Moose Jaw Express, February 28th, 2024

Chris Pronger, Duncan Keith, Eric Gagne to highlight 2024 Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner

The Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner is going on the defensive for 2024.

The 31st edition of the wildly popular fundraising event with feature a pair of former superstar NHL defenceman and one of the greatest relief pitchers in Major League Baseball history when things take place on Saturday, Apr. 6 at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds.

Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger will be joined by three-time Stanley Cup champion Duncan Keith and former Cy Young winner Eric Gagne as guest speakers, a line-up that Sports Celebrity Dinner chairman Travis Olson hopes will once again lead to a sell-out and lots of support for the local service club.

“We have two hockey players who were Stanley Cup champions and Norris Trophy-winning defencemen who also played for Team Canada, so we’re pretty excited to have them lined up,” Olson said.

“And when it comes to Canadians in baseball, not too many more have had a better career than Eric Gagne and the things he did with the L.A.. Dodgers. So we’re looking forward to seeing them here and hope-

fully that means even more people come out.”

The Kinsmen have gone forward with a plan that has been in the works for a few with the larger space at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds ideally leading to one of the top fundraising totals in the event’s history.

The Dinner annually sees close to 500 people packed into the Heritage Inn, but that number will be more than 100 higher this time around should things sell out.

“We have some more space there andes, so we thought it was time to make a change and we’re excited for that,” Olson said. “Other than that, things have been progressing. The new venue is a bit of an unknown, but we have a good team and a great line-up and we’re excited for it.”

The silent and live auctions will also have a host of unique and interesting items that further bolster the event’s fundraising totals.

The Dinner traditionally brings in more than $100,000 for Kinsmen projects

in Canada’s Most Notorious City and has raised more than $2,000,000 since its inception in the mid-90s.

All that support is greatly appreciated not only by the Kinsmen, but the community in general as the vast array of clubs and projects continue to see funding from the organization.

“It’s incredible,” Olson said. “We’re happy to support the community and we’re not able to do it unless we have the great people of Moose Jaw come out and support our events and initiatives. It’s because of them we’re able to take our funds raised and put them back into the community for things like the parks and Minor Football and stuff like that.”

To that end, Olson estimates that around 300 tickets have already been sold just through word of mouth, with the pace likely picking up quickly once word of their line-up gets out.

Tickets are $400 for two or $1,500 for a table of eight and are available from any Kinsmen member or by e-mailing mjkinsmen@outlook.com.

The Kinsmen Sports Celebrity Dinner has annually been a sell-out at the Heritage Inn, with a move to the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds expected to bring one of the largest crowds in the event’s history.

Residents express concerns at open house about location

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Resident Karen Ellenberger is “exceptionally frustrated” about city hall’s proposalcause she believes it’s too close and will devalue her property.

“They say it’s the only area that’s suitable for it, but that cannot be true (because) we’ve got huge land around,” the Wood Lily Drive homeowner said on Feb. 22 during an open house at the Events Centre about the future solid waste management venue, which attracted more than 100 people during both sessions.

will generate excessive noise, while she away and drop it into nearby backyards; she has already experienced this since pigeons drop refuse into her yard from a nearby gas station.

People sitting with Ellenberger raised other issues, such as whether the city would clean up garbage from farmers’ could act as a buffer if they’re seedlings,

and the fact city hall might consider moving its public works building and bus barn to the new site and increase highway traf-

The Express will have a separate story

Keith Delahey, 83, a lifelong resident, was blunt about the location: “It’s a stupid

place to put a dump on high-(valued) land like that … . I think this is terrible.”

Rural landowner Wilda Soper has is adjacent to the site. While she thought attendees were asking good questions, she consultants were giving good answers.

In particular, she believes details are lacking, particularly the project’s budget and the initial phases. She’s been told such details would come “in the future” after the municipality receives permission from the Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw to use the land.

“(There are) lots of glossy pictures (but) many of them neglected to show where we and the other individuals live in the area,” Soper said.

One question Soper believes hasn’t been answered is whether the city has studied other sites; it has looked at other places but not studied them. She thinks the city should work with the province to comprehensively.

Several members of a rural committee attempting to overturn the site met with

saying there was “absolutely no indicaanother location.

“No impact studies have been done on how it’s going to affect agricultural processes in our community … (or) on how it’s going to affect our lives … (or) on how it’s going to affect our income,” she continued.

Planes would no longer be able to spray area crops because the wind would push the chemicals onto the site and affect workers’ health, Soper added. This would lead to economic losses, which she doubted the city would compensate.

Resident Sue Knox is concerned because her family’s farmland is east of — and adjacent to — Highway 2 and a stone’s throw from the venue.

City hall claims it can prevent garbage from blowing away from the new venue, but it can’t even do that at the cur-

was concerned about how long it would take the trees to grow to be an effective perimeter buffer.

“So, it’s not an ideal place,” Knox

cast iron events, city says

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

Over 100 people attended city hall’s two-session open house about the proalmost reminiscent of the public’s interest in the cast iron water main replacement program.

“(It’s a) great turnout. This is the most people I’ve seen for an open house like this by quite a stretch,” Bevan Harlton, operations director, said on Feb. 22 at the Events Centre, noting this was his third open house within the past year and the best attended.

“… I hope it’s a useful venue for people to voice their thoughts and concerns so we can hear them and write them down and try to understand and respond to those concerns as we can,” he continued. “That’s why (the open houses have) value.”

While some people are concerneder environmental effects, Harlton wanted people to understand what the venue would look like and what the city would do to handle garbage at a solid waste management venue.

people is that the concerns of the ratepayers are also the concerns of the regulator,”cy, Ministry of Highways and Ministry of Environment also want the city to address those worries.

The city has a regulatory responsibility to handle these issues if it wants the project to proceed, while it must acquire

a permit to construct the venue to certain Harlton continued.

“… it’s not possible to assuage everyone’s concerns, but certainly, this forum is a necessary step and I hope it’s helpful for folks,” he added. Some open house attendees expressed concern that it would take 20 years for newly planted trees to become an effective buffer around the site.

it would plant trees or transplant mature ones, and while it hasn’t moved past the conceptual design stage yet, Harlton said it won’t rely on one type of tree or bush to be a buffer. However, transplanting mature bushes and using seedlings might be a good combination.

“What that berm must do is block the

wind as much as it can and block sightlines. So, it will have to be a combination of different things,” he stated, noting vehicles parked beside the venue won’t see the garbage because the berm will be two to three metres high.

City hall submitted a discretionary use application to the Rural Municipality of Moose Jaw in January to use the land as a new dump, with the rural council now determining whether to approve the submission. If it rejects the proposal, Harlton said the “potential” exists for the city to expropriate the land.

“I’m trying to make this one work, (so) we’ll have to see what our options are moving forward,” he said. “We haven’t put forward mechanisms to start expropriating

said, noting the city should extend the even be there (either) … . That’s an eyesore; this is going to be another one 20 years down the road when it starts out.”

The city purchased 156.09 hectares (390.23 acres) for the venue from the family of Truman Bailey, a long-time farmer who died in 2016. Knox, who knew the man, said he would be “turning over in his grave” if he knew what his family had done, considering he never sold land but accumulated it.

Burk Reiman, the co-chair of the rural committee, said he was convinced that a billboard at the open house suggested that the city would expropriate the land from the RM if the latter rejected its discretionary use application.

The allegedly incriminating sentence on that billboard says, “Barring land use approval from the RM of Moose Jaw, the city will begin the Ministry of Environincludes acquiring a technical proposal and permits to construct and operate.

“It’s … (a) bull-in-a-China-shop, head-down-with-the-horns, do-what-youwant, clean-up-the-mess-later (situation),” he added.

things, but I have an obligation to manage this material, and if this one doesn’t work, we’ll have to move on to plan B.”ed, “I couldn’t tell ya.”

Mark Parker, an engineer with con-

helped select the site and used several technical criteria and other city-mandated standards to ensure the site was suitable.

One challenge the company faced was ensuring the venue was away frombase because there are “hard constraints” dictating where such venues can go, he added, noting other constraints include nearby wetlands.

two kilometres of the community because a venue that was too far away would affect operational dollars, said Harlton.

plans to move either the bus barns or public works operations to the site.

This will be a modern waste management venue that is highly engineered to include liners, leachate catchments, appropriate stormwater management and opportunities for waste diversion and recycling, Parker said.

He added that addressing people’s concerns through engineering is what properly and preventing land contamination.

legacy behind

What legacy will you leave BEHIND?

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan.

(306) 694-0373 www.mjhf.org

Taking Carbon Tax o Home

Heating Drops In ation to Under 2%

Removing the federal carbon tax from home heating helped reduce Saskatchewan’s in ation rate to 1.9 per cent, down from 2.7 per cent in December. This provides a clear example of what the federal government needs to do if it wants to drive down the cost of living for Canadian families.

Hon. Tim McLeod, MLA for Moose Jaw North (306) 692-8884 | mjnorthmla@sasktel.net

Community-minded group hopes town hall meeting can address downtown safety concerns

A community-minded grassroots organization concerned about safety in Moose Jaw — especially downtown — held an open house to bring together residents andlems.

The Good Neighbours Group (GNG) — which began in 2021 — held the meeting on Sunday, Feb. 25, with discussion to focus on safety, crime, housing, and mental health and addictions.

“We need to ensure Moose Javians don’t have to worry about random acts of violence when walking down the street or taking transit,” the town hall poster says. “This is about saving lives and keeping our communities safe!”

The GNG did not come with solutions but instead to bring together people and agencies to identify and develop results collectively, said Carolyn Ross, the group’s spokeswoman.

Furthermore, people need to be aware of what’s happening and share their concerns, with the goal of bringing back safety and vibrancy to the downtown, she continued.

Moose Jaw is known for its historical downtown and being a tourist destination, but without either, the community suffers economically, Ross said. She hoped the meeting encouraged more residents to become engaged in what was happening in the community.

One way residents could become

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

more involved is by joining a Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP), an initiative the GNG hopes to launch with the support of the police.

“I just really want to bring this community together. It’s just so many little siloes and that doesn’t work … ,” Ross added. “We need to be one.”

The Good Neighbours Group had safety concerns about the downtown for -

cember after several business owners reached out to express fears that vagrants would interrupt their extended holiday shopping hours.

“… what was going on downtown was making people afraid to even consider staying open late,” said Ross.

The group initiated the Christmas Goodwill Ambassadors program to walk downtown, spreading cheer and candy pleased many businesses and prompted several to express thanks.

However, as members walked, they realized there were bigger problems in thecious cycle” of addictions feeding crime and vice versa and both contributing to housing issues, said Ross.

Ross — on behalf of the GNG —

asked it to provide support to address the situation, with members saying they would attempt to do something.

She said she did invite the mayor to the meeting, while Coun. Kim Robinson committed to attending.

Ross’s family used to operate a business on Main Street and she recalled how safe the downtown used to be. They would usually see police walking the streets, andcers would call the owner to inform them.

Now, however, statistics are showing an increase in criminal activity, including violence against police. Ross thought ofthe available funding and staff.

“I feel the justice system is failing us. (It’s) not supporting the police,” she said.

Ross pointed out that Square One Community Inc. conducted a count last August that showed 26 people were ex-

periencing homelessness, with 86 per cent wanting permanent housing. Even though this group represented 0.076 per cent of the population (using the 2016 population estimate of 33,890 residents), the community was still considering building a new multi-million-dollar shelter close to Main Street.

Conversely, Moose Jaw’s tourism industry generates plenty of revenue and employs roughly 1,200 people, or 3.54 per cent of the population.

“… as a community, how are we go-sions) seem to be made in a silo?” Ross said, adding she hoped the town hall generated action to address the community’s issues.

Correction

RE: FEBRUARY 21, 2024 ISSUE PG 20 - STORY: RESEARCHING ELON MUSK’S MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER BORN AND RAISED IN MOOSE JAW

of this story. As well, under the photo on the left, an error was made in a name of one of the dancers in the back row. The correct name is Mona Cooper, not Mona Walker. Our apologies. . 24031SS1

Joan Ritchie EDITOR

Editor’s Note

There’s a lot to keep a person’s attention focused on the community lately and how to make it a better place to live.

The City of Moose Jaw is still trying to work through all of the logistic s in regards to the development of the prothe recent open house held on February 22nd in regards, it was an opportunity for the rural and local community to vent concerns and get some possible answers, although there’s still a lot of chatter and conversation to come I presume. Sometimes the best laid plans may seem perfect on paper but when it comes to people with opposing views, it can often be a hard climb to come up with a solution that makes everyone happy.

On Sunday, February 25th a group of concerned citizens – The Good Neighbours Group (GNG) held a town hall meeting to address the downtown area business community and issues surrounding the level of crime, housing needs, mental health and addictions seen in the area. People in the community have been feeling unsafe about going downtown and the evening proposed the beginning of some solutions forthcoming.

On Friday, March 1st, Wakamow Valley Authority will be holding an open house to collect information on what residents want to see in the valley so they can develop a new strategic plan. It sounds like a great idea for those who would like to weigh in on how they would like to see Wakamow Valley Authority better utilize the 200 hectares of space to enjoy. The meeting goes from 1-5 p.m.

The 2024 World Day of Prayer will bring out community to attend a service being held at St. Andrew’s Church on March 1 at 2pm; the theme for this year’s annual event being ‘I beg you…bear with one another challenges faced in Palestine presently and to support Palestinian women needing support.

It’s new beginnings for the Business Women of Moose Jaw as they strategize to ‘inspire inclusion’ here in Moose Jaw, as well. Under a fresh new leadership and vision, they will be hosting a March luncheon on Friday, March 8 from 11:30am – 1pm at the Grant Hall hotel. The hope is for women to join the organization a common goal. Please read the story in this issue for all the particulars.

Moose Jaw also saw many special events being held for citizens and families to enjoy. Winterfest was held in Wakamow Valley on Sunday with lots to see and do. The Prairie Percherons are always an annual highlight for wagon rides, as well as lots of other activities to keep the kids busy.

The Downtown Moose Jaw Snowtorious Family Day that was held on February 17th saw hundreds out to enjoy a beautiful sunny day and a lot of fun activities in Crescent Park.

Not to be outdone, Moose Javians have been feasting throughout the last few weeks as the Chinese Community heralded in the Year of the Dragon with a number of functions being held. Sunday evening, this year’s Moose Jaw Chinese New Year festivities culminated with the Chinese Lantern Festival held at the Grant Hall Hotel. It was a spectacular evening and a nite to enjoy very special entertainment, including graceful Chinese dancing, numerous special songs performed, a Tai Chi performance, and much more. The Chinese community and culture make up a very special component of the framework of Moose Jaw. If you missed this year’s event, please keep tuned-in for next year and don’t miss out.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the au-

Phone: 306.694.1322 Fax: 888.241.5291

468 High St. W., Moose Jaw SK S6H 1T3 www.mjvexpress.com

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Thank you to all the contributing writers, without your time and support, the paper would not look the same. Send your stories, events and pictures to: jritchie@moosejawtoday.com

Joan Ritchie

Joyce Walter

Ron Walter

John Kreutzwieser

Jason G. Antonio Aaron Walker

Good Neighbour Group open house

discusses crime and homelessness in downtown Moose Jaw

Close to 100 people take part in event to talk about concerns and potential solutions for ongoing issues

Right from the beginning of the Good Neighbours Group open house on Sunday night, a series of overwhelming feelings and sentiments began to take hold: fear, worry and frustration over issues with crime and poverty in Moose Jaw’s downtown core.

Person after person in the crowd of 100-plus at the Timothy Eaton Gardens rose to speak about how their lives had been affected by the ongoing problems with drug addiction and homelessness in the area. Stories of families being afraid to go downtown at night for fear of being attacked, or going into a restaurant restroom and

A handful of recovering addicts spoke to their fear of being ostracized and the lack of hope many feel when it comes to getting healthy in Moose Jaw, as well as to concerns about the proposed Soul’s Harbour shelter facility being moved from its proposed site downtown to the outskirts of the city.

But as the night progressed, another feeling began to take hold.

Hope.

Hope that this will be the start the problems. To that end, members of the Moose Jaw Police and Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod spoke about their ongoing work to help, and how things can improve in the future.

And most importantly, hope that with enough time, effort and funding, things could improve to the point that

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s downtown becomes a completely safe environment for everyone at all times.

That was one of the ideas behind the open house, as the Good Neighbour Group looked to foster discussolutions to ongoing problems.

“I think they’re crucial conversations that need to happen,” said Carolyn Ross with the Good Neighbours Group. “It’s hard to hear some of the things, but it’s like Jacqui (L’Heureux-Mason with Tourism Moose Jaw) said, she summed it up nicely: we’re back and forth, but as a community we all want the same thing. I think this community is unique in a sense that together we’re better, and

we’ve seen it in the past. Coming out of this, I think we have some really good things coming up.”

A pair of near-future projects steps to a Citizens on Patrol (CoP) group that would help identify issues as they’re occurring and ideally lead to help for all involved.

That would be a welcome sight for many businesses in the area who spoke to the GNG in recent months, including their candy-cane blitz this past Christmas where they handed out the treats while visiting stores and hearing stories.

“I’m happy that businesses have been heard,” Ross said. “I’ve had a resident say to me that there’s no problem with the downtown, so I encouraged him to go downtown and have those conversations… to actually go in and out of every business like we did at Christmas time, where I heard stories that broke my heart.

“Not only what the business owners are dealing with, but the people. No one wants to see anybody unhoused, unwell, hungry. We all want the same thing, but we just have to come up with a strategic plan.”

And that’s what’s next.

The Good Neighbours Group has meetings with Moose Jaw Chief of Police Rick Bourassa and Mayor Clive Tolley over the next month to discuss making progress, and another focussed public meeting will likely be in the near future as ideas start to take hold.

“There needs to be another meeting, not necessarily a town hall, but something with all the stakeholders in a room so we can go over what the corrective action looks like and of course the accountabilities that go with it,” Ross said.

Until then, the Good Neighbours Group continues to gather stories, ideas and pretty much anything that might help solve any issues Moose Jaw’s downtown currently has.

Those with concerns or ideas are asked to send a message to goodneighbourmoosejaw@gmail.com.

Market outlook for 2024 expects modest improvement in agriculture

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Gordon Edgar Randy Palmer

Cautious optimism for a more was expressed at the farm outlook by Farm Credit Canada.

“We’re going to see interest rate relief,’’ said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s head economist. “Costs are coming down,” he said.

“Consumers are still unand it all starts with the consumer.”

Global consumers face the same

Farm management skills will be important this year to reduce costs and increase revenues, said Gervais.cept for the beef sector.

Consumers have shifted their spending patterns from $3,300 a year before the pandemic to $3,100 .

The long-term outlook for agriculture “is extremely positive.”

This year comes on the heels of 2023 when farmers experienced record net farm income, according to Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada.

Last year’s 13 per cent increase cattle prices.

FCC economist Del Sobol expects strong cattle prices in 2024 with drought and a shrinking beef herd contributing.

Feed costs have come down to help the bottom line.

While some consumers have

shifted to lower priced pork from beef, he said demand for comes down.

In the grains and oilseed sector Gervais expects “tight-ket seems to ignore geopolitical events.

“Any sudden major supply disruption could create volatile prices.’’

Even though global wheat stocks are the lowest since 2015 prices are not reacting. Reduced feed and interest costs should make the dairy, hog and poul-

Food processors had a 6.8 per cent increase in revenues last year

The 2.5 per cent increase expectis taken into account.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Carolyn Ross speaks to the crowd of close to 100 people who took part in the Good Neighbours Group open house on Sunday.

Good Neighbours Group open house to discuss crime, poverty and homelessnes in downtown Moose Jaw.

Wakamow Valley has more than 200 hectares (500 acres) of space to enjoy, but to ensure that area is properly managed, the valley authority is holding an open house to acquire public feedback.

The strategic plan open house occurs Friday, March 1, from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Sportsman Centre at 276 Home Street East. Staff with Wakamow Valley AuthorGovernance Solutions — which has been helping with this project since January — will be on hand to answer questions and record attendees’ suggestions.

The event is part of the board of directors’ efforts to renew its three-year strategic plan, which will help it set priorities and guide activities. The organization has already launched an online survey, which asks valley users to suggest areas on which the board should focus and goals to accomplish.

