Kamsack Times 2022-11-17

Your holiday shopping guide

Trumpet and bell donated, Legionnaire of the Year named

Members of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion celebrated the fact that they, “after a very long three years,” were able to return to enjoying an evening of fellowship while remembering fallen veterans on Remembrance Day.

Karen Tourangeau, Legion branch president, welcomed everyone to the banquet at the Legion Hall on Nov. 11 for the first time since the branch was forced “to close its doors due to the health crisis in the world that affected us here as well.”

During the banquet, a trumpet that had been played at Legion events for five decades and the bell that had been a part of the HMCS Kamsack corvette were

presented to the Legion branch, and a Legionnaire of the Year was named.

Presenting the trumpet that had belonged to her late husband, Paul Ratushny, Margaret Ratushny, a long-time member of the Legion, thanked the group for honouring her husband and said that the trumpet, and playing it for Legion functions, had been a large part of her husband’s life.

Speaking on behalf of the Hiawatha Chapter of the Eastern Star at Kamsack, Susan Bear explained how during the Second World War, the members of the Eastern Star had “adopted” the crew on board the HMCS Kamsack and provided them with supplies including treats, knitted items

and a much-appreciated and rare washing machine. In thanks, when the corvette had been decommissioned, the crew arranged for the ship’s bell to be donated to the Eastern Star, which had custody of it.

But because the Chapter was forced to close earlier this year, Bear said that arrangements were being made to transfer custody of the bell to the Legion branch, along with a plaque and navy cap.

Explaining that the Legionnaire of the Year award goes to a Legion member who sets an example of volunteer activities and helps run the Legion, Tourangeau announced that this year the recipient of the award was Karen

ON PAGE 7

On behalf of the Hiawatha Chapter of the Eastern Star, Susan Bear, right, presented the bell from the HMCS Kamsack to the Kamsack Legion. Accepting the bell, a plaque regarding the bellʼs history and a Navy cap was Karen Tourangeau, Legion branch president.

The Victoria School gymnasium in Kamsack was the scene of the annual Remembrance Day service held Nov. 11 by the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. See story and photos on page 12

Norquay student enjoys playing in Junior Honour Band

“It was a good experience and good to meet other people from around Saskatchewan who, like me, like playing good music,” Brody Nelson said after having performed as a member of the Saskatchewan Junior North Honour Band in Saskatoon on Nov. 5.

The 13-year-old Grade 8 student at Norquay School was one of about 55 students in the Honour Band, which is an initiative of the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA).

Some didn’t make it because of the storm, and a few more were added last minute, said his mother Candice. They practiced at Aden Bowman Collegiate Nov. 3 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then needed to be at the Lakeview Church for dress rehearsal and pictures by 12:45 p.m. The concert was at 4:30 p.m.

Organizers nearly

cancelled the concert because of the incoming storm, Candice said. “It was pretty icy leaving after the concert.”

The band played four songs under the direction of Jennifer Switzer: March of the Arachnids from the Grand Suite by R.D. Standridge; Bloom by Cait Nishimura; There Will Come Soft Rains by Robert Sheldon; and Loki,

the Evil Trickster of Asgard by Kevin Kaisershot.

In the concert, Brody played timpani, suspended symbol, and claves.

The concert was recorded and will be available on maxTV Local and on demand in SD and HD (channels 48 and/ or 348) in the music category once the concert is reviewed and edited, as well as on the SMEA

YouTube page, Candice said.

The students were provided with the music in September, but really only had less than 20 hours of playing together before the concert, she said.

“Saturday was the best because we ran through all the songs without stopping and I knew this was going to be ‘sick,’”

Brody said. “It was a tiring weekend, but all the hard work paid off.”

Brody thanked Nathan Seghers, instructor of the Timberline Band of which Nelson is a member, for having nominated him.

“I would totally do that again, and hopefully next time the weather won’t suck and Mr. Seghers won’t get stuck

at home and miss out,” he said. “Ha.”

The concert concludes Brody’s music career for a while, other than the regular school band, and possibly some Christmas concerts, Candice said, adding that she plans to audition for the Regina Symphony Orchestra›s performance of Brahm’s Requiem in a couple weeks.

Remembrance Day service held at Eaglestone Lodge

At a Remembrance Day service held at Eaglestone Lodge on Nov. 8, Pastor Stephen Ruten used a version of the address he would later make at the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day observance in which he compared a person’s taking a plate of food from another to a nation invading a neighbouring country.

Ruten compared the taking of a plate of food to the efforts of Adolph Hitler taking over neighbouring countries, and Vladimir Putin having invaded Ukraine.

The service had begun with the singing of O Canada and an opening prayer by Ruten before Ruten had read the

Honour Roll of district veterans who died fighting for Canada.

The Last Post was played, followed by a minute of silence and the playing of Reveill e before the Act of Remembrance was recited.

Ruten urged everyone to remember the names on the Honour Roll.

“Let’s make our contribution to world peace by stopping the fight, the quarrel, we’ve had with someone who comes to mind,” he said. “World peace starts in the home at the table.”

Those assembled sang Nearer, My God to Thee and then the service concluded with the singing of God Save the King

Incumbent and challenger win voters’ favour in RM elections

Of the two rural municipalities within the Kamsack area that

required ratepayers to go to the polls Nov. 9 to determine councillors,

in one the incumbent was re-elected, while in the other, the incumbent was defeated.

At the RM of Cote, where the election day poll was held at the Runnymede Hall, incumbent Councillor Dale Schwartz of Div. 4

received 38 votes, while his opponent, Tanner Chutskoff obtained 13 votes.

Schwartz, and the other two councillors who had been elected by acclamation on Oct. 5, Vern Bowes of Div. 2, and Murray Horkoff, Div.

6, will be taking their oaths of office at the first meeting of council on Nov. 13.

At the RM of St. Philips, where the poll was held at the Happy Hearts Club in Pelly, Ron Sernowski obtained 39 votes for the

Div. 6 councillor’s seat, while the incumbent Councillor Conrad Vogel had 32 votes.

Sernowski and Ron Sorrell of Div. 4 will take their oaths of office at the meeting of council on Nov. 24. The RM of St. Philips has no Div. 2.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday, November 29th @ 5:30pm Room 204 Crowstand Centre.

As a member of the Saskatchewan Junior North Honour Band which performed in Saskatoon on Nov. 5, Brody Nelson, a Norquay School student, can be seen at the back row on the right, standing behind the timpani.

Among the persons attending a Remembrance Day observation at Eaglestone Lodge in Kamsack on Nov. 8, from left, were: Sandy Nykolaishen at the piano, Pastor Stephen Ruten, and members of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion: Audrey Girling, Sharon Rudy, Diane Larson, Judy Green, Diane Smutt, Diana Belovanoff and Margaret Ratushny.

