MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER
There’s only a couple more weeks to get your tickets for Saskatchewan’s own Brenda Lee Cottrell’s tribute show coming to the Mae Wilson Theatre on Friday, May 9.
“Remember the Legends,” described as “very powerful, emotional, and interactive,” will take guests on a musical journey through eras and genres with a little something for everyone. The theatre will come to life as Cottrell is joined by Chris Henderson to pay tribute to some of music’s most iconic names.
“This year, we’ve expanded our show to include everybody’s favorite vintage ladies, but we’ve also got ladies from many other eras intertwined in-between,” Cottrell said.
This year’s lineup includes artists such as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, k.d. lang, Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, and more.
Joining Cottrell is Chris Henderson, a three-time Saskatchewan Country Music Association (SCMA) Male Artist of the Year winner and a well-known name in the province’s country music scene.
“Chris Henderson is one of the biggest stars that we have in Saskatchewan,” she said. “He’s a songwriter, he’s a sing-
er, and he’s fabulous. He’s going to join me… on stage and do some very powerful duets of legendary couples.”
The duo will perform duets
inspired by famous musical pairings, from Ian and Sylvia to June and Johnny Cash, and from Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Cottrell says there’s going to be a little bit of something for everyone…
Beyond the music, Remember the Legends will include multimedia imagery and video projections to enhance the nostalgic experience.
“Not only are you going to be able to watch (stunning visuals), but you’re going to be able to listen to the music,” Cottrell said. “It’s a sensory journey, really, because
(guests are) hearing the (artist’s specific nuances) and they’re hearing the song.”
A celebration of Canadian talent
Cottrell emphasized that Remember the Legends will be celebrating Canadian music, noting that the tributary lineup features exclusively Canadian artists.
With both Cottrell and Henderson calling Saskatchewan home, their Moose Jaw tour stop holds special significance. “This is home,” she said. “(We invite you to) come out and support some Canadian music.”
Since the concert falls just two days before Mother’s Day, Cottrell suggested it’s the perfect way to celebrate.
“This is an early Mother’s Day kickoff event,” she said. “If you’re looking to (give) a really special Mother’s Day gift, or if you want to just come and start spring off with something special, this could be a really fun… weekend.”
For more information, visit BrendaLeeCottrell.com and ChrisHendersonMusic.com.
Tickets for Remember the Legends are available online through the Mae Wilson Theatre at Tickets.MooseJawCulture.ca.
The Mae Wilson Theatre is located at 217 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-4700.
Health Foundation honours local champions with Healthcare Philanthropy Awards
The Moose Jaw Health Foundation (MJHF) celebrated three outstanding contributors to local health care at its recent Healthcare Celebration Luncheon, presenting the 2025 Healthcare Philanthropy Awards to Simpson Seeds, the Moose Jaw Police Service, and Dr. Volker Rininsland.
These awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that have significantly advanced health care in the community.
“The Healthcare Philanthropy Awards are part of the health care celebration, and the awards were created to recognize those individuals, businesses, and organizations… that help advance health care in our community,” said Kelly McElree, director of the MJHF.
Simpson Seeds
Simpson Seeds, a family-run agricultural business, has been a steadfast supporter of the MJHF for years. Their contributions span various events and campaigns, including the annual Festi-
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
val of Trees and the Family First Radiothon.
“Simpson Seeds has always been a staunch supporter of health care in our community… and they’ve always been a part of the MJHF,” McElree explained.
“We thought it was very appropriate that they were recognized with an award.”
Elyce Simpson Fraser, president and CEO of Simpson Seeds in Moose Jaw, said she wasn’t expecting any recognition for the ongoing support.
“We weren’t really expecting it, but Kelly (McElree) had given us notification… that the foundation had selected us as one of the recognized groups…,” she said. “We’ve just been a fairly consistent supporter and we continue to invest in our hospital to ensure we have wonderful health care for our community… and the surrounding communities that rely on Moose Jaw as their main centre for health care needs.”
Moose Jaw Police Service
The Moose Jaw Police Service was also honoured for its unwavering support of the MJHF’s initiatives. This involvement includes participation in the yearly radiothon as well as contributions to events such as the Festival of Trees and the Little Princess Ball.
Dr. Volker Rininsland
Dr. Rininsland, affectionately known as “The Singing Doctor,” was recognized for his 40-year commitment to health care in Moose Jaw. His contributions include mentoring medical students, hosting the Festival of Trees multiple times, and composing songs for the annual Family First Radiothon.
“Dr. Rininsland has been a champion of health care in the community,” McElree said. “He’s helped the MJHF host the Festival of Trees many times, and he also always comes out every single year and creates a song for the Family First Radiothon. This year will be no different.
“He has been a teacher and a mentor to countless medical students in our community, and we’re thankful for his support over the years and for what he’s given to his patients over the years.”
Through its Healthcare Philanthropy Awards, the MJHF shines a spotlight on the power of community generosity, with each recipient reflecting a spirit
Dr. Volker Rininsland, one of the 2025 Healthcare Philanthropy Award recipients, attends a previous Family First Radiothon event in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.
“The Moose Jaw Police Service has participated in every Family First Radiothon and they’ve helped during the Festival of Trees over a number of years. In addition to that, they’ve provided items for a goodie bag for the Little Princess Ball,” McElree said.
of compassion and commitment. The foundation continues to champion these efforts, raising funds for cutting-edge equipment and technology to support the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. For more information about the MJHF or to donate to the ongoing Vision of Tomorrow campaign, visit MJHF.org or call 306-694-0373.
Photo by: 800 CHAB/Facebook
Representatives of Simpson Seeds accept the 2025 Healthcare Philanthropy Award this month. Kelly McElree, director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, is on the left. Photo by: Simpson Seeds/Facebook
Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation set to host annual Fundraising Dinner on May 3
The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation (MJWF) is inviting the community to its 28th annual Fundraising Dinner, set to take place at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Convention Centre with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and supper served at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
The evening promises a variety of engaging activities including a dart game, elimination draw, a “mystery box,” live and silent auctions, and the ever-popular bucket parade. Attendees can look forward to a hearty meal featuring roast beef, cabbage rolls, and chicken, provided by Super Meats Catering.
“It’s on May 3rd, which is coming up very quickly,” said Sandra Dewald with the MJWF, who noted that the event is the Federation’s largest annual fundraiser.
One of the event’s highlights is a “cart full of goodies,” featuring a shopping cart brimming with items including a box of pike fish from the Federation’s earlier fish fry fundraiser and more.
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
Tickets for the cart draw are priced at $10 each or three for $20.
“All funds raised at this (event) go toward our projects,” Dewald confirmed.
The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation is a branch of the larger 33,000-member Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, and
is a non-profit charitable organization involved in community-based conservation projects in and around Moose Jaw.
The Federation’s initiatives include educational programs such as Classrooms on Ice, which educates approximately 400 students annually about water ecosystems. Another notable project is Pheasants in the Schools, where students incubate pheasant eggs, which are later released into the wild as they learn about wildlife conservation firsthand. The eggs for the 2025 project are scheduled to arrive within days.
Additionally, the Federation operates a mobile walleye fish hatchery, contributing to fish populations in southern Saskatchewan lakes. Further exploring the impact of the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, approximately 56 million eggs were involved in 2024, with around 35 million hatching successfully. The fish that grew to maturity were then dispersed across around 21 lakes in the south of the province.
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“Our mandate is to enhance our wildlife for future generations… and leave (the natural environment) better than we inherited it,” she said. “That’s what we work for.”
The MJWF encourages residents to attend and demonstrate their support for these local conservation efforts.
“We look forward to seeing you come down and support the Wildlife Federation,” Dewald said.
Tickets for the event cost $50 apiece and include dinner. To purchase your tickets, contact Doreen Dodd at 306-692-4148 or Sandra Dewald at 306692-8848.
For more information about the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation and its conservation efforts, visit “Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation” on Facebook or its website at MJWildlife.ca.
The Moose Jaw Exhibition Convention Centre is located at 250 Thatcher Drive East.
Tuesday, May 6th
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Tuesday, May 13th
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Tuesday, May 20th
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Tuesday, May 27 th
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RONA Foundation to support Transition House’s shelter upgrade project
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
The executive director of Moose Jaw Transition House is excited that The RONA Foundation plans to support the charity’s efforts to upgrade its shelter to better meet the needs of its clients.
The foundation — which oversees the philanthropic efforts of RONA Inc. — announced recently that it would support Transition House as part of its 2025 “Build From The Heart Campaign.”
This initiative contributes to seven non-profit organizations’ building or renovation projects — one for reach region where RONA operates stores — that aim to revitalize living environments or facilitate access to housing for victims of domestic abuse and their children, low-income families, and people with disabilities or mental illnesses.