Some questions include frequency of valley use, types of activities attended, what people like and what makes the area events people attended last year, whether people donate or volunteer, areas of focus for the next three years and whether people are members of a community group that uses the valley.

tions acquires everyone’s opinion — it has been interviewing board members, volunteers and groups — it will compile those answers and present a report to the WVA board in April. Based on that data, the board would then decide which areas to focus on for the next three years.

WakamowValleyAuthority to complete the survey. It can also be found on the WVA Facebook page and its website at www.wakamow.ca.

“It’s an exciting process to go through. I’m looking forward to having everybody’s opinion and see what direction the public wants us to go in with the

park,” said Donna MacQuarrie-Bye, general manager of WVA.

noticed that “a decently high number” of people have shared that survey link through social media and the website, which is exciting, she continued.

The three-year strategic plan and the public feedback are both important because Wakamow Valley Authority is a publicly funded organization and everyone’s input can give direction to the authority and what to do with the valley itself, said MacQuarrie-Bye.

“It keeps us in a positive direction and a forward-thinking direction as well,” she added.

Wakamow Valley Authority was established in 1981 by an act of the Saskatchewan provincial legislature. The authority is responsible for the implemen-

A sign greets visitors at an entrance to Wakamow Valley. File photo

Sask. Party issues response following Sask. NDP press conference held

on Feb. 6

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

The Saskatchewan Party has responded to a press conference held by the Saskatchewan NDP in front of a Moose Jaw elementary school with concerned parents and grandparents in attendance on February 6th.

the Saskatchewan NDP as she attended a media presentation in front of St. Agnes School along with keynote speaker and concerned parent Ashley Harrower.

“Teachers, principals, and support staff work so hard with what they have. But it’s like they are grasping at straws. Everyone is burning out because our school divisions just can’t afford to hire and retain staff,” Harrower said at the event.

“Every kid deserves a chance to thrive, but I worry about my son’s future.”

classroom environment.

To cope with budgetary cuts and limited resources at the school, staff at St. Agnes School have had to improvise with what space they have available. The school’s music and art classrooms are now being converted into hit even harder.

Harrower’s son requires these specialized resources to learn and thrive. With fewer resources available to the school system’s neuro-diverse students, individuals like

her son often have to be sent home.

Opposition Leader Beck asked the Moe government to “Please get back to the table and make a plan to resolve the issues at hand.”

“We see a government that continuously denies that there is a problem when presented with this information,” she said. “We see them put up billboards to suggest that everything is great.”

“This is a government that is failing to value education in our province.”

Although Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday. com was unable to obtain a timely interview with Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod following the event, the -

ment in response to the Feb. 6 conference.

“Since 2016 - 2017, the total number of classroom teachers has increased by nearly 120 FTEs (Full Time Teacher Equivalent). There were 9,477.2 FTEs in 2016 - 2017 and there were 9,595.7 FTEs in 2023 - 2024. There were 179,707 students in 2016-17 and there were 195,582 students in 2023 - 2024.

“The 9,595.7 FTE number is calculated by taking the total for Regular Classroom Teaching FTE for 2023 - 2024 and adding the total for Distance Learning Teaching FTE for 2023 – 2024. teachers.

in Moose Jaw

“Since 2007, we have increased school operating funding by $665 million, a 47 per cent increase, while enrolment has increased by just 16 per cent.

“There were almost 4,500 educational assistants (EAs) working in Saskatchewan schools for the 20231024 school year. This is an increase of nearly 400 compared to the 2022 - 2023 school year, and almost 700 more in the past two years. Since 2016 - 2017, EAs have increased by 1,089 or 76 per cent.

“In Saskatchewan, education is a shared responsibility. While government provides funding to school programming decisions within their allocated budget to meet local priorities and address the needs of their students and staff.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is providing school divisions with $2.08 billion in school operating funding for (the) 2023 - 2024 school year, an increase of $89.4 million or 4.5 per cent, over the 2022 - 2023 school year. This includes an additional $40 million

school divisions with enrolment growth and complexity of today’s classrooms. Government recently announced an additional $3.6 million to fund the specialized support classroom pilot and $2.5 million to fund the new Teacher Innovation and Support Fund.”

Sask. Government responds to ongoing concerns of educators in the province

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

In response to the ongoing Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation (STF) strike action, the Government of Saskatchewan has made several announcements regarding its revised education policies as it continues to work toward a lasting solution.

Additional classroom space

To address one of the leading concerns brought up by educators in the province, the Government of Saskatchewan has announced funding for an additional 45 relocatable classrooms in areas of high population growth.

This extra space is made possible with an added $32 million in funding. To date, the government has spent a providing 23 existing and 45 proposed relocatable classrooms for the 2024 – 2025 academic year.

With a focus on population growth areas, most of this funding has been allocated to Regina and Saskatoon, followed by smaller communities including Humboldt, Lloydminster, Lumsden, Pilot Butte, Warman, and Weyburn.

“Our government is committed to working with our

educational partners to help address the concerns around class size that we are seeing in some of our schools,” stated Jeremy Cockrill, the province’s education minister.

New growth formula

Much of this additional student growth is the result of recent immigration to the province, which has seen new students enter the education system throughout the year.

“Our schools are welcoming more and more students,” Cockrill acknowledged.

“We know that enrolment growth has been trending upward for the past number of years and we continue to work with school boards to fund enrolment increases to support students, teachers and staff in the classroom.”

To address this in-year growth, the government established a threshold to determine eligibility for post-September enrolment growth funding. This helps ensure those school divisions with the largest amount of realized growth receive more funding.

To create the formula, the Ministry of Education has been working with a committee of partners from within the education sector, but further details have not been provided.

In the new formula, actual student growth will be assessed from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31 each year, and growth trends are to be projected into the following spring months. Estimating the total growth at the end of Jan-

uary lines up with the start of semester two and allows each school division to plan more effectively.

Specialized Support Classroom Pilot

Another issue brought forward by educators is students with specialized learning needs and the hiring of trained support staff to work closely with those students.

Although eight schools in the province have been selected to implement the Specialized Support Classroom Pilot, no Moose Jaw-based schools have been selected for the pilot project yet.

Specialized classrooms will be set aside for the project with a capacity of around 15 students each. The goal, according to the government, is to help students practice self-regulation skills and to address the impact made by disruptions in the student’s home classroom.

To run the program, at least one teacher and two educational assistants are required. This can include additional support staff such as psychologists and counsellors.

A leading concern among critics of the Sask. Party government is regarding the number of available trained staff in the province. The required staff to run the pilot program may not be currently available in some areas, they argue.

Teacher Innovation Fund

For Teacher and Education Staff Appreciation Week, which fell on Feb. 11 - 17 this year, the governto listening to and collaborating with educators in the province.

Take notice that Alex Daniel has passed away and a certi cate of intent to Dissolve his companies, Quality Appliance, MI Locksmith, Al’s Imports, and Choice Movers was issued on February 23rd, 2024; and that,

1. All claims against the assets of Alex or the businesses must be duly veri ed by statutory declaration, and with particulars including the claim amount, basis and origination date, and valuation of security held, if any.

2. The deadline for submitting claims is March 23, 2024.

3. Any Claims that are not received to the Estate of Alexander Daniel prior to this date set forth above will not be recognized.

4. Debtors are requested to pay all outstanding obligations no later than 30 days from the date of this notice. Payment should be made to the Estate of Alexander Daniel.

5. All claims and payments must be sent to: The Estate of Alexander Daniel PO Box 228 Caronport, SK S0H 0S0

Dated the 23rd day of February, 2024.

“I want to thank the incredibly hard-working teachers and educational staff within the province,” Cockrill said in a Feb. 12 statement.

“I am excited to see the many great ideas being submitted by teachers seeking to improve the classroom experience.”

These projects are selected on their ability to support better student and teacher experiences in the classroom, and projects range from innovative approaches to mental health to developing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) courses to innovative strategies for teaching.

The new Teacher Innovation and Support Fund was announced in January of this year and provides $2.5 million in funding. Each school can apply for up to $75,000 to develop these projects once selected.

So far, nine teacher-led solutions have been selected for immediate funding through the project, with these applications receiving a total of $410,649.

The next round of selections will be awarded in the weeks to come, and the pilot will continue until the end of the 2024 – 2025 academic year.

According to the Government of Saskatchewan, these measures come as part of its commitment to supporting students, teachers, and classrooms, and are part of a total previous investment of $47 million for enrolment, classroom complexity, and to hire more educational assistants. These measures add to an investment of over $300 million to support learning, which was an-

nounced earlier this year.

table.

Cookbook.

• • • APPLESAUCE MUFFINS

1 tbsp. apple butter

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

zen.

• • • CORNMEAL AND CHEESE MUFFINS

1/2 tsp. salt

frozen.

•

• • SUGARLESS BERRY MUFFINS

2 tbsps. apple butter

bowl.

perature.

frozen.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

The Moose Jaw Police Service successfully concluded over 90 per cent of its investigations into violence against persons in 2023, with the criminal investigation section (CIS) playing a major role in resolving them.

The police service (MJPS) investigated 103 such incidents last year, with offences including attempted murder, robbery, aggravated assault, sexual assault and assault causing harm or with a weapon, Staff Sgt. Cam Lewis told the Board of Police Commissioners on Feb. 15 while discussing serious crimes.

Police concluded 89 incidents with a charge against the offender, determined one was unfounded and continof 91 per cent — the highest in Saskatchewan, he said.portant that we tackle these … . I hope, as a commission, you’re incredibly proud of the work the service does in regards to that,” remarked Lewis, who works in the CIS unit.

team, they successfully concluded seven targeted investigations into drugs, guns and illegal cigarettes, he said.

Furthermore, the unit participated in other investigations — 11 violent offences, three attempted murders, required extra work, and successfully concluded them all. It also handled 60 investigations into internet child exploitation (ICE), with a Social Services worker helping them.

CIS also deals with fraud, arson, organized crime, tracks sex offenders and parolees, and conducts intelligence gathering.

Lewis added that the unit investigates one serious incident a month, conducts one targeted investigation per

in 2023, data shows

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

month and investigates one incident of child abuse daily.

Targeted investigations

Last year, the unit successfully concluded six of its seven investigations into drugs, guns and illegal cigarettes while it seized $12,900 in cash, 1,535 grams of fentanyl — equivalent to 15,000 doses — with a street value of $614,000, and quantities of cocaine, meth, marijuana, pills and psilocybin.

Moreover, police seized 110,000 cigarettes worth

$110,000 weekly from selling them.

Fentanyl is the most prevalent drug here — people pay $400 per gram or $40 per point — while it is coming through in hard bricks, said Lewis. Conversely, in the 2000s, morphine was the drug of choice, followed by cocaine, crystal meth, back to cocaine, back to meth and now fentanyl.

Investigation highlights

Police — with the help of the tactical response team (TRT) — successfully concluded a targeted investigation in January 2023, during which they seized cash, meth, -

ber after members investigated a person involved in drug surveilling the man, they saw him intimidate another person with a gun and shoot him, prompting his arrest. After searching the man’s home, they discovered a one-kilogram brick of fentanyl.

“This was probably one of the biggest fentanyl busts in the province last year … . It created a lot of discussion also recovered $2,000 in cash.

Finding bricks is new to the unit, especially since the

one they recovered had “unique markings” on it, which made it more traceable, he continued. While he declined to say from where the bricks are coming, he acknowledged they are from elsewhere.

In October, a man and woman stole construction equipment, which police tracked and located. Besides arresting the people, they also recovered a half-kilogram — or 5,000 doses — of fentanyl. They also seized a fake gun and 50 grams of cocaine and other drugs.

In December, police learned a man on a Canada-wide warrant was in Moose Jaw and arrested him during a trafcash, cocaine, meth, marijuana pills, ecstasy, a shotgun

“We were very happy to get him off the streets of Moose Jaw and out of town,” said Lewis.

Process to investigate

He then explained how targeted investigations begin, saying police usually receive a report of suspicious activity or tip from Crime Stoppers, followed by police surveillance and human intelligence gathering.

-

tion, identify a viable strategy for arrest, conduct more surveillance and intelligence gathering, acquire and use covert tactics and receive judicial authorizations. There are then more judicial authorizations, risk assessments, use of the tactical response team during busts, writing of reports, and storage of exhibits after their seizure.

Some surveillance efforts are labour-intensive — they can take hours, days or even weeks — and require everyone in the CIS unit to support, Lewis added. Also, TRT members are now required for drug busts because

Downtown patrols, anti-trespassing initiatives, new tech, enhancing outreach are goals for police in ’24

Foot and bike patrols, anti-trespassing initiatives, upgrading technology and enhancing communications are some strategic priorities the Moose Jaw Police Service plans to pursue this year.

The police service (MJPS) presented an update on its community safety strategy during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting, which looked at crime statistics and ways the organization plans to address those problems and enhance community safety.

Foot/bike patrols

The MJPS began its downtown foot and bike patrols last May and, by Dec. 31, had conducted 194 such inspections, while in January, it conducted 48 patrols, Acting Supt. Taylor Elder said.

tracking those occurrences, so (last) year, we really stepped up our game and really tried to focus on a better approach and better way to track those numbers and

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

(have) more community engagement,” he continued.lationships with business owners and residents and enhances their ability to acquire information, Elder stated.

The police service conducted many patrols in January because the weather was nice, which allowed members to be out regularly, he said. However, what the organization speak with owners so they know the police are around.

“A lot of people are hesitant to call police, so if we pop in and say, ‘Hey, is anything going on?,’ maybe it comes up in conversation that crucial piece of information we wouldn’t have got (otherwise) … ,” Elder added.

Trespassing

Commissioner Doug Blanc appreciated the downtown foot patrols but hoped the police service could also provide data about its activities elsewhere — including at Town ‘n’ Country Mall; Bourassa said they could.

Sgt. Ryan Lawrence, who is leading the MJPS’s anti-trespassing initiative, said he has been working with the mall’s general manager to combat unwanted visitors — mainly on the backside of the building. He noted that once the venue posts signage with hours of operations, that should help discourage people from being there.

“(It’s) not only a mall problem, but that whole back row of residents there are tired of what’s going on,” he said.

Lawrence added that the mall’s hours prohibit anyone from being on site after 11 p.m., but he encouraged them to make it 9 p.m.

motorists to leave quickly and reduce the time members spend at stops

· Installing a complete computer-assisted dispatchtion in their car; this will be a “game-changer” since they can remain on the streets longer

SGI will soon roll out the e-collision program, while people involved in an incident can receive a report by either email or text, added Johns. Meanwhile, the MJPS’s communications centre will regularly monitor the website follow up.

“That’s excellent. It’s really impressive to see us mov… ,” said Froese. “The more we move towards this, the important.”

Communications

The police service’s 2019 public survey showed most residents were happy with the agency’s efforts but thought it could better address its communications, said Bourassa. This was true because certain members were performing public relations as a secondary duty; also, the agency had a weak online presence.

So, the MJPS hired a public information and strategic communication manager last September to enhance this area and help the organization address its digital activities, the chief added.

For the purpose of discussing the 2023 Audited Financial Statement, reports, election of directors and other matters that may come before it. To be eligible to vote, you will have to be a member in good standing as of December 15, 2023.

Please

Board chairwoman Crystal Froese said she has also heard complaints about vehicles creating unwanted noise there after hours. She pointed out that that entire area is private property, which is something people may not realize.

Service automation

The MJPS is continuing to modernize its information technology (IT) services, whether that’s making it easier for people to report crimes online or enabling members to upload information from their vehicles and keeping them visible in the community, said Deputy Chief Rick Johns. This year’s projects include:

E-collision: When members attend a collision, they can input the data into their laptop and send it immediately to SGI

scan a driver’s licence and print a ticket on-site, allowing

Jay-D Haughton explained that part of his job entails monitoring social media and watching for crime-based videos and photos — either in progress or already past — that residents post. Moreover, he plans to remind residents that they should report criminal activities immediately instead of waiting two weeks — which happens often.

messages daily reminding people to call 911 or Crime Stoppers or use the MJPS’s online reporting feature if they see crime. He also plans to develop hashtags people can use to communicate with the agency.

“It’s a full-time job to go through social media and read the comments … . (But) that is something that I want to do moving forward, is seeing what the community has to say in terms of this type of message,” Haughton said.

He added that he must be careful when engaging with people because some users are openly hostile and verbally attack others.

Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Notes

Police service to spend $2M on equipment purchases

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw Police Service plans to years through its equipment reserve budget, which includes nearly $600,000 for smaller items like computers.

The 2024-28 equipment reserve budget is based on the depreciation of inventory items, with the organization funding amortized amounts annually as an operating expense, according to a report presented during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting.

The budget lists equipment that is fully amortized, due for replacement or new to inventory this year.

In a separate email, a police spokesman said the organization gives each item a replacement value and a lifespan value, while depreciation is the replacement value divided by the lifespan value.

Small equipment

The police service requires $96,362 for small equipment purchases this year, while it requires $112,303 next year, $198,142

in 2026, $104,374 in 2027 and $84,989 in 2028, for a total of $596,170, the report says.

The amount of money available from depreciation is $576,270, while $19,900 will come from the control account, which

Some small items the agency plans to purchase this year include an iPad, cabitest machine, magnetic card readers, tasers, thermal printers, chairs, countertops, body armour, teleconference equipment and a ballistic shield.

The report indicated that the total depreciation value of all small equipment

Major equipment

The agency plans to spend $99,700 this shows.

This includes Versaterm hardware for $14,700, two forensic drying cabinets worth

radar units for $6,000 each or $30,000 total, and a multi-function printer for $10,000.

Meanwhile, the police service plans to spend $330,100 next year on nine items, such as vehicles, workstations, software and a digital scanner.

In 2026, the organization plans to spend items in 2027 and $667,748 in 2028 on 14 items, with the largest purchases that year to the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) and several vehicles.

Therefore, the total amount the police service requires for major and minor equipment purchases is $196,062 this year, $442,403 next year, $327,142 in 2026, $454,374 in 2027 and $752,737 in 2028, for a total of $2,172,718.

Also, the organization expects to have $2,160,559 in available funding from depreciation, with $12,159 to come from a control account to top up the purchase requirements.

The report indicated that the total depreciation value of all the major equipment

Uncompleted works

The equipment reserve budget report lists 17 major items worth $1,221,627 this year as “uncompleted works,” which, according to police, are items the organization has yet to purchase, have not arrived or haven’t needed to be replaced.

“We must carry those items and the money associated with them over each year available for those items,” the spokesman said.

Some major items include an intoxilyzer, Versaterm software, a server, a prisoner van, building video security for the cells, vehicles, in-car video units, and a motorcycle.

The report added that there is $207,643 worth of small equipment items on the uncompleted works list, which brings the total amount to $1,429,270.

Overall crime rate has trended downward since 2002 despite recent uptick, data show

While Moose Jaw’s crime rate fell nearly 23 per cent from 2002 to 2022, police have seen an uptick in activity lately that has included more disturbances and incidents downtown.

“In the last few years, there have been some challenges that have arisen, (so) we’re bringing in some more efforts to enhance community safety,” Chief Rick Bourassa said during the recent Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting.

The community’s crime rate — ex22.9 per cent during those 20 years, while its crime severity index rating also fell by the same amount, which is “a statistical anomaly,” he stated. While crime rates years, the overall trend has been a decline.

The crime rate is the number of crimes committed as a percentage of the population. However, that data doesn’t distinguish between minor or major incidents or the types of offences.

Data for downtown — between Caribou Street and Manitoba Street and First Avenues northwest and northeast— show that in 2002, there were 25 disturbances and 210 incidents, while in 2023, those numbers were 29 and 316, respectively, Bourassa said.

sault, theft, break-in, robbery or mischief.

One thing the police service hears is some residents don’t report incidents or crimes, so the agency’s message has always been “report, report, report,” the chief continued. Residents should call to communicate incidents because the MJPS requires that data to take action to address problems.

The police service conducted a survey in 2019 — it’s compiling data from

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

a survey it conducted last year — and one question it asked people was whether they had reported a crime to police if they were a victim of such incidents. The data showed 79.3 per cent of respondents

per cent were and had never reported their situation.

“We’d like to have 100 per cent of people reporting,” Bourassa said, but was encouraged that “the vast majority” of residents reported such incidents.

The number of people who report which have “continually grown and continually grown and continually grown,” he continued.

Data show that 15,626 people called police for assistance in 2019, while that number jumped to 19,872 in 2023.

