Moose Jaw Express, September 24, 2025

SERVING MOOSE JAW FOR

MOOSE JAW’S HOMEGROWN NEWSPAPER

A fresh twist is coming to one of Moose Jaw’s signature charity events, with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation unveiling a community tree tour for the general public as part of this year’s Festival of Trees gala.

The free-flowing tour will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Temple Gardens Centre curling rink. Admission will be by donation at the door, with all proceeds going toward the Foundation’s Faster Scans, Better Care campaign to upgrade the MRI at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.

“Festival of Trees has always been about community spirit and generosity,” said Kim Waldo, volunteer chair of Festival of Trees. “The community tree tour is an exciting new way for more people to enjoy the magic of Festival while directly supporting improved health care for their friends, neighbours, and loved ones.”

The self-guided tour invites families, individuals, and groups to walk among the elaborately decorated Christmas trees, each sponsored or donated by local businesses and organizations. The tour also provides a preview of the venue ahead of the gala set to take place that evening.

Typically reserved for gala guests, the tree displays will be open to the wider community for the first time, creating an opportunity for residents to enjoy the artistry of the season without the formality of tickets and reservations.

The newly added tour will complement the evening gala, with this year’s

services at Moose Jaw’s regional hospital. This year’s donations will help improve MRI capacity by 25 per cent, cutting down scan times and reducing waitlists. The upgrade will also introduce advanced cardiac imaging, bringing the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital’s diagnostic services in line with those in larger urban centres.

The local MRI is rural Saskatchewan’s only such machine, completing more than 7,600 scans last year alone. With the planned upgrade, patients will see faster results, earlier diagnoses, and less time spent waiting for critical care.

theme set as Disco in Denim: A Night of Glamour and Groove. While the gala includes live entertainment, an auction, and a country disco-inspired dinner, the tour offers a more casual option, ensuring the wider public can take part in Festival tradition.

For ticket holders, Disco in Denim promises a blend of country charm and retro sparkle, complete with a Texas-style barbecue dinner with locally sourced beef from JGL Livestock, and live entertainment from award-winning country artist Drew Gregory.

Each year, Festival of Trees plays a central role in raising funds for enhanced

Waldo said the community tree tour makes the Festival’s mission accessible to more people while keeping the focus on giving back. Whether residents purchase tickets, participate in the live auctions, or make a donation in any amount at the community tree tour, all proceeds stay local.

“Every dollar raised stays right here in Moose Jaw ... Thanks to Kim Waldo and her incredible team of volunteers, this year’s festival is infused with the vibrating spirit of disco and dance ... (that will) make it a night to remember,” said Dr. Nicolette Sinclair, a radiologist at Moose Jaw’s hospital and one of this year’s event MCs alongside Dr. Greg Kraushaar, earlier.

For more information about the community tree tour or the Festival of Trees gala, visit MJHF.org or call the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at 306-694-0373.

The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Fuel Good Day draws big turnout to support Moose Jaw Family Services

Sunshine, honking horns, and steady traffic set the tone at Moose Jaw Co-op gas bars on Sept. 16 as Fuel Good Day returned, directing a portion of fuel proceeds to Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. (MJFS).

In each participating Co-op community, 10 cents from every litre pumped on Fuel Good Day is donated to a purposefully chosen charity, with MJFS selected as this year’s Moose Jaw recipient. The promotion ran across all four Co-op gas bars, with added support from Velocity Ford.

“Today has been an amazing day in our community,” said Michaela Turner, community relations manager for the Moose Jaw Co-op. “Fuel Good Day is always a big event for the Moose Jaw Co-op and for our community. It’s a special day to invite everybody out to come support the chosen group … to raise awareness for them and to educate the community on all the great programs and services this group offers.”

Turner said the Moose Jaw Co-op fields “many, many applications” for Fuel Good Day each year before selecting one recipient.

“Moose Jaw Family Services was chosen this year because they have a lot of exciting things going on … we really want to build that partnership with them, be there to support them in the community, and we really appreciate Tara (Jones) and her team of all these amazing co-ordinators, counselors, and mentors who are out here today.”

MJFS executive director Tara Jones said being selected comes at a pivotal time for the agency.

“All the funds from Fuel Good Day … are going to go to our mentorship program,” she said. “It’s a program we started up about a year ago … and it’s an opportunity for us to connect with youth in the community who are at risk or struggling. We connect them with some young people who are on a positive trajectory in their life who have uncondi-

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tional positive regard for these kids. We have gotten to see the most amazing changes for these kids.”

The mentorship program works by building consistent, positive relationship-based supports — but demand is currently outpacing capacity.

“We’re probably sitting at about 20 children on the wait list who are looking for mentors,” said Rebecca Lesaux, MJFS’ assistant co-ordinator in the Family Support Department. She and Carl Good, the child and youth Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) counsellor at MJFS, said the community response has been great ever since they started at around 8 a.m.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody who supported us. All the money is going to these great children’s programs, and it’s going to be amazing,” Good added.

Jones extended her appreciation to Moose Jaw Co-op organizers and residents who filled up their tanks, bought a cookie, or ran their vehicles through the car wash.

“It’s been such a fun day, and what a beautiful day to do it on,” she said to the backdrop of clear blue skies and warm weather. “We have such a great relationship with the Co-op, and they give back to the community in so many wonderful ways. We’re just feeling really lucky and blessed to be the chosen organization this year.”

Turner also credited Co-op staff, noting teams started early and stayed busy throughout the day.

“At Moose Jaw Co-op, we really try to live by our people-first values, and we can’t do that without all of our incredible employees,” Turner said. “We really can’t pull off the event without the hardworking front-line teams at our gas bars … we really appreciate them, because Fuel Good Day does not happen without our employees.”

The effort of these front-line workers and willingness of residents to stop by and fill their tanks was clearly well received. “Year after year I’m just so grateful, because it’s really such a special day in our community,” Turner said.

To learn more about Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. and its range of programming, visit MJFamilyServices. ca or call 306-694-8133.

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From left: Danielle Broomfield, family support worker with Moose Jaw Family Services (MJFS); Rebecca Lesaux, assistant co-ordinator in the Family Services Department; and Carl Good, child and youth Rapid Access Counselling (RAC) counsellor. The team helped welcome community members at the First Avenue Co-op Gas Bar during Fuel Good Day. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Jonny Beam with Taco Time Moose Jaw fills up at the First Avenue Co-op Gas Bar on Sept. 16 during Fuel Good Day, one of many local businesses showing support for the annual fundraiser. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Resident Bill Cameron, left, fuels up his vehicle with the help of gas bar attendant Travis, right, during Fuel Good Day at the Moose Jaw Co-op on Sept. 16. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Members of the Moose Jaw Fire Department join Moose Jaw Family Services staff at the South Hill Co-op Gas Bar for Fuel Good Day, with South Hill Gas Bar manager Wendy Boss on the far right.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Fundraiser for medical team to feature good vibes, music, drinks

A Moose Jaw-based health-care group that provides annual support to people in Guatemala is holding a fundraiser featuring “good vibes, good music (and) good drinks” for a “good cause.”

The Moose Jaw International Medical Mission (MJIMM) team is holding “Sips and Sounds” on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Shrine Club at 1767 Main Street North. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., while the show starts at 7 p.m.

The 12 acts include Volker Rininsland, The Irks, Ella Jade, Mitch Romancia, Esme Brekker and Katherine D, Eden Brown, Aria Swanson, Sharon and Ainsley Church, Kurt Buchanan, Steel Toed Booty, Aaron Ruston and Annie Macleod.

Tickets are $15 each, while coffee, tea, alcohol, desserts and homemade treats will be available to purchase. To buy tickets, call Jackie Wilson at 306313-0158.

The funds raised will support the MJIMM’s trip to Guatemala in late January 2026.

“It’s going to be a really good night of music … ,” said Wilson, a Moose Jaw nurse and the event co-ordinator, noting that the lineup is a good mix of amateur musicians and professional groups.

“We’re looking forward to having a really great night out,” she remarked. “We can sell 130 tickets, so hopefully we’ll have a great turnout.”

MJIMM has been providing vital medical care to impoverished residents in Patzun, Guatemala, since 2016, Wilson said. The team started as a small unit, but has grown into a group of more than 40 Canadian nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, residents and volunteers who are committed to creating lasting change.

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Every year, the team provides life-changing surgeries, offers medical clinics and health education, provides essential community support with enhancements like clean water kits and high-efficiency stoves, and offers menstrual health education and sustainable hygiene kits in partnership with Days for Girls International, she continued.

Since 2016, the MJIMM has provided 343 surgeries, installed 210 stoves and water filtration systems, offered 1,850 sustainable menstrual kits and medically treated more than 2,600 patients.

Earlier this year, the team performed 51 surgeries, installed 24 stoves and water systems, delivered 450 hygiene kits

and treated 187 patients at the clinics.

“As a team of Canadians, we are fortunate enough not to have to choose between putting food on the table and going to the doctor,” said Wilson. “Unfortunately, those we see in Guatemala do not have this privilege, and our assistance is often the difference between chronic pain and the ability to work and provide for their families.”

As the team has worked with impoverished families, it has grown to appreciate the fact that residents’ needs extend far beyond the time the group spends in the community, she continued. Therefore, the group believes in empowering residents and leaving lasting and sustainable footprints where it serves.

“As you can surmise, this is a big undertaking for such a small and local group of health-care professionals … ,” Wilson said. “This mission is close to our hearts and continues to connect likeminded health-care professionals from around our province and country.”

Wilson encouraged Canadians to join the medical team’s mission of making a lasting impact on vulnerable communities in the Central American country and helping change hundreds of lives for the better in 2026.

People can visit the Bridges of Hope website and sponsor the team by donating $50 for one Days for Girls kit, $100 for one community kit, $250 for one surgery, $500 for one home and stove kit and $2,500 for one day in the operating room.

Moose Jaw International Medical Mission can be found on Facebook or bridgesofhope.ca/project/moose-jawmedical-mission.

A mother from Patzun, Guatemala, and her children, pose with a new stove and water system that members of the Moose Jaw International Medical Mission team installed in her house in 2025. Photo courtesy Facebook

Editor’s Note

JOAN RITCHIEMoose Jaw Express EDITOR

We are only a few weeks away from Canada celebrating Thanksgiving.

This is a really good time of the year to reflect on the good things we have been blessed with as we bring in the harvest. It always feels like there is abundance this time of the year…from the produce we are bringing in from the garden to the magnificent beauty displayed in the valleys and on the hills as the fall trees are dressed in their colourful finery just before they go for a long winter’s rest. It certainly is a show of

glory!

Sometimes it’s overwhelming to think about how blessed many really are in comparison to those who feel so hopeless they don’t even know when they will be able to have something to eat again, let alone a shelter over their head. The need seems to be so great, but the blessing is that there are organizations and people who really care and are doing something about it.

Square One Community is on the forefront of taking initiative and housing those that are in need of housing and helping individuals transition from chronic homelessness to independence. Unfortunately, they cannot accommodate everyone who is asking and needing assistance, as was made extremely evident recently when an individual who was experiencing chronic illness

City hall has received nearly 20-per-cent more property assessment appeals this year compared to the revaluation four years ago, while all properties have increased nearly 10 per cent, new data show.

Moose Jaw’s board of revision (BOR) heard 154 property appeals in 2021, while this year, it received 189 appeals, which is 35 more or an increase of roughly 18.5 per cent, information from the city shows.

Of this year’s appeals, 141 came from commercial and industrial property owners and 48 came from residential owners. This means the former filed 75 per cent of all appeals, while the latter filed 25 per cent of the submissions.

Saskatchewan legislation requires all properties to be revalued every four years, with the latest coming in 2025.

Send your letters to the editor to: joan@moosejawexpress.com

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There shall be no reproduction without the express written consent of the publisher.

All ads in the Moose Jaw Express are published in good faith without verification.

The Moose Jaw Express reserves the right to refuse, classify, revise or censor any ads for any reason in its sole discretion. This paper may include inaccuracies or errors.

The Moose Jaw Express does not under any circumstances accept responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of any ads or messages in any of the publications editions.

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

was on the waiting list for help from the organization but passed away living in his vehicle. Max Eckstein, co-ordinator of Square One Community said that his death was preventable and the need for funding to assist more individuals is extremely critical at this time, especially with winter just around the corner. You can read the full story in this issue.

Another organization that continues to step up to do what they can to provide food for individuals is the Moose Jaw & District Food Bank. With family resources being sucked up by household needs and the ever-increasing taxes and demands on our pocketbooks, sometimes there isn’t much left after the paycheque to afford food, let alone healthy options. From young families to seniors on a fixed income, the financial pressures are evident.

This year’s revaluation saw the total assessed value of all properties in Moose Jaw increase by nine per cent, city hall said by email. Broken down, residential properties increased by an average of 11 per cent while commercial and industrial properties increased by 10 per cent.

The city mailed out the assessment notices on March 31, with 13,255 notices going to residential properties — including multi-residential — and 1,420 notices going to commercial and industrial properties.

The assessment roll then opened on April 1, allowing property owners to inspect it, while they had until May 30 to submit an appeal, the email said. The board of revision then held its first hearing date on June 19, while the final hearing date was on Friday, Sept. 5.