From April 21 to May 31, customers can donate to the fundraiser in RONA+ and RONA corporate stores — Moose Jaw’s is on Thatcher Drive East — and online at rona.ca. A new feature this year is the “Win Your Renovations” contest, where store customers who donate $15 or more will have the chance to win one of three RONA gift cards, including one for $25,000 and two for $1,000.
Contest rules are on RONA’s website.
The company’s goal is to distribute $1 million to these organizations, with campaign funds presented in the province where they were raised. It will reveal how much each non-profit is receiv-
ing on July 8.
“It’s going to make a huge difference for our shelter and really upgrade the things that are so expensive and wear out over time and (that) really make our lives so much better for the clients living in the house,” said Jenn Angus, Moose Jaw Transition House’s executive director.
The non-profit has big plans this year to upgrade its shelter, including replacing the roof, installing two new fur-
naces to replace the “really, really outdated” ones, installing a higher-quality HVAC system, purchasing new water heaters, laying down new floors and installing new windows, Angus continued. The organization was fortunate because it upgraded its basement last year and won’t have to focus there as much.
The number of women and children who use the shelter has stayed consistent over the past few years, as roughly 100 such families access the venue annually,
the executive director said. However, the length of stay has increased to an average of 19 days from around 10 days.
“… there’s not a ton of (secure housing options) out there for them to look for, so it’s just getting a little harder for them to find a place that is safe and affordable,” she continued.
The forthcoming donation from The RONA Foundation is “life-changing” because it will not only support women and children now but will contribute to the Transition House providing services for another 50 years, Angus pointed out.
Conference
Moose Jaw Transition House is working with Partners Against Violence to host the “Power of Collaboration Conference” on Thursday, May 15 at the Grant Hall Hotel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $100, which includes lunch; registration closes Thursday, May 1.
The conference will feature Dr. Jody Carrington, an Alberta-based physician who is a renowned psychologist, bestselling author, and global speaker. Meanwhile, some event topics will include trauma-informed care and emotional well-being, strengthening collaboration and building partnerships across sectors and practical strategies to improve lives and create stronger communities.
To reserve a spot, contact Jenn Angus at jennifer.a@mj-transitionhouse. com.
First household hazardous waste collection day of 2025 set for May 3
The City of Moose Jaw is reminding residents that the first of two household hazardous waste (HHW) collection days scheduled for this year is Saturday, May 3.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 3, residents are invited to safely dispose of unwanted chemicals and other hazardous materials from their households, free of charge, at the city complex at 1010 High Street West.
The materials the city is accepting include:
• Aerosol cans (hair spray, deodorant, household cleaners, etc.)
• Liquid household cleaners
By MooseJawToday.com staff
• Batteries (lithium-ion, alkaline, rechargeable, etc.)
• Lightbulbs (fluorescent, LED, metal halide, etc.)
The City of Moose Jaw reminds residents that they can dispose of oil, oil filters, oil containers and antifreeze for free at the city landfill during regular hours of operation.
Additionally, unwanted paint and electronics may be taken to SARCAN for recycling.
The City of Moose Jaw has committed to holding two HHW days every year, with the second event this year set for Saturday, Sept. 6.
For full details on waste and recycling in the City of Moose Jaw, visit www.moosejaw.ca/LetsTalkTrash.
Capital projects
Meanwhile, the city has launched the 2025 engineering capital projects page on its website.
The page details the roughly $25 million in infrastructure projects, including construction and engineering design works, that the city plans to complete this year, including:
• Infrastructure renewal (including watermain replacement)
• Signalized intersection upgrades
• Paved roadways and sidewalk re-
newal
• Sanitary lift station upgrades
• Coteau Street East bridge demolition
The webpage provides a comprehensive overview of each project, including their locations, budgets, expected timelines, project histories, and community impacts.
Please remember to maintain a safe distance from equipment and construction zones to ensure everyone’s safety. No more #NotoriouslyClose calls.
Residents are encouraged to visit the web page and check regularly for updates.
Staff and volunteers with Moose Jaw Transition House gather for a picture after receiving a donation. Photo courtesy The RONA Foundation
Hunger in Moose Jaw honoured with Impact Award at 2025 MJBEX Gala
Hunger in Moose Jaw has been recognized for its longstanding dedication to children and families in the community, receiving the Impact Award at the Moose Jaw Business Excellence (MJBEX) Gala held earlier this month.
The annual gala celebrates the achievements of local organizations, individuals, and businesses, and was hosted at the Temple Gardens Centre on April 16.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition for the work we do,” said Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw. “We strive to do our best for children and families in Moose Jaw and we are happy to be recognized for this by our community.”
The Impact Award is presented to an organization that has made significant, measurable contributions to improving the lives of residents in Moose Jaw. Sept said the award reflects the commitment of Hunger in Moose Jaw’s team and the meaningful role the organization plays in the city.
“It supports the work that our team does every day,” she said. “We truly believe in supporting children and families and know how that can strengthen a community. Being recognized by our city for making an impact is truly a gift.”
Hunger in Moose Jaw has served the community for more than 30 years. Its Child Nutrition Program currently supports over 460 children, providing
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
lunches to students at schools across the city. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of its Headstart Preschool, which offers free weekday morning classes for children aged three and four.
The organization has also seen strong participation in its Community Kitchen Program, which now includes an online option, and in its Yara Community Gardens project, which has provided hundreds of local families with access to garden plots to grow their own food.
It was a Happy Easter for some kids
Submitted by Lynann Pethick
The Friendly City Optimist Club decorated and filled Easter bags for the children at the Transition House. Helping to put a smile on a child’s face is very rewarding and that’s what an Optimist does.
Pictured: (l to r) Lynann Pethick (Club President); Joanne Johnson (Shelter Manager); Amber Wilk (HR Administration Coordinator); Wendy Rollie (Chairperson of Project).
“We’re also pleased to have filled all our garden plots to local Moose Jaw families — this (means) several hundred people (now) experience food security support by growing their own food,”
said Sept. “We also had an extremely successful Easter Lunch Bag program, serving 156 children with lunch supplies for the week off.”
Hunger in Moose Jaw’s mission is “to support children and their families through educational and nutritional programming that nurtures their potential.”
The organization employs 13 staff, is supported by eight board members, and relies on a dedicated network of volunteers who contribute to programs like the Good Food Box and the Child Nutrition Program.
Looking ahead, the organization is preparing for several key events in 2025, including a renewed participation in the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign from April 28 to May 4, as well as the return of its Fall into Fabric fundraiser and the Pumpkin Harvest Festival in September.
For more information, including details on how to get involved, visit HungerInMooseJaw.org, find “Hunger in Moose Jaw” on Facebook, or call 306692-1916.
ROUND UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH
JOIN THE CAUSE, SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES!
We’re proud to be partnering with CMHA again for our annual "Round Up for Mental Health!" Throughout May, you can round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and your donation will go to local CMHA supports in our Nutters communities.
Representatives of Hunger in Moose Jaw, along with sponsor Blue Whale Financial Solutions Inc., gather for a group photo after receiving the MJBEX Impact Award on April 16. Photo by: Jason G. Antonio
Letters to the
EDITOR
Re: Viral Narratives
Most people are aware of viral marketing campaigns or memes that are catchy and spread rapidly. In the 1980’s vehicle manufacturer GMC’s Pontiac division used the taglines “You got it Pontiac” and “We build excitement” which were broadcast over the airwaves and placed in print. A key component for something to go viral is that it is emotion based. If it creates a strong reaction positive or negative, produces a strong social connection or identity affirmation it has a good chance of going viral. The more sensational or fearful the better regardless of how well founded in reality it may be.
Five years ago the world was immersed in the idea of a virus that we were supposed to be fearful of because it posed a great danger to our health. Counts were released by health authorities. Images were distributed by the mainstream media. Social media influencers joined in. People definitely experienced a set of associated symptoms they will attest to. The vast majority survived
Guidelines for Submitting Letters to the Editor:
Due to space allotment in Moose Jaw Express for free letters to the editor, we find it necessary to establish some guidelines in submissions that will be in effect.
• All letters to the editor submitted to the Moose Jaw Express newspaper should not exceed 900 words. In this case, we reserve the right to edit them accordingly.
• Please do not write letters of personal attack or are condescending.
• A full name and contact information will need to be included with each submission for verification.
and some are still experiencing associated effects. Dr. Mark Bailey from New Zealand has spent the last five years focussing on microbiology and the existence of viruses. In 2022 he wrote “A Farewell to Virology (Expert Edition)” with an aim to provide refutations to various claims that pathogenic viruses exist and cause disease. A key take away from the report is there is no physical evidence that Humanity need fear a physical parasitic disease causing virus. There are others like Dr. Tom Cowan and Mark’s wife Dr. Sam Bailey that echo the finding.