Of that number, 25 per cent was for crime and 75 per cent was for “social disorder” like trespassing, suspicious people, fear or uncertainty, said Bourassa. There has been less civil behaviour and more confrontational activity among people, which picked up during the pandemic due to stress.

“We’re certainly well aware of that … ,” he continued. “When things are reported to us, we are extremely good at solving those and holding people to account.”

The police chief added that Statistics Canada data show Moose Jaw’s violent crime severity index (VCSI) clearance rate — when police solve a crime — in 2022 was the highest in Saskatchewan at 80; the provincial average was 56.

“It’s a pretty impressive clearance rate when you compare it to across the province … ,” said Commissioner Patricia Martynook. “It’s apparent you have a different culture here that’s really working

MON: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

TUES: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

WED: $20 O 60/80 Minute Pedicure

THURS: $100 Mani/Pedi Combo

FRI:

for this community (and) it starts from the top down.”

She then wondered if that rating was due to the relationships the police service has in the community.

Having those relationships helped police solve many crimes, as did having the

ities, said Supt. Taylor Mickleborough. While the MJPS was unable to solve seven cases last year, that was because some victims and witnesses were unco-operative with police.

-

MJPS’ Victim Services Unit addresses victims of crimes against the person

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS)

This unit focuses on the victims of crimes against the person that include assault,olence. -

viduals… (And) to have great community connections so we can send them in the

explained Terri Roney, the Victim Services co-ordinator for the MJPS.

This assistance is considered on an individual level and depends on the nature

viding court updates.

The unit maintains a constant line of communication with the victims of crime.

tims with the appropriate resources avail-

people with the proper supports and re-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Victims of crime have the right to information, participation, protection, to-might happen again, that the accused

To address this concern, the Victim Services Unit also deals with emergency

An emergency intervention order is a legal document and allows police to remove a violent offender from a domesticturn when ordered not to, the consequencederson with the MJPS.

Anderson explained. -

place when a suspect is released on conditions that include an order not to contact a

going to arrest that person, then charge that person and send them to court right this measure serves to prevent any further escalation.

Victims Services also assists in the

thing else of that nature.

during a crime or in crimes against prop-

-

way for the victim to participate in the

Compensating victims

goal, according to Roney, is to provide

ed.

Compensation also addresses cloth-

counselling, largely for children who may have witnessed a violent crime.

Compensation is dependent on eligi-cation.

Removing barriers

Services Unit can help these individuals get out of their lease so they can promptly move into a safer place.

Roney also said the unit aims to re-

To contact the Victim Services Unit, most cases the unit responds without the

Victims of violent crime can seek comfort in Sven, a hard-working

The Victim Services Unit of the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) focuses its efforts on the victims of crime against the person, which for many can mean an emotionally draining experience as they navigate the legal process.

To provide a degree of comfort to these after originally coming from a specialized -

chise, and he was named after the loyal and movies.

go on the stand or in the soft room with a victim.

and lovable police dog

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

vices co-ordinator, Terri Roney.

When it comes to selecting a dog from PADS, the right dog is chosen for you description.

felt we needed as a police service, and to

Assiniboia RCMP seek 24-year-old female

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

to them.

tion or have any other information relevant to the search effort, please contact the tip that may lead to her discovery, Sas-

said.

interviews, attending court, and supporting

lic Access Test that has to receive a passing grade. These tests are challenging, and Roney

variety of specialized roles such as hearstrengths.

for Sven, who has now executed around 75 Today, Sven accompanies Roney to around the local police department as many day and will come sit next to you and putof crime, and many are young children who

may have witnessed a violent act in prog-

in order to determine what had transpired, communicate with police.ward and are hesitant (and) scared of the Roney said that the department can now have the police dog attend a victim right in the interview room. This is extremely helpful to the MJPS as many chil-

ing, to (having the) family sit down. They can start petting (Sven) and they calm

service.

Canine Vest returned to Moose Jaw Police Service

Since she was reported missing, the

Sven (pictured) works with the Victim Services Unit of the Moose Jaw Police Service. Here, Sven is displaying his discipline by waiting for his handler’s command to eat the treat on each of his paws.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Photo by: Moose Jaw Police Service

The Victim Services Unit focuses on the victims of crimes against the person that include assault, sexual assault, robbery, and domestic violence. Photo by: Moose Jaw Police Service

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - Moose Jaw Express

Old commercials, Snowbirds and election in discussion

1. Apparently Moose Jaw’s two seniors’ groups were not interested in my suggestion a few weeks ago that they might earn some money by counting parking spots in a enamoured by my suggestion.

able expense when there has to be parking spot information already sitting on a shelf in city hall, put there by previous studies that haven’t been completely covered in dust and cobwebs.

And don’t forget the secondary parkade discussion. Several readers suggested the city does indeed require a parking structure, but who should pay was not part of those comments, nor was a suitable location to accommo-

One reader suggested the men and women who walk the sidewalks handing out parking tickets could do some double duty by counting the stalls when they are not en-

one seems to be listening or taking them seriously. So sad! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2. There was some excellent and exciting curling on television last week as the Scotties’ Tournament of Hearts came to us from Calgary.

derly advertisements of the sponsor. The competition has been known as the Scotties since 2007 but the relationship with the paper company has gone on through various company tangents for the past 43 years. Surely in all those years the company could annually come up with new advertisements with which to entice viewers to use their products.

Again this year as in the past many years, we see a youngster using her rolls of bathroom tissue to replicate a curling sheet, with the child knocking over enough rolls to start her cheering, just as the TV announcer introduces the new Canadian champion of 2020.

As well there’s that child crying when her balloon bursts and around her are all the soft and cuddly animals to ease her tears and to suggest softness for the nose tissues. Surely by now that child has grown up and gone on to skip her own curling team.

Perhaps the commercials for the Brier will be new and improved and entertaining to match the exsmoked ribs advertisements from the new sponsor.

Tutors shone in the sunshine. The activity in the air was

Provincial Court Report

Obviously the drivers of cars who passed me didn’t indicated that others in attendance were as captivated asthat morning.

4. There’s already early chatter in some circles about this year’s civic election. There’s speculation about the potential candidates for mayor, and of course, who will put up their name for one of the six councillor positions. Voters will no doubt have some interesting choices to make once deadlines have passed for nomina-rubber-stampers are not welcome.

5. A belated thank you to Derek McRitchie of Ottathe wall.

glance while enjoying the scenic photos for each month.

Thanks Derek.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Two Romanian refugees who helped rob local restaurant given probation

Two Romanian refugees who have lived in Canada for almost two years and who helped rob a Moose Jaw restaurant won’t have a criminal record if they successfully complete their probation.

Ontario couple Stelian Grancea and Florica Fardi were two of four Romanian immigrants who walked into Jame’s Chinese Restaurant around 7 p.m. on July 23, 2023, and asked to be seated near the kitchen because they were expecting others, Crown prosecutor Rob Parker said in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on Feb. 22 while reading the facts.

At one point, Fardi purchased two Pepsis for $5 and attempted to pay with a $100 bill, but because the owner lacked the necessary change, she instead paid with the correct amount.

“‘At numerous times, they all walked toward the back time, they can’t come to the back and that they had to go and sit down,’” Parker said while quoting the co-owner. the business wearing a light grey vest and walked to the continued. The co-owner yelled to her husband to appre-

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

hend the man because he had stolen money from the of-

the Safeway parking lot, where their car was waiting. They then drove west on Highway 1, but the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol pulled them over for driving 150 kilometres per hour.

cies.

Parker argued that Grancea and Fardi were accomplices since their job was to distract the owners while Moreover, they were in the vehicle when police pulledages of currency and various papers and receipts from the restaurant.

While the couple agreed to plead guilty to the charge of theft under $5,000, the Crown wasn’t proceeding on charges of possession of property obtained by crime since the duo had signed documents agreeing to relinquish all the cash police discovered in the vehicle.

tional discharge and 12 months of probation, along with conditions such as keeping the peace and being of good a criminal record.

married and have adult children, with whom they came to Canada in August 2022 and made refugee claims. They both live on welfare and have limited funds, so he asked the judge to waive the victim surcharge.

and asked to withdraw as their counsel.

Also, the Canadian Border Services Agency deported Judge Brian Hendrickson accepted the joint submisinterests of Fardi and Grancea. He also waived the victim surcharge and agreed to issue arrest warrants for Costache and Marin.

Saskatchewan potash miner facing growth challenges BIZWORLD

The world needed increasing food-

When diplomatic sanctions on potash

and the potash market has changed trad-

The

By Ron Walter For Moose Jaw Express

enues come from potash revenues with

The rest of revenue is from phos-

drought conditions increased used of potoutlook for growth of potash sales south

Tinto potash mine at Patience Lake starts

mand will grow between three and 10 per its share of this growth given the new

Business Women

Moose Jaw’s March luncheon

Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

CAUTION: Remember when investing, consult your adviser and do your homework before buying any security. Bizworld does not recommend investments. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

House

next luncheon as it hosts -

$33

The organization’s luncheons bring together female

is

of

ASSESSMENT NOTICE VILLAGE OF TUXFORD

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Tuxford for the year 2024 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., on the following days: Monday to Thursday, February 28 to April 1, 2024, by appointment.

A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person who wishes to appeal against their assessment is required to file their notice of appeal in writing, accompanied by a $200 fee for each assessment being appealed with the Assessor, Village of Tuxford, 5- 1410 Caribou St W Moose Jaw SK, S6H 7S9, by the 1st day of April 2024 at 4:00 p.m. Please also send the appeal to the: Secretary to the Board of Revision, Kristen Tokaryk, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd. Box 149, Meota, SK S0M 1X0 before the 1st day of April, 2024.

Dated this 28th day of February 2024

Raena Wilk-Morhart Assessor

Seven businesses competing in online contest to be named best community restaurant

Seven Moose Jaw businesses are competing against each other in a bid to be named the top community restaurant as part of an international online contest.

The Best Restaurant Awards are the ultimate online competition that lets people from across the globe nominate and vote for their favourite local dining and drinking establishments, while at the heart of the platform lies the spirit of celebrating community culinary talent, according to the contest website.

“Restaurants in your city are competing not just for recognition but for local bragging rights. It’s an opportunity for your favourite local eateries and watering holes to shine in the heart of your community,” the organization says.

There is no cost to nominate or vote for a community restaurant, while restaurant owners can also participate without having to pay fees.

To vote, people can enter their community’s name into the website and then click on it. If an establishment has already been nominated, visitors can explore the been nominated, the platform will guide guests through a quick and easy nomination process.

“It only takes a minute to nominate a place that holds a special spot in your

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

With Nit’s Thai Food, visitors can nominate it in the categories of best restaurant, best Asian restaurant and best takeout and delivery.

So far, three people have left reviews of the business. Some comments include “The food is fabulous and authentic, staff are top notch!” and “Excellent authentic Thai food! Try #2, #11 (satay), #7 (deepfried beef), #10 (fried shrimp), #14 (Pad Thai) and #16.”

Visitors can nominate Hopkins Dining Parlour in the categories of best restaurant, best steak and best chicken wings. Three people have left reviews so far.

ter chicken of this restaurant … . I recommend this restaurant to you if you are missing Indian cuisine,” “Love their food and reasonable prices with good quantity,”cellent customer service and decent pric-dian food,” and “I would say bestest taste with yummiest food.”

heart,” the website says.

Visit bestrestaurantawards.org/ choose-city to place your vote.

There are seven Moose Jaw restaurants listed so far on The Best Restaurant Awards website: Nit’s Thai Food, Hopkins Dining Parlour, Ruchi’s Masala House, Déjà Vu Café, Rosie’s on River Street, Landscape Restaurant Ltd. and Guac Mexi Grill.

Current rankings are based on votes and reviews posted in the last 90 days, while the website will announce the winner on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Some comments include, “Hopkins offers a delicious menu with a variety of options, including the best buffalo wings and potato skins in Moose Jaw! The atmosphere is always welcoming in this historic home where they offer guided tours or the ability to explore on your own,” and “They have great servers and good food. Friendly people. Interesting stories about their ghosts.”

Ruchi’s Masala House has been nominated in the categories of best restaurant, best Indian food and best Indian restaurant. Five people have so far left comments.

Some comments include, “I love but-

Visitors can vote for Déjà Vu Café in the categories of best restaurant, best comfort food and best chicken wings. Voters’ comments include “They’re the only edible restaurant that is nominated” and “The food is great and there (are) so many choices for sauce. Possibilities are endless.”

Rosie’s on River Street has been nominated in the categories of best restaurant, best comfort food and best local beer selection. The one review says, “My go-to place if I’m ever working in Moose Jaw.” Landscape Restaurant has been nominated in the categories of best restaurant, best Chinese restaurant and best Asian restaurant.

People can also vote for Guac Mexi Grill in the categories of best restaurant, best Mexican restaurant and best takeout and delivery.

Master storyteller Dickie Yuzicapi shares his story for Aboriginal Storytelling Month

On the morning of Feb. 22, Indigenous master storyteller Dickie Yuzicapi contributed to the ongoing celebration of Aboriginal Storytelling Month at the Moose Jaw Public Library’s theatre.

Continuing his own tradition of storytelling since the age of eight, Yuzicapi used an expert blend of humour, emotion, experience, and song to communicate moral lessons and share insights into the Indigenous way of life.

The presentation was supported by the Library Services for Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples (LSSAP) organization, who co-ordinates the Saskatchewan Indigenous Storytelling Month each February.

The practice of Indigenous storytelling is steeped in an age-old tradition spanning countless generations. These stories are communicated through voice, song, drumming, in pictographs, and through structures such as medicine wheels.

Stories are usually told in a designated environment, such as a healing circle, and allows individuals to share their story – which can oftentimes be an account of their traumatic experiences.

Indigenous storytelling helps individuals heal by allowing them to come to terms with the emotional pain caused by what had transpired in their past. Story can help individuals make sense of how communal story shared by others.

Yuzicapi’s story follows this tradition closely and blends light-hearted humour, accounts of creation, as well as his own emotionally touching story that included the death of his grandfather and the loneliness he felt while attending a residential school as a child.

Indigenous storytelling, according to Yuzicapi, is about taking the listener on a shared journey.

“Using hand gestures, I’m taking you on a journey and letting you see what I want you to see and to hear what I want you to hear. That’s what storytelling is,” he explained. The storyteller must also believe the story they’re telling, which is why many stories are recollections of a personal experience.

“I’m not sitting here in a big chair

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

the bottom of your feet. If you cut yourself, you all bleed the same colour,” he said.

His conclusion was that we all came from one single group of people and share the same story.

Telling stories through song is another long-standing tradition. Yuzicapi said the earliest songs were love songs, and this is in no small part due to the need to express a strong personal and emotional story.

When a young man fell in love with a woman long ago, he was not permitted to touch her or even talk to her. He had to speak to his mother, who then arranged a dialogue with her mother. To prove himself to her, the young man would demonstrate his feelings through a personalized

“This is what we used to catch the ear, to catch the heart, and catch everything else (in) the other sex.”

During his presentation, Yuzicapi

er and louder.

The louder songs in the south, he said, were due to the need to communicate between tribes which would be located a few miles apart. The removed the need for riders or messengers and allowed great numbers of people to stay connected.

Sadly, many songs from before the 1970s were lost, following the decline of original language usage.

To compensate, many Indigenous songs from the 70s and on are “social songs,” where individuals continue to completely lost cultural tradition.

“We lost a lot of stuff as First Nation’s people. We lost our culture, we lost our language, (and) we lost our land – but we didn’t lose our sense of humour.”

Yuzicapi was raised by his great grandparents on the Okanese First Nation. For more than a decade, he learned about his Indigenous culture directly from them.

More recently, Yuzicapi was one of

opening a book and reading you a story.” The reason why, he said, is due to oral tradition. “The book does not exist – the book was taught to me orally… and I’m (passing it) down to you.”

It begins with the story of creation from an Indigenous perspective. This helps explain why we are here and what our purpose might be.

“A long time ago in teepee time…,” he began, the creation story was widely shared.

“When (the Creator) created the big nations, they all gathered together…,” he said. These nations were divided into the Red (Indigenous) nation, Yellow (Asian), White, and Black nations represented on the medicine wheel.selves, and the Creator got mad. He drove his hands into the dirt around that nation, and this nation…,” he explained. This is represented by the great oceans that divide the continents.

“It doesn’t matter the skin colour on the tops of your hands – when you turn your hands over, this part of everybody on earth is the same colour – the same with

The logo for the Best Restaurants Awards online competition. Photo submitted

Master storyteller Dickie Yuzicapi speaks at the Moose Jaw Public Library’s theatre on the morning of Feb.

22. Photo by: Aaron Walker

‘I beg you … bear with one another in love’ the theme for 2024

World Day of Prayer

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

A committee of Christian Palestinian women has prepared this year’s World Day of Prayer service, which has the theme of “I beg you … bear with one another in love.”

St. Andrew’s United Church at 60 Athabasca Street East is hosting the prayer service on Friday, March 1, at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the event, which includes a video, music and stories from Christian Palestinian women.

The theme comes from the Bible, spefour and verses one to three.

The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), one of the founders of this prayer movement, is co-ordinating World Day of Prayer (WDP) activities based international committee is offering support to other participating nations.

history and challenges faced by this area as citizens struggle for security, peace and independence as well as the efforts that women have made during changes in WICC says on its website.

“This is (also) an opportunity to examine a geographical area that is home to

the birth of Christianity.”

For anyone who objects to the writing committee region, WICC said the service should be understood as one written by Palestinian Christian women, not as a Palestinian-focused service. Therefore, avoid polarization.

“Let us be an example of women

build relationships with women in other regions of the world and grow and deepen our understanding, in part, by reading our organization said.

“As the service theme suggests, ‘I beg you … bear with one another in love.’”

WDP began in 1927 to help bridge social, geographic and political barriers across countries. Together, the goal is for nations to pursue justice, peace and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.

Last year, over 1.5 million Christians united in spirit to pray for relevant issues affecting women and children.

The most recent writing countries were Taiwan (2023), England, Wales, & Northern Ireland (2022), Vanuatu (2021), Zimbabwe (2020), Slovenia (2019), Suriname (2018), the Philippines (2017), and Cuba (2016).

From WDP donations over the last 40 years, WICC has distributed over $3 million for small projects to help restore hope to women and children touched by injustice.

with St. Andrew’s organizing committee, said the church hosted the event about 10 -

ing it again. She thought it was important to honour World Day of Prayer because Palestinian Christian women needed support during the ongoing war.

“When we realize what’s happening in the world today with the war, we just sympathize with them and just can’t believe how they can live under these circumstances,” she said, noting this region has experienced war regularly over the decades. “It must be terrible. We are so fortunate in this country.”

The writing committee created this service before the Israeli-Hamas War began and, in fact, started writing it just as them so long to produce it, said McDoubegan, they recently sent further stories and information to add to the service.

The organizing committee wants people to be more conscious of what’s happening in that Middle Eastern country and to pray for those people so peace will come, she added. The group also wants people who attend the service to acquire more

International exchange student group requires host family immediately

An international student exchange program that has brought dozens of high schoolers to the area over the years to experience Canadian culture has unexpectedly found itself requiring an extra host family.

YES Canada has partnered with Prairie South School Division for nearly two years, which sees the organization recruit students from around the world to experience the Great White North and explore this country’s culture, language and way of life.

An important part of that experience is living with a host family.

Students who come are between the ages of 14 to 18 — the most common ages are 15 to 16 — while the student who requires an immediate host family is 15 years old and already in the area, explained Graham Vogt, national homestay and recruitment manager.

Meanwhile, the organization will require homestay families in the coming months, as it expects more students to arrive in April and September.

“So, our need for homestay (families) is ongoing (because) because we’re always and surrounding areas,” said Vogt.

Host families would open their homes to students and provide them with a warm, safe, caring environment that includes three meals a day, he continued. Furthermore, a youth would require a bedroom, a

Jason G. Antonio - Moose Jaw Express

“Beyond that, it’s important to note there’s nothing fancy (about this). We don’t expect our host families to be tour guides. It’s not really about that,” said Vogt. “It’s about being immersed in the family and the surrounding community.

“We have found that host families will

more connected to the things happening in their community than they would be when they have an international student in their home because there is that element of hosting.”

