Regional Optimist January 1

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Donahue Buziak, Joachim named citizens of the year

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Citizen of the Year Tammy Donahue Buziak

By John Cairns Staff Reporter The week that Tammy Donahue Buziak learned she had been named the 2014 Citizen of the Year had already been an eventful one for her.

She had presented her ďƒžnal report to city council as chair of the committee that organized centennial activities in 2013. As part of that report, Donahue Buziak presented Mayor Ian Hamilton with a scrapbook compiled through the centennial year, filled with photos of highlights of the events and activities.

As it turned out, that scrapbook was presented a couple of days too soon. Another big

highlight came just a couple of days later, when Donahue Buziak got the good news from Glen Gantefoer of the Citizen of the Year committee. “At ďƒžrst I thought he had the wrong person, I was just shocked!â€? said a tearful Donahue Buziak when she was interviewed by the Regional Optimist. She could not contain her excitement and disbelief as she realized she would be the name joining the long list of recipients of the honour. “As a member of the community you’re always aware of who your Citizen of the Year is this year, you know,â€? said Donahue Buziak.

Continued on Page 3

Battlefords Junior Citizen of the Year Dylan Joachim

By John Cairns Staff Reporter It did not take long for Dylan Joachim to make his impact on the Battlefords.

He has been in the community for only a few months, but the former Spiritwood resident’s leadership abilities and volunteerism have been recognized by his teachers and peers in a short period of time, so much so that he has been named 2014 Junior Citizen of the Year. “It feels pretty good, I wasn’t really expecting it,� he said in speaking to the Regional Optimist Dec. 16.

He found out about the honour at school.

“They called me down to the ofďƒžce and one of the guys from the board was on the phone, and told me right there.â€?

He was surprised but not teary eyed, saying he’s “not really an emotional guy.�

His family is justifiably proud. “My mom was happy, my brother was really happy about it.�

It also means he’ll have to give a speech for the banquet to honor the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year early in the new year. He has been thinking about it but still isn’t quite sure yet what he’ll say.

Continued on Page 6

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 2

CITY Box 460 • 1291 - 101st Street 6 North Battleford, SK • S9A 2Y

cityofnb.ca 306-445-1700

Stay up to date on the latest city news!

The 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 (include the name and address of the Snow Angel.)

Recycle Your Christmas Tree City Hall Office Holiday Hours: Closed on January 1st & 2nd then Regular Hours Resume.

NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 at 8 p.m.

Council meetings are open to the public.

Leisure Services

s, Open Space es, Active Plac es Smiling Fac

When you recycle your real Christmas tree, you are being ecoconscious and the remains have a variety of uses, including mulch.

Once again, the City of North Battleford will be recycling trees into chips for mulch.

The mulch is used in tree and shrub beds, improving growth by retaining moisture and suppressing weed growth. Due to a decrease in the number of residents using real Christmas trees, the City of North Battleford no longer conducts back alley Christmas tree pickup. Instead, there is one “FREE” drop off location available only: 1) City of North Battleford Parks and Recreation Shop at 11202 8th Avenue (during regular business hours 8am-5pm) Materials left on trees can damage City equipment and become mixed in the mulch, which degrades its usefulness.

For more information: Tim Yeaman, Parks Foreman, 306-445-1747 James Risdon, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 306-445-1710

Find us on Facebook: City of North Battleford (Official) us on late st@citynb Follow on theTwitter:

MAIL NOMINATIONS TO:

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

OR E-MAIL NOMINATIONS TO: jrisdon@cityofnb.ca

WIPPS makes paying water bills easy!

Enjoy the benefit of an easy-to-handle, monthly payment plan for your city utility bills.

Effective January, 2015, extensions on utility bills will be discontinued. But the WIPPS, Water Installment Payment Plan Service, makes it easy to stay up-to-date by letting you automatically pay your utility bill on the 20th of each month. Or pay online or via telephone banking. It’s that easy!

Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre ★ NationsWEST Field House ★ 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

The Chapel Gallery is located at 891 99th Street, North Battleford

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

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

NATIONSWEST FIELD HOUSE

BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE

Holiday Hours

A Big to “Saskatchewan Lotteries – Community Grant Program for Sport, Culture & Recreation” for their generous contribution to the ACT Therapy Class & Seniors Aqua Fitness Class at the Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre.

CONTINUED

306-445-1757

Thank You

Jan. 1st

CLOSED

Jan. 2

6am - 10pm

Jan. 3rd & 4th

9am - 9pm

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Get your

Last chance to see VISUAL TENSION - Recent Work

by Dean Bauche Closing January 4, 2015 Portraits – Copper Weaving – Encaustic Works

FREE PUBLIC SKATING!

At the civic centre At the Don Ross arena Mondays from 7 – 8:15 p.m.

Thursdays from 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays from 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. and 1:30 -2:30 p.m.

(Adult & preschool) (Adult & preschool)

Free Public Skating is possible thanks to the generosity of the following service clubs: Bonaventure Lions Club; North Battleford Lions Club; Kiwanis Club of the Battlefords; North Battleford Kinsmen Club; The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #70; North West Hockey Development; Rotary Club of the Battlefords; North Battleford Elks Club; St. Josephs Knights of Columbus #7336

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

Registration is now on for the following classes: Fitness Schedule for Winter 2015 HIIT Pilates Barre Fit Sculpt & Tone Belly Dance Stretch & Strengthen Cardio Combo TBC & K Forever...In Motion Yoga Gentle Yoga Meditation Parent & Tot Yoga To register or for more information call 306-445-1755/306-445-1790 Don Ross Centre 891 99th St (Door #5) or the NATIONSWEST Field House www.cityofnb.ca

CONTINUED

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Page 3 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Citizen of the Year

Donahue Buziak: family dedicated to public service “He (Ted Donahue) loved the community. I walked down the street with him and he knew everybody by name, and everybody knew him.” — Tammy Donahue Buziak Continued from Page 1 In fact, she had recently been at the Territorial Place Mall selling some of the remaining Reflections of North Battleford books featuring photos from the city archives, where she works. By happenstance, she recalled, right where they were set up they were facing the wall where the pictures honoring the Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen were set up.

“You’re seeing this and I thought ‘there’s going to be a new Citizen of the Year this year,’” she recalled.

“It’s very emotional, I was just overwhelmed,” she said.

“I am so excited.”

She believes the reason she was selected has something to do with her love of North Battleford. “I love my community,” Donahue Buziak said.

She comes from a family dedicated to public service.

Her father Tom Donahue was a city councillor in North Battleford from 1986 to his death in 1991 in a boating accident.

“He loved the community,” she recalled. “I walked down the street with him and he knew everybody by name, and everybody knew him.”

Tom Donahue was an avid fiddler, something that translated to Donahue Buziak’s life as well as she learned

how to play the violin through the Royal Conservatory of Music and later passed that knowledge along to students through violin lessons.

The family, which included her mother Edna, and her brother Kim and sisters Terry and Diana, settled in North Battleford in 1966, when Donahue Buziak was only six.

She grew up in North Battleford, and following graduation she worked for CIBC as a financial advisor and later enrolled in pre-med classes at the University of Saskatchewan.

Her involvement with the City began in 2002 when she began working as a gallery assistant.

In 2004, Donahue Buziak became a coroner for sudden or unexpected deaths, a position she held until 2013.

“My goal was always to help the families that were grieving,” said Donahue Buziak. “I had lost family members and it’s a very difficult time.”

In 2009, she began working with the City of North Battleford Historic Archives, starting part-time with data entry. She ended up working closely alongside the various members of the community interested in history and the preservation of it, many of whom joined the centennial

effort later.

Her interest in history and in her city prompted her to pursue archivist certification, which she earned in 2011.

It was through her job with the City that she found out about the North Battleford Centennial Committee.

She volunteered with the

we wanted everybody to have a part of this and to be proud of our community.”

Events included a New Year’s Eve gala at the Civic Centre that launched the year.

The winter carnival soon followed, and then on May 1, events in Central Park

“It would be hard to imagine Tammy Donahue Buziak, archivist in charge of the North Battleford City (Historic) Archives, not being a significant part of historical research in the Battlefords and district.”

– Gil Bellavance committee while still working with the archives and while still working as a provincial coroner, ultimately taking a leave of absence from the latter job. According to nominators, Donahue Buziak had “stepped up to the plate at the eleventh hour” to lead the centennial effort.

The centennial was a mammoth undertaking, one in which Donahue Buziak wanted to see involve everyone. “Young, old, rich, poor,

commemorated the 100th anniversary of North Battleford being incorporated as a city.

More celebrations took place Canada Day at the exhibition grounds. And they continued in the fall when the famous “four corners” picture of North Battleford was taken.

The centennial year ended with an event thanking the volunteers at the Dekker Centre Dec. 31, at which time they also gathered up

Consumer alert: overpayment scams targeting child-care providers Staff The Consumer Protection Division of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is informing the public about a potential scam aimed at child care providers in Saskatchewan.

The Ministry of Education has been made aware of two cases of attempted fraud of two Saskatoon child care providers. Both instances have been reported to police.

In each of these cases, the

Recycle the Xmas tree Staff

The City of North Battleford will be recycling trees into chips for mulch.

The City no longer conducts back alley Christmas tree pickup. Instead, there is one free drop off location at the City of North Battleford Parks and Recreation shop at 11202 - 8th Ave. business days 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This service will offered until Jan. 31. It is important all lights, string, wire, ornaments, tinsel, fake snow and bags be removed.

child care providers were advertising an available child care space when they received an email from a parent requesting the space be held for their child. The parent claimed to be out of the country and wanted to act quickly to secure a spot for their child.

In each case, the parent sent a cheque to save the spot.

The cheque was for more money than was required.

When the provider brought the overpayment to the attention of the parent, the parent asked the provider to cash the cheque and wire the overpayment back.

The provider would cash the cheque, wire the overpayment, and then be informed that the cheque was counterfeit and have to return the money.

According to a press re-

Admission: $ 5.00/day or $10.00 for full event

lease, overpayment scams are common and have been used to victimize a number of service providers including landlords.

Anyone who suspects fraud, is urged to contact the nearest police service, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

or the Competition Bureau.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has more information about overpayment scams and ways to protect yourself at www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca/english/ recognizeit-advfeefraudover. html.

the items to be placed in a time capsule that was sealed in 2014 and will not open for another 100 years.

Those were only some of the notable events of the centennial year that were recorded in pictures in the centennial scrapbook, which itself was modeled along the same lines of a 50-year anniversary scrapbook that celebrated the 1963 Golden anniversary of the city. That scrapbook is now in the city archives, along with the items from a time capsule that was opened in 2013.

Through it all, Donahue Buziak credits the people on her committee for their efforts, saying the award really ought to go to them.

“I was part of it, but it was certainly nothing with me. It was everybody else. I can list you names of volunteers who put so much time and effort, and we all had the same goal.

Why are we doing this, it was for our community.”

Yet her committee members might disagree on that point. A good many nomination letters in support of Donahue Buziak’s selection as Citizen of the Year came from fellow members of that committee who held her in high regard.

They spoke of the long hours and dedication she put

in to leading the effort.

Leah Milton, who chaired the finance committee for that effort, worked closely with Donahue Buziak.

“For a full year, we worked together,” Milton stated.

“Tammy rarely missed a meeting, always had a genuine smile on her face and was a delight to work with throughout the year.”

There were also letters of support for her from those involved in preserving the heritage and history of the community. Gil Bellavance, himself a former Citizen of the Year, stated “it would be hard to imagine Tammy Donahue Buziak, archivist in charge of the North Battleford City (Historic) Archives, not being a significant part of historical research in the Battlefords and district.”

But above all else, Donahue Buziak says she could not have done all of her community activities without the support of her family, including her husband Terry, her two children, Matthew and Lisa, and her granddaughter, Emma, who moved to the community recently. “Every spare moment I spend with her,” she said.

For these and other reasons Tammy Donahue Buziak has earned honors as the 2014 Citizen of the Year.

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 4

Share your point of view!

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

North B’ford year in review, from the desk of the mayor As I sit and reflect on 2014, I imagine I join many of you in thinking, “Where did the time go?” and “What did we do in 2014 that mattered to others?”

Well, in the shadow of Christmas memories and recent holiday celebrations, the day-to-day business of City Hall may not seem all that relevant. But much was accomplished in 2014, and I’m proud to share some of that here.

North Battleford started 2014 without a city manager or a director of finance, two key members of our administrative team. So, in late January, we were happy to welcome Jim Puffalt to the City, filling the position of city manager.

City council tasked Mr. Puffalt with three priorities: • Focus on community safety initiatives; • Review the City’s corporate organization and operations, and bring recommendations for improvement; • Present a timely 2015 budget.

First, significant progress was made in the area of community safety initiatives, with statistics showing a marked reduction in crime. This is thanks to a dedicated and committed police force embracing new and innovative practices to prevent and suppress crime in our community.

Most notably, the community safety officer (CSO) program was introduced. North Battleford championed this program, introduced by Fire Chief Albert Headrick, supported by City Manager Puffalt and RCMP detachment commander Insp. John Sutherland and approved by city council. CSOs enforce traffic laws within the city limits and are a visible uniformed presence in high-risk areas of our city including school zones, parks and the downtown core. Deployment of the CSOs give members of the RCMP more time to attend to serious criminal calls for service.

Given the early success of the program, the Government of Saskatchewan has introduced the model provincially.

Building community safety and security is an ongoing priority for the City and many community organizations.

2015 will see further work in this area, building on the four pillars of creating opportunity; helping individuals and families; co-ordination of existing programs and developing new programs; and crime prevention and suppression strategies.

Second, in early May, Puffalt presented council with a customer service review, including significant recommendations to provide practical and cost-effective governance and service delivery to City residents, meeting the demands of a growing and vibrant community. Your city council endorsed the proposal, resulting in the amalgamation of the departments of Parks and Recreation and Public Works, now known as the Department of Operations, and the creation of the Department of Leisure Services. A Central Stores department was also created and in-house engineering services were introduced to make the best use of City resources. The objective is to create a corporate culture that leads us to accomplishing the goal to “NB the best!”

Continued on Page 5

A message from Mayor Mahon

Town of B’ford 2014 year in review The year 2014 has been an exciting and eventful one in the town of Battleford. The 110th anniversary year has brought many positive developments, agreements, successful negotiations and many memories including the unveiling of the largest baseball bat in Canada.

We must acknowledge the significant investment of the many corporations, shareholders, business and individuals who achieved the highest ever building permit level in the town totalling $25,796,290. This amount surpassed the previous 2010 high value by $10,410,000. LMG Manufacturing, Battleford West Place, Co-op convenience store gas bar and car wash, Razorback Trucking, Smoking Guns Oilfield, Battleford Furniture Warehouse facility, Foulston Truck Storage and 26 new homes and numerous renovations contributed to the 65 building permits making up the total.

Kramer Ltd. continues to invest in commercial land development surrounding their dealership on Yellowhead Alley and Kramer Crossing. Battle West Properties, Battleford Town Square and Riverbend Properties are marketing large pieces of land to interested parties. The town-owned Battle Springs subdivision continues to develop and a number of families have chosen this area as their home.

Pre-design work is ongoing for the Kramer Campground shower and washroom facility, Battleford Arena expansion, industrial area expansion, the next phase of Battle Springs subdivision and the Town Hall Opera House. Detailed design is underway for upgrades to the highway commercial sewage pumping station near the co-op property.

In 2014, the final stage of the well development project under the previous Build Canada infrastructure program was completed. The Town Hall front steps were redone and the boiler system is currently being replaced. Local im-

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

provement cost-sharing paving projects were completed on a number of Riverbend area streets and also on 18th street east. A number of sidewalks were replaced throughout the town, with the replacement project expected to continue in 2015. Concrete rehabilitation work on the old bridge support structures was completed under a cost sharing partnership with the Battlefords River Valley Authority. Capital purchases have seen the arrival of a new Zamboni for the arena and will see the delivery of a new barbage truck and fire pumper in early 2015.

On behalf of the members of council, we would like to acknowledge the hard work of all the Town staff led by Sheryl Ballendine and the senior management team including Verdean Studney, Noreen Hoffart, Randy Redding and Kevin Chaykowski. Fire Chief Larry Gabruch, Geoff Thompson and all the volunteer firefighters along with members of the RCMP led by Inspector John Sutherland keep our community safe and make it a great place to call home.

I would like to thank the members of council, Shelley Boutin-Gervais, David George, Doug Laing, Ames Leslie, Susan McLean Tady and Gordon Yarde for their guidance, wisdom, experience and dedication to the town of Battleford.

