timothy Blum, Kylee Reynolds; step granddaughter Jamie Jamieson, step great grandchildren, Kaitlin, Britney and Dawn Jamieson. Marie was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, the love of her life for 60 years; her parents Philip and Mary Forest, brother Joe Forest; father-in-law and mother-in-law Rudolph and Eva Kryzanowski; several brother in laws and sister in laws. Funeral was held on November 14, 2015 at Territorial Drive Alliance Church with Pastor Keith Klippenstein officiating. Donations in memory of Marie Kryzanowski can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Saskatoon or the North Battleford SPCA humane Society. Arrangements for the late Marie Kryzanowski were entrusted to Robert MacKay of Battlefords Funeral Service , North Battleford Saskatchewan.

CARD OF THANKS A special thank you to Dr. Patricia Campbell for the health care you gave Mom over the past several years. You were so compassionate with her. Thank you to Dr. J. Johnson and the staff of RHL for the health care that you gave Mom while she was in the lodge.

Thank you to Pastor Keith Klippenstein for your compassion and visits with Mom. Thank you to all those who took part in the funeral service in honouring Mom. Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, food, cards, it was greatly appreciated. Also a Special Thank you so much to Bob MacKay of Battlefords Funeral Service for your compassion and getting us through this difficult time.

HOWDLE: In loving memory of Francis William Howdle (Frank), born on August 7, 1927, at the Notre Dame Hospital in North Battleford, Saskatchewan to Jesse Brown and William Howdle. Frank passed away on December 10th, 2015 in Unity, Saskatchewan, at the age of 88.

Frank grew up in the Willow Heights District with 4 sisters: Ethel, Jean, Alice, and Mildred and 1 brother, John. Frank married Margaret Bernice Sidebottom (Bernice) on June 16, 1948.

They raised 7 children, and were blessed with 28 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Frank was a mechanic at Unity Ottem’s Garage for 22 years; a volunteer fireman with the Unity Fire Department for over 20 years and a lifetime member of the Unity Lions Club. He coached Minor Hockey Teams and was active in the Anglican Church. His farm, Round Valley Blondes raised pure-bred Blonde D’Aquitaine cattle. Frank farmed for about 25 years before retiring. Frank loved fishing, hunting, gardening and building countless ”whirly-gig’s” using recycled bicycle parts and plastic containers. A proud moment for Dad was winning the Red Ribbon at the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede for his ‘Recycled Whirly-gig’.

Frank proudly owned a 1929 Graham-Paige sedan that he drove in the Unity Rodeo Parades and drove it to the 2003-05 North Battleford Show and Shine Show and he enjoyed many country drives in it. A private family service was held on December 15th at Pleasantview Cemetery in Unity, Saskatchewan. Frank’s Eulogy was written by his daughter, Bonnie L. Schultz; Active Urn Bearers were Ashley, Michael, Cory Weber and Kyle, Jody & Cody McCubbing. A Celebration of Frank’s Life & Tea was held at the Adanac Hall (Unity Museum) served by Gwen’s Food Service. Frank is lovingly remember by his children: daughter in-law (Jo Ann) and family: Jason (Stacy Gerwing), Marissa, Jackson Richard, Rebecca, Courtney, Garrett, Tyler; Haley (Nathan Weiler); Shirley and family: Andre Zimmermann (Katie Graham), Luca, Nina; Rod and family: Cara (Andrew Bleackley), Horatio, Darius; Shaun and family: Jayde, Ethan; Bonnie (Jim Schultz) and family: Jaime (Chris Manser), Addison, Sydney; Christina (Aaron Dunn), Jolene; Jacqueline (Jesse Ho), Jennifer (Andy Ostrowski); Edna (Lorne MacIntyre), Myrna (Stan Weber) and family; Ashley and family; Macyn, Chesney; Michael (Brandi Hoffman); Cory (Sheena Heffner), Willoh ; Laura and family; Kyle (Audra-Lynn Nelson), Krislynn, Sierra; Jody (Sabrina Wasyliuk) Jax; Cody. Frank is also survived by his sisters: Alice Tatro and Mildred Sidebottom. He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret Bernice Sidebottom (Bernice); his son, Herbert; his granddaughter, Amanda Howdle (Lloyd); his parents William and Jesse; sisters, Jean, Ethel and brother, John. Memorial Donations: Saskatchewan Alzheimer’s Association (#301, 2550-12 Ave, Regina, SK S4P 3X1) or Unity Long-Term Activities (Box 741, Unity, SK. S0K 4L0). Kirby Sarvas, Bob Clothier, Graydon Olsen, Ted Grondin and Shannon Ehry, assisted by Allen Irwin of Grondin Funeral Services Ltd. in Unity, entrusted with arrangements 306-2284480. Our family serving your family since 1963. ____________________________________________________

FUNERAL SERVICES

Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium 2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-7570

SUBERLAK: In Loving Memory of Anton “Tony” Suberlak, born January 26, 1947 at Hanover, Germany passed away November 25, 2015 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Marie; his loving children and their families: Tammy (Ralph) Winterholt – grandchildren: Jade (fiancé Lea), Kylee & Luc; Deanna (James) Poitras – grandsons: Logan & Jacob; Anton “Tony Jr.” (Ashley); Curtis (Nicole) – grandchildren: Ridley & Isla; one sister, Julie (Richard) Bartko; nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents, Peter & Mary Suberlak; and his brother, John Suberlak. Vigil of Prayer was held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m., from Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Presider Fr. Cuong Luong. Liturgy Of The Word; Ecclesiastes 3 : 1-6 – Kylee Winterholt. Prayers Of The Faithful; Jacob Poitras – Luc Winterholt. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., from Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford, Saskatchewan with Celebrant Fr. Cuong Luong. Cross Bearer was Tai Le. Candles was Jacob Poitras & Luc Winterholt. Shared Memories were given

by Dan Bartko. Liturgy Of The Word; 1st Reading – Ecclesiastes 3 : 1-6 – Kylee Winterholt; Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23 (sung); 2nd Reading – Romans 6 : 3-9 – Logan Poitras; Gospel – John 14 : 1-6 – Fr. Cuong Luong. Prayers Of The Faithful; Jacob Poitras & Luc Winterholt. Liturgy Of The Eucharist; Gift Bearers – Richard & Julie Bartko. Music Ministry: Theo Masich & St. Joseph Parish Choir.

Honour Guard was 3rd Degree - Knights Of Columbus. Honourary Pallbearers were All who shared Tony’s life. Urn Bearers were Jade Winterholt and Isla & Ridley Suberlak. Memorial Donations are requested to Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or to The Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Inc. (Palliative Care Unit). Interment was at City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. ____________________________________________________

FUNERAL SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion RobeRt mackay geoRge haegebaeRt P.O. Box 806 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3

306-446-4200

Looking for Julia Celina Nachtegaele born June 12 1939 in North Battleford. I am a long lost friend who has lost track of Julia. We were friends in the 1960’s living in the Okanogan in BC. If you know her whereabouts please email kmorphy@telus.net or phone 780-718-3582. Her married name could now be Rossander and not sure where she is living now.

Your help is appreciated.

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL

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FUNERAL SERVICES

SALLOWS & McDONALD — WILSON & ZEHNER Funeral Home

Trevor Watts - Director/Owner

1271 - 103rd Street | North Battleford | 306-445-2418 www.sallowsandmcdonald.com

“The only crematorium in the Battlefords area” Traditional Casket Burial and Cremation Services

“Our Services are Expressive, NOT Expensive”

The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider

Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion Counsellor for Bronze and Granite Memorials Free pre-planning guides available, assistance with pre-planning services

www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

Classifieds keep you on the right track.

News-Optimist The Battlefords

We are your community leader in Unique MEMORIAL, FUNERAL and CREMATION services.

Full Service Facility Equipt. with on-site lunch room, chapel, Celebrant and Insurance Representative for all your pre-planning needs.

“Reinventing Tradition Where Heritage Meets Innovation” 2015 BBEX Customer Service Award Recipient

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IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

In Loving Memory

Carole V. Kyluik

FOR SALE - MISC

In Loving Memory of Edward Zawada April 19, 1927 - Dec. 28, 2005

May 14, 1948 - December 26, 2012

Deep in our hearts you’ll always stay, loved and missed each day.

Love always,

Shana & Stacey

Merry Christmas Mom & Dad Peter & Nettie

Bazarkewich

BOSCH 800 watt Mixer Sale $515, VITAMIX Blenders $459 & up, BUNN Coffee Makers, Omega Juicers & more. Call 1-888-692-6724 or shop online www.hometechcanada.ca Hometech New address 375 Broad St, Regina.

Miss you always & forever

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1400 for details.

and family

Peter 1913-1991 My

And every time I think of you My heart still fills with pride Though I’ll always miss you mom and dad I know you’re by my side

Heroes

Nettie 1913-2013

LIVESTOCK

FOR SALE - MISC

Bred heifers for sale. 9 simmental/angus heifers due March 1st, 1100 pounds. $2600.

Phone (306) 717-3297

FOR SALE

REbuiLt AppLiAncES Washers/Dryers Refrigerators & Freezers Ranges & Dishwashers 90 Day Guarantee

In laughter and in sorrow In sunshine and in rain I know you’re watching over me Until we meet again

Love and miss you everyday daughter Kay

HEALTH SERVICES

Hip or Knee Replacement?

Problems Walking or Getting Dressed?

battlefords Refrigeration & Appliance

Thank you for your donations in memory of Al Gotto.................................................North Battleford Walter Nelson .......................................North Battleford Charlotte Lahti ............................................... Battleford Juliet (Julie) Kuchirka ...........................North Battleford Dr. Madhav Sas ....................................North Battleford James (Jim) Beattie ..............................North Battleford Clare Shepherd ....................................North Battleford Maureen Thompson .............................North Battleford Robert (Bob) Timmerman .............................. Battleford Tillie Beckman ............................................... Battleford Roger Leask .................................................. Battleford Henry (Hank) Nickel .............................North Battleford Clifford A. Hoey.....................................North Battleford Ruth Fauchon .......................................North Battleford Audrey Knight .......................................North Battleford Dwight Ronald Schmidt .................................. Maymont Doreen Cheetham ................................North Battleford

Given with love to enrich patient care

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation 306-446-6652

HOUSES FOR SALE

DUPLEXES FOR RENT

HOME OWNERS

Duplex for Rent at 10919 Scott Drive, Side A, best suited for nonsmoking, working couple, no pets, Rent $1000. Phone 306-445-5645 or 306-441-2758.

we are now selling NEW MODULAR HOMES starting at $94,900.00

HOUSES FOR RENT

1&2 Bedroom Suites

Choose your size, choose your interior, choose your layout, and choose your exterior!

We have many samples we can show you to help you pick what is exactly right for you!

• Fridge, stove, washer, dryer • Some are air conditioned Rental rate: $650 to $1,200 per month Complete application: 1441 - 100th Street Or Phone 306-445-8571 or 306-441-0950

Please call (306) 445-8778

to find out how we can help you get into one of these beautiful new homes.

TIRED OF APARTMENT LIVING Come See What’s Happening at North Battleford Heritage Estates

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Love Mary

You held my hand When I was small You caught me when I fell You’re the Heroes of my childhood And my later years as well

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.

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 30

11152 - 8th Avenue North Battleford, SK

(306) 445-9770

The Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Yearly Tax Credit $20,000 Lump Sum Refund

Claim it before tax time!

1-844-453-5372 CARD OF THANKS

FARMLAND WANTED

Rent or Purchase a 3 Bedroom Home

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS! SUMMARY OF SOLD PROPERTIES Central - 217 1/4’s South - 97 1/4’s South East - 43 1/4’s South West - 65 1/4’s North - 10 1/4’s North East - 14 1/4’s North West - 12 1/4’s East - 56 1/4’s West - 49 1/4’s FARM AND PASTURE AVAILABLE

LAND

TO RENT

PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. PREMIUM PRICES PAID WITH QUICK PAYMENT. RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca

Inquire about Special Incentives Call 306-445-8778 306-441-3416 Available Immediatly! Spacious 2 Bedroom Duplex for rent, comes with fridge and stove, $1,150/month. Water included.

References and damage required.

Serious inquiries. Call 306-4416728.

Newly Renovated 2 and 3 bedroom mobile homes for rent in Unity SK. Call Richard for more information (306) 210-7000.

OFFICE/RETAIL FOR RENT Warehouse for rent located on Marques Avenue, NB. 2500sqft.

Rent is only $1500 including operating costs it has 14x14 ft door please call (306) 260-5128.

Classied advertising 1-888-470-7997 PETS

Skate Battlefords Would like to extend a heartfelt

Thank you

to Brett Michnik from Tim Hortons For donating Hot Chocolate for our Canskate Christmas Party for the past 4 years. The Hot Chocolate was enjoyed by many children and parents.

ADOPT A PET

Bailey was surrendered to us when she was very pregnant and 6 days later had 8 beautiful puppies. Her puppies are weaned now and Bailey is ready for a new adventure. She is the sweetest girl and absolutely loves people! Come and meet this new girl and open your heart and home for Bailey for the Holidays!

Banjo is a happy kitty who has made some new friends at the shelter and has so much fun playing with them during the day, chasing mice and wrestling around.

Come and meet this great guy and help find his forever home!

Please spay or neuter your pets!

Check out all our Shelter animals in need of homes at: www.battlefordsanimalshelter.com

Charitable #13936 3626 RR0001

LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional

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

Chartered Professional Accountants 1282 - 101st Street North Battleford, Sask.

Telephone 306-445-0488 Facsimile 306-446-3155

-PARTNERSGarth Swanson, CPA, CA Greg Gryba, CPA, CA

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

PARTNERS

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

Let Us Help You Keep Your Business Rolling!

PLACE YOUR AD ON THIS PAGE

CALL 306-445-7261

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

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL 1-888-470-7997

REGISTRATIONS

Beginners Yoga Classes Instructor: Dean Studney

Mondays for 10 weeks beginning January 4th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Alex Dillabough Center Cost: $60 We also have only a few spots available for the Intermediate Wednesday class, beginning January 6th, 5:30-6:30 in the Dillabough Center.

Register in person or by phone at the Rec Office (south side of Dillabough Center) Phone: 306-937-6216

SKATE BATTLEFORDS CANSKATE REGISTRATION JANUARY 4, 2016 AT BATTLEFORD ARENA

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

skatebattlefords.ca

Application for Re: Liquor Permit (Under the provisions of The Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, 1997) Notice is hereby given that 101070009 Saskatchewan Ltd. has applied to the Liquor and Gaming Authority for a Special Use Limousine Permit to sell alcohol in premises known as All Out Limousine at 2-752 110th St., North Battleford, SK of which the following is a correct legal description: Lot 62 Block 239 Plan No. 78B06784 2 - 752 110th St., City of North Battleford, SK Written objections to the granting of the permit may be filed with SLGA not more than two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Every person filing a written objection with SLGA shall state their name, address and telephone number in printed form, as well as the grounds for the objection(s). Petitions must name a contact person, state grounds and be legible. Each signatory to the petition and the contact person must provide an address and telephone number. Frivolous, vexatious, or competitionbased objections within the beverage alcohol industry may not be considered and may be rejected by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Licensing Commission, who may refuse to hold a hearing.