City hall’s assessment co-ordinator expects to re-

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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: joan@moosejawexpress.com

Regular Contributors:

In a very short time, we are heading into the Christmas season. Another organization that comes to mind is the Salvation Army that has been a mainstay in caring for those less fortunate for 160 years. The annual motorcycle Toy Run took place this past weekend in Moose Jaw and as usual, what a blessing those toys will be to lots of kids at Christmas. Read all about the Toy Run in this issue of the Moose Jaw Express.

It certainly is an oxymoron to consider how blessed we really are in the light of the great need around us. Let us be mindful of those less fortunate and dig deep into our hearts and our pockets to do what we can to help, as we continue to be mindful and give thanks for the good things we do have that don’t always cost a lot.

ceive the board’s final notice of decision by Monday, Oct. 6, the email noted.

With the appeal process, city hall received 189 submissions by May 30, but did not extend the deadline — as it sometimes does — because of the Canada Post strike, the city said. Furthermore, Western Municipal Consulting Ltd., which handles BOR services, did not ask the city to extend the prescribed timeframe to complete the appeal hearings.

According to a second-quarter departmental report presented during the recent city council meeting, as of June 30, seven owners withdrew their appeals, while the board had issued 37 agreements to adjust, scheduled two for hearings, sent one directly to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board and refused four because of filing issues.

“When property assessments are updated during a revaluation, it doesn’t mean your taxes will go up or down right away,” city hall said. “Even if your property value increases or decreases, the city’s budget can still be revenue-neutral.

“This means that the city doesn’t collect more tax money just because property values change,” the email continued. “The total amount of tax revenue is based on the city’s approved budget (and) not on assessment changes.”

What matters is how residents’ property values changed, because if their values went up more than average, then taxes “may increase,” the email added. Moreover, if the value went up less than average or decreased, taxes “may go down,” while if the value changed about the same as average, then taxes “may stay the same.”

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Job fair connects employers and job seekers at Town ‘N’ Country Mall

A bustling job fair at the Town ’N’ Country Mall on Sept. 17 brought together more than 20 employers and hundreds of residents, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in Moose Jaw’s job market.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council’s Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC), the event was designed to create connections between employers, newcomers, students, and long-time residents alike.

“We had 21 employers and organizations come to the fair, and we also had more than 250 people from the community joining us. That includes everyone: people from Moose Jaw, newcomers to Canada — everyone,” said Maria Farias, employment connections advisor with the NWC.

“Many (visitors) had a chance to hand out some résumés and do small interviews. For some businesses, there was a lineup (at their booths), so that was very good,” Farias added. “People were very motivated and engaged in conversations. This was very successful for us.”

Farias emphasized that while the NWC supports newcomers, the event was open to all job seekers.

“This job fair was open to anyone in the community, including someone who wasn’t actively looking for a job. They were welcome to come and connect with people,” she said. “It’s not only for newcomers.”

Among those engaging with job seekers was Kali Harder, a career service consultant with SaskJobs Career Services, part of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

“I probably talked to about 100 people today, which I think for Moose Jaw is a pretty good turnout. Our events are usually a lot smaller,” she said. “I found there were a lot of international students looking for part-time work, because they’re trying to work within their limi-

tations … and then just a good mix with lots of other career paths.”

Harder noted that while many opportunities were presented, a lack of entry-level positions remains a local challenge.

“In the last few years, entry-level positions in general seem to be less and less (available),” she said, noting that many employers are seeking skilled workers, and those willing to learn as they find a way into the marketplace find it “a little tricky sometimes” to find work.

For her, the fair also provided new leads and opportunities to guide clients. “At the very least, I talked to multiple people today who I know we can help with their job search in some aspect,” she said.

Southeast College also used the fair to highlight its programming. Robyn Sather-Boswall, director of strategic de-

velopment and corporate training at the college, said several residents expressed interest in free early childhood education courses.

“We had a couple ladies who came, and they were specifically interested in early childhood education. They didn’t know that it was a free program,” Sather-Boswall said.

Meanwhile, CIBC financial advisor Amanda Boniface fielded questions about careers in banking and clarified what qualifications are needed.

“It was nonstop the whole day,” she said. “I had a lineup from the beginning, and lots of (appreciation). There were a lot of people who wanted input, and didn’t know they needed certain certificates for certain positions.”

The Welcoming Francophone Community of Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg also took part, offering support to French-speaking residents and newcomers. Program coordinator Sandrine Lebon said she met at least six Frenchspeaking residents and emphasized the value of community participation.

“It would be nice if more employers got involved in community (job fairs) to help … people find jobs,” she suggested.

For Farias, the overall success of the day underscored the importance of making the fair a regular event.

“We are definitely looking forward to hosting another job fair, and to implement this as a new tradition,” she said.

To learn more about the Newcomer Welcome Centre, visit MJNWC.ca, follow “Moose Jaw Newcomer Welcome Centre” on Facebook, call 306-6926892, or stop by in person at 432 Main Street North. Note that the NWC office will permanently move to the Town ‘N’ Country Mall later this fall.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Sandrine Lebon, program coordinator with the Welcoming Francophone Community of Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg, meets attendees during the job fair. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Robyn Sather-Boswall of Southeast College highlights training and education opportunities for visitors at the Sept. 17 job fair.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

CIBC financial advisor Amanda Boniface speaks with job seekers at her booth during the Sept. 17 job fair at Town ’N’ Country Mall. Photo by: Aaron Walker

MOOSE JAW BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTES

‘Nothing

overly alarming’: Monthly crime stats decline again

Crimes against people and property in Moose Jaw continue to decrease, with the former category seeing double-digit percentage declines for the first time in years, recent data show.

The Moose Jaw Police Service presented the August crime statistics during the Board of Police Commissioners’ Sept. 17 meeting.

The data showed that there have been 353 crimes against the person year-to-date, compared to 393 incidents the year before, a drop of 10.2 per cent. Meanwhile, there have been 894 crimes against property year-to-date, compared to 1,213 last year, a drop of 26.3 per cent.

One notable increase in people-related crimes is in aggravated assaults, with police recording four incidents this year compared to one last year.

Meanwhile, two notable increases in property crimes are arson, with six incidents this year versus zero last year, and mischief under $5,000 (property damage), with 190 cases this year versus 169 incidents last year.

The only other crime-related increase year-to-date has been in thefts over $5,000, with police recording 11 incidents this year compared to 10 last year.

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Also, the police have received 14,027 calls for service year-to-date compared to 13,733 calls last year, an increase of 2.1 per cent.

Crimes against the person

The year-to-date statistics for crimes against the person as of Aug. 31 versus 2024 showed:

• Assaults (sexual, common, with a weapon, aggravated, against police): 212 / 253

• Robbery: 7 / 9

Crimes against property

The year-to-date statistics for crimes against property as of Aug. 31 versus 2024 showed:

• Break-ins (business, residence, other): 63 / 149

• Theft of motor vehicles: 33 / 42

• Theft over $5,000: 11 / 10

• Theft under $5,000: 388 / 543

• Arson: 6 / 0

• Mischief: 190 / 169

Other incidents

Other year-to-date incidents as of Aug. 31 versus 2024 showed:

• Impaired driving: 0 / 59

• Failing to comply with court orders: 452 / 593

• Threats: 0 / 11

• Domestic disputes: 0 / 39

• Provincial liquor infractions: 0 / 93

• Vehicle collisions over $1,000: 0 / 181

• Summary offence tickets: 924 / 1,404

• Drugs (cocaine, marijuana, meth, other): 8 / 18

Board discussion

“We’re continuing to monitor (those decreases) to ensure that trend is continuing, and we’re not seeing any dramatic fluctuations,” said Deputy Chief Rick Johns.

Continuing, he singled out the increase in arsons this year, including two cases in August, noting that officers reviewed them and found that they were related to abandoned sheds or dumpsters. He added that while the 100-per-cent year-over-year increase “appears dramatic,” it’s “nothing that’s overly alarming.”

Commissioner Patrick Boyle pointed out that calls for service were up, which showed that officers were engaging regularly with the public. From that activity, he thought that members were likely resolving situations before they turned into crimes, which meant they didn’t need to press charges.

Boyle added that city council recent-

ly passed the Safe Public Spaces Bylaw, which gives officers the power to seize street weapons. He then wondered if the bylaw would enhance the agency’s datatracking efforts.

Johns replied that the increased service calls show that there is still “an important need for police to deal with those social disorder problems” before they escalate into criminal activity. Moreover, the higher call volume shows the community needs support to solve everyday problems that range from simple to complex.

Continuing, he said the police service doesn’t have a specific crime category connected to the new bylaw since bylaws are tools that support members’ efforts. Instead, officers could use any category to record an incident — such as finding a weapon — with their new powers.

“As we’ve mentioned before, this (crime extract) is just a snapshot of some of the major categories in our records management system,” Johns added. “It’s not an exhaustive list of all those crime categories we capture in that system.”

New police chief impressed with efforts to protect downtown’s aesthetics

Robert Davis has been Moose Jaw’s new police chief for only a short while, but he’s already impressed with the police board’s camaraderie and the community’s efforts to keep the downtown safe.

Davis began working with the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) on Aug. 29, while the Board of Police Commissioners’ Sept. 17 meeting was his 13th official working day. He spoke to reporters after the meeting about his new role.

“I’m very impressed … . It’s nice to see the camaraderie and togetherness of the Board of Police Commissioners. That’s encouraging,” he said. “I think those conversations and body language show that we’re all paddling in the same direction.”

Continuing, Davis said that his first two weeks have “been amazing,” as he’s

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acquired his proper provincial qualifications and participated in foot patrols with officers. Furthermore, everyone has welcomed him warmly, while he’s had positive conversations with tourists who “are just blown away” with how beautiful Moose Jaw is.

The new chief said it’s become clear to him that many well-intentioned individuals and groups are working to support Moose Jaw, ensure tourism thrives and promote a solid quality of life. So, he’s working to understand everyone’s goals and mandates without letting anything overwhelm him.

“… I’m not saying there’s a gap,” Davis said. “I’m just saying that I need to wrap my head around how we as the police service work with those agencies so that we’re all collectively working and moving in the same direction to

keep the city safe.

“And there seems to be a very clear emphasis on keeping the downtown safe and looking out for tourism and for the business owners,” he added.

Davis recalled having a meeting recently with the mayor and the owner of a “prominent” downtown business, and after the get-together concluded, he walked outside and ran into two tourists from Timmons, Ont. He asked the couple if they knew someone from that community since he had worked with an officer there. Although they didn’t know the officer, the couple commented on Moose Jaw’s homeless situation.

“(The husband) says, ‘In Timmons, we have a real problem with homelessness.’ And he goes, ‘This city (of Moose Jaw) is absolutely beautiful,’” Davis recalled. “‘If (homelessness is) here, you

don’t see it.’”

Continuing, the police chief said this community needs to build on that positive aspect of how it manages homelessness and poverty. Moreover, the beauty that tourists and residents see downtown is something that amazes him and is one thing that attracted him to Moose Jaw.

He recalled another story of walking downtown with the mayor and being approached by a Vancouver couple, who said they visited Moose Jaw annually because of how beautiful the downtown is.

Davis said that it’s important for every organization — churches, nonprofits, volunteer groups, the police and city council — to “all start rowing that boat in the same direction.”

“I’m very proud to be here,” he added.

MOOSE JAW BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTES

Police service’s comms centre a ‘lifeline’ for residents and officers

The Moose Jaw Police Service’s communications centre is a “lifeline” for the agency, as it supports individuals “experiencing the worst day” of their lives and provides officers with information to succeed.

The centre is the first point of contact for emergencies and non-emergencies, operates year-round, provides a rapid and professional response and is staffed by eight communicators — two special constables per team — who handle highpressure situations, police commissioners heard during their Sept. 17 board meeting.

“They have to get as much (information) as they can from callers, who are typically experiencing the worst day of their life (and are in crisis) … ,” said Staff Sgt. Taylor Elder, who oversees the centre. “And then (they must) calmly relay that information to our officers who are attending the call.”

Continuing, Elder said the centre — “the heart of public safety” — responds to officers’ requests for information, relays critical details to members in the field, manages radio communications for all units, enters reports into the system and responds to requests from other agencies.

When supporting people in crisis, the special constables must remain calm,

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gather the facts, reassure the callers and remain on the phone with people until officers arrive, he noted.

“And once the call is dealt with, even if it’s four in the morning and they’ve been up all night … they have to make sure the document is ready (and accurate) for court,” Elder added. “… they kind of do everything. Without them, we would be in a tough spot.”

Hannah Watt, a special constable in the comms centre, said that during a 12hour shift, they can receive inquiries from officers looking for information about an individual. They want to know whether people are following their court orders, and, if they’re not, then more data may be required to execute a warrant.

All information flows through the communications centre, which means staff are always providing officers with data, such as driver’s licence checks, vehicle registration info and criminal record checks, Elder said.

Furthermore, they give directions and situational updates and ensure officers have real-time information about situations, he continued. They also coordinate the deployment of resources, assign units to calls, monitor officers’ safety during high-risk events and manage mul-

tiple incidents simultaneously.

Other challenges staff face include working in a high-stress, fast-paced environment, facing regular traumatic situations, and being required to be resilient and have strong decision-making skills.

Commissioner Jamey Logan inquired about whether centre staff have access to mental health resources, with Elder saying the Moose Jaw Police Association has a “really good program” that the special constables can access.

Since the centre’s communicators are “the lifeline” for people in distress, they must have good listening skills, good verbal de-escalation skills, keep callers engaged to protect their safety, provide emotional support and have patience, compassion and specialized training, Elder said.

