Canora Courier 2023-06-01

C C OURIER ANORA

On May 24, the Canora

Fundraising

Dennis running for Sask. Party nomination

A two-term MLA is hoping local Saskatchewan Party members will allow him to represent them in a third provincial election.

Terry Dennis told the Canora Courier on May 25 of his intention to run for the Sask. Party nomination for the Canora–Pelly constituency.

“I’m really enjoying the work and serving the people in this area and the province and I still feel like there’s a lot of projects [to work on],” he said, adding he feels he still has a lot to give to the community.

The local Saskatchewan

Wilson running for Sask. Party nomination

Party association has yet to set a date for the nomination meeting. Dennis will compete against Sean Wilson, the mayor of Buchanan and deputy reeve of the RM of Buchanan. The winner of the nomination will then represent the Sask. Party in the next provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 28, 2024.

Dennis was first elected as MLA in the 2016 provincial election. Before that, he served as mayor of Canora for 14 years and was co-owner of Dennis

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Terry Dennis is running for the Saskatchewan Party nomination for Canora–Pelly. The person who wins the nomination will then represent the Sask. Party on the ballot in the next provincial election.

Extensive variety of All Spirits, Beer & Wines with competitive pricing.

The mayor of Buchanan is hoping to get the nod from local Saskatchewan Party members to represent them in the next provincial election.

Sean Wilson, who is also the deputy reeve of the RM of Buchanan, announced his intention on May 25 to run for the Sask. Party nomination for the Canora–Pelly constituency.

“Today I announce my intentions to seek the nomination as the Saskatchewan Party candidate for CanoraPelly to run in the next

“What are you Thirsty for?” “What are you Thirsty for?”

If you can’t find it - we will sniff it out

provincial election,” he said. “My roots run deep in the constituency and I want to bring a fresh perspective on bringing growth to Canora–Pelly.”

The local Saskatchewan Party association has yet to set a date for the nomination meeting. Wilson will compete against Terry Dennis, a two-term MLA and former mayor of Canora. The winner of the nomination will then represent the Sask. Party in the next provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 28, 2024.

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Sean Wilson is running for the Saskatchewan Party nomination for Canora–Pelly. The person who wins the nomination will then represent the Sask. Party on the ballot in the next provincial election.

Tourism

Committee unveiled a pair of new signs at the entrances to the community, this one at the south end of Norway Road and the second at the north end. Funding for the signs came from events hosted by the committee. Committee members, from left, were: (standing) Jessica Kwas and Terry Dennis; and (seated) Gina Rakochy, Brandi Zavislak, Kari Ostafie, Megan Scherban, Michael Auckland, Jacqueline Fetchuk, Denise Leslie, Gladys Zavislak, Barbara Messenger and Kristen Gabora. Unavailable for the photo were: Karen Wilgosh, Karen Tratch, Annie Shilvert, Dave Wasyliw, Meridee Kopelchuk, and Mel and Donna McCormick. See story on Page 2.

Party on the beach this summer

JJ Voss will take to the stage at Crystal Lake to highlight a concert on the beach on July 8. Organizers for the event, Pat Prokop, Lynda Statchuk and Gerald Steinka, Crystal Lake Recreation Committee, are excited to announce this year’s entertainer and are looking forward to a great concert, according to Prokop. “The idea came about last year when we wanted to put on something fun for everyone.”

Raised on a small farm in southern Saskatchewan, Voss began his journey in music at the age of 8 when he picked up his Dad’s old flat top and has been following in the footsteps of legendary troubadours like Steve Earle, Charlie Major, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen ever since.

To date, Voss has released three albums and one single, garnering a WMCA Producer of the Year nomination for debut EP Hillbilly Storybook in 2008, followed up by his Show ‘em Who’s Voss album

in 2012, landing him a SCMA Roots Album of the Year award and chart action for five singles on Canadian Country radio. It’s a Pride Thing peaked at #62 on the Billboard Country Top 100 and Playing For Keeps at #51. The album also received international airplay leading Voss to his first overseas tour; playing shows in Germany, Ireland, France and the Netherlands, Colombia and Mexico.

Voss’s third album, Come Along With Me was released on March 20, 2020 - nine days after the official announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the cancellation of over 45 tour dates. Determined to see his plan through, he pivoted and presented 20-plus online concerts, and 80-plus live concerts (both solo and with his band) in between lock down periods between 2020-2022. The album garnered six SCMA awards, Top 10 Mediabase chart success with three singles; Some People , Come

Along With Me and The Kind of Man . and 150K video views for his re-make of Murray McLaughlan’s Farmer Song with Darlene Tuleta and Canadian Hall of Famer Charlie Major.

On October 14, 2022 Voss released his poignant single, A Letter to Dad - a tribute to the Voss family farm on its 100 year milestone. A Letter To Dad is out now on radio and

at all major music service providers.

In April 2023, JJ was nominated for five awards including Entertainer of the year, Songwriter, Male Artist,

Fundraising efforts bear fruit with new Canora signs

CANORA – Canora

residents and visitors alike have a new reason to enjoy the community.

On May 24, the Canora Tourism Fundraising Committee unveiled a pair of new signs at the

entrances to town, one at the south end of Norway Road and the second at the north end. Funding for the signs came from events hosted by the committee, according to Brandi Zavislak,

community development officer and committee member.

“These signs are back lit and will have a very bright white LED light on the Canora lettering,” said Zavislak. ”We also

Dennis running for Sask. Party nomination

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Foods for 34 years.

In his time as MLA, Dennis chaired a provincial library review, served a member on a crime reduction committee and was the legislative secretary for education.

“I would say the biggest

thing for me is being the legislative secretary for Ukrainian relations and being able to help the over 4,000 Ukrainians that have come to our province since the war started,” he said, adding it’s a fulfilling task and one that’s close to his heart.

Dennis said education

annual gUN SHOW

Sylvia Fedoruk Centre (Canora Curling Rink) Vendor Set Up

and health care are challenges he continues to work on. He said he and the government worked to come up with solutions for problems at the Kamsack Hospital and is expecting more staff coming to work at the Canora Hospital.

“When I can help do things like that together to keep my area in the province growing, it’s really rewarding for me and I want to continue on it.”

plan to plant some decorative shrubs and flowers that will compliment the signs nicely. Irontown Manufacturing did a fabulous job making these signs.”

She said the Canora Tourism Fundraising Committee has worked tirelessly to fundraise for the new town entrance signs. “We have hosted numerous community events which promoted tourism and commerce in our community as a

whole. The committee is extremely proud of this endeavour and looks forward to hosting more events and fundraising for community enhancement projects. We as a committee take a tremendous amount of pride in our community.