Write to: Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Box 5054 Regina, SK S4P 3M3

Page 31 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

SUITES FOR RENT

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

Available 1 bedroom suite. F/S/W/D utilities included $750 per month. No pets and no smoking. Reference required. Call or text (306) 291-7643.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have workat-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

For rent one bedroom partially furnished basement suite. Utilities included. N/S, No Pets. Mature working person, references required. Call 306-445-3907. Call between 6-9 pm.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

NEED SOMETHING TO DO?

SERVICES FOR HIRE A-1 Service, Will Shingle, build fences, decks, interior painting, metal fascia soffit, home renovations, snow removal. Phone 306-445-8439 Rob’s Small Engine Repair 306-445-2736

Classifieds NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

FARM SERVICES Got Oat Stubble?

Think Quinoa in 2016!

Grow With Us Total production contracts available for 2016.

Premium returns, guaranteed markets and delivery. www.quinoa.com 306.933.9525

FEED & SEED Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM

Regional Optimist

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NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

FLEXIBLE HOURS!

Rural Municipality of Paynton #470

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of:

PART-TIME INSERTERS Bring your resumé to:

1 Councillor for Division No. 5 will be received by the undersigned at the municipal office during normal office hours until Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.

RM #470 office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We need Reliable

NO !

WEEKENDS

892 - 104th Street

North Battleford, SK Ask for Chuck or Melissa

Nomination forms may be obtained from the municipal office.

Dated this 10th day of December, 2015.

Jade Johnson Returning Officer

Western Commodities

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

www.westerncommodities.ca

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

877-695-6461 Visit our website @

HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

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

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

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

AUTO MISCELLANEOUS Wrecking over 250 units... cars and trucks. Lots of trucks...

Dodge...

GMC... Ford... Imports... 1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere... Call or text 306-821-0260. Lloydminster

DOMESTIC CARS

PAWLUS Saskatchewan

Motor Licence Issuer

INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. 1292 - 102nd Street, North Battleford

306-445-8059 “SERVING ALL YOUR INSURANCE &

MOTOR LICENCE NEEDS”

CAREER TRAINING HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTATION SPECIALISTS in huge demand. Employers prefer CanScribe graduates.

A great work-from-home career!

Contact us now to start your training day. www.canscribe.com.

1.800.466.1535. info@canscribe.com.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Heavy Duty Mechanic wanted immediately. Must have truck & trailer experience. Excellent pay & benefit package. Andres Truck & Trailer.

Windthorst, SK Call/Text Jayson at 306.736.3250

Adoption of Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 5-2015 Adoption of Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 Zoning Bylaw No. 6-2015 NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Glenside No. 377 intends to consider the adoption of a new Official Community Plan (“RM of Glenside Official Community Plan”) and Zoning Bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007. These bylaws will be referred to respectively as Bylaw No. 5-2015 and Bylaw No. 6-2015.

INTENT OF OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN The proposed Bylaw establishes municipal land use policies addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects:

• General Policies

• Agricultural Resources

• Country Residential Development

• Public Utilities, Facilities and Health and Safety

• Ground and Source Water Protection

• Natural and Environmental Areas

• Recreation and Tourism

• Cultural and Heritage Resources

• Community Economic Development

• Transportation Networks

• Natural Resources The Official Community Plan contains a Future Land Use Map (contained in this notice) which graphically displays , in a conceptual manner, the present, intended short and longer term future location and extent of general land uses within the RM of Glenside. This will assist in the application of general goals, objectives and policies of the Plan. The policies in the Official Community Plan will be implemented primarily through administration of the municipality’s Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT OF ZONING BYLAW Intent of the proposed Zoning Bylaw establishes local provisions and regulations for development within the RM of Glenside. The Zoning Bylaw implements the District Plan and the Official Community Plan and the use of land for amenity of the areas for the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality. The Zoning Bylaw establishes zoning districts which regulate permitted, discretionary and prohibited principal and accessory uses of land in the RM of Glenside as well as provides development permitted processes and standards. The Zoning Districts include:

• Agriculture Resource (AR)

• Country Residential Acreage (CR)

• Commercial/Industrial (C/I)

• Flood Hazard Overlay (FH)

• Slope Hazard Overlay (SH)

• Ecological Sensitive Overlay (ES)

• Heritage Resource Overlay (HR) AFFECTED LAND All land within the corporate limits of the RM of Glenside as shown on the Future Land Use Map and Zoning District Map contained in this notice, is affected by the new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

Your property may be directly affected by the provisions in the new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. Please check the full version of these documents that are available for viewing at the RM Municipal Office.

REASON FOR OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN The RM of Glenside Official Community Plan will help direct and manage growth and development in the RM of Glenside for the next twenty-five plus years.

REASON FOR ZONING BYLAW The RM of Glenside Zoning Bylaw will help implement the Official Community Plan with site-specific provisions and regulations of the RM of Glenside.

PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the proposed Bylaws at the RM of Glenside Office during regular hours. Copies of the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw may also be obtained for a charge of $25.00.

PUBLIC HEARING The Council of the RM of Glenside will hold a respective public hearing at: The RM of Glenside No. 377 office from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm on January 22, 2016 at 113 6th Avenue East, Biggar, SK. to hear any person or group that wishes to comment on the proposed bylaws. The Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the RM Office before the hearing.

Issued at the RM of Glenside, this 24th day of December, 2015.

Signed: Joanne Fullerton, A/Administrator

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 32

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

LAND FOR SALE

Request for Expression of Interest to Purchase Farmland Property

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc.

is an accredited organization serving the Health needs of the following First Nations: Little Pine, Mosquito, Poundmaker, Sweetgrass, Lucky Man, Moosomin and Red Pheasant and is seeking a

We are looking for energetic and friendly people to join our team

Permanent Full-Time Daycare Coordinator

Full or Part-Time Food Preparation & Customer Service Positions If you like to work in a fast paced business where customers are number one, please apply

As a requirement for this position Annual Leave is scheduled for mid-July to mid August.

Under the specific guidance of the Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Board, the Daycare Program Coordinator will report directly to the Program Director of the Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. Head Start Program. This program requires a broad range of skills in early childhood education, organizational development, accounting, program administration and personnel management. The Daycare Coordinator works with the Daycare Board or Committee appointed by each Chief and Council to develop and maintain high quality daycare services for parents who require the service.

Specific duties include licensing of daycare centers, monitoring and support of day care centers, coordination of required training, maintaining reporting requirements, and maintaining accurate financial records for the Day Care Program.

A & W Restaurant 2142 - 100th Street, North Battleford, Sask. S9A 0X6 or online at www.aw.ca

HITCHING POST MOTEL

Legal

Now Hiring

Housekeeping Staff Must be reliable, able to work independently and with others, hours vary with season.

Starting Wage $11.25 Please drop off resumé at office 1004 Hwy. 16 Bypass, North Battleford.

Competencies and Qualifications • Degree in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, Social Work or equivalent.

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the early childhood field.

• Minimum of 3 years experience in program administration.

• Must have a good working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.

• Must be proficient with word processing and spreadsheet and have working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Capable of developing good working relationships with First Nations at the community, Band, Tribal Council and FSIN levels.

• Ability to travel within the district and region.

• Ability to speak Cree an asset.

• Confidentiality is essential.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must provide a criminal record check.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

BP

LTD.

Reporter Correspondents needed for all rural areas Mervin North of the Gully (Maidstone) Maidstone Paradise Hill Medstead St. Walburg Turtleford

For more information contact:

Becky Doig (Editor)

email: newsoptimist.news@sasktel.net or toll free 1-866-549-9979 NOTE: These are freelance opportunities, not salaried positions.

Ideally, reporter correspondents should reside within the communities listed

160

130 (81%)

NE 2-46-17 W3

152

147 (97%)

SW 2-46-17 W3

160

158 (99%)

A message from the Canada Safety Council

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL 1-888-470-7997

• • • • • • •

SE 11-46-17 W3

GET INVOLVED!

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. fosters and promotes a safe work environment.

All District First Nations Cando Cochin Cut Knife Glaslyn Hafford Lashburn Livelong

Cultivated Acres

Men have a responsibility to stop male violence against women.

BRT6HC Inc. wishes to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

• • • • • • • •

Title Acres

Community Safety and Crime Prevention

Submit updated resumé, including email address, cover letter, current criminal record check and 3 professional references by 4:00 PM December 31, 2015 to: Human Resources Department Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. Email: Recruitment@BRT6HC.ca P.O. Box 1658 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 3W2 Fax: (306) 937-6767

Three Quarter sections of cultivated farmland located just off Highway #26, near Prince, SK in the RM of Meota #468. Highly assessed good quality farmland – Hamlin Loam to Light Loam and Shellbrook Loam to Light Loam Soils. Bids starting at $1,050,000 for parcel of all 3 quarters of land.

Please send your Expression of Interest to bhamilton@ ghnlawyers.ca by 4:30 Alberta time on January 23, 2016.

Please include ‘Weishaar Estate – Expression of Interest to Purchase Sask Farmland’ in your subject line.

battlefords publishing ltd.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

advertising sales

REPRESENTATIVE This is a

FULL-TIME

PERMANENT POSITION Our company is looking for a person who is: • Self motivated and has great communication skills • Dedicated and enthusiastic with knowledge of the area retail market • Assertive and creative, with ability to meet stringent deadlines • Well-organized and able to work as a team player in a busy office • Website sales experience an asset • Has a valid driver’s license and owns a dependable vehicle.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with an opportunity for advancement we would like to hear from you. We are willing to train the right individual.

Our company offers: • Remuneration of a base salary, plus commissions • Extended health benefits • Great working environment Please forward resumé to: Valorie Higgs, Sales Manager Battlefords Publishing Ltd., 892 - 104th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 3E6 email: val@newsoptimist.ca Deadline for applications January 15, 2016 No phone calls please.

Page 33 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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Carry spirit of Christmas throughout the year

By Dorothy M. Mills Correspondent

It is my very pleasant privilege to bring greetings to you through this column as we again approach that season of the year when tradition and custom turn our thoughts to peace on Earth and goodwill towards all men. For each of us, Christmas has its own meaning and its own memories. It is the same, yet ever changing.

For most it is a family festival when family and friends gather, sharing laughter to become a part of our memory of Christmas.

Once it seemed enough to be sure that no one in the community was alone, hungry or unwanted on Christmas Day. There is still that task, but now the whole world presses in on us.

The Spirit of Christmas

asks not only that we extend the hand of fellowship to the stranger within our gates, but also to the stranger on the other side of the world.

It would seem that our motto, “For Home and Community,” should now have an additional word — “World.”

In reading the various community news items in the News-Optimist and Regional Optimist, I note that many of our clubs are living up to our motto, even to the suggested addition of remembering this Christmas season the unfortunate both at home and abroad by purchasing Christmas seals for tuberculosis, making donations to the Empty Stocking Fund and many others on the home front and supporting organizations such as CARE further a field.

The spirit of Christmas

aljennie also asks how successful have we been at battling prejudice. What limits have we placed upon that goodwill to men, which is the very essence of Christmas.

Christmas should be

more than a festive day. It should be a day of dedication to the task of making ourselves better people and making this world a better place in which to live.

It should also be a day of contemplation and devotion to the end that the good and welfare of all may be promoted in the affairs of life and living.

When the spirit of Christmas is carried on through-

out the year, it enables men and women to live in peace and harmony and to work together to create a much better civilization. Much remains to be done. Much more will be done when all men of all areas, of all races, embrace the full meaning of the Christmas message.

Then and only then does the cry “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All Men” have the full meaning intended

by the man who first uttered those words.

May the Spirit of Christmas brighten the days of the year to come and may your tree keep its needles, your turkey cook tender and your hearts be at peace.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all my readers, Battlefords Publishing and all the staff and country reporters. Keep up the good work.

COMING EVENTS

Monthly Community Events Calendar Every Week Day

Regular Walking Program at the Meota Community Complex from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Every Sundays

Life’s Healing Choices - Celebrate Recovery - Freedom from your Hurts, Hang-Ups and Habits - small group studies (no children please) at the Don Ross Community Center room #109 at 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Hosanna Life Center, North Battleford. Phone 306-445-5079 for more information.

1st Sunday of the Month

Jam Session at the Pioneer Hall from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Beginning October 4, 2015 until May, 2016. Phone 306-445-5036 for more information.

4th & 5th Sunday of the Month

Knights of Columbus Brunch at 1202 - 105 Street from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

COMING EVENTS

Community Events Calendar

Active Walking, Health Program at the Meota Community Complex from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Stretch & tone portion at 10:00 a.m. For more information phone Program Co-ordinator 306892-2073.

2nd Monday of the Month

BUH Retirees meet at the Co-op Cafeteria at 11:30 am 2nd Monday of the month unless a holiday then moves to 3rd Monday.

2nd Monday of the Month

Parkinsons Support Group at the Historic Lions Club House, 162 - 22nd Street, Battleford at 1:30 p.m. For more information phone 306-937-2987.

Mondays & Wednesdays

In Motion exercises in Borden Senior’s Room – 10 a.m. No charge & everyone is welcome.

Tuesdays

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

North Battleford Grand Squares are offering lessons in beginner square dance at the Ukrainian Senior Centre 792 - 108th Street, North Battleford from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. There will be a series of 10 lessons.

Please wear comfortable shoes. For more information please contact caller, Ray and Misel Rosler at 306-445-3114.

Thursday, December 24

Kaiser at the Battlefords Ukrainian Seniors Hall, 792 - 108th Street at 1:30 p.m. Lunch served. For more info phone 306-446-2269.

Thursday, December 24

Battlefords Art Club welcomes anyone interested in painting to join them from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Don Ross Centre Art Room. For more information phone Kathy at 306-937-3686.

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

Community Christmas supper at The Lighthouse, 962 - 102nd Street in the evening. Free and open for anyone to attend.

Christmas Eve Services at 6:30 p.m. in Borden United Church and 9:00 p.m. in Borden Anglican Church.

Wednesday, December 30

Borden Friendship Club Potluck Supper & Birthdays at 5:45 p.m.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 31, January 1 & 2

Hosanna Life Centre presents New Years Celebration - 3 Day Worship, Word & Fellowship at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 12th Ave. - 105th Street, by the water tower. Thursday from 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m..

Tuesday, January 12 - February 9

Heart to Heart is a Heart and Stroke Foundation program, working in partnership with Prairie North Health Region to offer cardiac patients and their partners the answers to their questions about heart health.

Through this program, patients learn about coping with health problems, making healthy eating choices, the role of exercise in heart health and how to manage stress. Classes will be held on January 12, 19, 26, February 2 & 9, 2016 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Primary Health Center. To find out more or to register, call Kellie at 306-446-6424 or email kellie.heidel@pnrha.ca. Please leave a daytime phone number if leaving a message.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear. Deadline for submissions is 12:00 noon Friday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

Tuesdays Tuesdays

Tuesdays

TOPS - Take off Pounds Sensibly Meeting at the Living Faith Chapel, 103rd Street & 14th Avenue entrance. Weigh in from 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.

Meeting 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. Phone Kay at 306-937-2780.

Tuesdays

TOPS - Take Off Pounds Sensibly - Meeting from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Hope Mennonite Fellowship, 1291 - 109th Street. For more information phone Mary at 306-441-9232 or Joan at 306-445-9968.

Everyone welcome.

Tuesdays

Battlefords Blend Harmony Chorus at the 3rd Ave. United Church at 7:15 p.m. Phone 306-892-2196.

Tuesdays & Thursdays

Circle of Learning at the Battlefords Family Health Centre, 1192 - 101st Street from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Call Sherry at 306-937-6842.