Thank you to all the residents for the support during 2014. We all look forward to the continued growth and to a strong and vibrant Battleford in 2015.

Enjoy the holiday season, be safe and I wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2015.

Mayor Derek Mahon Town of Battleford

Becky Doig Editor

John Cairns Reporter

Jayne Foster Reporter

Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

Alana Schweitzer Publisher

Valorie Higgs Sales Manager

Maureen Charpentier Advertising

Jessica Woytowich Advertising

2012 SWNA

BEST OVERALL

NEWSPAPER (Circ. Class E)

Page 5 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Continuing experiments in social media Over the years I’ve been continuing to experiment with social media from a business perspective, to see if all the talk is really worth the bucks.

In most cases, the answer is no, but recently, I’ve found the answer can be yes.

Several years ago I

bought several hundred dollars worth of advertising on Facebook to promote my photography business. This was inspired by workshops at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International convention I try to attend in Las Vegas, Nev. whenever I can get to it.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on From the Top of the Pile or any other articles in this issue, go to www.newsoptimist.ca It’s easy. Just sign in with Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or Google.

rom the top of

the pile

By Brian Zinchuk Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers

Association 2012 Columnist of the Year Much of it was a bust.

I even gave away a free wedding, including a $1,200 album, as part of a Facebook promotion. “Get your friends to like my page, and win your $2,500 wedding package for free if you have the most likes attributed to you” was how it worked. It did not work

North Battleford in 2014 Continued from Page 4 And third, thanks to the guidance and direction of our new director of finance, David Gillan, and the efforts of a committed administrative and management team, a timely 2015 budget was introduced and then approved by council on Dec. 15. This will allow the City’s administration to act proactively to better serve the residents of North Battleford. More information about the budget and how it affects us all will be

shared with City residents in January.

What else comes to mind when I reflect on 2014?

• North Battleford has experienced a record-breaking year for the value of building permits issued in one year, closing in on $60 million in total. This is a testament to the confidence the business community and residential developers have in the future of our City. North Battleford is “open for business” and all are welcome.

rom

This Corner

By Becky Doig Editor As illustrated above, it’s a time of year when many of us reflect on the past and look to the future.

From the perspective of a community newspaper newsroom, it’s been an interesting year. We’ve endured the usual grumbles about focus on the negative from some factions, while being chastised for not telling the whole story from others. But, with each and every edition, we do our utmost to present a balanced view.

We have been proud to report on the advances being made towards public safety and are enjoying the most open relationship we’ve had in many years with the RCMP (with the exception of Battleford Rural Detachment, which is still reluctant to co-operate with requests for information).

Those developments point to a strong community guided by skilled and sensible leaders working to make the community better for everyone.

On the personnel front, the core group of dinosaurs — John Cairns, Jayne Foster and I — don’t seem to be going anywhere. Young sports guys are much more mobile however. We ended last year with Brett Smith in the sports chair. Unfortunately his association with us didn’t quite last a year. We were both thrilled and dismayed when he was scouted away from us by the daily Prince Albert Herald.

We now have Craig Beauchemin, originally from Whitehorse, Yukon, on the sports beat. Give him a warm welcome as you see him around the community. We’d really like him to last here a whole year, at least!

It has also been something of a record-setting year as we have seen our kudos versus complaints ratio come out more heavily on the kudos side for perhaps the first time in history.

Life is good. All the best in 2015.

• The introduction of mandatory recycling and roll-out bin, curbside pick up of waste and recyclable materials has already resulted in a significant diversion of materials from our landfill that will extend the life of the City’s facilities and also contributes to environmentally friendly planning.

• The official community plan was adopted, capturing a vision that will guide our City’s development and growth over the coming two to three decades.

• The Lighthouse Supported Living will soon open in North Battleford, providing emergency shelter, supported living and affordable housing to those in need. BATC Community Development Corporation provided a $270,000 grant to support this work.

This has been an amazing year! It is an honour to serve you, the residents of North Batleford, alongside your city councillors. And I thank all our civic employees for their contributions, input and dedication to providing excellent service to our residents. Your efforts make North Battleford a great place to call home!

On behalf of council and your public servants, I wish everyone a very healthy, happy, prosperous New Year. We have much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to.

Mayor Ian Hamilton City of North Battleford

out as planned (which is my own fault). It did not lead to further business.

In the long run, it was a bust, as were several other series of Facebook ads. It did boost my page “likes” somewhat, but most of those people in the future would not end up being potential clients, and I imagine most of them eventually tuned me out.

The little ad on the right side of the Facebook page proved utterly useless to me.

In the meantime, Facebook has changed its strategy. After years of pushing businesses to push their business pages and build followings, they changed their algorithms.

If your page had 1,000 “likes,” for instance, maybe 200, maybe 130, maybe as low as 91 might see any particular post.

You had to convince your likers to take the further step of hitting the “follow” button. You thought you had built up a dedicated hoard, but it turns out that is no longer the case. Unless you pay for it, you can no longer reach all those people.

At least, you weren’t accessing them for free.

Facebook’s strategy changed to a “boosted post.” More on that in a minute.

A few weeks ago, out of the blue, someone ordered a metal print of one of my drilling rig pictures. In recent years I have shifted from weddings and sports to oilfield commercial work. I think I am one of the few people in Canada who focuses specifically on that, and has the safety certifications and experience to do the work on leases. It turns out someone found my page and wanted a very nice picture of a rig for a Christmas present.

That gave me an idea: I’ve photographed well

over 12 drilling rigs in recent years. What if I did a “12 Rigs of Christmas” campaign online, highlighting a different rig each day?” Posting it on my blog on www.zinchuk. ca and on Facebook, I would offer a coupon on prints if ordered directly from my website before the Dec. 8 shipping cutoff.

Instead of just posting it normally (for free) and getting no traction, I would try a boosted post.

For a few bucks a day, it would go out to many times what my meager following on my Facebook page was. It would also ensure that my whole following would see it as well, not just a sliver.

Also, I tested posting it at various times of the day, including after midnight.

It didn’t matter when I posted it. When you are paying to boost a post, I found, Facebook makes sure it gets seen.

Did it work? You betcha it did. It was, by far, my most effective marketing project to date. The only thing that came close would be having a booth at the Estevan Chamber of Commerce’ Showcase.

My 12 Rigs of Christmas led to a one-third increase in my likes for my page. More importantly, all of these were people who had a keen interest in my work and products. Rig workers would find their buddies in the pictures and forward them on. Several went on to place print orders.

Another booked a session. One person, who had inquired about my work months ago, was reminded of it and that is shaping up to be a large project for the future. Even after the campaign ended, the calls kept coming.

Here I was, getting increasingly depressed about how the declining price

of oil will cause a similar decline in my pocketbook, and one little campaign turned that around, at least for the short term.

The key takeaway here is finding a strategy that is directly in your target market. If you want to reach farmers, most farmers read the Western Producer.

Saskatchewan oilpatch?

Try Pipeline News. Local people? Your local paper. Not every strategy will work, but hopefully, eventually, you will find one. You just have to keep trying.

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

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 6

Junior Citizen of the Year

Joachim: positive outlook builds a strong individual “I try and keep on a positive note as much as I can.” — Dylan Joachim Continued from Page 1 As for why he was selected, Dylan has some thoughts.

“I try and keep on a positive note as much as I can. I’m not really a negative person,” he said, and also “good with people”.

As is typical of recent recipients of the honour, Dylan has been able to successfully juggle school with a large number of volunteer activities.

At North Battleford Comprehensive High School he is involved with Comp in Action, where he participates in fundraising and volunteering in the community. That included the haunted house fundraiser at the Western Development Museum. CIA also collected money for the Food Bank.

He is also involved in the Yearbook Club, has supported the Me to We movement and attended We Day in Saskatoon.

At Spiritwood High School he was on the SRC where he was vice-president in Grade 11, and would have been president there had he stayed.

After moving to North Battleford he became involved with the NBCHS SRC. He has been active in sports, standing out in three in particular.

He is a gifted track and field athlete. He earned a medal at regionals, participated in the Saskatchewan Summer Games, and was

selected to go to the Knights of Columbus National Track and Field championships in Prince Edward Island in 2012.

He competed in discus, shot put and javelin at that high level and Dylan is known for passing along knowledge to other students from his training and experiences.

“I definitely went more towards the throwing route,” he said. “That’s something I excelled at a little more.”

Another of the many sports he displays a passion for is snowboarding. Dylan has been involved in it since he was five years old.

He got started in it while living in Grand Cache, Alta., which is close to the mountains, only an hour away from Jasper. “So it was pretty easy to get into it.”

His involvement in that has led to teaching snowboarding lessons at Table Mountain. During the past football season, he played as a middle linebacker with the NBCHS Vikings.

You might think that experience would give him some sort of an exulted celebrity status in high school, but Dylan insists it’s not like that at all.

“TV shows definitely push the concept more than it is in real life,” Dylan said. “It’s not like you walk in and everyone’s cheering and happy to see you. It does make you a little more popular because

you’re part of that smaller group that everyone knows

Dylan is one of the hardest working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching. His maturity, on and off the field, has elevated our team to greater heights this past season. Dylan not only has these amazing leadership qualities but also great interpersonal and communication skills.”

– Jamie Sommerfeld about.”

He quickly made an impact on the football field, and was praised by coach Jamie Sommerfeld for the qualities he brought to his team.

“Dylan is one of the hardest working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of coaching,” Sommerfeld stated in his letter of support.

“His maturity, on and off the

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Alta. to pursue his higher education at Mount Royal University. The plan is to study for two years at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology first before transferring.

How does Dylan find the time to juggle his school work with all his other volunteer activities?

“Throughout the year, school has come pretty easy to me, so I haven’t had to spend the majority of my time on schoolwork. I’ve been able to place it around different things I’ve wanted to do, whether it was sports or a little bit of time to work after school,” he said.

He’s been able to organize his time well enough “so that any time I needed to I could make time for school, and cut out a couple of those other things.”

It’s that ability to juggle and prioritize that has allowed Dylan to join the ranks of the other young individuals who’ve had a similar story to tell on the way to becoming Junior Citizen of the Year.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Floyd Anderson (left), chair of the Fred Light Museum Board, and Bernadette Leslie (right), manager and curator of the museum, present Peter Lascelle, winner of the playhouse draw, with a scale model of the museum. The dollhouse raffled raised $1,104. The dollhouse was built

by Anderson, who also donated all the materials for the project. This year, the Fred Light Museum celebrated the 100th anniversary of the museum’s home, the former St. Vital School.

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son. Dylan not only has these amazing leadership qualities but also great interpersonal and communication skills.”

These sentiments were expressed by other nominators as well, who point to his maturity and leadership, and also his compassion in dealing with others.

Outside of school, Dylan had volunteered in Spirit-

wood Lodge, working with the elderly there, and he volunteered summers at the Mountain Métis summer camps for children and youth near Grande Cache.

All that is combined with a stellar academic record, with consistent honour roll appearances and grades in the mid-90s.

“I don’t think I’ve had an average in high school less than 93,” he said. Of his classes he finds mathematics to be his best subject.

For the future, Dylan is looking to pursue something that will put those math skills to good use. He says he is deciding whether he wants to pursue an engineering degree or a business degree, but expects to do something along those lines for a career, possibly a combination of both.

“It’s a little bit more towards business because it’s an easier route to go to get into stuff, just because there’s more opportunity for schooling,” he said.

Dylan’s future plans include a move to Calgary,

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Page 7 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 8

Old Man Winter got you down?

Come out & shop in comfort at the 2nd Annual North Battleford Hyundai New and Used Car and Truck

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Thanks to the Battlefords for a tremendous 2014 this means a huge amount of trade-ins and best prices ever for you!

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Page 9 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Living Sky CEO joins national initiative

By Jayne Foster Staff Reporter Living Sky School Division’s director of education has been asked to become one of 21 members of a national initiative to provide insight, leadership and direction to a 21st century learning, innovation and technology agenda.

Randy Fox told the division’s board of education last week he will be participating in the C21 (Canadians for 21st Century Learning and Innovation) Shifting Minds Academy for Learning, Innovation and Technology.

“Basically,” said Fox, “C21 is a non-profit organization looking to develop a more national agenda for the development of innovative learning opportunities for our students.”

Fox and Dr. Guy Tétrault, director of education for the Sun West School Division, are the only two Saskatchewan representatives to the academy made up of what C21 Canada president David Roberts describes as “the most innovative and progressive CEOs from public school systems across Canada.”

The formation of the academy was announced at the beginning of December as a concept connecting 21 innovative K12 School District

CEOs from coast to coast. It was inspired by summits and round table events in collaboration with the Council of Ministers of Education Canada and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.

Fox told trustees in December Canada and many of its provinces, including Saskatchewan, are lagging behind when it comes to STEM in education, which is to do with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Canada is behind the United States, for example, said Fox, when it comes to having students be part of innovations to help them excel in things relative to STEM. “Part of what this organization is trying to do is to move that agenda forward so that when we have young people that are interested in those subject areas and those careers they can get the basis they need in high school,” said Fox. Fox told board members his commitment would be to participate in one conference call per month, provide suggestions and feedback regarding national standards for 21st century learning, support the development of a position paper on 21st Century Learning, Innovation and Technology and possibly attend one to three face-toface meetings per year.

“I’m hoping two things, that I can share some of the good things we are doing in our school division, particularly around using electronic devices, iPads, et cetera, in the classroom, but also bring back some good ideas for us.”

Board chair Ken Arsenault congratulated Fox on being selected to serve on the academy.

Fox has been the director of education for Living Sky since the superannuation of Ron Ford on 2010. Prior to that, he served as assistant director of education, having moved to North Battleford from his position of director of education for Biggar’s school division after the province-wide amalgamation of boards in 2006.

Fox holds a Masters of Education from Aspen University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Regina, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Arts, also from the University of Saskatchewan.

He is also a member of the League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents of Saskatchewan.

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PHOTO BY JAYNE FOSTER

Living Sky School Division Director of Education Randy Fox with a student at Battleford Central School.

Peace and Harmony Wishing you and your family a festive 2015!

I am sending you a big Thank You for your friendship and business in 2014!

I appreciate your support and look forward to working with you in the future!

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Escapee still sought Staff

Battlefords RCMP are still looking for Allan Roderick Wright, 35 of the Moosomin First Nation.

He is an inmate of a minimum-security federal facility who escaped during an escorted temporary absence Dec. 20 at Moosomin First Nation near North Battleford.

He is a prisoner at the Willow Cree Healing Lodge in Duck Lake serving a three-year and five-month sentence for assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily

Allan Roderick Wright harm, break and enter and forcible confinement charges.

Police say Wright’s home community is Moosomin First Nation near Cochin. He is six feet two inches tall, 256 pounds, with medium complexion, brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information about the location of Wright is asked to contact the Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through SaskTel at *8477, text TIP206 plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 10

Officers respond to 104 calls over five-day period Staff

North Battleford RCMP responded to 104 calls for service between 6 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29.

Over that time period the RCMP attended several calls in relation to intoxicated people in public and bylaw and noise complaints. Other investigations including 15 false alarms, four 911 hang up or nuisance calls and eight traffic related occurrences.

Police are seeking information into the following incidents:

Thursday

• Complaint of a disturbance at a local business.

Resulted in four individuals being arrested and charged for alcohol related offences.

Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca mobile being operated in the north end of the city.

Patrols made, not located at that time.

• Complaint from a local service station regarding a white half-ton truck that filled up with fuel and then drove away without paying.

Saturday

• Complaint of a possible impaired driver in the north end of the city. Patrols made to locate the vehicle negative.

• Multiple complaints about a possible impaired driver. Vehicle matching

description was later located and the driver was charged with impaired care and control of a motor vehicle.

• Complaint of an unknown intoxicated man passed out in the staff area of a local business. Apparently the man walked in off the street, entered the staff area and fell asleep. This resulted in the man being arrested and held in custody until sober.

Sunday

• Complaint of a window being broken at a residence.

Anyone with information about these or any other crime is urged to contact the Battlefords Detachment of the RCMP at 306-446-1720, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through SaskTel at *8477 or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

Boxing Day fire destroys Shellbrook business Bridge lurker taking photos Friday

• Complaint of a Snow-

Staff

It was an unhappy boxing day for a business on Main Street in Shellbrook.

Dec. 16 at 1:30 a.m. Shellbrook RCMP and Shellbrook

Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at the business. Wehn emergency crews arrived the building was fully engulfed in flames, but officials say the blaze was controlled by the fire crew on

scene and the neighbouring business were saved from the fire.

Police say the cause of the fire is being investigated and is not considered suspicious at this time.

Staff

North Battleford RCMP responded to 25 calls for service between 6 a.m. Monday Dec. 22 and 6 a.m. Tuesday Dec. 23.

