Meridian Source - May 8, 2025

VOLUME 7 I ISSUE 46

Thursday, May 8, 2025

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Try-A-Trade entices potential workforce CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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As shortages in skilled trades loom across various industries, Try-A-Trade in Lloydminster is giving young people a chance to discover a future career.

This year, demand for the event is higher than ever.

“This year, we have a higher number of students registered from across the area and we’ve had a few extra exhibitors join us this year,” said Dorothy Carson, executive director of the Lloydminster Construction Association and lead organizer of Try-A-Trade.

The event has more than 1,700 students registered, which Carson says is an increase over previous years.

Students from around Lloydminster and beyond came into the city last week to try the various trades set up.

Carson says it’s important for kids to try the various trades and perhaps find something they enjoy doing.

“We are focusing on providing the students with the information regarding what trades are available and how to get into the trades,” she said.

Safety has also been a key focus this year.

“We’re also promoting safety in the trades to make sure they’re working safely,” said Carson.

When it comes to how to address the shortage of skilled trades workers, it’s not just recruitment.

“I think it’s recruitment, but it’s also promotion, let the kids know there are a lot of trades,” she said.

“There’s 51 trades they can look into and maybe they can find something they like doing.”

The shortage isn’t just focused on one trade, it’s affecting all of them.

Try-A-Trade offered a variety of booths set up for people to test the various activities.

From electrical to welding, there were machines and people around to walk those attending through guided displays.

VR booths gave people a chance to try the select trade in a virtual setting.

The work is ongoing, however, not just at the event, to build interest in trades.

“We work with the school divisions, we’re working with the school divisions on an Honour The Work program, we’re basically getting the trades in Grades 1 to 6, into the curriculum,” said Carson.

“We also work with Careers Next Generations.”

She had some final words for people looking to get into a trade.

“They can start by talking to an employer, find out a little bit more about the trade,” said Carson.

Christian Apostolovski MERIDIAN SOURCE photos

colleen.young@sasktel.net

306-825-5550

Colleen Young

MLA for Lloydminster Constituency

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fire near fairways suspends golf in Lloyd

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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A grass fire forced the closure of the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre on Monday morning.

The fire reached a wooded area along the south edge of the golf course. Fire crews were called to the scene at 9:39 a.m.

The Lloydminster Fire Depart-

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The area was closed while crews worked to control the fire.

The golf centre and a nearby cemetery re-opened around 1 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

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New museum exhibit showcases colonists’ art

Thursday, May 8, 2025

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Photo courtesy Lloydminster Museum and Archives CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The Lloydminster Museum and Archives’ newest exhibit is set to showcase a Barr Colonists’ art for two-weeks.

The newest exhibit, the Art of Oliver Holtby, features a vast array of watercolour works on paper by Holtby.

He was born in England in 1882 and displayed a passion for art and music before immigrating to Canada with the Barr Colonists in 1903.

Holtby remained dedicated to his artistic pursuits and drew inspiration from his English homeland and his new prairie home.

As Lloydminster grew, so did Holtby’s influence within the community, which became a cultural

cornerstone. He was not just an artist, but a musician and instructor.

“This exhibition honours not just an artist, but a community builder whose life and work continue to inspire. By showcasing his art, we celebrate the enduring spirit of creativity Oliver Holtby gave to Lloydminster,” said museum technician Elizabeth Brandeau.

Eventually, Holtby passed away at the age of 92.

The exhibit runs May 3-17, giving residents a chance to experience Holtby’s art.

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

First Vesna on the Border wows crowd DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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The Lloydminster Ukrainian Cultural Association and Malanka Dancers is still celebrating after its inaugural Vesna on the Border.

The spring celebration, held in the WLS

Convention Centre at the Lloydminster Exhibition on May 3, brought together food, dance and Ukrainian traditions. The atmosphere was festive from the moment guests arrived.

“Guests were greeted at the door by our Hospodyna’s,” said Amanda Graf, event organizer.

The event included a 45-minute dance recital starting with the traditional Pryvit “welcome” dance. Guests also enjoyed a full Ukrainian meal.

“There was a chance to mingle and visit before our dancers kick off,” said Graf. “Guests then enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian meal with fan favorites, perogies, cabbage rolls, nalyshnyky and cream sauce.”

“As a club, we decided to move the event to the spring,” said Graf. “We found the January celebrations were difficult to continue right after Christmas and we were often dealing with bad weather.”

Additionally, the change helped bring in more guests and more support from the community.

“We have members who are non-Ukrainian and support comes in from our entire community year to year,” said Graf.

This year’s sponsors included Royal Summit Homes, Lillias Cleaning Service, Musgrave Agencies and Lucky Bastard Distilleries, among others.

Graf said the Vesna on the Border event means a lot to the dancers and their families.

Dancers perform during the Vesna on the Border on May 3. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE The evening also featured raffles, door prizes, and a candy bar. A performance by the award-winning band Millenia capped the night.

“The night really kicked into gear when Millenia hit the stage,” said Graf. “They play a combination of Ukrainian and contemporary music and had us dancing until the wee hours of the morning.”

This event replaced the group’s previous winter celebration, the Malanka Dine and Dance.

“This event serves as our students’ year-end recital and will mark their final performance of the year,” she said.

The Malanka Dancers practise every week beginning in December and recently returned from competitions with 34 gold medals.

“Our dancers were ready to showcase their skills and celebrate,” said Graf.

However, the celebration also carried deeper meaning due to current events in Ukraine.

“Being able to come together as a club and community to celebrate the amazing facets of the Ukrainian culture is more important than ever,” said Graf. “We have many members and alumni who are or have been directly affected by the war.”

Meanwhile, the club is already planning next year’s Vesna on the Border for May 2, 2026.

“We will be taking registrations for dancers this summer … no experience necessary,” said Graf.

The group starts its new dance season in the fall.

Kiwanis trailblazer visits Lloyd DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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The Kiwanis Club of Lloydminster welcomed district governor McKenna Coran to the Border City over the weekend.

Coran oversees Western Canada, and at 25, she’s the youngest governor in Kiwanis International’s history.

Coran enjoyed a backyard gathering with members and inducted two new members into the fold.

Her conversation was full of energy, just like her vision for the future of Kiwanis in Western Canada.

A native of Fort Frances, Ont., Coran has been involved with Kiwanis for many years and first joined because of her mom, who is also a member.

“

I love Kiwanis and all the chances it has given me.

I want to share that with other people.

“I was always helping at events,” she said. “I figured I might as well become a member, too.”

Her rise to leadership started when a local lieutenant-governor had to step down early. Coran was asked to fill the role for six months. After that, she stayed on the district board and soon set her sights on becoming governor.

Coran’s main goal is to grow Kiwanis clubs across the district.

“Some districts are big and open many clubs at once,” she said. “I started with a goal of opening just one.”

She’s proud to have helped launch a new club in Neepawa, Man. That club’s charter night is coming up in June.

Coran believes the key to success is teamwork and spoke highly of international trustee Jo Schwartz, who came from Kansas to help with the new club. Schwartz spent a week meeting people and knocking on doors to get members to sign up.

“She was amazing,” said Coran. “She believed in us and helped us reach our goal.”

Coran’s passion for Kiwanis shines through in everything she does on her current tour. She has visited at least a dozen clubs during her time as governor.

“Meeting members in person has been so important to me,” she said. “Not all governors have had that chance, especially because of COVID.” Coran wants to keep growing Kiwanis, but not just for the numbers.

“I love Kiwanis and all the chances it has given me,” she said. “I want to share that with other people.”

Her vision is to welcome more young members and bring in fresh ideas. She identified one significant issue when getting their attention, which was a want to feel valued. Coran’s own club encourages members to share ideas and try new things.

“They don’t want to hear, ‘This is how we’ve always done it,’ ” she said. “They want to bring new ideas and see them happen.”

Her home community of Fort Frances, a small town where everyone knows each other, shaped her leadership style. When she first joined her club at age 20, most other members were much older.

“There was a bit of a gap,” she said. “It taught me to be brave and ask people to join.”

One of her proudest moments so far was learning about and seeing the playground project in Brandon, Man. The club there raised almost $600,000 to build a fully accessible playground.