Wednesdays

Bingo at the Livelong Hall at 7:30 p.m. For more information phone 306-845-4040.

Wednesdays

Battlefords Toastmasters Meet in room #108 Don Ross Centre (enter the building via door #4) from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (September to June).

Check out Battlefords Toastmasters.com for more information.

Wednesdays

Drawing Sessions at ARC Creative Studios, 1106 - 101st Street, North Battleford from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Bring your own art supplies and we’ll provide the subjects, coffee and encouragement for all. Facilitators Rosemarie Stadnyk and Chris Hodge.

1st Wednesday of the Month

Moms & Tots at 9:30 a.m. in Borden Community Centre, N. Smith Room.

1st Wednesday of the Month

River Heights Lodge retirees at Dragon Palace at 1:00 p.m.

1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month North Battleford Grand Squares Dance (Mainstream & Plus Levels) at the Ukrainian Senior Centre - Slava Center, 792 - 108th Street from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Phone Maurice & Arlene 306-445-4671 or Ray & Misel at 306-445-3114.

2nd Wednesday of the Month

Battlefords Wildlife Federation, Supper Meeting at the Wildlife Federation Building at 7:00 p.m.

3rd Wednesday of the Month

Battlefords North West Historical Society Meeting at the Lions Club House, 22nd Street, Battleford at 1:30 p.m. Phone 306-445-3480.

Thursdays

In Motion exercises in Borden Senior’s Room at 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays

Grief Share - a support group for those suffering the loss of a loved one. New session starting Sept. 24. For information contact Wendy at 306-445-7315 or Sue at 306-445-6658.

Thursdays

Radisson TOPS #SK5243 Meeting at the Radisson Town Office at 9:00 a.m.

Thursdays

Regular Bridge at the Pioneer Association at 7:00 p.m. Phone Margaret at 306-445-7615.

1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month Midwest Food Resoures - 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month order $10 or $15 fresh food boxes featuring local produce and organic grains. To order email us at battleford.mwfp@sasktel.net or call us at 306-446-2684. Pick up on the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 10202 - 11th Avenue between 11:00 a.m. noon. This is a non-profit program.

1st Friday of the Month The Rivers Edge Quilt Guild meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Craft Room of the Don Ross Centre from September to May. Beginners & experienced quilters are welcome. For more information please call June Newsham at 306-445-3337 or Irene Sack at 306-937-3318.

1st & 3rd Friday of the Month

Kaiser Tournament at the Action Now Senior Centre, 1501 - 101st Street at 7:30 p.m.

2nd Friday of the Month

Old Tyme Dance at the Pioneer Hall, North Battleford from 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Live bands. For more information phone 306-445-5036.

2nd & 4th Friday of the Month

1st Tuesdays of the Month

Ukrainian Seniors Kaiser Tournament at the Battlefords Ukrainian Hall, 792 - 108th Street at 7:30 p.m. For further details phone 306-446-2269.

Last Tuesday of the Month

Family Justice Services Parenting after Separation & Divorce Program from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. To register for these sessions call toll free 1-877-964-5501. Registration is mandatory. There is no fee. Location: will be advised when you register. Classes are for adults only. No child care is provided.

The Battlefords Photography Club meets downstairs at the Allan Sapp Gallery from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information please phone Chris at 306-445-3909.

Support group for families, friends and caregivers of persons with mental illness at Canadian Mental Health Association - Battleford Branch (CMHA), 1011 - 103rd Street, North Battleford. For more info phone Jane at 306-446-7177.

Once A Month on Saturdays

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday’s News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear. Deadline for submissions is 12:00 noon Friday prior for Tuesday’s & Thursday’s publication.

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 34

Suffering separation anxiety in 2016 Ed, my old neighbour from Saskatchewan, was suffering separation anxiety when he called to wish us a Happy New Year.

He hated to think of the old year passing away and the New Year arriving. He experienced so many good things in 2015 that 2016 could not possibly compare. He was vague about all the great events he experienced this last year, but he hinted a change in next door neighbours was liberating. My old neighbour wanted to share with me predictions he had ready for his New Year’s Eve party. I was a trial run to gauge reaction to his list of predictions for 2016.

His predictions for a

coming year have to do with the weather, politics, the economy and whatever else Ed feels like offering. According to Ed, the winter weather in Saskatchewan will be cold, very cold and bitter cold. The spring early and dry, the summer cool and the fall wet. When I asked about the weather for us in British Columbia, he said that it will be wet and lukewarm for the whole year.

On the political front, Ed is sure Donald Trump will get elected president in the United States and that Canadians will start negotiating a trade deal to exchange Justin for Donald. Ed predicts the way our dollar keeps get-

eighbourly Advice According to Ed

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca ting devalued as compared to the American dollar we will bring the penny back into circulation as that is all our dollar will be worth. Valueless dollars will bring about Canadian ingenuity as we will start mining our reserves of gold and diamonds and our currency will be either gold

or diamonds. The whole world will envy us. My old neighbour got so excited about a new currency he didn’t get to the rest of his predictions.

Ed got offended when I said I would need to see the gold and diamond currency before I would believe it even slightly pos-

sible. He insisted gold and diamonds are the future, not oil or potash. He was frustrated that I didn’t accept all his predictions for the coming year.

Ed knows I do not make predictions for the coming year. At my age, I have enough trouble keeping track of my glasses and keys. I cannot even predict the kind of day I will have, let alone what will happen in the coming year.

Unawareness of the future is in line with the book of James that cautions, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why you do not even

know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will we will live and do this or that.’”

The book of Ecclesiastes also instructs; “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider God has made the one as well as the other.

Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”

May 2016 find God above you, underneath you, behind you, at your right hand, before you, round about you and within you through his word and spirit for a blessed year.

Worship Together Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

(RC) St. Joseph Calasanctius Parish 1942 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 0N4

1401 - 98th Street, North Battleford, SK

306-446-1695

306-445-5901

PASTOR: Fr. Anthony Afangide M.S.P.

SUNDAY 10:30 a.m.

DAILY: Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri. - 9 a.m. unless otherwise noted

Community Baptist Church

Battlefords Grace Community Church

Sunday Morning Service - 11:00 a.m.

191 - 24th Street W., Battleford, Sk. 306-937-7575

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Everyone Welcome

WEEKEND: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

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

Pastor: Bill Hall

Everyone Welcome

Hope Mennonite Fellowship

WORSHIP SERVICES - 11 a.m. Sunday

Notre Dame (RC) Parish

SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

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

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

Church Phone 306-445-4181

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

1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

Pastor Gerhard Luitjens & Abel & Sonya Zabaleta (Spanish Ministry)

OFFICE 306-445-3836

All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S

DIVINE LITURGY:

Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Father Greg Elder

902 - 108th Street, North Battleford

December 13 - 12:30 p.m. December 20 - 9:30 a.m.

December 24 - 10:00 p.m. (Christmas Eve) December 27 - 12:30 p.m.

Contact: Fr. Ivan Nahachewsky - 306-961-1390

TerriTorial Drive alliance church

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

ANGLICAN PARISH

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

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177

SUNDAY SERVICES 10:30 a.m.

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

Sunday School

Hosanna Life Center 306-445-5079 / 306-481-5073 DON ROSS CENTER ROOM #109 - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAYS Pastors: Peter & Lydia Litchfield Members of Christian Ministers Association

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

“A Community of believers seeking more of God’s presence”

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

Come Join Us

1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd

Living Water Ministry

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

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle Roman Catholic Church - DELMAS

Come Join Us Sunday’s At 11:00 am

Rev. Father Greg Elder

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

Box 10, Delmas, SK S0M 0P0

A warm welcome is extended to everyone!

Everyone Welcome

www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

1231 - 104th Street North Battleford Phone 306-445-7777 www.emmanuelfellowship.ca

Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Weekly Programs

11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

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

Battleford United Church

Pastor Patrick Carty

SUNDAY MASS 9:00 a.m.

Phone 306-937-7340

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

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

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Page 35 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

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More than 40 attend library tea, bake sale

F ROM 1642 - 100th Street, North Battleford

306-446-1212

www.familypizza.ca • Open at 11AM Daily Maymont Library hosted a tea and bake sale Dec. 15. In the photo are library committee members Carol Deagnon, Colleen Soule, Judy Sherman, Lynda Casey and Audrey Seib. Photo submitted by Carol Deagnon

By Carol Deagnon Correspondent

Maymont Library had their annual tea and bake sale Dec. 15.

Mel Deagnon won the $50 gift card and Celeine Armstrong from Landis won the handcrafted item, a memo pad donated by George Casey. Thanks

aymont News to George and to all who bought tickets and joined.

Library board members donated baked goods and helped with the event attend-

ed by more than 40. Cheryl Taylor won the door prize.

Maymont Memorial Hall held their Christmas supper at the hall Dec. 15. Members of the hall committee helped and family and friends attended the supper. Games were played and entertainment was provided by Mel Deagnon, Tom Caldwell and Bert Carpentier.

Rash of break-ins prompts sharper vigilance

By Lorna Pearson Correspondent

The library still has free books and magazines for loan. When the older ones are replaced with new ones, the old ones are sent to The Lighthouse or to the food bank in Turtleford.

The rug has been cleaned at the Do Drop In and extra care is being taken not to drop or spill as this is not a cheap undertaking. A donation from Winston Tait is appreciated by the senior group. A short log spotted in the top of the spruce tree behind the hall is being taken care of.

The first shuffleboard rally will be Jan. 23 at the Do Drop In. To put your name on the roster ahead of time phone Linda at 306-892-2179 or Lorna at 306-892-2033.

(The editor apologizes for the deletion of a numeral in last week’s column.)

The need for food hampers at Turtleford has increased, but the group is dealing with it as best they can.

People are having to be more cautious about locking up their vehicles and homes and outbuildings as there has been a rash of break-ins in the area. Keep in touch with your neighbours and let them know when you’ll be away, so they can watch for unexplained activity. Heed the advice about putting valuables in the trunk of

your car, out of sight.

The lights around the village are making the village brighter and nice eota News to drive about. One set north of Main Street is very nicely done up.

Duplicate bridge played Dec. 15 found top score going to Jetta and Terence Dasilva, second high Eric Callbeck and Margaret Dyck and third to Robert Iverson and Joyce Antoine. There were four tables in play. It was a nice turnout.

Beulah Corbeil hosted a “Lamsie party” with five of her friends Dec. 16. They had a nice social afternoon and tea, their last for this year.

The hours are changing at the local credit union office starting in the new year. They are closed Tuesday and Thursday, open Monday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed over noon hour each day.

The condos are getting wrapped, so progress continues daily. The new house had not arrived yet last week.

My trip out to Carstairs, Atla. was beautiful with heavy hoar frost on the trees and not too cold yet. Getting together with some of my family daily is wonderful.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Redberry Tales The Lakeland Library Speers branch hosted a Christmas open house Dec. 15. Fifteen attended for coffee, goodies, door prizes and visiting. A special guest, Valerie Kingsmill, was there to present and sign her newly-published children’s book, Redberry Tales. It is a story of adventures on Redberry Lake. A children’s Christmas party was hosted Dec. 21 and Kingsmill attended to read from her second book in the Redberry tales series. Photo submitted

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Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 36

Community centre hosts Christmas concert

Borden Busy Bees Preschool students singing at the Borden Christmas concert.

Santa handing out gifts to the preschoolers at the Borden School concert.

By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent

The Borden Friendship Club held their Christmas Bingo Dec. 16, with 40 out to enjoy the evening. Winning turkeys were Audrey Duda (two), Stella Hawryluk and John Desrosier. Hams went to Laura Loeppky, Evelyn Kasahoff, Eileen Petrun, Jean Sawchyn and Lorraine Olinyk. The blackout went in 51 numbers to Carol Epp and Breanna Phquin of Langham, so they shared the $80 pot. After the cash was won, five people won boxes of chocolates. Thank you to everyone who supported the bingos. The next one will be Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.

orden Radisson Borden School Grades 7 to 10 students and art class decorated the walls of the Borden Community Centre with long lists of elves’ Christmas reading lists and coloured pictures of Christmas related items for the Christmas Concert in the Borden Community Centre Dec.18. The Borden Busy Bees Preschool sang five action songs to start the evening then kindergarten to Grade 6 presented a musical play, Elvis and the Sleigh

Better Plan

Better Life...

Riders, a spin-off from last year’s Elvis the Impersonator.

One choir consisted of kindergarten and Grade 1 and the other choir, Grades 2-4, all dressed with Santa hats. For one song they all donned sunglasses. The Grade 5 and 6 class acted out the play while the choirs sang Oh Ho O Yeah, Gonna Go on a Sleigh Ride, We’re Sad Feel Bad and Are You Lonely and Blue – about understanding, apologizingand being kind. They closed with North Pole Rock and Roll and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Santa then arrived to the singing of Here Comes Santa Claus to hand out gifts to all the

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Older children acting out the song End of the Beginning at the Church program.

Photos by Lorraine Olinyk

preschoolers. Kindergarten to Grade 6 exchanged gifts.

The Grad class of 2016 held a successful pancake breakfast the following morning in the Borden Community Centre.

The Borden Community Centre was full for the potluck supper and program put on by the Borden United Church and Riverbend Fellowship Church Dec. 20.

The Adventure Club, with teenagers helping, put on two plays. The first one was Behind the Pageant, where they are practising for the Big Show. Some of the kids don’t know the real meaning behind the story they are rehearsing about the birth of

Jesus and his death and resurrection. Understanding and revelation is attained by all and the Little Show ends up ministering to the kids more than the Big Show.

Gayle Wensley and Pam Pidwerbesky led in the singing of six familiar Christmas Carols, then they played two duets on the piano – Jingle Bells and What Child is This? The older children, with threefoot wooden sticks in hand, acted out the words to the song End of the Beginning

by David Phelps. It takes place on a plane where a man is reading the Bible and the song went on to relate what happened in Mat-

thew, Mark, Luke and John, the story of Jesus’ birth and death and his work. The lyrics include, “You see, He came, He lived and He died, but that was the end of the beginning.”

Offerings from the evening of $320.20 went to the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund and bags and boxes of warm winter clothing are being collected by the United Church for the Open Door Society in Saskatoon and the Syrian refugees. The non-perishable food items that came in are going to be joined with the Affinity Credit Union’s collection to be distributed to needy families in the area.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

It was a chilly December Saturday afternoon, and Gramma Jazzy asked her grandchildren Chloe and Thomas to help her carry several small packages down from her attic. “Careful on the stairs,” she reminded them.

“You sure have a lot of boxes,” said Thomas. “It says ‘fragile’ on all of them. What’s inside?”

“Something that is my favourite colour,” smiled Gramma as she patted her thick red hair.

Before Thomas could answer, Chloe shouted, “I know — it’s your Santa collection!”

“That’s right. It’s time to set them up again.”

“How many do you have?” Thomas wondered.

“I’m not sure,” answered Gramma. And truth be told, she really didn’t. “Why don’t you two count them after we have them all set up?”

“We tried to last year,” Chloe reminded her, “but we kept getting mixed up after 200.”

Gramma laughed. “Maybe you’ll have more luck this year.”

“Where did you get all these Santas?” asked Thomas as they started opening the boxes.

“Oh, everywhere. I got some of them during my travels.

Most were gifts from family and friends.”

“Which one is your favourite?” asked Chloe.

“I can’t decide; they’re all special to me,” Gramma Jazzy smiled.