Banners honouring veterans placed on Kamsack main street

Last week three doublesided banners honouring Kamsack veterans were placed on light standards on the community’s main street.

An initiative of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the banners are a way of recognizing Kamsack veterans of military and

police service, said information from the Legion. Families of veterans contact the Legion so that banners may be printed.

Beginning this year, the banners are to be hung each year during Veterans’ Week prior to Remembrance Day. Each side of each banner contains a photo, name

and brief service record of a different veteran, along with a Canadian flag with the motto “Lest We Forget,” and a row of poppies.

On one side of one banner hung at Kamsack last week is the name of George Charles Badger along with his photo with the notation: “WWII

Army,” while on the other side is the name and a photo of Constable Laurie Cote, with the notation: “RCMP 1974-2003.”

On one side of a second banner contains the name and photo of Raymond Schechtel with the notation: “WWII Holland Army,” while on the other side is the name

and photo of A.T. (Tom) Wakeman and the notation: “Royal Canadian Air Force WWII.”

A third banner contains the name and photo of John W. Welykholowa with the notation: “Royal Canadian Navy 19431945,” while on the other side is the name and photo of Major Doug

New manager and board member acquired at Eaglestone Lodge

A new manager and board member have been acquired by Eaglestone Lodge, which as of last week was only one person short of a full personal care home.

Tricia Sheptak, who has five years’ experience at the Lodge, was hired effective Nov. 1 as the administrative manager who is to manage the business affairs of the corporation, according to the November newsletter being distributed by Doug Elsasser, board secretary.

“Moving up from part-time kitchen/ housekeeping manager, Tricia has handled every job imaginable at Eaglestone Lodge,” the newsletter says. “Her previous work experience as a payrolls clerk in her parents’ drywalling businesses added to her qualifications.”

Karen Bodnaryk, the Lodge’s current volunteer office manager, has agreed to stay on for several months to guide Sheptak through the procedures and computer programs used for payroll, accounts receivable, and paying the bills.

To become more adept in her new management position, Sheptak will complete the Ministry of Health’s personal care home orientation workshop, improve her computer skills, and become better acquainted with human resources and marketing techniques, the newsletter says. She is known for her creative approach, hard work and positive attitude.

“We wish her well,” it said.

The Town of Kamsack has designated Rick Aikman as its second member on Eaglestone’s board of directors. He joins Mayor Nancy Brunt as the two Kamsack board members.

Aikman, a former RCMP officer and driver’s education instructor, has lived in Kamsack for over 30 years, the newsletter says. His experience also includes a three-year term on town

council. Colleen Pennell, the board president, introduced and welcomed Aikman at the monthly board meeting held Oct. 27.

At latest count, 29 full-care residents were living in Eaglestone Lodge, it said. This is only one short of full occupancy. All of the independent rental suites are occupied, with five more possible suite tenants on a wait list.

“This is wonderful news,” the newsletter said. “Revenue received from residents is spent on staff salaries, groceries, insurance, repairs and other expenses. So it appears, at least for the time being, that there are enough people living in Eaglestone Lodge to pay the bills.”

Families, residents, friends and Eaglestone staff were treated to a breakfast of pancakes, sausages, syrup and strawberries, courtesy of the board of directors, on Oct. 28.

The event was well attended and over $500 was collected from visitors, it said. “Thanks to Parrish and Heimbecker of Yorkton for donating the pancake mix.”

Amanda Yaremko, the activities coordinator, organized a Remembrance Day program for Nov. 8, it said. Music practice begins this month and it is expected that up to 15 residents will play carols on chimes in preparation for the annual Christmas concert for which Susan Bear will sing along.

Church services were to take place Nov. 10 and 18; Sylvia Negraeff and Roger Abrahamson are entertaining Nov. 21, and the Mennonite Singers are booked for Nov. 27.

Daily exercises, money and card bingo, floor games, and perogy and cookie making are some of the events planned during November.

Casual Fridays at the Kamsack branch of Affinity Credit Union allow managers and staff to wear blue jeans and comfortable shoes, but it comes at

a price. Everyone who dresses down puts $5 a week into a charity fund and Gerard Kiefer, the branch manager, recently presented Eaglestone Lodge with a donation of $1,640 from that fund.

“We saw value in helping a local charity and supporting a place that cares for elderly community members,” Kiefer said.

Linda Ruf of Rhein, winner of $2,500 in Eaglestone’s October 50/50 cash raffle, gifted $300 back to the Lodge. Other October donations, totaling $370 and four cartons of potato chips, were also greatly appreciated. All cash donors receive federal tax credit receipts.

Michelle Irvine, the manager of Eaglestone’s Saturday garage sale at the Kamsack branch of the Legion, has asked donors to hold their items until May 2023 when more space will be available.

Following the direction of Kathy Wishnevetski, the special care aide manger, Eaglestone’s board recently extended the shifts of hostel service workers from four hours to six and a half hours daily, Monday to Friday, the newsletter says. “This will provide more time for staff to bathe and otherwise care for our valued residents.”

New residents of Eaglestone Lodge are well supported by their family members, it said. “For example, Chris Bear and Jordan Guenther, electrical journeymen, both have grandparents living here. These young men, well acquainted with our electrical system, have an added incentive to help out when called.

“Plumbing expert Bruce David can visit his father after wrestling with our vintage heating system. These family connections contribute to the stability of Eaglestone Lodge and are greatly appreciated by board members tasked with operating the facility.”

Welykholowa and the notation: “Royal Can. Artillery 1965-1968, 19732002 NATO 1973-1982.”

Additional banners are expected to join these three and will be placed on light standards in the community in following years as arrangements are made with families of veterans.

The first three banners of Kamsack veterans of military and police service were hung along main street last week as a way of ho nouring the community ʼs veterans. The banners honour six veterans. From left, they are: George Charles Badger, Const. Laurie Cote, Raymond Schechtel, A.T. (Tom) Wakeman, John W. Welykholowa, and Maj. Doug Welykholowa.

Tricia Sheptak, a Canora resident who has worked at Eaglestone Lodge in a number of capacities for five years, has been hired as the Lodge ʼs administrative manager.

Kev Sumner , the man who had worked for the Saskatchewan Soccer Association as co-ordinator of member relations and communications, began work as the recreation director at Kamsack, succeeding Paul Keys who began working at the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton at the end of August.

The Kamsack and District Donor’s Choice campaign raised more than $16,000, which was about 60 per cent more cash for various charities than it had been raising for a number of years.

Recording a canola yield of 91.82 bushels to the acre earned Lakeside Farms of Norquay the title of Canola King from Hudye Soil Services.