“The members even helped build it themselves,” noted Coran.

She also enjoyed seeing a “bike rodeo” in Swift

Kiwanis International district governor McKenna Coran made a weekend stop in Lloydminster.

Day Gray Meridian Source

Current, Sask., where kids learned bike safety on a track shaped like a bike.

With the induction of Mayme Boyer and Jhona Ramirez, the club has grown to over a dozen members. Coran encourages small clubs to keep asking people to join.

“Sometimes asking is the hardest part,” she said.

“But that’s what it takes to grow.”

She also has advice for young people, especially women who want to get involved in community service.

“If you’re passionate, follow that,” she said. “If you see a need, don’t just complain, try to help solve it.”

She’s had a lot of great mentors along the way, but one piece of advice lives with her to this day.

Leadership is about listening and teamwork.

“It’s not all about you and your ideas,” she said.

“A good leader helps others share their ideas too.”

For Coran, Kiwanis stands out because of its focus on children and youth.

“In today’s world, kids need us more than ever,” she said. “That’s why Kiwanis is so important.”

In the brief time she visited with the club, she shared lessons, challenges and successes of her time so far.

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

The Silver Dollar BUYING EVENT

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Photo courtesy County of Vermilion River DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

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County firefighters spent Saturday, May 3, racing from one grass fire to the next.

The County of Vermilion River (CVR), Legacy, Britannia and Frog Lake all fought blazes throughout the day.

At about 1:30 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue battled a fire along the CN Rail tracks in the hamlet. Kitscoty Fire Department helped after a second alarm was called and the Canadian National Railway closed the tracks and stopped trains to keep firefighters safe.

At the same time, the County of Vermilion River reported a large fire in Frog Lake.

According to Fire Chief Winston Moosepayo of Kehewin Emergency Services, they joined numerous other departments, including Onion Lake, to help out.

Just after 9 p.m., Blackfoot Fire and Rescue rushed to a fast-moving stubble fire. Marwayne Fire and Rescue joined to provide tanker support.

Crews quickly put out the fire and went back to quarters.

“We are fortunate the county is well-equipped and trained to respond

to and tackle wildfire threats, as proven throughout the day,” said Kirk Hughes, director of protective services.

“Hats off to our volunteers for the quick and efficient work they do.”

At 1:49 p.m. they were called to a tractor fire south of Marshall. Shortly after, they also responded to a yard fire east of Lashburn.

Before they could finish up there, a fire was reported on Highway 16, east of Marshall, at 4:14 p.m.

“The fire started south of the highway and burned an estimated 20 acres,” said Peters. “Then it jumped the highway and burned about 40 acres on the north side.”

A full fire ban is in place in Frog Lake and the RM of Wilton. The County of Vermilion River remains under a partial fire ban. The MD of Bonnyville No. 87, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon also face fire restrictions.

For more information on what is and isn’t allowed in your community, refer to their various websites.

CVR reminds residents that if you see smoke, call 911.

City looks to update airport bylaw Thursday, May 8, 2025

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

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The Airport Operation and Management bylaw is being updated after the City of Lloydminster received interest regarding an aerial applicator working out of the airport.

According to the city, the new aerial applicator will provide services out of the airport, starting in June 2025.

This service was not referenced in the bylaw and administration began its review.

A number of updates were made, including adding the definitions of aerial applicators and bulk fuel storage and distribution.

Fuel pricing began a point of discussion around the council table.

“There was a request for bulk fuel price sales, which spurred us looking into our fuel prices, where they are and how they’re being calculated. We are making an adjustment on that,” said Don Stang, executive manager of operations.

“We were collecting 5 cents a litre for testing, as that fuel was being wasted under past practices.

“Under new practices, that fuel gets siphoned and recycled back in. Fuel sales are pretty good at the airport, so we want to keep that and keep it steady.”

The bylaw update stipulates bulk fuel storage shall not exceed 230 litres. If it does, it’s considered prohibited.

Coun. Justin Vance asked for some details regarding this decision.

“Having fuel tanks on our lease land, for example, and the potential for spills and stuff, we just felt like we didn’t want that environmental risk,” said Stang.

“I agree with making sure all tanks are up to standards and making sure we’re not having a rusty fuel tank in a hangar that’s at risk of having a massive leak,” added Vance. “Even a 230-litre fuel tank that leaks is still an environmental concern, but just because it’s a larger amount doesn’t mean you can’t mitigate the environmental impacts.”

Coun. Michael Diachuk talked about a positive story of a flying club using the airport for the cheaper fuel prices.

“They planned their flights based on airports and airports with the cheapest fuel. They chose us after doing their research online to be one of their stopover points to fuel up and spend a couple of days,” he said.

Coun. David Lopez asked about landing fees at the airport and if it was nec-

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essary to charge every time someone lands.

“In regard to the fees, we did have the flight school having a break and we thought, fair to bring out a break for the aerial applicators because they’ll do 15 to 20 landings in a day,” said Wade Frazs, airport manager.

“We don’t want to charge them for every one of them, so, we’re planning on doing a one-a-day route break for guys that use it a lot.

“It’s a day rate per aircraft, just like we do with the flying school.”

As long as the person using the airport gives notice, administration is willing to offer the day rate.

Administration also clarified they would work with the groups if they can’t give the 24-hour notice to do multiple touchdowns in a single day.

“I think we would be reasonable as long as we’re not being taken advantage of,” said Stang.

Council accepted the bylaw as information. It will come back for discussion at a future council meeting for decision.

PAGE 8 Thursday, May 8, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Chris’ A-Z: Capturing a moment in time

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 | Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

through art

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

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Source File Photo

Church Directory

Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Dan Gray dan.gray@meridiansource.ca

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2017

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY LLOYDMINSTER at Lloydminster Public Library, Lloyd Mall West Entrance - Unit 160, 5211 44 St, AB A Christ-centered, multicultural, multiracial, Bible-based Anglican Church of Lloydminster that believes in the apostolic teaching and is sensitive to human needs

SUNDAY SERVICES AT 12:00 NOON BIBLE STUDY AT 7:00 PM & FRIDAYS VIA ZOOM https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87146305791?pwd=e4yawgRifbUJABQXMVne AsP2olkl3c.1, Meeting ID: 871 4630 5791, Passcode: 989498

The Revd. Can. Chinedu Ememanka | Rector (365) 378-4051 Rt.Revd. Dr. Olukayode Adebogun | Diocesean Bishop The Revd. Can. Barr. Chinedu Ememanka - Rector

Even though I may not have an artistic bone in my body, I still love the chance to experience some good art.

This weekend, I set out to experience some local art at the museum.

The Lloydminster Museum and Archives hosts rotating exhibits with something new every month or two.

The museum is one of my favourite places to visit, the building is beautiful, the staff are knowledgeable and there’s so much to learn.

This most recent exhibition features art by Oliver Holtby, a Barr Colonist. His family came with the original colonists, and he was a very artsy fellow.

Holtby was often sketching landscapes or uplifting spirits with music from his violin. He honed his skills and continued painting. He even sketched on the backs of envelopes or receipts utilizing any scrap paper that was available.

Holtby passed away at the age of 92, he was essential to the community’s cultural development.

I was amazed to see how detailed the paintings were. I was most surprised by an incredibly detailed sketch of a hand. It looked even more realistic than my own hand does as I look down at it now.

Holtby drew scenes around town and there’s some rough sketches before his final pieces. I’ve experienced a lot of different moments in my life, and I don’t think I could describe nearly any of them in detail. For Holtby, it almost seemed easy to recreate these stunning landscapes and moments.

I’m not sure if it’s the way my brain works or not, but I can describe a scene in words, but I could never draw it out.

My artistic skill stops at stick figures and poorly drawn buildings.

I highly recommend anyone with some time on their hands and $8, to go to view the museum and its exhibit.

You’ll certainly learn something new, and you’ll get to experience some beautiful paintings that will transport you to a bygone era.

PAGE 9 Thursday, May 8, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Gray Matters: How to fix the trades issue Last week, I covered what I thought was the obvious. The number of tradespeople in our country, especially younger tradespeople, is diminishing.