The overall program is going well, while YES Canada has placed dozens of youths from New Zealand, France, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, South America and elsewhere into the high schools in Moose

Moreover, these principals are “quite thrilled” with the program since the international students have added to the diversity, community and programming of the schools with the ways they have become involved, he continued.

More than 20 international students are learning this year in Prairie South School Division, but they are disbursed throughout the area so they don’t overwhelm one location and can offer a differ-

tion that lasts a lifetime with the student travelling the world without actually leaving home.”

YES Canada has heard stories from host families of how they have remained in contact with their youth after the student has returned home, he continued. For example, some families have travelled overseas to attend the wedding of a youth who stayed with them.

Besides being enriched culturally and relationally, families usually rediscover what’s happening in their own communities because of their efforts to give their international students a Canadian experience, Vogt added.

To host an international student, visit youthedservices.ca/host-a-student.

A painting for the 2024 World Day of Prayer. Photo submitted

International students who are participating in the YES Canada program gather for a group picture in front of the CN Tower in Toronto. Photo courtesy Instagram

Little Princess Ball changes time of April 28 event after unexpected scheduling issue

The Little Princess Ball has had to change the time of its upcoming event after running into some unexpected scheduling issues at the venue.

The Ball, an annual fundraiser for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, is now in its 12th year and is set for Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28, at the Events Centre. The activity is a Disney-themed, resplendently decorated dress-up Ball for young princes and princesses and is usually quite popular with children.

The event on both days was supposed to run from 3 to 7 p.m., but the group recently announced on Facebook that, after some consideration, it was changing the Sunday time to 12 to 4 p.m.

Moose Jaw Event Centre, at no fault of our own, we have been advised to adjust the timing of our SUNDAY event,” the organization wrote.

“This was not an easy decision, as we know you have all chosen tickets that work for your schedules. However, we want to ensure that the quality and integrity of our Ball is not affected by this coinciding event.”

The Little Princess Ball organization

said it was aware that this time change could cause some disruption or disappointment to parents and children and apologized for the inconvenience. It said all Sunday tickets would automatically transfer to the new time, which means ticketholders did not have to do anything.

“We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this very unforeseen circumstance. We assure you that our choice to shift the start time is in the best interest of our guests and will ensure it’s a great experience for all!” organizers said.

“If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please reach out by sending a direct message to our Facebook page. Huge thanks to everyone for your understanding and continued support of The Little Princess Ball.”

The Little Princess Ball began in 2009 and has had a major effect on the women’s health unit at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, as the funds have helped purchase beds, heart monitors, incubators, and other items.

The 2022 edition of the Ball raised enough money to purchase another needed isolette incubator.

small town Saskatchewan

The Ball was held at the Heritage Inn for years, with food, crafts, activities, sparkly decorations everywhere, and volunteers dressed as Disney characters for pictures and dancing. Children and their parents dress up, too, creating a dream-like atmosphere that lights up children’s eyes and imaginations.

Organizers cancelled the event in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic before returning in 2022. However, they cancelled it last year after the previous organizing committee stepped down. Although a search was initiated for replacement committee members, the timeline was too short, leading to the cancellation announcement.

However, former chair Elaine Crocker decided to return to help co-chair this year’s event and ensure the new committee had support. She has previously compared the Ball to an over-the-top wedding, taking six months for a group of 10 to 12 people to put together.

Some seats are still available for Sunday, so visit SaskTix.ca or the Events Centre

The Western Development Museum (WDM) hosted its latest Virtual Coffee Club meeting this Feb. 22, where Joan Brewerton gave a presentation about the history of old hotels in small town Saskatchewan.

These hotels, Brewerton explained, are among the oldest and most common forms of business enterprise in rural areas of the province. Many of these “tenacious old hotels” still stand on the corners of streets with such typical names as “Railway Avenue” and “Main Street.”

Brewerton had described the longevity of these buildings as a testament to the determination of the people who owned and operated these hotels over the past century. This is also, of course, a testament to the fact they haven’t burned down – which has been an all-too-familiar experience in some parts of the province.

ond World War.

Back in 1935, government-imposed rules for beer parlours seemed to be designed to make them as unattractive as possible for patrons.

At the time, these establishments were designed for men only, and to discourage even their participation, there was no permitted sale of food, no music or dancing, and no other entertainment allowed on site. Men could only drink while seated, and carrying drinks between tables was prohibited.

This would serve as a hurdle for beer parlours in the province, but later in 1935 and after much debate in legislature, women in Saskatchewan were granted the right to drink beer in public. This new legislation required separate, women-only parlours and opened the doors to many more patrons.

During her presentation, Brewerton touched on some social and political success of these establishments. These social conditions included rules imposedlowing women to drink beer, and limitations on drinking imposed during the Sec-

The ongoing reluctance to deregulate the industry was due to the common perception at the time that beer parlours were “morally compromised” places.

During the Second World War, thenPrime Minister W. L. Mackenzie King insisted that Canadians cut back on drinking.

King did not prohibit the sale and consumption of the popular drink, however. His legislation included the reduction of beer’s alcoholic content during the war years, prohibited advertising of any kind on beer and spirits labels, and provinces were asked to shorten the hours of operation for beer parlours and liquor stores.

These measures were outlined in the 1942 Wartime Alcoholic Beverages Order.

If you missed the Feb. 22 presentation live on Zoom, stay tuned as the WDM archives all its free-to-attend presentations for anyone to access and view at a later date.

The next Virtual Coffee Club meeting will take place Thursday, March 21, and is titled “Boomers in Outer Space, Muscle Cars, Rock & Roll and Ice Cream.” This upcoming presentation will be led by

Brian Gallager and will explore some of the opportunities and unexpected social changes the Baby Boomer generation experienced as they grew up.

This next presentation will be “a comparative look at what has happened since the (Second) World War with (a) focus on Canada’s prairies and how the experience of Indigenous and mainstream populations has been very different,” according to the museum.

To attend the upcoming virtual meeting on the Zoom app, visit WDM.ca/CoffeeClub to register, or call the museum’s program co-ordinator Alexis Jones at 306693-5989.

To access the museum’s archived Virtual Coffee Club presentations, visit the WDM’s YouTube page, ‘WDM Coffee Club.’

The Heritage Inn ballroom was a magical place in 2022, as princes and princesses from far away realms took part in the return of the Little Princess Ball. File photo

One of the slides from Brewerton’s Feb. 22 Virtual Coffee Club presentation. Photo by: Joan Brewerton

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Judge Chow Praises Filipino Community - Speaks About His Family’s Immigration Journey

“I was just thinking last week that out of all the (recent) immigration to Canada it is the Filipino people that I love the most,” Judge David Chow said to a round of applause.

Judge Chow was speaking to about 450 people at the Moose Jaw Filipino Community’s annual Family Day Basketball Tournament on Saturday morning.

“Your culture meshes so well with that of the Canadian culture because you are hard working. You are humble, and you are kind; qualities that Canadians cherish,” he said.

Judge Chow spoke about his family’s roots as immigrants to Canada and how things are so much better today than before the turn of the century.

In the past there were policies and laws discriminating against Chinese immigrants, something which directly impacted the Chow family.

He told the story of his great grandfather - Charlie Chow - who came to Canada 125 years ago. Charlie had come to Cana-

By Robert Thomas

da as a 20-year-old with his older brother.

Judge Chow said the older brother had stayed in Vancouver and ran a business while Charlie “for some reason came to the Prairies to Moose Jaw, and that was before the province of Saskatchewan was a province.”

“His reasons for coming out west have been lost in time. We can only imagine now what the driving force was to come here.”

The family did know that during the time of Charlie moving to Canada, it was almost exclusively men who immigrated from China.

“The doors were essentially closed to women and children, because in the minds of the government of Canada Chinese women and children were not conducive to the growth of labour, industry and the economy,” he said.

Judge Chow said it is hard to imagine how lonely it was for the Chinese men to be alone in a strange country and “unable to speak the English language and often mistreated by the white European population.”

The laws only changed in the 1940scation.

“In Charlie’s case he had already been in Canada for 50 years by that time. He had left his wife and baby daughter in China before 1900 and he had never returned.”

The length of separation had Charlie

“By 1950, by the time his wife and

all stronger and gives us comfort and stability.”

Judge Chow encouraged the Filipino community to be more active in the wider community.

might seem, to occasionally step out of that comfort zone of that immediate family and get involved in the greater community of Moose Jaw.”

Judge Chow said his great grandfather had to adapt and come out of the box to have a life in Moose Jaw.

“In Charlie’s case, he had no choice but to learn the language and blend into Canadian culture because he had no family with him here in Moose Jaw.”

child could have come to Canada, he had already been married to his Romanian wife for 40 years, and helped raised his six Canadian born children,” Judge Chow said.

Judge Chow said for the Filipino community, things are much different today.

“You have the wonderful fortune of being able to come to this country with your spouses, your children, your siblings and your parents,” he said, adding “and to come to a country that is much more accepting as well than a century ago.”

“What a tremendous opportunity to share the experience of a new country and a new life together with your loved ones.”

Judge Chow said it was “fantastic” to see people coming out and spending time together as families and a community.

“It is the family bond that makes us

his children and subsequent generations as they were accepted in both the Chinese and white cultures.

“If you haven’t built a bridge or formed that relationship with other Canadians, I would begin.”

Judge Chow said he strongly believed “we owe what we have to the struggle of our parents and our ancestors.”

“That is something we must honour as young people, by working hard to make a difference for the generations to come and not squander the opportunities we have been given,” he said.

“This city is thrilled to have you. You make Moose Jaw a better place.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ new-blog/2024/2/18/fnbgci3a1nhisfh1rdtq281gq2dtxx

Mortlach event raises over $22K to support museum and rec board

The Village of Mortlach’s museum and recreation board will be able to complete some major renovation projects this year after a recent fundraiser generated over $22,000.

munity hall on Feb. 10 for the event, with retired auctioneers Garry Giofu and Gary Andrejcin lending their fast-talking abilities and staff from the Royal Bank of Canada selling 50/50 tickets and donating $1,500 through the bank’s community support program.

Eighty-four businesses from the community and area donated items, while a dozen people contributed auction-ready desserts.

“We’re more than thrilled with the amount of money that was raised. It’s overwhelming. We are blown away by the generosity of people …,” said Pam Spier, chairwoman of the museum board.

Times are tough economically for many businesses and residents, so it was wonderful that they could still donate something, whether money, items or food, she continued. Even an older gentleman contributed a dessert — much to the surprise of organizers — despite saying for several years that this was his last time.

Evening festivities

The event featured a bingo with 10 prize winners. This was followed by free food, non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments, and then a special cash bingo. Children also participated in a penny parade by dropping tickets into buckets to win items

Jason

such as a puzzle or doll. A silent auction occurred throughout the evening, with attendees bidding on 15 items, such as a yoga package or a Moose Jaw Warriors package with sticks, pucks and tickets.

Spier thought this activity was entertaining since people could outbid each other in a friendly competition. She noted that someone paid $125 for a package that was worth $50.

After bingo, “the two Garys” led the live auction, which featured items such as a fuel pump, a Warriors jersey, and a lawn mower.

The dessert auction was “a really important part” of the evening since over a dozen women contributed something. Spier noted that a dozen butter tarts sold for $300, while some people who bought

desserts returned them so others could bid on them.

The museum and recreation board will split the $22,000, with the former to windows this year and the latter to renovate the rink’s upstairs mezzanine.

Also, the museum will work with the village and two surrounding rural municipalities to maintain the cemetery; it will use some money to pay for its share of the upkeep.

This fundraiser is the museum’s only one — and largest — of the year because it has a small group, while this is one of three fundraisers the rec board conducts annually.

Keep on keepin’ on

Overall, the museum is doing well and continues to function on grants and

donations, said Spier.

An exciting development has been the Saskatchewan Archaeology Society calling before Christmas and asking to borrow the arrowhead collection. It wanted to send the artifacts to the University of Saskatchewan so students could examine and identify them and create an educational presentation about them — and archaeology in general — for Mortlach students.

“We’re really excited because in Mortlach and area, archaeology is a huge piece of our history,” said Spier.

An unfortunate development, however, will see the village eliminate its historic farm machinery park.

Two older gentlemen had collected the vehicles over the decades to display publicly but, because of their age, gave municipality managed it for a few years before giving it to the museum, which because of few volunteers.

organizations to take ownership but was unsuccessful. So, the museum plans to auction off the items around early April; some pieces will likely be sold for scrap because of their condition.

“It always is sad when we lose a piece that we can never get back,” Spier added. “But there is the liability, especially if kids fall on it and we are not able to give our full attention to it.”

Visit www.mortlach.ca/our-history/ mortlach-museum for more information.

Judge David Chow is presented with a tournament t-shirt

Judge David Chow (far right), who was the guest speaker, took time to meet many of those attending including the people selling food

Roughly 150 people packed the Mortlach Community Hall to attend a fundraiser for the museum and recreation board. One fun activity was bingo, as pictured here.

Photo courtesy Facebook

By Patricia Hanbidge

Garden L e

exact science which has been surrounded by habits, traditions, folklore and superstition. However, if you look closely you will see much wisdom intertwined throughout the lore.

This year, 2024 is a Leap Year, which gives us one extra day for gardening gain. Forget that it is the middle of winter and make the most of that extra 24-hour period. It is interesting that February is the only month of the Leap Year but also the “love” month and there is a legend revolving about that extra 29th day. It is said that in Ireland, St. Brigid suggested to St. Patrick that

every fourth year, it would be a good idea for women to propose instead of the men! St. Patrick thought it was a perfectly splendid idea but then when she did propose, he refused her proposal. Hmmmm, perhaps we should spend that extra time on gardening gain rather than love! When odd things happen in the garden it is often associated with a tale. The lowly bean has been the subject of many tales throughout the years. If within a row of green beans one plant bears white beans it means that there will be a death in the family. However, during a leap year it is thought that the bean would grow upside down. On Midsummer’s Eve, three beans would be prepared in different ways and hidden. Those who -

ing the half-peeled bean would have a comfortable life while the poor souls who found the fully peeled beans would be poor forever.

love and money. Each season if you wish to be wealthy you need to place a piece of basil in each of the four corners of your home to bring wealth. In Tudor times, basil

would be placed on the windowsills by young maidens to indicate they were looking for a suitor. Those men who are given a gift of basil will fall in love with the giver of that gift.

Mushrooms of course were not passed by. In ancient times it was believed that thunder and lightning engendered the mushroom. Edible mushrooms were considered must have been portabella mushrooms fried in freshly churned butter. Fairy rings were of course caused by the paths of dancing fairies and if you were lucky, and found one beside your house you would have good fortune!

Parsley is unfortunately associated with death and misfortune. If you are cooking with parsley and you happen to be in love, then you will for sure be in for a spell of bad luck. Babies were thought to be discovered in parsley beds and maidens in distress could solve their problem by chewing parsley each day for a period of three weeks.

The folklore tied to the garden is endless. It is always entertaining but also if you look closely will often information.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

Winterfest draws hundreds to Wakamow Valley for an afternoon of fun

Annual event featured lots to see and do even on a nice winter’s day

Hundreds of visitors gathered in and around Kiwanis River Park for the annual event of Wakamow Valley’s Winterfest celebration, which featured a host of winter activities for folks to try out.

That included snowshoeing and skiing, as despite the overall lack of snow,

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

there was still enough on the ground for families to go for a short hike on the trails or go for a ski tour of Plaxton’s Lake. Visitors could also enjoy a hot dog and marshmallow roasting around the could be found most of the afternoon.

Folks could also go on a bird-watching expedition, try out disc golf and visit with the Prairie Percherons before taking a ride on their always-popular sleigh tour of the Valley.

If there was one drawback, it was that the consistently warm weather has left the

Wakamow Oval speed skating track unusable, but a lack of skating did little to dampen enthusiasm on the day.

Check the photos above for a small sampling of all the sights on Sunday afternoon!

The Prairie Percherons are always a popular part of Winterfest, once again drawing long lines for a tour of the valley.

The Prairie Percherons were more than happy to accept nose pets from Winterfest visitors young and old.

The disc golf station saw also families of all ages trying their hands at putting.

Folks gather around the Kiwanis River

A Winterfest patron enjoys a roasted marshmallow.

shoes before heading out for a hike on the Wakamow Valley trails.

A Winterfest volunteer hands out a marshmallow for roasting on the Ki-

Mortimer J. Moose was a popular visitor to Winterfest, especially after his hockey team had scored 21 goals in their previous two games.

Folks could try out all sorts of outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing on Plaxton’s Lake.

Chinese Lantern Festival ushers in the Year of the Dragon at the Grant Hall Hotel

Last year’s woes drifted away, and the endless possibilities of a new year greeted guests of the 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival Gala that followed a 2,000-year tradition at the Grant Hall Hotel this Feb. 24.

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie or Yuanxiao, is a traditional Chinese celebration marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebration.

This year’s festival saw a packed room at the Grant Hall Hotel and 16 performances followed a delicious meal cooked in house.

Moose Jaw’s festival was originally the brainchild of Terry Tian, owner of the century-old Grant Hall Hotel. With the help of friends and the community, the third local celebration was a success.

Year of the Dragon

The 2024 New Year’s festival ushered in the Year of the Wood Dragon.

Each element in the Chinese zodiac is comprised of 12 animals, and each sign is

In Chinese culture – as opposed to Western views – dragons are viewed as auspicious and extraordinary creatures with the power to control wind and rain, soar through the skies, turn rivers into seas – and to bring prosperity to the world.

Chinese zodiac, but not because it isn’t capable of winning the race said to be decreed by the Jade Emperor.

The Dragon is said to have witnessed others in distress along the way and stopped to help them. It was only due to

According to ancient belief, what you do at the start of the New Year will affect your luck in the upcoming year. The

Aaron

new year running from Feb. 10, 2024, to Jan. 28, 2025, is forecasted to bring about new opportunities and changes, as well as some challenges.

For those who celebrated the 2024 Lantern Festival Gala, there could be no better way to start the new year.

Entertainment

The entertainment began with a fan dance titled “A Love Letter to You,” performed by distinguished members of the Saskatoon Dance Club.

Next, young students each shared a little about themselves and demonstrated their progress as they translated their statements into Mandarin. They then sang “Celebrating the Lantern Festival.”

A dance group then performed a live-

ly and upbeat K-Pop dance demonstrating current trends with the younger generations.

Two rock songs were then performed by Jeff and his son, Dylan. Dylan proved to be “intelligent and brimming with talents,” as per his introduction, when he drummed while Tian accompanied themance.

This was followed by a classical dance called “Waiting for the Return of a Loved One,” and then a group of ladies demonstrated a fat-burning workout routine set to the tune of “Monica.”

Andy Zhang demonstrated his talent as an aspiring young musician when he used a Western instrument to play Eastern

In pictures:

and “Tune for Selling Tangyuan.”

Master Wong, the eighth-generation descendant of the Wong family, used Taichi to perform the Taichi 13 Forms together with his wife. This was followed by a demonstration of the Guqin, an ancient Chinese instrument that delivered a unique, highly characteristic sound.

“(This instrument is) dated back to about 3,000 years ago. While listening to the performance of Master Wong, I feel that we are having a conversation with our ancestors…,” Tian said.

For “Father’s Grassland, Mother’s River,” Wong sang unaccompanied by microphone as he meandered through the packed room delivering his touching performance.

Next, Alethia sang a solo piece called “The Brightest Star in the Night Sky,” accompanied by Tian on guitar, and the talented young ballerina Olivia danced to Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.”

The Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club then performed the Hang-Tang Dance titled “Harmonious Songs,” followed by all members of the club joining in for a grand

The celebration was made possible thanks to several local sponsors. Gold sponsors included the Moose Jaw Express and Town ‘N’ Country Mall, silver included Gordon Food Service, Murray’s Signs, and ICE Contracting Inc., and bronze included Homeland Village Operation, PaJaw.

“(We wish everyone a great) start to the New Year for you. We look forward to meeting you all again next year. Thank you.”

2024 Chinese Lantern Festival Gala at The Grant Hall Hotel

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

The Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration that marks the end of the Chinese New Year, and this year’s cel-

On the evening of Feb. 24, the 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival Gala was celebrated at the Grant Hall Hotel.

ebration ushered in the Year of the Dragon.