After speaking about the healthy properties of seabuckthorn at the Kamsack Seniors’ Centre, Betty Forbes of Saskatoon encouraged members of the Kamsack and District Horticulture Association to consider purchasing products made from the plants’ berries and leaves.

Ivan Fulford of Pelly celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 26.

Among Kamsack air cadets to join Yorkton cadets at Camp Saskadet near Kelvington were Sgt. Brooklynn Andrusiak, Sgt. James Tourangeau and Cpl. Keanna Romaniuk

Students of Keeseekoose Chiefs Education Centre were involved in the school’s third annual health fair which was held during the school’s Spirit Week and involved representatives of several groups that tended booths dealing with various aspects of healthy living.

The Yorkton Harvest Showdown has always held a rather important spot in my memories.

The charm of farm shows lives on The Ag Scene

As I have no doubt written about in the past, one of my firs t assignments as a rookie reporter at Yorkton This Week was to interview the then Yorkton Exhibition Association manager Shaun Morin about the plans for the first Showdown. I found Shaun driving pegs through the asphalt at the Agriplex parking lot to facilitate tie downs for tents being put up to house cattle.

The event has come a long way since then.

But, some stories have threads which continue to weave through the years.

Flash forward to this year’s show, now in its 33rd edition. I am taking photos of some youngsters in the show ring with calves, and Shaun is sitting in the stands. We remind each other of

CALVIN

that interview long ago, and then I learn the sixyear-old in the ring trailing a calf is his grandson. It seems I might well be interviewing a Morin relative one day related to Harvest Showdown.

Of course connections are a huge part of events such as Harvest Showdown, or Edmonton’s Farmfair, or Regina’s Canadian Western Agribition, or the Royal in Toronto –they are places old friends gather each year, often to renew acquaintances made through the same event decades earlier.

I remember in my life before journalism showing stock at Agribition in that show’s earliest

DANIELS

years – the first decade actually. There was a friend of my Dad’s who was a huge wrestling fan, and it so happened my Dad and I watched Stampede Wrestling out of Calgary every Saturday unless seeding and harvest got in the way. Well this friend bought piles of wrestling magazines through the year and he would pass along a huge stack to a voracious young reader and fan. It was a huge part of the Agribition experience for me.

I also look to the Royal for one of my best memories as a youth. I was 12, in Grade 6, and Dad pulled me from class for a week to head east.

We rode the train – the food was great, at least I thought so – and the view from the observation car, amazing.

And the show was incredible. We never saw rabbits, or chickens, or goats at summer fairs back then (1972), but at the Royal they were all there, and I was in awe. It was outstanding.

I do recall my Grade 6 teacher telling Dad I’d learn more on the trip than I would in a week of class. He was correct in that. I doubt I recall a lesson from Grade 6, but I certainly recall the Royal trip.

Fall fairs have a way of creating moments we will not forget.

Shaun and I will always remember that interview long ago.

He will now add a grandson in the show ring to his list of memories, and I was there to see him smiling proudly.

That is the magic of such shows.

The benefits of tea, for drinking and for gardening

Our gardening season is now done. Have you requested any seed catalogues yet? It won’t be long till they start arriving, making us dream of next spring.

As I sit down to chat with you, I’m enjoying a cup of tea. Gardeners can easily grow many wonderful flavourings for tea, whether used on their own, or added to enrich the flavour or regular orange pekoe tea.

Tea has probably been around in one form or another since the dawn of time, but drinking tea has always been something special. Tea invites you to slow down and take a breath. Over the centuries, tea has been used for medicinal reasons, to aid meditation, as a way of expressing social hierarchy, as a treasure on pirate ships, and as a reason for social gathering.

My dear Mom and I always enjoyed tea; tea was the catalyst for many cozy discussions at her kitchen table. Whatever was happening in our lives, we’d laugh and cry and chat and do it all over a cup of tea. I think that whenever I smell the fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea, I will always think about the comfort and love that was always served up, along with the tea, by my Mom. It was a beverage that, in my mind, will forever be equated with these very special, loving times.

Because Mom and I loved gardening, one year we decided to try our own herbal teas. We’d dry chamomile,

The Garden Grapevine

DEBBIE HAYWARD

and make the most soothing, delicious tea! Ancient herbalists believed that chamomile was a general “goodfor-you” herb that could cure everything from nerves to upset stomachs.

We also grew mint and spearmint, both of which made an invigorating tea that really refreshed. There are so many flavours of mint: pineapple, apple, even chocolate mint; imagine how delicious and unique it would be to make tea from these, or even add a few leaves to sparkle up your cup of pekoe tea as it steeps. But make a note for next spring: if you plant mint out in the garden, be sure that it either has its own corner or is contained, because it can be invasive. An easy remedy is to take an old pail, cut the bottom out, and set the pail in a large hole in the garden. Set your mint in the middle of the pail

and backfill. The pail will restrain the exuberant mint from taking over your whole garden. It’s an extra step, but well worth the trouble.

Ginger has long been known to soothe the stomach. My Mom said that Great-Grammie used to prepare a mixture of hot water and ginger for anyone who had an upset stomach, and like the commercial says, it tastes terrible but it works! It’s still a tried and true cure in our family. Very soothing, too, if you think you might feel a cold coming on.

Lavender is a cleansing herb. Doesn’t it make the most delightful tea? Lavender is one of the components of Earl Grey tea. Lavender plants grow well in containers, and the leaves are very easy to dry for tea time!

Is it “thyme” for tea? Lemon thyme also makes a delicious tea, and grows well in our zone.

You know what I read recently? That black pepper tea is said to help a runny nose, coughs and sneezing. Have you ever heard of that? I haven’t tried that, but it’s probably one of those soothing teas that we’ll want to add to our “tea” list. It’s easy to make if we have black peppercorns.

Till next time, enjoy a cup of flavoured tea and check the mailbox for your first seed catalogue for the coming gardening year. Have a nice week!

How Lady sees it: The importance of family

Our dog Lady is very dedicated to protecting us, her family. That’s right, she’s very much part of our family. She approves or disapproves of our visitors using her proven sniffing method. She obeys her three names, Lady Come Here, but most of the time just Lady. In her own words, Lady will tell you about her life.

“It was December 2010; I was six weeks old when I was found half frozen in a snowbank near Norquay. A UPS driver found me and took me to the Home Hardware Store in Preeceville where my mom Marion worked. She brought me home, and I met the toy poodle Snert, a real terror, and Red, a big Mastiff who adopted me and became my surrogate mother. I had fun on the farm chasing after all the animals. I remember one time when dad let me out to do my business in the dark. I saw two strange silhouettes by the granary, I thought they were intruders. My hair got up and I barked and barked, but they didn’t move. Dad came and walked me to the granary where I saw two black five-gallon buckets, I was so relived! That was then.