It starkly contrasts our government needing those same people to build housing, etc., for our country.

So, how can it be fixed? A few suggestions I picked up from my time at a trades event in Ontario.

One of the most significant issues identified in some trades is the ability for apprentices to find journeymen. Until a few years ago, companies that took on apprentices received a federal tax break.

It takes time to teach people. Think about yourself at your job. When you first started, you messed up, and people had to help you. As you continued, you got better and didn’t “waste” the teacher’s time.

The businesspeople I spoke with noted that having a tax write-off for journeymen and businesses

that take on apprentices would go a long way toward clearing a perceived backlog.

Secondly, we need to change the inherent bias in the school system and bring trades back.

In much of our country, welding, shop, mechanics and wood shop have been removed from the curriculum. This allows for a gap in understanding what students might want to do as they age.

If they are only presented with university degree jobs as a way to make good money, they think it’s all that’s out there. Many trades have a great chance of earning you good money, in many cases, with little student debt.

One last fact about the bias in high schools when it comes to higher learning. In 2023, scholarships across Canada for university students represented 53 per cent of those handed out. For college ( many of which are trades-based), only 27 per cent of scholarships were designed for that.

Locally, Metal Supermarkets recently announced four $2,500 scholarships for skilled trades. This needs to be done more and more across our country.

Lastly, we need to tell the stories of tradespeople and share their accomplishments in the class-

Celebrating 100 Years of the United Church of Canada: Discipleship ALICE ROBINSON SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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As mentioned in our last submission, there are three broad United Church of Canada (UCC) defining characteristics, deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice.

Some highlights showing how the church lives these concepts will follow in this article series.

Bold discipleship is defined: Seeing how our lives are a sacred calling out and, out of our faith, connecting our gifts with the world’s needs. How our lives become avenues of God’s love and presence in the world and what shapes our lives.

Below is information from the United Church News.

“The United Church acknowl-

edged racism as a sin in 1960 after the destruction of the Africville neighbourhood in Halifax and has addressed it in a variety of ways, such as the 2006 requirement for ministry personnel to undertake racial justice training … in 2018 the continued pervasiveness of racism was made evident, as racialized clergy and lay people spoke to the racism they had experienced in the church. In 2020, the UCC made a commitment to Becoming an Anti-Racist Denomination.”

Church residential schools begin to close in 1948. UCC General Council apologizes to the Indigenous congregations of the United Church for past denial of Indigenous spirituality 198688. In 1998, the UCC apologizes to former students of United Church Residential Schools. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

room as much as possible.

Just like we champion doctors, lawyers and multiple other “higher education jobs.”

Next week, I’ll touch on what is being done locally to promote trades inside our community.

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ROUND UP FOR

MENTAL HEALTH JOIN THE CAUSE, SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES! Nutters is proud to be partnering with the CMHA again this year for our annual Round Up for Mental Health! Throughout the month of May, you can choose to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar (or more, if you wish!) and your donated dollars and cents will help fund local supports offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association in our Nutters communities.

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Passport to YLL To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Cards, games, food, meetings, live music Intro to Square Dancing Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:308:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com Bingo at the Moose Lodge Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.

Maternal Mental Health Day Join Midwest Family Connections at the Prairie North Health Plaza from 9 a.m. to noon on May 8 for Maternal Mental Health Day. Come and

go throughout the morning, check out the information booths and listen to guest speakers. Child-minding is available, refreshments and snacks will be available, and there are amazing local giveaways.

Jon Dore at the Vic Juba Comedian Jon Dore will take the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on May 11 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Named one of “10 comics to watch” by Variety Magazine, this Ottawa-born comedian, host and actor is renowned for his offbeat humour and unique bait-and-switch style. Tickets are $35 and are available at vicjubatheatre.ca or at the theatre box office.

A Patsy Cline and Hank Lives Tribute A Patsy Cline Tribute and Hank Lives, starring Lisa Brokop and Paul Jefferson, is coming to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on May 12. Tickets are $40 and are available at vicjubatheatre.ca or at the theatre box office.

Spades Tournament The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on May 15 starting at 10 a.m.

Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

Cribbage Doubles Tournament The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on May 22 starting at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 to play and $12 for lunch. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for details.

City of Lloydminster Spring Cleanup Garage Sale The City of Lloydminster is hosting a community garage sale on May 24 at the Servus Sports Centre. Vendors will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you never know what you’ll find.

Paradise Hill Summer Bash featuring Jade Eagleson The Paradise Hill Summer Bash returns to the Paradise Hill Arena on Aug. 9 from 5-11 p.m. Supper is from 5-7 p.m. at the Paradise Hill Community Centre before the arena opens at 7 p.m. Drew Gregory plays at 8:15 p.m. and Jade Eagleson plays at 9:10 p.m. Tickets are $75.88 or $27.96 for supper only. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca

Thursday, May 8, 2025

TODAY’S

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

From local business owners to community volunteers, CEOs, and beyond, these remarkable women make us proud to call Lloydminster home.

Photo courtesy Noyce Photography

Stacy Cadzow

Desiree Cornet-Wile

Enya Denys

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Veralyn Macnab

Crystal Nicholson

Taryn Schachtel

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Evangelina Dillion

Catherine Hill

Donna Schmid

Shelley Tatro

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TODAY’S NOMINATE A WOMAN WHO INSPIRES YOU 2026

does selfless work and is always giving of her time

She could be featured in the 2026 edition of Today’s Woman!

Let us take the time to recognize the remarkable women in Lloydminster and surrounding area who are doing extraordinary things and making a difference in their community.

Submit your nominations to taylor@meridiansource.ca

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

On the pulse of a community

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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B

orn and raised in the Border City, Stacy Cadzow is at the centre of the action as the finance manager at the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.

Cadzow graduated from Reeves College after high school then moved to Marshall, Sask., for a few years. While in Marshall, she got married to her husband, Bill, and had a few kids before moving back to Lloydminster for the long haul.

Cadzow started at the Lloyd Ex five years ago and quickly got involved in many aspects of day-to-day operations and countless events and fundraisers the Ex puts on.

“At the Ex, I do all of the invoicing and payables. I make sure payroll runs smoothly, the bills are paid, and we’re functioning and continue doing what we do,” she said. “I do the Chase the Ace, something I’ve done for four years now, as well as work alongside our GM, Jackie Tomayer. We both work for the board here.”

Cadzow has been a Lloydminster and District Co-op board member for a year, is the president of the Waterboard Association at Brightsand Lake, and recently joined the board for the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions.

“If I wasn’t in the role I’m in now, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I’ve always worked, every day,” she said.

Before the Lloyd Ex, Cadzow worked for local companies doing anything from invoicing and payables to loading trucks and dispatching.

Working at the Ex, however, opened Cadzow’s eyes to the importance of community involvement.

“The oilfield is all I knew before this, but working at the Lloyd Ex, you learn a whole different side of things. I learned what brings the community together, what it takes to put on a fair and how to get the community involved,” she said, noting the Lloyd Ex is celebrating 120 years of the fair this July.

“Keeping this tradition alive is very cool, and it all hit home for me the first time we took my grandson to the fair. He was five at the time and was amazed by the lights and the noise ... I thought, ‘This is pretty cool.’

“Seeing that made all the work we put in to make these events happen worthwhile.”

The best part of Cadzow’s day is working with the team at the Ex. She described them as a close team and said it was refreshing to work with men and women after years in the oilfield.

Stacy and Bill have been married for 34 years and jokingly said the key to a long-term union is “Stay together but do your own thing.”

“Bill is a wonderful husband,” she said. “He does a lot of the work around the house since I spend so much time here and doesn’t complain when I get involved with all the organizations I’m a part of.”

Cadzow said persistence is key for young women looking to pursue a career in finance.

“If you really want to do it, nothing’s going to stop you,” she said, noting her finance role is a dream job. “Keep plugging away and keep your mind set on what you want to do.”

The proud mother of three is also a grandmother of five between the ages of two and 11, which keeps her busy when she’s not at the Ex or working with various boards.