“Not only do our events draw in a significant amount of tourism and stimulate commerce within our business community, we are also improving our community at the same time. All of

Video and Interactive Artist of the Year by the Saskatchewan Country Music Association. Currently JJ is writing songs in preparation for release later this year.

this is at no cost to the taxpayer. We are tremendously proud of this.”

“Our committee would like to thank everyone for attending our events and making all of our fundraising events a huge success,” concluded Zavislak.

The next fundraising event hosted by the Canora Tourism Fundraising Committee is Full Moon Friday, coming up this Friday, June 2, at the Canora Curling Rink.

Wilson running for Sask. Party nomination

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Wilson said he has a proven track record of leadership in public service, serving as mayor and deputy reeve for the

Village and the RM of Buchanan since 2016. He added he also has a strong background in the local business community, formerly serving as a general manager for G.W. Construction Ltd. in Buchanan.

“As a lifelong resident of the community, accomplished businessman and son of a farmer he understands the challenges faced by residents and businesses in the constituency,” said a media release announcing his candidacy.

His wife Renee is a registered nurse in the

chemotherapy department at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre.

“New voices and new ideas are the backbone of democracy,” Wilson said. “My candidacy gives Saskatchewan Party members in Canora–Pelly the opportunity to embrace change or maintain the status quo.”

Wilson said he is committed to being an effective advocate for Canora–Pelly. His priorities include agriculture, infrastructure development, economic growth, and quality healthcare and education services.

JJ Voss will take to the stage at Crystal Lake for a concert on the beach on July 8.

RCMP ACTIVITY REPORT

Three-year-old reported roaming alone near busy highway

BY SGT. DEREK FRIESEN Canora RCMP Detachment

CANORA – The Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to 69 calls from May 18 to May 25, some of which included: four 911 Act calls, one check stop, nine Child Welfare Act calls, one criminal harassment, two disturbing the peace, two frauds, two lost and founds, two mischiefs, 10 other provincial calls, 30 traffic offenses, one uttering threats, one suspicious person, one trespassing, one wellbeing check, and two prisoners.

Child safety concerns

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP were dispatched on May 24 to a complaint that a three-year-old child was found running around by himself near Norway Road in

Canora. Police located the child and the parents at a nearby residence. Both mom and dad were arrested for outstanding warrants and Yorkton Child Family Services was contacted to assist with the call.

Snowmobile theft

On May 24, the Canora/Sturgis RCMP received a call about a stolen 2010 black Polaris snowmobile with trailer from a property at Burgis Beach on May 24. The theft occurred between mid-October and Nov. 26, 2022.

Driver sobriety check

May 20 was National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. Canora/Sturgis RCMP members completed roving patrols and stopped dozens of motorists to check for

driver sobriety. In addition to checking vehicles, boats were checked at Good Spirit Lake and ATVs in the Endeavour area.

Lock up bikes

On May 19 the Canora/Sturgis RCMP were dispatched to a report of a stolen bike in Canora. Police have identified a suspect. Multiple bicycle thefts have been reported in Canora so police would like to remind the public to lock up their bikes.

Bicycle rodeo

Members of the Canora/Sturgis

RCMP and the Canora Fire Department held a bike rodeo at the Canora Junior Elementary School on May 19. Students were given the opportunity to learn, practice, and demonstrate their bicycle

handling skills. Helmets were also handed out and bikes were given a safety check.

Report tips and information

If you have any information about these or any other crimes, or any substances involved in these incidents, please contact the Canora RCMP at 306563-4700, or you can also report anonymously via Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a SaskTel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).

Amid rapidly rising costs, town council approved Canora’s 2023 budget

This year’s budget, according to the Town of Canora, was a challenge for council members, in that while they have been planning some bigger projects, the costs of capital work has skyrocketed.

Planning for the construction of a transfer station began more than a year ago and since that time, the estimated costs have increased from about $1 million to $2.4 million, according to Michael Mykytyshyn, chief administrative officer.

“The work will be going to tender shortly and council is cautiously optimistic that perhaps the bids will be lower than the engineer’s estimates,” said Mykytyshyn.

“The station will replace

the existing landfill, which will be decommissioned next year at an estimated cost of more than another $2 million. Of note, is that these projects were not initiated by town council, but are necessary due to the changes in provincial regulations regarding solid waste management.”

This unexpected increase in costs for the transfer station had a negative impact on the remainder of the budget for 2023. Other important projects had to be put on hold, including some heavy equipment purchases and large-scale street paving.

“To offset costs, council agreed to a $40 raise in the minimum property tax rate and a 0.5 mill increase in

the mill rate. This will bring in about $110,000 more tax revenue than last year, an increase of just over five per cent overall.

“Council felt the increase was necessary, especially after holding the line on all other fees this year, including water and garbage rates. Mill rate factors remain at .67 for agricultural, .87 for residential and 2.3 for commercial properties.”

Just as the cost of living continues to go up, so do the costs to run a municipality.

“For example, there is no municipal program or rebate for the carbon tax,” said Mykytyshyn. “The Town pays more for fuel, electricity and heat, the same as everyone else, but

receives no rebate or relief.

When you think about the number of vehicles, equipment and buildings the Town operates, these costs are huge.

“And while the demands and expectations of the public keep increasing, no one ever wants to pay more. Municipalities are required by legislation to table a balanced budget, so when costs to provide the same services increase, the only way to make revenues equal expenditures is to charge more or reduce levels of service. This does not even take into consideration new services.”

Total revenue and expenses in 2023 are close to $8.2 million, with about $4.7 million of that in

operating accounts. Capital funding and expenses are just over $3 million. Total tax revenue in the 2023 budget is slightly over $2.1 million or about 26 per cent of this year’s total revenue.

Other projects include water main replacements for about $470,000 and repairs to the main sewer lift of about $250,000.

“Council has heard much speculation in the community about building a new skating rink,” continued Mykytyshyn. “The rumors are inaccurate and council has not made any decisions regarding the future of the Civic Centre. Council did, in fact, budget for an engineer’s study to determine options for the facility. Only once this feasibility study is

completed and council has good data will they discuss and make decisions on what’s in store for the rink.”

Despite the fact that the Town cannot fund all of the wants and needs of the community all at the same time, there has been positive movement towards accomplishing some of the former recently.

“The Canora Tourism Committee has been working countless volunteer hours to fund-raise for several improvements around the community, including the new entrance signs that were installed recently. And, because of their efforts, there were no budget dollars spent and no cost to taxpayers,” concluded Mykytyshyn.