Fear is a useful emotion when kept in check to alert us to the presence of danger or harm. Everyone has their own unique experience depending on how they perceive the situation. Fear produces physiological (adrenaline) and emotional reactions to a perceived threat regardless if it is real or imagined. The physiological effects of fear and excitement are the same. The body reacts differently depending on how the mind determines the experience. So it would
• Only the name will be included in publication with the letter as the contributor.
• We Reserve The Right to Edit.
Send your letters to the editor to: joan@moosejawexpress.com
All columns, letters to the editor and editorials are solely the personal opinions of the writers themselves and not necessarily the opinions of The Moose Jaw Express
seem that if you could operate your mind you may have some influence on the experience. How might you learn to operate your mind?
Self help books and videos with a mix of psychology, scripture and philosophy offer plenty of suggestions to operate your mind. Some basic suggestions are below. Experiences vary.
• Helpful attributes include 1) Courage to pursue the truth 2) A sense of Responsibility and Accountability 3) Commitment and Persistence to purpose 4)Honesty to admit mistakes 5) Humility to allow yourself mistakes 6) A sense of Humor 7)Forgiveness not just for others but for yourself first 8)A general sense of Gratitude.
• Helpful procedure. Breath. Observe your thoughts from a place of neutrality, without judgement. Notice the feelings they invoke. Is it preferred or less preferred? You could say something to yourself like isn’t that interesting, I wonder why I feel like that.
We are immersed in narratives that are often unquestioned. Five years ago there was a viral narrative creating fear and disruption. Closer examination by Dr. Mark Bailey and others indicates that no physical virus exists or has existed. However, the acceptance and belief in the idea of a physical virus that threatened humanity was extremely disruptive. The idea that a thought in people’s minds could have such a significant impact is exciting and fearful at the same time. In 1972 the United Negro College fund adopted the slogan “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” and formed an integral part of the organization’s public identity. It makes you wonder should everyone have an operator’s manual for their mind. Who would dictate the content? Would they use it in an appropriate context? Would they remember where they placed it? Maybe an audio version would be helpful. With good narration it could go viral.
Richard Marleau
Two-vehicle collision briefly closes Fifth and Fairford West intersection
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
A collision between two vehicles briefly closed the intersection of Fifth Avenue Northwest and Fairford Street West just after lunch, with neither driver injured but slightly shaken up.
The incident occurred around 1:10 p.m., when a grey-blue Pontiac Montana van and a red Ford SUV collided near Emerald Custom Creations. The incident left the SUV facing the business and the minivan flipped on its side and laying across the street from the business. The front right corner of the SUV was slightly damaged, while the passen-
ger side door on the driver’s side was significantly dented.
Several emergency service organizations responded to the scene, including two fire trucks, one ambulance, one EMS supervisor vehicle and several police cars.
A tow truck later came to flip the minivan back onto its tires.
The police service continued to investigate the situation and was not able to say who was at fault or whether anyone would be charged.
Police closed the intersection of Fifth Avenue West and Fairford Street West on April 24 after a red SUV and a grey-blue minivan collided. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express
of
Litter of winter revealed after snowbanks melt Reflective Moments
As much as most of us look forward to spring, one of the inevitable disappointments is seeing what is left behind after the snow and ice melt.
Pristine snow has covered the unfortunate behaviour of individuals who have no respect for their own behaviour nor any respect for the property of others.
In spring, summer and fall, their actions are evident, and they can be chastised while the act of littering takes place. In the winter, in a snowstorm or
author,
been deposited in garbage and recycling receptacles.
I can condone peanut shells in the tulip patch because the squirrels do not understand the human’s derision of litter. In many cases those rodents, in their spirit of sharing sometimes leave intact peanuts when they run off with the tulip bulbs that in season turned out some beautiful red and yellow blossoms.
However, most people will join me in admonishing humans who can’t explain away their obnoxious behaviour
food wrappers, drink cups, newspaper pages and random papers are caught in the fences and shrubbery, just waiting for the city’s clean-up date (May 10). The question arises: do the litterers join with their neighbours in collecting this refuse to qualify for a free hotdog and drink?
Even more disturbing than regular litterers is the evidence of littering by individuals paid to collect the recyclables of law-abiding citizens.
From the vantage of the kitchen window, I watched as the truck from the
nored by the company employee, who indeed stepped on a rather large white paper. He did not stoop over to retrieve it. And I couldn’t get to the door in time to shout a lesson about littering.
The wind that day did not take long to move the refuse a house or two to the intersection and then it was gone from my view. The truck drove off, hopefully to return in two week’s time, perhaps this time to make sure there isn’t litter left behind.
Meanwhile, we will be extra vigi-
Exploring Saskatchewan staycation
Some of the Trading Thoughts columns this year will describe vacation spots we have seen to encourage readers to explore this fantastic country.
In the 1970s, my partner and I started taking day trips on weekends to see this large diverse province.
One of our first was an overnight stay in the Cowtown of Maple Creek and a visit to the Great Sand Hill dunes. Our cool little motel, believe it or not, cost a mere $20 a night.
In the morning we headed north on Highway 21 to a point where a small sign indicated a turn right would take us to the sand hills.
Our Toyota Corona drove us through a farmyard into a pasture and soon we were driving in a storm of grasshoppers, flanked on either side by 15-foot high sand dunes stretching west.
NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
Rural Municipality of Maple Bush No. 224
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Rural Municipality of Maple Bush No. 224 for 2025 has been prepared and will be open for inspection, on April 22nd, 2025, at the Office of the Administrator for the municipality, until the time for lodging appeals has expired, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday inclusive.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices will be sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal, in writing, to the Secretary of the Board of Revision for the RM of Maple Bush No. 224, by the 23rd day of June, 2025:
ADR Saskatchewan Centralized Board of Revision Inc.
PO Box 328
Nokomis SK S0G 3R0
Email: cbor@adrsaskatchewan.ca
An appeal fee of $300.00, for each assessment being appealed, is refundable if the appeal is successful and all appeal fees shall be sent to:
Rural Municipality of Maple Bush No. 224
PO Box 160
Riverhurst SK S0H 3P0
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2025.
JoAnne Wandler, Assessor
OPINION EDITORIAL: TRADING THOUGHTS
By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express
We drove and drove and drove straight ahead on the prairie grass with nothing in sight but sand dunes and flat dry grass ahead.
We were beginning to think we were lost in noman’s land when we spotted a ranch. Driving closer we saw a weather-beaten house, barn, corrals and lots of deer and antelope skulls hanging all over.
Three husky men were sitting on stumps and pails in the yard. The scene was scary right out of a Western cowboy movie.
These fellows looked like they might shoot first, ask questions later, although no guns were in view. We turned onto a road leaving the farm and skedaddled out.
The stench of dead grasshoppers on the car was making us sick. In Maple Creek it cost almost $4 at the carwash to get rid of the stink.
It would be another 30 years until I saw the sand hills again. A friend and I did a day trip to Leader to view the sculptures of animals found in the sand hills — kangaroo rat, bobcat, burrowing owls, rattlesnake and deer.
From there we visited the museum at Lancer on Highway 32. Noting a sign pointing to the Great Sand Hills we followed the roads right to the foot of the sand hills.
Greeting us was a string of old cowboy boots on a wooden post.
Ranchers in the area have kindly opened this trail so visitors can see the sights. We were careful to leave
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
it as we found it.
We marvelled at the footprints in the huge swaths of sand — footprints that would disappear with the next breeze.
We didn’t see any wildlife but saw a depression with an interesting hole at the bottom — badger, snake, rat or what?
The way out wasn’t marked. We got lost, deciding to turn west towards the highway.
On the way there, we passed a large shallow lake with some factory-like buildings, They were the Ingebright Lake sodium sulphate plant, which closed when the salt ran out.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” -- Mark Twain
Wild About Moose Jaw hosts pollinator garden workshop at public library
Residents learned how to transform their yards into pollinator-friendly spaces during a special event put on by Wild About Moose Jaw at the Moose Jaw Public Library on April 26.
The pollinator garden workshop and seed exchange, timed to celebrate Earth Day that occurred just a few days earlier, focused on the critical role pollinators like bees, moths, and birds play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Although sustainable gardening advocate Naomi Hunter was originally slated to lead the presentation, a last-minute emergency led to guest presenter Rich Pickering, president of Nature Moose Jaw, stepping in to cover a talk on the benefits of native plant species.
“Pollinators are essential,” Pickering said. “A lot of plants can’t reproduce without having pollinators transfer pollen from one plant to another.”
Pickering explained that native plants require less maintenance once established, conserving water and reducing the need for mowing.
