November 18, 2021 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper November 18, 2021

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VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 44

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Royals Are The Champions ABOVE: Brody Nelson, #28 scores one of four TD’s on Saturday, November 13. The Martensville Royals beat the Delisle Rebels 32 - 22 in the 9-Man Provincial finals. See story on Page 5.

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Page 2 - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

Proof of Vaccination, Living with Covid-19, Testing Kits Effective October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test will be implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses, and event venues that bring groups of people together, including: Indoor dining at restaurants.

Nightclubs, bars, taverns, and other licensed establishments.

Event and entertainment venues, including conference centres, casinos, movie theatres, concert venues, live-music venues, museums, and indoor facilities hosting ticketed sporting events.

Indoor fitness centres, and gyms.

More detail can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 under Public Health Orders COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics.

Watch for vaccination clinics and opportunities for vaccinations are through pharmacies and pop-up clinics.

A list of upcoming clinics saskatchewanhealthauthority.ca

throughout

the

province

is

available

at

www.

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall.

Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of October 15th Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions.

City of Martensville City Hall Aquatic Centre - Closed for the season Hours of Operation: City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Monday to Friday Sports Centre - Open for the Season 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open

(Excluding Statutory Holidays)

Rapid Testing Kits

As a way to continue to monitor and prevent further spread of COVID-19 within the community and region, rapid testing kits have begun to be made available from various businesses or organizations. As of October 22nd, the Martensville Fire Department was distributing kits on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 3-5 PM. Canalta Hotel-Martensville also had kits available for distribution from 7 AM-11 PM. Distribution is available while supplies last.

A comprehensive Provincial list of where to obtain kits was not yet available but continue to follow local media for updates around availability locally and in the Province.

Recreation Program Update - Martensville Sip n’ Shop, Play & Skate with Santa Martensville Sip n’ Shop At the North Ridge Centre on November 25th, $2 Admission, from 4:30 PM- 9:30 PM. Offering an opportunity to shop at this tradeshow while enjoying a beverage with friends after work.

Play & Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 12th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids! You can go on a sleigh ride, skate, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, warm up with hot chocolate, and much more!

All programs are run in compliance with current COVID-19 regulations

City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021.

Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

December Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk.

Committee of the Whole - December 14 Regular Council Meeting - December 21 The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda.

To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

More Ways to Pay!

The City of Martensville is now accepting Ineterac e-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment.

The Deadline for 2021 was July 31st Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.

SASKATOON

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - Page 3

City of Martensville Begins Initial Stage for Campground Construction Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

As of November 15, 2021, the City of Martensville began work towards preparing a site where a future campground will be located within the community. The addition of a campground was included within the Kinsmen Park Master Plan update in 2019 based off information collected from the public in 2017. It was during this time that the City of Martensville collected information by creating a community-wide survey and speaking to focus groups comprised of various user groups within the city.

Feedback from the community showed that a campground would be a favorable addition as it would provide an additional amenity for families and visitors to the community. In addition, the campground would tie together other amenities such as Kinsmen Park, the Aquatic Centre, the MAP, Mocon Fields and the Martensville Slo-Pitch Diamonds.

This past May, the City of Martensville released a nine-question survey requesting feedback from residents regarding the plan for the campground. At that time, Director of Recreation and Community Services, Ted Schaeffer noted that they were in the very early stages of planning and basically looking at what could be done with the provided space. Once results from the survey were received, the City reviewed them and provided that information to the consultant company hired to design the campground.

Funding for the campground came from the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP), which was received in 2020 and saw a total of $390,000 allocated towards the initial phase of the project. Future phases will be started as additional grant and program funding is made available and budgeted for in upcoming years. The initial phase of the project will include rough grading of the site and clean-up to enable enhanced landscaping while also preserving and utilizing existing vegetation. As of November 15th, heavy machinery is operating during daylight hours seven days a week, which is expected to take approximately two weeks. No road restrictions are expected to occur.

The campground will be accessed off 10th Avenue North, adjacent to Mocon Fields. In the initial planning stages for the campground, plans were to have it located immediately north of the Aquatic Centre; however, the City of Martensville took community feedback into consideration and changed the location after considering issues regarding noise, proximity to residential areas and preservation of green space.

The land being used for the campground is public-owned municipal reserve which means there will be no land acquisition costs and with other amenities nearby, it can be serviced much easier. Access to the park can be used from traffic coming from both Highway 11 and 12, via Main Street or Lutheran Road, which will help limit traffic coming through main roadways in the community such as Centennial Drive, 3rd Street North or 4th Street South.