Getting bike safety tips and cool stuff from the experts

On May 19, Canora Junior Elementary School was the site of a bicycle safety rodeo held by members of Canora & District Fire Rescue and the Canora/Sturgis RCMP.

Students had the opportunity to learn and practice their skills when it comes to handling their bikes. Helmets were handed out and bikes went through a safety check.

“I would like to thank the local RCMP and Fire Department. for putting this on,” said CJES Principal Rod Steciuk, and for getting all the helmets and prizes and a prize

package for all the kids. This was a great event that teachers took the ‘in class’ opportunity to rally around to promote bike safety.”

Students at CJES took part in a bike safety rodeo on May 19, put on by members of Canora & District Fire Rescue and the Canora Sturgis RCMP.

123 First Avenue East (Box 746)

Canora, Saskatchewan

Phone: 306-563-5131 · Fax: 306-563-6144

Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.: 8 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm

Tues.: 8 am – 12 pm, closed afternoons

LOOKING BACK A decade ago

Serena Lazaroff of the Canora Composite School team excelled at senior hurdles during the pre-district track-and-field meet in Canora, and also represented the school in long jump, triple jump, and high jump at the district competition in Yorkton.

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To conclude the Silver Rose Program service in Canora, Rod Degenstein passed the silver rose to Mel Doetzel to take to Sturgis for a similar service the next day. The silver rose is a symbol of respect for life.

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Having the support of sponsors meant much to boosting the confidence of four Canora Grade 12 students for raising money to be involved in the Global Vision trade mission to the Far East in August. Planning to be part of the mission were: Calving Kuang, Laura Weinbender, Haley Tratch and Kevin Park.

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Lisa Pasloski was the winner of the door prize during cards night at PALS in Rama, sponsored by Club 31, which always welcomes new members to socialize, have fun, and enjoy a lunch.

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Hélène Tremblay-Boyko said Anita Isernhagen and Albano Campagna , originally from South America, had become an integral part of the success of BreadRoot Farms, dedicated to growing everything organically.

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The Canora Supers cruised to an easy 15-1 victory over the Swan River Reds in the season home opener at Al Sapieha Field. The game was close until the Supers blew it open with 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth to pretty much decide the final outcome, according to Greg Andreychuk , player/coach.

Perspective

Finding ways for nature and agriculture to coexist productively

It’s always seemed that agriculture and nature were somehow interconnected.

While the relationship might not exactly be complimentary – deer eat bales and geese eat grain – there is also an understanding that nature is important.

At least that was the case when on the farm in my youth a half century ago.

Back then farms were, of course, quite different from today. Farms were significantly smaller, and while the trend to specialization was starting, most farms were mixed.

That was important in an acceptance of nature where wetlands and clumps of bush were fine for livestock pastures and nature too.

As the move to huge equipment covering massive acres on grain-only farms evolved there was no desire to work around sloughs and trees, and so they have often been plowed under – the loser being the creatures who used both as home.

It is somewhat ironic I suppose when you consider I recall my grandfather

talking about having to clear his homestead quarter of trees with axe and horse.

My father’s generation was the one planting rows of trees across farmland to create a windbreak to reduce wind erosion after the devastation of the drought of the 1930s.

And it was my generation tearing out those windbreak rows because they were an issue for new supersize equipment.

Of course it is about balance and farmers have a business to run, and a living to make.

That said though, nature is important and both the farm sector and society have to always keep that in mind.

That is why a couple of ‘days’ are important.

The first is Arbor Week ,

which is an observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees.

“The establishment of Arbor Day in Canada is credited to Sir George W. Ross, later Premier of Ontario, when he was Minister of Education (1883-1899).

Ross established Arbor Day ‘to give the school children an interest in making and keeping the school grounds attractive.’ The planting of trees and of having school gardens soon became an important part of the life of many schools across Canada,” wrote Walter Farquarson in a Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association article.

With the increased awareness of the threat of greenhouse gases and how

they can impact climate, trees are increasingly recognized as important to help address that problem.

Planting and preserving trees is critically important to the planet’s future.

The other important ‘day’ is World Migratory Bird Day. While, as mentioned earlier, not all birds are loved by farmers – especially those that munch crops – but imagining a world without migratory birds is not a pleasant future to think of.

All of Saskatchewan and most of Alberta are part of the Central Flyway, which encompasses a large portion of North America’s interior. From Canada’s boreal forest and parklands across the Great Plains down to the Texas Gulf Coast, this flyway is home to a large percentage of North America’s ducks and geese, notes ducks.ca

And, again, the key is finding balance. We need farmers to be successful in producing the food we need, but for a bright future we need trees and birds and nature in general.

Improving the soil can improve the taste of garden produce

Years ago, there was a gardening show, The Manic Organic . Have you ever seen it? It was hosted by Antony John, an organic grower near Stratford, Ont. Not only was he wonderfully entertaining but was passionate about organic gardening and delighting the senses with the bounty of the garden. We learned something every time we watched one of his programs, and guess what? You can find some of them online!

We also had some episodes taped, and in the one we watched recently, Antony was talking about the beautiful gourmet greens that they grow on their farm. There was a variety of lettuces, like crisp baby romaine, and a luscious red oak leaf. My, they looked delicious when he assembled them into a salad with grilled tomato slices and local goat cheese! But while he was munching on these delightful lettuces as he cut them out in the field, he mentioned something about their “terroir.” Terroir (pronounced “terr-wah”) means “sense of place,” but in gardening language, it means that the place where you are growing something affects how it will taste. So, if you grew red oak leaf lettuce in your garden, and we grew it in ours, it might not taste the same because of the different characteristics in our soils.

The idea of terroir originated in French winemaking, because growers realized that wines from various regions

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or even various regions of the same vineyard had distinct flavours. All kinds of factors came into play: the composition of the soil, what slope the vines were planted on, how much rain they had. These factors make wines from a certain region unique; that even if someone planted the same grapes and made the wine the exact same way somewhere else, it would not taste the same. Winemakers carefully reserve the right to protect the kind of wine they make in their area because of terroir. So that’s an interesting factoid!

But now, out to our gardens! For gardeners, then, terroir means that our vegetables will taste better if we do all we can to enhance where they grow. I’m sure that at some point in your life, you tasted a fresh tomato or a crisp cucumber that was absolutely bursting with flavour, and

much more delicious than you had ever tasted before. Did you wonder why that was? To me, the starting point is healthy soil.