“I like the idea of making a difference. I want my grandchildren to know I make a difference. My oldest grandchild tells everyone I have a million jobs,” she said with a laugh.

Indoor Market at Servus Sports Centre Thursdays (Year-Round): 12-5 PM Saturdays (Oct-Apr): 11 AM-5 PM Make it! Bake it! Grow it! Sell it! bordercityfarmersmarket@outlook.com Lorisa Upham: 639-536-0387

Stacy Cadzow, finance manager at the Lloyd Ex, has been working for the agriculture association for five years and loving every minute of it.

Meridian Source File Photo

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A mother’s healing journey

MERIDIAN SOURCE

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

D

on’t give up. Knock down walls and break those doors down.

Those were the words of Desiree Cornet-Wile when asked what advice she has for young women trying to break into the world of tattoos and piercing.

Cornet-Wile and her husband, Scott, have been together for 17 years.

They’ve been the proud owners of Lloydminster’s Dark Hour Ink for 16 years and have two children, London, 9, and Griffin, 7.

When the couple got together in 2008, Cornet-Wile was a single mother to her four-year-old son, Jayden. He was her world, and her world came crashing down on June 20, 2019, when Jayden lost his life to suicide at age 15.

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Desiree Cornet-Wile and her son London released balloons in Jayden Cornet’s honour.

Meridian Source File Photo

In the last six years, I’ve completely died and had to recreate myself.

“I can honestly say, losing a child drives you crazy; emotionally, mentally, physically, in every aspect of the word,” she said.

“I never, ever want anyone to walk a day in my shoes because I don’t want anyone to have to feel this.

“In the last six years, I’ve completely died and had to recreate myself.”

Four years before losing her son, Cornet-Wile lost her father, Lionel.

“Losing dad in 2015, we got to see how much Lloydminster rallies,” she said. “Sometimes you don’t see that until somebody passes away.

“You also don’t get to see the full potential of what you’ve put into a community until you need it. When we saw Lloydminster rally, we thought, ‘What can we do as a family to rally back?’ ” Whether it was a $10 meal, a jug of milk or a bag of dog food, CornetWile knows a little can go a long way for someone struggling or forgetting to take care of themselves.

“As a community member and someone who can help, when we got into business, our forte was always wanting to help and turn this industry into a family-oriented one because this industry has a stigma around it,” she said.

“Whatever it is, we want to help people.

“I love it because that’s what Jaden did, and I instilled that in him without even realizing it.”

Since his passing, Jaden has been memorialized with the Jaden Cornet Memorial Award at E.S. Laird Middle School. The award is given to a student who embodies what Jaden did for others through giving back.

Over the years, Dark Hour Ink has also done its fair share of giving back.

Most recently, Cornet-Wile’s mission to pay it forward came in the form of a flash tattoo event after resident Dalonna Jones passed away.

“That event was beautiful,” she said. “I grew up with Dalonna, and before the event, none of her family members had tattoos, and now they all do.

“Those types of events are a way our industry can bring people together, which I think is amazing.”

Born in Edmonton, Cornet-Wile’s family lived in Kindersley and Leduc before settling in Lloydminster.

Like many Border City youth, she wanted out. After becoming a mom, however, she wanted nothing more than to raise her family here, as her family did.

“As an adult, when you want to raise a family, don’t forget Lloydminster.

It’s a nice place to raise a family because of the togetherness,” she said.

Growing up, Cornet-Wile’s father, Lionel, worked in the oilfield and sales. She was taught to always open doors for others and give up her seat to seniors if the opportunity arose.

“My dad was part of the OTS and sales. That put in him in the community. Growing up, we were taught to represent him and our family when we left the house,” she said. “That’s what I’m trying to instill in our boys.”

Although not always easy, being a role model for the younger generation is important to Cornet-Wile. She believes men and women have their roles in society. At the end of the day, however, we’re all human.

“Men and women were made to do different things in this world, but they can do the same things as each other with different strengths and weaknesses,” she said.

“I love men, and I love what men can do, but the world would cease to exist without females. Period. Sometimes it’s hard to remember what a woman can bring to the table. You’ve got all these strong male figures, but guess what, they come from a mom.

“Moms can be doctors; moms can be surgeons. Women can be plumbers and welders and pipefitters.”

In short, do whatever makes you happy because the only person who can stop you from pursuing your dreams, is you.

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Chasing love and achieving your dreams G

ood, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better best. Those are the words that have helped carry Enya Denys as she’s travelled through life. Her father imparted those words on her.

Denys and her three children moved to Edmonton in 1991, leaving behind a career in the Philippines.

“I took my kids with me. That’s very challenging, bringing them up here with a new culture, tradition and everything,” said Denys.

She worked various jobs in Edmonton before finding love in Lloydminster, moving there in 2013. Her husband, Doug Denys, worked at the Cenovus Energy Upgrader for years.

Her dream was to one day be a realtor. She had her worries in the beginning, but with motivation from her husband, she took the leap.

“

Sometimes you have that feeling, ‘I don’t think I can do it,’ but again, you dream about something, then go for it.

“Then I was challenged to get my licence to be a realtor, so I did. With my husband cheering me on,” said Denys. “He is the one who encouraged me to go for it, which I didn’t believe (I could).”

In 2019, she received her realtor’s licence. There was some worry as the economy took a hit.

“How can I sell houses? There’s nobody who can afford them,” said Denys.

Despite the initial setback, she soon realized she would find success in her craft through connections in the community.

“In my first year, I was realtor of the year,” she said, noting the following year she was top producer.

With more encouragement from her husband, Denys was ready to open her own office.

When she was picking the realty brand, her lawyer gave her advice to pick a new brand to work under.

“I know it will be a challenge to start with a new brand, new business and being an immigrant, which might (present) some challenges along the way,” she said.

She went with MaxWell Realty, realizing along the way people in the community had trust in her.

Denys is deeply involved with the community through various organizations and events.

“I involve myself with all the events, you name it, I’m there,” she said.

“Something for the kids, especially, to help the community, not only for the organization.”

Denys wanted to honour Doug’s memory. He recently passed away.

“He’s the reason for all my achievements, he supported (me) all the way,” she said.

Denys had some parting words for those looking to chase their dreams in whatever field they may be in.

“Sometimes you have that feeling, ‘I don’t think I can do it,’ but again, you dream about something, then go for it,” she said Denys says it’s important to keep a good attitude.

“Be positive. I know there’s some failures along the way, but those are the things you learn (from) to be better,” she said.

Today, you’ll see Denys working from her 48 St. office or at a local event.

Enya Denys and her late husband, Doug, who recently passed away. Supplied Photo

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Dillion’s compassion with a cause

Her motivation to get involved stemmed from heartbreak after her niece, Autumn Gray Raven Dillon, went missing in Lloydminster almost three years ago. She has not been found.

“I met Catherine (Hill) years ago when I was taking addictions counselling, and later, when my niece went missing,” she said. “I joined the Hope Street team and Catherine created a space where I felt I could make a difference. That’s what drew me in.”

Her niece’s disappearance became the driving force behind her commitment.

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It was the only real reason I joined at first, but the more I helped, the more my compassion grew. You think you’re going to help for just one reason, and suddenly, you realize there’s so much more to do.

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Evangelina Dillon. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE

or Evangelina Dillon, community work is more than a calling, it’s personal.

Originally from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Dillon grew up in Lloydminster and has called it home for the past eight years, after spending a decade away for school.

“I left for about 10 years but came back because this is where my roots are,” she said.

Once a cook at the Gold Horse Casino, Dillon is now a full-time grandmother and active member of the Hope Street Team, a local group providing outreach services to the unhoused and people facing food insecurity.

“It was the only real reason I joined at first, but the more I helped, the more my compassion grew,” she said. “You think you’re going to help for just one reason, and suddenly, you realize there’s so much more to do.”

Dillon’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hill, founder of Hope Street, explained she couldn’t have a better person than Dillon on the team.

“I love Evangelina. She’s got such heart and soul for this work,” said Hill.

“She’s wise, full of wisdom and such a hard worker. Very, very humble … she just does the work. She’s strong, she doesn’t argue, she just makes her point and that’s it.”