ILLUSTRATION: ÉVELYNE BÉLANGER

Hundreds of Santas

“You must love Santa a lot,” noted Thomas.

“I do. He’s magical. I remember the first time I saw Santa. He came to our department store downtown. He was big and dressed all in red. Children kept pulling on his beard to see if it was real. He yelled ‘Ouch!’ every time! I was too shy to sit on his knee, but he let me stand and whisper in his ear. And you know what? He listened. That was the year I asked for my special red cardinal.”

“The one I put on your tree,” Chloe added proudly.

“Yes. Well, that’s the last box. Is anyone ready for a glass of milk and a snack before we set them all out?”

“I am!” the children chimed.

By Rosemary Guyette

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, goodwill toward men - Luke 2.14 With exceeding great joy, we wish you and your family all the blessing of this holy season.

Merry Christmas from your Saskatchewan Party MLAs

Scott Moe

Randy Weekes

Shellbrook, SK Phone: 306-747-3422 www.scott-moe.com Email: scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net

Biggar, SK Phone: 306-948-4880 www.randyweekes.ca Email: randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca

Rosthern/Shellbrook Constituency

Biggar Constituency

Herb Cox

The Battlefords Constituency North Battleford, SK Phone: 306-445-5195 Email: herbcox@sasktel.net

Larry Doke

Cut Knife - Turtleford Constituency Maidstone, SK Phone: 306-893-2619 Email: larrydoke@sasktel.net

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 2

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Dear Santa, My name is Zeke I am 8 years old how old are you can I have Spaceship lego set Santa shaped chocolate halo lego a big bottle coke —Sincerely, Zeke

Letters from Bready School Dear Santa, How are you? Did you get any new reindeer this year? My name is Addison and I am eight. Thank you for the wonderful gifts last year.

This year I hope you can bring me that stuffy thing on television or a iPad mini.

I will leave carrots on my grandma’s porch for your reindeer.

I wish you, your elves, Mrs. Claus, and the reindeer a merry Christmas.

— From your friend Addison Dear Santa, Hi my name is beau All I want for charismas is every sky lander game but if you can’t get them an iPad will work and iPod and iPad iTunes money please.

— Sincerely, Beau age 8

Dear Santa, My name is Adyson and I am 8 years old.

Thank you for the fantastic gifts you give me every year.

My favorite part of Christmas is putting up the Christmas tree and spending time with my family.

This Christmas please can you give me a elf on the shelf and a small pink Mp3 player? Now I have some questions to ask you. Did you get any other reindeer? How old are you? When is your birthday?

I hope Santa, the elves and the reindeer all have a great Christmas together.

I hope the elves have a fun time wrapping presents, I hope the reindeer have a fun time pulling the sleigh, I hope you Santa have a fun time delivering the presents.

—Sincerely, Adyson

Dear Santa, My name is Jade and I am 9 years old.

I have a question for you is your name archly Santa? Is it true that you got a new reindeer that is white or did Build a bear just make it up?

I hope you can buy me shopkins for Christmas or a reindeer but the reindeer that I want for christmas is your white one you got if it’s true. If you can go to Edmonton or Saskatoon I would like a build a bear but the build a bear that I would like to have is a reindeer that is white.

I really like the guitar you gave me last year for christmas my dad is teaching me how to play it.

What are you going to give my baby cousin Cullen for Christmas because this is his first Christmas.

—from your friend, Jade

Dear Santa, My name is Keelan I am 8. I want a computer for crimes. Thank you for the snow ball maker that you gave me last year. I am in grade 3.

Howe are the rander?

I want a elf for christmas? Did you get ane new rander if you did can i have own?

Thank you for giving my brother a bebe gun?

— From, Keelan Dear Santa, My name is Lukas. I am 8 years old. Thanks for my presents last year. This Christmas can you please give me a guitar.

—Sincerely, Lukas Dear Santa, My name is Kenzlei.

I am 8 and I go to Bready School.

Christmas is my favorite holiday because you get to spend time with family and do a lot of fun stuff like setting up the Christmas tree and hanging up ornaments.

Santa I do not want anything for Christmas this year.

Santa do you get Christmas presents?

How much reindeer do you have?

Thank you for all the presents you gave me last year. My favorite was the hulk toy but I lost it.

— From Kenzlei

Dear Santa, My name is cash i am 8 years old. I wonder how much reindeer do you have? Maybe you just have 8. I’ve been kind of good this year.

I hope you get me the Bob and Otto book.

How is Mrs. Claus and the elves? How are the reindeer? I hope you can give me a book that I haven’t read yet so I can read it to my mom, my little brother, and my big sister. Thank you and merry Christmas!

And good days for the missus.

—From, Cash Dear Santa, I am 8 years old. I am in bready school. For Christmas I would like a set of skates and a big fluffy panda thanks for everything. I love you so much have a great Christmas!

How old are you? Did you new reindeer? I hope my letter gets to you before Cristmas! my name is jordin i am a girl Dear Santa, My name is Jordan.

My age is 8. How is the reindeer doing? How are you doing? This christmas I hope that you can a new video game. I like the wech that you gave me.

—Sincerely, Jordan

Dear Santa, My list is quite small all I want for Christmas is my dog Joy Joy. My name is Diana, I am 8 years old. I am in grade 3. I have two dogs, two pigs, and three cat’s. I also have a bunny and an chinchilla.

If you don’t mind I have questions. How old are you? What kind of cookie do you like?

What kind of reindeer do you have? How many elves do you have? I like your suit. Did Mrs. Claus make it for you? How old is Mrs Claus?

I saw you at the christmas party. I had lots of fun. Thank you for getting me that present for christmas.

Are you even the real Santa? I hope you have fun delivering the presents. I like your reindeer how are they?

—Sincerely, Diana Dear Santa, My name is Nora and I am 8 years old. How are you? How do you make your reindeer fly?

Do they eat magical dust?

I would like some baking tools improve my baking skills and some iPad chargers please because my brother wrecks all of them.

Thank you for the pillow you gave me last year. I really like it alot!

— Sincerely, Nora

Leave the cooking, serving and cleaning to us.

Large event or small, we’ll make sure you’re the toast of the town.

Merry Christmas from all us at

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Light of Christ Catholic Schools

1642 - 100th St. | North Battleford | 306-445-4042 or 306-480-7840

Precision Denture Clinic

Merry Christmas

From management and staff.

9301 - 19th Ave., North Battleford

Phone 306-445-6158 or Fax 306-445-3993 www.loccsd.ca

Thank you for your support in 2015 and we look forward to serving you in 2016!

306-445-2322

1492 - 100th St., North Battleford Easy access parking behind building

Page 3 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Dear Santa, My name is Gavin.

I am 8 years old. Can I please have a rolly chair (yellow) Do you have a new reindeer. Santa I know you are real and can I please get a bunny build a bear? I been naughty at home so I guess don’t bring me a lot of presents this year just a few of presents.

— From, Gavin Dear Santa, My name is Sage I am 8 years old. I go to school at bready.

What I would like for Chrismas is a snowbord and a monster high Book.

Santa how old are you? How many evls do you have? Do you read books Santa? What is your real name Santa?

I love the sled you got me last year it is really fast. how cold is it in the winter at the North pole? How old is miss clas? how tall are you Santa?

— Sage Dear Santa, My name is cassie.

I want black mukluks for christmas and a dress that is so pretty and has diamonds on it.

I also want a toy for my baby brother, he is a month old. Please fill my mom’s stocking it does not have anything in it.

Get my mom a coffee cup that says you are awesome. What is your favorite reindeer.

Sincerely, Cassie age 9

Dear Santa, Hi Santa. My name is Cloe. I am 8 years old. I loved that pillow that you gave last year.

I hope you can get me a craft box, shopkins and a microphone for Christmas.

I love that Santa is Santa because he makes presents on christmas eve I have been really nice this year.

I have some questions. How do you make your reindeer fly?

One more do you have any more new reindeer?

HO, HO, HO! — Sincerely, Cloe Dear Santa, My name is Jessica.

I am eight years old. I am in grade 3 at Bready school.

This year I hope you can bring me a computer, iPod, iPad, pompom the baby panda, JJ my jumping pug or a Maplelea doll. I have been wondering if Sven helps you fly your sleigh on Christmas? I was nice this year when I helped my brother put up his christmas.

Best wishes to everyone that works at the north pole.

—Sincerely, Jessica Dear Santa, My name is Natalie and I am nine years old.

I hope you can get me a new tablet with lots of games to Play. I Want to know how many elfs you have.

—Sincerely, Natalie

Dear Santa, I hope you bring me a speaker that has a microphone on it.

Thank you for the gift you gave me last year.

How many reindeer do you have? I was good this year because I set Lexis room with Christmas lights. I go to Bready school. I am 8 years old and my name is Zachery.

Can you bring a toy for my cat Mowy? How many elves do you have?

I will put out cookies for you.

I hope you leave some elves at my house.

—Sincerely, Zachery

Dear Santa, My name is Carter and I want to tell a little about me. I am 8 years old and I am on a soccer team. I like snowboarding and skating.

I would like a snowboard and a G.T, so would please get me a G.T and a snowboard.

I would also like a nerf gun.

I was wondering did you get a new reindeer?

How is Mrs Claus and your elves? Does the north pole even have the internet and computers?

— From, Carter

Dear Santa, I am going to tell you about myself.

I have dogs and cats and a hamster.

My name is Keira.

I am eight.

I go to bready school.

I hope you could get me a puppy and a little live pet mouse.

I want Shopkins, and a Shopkin Diary.

How many reindeer do you have?

Santa you are nice because you give us presents.

Merry Christmas!

— From, Keira

Dear Santa, My name is Tucker and I am 8 years old. I am in Grade 3. I go to Bready school.

This year I was pretty good most of the time. Thank you for the gifts you brought me last year. They were awesome! This year I would like Little Big Planet Xbox 360 and a new Lego Ninjago set because I played Little Big Planet at Brandon’s house and the new Lego Ninjago sets are awesome.

How are you and Mrs. Claus? How are the elves? Merry Christmas!

—Sincerely, Tucker

Letters from Bready School Dear Santa, My name is Luke and I am eight years old.

Why do you live in the North Pole? What do you do at the North Pole?

May I have a toy gun because I had one a long time ago and then I lost it so now I can’t find it.

That is why I want a toy gun.

I hope your reindeer are feeling good.

Merry Christmas.

— From, Luke Dear Santa, My name is Elly. I am 8 years old.

For Christmas I would like a my life doll because my life doll needs a friend. This year I was nice like listening to my teacher.

Thank you for the doll you gave me last year I like it because it was pretty.

I hope the elves are not tired. Does Claus Maus make cookie?

— Love, Elly The Savior is born!

May you rejoice in the Miracle and forever be grateful that God so loved the world.

Happy Holidays!

Season Greetings Cando Country Catering

Happy to be serving you for over 28 years

Regional Optimist

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306-937-3941

Season's Greetings

Back Row (L-R) Barb Saul, Erin Soule, Jamie Campbell, Kristin Charabin, Gerry Caron, Lorelei Kotchorek, Melaine Hemmerling & Sabrina Adams Front Row (L-R) Jim Nichol, Kaelah Gratton & Bernie Nolin

Our staff of professionals wishes you & yours a Happy New Year.

Thank you for your patronage in 2015.

We're looking forward to serving your insurance needs in 2016.

156 - 22nd Street W. Battleford, SK Phone

1891 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK Phone

306-937-3066

306-445-9418

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

Letters from Connaught School

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like an ice castle. Maybe my mom would like a bathing suit. My brother wants a new coat. Get my Dad a new shirt and pants. Bring my family lots of toys.

Love Shannon Lennie

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Plase bring me a barbie. My mom would like nice shoes.

My brother Devante likes cards. Lastat likes cars too! What do your reindeer like to eat?

Love Akina Lonesinger

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please come see me. My house is far.

I want a gold thomas!

My mom wants a Barbie.

Love Tyrese Frenchman Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me Monster Highs, barbies and a phone.

Please bring my mom a phone.

Love Alexia Gardypie Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a barbie house. My brother would like a spiderman house.

Love Shannon Kahpeaysewat Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like a barbie and some toys and a tiny doll. Please bring my mom a phone.

Love Kazie Gardypie

Merry Christmas 1001 Highway #16 North, North Battleford, SK Phone 306-446-4700 1-800-219-5244

MERRY CHRISTMAS From the management and staff at Country Cuisine

Best Wishes

For the holiday season from the Management and Staff.

We thank you for your patronage in 2015 and look

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a doll and a puppet!

My mom would like a watch!

Love Jazlyn Gamble Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me some turtles. My mom says she wants kid toys!

Love Kayston Musqua Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like a new purse and clothes.

Please bring my mom some new shoes.

Love Cianna Kiskotagan

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a tablet and a new book bag. Bring Eliza some new clothes please. I will leave you some cookies and milk.

Love Britney Kadler Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a transformer.

My mom would like something too!

Love Wilfred Claughton Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like a holiday Barbie for Christmas. My mom would like a Batman sweater. My step dad would like a Superman jacket. Do your reindeer like to y?

Love Eliza Landry Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me some Shopkins and a vacuum cleaner. Please bring my baby a little toy.

Love Emily Kennedy Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like a gingerbread toy! Some toy blocks too. My mom would like a new ower pot. My dad would want some chocolate. I like you Santa!

Love Jaden Nighttraveller Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me some trains. My mom would like a ring!

Love Tyler Smith

NORWEST ENGINE REBUILDERS INC. 9807 Thatcher, North Battleford 306-446-2001 Fax 306-445-1355

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a scooter. My kookum would like a picture of a tiger. I would also like a sled to go sledding.

Love Jarell Badger

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I already got a mermaid Anna stuff and Olaf stuff. I want more Ana stuff for me and my mom and my kookum! I want a pen.

Love Leah Benson

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like glass slippers. My mom and dad would like rings I would like new earrings. My brother, Bryden would like a Star Wars suit with two lightsabers. You can come visit our school.

Love Alorah Evre

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me lots of presents.

Bring my mom and dad lots of presents. My dad would like new shoes and my mom would like new girl shoes. Say hi to the reindeer.

Love Malizik Pahtayken

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a toy turtle. Please give my mom some shoes. She would like running shoes. My brother would want a batman set play toy.

My sister would want a colouring set that no one could touch Love Keaira Yahyahkeekoot Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I would like two scooters. Please bring Uncle Jonathon two sleds! He would also like a Sonic toy.

Love Quaydynn Soosay Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a barbie and some make up. Please bring my friend Keaira a Sophia set. I will leave you some cookies!

Love Seirra Cuthand

Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I hope you will come visit me when I wake up. I hope you give me real lots of presents. I hope you bring me a monster truck. Bring my friend some Lego.

Love Blue Oxebin-Curley Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. Please bring me a toy robot. My Grandpa would like new socks. My Grandma would like a new pink shirt with purple on it!

I will leave you some cookies and milk.

Love Rocket Kowalski Dear Santa, I have tried really hard to be very good this year. I want stinky socks! My dad would like new work shoes. My mom would like some new red shoes. How is the reindeers?

Love Alexander Favel

From your friends at the

Holiday Greetings The Management & Staff of

H&R BLOCK

would like to offer our very best wishes to all at this joyous time of year.

forward to serving you in 2016.

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 4

H&R BLOCK 1091A-102nd Street North Battleford 306-445-2260

Bowlarena & Mini Golf

Merry Christmas

Regional Optimist

Thanks for your patronage over the last year.