This is the point where we have to talk about compost. The process of making compost is accessible to everyone, even gardeners with a very small yard. It can be made in mega-compost makers made from pallets, or made in containers as small as ice-cream pails, or even trench-composting. You can almost hear the plants growing when you mix that beautiful compost into the soil. Adding nutrient-rich organic matter to our soil, and keeping it free of chemicals, is bound to result in a better soil, and better taste in our veggies. They draw in what exists in the soil, so we want it to be the best that it can be!

International Compost Week was May 7 – 13 and even though it is past, it is worth talking about anytime, because compost is so important. The Compost Research and Education Foundation website (compostfoundation. org/ICAW) tells us what the week is all about. Please visit the site, because it has great information. Healthy soil, and improved terroir, is attainable to all of us simply by composting our organics.

Let’s all do what we can to improve our soil, and we’ll be enjoying delicious fruit and veggies in the future. Enjoy your garden and have a wonderful week!

Healing and touching the body of Christ

Erik Fitzgerald, a young pastor and father to be, lost his wife and their unborn son when the driver of another car fell asleep at the wheel after working a long shift as an EMT. Amongst the pain and grief, Erik was overcome with compassion for the young man, Matthew Swatzell, responsible for taking the lives of his family.

Faced with the decision in the case against Matthew whether to push for the maximum penalty or opt for a lesser charge, Erik chose the lesser charge to demonstrate God’s forgiveness and love. In a chance meeting with Matthew in a store, Erik reached out to him in an embrace, and they began to talk.

The two developed a deep friendship despite the tragic circumstances. This was an unbelievable demonstration of forgiveness and complete restoration that only God can facilitate.

I think every Christian is called to the ministry of healing, the ministry of touch, the ministry of presence. When we can do that for one another, we will heal each other. We will heal this world. We will heal the Body of Christ.

The Resurrection of Jesus makes all this possible! It shows us that Jesus has power over sin and death. We

COUGAR CORNER HEADLINES

Pause for Reflection

have power over sin and death. We can leave the old life of sin, of unforgiveness and grudges. Love is stronger than death and sin. We can be “dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 6:11).

Father Brendan McGuire shares a meditative experience he had some eight years ago visiting the place of Christ’s Crucifixion. In a discursive meditation, McGuire imagined himself in the praetorium seeing the body of the scourged and flogged Jesus. He was face down, covered with wounds.

“I was so in shock, I ran to Him and knelt down. I put my hands on Him and said, ‘Oh Jesus, what have they done to You?’ And as I put my hand on Him, He writhed

in pain, and jarred backwards. I realized that I had now hurt Him more as I tried to help.

“Then He heard my voice. He pulled Himself up and rolled back over on His other side with great pain and propped Himself up. Adding to my shock, He was covered with welts and scars on the front of His body too. Not a single inch to be seen that was unscarred.

“I’m thinking, how could they do this to a human. Why would they do this to You, Lord? Just then, I saw a space just above His chest that had no open wound. So, I put my hand right there and my hand on His hand. He smiled gently and then He was comforted.

“It was good for Him, and it was good for me to be able to help. Then He leans up and says, ‘Brendan, in your ministry, when you reach out to help people, don’t touch their wounds. Search for the place they have no wounds and touch them there because there you will heal.’”

We are called to look for that one space in a person’s heart; one space in a person’s life to try and touch them there so that we can bring healing to one another, McGuire says. When we can do that for one another, we will heal each other. We will heal this world. We will heal the Body of Christ, says McGuire.

Indigenous police officer speaks to students

A former Canora Composite student, now author and police officer, made a stop at CCS on May 16 to speak to students in a seminar welcoming staff and students from Kamsack Comprehensive Institute.

John Langan spoke about his life and presented several stories about himself and his career in policing including how he faced hate and discrimination as a kid and as an adult constantly moving around Saskatchewan.

John was once a student at Canora Composite. He and his brothers came to the school in April 2003 and Langan said he remembered students in the halls joking around about his Indigenous culture.

One of his stories was about responding to a call about someone being assaulted with bacon while on duty in Saskatoon. He also told stories about his time with the military at Moose Jaw, Dundurn and Thompson, Man.

Some of the memories shared were more humourous than others, all in an attempt

to get the point across about discrimination and to be who you really want to be. The stories drove the lesson harder into the minds of younger students and the people who might learn something from his experiences. Langan also promoted his book, Iskoces Tipiskak: A Spark In The Dark , about driving youths in the right direction.

“Iskoc ē s Tipiskak shows how culture, hard work and the right community supports helped John Langan turn a challenging past into being an upstanding role model in the community,” said Wab Kinew, author, musician and leader of the Manitoba NDP. “This book is a story that can help those who want to understand how to help Indigenous youth be all they can be.”

At the end of the presentation, he signed a number of books and sold them to students.

Cougar Corner Investigation: How healthy is a Happy Meal?

Canora Composite’s Health Science 20 class got down to business on May 13 as students

attempted to test a McDonalds Happy Meal for nutrients during a lab called “the McMush lab” while studying the digestive system. The meal that consisted of a six-piece chicken nuggets, fries, yogurt, sauce, and coke. The food was blended together and placed in test tubes. A number of tests were conducted searching for protein, salt, Vitamin C, and glucose.

The Happy Meal concoction tested positive for salt, fats and glucose. Unsurprisingly, the meal tested negative for Vitamin C and protein. After the lab it

was found that a chicken nugget from McDonalds is only about 40 percent actual chicken. The prediction of the results of the tests were for the most part correct and pretty easy to guess, however it was interesting for students to figure out.

Grad barbecue

The Grade 12 students hosted a barbecue outside the Co-op food store on May 18 to fundraise for their upcoming graduation. A hamburger was $4, a cheeseburger went for $5, and a pop was $2. The students were the ones flipping the burgers. The barbeque

was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the lineup was long and busy. Graduation is set to be held on June 29, 2023.

Global Stories Of The Week: Missing 11-yearold found

An 11-year-old boy from Southern Saskatchewan is safe and sound after going missing. According to CTV News, around 5 p.m. late Friday May 19, RCMP recieved 911 reports suggesting that 11-year-old Devin Thompson was missing. Coronach RCMP called for the public’s assistance in finding Devin. The boy, who

is from the hamlet of Readlyn, became the subject of a search and rescue. According to a report released by CTV Regina, “Ground and air searches were concentrated two miles west of Highway 36 and eight miles south of Crane Valley.” In an RCMP update released at 6:34 p.m. on Saturday, the boy had been located following a daylong search. During the final update released on Saturday, the RCMP report read, “Thank you to the many people, communities and partner agencies who assisted in locating Devin.”