“My office is right next door to the comms centre. The amount of times I’ve gone in there and ‘can hear’ the person on the (phone) yelling or screaming … people aren’t happy to be calling the police,” Elder remarked. “(Staff) take a lot of flak and a lot of heat.”

The communications centre matters because it’s the first link in the chain of public safety and supports the community and officers, he said. Without the centre,

the agency’s operations would not function effectively.

“They’re our lifeline; they’re there for our safety,” Elder added.

Watt said the centre responded to 20,519 calls for service last year, while it also received 30,000 other calls, with many from other policing agencies and some from lonely residents; she sometimes spends 20 minutes chatting with such people.

She noted that the centre can be “crazy,” as there may be three callers in the queue and three lines ringing. Conversely, half of a 12-hour shift can also be “dead.”

Deputy Chief Rick Johns pointed out that, if radio traffic is included, then the centre usually receives roughly 400,000 calls annually.

Chief Robert Davis later said that he liked the fact that the dispatchers have access to mental health programs since they are sometimes forgotten. He thought those resources spoke about how caring the organization is.

Furthermore, he visits the comms centre every morning and every weekend to see how the staff are doing. He noted that the agency has a great crew who take their jobs seriously as they support members and the public.

Recruitment and retention concern Moose Jaw’s police commissioners

Recruitment and retention were two issues on the minds of police board commissioners during their Sept. 17 meeting, as their inquiries focused on equipment costs, vacancies and training spaces at the provincial college.

Commissioner Patrick Boyle said that the provincial government gave $952,000 to the Moose Jaw Police Service to hire eight new officers. However, he wondered if the agency was facing any issues with increased costs to purchase equipment or other tariff-related problems.

Furthermore, he inquired about whether the Saskatchewan Police College (SPC) had yet expanded its training seats, how many extra positions it planned to add and the number of re-

cruits the MJPS planned to send during the next intake.

Deputy Chief Rick Johns said that when the police service budgeted for this year’s recruitment efforts and related equipment needs, it factored in the provincial funding. Furthermore, it earmarked money to send trainees to the college for training during the January and July intakes.

Lisa Renwick, the finance officer, said tariffs have negatively affected the agency. She noted that the in-house officer who procures ammunition and equipment receives quotes for items, but because it takes time to receive the gear, the costs have increased due to the extra levies.

“Not huge amounts, but more than

what we were originally quoted,” she added.

Meanwhile, Johns said the SPC is looking at a new training model that would expand the number of people it receives, although it is working with the current framework to make those changes. He has heard reports about those expansion plans, but nothing about how many extra trainees it plans to accept.

“It’s ongoing work within the Saskatchewan Police College staff, and by extension, the Saskatchewan Police Commission,” he continued. “(They) are looking at ways to meet the needs of municipal police services within the province.”

Johns added that every municipal police service is allowed to send a

maximum of three recruits to the SPC for each class, and since there are two classes annually, that means agencies could have six recruits trained each year.

In response, Boyle said that since the MJPS must hire eight provincially funded recruits, it would take the organization two years to train them. So, he thought that was one reason why the police college needed to expand its number of training seats.

Meanwhile, Johns said that, over the past several years, veteran officers from other police services have applied to work in Moose Jaw and been successful in joining. Conversely, the agency has faced situations where experienced members have also gone elsewhere.

MOOSE JAW BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS NOTES

Police are charging people who damage parking meters, deputy chief confirms Jason

The Moose Jaw Police Service has confirmed that it is arresting and charging people who damage or steal parking meter heads, despite rumours that city hall had ordered it to do nothing.

“If we are able to identify a suspect or somebody has committed the offence, or we are in a position where we happen to see it ourselves and are able to make an arrest … we’re going to seize that opportunity and … lay the appropriate charges,” Deputy Chief Rick Johns said.

The vandalism of meters or theft of the heads has been ongoing “for some time,” while these incidents are crimes of opportunity where criminals act “in a rather quick and efficient fashion,” even though officers regularly patrol the downtown, he pointed out.

The police service wants any infor-

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mation the public may have, while it will follow up on calls, the deputy chief continued. Meanwhile, the agency wants to work with the city so it can reduce and eliminate those thefts and acts of vandalism.

“I know the city’s been working really well with respect to exploring new payment plans or payment ideas for parking. I believe it’s the HotSpot Plan … ,” Johns told reporters after the Sept. 17 Board of Police Commissioners meeting.

Mayor James Murdock, the board chairman, confirmed that city council wants to expand locations where motorists can use the HotSpot app. Furthermore, for 2026, it wants to explore “a completely new metering system” that would be convenient for everyone to use

IS ON OCTOBER 7TH

and would eliminate vandalism.

A recent city council report showed that, as of June 30, there were 292 unusable parking meters throughout the city, which was roughly 31.5 per cent of all metered heads. This decline was because people had “vandalized, damaged or stolen” the infrastructure.

Johns noted that the agency treats all crime equally, so when someone commits an offence, the police generate a file, investigate the situation and pursue it as far as possible. Yet, he reiterated that these are crimes of opportunity, where thieves watch an area and target a meter to hit.

“They generally don’t wait until the police are just down the street. They wait until the coast is clear and then they commit their offence, and then … disap-

pear,” said Johns.

“So, a lot of the time … we’re learning about it after the fact. And then sometimes, it’s not reported at all,” he continued. “And even when a time delay like that occurs, it does inhibit (our ability) … to move forward with an investigation.

“...if callers have relevant information about an offence or a description of the suspect, the agency will “absolutely … take that information and follow up.”

Moose Jaw mayor noted that vandalism of parking meters usually doesn’t happen between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. when downtown streets are full of people. He pointed out that the crooks “are creatures of habit” who “are nocturnal” and know they have “free rein” with the meters during the wee hours of the morning.

Inaugural ECIP golf tournament proves a fundraising success

The first annual golf tournament in support of the South Central Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) brought sunshine, laughter, and generosity to Deer Ridge Par 3 golf course on Sept. 20.

Nearly 60 golfers took part, and organizers said the inaugural event exceeded expectations in both turnout and support.

“We’re very happy with the turnout … and I was blown away by their generosity …,” said board chair Kelly Thompson. “The weather cooperated with us today, the course was amazing, and I didn’t hear a bad comment all day long.”

Thompson noted that participants were already eager to return ahead of any plans for a second tournament in 2026.

“We were able to collect some names and contact information for people who already want to come back next year,” he said. “They want to be on the

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list … so that’s always a good sign.”

Executive director Nancy Rosnes agreed, adding that golfers and sponsors alike created an atmosphere of excitement and goodwill.

“We had 58 … golfers, but by the way they bought 50-50 tickets today, it

was more like we had 80 …,” Rosnes said. “It was a fantastic day and everybody had fun. Out on the greens, there were yells and laughter and lots of people coming in with smiles — and sunburned, of course — but they were all happy.”

Proceeds from the tournament will go toward ECIP’s fundraising account, with a specific goal of upgrading the organization’s work vehicle.

“We travel a lot and our region is very rural. We (cover) the whole south central region in Saskatchewan, so my staff are on the road,” she explained. “They’re on grid roads and they’re on rural roads. They’re constantly traveling to provide services to our families in those really remote rural areas.”

Funds will also help cover program resources not included in government support.

“We are funded for our basic overhead costs through the Ministry of Education. However, they do not provide

funding for all of the programming resources, (including) toys, therapy items, things like that. All of our fundraising goes towards that as well,” Rosnes explained.

Thompson said the event’s success bodes well for the future.

“I’m blown away at the support we had, both from the community signing up to golf, and from the local businesses that we approached for prizes. Everybody had a good time,” he said. “(In fact), we’ve had a couple of businesses that we did not approach this year come forward and say, ‘Make sure you contact me for next year.’”

Rosnes confirmed the golf tournament will return in 2026, with the hope of becoming ECIP’s largest annual fundraiser.

To learn more about the South Central Early Childhood Intervention Program, visit South-Central.ECIP.ca or call 306-692-2616.

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

Gardens that were lush in foliage just days ago are gradually being harvested, with gardeners proudly showing off the vegetables that have been grown with love and plenty of attention. A 1980 cookbook offers ideas on how to enjoy some of the bounty of the backyard gardens.

• • • CREAMED TURNIPS

4 cups turnips, cubed

4 tbsps. butter

4 tbsps. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 tsps. sugar

2 cups hot skim milk

Cook turnips in salted boiling water until tender. Drain then cube.

Melt butter, blend in flour, salt, pepper, nutmeg and sugar. Gradually add milk. Stir and cook until sauce is thick.

Add turnips and mix carefully. Serve while still warm. Makes 8 servings. •

VEGETABLE MARROW CASSEROLE

1 1/2 lbs. vegetable marrow squash

Book tells how to enjoy bounty of garden produce

1/2 cup sliced onion

1 cup corn flakes, crushed

1 tsp. butter

Wash and pare marrow. Cut into cubes. Place a layer of marrow in greased 1 1/2 quart casserole. Cover with a layer of onion and a layer of corn flakes. Repeat layers until casserole dish is nearly full, ending with corn flake layer.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

CARROT PIE

2 eggs

2 cups cooked, mashed carrots

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup milk

1-9 inch pie shell, unbaked

Beat eggs lightly. Add mashed carrots, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt and beat to blend well. Stir in milk. Pour mixture into the pie shell.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes then

reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool. Just before serving, top with whipped cream. Cuts into 6 slices.

Note: If mashed carrots are too lumpy, puree in food processor to remove lumps.

Potato Patties

3 cups peeled and grated potatoes

1 tbsp. flour

1 egg, beaten

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 tbsps. butter

Place grated potatoes in a large bowl and add flour and spices. Mix well.

Heat the butter in a large frying pan. Drop potato mixture by 3/4 cup measure into frying pan. Fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

MJFS launches new program to help families navigate conflict

Families struggling with conflict at home now have a new place to turn for support with Moose Jaw Family Services Inc. (MJFS) launching a program designed to help parents and teens rebuild trust and communication.

The Rapid Intervention Family Treatment (RIFT) program is open to families with youth aged 10 to 18 and offers counselling, mediation, and peer support in a safe and timely manner. Executive director Tara Jones said the initiative was created in response to a gap in services for families who are not connected to the Ministry of Social Services but are still looking for help.

“For years, MJFS offered a shortterm counselling model through the Ministry of Social Services, but that service was only available to mandated clients and provided limited help,” Jones explained. “The new RIFT program is designed for all families in the commu-

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nity, offering timely, confidential support without the need for a referral.”

The program combines three approaches to strengthen family connections: mediation to help parents and

youth resolve disagreements in a neutral setting, counselling for those who need more in-depth guidance, and groupbased programs that build communication skills and resilience through peer support.

“Parent–teen conflict is a common issue families face, and it can leave parents feeling exhausted, isolated, and unsure where to turn for support,” Jones said. “RIFT provides practical tools and a safe space for families to reconnect, moving from conflict toward stronger, healthier relationships.”

With support from the Community Initiatives Fund, MJFS is able to offer the program without the barriers often associated with specialized family services. The program is available to any parent, caregiver, or youth in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area who feels stuck in cycles of disconnection.

The launch adds to a growing list of

supports offered by the non-profit. Last fall, MJFS expanded its mental health counselling services through additional training for staff in play-based and sand tray therapy, giving children and youth new ways to process experiences beyond traditional talk therapy.

Jones said that continuing to build programs such as RIFT is part of the organization’s goal to ensure no family feels they have nowhere to turn when relationships become strained.

Families interested in learning more about the program or registering can contact MJFS directly.

Moose Jaw Family Services is located at 200 Main Street South and can be reached at 306-694-8133 or by email at Contact@MJFamilyServices.ca. For more information, visit MJFamilyServices.ca.

Oh Clark’s and

The death of a 70-year-old Moose Jaw man who had been living in a vehicle while waiting for a supportive housing intake has renewed urgent calls for greater funding for people experiencing homelessness, particularly as colder weather draws near.

The man, whose name is not being released for privacy reasons, had been assessed and approved for Square One Community Inc.’s supportive housing program. With the program at full capacity, however, he remained on the waiting list while his chronic health conditions worsened.

you are always there whenever i call... you meet all my needs!

‘This death was preventable’: Advocates push province after Moose Jaw man dies unhoused

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living in a truck right here in town for some time. He had been assessed by our program, was found eligible for supportive housing, and the unfortunate thing is we’re at full capacity.”

Eckstein said the man’s death underscores the need for urgent action.

“This is a death that was preventable,” he said.

Square One has provided supportive housing for 36 people over the last six months, with intensive supports helping them transition from chronic homelessness to independence. Yet another 47 people remain on the waitlist, in situations ranging from sleeping outside to couch surfing.

“There are many more individuals in similar situations to this man, and our fear is that with winter coming on, we don’t want this situation repeated,” Eckstein said.

costs between $300,000 to $400,000 for an entire year of services,” Eckstein explained. “If we’re wanting to look at going up to 60 or 70 individuals, we’d (have) to double that number.”

Eckstein added that Square One has tracked significant savings since opening its program, with emergency service interactions across all service providers dropping from around 400 to fewer than 50 among its 36 existing clients.

“In the long run, the cost of somebody being unhoused is up to 10 times that amount,” he noted, speaking of the cost to house currently homeless individuals.