“It’s actually less work to have a garden once it’s established, as opposed to just straight grass,” he said. He encouraged residents to start small — even with just a few pots — and build up their gardens year by year.
Workshop organizer and Wild About Moose Jaw founder Kimberly Epp further emphasized the environmental downsides of conventional lawns after the event.
“There’s nothing to a lawn; there is no biodiversity in it,” Epp said. “You water it, you mow it, and you
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
spray chemicals on it — and what does it prove?”
Epp said that even converting a small patch of grass to native flowers can make a big difference for beneficial insects, allowing them to fly from one patch to another across the city.
The event also included an onsite seed exchange, with residents invited to take home or share seeds, particularly those from local or native species. Most of the seeds offered were gathered from Epp’s own garden, with thanks to Keon Garden Centre for some additional
Snowbirds aerobatic team to perform two shows in Sask. this summer
By MooseJawToday.com staff
One of the best shows Canadians from coast to coast look forward to the most in the summer is when the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds perform overhead.
For over 50 years the aerobatic squadron have been flying those iconic red and white CT-114 Tutor jets that have delighted audiences across North America.
The Snowbirds have been based in Moose Jaw since 1970 but were a much smaller unit in those early years. By 1971, they had grown to seven aircraft and adopted a new name “the Snowbirds,” thanks to a contest at a Moose Jaw elementary school.
The 2025 Snowbirds’ performance schedule has changed somewhat since it was first released in December 2024. Originally, 23 flybys and performances were listed, however, two more shows have been added much closer to home.
The squadron will perform a show over Moose Jaw on Saturday, July 12, along with a flyby over Country Thunder Saskatchewan in Craven later that day. Meanwhile, the performance season for the Snowbirds begins in Latrobe, Pennsylvania Saturday, June 21 and concludes on Sunday, Oct. 12 in San Francisco, Calif.
seed donations.
Epp stressed the importance of planting native species, noting that “Bees that are native have evolved with native flowers.” She suggested that local gardens should contain at least 60 to 70 per cent native plant species.
The workshop also marked the ongoing development of a pollinator garden certification program by Wild About Moose Jaw, featuring custom yard signs designed by local artist Vadym Vatskov. Epp said the initiative will help raise awareness and shift perceptions about naturalized yards.
The event was made possible thanks to the Moose Jaw Public Library lending the use of its theatre. James Miller, speaking on behalf of the library, said events like this help fulfill the public library’s broader mission.
“We want to increase literacy in general, including environmental literacy,” Miller said. “Pollinator gardens and natural plants are part of that, and we’re grateful to be able to host these workshops.”
The event marked the second year Wild About Moose Jaw has partnered with the library for its Earth Day celebrations, and Epp hinted at even bigger plans for next year’s event — including an expanded seed swap and a possible garden tour to showcase local pollinator-friendly yards.
Gardeners interested in learning more can visit “Wild About Moose Jaw” on Facebook or email Kimat34@gmail.com.
The Snowbirds during their final season-ending home closer event in October 2024. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Kimberly Epp, founder of Wild About Moose Jaw, holds up one of the new pollinator garden signs and showcases the seed exchange at the Moose Jaw Public Library on April 26. Photo by: Aaron Walker
From The Kitchen
By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Reading cookbooks one way to learn while relaxing
Whenever I get my hands on a new or well-used cookbook, I don’t have to worry about finding any other reading material.
Reading recipes is both relaxing and educational, even if I have no intention of ever trying to prepare any of the foodstuffs.
The explanatory notes about cooking procedures of particular decades in which the cookbooks were published are especially interesting, and often head-shaking in their simplicity or complexity.
This week’s recipes come from a new-to-me cookbook shared by a reader.
• • • POKE AND POUR GINGER CAKE Cake:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsps. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
3/4 cup light molasses
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
Renting farmland puts more cash into the pockets of farmers, according to the Farm Credit Canada land rental report.
The annual report found that farmers who are renting land had greater cash flow than owners.
Saskatchewan farmers gained an extra $58 an acre cash flow from renting land between 2020 and 2024, says the report.
In neighbouring Alberta, the extra cash gain was $177 an acre while in Manitoba that gain was $95 an acre.
Using a benchmark measure ratio of rent divided by land value, the FCC report said rental ratios in Saskatchewan were unchanged, reflecting the increase in land values.
2 eggs
Topping:
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch cake pan.
Combine all the cake ingredients, blending all dry ingredients together and then adding beaten eggs, oil, water and molasses. Beat for three minutes with a portable mixer, on high speed.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and prick top deeply with a fork every inch.
To make the topping, heat the ingredients in a small saucepan until butter is melted.
Spoon hot topping over hot cake. Cool in pan for 30 minutes. Slice and serve, warm or cooled. Top with whipped cream if desired.
SOUR CREAM APPLE CAKE SQUARES
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 tsps. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1-8 oz. container commercial sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
2 cups peeled and finely chopped McIntosh apples
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine flour, brown sugar and butter in a large bowl. Beat until crumbly. Stir in nuts.
Press 2 3/4 cups of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
To the remaining crumb mixture, add the cinnamon, baking soda, salt, sour cream, vanilla and egg and mix well. Stir in the apples, mix and then spoon evenly over the crumb mixture in the pan.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from centre. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes before slicing into large squares. Serve warm or cold, with whipped cream or ice cream. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
Renting land option more profitable
The Alberta ratio was slightly lower.
“The cash flow advantage of renting land increased slightly compared to purchasing. The increase ranged from $5 to $10 per acre, influenced by lower interest rates that helped offset some of the rise in farmland values related to newly purchased land payments.”
The report noted that cash flow benefits from renting can vary significantly across regions.
And ownership carries along term benefit.
“On the other hand, if an operation had bought land in 2020 it would have experienced increases in land value’’ which amounted to between $1,200 to $1,500 an acre in the Prairies.
“As producers evaluate their options, they must consider their unique financial situations and future expectations for rental rates and farmland values, ultimately balancing shortterm profitability with long-term asset growth,’’ the FCC report said.
Land rental as a per cent of land value varies by province.
Saskatchewan rents averaged three per cent of land value with a variation between 1.8 per cent and 4.6 per cent. In Alberta rents averaged 2.35 per cent with variations from 1.35 to 3.65 per cent.
Manitoba rents averaged 2.4 per cent of value, varying from 1.15 to 3.6 per cent.
Lowest rents in Canada as a portion of value were in Ontario, at 1.2 per cent; and Quebec, 1.6 per cent. Most land values in these provinces are much higher than in the Prairies.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net
Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
Final flag-lowering ceremony bittersweet moment for Legion
It was a bittersweet day for Moose Jaw’s legion, as it held its final beer sale, meat draw, 50/50 raffle, Chase the Ace fundraiser and flag-lowering ceremony at its old location.
Roughly 50 people packed Branch No. 59’s lounge on April 19 for “the final show” at the Royal Canadian Legion’s 268 High Street West building. The organization’s lease at its 98-yearold headquarters expires May 1, so it is moving to 693 Fairford Street West.
Many walls inside the lounge were bare, with outlines of where pictures, dart boards, neon signs and stained-glass windows once were, while boxes were stacked in corners and against walls.
The afternoon’s highlight was the final flag-lowering ceremony, which saw most everyone in the lounge go outside to watch veterans Jim MacNeil and Alex Cameron bring down the Canadian flag — ANAVETS members across the street also came out to watch — while the sound of a bugle performing “Sunset (Retreat)” blared from a speaker.
The tune is traditionally played at the end of the day to withdraw troops from their tasks and move back to their barracks/camp for the night. It can also be played ceremonially when lowering a flag or as a substitute for the Last Post.
Cameron presented the folded flag to legion president Christine Simpson, and after the ceremony concluded, the
group marched back to the lounge to finish socializing.
“It was an awesome, awesome experience, a once-in-a-lifetime (event) and I wouldn’t have missed it,” said MacNeil, who has been a member for more than 50 years.
MacNeil noted that he was emotional while lowering the flag and that he shed “a little tear” since he had been at the branch “a long, long time.”
It was “a sad day and a happy day” for members, since many had been there for more than four or five decades — in military and civilian roles — and were all united in providing caring care for veterans, said Simpson.
“… this place has been here for (nearly a century) and it’s sad to see us
leave here,” she continued,” but we’re looking forward to the new legion because it’s time for a move and bring new memories, new stories, new everything to the new place.”
Her voice wavering, the legion president said she was emotional watching the flag descend the flagpole, even though she had been a branch member for only 11 years.
It will take three days for movers to clean out the branch’s lounge, and once flooring is installed in the new building, then all furniture and effects will be moved in and set up, Simpson added. Barring glitches, Moose Jaw’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 59 should be open on Monday, May 5 for morning coffee.