With North Ridge Interested in working in the Community Centre, PR and communications field? multiple ball diamonds, the MAP and other amenities PUBLIC RELATIONS CERTIFICATE close-by, the location can also provide a potential Offered 100% Online destination for weddings, gatherings, sporting events and special events.

Once completed, a total of 25 RV/Trailer sites and 5 tenting sites will be included. Sites will have access to electricity, water, washrooms and a dumping station.

The City of Martensville anticipates the campground to be a positive addition to the community, bringing people to the city that will Learn more. contribute to the local uregina.ca /cce economy.

ABOVE: The initial stages of work for the future Martensville campground will be taking place over the next two weeks. The campground is part of the Kinsmen Park Master Plan.

Checkstop Results in Six Drivers Losing License

POLICE

BEAT

Corman Park Police Service worked alongside Saskatoon Police Service and MADD Saskatoon on Friday, November 12th to do a sobriety checkstop on the South side of Saskatoon.

In total six drivers lost their licenses and had their cars impounded with four of the suspensions taking place due to alcohol consumption and two for cannabis.

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ARTENSVILLE

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SCHOOL DAYS Keeping Busy at Valley Manor

Valley Manor Elementary School has been busy so far this school year and according to Chelsea Choponis, VMS Administrative Assistant, the year has started off “fast and furious”.

Even though COVID still presents a challenge to staff and students, VMS is making the best of it and providing many educational and recreational activities within the school. Since the school year began, students have participated in track and volleyball.

Many educational presentations have been provided to students including several classes receiving online presentations from the Tornado Hunter, Chris Chittick, grade one students receiving a presentation from the Martensville Fire Department in October and grade two students enjoying a visit from ‘The Bat Lady’.

The Prairie Spirit School Division switched the November 15th Day in Lieu to September 30th, so that schools were able to acknowledge and observe the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

This past October, Parent/Teacher Interviews were held via phone and virtually and the VMS SCC provided dinner to staff one of those evenings.

Healthy Hunger is being provided once again this year, and Choponis noted that it is being very well received.

Leading up to November 11th, students were creating Remembrance Day art, which was displayed in many of the schools hallways. Additionally, several classes took the opportunity to take in the Remembrance Day display that was created by a Martensville resident.

ABOVE and BELOW: Valley Manor Elementary School students learn more about Remembrance Day by visiting a display created by a Martensville resident.

MHS Senior Girls Volleyball Team Heads to Provincials

The Martensville High School Senior Girls Volleyball team came in second at Regionals this past weekend at Marion Graham in Saskatoon. This weekend the team will head to 4A Provincials.

ABOVE: Venture Heights School held a Remembrance Day Virtual Assembly and did a wonderful job paying tribute by their amazing art displays. (Facebook)

SAS Celebrates 10 Years Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Teresa Helperl and Joelle Ward, owners of SAS Home and Floral Boutique in Martensville hosted their annual Christmas Extravaganza on Wednesday, November 10.

Even though the weather didn’t seem to co-operate it didn’t stop loyal customers from coming out and getting in the Christmas spirit.

They offered discounts, door prizes and wine samples for their customers throughout the day and evening and ended the night popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate being in business for ten years.

Helperl stated that they have so much to be thankful for because of their amazing customers. “You have shown us nothing but love and support through the years and this is our night to show you our appreciation,” said Helperl via Instagram.

You can check their Christmas collection online at www.sashomeandfloral.ca or stop by at Bay #5, 239 Centennial Drive North.

BELOW: Joelle Ward and Teresa Helperl

Royals Finish Season Undefeated Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Royals high school football team ended a perfect season on Saturday, November 13th after they took on the Delisle Rebels and defeated them 32-22 to win the Provincial Nine-Man High School Football Championship.

According to Royals Coach Tyler Munday, the first half of the game didn’t consist of many highlights for our Royals; however, despite losing Parker Peterson, a senior linebacker to a separated shoulder, and multiple turnovers, the Royals didn’t falter.

“We were able to overcome that adversity and ultimately played our best half of football. We came out in the second half and played a great half of football on both sides,” Munday said.

The grade 12’s stepped up and led the charge to help turn the game around in the second half with Kaden Solomon shining on the defensive side with multiple tackles and an all-star play by coming out of nowhere to stop the opponents QB from scoring on 3rd goal.