From Management and staff at

9801 Territorial Drive North Battleford

Page 5 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Dear Santa Letters from Lawrence School Dear Santa, Howdy Santa, how is my favorite guy? My name is Presley, and I am ten years old. My favourite things are sledding, reading and playing with Neveah, Johnny and McKinley.

Unfortunately, I have done depraved things this year. To begin with, I swapped a dinosaur bone with a dog bone because I thought it was dirty and it needed a bath. After, I gave a dog a cat treat but only because I saw the dog eat one. Lastly, on the final day of school, I went to the 50th anniversary of the rodeo. I saw three bullies. I put them in Bessy the Bull’s cage only because I saw them in cowboy costumes, and I thought they were going to put on a show.

Throw out what you fear most Santa because I also have done some lovely things.

The first thing I have done, was I helped bury my neighbour’s dog. It was wretched. If that wasn’t enough, I also helped wash Brandon’s car. I thought it took like two minutes.

Brandon took me for a Slurpee. I have one more detail to make you impressed. In the final hour before bed time, when I was playing soccer, I heard a motorcycle and I saw a kitten that was going to get run over. I zoomed to it and saved the kitten before it could get hit by the guy.

When he came off his ride, he was humongous with the leather jacket, and the logo Harley Davidson. He said he tried to stop but the ground was too slimy.

Then he said I was a hero.

You see Santa, I have been an angel this year.

I’d be happy to be on my best behaviour next year, If you give all my siblings each an Xbox 360. All I want is a 3ds.

— Sincerely, yours truly, Presley

Dear Santa, Hello Santa Claus!

How are you? I’m Karla and I’m 10 years old. I enjoy playing soccer, swimming, and writing at school. I adore many sports, I work really hard on them because I’m a really good person.

Unfortunately I have done some horrible and bad things this year. First, I gave a bath to my cat but only because I want her to look nice and clean.

Next, I scared my little brother but it was only to make him feel happy and laugh. Finally, I decorated my sister dress because I wanted to make it prettier for her.

Despite those awful and horrible things, I have done some great and moral things this year as well. First, I cleaned my room one day a week so that mom wouldn’t get upset for the mess. Next, I helped my mom wash the dishes because she was too tired for work.

Lastly, I helped a girl zip her jacket because she couldn’t do it herself, it was so hard for her.

So you see Santa Claus, I really have been a respectable person this year. I hope you will forgive me, for all those awful things I did this year. I would really love a new pet cat. They are so playful and cuddly.

I promise to be really perfect next year.

—Sincerely, Karla

Regional Optimist

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Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! I hope you don’t have a cold because I would be disappointed if you don’t bring my presents.

My name is Lexie and I am 10 years old and I like to play sports like soccer and badminton.

Unfortunately I have done some despicable things this year. When swimming at the pool, I pushed my friend’s sister off a foam quad.

She hit her head and got a gigantic bump.

It wasn’t my fault because a teenager was going to jump off the diving board and land on her. I stole my sister’s money to buy candy from the treat sale but that’s only because she was going to spend it on bags of chips and she had a dentist appointment so I wanted to make sure her teeth were flawless.

I also put all the snow that was in my yard into the neighbors because their kids wanted to jump in it. I was going to take it away later.

But forget those horrible actions and focus on these noble deeds I have done this year. First I cleaned my sister’s room when it was a catastrophe.

Wasn’t that nice of me? Also I cleaned my cousin’s bike when it was so filthy it looked like a mud hole (but I didn’t have to). Last but not last I spent 3 hours of my life that I will never get back helping my little cousin with his homework and school work.

So you see Santa despite those appalling things please focus on these honorable deeds I have done. So for Christmas I want a new Xbox. Please, please, bring it for me.

I promise I’ll be on my top behavior next year!

— Sincerely, Lexie K

Let the Light of Christ’s Birth into your Life as you CeLeBrate this

hoLiday season.

BATTLEFORDS FUNERAL SERVICE

Dear Santa, Sup Santa? How are you? My name is Daz. I am 10 years old. I like to play video games and I also love to play sports like soccer and football.

Unfortunately I have done some horrible things, like one time I threw a bucket of water on my sister when she was sleeping only because I tried to wake her up so she was not late for school. Secondly, I cut my sister’s hair because it was too long and it got in my eyes some times that was annoying. Lastly, I killed my brother’s gold fish only because I wanted to clean its bowl and I accidently bump the bowl and the fish fell out, but at least the bowl is clean.

But I also did some really great things too.

First, of all I made some brownies for my neighbors because they did not know how to make brownies and I know that they like chocolate. Secondly, I took out the garbage because my mom said it stinks in the house and the bin was to full.

Thirdly, I cooked lunch for my 4 year old sister because she got hungry and I did not want her stomach to hurt.

So you see Santa, I was a really terrific kid this year. Santa, I would really love a video game called Call of Duty 3.

Pretty please! I hope you can get me it. Well I guess this is good bye, see you later Santa.

— Sincerely, Daz

Dear Salma, Sup Salma? How are you? Is everything going fine? School is going awesome. I love playing basketball, skiing and floor hockey. You see I love many sports.

This year I did some serious, shameless things, First, I stole my dad $50 bill and ripped it up but only because I thought it would turn in to a $100 bill. Next, I put 3 scoops of salt in mom’s coffee only because I thought it would taste fantastic.

Lastly, I slapped our sister on the face really hard only because I thought there was a fly on her face. I really didn’t want to tell you about this, but this year I am trying to be honest.

Forget about all the horrifying things I did this year. This year I also did some excellent things as well. First, I helped a bird fly because the mother was flying away from her baby and I didn’t want it to be left out. Next, I saved a fish from drowning only because I didn’t want the pretty fish to die. After that, I cleaned the house for a month because I thought mom was tired.

So you see I have been a great kid.

Forgive me for all the awful things I did and could you please bring me a dark black basketball and orange ski helmet when you come to visit us. I promise I will be an awesome kid next year.

— Love, Maryam

Dear Santa, Ho Ho Ho dear Santa!

How are you?

My name is Cristofer and I am 10 years old.

I love reading, playing and enjoy playing with my kitten.

If you see me you will know how I am a great child.

Unfortunately, I’ve done some wicked and horrible things.

First, I sneaked up on my dad but only because I thought that he had a spider on his shoulder.

Next, I kicked my sister in the hip but only because she said something hurt on her hip.

Lastly, I hit my dad with a paintball but only because we were having a paintball war and he challenged me to hit him with paintball.

Despite all those cruel things, I ‘ve done some wonderful deeds this year.

Heroically, I saved my grandma from being hit by a deadly car.

Next, I gave my fish some food because he didn’t have any food.

Lastly, I watched my grandma the whole day because she is sick and old.

So you see Santa, I really have been an angel.

I hope you will forgive me for my mistakes. I hope you can focus on the good things I did this year.

I would love a Xbox 360. If you can bring it to me I promise I will be an angel next year.

— Sincerely, Cristofer

All the fun an old-fashioned family Christmas can bring.

True blessings for the coming year.

NorthCountry

Cabinets

• Fine Handcrafted • Custom Built

306-390-7702 | nc.cabinets@hotmail.com

At the close of another year, we gratefully pause to wish you all a warm and happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Discovery

9800 Territorial Drive North Battleford Territorial Place Mall 306-445-9800

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 6

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Dear Santa Letters from Lawrence School

Season’s Greetings & All the Best in 2016

From the management & staff at

Ventures West Charters w w w. v e n t u r e s w e s t c h a r t e r s . c a

RICHARDGIBBONS

LAW OFFICE Christmas and New Years Holiday Office Hours

December 24, 2015

December 25 & 28, 2015 December 31, 2015 January 1, 2016

Closing at 10:00 am Closed Closing at 12:00 pm Closed

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas Santa! How are the reindeer? I am Ciarra, I am 10 years old and I love to play outside in the snow.

I’ve been a naughty girl this year. First, I went to visit my friend without asking my mom only because I thought my friend was lonely.

Then I was late for school. I thought it was a day off. Finally, I didn’t share my chips but only because I didn’t want my sister and brother to get hyper.

Despite all those naughty things, I have done some fantastic things this year. I helped my mom do the dishes because she was sick. I did my brother’s chores when he was camping at my cousin’s house. Finally I helped my auntie change the baby’s diaper because she was very tired.

So you see Santa I’ve been a very good girl this year. Can I please get a Tablet for Christmas?

I promise I will behave next year. Are you ready to deliver the presents on the 25th? I hope so!

Sincerely, Ciarra

Dear Santa, Hello Santa Clause.

How are you? My name is Nevaeh and I am 10 years old. I love to ski and play sports. I even love to go to my friend houses.

Unfortunately, I have done some shameless things this year. First, I threw eggs at a house, only because I thought it make the house look cool. Next, I hid my sister’s iPod under the bed, only because I thought she play on the computer. Lastly, I scared my little sister, but only because I thought it make her laugh.

Despite those evil things, I did some advantageous good things this year too!

First, I did my chores so my dad doesn’t need, to tell me. Secondly, I washed the dishes so my sister doesn’t need to do, her chore. Finally, I shoved the snow off the driveway.

So you see Santa Claus, I really am a decent 10 year old. I hope you forgive my mistakes I did this year. I’d love a guitar and a new play station 3, and I’d promise I’ll be a great kid this year!

— Sincerely, Nevaeh

Have a Happy Holiday Season from all of us 1381A-101st Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-7772, website: norsasklaw.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Here's to happy times and wonderful holidays with family and friends from

TM

We at humpty’s would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season

Hein Financial Group 1421-100th Street North Battleford 306-445-9455

Thank you for your patronage in 2015

CLOSED: Christmas, Boxing & New Years Day CLOSED: Christmas Day Day & New Year’s Day

Dear Santa, Are you excited about Christmas? I am very excited about Christmas. These are the things I would like for Christmas.

I would like a big bag of colorful marbles because I could roll them all around the house. I would also like a hockey stick with NHL on it. Could I please have a blue robotic fish so it could have a race with my real fish? I would also like a robotic dog or cat so they could play with me and my stuffed animals.

I would also like a big green and red dinosaur toy. But most of all I would like a Hot wheels race care track.

What would you want me to get for you on Christmas Eve? Have a merry day!

Love Eston Dear Santa, Merry Christmas!

How are you? You must be very busy making toys? My name is Nikolina and I am 10 years old. I love basketball, soccer and I enjoy many other sports also.

Unfortunately, I have done some horrible things this year. First, I took my friend’s candy cane only because I thought she would choke on it. Next, I shoved my friend into the snow only because I thought she was hot. Last thing I did was I stole my sister’s necklace only because it was really pretty.

Even though I did those horrible things, I did do some good things also. I took my brother for a walk to help my mom. Next, I helped my sister clean the basement because my birthday was coming up. Finally, I pushed the grocery cart at the store so that my mom could pick out the food she needs.

So you see Santa, I was a good kid this year, sorry for doing those horrible things.

Can you please forgive me? May I please have an American Girl Doll and I promise I will be on my best behavior next year. from Nikolina

Your smart phone can set your alarm.

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Dear Santa, I am so excited for Christmas! I hope you can do all of this please and I will leave cookies and milk for you!

I love all the toys you gave me on Christmas.

They are so fantastic and you are a really nice Santa. I would like to have a zoomer, the cat one please. Next I would like a chatster.

You can pick it. I would also like a new DS game.

I always wanted a bird that had a remotecontroller that can fly and a new art book because my book is falling apart. I have wished we had a deep pool. It would be so much fun Thank you so much.

I will try to not be bad and I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Love Courtney Dear Santa, Hi Santa! How have you been? Are you ready for Christmas?

My name is Colby and I am 10 years old. I adore football, biking, street hockey and soccer. In school I am good at math, Phys. Ed and art.

You can probably tell just from that I am pretty cool kid.

Unfortunately, I have done some evil things this year. Obviously I was putting off writing you this letter because I thought you might bring me coal for Christmas. First, I dropped my sister’s new phone from 6 feet high only because on the case, it said it could be dropped 6 feet without breaking.

Next, I threw snowballs at our new car. It had dirt on it and I thought the snowball would melt and clean the dirt off.

Finally, I threw my hard football at my sister because she had a big mosquito on her back so I tried to kill it.

Never mind all of those cruel things I did because I have done some decent things this year too. To begin with, I saved a tiny kitty from falling out of a huge tree. Secondly, I made lunch for my whole family. Lastly I put up our ginormous Christmas tree and put on the lights and ornaments.

So you see Santa, I really have been a terrific kid. I really hope you will forget my bad deeds and see all the noble things I did this year. I would really love to get a new snow bike. I promise I will be a 100 percent better next year.

— Sincerely, Colby

Page 7 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Dear Santa Letters from Lawrence School Dear Santa, How are you? I am feeling great because Christmas is almost here and at Christmas it is usually snowing.

Are you excited about Christmas and its sparky snow? Yay! First, I would really like every Rainbow Magic book because I enjoy them a lot. They are creative! My friend Courtney and I pretend that I’m Kirsty and she’s Rachel. Hopefully, you might be able to bring me them. Next, I would like water color crayons in every rainbow color because in grade 2, I used them and after I was done it looked amazing Then, I would like a mattress for my sister’s basement room because after we get that the upstairs room that we sleep in right now will be mine. After that, I’ve been wanting my own camera because I like scenery. Finally, I would like 3 goldfishes but my parents say I can’t get them because what will be the use of them? I’m going to pretend to talk to them.

I hope you can at least get me some of these but it is okay if you can’t get all of them. Don’t take so much pressure on giving these presents. Have a good sleigh ride and have a Merry Christmas!

I’ll leave carrots and a treat and drink for you and your reindeer.

From Aamna Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well this year. You must be very busy up there.

Just to make it easier I don’t want that much stuff for Christmas.

For Christmas I would like the new video game, black ops 3 for ps3 and maybe a new play station 4 and a couple Nerf gun pistols.

Can you ask Mrs, Claus if she could crow shay me some crazy colored pjs? Next I would like a new Lego sets and some fast remote control toys with two sets of Walkie talkies. Lastly a Santa suit for my cat Bear.

Thanks for everything. Lots of love!!

From Hunter

Dear Santa, I wrote you a letter for Christmas. I can’t wait until it’s time for Christmas! You must be working. I hope you get everything ready for Christmas.

I would like more snow to play and make snowman. I would like a blue jacket for winter.

Then, I would like a soft pillow to sleep on it and use it every night. I would like a camera so I can take a picture of my family and at the top of the camera when I take a picture the picture comes out I really want a camera. I would like a dog because when they are just puppies they are so cute. That’s why I really want a dog. I would like shopkins.

My favorite shopkin is the little apple and my other favorite shopkin is the cheesy.

That’s what I want for Christmas. I hope that isn’t too many things.

From Estefani Dear Santa, Hi Santa, how are you doing at the North Pole? I have some things I want for Christmas First I would please, please like a real blonde puppy and can she have a bed? I would name her Hope. I hope my mom has a baby sister.

This year I would like an American doll that has blonde hair with a blue strip. Finally, can I please have a LaLaLopsy bed set with a window?

Have a beautiful Christmas this year while watching the lights outside.

Love, Nova

Regional Optimist

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Dear Santa, Hi Santa, it’s getting chilly in Canada. I hope you don’t get cold just like I am. I hope you don’t get sick because it’s cold outside.

Can you please bring me some toys? First please bring me a big Nerf gun. Then a water gun for the spring and an army helicopter to play with. Next can you bring me a tablet so I can go on games?