The need extends beyond supportive housing. Community agencies, including the Moose Jaw Police Service, have previously provided temporary warming spaces, but those doors are now closed.

know that supportive housing saves money for all three levels of government. We know that supportive housing creates safer communities … but we also know it saves lives.”

Eckstein said Moose Jaw has been “in some ways forgotten” compared to the province’s three largest centres, despite per-capita homelessness increasing locally at a similar rate.

“These aren’t just numbers — people aren’t just numbers. They’re family members, they’re sons and daughters, and they’re employees. They’re valued people with lives,” he said. “I would just hate for us to go into this winter and lose more of our community members because of inaction.”

Eckstein said he hopes the incident will be a turning point for government action before another life is lost.

After being discovered and spending a short time in hospital, the man died.

“It’s actually quite a tragic week for us here in Moose Jaw,” said Max Eckstein, co-ordinator of Square One Community Inc. “He was an individual who was experiencing homelessness and

Square One has been pushing for provincial funding to expand its services. The organization currently operates with federal support and local community donations but has not secured funding from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Social Services. The provincial government has acknowledged the request, Eckstein noted, but said budgetary limits mean funding will not be available until 2026.

“In order to serve the 36 individuals who we are housing right now, it

“This winter, we are almost looking at an emergency situation. We really need the province to step up — not just for warming spaces, but also for supportive housing,” Eckstein said. “We

“We’re hoping the province will recognize Moose Jaw as a community worthy of investing in, and (will view the people here as being) worthy of investing in,” he said.

Square One Community Inc., based out of William Milne Place at 138 Fairford Street West, has supported 36 individuals over the past six months, with many more still waiting for support.

Photo by: Aaron Walker

New brewery launches online fundraiser to support building upgrades

A new brewing business has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to renovate its new building, with donors receiving perks that range from stickers to a bunnyhug to a private party.

Owners of Sunset Brewing purchased the former Caribou Auto Body building at 246 Caribou Street West last year and expect to produce 5,000 litres to three million litres annually once the business becomes fully operational.

Before they can start brewing in a family-friendly atmosphere, however, the partners — Mike Chowns, Christopher Milani and David Crompton — must renovate the building. So, they recently launched an online fundraising campaign on Indiegogo called “Pouring Soon: Sunset Brewing in Moose Jaw.”

The trio’s goal is to raise $50,000 by Tuesday, Oct. 7; as of Sept. 15, they had raised just over $9,100.

“We’re passionate about community, great beer, and creating a place where families, friends, and neighbours can come together,” the trio wrote on the page. “This campaign will help us bring our brewery to life and open our doors in a space that reflects the creative and welcoming vibe we believe in.”

The money will support roof repairs, renovations and accessibility upgrades; brewery equipment purchases and installation; licensing and startup operating costs; and launching the first beer lineup.

The website added that donors’

contributions will help build a hub for families, foodies and craft beer lovers, support local farmers, artists, food trucks and musicians, and create a legacy for Moose Jaw rooted in warmth, hospitality and flavour.

Milani gave MooseJawToday.com a tour recently, noting that the renovation process had progressed slowly over the summer. However, community support has been “super, super good,” as 10 people helped with a cleaning bee inside and outside the venue.

Continuing, he said the co-owners

are thrilled to launch the campaign, pointing out that with 17 perks available based on the amount donated, there is “something for everyone.”

The trio hopes to start the roof repairs soon, as they are “feeling the pinch” of changing seasons.

“We have dreams,” he added.

As for the perks, Milani said the co-owners brainstormed several ideas, while they also borrowed some ideas from other breweries that were fun and successful. While some perks — such as stickers — will cost them money,

they wanted other perks — like becoming a brewer or naming a beer —to be more experiential and hands-on.

Furthermore, all three men have developed contacts after travelling the world, and since many supporters live outside of Canada, they wanted a perk where they could list the names of those international communities on the back of a sweater.

The co-owners also want to create a collage of wall tiles with the names of sponsors stamped onto them.

“The idea and intention behind it was just to be like, ‘Let’s try and have something that is approachable to anyone, and at a variety of price points,’” said Milani, noting that wedding and event planners are already asking when they can rent the venue.

Besides beer, Sunset Brewing will likely offer non-alcoholic options like kombucha, and since it won’t have a full kitchen, the business will attempt to partner with food trucks to offer onsite services, he continued.

“Our ethos is, we want to partner with other community businesses,” Milani remarked, adding that the building is large enough for a food truck to be parked inside year-round.

Meanwhile, Milani said one reason he wanted to start a business was to create a space for music or events, and while it didn’t matter what that business was — he fell in love with breweries over the years — he wanted to create a community environment.

Continuing, he said he wanted to help develop an atmosphere where everyone supported each other, and where friends could hang out for hours without facing pressure to leave.

“We’ve received lots of support from everyone, which is encouraging,” Milani added. “It’s a rising tide (lifts all boats) mentality. We’re excited for it.”

Jason G. Antonio - MooseJawToday.com

Chris Milani, a co-owner of Sunset Brewing, stands in front of the building at 246 Caribou Street West that he and his business partners bought. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

An artist’s rendition of what the microbrewery could look like. Photo courtesy Christopher Milani

Brewing equipment sits inside waiting to be installed. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

’Tis a mystery about those kitchen cupboards Reflective Moments

I am not an architect, nor a carpenter, nor a house builder.

But I live and have lived in houses that may have been designed by an architect, have nails hammered by a carpenter or rooms framed in and finished by a house builder.

I have not conversed with any of the previously mentioned individuals or groups and therefore I must throw the question out to find an answer that makes sense.

Question: why are kitchen cupboards installed with a cupboard or two that huddle there over the refrigerator?

I have asked friends and acquaintances and no one has had an answer that makes sense. In fact we all agree that it doesn’t make sense to have cupboards over the fridge because none of us are tall enough to reach into those cupboards to extract whatever has been shoved inside, forever to be forgotten until the fridge has to be replaced and there’s easier access to those shelves.

It also makes it much more difficult to purchase a fridge when it has to be short enough to fit into the space below the cupboards. Confuse centimetres with inches and there’s a logistical problem just waiting to happen.

Have saw...will travel, my family member said seriously when I mentioned this dilemma to him. It turns out he has cut away the cupboards that have interfered with his refrigerator. I questioned him about whether he painted or wall-papered the space to cover up the

in. His answer was not definitive so I assume the idea was to camouflage his handiwork with a very large refrigerator.

We had this discussion before we ventured out to replace the fridge that froze items better in the crisper than it did in the freezer compartment. So like good carpenters we measured once and then again and wrote our figures down to take with us on our shopping excursion.

When our elderly appliance was moved out, and after sweeping up accumulations of dust, dirt and some bits of pasta and cherry pits, I hopped on the stool to see what I couldn’t remember placing in two of the four cupboards over the fridge.

I found a bun warmer of 1970s vintage, an assortment of plastic glasses but no red Solo cup, a chocolate cherry chocolate box filled with heavy duty plastic utensils, and some plastic bags. In other words, nothing really startling and not one item I needed for everyday living.

So into the space went the new fridge and we gasped in surprise, because the baby fridge delivered to us (sight unseen) was miniscule compared to the one now on the way to refrigerator heaven.

The crisper draw was so small, a celery heart had to be cut in half to fit. The soft drink container could only handle a single layer of canned pop because the shelf above was too close. We were bent double every time we tried to find something at the back of the bottom

concussions from banging our heads on the freezer compartment.

But there was an advantage or two with this short and dumpy appliance: I had an easier time rooting through the cupboards, and I could easily reach all the way to the back for dusting purposes.

That fridge lasted about two months until finally I got out the measuring tape and the yardstick to settle on some measurements that would be followed when we shopped for a replacement. Measure twice, shop once was our confirmed motto and we were not about to be swayed in our decision. At this point I was ready to help my family member in sawing off the cupboard in lieu of a fridge that was to our specifications.

With about three inches to spare on the top and similar amounts on the sides, the newest fridge sits majestically in the space, and we are happy.

In the meantime, I have to find a new spot for my pastry board and my collection of brown paper bags on which to cool cookies. There’s no pastry to roll nor cookies to cool in my immediate future so downstairs they go until further notice.

The height of the new fridge means I can’t reach to dust the full top but heck, most of our visitors are too short to see to the back of the fridge. I do have an extendable handle for a Swiffer that I can drag out and use if we’re given advance warning of someone tall coming to visit. Back to the original question: why are homes built with cupboards over the fridge? Anyone have a reasonable explanation? Anyone!

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

*Full Circulation means every home & paper should have this yer. If you are missing call us @306-694-1322. *Selected Areas means only selected areas were chosen by the business or agency (please call the business).

Carline’s piping journey inspires growth of White Heather Youth Pipe Band

For Michelle Carline, the sound of the pipes has never just been about music. It has been her passport to new friendships, far-flung journeys, and once-in-alifetime experiences — the same opportunities she now wants to pass along to Moose Jaw’s next generation of players.

Carline, director of the White Heather Youth Pipe Band, has spent decades in the piping community. What began as a childhood pursuit has blossomed into a lifelong passion that carried her around the world. Along the way, she’s played in international concerts, taken part in solemn commemorations, and marched in parades that tied music to history.

“I know bagpipes have really expanded my world,” Carline said. “I ended up getting to live in Scotland, and I had a new family once I arrived, because ‘Oh, you play bagpipes.’ I travelled to New Zealand … and Australia, and yeah, it has just been an amazing thing for me.”

International experience

One of Carline’s more memorable trips took her overseas to perform with other Canadian musicians during Second World War commemorations in the Netherlands.

She played a lament at St. Mauritius Church in Silvolde, the Netherlands, joined fellow pipers and drummers for a liberation parade in Wageningen, the Netherlands, and performed with the full band and dancers at the Mook War Cemetery. At each site, the haunting tones of the pipes carried both honour and remembrance.

Among the many highlights was meeting Canadian veteran Nick Janicki, who turned 102 on Sept. 8. Janicki, born in Stout, B.C., had served with the Cana-

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dian Scottish Regiment and helped liberate Deventer, the Netherlands, in April 1945.

“Meeting Mr. Janicki before the parade in Wageningen was unforgettable,” Carline reflected. “To stand there with someone who had been part of that history, and then to march in the same streets he helped free, was so powerful.”

A lifetime of connections

Carline said encounters like these are part of what makes the piping world so unique. Everywhere she has travelled, the common language of music has opened doors and forged bonds that last well beyond the final note of a concert.

“When you’re a piper or a drummer, you’re never really a stranger,” she said. “There’s always a band ready to welcome you and people ready to connect. Those friendships are lifelong.”

That sense of community is what she hopes will draw more young musicians to explore the White Heather Youth Pipe Band. The group, which rehearses weekly, is small but growing and Carline knows from experience how far a practice chanter or snare drum can take a young player.

Opportunities for local players

While the band’s Sept. 8 open house focused on giving students a first taste of the pipes or drums, Carline said the larg-

er message is that opportunities abound for anyone who decides to commit.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is, you don’t have to be Scottish,” she explained. “We welcome all cultures and all people. What matters is the willingness to learn and be part of something bigger.”

For student musicians, that “something bigger” can mean travel to festivals, competitions, and even international commemorations like the ones Carline has experienced. It can also mean discovering skills that translate beyond music: discipline, teamwork, and the confidence that comes with performing in public.

Studies, she added, consistently show that children involved in music do well academically and socially. For Carline, the real proof is in the friendships she still treasures from her own years as a youth in Moose Jaw’s Sprigs o’ Heather Pipe Band.

“I grew up (playing) in a band here, and it shaped my life in so many ways,” she said. “That’s why I wanted to get a youth pipe band going again. It’s about keeping the tradition alive, but also giving today’s kids the same chances I had.”

Whether someone is drawn to the steady rhythm of the drums or the soaring sound of the pipes, there’s a place for them in the White Heather Youth Pipe Band.

“You don’t have to start right at the

beginning of the season — we’ll take you in and get you started any time,” she added. “Bring a friend, try something new, and see where it takes you.”

The White Heather Youth Pipe Band rehearses Monday evenings at Pathways School, located at 109 Ominica Street West. For more details or to register, contact Carline at MCarline@ hotmail.com or 306-690-3525.

Michelle Carline plays a lament during a ceremony at St. Mauritius Church in Silvolde, the Netherlands. Photo by: Charles Dumaresq

Carline meets Canadian veteran Nick Janicki before the liberation parade in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Janicki, born in Stout, B.C., served with the Canadian Scottish Regiment and helped liberate Deventer in April 1945. Photo by: Charles Dumaresq

The full pipe band and dancers pause for a photo at Mook War Cemetery in the Netherlands during Carline’s visit. Photo by: Charles Dumaresq

Pipers march in the liberation parade at Mook, the Netherlands, with Michelle Carline front row, third from left. Photo by: Charles Dumaresq

‘Life is short, art is forever’: Film celebrates legacy of Prairie visionary Joe Fafard

A celebrated artist whose bronze cows and portraits made him a household name across Canada was remembered in Moose Jaw last week through the lens of filmmaker Jan Nowina-Zarzycki.

On Sept. 18, the Moose Jaw Public Library and the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery (MJMAG) partnered to host a screening of Fafard, an 86-minute feature documentary chronicling the final years of Saskatchewan sculptor Joe Fafard. The evening drew one of the largest audiences either institution has seen for a film program, underscoring the late artist’s enduring impact on prairie culture.