Dillon’s path to where she is today wasn’t easy. At 19, she became a certified mechanic, something uncommon for women, especially Indigenous women.

“You got picked on a lot for being a girl in a traditionally male field,” she recalled. “But I did it to prove I could.”

Later, she married, raised five children, and when they were grown, returned to school herself.

Now, as part of the Hope Street team, Dillon finds fulfilment in direct community outreach.

“We go out there, on foot, and meet people where they are,” she said.

“You get to know who’s out there, their stories, their struggles. That’s why I chose this group, no one else was doing it that way.”

She recalled her favourite moments.

“It’s when people say ‘Thank you.’ Sometimes they’re crying because they’ve been hungry all day, or their legs are too sore to walk to town for help. That gratitude hits you.”

Dillon believes Lloydminster could benefit from more shelters, safe places where the unhoused can find security and rest.

“A safe place to sleep is something so simple, but so crucial,” she said.

Reflecting on her work and its impact, she says it’s been an honour.

“I didn’t expect any recognition, and being part of this community, doing something meaningful, it’s the greatest reward,” she said, noting she hopes her niece knows she hasn’t stopped looking for her.

Dillon’s story is one of quiet strength, relentless love and unwavering service. It’s a true testament to the power of community and compassion.

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable C

atherine Hill has dedicated her life to helping others and has a special place in her heart for the most vulnerable people in the community.

For most of her life, Hill has called Lloydminster home. While she kept quiet about exactly how many years that’s been, she laughed when asked how long she’s been in the Border City.

“I can’t reveal how long because then I’d be telling my age,” she joked, noting her deep roots in the community are undeniable.

A background in counselling and psychology, combined with more than 21 years helping others, has shaped Hill’s mission to support those grappling with addiction, homelessness and mental-health challenges.

“I’m just a real caring person about issues like addiction and homelessness and mental health,” she said. “I take special interest in things like missing and murdered Indigenous women and children. Those are the topics that really mean a lot to me.”

Hill works as an instructor, but her heart is set on something even bigger.

“If I could do anything, I would have a home for women who are on the street to get off the street,” stated Hill, after some consideration. “And I would develop programs.”

Hill is making meaningful inroads through her work with the Hope Street Team.

“The community connection is very important to me,” she said. “Building connections and relationships with people in the community … that’s such an important part of advocacy.”

The street team’s efforts include hygiene donation drives and collaborations with local organizations like the Native Friendship Centre, which Hill describes as “the hub for all hygiene items.”

The team is also looking ahead to future partnerships.

“We’re going to try to work together with outreaches,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to coordinate with Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity’s (LVE) greenhouse project to help diversify food options for Lloydminster citizens.

Her path to leadership Hill’s path to becoming a community leader hasn’t been easy.

“The road has been challenging, lots of pain and growth. Lots of self-

Catherine Hill. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE

improvement,” she reflected.

But she feels she’s landed exactly where she’s meant to be.

“I thought I would be a counsellor of some kind … psychology is my nature. So, I’m on track,” she said.

For Hill, giving back is about more than charity, it’s about rekindling values she feels have been lost.

“We need to model kindness, respect, connection, and helping each other. Trying to bring back some old-fashioned ideas, like helping your neighbour in need,” she said.

When asked about the best part of her day, Hill’s answer was simple and somewhat unexpected.

“Before I go to sleep,” she reflects, “ ‘I did the best I could’ … It’s just that good feeling I did good today.”

Her favourite part of Lloydminster? Unsurprisingly, it’s her work with the street team and the unhoused members of the community.

However, being a woman who makes a difference comes with its own set of unique challenges.

“It comes with a lot of responsibility,” she said. “Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves for not being perfect, but I also know I don’t have to be perfect … just as long as I try to be the best I can be each day.”

She sees a need for broader community support, particularly for local helping agencies, and took time to praise Kagan Kneen and his team at the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.

“They’ve really cleaned up that area and done a great job. I hope people can move on from what it was, see the potential and recognize the need a little bit,” she said.

Her commitment is personal, shaped by firsthand experience.

“It’s so important to me because I’ve experienced what it’s like to have a loved one out there,” she said. “Lost, affected by mental health and addiction. And there’s no support. There’s not enough support.”

Hill’s mission is clear: build a stronger, more compassionate community, one step at a time.

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Thursday, May 8, 2025

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Giving a voice to those without one V

eralyn Macnab is selfless and puts the needs of vulnerable animals before her own. She takes in feral cats and helps them become suitable for a loving home through countless hours of taming and love.

That’s how one nomination letter described Hillmond, Sask., resident Veralyn Macnab for this year’s Today’ Woman.

“Not only does she spend the majority of her spare time helping animals, he puts in countless dollars of her own money into these animals. The community is lucky to have a woman like her,” read the letter.

Originally from North Battleford, Macnab moved to Lloydminster in 1998 with her husband, Curtis, who was working in the area. The couple has lived on the same acreage in the Hillmond area for 27 years.

“My current job is unpaid animal rescue, but my dream job would be something to do with animals to help people keep animals at home and healthy,” she said. “Far too many animals are being displaced with the downturn in the economy and shortage of housing.

“Animal rescues are full and rescue workers are tired.”

Community involvement is important to Macnab as she sees a lack of local help and resources when it comes to animals.

“I’m part of a great rescue network and am able to point people to outside resources many aren’t aware of,” she said. “This community has come together many times to help me financially when we find wounded and stray animals.”

Growing up, Macnab wanted to be a veterinarian, but even without the title in her name, she brings smiles to animal lovers regularly through her passion for Veralyn Macnab. Supplied Photo helping those without a voice.

“I think anytime you can help someone within your ability, you should do it,” she said. “We have no idea what someone is going through, or what might make or break their day.

There’s enough problems in the world right now, so anything I can do to brighten the day of a person or animal, I’m going to do it.”

For those with the same passion as Macnab, she said. “Be prepared to have an empty wallet and a full heart.

“Be ready to ask for favours from friends because it’s too much for one person to do alone. Animal rescue isn’t just about helping animals, a lot of the time, it’s about helping people, too.”

Helping people is one of the reasons she was nominated.

She’s helped several families in our community when they’ve lost an animal. She’ll drop everything to bring you a cat trap with bait and give you detailed instructions on how to get your cat back.

That’s a fact, Jack.

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Passion for education fuels Nicholson

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or Crystal Nicholson, vice-principal at E.S. Laird Middle School, Lloydminster has become more than just a home. It’s also a place where her personal and professional life has blossomed in ways she never imagined.

Born in Toronto and raised in Brampton, Ont., Nicholson’s journey to Lloydminster wasn’t a straight path. After completing her teaching degree and taking some time to live in Jasper, she moved to Lloydminster in December 2010. Her husband’s job brought them to town.

“I moved here ... when it was a bitter, bitter cold winter, wondering where I had moved to,” she recalled. “It’s been home since the start of 2011.”

Nicholson’s been busy raising her family in Lloyd, with two children and a stepdaughter.

“If you’d asked me in a million years if I would have Saskatchewan babies, I just don’t know if that was going to be the case,” she laughed.

Her career with Lloydminster Public School Division began with substitute teaching in 2011. That fall, she accepted her first full-time role at E.S. Laird, and she’s never left.

“That has become my home,” she said. “I really have grown up there.”

Nicholson credits much of her growth to the strong sense of community within the school.

“I was surrounded immediately by an amazing community of teachers and people,” she said.

She fondly remembers being taken under the wing of a “mama bear” colleague who helped her navigate both professional and personal life in a new city. Meanwhile, she understands she has been very well cared for, noting her ties with the Hamilton family have became a significant source of support.

Teaching was always her calling.

“Teaching has been my chosen career from day one,” Nicholson said, noting she’s still in touch with her kindergarten teacher. Although she once considered speech pathology, her heart stayed with education.

Community involvement is a cornerstone of Nicholson’s life, with involvement in school initiatives and coaching.

“I have poured my heart and soul into that place (E.S. Laird) for, you know, over a decade,” she said of her volunteer work.

Whether attending students’ sporting events or supporting other community activities, Nicholson believes showing up matters.