Local employee recognized for many years of loyal service

Ward Manahan, assistant manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions, serving farmers in the Canora/Buchanan/Veregin region, was recently celebrated for his many years of valued work.

On May 24, he received an award for 35 years of service, presented by Nick Koroluk, Nutrien branch manager for East Central Saskatchewan.

In addition to Nutrien, Manahan has also worked for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Viterra, Crop Production Services.

“Ward has put in all his years in Canora and surrounding area and is well

known by all farmers in the area,” said Koroluk. “He is very knowledgeable about all products, well liked by all customers, provides very good customer service, and gets along with all staff.

“From the staff and management at Nutrien we would like to congratulate Ward on 35 years of service.”

Ward farms south of Canora with his wife Cindy. The couple has two daughters, Cassie and Lexie.

In addition to farming, the Wards have a variety of animals including: goats, horses, cats and a collection of Dachshund (wiener dogs).

Ward Manahan (left) was recognized on May 24 for 35 years of service by Nutrien Ag Solutions, which works with producers in the Canora/ Buchanan/Veregin region. Making the presentation was Nick Koroluk, Nutrien branch manager for East Central Saskatchewan.

John Langan photographed in front of a banner of his book Test tubes full of McMush being tested for nutrients

The history of the region highlighted at Draft Horse Field Days

“We show people what happened in this area about 100 years ago and how the land was broken for farming. Farmers opened up this area with horses and made it what it is today. Most people today get their food at Safeway and have no idea.”

That’s how Walter Hughes, President of PALS (Performing Arts and Leisure Society) described the importance of the annual Draft Horse Field Days held in Rama on May 20 and 21.

Organizers appreciated being blessed with a dry weekend this year, especially since rain forced cancellation of the event

in 2022. Saturday was fairly warm. Sunday turned out to be a bit chilly for late May.

“Sunday was a little cool, but not bad at all. It was actually better for the horses,” said Nancy Genoway, one of the volunteer organizers. “There was a steady stream of people coming and going both days. I think there were over a hundred each day. We were very happy with the turn out!”

Horse-related activities over the weekend included: discing, harrowing, seeding, and a driving competition.

Teamsters who brought their horses for one or

both days included: Ron Turner of Archerwill (Percheron team), Duncan Arthur of Preeceville (one grey Percheron and two Haflinger/ Friesian crosses), Keith Neumier of Langenburg, (two Percheron teams), Lloyd Smith of Pelly (two Percheron teams), Cameron Last of Lintlaw (Clydesdale team), as well as Kristina Just and her daughter Jillian of Yorkton, who brought a Clydesdale team and a team of Norwegian Fjord horses.

Among the organizers, those with a little more experience recall working with draft horses on their family farms in the ’40s and ’50s.

“I remember when I was a kid in the Porcupine Plain area, farmers were still working the fields with horses,” said Walter Hughes. “Horses are quieter than tractors, but then again, they don’t have air conditioning or a radio.”

“I remember still using horses on the family farm at age 14 for cutting and raking hay as well as harvesting,” added Ron Mocyk.

PALS has a full lineup of horse drawn farm equipment which is made available to teamsters during

Draft Horse Field Days.

Hughes, Mocyk and Louis Swiderski thoroughly checked over the equipment prior to the event to make sure it was ready to head out to the field.

The field activities included seeding three acres of oats, which will be used for future fall threshing demonstrations.

The PALS drill is a 10foot, 20-run Cockshutt unit which Mocyk estimates is from the late ’40s.

“We went right through it to get it ready; greased everything, replaced any broken parts and tightened bolts.”

Most farm equipment in the PALS collection was donated by farmers in the region, and they are still open to more donations.

In his mid-twenties, Jeff Pinder is one of the younger volunteers, and Hughes said they encourage more young people to get involved to make sure that Draft Horse Field Days continues indefinitely.

Duncan Arthur has been a regular teamster in Rama in recent years, and this year brought a grey Percheron along with two Haflinger/Friesian cross horses.

“I enjoy working with horses. It’s quieter, smoother, and I’ve been doing it pretty much all my life. Dad used horses

on the farm.”

Arthur said he enjoys coming to Rama to visit with the other teamsters, and regularly picks up useful tips.

“We still use horses for farm work such as feeding livestock in winter, haying and raking in summer. We also use them for levelling

hills in the pasture.”

Jillian Just was driving a pair of Clydesdales, both six years old, that are “still pretty green for a team, and they’re still learning to work together.

“It’s fun coming here,” said Just. “I enjoy the atmosphere and the

23061DS0

At PALS Draft Horse Field Days in Rama, spring seeding took place with a 1940s vintage, 10-foot Cockshutt drill planting oats. Providing the horsepower was a team of four Clydesdales, driven by, from left: Cameron Last. Jeff Pender and Jillian Just. Pinder was in charge of using the power lift lever to raise the drill out of the ground at the corners, basically what is done by hydraulics on modern drills.

A group of dedicated volunteers is key to the ongoing popularity of PALS Draft Horse Field Days at Rama. From left: Ron Mocyk, Walter Hughes (kneeling) and Louis Swiderski went over this disc before it was hooked up to horses for field work.

Jeff Pinder, one of the volunteers eager to help during the event, assisted with hooking up Duncan Arthur ʼs team to a set of discs.

Jillian Just of Yorkton hooked up the Clydesdale team of Duke (left) and Andy for a few rounds of discing.

Kristina Just of Yorkton chose a set of harrows for field work with her team of Norwegian Fjord horses Dancer (left) and Buddy (right).

The history of the region highlighted at Draft Horse Field Days

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 people; it’s a really relaxing weekend. I’ve always enjoyed working with horses and doing field work, it’s a unique experience.

“I’m a big fan of the historical aspect, how the horses are so important to the history of this region.”

Just said she has learned a lot from the more experienced teamsters that come to Rama, “how to run the different pieces of equipment,

what settings work the best and so on. I also get tips on horsemanship, learning how to treat them well while still getting the work done.”

Just’s mom Kristian was another teamster who enjoyed doing some field work at the Rama event. She pulled a set of harrows with a team of experienced 20-year-old Norwegian Fjord horses.

“I like them because they’re good workers, but smaller than some other breeds and a bit easier to

handle”

Kristina said draft horses in the twentyfirst century have to be handled more carefully than they were about 100 years ago.

“Today’s draft horses aren’t in as good shape as they were years ago they were used in the fields all the time, so we try to give them a rest break here and there out in the field,” she said. “But we still use them on the farm for cleaning the barn and the chicken coop, and

luring the cows home by having the horses pull the feed wagon.”