Members of the Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club during the Feb. 24 performance of “A Love Letter to You” at the Grant Hall Hotel. Photo by: Aaron Walker

A member of the Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club performs a classical dance called “Waiting for the Return of a Loved One,” Photo by: Aaron Walker

Andy Zhang demonstrated his talent as an aspiring young musician when he used a Western instrument to play Eastern melodies including “Serenade” and “Tune for Selling Tangyuan.” Photo by: Aaron Walker

A lively and upbeat K-Pop dance troupe demonstrated current trends with the younger generations. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Terry Tian (left), owner of the century-old Grant Hall Hotel, accompanies Jeff and Dylan (off scene) while the night’s MC (right) Qiang (Kelvin) Hu, President of the Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network joins in a song with vocals. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Master Wong (left), the eighth-generation descendant of the Wong family, used Taichi to perform the Taichi 13 Forms together with his wife (right).

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Members of the Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club perform a traditional dance. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Two rock songs with a traditional twist were performed by Jeff and his son, Dylan, while Terry Tian accompanied on guitar. Photo by: Aaron Walker

“While listening to the performance of Master Wong, I feel that we are having a conversation with our ancestors…,” Tian said. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Hip hop icons Ice Cube, Xzibit will visit Moose Jaw in upcoming ‘Straight

The Moose Jaw Events Centre has just announced that legendary hip hop icon Ice Cube will be coming to Moose Jaw this April 28, and tickets can be purchased as early as this Friday, Feb. 23.

The announcement comes after the Invictus Entertainment Group has planned a second leg of the “Straight into Canada” tour, following its wild successes on the sold-out earlier run. For this second round, Moose Jaw will be included in the tour featuring Ice Cube, Xzibit, Peter Jackson, and DJ Kav.

Ice Cube is said to have transcended the boundaries of music, cinema, and sports, thereby establishing himself as a legend in the world of entertainment. His upcoming tour will help put Moose Jaw on the map and may allow the Notorious City to gain a little additional notoriety.

Among his prestigious accolades are an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

His initial rise to prominence came at

Aaron

into Canada’ tour

a time when he was a member of hip hop supergroup N.W.A.

Ice Cube’s departure from the group – which was at its pinnacle at the time –marked the beginning of a remarkably successful solo career in music. To date, Ice Cube has sold over 10 million albums worldwide and has earned his status as a rap icon.

Since reaching his stride in the indus-

try, Ice Cube has been a part of two groups following his initial successes. These include Westside Connection with Mack 10 and his longtime friend WC, and the Mount Westmore group, which included such multi-platinum stars as Snoop Dogg, E40, and Too $hort.

Outside of music, Ice Cube has expanded his repertoire to include acting including “Friday”, “Ride Along”, “Barbershop”, and “Are We There Yet?” franchises, as well as the critically acclaimed N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton.

Some of the popular movies Ice

Cube has acted in include the 21 Jump Street franchise, Boyz N The Hood, Three Kings, and an elite government agent in XXX: State of the Union. Most recently he

Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.

Xzibit, who will also be joining Ice Cube and others on the tour, has been rapping since the age of 14 and began his musical career back in 1992 with his debut

studio album At the Speed of Life released in 1996. After his early successes, including his single “Paparazzi” peaking at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100, Xzibit caught the attention of West Coast rapper Dr. Dre, who later served as his executive producer.

With a multi-platinum career of his own, Xzibit has also gained fame as an actor and television host. Some of his more noteworthy roles include playing Shyne Johnson in the television series “Empire” and hosting the reality television series “Pimp My Ride”.

Featuring a number of hip hop’s biggest icons, the upcoming “Straight into Canada” tour is guaranteed to be a night to remember.

Tickets are on sale starting Friday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., and are limited to eight tickets per purchaser.

To purchase your tickets, visit IceCube.com/tour.

To follow Ice Cube on Instagram, X, or Facebook, add him @icecube.

Learn about ‘Smarter Science, Better Homes’ at the WDM’s upcoming open house

On Saturday, March 2, the Western Development Museum (WDM) in Moose Jaw will be holding an open house event following the concluded Grade 7 school program titled ‘Smarter Science, Better Buildings.’

The open house will run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and allows the general public to stop by and see what Grade 7 students in the province have been learning as part of their science curriculum.

As well, homeowners are invited to stop by and can maybe learn a few tips and their homes and to help lower utility costs.

“If you’re looking to renovate your house, it will be a great opportunity to see Jones, the museum’s program and volunteer co-ordinator.

Smarter Science, Better Buildings is made possible through a partnership between the WDM and the Saskatchewan Environmental Society (SES).

The goal of the SES, according to its mission statement, is help achieve a high level of environmental sustainability through public education, policy development, and sponsored events in the community. “We are the voice for the environment that the public depends on,” the statement reads.

The Smarter Science, Better Buildings program is itself part of an educational program where students in the provinceings. These demonstrations range from

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

new innovations and the application of cutting-edge technologies to lessons that can be learned from construction practices in the past.

“It talks about the new innovations to keep your house and business more en-

Many of these new building projects are taking place right here in Saskatchewan, making this a locally relevant presentation.

With the educational portion of the event completed by the time of the open house event, anyone can then visit the museum and tour the same six workstations as these students.

Everyone is welcome to attend the upcoming event, and if your child’s class wasn’t selected for the earlier educational program, this could be an excellent opportunity to inspire young minds for a possible career in eco-friendly construction and innovation – something the world is gravitating toward in recent years.

Beyond homeowners and aspiring young minds, individuals responsible for running a business or who work in the trades may be able to learn something novel as well. With a number of recent innovations being showcased, there’s bound to be something new that can be easily applied right here in the province.

These workstations will cover, among other details, the history of home insulation in the province and will explore new, cutting-edge innovations relevant to Sas-

katchewan’s trying climate.

Admission to the Smarter Science, Better Homes open house is also offered free of charge to all guests.

The open house will take place in the museum’s front lobby showcase area, and patrons can come and go as they choose. Access to the rest of the museum, however, will still require the standard cost of admission or an active WDM membership.

There will also be a door prize avail-

voluntary survey following their visit on March 2. Further details on the prize contents have not been announced, so you will have to visit the open house to discover what the WDM has to offer.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca or contact programs co-ordinator Alexis Jones at 306693-5989.

The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

Stop by the Western Development Museum on Saturday, March 2 for free admission to the ‘Smarter Science, Better Homes’ event. Photo by: Western Development Museum

Snowtorious Family Day features all sorts of fun on a sunny Saturday

Hundreds take part in Downtown Moose Jaw Association event in Crescent Park

The Downtown Moose Jaw Association Snowtorious Family Day celebrations saw hundreds of participants taking part in the event in Crescent Park, enjoying a wide range of activities throughout the beautiful sunny Saturday, Feb. 17.

Folks could pick up a stick and take part in a road hockey game on Langdon Crescent in front of Crescent Park, and Fire Department in-between games.

Visitors were able to head to the park proper and get a ride on the Prairie Percherons sleigh or take advantage of perfect sliding conditions to go for a trip or two down the hill surrounding the serpentine.

Closer to the museum were a selec-

Saskatchewan’s weather may be hard to predict, but one thing remains constant: homes in the province need to be heated throughout the winter months. Most urban areas are heated with natural gas, but many living in rural communities rely on other sources of heat such as propane.

Jim Atkinson is a farmer in rural Saskatchewan. He lives on a remote 1,700 square foot farmhouse in the RM (Rural Municipality) of Hillsborough near Old Wives Lake.

After receiving his latest home heating bill, he had to take a second look to make sure he saw the numbers correctly –it was well over $700 for the month.

Much of this expense comes as part of the federal government’s carbon tax program.

“We get the tax (taken from us) and we use it for heating our house…,” he said, noting that no distinction is made around the fuel’s usage. “It’s not as though we’re driving down the road.”

His main concern is with the ever-increasing federal carbon tax. “What are we getting out of it? Nothing. We’re just paying a bill.

goes into their pockets.”

The federal carbon tax was introduced by the Liberal government in 2019. The purpose of the tax, according to thecentive for individuals and businesses to change their behaviour around the burning of fossil fuels and other polluting activities.

The tax aims to encourage Canadians

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Wouldn’t be a

to transition into greener forms of energy, all while providing incentives for environmental research and allowing Canada to reach its stated emission targets.

The recent bill wouldn’t concern Atkinson so much if he had suitable alternatives to choose from.

Even if he – as with several of his neighbours – wanted to choose a better option simply isn’t there.

“There’s nothing out here,” he said. “There’s no other option – you’re stuck with (propane).”

It’s not even meaningful to simply move into a smaller building. Atkinson’s son lives nearby in a mobile trailer home, which should come with a far lower heating bill. Instead, the trailer which also relies on propane only costs a few dollars

less to heat.

Atkinson said he could install a heat pump, but with a price tag greater than $30,000, he said he’d spend the rest of his life paying it off and be in no better situation. He’s also concerned that a heat pump may not work well in Saskatchewan’s climate as they often fail below minus 30 Celsius.

Atkinson remembers the price of propane sitting around four to six cents per litre in neighbouring Alberta only 15 – 20 years earlier, and at a still reasonable 18 cents per litre in Saskatchewan at the time.

Today, he’s paying around $20 per day to heat his home, and 40 days of heat now costs $800.

On his recent $769.07 bill, Atkinson saw $149.90 in taxes and fees alone.

Breaking it down further, $619.17

tion of games, including Connect Four and cornhole, both of which attracted all sorts of attention throughout the day.

And, of course, you could pick up a hot dog and a hot drink from members of the DMJA who were handing out the delicious items.

Snowtorious Family Day was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, the Moose Jaw Co-op, Tim Horton’s, and by the City of Moose Jaw.

To learn more about the Downtown Moose Jaw Association and its role in the community, visit DowntownMooseJaw. ca, and be sure to check out a selection of photos from the event up above!

covered the cost of propane, whereas $94.75 was added for federal taxes, $18 covered a hazardous material fee, and GST added another $36. The cost of propane today is 65.8 cents per litre, and the federal carbon tax costs 10.6 cents per litre on top of that.

Once a $200 per year rental fee is included to keep the propane tank on his property, Atkinson said it will cost him $2,500 to heat his home this year.

There’s a carbon tax rebate that all taxes, and Atkinson did acknowledge that he gets some of this money back. He is appreciative of even this small amount.

The problem, he stated, is that the

next bill eats up more than his tax rebate pays out, and with the farm requiring a seasonal fuel bill north of $20,000 plus taxes, this payment virtually disappears.

Atkinson pointed out that other provinces have an ongoing rebate program for heating oil, such as in Canada’s Maritime provinces, but the same oil isn’t available in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has received no comparable rebate program in recent years for its consumption of natural gas or propane.

“Propane needs a rebate too if everyone else gets one. Right?” he suggested. “It costs just as much to heat with propane, so why are they not (doing this with) propane (as well)?”

Atkinson’s concern is shared by many others in the province, and residents are left wondering how high the cost to heat their home will continue to climb.

Many of Saskatchewan’s rural residents rely on propane to heat their homes during the winter months. Image copyright: Darcy Maulsby / Getty Images/iStockphoto

A youngster gets a helping hand in their quest to try out a game of Connect Four.

John Iatridis from the Mad Greek was on hand to help out with hot dogs and and hot drinks.

Folks of all ages were able to pick up a stick and join in on a rotating series of road hockey games throughout the day.

A member of the Moose Jaw Fire Department shows a piece of equipment to a visitor during Snowtorious Family Day.

Folks enjoy a hot dog while taking in the Snowtorius Family Day activities.

A brave soul gets up speed while sliding down a hill in Crescent Park during the Snowtorious Family Day.

Folks of all ages were able to pick up a stick and join in on a rotating series of road hockey games throughout the day.

Snowtorious visitors could try their hand at cornhole if they were interested.

Alex Carleton from the Crushed Can keeps an eye on the hot dog grill.

wintertime outdoor festival in Moose Jaw without sleigh rides from the Prairie Percherons.

It’s isn’t often you get a chance to watch history being made during a random late-February Western Hockey League game, but the Moose Jaw Warriors did just that on Saturday night against the Spokane Chiefs.

The Warriors hammered out 12 goals on their way to a 12-3 win in Spokane, recording their highest single-game goal total in the modern era, dating back to the 1996-97 season and the advent of the internet age.

The win came on the heels of a 9-4 win over the Americans in Tri-City on Friday night, a victory that snapped a threegame losing streak for the local crew, with the last loss in that slump being a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Lethbridge.

All told, the Warriors now hold a 3619-0-2 record and have once again taken over second place in the Eastern Conference, a point up on the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Warriors 12, Spokane 3

Where to begin?

The Warriors got off to an incredible start, scoring on their second shift and Six more in the second made it 10-2 and, to say the least, the result was academic from there.

“When you score on the second shift it kind of sets the tone and puts them on their heels, then once you get the second one, they’re chasing the game,” Warriors associate coach Scott King said of the re-

on Friday night.

sult on the UFZ post-game show. “They open up and all of a sudden they’re pinching down when they shouldn’t and we get odd-man rushes the other way.

“So it was a matter of getting on them early, then they have to change the way they do things a bit and it leads to a lot of odd-man opportunities. I don’t know how many two-one-ones and three-on-ones we had, but we capitalized on lots of them.”

Atley Calvert led the offence with

41 goals to surpass his season total from 2022-23. Jagger Firkus had a goal and an assist, giving him 45 goals and 100 points on the season, leading the entire CHL in scoring at that point.

Pavel McKenzie scored twice -- in-

with Lynden Lakovic also having two goals and an assist.

Brayden Schuurman and Martin Rysavy had a goal and an assist each, Denton Mateychuk and Matthew Savoie scored Moose Jaw’s other markers.

Rilen Kovacevic picked up four assists, Yager had a pair of helpers.

Jackson Unger stopped 22 shots to earn the win, Cooper Michaluk and Dawson Cowan faced 52 shots in the Spokane net.

Warriors 9, Tri-City 4

Things looked tough for the Warriors

off a hat trick and gave Tri-City a 3-2 lead 2:49 into the period.

Four Moose Jaw goals over the next seven minutes changed the tone of the game, and by the time the period was out,

they’d have an 8-3 lead.

Savoie led the way with two goals in 13 games with the Warriors.

Yager scored twice and had three points, while Rysavy also had a pair of goals. Calvert, Firkus and Connor Schmidt all had single markers, Schuurman and Lakovic two assists each.

Former Warrior Thomas Tien had the Americans’ other goal.

Unger stopped 27 shots, Lukas Matecha and Kyle Kelsey faced 36 for Tri-City.

Lethbridge 6. Warriors 3

Unlike the outings later in the week, the Hurricanes had answer for everything the Warriors threw at them.

Lethbridge took a 4-1 lead early in the second before Moose Jaw scored a pair late in the period to get within one, but another Hurricanes goal made it 5-3 heading into the third.

Firkus scored twice, while Savoie had Moose Jaw’s other goal. Yager picked up a pair of assists.

Tristen Doyle and Leo Braillard scored twice each for the Hurricanes, with Miquel Maques adding their other marker.

Evan May got the start and allowed four goals on 17 shots in 23:42, Unger stopped 15 shots the rest of the way. Moose Jaw had 34 shots on Harrison Meneghin.

The Warriors have three days off before facing the Portland Winterhawks on eight game road swing.

When Moose Jaw Mustangs veterans Cashton Seaborg and Mason Williams took part in the 2023 Commonwealth Cup in Melbourne, Australia last February, Team Canada enjoyed an impressive in the event.

This time around, four members of the local box lacrosse program were members of Team Canada at the International Indoor Lacrosse League event -- and to say things went even better would be an understatement.

Seaborg and Williams were joined by goaltender Luke Andrews and runner Colton Ebbett at the tournament Feb 17-20, with the crew posting a series of lopsided wins before downing an Australian All-Star team 15-8 in the gold medal game. The tournament is designed to helpcrosse program and saw Canada play a trio of club teams before the best Australian players from those games formed the the games, Team Canada held clinics and

helped coach the Australian teams as they develop and improve their skills on the world stage.

Canada opened with a 24-7 win over the Melbourne Storm before rolling past the Adelaide Thunder 18-7 and downing the Perth Fury 22-8 in the round robin.

Canada 24, Melbourne 7

Canada wasted no time getting things going in their opening game, taking a 7-3 16-6 lead by halftime.

of the tournament 24 seconds into the proand seven points on the night.

Seaborg was right behind him with three goals and six points, and Ebbett had a goal and three points from his defensive position.

Andrews played the second half of the game and allowed a single goal.

Canada 18, Adelaide 7

Things were closer in the early going in Canada’s second outing, as Canathemselves holding a three-goal lead 7-4

Andrews was solid again, allowing four goals in his half-game of work.

Canada 22, Perth 8

Canada actually found themselves behind the eight ball early, as Perth took a 1-0 lead 1:24 into the game and then regained the lead only 20 seconds after Canada tied things up at 2:10.

Seaborg tied the game 40 seconds after Perth’s go-ahead goal, though, and after Williams made it 3-2 with 4:15 to play in the quarter, Canada was off to the races.

Six-straight goals by the the 3:55 mark of the second extended their lead to 8-2 and by halftime Canada would be up 10-4.

Seven more goals in the third quarter turned things into a 17-6 route, and Cana-

at halftime. Things changed dramatically after the break, though, and Canada would outscore Adelaide 11-3 in the second half, including a 4-0 shutout in the fourth quarter.

Seaborg led Canada in scoring with two goals and eight points, while Ebbett

tacked on two goals and four points.

Seaborg had his best game of the tournament with four goals and nine points, also had nine points. Ebbett scored once and had three points.

Andrews allowed four goals in the second half.

Scoring information was unavailable

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw Mustangs Luke Andrews, Cashton Seaborg, Mason Williams and Colton Ebbett all represented Canada at the Comnmonwealth Cup in Melbourne, Australia.

WINMAR Warriors post pair of dominant wins in Yorkton to cap regular season

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors will be heading into the Sask Male AAA Hockey League post-season on an exceptionally high note.

With their playoff lives on the line two weekends ago, the Warriors have since gone on to score 25 goals across four games, picking up four wins in the process and hanging onto seventh place.

That included a pair of commanding wins this past Saturday and Sunday over the last-place Yorkton Maulers in Yorkton, with the Warriors taking a 7-3 win in the opener and capping off their regular season with a 7-0 victory.

with a 22-19-3-0 record and will take on round of the playoffs begin this coming weekend.

Warriors 7, Yorkton 3

Things were interesting in the early going on Saturday, as after the Warriors Yorkton scored a pair of power play goals just over two minutes apart early in the second to tie things up.

The Warriors ended up with a 4-2 lead through two, though, and pulled away in

Jake Britlz scored twice and had three points for Moose Jaw, while Carson Deichert, Jonah Pinel and Brennan Brown all had a goal and an assist. Cooper Buhay and Noah Thul had their other markers, Chase Peterson, Keaton Lesperance and Ryan Gibbs all had two assists each.

Luke McKechnie turned aside 18 shots to earn the win, the Warriors had 23 on Yorkton’s Wyatt Bouvier.

Mikale Budz, Boston Schmidt and Aidan Vallance scored for Yorkton.

Warriors 7, Yorkton 0

Moose Jaw scored three goals in the putting things into cruise control and taking their comfortable win.

Max Threnien led Moose Jaw with two goals and four points, Caleb Potter had a pair of goals. Thul and Bryce Boughen each picked up a goal and three points, Brennan Brown had their other marker.

Buhay, Peterson and Kanyan Unger all added two assists.

Ryan Bain turned aside all 21 shots he faced for his second shutout of the season. Moose Jaw had 24 shots on Yorkton’s 12 on Josh Blair in the third.

Be sure to keep an eye on www. smaaahl.com this week for up-to-date playoff schedules.

Control Jiu Jitsu enjoys impressive showing as host of Saskatchewan championship

Local competitors bring home total of 33 medals, including eight gold, from SaskBJJ provincials at YaraCentre

Control Jiu Jitsu competitor Travis Ratzlaff is by all accounts an experienced and successful practitioner of the sport, boasting a brown belt in the notoriously having 24 wins -- 21 by submission -- on his ledger.

the Men’s Absolute division during the SaskBJJ provincial championship on Saturday afternoon at YaraCentre was no surprise.

What might have been a surprise to the uneducated eye was how things turned out in that match against Saskatoon-based blue belt Hunter Lee.

The two had met twice before during the day, with Lee taking 7-0 and 5-0 wins, able to maintain top control throughout and would go on to a 4-0 win to claim gold in the Absolute division.