Hayden Sametts had an interception in the end zone near the end of the first half to keep the score 22-7, Brody Nelson showcased another four-touchdown performance and Latrell Brown added a two-yard touchdown score.

During half-time, Coach Robertson spoke to the team, reminding them that the entire coaching staff was behind them. “He told them that we, the coaches, believe in them, we have believed in them all year, and nothing has changed,” Munday stated.

Robertson also reminded the team that even though Delisle brought some trick plays with different looks to the game, it wasn’t over yet and they were still in it, which ignited a spark within the team as they came out in the second half looking for redemption.

Royal’s Brody Nelson Has Spectacular Season Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Brody Nelson, #28 running back for the Martensville Royals high school football team, had an outstanding season this year, helping them earn the title of 9-Man Provincial Champions this past weekend. Nelson really made his Senior year with the Royals count. Being undefeated all season, Nelson contributed to this four-game regular season winning streak, running for 1056 yards, had 56 carries and 16 touchdowns. In his three playoff games he ran for 1115 yards, had 57 carries and 15 touchdowns. He will also be joining the U of S Huskies football team for the 2022 season.

Nelson started his football career playing Flag, Peewee and Bantam with the Martensville Maddogs. Through his Saskatoon Minor Football career in 2018 and 2019 he played with U16 North Sask and Team Sask in 2019 winning the Western Challenge gold medal. He also claimed the title of Offensive MVP. In 2021 he played with North Sask Varsity All Stars.

When he started playing with the Royals in 2019, he was in Grade 10. After four weeks he became a starter and had nine touchdowns in the regular season and four in the playoffs. They took a loss to Melfort in the Provincial Final and Nelson was awarded Rookie of the Year. He also gave back to the community that year by helping coach the Peewee Maddogs.

When I asked Nelson about his experience playing football in Martensville he stated that the football programs have always been very well run, with great coaches starting at the flag level all the way up to high school.

“Head Coach Lyle Evanisky was my first high school coach and he taught me a lot. This year our new Head Coach Craig Robertson and coaching staff coached us to a Provincial Championship. The High School coaching staff have always been great.

Moving forward I am grateful to work with Coach Evanisky again as I have committed with the U of S Huskies. I can't wait to grow, learn and become a great football player under Coach Flory and the Huskies,” said Nelson.

Nelson also went on to say that he highly recommends doing every camp out there. Saskatoon Minor Football runs a spring Academy that gets you ready for your high school season.

“My two seasons with the Martensville Royals will always be a ABOVE: Brody Nelson #28 with the Martensville Royals huge part of my heart.”

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - Page 5

SPORTS

Keep the Comm your team scor and tournamen to jhayward@sa off at the Mart Office at Bay # Drive North to weekly sports r

This was the third match-up against the Rebels this season following two regular season games, one on September 24th where the Royals took the win at 42-20 and another on October 15th with the Royals coming out ahead 41-30.

The championship win was that much sweeter as it took place in front of a home-town crowd. “The icing on the cake was to win it at home in front of a great crowd. I still get goosebumps when people congratulate us and ask about the game,” Munday explained. Hundreds of people, cheering for both the Royals and Rebels, were in attendance for the game.

Munday noted that this incredible season was possible due to the contributions of many. “Our parents have been amazing. They have done all the thankless jobs and have been the best cheering section that a team could ask for. Myles Loeffler did all the field maintenance and painted the lines on the field. Teresa Koop-Hunter handled all the administrative duties behind the scenes, so we just had to worry about coaching. I’d also like to thank the staff and student volunteers who helped throughout the year, either score keeping or running the clock, announcing the game, or playing music before and during the game. Thank you as well to Deanne Robertson for her hours of taping players injuries so that they could compete. Thank you to Lee Stevens from Craven’s for being our field physio at each of our home games. A special thanks to Greg Heisler of Mocon Construction for donating his time and machinery to have the field cleared of snow. He did an amazing job, and the field was in great shape for the game. Thank you as well to the volunteer coaches for donating hundreds of hours of their personal time so we could have a season and last but certainly not least, thank you to the players for all their hard work. This season will be one I never forget.”