“Snert and Red have passed on to the heavenly kennel, and now we live in a house in a small town called Wilkie, where I have taken it upon myself, as the only dog, to be the guardian of the house and yard. I bark at other dogs that dare walk in front of our yard and the hair on my back rises to show that I mean business.

“My late uncle Kjell was a seasoned police officer in the Oslo Police Department K9 unit before he moved up to Geilo in the mountains. He suggested that because I’m a black Labrador mix, I would make a good

Observations

KAARE ASKILDT

undercover dog. I decided to try that out, so I jumped on my mom and dad’s bed and burrowed underneath the covers, but I couldn’t see anything, and then mom found me, and I had to swear that I would not try that again.

“I’m older now and content to stay in our yard and play catch with a ball. I get all excited when little Casey comes to play because I just love to interact with her while receiving many hugs and kisses. Mom takes me for walks and sometimes dad comes along as well. He uses a walker that he calls his chariot to keep him balanced. My mom and dad scratch my ears when I walk up to them and look at them with my doe-like eyes; they just can’t resist. After we came home from a road trip one day, my mom asked dad if he had seen the dog bowl, and dad replied that he didn’t know that I could bowl! What a jokester.”

Ole and Sven were enjoying their lunch of smoked salmon and cream cheese on a bun at Moe’s Bottoms Up Bar and Grille, accompanied by shots of Akevitt and Moe’s special lager.

“I heard that Einar went to the police station wanting to speak to the burglar that had broken into his house the night before,” said Ole. “The desk sergeant told Einar that he would get his chance later in court. Einar said to the desk sergeant ‘no, no you don’t understand, he explained that he just wants to know how the burglar got into his house without waking up his dog and his wife.’”

“My dog ate an entire bag of Scrabble tiles,” said Ole, “so I had to take him to the vet.”

“What did the vet say?” asked Sven.

“No word yet,” said Ole.

Knut joined them for cloudberry cream dessert, coffee and shots of St. Halvard liqueur.

“Talking about dogs,” said Knut, “I saw a police officer and his dog approach a scary-looking dude. The policeman said to the dude that the dog was telling him that he is on drugs. ‘I’m on drugs?’ the dude had retorted, ‘you’re the one talking to dogs!’”

“I heard on the news,” said Sven, “that a man had been standing on a street corner in Moscow yelling ‘The President is an idiot!’”

“Wow!” said Knut, “that was brave!”

“The police had grabbed him and put him in handcuffs,” said Sven. “They said that it is illegal to insult President Putin, and the man had said that they were mistaken as he was talking about the Belarus President Lukashenko, he’s the idiot. The police took him away, saying that he couldn’t fool them, as everybody knows the idiot is Putin!”

Kamsack hospital beds reopened after nurses recruited

Five hospital beds are being reopened at the Kamsack Hospital starting Monday, Nov. 14. This was made possible by the successful recruitment of seven registered nurses. Three more physicians have also been recruited to Kamsack. Please join me in welcoming them and thanking them!

On behalf of the community, I would like to thank the physicians and registered nurses who recently started in Kamsack. Because of you, we are able to start restoring the important health care services that the people of Kamsack, and the surrounding area, rely on. Thank you!

This is an important step forward for health care in Kamsack. As your MLA, you have my commitment,

Letter to the Editor

and that of your provincial government, to fully restoring services at the Kamsack Hospital. Fully restoring all acute care beds will require us to recruit additional combined X-ray and lab technicians, and

that work is ongoing. A recruitment incentive of up to $50,000 has been put in place to aid in recruitment. Please know that I, as your MLA, will continue to advocate on your behalf, and that your provincial government is listening and working on this.

Difficulty recruiting health care professionals is a challenge that communities across Saskatchewan, Canada, and the rest of the world are facing. The difference is that Saskatchewan has an aggressive fourpoint Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize, and retain over 1,000 more health care workers to communities across our province.

Terry Dennis Canora-Pelly MLA

Regenerative agriculture: Maintaining soil cover and living roots year-round

BY AUSTIN BARON, AAG, AGRIENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST, SWIFT CURRENT

With changing consumer culture and the significant rise in cost of inputs and land, agricultural producers are being pressed to stretch resources further to meet demands. Annual crop producers are confined by the requirement of seeding and harvest timelines, and livestock producers are confined by feed and grazing. Adding winter annuals and biennial plant species to rotations is a practice that can benefit both annual crop and livestock producers.

In a previous article, the importance of a diverse crop rotation and how it contributes to resiliency was explained. This article will focus on the third and fourth regenerative agriculture principles of keeping the soil covered and maintaining a living root.

A cover crop or polycrop is grown with the intent of providing soil-building benefits and typically contains one or more species of legume, cereal and taproot to achieve the benefits of diverse root types. Plants with alternative lifecycles keep growing roots in the ground longer, providing environmental benefits such as increased water infiltration, strengthening of soil structure and reduced erosion potential. Using winter annuals and biennial species in rotations can improve farm resiliency for both livestock and annual crop producers. Cover crops have been commonly used as green manure as part of organic cropping systems, but cover crops can benefit all

systems, including improving crop yield and improving soil health.

When considering a crop that overwinters, there are three plant lifecycles to be aware of: winter annual, biennial and perennials.

Perennial plants are typically forage plants (bromes, alfalfa, wheatgrasses) and these plants persist for more than three years.

Biennials are plants that take two years to complete their lifecycle. In the first season, the seed will germinate in the spring and the plant will remain in vegetative growth for the summer. After overwintering, the plant will produce a stalk, create a seed and die in the fall.

Winter annuals are plants that germinate in the fall and overwinter as rosettes (a circular arrangement of leaves). Come spring, the rosette will produce a seed and die in the summer.

Annual crop producers need to consider that the seeding date may overlap with harvest. Winter wheat should be planted in late August to early Sept. There is a deadline of September 30 for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance coverage for fall seeded crops. Meeting these recommendations can prove tricky. In response, Wheatland Conservation Area Inc. in Swift Current is studying extending winter wheat seeding dates into October. Results showed that seeding dates after Sept. 15 resulted in reduced plant density while the Oct.26 treatment showed the highest yield. It was noted

that yield is directly related to stored soil nitrogen and moisture, so yield may vary from year to year.

Livestock producers can fall and spring graze winter annuals and biennials with the added potential of baling or ensiling the regrowth. Winter hardiness is a big factor when considering winter grazing fall annuals. Another study in Swift Current looked at winter survival of three varieties of winter triticale, CDC Clair winter wheat and Prima fall rye. Prego triticale had the lowest winter survival, where Primal fall rye had the greatest. This study also looked at forage quality in November, which was linked to seeding date and defoliation prior to winter. The forage stands seeded in July had the lowest forage quality, where August

seeding dates all had similar quality. By using winter and fall annuals, along with biennial plants for expanding grazing options, livestock producers may be able to alleviate stress related to feed shortages.