Over that time period the RCMP investigations included one false alarm, one 911 hang up nuisance call, two items lost and three traffic related occurrences.

Police are seeking information into the following incidents:

Tuesday

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• Complaint of assault at an address on 91st Street this investigation is ongoing.

• A complaint of obtaining credit by fraudulent means.

Complainant advised that someone received fuel from a gas station and signed the complainant’s name, charging the fuel to the complainant’s account. In-store video obtained and investigation is

ongoing.

• At approximately 1:50 p.m. two complaints of a man standing over the railing on the CN bridge close to the Capitol Theatre were received. The male was spoken to by members and questioned. The man was taking photos of North Battleford.

Wednesday

• At approximately 12:20 a.m., a complaint of break and enter in progress was received by the RCMP occurring at an address on 111th Street. Members attended to find two intoxicated women inside the residence. At this time it is unknown whether a break and enter occurred,

investigation is ongoing and one woman is in custody in relation to this matter.

• Complaint of kids attempting to steal Christmas lights and lawn ornaments from an address on Bunce Crescent. Patrols of the area were conducted, results negative.

Anyone with information about these or any other crime is urged to contact the Battlefords Detachment of the RCMP at 306-446-1720, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through SaskTel at *8477 or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

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

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B’fords a destination for the famous and powerful

Brent Butt of Corner Gas fame was the featured performer at a Dekker Centre fundraiser in March. Above he’s seen with the venue’s manager Moe McGuinty.

Federal Liberal MP Wayne Easter (centre) was in North Battleford for a forum on public safety issues, seen here with Battlefords MLA Herb Cox and Mayor Ian Hamilton.

Corrections and policing minister Christine Tell spoke on public safety issues at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Kory Sheets and members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders brought the Grey Cup to the Battlefords.

“Idiot Millionaire” Derek Foster shared his story with the Battlefords.

Marketing expert Jeph Maystruck kicked off Small Business Week.

Finance minister Ken Krawetz attended an unveiling of the Holodomor monument in North

By John Cairns Battleford.

Staff Reporter Once again, the Battlefords proved a popular stopping place for a number of big names in 2014.

Some were celebrities who are nationally and internationally known. Here is a rundown of some of the people who you saw in the Battlefords during the year.

Kory Sheets and members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders brought the Grey Cup to the Battlefords in early January, to the delight of local fans.

The Roughriders were back in the Battlefords in March as they suited up for a charity hockey game to benefit minor football. Among those on hand was Chris Getzlaf who described the local fan support as “amazing” and added “it’s exactly what you expect in this province.”

Brent Butt of Corner Gas fame was the featured performer at the annual Celebrate the Arts fundraiser at Dekker Centre in March.

The Oak Ridge Boys performed at the Gold Eagle Casino Aug. 4.

None other than Ronald McDonald was in the community in February for

Entertainer Blake Emmons, who spearheaded Wounded Warriors Weekend, was in North Battleford in November for a major local fundraiser.

Author Elinor Florence was in the Battlefords promoting her new book.

Fandamonium, an event designed to inspire the Olympic spirit in local participants at McDonald’s.

Federal Liberal MP Wayne Easter was in North Battleford in August for a forum on public safety issues.

Folk singer Ron Nigrini was a surprise attraction at the preview event launching the 2014-15 season at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts. The new season at the Dekker Centre promised exciting acts including the Vienna Boys Choir, Lunch at Allen’s, the

Arrogant Worms and Don Burnstick.

Corrections and policing minister Christine Tell spoke at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon this past fall on public safety issues in the Battlefords and around the province.

Finance minister Ken Krawetz spoke at the Chamber’s post-budget address in March and returned in the fall to commemorate the unveiling of the Holodomor monument.

North Battleford was a stop for Wounded Warriors

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heading to Wounded Warriors Weekend at Slave Lake in August.

Well-known country music entertainer Blake Emmons, who spearheaded Wounded Warriors Weekend, was back in North Battleford in November for a major local fundraising event towards the cause.

“Idiot Millionaire” Derek Foster provided some useful investing tips as guest speaker at the Battlefords Best Marketplace and Expo in the fall.

Marketing expert Jeph Maystruck was guest speaker at the Chamber’s luncheon to kick off Small Business Week in October.

Maude Barlow was among several speakers on hand Oct. 22 at a CUPE event opposing public-private partnerships for the new Saskatchewan Hospital.

Author Elinor Florence was in the Battlefords promoting her new book Birds Eye View.

Maude Barlow was among several speakers at a CUPE event opposing public-private partnerships for the new Saskatchewan Hospital.

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 12

Accomplishment and growth in and around the B’fords

By John Cairns Staff Reporter 2014 stood in stark contrast to the tumultuous 2013 in terms of news.

While 2013 was a year of centennial celebrations in North Battleford, as well as a year of furor over crime in the city, 2014 was the year of getting down to work and getting things accomplished in and around the Battlefords.

That is exactly what happened as new construction and new initiatives dominated the news in 2014, a year that saw the start of major projects, some major public safety and housing initiatives and other activities.

The year began on a high note, with local residents basking in the afterglow of the last year’s victory by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Grey Cup game.

Members of the Roughriders, including Grey Cup MVP Kory Sheets, brought the trophy to the community Jan. 6, with visits to Battleford Central School and McKitrick School and later to the NatonsWEST Field House for a major autograph session with the fans.

Roughriders returned to the community for more fun in March for a Roughriders charity game to benefit minor football.

One of the big news sto-

ries early in the year was word that Husky Energy was proceeding with two new thermal-energy projects in Edam and Vawn, each of which will produce 10,000 barrels/day.

Within the city itself, several major expansions got off the ground in 2014. They included a grocery store addition at Walmart; a major expansion of the Home Hardware Building Centre in North Battleford; the opening of a new Battlefords Co-op Gas Bar and Convenience Store on Carlton Trail; and the start of the expansion project at the Gold Eagle Casino, among several others.

In Battleford was the grand opening of the Kramer Ltd. facility, as well as the opening of the Leading Manufacturing Group Ltd. facility on 18th Street later that year.

The sod was also turned for new seniors’ apartments.

The construction projects meant big values for building permits in the Battlefords.

Permit values topped $55 million in North Battleford and $26 million in Battleford

by November.

There were also changes coming to the Battlefords Nature Centre located in the river valley. A partnership was struck between the Battlefords River Valley board and Battlefords Tourism, which allowed the latter organization to move in to the

REGIONAL OPTIMIST FILE PHOTO

Opening of a transitional housing project on 103rd Street was one of the highlights of the City of North Battleford’s public safety initiatives in 2014.

Nature Centre and turn it into a visitor information centre, while at the same time retaining the animal displays that had distinguished the centre in the past.

The announcement marked a transition for visitor information services, which until 2014 had been provided by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce at their location at the junction of highways 16 and 40 near Western Development Museum.

It was also a particular ly“big” year for the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Their long-awaited 15.2 metre long “biggest bat in

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and muscle pain, and fatigue just to mention a few. Allergies are not just a seasonal irritant. Many illnesses including auto immune disorders and inflammatory diseases are associated with or rise from years of untreated allergy symptoms.

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Canada” arrived at the Hall of Fame in August, and was unveiled on the day of their annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

The large bat immediately became a landmark attraction on 22nd Street in Battleford and helped put the community on the map in a positive way in 2014.

While 2014 marked a year of building in the Battlefords, it was also a year of demolition. Local residents watched as the wrecking ball brought down the old Marlborough Hotel on 100th Street this past April.

A major announcement on the new Saskatchewan Hospital came in April 2014 with news that an integrated correctional facility would be included.

The project was confirmed as a P3 — a public-private partnership — something that did not sit well with CUPE and other union members who attended a public forum at the Dekker Centre in the fall voicing opposition to those plans.

Still, the project was proceeding. The final Lean planning session had proceeded early in 2014 and the project was at the request-for-proposals stage by the fall.

Addressing the crime situation was a prime concern throughout 2014. The year started with some reorganization at the top of the local RCMP. Insp. John Sutherland took over leadership of the Battlefords RCMP detach-

ment early in the year, and civic officials sought to give the RCMP some help in terms of additional resources.

The city funded a community safety co-ordinator position to develop public-safety initiatives. Herb Sutton took on that role on an initial sixmonth contract that was later extended through 2015.

The other major announcement was the city’s initiative to add Community Safety Officers to the ranks of municipal bylaw enforcement.

The program began in July with the hire of two new CSOs, who took on traffic enforcement, foot patrols and other lower-risk functions. The idea was to free up RCMP officers to concentrate on other areas of enforcement.

Officials viewed the program, which began as a sixmonth trial, as a success. The City announced it would continue the program on a fulltime basis, and the province recognized the accomplishments in North Battleford by expanding the model across the province.

The initiatives were evidence that the City was making moves to address the crime situation in the Battlefords, one that was still a problem as the city again topped the Crime Severity Index in July of this year.

The Battlefords Rural RCMP detachment were also busy enhancing their police coverage of the region around the Battlefords, including neighbouring First Nations, with the opening of a new satellite office in Cochin in 2014. The office was part of an enhanced policing initiative signed with Saulteaux and Moosomin First Nations.

Two other initiatives designed to address the issue of homelessness in the Battlefords and surrounding area were launched in the fall of 2014.

One was the grand opening of long-awaited pocket housing project at 1322 - 103rd St. The eight housing units are designed for those at-risk individuals who face addictions or mental-health related challenges, and who seek to turn their lives around. The grand opening took place in

October.

Also that month came news that the need for a new permanent homeless shelter in the city would finally be addressed. The announcement was made that the Saskatoon-based Lighthouse would be opening a permanent homeless shelter on 102nd Street in North Battleford, at the location of the Reclaim Outreach Centre.

Renovations to ready the building for use as a homeless shelter got started quickly and a grand opening for January was being planned by year’s end.

By year’s end came news of changes coming for the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre.

They made an offer for the old Knights of Columbus Hall across from the water tower, a deal subject to a rezoning application to be decided at city council in 2015.

As well, Executive Director Bill Hall made known his plans to leave that longtime role in mid-2015.

In politics, 2014 unexpectedly turned out to be an election year in North Battleford.

Kelli Hawtin became the city’s newest and youngest councillor, defeating former councillor Ron Crush and Tom Schwab in a byelection held this spring.

She filled the seat of Councillor Trent Houk. He resigned in January after four years on council, citing family and work commitments.

In provincial politics, the Saskatchewan Party nominated incumbent MLA Herb Cox to run in the Battlefords, while Larry Doke was again nominated to run again in Cut Knife-Turtleford. The provincial election is not expected to happen until 2016.

It was also a year of events in the Battlefords, with one of the main ones being the new International Street Performer Festival in July.

The first-annual event in the downtown core attracted 3,000 people and featured buskers, jugglers, musical performers and other street acts from around the world.

Those were just some of the news and events that shook the Battlefords and area in 2014.

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Page 13 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Children’s choir from Uganda to perform

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Asante Children’s Choir will be performing at Trinity Baptist Church, 1702 - 16th, St. North Battleford Sunday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m.

Submitted

The Asante Children’s Choir, a Christian children’s choir from Uganda, will be performing at Trinity Baptist Church, 1702 - 16th St. North Battleford Sunday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m.

The Asante Children’s Choir is dedicated to spreading love, hope and joy while raising awareness for the desperate plight of orphans and other vulnerable children.

Their colourful clothing, pounding drums and sweet voices demonstrate their hope and dream for a brighter

future. Their inspirational stories of resilience have instilled hope in the hearts of all those who have seen them perform.

The purpose of the choir is for the children to share God’s love with audiences through song, dance and testimonies of what God has done in their lives.

The goal of the choir is to encourage audiences by showing them that, despite the desolate circumstances the children come from, they have beauty, dignity, hope and unlimited potential.

The choir also raises

awareness about the needs of children in Africa and encourages audiences to participate in Asante’s vision of creating environments where children and those most in need can be given hope for a better future and the tools to make that future a reality.

The Asante Children’s choir is made up of talented children who love to sing and dance, giving praise and worship to God. Most of the children in the choir are orphans, while some come from homes devastated by HIV/AIDS. The East African region

has overcome incredible challenges to be where it is today. Now the Asante children are travelling the world telling this story.

The choir presentations are a great source of healing and encouragement for the children.

The children perform in churches, schools and other public places raising awareness about the issues that Africa faces today and giving thanks for the great steps that have been made.

For more information or for a schedule of the tour, visit www.asantecanada.ca.

Planets line up for a photo opp The moon starts off the year in the waxing gibbous phase, meaning it is gradually getting closer and closer to full phase.

Gibbous means “humped” like a camel’s back. Jan. 1, the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus, the bull, is right beside our satellite, and just below, mighty Orion rises above the eastern horizon.

Full moon is Jan. 5. Jan. 8, Jupiter is five degrees north; by Jan. 16, Saturn is about two degrees south and Jan. 22 offers a splendid lineup of Mercury, Venus, Neptune, the moon and Mars in an early evening photo opportunity — look southwest just after sunset.

Jan. 25, Uranus is involved in an occultation (again) for viewers around the Mediterranean. For us, Uranus is less than a degree away from the moon. And, we finish the month with Aldebaran again just over a degree away, another occultation for northern Canada.

Mercury is in a great position for most of the month, a very favourable

the starry backdrop, leaving the bright planets askatchewan behind, passing Neptune, Skies and looping into the

By James Edgar constellation Aquarius. apparition for northern Jupiter rises in the early viewers. Look for the eastern sky evening in Leo. speedy planet in the southThe giant gas planet is west just after sundown. retrograding, meaning it Venus will be to the upper appears to move westward left or right beside Mercury against the stars, while, for most of January. in fact, our more rapid Venus glows brightly in movement is the cause of the western evening sky for the seeming anomaly. the entire month, gradually The ancient astronomers getting higher with each devised all sorts of systems passing day. The Evening to account for this apparent Star puts on a great show strange planetary behaviour with the dimmer Mars and because they thought the Mercury throughout Januplanets all revolved about ary. The three-planet lineup the Earth, not the sun. After should provide many opthe Copernican Revolution, portunities for the astropho- that theory was no longer tographer. accepted, and recognizMars, Venus and Mering that the sun was at the cury show off their gaudy centre of the Solar System appearance for most of explained all the strange the month, as they line up movements. above the horizon in eveSaturn rises in the ning twilight. Mars is movsoutheast near 6 a.m. as the ing rapidly eastward against

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month begins. By Jan. 31, Saturn’s eastward movement through Leo has it rising at 4 a.m.

Uranus is in the western sky in Pisces, occulted by the moon for some viewers — one of 12 such encounters in 2015. The planets Mars, Venus, and Mercury put on a showy display in the January evenings, while Uranus hangs above it all, but only through a telescope, it’s too small to be seen with the unaided eye.

Neptune also participates in the showy lineup mentioned above, even though it can be seen only telescopically.

— James Edgar has had an interest in the night sky all his life. He joined the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2000 and is now the society’s president, assistant editor and a contributor to the Observer’s Handbook, production manager of the bi-monthly RASC Journal. He was given the RASC Service Award at the 2012 General Assembly in Edmonton.

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 14

Mac’s Tourmanent round robin

B’fords AAA Stars, Sharks, have different results

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter The Battlefords AAA Stars and AAA Sharks are in Calgary participating in the annual Mac’s Tournament.

The tournament welcomes midget AAA teams from around the world to take part in the week-long event.

The Stars played their first game Friday, and dropped a 5-3 decision to the Calgary Northstars.

It was Battlefords getting on the board first, just 2:05 into the game when Chad

Grambo beat Northstars goalie Ian Scott to give the Stars an early lead. Keifer Hintz and Jared Hillis grabbed assists.

Just 3:05 later though, Calgary tied the game when Rock Ruschkowski beat Brett Pongracz.

The first period ended tied at one, and the second period ended tied at two.

Yuri Chernichko gave the Northstars a 2-1 lead six minutes into the second, but just 10 seconds later, Layne Young tied the game with the assists going to Brandon Lesko and Spencer Bast.

The third period began with Lesko giving the Stars an early 3-2 lead, but three unanswered goals by Calgary wrapped up the 5-3 victory.

Pongracz finished with 19 saves in the game.

The Stars bounced back in a big way Saturday.

Nine different players had multi-point games for the

Stars, as they pounded the Markham Waxers 12-0.

Jared Hillis led the way with five points, three goals and two assists, while Brayden Buziak had two goals and two assists.

Bast, Grambo and Owen Lamb each added three points.

Talen King wasn’t tested

often, recording 12 saves in the shutout.