“We were thrilled with the turnout last night. We counted 68 people in attendance, which was great,” said Jennifer McRorie, curator at the MJMAG. “It was really great to support the screening of this film about an artist who is so near and dear to our hearts.”

Nowina-Zarzycki filmed for more than five years, beginning in 2013, before completing the project in 2022 after an extended post-production period delayed by the pandemic. He accompanied the sculptor to Julienne Atelier, the foundry Fafard established in Pense, Sask., where molten bronze poured into molds gives shape to his iconic figures — and across the country.

“I knew Joe for a good 15 years, and he always fascinated me. I always thought that he’s a very consummate artist,” Nowina-Zarzycki said. “Although Joe was in several earlier films … they were usually very superficial. I wanted to make something deeper, because I believe that when you look at the object of art, you may not realize how much an artist is included or hidden in that art object.”

Working without broadcaster support, NowinaZarzycki financed the film largely through his own means and with the help of private benefactors, with original music by Jack Semple and production support from Rob King, among others. The result, he said, is a work of independent vision that preserves the voice and presence of the artist during his final months.

“Joe was very generous and accommodating with his time,” he recalled. “We became friends, and I’m very happy that I could get to know Joe through the making of this film. It’s a real reward for me to meet a person so deeply like that.”

The documentary follows

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Fafard after he received a terminal cancer diagnosis, capturing his effort to complete two major works: a self-portrait and a double portrait of Vincent van Gogh. Along the way, the artist reflects on his Métis and French-Canadian roots, his philosophy of art, and his lifelong commitment to sculpture.

McRorie said the approach left viewers with the sense of having spent personal time with the artist.

For Nowina-Zarzycki, the universality of Fafard’s work lies in its accessibility and depth.

“Joe is known by his … animal sculptures, so everyone can relate to (his work), in a sense,” he said. Every piece carries aesthetic beauty, an emotional pull, and an informative element — three qualities NowinaZarzycki uses to define enduring art. From intimate clay works to monumental installations such as “Le jardin ” (“Mind’s Garden”) at the University of Regina, Fafard connected to his viewers by infusing his work with history, philosophy, and personal reflection.

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The director added that he hopes audiences carry away two guiding ideas from the film. The first is captured in the Latin phrase Vita Brevis, Ars Longa — life is short, art is forever. The second is drawn from French writer André Malraux: All art is a revolt against man’s fate.

Born in Ste. Marthe, Sask., in 1942, Fafard became one of Canada’s most successful and recognized artists, earning the Order of Canada in 1981 and international acclaim for works that ranged from intimate clay portraits to monumental bronze horses. His death in 2019 marked the end of a career that shaped the visual identity of the Prairies.

For novelist Guy Vanderhaeghe, who offered one of several endorsements of the film, Fafard succeeds in honoring that legacy. “Fafard is a rare and stellar documentary, a thoughtful, deeply compassionate film about an important sculptor confronting his mortality after a life devoted to making art. It’s difficult to imagine any viewer not being moved and uplifted by this depiction of an artist who describes himself as a ‘realist’ but who was a true prairie visionary.”

Nowina-Zarzycki, who continues to tour the film nationally and internationally, said he’s grateful the Moose Jaw screening allowed local audiences to reconnect with one of their own.

As the final credits rolled and the conversation spilled into the gallery lobby, surrounded by several of Fafard’s works in the permanent collection including Peggy, a life-size horse sculpture first exhibited in 2016, it was clear his art — and his spirit — remain deeply woven into Saskatchewan’s cultural fabric.

For more information and additional interviews not included in the film, visit NovinaFilms.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF MOOSE JAW

All Departments in City Hall will be closed on:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (Day of Observance: Truth & Reconciliation Day) In addition, there will be NO TRANSIT SERVICE on Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Joe Fafard is pictured alongside one of his monumental bronze sculptures, a reminder of the late Saskatchewan artist’s vision captured in the documentary Fafard. Photo by: NovinaFilms.com

Bikers ride for kids at Moose Jaw’s 37th annual Toy Run Parade

The roar of engines and the sight of nearly 250 motorcycles rolling through downtown Moose Jaw brought crowds to the curb on Sept. 20 as riders gathered for the 37th annual Toy Run Parade.

Hosted by the Moose Jaw Cycle Association, the event once again capped the riding season with a heartfelt purpose: collecting toys to brighten Christmas for children through the Salvation Army.

For longtime organizer Murray Roney, the day’s success came down to two essentials: community spirit and — of course — good riding weather.

“I think it was really decent,” Roney said. “Everybody wants to get in the last couple of rides … and they came from all over for this. It’s really nice to see everybody.”

Riders travelled from across southern Saskatchewan, including Weyburn, Regina, and surrounding communities, with the sunshine drawing even more participants than anticipated.

The parade wound its way from Manitoba Street West, up Main Street North, and finished at the Salvation Army Citadel, where donations were unloaded for distribution this Christmas.

Major Byron Kean of the Salvation Army, who witnessed his second Toy Run Parade since assuming the role in July 2024, said the support was overwhelming.

“The Toy Run Parade is always a highlight of our year, because it gets the community so involved in helping us with Christmas. It has been an absolutely beautiful day and we’ve had around 250 motorcycles participate,” Kean said.

He noted the turnout provides more than toys — it also gives families a measure of relief at a time when many are struggling.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“The toys will help a lot of our children at Christmastime, and it helps parents who really can’t afford to buy a toy or a stuffed animal. This will give them

both tradition and personal meaning. Among them was Regina’s Bill Bobyk, who has been joining toy runs for more than two decades.

“I like the cause of getting toys for kids who wouldn’t have stuff otherwise,” he said. “I usually buy a bunch of stuffed animals … because when I was a little kid, I remember how my mom would make stuff for me — piles of stuff — and those things were pretty close to me. So I think (these toys) … are really good, especially for little kids who maybe don’t have parents who can give the usual amount of attention to them. It’s a good source of comfort for them.”

Roney emphasized that the event’s success rests not only with the riders but also with the spectators who line Main Street each year.

“There are a great number of people who are involved with this — not just on the bikes, but there’s also a lot of people who come out and sit on Main Street. They’re always hollering encouragement and waving,” he said.

“I think they’re just about as happy for us as we are for the kids, you know. They know (the toys) are going to the kids for Christmas, so they’re very appreciative,” Roney added.

Kean echoed that gratitude, calling the parade an example of how Moose Jaw rallies together.

a little bit of breathing room to do other things to help them survive in today’s economy,” added Kean.

For riders, the Toy Run represents

“We just want to say thank you to the city of Moose Jaw. We’re starting our second year here in Moose Jaw and we love it. I just want to say thank you to Moose Jaw for welcoming us into your city and allowing us to be a part of everything,” he said as the run concluded. “It’s all (possible) because of the support from the community throughout the year … and we are so appreciative for all the support that we’ve received.”

Photos by: Aaron Walker

Photoss by: Aaron Walker

Mae Wilson Theatre to host national concert celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber is considered one of the greatest composers of the last 50 years and is synonymous with blockbuster musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

To celebrate his achievements, Sound the Alarm: Music/Theatre, a Vancouver-based charity, is organizing “Music of the Night: The Concert Tour,” which is rolling across Western Canada from Sept. 9 to Oct. 19.

The concert — an all-Canadian production featuring a live band and numerous singers — last toured Western Canada in 2023, and since then, it has travelled across the country performing for sold-out audiences.

“Music of the Night” is happening at the Mae Wilson Theatre on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 for adults, $59 for seniors and students, and $55 for arts workers. To purchase tickets, visit www.moosejawculture.ca.

The concert — led by two keyboardists, a drummer and a guitar/bass player — will feature selections from 10 of Webber’s iconic musicals, such as The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Boulevard, and more.

Evan Berndt is the tour’s assistant producer, has been with the company since its inception in 2019, and has performed in every show. Moreover, he is the band leader, arranges the music, is a pianist and handles the symphonic/ synthesizer instruments — strings, brass and overall soundscape — that are not performed live.

“Musically, there’s a lot of trust in this production. I think that’s unique to

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each other all along the way, and then to make a fierce choice is always available because you know everyone has your back.”

Continuing, he said that if a singer holds a note longer than usual, the band can adjust and take charge. This can be exhilarating, because nightly, Berndt will encourage his team to be flexible and “take really big risks.”

This approach keeps each show fresh and authentic, while it’s a thrill to help the singers realize their visions every night, he continued. The singers act like show conductors with how they pro-

“Because musically we don’t use click-tracks and everything is live, and a lot of the ways we realize the scores and music is very improvisational … there’s opportunity to reflect different emotional shades night after night,” Berndt remarked.

Arranging the music is not stressful for Berndt, who is a classically trained musician and has produced orchestrated works for dance, film, TV, galleries and brands. He noted that the band is composed of studio-experienced musicians who have good ears for production and can arrange the songs as songs instead of just as musical pieces.

Some songs will sound similar to the versions Webber produced, while others will be “punchy or less punchy” based on how the band wants to realize the piece, said Berndt. His vision is to highlight the singers, support everything they do and make them the stars.

“You’ll see that there are interpretations of the songs. A lot of them stay true to the character and intent of the piece itself … ,” he continued, although the band takes “some liberties” with a few pieces, such as those connected to Evita.

“There’s a variety that, when you come to see the show, you’ll be like, ‘Oh, that’s fresh,’ but it still stays true to the intent of what the piece was meant for,” the band leader added.

Some of Berndt’s favourite songs in the show are “All I Ask of You,” from The Phantom of the Opera, “Do Not Cry For Me, Argentina,” from Evita, and “Jesus Christ Superstar” from the samenamed musical.

“… playing Jesus Christ Superstar is really fantastic … . On that one, we can kind of rock out a bit. And the energy is really great for the band to let go and freely express themselves,” he said. “There’s a lot of solos in that song if you listen closely.”

Berndt noted that the lighting makes the show spectacular since it’s another character itself, while the fog also gives the performances an ethereal feel. He added that attendees “will really be blown away” with the singing, while he encouraged people to dress up since it will be “an elegant and classy” evening. For more information, visit soundthealarm.ca.

Musicians, singers and the production team with “Music of the Night: The Concert Tour” gather after a show. Photo courtesy Facebook

By

ther of which can ultimately damage or kill growing plants.

Autumn in the Garden

There is fall in the air on the prairies. Even though the daytime temperatures are often still warm - at night our temperatures are dipping low enough to stop growth in hot crops like tomatoes and to colour up leaves. It is at this time that we are reminded of the change in the seasons. It is the end of summer and the beginning of the season of no growth!

If you are in a region where the temperatures are dipping down into the single digits it is likely time to harvest what you can. I made a vow to not cover the garden in fall but I do cover a few things if I think that we are going to get a prolonged period of good growing temperatures.

However, some years, we get that first frost that is enough to end gardening for the season. So how does frost occur? There are actually two types of frost: radiation or inversion frost – ei-

A radiation frost happens as a result of temperatures that decrease right down to the ground. This is the type of frost that will often occur first in the fall with a clear sky that allows any heat trapped to rise to the heavens. A cloudy sky will help to keep the warm air closer to the ground which most often will stop the temperatures from dropping to that freezing point. This same effect is generated by gardeners by covering our gardens on those nights that hint at frost. This process will stop the radiation of heat to transfer away from the area surrounding our plants.

Cold air is heavier than warm air which causes lower areas in your garden to typically freeze before areas that might be a bit higher elevation. On cool nights the frosty air will in fact travel down a slope and then pool at the lowest point – and of course causing frost damage. For temperate climates this is why the ideal location for orchards is on a slight slope...thus gaining valuable time for ripening and picking of fruit prior to damage by frost.

The other type of frost is called inversion frost and it is quite often the type of frost that causes damage to orchards. It is the norm for the warmest air to be closest to the soil surface while the air will continue to be cooler the further away from the ground you travel.

& Goat Sale

An inversion frost is when cooler air is trapped below a layer of warmer air above.

When this type of frost occurs, growers will use a number of tactics to “save the crop”. Wind machines are often used late at night or early in the morning to help mix those layers of air to prevent that cooler air from settling down by the crop. Some very valuable crops may even deploy helicop-

ters to achieve a similar air movement. Smudge pots, heater and irrigation systems will also be used to offset that damaging frost.

If sprinklers are being used to offset frost it brings science back into the process. Prior to the temperatures dropping to the freezing point, sprinklers

can be turned on. These sprinklers will remain on for the entire night until the temperature will rise. Throughout the night some of the water will freeze while some will not. This process will ensure that the temperature will hold at 0°C as it is scientific fact that if water and ice are present together the temperature will remain at 0 as long as both water and ice are present. However, if you are protecting shrubs or trees with this method, there is great risk of a build-up of ice that can do a lot of structural damage.

Learning a bit more about how frost works will help you as gardeners to choose your fall activities. Knowledge helps gardeners make good decisions like deciding whether or not to cover the tomatoes or just pick the crop when autumn truly arrives. Perhaps understanding frost will help you to foretell the future - or even just the weather!

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.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?

Community

to gather for National Day of Truth & Reconciliation on Sept. 30

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

The City of Moose Jaw, Moose Jaw Co-op, and community partners are inviting residents to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a special gathering on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Temple Gardens Centre.

This free public event will feature opportunities for reflection, learning, and community connection as the community honours survivors, remembers the children who never returned home, and reaffirms the call to build a stronger future.