With winter/fall annuals and biennial plants having the ability to be incorporated into both crop and forage rotations, this practice can enhance livestock and annual crop operations alike. To speak with a specialist regarding incorporation of winter/ fall annuals and biennial plants into your rotations, or to explore your options about keeping soil covered, please contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866457-2377. In our next article, we’ll discuss integrating livestock into your agricultural operation.

This winter wheat field looks to be ready for harvest.

Trade show earns money for Kamsack Seniors’ Centre

A total of 15 vendors participated in the Christmas Trade Show held at the Kamsack Seniors’ Centre on Nov. 5 and as a result, a donation of $290 was presented to the Centre.

The donation represents the fees collected from the vendors after expenses, said Shelley Filipchuk, an organizer of the event.

Several familiar vendors, as well as a rainbow auction, were part of the tradeshow, including Kathy Handzuik with Mary Kay cosmetics, Filipchuk with Tupperware, Nancy Weinhandl with I Used to Be products, Megan Straus with rocks and semiprecious stones, and Charlene Harmary with Young Living essential oils and handmade jewellery.

A novel and interesting addition to the show was a working still that Jena McKee of Bowsman, Man. had at her booth entitled Canadian Flora Essential Oils.

“We’re connecting with nature, one drop at a time,” McKee said. “All of our products are produced from plants that are harvested right here in the Swan River Valley, Manitoba.

“Since these products are all made from plants that we as Canadians already have some familiarity with, I find that we experience a much deeper sense of calm and connection when we use the scents in our daily lives,” McKee said on her Internet webpage: canadianfloraessentialoils.com.

“I just love seeing the excitement and enjoyment in a customer’s eyes when they recognize a scent from their childhood or from their memories in the bush,” she said. “I feel like, these days, many of us are suffering from a lack of connection to the natural world, and through the use of locally produced essential oils and botanical

products, we can find that connection again, without even leaving the house or office.

“Five per cent of every sale is donated to The Nature Conservancy of Canada, so you can feel good about every purchase,” she said.

“You can even just add drops of oil to cotton balls or felt pads and throw them in your gym bag, purse, car, drawers or closets to keep all of your things smelling fresh,”

she said. “Make your own body rollers / massage oil infused with essential oil. Simply add five to 10 drops of your favourite oil to a roller bottle or dropper bottle and add vegetable oil to fill, such as avocado or olive oil.”

One may create a warm and inviting atmosphere by diffusing essential oils in the home/office, she said. “Did you know your wax melter can be used for pure essential oils as well?

Just add water then a few drops of oil before lighting.

“Infuse bath salts with essential oils and enjoy a beautiful ‘nature bath.’

Simply add drops of oil to a container of salts to your

desired smell, then add to bath and enjoy.”

McKee said that she chips the tree material prior to distilling to increase the surface area of material that will be exposed to the steam, and thus increasing the yield of essential oil.

“All products are steam distilled in our food grade stainless steel still,” she said. “We are able to distill about 25kg of chipped tree material per batch, which typically produces about 50-100ml of essential oil. Flower material such as yarrow, mint and rose have a much lower yield.”

Lisa Robertson of Minitonas, Man., tended a booth entitled Resin it Up ‘n’ Cedar Rox Jewelry. It featured tumbled and painted rocks, a resincoated wasps’ hive and ornaments created with resin. She also made a collection of ornaments to hang in windows that pay homage to the flag of Ukraine.

Annie Morenos of Kamsack prepared and served south-east Asian food, including Molo soup, a soup from the Philippines, that was made “from scratch” and included pork and vegetables.

Another vendor new to the Kamsack area was a display of Scentsy products shown by Ashley Vance of Canora who was accompanied by her husband Joseph. Scentsy produces are basically home fragrances and includes various cleaners and household supplies, Ashley explained.

Shelley Filipchuk, right, organizer of the Christmas Trade Show at the Kamsack Seniorsʼ Centre on Nov. 5, presented a cheque of $290 to Denise Podovinnikoff, president of the Centre. The money was raised at the trade show.

The Kamsack Seniors ʼ Centre was transformed into a shop containing many items for a trade show.

Shelley Filipchuk, an organizer of the trade show held at the seniorsʼ centre, discussed the method of distilling essential oils with Jena McKee of Bowsman, Man.

Charlene Hermary of Kamsack tended a booth containing Young Living Essential Oils and jewelry that she made.

A varied collection of products were sold by Lisa Robertson of Minitonas, Man. at her Resin It Up booth at the trade show.

Ashley Vance of Canora, accompanied by her husband Joseph, sold Scentsy products.

Trumpet and bell donated, Legionnaire of the

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Bodnaryk.

“There’s a lot of work that’s involved with maintaining the Legion, both inside and out,” Tourangeau said. “A lot of time and physical labour is required.

“Over the winter months she’s been attending to make sure the furnace is working and she knows who to call when something goes amiss,” she said of Bodnaryk. She’s been looking after the rentals and clean-ups and even has been cutting the grass.

After the banquet of roast beef and ham, with salad, vegetables, cabbage rolls and mashed potatoes was served and enjoyed, cadet F/Cpl. Macy Martinuik made a toast to the fallen soldiers and explained the significance of “the missing man table” set immediately in front of the speaker’s podium.

It is a small table set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member, Martinuik said. It contains a white tablecloth to symbolize the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country’s call to arms.

It has a single rose in the vase symbolizing the blood that service members have

shed in sacrifice and represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members.

A red ribbon represents a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country, she explained. A slice of lemon on the bread plate represents the bitter fate of the missing, salt sprinkled on the bread plate symbolizes the tears shed by waiting families, an inverted glass represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake, a lit candle symbolizes a light of hope that lives in hearts to illuminate the missing’s way home, and an empty chair represents the absence of the missing and fallen.

Tourangeau introduced the head table guests: Rev. Stephen and Betty Ruten; Mayor Nancy and Russell Brunt; Margaret Ratushny, and Susan and Doug Bear, and then toasts were made to “the King” and to Kari Lindsay, the piper, who had led the head table guests to their seats.

She thanked the cooks, cadets and cadet parents for having provided the meal.

Calling the event “a wonderful gathering,” Mayor Nancy Brunt said

that she is missing not seeing many faces of those who have passed away or moved since the last time the Legion had gathered for a Remembrance Day banquet.

“We need to remember them, the fallen soldiers and those who returned from war but were never the same,” Brunt said, adding that she pleads that the cadets serving the meal might never see such a war as had been experienced.