Monday, the Stars were back in action against the Cariboo Cougars of Prince George, B.C., and dropped a 3-1 decision.

They play the Lethbridge Hurricanes Tuesday afternoon.

The Sharks are participating in the tournament for the first time in team history, so their results are perhaps predictable.

An 0-3 record through Sunday night is in no part a goaltending issue, as Chloe Marshall and Shelby Tornato

have combined to make 106 saves.

The Sharks dropped a 2-0 game to the Rocky Mountain Raiders on Boxing Day, 5-1 to the Saskatoon Stars Saturday, and 4-0 to the Edmonton Thunder Sunday.

Kailee McGarry scored the lone goal for the Sharks over the three games.

The Sharks bounced back Monday however, with a 4-1 win over the Vancouver Island Hurricanes.

Jetta Derenoski and Morgan Fraser scored in the first period, en route to the victory.

AAA Stars captain Hintz receives scholarship award at Mac’s

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter

January 2 to 4

The Goldline Players Championship will be hosted by the Twin Rivers Curling Club at the Northland Curling Centre.

January 2

The Meota Combines host the Hafford Hawks at the Civic Centre. Puck drops at 8 p.m.

January 3

The Battleford Beaver Blues play the Maymont Settlers at the Battleford Arena. Game time is 8 p.m.

January 8

The Battlefords North Stars play their first home game of the year against the La Ronge Ice Wolves at the Civic Centre. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

January 9

The Shellbrook Silvertips will be at the Civic Centre for an 8 p.m. tilt with the Meota Combines.

January 9 to 11

The Twin Rivers Curling Club hosts the Men’s Region Playdowns at the Northland Curling Centre.

To submit an item for the Sports Calendar email newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Battlefords AAA Stars captain Keifer Hintz has been rewarded for his strong play early in the Mac’s Tournament in Calgary.

The annual tournament brings midget AAA teams from around the country together to compete against teams they wouldn’t normally see over the course of their respective seasons.

Players from each pool, both male and female who

standout amongst their peers, are nominated to receive scholarship awards.

Hintz has three assists in the Stars first two games of the tournament, in which they lost to the Calgary Northstars 5-3.

They then crushed the

Markham Waxers 12-0.

Current Battlefords Northstars defenceman Michael Statchuk also received a scholarship award when he participated at the Mac’s Tournament in 2011-12, as a member of the Prince Albert Mintos.

Goldline Players Championship coming to Twin Rivers Club A major curling bonspiel event is coming to Twin Rivers Curling Club early in the new year.

The 2015 Goldline Saskatchewan Players Championship takes place January 2 through 4. Admission is $5 per day or $10 for the entire event and advance tickets have already gone on sale.

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with the Scott Bitz team emerging victorious.

Among the names expected at the event in North Battleford will be Aaron Shutra, playing for the Kevin Marsh team.

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This is the first year for the men’s tour event in North Battleford. 16 teams will be entered at the event with an

entry fee of $530, and the purse is $11,000.

Last year, the Goldline event was held in Wadena

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Page 15 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

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North Stars player auction raises $7700 for BTEC

PHOTOS BY CRAIG BEAUCHEMIN

North Stars players strutted their stuff as they were auctioned off to local businesses one-by-one to help raise money for the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre My Community Cares Campaign. Reed Delainey was the big fish, going for $700. Left to right are Ryne Keller, Jordan Townsend, Jake McMillen and Jake Calverly.

More wins for local SPHL teams

By Craig Beauchemin Sports Reporter The Meota Combines (6-2-0) continue to rack up the wins.

Dec. 17 they travelled to Spiritwood to take on the Timberwolves (1-7-0) and picked up a 7-2 win.

Tyson Knight and Brett Miller each had two goals for the Combines, while Michael Pylypow and Daxen Collins picked up three assists.

Other goal scorers for the Combines were O’Neil

Baillargeon, Brad Eischen, and Aaron Cadrin.

Eischen was also ejected from the game for a hit from behind.

Chris Honig was given the start in goal for the Combines.

Dec. 20, the Battleford Beaver Blues (5-3-0) welcomed the lowly Perdue Pirates (0-8-0), and sent them packing with a 9-4 loss.

Keegan Sparrow was the offensive star for the Beaver Blues, with three goals and three assists.

Derek Eberle also had a

hat trick and two assists.

Other Battleford goal scorers were Jon Hosegood, who also chipped in two assists, and Mitch Phillips, who scored twice.

Mike Sylvester got the win in goal.

Dec. 21, the Combines welcomed the league-leading Cut Knife Colts (7-2-0) and handed them a 7-6 loss.

Miller had three goals and an assist to lead Meota to the win.

Brody Tatchell also had a four-point night, with a goal and three helpers.

Ryan Baptiste had a big night for the Colts, with three goals of his own to go along with two assists.

Saturday, the Beaver Blues and Combines faced off at the Battleford Arena, which ended up in a 3-4 Combines win.

Miller, Levin Floen and Bo Gervais each had a goal and an assist in the win, while Eberle had two goals for the Beaver Blues.

The two teams renew rivalries New Year’s Eve in a rematch at the Civic Centre at 7:30 p.m.

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Zac Ironstand moved out west when he felt he needed a better t.

While tting into things might not be easy when you’re 6’3’’ and 255 pounds, the Okanagan Suns football team in Kelowna, B.C. was evidently a perfect t for Ironstand.

The defensive lineman began his football career as many young players do, with the help of his father, Bill.

“My dad walked me into the locker room and introduced me to the coaches,” Zac said through an email. “That’s when it all started.”

His rst year at North Battleford Comprehensive High was when he started playing football, and stepped onto the defensive line immediately.

It didn’t take long for him to make an impact on the eld.

“I was awarded defensive lineman of the year in grade 10, 11, and 12,” he said.

It wasn’t as though Ironstand went straight from North Battleford to Kelowna, however.

“I played for the Saskatoon Hilltops my rst two years after high school,” he said. “I heard about the B.C. conference from a few of my teammates, so I decided to look into it.”

Despite winning a national championship with the Hilltops, Ironstand looked for a change of scenery.

“I researched the conference and all the teams, and I really took an interest in the Okanagan Suns, so I contacted one of the coaches and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” he nished.

Leaving home as a 19-year old isn’t always easy, but going to a place like Kelowna made for a smoother transition.

“It was a little scary at rst, but I had been to B.C. before to visit family, and also have family living out there, so that made it a little easier,” he explained.

“And you can’t beat Kelowna in the summer, so that made it an easy decision as well.”

Ironstand clearly enjoyed his three-

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Zac Ironstand is now finished his Canadian Junior Football career and is planning his future. year career with the Suns, and judging by his accolades, they enjoyed having him.

Not only was he named defensive lineman of the year the past two seasons, he was also named to the BCFC all-star team, and in turn an All-Canadian for the Canadian Junior Football League.

Ironstand recorded 19 sacks during his three years in Kelowna, along with 41 tackles and one forced fumble.

Now that he’s nished playing, the 22-year old reected on what he’ll miss about the game.

“There’s a lot of things I enjoyed about being out there,” he said. “All the new people I got to meet and playing in a beautiful area like Kelowna. The one thing I’ll miss the most though is just being with my teammates. It was a really tight group of guys this season, and that makes it a blast.”

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With all his awards and stellar play, one might think Ironstand would consider a professional football career.

“It’s up in the air right now,” he confessed. “I don’t really have any football plans at the moment.”

He does have plans for his future, however.

“I’m working towards becoming a personal trainer,” he admitted. “Hopefully I’ll own and operate a gym one day.”

He says his favourite thing about playing football was the team aspect and how everyone has to work together to be successful.

Sounds like another perfect fit to become a personal trainer.

Can’t imagine it would be tough to nd clients when you’ve got the pedigree, and the stature, which Ironstand possesses.

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PHOTO BY JAYNE FOSTER

Grade 12 students Azby Whitecalf, Nicole Paskemin and Brianna Cardinal with graduation coach Shalen Fox (standing) at a turkey supper hosted by the JPII Braided Journeys Program.

JPII’s Braided Journeys program invites families to celebratory meal

By Jayne Foster Staff Reporter The object of the graduation coach program at the Battlefords three high schools is to increase retention and graduation rates for First Nation, Métis and Inuit learners, using a holistic approach addressing social, emotional and spiritual needs as well as academic achievement.

Three students at John Paul II Collegiate believe they see that happening.

Speaking with the Regional Optimist at a Christmas supper for the students, parents and families of the students in the Braided Journeys program, Grade 12 students Azby Whitecalf, Nicole Paskemin

and Brianna Cardinal said the program gives FNMI students a safe place to go. It’s good to know, they said, that there’s a place they can go where they feel comfortable.

Shalen Fox has been hired to be JPII’s graduation coach.

He earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011 and is himself a graduate of John Paul II Collegiate.

A former homework room, a bright, sunlit space, is now the Braided Journeys Room.

(The same name is being used at NBCHS and Sakewew, keeping in mind those students who might move from one school to another.)

Fox, speaking at the Christmas supper, said it’s exciting

to be working with the students and staff of JPII. “It’s even more exciting knowing that I’m working with First Nation and Métis students, giving them opportunities to feel comfortable in the school, giving them opportunities to pass a class, giving them an opportunity for having a room for a sense of belonging,” he said. “Many are on their way to graduate and that’s what the main purpose is.”

He added, “Thanks for the opportunity to give back to the school where I came from.”

Fox also thanked the parents who attended.

“You’re here for your child’s education.”

Continued on Page 19

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A turkey supper was put together by parents and volunteers for the Braided Journeys Program at JPII.

Regional Optimist

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Happy New Year

The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 18

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Page 19 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Braided Journeys program offers a safe haven Students share their aspirations

PHOTO BY JAYNE FOSTER

Principal Carlo Hansen talks with students at a pre-Christmas turkey supper hosted by the Braided Journeys Program at John Paul II Collegiate.

An unremarkable year The more I thought about how fitting that particular word was to describe our year, the more I realized what a blessing it was to have such an unremarkable year.

It means we are much as we were a year ago.

We are all doing much the same that we did and have been doing for the years that preceded this one.

We wake up each morning and our bodies continue to take us where we want and need to go. No surprises have caught us off guard as good health continues to be a blessing that we have carried with us throughout the year.

This has been a year where many people who touch my life have not had such an unremarkable year. There has been loss, heartbreak, critical health issues, job loss and unstable new territory for so many I know. Bad things have been happening to good people.

What they would give to have such an unremarkable year.

Oh, to sit in a doctor’s office and hear the words “Your test result is unremarkable.” I had such an experience for a minor issue that was being investigated.

The word “unremarkable” remained with me long after I walked out of the office.

Unremarkable. The word summed up the way I felt about my life.

At first I took issue with such a realization. I must make my life remarkable.

It is time to set new goals, or at least follow through on the goals I have not yet attained. I must dream and reach for the stars. I must make the most of the days

Check out The Battlefords RCMP Daily Report on our website at

www.newsoptimist.ca

Life

as I know it

By Colleen Crawford

that I have, because we do not know what is around the next corner.

To live in fear of what may lie in store is to stop living life to the fullest.

As I walked through the days that followed, I realized just how wonderful it is to have an unremarkable year. Perhaps the highs were not so high, but on the flip side, the lows were not so low. It was a slightly hilly year, but our feet were on the ground throughout the ride.

We have had years of drama and it is always a very good feeling to come out the other side of it a little wiser, a little stronger and with compassion for those who are dealing with their own personal challenges. This year, I have sat on the sidelines with my heart aching for others.

No matter what this past year has brought you, my wish for you? An unremarkable day or week or more.

A day where you wake up and life doesn’t throw you a curve ball that you weren’t expecting.

In the experiment called life, I feel perhaps this year was one to call the “control

year,” the year in which all was stable, the year to measure others against. It isn’t much to write about but in the end, I am grateful for such a year.

Our unremarkable year.

We should all be so lucky.

Continued from Page 17 Sometimes, he said, it may seem to their kids that they are being given a hard time.

“But at the end of the day, we’re just trying to help you graduate and move on to bigger and better things.”

The Christmas supper, he said, was a great opportunity for parents to come into school and see how friendly an environment it is.

Students Whitecalf, Paskemin and Cardinal have been making use of the resources offered by the Braided Journeys Program. They each have a plan mapped out and they shared their aspirations with the Regional Optimist.

Whitecalf has plans to start taking University of Saskatchewan classes through North West Regional College. Her goal is to study art.

Paskemin is hoping to get in to the U of S kinesiology course. Her ideal job would be to become a physical therapist.

Cardinal is planning to take her first year courses at North West Regional College. Her chosen field of study is psychology.

All three students said they see the Braided Journeys Program helping graduation rates and they would even enjoy mentoring other students, since they are already in Grade 12. Having the Braided Journeys room available to them means they know there’s always a place they can go. They said many students, who may have been eating alone before, even

Warm Thoughts And Best Wishes.

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Funding for JPII’s program comes from the Ministry of Education through the Treaty 6 Education Council. North Battleford Comprehensive High School and Sakewew High School have also received funding from the total of $300,000 and they have all hired grad coaches to work directly with First Nation students and their families to help them meet their Grade 12 requirements.

Speaking at the JPII Christmas supper, the school’s principal, Carlo Hansen, said he was proud and excited to have parents and family visit the school. He encouraged the students to take their parents down the hall where all the graduation pictures are hung.

“That’s what Mr. Fox is all about,” said Hansen. “He’s here, all the staff that’s here, we’re here because we want your picture on that wall.”

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take their lunch there.

There are always kids in high school, not just FNMI students, who need a place to feel comfortable, they said.

“That’s just high school,” they said.

The Braided Journeys program at JPII is following the model of a program in Edmonton Catholic schools, which is considered one of the country’s most successful programs to improve FNMI graduation rates.

Pamela Sparklingeyes, who has 20 years of experience supporting indigenous students attending Edmonton Catholic schools, was the guest speaker early in the fall at a professional development day at JPII. She heads the program that has improved one school’s on-time graduation rates for FNMI students from 14 per cent to 60 per cent over five years.

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Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 20

Hoar frost wreaking havoc for SaskPower crews To describe last week it was all fog and hoar frost.

The sun was just thought of as it seldom appeared. And what hoar frost. It covered everything. The hoar frost was fine, it really makes the trees appear full and beautiful. If we have to have trees and if they are not going to be green, I prefer that they be covered with hoar frost rather than the bleak “look” they have most of the winter.

While the hoar frost looks nice there is a down side. The trees get weighted

right down and fall on the power lines, shorting out the power. We have had three power outages in the last four days. SaskPower is currently hydro mulching the trees back under the line going west from me. There are a lot of other people who do not have power.

The only reason we have power now is SaskPower has a generator running out by our power pole. We are thankful for the generator as no power is inconvenient.

If the furnace doesn’t run, the pump in the well doesn’t

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Season’s Greetingss & All the Best in 2015

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ic’s

View

By Victor Hult

Regular contributor to newsoptimist.ca run, so no heat or water.

After the pump stops you get about one flush and then no more water. Our portable phones in the house go dead so no phone except for cell phones. Cell phones go dead if they are not charged.

They can’t be charged if there is no power unless you charge them in the vehicle.

Luckily the weather is not cold so the vehicles will start.

Okay Big Guy, enough of this hoar frost. You can stop it now. The boys from SaskPower are looking dog tired as they have been putting in 12- to 16- hour days or more trying to keep the power on. When people are tired that is when accidents happen. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the 45-year-old SaskPower worker who was killed at Wakaw.

For those who believe in the hoar frost, buy yourselves a new pair of rubber boots for next June. Be prepared. It is going to be one beaver tail of a wet month.

For non-believers, get used to water squishing between your toes.

On the home front, my man Jaco has the 3208 Cat motor in the tandem truck. I ran the frontend loader tractor while he guided the motor in. He has done all the rest of the work. I am very lucky to have him. I am not looking forward to the time when his contract is up. He

is currently hooking up all the other stuff. I envy him his ability to jump around and under the truck. Oh, to be young again. He said he is looking forward to hearing the motor rumble to life when he is done. Me too!

Clutch in the F9000 next.

In oil patch news, with the price of oil dropping the companies are sending out layoff notices. When a base wealth generator industry like oil creates a job, four other jobs are created also.

When the base industry loses a job it also goes the other way and the guys in the service industries have no work. The thing snowballs and more and more people are laid off. The big dog in the oil patch around here has used these disruptions to beat down the amount that service companies can charge for years

now. To the oil companies who had more than 20 years of record profits, I say to them bah humbug. Laying people off just before Christmas. Love to spread misery, eh? What have you done with the money you got before? I have noticed that the price of fuel at the pumps has not followed the price drop of crude oil.