This seasons Royals team, in no particular order: Keegan Bates-Swain (77), Lattrell Brown (7), Colby Bunnah (35), Mason Cey (64), Sutter Danyuchuk (8), Brody Dyck (69), Austyn Evans (14), Chase Hahn (66), Jackson Heisler (67), Brayden Kennedy (70), Caleb Leier (27), Chase Lepage (25), Noah McGaughey (24), Tytan Mueller (4), Brody Nelson (28), Rex Norman (23), Seth Noram (15), Jaydyn Okell (9), Parker Peterson (12), Dominick Randall (6), Callan Reid (65), Darriern Rempel (72), Cale Robertson (45), Hayden Sametts (56), Ethan Schachtel (75), Tristan Scott (58), Michael Shoemaker (2), Kaden Solomon (16), Toryn Swysten-Bernes (88), Nevin VanDenBussche (68), Alexia Wagner (46) and Shaidon Yuzik (11). Coaching Staff: Craig Robertson (Head Coach), Carter Dyck, Brodey Kliewer, James Mueller, Tyler Munday, Cooper Olson, Cley Sametts. Training Staff: Kaylee Ayotte, Ashley Cey, Andi Johnson, Shelby Shynkaruk. Manager: Teresa Koop-Hunter.

U13 AA Marauders Challenged

by Fort McMurray Barons Following Winning Streak Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Marauder U13 AA team are currently undefeated and have won a total of four tournaments this season including the Evan Thomas Memorial Tournament, Humboldt Broncos Tournament, Prince Albert Chris Dunn Memorial Tournament and the Melee in Millet.

After word spread about the undefeated team, they were challenged by the Fort McMurray Barons, who will be travelling here to play the Marauders on Saturday, November 20th at 1pm in Martensville.

The U13 AA team will also be hosting their own tournament which will take place December 3-5.

After being challenged by the U18 AA team, the team will be participating in an Adopt-a-Family partnership with the Martensville and District Kinette Club and will be canvassing the community on December 11th after their practice to raise money to help give a local family a better Christmas. To help spread the Christmas spirit, the U13 AA team has challenged the U15 AA team to adopt their own family this holiday season.

ABOVE: The U13 AA Marauders are currently undefeated this season. (Submitted)

Page 6 - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Gov’t Needs To Learn From Past Covid-19 Lessons

We all get by now that living with COVID-19 will likely mean living with occasional waves and spikes and all likely get that means that we just can’t shut down the entire economy. It would be almost impossible not to understand this point by now because this is what the government has been hammering home for months.

This might not be what some of the less reasonable want to hear, but it only makes sense that we can’t perpetually lockdown the entire province. Even those provinces that have had more COVID-19 success — either recently or throughout this pandemic — haven’t done that.

But here’s the critical point: Very, very few people are seriously advocating lockdowns of any sort — not even the Medical Health Officers and other doctors who have twice written to Health Minister Paul Merriman and Premier Scott Moe advocating more stringent measures.

In fact, the last letter from the MHOs makes a point of saying this is precisely what they are not advocating.

Even the notion that the government has been spinning (and largely attributing to NDP Opposition leader Ryan Meili) than the MHOs are advocating a strict no-inclass school attendance for eligible non-vaccinated children desperately needs to be put in perspective.

For starters, while the MHO letter does suggest there should be vaccine requirements for children attending class, the wording is far less than the government is portraying it to me.

In a reasonable world far removed politics this could be policy because it is not unreasonable to ask for children to be vaccinated to attend schools. Most other provinces — even ones with conservative governments — do have policies requiring school-age children to be inoculated from mumps, measles and chicken pox before going to class and putting other kids at risk. (That we don’t have such a similar policy in Saskatchewan does not suggest we are innovative here).

The notion we keep hearing from Moe and now Education Minister Dustin Duncan that the NDP would eagerly ban 27,000 unvaccinated kids (statistically speaking, it would more likely be 24,000 children) from getting an education, is pretty much political hyperbole.

As was the case with the surge in vaccinations when this government finally got behind the notion in September of needing vaccine passports to attend public events, (remember this is a government that initially balked at such an idea) it’s more than likely that many procrastinating parents would simply see self-interested benefit of vaccinations.

But the problem all along — and especially since the re-opening of the province on July 11th — is that this government has thought it could skate by doing as little as possible. Or at the very least, this has been a government terrified of offending those largely on the political right that advocate freedom.

While it’s spun the notion that it has simply and carefully followed the expertise of the MHOs and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab, we clearly know that just hasn’t been the case. That was already evident in the CMO letters’ made public at the time. It’s now evident in previously undisclosed documents obtained by StarPhoenix reporter Zak Vescera throne freedom-of-information requests.