Finally, I would really like two walkie talkies to play black ops with my friend Junior, that would be so fun.

I am really excited to give you cookies and milk at Christmas.

From Michael V. Dear Santa, I am going to leave you cookies and milk.

It will make you nice and full. Make sure you leave me presents!

This year I would like a new remote control bird. Also I would like a baby puppy. They are so cute! I love baby puppies! I would really like a teddy bear for Christmas. I would sleep with the teddy bear.

I hope you don’t forget to deliver anyone’s presents.

Merry Christmas!

Love Isaiah

Dear Santa, I hope you are doing good in the north pole.

How is Mrs. Claus doing?

I hope I could get a Sport check sweater for Christmas and a monster high doll. I like all of them. All of them are my favorite. I wish I could get new shoes for Christmas and get something for my dad.

I am going to get him a watch to look at the time. I am going to get my brother a play quad.

I am going to get my mom new shoes and I am going to get a nail set for my sisters so they get a long and not fight any more.

I love Christmas!

Love, Tyrekia

Dear Santa, Santa I can’t wait for Christmas. Are you real Santa and how do you get everybody presents on one night Santa?

I want a 3ds that I can play on. Can you get me a green sweater so it can keep me warm in the fall? I would like a scooter for christmas and I’ll do tricks on it.

I want a big lego set.

I don’t have that many clothes so please can you give me some.

I like siting on a bean bag so can you get me one?

I hope you do good Christmas. Don’t crash on a tree! Be safe too Santa.

From, Mikal

Dear Santa, Hi Santa! I’m super excited about Christmas! It’s going to be amazing! It must be busy making toys.

First this year can I please have a baby Husky? It it’s possible can I get some new Monster High dolls?

Mine are all broken.

Next can I get Lalaloopsy dolls and an American girl doll.

I would love to get a Zoomer and a zoomer kitty.

I hope the reindeers make it here.

I will make sure to give you lots of milk and cookies. I will go to bed early.

Love Akira

Happy Holidays!

I would like to take this time to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and continued success in the New Year ! rbauction.com/farmauctions

Travis Sack Ritchie Bros. Territory Manager 306.280.0829 | tsack@rbauction.com

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year Hon. Gerry Ritz, P.C., M.P.

Battlefords - Lloydminster 1322-100 Street North Battleford, SK S9A 0V8 Phone: 306-445-2004 Fax: 306-445-0207 Toll Free: 1-888-825-4944 ritzg@sasktel.net www.gerryritz.ca

Saskatchewan’s Ag Real Estate Professionals Acres of Expertise.

Dear Santa, How do you give every kid a present?

I wonder if there will be big presents or small presents. Are you having fun?

I would please like a green sweater and water bottle for Christmas. I would also like a walkie talkie and nail polish and a fuzzy pencil. Could I also have wacky pajamas?

I hope your fine. I am really exited for Christmas!

Love Bria

Hammond Realty would like to thank Kevin Jarrett for his outstanding performance and contributions to the success of our company.

The core values at Hammond Realty are: • Integrity • Expertise • Positive Attitude • Appreciation

• •

Productivity & Results Family

Kevin demonstrates each of our core values. His integrity, expertise, and results are inspiring to everyone he works with. Kevin’s success is also a result of his positive attitude, an appreciation for his clients, and devotion to his family.

Congratulations Kevin on achieving amazing results! We appreciate having you as part of our team. Call Kevin and put his Acres of Expertise to work for you.

Kevin Jarrett

(306) 441-4152 Kevin.Jarrett@HammondRealty.ca KevinJarrett.HammondRealty.ca

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

HammondRealty.ca

Regional Optimist

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Dear Santa Letters from Lawrence School Dear Santa, I hope your doing good in the north pole. I like your rain dear plus I left cookies and milk just for you. If you eat lots of cookies will you be sick?

What I want for Christmas is a Lego Minecraft set and Lego Christmas set. I want a Minions movie also a 3ds and some sport check clothes. One more think I want it is a fuzzy robot toy.

How do you deliver the presents in one night? Thank you for the presents.

Merry Christmas!

Love, Mikeal

Dear Santa, How it is at the North Pole? In Saskatchewan it is really cold so be careful. How do you deliver all the toys?

Can I have a new bear please and thank you and an Ipod and an Ipad. Also I would like an zoomer puppy and a new pillow and some gymnastics equipment.

Can I have a scooter for summer please and a puppy. Can I have some pjs only if Mrs. Claus can make them.

I have been a good girl this year. Have a good journey!

Love Rose

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas Santa. I am going to leave cookies for you at Christmas. Could you bring me some presents?

First I would like a chocolate maker, because I want to make white chocolate. Can you bring me a Monster High car to ride on?

Finally I would like a fluffy pink teddy bear to snuggle with. I would like to play with all these toys.

I can’t wait until Christmas comes because it makes me really happy!

Sincerely, Autumn Dear Santa, How are you doing today? I hope the reindeer are doing good.

Can I please have a rabbit? I would like a ps4.

Are you always busy?

I hope you are happy. I hope the elves are good.

From Keylen

“Quality work done quickly” Temperatures may be falling, but our hearts are warm with appreciation for you.

Thank you for your business.

We look forward to working with you again.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

www.alloutgd.com

Dear Santa, Hi Santa, are you doing good? I hope you don’t get sick. I bet its hard making toys.

I helped put up the Christmas tree this year and I have listening. First, I would like a DS so I can play Mario. Next, for Christmas I would like a skate board with a helmet. Finally, I would like a bike with and a I would like a I pad and a come pouter a book self and to big pillows baseball bat.

I hope get you my letter. I love Christmas!

By, Sam Dear Santa, Are you so busy at the North Pole today making toys?

Are you excited about Christmas? I am so excited about Christmas!

First, I want a new DS, Next, I want is best friends neckless for my three best friends. Then I would like 2 new tablets.

I would like a petty sweater to wear to school and all the monster high dolls.

Finally, I would like all the shopkin play set and new American girl dolls, any kind you can get.

Have a very nice Christmas Eve, Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause.

Love, Valentina. T

306•445•1445 #2-752 110th Street, North Battleford sales@alloutgd.com

Can you please bring me a shopkin so I can play with my friends?

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 2015 - Page 8 Next I24, would like a book to read, a blue sweater Dear Santa, and red leggings to wear Hello Santa, how are to school. Finally, I you? My name is Mariia would love a small brown and I am new to Canada. dog so I can play with Can you please bring him. me a shopkin so I can I can’t wait for play with my friends?

Christmas to come!!

Next I would like a book Love, Mariia from to read, a blue sweater Canada! and red leggings to wear to school. Finally, I would love a small brown dog so I can play with him.

I can’t wait for Christmas to come!!

Love, Mariia from Canada!

Color Fun

Merry Christmas from all of us 1492 - 105th Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-8188

UPCOMING PROGRAMS • Electrician • Safety Tickets • University • Practical Nursing application starting Feb. 25, 2016 - May 25, 2016 • Continuing Care Assistant, Maidstone, January 5, 2016 • English as an Additional Language • Computer Classes

Visit our website at www.northwestcollege.ca

The College will be closed from December 25th, 2015 - January 3rd, 2016.

North West College Battlefords Campus

Phone: 306-937-5100 10702 Diefenbaker Drive North Battleford, SK

admissions@aolbattlefords.com Let the joy begin...

Christmas is a time of joy... the spirit of giving...

Holiday laughter festive fun...

Warmth and cheer... and a time for us to express our thanks for the privilege of knowing and serving you.

We hope 2016 will be Happy, Healthy & Prosperous for all.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Kramer family and Auction staff

Phone (306) 445-5000 or 1-800-529-9958 3 miles East of North Battleford on Hwy. #16

Page 9 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Dear Santa, My name is Dylan and I am 6 years old. Here is something about me: I like to eat salad. We don’t have a chimney.

For Christmas, I would love Chase.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Dylan Dear Santa, I do the dishes and put them away. Can you please bring me a Xbox?

What color is your house?

— Your friend, Elias

Letters from McKitrick School Dear Santa, My name is Suraya and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I am a girl.

My favorite food is rice krispies. I have brown eyes.

For Christmas, I would love Barbie.

Thank-you, Santa!

—Love, Suraya Dear Santa, My name is Breanna and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I am a girl. My favit sport is gymnasticks.

My farit Kande is Bumez.

For Christmas, I would love shopcins.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love Breanna Dear Santa, My name is Ryelinn and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I am a girl and I have a baby bruther too. I like to play with my frens.

For Christmas, I would love 3 real kittens.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Ryelinn

Dear Santa, My name is Cason and I am 7 years old. Here is something about me: I like candy. I am a boy.

Am I on the naughty list or the good list?

For Christmas, I would love a guitar.

Thank-you Santa!

—Love Cason Dear Santa, I play with my baby sister. Can yo please bring me a quad? How is the elfs.

— Your friend, Courage Dear Santa, My name is Creeson and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I play games. I am a boy. I like to eat helthy food.

For Christmas, I would love Lego Batman.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Creeson Dear Santa, I have kept my room really clean. Please can you bring me a doll that talks. Do you like Peanut Butter Cookies?

— Your friend, Destiny

y r r e M

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Dear Santa, My name is Harmony and I am 7 years old.

Here is something about me: I like spaghetti.

I am good.

For Christmas, I would love a barbie. car. wash.

Thank-you, Santa!

Love, Harmony

Dear Santa, I hug my little sister when she is sad. Can you please bring me zoomer dog? Where is the North Pole?

— Your friend, Sara Dear Santa, I have been helping my mom doing the dishes. I also put them away. Can you please bring me a toy race car?

I would like to know what the reindeer eat?

— Your friend, Levi Dear Santa, I go to bed when mom and dad says so.

Please bring me a game, some dolls. How is Mrs. Clause?

— Your friend, Sapphire

Dear Santa, My name is Xayden and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I have a bic.

I got to be good.

For Christmas, I would love a cat.

Thank-you Santa!

— Love Xayden

Dear Santa, I cleaned up the house with my Mom. Please bring me a Barbie, house and furniture and a car.

Is the North Pole really nice.

—Your friend, Natalie

Dear Santa, I cleaned up my toys.

Please bring me some Lego minecraft. Where is the North Pole?

— Your friend, Luke

Our Mission: To train each student to be effective on the job and be a valuable employee in each and every workplace

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR from the staff at

1132-101st St., North Battleford 306•445•3348 M-F 8 am - 5 pm

www.ironcladsafety.com

215-1st Street East, Meadow Lake 306•236•3348

Dear Santa, I have been cleaning up my toys after I play with them. Please can you bring me Lego mindcraft. Can you please tell me how Mrs. Clause is doing?

— Your friend, Jekiah

Christmas

Please accept our sincere gratitude and best wishes Please accept out sincere for a healthy and happy gratitude and best wishes Holiday Season

for a healthy and happy Holiday Season

With thanks from With thanks from our entire our entirestaff staffat at Christmas Christmas

1545-100th Street, North Battleford

306-445-8169

“Serving the Battlefords and area for over 50 years!”

Dear Santa, My name is Kassydi and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: I am a girl. I eat KFC. For Christmas, I would love cat.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love Kassydi

Training people today, for work tomorrow!

Dear Santa, I cleaned up my dirty clothes and my room. I would like toy cars and truck please. Does the sun shine at the North Pole?

— Your friend, Hayden Dear Santa, I cleaned up the house. Please bring me lots of Lego Minecraft and a remote control.

Angry bird spaceship.

It flies. Does your reindeer fly?

— Your friend, Nyden

Dear Santa, I have been looking after my dad cause he had the flu. Can you please bring me zoomer kitty? What does the reindeer eat?

— Your friend, Lilith

www.LukPlumbing.com www.LukPlumbing.com Terry Blanchette

Kindersley Kindersley 306.463.6707 306.463.6707

North Battleford

306.445.6707 306.445.6707

Saskatoon 306.934.6707 306.934.6707

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Letters from McKitrick School Dear Santa, I made my Daycare Teacher a bracelet.

Please bring me a zooma kitty and more beads and string to make bracelets to hang on my wall. Does your reindeer really fly?

— Your friend, Marleigh Dear Santa, My name is Carolyn and I am 6 years old.

Here is something about me: girl I have a baby sister.

For Christmas, I would love Baby Panda.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Carolyn

Dear Santa, My name is Holden and I am 5 years old.

Here is something about me: I have culps. I like spogetti so much.

For Christmas, I would love robot.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Holden

Dear Santa, My name is Syrill and I am 6 years old. Here is something about me: I like to eat spaghetti.

I am a boy.

For Christmas, I would love a skateboard.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love Syrill

NORTHWEST PARTS & SERVICE

Merry Christmas May the spirit of Christmas warm your heart & home this season!

•Parts •Sales •Ser vice

Dear Santa, My name is Landin and I am 7 years old.

Here is something about me: The NOf Pole I Play HOCe. For Christmas, I would love, I am a boy.

Toy rumote. Dinson.

Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Landin Dear Santa, I helped my Mom clean up the house.

Please bring me a remote control race car and an angry bird race set. Is there a lot of people at the North Pole?

— Your friend, Umair Dear Santa, My name is Bella and I am 6 years old. Here is something about me: I am a girl. I love grapes.

For Christmas, I would love a iPad. Thank-you, Santa!

— Love, Bella Dear Santa, I have been good. I play with Lance so Mom and Dad can do things.

Can you please bring me a Scooter. Thank-you.

— Your friend, LeBron

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

COME SEE US TODAY for all your Bourgault needs!

Website under construction: www.northwestparts.ca

Phone: 306.446.2525 or Cell: 306.441.6555

2891-99th Street, Hwy 4N, North Battleford

from all the staff & management at

306-445-3300 | Toll Free 1-877-223-SAVE (7283)

www.bridgesgm.com

Duane LaFreniere GENERAL MANAGER

Don Zehner SALES MANAGER

John Rumpf SALES

Bryan Sparrow SALES

Ken Stolz SALES

Pete Friesen SALES

Lorne Pollard SALES

Louis L’Heureux SALES

Jayna Hannah BUSINESS MANAGER

Wayne Morrison BUSINESS MANAGER

Page 11 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Christmas open house

Letters to Santa Dear Santa, My name is Hannah Bird. this year I would like an iPhone with a camo case and a camo purse and camo wallet, camo socks, Xbox one with mincrafft. I am 8 years old.

PS I am leaving you some moose jerky.

—Sincerely, Hannah Dear Santa, How are You? I HaVS ben Vere Vere Guod This year.

I would like to have a Babyalive please.

— Your friend, Katrina Dear Santa, My name is Payten.

I am 5. I would like a baby carrier. Play shoes size 5 and a stroller for my dolls.

Thank you Santa.

— Love, Payten

Dear Santa, Can I please have a game called Skylanders Super Charg.

Can I please have a toy called a remot Minion.

Can I also please have a toy called my wubble buble ball.

Please can I have a game for me and my brother called Super Mario Maker.

And the last thing I want is a nerf gun.

— Riley Baier Age 7

Dear Santa, I am Zadie I want a doll for Christmas please.

My little brother and my sister would like Yoshi’s Wooly World and a baby thank you.

— Love Zadie Age 6

Merry Christmas from the management staff at

Dear Santa, December first. Everyone who knew Gramma Jazzy circled My thatname date isonCarter their calendars. No one wanted to miss her famousI open Smith. am 2house yearsto celebrate the official start of the Christmas season. colour Her grandchildren Chloe and Thomas old.