Veterans Jim MacNeil and Alex Cameron bring down the flag for one final time at the 268 High Street West location. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Veterans Alex Cameron and Jim MacNeil start folding the flag. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Christine Simpson, legion Branch No. 59 president (left), receives the Canadian flag from veteran Alex Cameron after the final flag-lowering ceremony at the branch’s High Street West location. Photo by Jason G. Antonio
Maddox Schultz scores overtime winner as Regina Pat Canadians win Telus Cup national championship
Regina takes 3-2 victory over Chevaliers de Levis in gold medal game to win fifth national title in team history
The Regina Pat Canadians are Telus Cup male U18 AAA national champions.
Maddox Schultz scored the gamewinning goal 28 seconds into overtime to give the Pat Canadians a 3-2 victory over the Chevaliers de Levis in the gold medal game on Sunday afternoon in Chilliwack, B.C.
The national title is the fifth for the Pat Canadians in 10 tournament appearances and first since 1999.
Regina got off to a solid start and had the majority of pressure in the first nine minutes, including a couple of grade A scoring chances as the period progressed.
That momentum was briefly set aside when the Pat Canadians’ Cash Lanigan was hit with a double minor for cross checking a Chevaliers player during a scrum in the Levis zone at the 9:11 mark.
Regina would hold the fort, though, and would kill off both double minors while limiting Levis opportunities to keep the game scoreless. Forward Cruz Klapak was a big part of that success, as his hard work in the zone midway through the kill helped take a bunch of time off the clock and gave the Chevaliers fits as they tried to set up.
Not long after that kill, Regina would go on their first power play, and they’d come through.
After some good pressure in the Levis zone, Jonah Sivertson took a feed
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in close from Maddox Schultz and put a shot home for a 1-0 Pat Canadians lead with 2:50 to play in the period.
The Chevaliers got that one back before the period was out. Alex Desruisseaux found Malyk Cote breaking down his wing into the Regina zone, and his shot from the top of the crease would make it 1-1 with 1:35 remaining in the first.
Regina goaltender Taylor Tabashniuk had to be sharp to start the second period as the Chevaliers had a handful of opportunities to take the lead, and he’d make a handful of big saves to keep
things tied.
A spot of bad luck for the veteran goaltender would lead to Levis second goal, though. After making a save in close, the puck would pop out of his glove and go right to Felix Grenier, and Tabashniuk would be unable to scramble back into position as Grenier scored on a wraparound.
The goal came with 3:47 gone in the second.
The bulk of the next 15 minutes were a back and forth affair, with Regina getting one of the better scoring chances of the period with 5:51 to play. Sivertson
had a couple cracks at a puck at the side of the net with Levis goaltender Antoine Proulx sprawled on the ice, but he’d be unable to find the tying goal.
Four minutes later, Regina would get the job done.
Some great puck work in the Chevaliers zone by Schultz and Sivertson set up captain Logan Mehl wide open in the left face-off circle, and he’d rip a shot top shelf glove side to tie the game 2-2 with 1:09 remaining in the frame.
Both teams had great chances to take the lead in the first five minutes of the third, but both Tabashniuk and Proulx would make five-alarm saves to preserve the tie.
The rest of the period would solve nothing -- despite a near goal from Lanigan in the final minute of regulation that trickled through the crease -- and the game was off to overtime.
That set the stage for Schultz and the biggest goal of his career.
The 15-year-old phenom evaded a Chevaliers defender in the left face-off circle and went in alone on Proulx, rifling home a shot low glove side for the 3-2 victory.
To the surprise of no one, Schultz was named the tournament’s top forward, while Eli Johnson took top defenceman honours.
Tabashniuk was the Regina player of the game after finishing with 19 saves. Proulx stopped 14 shots.
The Regina Pat Canadians celebrate after their overtime win in the Telus Cup championship final. HNLive.ca screenshot
The Moose Jaw Mustangs showed all sorts of heart in their opening game of the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League Junior season, and they picked up a barnburner of a win because of it.
Despite giving up the game-tying and go-ahead goals to the Swift Current Wolverines 30 seconds apart with four minutes to play, the Mustangs would find a pair of goals of their own in the closing moments to secure an 11-10 victory in Swift Current.
Carson Isnana was the late-game hero, scoring his lone goal of the evening with 1:23 to play to give Moose Jaw the
win. That goal came 41 seconds after Ryder Gilroy had tied the contest 10-10.
The entire third period was a backand-forth battle, as Moose Jaw came in with a 6-4 lead and found themselves ahead 8-5 with 5:30 gone in the period.
Swift Current stormed back in rapid fashion, though, as 23 seconds after the Mustangs took their three-goal lead, Riley Schafer, Carter Lamotte and Brady Simpson would score three goals in 1:04 to tie the game with 13:11 remaining.
Carter Hudyma restored the lead for Moose Jaw with 6:09 remaining, but the Wolverines once again had the answer.
A goal from Lamotte with 4:31 to play tied the game and Ryder Turko then gave Swift Current their first lead of the night 28 seconds later.
That set the stage for Isnana and Gilroy as time ran down, and Moose Jaw had their opening night win.
Lukas Salikin led Moose Jaw with a goal and five points, while Gilroy had a hat trick and four points. Braxton Mac Angus added two goals and four points, with Chase McKee scoring twice. Hudyma, Carver Ottenbreit and Isnana all had single markers. Riley Bender added three assists.
Shane Cornelson had a hat trick for the Wolverines, Schafer, Lamotte and Turko all had two goals each. Brady Simpson added a goal and three points, Adam Zanidean had four assists and Paul Piche contributed three helpers.
Keegan Dudley had 34 saves in goal for Moose Jaw, Tyler MacIsaac stopped 33 for the Wolverines.
The Mustangs are back in action on Saturday when they host the Regina Chaos at 7 p.m. at the Kinsmen Arena. Swift Current is back on the floor Friday when they host the Saskatoon SWAT at 8 p.m. at the S3 Arenas West.
Regina’s Randy Bryden opens World Men’s Curling Championship with extra-end win over Belgium
Canada gives up steal in eighth but score three in extra end to take 6-3 win over Belgium’s Stefan van Dijck
Regina’s Randy Bryden is off to the start he was hoping for at the World Senior Men’s Curling Championship.
Bryden and his Team Canada foursome of third Troy Robinson, second Russ Bryden and lead Chris Semenchuk opened the massive 31-team tournament with a 6-3 over Belgium’s Stefan van Dijck on Saturday afternoon in Fredericton, N.B.
The tournament -- which features players 50 years and older -- is an open entry event, which means any country under the World Curling Federation umbrella can enter, leading to the large number of teams.
Canada is in a seven-team pool with Belgium, Portugal’s Vitor Santos, England’s Ken Horton, Wales’ Andrew Tanner, Ireland’s Bill Gray and the Nether-
lands’ Bob Bomas.
Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
Bryden got off to a good start against Belgium, scoring one in the first end, holding van Dijck to a single point in the second and scoring a pair in the third for a 3-1 edge.
Things turned into a low-scoring battle from there, as Belgium blanked the next two ends before taking one in the sixth.
Bryden then blanked the eighth to secure the hammer heading into the final end, but Belgium would come through with the single point to tie the game 3-3 heading into an extra end.
There, Canada regained their stride and would put up three to secure the 6-3 victory.
Bryden and crew are back on the ice at 5 p.m. Moose Jaw time Sunday
Regina’s Randy Bryden and his Canadian champion foursome opened the World Senior Men’s Curling Championship with a win over Belgium on Saturday afternoon. Stephen Fisher / World Curling
against Portugal before playing England at 1 p.m. Monday, Wales at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Ireland at 9 a.m. Wednesday and
Lesperance Signs With U.S. College
Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com
“If you told me six months ago I would be receiving this, I would tell you you’re crazy,” Jesse Lesperance said, adding “let alone two colleges making offers.”
Lesperance a member of the Moose Jaw AA Canucks, has just signed a commitment to play baseball for the Kent State Tuscarawas starting this fall. He will play out of Kent State’s New Philadelphia campus.
“It feels really good,” Lesperance said explaining in his Moose Jaw baseball career there have been plenty of times he felt passed over by some coaches.
For the 18-year-old Peacock Collegiate student “it felt great to see other coaches saw value in me.”
At the present time he is unaware if the agreement is for a roster spot or if it will include a scholarship as well.
Lesperance Is scheduled to take a
four-year university degree in construction management.
Without the offers out there, he admitted he would be taking a two-year college trades course. The roster offering will now see Lesperance take a four-year university degree.
“No, I would not be going to university without this offer but I would take a two year trades course.”
Lesperance is hopeful so long as he preforms there may well be scholarship funds available.
Lesperance’s love affair with baseball came when he was about nine years old and his grandma used to play catch with him getting him interested in the game.