“It takes a village,” she said. “Being part of our community and supporting efforts ... is very important to creating the kind of city we all want to live in.”

One of her favourite parts of the day is greeting students in the morning.

“I am a morning person,” Nicholson said. “I am very lucky to have a sunny predisposition about me.”

Her love for Lloydminster shines through, especially the way the city supports families.

“I really found ... the various opportunities that were available to families in the community,” she said, highlighting everything from the library to family support services.

She’s especially thankful for the friendships that have become like family.

“We have chosen to make this home,” she said.

But like many, Nicholson sees room for improvement.

“Transportation would be a good one,” she said, suggesting a simple bus route along the city’s main highways.

She also hopes to see expanded support for vulnerable populations, especially those facing homelessness or addiction.

“Resources and help that’s available to them ... that’s, of course, improvement,” she said.

Nicholson says making a difference is about quiet impact.

“If I can get a true connection and lessons, social lessons more than anything, across to kids ... just quietly lead and build capacity and citizenship and character,” she said.

For those considering a career in teaching, Nicholson advises starting early by volunteering and working with kids.

“Camp counsellors are a good one,” she said, stressing the importance of making it a meaningful choice. “Teaching is not for the faint of heart. Our days are long and hard and some are very tough.”

She believes successful teachers need resiliency, commitment and what she describes as, “The ability to reset and value the kids who are in front of you that day.”

When it comes to setting an example for other women, Nicholson draws strength from her own role models.

“I am the sum of all those relationships that I have built,” she said.

“Every day I show up for them, even on the hard days.”

In true Nicholson fashion, she will carry on, happy for the recognition, but not let it change her.

“I am just a plain Jane, (a) normal person that gets up and tries every day, just like anybody else,” she said. “I work at it every day to be the best version of myself that I can be.”

Crystal Nicholson. Supplied Photo

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A love for helping and giving back MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Taryn Schachtel and her children accept her sportsmanship award from the provincial Scotties championship.

Supplied Photo

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hether it’s animals, or giving her time to the community, Taryn Schachtel is always ready to help.

She grew and still resides just outside of Lloydminster on a small farm with her family.

Growing up, she knew in some way she’d be working with animals.

“I decided that pretty young,” said Schachtel. “I love being on the farm, so it’s either farming or in something agriculture, and vet always came to the top.”

She left the area briefly to attend the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, deciding to return to the area post-grad.

“Family brought me back and we’re still close to the lakes and things to do,”

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said Schachtel.

Shortly after graduating, she joined the team at the Lloydminster Animal Hospital.

“It’s a great work environment and the people are awesome around here,” said Schachtel.

As the practice began to grow, Schachtel was treating a mix of different animals.

“I started out doing a mix of everything,” she said. “I quite liked horses and cows, and it just evolved. Our practice has grown so much in that area. That’s pretty much all I do now, is horses.”

Eventually, she took on a much bigger role of vetting horses for the local chuckwagon events.

“The organizer was short on a vet. I started for a day, then it was two days, then it was a weekend, then it was the whole season,” said Schachtel.

Schachtel and Kimberley Dunsmore, one of her co-workers at the animal hospital, accepted the Roy Bremner Memorial award. The award is given to those who perform outstanding work in promoting and expanding the CPCA race season.

For Schachtel, it isn’t just her love for animals that drives her. It’s also her love of giving back.

“Whether you’re helping develop something in the community or helping somebody’s program, lots of kids’ events are fun for me, too. (I) just get a good feeling from it.”

Over time, the things she commits her time to have changed, as she is involved in organizations for her two children.

“Now it’s what my kids are doing, so coaching ball, helping with curling programs, 4-H, helped plan some of the NACC chuckwagon last year,” said Schachtel.

Her long list of volunteer efforts and extracurricular activities is accented by a love of curling.

“I started when I was in Grade 6. I just like the sport. It’s fun,” said Schachtel.

Competing at the Saskatchewan phase of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Schachtel won the Marj Mitchell Award for sportsmanship.

Schachtel continues her work with animals, in the community and on the ice.

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

I

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Confidence and a willingness to learn

t’s all about being confident, and for Donna Schmid, she’s found success by listening and learning.

Schmid grew up in Marwayne, eventually moving to Lloydminster for college. She attended Reeves College, where she received her accounting certificate.

Schmid took some time away from work after getting married and having her daughter, Kayleigh.

“I went back and started working for Dr. Bryson Rogers,” she said. “I worked for him for 19 years.”

Schmid ran the treatment centre for Dr. Rogers, who would come from Edmonton to do his work.

Eventually through her time working at Prairie Northern Health, she met Dr. Obafemi Ogunlewe.

“I was at that time employed by Prairie North and worked for specialists when they came into town,” said Schmid.

After some time, Dr. Ogunlewe left and decided to open his own office.

“I loved working for him, so I went with him, and the rest is history,” she said.

Now with Dr. Ogunlewe for 12 and a half years, Schmid runs the office.

The change in specialist field was a shock to her at the beginning.

“When I first got into it, I wasn’t sure if it was my choice of the medical field,” she said.

Eventually, she warmed up to the idea of working for an obstetrician and gynecologist.

“Wednesday is definitely my day,” she said.

“We have prenatal in and out all day. Some of them are onto their third baby. We’ve seen them for their other two. It becomes almost like family.”

Another passion of hers emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she found herself stuck at home.

“I knew by staying home I was going to go stir crazy. My husband went and found me end tables to paint,” said Schmid.

Her work was incredibly popular, taking up much of her free time. Eventually, she eased back her work.

Schmid still gave her back to the community as part of the Bordertown H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapter.

She was involved in the local toy run as a road captain.

“That’s pretty cool when you’re leading 140 bikes behind you,” she said.

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Donna Schmid. Supplied Photo

The group was an opportunity for her to help get women into riding.

“I was a new lady rider; I didn’t know anybody that rode. When I started in 2012 or 2013, there wasn’t a lot of women riders,” said Schmid. “I loved encouraging other women, ‘You can do this.’ ” She enjoys riding with other women who share the same interest.

Schmid has some words of wisdom for those looking to do any pursuits.

“You don’t need to be the best at anything,” said Schmid. “I always think if you have confidence, and you’ve got two ears that are open and willing to listen and to learn, you will go up.”

22

MERIDIAN SOURCE

TODAY’S WOMAN 2025

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Quietly celebrating service to others

Shelley (left) and Ray Tatro were all smiles while recently presenting Kianna Wildeman with this year’s Lions Club Jr. Citizen of the Year.

Meridian Source File Photo

S

elfless in dedication to the community, Shelley Tatro is a shining example of what it means to give back.

Since getting involved with the Lloydminster Lions Club, among many other organizations, Tatro has quietly forged relationships with people in need with an active desire to serve.

Tatro has played integral roles in the Lions’ many initiatives, including awareness and teaching about diabetes, the Guides Dogs of Canada, organ and tissue donation the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, to name a few.

As a nomination letter stated, “She’s a woman who is magic in getting things done. She inspires and encourages while creating awareness. She’s a genuine friend of the Lloydminster community.”

Tatro has called Lloydminster home since age 10 and loved the fact everyone knew one another.

“I lived in Edmonton from 1992 to 2002, but it wasn’t the same. You hardly knew your neighbour. When I moved back to Lloyd, that sense of community hadn’t gone anywhere,” she said, explaining she moved away to be closer to

hospitals in Edmonton.

“I had a daughter in 1996 who was born with a terminal metabolic disease,” she said. “When she started school, it was better to move back to Lloyd to be close to family and support.”

There was no cure for the disease. Despite all odds, Tatro’s daughter graduated from post-secondary education in June 2015 before passing in September of the same year. The heartbreaking process led Tatro to her now-husband and Exhaust Masters owner, Ray. “When Jen passed, I was encouraged to get involved with a local organ transplant organization, which is where I met Ray,” she said, explaining Ray had also lost his wife around the same time.

The rest, as they say, is history.

“Getting together with Ray led to volunteering with Mount Joy (Snow Resort) and the Transplant Trot until they dissolved,” she said. “The other big one, of course, was the Lions ... and holy cow was that an undertaking.

“When I do something, I don’t do it small.”