My favourite especially loved the day. This year it landed on a weekday, is blue. I have 2 dogs; and their parents even letathem miss school the next morning Hurley and Mya. And so they could stay up. fish, Ogi. I like to play dirt bikes. I am excited the Christmas quiet observer of the family, noticed that toThomas, put up my Gramma’s upbeat, jazzy Christmas music turned even the Tree. For Christmas I frowniest faces into happy grins. Feet danced and people would like a new blue sung along, even as they were being gathered up in one of dirt bike please.

Gramma’s bear hugs.

Thank-You! Love, Jolly Carter and red-haired, she truly lived up to her name. She just loved singing and dancing to music by people with even funnier names like Fats Waller, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and too many others to remember. “The classics,” Gramma would smile to people as they arrived, as if that explained everything. And it must have, because most people would just nod and start moving their heads to the beat.

Hwy. #4 North North Battleford

Every year, at 7 p.m., Gramma would gather visitors into the living room for a reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas.

Most of the crowd could recite it along with her, word for word. Next, she’d bring out “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for everybody to watch together. Tonight she had Thomas plug it into her DVD player.

Afterwards, humming along to “Christmas Time is Here,” Gramma Jazzy invited all the parents to hand out their Advent calendars to their children. Then, with a few treats in their pockets and wishes of “Merry Christmas” to each other, people made their way home.

Chloe hugged Gramma Jazzy goodbye. “It was a perfect day,” she said as she yawned.

“I can’t wait to make more Christmas memories with you,” added Thomas.

Sakewew High School

Rabbit Lake Cafe

306-824-7177

Dave & Lorraine would like to say “Thank You for your patronage” Wishing everyone a Very

and we look forward to serving you in the New Year at the Rabbit Lake Cafe

306-445-4199

The Staff at Sakewew High School wish everyone a wonderful holiday season & all the best in 2016!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

30

% OFF

Merry Christmas 9800 Territorial Drive Co-op Mall, North Battleford

big, never-empty glass punchbowl.

“We’ll have great fun, my dears. See you soon.” smiled But baking and storytelling were her best talents, at least Gramma. according to her grandchildren. You could count on Gramma

By Rosemary Guyette to have trays and platters full of sweets and chocolaty treats and creamy eggnog, always served in little glass mugs from a

Merry Christmas

306-446-4422

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Everything in store *EXCLUDING DOG & CAT FOOD & TREATS Dec. 29 - Jan. 7

Eternal Memories

Funeral Service & Crematorium

2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford

306-445-7570

SUPPLIES & SERVICES

2062 - 100th Street, North Battleford

306-445-0304

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 12

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Discover Christmas apps What do we Christmas enthusiasts have in common? We love to put up the decorations and listen

to songs about reindeer bells and Christmas trees as soon as Halloween is over. Does that sound like you? If you’re

Wishing you and your family a great Holiday Season Cameron Odishaw La Cock

1291 - 102nd Street North Battleford, SK Phone

306-445-6234

Season’s Greetings Wishing you the best this Holiday Season.

May 2016 bring you joy and happiness.

ready for the Christmas festivities to begin, you’ll have fun exploring all the apps with Christmas themes available for your smartphone or tablet.

CALENDARS A wide choice of virtual Advent calendars is available in the vast world of mobile apps.

Much healthier than the cardboard ones filled with chocolates, these calendars give you a little digital surprise every day up to Chris­tmas. It’s a fun way to bide your time until the holidays.

MUSIC Apps abound for fans of Christmas carols and songs.

Whether you want to listen to some seasonal tunes while doing your laundry or play karaoke with your friends, Christmas music apps make it all possible.

POPULAR GAMES Some frequently downloaded game apps un­dergo a Christmas-themed metamorphosis in December.

Seeing your favourite game characters wearing Santa Claus hats in a snow-covered world will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit.

Management & Staff

CASH'N GO

Check Cashers

READING For a quiet evening at home, you can choose a Christmas story app. Curled

Formerly Cashplan

1091B - 102nd Street, North Battleford Phone 306-445-5444

As we gear up for another busy holiday season, we’d just like to take a moment to thank all of our loyal customers. Thank you and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!

9901 Thatcher Ave. Parsons Industrial Park, North Battleford

up on the sofa or in bed, alone or with a child, you can enjoy some fun adventures featuring elves, reindeer and brightly

wrapped gifts. And then you can drift off into a dreamland that sparkles with the magic of the season.

There are hundreds of apps for fans of the Christmas season.

Four tips to help you cope with Boxing Day sales Inveterate bargain hunters adore Boxing Day sales.

If you’re thinking about making the most of all those great discounts, be sure to read this little guide.

1. DO SOME WINDOW SHOPPING FIRST A few days before the Boxing Day sales be­gin, visit your favourite stores and list the items you’d like to buy at a discount.

Merry Christmas Thank you to all our friends, family and clients.

May you have a blessed

Hudec Law Office Barristers & Solicitors

2nd Floor, 1201 -103rd Street North Battleford, SK Phone (306) 446-2555 Fax (306) 446-2556

May your home be filled with Happiness this Holiday Season.

Thank you for your past patronage in 2015 and we look forward to serving you in 2016.

MAY YOUR

Christmas

LTD.

BE BLESSED WITH PEACE & JOY Scott McMillan

DEBBIE OBOROWSKY BROKER Cell: 441-2163

DEVAN OBOROWSKY REALTOR Cell: 441-5123

2. BE WELL-PREPARED Be ready, because you’re bound to face endless lines and frenzied customers.

Ask a friend to go along with you for company.

Bring some water and snacks. Wear comfortable clothes, and make sure your phone battery is fully charged.

3. AVOID CONFRONTATIONS Every year, the media re­ ports on the most aggressive incidents involving customers des­ perate to get at a discounted item. We’ve all seen the reels of angry customers threate­ ning or even pushing each ot­her. Stay away from ag­ gressive shoppers; it isn’t worth being injured just to save a few dollars.

Christmas Season and may peace and prosperity be yours in the months ahead.

306-445-3445

I would like to thank all of my customers for your support during the year and I look forward to serving you in the new year.

Of course, the store staff might have some privi­ leged information about the upcoming sales. You could get some great tips if you ask a few questions.

4. RESIST IMPULSE BUYING You may be tempted to buy just about anything when fa­ced with dramatic discounts. Three-for-one sales can be pretty compelling, after all. That said, try to re­sist the urge to purchase items you don’t really need.

Page 13 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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FOOD ALLERGIES:

Tips for adapting your holiday menu The holiday season is the time to gather around a table covered with delectable foods, each recipe more spectacular than the next.

However, your traditional Christmas meal can turn into a real headache when one of your guests has food allergies. Here are some tips for coping with this problem when pre­paring the meal.

FOOD CHOICES Sometimes just a few simple adjustments to the menu are all that’s required to accommodate your guests with allergies.

When you do your grocery shopping, look for the special food aisle where

products are labeled “egg free,” “lactose free” or “nut free.” Bulk products should be avoided be­cause cross contamination is more frequent with these types of foods. Also, make sure you read package labels before buying sau­ ces or prepared appetizers; they may contain ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to find there.

handling allergenic foods.

PREVENTION People with allergies are responsible for their own health. Consequently, it’s up to them to bring all the necessary drugs to treat a possible reaction, such as

antihistamines, a bronchodilator and two epinephrine auto-injectors. Despite all your precautions, al­lergenic substances can still sometimes be found in seemingly harmless food. It’s al­ways better to be safe than sorry.

for a wonderful Christmas!

Thank you for your patronage this past year.

PREPARATION Be very careful when cooking your meal. Prepare allergen-free foods first in order to reduce the risk of contamination. Wash your hands and thoroughly clean your cooking tools after

2492 - 98 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-8867

A new Christmas theme Christmas rolls around every year with the same old traditions. But if you feel like ha­ving a change this year, you could organize a special Christmas theme. Here are three suggestions to inspire you.

Wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas season!

1) A TROPICAL CHRISTMAS Turn up the heat and dig out your flip-flops. For a party with a sunny, festive mood, de­co­rate your exotic plants with your fa­vourite Christmas ornaments. Serve the punch in glasses decorated with candy canes. Keep your guests dancing all evening by stoc­king up on Christmas songs with a tropical flavour. And why not organize a limbo contest after the gift exchange?

2) A GLAMOUROUS CHRISTMAS For a party with a touch of Hol­lywood opulence, make sure the dress code includes bow ties, se­quins and diamonds.

Serve ap­petizers featuring caviar, oysters and other luxury items. Create the perfect musical atmosphere with some cool jazz, or lull your guests with classic Christmas songs

by Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Don’t forget that cham­­pagne is a perfect accompaniment to all that glamour.

3) AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Take a trip down memory lane to celebrate a vintage Christmas and make merry the same way your greatgrandparents did. Decorate your home with blackand-white Christmas photos, classic de­ corations and antiques. Continue the magic of your ancestors’ family gatherings by treating your guests to the very best of traditional recipes. Then get out some musical instruments, warm up your vo­c al chords and have fun at the top of your voice.

To our many friends and customers...

May the magic of the season fill your heart and home with joy this holiday season.

May they bring you much comfort this holiday season!

CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS LLP nd

61-22 St., Battleford

Call 306-937-7741 or 1-800-263-7741

(Behind Super A in the strip mall)

www.andersonpumphouse.com

Season’s Greetings It is at this time of the year that I like to reflect on the past, to remember those who have helped to make it special and successful.

Thank you to my family, friends and customers who have helped make this year so rewarding for me.

Valorie Higgs

I wish all of you a a very

Merry Christmas

and a healthy and prosperous

New Year

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 14

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Too many trees

“Time to get the Christmas trees out,” smiled Gramma Jazzy. She pushed her thick red hair off her forehead before she began pulling long boxes from the back of the deep closet she was standing in. Her granddaughter Chloe gazed at the growing pile, giggling as she counted.

“Why do you put up five trees every year?”

“Six, actually, including the real one. It started a long time ago with an argument between my oldest sister and brother. Let’s take one tree downstairs today and I’ll tell you the story.”

Snuggling together on the couch, Chloe watched as Gramma picked up an old black and white photograph of six scraggly children.

Pointing to the two tallest, Gramma began.

“When I was little, it seemed as though Cecily and Andrew were always arguing. One Christmas Eve, when they were teenagers, Andrew brought home what appeared to be a fine tree. Cecily took one look and declared it to be the worst she’d ever seen. They argued for what seemed like forever until our mother just couldn’t take it anymore.

‘If you don’t like it, go cut another one!’ Mum told Cecily.

Somehow Cecily convinced Daddy to get the axe and go tree hunting. I remember worrying that if they didn’t hurry, Santa wouldn’t have anywhere to put our presents. They finally returned, just before dark, with a huge pine tree. But the story

From all of us at the Edam Credit Union May your Christmas be filled with the joy of holiday spirit, the warmth of friendships, and the wonder of the season Phone: 306-397-2242 Fax: 306-397-2555 Email: info@edam.cu.sk.ca http://www.edamcreditunion.com

Overflowing with good wishes...

For all our kind friends We value your business and look forward to your continued support in the coming years.

to all our Friends & Customers from Management & Staff

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Board of Directors Management & Staff

370 Railway Avenue East North Battleford, Saskatchewan ®

Turtleford & District

doesn’t end there. You see, Andrew had already put up his tree in our front parlour — the fancy living room. Not to be outdone, Cecily demanded that Daddy put up her tree. Andrew came in as they were doing it, and of course the quarrelling began again. Frustrated, Daddy hollered to Mum for help. But instead of getting angry, she started to laugh.

‘We have enough decorations for two trees, so put them both up.’

And they did. Eventually, she let all six of us decorate our own trees — the ones growing in our yard.”

By Rosemary Guyette

Give gifts, not viruses Infections and viruses are often passed from one guest to another during holiday gathe­ rings. To avoid giving or receiv­ ing these un­wel­come gifts, you can take some precautions.

UPDATE YOUR VACCINATIONS First and foremost, make sure you and your family members have up-to-date vaccinations. Immunization eliminates the risk of con­ tracting infectious diseases such as in­fluenza or measles.

To determine which vac­­cines

Magic’s in the air So many festive times to share.

Here’s to a season that rings with joy!

Thank you to all my customers for their patronage and support.

I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Here's wishing you the best of the holidays and may the magic of the season fill your heart and bring you joy.

We look forward to serving you in 2016.

Board, Management & Staff

Phone 306-845-2105 Jessica Woytowich

Dec. 24 & 31 closed at 1:00 p.m.

CLOSED Dec. 25, 26,27,28 & Jan. 1

are appropriate for you, ask your doctor or contact a vac­ cination clinic.

HYGIENE MEASURES The golden rule for lim­ iting the spread of viruses is to wash your hands fre­ quently and thoroughly in warm water and soap. If you don’t have access to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Al­ways cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow while tur­ning away from other people. After blowing your nose or a child’s nose, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

AVOID CONTACT Whenever you’re sick, be careful to limit your physical contact with other people.

That means don’t shake hands, hug or kiss. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, since virus­ es tend to enter the body through these pathways.

Page 15 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

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The perfect gift for your furry friend

T he cardinal

FOR YOUR DOG Here are some suggestions for your family’s best friend: • A personalized collar, retractable leash or an orna­ mented harness that features engraved tags or a uniquely shaped medallion • Cute, comfortable dog clothing (coats, swea­ ters, boots, dresses)

• Quality grooming prod­ ucts (shampoo, tooth­ brush, body wash, paw balm, ear wipes) • Small treats (ideally with no sugar, pre­ s ervatives or artificial flavours and co­louring) • Toys (ball, rattle, rope, bones, Frisbee, teething ring) • Fashion accessories (rib­ bons, scarves, hair clips, charms, sunglasses) FOR YOUR CAT How about some of these products for your favourite kitty: • A tent or shelter that can be enjoyed as a hiding place

• An interactive cat-acti­ vated food distri­butor • A GPS collar for cats that go outside • A scratching post (vertical, horizontal or tree-shaped) • Fashion accessories (hat, collar, scarf, sweater) • Toys (play set, ball, laser pointer, chewing ring, tun­ nel) • A hammock or hanging basket for extra-long naps • Treats made from natural ingredients Look around big box stores, specialty boutiques, pet stores and veterinary clinics to find the perfect Christmas gift for your pet.

ILLUSTRATION: ÉVELYNE BÉLANGER

“Can we decorate the bird tree first?” asked Chloe.

“Sure,” answered her Gramma Jazzy. “It’s my favourite,” she confided.

She loved having her grandchildren help decorate her Christmas trees.

Every year, she decorated six, and whoever arrived first got to choose from one of her themes. “Which one do you like best? The angels? The musical instruments? Or this one here?”

“Oh, it’s your cookie tree!” chimed Chloe.

“Do you remember why that one doesn’t get decorated until Christmas week?”

“Because you have to make the cookies last till Christmas,” Chloe nodded knowingly.

Gramma opened a box covered with bird wrapping paper and gently unwrapped an odd-shaped package. She handed Chloe a delicate, bright-red porcelain cardinal.

Chloe’s eyes grew big and her words came out in an excited rush, “You’re letting me put the cardinal on this year?”

“I think you’re old enough now,” Gramma smiled.

Gramma brought Chloe close to the tree and lifted her up. Chloe carefully pinched the metal clasp on the feet of the bird and then clamped it to the very top of the tree. “Now make a wish,” Gramma said. “Just like my Daddy always told me to do.”

“I wish I had a puppy. What do you wish for?”