Funny how that works.

Let the price of crude go up a little bit and the price changers are out there so fast you would swear they had backed into an electric fence. Now the crude price is half, the pumps are down only 30 cents. What gives here?

In Alberta politics, one of the most bizarre happenings in Alberta history was the walking across the floor to join the Jim Prentice Conservatives by Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and eight other Wildrose MLAs. This was after fighting tooth and nail against the then leader of the Conservative party Allison Redford.

Wildrose supporters are in shock and disbelief. Now the Facebooking and tweeting from the rank and file members has begun. From my prospective this is a total betrayal and a slap in the

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face to all the people who voted Wildrose Party. To be elected a Wildrose MLA and then cross the house to sit with the side you campaigned against is totally dishonest. But it doesn’t matter what I think because what is done is done. Come the next election, the people will decide who is going to be an MLA in Alberta and collectively the people are never wrong. We will see.

The next election is coming quicker than you think. The election is probably in 2016.

Then people will decide.

Joke of the week: A man managed to get a seat just up from center ice in the seventh game of the NHL final. When he sat down he noticed an empty seat beside him. He leaned over to the man sitting next to the empty seat and said “Who would not come the NHL final?” “Well,” said the other man, “It actually is my wife’s seat and we have been to every game for the last 30 years together but she passed away last week.” “Oh I am sorry to hear that,” said the man “but could not a relative or friend have used the seat?”

“Not really,” said the other fellow, “they are all at the funeral.”

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SGI is working to keep Saskatchewan children warm this holiday season with a $10,000 donation to the Huddle Up Foundation’s Coats 4 Kids program.

The donation will be used to buy new coats for kids between the ages of four and 18, and to support a number of youth organizations in need. SGI has also asked employees across the province to collect new and gently used coats and other winter wear which will also be donated.

Page 21 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Cairns on Cinema

The Interview not coming to a cinema near you and for all movie fans has proven to be the biggest Hollywood story of the century, let alone 2014.

Sony Pictures has had a rough last couple of years.

Two summers ago they rolled out some expensive, bigbudget, box office flops in After Earth and White House Down. The entire management at Sony, including chair and CEO Michael Lynton and chair Amy Pascal, took some heavy fire over what happened, and executives ended up losing their jobs.

Sony has been feeling the heat for a long time for a lot of different reasons.

The second part of the equation is Seth Rogen. Rogen is probably the most successful of the entire ensemble of cast members from the comedy movie output of producer Judd Apatow. Apatow’s efforts have included such hits as the Anchorman movies, Knocked Up, The 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad and Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

These have been well received by critics and audiences and have boosted the careers of Steve Carell, Jonah

By John Cairns Staff Reporter I wonder if any of you were looking forward to seeing The Interview on Christmas Day. That’s the comedy starring Seth Rogen and James Franco about a CIA plot to kill North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, with two celebrity journalists recruited to do the deed after landing a major TV interview with the supreme leader.

If you were planning to see it, you can forget it. It is not coming to a theater near you. It’s also not coming to theaters nowhere near you, either.

The Interview was pulled from worldwide distribution completely by Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc You may have heard about an online threat of terrorist attacks on movie theaters and how that led to this decision to nix the release. But it’s a much, much longer story than that.

The situation that led up to this debacle for Sony, for the entire motion picture industry

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Hill, Michael Cera, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann and, of course, Rogen, who not only became a major star in Hollywood but also got involved with writing and producing.

He and co-producers Evan Goldberg and James Weaver brought Neighbors and This Is the End to the screen.

The bottom line is that this chance by Sony to work with Rogen, a major Hollywood player, is simply too good to pass up. And clearly, they needed a hit, or some semblance of good news.

It’s at this point that we bring up the events of July 20, 2012, at the Century movie theater complex in Aurora, Col. The horrific events at the midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, in which a dozen people were killed and several more injured, rocked the motion picture industry to its core.

More than that, security at movie theaters all over North America became a major concern, due to copycat incidents and situations involving gunmen of various sorts. No one in the movie industry,

or anyone else, wants to see any repeat of what happened in Aurora.

That is the backdrop to the making of The Interview, inspired by the usual lunacy we have come to expect from the leadership of North Korea.

The idea was to satirize the country’s young leader Kim Jong-un, a guy known mainly for making threats to South Korea and for hanging around with his new pal, basketball player Dennis Rodman.

Filming took place in Vancouver in 2013 and the film was scheduled initially for an October release in 2014.

But trouble started soon after as word leaked out about the assassination plotline of the movie and its depiction of the North Korean leader.

Word leaked of a scene in which the leader’s face was melted off in slow motion.

In June, North Korea made its initial threats against the United States if the movie was released. Sony responded at that time by ordering changes to the movie.

The Interview’s release was delayed to Dec. 25 date.

But the fun wasn’t finished.

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Among the chains to pull the movie was Cineplex, who control most of the major cinemas in Canada.

The decision of the major chains to refuse to screen the movie made it impossible for Sony to release The Interview on time. Their hand was forced, but the final announcement Dec. 17 that the company had pulled the movie from distribution completely still came as a shock.

Shortly after, it became known the FBI had identified North Korea as the ones behind the cyber attack on Sony.

The reaction I see from much of Hollywood to the pulling of The Interview is disbelief. Many see it as a total capitulation to the hackers, a total surrender.

And you know what?

They’re right.

The pulling of The Interview sets a dangerous precedent.

— For more of Cairns’ musings on The Interview and other Cairns on Cinema columns visit www.newsoptimist.ca.

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Then came the infamous, widespread cyber attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment in November. The attack, carried out by a group responsible called the “Guardians of Peace,” aka #GOP, was devastating. Not only were internal computers at Sony crippled, but all kinds of confidential information was compromised.

Early-version scripts for movies were leaked. Some completed movies wound up pirated. And internal emails of all kinds spilled no end of information.

Amy Pascal’s confidential email exchanges were leaked and those proved embarrassing.

These hacks were definitely an infringement upon Sony’s intellectual property, and were also kind of funny.

But when these “Guardians of Peace“ released an online statement threatening Sept.

11-style attacks on movie theaters that screened The Interview, the situation escalated to downright scary.

Panic set in as movie theaters cancelled screenings of The Interview en masse.

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 22

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Small Enough To Care” PH: (306) 446-2425 FAX: (306) 446-2250 l7.electric@sasktel.net EMAIL: 306-446-2425 F: 306-446-2250 WEB SITE:P: www.l7electric.ca www.L7electric.ca

Steve The Taper Ltd. Drywall, Insulation, Taping, Painting and Texture Sprays *Pipes, Papers, Water Pipes, Vaporizers, Ecigs, Adult Toys (MUST BE 18 YRS OLD TO ENTER)

1157 - 100 Street, North Battleford

306-445-9333

15+ years experience FREE ESTIMATES Stephen Saunders

stevethetaper@outlook.com

306-317-2543

Servicing the Battlefords and surrounding areas

by Jerry & Pat #5 2112 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK 306-937-4777 Canada S9A 0X6 dragonhearttattoo@hotmail.com CLEAN, STERILE, HEALTH BOARD APPROVED

Tuesday to Saturday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Regional Optimist

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Page 23 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Traditions steeped in ceremony are rich in symbols of the season

By Vivian Barwell Freelance Reporter Khrystos Rodyvsha (Christ is Born!).

Slavim Yoho (Let us Glorify Him!).

For many, the Christmas celebrations have come to a close but, for those following the Julian calendar, Jan. 6 is Christmas Eve. The traditional Ukrainian celebration features a variety of symbolic items placed throughout the dining area. Hay is placed underneath the embroidered tablecloth to represent the Christ’s birth in the manger.

A sheaf of wheat, didukh, can be found in the homes of agricultural communities to symbolize the family’s ancestors and the importance of the wheat crops that have been the staff of life throughout history. In urban homes, stalks of wheat are arranged in a vase to represent the sheaf.

The traditional holy supper, Sviata

Vechera, is begun at the sighting of the first star, which symbolizes the historic trek of the three wise men to see the newborn son of God. The head of the household leads the family in the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a blessing.

The supper breaks the nativity fast and consists of 12 meatless dishes symbolic of the 12 apostles who gathered with Jesus at the Last Supper. No meat, eggs or milk (including cheese) are permitted during the supper. Fish, mushrooms and various types of grain are the main offerings. Poppy seeds are used for Christmas Eve dishes as they symbolize abundance and prosperity.

This is considered a sacred meal by all Ukrainians following the tradition. A traditional Ukrainian bread called Kolach is placed in the centre of the dining table.

This bread is braided into a ring and three rings are placed one on top of the other with a candle in the center of the top one.

The three rings symbolize the Trinity.

The meal begins with traditional kutia, a combination of wheat, honey and poppy seed followed by other dishes such as borscht, pickled herring, fish, holubtsi or cabbage rolls with rice and buckwheat, pyrohy or perogies with sauerkraut and potato, mushroom sauce, cooked dried peas or beans, pampushky or buns with filling, kolachi or bread, poppy seed roll and the meal concludes with stewed dried fruit.

The evening is spent socializing and singing traditional carols including Boh Predvichny (God Eternal) which is an all-time favourite carol.

Jan. 7 is Christmas morning. In Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is believed to be a good luck omen. An artificial spider and web are often included in the decorations on traditional Ukrainian Christmas trees.

Ukrainian Blessings

PHOTO BY VIVIAN NEMISH

A Ukrainian Christmas feast breaks the nativity fast and consists of 12 meatless dishes symbolic of the 12 apostles who gathered with Jesus at the Last Supper.

Ukrainian Christmas Eve

January 6

Ukrainian Christmas Day

January 7

DOROTHY LEHMAN

of tthe Battlefords.

781 - 110th Street

306-937-2273

Each office independently owned and operated.

1391 - 100th St., North Battleford

306-446-8800

Merry Christmas from our family to yours 192 - 24th Street, Battleford, SK 306-937-7474 1-877-937-7474 www.battlefordfurniture.com

HWY 4 NORTH North Battleford

306-445-3300

May the

peace and hope

of

Christ’s birth

be with you now and in the days ahead...

Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium

2741 - 99th Street, North Battleford

306-445-7570

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 24

Ukrainian Blessings Ukrainian Christmas Eve

January 6

Flooring “Love your Floors”

Ukrainian Christmas Day

January 7

BATTLEFORDS

North Battleford

306-445-4690

Battlefordsflooring@hotmail.com www.battlefordsflooringcentre.ca

Downtown North Battleford

306-445-8819

E

NORW ST NGINE REBUILDERS INC. 9807 Thatcher, North Battleford 306-446-2001 Fax 306-445-1355

Richard Gibbons

Law Office 1381A-101st Street, North Battleford

306-445-7772

website: norsasklaw.com

Valley

Territorial Drive & 100th Street North Battleford

306-445-4491 1-800-667-1320

www.valleyfordsales.ca

Happy Holidays from Following His will is a journey of love and hope.

May this Sacred Season warm your heart and bring you joy

The Battlefords FUNERAL SERVICE

Robert MacKay

1332-100th Street, North Battleford

306-446-4200

George Haegebaert

TWIN CITY TRANSMISSION

892 - 100th Street, North Battleford

306-445-3445

Fax: 306-445-3223

9901 Thatcher Ave. Parsons Industrial Park, North Battleford

Scott Moe, MLA

Rosthern/Shellbrook Constituency

Box 115, Shellbrook, SK S0J 2E0 Toll Free: 1-855-793-3422 Fax: 306-747-3472 scottmoe.mla@sasktel.net www.scott-moe.com

Phone: 306-445-7261

Randy Weekes, MLA Biggar Constituency

Box 1413, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880 Fax: 306-948-4882 randyweekes.mla@accesscomm.ca www.randyweekes.ca

May the timeless message of the season shine for you and your family now and throughout the new year.

HEIN FINANCIAL GROUP 1421 - 100th Street 306-445-9455

A & M Auto Centre

370 Railway Ave. East, North Battleford

306-446-2777

Herb Cox, MLA

The Battlefords Constituency

1991 - 100th Street North Battleford, SK S9A 0X2 Phone: 306-445-5195 Fax: 306-445-5196

Larry Doke, MLA

Cut Knife/Turtleford Constituency

P.O. Box 850 Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0 Phone: 306-893-2619 Fax: 306-893-2660 larrydoke@sasktel.net

Regional Optimist

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Page 25 - The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015

Ukrainian Blessings Ukrainian Christmas Eve

January 6

2731 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

306-446-3433

Ukrainian Christmas Day

January 7

of the Battlefords.

• Emergency Service •

lloyd Ledinski 306-446-8800

306-441-5141

9805 Thatcher Ave., North Battleford

Phone: 306-446-2218

2401 - 99th St., North Battleford

306-446-4555

The Battlefords

306-445-6707 www.lukplumbing.com

From the Kramer Family & Kramer Auction Sales Staff

Hudec Law Office North Battleford

306-446-8877

1201-103rd Street North Battleford, S9A 1K7 Phone (306) 446-2555

Box 1807, North Battleford, SK S9A 3W8 Phone: 306-445-5000 Fax 306-445-5003

Cash'N Go

Check Cashers Formerly Cashplan

Quick, convenient service located at: 1091 - 102nd Street (right next to H&R Block)

306-445-5444

1272A - 100th St., North Battleford

Phone 306-446-4300

Bowlarena & Mini Golf 1102 - 99th Street North Battleford

306-445-2151

218 - 22 St. W., Battleford

Phone 306-937-2642

H&R BLOCK 1091 - 102nd Street, North Battleford

Phone: 306-445-2260

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 26

Planning a new year in the landscape The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year, but also to plan for the upcoming year. For gardeners, it is a chance to take the time to look at what worked over the last growing

season and of course what didn’t. If you happen to be a gardener who found not much worked, don’t worry, there is still hope. Each of us will have had different experiences that reflect our tastes, styles and of course

the level of expertise we have as gardeners.

Gardeners are never just gardeners, but will do many different things in their “other lives.� They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, janitors, chefs, parents,

anbidge on Horticulture

By Patricia Hanbidge

NOTICE of Public Hearing – Adoption of the Paynton and Cut Knife District Plan Public notice is hereby given that the Councils of the Rural Municipalities of Paynton No. 470 and Cut Knife No. 439; Town of Cut Knife; and the Village of Paynton intend to consider the adoption of a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to adopt a new District Plan, referred to as the Paynton and Cut Knife District Plan.

INTENT The intent of the proposed bylaw establishes district land use policies addressing, but not limited to, the following subjects: x General Land Use Development x Heritage and Cultural Resources x Community Engagement x Sensitive Environment and Municipal and Environmental Reserve x Commercial and Industrial Development x Ground and Source Water Protection x Community Services and Public Health x Infrastructure: Public Utilities and Facilities and Safety x Transportation Networks x Recreation and Tourism The proposed District Plan acts as the Official Community Plan for the Rural Municipalities of Paynton No. 470 and Cut Knife No. 439, as per Section 102 of The Planning and Development Act, 2007. In conjunction with this overarching framework to guide the District, the Town of Cut Knife and Village of Paynton each have an individually adopted Official Community Plan with a vision and number of objectives and policies compliant with the District Plan.

The Future Land Use Maps conceptually displays the future locations and extent of general land uses within the Planning District. This will assist in the application of the goals, objectives, and policies of the District Plan.

AFFECTED LANDS All lands within the corporate limits of the Rural Municipalities of Paynton No. 470 and Cut Knife No. 439; Town of Cut Knife; and Village of Paynton, as shown on the Future Land Use Map contained within this notice, is hereby affected by the proposed District Plan. Your property may be directly affected, please check the full version of the proposed District Plan that is available for viewing at any of the Municipal Offices.

REASON The proposed District Plan will help direct and manage growth and development within the Planning District for the next twenty-five plus years.

PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the District Plan during regular office house at any of the Municipal Offices. Copies of the proposed District Plan are available at cost.

PUBLIC HEARING The joint Public Hearing shall be held on January 27th, 2015 at 7:00pm at the RM of Paynton Municipal Office – 205 1st Street, Paynton, SK

grandparents and work as part of most every profession imaginable. The common thread that brings them together is their love of gardening. I have often wondered how it is gardening can remove all barriers in society and bring together people who would normally never interact. I have come to the conclusion gardening is like an ever-changing tonic that adds health and happiness to everyday life. However, on the Prairies, winter can be long as the snow piles up and we long to see the tender greens of spring.

Winter is a blessing as

it allows us more of that contemplation time to enable us to plan for spring.

Take this time to evaluate how well your landscape worked for you. A good landscape will suit your specific needs. Most people want a landscape that is beautiful, requires only a small amount of maintenance and of course does not require endless amounts of money. If your landscape did not fulfill all your dreams, then right now is the time to start to make changes.