The documents obtained show Merriman and this government were repeatedly warned about the “high likelihood” of a record-setting COVID-19 fall surge if more stringent measures weren’t taken.

The modelling that was wholeheartedly endorsed

by Shahab as among the world predicted in June that the Delta variant would rapidly spread among the unvaccinated, flooding ICUs and potentially causing record deaths, Vescera reported.

Reinstating mandatory mask-wearing (lifted July 11th when the province reached its goal of 70 per cent of those eligible having at least one dose) would have reduced cases by 50 per cent, an August modelling document showed.

Following the best science is also practical, common sense.

It appears government needs to practice that as much as anyone else.

New CCA Positions to Support Care Homes - With the Speech from the Throne now officially introduced and approved, our government will continue on the path to building a stronger, safer, healthier, better educated and more independent Saskatchewan.

This plan was started in the spring with the 2021-22 Budget when we committed to hiring more staff to support long-term care residents across the province. A three-year plan was announced to hire 300 new Continuing Care Assistants (CCA) and with an initial $6 million investment, 95 CCA full-time equivalent positions have already been filled.

These positions will support residents in 43 long-term care facilities across the province and 22 smaller communities will benefit from more staff providing home care visits.

More Training and Higher Wages for EECs - Education has been a large component of our government’s plans for the future and there are several programs and funding initiatives underway that will improved access to education as well as early childhood care.

A $4.8 million partnership with Collège Mathieu, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies will develop and deliver an accelerated early childhood education training program. The investment will help increase the number of certified Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in the province as well as increase the certification of current ECEs.

Qualified ECEs will also benefit from $9.6 million in funding to increase wages for the childcare workforce to support the recruitment and retention of educators. Saskatchewan has partnered with the Government of Canada to invest $1.1 billion to bring fees for regulated child care down to $10 per day on average within the next five years.

Second Drought Assistance Payments Available for Livestock Producers - As ranchers plan for the future following a very difficult summer, applications for a second support payment are now being accepted under the 2021 Canada-Saskatchewan Drought Response Initiative. The initiative provides immediate relief to livestock producers with two payments totalling up to $200 per head for eligible female breeding cattle and bison, with adjustments made on animal unit equivalents for other livestock.

Producers yet to apply are still eligible for Payment One but must apply for the first stage before applying for the second. Payment One is to address the negative impact of drought conditions on grazing livestock this past summer.

Payment Two is based on your intended inventory for the winter and the extraordinary expenses for winter feeding this year. The deadline for all payment applications is January 31st, 2022.

So far, over 8,600 applications have been accepted for 1.24 million animals totalling approximately $109.6 million under Payment One.

Applications Open for Veterans Service Club Support Program & Scholarship of Honour - The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to continue a program that honours those who have served our great country. Introduced in 2019, the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program provides grants for repairs and upgrades, special events, programs and activities to engage the community. Once again, the program will be accepting applications for funding totalling $1.5 million.

In 2021, 77 grants have already been provided and the third intake has now been initiated on a rolling, first come first served basis.

We are also supporting the continued memory of our veterans with the Scholarship of Honour. The annual award is presented to returning Canadian Armed Forces members, as well as spouses and children of injured or fallen members.

This year 14 recipients will receive a one-time award of $5000, dedicated to our courageous service members.

Stick It To Covid: Johnson & Johnson Vaccinations Available Starting November 17

Saskatchewan's initial supply of 2,500 single dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines will be administered through a number of Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) clinics starting Wednesday, November 17.

These clinics are scheduled for Regina, Saskatoon, Estevan, Prince Albert, Melfort, Swift Current, North Battleford and Lloydminster. Note that inclement weather may delay vaccine deliveries, and additional clinic locations are planned.

All residents are asked to check the SHA clinic location information online for the most current list of locations, dates and times before travelling.

Janssen is available to residents 18 years of age and older. Due to the limited number of doses received and potential demand, these doses will be available on a walk-in basis at these locations only.

Janssen appointments cannot be booked online through the Patient Booking System.

SHA clinics will be set up to permit walk-ins to be screened to receive Janssen upon request. Due to limited supply, Janssen immunizations will be based on first come, first served and available at these locations until supply is utilized.

Fourteen days following a Janssen vaccination, you may download and present your MySaskHealth Record QR code or wallet card with required identification as proof of vaccination.