So how does a just-turned blue belt go undefeated against competitors with way more BJJ experience?

At it turns out, Pan American Games-level wrestling is a pretty good base for any mat-based combat sport.

Lee, 24, is a former multiple-time USports wrestling champion with the U of S Huskies and has competed for Team Canada throughout his adult career, including most recently at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

He picked up jiu jitsu to enhance his overall abilities in mixed martial arts -where he has a 2-0 record -- and has seen all sorts of success since, even with his comparative inexperience.

That continued on Saturday, where he went undefeated through all six of his matches.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

gi, so I was excited about that, and going up against brown belts in the gi is tough, but it went pretty well and I was happy with it,” Lee said shortly after his gold medal win.

As one might expect, the Modern Martial Arts representative is plenty aware of what his wrestling brings to the game, even as he continues to work around the different ruleset in the sport.

“It’s the whole thing, if I didn’t have that wrestling background I wouldn’t be able hang with these guys,” Lee said. “They’re really, really good, but I have more experience competing than most of these guys, hundreds and hundreds of wrestling matches, so I’m pretty used to this kind of thing and it makes a big difference when you have that kind of experience. I don’t get nerves or anything like that, I don’t think about belts or anything, and I think that helps a lot.”

Ratzlaff was just one member of Con-

competitors throughout all age groups and weight classes would bring home no less than 33 medals, including eight gold, 15 silver and 10 bronze.

That kind of stellar showing was especially positive in Control coach Donald Booth’s eyes, especially with some time.

“Some of the beginner kids were re-

ally new, but they all went out and had a good time and a positive experience,” Booth said. “There were highs and lows throughout the day, there are tears of joy and tears of sadness, but it’s all part of them growing as an individual and athlete.”

Booth pointed to Payton Pinel as one of Control’s top competitors on the day, as the nine-year-old grey belt defeated both of her opponents by submission on her way to claiming gold.

“She’s been with us quite a long time and did really well this weekend,” lauded Booth. “She competes in both jiu jitsu and our judo program and has been really coming along, so she did really well to win gold.”

A total of 267 athletes competed throughout the day, making it the largest jiu jitsu tournament of it’s kind in Moose Jaw in addition to one of the largest in the province.

Joining Pinel in claiming gold were Asher Fall (while belt, 5-6 years, featherweight), Leo Fall (while belt, 5-6 years, lightweight), Benjamin Gottselig (while belt, 7-8 years, lightweight), Braven Turner (white belt, 9-10 years, lightweight), Conrad Gottselig (white belt, 11-12 years, featherweight), Henry Church (grey belt, 7-8 years, featherweight) and Nicolas Lazcano (grey belt, 13-14 years, lightweight).

Control’s medal haul would be enough for the local school to claim the overall team provincial title.

Next up for Control Jiu Jitsu is a potential showcase event at the Mae Wilson Theatre this spring, with planning in the earliest stages for what could be a special showing for the sport.

For more information on Control and what they have to offer, visit www.controlbjj.com.

AAA Warriors logo

Control Jiu Jitsu competitor Travis Ratzlaff works on the ground against Saskatoon’s Hunter Lee in the men’s

Saskatoon’s Hunter Lee leaps into side control during the men’s Absolute Ad-

Control’s Chris Fall in action during the men’s Absolute Beginner division

Control Jiu Jitsu’s Payton Pinel works on an americana submission in the girls

Control’s Payton Pinel had a stellar showing on her way to winning gold in the girls grey belt 9-10 years feather-

Saskatoon’s Tyler Langford put maximum effort into this choke and would

Turns out, someone forgot to let Moose Jaw’s Skylar Ackerman know about all that.

Ackerman and her Saskatoon Nutana foursome of third Ashley Thevenot, second Taylor Stremick and lead Kaylin Skinner not only came a single win away from reaching the playoffs at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, but with a bit more luck in the Last Stone Draw throughout the week, could have actually snuck into the third place in their Pool.

As it stands, it was a near miss, and one that left Ackerman proud of what her team had accomplished throughout the week.

“It was honestly such an unreal experience, it more than exceeded all of our expectations,” Ackerman said on Sunday afternoon after returning home to Saskatoon. “To put that green jacket on and be out in front of that big of a crowd, it was just so fun the whole time.”

Ackerman capped the tournament with a 4-4 record and appeared to have no chance at a playoff spot after the round -

A, causing the Last Stone Draw tiebreaker to come into effect. Manitoba’s Kaitlyn Lawes had the lowest total throughout the week, and therefore claimed the last playoff spot.

“Things almost worked out our way, but not quite,” Ackerman said. “It just

makes us want to get back there again, for sure.”

To say that Ackerman and crew got off to a great start would be an understatement. An 11-8 win over P.E.I.’s Jane DiCarlo, 8-6 win over Lawes and 6-5 win over Northern Ontario’s Krista McCarville -- the latter two being multiple time Scotties representatives -- gave Ackerman a 3-0 record after opening weekend.

“That wasn’t necessarily exactly what we were expecting going in,” Ackerman admitted with a laugh. “But we knew every game would be a grind, and it would be close. And if we took things one shot at a time and followed our processes and what we needed to do well, we thought we’d have some success. But yeah, for was was pretty unbelievable.”

Things got tough from there, though, and losses to Quebec’s Laurie St. Georges, Alberta’s Selena Sturmay and Canada’s Kerri Einarson had Saskatchewan sitting

There, they’d defeat Newfoundland’s Erica Curtis to get within playoff striking distance before falling to Brown in their

“I think as every team kind of started to get a better handle on the ice and feel more comfortable out there, every game got tougher and tougher,” Ackerman said. “Unfortunately those those next three didn’t go exactly how we wanted them to go, but it was nice to bounce back with a win the next day after those three losses for sure.”

Of course, there’s a lot more to the

Scotties than just curling. Ackerman and crew had all sorts of fan interactions throughout the week and just being a part of the whole atmosphere of the event was exceptional.

Then there were the names on the back of the jackets -- Lawes, Einarson, Jones, Homan and so on -- that made things almost surreal at times.

“Just to be around all those teams that have so much experience and so much success at that level, and just to be in the same tournament as them, is pretty neat,” Ackerman said. “And having so many people cheering us on was really cool. We had a ton of family and friends that came to watch us and they all had matching buddy hugs, so there’s just a sea green out there. Tons of people from all over the place came to watch, too, and came up to us after game for autographs and stuff. It was really awesome.”

One thing that’s for certain is if Team Ackerman has anything to say about it, this won’t be their only Scotties. To that end, thoughts are already turning toward next season and making a return trip in 2025.

“It absolutely leaves us hungry and wanting more for the next time we get back there,” Ackerman said. “We’ll keep working on our technical and keep improving our game so that next year we’re starting off on an even stronger foot than we did this year.”

Moose Jaw WINMAR

Warriors are off to the Sask Male AAA Hockey League playoffs, and while they take this weekend, they’ll be looking to bolster their coffers on Saturday night.

The Warriors will be hosting a special fundraising dinner and comedy show at the Sportsman’s Centre Event Hall, featuring comedian Kelly Taylor for a night of laughs and entertainment.

Taylor needs little introduction at this point, with the Prince Albert product having performed all over the world after his breakout performance on Just For Laughs a handful of years ago.

Since then, he’s appeared at the Halifax Comedy Festival, Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Montreal Just for Laughs and has become known for his support of hockey ventures, having performed three times at the Memorial Cup, twice at the World Juniors in Europe in addition to taking the stage during an NHL show for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The WINMAR Warriors locked up a playoff spot with a sweep of the Estevan Great North Bears during the Feb. 17 weekend and had two games against Yorkton this past weekend to wrap up the regular season.

Warriors will be on the road to open their 2024 postseason.

Dinner on Saturday night is 6 p.m., with the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $100 each, with tables of eight available.

For more information and to purchase tickets, send an email to manageraaawarriors@gmail.com.

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Team Saskatchewan had lots of fans cheering them on throughout the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Skylar Ackerman, Ashley Thevenot, Taylor Stremick and Kaylin Skinner were a single win away from reaching the playoff round at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts this past week.

The

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Kelly Taylor will be performing at a fundraising show for the WINMAR Warriors on Saturday, Mar. 2 at the Sportsman’s Centre.

The Briercrest College Clippers are once again Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference women’s volleyball medalists.

The Clippers capped their 2023-24 campaign in style on Saturday night, rolling to a 25-22, 25-16, 25-18 win over the Red Deer Queens in the bronze medal claiming gold in 2019-20.

Caronport-based crew after enduring a tough 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-14, 15-4

Faith Buhler had 11 kills and 12 digs to lead the Clippers in the bronze game, while Julia Beer also had 11 kills to go along with nine from Rachel Stead. Abigail Ulrich had a busy game at setter with 40 assists. Peacock grad Summer Oker-

Briercrest defeated Augustana 25-20, advance to the medal games.

Lakeland College defeated Ambrose in three straight to win gold and advance to the CCAA championships in March.

****

The Briecrest Clippers women’s basketball team pulled off a huge upset in to the Final Four.

Briercrest battled to a 70-65 win over the Lethbridge Kodiaks on Saturday night mark.

The Clippers took a 23-21 lead out half. An 18-5 third quarter gave Briercrest

a 57-54 lead and they’d hang on through a back-and-forth fourth quarter for the win.

Asia Wells led the Clippers with 14 points, while Amber Fichtner scored 12 and Madison Beattie added 11.

Briercrest now advances to the Final Four beginning Friday in Lethbridge. ****

The Clippers men’s volleyball team 25, 25-18, 25-15 decision to Old’s College

ACAC South Division player of the year Karym Coleman had 19 kills to lead the offence. Jackson Anderson had 12 kills and six digs, Judah Matthies led the defence with six digs.

Briercrest -- the defending ACAC

champions -- lost their opening game 2517, 25-16, 26-24 to Lakeland College, buttest with a 25-19, 20-25, 25-18, 25-15 win over Old’s College.

Red Deer claimed the bronze medal with a 3-2 win over Lakeland, and NAIT won the ACAC championship by taking a 3-0 sweep of Keyano College. ****

Briercrest wrapped up their men’s hockey regular season with 6-1 loss to the Red Deer Kings, but it mattered little in the bigger scheme of things as the Clipthe ACAC standings.

od and added another in the second to lead

5-1 before Campbell Enns got the Clippers on the board 1:17 into the third. Dominik Tmej had 27 saves for Briecrest.

Friday’s contest saw the Clippers battle to a 5-3 win over the Kings. Jacob Dale, Reagan Poncelet and Colton Aikens all had a goal and an assist, Jaedon Little and Zachary Thususka scored single markers.

Alex Worthington stopped 23 shots for the Clippers.

The Clippers cap their campaign with a 17-7-2-1 record and will have the next weekend off before opening the ACAC ****

The Clippers men’s basketball team didn’t have as much luck and saw their season come to an end with a 92-76 loss to the Red Deer Kings in Friday night.

Briecrest came into the contest on an eight-game winning streak and were the favourites with a 14-7 record compared to Red Deer’s 12-9 mark, but they were unable to overcome a slow start and avoid the upset.

The Kings took a 24-17 lead out of and while the Clippers were able to close was too much to overcome.

Jude Shepherd-Hill led Briercrest with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Owen Sheperd-Hill scored 15 and Francis Dogani added 10. Moose Jaw’s Riley Seaborn scored seven, and fellow Central grad Kaedyn Banilevic picked up a rebound and an assist.

One of Moose Jaw’s business students at Sask. Polytechnic is about to make histobobsled pilot for her home country of Trinidad and Tobago.

Akenke Oliver is a business diploma student specializing in sport management. Even with an extensive background in sports, she never bobsledded before now.

Oliver is about to graduate this June. “I would like to jump straight into any sporting organization that would have me within Saskatchewan,” she said.

“It’s really about making a difference… for youth, because I see the impact (sports) had on my life and the positive impact and opportunities it has given me… I want to be able to pass that on any way I can, especially to the youth of Saskatchewan.” -

tive track took place earlier this year when she arrived in Austria on Jan. 27. Here, she began training for the upcoming Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 competition dates.

Oliver said nothing could have prepared her for the experience when she arrived in Austria.

“It was so overwhelming – that was my initial feeling when I got to the track (and was) absorbing all the information.”

Once she got some air on the track, however, these feelings quickly passed. much adrenaline. I was like, ‘Let’s do that again.’”

The idea to try out for the team came while Oliver was scrolling through social media. Here, she found a post from the Trinidad and Tobago bobsledding team and learned they were now hiring wom-

en – something that has never happened before.

“I was told it was a perfect opportunity to reach out and see what it entailed and recalled. She then participated in a meeting to go over what training efforts would be required. As it turned out, she was a

Most bobsled athletes come from a sports background, and most have already competed at college or international levels.

She said the most valuable qualities are “strength and power.” This is because, at the start of the race, you must push the 300-pound sled. If it’s a multiple-person sled, the weight can be even higher.

“Those couple seconds – and it’s only

your sled – will really make a difference with regard to your run down the track as well.”

“Because training was going so well and I was making such great progress prior to that, I was really excited to go there country in bobsled…,” she said.

Sadly, a training injury would shatter

“(Crashes) happen all the time. Just unfortunately my crash happened to leave me with a concussion…,” she said. The medical team declared that she had to sit out for this race.

She’s not going to let the concussion stop her from achieving her dreams, of course.

“I’ve been doing… conditioning, strength training, and preparing for the

next season which starts in July.”

Because this scenario is all too common, Oliver offered some advice and helped explain the mindset of those who experience a similar setback.

“I think one of the most important factors is having a support system,” she explained.

“My team was there to support me, and everyone understood. Even other athletes from other countries reached out to me to make sure I was okay… because they have encountered that as well (and know) how much of a mental toll it can take on an athlete.”

After every injury, she said, you must step back and internalize what you must work on. “It may seem like a setback, but every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.”

Sports, she said, provide many positive qualities including self-esteem, stickto-itiveness, and learning to get back up after you have fallen. Oliver said she wouldn’t be the person she is today with-

“I want to encourage anybody who is out there thinking, ‘How am I going to achieve my goals?’ (to) just take it one step (and one day) at a time,” she advised.

“It seems so unattainable but breaking it down into smaller goals and getting up every day and knowing that every effort you put in on that day will result in something bigger is really important.”

Now Oliver’s goal is to recover and re-join her team in time for the winter.

“The goal for myself and… my team is to get to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hopefully you get to see me there in just a couple years.”

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

Local Sask. Polytechnic student Akenke Oliver made history as Trinidad and Toba-

Randy Palmer - Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) has a busy schedule for the upcoming late winter and early spring season that you don’t want to miss.

The WDM remains open throughout the year for self-guided visits, and in addition to this, the museum holds regular programming to support its mission of sharing Saskatchewan’s history and bringing new life to the people who helped shape our province.

Celebrating 75 years

On Tuesday, April 2, the WDM will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The event will run from 9 a.m. – 5 cents per person for the day, with preschool children, museum volunteers, and active members still enjoying free admittance.

“We will have a PowerPoint (presentation) going through our history, and then we will also (serve specialty) cupcakes at 2 p.m.,” said Alexis Jones, the museum’s program co-ordinator.

To round off the celebration, the museum will also be hosting a special 75th anniversary scavenger hunt for the younger museum patrons with prizes to be announced.

Model train show

For two days on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, the museum will once again host its regular model train show with displays set up throughout the museum. Admission will cost the same standard rate, and the event runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on each consecutive day.

“We’re partnering with the Thunder Creek Model Train Show, so there will be a whole bunch of model train exhibits throughout the galleries,” Jones explained.

For the duration of the event, a con-

cession will be available on site. This concession will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day and will accept cash only.

International Women’s Day March 8 is International Women’s Day.

To celebrate the many achievements made by women in the province, the museum will be honouring their contribution

“You go through 100 years of Saskatchewan’s history – our gallery there –and look at different accomplishments that women have made throughout Saskatchewan,” Jones said.

To complete the scavenger hunt, participants will visit the museum’s displays featuring women’s achievements and write down the year the contribution was

made. All submissions will then be entered to win a prize.

Easter egg hunt

To provide an entertaining venue for the museum’s younger guests, Easter will be celebrated with an Easter egg scavenger hunt at the WDM, and everyone is welcome to attend. The event will run from March 1 - March 31 this year.

“There will be Easter egg baskets hidden throughout the gallery and you will have to write down which artifact you found it on,” she said.

All participants can enter a draw to be held at the end of the month to win a specialty keychain.

Virtual Coffee Club

The museum’s ongoing Virtual Coffee Club will also have several upcoming

presentations.

On Thursday, March 21, guest speaker Brian Gallager will talk about the Baby Boomer generation. Gallager’s presentation will focus on local history since the Second World War and delivers a “challenging, yet fun” look at what was possible for the generation who witnessed a level and speed of societal change never before witnessed in history.

On Thursday, April 18, Alexis Jones will present a timeline of the museum’s history spanning the past 75 years in Moose Jaw and will focus on a number of its major milestones.

Finally, on Thursday, May 23, the museum will be hosting guest speaker Dr. J.L. (Les) Henry, P.Ag., who will deliver a presentation on catalogue houses in the prairies including Eaton Mail Order Houses. This topic will focus on the Mail Order House business that thrived in the early 1900s.

Each coffee club presentation will take place on the Zoom app and begins at 10 a.m. To register, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/CoffeeClub.

The WDM is the largest human history museum in Saskatchewan and features a collection of over 75,000 artifacts across four locations. The Moose Jaw branch specializes in the history of transportation.

The museum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the winter months, the museum is closed on Mondays from January to March and on stat holidays from October to April.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Alex Jones can be reached at 306-6935989 or at ajones@wdm.ca.

The Western Development Museum is located at 50 Diefenbaker Drive.

The Moose Jaw Flying Club held its latest meeting on Feb. 21.

The meeting was attended by around a dozen active club members and took place at Hangar 3E – Bill Nyman’s hangar – located at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport. The meeting was presided over by chairman Roger Blager and treasurer Al Gall.

Meetings such as this are held on a regular basis to help keep the club accountable and to ensure the active participation of all paid members.

Treasurer’s report

Gall opened the treasurer’s report with an updated bank total.

As of the Feb. 21 meeting, the Moose Jaw Flying Club held $7,682 in the bank, with an additional $75 pending to be added. Aside from fundraising events such as the club’s annual Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast event, this money is raised by the club’s 23 current paid members.

For expenses, $172 was stated as the only expense incurred recently, with an additional $500 anticipated to be spent as part of a planned two-part sponsorship contribution to the COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilot’s Association) 215 organization.

This total, as was pointed out, is comparable to the amount held in the bank by the similarly sized Estevan Flying Club, suggesting that the local club is on the right track. “So, we’re not doing too bad,” Blager acknowledged.

Tables and chairs

One key topic was the question of how best to acquire a number of tables and chairs to accommodate the club’s events at the Municipal Airport. Many

existing chairs are beginning to rust and have become unsafe after being stored for the winter.

The club is seeking 10 – 12 eight-inch tables and a number of folding chairs estimated to be around 50 in number, and after some discussion, a budget of $3,000 has been set and was voted into effect.

Anybody from within the community is welcome to contact the club if they have tables or chairs available. The club has up to accommodate a large number in the limited available storage space.

Flying days

Citing the Estevan Flying Club as an example, several members expressed an interest in adding a similar monthly team

they don’t have to be big and expensive,”

Such an expedition would be an opclub holds one of these outings on the last Saturday of each month, and Moose Jaw’s members took interest in hosting a similar arrangement.

Such events would take place during a weekend, and as one member suggested, a coffee.”

Members discussed the merits of visiting a number of aviation-themed museums, of which Oshkosh (Wittman Regional Airport) in Wisconsin and the adjacent EAA Aviation Museum was listed as one

suggestion.

Flying across international borders can be a tedious experience, as it was pointed out, but Blager also noted that this could serve as an opportunity for pilots to gain experience with border crossings and the associated logistics.

Fundraising

To help raise funds for the club, a number of fundraising initiatives were discussed.

Last year’s Fly-in Pancake Breakfast fundraiser earned the club approximately $1,000. A follow-up fundraiser is planned for Aug. 17 this year, with the anticipation of scaling up the event to honour this year’s 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

On a more ambitious note, one member brought up the successes of the Estevan Flying Club who was able to source a fully functional B17 Flying Fortress

During the one-day event, approxithe public was offered rides for around $500 each. The event proved to be a sucthat member.