The first step to creating the landscape of your dreams is to think spe-

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cifically about your space.

Think about what it is you want to achieve. I like to compare this step to planning a vacation. In most cases, we have a pretty good idea where we would like to go for a holiday and what we want to achieve or do during that holiday time. When planning a landscape, you also need to determine your destination (create a beautiful landscape) and what you want to achieve, that is, design it to meet your needs and dreams.

Create a checklist to help determine what your personal landscape goals may be. Remember each one of us will have different needs. Do you need a space to entertain? Do your children need a play space?

Do you have a dog? Do you want to grow your own vegetables? Try to think about anything you might want to do in the landscape and then prioritize those needs as very important to not so important.

This is the first step in the design process and will help to prioritize the functional elements of your landscape. This is an integral step to having a landscape that really works for you. Your landscape can be whatever you want it to be. The amount of space or size of your landscape does not matter. How complex your landscape is and how much maintenance it requires will depend on your time and level of interest in gardening.

This step is of course only the first of many needed to create a beautiful and functional landscape that truly fits your needs.

However, it is that first most important step that creates the foundation that you are able to build upon.

Watch upcoming columns for more landscaping tips or if you are looking for more assistance with your landscape, register for a landscaping class at the Saskatoon School of Horticulture. — Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail. com or check out saskhort. com.

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Happy Owlidays!

Happy New Year

and all the best in 2015!

Jessica Woytowich Battlefords Publishing 306.445.7261 jwoytowich@newsoptimist.ca

There’s no time more Àtting to say THANK YOU to all my customers for your business and support in 2014.

Page 27 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Regional Optimist

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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.

FUNERAL SERVICES

IN MEMORIAM

ROBERT MACKAY GEORGE HAEGEBAERT P.O. Box 806 North Battleford, SK S9A 2Z3

306-446-4200

In Loving Memory Of

IN MEMORIAM

July 7, 1939 - Dec. 18, 2011

John Henry Howdle

Sept. 5, 1934 - Dec. 25, 1984 They are not lost.

God gave them a smile And took their hand And welcomed them To a familiar land.

And it’s much more Warm and fair Than the last time They lingered there.

And though for their Familiar voice you yearn, And every day, You wish for their return, They are home at last, Comforted by the love, of every angel In heaven above.

They shed no tears For the path they trod; For they have found Everlasting warmth, Beauty, and comfort In the hands of God. They are not lost.

Lovingly remembered by wife Joyce and daughters Cindy Szhaluba, Sherry Hood and Sandra Kachmarski.

FOR SALE - MISC

IN MEMORIAM

FOR SALE

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.

In Loving Memory of

REBUILT APPLIANCES Washers/Dryers Refrigerators & Freezers Ranges & Dishwashers 90 DAY GUARANTEE

Professional Services Provided with Heart and Compassion

30 YEARS In Memory Of

FOR SALE - MISC

Doreen Parkinson

To hear your voice and see you smile, To sit with you and talk awhile, To be together in the same old way, Would be our greatest wish today.

There will always be sadness and often silent tears, But always precious memories of days that you were here.

We hold you close in our hearts and there you will always stay.

Remembering you is easy, we do it everyday But missing you is heartache that never goes away.

Battlefords Refrigeration & Appliance 11152 - 8th Avenue North Battleford, SK

(306) 445-9770 PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306649.1400 for details.

RURAL WATER TREATMENT. Patented iron filters, softeners, distillers, “Kontinuous Shock” Chlorinator, IronEater. Patented whole house reverse osmosis. Payment plan.

1-800-BIG-IRON (244-4766); www.BigIronDrilling.com. View our 29 patented & patent pending inventions. Since 1957.

WANTED WANTED - All Wild Fur, Shed Antler, Old Traps. Call Brian (306) 2787756 or (306) 278-2425 or Phil (306) 278-2299 FIREARMS. All types wanted, estates, collections, single items, military. We handle all paperwork and transportation.

Licensed Dealer.

1.866.960.0045 www.dollars4guns.com.

TO BOOK CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CALL

PRAYER CORNER

Funeral Home

FOR SALE - MISC “Prairie Echoes” hard cover history book of Nolin Hamlin McMillan Districts, $75.00. A great Christmas gift.

Contact Barb 306-445-5429 or Elk Point Drilling 306-445-4233.

FUNERAL SERVICES

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

Trevor Watts - Director/Owner

The Battlefords only Locally Owned Funeral Provider

CREMATORIUM ON SITE Providing traditional burial and cremation services Serving Families with Dignity, Respect & Compassion Counsellor for Bronze and Granite Memorials Pre planning guides, assisting with Purple Shield plans email: eternalmemories@sasktel.net website: www. eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca

If memories bring us closer, Then we are never apart.

For you are always with us.

In our thoughts and in our hearts.

LOVINGLY REMEMBERED BY

Karen and Cameron, Donna, daughter-in-law Ann, grandchildren, and great grandchildren

CLASSES & COURSES

FUNERAL SERVICES

Doreen’s family

St. Jude O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsmen of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke Your special patronage in time of need.

To You I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance, help me in my present urgent petition. In return I promise to make Your name known and cause You to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and Glorias. Publication must be promised. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke Your aid. This Novena has never been known to fail. The Novena must be said for nine consecutive days.

Thanks St. Jude and Sacred Heart.

Thank you St. Expeditus AMCE

Dec 9th 1925 - Dec 22nd 2012

1-888-470-7997

SALLOWS & McDONALD — WILSON & ZEHNER

So dearly loved and sadly missed

May 9th 1929 - Jan 3rd 2010

1271 - 103rd Street | North Battleford | 306-445-2418

www.sallowsandmcdonald.com NOW OPEN! Reception Facility on Site!

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

We accept new and existing Purple Shield policies.

“Reinventing Tradition - Where Heritage Meets Innovation”

is now accepting registrations for it’s next exciting session of

“CREATIVE DANCE” * 8 week session beginning Saturday, S t d JJanuary 10 10th h 9:30 - 10:00 am * Creative movement for both girls and boys age 3 years Please call Dance Connection: 306-446-6226 to register ANNOUNCEMENTS

Professional

IN MEMORIAM

Thank you for your donations in memory of Al Gotto ...............................................North Battleford Walter Nelson ......................................North Battleford Charlotte Lahti ............................................. Battleford Dr. Iain Weston....................................North Battleford Louis Findlay ......................................North Battleford Mae Dubnyk ........................................North Battleford John Florence .....................................North Battleford Jim Nachtegaele Eva Elaine Schweitzer ........................North Battleford Doris Jamieson

Given with love to enrich patient care Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation 306-446-6652 Charitable #13936 3626 RR0001

D I R E C T O R Y SWANSON GRYBA & COMPANY Chartered Accountants 1282 - 101st Street North Battleford, Sask.

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

BAERT CAMERON ODISHAW LA COCK Chartered Accountants 300 - 1291 - 102nd Street North Battleford, Sask.

Phone: 306-445-6234 Fax: 306-445-0245 —PARTNERS— Al L. Baert, CA Dale L. Cameron, CA Suzanne L. Odishaw, CA Jacques la Cock, 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

Regional Optimist FARMS FOR SALE

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BIRTHDAYS

APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

SASK FARMS & RANCHES LOON LAKE: 642 ac. - 391 cult. ac., assess. 46,225/qtr.

NORTH BATTLEFORD: 699 ac.

- 615 cult. ac, assess. 58,590/160 ac., incl. 400 ac. potato contract, irrigation equip. 3 full qtr. & 1 half qtr. section pivots, pump station w/ new pumps...call for details!

NORTH BATTLEFORD: 569 ac. - 455 cult ac., assess.

51,685/160 ac.

PIERCELAND: 1745 ac., 1422 ac. deeded + 322 leased ac. 205 cult. + 395 ac. tame grass, bal. nat. grass/bush pasture/bush, assess, 47,850/qtr. strong water supply. Inc. gas well revenue!

SHELL LAKE: 924 ac. - 348 cult ac., all fenced, strong water supply, asess. 44,510/qtr.

SHELL LAKE: 3090 ac.

- 2624.51 deeded + 466.27 leased, 154 cropped, 330 hay, bal. pasture on Shell River 3 yard sites with two homes! Farm Equip. & Livestock optional!

SPIRITWOOD: 306 ac.

- 1677 sq. ft. home on mature yard, strong water supply, 189 cult. ac., assess.

63,300/qtr.

155 Registered Sales So Far in 2014!

For all of your buying or selling needs contact Jeff Hegland (306) 441-6777

LANE REALTY Saskatchewan's Farm & Ranch Specialists™

WITH OVER 30 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS

PHONE:

(306) 569-3380 EMAIL:

lanerealtycorp@sasktel.net www.lanerealty.com

SERVICES FOR HIRE

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES

STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES

The Disability Tax Credit

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

STEEL BUILDINGS... “REALLY BIG SALE!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 www.pioneersteel.ca

$1,500 Yearly Tax Credit $15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg)

The family of

MARION IVERSON would like to invite everyone to a

COME & GO TEA

in honor of Mom’s 80th Birthday Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 2:00 - 4:00 pm Meota Do Drop In NO GIFTS PLEASE MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOMES FOR SALE ORDER NOW! Before February price increase!

BEST CANADIAN BUILT HOME

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

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

FINANCIAL SERVICES Need A Loan? Own Property? Have Bad Credit? We can help! Call toll free 1 866 405 1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 28

LASER CONSTRUCTION Custom Ready to Move Homes Contemporary.

Beautiful. Solid.

Check out our Homes www.laserconstruction.ca 306.370.3870 APARTMENTS/CONDOS FOR RENT One Bedroom apartment for rent comes with fridge and stove, references required. 445-4646

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

Macro Properties

Covers:

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 ~ 12:30 - 4:30 pm 16 Buildings - Bachelor, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Suites Adult & Family Buildings Phone: 306-445-6710

Hip/Knee Replacements

battleford@macroproperties.com 732B - 110th Street HOUSES FOR RENT

1&2 Bedroom Suites • 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 Clean 3 bedroom furnished/unfurnished trailer. In Battleford. Available Jan 1st For Rent. N/S References Damage Deposit Serious Inquiries.

Call: 306-937-2872

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

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

Large Furnished for 1 or 2 people.

Private entrance, driveway. 1 1/2 baths, gas fireplace, satellite TV, internet, $850/month. Also bachelor suite $300/month, includes utilities.

937-7187

SERVICES FOR HIRE

RITE-WAY SERVICES HOME & COTTAGE RENOVATIONS All Insurance Claims Decks, Fencing and Painting

Call 306-446-2059 or 306-386-2312

MEETINGS

Battlefords and District Community Foundation Inc.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Monday, January 12, 2015 at Noon RBC Dominion Securities Board Room 1101-101st Street, 6th Floor North Battleford

Back conditions and Restrictions in walking and dressing

1-844-453-5372 FEED & SEED HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

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

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

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

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

PETS

ADOPT A PET

Captain came to the shelter when he was 3 months-old. He was adopted and then found abandoned on a farm 5 miles from his home. Some good samaritans brought him back to us and his owner never reclaimed him. Captain was adopted again at 5 months and was surrendered to us after his family split up. He is now almost 4 years old and is back in the shelter. Come and meet this great guy and help him find his FOREVER home!!!

Hi! My name is Tang! I was brought to the lovely ladies at the shelter when I was found roaming the streets of N.B and have now been at the shelter for 10 months. I love to play, purr, and climb around on the scratching posts. I am currently looking for my furr-ever home, come meet me today to see if we are a perfect match!

Please spay or neuter your pets!

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

COMING EVENTS

January 9 - 11 Mens Region Playdowns January 14, 21, 28 Adult Learn to Curl February 11 & 12 Battle West District Playoffs February 27, 28 & March 1 Battle River Rocker Women’s Bonspiel

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @

Northland Power Curling Centre - CUPlex - North Battleford

306•937•2431

www.westerncommodities.ca

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

Call for Nominations for the

Board of Directors The Innovation Credit Union Nominating Committee of the Board is seeking eligible members who may be interested in running for vacant positions on our Board of Directors. The Board meets on a regular basis to set future direction, establish policy and review operations.

The Committee encourages those interested that would like more information on the roles and responsibilities of a Director, to please stop by any Innovation Credit Union Branch and pick up an Information and Nomination Kit. Nominations for the Board of Directors of Innovation Credit Union for District 1 defined as North Battleford, Battleford, Meadow Lake, Buffalo Narrows, Cut Knife, Glaslyn, Hafford, Leoville, Medstead, Meota, Shell Lake, Wilkie, and the business area and District 2 defined as Swift Current, Gravelbourg, Cabri, Eastend, Frontier, Gull Lake, Hodgeville, Lancer, Mankota, Ponteix and the business area will be accepted until noon on Friday, January 9, 2015.

Return completed nomination form to: Innovation Credit Union Box 638 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 2Y7 Attention: Russ Siemens, Committee Chairperson

EVERYONE WELCOME Members First. www.innovationcu.ca 866.446.7001

Imagine the possibilities.

Page 29 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 DOMESTIC CARS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

For Sale 2005 Ford Focus 136,000 Kms. Loaded, sun roof, heated seats, command start. Text or call 306-441-2662. In Perfect condition. $3,800 OBO

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

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

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

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

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

PAWLUS Motor Licence Issuer

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

306-445-8059 “SERVING ALL YOUR INSURANCE & MOTOR LICENCE NEEDS”

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

First Nations Jobs nline phone 306 229 6774 email: danbsully@sasktel.net

FARM SERVICES

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

North Battleford 101026887 Saskatchewan Ltd. o/a Tim Hortons 9803 Territorial Drive, 11402 Railway Ave. North Battleford and 92 Battleford Crossing requires 6 Food Service Supervisors full-time/available all shifts. $13.02 per hour plus beneÀts.

Apply in store with resumé to Kim, Marion or Brett, or by email timhortons2846@yahoo.ca

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Saskatchewan@chisca.ca Call + 1 (416) 466-3333 CITRN Canada Head Office: 500 Danforth Ave., Suite 309, Toronto, ON Canada www.citrnjobterminal.com LICENSED RECRUITERS UNDER GOVT OF SASKATCHEWAN © 2014 CITRN - CHIS Immigration Technical Resources Network

Ironworkers, Pipefitters & Welders Now Hiring: Journeyperson Structural Ironworkers, Pipefitters & B Pressure Welders (+$44/hr) for an industrial project in Northern Alberta.

Camp provided; travel paid to those who qualify.

Benefits, pension plan and RRSPs offered.

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

Apply with resume to: pclenergyjobs@pcl.com or fax: 1-888-398-0725

PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice – Zoning Bylaw Amendment

INTENT: The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment will provide greater clariÀcation for: the development and operation of seasonal campgrounds within the RM of Mervin; the development of seasonal campgrounds within Commercial Districts; regulations regarding size requirements for accessory buildings that are attached to garage or garden suites; removes duplicate deÀnitions, such as accessory building, site lines, and frontage deÀnitions; and provides deÀnitions for terminology clariÀcation for seasonal campground operations, accessory buildings, and outdoor storage compounds.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Living Sky School Division No. 202 Growth Without Limits, Learning For All

Now accepting applications for the following positions: Educational Assistant • Cut Knife High School • Hafford Central School • Leoville Central School • Macklin School • Scott Colony School - Unity Closes at noon, Monday, January 5, 2015.

Educational Assistant • Cando Community School Apply ASAP, applications accepted until suitable candidate is found.

Details and link to online applications can be found on our website: www.lskysd.ca

Logging contractor with mechanical equipment needed to harvest app.

20,000m3 or more of softwood & possibly some hardwood. Stump to dump contract. 204-689-2261 (pokrant@mts.net) Wabowden. MB.

LEGAL / PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw 94-4, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

Regional Optimist

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COMING EVENTS

Community Events Calendar

KANAWEYIMIK CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES INC.

Kanaweyimik is an independent, non-political child welfare agency providing child welfare and family services to Àve First Nations. Moosomin, Mosquito, Red Pheasant, Saulteaux & Sweetgrass First Nations contract for services with Kanaweyimik.

The following is a general description of a Family Finder Worker (Social Worker) position. Salary will be commensurate with experience, training and education. This is an 8 month term position.