From there he has spent nine seasons combined playing little league and then jumping into the Moose Jaw Minor Baseball Association’s Canuck system.
A key figure for Lesperance is Moose Jaw Miller Express’s coach Eric Marriott who has allowed Lesperance the opportunity to field balls before games.
The practice has added a lot to his game.
Lesperance said he would like to
Netherlands at 9 a.m. Thursday.
The teams are broken into five round robin pools, with the top two teams in each group and the two third ranked teams with the better draw shot challenge score qualifying for the playoff beginning Friday.
Teams will be ranked 1-12 by comparing the DSC of the teams with the same rank from each group. Teams ranked one-to-four get a bye to the quarter-finals, teams ranked 5-12 will play qualification games on Thursday night, with the winners going on to the quarterfinals.
The semifinals will take place on Friday, May 2, followed by the medal games on Saturday, May 3.
You can keep up with all the scores at www.worldcurling.ca.
personally thank the Pisio family for their help and encouragement to help make his dreams come true. He said the Pisios have helped him out and how he has very little extra money to make his dreams come true.
Asked if he would like to play baseball professionally Lesperance said one of his dreams is to play baseball at college in the United States and then during the summer come back and play for the Moose Jaw Miller Express.
This will be Lesperance’s final season with the U18 AA Canucks.
He’s hopeful for a great season for himself personally and also for the team.
He’s hopeful for 30 stolen bases, as well as a batting average above 400.
https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/4/26/fdn077gwsyq5m5vkuswgl9jjv4uun7
Jesse Lesperance commits to playing baseball for Kent State - submitted photo
about 10 volunteers working under Jody Oakes’ leadership,” Braaten said. “Over the past three years, we’ve prepared over 130 hot meals, feeding an average of 65 to 70 people per week.”
These efforts are supplemented by generous contributions from local gardens and residents, including hundreds of peanut butter and jam sandwiches made by volunteers.
Joel Mowchenko of St. Aidan Anglican Church discussed how the team stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic by launching a weekend lunch program.
“We’ve served every Saturday and Sunday since COVID, (which is) about 100 lunches per weekend — that’s close
Moose Jaw recently received a Moose Jaw Business Excellence (MJBEX) award for this community impact.
Expanding on the theme of building community through dignity and care, Crystal Peterson, manager of Willow Lodge, expressed her gratitude for the collective spirit in the room.
“It just feels so lovely to be in a room of people who believe not only in Moose Jaw… but (in) our most vulnerable population in Moose Jaw,” she said.
Willow Lodge offers emergency shelter with 15 low-barrier beds, providing not just a safe place to sleep, but access to showers, laundry facilities, and hot meals.
“Everybody needs and deserves a
place to sleep. Everybody deserves and needs a plate (of food), a full belly, and that’s what we do,” Peterson said. “We keep… 15 people safe off the streets at night, so that during the day they can be well rested, hold their heads up high, and see a better day.”
Peterson stressed the importance of seeing the humanity behind every individual seeking help.
“If you really get to know someone’s name and their story, and if you get to understand why they are where they are, (you find that) they deserve so much more than a finger pointed (at them) and laughter (when they) cross the street.”
Lindsay Wilcox, representing the John Howard Society of Moose Jaw, described how its programs work in partnership with Willow Lodge to support those transitioning from homelessness to independence.
“The growth that we’ve seen within John Howard in the last three to five years has been a lot,” Wilcox said. “It has really been awesome to see the different supports that we’re able to offer people.”
Through initiatives such as the My Place program and a sober living house, John Howard helps individuals dealing with addiction, mental health challenges, and housing insecurity work toward independent living.
He emphasized that while funding and facilities are critical, it’s the therapeutic relationships — the unconditional, supportive bond between staff and participants — that drives true recovery.
“We are working really hard to make homelessness history here in Moose Jaw,” Eckstein said. “We really are ahead of the game, and I think we are a role model for other small, rural communities.”
One message was consistent throughout the event: while no single organization can solve complex, systemic issues alone, together, they can help build a more compassionate city.
to 25,000 lunches,” Mowchenko said. “We really try to make a good sandwich to show people dignity and value.”
He emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations like Community Connections to extend this support.
Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw, painted a vivid picture of that organization’s growing impact.
“Thirty years ago, we served 60 children a week. Today, we’re feeding between 460 and 480 a day,” she said. “It’s about more than just food — we’re offering gardening programs, cooking classes, and preschool education to help families build resilience.”
Sept proudly shared that Hunger in
Maxton Eckstein, general manager of Square One, closed the event by celebrating the launch of the new supportive housing program.
“We found a minimum of over 120 people in the community without a home,” Eckstein said, referring to the 2024 Point-in-Time count. “Now, 10 participants are housed and receiving intensive daily support through our Housing First model.”
Square One co-founder Della Ferguson quoted Pope Francis to summarize the spirit of the event in her closing remarks, saying “The measure of the greatness of society is found in the way it treats those most in need, those who have nothing apart from their poverty.”
Melanie Braaten represents Zion United Church. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Joel Mowchenko represents St. Aidan Anglican Church. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Maxton Eckstein, general manager of Square One Community Inc. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw. Photo by: Aaron Walker
Battle of Vimy Ridge was a pivotal moment for Canada 108 years ago
April 9 marked the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a pivotal First World War battle that contributed to Canada’s growth as a country and its reputation worldwide.
The Vimy Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of this event, which raged from April 9 to 12 in 1917 and killed 3,598 soldiers and wounded 7,004, has highlighted some stories of the 11,285 soldiers whose names appear on the monument in France.
Brothers in blood
Privates Rollie and Norman Ash were black brothers from Antigonish, N.S., who served with the 26th Battalion (New Brunswick).
Norman, born on June 2, 1897, in Antigonish, was the fourth child of James and Ester Ash. He worked as a labourer and exaggerated his age by two years when he enlisted on July 6, 1916, at Truro, N.S., joining the 106th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles). His older brother Rollie, born on Sept. 6, 1894, and employed as a horseman, enlisted just four days later.
The brothers departed Halifax with the 106th aboard the SS Empress of Britain on July 15, 1916. Upon arrival in England, the unit was disbanded and its men reassigned. Norman and Rollie were transferred to the 26th Battalion and arrived in France on Sept. 28, joining their new unit in the field by mid-
Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com
October near Lens.
In January 1917, the 26th was stationed in northern France, rotating through the trenches around Lens. While large-scale combat was rare during the winter months, patrols and raids remained deadly. On Jan. 16, 1917, Rollie took part in a trench raid and was reported missing, later presumed dead. His body was never recovered.
Norman remained with the battalion and fought in the successful assault on Vimy Ridge on April 9. Weeks later, while under heavy shelling near Neuville-St.-Vaast, he sustained a contusion to his left knee and was hospitalized at Saint-Cloud. After a month of recovery, he rejoined his unit in time to take part in the attack on Hill 70.
On Aug. 15, 1917, the first day of the battle, the 26th advanced through heavy machine gun and rifle fire. After reaching their objective — an exposed stretch of shattered earth dubbed “Norman Trench” — the men dug in by hand while facing repeated German counterattacks. Pte. Norman Ash was killed in the day’s fighting. Like his brother, his remains were never recovered.
The Ash brothers’ names are engraved side by side on the monument.
A Stanley Cup champion
Lt. Francis Clarence McGee, known as “One-Eyed Frank McGee,” was born on Nov. 4, 1882, in Ottawa, Ont.
Before the First World War, he was
turned on Aug. 21, 1916, as a motorcycle dispatch rider. On Sept. 16, 1916, he was killed in action at Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme.
His brothers, Charles and Walter, also served, with Charles’ name commemorated alongside McGee’s on the Vimy Memorial.
A restless spirit
Pte. David Footuransky was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Dec. 25, 1895. A curious and adventurous young man, he emigrated from Ukraine to Toronto with his family in his early teens, joining the city’s growing Jewish community.
True to his restless spirit, he once ran away to the United States and was arrested for illegally hopping trains — a story that hinted at his thirst for experience and the wider world.
a talented hockey player, despite losing his left eye in an amateur game. This injury did not deter him from achieving remarkable success, as he won the Stanley Cup three times with Ottawa and set a record for the most goals scored in a single Stanley Cup game (14).
His contributions earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Despite his partial blindness, McGee enlisted in the military and became a lieutenant in the 21st Infantry Battalion. His nephew, Frank Charles McGee, recounted how he managed to pass the eye exam by cleverly covering his blind eye with one hand, then switching hands instead of eyes while reading the chart — tricking the examiner into believing both eyes were functional.