In recognition of this success, the local club is considering a similar event if it can source a comparable aircraft.

The Moose Jaw Flying Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are held at Bill Nyman’s hangar (Hangar 3E) at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, located 14.8 kilometres from downtown Moose Jaw. Membership costs $20 for the year.

learn more, visit SKCOPA.ca.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

One of the light aircraft parked in Hangar 3E during the Feb. 22 general meeting of the Moose Jaw Flying Club. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express / MooseJawToday.com

To provide an entertaining venue for the museum’s younger guests, an Easter egg scavenger hunt will run from March 1 - 31 at the museum. Photo by: Western Development Museum

ACROSS

1. Doorkeeper

6. Cornmeal dish

10. Play parts

14. Hillside

15. Dwarf buffalo

16. Blowgun missile

17. Rose dye

18. Cut, as a log

19. Murres

20. Watching

22. Lounge around

23. Slipped

24. Incapable

26. Male offspring

30. Frozen water

31. Animal companion

32. Asian nurse

33. Commanded

35. Was laid up

39. Go back to

41. Vial

43. Bungling

44. River in Spain

47. Angry

49. French for “Friend”

50. Figure out (British)

51. Scrounge (for food)

56. Nile bird

57. Pale, yellowish green

63. Let out

64. A sheet of ice for curling

66. Being

67. Behold, in old Rome

68. Put out

69. Elk or caribou

71. Approaches DOWN

1. Applications

2. Swill

3. Tube

4. Majestic

5. Leases

6. Chew

7. Unassisted

8. Scattered seed

9. End a call

10. Flatteries

11. Chocolate substitute

12. Warble

13. Not fresh

21. Excuse

25. Half-moon tide

26. Indian dress

27. Portent

28. Pew area

29. Commander of a ship

34. Set aside

36. Outdoor party

37. Shade trees

38. D D D

40. Male deer

42. Damp

45. Equilibrium

48. Formal order

51. Dismissed

52. Overweight

53. Washer cycle

55. Railroad

58. Bumpkin

59. Celtic language

60. Celestial bear

61. Tartness

62. Flock members

WORDSEARCH

vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Moose Jaw Truck Shop 22 Lancaster RD 306.694.4644 we

AUTO PARTS

4 - P235-50R 18” Michelin Tires asking $100. 00. Call 306-690-7227

For Sale; 4 Cooper Weathermaster

Snow Tires on 5- hole rims (off Ford Taurus) 235/55R18. Asking $300.00. Call 306-6923282 HOUSEHOLD

For Sale- pink couch good shape. $650.00. Call 306-692- 0800.

Moving sale. Everything must go. 430 Stadacona St. E. 306-313-2541

For Sale- 6 drawer China cabinet $100.00. Couch & love seat $550.00. 3 coffee tables $25.00 each. King size bed & mattress & comforter & matching pillows, cherry wood $800.00 OBO.

Cedar picnic table & 4 benches $600.00.OBO. Treadmill Fit Tempo $350.00. Call Trevor 306-796-4405 (Central Butte)

TV stand with 2 shelves and glass door. Asking $50.00. Call 306-6907227

For Sale-Philips twin blade bread maker model HL5230 with manual $75.00. Master Chef countertop microwave model EM720CNF-PM WITH MANUAL $35.00.

design painting $25.00. Call 306-630-4098

MISCELLANEOUS

For Sale- Double wide bed excellent condition, rosewood headboard & frame, $400.00 OB0.

high, glass shelves & door, interior light, $200.00 OBO. Coleman camp stove, igloo tent sleeps 4- excellent condition, and several other small items. Call 306313-5591.

WANTED

Seeking Born Again Christian Business partner with potential ownership in Second Hand and Flea- Market business. Male, Female or Family must be interested in Salvation, Healing and Deliverance Outreach Ministry. Serious enquiries only please.

306-684-1084, 5 pm8pm ONLY (because of scam calls)

SERVICES

Cleaner available, call for details 306-990-0348 Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268. Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, painting and all conno job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268 Junk to the dump in and around Moose Jaw- $50. and up. Will pick up, move, haul and deliver any appliances and furniture anywhere in and around Moose Jaw-$45.00 and up, 45-gallon plastic barrels great for rainwater $20. each. Will pick up, move

Looking for body parts for 2017 F250. Call 306681- 8749.

GARAGE SALES

For Sale at Gun Show

March 2nd and 3rd at Exhibition building Moose Jaw. Over 300 rock & roll records, knives, binoculars, wildlife plates, pictures,

wooden duck decoys, hunting tapes, collectable toy trucks, wooden trucks,250 piece jewellery, antique phone & toaster, gun books, wildlife books, comics, ,hockey cards, shells, stack on lock box, cobra walkie talkies, tractors, calls, camo parka, tools, snowshoes, etc.

270 Caribou

1911 Discovery - Cancer Tumor Inducing Viruses

Another Story of Heroes in Science - By

Approximately 20% of Cancers are caused by a Virus.

Surprised?

Here’s an even greater Surprise!

The discovery was made in 1911 by American Microbiologist Peyton Rous – abiology and cancer research for decades.

Francis ‘Peyton’ Rous, who preferred to go by the name Peyton, (his mom’s name was Frances) was born in Baltimore in 1879. He was a brilliant student and earned a scholarship to John Hopkins where he eventually studied Medicine. In 1902 he developed tuberculosis and took completing his Medical Degree in 1905.

Plagued by Tuberculosis he decided on Research rather than a medical practice, eventually doing medical research at Rockefeller University in New York.

No Such thing as Viruses

Bacteriology and ‘Germ Theory’, introduced in the late 19th Century by Louis Pasteur (French), Robert Koch (German) and others, was at the forefront of research. Anyone suggesting otherwise was dismissed.

Russian microbiologist Dmitry Ivanovsky researched Tobacco Mosaic in the Czar’s tobacco crops in the 1890s and discovered a virus but since ‘viruses’ had not been discovered, his work was dismissed.ology’s ‘germ theory’.

Other researchers, no doubt, encountered similar obstacles.

Filtering Substancesstances and analyzing residue. It was exdiseases and saved many lives. One can

see why it was thought to be the ‘only game in town’ in the late 19th and early 20th Century. Knowing ‘germs’ existed and could make you sick and kill you was incredibly important!

was free of bacterium that cause diseases like typhoid, cholera and more. Queen Victoria was an early customer of the device.

Study of Virology

Dutch botanist and microbiologist considered the ‘founder’ of Virology – the study of viruses.

Filtering and analyzing the substance was standard procedure. Matinus recognized that something, other than bacteria, create problems’. He used the word ‘Virus’, meaning ‘poisonous substance’ in Latincess.

Back to Peyton Rous’ Great Discovery

In February 1911 Rous published his Paper, “A Sarcoma of the Fowl Transmissible by an Agent Separable from the Tumor Cells.” The Paper was published in The Journal of Experimental Medicine,

His Lab critters of choice were Barred Plymouth Rock Chickens.ma of the chicken has been under observation in this laboratory for the past fourteen months and has assumed of late a special interest because of its extreme malignancy and a tendency to wide-spread metastasis.”

to determine whether it can be transmitted

Richard Dowson –

For Educational Purposes

ground tumor was suspended in Ringer’s solution.”

inoculation of small amount of the watery sarcoma would not lead one to suspect that it can be transmitted by another means

This assumption was based on the fact

Virus was 25 years away, he was at a loss to explain what was happening to cause parasitic organism.” And also the possibil-

His Paper and work on tumor-inducing viruses led no where.

Academic survival probably motivated Rous to re-focus his attention to researching blood and liver. With J.R. Turner and O.H. Robertson they pioneered early Blood Transfusions.

Francis Peyton Rous shared the 1966 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. discovery of tumor-inducing viruses.”

Peyton shared the Prize with Charles B. Huggins of the University of Chicago. The Prize motivation for Charles B. Hughormonal treatment of prostatic cancer.”

Rock Chicken

Canadian farm net income hit record $24.8 billion in 2023

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Canadian farmers had record net cash income last year, says Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada.

The federal agency estimates net cash

the livestock sector where higher cattle prices increased revenues by almost 10 per

Crop revenues increased four per sectors — dairy, hogs and poultry — saw more modest increases in income.

A more modest increase in farm in-

Farm input costs increased by 20 per cent

Average net farm income last year was

Average farm net worth increased

For this year Agri-Food and Agriculin net farm income as lower grain prices offset slightly higher cattle revenues.

Average farm net income will be Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

Obituaries / Memorials

HUNTER, JOHN

John Glen Hunter aged 87 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away in his sleep on Thursday, February 15th, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ruth Hunter; sisters, Marion and Barbara; and brothers: Robert, Lorne, and Wilmer. John will be fondly remembered by his surviving siblings: Agnes, Milton (Ethel), Ethel, Delmar, Edward (Luella), James, Ida, Wayne (Emelia), and Dale (Merly); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, John spent his formative years on the family farm near Hazenmore, SK and later resided in the Briercrest, SK and Moose Jaw areas. He graduated from Peacock High School in the 1950’s and embarked on a career in the retail clothing industry. In later years, John operated Hunter’s Men’s Wear on Main Street in Moose Jaw, showcasing his great fashion sense. Remarkably, John retired from his clothing store at the young age of 80 years. John’s passion for amateur sports was evident throughout his life. A fervent supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Islanders, and Moose Jaw Warriors, John could always be found cheering for his beloved teams.

Whether it was baseball, hockey, or local junior hockey, John’s enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and his presence at games was a source of joy for many.

John was recognized as a baseball and hockey builder, growth of both sports in the Moose Jaw community. He instilled values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance in his players and inspired those under his guidance. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, John was inducted into the Moose Jaw Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 with the induction ceremony held in 2022.

In addition to sports, John had a deep love for the lakes, exploring the beauty of nature, and pursuing his passion for pheasant hunting. John could be seen around town in his blue Jeep with his doors off and his faithful Springer Spaniel in the passenger seat ready for an adventure.

John was known for his kind, caring, and gentle soul, touching the lives of all who knew him. With heartfelt gratitude, the family extends thanks to Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw for their exceptional care and support. Special recognition is also given to Dr. Havre and Tyler Mudry for their dedicated and compassionate efforts as John’s long-term care team. Additionally, deepest appreciation is extended to John’s best friend, George (Jordy) Paterson, for his unwavering companionship and support throughout the years.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Friday, April 12th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www. moosejawfuneralhome.com

Next

LANGLOIS, DANIEL

Daniel “Danny” Robert Joseph Langlois passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, February 19th, 2024, at the age of 66 years. Danny was a husband to Jackie Langlois; father to four sons: Ryan Daniel, Chad Stanley, Justin Robert, and Travis Lee; Grampy to Jonah and Ava; brother to Lorette, Paul, Mike, Larry, and Claude; father-in-law to Stacey and Melissa; and a friend to so, so many.

Danny was born June 4th, 1957, in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, to Robert Langlois and Solange (Curly) Therrien. Soon after, his family relocated to Moose Jaw, SK where Danny lived and made his home over the next 50 years. He worked many jobs over the years but will be most remembered as the proud owner and operator of the Nevada Nickles Hotel and Bar (aka Jake’s Saloon, aka The Nickel) on River Street. Danny was a respected businessman, beloved member of the community, and a proud Saskatchewan resident. Eventually Danny and Jackie discovered the beauty of the Okanagan and chose to replant roots in Kelowna, BC where they built an incredible life together, surrounded by an amazing community of friends.

Danny enjoyed the big things and the little things in life. Traveling the world with Jackie, listening to his favorite Goodie Rings at the RDI, golf trips with the Wednesday Night Rowdies, winning two-bits off his best friends in loud and crazy games of Uno or Chase the Ace, and feeding his hummingbirds. The greatest gift Danny gave himself, and in turn all of his friends and family, was his sobriety. He was sober for 47 years at the time of his passing.

Danny lived a good and full life, which he truly loved and appreciated in every single way. Never taking for granted the joy of a butter tart and a decaf coffee with his best friend Jackie, on their deck in Kelowna, BC, watching the sunset.

5 bucks, 5 bucks, 5 Bucks. Pass the Mustard. He will be missed so much.

A Celebration of Danny’s Life will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Celebrant

Arrangements

are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Alice Keir

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love & support during the loss of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, & dear cousin. The calls, messages, cards, oral arrangements, food & donations to Providence Place in mom's memory, were all very much appreciated. Thank you to Moose Jaw Funeral Home for your support & advice in the planning of the service & for ensuring everything went so smoothly and to Pastor Walter Engel for o ciating. A very special thank you to her grandsons for carrying mom to her nal resting place. She was so proud of you all!

Heartfelt thanks to family & friends who travelled from near and far to share in the celebration of her life. It was indeed a beautiful re ection of who mom was that you all took the time to share your stories, memories & celebrate her life with us!

We love you all Pat, Cheryl & Doug

The Saskatchewan Song

By Richard Dowson

The “Saskatchewan

Song” was written in the 1930s – when times were really tough.

There is a recording of the song in the Archives of the University of Saskatchewan.

I vacationed in Saskatchewan with my buddy Bruce Beck, an Alberta music teacher and he taught me the song – along with many Alberta students.

It is a Public Domain song, no royalties. I am surprised a Saskatchewan singer hasn’t recorded it.

The Saskatchewan Song

By Unknown Saskatchewan, the land of snow

Where winds are always on the blow

Where people sit with frozen toes

And why we stay here, no one knows.

Chorus

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

There’s no place like Saskatchewan

We sit and gaze across the plains

And wonder why it never rains

And Gabriel blows his trumpet sound He says, “The rain, its gone around.”

Our pigs are dying on their feet

Because they have no feed to eat. Our horses, though of bronco race, Starvation stares them in the face.

Chorus – repeat from above

We’ve had to ship them east, you know Our hens are old, they lay no eggs Our turkeys eat grasshopper legs.

Chorus – repeat from above

But still we love Saskatchewan, We’re proud to say we’re native ones. So count your blessings drop by drop Next year we’ll have a bumper crop.

Rev. Doug Shepherd

277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Obituaries / Memorials

HEMBROFF, MARY ELIZABETH

November 10th, 1925February 1st, 2024

Ever so peacefully with family by her side, Mary Elizabeth Hembroff departed this life at 98 years of age, on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Mary lived a remarkable life, living alongside the river in Churchill Park, River Valley in Moose Jaw, SK for 74 years. Mary had a captivating energy and contagious laugh, transcending onto whomever she encountered. Mary’s endless love of people had others gravitating towards her throughout her life.

Mary Wells was born at Wesleyville, Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland on November 10th, 1925. In 1928, her family relocated to Moose Jaw when her father came to Ross School and often spoke of teachers and childhood friends who extended kindness her way. In her teenage years she worked at the Palm Dairies. Mary met Bob Hembroff and the two were married on April 27th, 1946. Together they turned a house into a beautiful riverside home, raising six sons, hosting many parties, and building generational memories. Mary and Bob were active members of the Kinsmen/Kinettes, where they formed many life-long friendships. Mary was always on the move and enjoyed many sports: hockey in her youth, yoga, swimming, long distance running, canoeing, badminton, and racquetball. Mary’s most loved sport was tennis where she continued to seventies. Mary rarely declined an invite to attend a wedding, musical, drama production, supper at the lake, or join family on vacations. Her most favorite invite was cheering her great-grandchildren on at their sporting events. Aside from her family, Mary’s most notable accomplishment was being a recipient of the Moose Jaw YMCA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award reserved for those serving a lifetime of volunteerism.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of forty-one years, Robert (Bob) Hembroff, and his parents Willard and Myrtle; her parents, George and Hetti Wells; siblings: Frank, Clarence, Nora, Cecil, Schrapnel, Daisy, and Jack; daughter-in-law, Margot; and countless cherished friends. Mary will be eternally missed by her six sons: David, Rick (Cheryl), Mike (Verna), Tim (Connie), Kevin (Bev), and Brian (Teresa); brother, Norman; sister, Greta; grandchildren: Darren (Kim), Brad, Melissa, Nick (Courtney), Kimberly (Steve), Marty (Christa), Carrie (Brad), Tammy (Tom), Teah (Chad), Jason (Kelly), Lindsay (Matt), Dustin (Melanie), Robert (Danielle), and Chet; greatgrandchildren: Ashlee (Brett), Allee, Aymee, Shyla, Logan, Declan, Emmett, Shayla (Brayden), Janayah, Madison (Aidan), Caelyn, Easton, Taylor (Seb), Bransen, Matthew (Renae), Hannah, Graeme, Adelin, Everly, Kash, Maggie, Jack, Luke, Colton, Brady, Daisy, and Archie; and great-great-grandchildren, Clay and Carter. She will also be missed by many treasured friends including the congregation of Trinity United Church.

The family wishes to thank Dr. King and all the caring you to the staff at Moose Jaw Funeral Home for compassionately guiding us through our grief. May we all remember to laugh, give back, and elevate one another as Mary so passionately did.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 1st, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. take place at Rosedale Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In the spirit of Mary’s active life and love of children and sports, donations in her memory may be made online at KidSportCanada.ca or by mail to KidSport Moose Jaw, PO Box 1811, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K8. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not this publication.

Zany

Our two-year-old granddaughter likes to do zany things and wiggles her butt. Preschoolers like to act the buffoon to amuse others.

Zany is an adjective meaning very eccentric or absurd, often in an amusing way. Zany has its origins in Italian comedy, commedia dell’arte. This type of comedic production started in Italy and spread through Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. A ‘zanni’ was a typical servant character with a love of practical jokes. The word comes from a nickname for Giovanni, the Italian for John. By the late 1500s zany was used in English to describe such a persona in European theatre circles. The ‘zanni’ inspired acting roles like Pedrolino and Harlequin

Pedrolino performed in the commedia as an unsuccessful lover and a victim of the pranks of his fellow comedians. His costume consisted of a white jacket with a neck ruff and large buttons down the front, loose trou-

the other stock characters, he played without a mask, his face whitened with powder. Pierrot became the French theatre equivalent of the Italian Pedrolino character.

Harlequin was a ‘zanni,’ who was cowardly, superstitious, and plagued by a continual lack of money and food. By the early 17th century, Harlequin had become a faithful valet. His amorous personality often led him -

self with cleverness and irrepressible high spirits. He was amoral without being vicious, and, unlike his fellow commedia servants, he did not hold a grudge or seek revenge against those who tricked or cheated him. Harlequin’s costume was originally a peasant’s shirt and long trousers, both covered with many coloured patches. It lat-

“Sadie

triangles and diamond shapes, and it included a slapstick. His black half mask had tiny eyeholes and quizzically arched eyebrows that were accentuated by a wrinkled forehead. The black mask and originally ragged costume are sometimes attributed to earlier depictions of African slaves. Popular in the commedia from the 16th century, Harlequin survived the commedia dell’arte to take a place in later theatrical productions. In mid-18th-century England, John Rich incorporated the zany role into dance pantomimes based on the combination of a commedia plot and a classical fable. Harlequin was also the principal character of the slapstick pantomime form known as a harlequinade in England.

Eventually a zany was any clown or performer who mimicked the tricks of the principal actor. The adjective zany developed over time to describe any who gave a clever taunting remark, made a witty or funny observation or response, or acted in an odd or eccentric manner.

Synonyms for zany include crazy, daffy, harebrained, kooky, nutty, and wacky.

Crazy describes someone distracted with desire or back to win the game in the last minute.

Daffy describes a person who is silly or strange in a way that is often funny. Daffy characters that lend a lot of humour make appearances throughout the movie.

A harebrained person is foolish and ridiculous. He had the harebrained idea to prove his courage by sticking his tongue to the metal pole.

Kooky describes an offbeat, eccentric personality. The kooky teacher showed up each day for school in the

Nutty describes a person who is strangely peculiar. version of the movie The Nutty Professor.

Wacky describes someone who is amusingly irrational. My wacky friend tries the Polar Dip every New Year’s Day no matter what the outside temperature.

Who knows, maybe my granddaughter thinks some of the things I do can be attributed to a zany Opa.

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot

Ladies take advantage of

Hawkins Day” dance to romance

Cosmo Seniors Centre fundraiser

By April Meersman

The Cosmo Seniors Centre is hosting a fundraiser “Sadie Hawkins Day” to be held Thursday, February 29th (leap day) from 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30. Everyone is welcome! The event will go to help cover operating costs and to support senior’s activities such as line

The music will be provided by D.J. Rottweiler. Selections range from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s which will cater to everyone’s taste. The D.J. will accept personal requests, so if you have a favourite song, just let him know.