Saturday’s events included a friendly driving competition where drivers and their teams were timed right from when they pick up the yoke to hook the wagon to the horses, to when they complete the driving course, including demonstrating control of the

horses while walking and trotting.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a horsedrawn coach provided by Norval and Vera Budd of Norva Clydesdales of Kelliher. Pretty much everyone at the event looked to be eager to take a ride.

“I built the buckboard coach 26 years ago for my daughter’s wedding,”

said Norval. “I bought the wheels but then designed and built everything else from scratch.”

“It had been in storage for about the last four years.so I decided to contact the Rama organizers and bring it here to give rides around the grounds.”

Sunday’s events included Cowboy Church. (see details on Page 8).

After some hard work in the field, the horses relax and enjoy some well-deserved hay.

After some hard work in the field, the horses relax and enjoy some well-deserved hay.

Cameron Last of Lintlaw gave coach rides with his Clydesdale team- Jade (left) and Railey (right). The coach was provided by Norval and Vera Budd of Norva Clydesdales, who made the trip from Kelliher.

Duncan Arthur of Preeceville did some discing with his three-horse team, two Haflinger/Friesian crosses with a grey Percheron. From left, were: Daisy, Maude and Susie.

Cowboy Church places focus on the holy during outdoor service

Somehow it seems easier to feel God’s presence while worshipping in the great outdoors, and churchgoers had the special opportunity to do just that on May 21 at the Cowboy Church Service in Rama.

Providing a wide variety of sacred music throughout the service were: Nancy Genoway (vocals & spoons), Shelden Landstad (vocals,

guitar & mandolin), Judy Johnson (vocals), Marilyn Fredsberg (vocals & 12 string guitar) Jordan Halifax (vocals & guitar), Gene McKenzie (vocals & bass guitar) and Pauline Stefankew (vocals & guitar).

The well-known songs played by the group included: I Saw The Light, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, God must be a Cowboy at Heart, Old-Time

Loving Memory

Religion, This Little Light of Mine, and I’ll Fly Away.

In addition to offering her singing talents, Judy Johnson shared A Farmer’s Prayer.

“Lord bless this land you’ve given me

And may I always know

As I tend each crop and animal

You’re the one that helps them grow

Grant me the strength and wisdom

Please protect me from all harm

And thank you Lord for the precious gift

The blessing of my farm.”

Steve Halifax of Rama led the service, and spoke on the rhythm of life.

“I’d like to thank the Lord for all of his blessings. We have a wonderful tempo as we worship this morning,” said Halifax.

“We have the trees blowing in the breeze. We have animals born on the farm, and eventually they die, and it’s the same with

June

Sadly

people.

“As sure as the night follows the day, light follows darkness,” continued Halifax

“As sure as the sun rises, it must also set. As sure as the rain falls, it must also rise again. As sure as ‘dust you are, and to dust you shall return,’ there must be a continual birth, life, death, resurrection. The cycle must be completed– the perfect circle of eternity – of which God is the designer, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.

“God moves. He is a moving God. He is never still. He is always doing, going, saying, and effecting change in every sphere of creation. He is never static, except for Himself – ‘I am the Lord, I do not change’– except for His Word—‘Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in Heaven’ – and except for the future. His promises to His children – ‘Not

one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.’ Yesterday, today, and forever, Jesus is the same. All things change, but Jesus never.

“When God sent Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, He told him, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’

“God’s name is ‘I AM’ –not ‘I WAS.’ What a wonderful realization! What assurance! What security!

“Change is one thing that drives us closer to God. ‘Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me.’ All things change, but Jesus never. He’s the only thing that remains constant.

“One of the circumstances when this is most evident is when we move to a new place or job or especially a new country. We become accustomed to our homes, things, friends, or habits, and we tend to rely on or trust in those things. When businesspeople, teachers, or students go to foreign countries to work or study, some of them experience culture shock, because they’ve been used to having the same thing all their lives – the same language, the same friends, the same place to live. All of a sudden, they can’t rely on those things anymore.

“As Christians, we have

a head start on adapting to changes because we have an anchor that holds us steadfast and sure. We have a rock that is always solid that we can always trust. In some ways, our lives are much the same every day because we trust God every day. Our Rock keeps us safe and secure all the time, no matter what the waves are like.

“No matter what happens or where we go or where we live or what the conditions may be, God’s still there, and He’ll always keep us, no matter what. So we can have a wonderful feeling of security that people without faith may not experience, no matter how long they live in the same place and do the same things and go to the same school and have the same house and the same pets and the same friends. Their feeling of security can be interrupted at any moment and fall apart when even one of those things on which they rely changes. Whereas “we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.’

“If you feel buffeted by the waves of life, why not invite Jesus to be your anchor too? Simply ask Him: Dear Jesus, please come into my life and give me the security and stability that comes from knowing You – regardless of what’s going on around me. Amen.”

Steve Halifax of Rama was the worship leader at the Cowboy Church Service, and spoke how Jesus helps us through the ups and downs in the rhythm of life, including the good times and the hard times on the farm.

Just a short walk from where the draft horses spent a good part of the weekend working, music for Cowboy Church was provided by, from left: Nancy Genoway from Rama (vocals & spoons), Shelden Landstad from Rama (vocals, guitar & mandolin), Judy Johnson from Preeceville (vocals), Marilyn Fredsberg from Wynyard (vocals & 12 string guitar) Jordan Halifax from Calgary (vocals & guitar), Gene McKenzie from Wynyard (vocals & bass guitar) and Pauline Stefankew from Fishing Lake (vocals & guitar).

First spring cut can be a major challenge

BY KAARE ASKILDT

It has already been established that due to my advanced age and various related conditions, I have been sidelined to being an observer.

Marion hauled the lawnmower out of the shed and tried to start it. No luck, she chided herself for not draining out the gas last fall. She lifted the mower up on a hip-high planter so she could better get at the carburetor. That was when I entered on to the scene. She had a multitude of wrenches of various sized, but none fit the little carburetor hexagon screw. That’s when it dawned on her that she had brought imperial tools to a metric job. How was she to know?

After searching the shed and basement, she finally found the metric tool set that was hidden in a basement cupboard totally unrelated to tools. While she was searching the basement, I decided to take a look in the shed for other lawnmowerrequired tools or parts, and I found a brand-new sparkplug that we had bought last year, as well as an engine starter spray. First things first, we decided to replace the old sparkplug, which required a special sparkplug socket. The first one she tried was too short. She uttered a few unladylike phrases, then found the longer one in the metric tool set. I helped her assembling an extension on to the ratchet and

socket. She unscrewed the sparkplug and tried to disassemble the ratchet from the extension and socket. I’m not a mechanic but at least I knew to push on the back of the ratchet, causing the extension to pop off.