McGee was wounded in the knee in 1915, an injury that should have ended his military service. However, he re-
When the First World War broke out, Footuransky and his friends enlisted in search of adventure and he joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force on Aug. 9, 1915. But beneath his boldness was a deep concern for his family. Before departing, he purchased a life insurance policy and told his mother to buy a house if he didn’t return.
Tragically, Footuransky was killed on Nov. 18, 1916 and his body was never recovered. When the notice of his death arrived, his sister, overwhelmed by grief, threw away the letter to spare their mother further pain. It was months before the family learned what happened to him.
Thanks to Footuransky’s foresight, his family purchased a home in Toronto. There, they opened their doors to other new immigrants, helping others begin their lives in Canada — just as Footuransky had once done.
The Vimy Ridge monument from the front. Photo courtesy The Vimy Foundation
Pte. David Footuransky.
Photo courtesy The Vimy Foundation
Frank McGee (Standing Back Right) poses with his teammates of the Ottawa Hockey Club after winning the 1905 Stanley Cup. Photo courtesy The Vimy Foundation
Lt. Francis Clarence (One-Eyed) McGee. Photo courtesy The Vimy Foundation
OPINION/COMMENTARY
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
Why Do We Allow Strangers’ Social Media Posts to Bother Us?
Thanks to the Internet, we live in a strange age of parasocial relationships. Social media users feel they know the people they read, view, and follow. Ever since Google declared me an “Internet Personality” (Google “Nick Kossovan”), the number of “I feel like I know you” reach out and comments have significantly increased.
You don’t truly know someone solely based on their social media activity. What you know is the content they selectively (keyword) choose to share. You know them in fragments, not as a complete person.
Faithfully watching someone’s videos, reading and commenting on their Facebook and Instagram posts, reposting their tweets, and taking their words to heart makes many feel that the online strangers they’ve chosen to give their time and attention to hold a significant place in their lives.
en social media matured in the early 2010s, it accelerated rapidly, cutting many of the threads that hold our social fabric together. Instead of interacting predominantly with people within your immediate community, now, without leaving your home, you could spend your time online with like-minded individuals or let your ego, fueled by feelings of moral superiority, get the better of you and wage war against strangers whose beliefs, values, and opinions differ from yours. In my opinion, the most harmful aspect of social media in terms of undermining social harmony is its tendency to amplify the “us versus them” paradigm.
By Nick Kossovan
What’s easier? Trying to get along with your God-fearing socialist uncle during holiday gatherings, or retreating to a corner, pulling out your smartphone, and engaging with like-minded strangers who share your beliefs and values?
Most people don’t log onto social media searching for a “debate.” Inherently, we’re tribal. Thus, we seek and want to be with our tribe, where we feel we belong and are welcomed. Often, our tribe(s) become our label, which we protect fiercely. Consequently, the moment a stranger’s post disgraces our label—oh boy!—it’s like stepping on a Lego in the dark. Suddenly, you’re upset, and a surge of dopamine hits your brain, triggering an emotional rollercoaster ride filled with angst.
We are easily—too easily—agitated by the most inconsequential things: the opinions of strangers. Why do we allow ourselves to be bothered by a stranger’s politics, religion, point of view or video on how to cook a steak, which inevitably leads to a debate over whether it’s undercooked or overcooked? The answer lies in human psychology 101, specifically, confirmation bias.
People tend to seek information that confirms their preexisting beliefs while avoiding information that challenges them. When we encounter posts that contradict or, worse, challenge our views, especially if the post is from someone we feel we know, it creates a primal-like need to defend ourselves against the perceived attack. It’s worth noting that ignoring evidence that contradicts our beliefs and values is a psy-
chological coping strategy that keeps our minds closed.
Consider this: Should you really invest emotionally in the opinions of strangers? As I mentioned at the beginning, social media creates an illusion of intimacy, drawing us into online conversations. When the dialogue we seek isn’t forthcoming, we then feel as though we’re shouting into a digital void, leaving us feeling unheard, insignificant, frustrated, and angry, emotions that have become increasingly prevalent.
Moreover, to avoid taking ownership of our emotions, we have an inherent tendency to attempt to control others’ beliefs and ideologies, which is ultimately futile since individuals possess free will and autonomy.
Civility on the Internet could be achieved if everyone followed what I believe should be the Internet’s #1 rule: Instead of trying to prove someone wrong, consider how they may be right. This isn’t a diplomatic way of saying, “Mind your own business!” It’s a strategy for cultivating healthier online interactions and potentially connecting all of us to the albeit exaggerated notion of an ongoing organic infinite love story.
Imagine an online world where, instead of jumping into a heated argument, everyone pauses to understand the perspectives of others and approaches posts and videos with curiosity instead of immediate judgmental aggression.
“But, Nick, some people are just plain wrong!” Sure, some opinions may seem misguided “to you,” but will engaging in a digital shouting match
change the other person’s supposed misguided opinion? Whether online or offline, arguing rarely changes a person’s mind; it usually just reinforces it.
The first step to not being bothered by what others do online is to let go of your need to control their narrative. Additionally, accept that it’s not your place to police others’ actions. When you feel the urge to respond, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Is this worth my time?” Hint: it isn’t.
The emotional investment people make in the lives of strangers will forever baffle and, to some extent, disturb me. Today, too many people are engaging in heated online debates with people they’ve never met—and likely never will—over topics and issues that ultimately make no difference. When the stranger you’ve been arguing with logs off and returns to real life, they’ll continue to believe or do whatever got you upset, and the sun will rise tomorrow.
Nick Kossovan, a self-described connoisseur of human psychology, writes about what’s on his mind. You can follow Nick on X/ Twitter and Instagram@NKossovan
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210 SERVICES
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Cleaner with 20 years experience available for spring cleaning and move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306990-0387.
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145 REAL ESTATE
House For Sale: 919 Stadacona St. W. Smaller home, 750 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and many updates. Close to schools. Priced to sell. Please call the homeowner at 306-690-8665.
Senior Living Condo for RentPoints West Retirement Centre, 917 Bradley Street, Moose Jaw, SK. Friendly, warm, home like atmosphere, open floor plan with large living room, full selfcontained kitchen, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closet, balcony, corner unit with beautiful view in 3 directions, ensuite washer and dryer, individual thermostat
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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 necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
Germane
The other day we were explaining the meaning of Easter to our daughter-in-law and her family in Japan. The story of death and resurrection is germane to the Easter celebrations. The lunar calendar is germane to the dating of the festival. The symbols we often associate with Easter (eggs, bunnies, butterflies, lilies, etc.) are germane to explain the story of Jesus and the
meaning of the events remembered by Christians on Easter weekend.
Germane means being at once related and appropriate or fitting. When discussing the views of the political parties in the current election in Canada it is best to omit details that are not germane to the conversation and could lead to emotional retorts.
Germane comes from Middle English via the Anglo-French word germain, meaning having the same parents. The Latin root word is germanus, meaning genuine or of the same parents. It was used to describe people with the identical fathers and mothers, in other words, siblings.
William Shakespeare’s use of germane modified the meaning to embody anything connected or relevant to a particular subject. In the play Hamlet Act 5 Scene 2, Hamlet says to Osric, “The phrase would be more germane to the matter if we could carry cannon by our sides.” This quote shows how Shakespeare (15641616) used the word to mean appropriate to the given situation, fittingly related.
Relevant, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos, and germane all refer to things relating to or bearing upon the matter at hand.
Relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. The lawyer found the information given to her by the plaintiff’s mother to be relevant to the case.
Material suggests a close relationship that cannot be dispensed with without serious alternation of the incident. The reasons for the trip were material to the investigation of the injury.
Pertinent stressed a clear and decisive relevance. The speaker made a pertinent observation when sharing the point of the demonstration.
Apposite suggests a suitable implication. The editor of the paper suggested an apposite quotation to the definition offered in the article.
Applicable means the fitness of bringing a general rule or principles to bear upon a particular case. Applying for Canada Pension Plan payments is not applicable for residents of Quebec.
Apropos infers being both significant and opportune. The quip offered by the opponent was apropos in the given context.
Germane suggests a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. During the debate the point the opposition leader made was not germane to the motion.
Robert’s Rules of Order lay down important procedures to follow in meetings. However, there are some that are not germane to small board meetings as opposed to large general assemblies.
The doctor told him that his childhood medical condition and was not necessarily germane to the melanoma currently affecting him.
Sometimes I find that texting with someone over a number of days concerning a certain issue means that initial comments are often no longer germane to the subject at hand.
One can observe Easter in a secular manner but the story of Jesus is still germane to the point of it all.
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 confirm that all words will be used.
Christian Counselling Centre to host third annual ‘Evening of Music’ fundraiser
Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express
The Moose Jaw Christian Counselling Centre (MJCCC) is inviting the community to its third annual “Evening of Music” fundraiser, set for 6:30 p.m. at the Hillcrest Apostolic Church on Sunday, May 4.