Organizers encourage everyone to wear orange

in recognition of the “Every Child Matters” movement and to show support for the 94 Calls to Action, including Calls 80, 63, and 57.

The program is planned in collaboration with local partners and sponsors, including K+S Potash Canada, Sask Lotteries, Sask Culture, both school divisions, Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery, Moose Jaw Public Library, New Southern Plains Métis Local No. 160, and more.

The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.

Patricia Hanbidge For Moose Jaw Express

Step aside, Jack: Local couple nurtures backyard tomato giant

Forget Jack and the Beanstalk — Moose Jaw is now home to an impressive tomato plant that has climbed well past head height and into local legend territory.

The plant, originally purchased at The Real Canadian Superstore this spring, now towers at roughly 11 feet, nine inches (about 3.58 metres) and has produced an abundance of orange cherry tomatoes throughout the season.

Retired farmer and longtime hobby gardener Rodney Nash said there was nothing exotic about how it all began.

“(We’re just using) a store-bought potting soil mix — nothing special,” he said. “We added some bone meal to it, some blood meal, and worked it in. After the plants were established, we added a wee bit of (Emerald Harvest) Cal-Mag supplement from a local plant store … and that made all the difference in the world.”

Nash and his wife, Geri, brought the seedling home after finding it late in the spring season. The rack was “picked over,” Nash recalled, and the plant they chose was one of the last options. They also purchased a second indeterminate

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Gigantico Sun Gold cherry tomato plant, but the leading shoot was accidentally snapped off, hindering its growth.

By mid-September, the vine had reached the top of its appended broom handle support and continues to flower and produce “a lot of fruit.”

The couple credits a simple watering routine more than any specialized products.

“The other secret is rainwater,” Nash said. He stores collected rainwater in two rain barrels and lets the sun take the chill off before watering. “I don’t like an ice-cold shower, and perhaps the plants are the same way.”

Nothing is added to this water, and on hot spells he simply includes a late evening soak to his daily morning watering routine.

The couple’s experience may resonate with Prairie gardeners who favour fundamentals over fuss: a decent potting mix, a couple of classic amendments, warmth, and consistent moisture. It also helps that the season delivered timely early-season rain and a strong start, he said.

The Nash family never intended to grow competitively or see how large they could grow a plant this season, but they’re already inspired for next year. “We’re extremely happy (with these tomato plants). We’ll get them again next year,” Nash said, adding that he plans to save a few seeds to grow a few of his own.

Nash has gardened seriously for about 15 years after many years of or-

ganic and conventional farming, but he’s quick to point out the tomato has been a two-person project from day one. “We work on it as a team,” he added.

For now, the goal is to stretch the season and keep the vine setting fruit as long as the weather allows. “It’s just a monster,” Geri said with a grin. “We’re not looking forward to the frost, because this has been our pride and joy all summer. We’ll be sad to see it go.”

Moose Jaw residents Rodney Nash, left, and Geri Nash, right, stand proudly beside their backyard “monster” tomato plant that measures nearly 12 feet (3.66 metres) in height. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Moose Jaw airman featured in new book about plane crash in WWII

Two authors who sought information about a Moose Jaw airman have written a book about the navigator’s doomed airplane, using the additional stories they received from the community.

Dr. Trevor Kerry, an English professor, and Gaetan Sago, a French historian, have produced “The Lost Dambuster Lancaster: The Story of 617 Squadron’s Attack on Hitler’s V2 Rocket Site.” The book will be available on Nov. 30 from Amazon or local booksellers.

In 2014, Kerry discovered three graves of the crew of DV403 during a visit to Leulinghem, France, but knew nothing of their story, he said by email. He then researched the Lancaster bomb-

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field near his home in Lincolnshire.

The eight men were from 617 Dambusters Squadron and went on a bombing mission on June 24, 1944, to drop a 5,400-kilogram (12,000-pound) Tallboy bomb — one of the first missions to use it — on a V-bomb launch site at Wizernes, France. However, flak hit their aircraft.

“An engine stuttered and the aircraft began to burn. John Edward, pilot, tried to hold course, to stay aloft for long enough for the crew to answer the ‘Abracadabra’ call to evacuate the craft,” the book’s synopsis says.

“An eyewitness ran for cover to dodge the shrapnel. A (covert) Resistance worker (André Schamp) saw crew members falling ‘like candles’ below their parachutes.”

Of the eight crewmen, five died, while three survived the landing, and two sustained major injuries. The Germans captured the survivors, including Moose Jaw’s Lorne Thomas Pritchard,

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who was unhurt.

Continuing, Kerry said he gathered the story over a decade, using records from the United Kingdom and Canada, while he also found relatives of the crewmen. He later published what he knew in magazines, which sometimes resulted in readers emailing him information.

In 2024, Sagot — who has roots in Leulinghem — contacted Kerry since the former knew the family of Schamp and planned to hold an 80th anniversary memorial event. The two decided to pool their knowledge and combine all the data and photographs into a book, which became “The Lost Dambuster Lancaster.”

The authors knew Pritchard lived in Moose Jaw, enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), was a nursing orderly, transferred to aircrew training, and became a navigator. He had a distinguished career with the same crew members in 50 Squadron before joining 617 Squadron in January 1944.

Pritchard’s navigation skills earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the third-highest military medal that Canada issued.

gave him an interesting piece of information about the crew’s preparations on June 24. Moreover, Pritchard also told his daughter that the crew was concerned about the ethics of strategic bombing, which became a theme in the book.

“My personal approach to history writing is that it should be as accurate as possible, and that means not merely recording events but examining the context in which they happen,” said Kerry.

“Gaetan enjoys detail. We both believe that the process of recording these events is important so that the following generations do not forget the sacrifices that were made — in the name of duty,”

Kerry acquired further information about Pritchard from the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, residents Colleen Campbell and Michele Daniels, and Pritchard’s daughter, Bonnie. He corresponded with her intermittently, with “interesting details” emerging.

The author learned that Lorne was born in Birmingham, England, on Jan. 21, 1922, and later moved to Canada. Furthermore, after becoming a prisoner of war in 1944, he was repatriated to Canada in 1945 and promoted to flight lieutenant. Taking advantage of a government program, Pritchard attended the University of Saskatchewan to study chemical engineering.

Pritchard later worked for the Palmolive company, but died in Calgary on Aug. 10, 1966, at age 44, leaving behind a wife and three daughters.

he continued.

Kerry added that the book has several valuable features, such as its connection with the crew’s families, its English and French perspectives, its willingness to engage with controversial topics, its readability, and a deep exploration of the men, places, equipment and weapons related to the situation.

rst

Kerry noted that Pritchard’s recollections, as conveyed through Bonnie,

er, which flew from Woodhall Spa air

Three Lancaster bombers of the Royal Air Force fly over the United Kingdom, on Sept. 29, 1942. Photo courtesy Wikicommons

The headstone of Lorne Pritchard, in the Queen’s Park Cemetery and Mausoleum in Calgary. Photo courtesy Findagrave. com

Flight-Lt. Lorne Thomas Pritchard (right) receives the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the third-highest military medal that Canada issued, after returning to Canada in 1945. Photo courtesy Dr. Trevor Kerry

Moose Jaw Multicultural Council prepares for new chapter at mall location

After more than two decades at St. Andrew’s United Church, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) is preparing to pack up and move into a new home inside the Town ‘N’ Country Mall this fall.

The relocation will bring an end to 25 years of programming from the familiar 60 Athabasca Street East location, as Victory Church has now purchased the building. While the exact move-in date is still to be determined, executive director Jaella Wiebe confirmed the MJMC will shift into a temporary space at the mall by Nov. 1.

“Our Main Street location will stay (open) until the permanent space is ready, and then we’ll move up to the mall. We’ll all move together,” Wiebe said, anticipating that operations at the current locations will wrap up by late October.

During the temporary closure, the organization’s daycare facility will continue to operate. “During the temporary (closure), the daycare is going to be in a government-approved temporary location that’s obviously daycare approved,” she said. “Then, when everything’s finished, we’ll all be moving together at the same time.”

The move includes the affiliated Newcomer Welcome Centre (NWC), currently located in a separate office at 432 Main Street North. Once the permanent office is complete, the MJMC and NWC will operate under one roof — a move Wiebe said will improve both internal collaboration and client experience.

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

“Having that office separate … makes it harder to do services and programming together,” she explained. “A newcomer (will no longer have to worry about) coming to one office, then being sent to the other, and then being sent back, or anything like that. It’s (going to be) a one-stop shop, so it makes it so much smoother for the delivery of services.”

The move has been in discussion for nearly a year, predating the church’s sale, with the MJMC spending the past winter exploring its options before ultimately deciding on the mall. Wiebe noted that access to community amenities, the potential for growth, and a custombuilt space all factored into the decision.

“(The Town ‘N’ Country Mall) is … working to build a customized space for us, which is really fantastic,” she said. “We’ve been so thankful for St. Andrew’s Church over the last 25 years … but we’re also in spaces that were built for other purposes, so it’s really nice to have a custom space that’s built particularly for our needs.”

While service expansion is a longterm goal, Wiebe said the organization’s focus right now is on settling into the new space and ensuring a smooth transition for staff and clients.

“There are definitely things on the back burner, but nothing is solidified and no funding is secured yet,” she noted.

Once the permanent space is complete, the MJMC plans to hold an open house —

possibly in spring 2026 when the weather improves — to welcome the community and showcase its updated services.

As the council prepares for its next chapter, Wiebe said the staff will miss the familiarity and memories built inside the church.

“We’ve definitely gone through so much growth with them,” she said. “There is nostalgia here (at the church building). It has some beautiful spaces. Staff have talked about taking pictures … so we can remember them when we move on, because we know changes will happen … it’s a bit of a bittersweet moment.”

The moment was also cause for reflection. “When we (first) moved into here … our programming was so much smaller. We took up a couple offices, and now we take up almost half the building,” Wiebe said.

“I have to say, St. Andrew’s has been one of the best partners that we could have worked with,” she added. “We’re just so thankful for the years that we had with them and all the support that we provided to each other.”

Further updates on the temporary office location and closure dates for the move are expected to be announced in the coming

weeks.

For more information, visit MJMCInc.ca or MJNWC.ca, find both organizations on Facebook, or call the MJMC at 306-693-4677 or NWC at 306-692-6892.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR NOTORIOUS COMMUNITY AND APPLY FOR A POSITION ON A CITY COMMITTEE OR BOARD TODAY

Moose Jaw City Council is seeking passionate Moose Javians who want to make a positive impact within one of our City-led committees and boards.

If you are 16 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen, a full-time resident of Moose Jaw and have the knowledge, leadership and energy to make a di erence, click the Boards, Committees and Commissions page at www.moosejaw.ca to nd the committee, board or commission that aligns with your interests, including:

• Moose Jaw Public Library Board (13+ citizens-at-large) / Palliser Regional Library Board (3+ citizens-at-large)

• Wakamow Valley Authority (1 citizen-at-large)

As a member, you will provide input and advice to City Councillors and other engaged residents that will help shape decisions on important issues that impact life in the City of Moose Jaw.

City Council values inclusivity, respect and trust and invites participation from community members in the decision-making process. Nominees will have been recruited through an inclusive, transparent, and equitable process and appointments made by City Council will re ect these objectives.

Deadline for completing applications is Friday October 24, 2025. For more information, you can also contact the O ce of the City Clerk at cclerk@moosejaw.ca or 306-694-4424.

The Newcomer Welcome Centre, pictured, and the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council’s main office at St. Andrew’s United Church will both be moving to a new location at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall later this year. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Crop quality across the province varies with rainfall received.

Initial results show pea and lentil quality a little less than the five year average with durum about the same.

Fifty three per cent of peas are number two, down from the 60 per cent average while 42 per cent are number one

Number one lentils are up by seven points to 26 per cent with 60 per cent grading number two.

Durum number two at 43 per cent is about the same with 19 per cent number one, down two per cent.

complete, with 58 per cent in the southeast, 47 per cent in the west central and north central regions and 46 and 42 per cent in the east central and north central.

Rain in this area amounted to three inches at Rouleau, 1.3 in Moose Jaw, 1.2 in Eyebrow and just over an inch at Mossbank.

Topsoil moisture improved slightly.

Peas at 96 per cent in the bin and lentils at 91 per cent were almost over.

Barley was 72 per cent done, durum, 66 per cent; spring wheat, 56; oats, 52.

Rain across much of Saskatchewan slowed harvest, yet 53 per cent was in the bin, down from the five year average of 89 per cent.

The southwest led at 66 per cent

In oilseeds, canola was 21 per cent done, mustard at 41 per cent and flax, six per cent.

The 2025 Canadian Ranch Roping Association (CRRA) finals wrapped up at the Golden Mile Arena on Sept. 13 to 14, with skilled competitors from across the Prairies showcasing horsemanship, stockmanship, and traditional roping techniques.

The Open champion team of Colton Thiessen, Adam Thiessen, and Steven Millar scored 83 points across three head of cattle to secure first place. The trio — all former Canadian champions — impressed judges with steady, high-scoring runs.

“They had a really good weekend,” said Ross Smith, past CRRA president and longtime competitor. “All three of them are very experienced competitors, and all three of them have been Canadian champions before. I believe this is the second time for each of them.

They’re very handy fellas, and all three of them ride horses and work cattle for a living.”