“Wow!” said Marion.

“That was simple.” For years, she had been prying with a screwdriver while pulling with a pair of pliers.

We decided to get some more engine spray before working on the carburetor, so Marion drove to the Co-op gas station and hardware store to resupply. There she ran into a young man who told Marion how to clean the carburetor without disassembling the engine. She came home, did as the

young chap had told her, and voila, the carburetor was cleaned.

After a few attempts, the lawnmower decided to cooperate and started. I did the first couple of back and forth passes before Marion took one look at me and put me on the sideline while she finished mowing the law in the yard as well as outside. Just because I’m old she gets to have all the fun. Not fair!

Ole and Sven were enjoying their lunch of Norwegian meatballs and mashed potatoes at Moe’s Bottoms Up Bar and Grille, with shots of Akevitt chased by Moe’s special lager.

“I just bought a new lawnmower,” said Ole, “and I put the old mower

out on the street in front of the house with a “FREE” sign next to it. Somebody came along and took the sign but left the lawnmower.”

“Really?” said Sven, “I guess you should have been more specific.”

Knut came and joined them for a desert of blueberry pie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, along with shots of St. Halvard liqueur and coffee.

“When our old lawn mower broke down,” said Knut, “my wife kept hinting to me that we should either get it fixed or replaced, but somehow, I always had something else to take care of first, like organizing the shed, clean up and ready the boat for the boating season and brewing my own

Fertility management when placing fertilizer with seed

beer. All these things were very important to me.”

“How did she handle that?” asked Ole.

“Well,” said Knut, “after a while she thought it would be a clever way of making her point. When I arrived home from work one day, I found her sitting in the tall grass snipping away at the blades of grass with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched her in silence for a short time and went into the house. I was gone maybe a minute or two and when I came back out again, I handed her a toothbrush. I told her that when she was finished cutting the grass, perhaps she could sweep the driveway. I slept on the couch that night!”

BY KIM STONEHOUSE, MSC, PAG, CROPS EXTENSION SPECIALIST, TISDALE AND ERICA YASKOWICH, AG DIP, ATECHAG, CROPS EXTENSION

KINDERSLEY

SPECIALIST,

With the varied amount of moisture across the province in 2022, some producers were able to apply fallbanded fertilizer and others were not. Those who were unable to may experience pressure on spring banding and consider stretching the limits of seed placed fertilizer. The latter is not recommended as ammonium toxicity and salt effects can reduce germination and damage seedlings.

Last year’s varied moisture and crop production will also result in variable fertility levels – it will be important to soil test all fields. Once fertility is known, decisions can be made as to how much can be banded, how much to seed place and if there is an option to top dress later in the season.

To determine how much fertilizer can be safely placed with the seed, consider things like seedbed utilization and soil texture. Generally, the higher the seedbed utilization and the greater the clay content, the more seed row fertilizer can be used. For further information on safe rates of seed placed fertilizer with

seed, review Guidelines for Safe Rates of Fertilizer Applied With The Seed

Low soil moisture at the time of seeding can increase the risk of fertilizer burn. The recommendation in the guidelines mentioned above are based on soils at field capacity. If there are areas that are not at field capacity at the time of seeding the amounts will need to be reduced by at least 50 per cent.

Safe seed placed rates of fertilizer are also dependent on the crop type and seed quality. Cereals withstand more seed placed fertilizer than oil seeds but, regardless of the crop, seeds with poor vigor will suffer more

damage from fertilizer than vigorous seed.

Combine all these factors and the safe rates of seed placed fertilizer are below most crop’s growing season requirements. An option for producers to increase seed placed nitrogen may be to use a polymer-coated “slow release” urea fertilizer. This product slows the release of nitrogen into the soil, thus reducing seedling damage. Safe recommended rates of seed placed polymercoated urea range from 50 to 100 per cent more than those for uncoated urea. However, research has shown that these recommendations may be conservative if care is taken to

maintain the integrity of the polymer coating.

For more information on fertility management and safe rates of seed placed fertilizer, check out

Near-ideal weather, seeding progressing at furious pace

EAST CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN CROP REPORT

Warm, dry weather has allowed many producers to seed without delay. Seeding progress has reached 58 per cent, up from 21 per cent the previous week, and is on par with the five-year average, which is very reassuring for producers in the region. The early seeded crops that have emerged look very good, but producers also report that weed growth has been rapid, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s weekly crop report of May 16-22. Farmers will be busy performing infield herbicide applications to ensure weeds do not compete with their crops.

Very few parts of the region

received rainfall during the reporting period and some producers in the drier part of the region are concerned about the lack of moisture. The Kenaston area received 15 mm of rain, Allan, 13 mm and the Craik area, 11 mm. This moisture will help emerging crops and pasture grasses for a brief time.

Hot, windy weather has quickly dried out soil across the region. Cropland topsoil moisture is now rated as 65 per cent adequate, 30 per cent short and 5 per cent very short. Hay and pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 56 per cent adequate, 35 per cent short and 9 per cent very short. Pasture conditions are rated as three per cent excellent, 38 per cent good, 38 per cent fair, 16 per cent poor and

five per cent very poor. The majority of cattle are now on pasture with the remaining herds expected to be moved in the next week or so.

Overall, most of the crops are at the normal stages of development for this time of year due to the cool wet conditions in April and early May, which delayed seeding for several weeks.

Most of the crop damage this week was from frost and flea beetles, which have been reported to be a large issue in some parts of the region. Some garden crops have been decimated by the pest since very little canola has emerged. Producers will be very vigilant of their canola and will spray the flea beetles if their population reaches economic thresholds.

the Nitrogen Fertilization in Crop Production fact sheet, contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre or your local crops extension specialist.

Fertility management is vital to help crops get off to a good start this spring, beginning with soil testing.

Thanks to warm, dry weather in recent days, seeding progress across the region has caught up to normal for recent years.