FAMILY FINDER WORKER (SOCIAL WORKER) 1 POSITION The Family Finder Worker is directly responsible to the Supervisor and/or Executive Director; • Manage a caseload in the area of child welfare and family support services; • The Family Finder Worker primary role is dedicated to locating, screening and assessing families who have been identiÀed as potential caregivers for children in care off-reserve who may have a membership with Moosomin, Red Pheasant, Saulteaux, Sweetgrass and Mosquito First Nations. This recruitment activity will be undertaken both off and on-reserve • Maintain computerized data, case recordings, individual and family Àles, etc; • Coordinate case planning sessions and monitor case plans to ensure families are receiving services; Will comply with the provisions of the Kanaweyimik Personnel Manual as it exists from time to time.

• • •

AFFECTED LAND: The affected lands of this Zoning Bylaw amendment are all lands lying within the jurisdiction of the Rural Municipality of Mervin No. 499.

• •

REASON: The reason for the amendment is to provide the following: 1. Stipulate with greater clarity the expectations for seasonal campground operators and owners within the RM of Mervin No. 499.

2. Allow for the development of seasonal campgrounds within the Commercial District.

3. Regulate the size of accessory buildings that are attached to a garage or garden suite.

4. Remove the following deÀnitions: accessory building, lakeshore site, and rear site line.

5. Add the following deÀnitions: accessory building, campground operator, campsite, seasonal campsite, temporary campsite, park model trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), RV park, RV trailer, and storage compound.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the RM of Mervin No. 499 ofÀce between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding statutory holidays. Copies are available at cost.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on January 27th, 2015 at 10:00 am in the RM of Mervin ofÀce located in the Town of Turtleford to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the RM ofÀce prior to the hearing.

Issued at the Town of Turtleford this 17th day of December 2014.

L. Ryan Domotor Administrator

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

Mondays, January 5 & March 2 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program for High Conflict Situations from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in Regina. Parents who have attended the regular parenting after separation and divorce program may benefit from attending this session. Call 1-888-218-2822 or (306) 787-9905 in Regina.

Saturdays - Jan. 17, Feb. 21 & Mar. 14 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm in North Battleford.

Registration is mandatory. No fee for sessions. Call 1-877-964-5501 to register. Location will be advised when you register. Adults only, no child care is provided.

Thursdays, January 22 & March 26 Family Justice Services offers Parenting After Separation and Divorce Program for High Conflict Situations from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm in Saskatoon. Parents who have attended the regular parenting after separation and divorce program may benefit from attending this session. Call 1-877-964-5501 or (306) 964-4401 in Saskatoon.

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 306445-3223. 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.

•

• • • • • •

QUALIFICATIONS Must have a University Degree from a recognized School of Social Work; Must have at least 5 years experience and proven ability to work in the counselling and social services area with families and children; Must demonstrate knowledge of The Child & Family Services Act; Must have completed all CORE training provided by the Ministry of Social Services; Must have work experience assessing families and children; Must have knowledge on child development and the impact of abuse and neglect, disability and other special needs, separation and attachment issues as it relates to matters in child welfare services; Must have the ability to understand family dynamics (i.e. strengths, deÀcits, ancestral clan trends, acceptance/support from the community, etc.) in order to conduct genogram/family clan research; Must possess good, culturally appropriate interviewing skills; Knowledge of the Cree language is an asset; Computer skills are a position requirement; Excellent verbal, written and time management skills are required; A clear criminal records check MUST BE PRESENTED AT INTERVIEW; Must have a valid drivers licence.

Application deadline is December 31, 2014 at 5:00 pm.

Start date to be determined.

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

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

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

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

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 30

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

UNIVERSITY/ COLLEGE STUDENTS WANTED for summer management positions with Student Works.

Full Business training provided.

Challenging learning experience, huge resumé booster!

Average earnings in the summer of 2014 was $20,500.

® ®

Food Counter Attendants/ Kitchen Help Full & Part-Time $12.00 per hour

Must be available for various shifts.

Apply within: 1702 - 100th St. North Battleford, SK Ph: 306-445-4408 Fax: 306-445-1299 Email: BattlefordKFC@hotmail.com

Information at www.studentworks.ca or email megans@studentworks.ca Deadline January 5, 2015

Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. is seeking a

Human Resources Manager Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, this fulltime permanent position will: • Be responsible for all human resource functions including working closely with all staff, utilizing/developing/revising/ implementing appropriate policies and procedures to support the strategic vision of Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. • Be knowledgeable of and remain up-to-date on human resource laws, regulations and trends to ensure compliance with Federal Labour Board regulations.

• Update, review and revise Human Resources plan in consultation with management.

• Assist in developing and implementation of learning and development policies.

• Responsible for research, development and maintenance of policies and procedures which support the human resources planning activities with BRT6HC. Evaluate and develop recommendations for improvements to operations, procedures and/or policies.

• Research and prepare job classifications to ensure salary grid is kept current and in line with industry standards.

• Supporting supervisors and managers in effective and consistent performance management.

• Processing payroll.

• Maintaining accurate employee records.

Qualifications • Degree/diploma in Business Administration, Commerce or other related discipline with a major in human resources • Minimum of five (5) years human resources work experience • Experience in policy development and implementation • Thorough knowledge of federal labour legislation • Able to prioritize/organize/multi-task • High level of written and verbal communication skills with superior attention to detail • Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information • Possess well-developed computer skills, word processing, spreadsheets and database systems • Able to work independently and as part of a team • Provide current criminal record check Submit updated resumé, cover letter and 3 professional references by 4:00 p.m., January 23, 2015.

Patricia L. Whitecalf-Ironstand, Executive Director Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre Inc. P.O. Box 1658 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A 3W2 Fax: (306) 445-3612

Come Join our Team.

Crop Production Services Canada is a division of Agrium www.Agrium.com, and one of the largest farm market retailers in North America. Our mission is to be the trusted and recognized leader in the agricultural industry, the first choice for every customer and producer. A growth company where employees can achieve success and develop to their maximum potential. Make the move to join our more than 8000 employees across Canada and the US and begin growing your career now.

Zak Organics is an organic grain and cattle farm located in Fir Mountain, southwest Saskatchewan. We are looking for a full-time permanent farm machine operator with the following qualifications: Duties: Plant, cultivate, and harvest crops Handling of cattle Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment Detect disease and health problems in crops, livestock Assist with maintenance, fixing and repairs of farm machinery Responsibilities and Commitment t Previous experience operating and maintaining large modern farm equipment t Valid Driver’s licence (Class 1A) an asset t Mechanical repair knowledge and/or experience t Positive outlook, pride in accomplishment and enjoy field of agriculture Wage: $17-19 per hour We offer a company vehicle and modern housing close to the farm.

To apply please send resumé to zakfarms@gmail.com or mail to Box 35, Fir Mountain, SK. S0H 1P0

City of North Battleford Community Safety Audit - Facilitator

We are currently recruiting for

Facility Sales/Admin For the Rockhaven Location To learn more about dynamic employment opportunities log on to www.cpsagu.com/Careers. Start making a difference today, and become part of our team!

Become part of an exciting culture with endless possibilities of career progression.

The Battlefords & District Co-op is dedicated to being a leader in the services we provide.

Through service, excellence and teamwork, our employees enjoy a real opportunity to make a difference.

Our Gas Bar/C-Store is expanding again and a new site will be opening in the Battlefords.

We are beginning our hiring process and are looking for candidates to Àll the positons of:

ATTENDANT 1’s & ATTENDANT 2’s

The City has been able to obtain funding under the Ministry of Government Relations Grant Program to enable the hiring of a contract term position beginning in January, 2015 and ending on June 30, 2015, in order to complete and implement a Community Safety Audit. This exciting program will required the Facilitator to work closely with the City, Battlefords Tribal Council Justice, and the RCMP to facilitate and implement a Community Safety Audit of an identiÀed area of the City using the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts.

QualiÀcations: • Mature, organized, efÀcient. Team oriented with ability to work independently • Ability to multi-task and thrive in a busy environment • Ability to prepare and complete written reports as required • Ability to establish a positive relationship with the identiÀed area of the City for the audit to occur • “CPTED” Training Description of Duties, but not limited to: • Work closely with the City, BTC Justice, and the RCMP to prepare a written implementation plan for the Community Safety Audit • Oversee the implementation, and participate directly in carrying out the written plan • Mon - Fri daytime hours of work however, some evening and weekend work may be required • Prepare interim and Ànal written reports as required Wages: Per day compensation will be negotiated with the successful candidate Start Date: to be arranged

For more information and a full job description, visit: www.battlefordscoop.com.

Application Deadline: January 16, 2015

Applicants can submit a resumé outlining how they meet the requirements of the position to: glen@battlefordscoop.com

Applicants must submit detailed resumé, including references to: Human Resources, City of North Battleford, P.O. Box 460, North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y6, fax: (306) 445-0411. email: sdegenstein@cityofnb.ca The City wishes to thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

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

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

North West Regional College

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Instructor, Practical Nursing

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Full-Time, Term

Battlefords Campus Posting #65-BC-1415 Reporting to the Program Coordinator, South Region, this in-scope position is responsible for planning and delivery of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Practical Nursing program. This position is 350 days running from January 26, 2015 – December 16, 2016.

For a complete position profile, and application visit www.nwrc.sk.ca.

Applications will be received until noon, January 5, 2015.

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

Regional Optimist

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Page 31 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Province process 51 nominee imigrants in December Staff

The Government of Saskatchewan processed an additional 51 nominations under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program in December, according to a press release.

These nominations could translate into 130 more newcomers to Saskatchewan on top of the approximately 12,000 that arrive in the province each year.

The number of nominees in Saskatchewan has increased from 1,517 in 2007 to 4,793

(an increase of 216 per cent).

This number reflects both the provincial government’s commitment to welcoming newcomers to Saskatchewan to help address the labour shortage and become part of the community, as well as the federal government’s recognition of the labour force shortage Saskatchewan faces now and in the future, the press release states.

“Our Conservative government in Ottawa is focused on growing the economy and creating jobs from coast to coast to coast,” said federal

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander.

“With Saskatchewan’s economy booming, it’s vital that newcomers to Canada know that opportunities abound on the prairies. For those who come to Canada, who play by the rules and who are willing to work hard, Saskatchewan is one of the best places to be right now.”

The news of the increase comes on the heels of the federal government’s allocation of 17 additional nomi-

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Reporter Correspondents needed for all rural areas • • • • • • • •

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

• • • • • • •

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

nations in November 2014.

The combined increases for November and December will bring this year’s SINP nomination cap to 4,818 and will help to further address labour market shortages in the province.

“The extra nominations for 2014 are great news for

We’re still here aymont News

our growing Saskatchewan economy,” minister responsible for Immigration Jeremy Harrison said.

The SINP nomination cap for 2015 will be increased to

5,500 – a jump of 15 per cent over 2014.

For more information on immigrating to Saskatchewan, visit www.economy.gov.sk.ca/immigration.

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

PUBLIC NOTICE RM of MEOTA NO. 468

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the RM of Meota No. 468 intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 02/2011, known as the Zoning Bylaw INTENT The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment Bylaw No. 20 - 2014 will modify the Zoning Bylaw Map attached to and forming part of the Zoning Bylaw.

AFFECTED LAND The amendment to rezone, Bylaw No. 20 - 2014, will affect the lands legally described as SE ¼ Sec. 13-47-17 W3M outlined in bold on the map below.

By Carol Deagnon Correspondent Hi, it’s me again. For some reason people have called and stopped us to ask us if we were moving. No, we’re not, even if there’s a few who wish we were. We’re just taking a break from a few things, but are still here for anyone who might need us.

Dec. 22, we where happy to attend the potluck supper and Christmas caroling at Ruddell. What a wonderful evening. Presents were given out to everyone at the hall and the children were able to run and play and, guess what, it bothered no one. Thanks to all those who helped out with the event and MC Colleen Soule, who did a wonderful job.

REASON The amendment to rezone, Bylaw No. 20 - 2014, is to accommodate a proposed subdivision by rezoning the proposed lands from A1 – Agricultural District to R – Residential.

PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM of Meota No. 468 office located in the Village of Meota during regular office hours. Copies of the bylaw will be made available.

PUBLIC HEARING Council will hold a joint public hearing for the Zoning Bylaw amendment on January 28th, 2015 at 7 pm at The RM of Meota No. 468 office in the Village of Meota.

The purpose of the public hearing is to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws.

Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing (or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing).

Issued at the RM of Meota No. 468 on December 29th, 2014 Nicolle Griffith Administrator

PUBLIC NOTICE RM of MEOTA NO. 468

Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the RM of Meota No. 468 intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 02/2011, known as the Zoning Bylaw INTENT The proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment Bylaw No. 19 -2014 will modify the Zoning Bylaw Map attached to and forming part of the Zoning Bylaw.

AFFECTED LAND The amendment to rezone, Bylaw No. 19 -2014, will affect the lands legally described as SE ¼ Sec. 1847-17 W3M outlined in bold on the map below.

REASON The amendment to rezone, Bylaw No. 19 - 2014, is to accommodate a proposed subdivision by rezoning the proposed lands from A1 – Agricultural District to R – Residential.

PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM of Meota No. 468 office located in the Village of Meota during regular office hours. Copies of the bylaw will be made available.

PUBLIC HEARING Council will hold a joint public hearing for the Zoning Bylaw amendment on January 28th, 2015 at 7 pm at The RM of Meota No. 468 office in the Village of Meota. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaws. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing (or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing).

Issued at the RM of Meota No. 468 on December 29th, 2014.

Nicolle Griffith Administrator

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 32

For purple and gold consider the Ninebarks

Above, Golden Ninebark (photo by Jeffries Nurseries, Ltd.). Insert, Amber Jubilee Ninebark (photo by Hugh Skinner).

By Sara Williams

Happy New Years From your friends at the

Bowlarena & Mini Golf

2 o 1 5

Ninebarks (Physocarpus opulifolius) provide landscape value over an uncommonly long season: colourful yellow or purple foliage through summer, intensifying in fall; creamy-white flowers in spring; and deep red seedpods in late summer. A number of excellent hardy cultivars have been introduced in the last decade. One wonders how we landscaped without them.

The Staff and Management wish you all the best for the holiday season and all the best in 2015!

x e m Ga 306•445•9000

10901 South Railway Ave.

North Nort No N ort rth th Battleford, Batt Ba t leforrd, d SK d,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

t t t t t t t t t t

Fog free environment Stainless steel dividers Extra wide bays Complementary car Undercarriage wash LED lighting Rain-X in each bay LED coin meters Credit card system Pre-soak 6 car bay

arden Chat An upright, spreading shrub of up to 2.7 metres with arching branches, ninebark is found from Quebec to Virginia. The common name alludes to the cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark, which peels to reveal a number of layers (though not necessarily nine).

The genus name is from the Greek words physa, meaning bladder and karpos, fruit, a reference to the attractive, inflated red seed pods produced in late summer. The species name, opulifolius, refers to the resemblance of its leaves to those of the European cranberry (Viburnum opulus).

Among the golden and variegated selections are: Amber Jubilee, named to honour Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Manitoba in 2010, is a cross of Diabolo and Dart’s Gold. While the older foliage remains a lime green, the new growth produces shades of yellow and orange in summer, turning purple in fall. It reaches 1.8 metres in height,

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with a spread of 1.2 metres.

Centre Glow, a Minnesota introduction, emerges in spring with vibrant yellow green foliage, becoming red with a glowing yellow centre (2.7 metres height and spread).

Dart’s Gold is a small, compact cultivar of 1.5 metres, with a spread of one metre. It has golden foliage.

Luteus has greenish-yellow foliage, the yellow being most pronounced in early spring. It has a height and spread of 2.4 metres.

Nugget, from South Dakota State University, is compact and dense but larger (1.8 metres in height, with a spread of 1.2 metres). The foliage emerges yellow, becoming lime-green in summer and yellow in fall.

Ninebarks with purple foliage include: Coppertina, another hybrid of Dart’s Gold and Diabolo, has orange-copper foliage in spring that becomes a vibrant red in fall. It reaches 2 metres (7 ft.) in height with a spread of 1.8 metres.

Diabolo, from Germany, has deep purple foliage, becoming almost iridescent red purple in the fall. It is 2.4 metres in height with a spread of 1.8 metres.

Summer Wine has been described as a condensed

form of Diabolo with more deeply cut foliage. It emerges in spring a deep purple, becoming purple red in fall. A hybrid of Nanus and Diabolo, it has a dense, compact form of one metre and is excellent for smaller spaces.

Drought tolerant, ninebarks perform best if grown in full sun on well-drained soils. In shade, the yellow foliage of the golden ninebarks is much less pronounced.

They may be subject to limeinduced iron chlorosis in soils with a high pH. Place them in mixed or shrub borders or use them as foundation plantings. The yellow or purple foliage is an excellent contrast with other shrubs.