Rounding out the Open division, second place went to Colton Thiessen, Lars Baron, and Mike Ramage with 68 points. Third place was claimed by Darcy Welsh, Adam Thiessen, and Milt Mastad at 65 points.

In the Novice division, rising duo Kipton Kyle and Rhett Schmidt earned the championship buckle with 66 points over three head. Schmidt also collected the “Most Improved Novice” award, recognizing steady growth over the season.

Alongside the competition standings, several honours recognized the values of sportsmanship and service that underpin ranch roping.

The Sportsmanship Award went to

Camaraderie takes centre stage at ranch roping finals in Moose Jaw

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

CRRA president Trevor Stender. Smith said Stender represents the kind of cowboy always ready to lend a hand.

“The Sportsmanship Award goes to someone … who is always willing to help out, never looking for anything in return, always encouraging everyone, and cheering for whoever wins,” he noted, adding that Stender fit the description perfectly.

The Lee Bellows Award, named for the late Moose Jaw brand inspector and volunteer, was presented to Sherri Stender.

“The amount of work that this lady does is mind boggling — it’s just endless,” Smith said. “Unfortunately she was injured two weeks before our finals so she wasn’t able to compete. Even though she was in a lot of pain, she came and did a bunch of work in the office … (and) still did all the work she always would have done … and she didn’t complain. She just came and did her job, and that’s the reason why we gave her the Lee Bellows Award — because that’s something Lee would have done.”

The CRRA’s most coveted honour, the Kevin Pole Memorial Top Hand Award, went to Steven Millar, who also

stood on the Open championship team. The award recognizes not just roping skill, but also horsemanship, sportsmanship, and leadership.

“Steven was a student of Kevin’s,” Smith said. “He’s a phenomenal horseman, expert roper and stockman — exactly what the award represents. It was emotional for all of us to see him receive it.”

Other highlights from the weekend included the Best Horse Award, which went to Cougar, a 15-year-old mount owned by Chris Williamson and ridden in the Novice group by his son, Cord.

The Best Loop of the Weekend was earned by Steven Millar in the Open category and by Kipton Kyle in Novice. The Hi-Point Run of the Weekend was captured by the team of Milt Mastad, Lars Baron, and Darcy Driedger, who scored 36 points. Meanwhile, veteran cowboy Byron Templeton was recognized as the Oldest Roper at the finals, completing all his own groundwork.

Smith said the camaraderie within the CRRA remains as important as the competition itself.

“We’re like a family,” he said. “We like to win, but the main reason why we go to these competitions is for the camaraderie and the family atmosphere that we have. If we happen to win, that’s a bonus.”

To learn more about the Canadian Ranch Roping Association, visit “Canadian Ranch Roping Assoc. 2023” on Facebook or CanadianRanchRoping.ca.

Cord Williamson rides Cougar, the 15-year-old gelding owned by his father, Chris Williamson, after the pair received the Best Horse Award at the 2025 Canadian Ranch Roping Finals in Moose Jaw.

Photo by: Canadian Ranch Roping Assoc. 2023/Facebook

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Sturdy rocking horse connected to Gravelbourg

Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

An old rocking horse donated to The Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village Museum by the family of the late Whip Young originated in Gravelbourg.

The horse was bought at a craft show from the Michaud family of Gravelbourg.

Seventeen-year-old Len Michaud made a rocking horse in 1984 to raise money for his Grade 12 graduation.

He soon received many orders, made some for a craft show and sold out.

Bit by bit his wood crafted toy hobby became a business.

His father Jules, a cabinet maker and house builder, and his mother Monique joined the business full-time.

The Michaud family relocated the business to Hagersville, Ontario and in 1999 to Jarvis, Ontario.

Today after 40 years and the passing of the parents a fourth generation carries on the family tradition and business of crafting wooden items and games.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net

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Warriors roar out to early lead, hold on for win over Brandon in season opener

Brown scores twice, Hutchison stops 40 shots as Warriors take 6-4 victory on road to kick off 2025-26 campaign

The Moose Jaw Warriors are into the win column on the opening night of the Western Hockey League regular season.

The Warriors roared out to a 5-1 lead and held off a furious comeback attempt by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the latter half of the game, eventually going on to a 6-4 win at Assiniboine Credit Union Place in Brandon.

It’s the first time Moose Jaw has won their season opener since the 202223 season when they took a 5-4 win in Regina to kick off the campaign.

The Warriors would score their first goal of the 2025-26 season.

Casey Brown did the honours, corralling a pass from Riley Thorpe at the blueline and taking a couple of strides before putting a shot five-hole on Brandon goaltender Jayden Kraus. The goal came with 3:55 gone in the first period.

Thanks to Brandon being the furthest west team in the WHL and the 6 p.m. start, the goal was also the first of

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

the season in the entire league. It was a 5-3 Moose Jaw lead with 3:40 left in the second and that’s where things would sit after two periods, with Brandon holding a 12-9 edge in shots in the frame and 29-26 overall.

Brandon took advantage of their fourth power play of the game to score their fourth goal. Surkan picked up his second of the game, ripping home a cross-crease pass from Burzynski with 5:08 to play in the game.

The Wheat Kings had a few more chances as the period progressed, but Hutchison continued to make the big saves as needed, and Paquette would finish things off with an empty-net goal with 31 seconds remaining in the contest.

Hutchison was sharp all night and finished with 40 saves to earn his first win of the season, the Warriors had 34 shots total on Kraus.

Warriors stage huge third period rally to take comeback win over Brandon in home opener

Six third-period goals lead to 9-7 Warriors win in home opener at Temple Gardens Centre Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Moose Jaw Warriors have had many a roster with a ton of offensive potential over the years, but no team in the modern era has been able to accomplish what the 2025-26 crew did this past weekend.

The Warriors scored six goals in the third period to take a comeback 9-7 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings in their home opener at Temple Gardens Centre on Saturday night, and while that in and of itself is impressive, they also hit rarified air in the process.

Not only is it the first time since the COVID bubble that Moose Jaw has won their first two games of the season, it also marks the highest number of goals they’ve scored on opening weekend since the late 1990s.

Combined with their 6-4 win on Friday, the Warriors have scored 15, with the next closest total coming in the 2005-06 season when eventual WHL finalists put up 14. That included a 9-3 win over Saskatoon in their second game -- also the only time in the modern era that Moose Jaw has scored nine in one of their first two contests.

Landen McFadden made his season debut in the Moose Jaw line-up and it was an impressive one as he scored twice and finished with five points to lead the Warriors in scoring.

That included the opening goal of the game, when McFadden picked up the puck at the blueline and evaded a trio of Brandon defenders before tucking a

shot around Wheat Kings netminder Jayden Kraus 2:37 into the proceedings.

The Wheat Kings would get that one back late in the period. A quick transition saw Brandon break into the Moose Jaw zone, and Jordan Gavin would corral a bouncing pass from Jaxon Jacobson before putting a shot top shelf glove side with 48 seconds to play.

Brandon didn’t take long to take their first lead of the game once play resumed in the second Caleb Hadland got off a shot from the high slot while using a Warriors defender as a screen and scored top shelf blocker side on Warriors goaltender Kyle Jones 53 seconds into the period.

Two minutes later, Easton Odut

scored to make it a 3-1 Brandon lead.. Moose Jaw replied with just over seven minutes to play in the second, and it was another pretty one. Riley Thorpe took a feed from Owen Berge at centre ice and did the rest of the work himself, blowing past the Wheat Kings defence and putting a shot under the crossbar to make it a one-goal game.

Moose Jaw kept up the pressure and would tie the game with 4:07 remaining in the second. McFadden sent a perfect backdoor pass from the point to find Nolan Paquette breaking in off the blueline, and his quick shot made it a 3-3 game.

The tie didn’t last long, though, as Joby Baumuller scored for Brandon on

Continued on next page

Warriors goaltender Matthew Hutchison turned in a stellar showing to lead the Moose Jaw Warriors to a season-opening win on Friday night. Brandon Wheat Kings

a shot from the right face-off circle that eluded Jones short side with 3:32 to play in the frame.

The Wheat Kings then restored their two goal lead with a power play marker with two seconds to play in the third. Luke Mistelbacher got off a shot from the point that Jones got a piece of and sent off the crossbar, only for the puck to bounce off the Warriors netminder’s back and into the net.

Matthew Hutchison took over in goal for Moose Jaw in the third period, but that didn’t stop Brandon from scoring another quick one to open the frame.

Grayson Burzynski got off a shot from the high slot that found the back of the net only 36 seconds into the period.

The rest of the game was all Moose Jaw.

The Warriors got things started 30 seconds later when Semeniuk’s backhand in close found its way through a Pavel McKenzie screen and between Kraus’ pads.

McFadden was the beneficiary of some decent puck movement on their next goal, eventually taking a pass in

close from Semeniuk and lifting a shot over Kraus’ blocker with 5:13 gone in the period.

Moose Jaw then completed the comeback two minutes later, with McKenzie outduelling a defender along the boards before sending a pass backdoor for a wide open Casey Brown, making it

a 6-6 contest.

The Warriors just kept coming, and they’d strike again 3:03 after Brown’s marker. Kash Andresen showed some great puck control before finding McFadden with a pass in the high slot, and he’d elude a defender before sending a cross-crease pass to McKenzie for the

go-ahead marker at the 10:56 mark.

Colt Carter then made it a two-goal lead with Moose Jaw’s fifth-straight third period goal, putting home a shot from the right face-off circle with 5:31 remaining in the game. A Warriors penalty late in the game would see Brandon pull the goaltender for a 6-on-4 and they’d capitalize quickly, with Nicholas Johnson jamming the puck over the line on a goalmouth scramble with 2:41 remaining.

There wouldn’t be a comeback, though, as a Brandon penalty would lead to Owen Berge scoring on a redirection with 58 seconds remaining.

That’s where things would end up, and Moose Jaw would have their impressive win.

Jones stopped 17 shots through two periods, Hutchison had 17 saves in the final 20 minutes. Kraus stopped 28 for the Wheat Kings.

The Warriors are now off until Saturday, Sept. 20 when they host the Swift Current Broncos, with puck drop at 6 p.m. at Temple Gardens Centre.

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Landen McFadden celebrates his opening goal in the first period and would go on to have a five-point game. Moose Jaw Warriors

Warriors stage huge third period rally to take comeback win over Brandon in home opener, continued

Penalty Problems Punish Peacock

By Robert Thomas

After squeaking by the Swift Currrent Colts the previous week, the Peacock Tornadoes were hoping to pick up a win this past weekend.

Despite their best efforts the Tornadoes fell 27 - 7 to the Greenall Griffins in the South Rural 5A Football League.

The Griffins would hold the lead throughout the game.

The Griffins lead 6 - 0 after the first quarter. The Griffins increased their lead to 13 - 0 at the half. The score after the third quarter saw the Griffins leading the Tornadoes 13 - 7. Final score was 27 - 7 for the Griffins.

Redstone said the Tornadoes had worked out a strategy but a few mental

mistakes threw the plan off. Mental mistakes which included plenty of emotional play and unfortu-

nately for the Tornadoes a plethora of penalties that handcuffed the Moose Jaw team.

Share your team’s news, pictures and results with us! email: editor@mjvexpress.com

Some of the things Peacock reaped from penalties was two possessions given away on off sides calls, an offside saved the Griffins from a third down punt return and a long run was called back on an illegal block.

Redstone said it was something the team is going to have to work on in order to start to record victories.

Game film will be critical in improving the Tornadoes play as the review can find the problem.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/9/19/penalties-punish-peacock

Peacocks’ Nate Measner makes a catch to score a touchdown - MJ Independent photo

Tornadoes’ Rayan Gebhart gets prepared to make a catch - MJ Independent photo

A big rush by Peacock - MJ Independent photo

Peacocks’ Dax Gibney corrals Greenall Griffins’ Cohen Day - MJ Independent photo

Peacocks’ linebacker Ryan Doney (left) goes after a Griffins ball carrier - MJ Independent photo

A pair of Tornadoes defenders bring down an opposition ball carrier along the sidelines - MJ Independent photo

Vikings Win Shootout At OK Elks Field Corral

Scoring 61 points is usually enough to win a football game.

But for the visiting Fort Qu’Appelle Bisons it wasn’t enough to secure a victory as the Vanier Vikings responded massively in response.

The Vikings would go on to win their home opener.

In the end the Vikings defeated the

Robert Thomas - For Moose Jaw Express

Bisons 84 - 61 in what could best be described as an old fashioned shootout where the word defence simply went out the window.

The Bisons are new to the nine man league this season. A league which has had some major shakeups this year.

Maple Creek and Gull Lake downgraded from nine man to six-man league play.

The Notre Dame Hounds are no longer fielding a high school football team.

For Vanier Vikings head coach Luke Tkachuk it was a great offensive battle where the defence was lost by both side.

Tkachuk said he was expecting the way the game turned out.

“When we played them last year in exhibition or this year’s exhibition it’s always a grudge match against these guys. It was a great shootout.”

The Vikings held the lead all night long.

The score after the first quarter was

Vikings 13 and Busons 0.

The score at half time was Vikings 51 and Bisons 35.

The score at the end of the third quarter was Vikings 64 and Bisons 43.