The world is a scary place and people must remember the past and look to a future for a better way that includes being more positive, friendly and caring, she said, urging people to look across the table, say “let’s be friends and let’s take care of one another.

“In that way we may achieve peace for our children and grandchildren,” Brunt said. “May they never have to go to war.”

“I’m pleased this evening that we can come together again and give thanks and honour those who’ve fought for our country and helped other countries when called upon,” Tourangeau said, explaining that she had seen firsthand the efforts of Canadian soldiers when

she had gone to Amsterdam in 2014 and an elderly man had asked to shake her hand and say “thank you” with a tear in his eye.

She said that the man, probably in his 80s, had seen a tiny Canadian flag pin on her backpack and had made her realize that Canadian soldiers had been in the Netherlands and “one way or another, we’re all related to someone that fought in the war.

“When I visited the Canadian graves in Bénysur-Mer and Vimy, I was amazed that the graves were so well looked after,” she said, thanking the citizens for having looked after “our young men’s final resting place.

“That tiny Canadian pin that I had placed on my bag might as well have been a 10 by 20 flag wrapped around me,” she said. “The flag has become the predominant and most recognizable national symbol of Canada.”

Tourangeau made mention of her Uncle George who had been a Prisoner of War during the Second World War and had died on Nov. 5, 1943 in Hong Kong. He never came home to

his wife, his mother and father, sisters and brothers, but every year the family posts his photo and wonders which family member he resembles the most.

Among

a way of peace may be found.

Thanking Legion

members “who show up in full support of our Legion,” Tourangeau urged persons wishing to join the Legion, which is “an awesome group,” to contact Diane Smutt.

the speakers at the Remembrance Day banquet at Kamsack on Nov. 11 was Kamsack Mayor Nancy Brunt, who urged people to take care of one another so that

Kamsack air cadet F/Cpl. Macy Martinuik made a toast to fallen soldiers and explained the significance of the small set table immediately in front of the podium.

Margaret Ratushny, widow of the late Paul Ratushny, donated the trumpet which her husband had used to play at Kamsack Legion functions for over five decades. With her was Karen Tourangeau, Legion branch president.

In recognition of her outstanding work for the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Karen Bodnaryk, right, was named the branchʼs Legionnaire of the Year by Karen Tourangeau, branch president.

Craft and Culture Celebration planned for Kamsack

The Craft and Culture Celebration being planned for Kamsack on Nov. 27 is planned as an initiative that would start the ball rolling for an annual celebration of the community’s multicultural aspects and its diversity.

Town councillors Claire Bishop and Shelley Filipchuk along with Karen Koreluik are heading a committee that is planning to event to be held in the OCC Hall.

“We’ve not had a big community event since everything closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bishop said last week, explaining that in order to kick-start such an event, she and Filipchuk had agreed to organize this event, which is being held on the last day of Saskatchewan’s Multicultural Week.

Although still being

planned last week, the event is to include entertainment consisting of music and singing, including a Metis guitar player; demonstrations, including making of Ukrainian Easter eggs and a cultural display from Ukraine; Philippine foods, and youth participation that will include a hiphop dance.

Jack Koreluik from the Kamsack Players adult theatre group and the Kamsack Playhouse committee, which in the past had held the Christmas in November crafts show and sale, will be attending, eager to take names of persons wishing to continue the initiative and work towards creating a “bigger and better” celebration next year, Bishop said, encouraging persons interested in the arts and helping to revive a multicultural celebration to leave

their names with Koreluik.

A big part of the event will be a trade show being organized by Filipchuk, who said that she expects about 30 vendors to participate.

Craft shows are a great way to shop locally, Filipchuk said. “Why not help out a neighbor?”

No admission will be charged for the event that will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“People may drop in anytime during the day,” Bishop said. “Shop and snack; it will be a great family event.”

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) has been raising awareness of the benefits of cultural diversity and the dangers of racism since 1975, said information on the MCoS website.

“Over the years, we

have executed provincial campaigns all through November that celebrate Saskatchewan

Multicultural Week,” the information said. “We have asked Saskatchewan to share their multicultural

superheroes and we highlighted that multiculturalism fosters strength in diversity.

You don’t need a feeder or experience to help birds with Project FeederWatch

Helping birds has never been easier. Last fall and winter, more than 25,000 people across North America watched the birds in their neighbourhoods and turned their observations into scientific discoveries. Project FeederWatch is coordinated by Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and is a welcoming activity for both new-to-birding and experienced birders, according to a release. Everyone is welcome to sign up now and begin counting birds after the 36th season of Project FeederWatch began on Nov. 1.

By taking part in Project FeederWatch, volunteers make it possible to track long-term trends in our winter birds. Resources to help identify the bird species such as posters, webinars, an app and online support are provided. The observations are used in scientific research and to increase our understanding of how our

wildlife is faring and actions needed to protect them.

Kerrie Wilcox, Project FeederWatch Leader at Birds Canada says “taking part in Project FeederWatch is really easy. Participants just need to sign up, count the birds outside, and submit results online or by using the Project FeederWatch mobile app”. In Canada, participants make a donation of any amount to Birds Canada at birdscanada. org/feederwatch then can sign up online, or call toll-free: 888-448-2473. Participants in the U.S. can join online at Feederwatch.org.

Everyone is welcome to take part. Each person decides how much time to spend and how often to count birds – and they don’t even need a feeder to participate! When they sign up, Birds Canada will send them a handbook with instructions, a poster of common species, and a calendar to keep track of their bird watching days.

Last season, Black-capped Chickadees topped the list for the most commonly-seen bird across Canada. The Downy Woodpecker and Dark-eyed Junco completed the top three. We still have so much to learn! The long-term dataset collected by Project FeederWatch participants gets more and more useful with each passing season. Project FeederWatch data were used in a recent study on Red-breasted Nuthatch movements during winters, which occur when their food is lacking in forests up north. The study suggested that the nuthatches’ need to leave breeding grounds to find food in unfamiliar places resulted in a decline in the breeding population. Project FeederWatch data can help scientists determine the causes of the decline.

Project FeederWatch needs participants across North America to count common birds – the birds that many

people see every day – not just rare ones. How are these common species responding to habitat changes and warmer winters? Even if you just see one Black-capped Chickadee or two House Sparrows, it is valuable information that helps build a picture of how the birds we care about are doing from

one year to the next.

Project FeederWatch is a joint research and education project of Birds Canada and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Project FeederWatch is supported in Canada by its national sponsor Armstrong Bird Food and by Wild Birds Unlimited.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children six months to under four years available

With Health Canada’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children six months up to four years, families may receive this vaccine at booked vaccination appointments and walk-in clinics operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and clinics in First Nation and Metis communities operated by Indigenous Services Canada.