As a Lion over the last seven years, Tatro has been the treasurer, vice-president, co-founder of fundraising and the membership program co-ordinator.

She also works closely with the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year committees and volunteers with Boys and Girls clubs.

“I’m also the cabinet administrator as Ray is the district governor this year,” she said, explaining the role comes with a lot of travel and organization.

“Ray is the district governor for northern Saskatchewan, which means we visit 54 clubs throughout the year. We’re a team in everything we do.”

When she’s not travelling across Saskatchewan visiting various Lions clubs, she’s with Ray, keeping things running smoothly at Exhaust Masters.

For Tatro, supporting the community is important for many reasons, but it stems from the support she received after losing Jen. “I’ve always volunteered, and the local community here has done so much for me. Heart and Stroke, the MS Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, you name it,” she said. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

She also explained she continues to volunteer and give back as it’s hard to get that feel-good feeling doing anything else.

“I’ve lost my mom, my dad, and my daughter, that was my family,” she said.

“Being with Ray, I gained three stepdaughters, three-step son-in-laws and three step-grandchildren.”

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PAGE 24 Thursday, May 8, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Lancers’ expansive camp marks start of new U18 AAA era

New coach Chris King directed 100-plus hockey prospects at the U18 AAA Lancers’ spring identification camp last weekend in Lloydminster. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Go big or stay home.

That was the prevailing philosophy last weekend as the U18 AAA Lloydminster Lancers staged their spring identification camp at Servus Sports Centre. More than 100 elite hockey prospects participated in three days of practices and games, trying to

impress new coach Chris King and his assistants.

“We’ve got about 110 kids here this weekend, and then we’ve got probably 10 or 12 that aren’t here, so it’s a very large camp,” King said Sunday as players lined up for exit meetings with him.

“I’m starting fresh with this program.

It’s like a retooling, so we want to look at as many guys as possible.”

After the weekend skates, King and his associates reduced the Lancers’ tryout roster to the 40-man range for spring and summer workouts, leading up to the main training camp Aug. 24-28.

The U18 AAA Lancers have nowhere to go but up in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. They finished last in the 16-team provincial league, posting just six wins and 15 points in 38 games.

“A lot,” a smiling King replied when asked what it would take to turn Lloyd into a competitive program. “I think they lacked a lot in goal-scoring, and they lacked a lot on team guys (who) are going to hold the culture and carry the water with the team.

“We’ve got to get better in all areas of the game. They took a lot of penalties (and) they didn’t score a lot of goals.”

Just six players are eligible to return to the Lancers, who are counting on young talent and a professional coach to kickstart their rebuild.

King, the former Lakeland College women’s basketball coach, is transitioning back to his minor hockey roots as the Kitscoty native takes over the Lancers. His assistant coaches are Riley Fletcher and Joe Gidari.

“We’re excited,” said King. “The demands that are going to be put on (the players) will be high, but I think they’re up for the challenge.”

The substantial roster turnover opens the door for U17 AAA graduates and a bumper crop of 2010-born prospects who played at the U15 AAA or

prep levels this past season.

The Lancers’ wish list includes hometown forward Tripp Fischer, the skilled Delta Hockey Academy captain projected to be an early selection in this week’s WHL draft. Fischer wasn’t at Lloyd’s ID camp because he was in Philadelphia for a top-prospects showcase.

As part of their rebuild, the Lancers hope to bring such bright prospects back home to Lloydminster for the coming season.

“That’s what we’re looking for, is these high-end, young kids coming back and being that staple of the Lancers hockey program,” said King, who anticipated “a handful of players” would sign commitments this week.

Another one of those local draft-eligible players warming up to the Lancers is Josh Frazer, an energetic forward who scored more than a point per game with the OHA Edmonton U15 prep team.

“Frazer is one of the ones that we want to be a part of the program,” said King. “An absolute buzzsaw. He’s all over the place. He’s undersized, he works hard, he’s a 200-foot player and has good hands.

“He was just around the puck all weekend. For someone his age to be super noticeable at this camp is impressive.”

Among other prospects from the 2010-born class, King was impressed with the likes of OHA Edmonton forward Kael Scott, along with U15 AAA Lancers defencemen Cobin Garnett and Peter Osman.

SPORTS

Thursday, May 8, 2025

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Junior golfer Mazzei takes swing at U18 AAA hockey JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

..................................

Carson Mazzei is a competitive junior golfer, but on the warmest weekend this spring, he found himself camped out at the rink.

He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Mazzei is an up-and-coming hockey player in Lloydminster, where he’s trying out for the U18 AAA Lancers.

With more than 100 players at their identification camp last weekend, the Lancers staged the first round of their tryout process. Afterward, they whittled the numbers down to the 40-man range.

Mazzei, a 17-year-old forward graduating from the U17 AAA Lancers, was generally satisfied with his performance against prospects from across the city and communities like Wainwright, Cold Lake and Bonnyville.

“I thought I did pretty good,” said Mazzei, a Grade 11 student at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.

“Maybe I wasn’t happy with one skate. But, overall, decent.”

New coach Chris King noted Mazzei made his presence felt during camp and showed the kind of leadership qualities the U18 Lancers want to espouse in the coming campaign.

Mazzei believes it comes with the pride of wearing a Lloyd jersey, just as he has done from his childhood as a Bobcat and through his teenage years as a Lancer.

“After the change to Lancers from Bobcats, it means a lot to have a Lancers logo and just to represent Lloydminster,” said Mazzei, whose favourite NHL team is the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As he lined up Sunday for a camp exit meeting with King, Mazzei sported a golf shirt and dress shorts, befitting a multi-sport athlete who has also stood out on the Maple Leaf Junior Golf tour and other circuits.

As the U18 Lancers try to become competitive in the Alberta Elite Hockey League, Mazzei wants to be a part of a culture change that emphasizes a commitment both on and off the ice.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Just making sure that everyone gets along.

And not just on the ice, but every day in the community, just making sure you’re not doing wrong stuff.”

In their efforts to rebuild the program, the Lancers are banking on “good chemistry and working hard,” he said. “Maybe compared to Edmonton teams, we don’t have as many guys (to pick from), but I feel like if we work harder and play more physically, it runs them down and gets them tired.”

Mazzei and his buddies were a tired lot after three days of camp workouts at Servus Sports Centre. They won’t slow down in the off-season.

“I have to work hard this summer to get better,” said Mazzei, who scored 13 points, including 10 assists,

in 34 games during the past season.

“I golf a lot — I do tournaments — but I also make sure I’m working out and skating every week. Getting stronger, so I don’t get knocked off the puck.”

He makes the most of his five-footsix, 135-pound frame.

“I’m maybe not the biggest guy, but I try to use my speed,” said Mazzei, who gave a scouting report on his playing style.

“A pass-first mentality, a 200-foot player, with a decent D-zone (presence) to protect the front of the net and make plays in the O-zone.”

25

Carson Mazzei.

John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE

26

Thursday, May 8, 2025

SPORTS

JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR

On the first weekend of May, the 17U Momentum Black girls’ team placed fifth among 31 teams at their provincials in Saskatoon.

Combined with solid provincial showings from Rustlers boys’ teams, these are heady days for club volleyball in Lloyd. (See an account of the Rustlers’ results in next week’s Meridian Source).

“Last year, there were 25 boys’ and girls’ teams in Lloydminster, which makes us the third-largest exporter of club volleyball teams in Saskatchewan,” Gratton said. “It’s grown a lot.

“There’s also been a lot of good success on the boys’ side, too, recently. We don’t have boys’ teams in our (Momentum) clubs, but within the Rustlers, they’ve medalled at provincials last year and this year and have had good success.”

Gratton speaks from experience. He has coached volleyball teams in Lloyd for 28 years. He and Brent Teasdale founded Momentum in 2020, long after forming the Rustlers’ club program in 2005.

RURAL ATHLETES HELP POWER LLOYD With both local organizations, Gratton has been impressed with the extra effort that young athletes and their parents show in committing to club volleyball.

As with Gratton’s own 15U team, multiple players from rural communities commit to regularly making long drives to Lloyd for practices and games, and even longer trips elsewhere for tournaments.