Note that Janssen is not available as a booster/third dose. Janssen single dose vaccine recipients will be eligible for a booster dose two months following their vaccination and recipients will have an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) available to them. Approved by Health Canada, it is safe to mix vaccine types and has shown to improve overall immune response to COVID-19.

About the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine - Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) is a single dose, viral vector COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada by Health Canada. The recipient of Janssen vaccines are considered "fully vaccinated" 14 days after receiving their single dose. This is the time required for the body to develop the protective immune response.

A viral vector vaccine uses a piece of a modified virus to generate an immune response but note that it is not the virus that causes COVID-19. In the clinical trials, the Janssen vaccine had high efficacy at preventing hospitalization and death in people who did contract COVID-19. The potential side effects from receiving this vaccine are similar to all COVID-19 vaccines.

For more information on Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), see the product information posted at saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.

Letter to the Editor The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

Page 8 - NOVEMBER 18, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Martensville Information and Visitor Centre Keeping Community Connected Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Information & Visitor Centre (MIVC) has been creating community connections for the past 13 years. As a local non-profit community-based organization, the MIVC provides free and low-cost innovative programs, resources and services, which coincides with their mission to work together to create an informed and connected community.

According to Kristee-Lynn Adrian, MIVC Executive Director, the MIVC has been under construction throughout the past year. “We are very excited to announce the new direction of the Centre as we continue the Resource & Learning Centre. We are expanding into a Food Bank & Gleaning Goods and Products Program for our local community and area,” said Adrian.

For those unfamiliar with the word gleaning, it is when leftover crops from farmers’ fields and backyard gardens are collected to be provided to people within the community.

Their organization is in need of community support while working alongside volunteers to bring this initiative to light through in-kind donations, sponsorship, volunteer contributions, and business partnerships.

Adrian stated that their Learning Centre will continue with resource availability such as 1-on-1 computer & technology support, community volunteer income tax program, job and rental postings, daycare and babysitter listings, community tutoring options, Martensville’s Canada Day event, and so much more.

The volunteer programming involves sharing community opportunities, skills training, volunteering through work experience placements with local schools and community service hours through youth justice committees; as well as a food bank program that allows for food distribution to those seeking this service.

In addition to all of the options provided by the MIVC listed above, they also provide storybags & mathbags, a Baby Babble & Toddler Talk Parent group and guest speakers for special seminar topics.

A grand opening will be taking place on Monday, November 29th and the community is invited to stop in to learn more about the MIVC. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, or wanting to provide business support to help with any of the programs offered by the MIVC can contact (306) 242-0362, email martensvilleinfo@ sasktel.net or visit #2 – 66 Main Street (Martensville Civic Centre).

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ABOVE: Members of the Martensville Fire Department performed ice rescue training on Wednesday, November 10th. (Facebook)

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Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

With the weather getting colder and more snow accumulating on the ground, ice has begun to form on water surfaces throughout the community. As part of their training, members of the Martensville Fire Department spent the evening of Wednesday, November 10th practicing/refreshing their ice water rescue training techniques.

The MFD reminds the public that the ice is just beginning to form on water and is not safe to be out on at this time. They ask parents to speak to their children about staying off the ice and discuss the dangers with them. Once conditions are deemed safe, a further post will be made via the ‘Martensville Fire Department’ Facebook page.

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Martensville Fire Department Practices Ice Water Rescue Techniques

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Great Plains College will be asking for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test as a part of its requirements for employment and being a student.

Starting Monday, November 22, individuals that are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID test prior to coming into any college location.

“Given our current circumstances and the direction of other post-secondary institutions in the province, this is the next, logical step to take,” says Great Plains College president and CEO David Keast.

“Our main goal is to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure our college locations are as safe as possible.”

A “COVID Additional Measures Policy” which addresses the planning and reporting processes for providing proof of vaccination or a negative test, applies to all employees who work in a face-to-face, blended and remote working environment, volunteers, management, Board of Governors, students, visitors to the college and clients participating in skills and safety training classes.

The college will be covering the cost of and providing rapid tests for its staff, full-time and parttime students at all of its locations until December 22, 2021. After that time, rapid testing will not be available at college locations.

Staff and students who are not fully vaccinated

by January 4, 2022, will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a provinciallyapproved source every 7 days.

For the latest updates on Great Plains College’s COVID-19 measures visit https://www. greatplainscollege.ca/about-us/health-safety/covid-19.

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