This provides an additional option for parents to ensure their youngest children have the protection afforded by the COVID-19 vaccination, as Moderna’s vaccine for children six months to five years has been available since July.

For the Pfizer vaccine, children six months up to four years are currently eligible for three doses as the approved,

primary dose series. For the Moderna vaccine, children six months up to five years are currently eligible for two doses as the approved, primary dose series.

If your child under five years has had COVID-19, it is recommended they receive the dose they are eligible for eight weeks following infection. Parents may decide to have their child’s COVID-19

vaccination completed sooner if they choose.

While participating pharmacies throughout the province are currently administering COVID-19 vaccinations, including bivalent boosters, note that pharmacies are not able to administer vaccines to children under five years.

Best protection is boosted protection With COVID-19

variants transmitting in the province along with other, seasonal respiratory illnesses, get every shot that you/your child are eligible for.

All residents six months and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.

All residents 12 years and older are eligible for booster doses, including the bivalent vaccine.

All residents six months and older can get their flu

shot now at available SHA walk-in and booked appointments and participating pharmacies.

Being up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations protects against severe illness and hospitalization at any age. Pairing COVID-19 protection with influenza protection will protect you, your loved ones and help preserve provincial acute care capacity this fall and winter.

The red-breasted Nuthatch is just one of the many birds which have been better understood thanks to reports collected during Project FeederWatch.

-Photo courtesy Gord Belyea

Annie Morenos of Kamsack, who sold south-east Asian food, including Molo soup, at the trade show held at the Kamsack Seniorsʼ Centre on Nov. 5, has agreed to make and serve more food from the Philippines at the Craft and Culture Celebration being held at the OCC Hall in Kamsack on Nov. 27.

TROFIMENKOFF, John -

The Trofimenkoff family is sad to announce the passing of their father and grandfather, John Trofimenkoff on November 3, 2022. John was born 7 miles southwest of Veregin, SK, in the village of Tamboka community on March 20, 1930. He was the second son born to John Peter and Anastasia (nee Cazakoff) Trofimenkoff, a brother to Micheal. He went to Visinia school until 1939. He then attended Veregin public school and high school, where he attained grade 11 and part of grade 12. During that time, John and Micheal enjoyed all kinds of sports including curling, hockey, and baseball. John helped on the farm for several years. He also worked for the C.P.R. in Winnipeg, MB, prior to his return to Saskatchewan to help on the farm. In 1957, he accepted a job with SaskPower in Yorkton, SK, as a meter reader. He met Judy Strelaeff of Fort Pelly, SK, while she was going to nursing school at the Yorkton Hospital. In 1960, John and Judy got engaged and in 1961 they were married. In 1963, John and Judy were blessed with their first child, Robert Brian, and in 1966 their second son, James Frederick. After 10 years, due to John’s job, they relocated to Melfort, SK. Melfort was just an 18 month stay as they were on the move again, this time to Balcarres, SK, where they spent the next 4 years. In 1978, they moved to Canora, SK, to be closer to John’s parents. In 1983, John purchased property at Good Spirit Lake. They moved Judy’s old homestead from Fort Pelly to the lake front property, where John and Judy enjoyed their time, and the family still enjoys the lake now. John and Judy continued to work. After 14 years, in 1992, John took early retirement. In 1997, Judy fell ill, and she battled cancer for the next 4 years. They celebrated their 40th anniversary before Judy passed away in 2001. John continued to live in Canora and was an active member of the Canora Doukhobor Society and the National Doukhobor Heritage Village. He also sang in the Russian Choir in 2004-2005 and was fortunate enough to be on 3 CD’s. He kept busy with neighbors, fishing, playing cards, and visiting relatives. One of his favourite pastimes was making regular visits to see Betty and Raymond at their restaurant. In January 2022, John’s health began to fail, and was hospitalized until he had stays at Theodore Health Centre and finally became a resident at the Canora Gateway Lodge, where he remained until he passed away, peacefully in his sleep, on November 3, 2022. He will be sadly missed by all. He was predeceased by his parents, John Peter and Anastasia Trofimenkoff; his wife, Judy Trofimenkoff; a sister, at birth, Nastia; and his brother, Micheal (Florence). He is survived by his two sons, Robert and James; and his grandchildren, Jacklene and Lukas, as well as many relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date - summer 2023. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the National Doukhobor Heritage Village, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of John Trofimenkoff. 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.

Stephen’s and St. Philips church schedule Sun. Nov 20 Kamsack 11 am St Philip’s 1pm

Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada Fri Nov 18 2p.m. at Kamsack Eaglestone Lodge (M) 2:45 p.m. at Kamsack PCH(M).Sun Nov 20 10 a.m. at Sturgis Liturgy (L) Mon Nov 21 10 a.m. at Canora Arch. Mishael, Liturgy(L)

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.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649-1405 or visit www.swna.com for details.

Throwback Thursday

chief; Kamsack Mayor Bernie Rink; Steven Seltenrich, EMO co-ordinator, and Bruno Kossmann, town administrator.

Members of the Kamsack and Veregin Doukhobor choirs joined in prayer and song during the Heritage Day celebration at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin.

Todd Bobyk

Hundreds of people gathered at Ministik Beach at Madge Lake to watch a performance of Saskatchewan Express and to witness th e official opening of the Trans Canada Trail which, coming from Manitoba, goes through Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

The celebrities who participated in the second annual Riverside Golf Classic in Kamsack in July 1997, from left, were: (standing) Cathy Trowel, Lou Clare, Karen Inglis, Jesse Rezansoff, Sherry Vanin, Atina Ford, Ron Cherkas, Marcia Gudereit, Dave Ridgeway, Anita Ford and Joan McCusker, and (front) Randy Bryden and Ed Zawatsky.

Golfing with Ron Cherkas, centre, at the Riverside Golf Classic, from left, were: Norm Hawryluk, Stan Barisoff, (Cherkas), Bill Schneider and Les Fedorak.

Functioning as the emcees for the Heritage Day program at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin were Alex Sherstabitoff, left, chairman of the Village committee, and Harry Shukin, treasurer.

Curtis Sorgenson, left, a Kamsack firefighter and rescue technician, held the rescue ram, while Mike Cross, right, a Farmedic rescue technician, held the cutter/spreader, which with the portable power unit at centre, made up the newly-acquired equipment which was to be used to help Kamsack firefighters extricate persons trapped within vehicles. Also photographed, from left, were: Ken Thompson, firefighter and rescue fund chairman; Jim Pollock, fire

Golfing with Joan McCusker, centre, at the Riverside Classic tournament, from left, were: Rob Tomilin, Glen Sterzer, (McCusker), Bill Verabioff and Val Konkin.