“I wish for Barley toy candies, ribbon candy and a big orange in my stocking, just like when I was young.”

“Is that all you used to get for Christmas?”

“Well, no, not exactly, honey. You see, back then, Santa only brought us each one special present.”

“Is that how you got the cardinal?”

“Yes, that’s right. I was very young.”

“So it’s really old?”

“Yes,” Gramma laughed. “When I saw it in a shop window, I prayed that Santa would bring it to me for Christmas. Daddy said it wasn’t really a suitable gift for a little girl. But Christmas morning came and there was the precious cardinal. I was thrilled.

I promised I’d always keep him safe.”

“And you did!”

You love to lavish gifts on your family, your better half and even your child’s teacher at Christmastime. In all this whirlwind of sharing, love and gratitude, why not take the opportunity to spoil your pet as well?

By Rosemary Guyette

Best wishes wishes for for aa joyful joyful Best holiday season season holiday Merry Christmas Christmas and and aa peaceful peaceful and and prosperous prosperous New New Year.

Year.

Merry Home Home Auto Auto Life Life Investments Investments Group Group Business Business Farm Farm Travel Travel

Joan Barbondy

Joan Barbondy

Financial Advisor Financial Advisor The Co-operators The Co-operators 1202-9800 Territorial Dr | North Battleford 1202-9800 Territorial Dr | North Battleford 306-445-7406 | www.cooperators.ca/Joan-Barbondy

306-445-7406 | www.cooperators.ca/Joan-Barbondy

Not all products available in all provinces.

Not all products available in all provinces.

The Joy Of The Lord’s Birth May it be with you this Christmas Day and every day!

ds iety r o f e l t t a B ane soc hum the

306-445-3757 • 10020 Thatcher Avenue, North Battleford

306-

446-

2700

2005 Main Street Edam, SK 306-397-2361 Fax: 306-397-2546 Toll Free: 1-855-697-2361 Email: stellarins@sasktel.net www.stellarins.saskbrokers.com

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The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 16

Home Hardware Building Centre 218 - 22nd Street,Battleford, SK S0M 0E0 Phone: 306-937-2642 Fax: 306-937-2401 Dec. 24 - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Dec. 25 & 26 - CLOSED Open Regular Hours Dec. 27, 28, 29 & 30 Dec. 31 - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Jan. 1 - CLOSED

‘‘Happy Holidays’’

Thank you for your support.

We look forward to serving you with joy in 2016. Happy holidays!

We appreciate your support of our businesses in the

Town of Battleford

Complete Auto Body Repairs

Full line of Paints • Frame Repair • Wheel Alignment

5th Avenue West, Battleford

“The Little Town with the Big Heart”

306-937-3330 or 306-937-3707

Happy New Year to you and your family 192-24th Street West, Battleford

from all of our families at Battleford Furniture

Fax 306-937-7676

mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

Seasons Greetings May this wonderful season fill your life with joy. Merry Christmas from our families to yours!

141 - 22nd Street, Battleford

306-446-0058

Phone 306-937-7474

www.battlefordfurniture.com

Fax 306-446-0059

Email: creativeinteriors@sasktel.net

Andres Meat Shoppe 101C - 22nd Street, Battleford, SK

306-937-3313

• Retail Sales • Custom Cutting & Wrapping • Wild Game Processing • Sausage Processing

Season’s Greetings

- Dec. 24 - 28 - CLOSED - Dec. 29, 30, 31 OPEN - regular hours - Jan. 1 CLOSED - Jan. 2 OPEN - regular hours

Closed Dec. 24

Reopen Monday, Jan. 4th.

Open Monday & Tuesdays in January.

Closed for the month of February located at the PLEASANT GARDEN in Battleford

442 - 22nd Street, Battleford 306-937-2492 cell: 306-481-6255 email: fuhrd@sasktel.net

Season’s Greetings

...we do the little things

from us to you!

BATTLEFORD DRUG MART 102 - 22nd Street W. Battleford, SK. S0M 0E0 Phone: 306-937-3303

Season’s Greetings BATTLEFORD AGENCIES An Innovation Partner

156 - 22nd Street West Battleford, SK

306-937-3066

PENNYDALE JUNCTION RESTAURANT 92 - 22nd Street West, Battleford, SK

Phone 306-937-3544

Merry Christmas

From the Mahon Family Phone 306-937-3777 Fax 306-937-7235 Cell 306-441-7490

Underground Utility Contractors Excavation & Dirtwork

Battleford, SK

Jaeger Transport

We’re pulling for you to have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

VISTA TOWING Battleford, SK

Phone 306-445-2372

Season’s Greetings

MITRONICS WIRELESS INC. 306-937-3188

431 - 31st Street, Battleford, SK We Provide Quality Service and Equipment to The Battlefords & Area

Good Sense PETER OLLENBERGER

Sales • Service Networking • POS Cell Office

If we don't have it, we'll get it! 306-481-4321 306-937-3424 Located in Downtown Battleford - 161 - 22nd Street p.ollen@sasktel.net

Happy Holidays!

May your Christmas be filled with the laughter of friends and the wonders of the season!

MOBILE SERVICE

306-446-0039

Battleford

Happy Holidays

(1988) Ltd.

• Grain • Fertilizer • Petroleum

Phone 306-937-2661

331 - 22nd Street, Battleford 306-937-5555

Boxing

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Week Flyer

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 2

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

BOXING WEEK a z n a n o B Inspiration BOUTIQUE DEC. 28 - JAN. 2

30%-60%

h t n i g n i Everyth

O F F e r o t es

CO-OP MALL | NORTH BATTLEFORD | 306-445-0717

#

203-872-103rd St., North Battleford Phone 306-445-1966 All prices here Exclusive to Fabricland Sewciety Club Members MEMBERSHIP CARD MUST BE PRESENTED FOR DISCOUNTS

1

JANUARY DAY ONLY 2nd, 2016

NEW YEARS

(exclusions apply to Promotional, Clearance, “Special Purchase”, Signature Styles & Yarn)

SNOOZE YOU LOSE SALE

BABYVILLE

COATS

FABRICS & NOTIONS

55

- all stock

PATTERNS

PATTERNS

ea.

ea.

% $ 25 $ 00 OFF 6

50 REG. PRICE

5

% OFF

u Sewing Notions u Cut Laces & Trims u Yarn Implements

& Accessories - all stock

u Fabrics

- all stock by the metre - includes Fashion, Craft, Fleece, Flannelette, Drapery Fabrics & Quilt and Cottons

u Fibrefill & Batting u Foam & Pillow Forms REG. PRICE u Cushion Covers - all stock

YARN

20

% OFF

30

REG. PRICE

% OFF

REG. PRICE

“Special Purchase”

u SPRAY ADHESIVES u u BOOKS & TY BEANIES Make The Fashion www.premieryarns.com u QUILTING PATTERNS

Page 3 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

N AT I O N A L S E C T I O N A L S A L E

SAVE 20% on all Palliser sectionals

AVAILABLE IN ALL LEATHERS AND FABRICS

DECEMBER 26, 2015 TO JANUARY 5, 2016

WESTPOINT reclining sectional

é ROBERTO sectional ç MIAMI sectional LEASIDE reclining sofa

192-24th Street West, Battleford

Phone 306-937-7474

www.battlefordfurniture.com

Fax 306-937-7676 mail@battlefordfurniture.com 192-24th Street, Battleford, SK S0M 0E0

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE STORE HOURS: Monday to Wednesday – 9 am to 6 pm

306.937.7474

battlefordfurniture.com

Thursday – 9 am to 9 pm Friday & Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm

Regional Optimist

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 4

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

BOXING

DAY

9 AM-

6 PM

BLOW OUT 2 STORES 2 MASSIVE SALES

40% OFF

1 DAY ONLY

Jeans ‘N Joggers

All Regular Priced Stock & Red Tag Items Jeans ‘N Joggers Kidz

30% OFF

1165-101st Street North Battleford, SK

All Regular Priced Items

306-445-5326

December 28th - 31st, 2015

Holiday Madness • EZ FINANCE • NO PAYMENTS • NO DOWN PAYMENTS • OAC

Was $8,149

Stk. #15-183

Was $9,149

2015 Sportsman 570

2015 570 EPS

7,849

Stk. #13-386

7,695

Was $10,249

Stk. #15-050

2015 Sportsman 850 EPS

2015 Ranger ETX

8,795

$

65% OFF

on in stock Parts & Accessories *Photos not exactly as shown

Stk. #13-366

2014 800 Pro RMK

10,895

$

IN STORE SPECIALS UP TO

Stk. #15-066

Was $14,649

2014 800 Pro RMK

4 Days Only - December 28, 29, 30 & 31 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

$

Was $10,959

Stk. #15-250

All non-current Sleds must go!

Was $14,149

O

6,995

$

2014 800 S/B Assault 144

SOLD

9,199

$

1NLY

5,995

$

Stk. #13-365

O

2014 800 S/B Assault

Was $13,949

8,699

$

1NLY

2014 600 S/B Pro R

Stk. #13-438

O

Electric Start Was $14,499

9,299

$

1NLY

Stk. #13-396

O

O

1NLY

Was $13,149

9,699

$

1NLY

9,199

$

$

Was $14,350

Stk. #15-092

2015 Sportsman 1000 LE EPS

13,495

$

Was $18,260

Stk. #15-118

2015 Ranger 900 XP EPS

11,695

$

306-445-2079 1-888-373-7878

Was $12,660

Stk. #13-242

2014 Razor 570

www.silvesterrv.com Apply online All prices quoted are plus tax, plus dealer fee’s. All rebates to dealer. Rebate & finance offer, can not be combined. See store for details.

Was $15,050

Stk. #14-032

2014 Razor 800S

Regional Optimist

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Page 5 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

BOXING WEEK BLITZ SAVE 30%

40%

50%

CLOSED DECEMBER 25, 26, 27

Will re-open for our sale

60%

DECEMBER 28, 29, 30, 31

“Where extraordinary treasures are patiently waiting for your most memorable moments...”

Territorial Place Mall

306.445.3888

www.jewelleryconnection.ca

OFF ALL REGULAR PRICES *No refunds or exchanges during this sale please.

Holiday Madness • EZ FINANCE • NO PAYMENTS • NO DOWN PAYMENTS • OAC

9,999

10,599

$

Was $15,199

Stk. #12-360

Was $17,499

2013 M800 SP Ltd.

4,695

Stk. #15-025

4,995

2015 300 Auto

Stk. #15-013

2015 450 4WD

10,995

$

Was $15,959

Stk. #12-452

$

Was $7,549

Stk. #14-066

2014 Arctic Cat Prowler 700 XTX EPS

11,995

$

10,299

$

2014 M6000 SP Ltd.

$

Was $7,249

8,999

$

Was $12,949

8,499

$

Stk. #13-536

2014 Artic Cat M600 Snow Pro

All non-current Sleds must go!

Was $15,199

$

Stk. #13-303

2014 Arctic Cat M 8000 Limited 162

Was $10,349

Stk. #13-442

2014 Arctic Cat Bearcat 570 XTE

5,495

8,495

$

Was $7,949

Stk. #15-075

2015 Arctic Cat 500

$

Was $11,499

2015 Arctic Cat XR 550 XT EPS

4 Days Only - December 28, 29, 30 & 31 - 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

13,299

$

IN STORE SPECIALS UP TO

65% OFF

on in stock Parts & Accessories

Stk. #14-338

Was $17,959

Stk. #15-008

2015 Arctic Cat Prowler 1000 XT™ EPS

10,995

$

*Photos not exactly as shown

306-445-2079 1-888-373-7878

Was $16,659

Stk. #14-360

2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat Sport XT

www.silvesterrv.com Apply online All prices quoted are plus tax, plus dealer fee’s. All rebates to dealer. Rebate & finance offer, can not be combined. See store for details.

Was $15,499

Stk. #14,387

2015 Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail XT

Regional Optimist

SALE

All Winter Apparel

Buy 1 Get 1

Boxing Week

FREE

Scarf Blowout

while quantities last

“Shapeez” Shapewear

60% off 20% off “Lole” Winter Jackets & “Malia” Wool Coats UP TO

50 off %

Denim

Blowout Select Stock

25/pair

$

SALE STARTS DEC. 28 TRIBAL

1472 - 100th Street North Battleford 306-445-7275

YOUR CHOICE

of Refrigerator

$

1399

NOW Save $500 OR

OR

FROM MSRP

Dishwasher

30” cu. ft.

French Door Refridgerator

30” cu. ft.

French Door Refridgerator

GUY’S FURNITURE

NOW

899 Save $500

$ 22” cu. ft.

French Door Refridgerator

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 6

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

FROM MSRP

YOUR CHOICE of Range NOW

OR

999

$

Save $500 FROM MSRP

YOUR CHOICE

of Dishwasher

OR

NOW

599

$

Save $500 FROM MSRP

North Battleford 1822 - 100th Street

Kindersley 211 - 11th Avenue East

306-446-0545

306-463-6611

Spiritwood Main Street

Unity 121 - 2nd Avenue West

306-883-2209

306-228-4488

TOLL FREE 1-888-299-4897 www.guysfurniture.com Email: guysfurniturenb@sasktel.net GUY’S

! y l n o 1 day

Page 7 - The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015

Regional Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

December 26

ENTIRE STORE

40 OFF REG. PRICE %

no other discounts apply

Boxing Week Event Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ENTIRE STORE

25 OFF REG. PRICE %

FF2

December

27 31 No returns or exchanges on December 26 & 27

Co-op Mall North Battleford

306-446-7214

1

Regional Optimist

w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a

st

BOXING WEEK

EVER

THE S TORE WILL BE C Christm LOSED a Boxing s, Dec. 25, Da y D ec. 2 and D ec. 27 6 To spe nd t with fa im e mi & frien ly ds

EVENT

VIP $

The Battlefords, Thursday, December 24, 2015 - Page 8

DECEMBER 28TH-31ST, 2015

49

.99

Purchase a 2 year VIP Membership

Battleford Furniture will be open until 2 pm on Thursday, December 24th with delivery and pick-up available.

at Battleford Furniture and SAVE!

Full staff ready to help you get your home ready for the holidays!

Save lots of money on all the BIGGEST NAME BRANDS...

THE STORE WILL BE CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY DEC. 25TH BOXING DAY DEC. 26TH SUNDAY DEC. 27TH

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Battleford Furniture will RE-OPEN Monday DECEMBER 17,VIP 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 Dec. 28th at 9 am for Boxing Week Event.

THE BEST T A K4 EDAYS A DofV2015 A NTO T ASAVE! GE

OF

Maytag Bonded Leather G R E AT S A V I N G S NOVEMBER 22-28, 2012

Washer & Dryer Pairs

Sofa & Loveseats

from

from

ON SELECT KITCHENAID ® HOME APPLIANCES

Product Description Goes Here

799.

$

99

Your choice of 2 styles & 2 colors

999.

$

While quantities last

MODEL NUMBER HERE

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Every SLEEP SET on Sale

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any advertised price!

$

*

from

AFTER $____ SAVINGS 192-24th Street West, Battleford REGULAR PRICE $0000

$

MODEL HERE last WhileNUMBER quantities •

•

•

199 00

0000

$

Fax 306-937-7676

AFTER $____ SAVINGS REGULAR PRICE $0000

mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

Product Description Goes Here

MODEL NUMBER HERE

•

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Phone 306-937-7474

www.battlefordfurniture.com

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Product Description Goes Here

MODEL NUMBER HERE

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