“In the last 20 years, there’s only one other team that won provincials that wasn’t from Saskatoon or Regina,” he said. “So, for our group of small-town kids to be able to beat all these (teams from) Saskatoon and Regina, along with Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg and then some of the U.S. cities as well, that’s been really gratifying. Being from smaller communities and being successful against large cities.”

His champion 15U team tasted U.S. competition during the February school break, when they won an international tournament in Phoenix, the 88-team Festival Fiesta Classic.

Back home in the gold-medal match at the recent provincials, Momentum swept the Huskies, the Saskatoon club affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan varsity program.

“I expected our group to be a good team, but I didn’t expect to win so many matches without losing sets,” Gratton said. “To get to provincials and still be able to win all our matches without dropping any sets, in retrospect that was quite surprising. Some of the scores were pretty convincing. When you’re there in the moment, the games seem close and it gets pretty stressful, but when you reflect back on it, it was a pretty dominant performance by the group.”

Those gritty victories came against physically bigger teams from strong Saskatoon and Regina clubs, he said.

Momentum 15U Black’s roster — consisting of three Grade 10 students and seven players from Grade 9 — come from Lloydminster, Kitscoty, Maidstone, Neilburg, Chauvin and Provost.

“It’s certainly helped our club to have these kids that come from outside of Lloydminster and drive an hour and a half or two hours to come to practice, to really make it happen for our club as well,” said Gratton, whose club captured silver at last year’s provincials.

“We’re grateful for the commitment that parents and kids make. When you’re from a small town and you don’t have access to all the opportunities that Saskatoon and Regina and Edmonton teams do, it’s great that they make that commitment and they’re able to be rewarded with the success that we’ve been having.”

That success has come all season long, from three Sask Cup tournaments to the provincial championship itself. In each case, upwards of 40 to 50 teams competed in the 15U division, and the entire Momentum roster contributed to the club’s winning ways.

“At 15U, they have the fair-play rule, which means if you don’t play or start in the first set, you have to in the second,” Gratton said. “So, it really requires everyone on the roster to contribute to the success of the team. We were very fortunate to have different girls step up at different times. When our group was in trouble, there was always a player or two who would have a great game and contribute, get us out of the hole.

“By the final, what was great to see is the fact that everybody had a good game.

Everybody played really well and everyone had their moments.”

Momentum girls are banking on more such moments at the national championship in Edmonton during the May long weekend.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Momentum Black strikes provincial gold ..................................

Momentum Volleyball Club lived up to its name in a big way as the 15U girls from Lloydminster brought Saskatchewan female club volleyball gold to the border city for the first time.

The provincial-championship performance on the final weekend of April put an exclamation mark on a near-perfect season for Momentum’s 15U girls’ Black team, which has lost just once this year in about 40 matches against Saskatchewan teams.

At the provincials in Saskatoon, the Lloyd juggernaut posted a perfect 6-0 record and didn’t lose a set.

What’s more, a second Momentum entry won Division 1 consolation honours, as the 15U Red club placed seventh among the 15 D1 teams and the 50-team field overall.

“So, we’re the only club in Saskatchewan that has two of their teams inside the top 10,” said Momentum co-founder Cory Gratton, coach of the gold-medallists.

“Which is pretty hard to do when you consider you’re competing with Saskatoon and Regina, who have a number of teams.”

On the same banner weekend for Momentum girls, the 16U Black team earned provincial silver for the second straight year and the 16U Red team finished 15th out of 52 clubs.

Earlier in April, the 13U girls from Momentum brought silver medals back to Lloydminster.

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PAGE 27 Thursday, May 8, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Saskatchewan DLC sees program growth CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

..................................

The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) is continuing to see significant interest in online mechanic and automotive courses for high school students.

Student registration in Sask DLC’s mechanical and automotive courses significantly increased in its second year of operation. To date this school year, there are more than 400 student registrations for the courses, including 186 with work placements.

Last year, 126 students registered in Mechanical and Automotive 10, 20 or 30 level courses, completing more than 4,500 work-placement hours. An additional 97 students took the introductory theory-only course.

“It is exciting to see another great learning camp day in partnership between the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre and the autobody UNITED CHURCH FROM PAGE 9

In 2008, the Aboriginal Ministries Circle formed to recognize and affirm the work of aboriginal ministries.

This applies also to our Indigenous community in and around Lloydminster as we strive to be more aware of what we owe the First Nations and Metis people upon whose land we live.

We offer educational opportunities to our congregation as we learn about different ways of honouring the creator. As part of our centennial celebrations, we are also looking to collaborate with key Indigenous groups as the UCC continues to develop the Indigenous

sector,” said Everett Hindley, minister responsible for Sask DLC. He says the autobody industry is an evolving and growing sector and a key component to communities across the province.

Students had the opportunity to take part in a one-day hands-on learning camp at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Saskatoon campus. The camps provide students the opportunity to learn about future career paths.

“We have an excellent partnership with Sask DLC and always appreciate hosting high school students on campus for hands-on training,” said Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. Sask DLC offers six mechanical and automotive courses. Students learn through a combination of online theory and in-person work placements.

The mechanical and automotive courses are open for registration for the 2025-26 school year at saskDLC.ca.

United Church communities of faith.

The UCC will be celebrating its centennial anniversary on June 10, 2025.

Grace United Church in Lloydminster will celebrate this special event over two days – a family fun fest/church picnic on Saturday, May 31, at Weaver Heritage Park. Welcome to one and all. This will be followed by a centennial church service on Sunday, June 1.

- Alice Robinson is the Chair of the GUC Centennial Planning Committee

25052WW0

PAGE 28 Thursday, May 8, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE

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• Newer flooring, shingles, furnace, a/c, windows, siding and lovely front covered veranda.

•

PARADISE VALLEY • Lot for sale in the lovely community of •

282,500

Paradise Valley!

Includes a 24'x28' garage with concrete floor, newer overhead door and a newly installed steel roof!

29,900

$

AB

$

MLS A2215253

AB

LAC DES ILES

AB $184,900 MLS A2212827

COMMERCIAL DEVONIA INDUSTRIAL PARK

MLS A2215581

MAKE YOUR LAKE DREAM A REALITY! BRIGHTSAND LAKE

ELK POINT

Pristine, lake front home with breathtaking views at Diamond Willow Estates.

• Large decks, 3 beds, 3 baths, laundry, double detached garage, workshop and storage shed included!

BRIGHTSAND LAKE

AB $755,000 MLS A2160532 AB $735,000 MLS A2160528

MAKWA LAKE

HWY 17 FRONTAGE

SK $650,000 MLS A2146418

SK $627,500 MLS A2201337

SK $499,000 MLS A2155521 SK

379,000 MLS A2084847

$

AB $549,000 MLS A2024177

WELCOME TO LLOYDMINSTER - YOUR NEXT HOME IS HERE!

49TH AVE. DOWNTOWN

MULTI-FAMILY

AB

528,880 MLS A2154558

$

SK

PENDING

AB

369,900 MLS A2211861

$

470,000 MLS A2213221 AB

$

$

432,500 MLS A2204608 AB

389,900 MLS A2213211

$

50TH AVE. DOWNTOWN

BASEMENT SUITE

AB

318,880 MLS A2154553 SK

$

309,900 MLS A2213200 AB

$

289,900 MLS A2210700

$

GLENCOE PARK

SK

$

245,000 MLS A2201703

SK

252,500 MLS A2208582 SK

$

SK $279,000 MLS A2163745

163,500 MLS A2170275 AB

$

AB $275,000 MLS A2131706

PLAZA 44 - UNIT #116

NOVA PLACE

129,900 MLS A2202224

$

AB $13.50 sq. ft. MLS A2055846

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES ALBERTA

5607 - 31 St. 3018 - 56 Ave.

2 Bed, 1 Bath 3 Bed, 2 Bath

$1350 $1500

READY READY

APPLY ONLINE TODAY

coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Judy Bexson Brandon King Realtor® Residential Realtor®

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker (AB) Broker (SK)

Each office is independently owned & operated.

Sandy Hardy Realtor®

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB | 780-875-3343

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

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