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

LINDEN, Beatrice - Beatrice

Linden passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on May 3, 2023, at the age of 92 years. Beatrice Grace was born on January 26, 1931, at Canora, SK, to John and Mary (nee Wus) Prodanchuk. In school, Bea was an exceptional student. She was exceptionally smart to begin with, but she also had an exceptional work ethic. She often got irritated with her brother, Don, who also had very high marks at school but without the effort. Her hard work and high marks paid off through her education with many scholastic awards and scholarships. While her siblings took a year after grade 12, Bea worked the summer after grade 12 at the Canora Creamery then was off to the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. She then enrolled in the University of British Columbia in their psychology department. There, a student named Edwin Lipinski tells the story of him waiting anxiously to find out who his lab partner would be, when SHE, (he described her as the beautiful woman) entered not just the room, but also his life. After their marriage, they continued their lives and education at Stanford University in California, where Ed earned his degree as a psychiatrist. In time, they returned to Vancouver, BC, to work at Simon Fraser University. Ed was one of the first psychologists to use his dog, Tannish, in therapy sessions. Although they were very busy, they returned every year to the family farm and their loved ones in Saskatchewan. They spent holidays travelling together to conferences or just on vacations in Canada, North and South America, and Europe. It was shortly after their 25th anniversary that, while in Spain, Ed lost his life protecting a careless motorbike on a busy highway. Beatrice was very intelligent, and she was also very tough. She was advised to cremate Ed there, but she was determined to bring him home and she did. Following Ed’s untimely passing, Bea continued her work counselling students at Simon Fraser until she retired. She also continued to travel extensively. A journey of determined effort, once again showing incredible willpower, Bea made the decision to return to Saskatchewan and the family farm near Canora in 2019. She then became a resident of Park Place and made some good friends while living in Canora. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. Bea is survived by her sister, Joanne (Ernest) Moski of Regina, SK. The family gratefully thanks the medical staffs in Canora and Yorkton.In her honour, a Celebration of Life Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, from the Chapel of Leson’s Funeral Home, Canora, SK, with Shawna Leson as certified celebrant officiating. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Paws and Claws Animal Rescue - SK or to the S.P.C.A. - BC, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Bea Linden. Family and friends unable to attend are invited to sign an online guestbook at www.lesonsfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements were entrusted to LESON’S FUNERAL HOME, Canora.

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Rama audience thoroughly entertained at Old Fashioned Hoedown

For anyone who likes their traditional music mixed with a healthy dose of family-friendly humour, St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Rama was the place to be on May 13.

Dance Champion. He was the drummer, but also performed several fiddle tunes, sang the famous auctioneer song “and amazed the audience with his step dancing.”

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Renowned Canadian Fiddle Champion Scott Woods and his All-Star band provided the entertainment with their Old Fashioned Hoedown Woods said he and his bandmates thoroughly appreciated the hospitality.

“They just rolled out the red carpet for us,” he said. “Our show speaks to the rural community. It’s the music the pioneers played, and it speaks to residents even now. Everyone seemed to have a great time, us included.”

Mary Kowalyshyn, one of the organizers of the event, said it was “an uplifting two-hour Bransonstyle show that featured numerous fiddle tunes in the style of Don Messer, Graham Townsend and Al Chomey along with traditional country and Gospel songs that kept the audience entertained and their toes tapping.

Germain Leduc, also a champion fiddler, bass player, piano accompanist and recording artist was part of the band. He impressed the audience while playing the piano with his back turned.

Kathy Musty accompanied the band on piano.

Guest singer, Gloria Dove Bastien of Foam Lake, sang the song Family Bible.

Scott Woods is a two-time winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Contest, two-time winner of the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Championship as well as Fiddle Entertainer of the Year. In 2018, he was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association.

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“The show featured music for all ages: family humour, sensational step dancing and inspirational stories. But what kept the audience in awe was Scott’s keen wit and prowess on his fiddle while using a coat hanger, a broomstick or a toilet plunger as his bow and of course, his famous trick fiddling when he did a somersault and balanced on a rolling barrel all while playing his fiddle.”

Woods was joined onstage by a talented band of musicians.

Kendra Norris, Woods’ sister, is a multiple winner of the Canadian Open Fiddle Competition in the 19-45 class, a three-time Canadian Duet Fiddle Champion with her brother, and a multi-instrumentalist (piano, accordion, and singer). She has a gift for writing harmony and arranging.

Leo Stock, known as “spaghetti legs” is the current Canadian Open Step

Woods said he thoroughly enjoys performing, including connecting with the members of the band, as well as experiencing positive feedback from the audience.

“It’s great to see someone smile when they hear a tune. That usually means the song means something from their history. And it’s special when we meet people with health problems who tell us our show distracts them from their worries.”

Family-oriented humour is an important part of the show, and to hear Woods tell it, the cornier the jokes, the better.

“In Rama, I told the one about Leo Stock, our drummer and step dancing champion, but one day Leo told me he was seeing spots. When I asked if he was seeing a doctor, he said, ‘No, just spots.’”

Woods has performed all over the world for large crowds in the thousands, but also enjoys more intimate settings like the one in Rama

Rama audience thoroughly entertained at Old Fashioned Hoedown

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

He first met up with the organizers from Rama several years ago while performing in Yorkton. They invited Woods to give a concert in Rama in 2020, but due to COVID-19, it took until this year for the visit to come together.

Now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted, the group has a busy schedule.

“We have 39 shows in five provinces on our current tour. We are playing every day for 17 days straight, heading west through Saskatchewan on our way shows in Alberta.”

Possibly the best-known nickname given to Woods is “The Flippin’ Fiddler.”

“Many years ago we were headed to Cape Breton Island for a concert.

The Cape Breton Post newspaper called and asked for an interview,” recalled Woods. “I told them that during the concert I do a front running somersault with my fiddle as one of my tricks. From that interview, the newspaper headline was ‘Flippin’ Fiddler coming to Cape Breton’ and the nickname stuck.”

Woods said he grew

up in a musical home in Ontario as the youngest of four siblings, and by the age of four, he couldn’t wait to learn the fickle. His father Merv played the fiddle and his mother Carolyn played piano, which was how they first met

“Dad would teach us fiddle tunes, I started

playing with the family band, and I gradually took over.”

Following the Rama Hoedown, St. Anthony’s Ladies Club served strawberry shortcake as a special treat in celebration of Mother’s Day.

“It was a wonderful way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend and what a pleasure it was to host these talented entertainers in the village of Rama!” concluded Mary Kowalyshyn.

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What better way to play Roll Out the Barrel than while rolling on a barrel?

Scott Woods and his band opened with a toe-tapping fiddle tune at the Old Fashioned Hoedown on May 13 in Rama.

Loud laughter and applause from the audience rewarded band member and Scottʼs sister Kendra Norris for her impersonation of Minnie Pearl.

Gloria Dove Bastien, guest performer from Foam Lake, sang Family Bible.

Drummer Leo Stock amazed the audience when he sang the auctioneer song at the Old Fashioned Hoedown

Leo “spaghetti legs” Stock showed the Rama audience why he is the Canadian Open Step Dance Champion.

Scott Woods demonstrated the use of a number of items as a bow, including a plunger.