Accompanied by Syliva Negraeff of Pelly, Joni Shingoose, left, and Crystal Dutchak performed during the Heritage Day program at the National Doukhobor Heritage Village in Veregin.

Remembrance Day service held at Kamsack

In terms of wrongdoing, a person who takes another’s plate of food at a dining table is no different than a country taking over a neighbouring country, Rev. Stephen Ruten said during the Remembrance Day service held at the Victoria School in Kamsack on Nov. 11.

Held under the auspices of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the service included Gordon Craig as parade marshall and Sgt. at Arms; Karen Tourangeau, Legion branch president; Rev. Stephen Ruten, chaplain; members of the Kamsack air cadet squadron under command of Lt. Karen Tourangeau; members of the Kamsack RCMP; the Kamsack Community Choir under the direction of Susan Bear, and a school band under direction of Darren Kitsch. Also performing were: Deb Cottenie at the piano; Kyler Kitsch, bugler, and Keri Lindsay, the piper.

The service began with the entrance of the parade of Legion members and cadets, the March on of the Colours and the singing of O Canada

Ruten read the Honour Roll, which included veterans of The Key, Cote and Keeseekoose First Nations in addition to the names of deceased Kamsack veterans. Following the playing of The Last Post, two minutes silence and the playing of Reveille , Tourangeau recited the Act of Remembrance which was followed by Legion members answering with: “We will remember them.”

Rev. Nancy Brunt

delivered the opening prayer and those assembled sang Nearer My God to Thee , which was followed by Ruten calling out the names of 48 groups and individuals that had wished to lay wreaths of remembrance at the front of the auditorium.

The school band performed Jupiter, the choir sang In Flanders Fields , Rev. Brunt read scripture and Ruten presented his Remembrance Day message.

The dynamics of a person at a table are very similar to what happens when someone leads his country to try to take over another country, Ruten said, describing how a man had once sat across from him at a large celebration meal and then launched into insults, telling him that he had no respect for him.

The incident reminded Ruten of what the Bible had said about Jesus: “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate.”

“I chose not to replay with even a word,” Ruten said. “Suddenly, he did something that was a total surprise. He reached across the table, took hold of my plate of food, pulled it toward himself and started eating off it.

“I had never met this guy. He had seen me speaking in public that day, so he had an idea who I was. This was turning into an unforgettable first meeting. Later, when I was leaving, I saw him in the parking lot, in the middle of a big crowd, involved in a fight.

“He had been spoiling for a fight. He had reached across to take what did

not belong to him. It was my plate. He was starting small, but on his way to bigger things in the parking lot.

“In terms of wrongdoing, taking a plate that doesn’t belong to you is no different from taking a country that doesn’t belong to you. It’s just smaller scale. A leader marched his forces in to take over a country next door that did not belong to him. And once he got away with that, Adolf marched his forces into the next country, and then another and another.

“If the man across from me had gone up and down the table taking plates belonging to four or five people, the cry might have risen right away: ‘Will someone please do something to stop this crazy guy?’

“The police did eventually arrive to deal with him outside. People and countries did get together to stop Hitler; it took the allies six years to stamp out Hitler’s 1,000-year vision of making the world into a giant Nazi prison camp.

“We’ve heard names today; some who stepped up to stop Hitler, some who stopped other nations and their leaders in different times and places from taking over countries, like a man would reach across the table to take someone’s plate.

“Let’s remember the names we heard.

“And we know this sort of thing keeps happening; people and nations grab what doesn’t belong to them. What that man did in grabbing my plate wasn’t qualitatively

different from a leader this year trying to snatch what he considered a delicious dish called Ukraine. He tries to punch their lights out in order to put what doesn’t belong to him onto his plate.

“But the brave country, Ukraine, punched back and, with a little help from friends, hasn’t been pulled across the table as easily as my plate was manhandled years ago. May their friends remember them and not get distracted from helping.

“We remember those who stepped up in their generation in the past and gave the ultimate sacrifice. We call out their names. Otherwise we can forget. We respect the memory of those who died, so we call out their names in remembrance.

“Fighting devastates individuals and families and leaves a terrible legacy. Please don’t leave a personal legacy of fighting,” Ruten said.

After describing a fight between a couple concerning which hole a mouse had escaped to, Ruten

asked if other quarrels are less ridiculous than that.

“Let’s make our contribution to world peace by stopping the fight, the quarrel, we’ve had with someone who comes to mind. World peace starts in the home at the table.”

Ruten concluded by quoting Romans 15:33: “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

The choir sang I Have a Dream , Ruten delivered a closing prayer and everyone rose to sing God Save the King

Two Kamsack air cadets had accompanied each of the persons who had laid wreaths on behalf of the following persons or groups: Government of Canada; Government of Saskatchewan; RCMP; Town of Kamsack; the Fallen of Afghanistan; Peacetime Veterans; Kamsack Hospital and Nursing Home; Eaglestone Lodge; Duck Mountain Ambulance; Kamsack Firefighters; Kamsack Comprehensive Institute; Victoria School; Youth of Canada; Cote First Nation; Chief Gabriel Cote

Education; Keeseekoose First Nation; Keeseekoose Chiefs Education Centre; Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus; King Solomon Masonic Lodge; Parkland Shrine Club; Royal Canadian Air Cadets No. 633; Mrs. Gladys Bishop Smith; Walter Cazakowski; St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Church; Kamsack Museum; Kamsack branch of Legacy Co-op; the Woodward family; James, Jack and Lawrence Rudd; the Falkiner and Bourgeault families; War Amps Canada Operation Legacy; Lam’s Rstaurant; Claude Hollett; Andrychuk Funeral Home; Wolkowski Funeral Service; Walter Nicholas Rezansoff; Hiawatha Chapter of the Eastern Star; Francis, Tom, Judy and Loretta Hovorka; Walter Crocombe; George Njegovon; Wayne Delance; CUPE No. 5430; Barry Golay; Westminster Memorial United Church; Robert Lucier; Olive Ritchie; Don Hollett; Weinhandle family; the RM of Cote, and the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Speaking at the Remembrance Day service in Kamsack, from left, were: Karen Tourangeau, president of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion; Rev. Nancy Brunt, who gave the opening prayer and read scripture, and Rev. Stephen Ruten, the Legion padre, who delivered the Remembrance Day message.

Members of the Kamsack Community choir under the direction of Susan Bear sang during the Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11.

Among the persons to lay wreaths at the Kamsack Remembrance Day service, from left, were: Darren Kitsch, Ashley Hollett and Rick Aikman.

Playing the bagpipes, Keri Lindsay led the Legion parade into the hall for the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day service.

Kamsack Comprehensive Institute band students, under the direction of Darren Kitsch, performed during the Kamsack Remembrance Day service.