Tickets are available at the Cosmo Centre in advance for $15.00 or at the door for $20.00. Drinks are $5.00 each. Taco in a bag is being served for the luncheon. Please note: If your birthday is Feb. 29th, you get in for free, just bring in two pieces of I.D.

We celebrate the Cosmos Centre and how it holds a special place in the hearts of Moose Jaw seniors and their families. Come out and celebrate “Sadie Hawkins Day,” by helping support the local community and have a great time doing it!

or her to the “Sadie Hawkins Day” dance. Opening the the conversation from him to her. The reason is, historically, it was illegal for women to ask men to marry. However, in Ireland, the governing bodies set aside one day every four years for women to take the bull by the horns - February 29th was the day women would legally ask men to marry.

However, Sadie Hawkin’s father took it a step further and had a foot race with all the local bachelors. The one she caught would become her husband. So ladies, if it didn’t happen on Valentine’s Day the way you were hop-

tradition and the folks at the Cosmo Centre help you make it happen at the “Sadie Hawkins Day” dance. Gentlemen, if you missed Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to propose at the dance, just let them know ahead of time and they will set it up for you.

Cosmo Seniors Citizens Centre is located at 235 –3rd Ave NE. For more information please call 692-6072 or email: cosmo@sasktel.net

And to keep up with new events and local fundraisers by logging on to their Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/cosmosenior.citizenscentre.3

*photo from their facebook page

AUTO RACING

Friday

8 p.m. FSR NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 Presented by Westgate Resorts.

BASEBALL

Friday

5:30 p.m. NET MLB Baseball

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees.

BASKETBALL

Thursday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks.

Saturday

3 p.m. WWJ College Basketball USC at Washington.

7:30 p.m. WXYZ NBA Basketball Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers.

3

Sunday

5 p.m. NET NBA Basketball Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors.

Monday

6 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

9 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

9 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

Wednesday

6 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

8:30 p.m. TSN NBA Basketball

CURLING

Friday

6 p.m. TSN 2024 Montana’s Brier Draw 1.

Saturday

6 p.m. TSN 2024 Montana’s Brier Draw 3.

Sunday

7 p.m. TSN 2024 Montana’s Brier Draw 6.

HOCKEY Thursday

6 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Vegas Golden Knights at Boston Bruins.

9 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Seattle Kraken.

Friday

9 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New Jersey Devils at Anaheim Ducks.

Saturday

6 p.m. NET NHL Hockey New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs.

9 p.m. CBKT NET NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Calgary Flames.

Sunday

8 p.m. NET NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Edmonton Oilers.

HORSE RACING

Saturday

4 p.m. FSR Horse Racing America’s Day At the Races.

<+++ Defending Your Life ('91) Albert Brooks. Princess "The Pretender "

33 CMT Cheers Cheers The Office The Office The Office The Office Frasier Frasier

35 TLC My 600-lb Life My 600-lb Life My 600-lb Life "Brandi and Kandi's Stor y"

38 DISC The Bridge "The Bridge" (N) (SP) Lego Masters "Drain the Oc ean" (N) (SP) NUMB3RS "Sniper Zero

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Jim Jim How I Met How I Met How I Met How I Met

42 TCM <++++ The Quiet Man ('52) Maureen O'Hara, John Wayne. <++++ Giant ('56) Elizabeth Taylor.

47 AMC (5:00) < Hunger Games: Moc <++ Underworld: Awakening ('12) Kate Beckinsale. <++++ The Terminator

48 FSR Sidecar GP of Brou, France FIM SidecarCross FIM SidecarCross FIM SidecarCross

55 CRV1 Movie (:40) < Butterfly Tale ('23) (:10) Planet "Nourish" (N) Tokyo Vice (N)

56 CRV2 (6:30) <+++ The Color Purple ('23) Fantasia Barrino. < Cobweb ('23) Lizzy Caplan. Movie

57 CRV3 (6:40) < The Middle Man (:20) Transplant "Saleh" CornerGas CornerGas Billions "DMV"

58 HBO (6:35) < Tina ('21) (:40) < A.rtificial I.mmortality ('21) The Vow "The Dossier"

Brainfood Brainfood

19 TSN 2024 Montana's Brier Draw 6 From Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan (N) (Live) SportsCentre (N) (Live)

20 NET (5:00) Basket Plays NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Edm onton Oilers (N) (Live) Sportsnet

25 EDACC Corner Gas How/Made Corner Gas Corner Gas <++ Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters ('13) (P)

26 W (6:00) < Notes of Autumn < Wedding Every Weekend ('20) Kimberl ey Sustad. When Calls the Heart (N)

29 ENCAV (6:20) <++ 50 First Dates (:05) <+++ Florence Foster Jenkins ('16) Meryl Streep <+++ Cabaret ('72) (P)

33 CMT The Office The Office The Office The Office King King King King

35 TLC 90 Day Fiancé (N) Love "Francais Kiss" (N) 90 Day Fiancé (N)

38 DISC Naked and Afraid "Colombian Cave Women" Million Dollar Island Summit

41 COM Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends Friends

42 TCM <++ Lucky Partners ('40) Ronald Colman. <++++ To Kill a Mockingbird ('62) Gregory Peck.

47 AMC (5:00) <+++ Air Force One Dead "Gone" (N) (:15) The Walking Dead: "Gone" Movie

48 FSR NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Presents Presents Retro Radioac tive

55 CRV1 (6:15) < Mrs. Harris Goes to (:15) <++ The Secret Garden ('20) Colin Firth Mrs. Davis

56 CRV2 <++ Knights of the Zodiac ('23) Mackenyu. <+++ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ('02)

57 CRV3 (6:20) <++ Marry Me ('22) (:20) <++ Easter Sunday ('22) Jimmy O. Yang,Jo Koy <+++ Rocky II ('79)

58 HBO (6:50) Loudmouth (:10) < 40 Years a Prisoner ('20) The Regime (N) (P)

Unsaid" (N) NCIS "Dead on Arrival" (N) News (N) (:35) Colbert

12 WXYZ The Bachelor (N) Bad Rom "Dark Waters" (N) News (N) (:35) J. Kimmel

13 CTYS The Bachelor (N) Deal or No Deal Island (N) Brainfood Brainfood

19 TSN (6:00) NBA Basketball (N) (Live) Sports (N) NBA Basketball (N) (Live)

20 NET (6:00) NHL Hockey Sportsnet (N) (Live) Sportsnet (N) (Live) Misplays

25 EDACC Primetime How/Made Big Bang etalk (N) Battle of the Generations MasterChef (N) (SP)

26 W Law & Order: SVU Will & Grace Will & Grace Superstore Superstore Abbott Ghosts

29 ENCAV Movie (:40) <++ Divergent ('14) Theo James, Ashley Judd, Shailene Woodl ey < The Royal Tenenbaums

33 CMT Cheers Cheers The Office The Office The Office The Office Frasier Frasier

35 TLC 90 Day: The Single Life (N) Seeking Sister Wife (N) (:05) 90 Day: Single Life (N) (:05) Love "Francais Kiss"

38 DISC Bering Sea Gold "Apocalypse Nome" Timber Titans (N) NUMB3RS "Man Hunt"

41 COM Big Bang Big Bang Jim Jim Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon Sheldon

42 TCM <++++ An American in Paris ('51) Gene Kell y <++++ It Happened One Night ('34) Claudette Colbert.

47 AMC <+++ Unstoppable ('10) Chris Pine, Denzel Washington. <++ Lethal Weapon 4 ('98) Danny Glover ,Mel Gibson

48 FSR (6:00) NASCAR Extreme E Highlights Extreme E Rac. Final II: Jeddah, Saudi Arabi a

55 CRV1 (6:30) < December 23 ('22) (:15) < 752 Is Not a Number ('22) < Someone Lives Here (P)

56 CRV2 (:05) <+++ Missing ('23) Storm Reid. <+++ At Eternity's Gate ('18) Willem Dafoe.

57 CRV3 (6:05) < Attila Sullivan's (:20) Transplant CornerGas CornerGas Billions

58 HBO (6:50) < Stellar ('22) (:20) < Revival 69:

41

optional donation. Tickets for the supper only in advance and on sale now by contacting Kurt Gillett at MJBandChoralBoosters@gmail.com.- $25pp for meal (boneless Greek ribs/ Caesar salad/garlic toast and orders can be placed throughout the day from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

N.A.F.R. # 23 (National Association of Federal Retirees) General Meeting Feb 29 (Thurs) at 2 pm in the Lounge Tim Eaton’s building 510 Main St. N. Moose Jaw. Handicapped accessible building. Lounge is beside the main eating area. R.N. Guest Speaker re the importance of Senior Foot Care. N.A.F.R. members are retired Members encouraged to attend this informative meeting. People interested in joining are Welcome. Contact 306 631 4236 for more info. Minto United Church, 1036 7th Ave NW; Ham Supper, Saturday March 16. Doors open: 4:30 p.m. Supper: 5:00 p.m. Adult: $20.00 Children: (12 and under) $10.00 For tickets: Call Linda @ 306 694 number of tickets to be sold.

Moose Jaw Motorcycle Swap Meet on Saturday March 16th, 2024 12pm-5pm at the Convention Centre South Exhibition Grounds, 250 Thatcher Dr. E. Admission $5pp. All tables booked in advance: $25 each - $10.00 per bike. For booking information phone, 306-693-6834 or 306-6900159 after 5 pm. Sponsored by Moose Jaw Cycle Association

Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan

Moose Jaw Branch Luncheon Meeting will take place on March 20 at 10:30am at the Masonic Hall, 1755 Main St. N. Program: Della Ferguson: When Loss Hits Home. The luncheon will be a Turkey Dinner supplied by Charlotte’s. Cost: $10pp per STS member and spouse. $20pp for non-members. Please RSVP to Rosalie by Sunday, March 14/24 - (306) 691-0696; email marcilr@sasktel.net.

UPCOMING Luncheons: Wed. May 15/24

Lawn Bowls (on turf): Lawn Bowling has been described as a cross between Curling and Pool. Lawn Bowls can be played in a solely recreational makes it a game for everyone from 6 to 106. The Yara Centre offers everyone an opportunity to participate in this fun sport. It provide athletes with maintenance of skills & recreational players with a fun alternative to typical gym exercises. Drop in welcomed every Tuesday &Thursday at 9:30am &/or Wednesday at 1:30pm. For more info www. moosejawlawnbowling.com or text 306 690-8739

New Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw “The White Heather” for youth aged 8 to 12. Further information may be obtained by contacting Michelle Carline at mcarline@hotmail.com

Scottish Country Dance Classes for all ages on Thursdays at 7pm at 510 Main St. N (T. Eaton Bldg). No partner required. Call Val @306.630.5790.

Town and Country Square Dancing will be held at St. Mary’s School for 2023-2024 season; 7pm to 9pm Monday nights.

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a once-a-month basis to take place on the third Friday of each month.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed meeting the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 6:30 pm at the Lindale School staff room (north door). For information call 306-693-5705.

Church of Our Lady Bingo tales place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

Moose Jaw Town and Country Square Dance Association Winter 2024 dance program on Monday Nights at 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Mary’s School – 720 - 5th Ave SW. Dance in a Square with a Circle of Friends. For information contact:

Valerie Wright 306-691-0579.

Line Dancing every Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at St. Andrews Church. Call 306.692.7365 for more information.

Griefshare support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. We meet Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. until April 8. Join any time. We meet at Moose Jaw Alliance Church. To register go to

email Ralph Magnus at rjmagnus57@gmail.com

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others?

Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text

Cory at 306-684-1464 or email

Firm

Foundation Ministries provides other services as well:-Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/ Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/ Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm

(Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelvestep program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded. Toastmasters provides a learning environment to develop communication & leadership skills whichfessional development. There are 2 clubs in Moose jaw: Tuesdays: TAP club meets on zoom@7pm Soon will offer an 8 week class ‘Speechcraft’ which provides instruction and experiential learning of the basic skills in public speaking. Guests are welcome at all meetings. Phone Cathy 306-630-7015 for more information & zoom link. Wednesday: Big Country club @7pmCST is in person@Saskpolytechnic & (Hybrid) online.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets every Wednesday evening at the Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. (Corner of Thatcher Drive W. & 9th Ave.W.) Please enter through the west-facing door, turn right and go to end of the hallway by the library, to room 105. Weigh-in takes place from 6:30-7:00 pm. Meeting to follow. TOPS can help you reach your weight loss goal by providing you with tools, information and support to be successful. The group shares friendship, weight loss tips and offers encouragement to one another. New members are very welcome. Our scale weighs up to 500 lbs. Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787; visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca/ Note: Some library programs require registration by calling 306692-8210 or emailing nsetter@moosejawlibrary.ca

MJPL Adult programs in February

o Documentary Night - Thursday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Library Theatre featuring acclaimed 2021 documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

MJPL Youth programs in February

o Digital Dungeons & Dragons - Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. on the library Discord server.

*Registration required, for ages 15-22

o Teen D&D campaign: Spellsinger GulchTuesdays OR Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Archives. *Registration required, for ages 12 to 16

o Teen Anime+ Club - Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. Drop-in program for ages 12-19, cosplays welcome

The Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 268 High St W Moose Jaw; Contact: 306-

692-5453. Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw. Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59. SHA restrictions in effect at all Legion events.

Bingo every Monday evening in the Lounge at 6pm, Paper goes on sale at 5pm. Playing ten regular games with 2 parts each and 3 extra games, all games cash prizes.

Dart League every Thursday starting at 6pm. $25 to enter for the season. No membership required. Cribbage every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Registration at 1pm. Cost $5; pre-register your team by calling 306.693.9688.

every Friday at

7:00pm. Chase the Ace/Meat Draw every Saturday. To see the total check out Facebook page on Wednesday and Fridays for the upcoming Saturdays numbers. For current listing of events online visit: Monthly Calendar | Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59Moose Jaw (royalcanadianlegionbranch59moosejaw.ca)

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca The centre is now open MonThurs 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open M-T and Friday’s 8am-4pm/ Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wood working area – Mon- Fri 8am – 4pm/Timothy Eaton Cafe open Mon-Fri, 8am – 4pm.

Billiards open daily 8am – 4pm, and Mon & Thurs

4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Mon & Thurs 10 a.m./Tues, Wed & Fri 1 p.m./Mon & Thurs 7 p.m./Wed 6pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Mondays & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wed 1 p.m/Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thurs9:30 am/Mah Jong – Weds 1 p.m./500 Cards – Thurs @ 1 p.m.

Full Body Work Out Mon 9:30am/Wed 9:30 am

Scrabble – Mon 1pm/Spades Tues & Fri 1pm

Line Dancing Tues 10 a.m./Intro to Line Dancing – Wed 11am

Table Tennis Mon 1pm/Art & Crafts Mon/Tues/ Wed 1 p.m./ Tues/Thurs 1 p.m.

Paper Tole Tues 1 p.m./Nickle Bingo Fri 1 p.m./ Quilting Fri 9am-4pm

Jam and dancing (New Name Change) Fri 9 a.m./

Texas Hold’em Thurs 6:30pm

Cosmo Senior Citizens’ Centre Weekly Activities – 235 3rd Ave. N.E. Phone 306.692.6072 or email cosmo@sasktel.net. Check them out on Facebook.

Monday: 9:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor nd

Monday of the month

Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pmPickleball/7pm-Friendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball

Wednesday: 8:30am-TOPS/8:30am-

Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball

Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular

Pickleball

February 29 – Sadie Hawkins Dance from 7:3011pm; rock the nite away with DJ Rottweiler. Tickets $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Taco in a bag included.

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net

Open on Wednesdays 12-6pm. Every Wed. 10 card crib and smear.

Every Thursday 12–7pm – crib 1:30pm/Bring a partner or sign up for a spare.

Every Friday and darts 7pm. Bring a partner.

Every Saturday 1-7pm. 4:30 pm Meat Draw;50/50;gift card. Everyone welcome.

Last Thursday of every month “Veteran’s Coffee Break” 9:30-11am. All Veterans welcome for coffee and donuts provided by local businesses.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

MONDAY EVENINGS: (to April, 2023): Drop in Cribbage – registration 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm –play starts at 7:00 pm. $2.00 per person – two person teams. Bring a partner or spare. Prizes depend on number of persons registered. Everyone

Welcome.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: (to April 2023)Drop in Darts – play starts at 7:00 pm – draw for partners. $2.00 per person, per night. Everyone

Welcome

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”

MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles. Partners draw from those attending to play.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY – Ladies Auxiliary meeting - 7:00 pm

MARCH 2, 2024 – Rod Willier – 7:00 PM – Eagles Club Lounge – Music Bingo – come out and enjoy some laughs

MARCH 16, 2024 – Gary Kincaid and Bill Duncan playing in the Eagles Club Lounge from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm – Come on out, tap your toes, do some dancing and enjoy the music.

MARCH 17, 2024 – St. Patrick’s Day – Ladies Auxiliary serving a beef stew supper with fresh, homemade biscuits, salad and dessert in the Eagles Club Lounge for $12.00, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Advance tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar.

APRIL 6, 2024 – JEFF MERTICK – Playing in the Eagles Club Lounge at 8:30 pm to closing – Great music – come out and enjoy the evening!

April 27, 2024 – Fundraiser Steak night in support of our Aerie President, Robert Rusu and his wife Faye – more information will follow – Tickets $25.00 each –advance tickets will be available at the Eagles Club bar until closing on April 25, 2024

APRIL 27, 2024 – BADLANDS playing in the Eagles Club Lounge at 8:30 pm to 12:00 – Great Music, Great Times….Come out and enjoy!

APRIL 28, 2024 – Ladies Auxiliary “Last Sunday of the Month” Supper – Ham and Scalloped Potatoes, veggies, salad, roll and dessert - $15.00 – advance tickets available at the Eagles Club Bar.

MAY 25, 2024 - Rod Willier – “Trivia” Night in the Eagles club lounge – 7:00 pm Come out and have a few laughs and enjoy an evening of fellowship.

Seniors’ Centre Without Walls FREE telephone-based program for seniors 55+ in activities, education, and conversation. No internet or computer needed, only a phone. To register for programs, phone 306-631-4357 or email scwwsask2019@gmail.com

For individuals over 60 yrs: Join in to share on the oral history of the farm– Celebrate common stories through farm reminiscing. Free weekly phone sessions until March 6 at 10am-11am OR 1:30-2:30 for 8 weeks. No computer or internet required. All supplies necessary will be mailed free interested please check to see if there are still any openings at 306.631.4357 (No texts please). Email scwwsask2019@gmail.com

Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. Please call for more information (306) 693-5989. You can read more about the upcoming sessions and how to sign up for the free Virtual Coffee Club talks at: https://wdm.ca/coffeeclub/ Virtual Coffee Club for a time of visiting and learning through zoom sessions once a month consisting of a presentation and time for questions afterwards. No cost but pre-registration is required on website: Virtual Coffee Club - Western Development Museum (wdm.ca). For more information or to set up an interview call 306-693-5989 or email me at ajones@wdm.ca

Tax Client’s Bill of Rights

We believe you have the right to:

1. Consistency: You will have the same tax accountants year after year. We think that’s the best way to understand your ongoing tax situation.

2. Competence: We provide credentialed, experienced tax preparers, not inexperienced seasonal sta

3. Transparency: Our price list is straightforward, and if you’d like, we’ll quote you our fee in advanceeven over the phone.

4. Fairness: Our at-rate pricing for basic returns guarantees fair, low prices for all.

5. Accuracy: If we make a data entry error on your return, we’ll refund you double any penalty or interest assessed by Canada Revenue Agency – a rst in the industry!

6. Advice: We do much more than plug numbers on a tax form. If we think you might qualify for a credit or deduction you haven’t been claiming, we’ll let you know.

Come to TaxTeam… …and Exercise Your Rights!

HERE’S WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT US...

Great personalized services! I often just use the drop o services at tax time (have been for years). They are always quick and straightforward. This year I had a few changes and found it really easy to make an appointment and get all of my questions answered. They took time to ensure I had a good understanding of how taxes are applied in my situation. ~ Bev Lamb

I trust them completely! They do my bookkeeping and business tax return at an a ordable rate, and make time to answer all my questions. They're very reasonable. ~ Marci Sheward