Williams is the author of the new and revised Creating the Prairie Xeriscape. In her latest book, Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: A Photographic History, she tells of the history of an institution and the personal stories of the people who made an important impact on Prairie agriculture. — This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; hortscene@ yahoo.com). Check out our Bulletin Board or Calendar for upcoming garden information sessions.

&;JJS ,?Q 7?;L

NI IOL =OMNIG?LM @LC?H>M We value your business and look forward to serving you again

306-445-7799 1-888-677-4333

www.rainbowtoyota.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

www.newsoptimist.ca

Village colourfully dressed up for the holidays

By Ellery Russell Correspondent Dashing through the snow on a two-horse open sleigh.

That’s right, I said two-horse open sleigh. Albert and Emma Duhaime brought two of their beautiful Belgians into Paynton Dec. 20 for a sleigh ride around the village.

Village council had hosted

aynton News an evening to present awards to the winning homes who participated in this year’s holiday decoration contest.

This was the first of hopefully many more for the con-

Albert and Emma Duhaime loading the next batch of passengers for a tour of Paynton’s lights.

test, which was a delight for the community. Seeing the homes from the open sleigh with heavy frost coating every surface imaginable was a magical ride indeed. Children of all ages enjoyed this rare treat in a balmy -5 C, some of us even going around twice.

Residents got together in the gym afterwards to hear the results of the bright and colourful contest. Score sheets were tallied and all three homes were very close in overall points. Coming in third were John and Helen DeSlegate. In second place was Thelma Pope and first place was earned by Jeff and Chantelle Mudryk. Sponsored by the village council, prizes of $50, $75 and $125 were handed out to the Christmas decorating enthusiasts. Councillors say they hope this year was the beginning of a new tradition in Paynton and hope to see even more residents partici-

pate next year.

The frost and fog are not only making for a Narnia-like landscape but also playing with the power lines. This past weekend was a repeated waiting game for the power to be restored in Paynton

and area. Going out once Saturday and twice Sunday, residents had to be prepared to not have running water or electricity for a couple of hours at a time. Luckily for residents, SaskPower employee Dave Florizone lives

in Paynton and was on the case of the outage right away.

He discovered the weight of frost and snow on trees near the lines had caused the problem and worked hard to restore power for the village.

Jeff and Chantell Mudryk won top honours in Paynton’s house decorating contest.

PHOTOS BY ELLERY RUSSELL

Thelma Pope’s house earned the second highest number of votes.

Fog, causing a build up of frost, has led to power outages.

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 34

Town enjoys year of change and growth

By Sherri Solomko Correspondent Happy New Year, everyone. May 2015 bring you the blessings of health and happiness.

2015 brings a new era to our house as we become parents of, gulp, 20 year old.

Happy birthday to our daughter Shelby Jan. 4.

With all of the fog experienced in December people were certain they knew where the lyrics in the popular Christmas song, “Rudolf, the Red Nosed Reindeer” came from when the line referred to “…then one foggy Christmas Eve …” The hoarfrost made for great winter wonderland photos but not so great driving conditions, as well as dangerous conditions with power lines. The SaskPower boys were kept busy throughout.

2014 was a successful year for Unity. Construction stayed busy meaning new homes were built while others were renovated, including businesses.

Construction that seemed to be slow on the new pool took a big leap forward. The concern with businesses closing out or moving from the downtown core now seem unwarranted as businesses moved, opened or expandeded.

Most noticeable in 2014 was the move of Cinema Satellite to the former Sheads location while Guys Furniture took over the furniture portion in the former location. There was new signage erected at entrances to town showing either a bright red “The opportUNITY in Unity waits for you” or the signs directing visitors to some of the more well-known spots in the community.

nity News 2015 appears to be lining up for more of the same progress.

The new swimming pool is set to be open this summer.

The hard work put into fundraising and grans seeking as well as the patience process in its construction will see the rewards when users will get a brand new pool to swim in this summer.

The Unity Community Centre hall will have some renovations completed in the first quarter of 2015 that include long overdue kitchen renovations.

Some of the funds raised at the Russia vs Canada World Junior A hockey event are earmarked for a project at the rink, yet to be decided.

The veteran’s section of the cemetery underwent extensive renovation and is now an impressive tribute to local soldiers who either lost their life in battle or who have passed away since returning home.

Downtown saw a number of changes that will continue in the New Year. Wildeman’s Sports Excellence, open only one year, is already moving to larger spaces.

Continued on Page 35

For a holiday as special as you.

Thanks for your patronage.

Wishing you the best in the new year!

2492 - 98 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-445-8867

PHOTOS BY SHERRI SOLOMKO

In the days leading up to Christmas, volunteers gathered to assemble gift baskets from the many items donated to Unity’s Secret Santa program. Volunteers also worked to deliver the hampers around the community.

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Page 35 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

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Small crowd for annual Christmas supper

By Dorothy Schwartz Correspondent

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Prickly Guest

This porcupine was spotted chowing down on the landscaping of a home in Riverbend Crescent in Battleford recently.

Growth and change Continued from Page 34 Owners, Dean and Paula Wildeman, are relocating to the former Ultra Sports building on the corner of Main Street to make more room for inventory, displays, storage of seasonal merchandise as well as giving a little more room to the Sears outlet they also currently operate out of their store.

Crystal Clarity will see some changes in the New Year as a business moves into their location while they relocate.

Trina Klein, who opened Found Treasures, has now expanded to include a flower shop. Former business resident at that location, Special Events Rentals, has moved to the former Friendship Centre.

The New to You clothing store moved upstairs in the Unity Community Resource Centre to a much bigger and brighter spaces as all other services offered on the main floor are now housed in the upper portion of this building, with an elevator soon to be completed.

The CIBC is now home to another ATM machine in Unity offering a third ATM in downtown Unity joining Unity Credit Union and the Bank of Montreal.

Crossfit Lair has moved to the industrial area from their downtown home but hopes are high for that space to soon be filled.

Construction will continue to be busy as new houses are popping up on a regular basis.

‘The town is considering sidewalk and paving projects as well as local improvement projects in 2015 but infrastructure projects are still at council table in budgeting

phases.

Sports programs continue to flourish attracting participants from other communities whose programs have subsided or folded.

As seen by the recent World Junior A hockey event, Unity is no stranger to hosting big events and in fact, do it regularly and do the job well. Although there is no major event currently lined up for Unity in 2015, something could always sprout up once the New Year has begun.

It appears Unity will once again be “the talk of the town” as many changes, progresses and successes will be part of 2015’s plan.

In a few short days kids will wonder where the time has gone with their Christmas break as they head back to school Jan. 5.

It won’t be long before the renowned talents of the St. Peter’s choirs, under the direction of Mrs. Keller, will be practicing for Music Festival 2015.

At Unity Public School, Mrs. Carleton’s baby arrived in December. So the kids are now anticipating the arrival of Mrs. Pool’s baby due in February.

At UCHS, basketball will ramp up again as teams will be in the last part of their season preparation for district playdowns.

Unity Miners action will ramp up in the New Year as the team looks to secure a spot in the playoff picture.

Check out their Facebook page for game schedules or the town of Unity website.

Minor hockey is also a flurry of games both in and out of town.

Team Laycock is coming to the Unity Curling Club.

The hottest men’s Saskatchewan curling team has chosen Unity for their Decisive Farming Curlingville tour. Make sure to register your kids for their clinic coming up on Jan. 14, at no cost. Other interested community members are welcome to come and meet the team following their on-ice sessions with the kids.

January will begin a very busy second half of the season at the curling club as after hosting a Boxing Day Bonspiel, organizers and icemakers will be preparing for the Sifto Senior Cash Spiel to be held Jan. 9 to 11 with a $7,000 payout.

Following this will be the senior women’s qualifier No. 3 and then the bonspiel season begins starting with the JayDee Ag Tech men’s event Feb. 10-15, followed by the oilman’s bonspiel, the ladies’ bonspiel and the yearend mixed funspiel.

Did you know 20 years ago we did not know of such things as Facebook, smartphones, texting, YouTube, Twitter; reality TV, iPad or a Rider team that consistently made the playoffs. This is how fast the world changes.

Coffee row folks are reuniting as some of them went away for the Christmas holidays or were busy hosting houses full of company. They will be reminiscing about 2014 and generating theories on what 2015 will hold.

Recounting of the many seasonal activities that took place over Christmas and New Year’s will be popular conversation topics.

So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week.

MAIDSTONE — Cards were cancelled Dec. 1.

Bingo was played Dec. 3 with Margaret MacEachern and Denise Newton doing the calling. Dorothy Harmel assisted by Bev Stewart provided lunch.

Cribbage was played Dec. 7 with high score going to Denise Newton and low to Dorothy Kissick.

The senior Christmas supper was held Dec. 14, capably catered by the Catholic ladies. A small crowd of 35 attended, for a variety of reasons. One was illness, another was the men’s legion choosing the same night for their Christmas supper. We have had our supper on the second Sunday in December of the last 20 years. Doubling up does not work in a small town. The centre had a new rule that each member could invite only one guest.

Non-members could not attend.

Prior to the delicious supper Vince Gerlinsky played Christmas music.

Grace and happy birthday were sung. Seated at the November and December birthday table were Joyce Weston, Noelle Coulthard and Sharon Ruud. Missing were Doug Holmberg and Joyce Orange.

The program was cut short due to the absences and illness of participants. Lunch followed with Christmas cake baked by Joyce Jeffery and oranges provided by the centre. A thank you goes to the high school students who came JOIN THE CONVERSATION To comment on this story and others, go to www.newsoptimist.ca

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rop in Centre and set up tables for this event.

Cards were scheduled for Dec. 15 with only two members showing up, so they did some cleaning instead.

The Christmas bingo was held Dec. 17 with a good turnout. Margaret MacEachern did the calling. Wrapped

Christmas prizes were the order of the day and each player went home with at least one prize. In charge of lunch was Lil McMillan added to by Christmas cake and oranges left over from the Christmas supper.

Cards were played Dec. 11 with Dorothy Schwartz providing lunch. High score went to Bev Stewart and low to Dorothy Schwartz.

I would like to wish all our senior members and readers a healthy and happy new year in 2015.

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The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 36

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Page 37 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Residents busy with seasonal happenings

By Margaret MacEachern Correspondent MAIDSTONE — Christmas activities are keeping everyone busy at this time of year. Most days have two things going on.

We are sorry that Jean Stewart fell and fractured her arm. She will be in hospital for a while. She’s in good spirits but disappointed that she can’t make her mincemeat tarts.

Our sympathy to the family of Barbara Gravella and her

ine Island Apartments

mother Dorothy Schwartz.

Barb passed away last week and her funeral service was Monday. Our thoughts are with you all.

We are sorry to have Tillie Linkert is moving out of the apartments this weekend. She isn’t going too far away so we will still be able to visit

The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 38

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with her. She has a room at the Pine Island Suites. Enjoy your new place, Tillie.

There is so much flu around that it put a damper on the Do Drop In Centre Christmas supper and program. We had booked for 80 people but only 35 were able to come. It was an excellent supper but the program we had prepared was cut in a quarter of what it was supposed to be. We did our best with what we had.

Wishing all the very best in the New Year 2015.

Ending the year with a full complement of staff Staff

TURTLEFORD — North Saskatchewan River Municipal Health Holdings has finished out the year with a full complement of physicians and nurse practitioners.

According to a report from the NSRMHH board meeting Dec. 15, one physician left

the practice, with one new physician recruited. Also filled were the clinics’ two nurse practitioner positions.

“We are very excited to have this wonderful group of dedicated practitioners to serve our community,” the board states in the report.

“The opening of a satellite medical clinic in Glaslyn was

a very exciting achievement this year.”

The board says expansion of services has enabled the group to bring primary care services to more residents.

The board was told Dr. Langeni and Dr. Odiegwu will be on holidays until Jan. 5. Dr. Mpomposhe will be away Jan. 5 to 19.

The next regular meeting of the board is Jan 19 at the RM of Mervin office in Turtleford.

Wish you and your family a wonderful New Year!

Investors Group Welcomes Kevin Monsebroten, Branch Manager at our North Battleford office, is pleased to announce that James Bowen has joined his team as an Associate Consultant.

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Page 39 - The Battlefords,Thursday, January 1, 2015

Regional Optimist

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Real estate meltdown only possible hitch in ‘15 Ed, my neighbour next door, always holds a New Year’s Eve party where he makes his famous predictions for the coming year.

Ed and Ruby will still be hosting their annual New Year’s Eve party this year, but Ed isn’t doing any predictions. My neighbor has decided that the world has gone totally crazy, and anything can happen in the coming year. Ed has pointed out that 2014 was as unpredictable as it gets.

Ed still has some sandbags from Melville’s unbelievable summer flood. The killing of a ceremonial reservist soldier and gunfire in Parliament at Ottawa was shocking. Then there was ISIS proudly behead-

ing captives for the world to see. So Ed has given up making his predictions. Well almost, as Ed has made one prediction for himself; “I’m predicting that my neighbor next door will sell his house and move away. The only thing that could destroy my hopes is if there is a real estate meltdown.”

2015 has a great potential for joy for Ed, as long as, his neighbour moves away. When the beginning of the New Year rolls around, we do consider, like Ed, what might be a potential source of joy for us in the coming year.

What will we do with our lives beyond our work and responsibilities in the year

eighbourly Advice According to Ed

By Raymond Maher www.accordingtoed.com

revraymaher@accesscomm.ca ahead? In a very real sense, everything is permissible for us, but not everything we might do is to our benefit. In fact, what we enjoy doing may be harmful, in that, it may master us. It is hard to eat one potato chip and stop at one. There is a thin line between enough and too much food.

Many of us watch lots

of television. We never consider that it could be harmful to us. It is interesting that the modern technology enables the streaming of American TV into Chinese homes. The Chinese government has reacted to the American programs. The Chinese State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio,

Film and Television has told program providers they are to censor episodes. They must remove too much physical contact in programs and, murders, suicides, kidnappings, drug abuse, gambling or things supernatural in the American programs.

The companies providing American TV have complained, “If we chop all this stuff out of our programs, we’ve got nothing left to show the Chinese public.” Should we watch the chopped out stuff ourselves?

It is good for Christians to remember that we belong to God in both our body and soul. How we treat each of them is

important. What we do with our bodies and our souls has moral relevance.

Our human body is the home or the Temple of the Holy Spirit. We can treat our human body like it is a playground to satisfy everything pleasurable that we feel like doing.

The problem is that not everything we do is good for us, and might enslave us in problems. God’s words challenge us with: “Do you not know that your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you?

You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” It is God’s way for you to enrich 2015.

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.

Notre Dame (RC) Parish Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m.

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

OFFICE 306-445-3836 Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

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

Sunday Morning Service - 11:00 a.m.

ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK

Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Father Greg Elder

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Saturday Evening Mass - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass - 10:30 a.m.

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ANGLICAN PARISH

SUNDAY - 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service

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

Everyone Welcome

1291 - 109th Street, North Battleford

Pastor Gerhard Luitjens & Abel & Sonya Zabaleta (Spanish Ministry)

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

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

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

All Saints Ukrainian Catholic Parish

Hosanna Life Center

52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK

306-937-3177 SUNDAY SERVICES 10:30 a.m.

Rev: Nora Borgeson

Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

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

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

WEEKEND: Saturdays - 7:30 p.m. Sundays - 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Battlefords Grace Community Church Pastor: Bill Hall

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

WORSHIP SERVICES - 11 a.m. Sunday Everyone Welcome Pastor Patrick Carty

Sunday School - 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11:00 am Weekly Kidz Zone, Prayer Meeting, Jr Youth & Small Groups 1231 - 104th Street North Battleford “A Community of believers Phone 306-445-7777 www.emmanuelfellowship.ca seeking more of God’s presence”

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

Come Join Us Sunday’s At 11:00 am A warm welcome is extended to everyone!

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

Third Avenue United Church

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

306-445-5079

TERRITORIAL DRIVE ALLIANCE CHURCH Battleford United Church

306-446-1695 PASTOR: Fr. Anthony Afangide M.S.P.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Church Phone 306-445-4181

902 - 108th Street, North Battleford DIVINE LITURGY: Sundays at 9:30 am (last Sunday of the month at 11:30 am) Daily at 9:00 am Rev. Father Vladimir Simunovic - 306-445-2731

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

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

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

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

Everyone Welcome

Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

1372 102nd St 306-445-3009

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

Rev. Father Greg Elder

SUNDAY MASS 9:00 a.m.

Box 10, Delmas, SK S0M 0P0

Phone 306-937-7340

Battlefords Seventh-Day A Adventist Church Pastor Dave Miller Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, C North Battleford

Phone 306-445-9096

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

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

Regional Optimist

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The Battlefords, Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Page 40

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