The free event will feature performances by local talents including the Eros family, Dr. Volker Rininsland, and the Cornerstone Christian School Choir. A free-will offering will be collected to support the Centre’s mission of providing affordable counselling services to the community.
“We would just love to have everyone come out and celebrate these wonderful local musicians with us,” said Leona Reimer, administrative assistant at MJCCC.
The fundraiser supports MJCCC’s sliding scale fee structure, ensuring counselling services remain accessible for residents. Fees range from $45 to $130, depending on household income, making it more affordable than many private counselling options.
“We do these fundraisers to offset the sliding scale system where we can help people receive counselling,” Re-
imer explained. “It can be faith-based or non-faith-based, because the counsellors are very willing to help anyone who (asks) for help.”
The upcoming fundraiser will once again feature the Eros family, known for their harmonious vocals.
“The Eros family is an interesting family,” Reimer said. “They are from Moose Jaw, and they have a large family… Their vocals are so phenomenal, and they have awesome harmonies.
“They’re bringing a little bit more this year than other years,” she added, noting that nine family members are scheduled to sing. “They’re going to be doing five or six songs for us this year.”
Dr. Rininsland will bring what Reimer described as “a unique blend of folksy and humorous songs” to the stage, while the Cornerstone Christian School Choir will also stage a performance. One student, Izzy Adams, will sing a familiar piece along with the debut performance of an original song she wrote.
“We love to feature the Cornerstone Choir. We’ve had them three years in a row…,” she said. Providing more detail about Adams’ upcoming performance,
BIZWORLD
By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express
One of the party leaders in the federal election campaign kept blaming the governing party for preventing development of oil and natural gas resources.
Conservative Pierre Poilievre’s claim of a “no pipelines” law that stopped projects worth $175 billion was parroted by his candidates.
Bill C-69 is called the Impact Assessment Act. Calling it the “non pipelines’’ act sounds dramatic but may possibly be misleading and tends to encourage people to believe the bill actually stops pipeline projects.
The law requires assessment of projects taking into account cumulative environmental consequences of projects. The bill replaces a Conservative bill that was supposed to cut the time for study before approval.
Outrage by the public at that shorter timeline bill caused delay of the Trans-
Reimer said “this year, one of the students who is in the choir… will also be featured specifically… she’ll step out and sing a few (songs), and one of them is a song she wrote that she asked if she could (sing). We’re looking forward to hearing her do that.”
Attendees will also hear from MJCCC’s executive director, Dustin Funk, who will present more about the
Did feds kill resource projects?
Mountain line that opened last year.
From a $4 billion line with not strong opposition, Trans-Mountain became a $24 billion project taking 12 years. The rush by the government to push through pipelines without adequate consultation contributed to mounting opposition.
In regards to Poilievre’s and associates’ “no pipeline” bill, Yours Truly has seen two articles — one by CTV news, one by UK-based Demog online news —that seem to debunk the claim, project by project.
Proposals for four Liquid Natural gas (LNG) facilities in B.C. were withdrawn well before the Impact Assessment Act became law in 2019.
Why? Well, the election of a provincial NDP government likely played a role.
And no doubt federal and provincial
Centre’s work, accompanied by a slide presentation featuring each of the counsellors.
The MJCCC is a non-profit, boardrun organization dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of individuals and families in the community. Rooted in Biblical values, the Centre provides personal and family counselling services — both in person and by phone — on a wide range of issues including marriage, parenting, anxiety, depression, abuse, and more.
“We would just love to have everyone come out and celebrate these wonderful local musicians with us, enjoy the music, and see what the centre is all about,” Reimer concluded. “We’re pretty excited about our lineup and all the energy that’s coming.”
For more information, visit MJCCC. ca or contact the Moose Jaw Christian Counselling Centre at MJCCC@shaw. ca. The Centre is located at 54 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-692-5500.
The Hillcrest Apostolic Church is located at 1550 Main Street North.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
laws restricting tanker traffic in the fragile offshore waters had a big role.
The Impact Assessment Act did not.
The Pacific Northwest LNG plan was withdrawn when the courts found the Liberals had not even considered cumulative consequences and over depressed LNG prices.
An $18 billion project on Vancouver Island was cancelled when the company did not provide impact data at all.
The Frontier oil sands mine was killed by low prices three years before Bill C-69 was law
Another oil sands mine plan was cancelled because the Alberta government had curtailed production levels. And one mine was cancelled after the NDP won in Alberta.
A New Brunswick shale oil plan was cancelled due to a provincial moratorium on fracking technology.
The much-touted Northern Gateway Pipeline was cancelled three years before Bill C-69 became law simply because there was no consultation between the government and Indigenous bands.
Both leaders of the two main parties promised to fast track the process to approve the pipelines needed by Canada to reduce reliance on the U.S.A.
When and if the Trump tariff affair is resolved, the new favourable attitude of Canadians to pipelines could easily change back to opposition.
The new government will be lucky if it can shave two years off the time to study and build a pipeline to offshore sites.
Meanwhile some Canadians’ attitudes to resource projects have been skewed by political twisting of the truth. Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net
2 Ways to Enter to Win 50%
‘We owe them everything’: Family honours STARS with commemorative painting
When Lisa Clements noticed her son, Tyler Lister, struggling to breathe while she was working from home, she assumed it would be another short hospital visit.
Lister, who has Down syndrome, had bounced back from pneumonia before.
This time was different. Shortly after arriving at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, Lister’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Within hours he was put on oxygen, intubated, and fighting for his life.
“About seven hours after being admitted, the doctor told me to call my kids, Paige and Dallas, and tell them to come home — Tyler was not doing well,” Clements recalled.
As they waited anxiously in the hallway, the family heard the words that would change everything: “STARS (Air Ambulance) will be here in 20 minutes.”
“Amid the shock, I don’t remember anything, but I vividly recall Tyler’s STARS crew arriving at the hospital,” Clements said. “Tammy (Hagerty) is such an angel. Before they left with Tyler, Tammy took me aside, gave me a hug, and promised me she would look after him.
“She didn’t have to do that — it’s not part of her job,” she added. “But it’s something that will forever be in my heart.”
Recognizing the severity of Lister’s condition, Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) transported him to Regina for specialized care. Their
Aaron Walker -
had snapped during a personal visit to STARS, Jaye created detailed portraits that captured the bond between Lister and his rescuers.
“She nailed it,” Clements said. “I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it was. I don’t know how she does it.”
On April 22, Lister and Clements personally delivered the paintings to the STARS base. They spent over an hour visiting with the team, grateful for the chance to thank them face to face.
“I vowed that when this was done, I was going to keep showing that appreciation, that gratitude to STARS and the Regina ICU unit,” Clements said. “So far, I think I’ve been doing pretty good.”
swift action saved his life.
After arriving in Regina, Lister spent 22 days in the ICU, facing respiratory failure, septic shock, and emergency ileostomy surgery to remove damaged intestine. At one point, doctors drained four litres of fluid from one lung alone.
Lister’s battle continued even after returning to Moose Jaw, where he suffered massive pulmonary embolisms, keeping him hospitalized for another 18 days.
Through it all, STARS’ role in giving Lister a fighting chance was never forgotten.
“If it wasn’t for STARS, he probably wouldn’t be here today,” Clements said. “I’m 100 per cent sure of that.”
Determined to show her gratitude, Clements later commissioned local artist Carly Jaye to create two paintings — one for the STARS team and one specifically for flight nurse Tammy Hagerty.
“I just felt compelled,” Clements said. “Something was drawing me to do something to give back to them.”
Jaye, known for her public art across downtown Moose Jaw, described the project as deeply meaningful.
“I’ve been commissioned to paint pictures like this a few times, and it’s almost just striking to me how a piece of art can help heal people in tough situations,” Jaye said. “It means a lot to be able to be the hands to bring those people’s ideas to life.”
Using iPhone photos Clements
Today, Lister is nearly back to normal. He recently underwent a successful reverse ileostomy and has returned to his day program. His trademark bubbly personality is back — and he’s now a proud and smitten new uncle.
Reflecting on the experience, Clements emphasized the life-or-death importance of STARS interfacility transfers.
“A person never knows when they’re going to need them,” she said. “Never in my lifetime did I ever think we would use the STARS service.”
For Clements and her family, gratitude has turned into a mission — ensuring that the heroes in red flight suits know they are forever appreciated.
To learn more about STARS Air Ambulance, visit Stars.ca.
Moose Jaw Express
The two paintings by Carly Jaye commemorating the STARS Air Ambulance crew who helped save Tyler Lister’s life. One painting was gifted to the STARS office, and the other to flight nurse Tammy Hagerty, whose compassion left a lasting mark on the family. Photo by: Carly Jaye