The final score was Vikings 84 and Bisons 61.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/9/19/vikings-win-shootoutat-ok-elks-field-corral

The Vikings jump on a loose ball - MJ Independent photo

The Vikings go for a single point convertMJ Independent photo

Vikings Colby Bradish makes a pass behind a Bisons’ defender - MJ Independent photo

Bisons’ Ty Anardi makes a catch on a two point conversion attempt despite coverage from the Vikings’ Guy Favel - MJ Independent photo

The Bisons’ Sheridan Pinay makes a catch after getting behind Vikings defender Guy Favel - MJ Independent photo

Vikings star player Gabe Yasinski is back after breaking his leg last year. He was later pulled after suffering an injury in the fourth quarter - MJ Independent photo

Spartans Win Defensive Battle Versus Lions

It was a low scoring defensive battle as the U12 Division rivals the Lions faced the Spartans in game two of the Gladiator Bowl.

The Gladiator Bowl is one of the new annual Bowl games initiated this season to help create rivalries between local teams in the Kinsmen Moose Jaw Minor Football League.

The showdown and rivalry between the two teams is well known and been on-going for multiple years.

The games between the two teams has resulted in some tight fought matchups that Montgomery described as fun to play.

For Lions assistant coach Jaxson Bowerin the game was hard fought, a

Robert Thomas - For Moose Jaw Express

crowd pleasing game that unfortunately resulted in a slim Lions’ loss.

The game saw no scoring in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Hayes Hetherington scored with 0.5 left in the half. The Spartans failed to convert the touchdown.

There was no further scoring in the game.

The last few minutes of the game opened up the opportunity that anyone could have won the game. Something not lost on Bowerin.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/9/21/b93u0hmhmm4tzxwgoafpiwxjdedf3p

Cyclones Dominate In Yorkton

By Robert Thomas - For Moose Jaw Express

Friday night was the annual evening meetup between the Central Cyclones and the Yorkton Regional Raider Gridders.

But given the final score it’s a game some in Yorkton likely secretly hoped SaskPower would have turned off the lights five minutes before the opening kickoff.

In their fourth victory of the season

the Cyclones defeated the Raider Gridders 56 - 3.

The result left the defending 5A 12-A-Side South Rural Division champions the Cyclones alone in first place with a 4 - 0 record.

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2025/9/20/zrbpxs0dnqpk9m9yacyi3jsua30hbk

Spartans quarterback Leo Montgomery tries to evade Lions Ryder Darroch - MJ Independent photo

Lions Dawid Alberts evades a would be tackler - MJ Independent photo

Moving in for the tackle - MJ Independent photo

Spartans Roman Huseini (right) and RJ Lamey on the bench - MJ Independent photo

Lions head coach Kellyn Bollinger gives instructions to Hunter Kaine at the Lions bench - MJ Independent photo

Balgonie Greenall Griffins defeat Moose Jaw Peacock to move into second place in South Rural Football League

Moose Jaw Central locks down playoff spot with 56-3 win over Yorkton as midpoint of season arrives

With the South Rural Football League reaching the midpoint of the 2025 season this past weekend, it’s become very apparent that there’s going to be a fierce battle for playoff positions down the stretch.

The Balgonie Greenall Griffins did their part to keep the pace as they took a 27-7 win over the Peacock Tornadoes in Moose Jaw on Friday night.

The Griffins -- who reached the league final last season before falling to Moose Jaw Central -- improve to 2-1 and move into a tie for second place. Peacock falls to 1-2 and drop to fifth place, a game out of a playoff spot.

Nate Measner scored Peacock’s lone touchdown on a 17-yard catch with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter as the Tornadoes pulled within a single score of tying the game at that point.

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

The Central Cyclones secured a playoff spot with a commanding win over the

Raiders on Friday night. Central Cyclones

Measner led the offence with four catches for 68 yards, while Raeyan Gebhart had 11 carries for 26 yards on the ground.

Ethan Durant completed nine of 16 passes for 95 yards but also threw four interceptions to go along with his touchdown pass.

Balgonie finished with 231 yards offence, Peacock with 113.

In other league action, the Central Cyclones continued to look completely dominant as they attempt to defend their league title, rolling to a 56-3 win over the Yorkton Raiders in Yorkton.

Central improved to 4-0 and become the first team to clinch a playoff spot, having outscored their opponents 186-25 in the process.

No score was available from the game between the Weyburn Eagles and Estevan Elecs.

League action continues Friday with Estevan at Swift Current at 5:30 p.m. and Balgonie at Yorkton at 7 p.m. Saturday action sees Weyburn at Peacock at 1 p.m.

Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors close out pre-season with win over Swift Current

Warriors take 4-1 victory to close out exhibition campaign with 3-1 record, regular-season opener Wednesday

The Moose Jaw WINMAR Warriors capped the Sask Male AAA Hockey League pre-season in style on Sunday afternoon, taking a 4-1 victory over the Swift Current Legionnaires in Swift Current.

The victory caps a successful exhibition schedule for Moose Jaw, who finish tied for first in the SMAAAAHL standings with a 3-1-0-0 record. The Estevan Great North Bears (3-0-0-0) and Saskatoon Blazers (2-0-0-0) were the only clubs to go unbeaten in the preliminary campaign.

A relatively uneventful first period concluded with Swift Current getting on the board first, as Hunter Wilm scored on the power play with four seconds left in the frame for the 1-0 Legionnaires lead.

Randy Palmer - MooseJawToday.com

Moose Jaw took over from there, though, as Wade Franks scored on the power play at the 2:27 mark of the second period, and just over two minutes later Maxon Johnston made it a 2-1 Moose Jaw lead.

Johnston was playing his first game of the season with the club after being reassigned to the team by the Western Hockey League Warriors earlier in the week.

quick ones early in the third to add some insurance, first with Kadyn Olfert making it a 3-1 lead at the 2:46 mark and Tobin Schaefer making it a four-goal game 29 seconds later.

Schaefer added two assists to finish with three points on the afternoon and two goals and five points in the preseason, good enough for a tie for fifth in scoring. Rookie Deklin Larmer added three assists and caps the exhibition campaign tied for third in scoring with a goal and six points.

Kaleb Page picked up the win in goal for Moose Jaw with 22 saves, Josh Benjamin stopped 34 shots in taking the loss.

a match-up against the Alberta Elite Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Yorkton Kinsmen Maulers take a 4-3 overtime win over the Yellowhead Chiefs of the Manitoba AAA Hockey League.

The Warriors scored another two

Other action on Sunday saw Notre Dame (1-4-0-0) drop a 3-0 decision in

The regular season is up next, with all the action kicking off on Tuesday as the reigning Telus Cup national champion Regina Pat Canadians host Estevan (8 p.m., Co-operators Arena). That’s followed by three games on Wednesday, as Moose Jaw hosts Swift Current (7 p.m., Temple Gardens Centre), the Saskatoon Contacts are at Battlefords (7:30 p.m., Access Communications Centre) and Yorkton is at Notre Dame (7:30 p.m., Duncan McNiell Arena).

Yorkton

WINMAR Warriors logo

Ranch roping finals highlight 200-year tradition of low-stress stock handling

While scores and coveted belt buckles were awarded at the 2025 Canadian Ranch Roping Association (CRRA) finals in Moose Jaw on Sept. 14, past president Ross Smith said the lesserknown story is about the culture of ranch roping itself — a practice rooted in history and defined by respect for livestock.

“Ranch roping started hundreds of years ago with the Spanish vaqueros in Mexico,” Smith explained. “It evolved through California in the 1800s, and what we do now is very close to that tradition.”

Unlike rodeo events, where speed dominates, ranch roping emphasizes precision, calmness, and animal welfare. Competitors use 60- to 70-foot (about 18 to 21 metre) ropes thrown 30 to 40 feet (about nine to 12 metres) and are judged on technique and stockmanship rather than time.

“The more difficult the loop you throw, the higher the points you get,” Smith explained. “We’re also rewarded for good stockmanship — handling the cattle slow and quiet. If we get ripping around and going too fast, we get penalized. Actually, if we get really aggressive, we get disqualified.”

The goal, he said, is “low-stress handling,” and that approach mirrors real ranch work. Roping is used by ranchers when cattle need treatment or suffer an illness or injury, making gentle handling essential.

“For example, say (a cow) has pneumonia. You don’t want to chase it,

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

as young as 10, and multigenerational teams are common.

“One of the neat things about the sport is that it’s really a family event. A lot of times a family will come, and maybe the father is competing in the Open portion of the roping, and then it might be the mother and one or two or three of the children competing in a Novice event,” he said.

Smith stressed that camaraderie, not rivalry, defines the sport. Good-natured jeers among seasoned riders in the Open class are delivered in good fun, while Novice competitors are met with loud cheers regardless of the outcome.

“There are no real losers,” Smith said, noting that the difference between a high or low score can simply boil down to a misthrow. “There’s actually a prize given to the team with the lowest score.”

because that just aggravates their lungs and makes their problem worse,” Smith said. “We will actually try to rope the animal from a long way away without chasing. We’ll rope the back feet and get it laid on the ground as gently as we possibly can, because we’re hoping that animal recovers and stays in the herd.”

Quarter horses are the mounts of choice, valued for their strength, agility, and calm temperaments. “A ranch horse has to be versatile,” Smith said. “He needs to be quiet enough to handle a rope, and he needs to have a calm

enough mind so you can go to work … for hours on end (without getting) frustrated or too worked up.”

The gear, too, reflects workaday origins. Competitors ride with well-worn tack, often the same equipment they use at home. Smith pointed out several items from his own kit that were made by close friends and relatives. “The only difference between going to work and coming to a competition,” Smith laughed, “is I put on a clean shirt.”

Family participation is central to the sport. Novice classes include children

That sense of camaraderie extends to awards such as the Sportsmanship Award, which celebrates encouragement and humility, and the Lee Bellows Award, which honours behind-thescenes dedication.

For Smith, the culture of ranch roping is best summed up by the family atmosphere around every competition.

“We’re competitive, sure, but we’re also like family,” he said. “When one of us wins, we all celebrate. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. That’s what ranch roping is about.”

To learn more, visit “Canadian Ranch Roping Assoc. 2023” on Facebook or CanadianRanchRoping.ca.

A competitor carefully pins down a cow during the 2025 Canadian Ranch Roping Association Finals in Moose Jaw, as fellow ropers and judges look on. The sport emphasizes low-stress livestock handling, with teams judged on precision, horsemanship, and stockmanship rather than speed. Photo by: Aaron Walker

Terry Fox’s ‘Marathon of Hope’ lives on at Sunningdale School

The spirit and determination of Terry Fox’s hard-fought battle against cancer lived on at Sunningdale School on Sept. 17, as hundreds of students and staff laced up their sneakers for the school’s annual Terry Fox Run.

Grade 1 teacher Aaron Ubell said the day was about more than just running laps around the schoolyard during the roughly 1.5-kilometre morning trek.

“Today is (part of) a tradition where Sunningdale students run in the Terry Fox Run. This week there were a lot of learning opportunities — we were learning about Terry Fox and about cancer research and why it’s important to con-

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

tinue this tradition,” she said.

Ahead of the run, students gathered for a special presentation from Jody Hall, the Terry Fox Foundation’s School Run Ambassador in Saskatchewan. Hall shared Fox’s story and the message behind this year’s theme: Finish It for Terry.

Students also learned about Fox’s family and legacy, including a special connection to their own school. “It’s really interesting because Terry Fox’s brother, Fred Fox, was actually at Sun-

ningdale School a few years ago, and he joined us for our run that year,” Ubell said. Fred Fox also visited Moose Jaw to promote the run on Sept. 9, 2023, when it was held at Vanier Collegiate that year.

The ambassador then highlighted that over the years, Sunningdale School has raised more than $70,000 for cancer research thanks to its annual program.

After the presentation, the Sunningdale Grizzlies cross-country team led staff and nearly 500 students from prekindergarten to Grade 8 out for the run.

“The kids are really, really excited, and they know the purpose of this run,” Ubell noted as one student from her class gave her a hug among a playground of smiling schoolchildren.

At the finish line, the School Community Council treated participants to chocolate milk, rewarding their effort with a sweet reminder of the supportive community effort.

This year’s fundraiser followed a simple model: a toonie from every child. “This year and over the past few years we’ve decided that if every kid brought a toonie, that would really help out. So every (student) brought a toonie, we have a group of kids collecting the toonies, and now our office is tallying up the total,” Ubell explained.

As of the early Sept. 17 tally, the school raised a total of $566.

Terry Fox was just 18 years old when he was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and had his right leg amputated. In 1980, he began his Marathon of Hope — a crosscountry run to raise funds for cancer research.

Although Fox was forced to stop after 143 days and more than 5,300 kilometres, his dream has continued through annual Terry Fox Runs in Canada and around the world. To date, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $850 million for cancer research.

Fox’s determination continues to resonate with students at Sunningdale School. “They talked about determination and not giving up,” Ubell said about the earlier presentation. “At our school, one of our sayings is, ‘You can do hard things.’ We heard that in the presentation today (as well).”

For Ubell, the run is a reminder of what a community can achieve when it comes together. “I’m really proud of our Sunningdale students, staff, and the community for supporting us in this event,” she said.

“Terry started a marathon against cancer. Together, we can finish it,” a motto from The Terry Fox Foundation reads. To learn more, visit TerryFox.org.

Jody Hall, School Run Ambassador with the Terry Fox Foundation, holds up the prosthetic leg Terry Fox used during his Marathon of Hope while speaking to Sunningdale School students on Sept. 17. Photo by: Aaron Udell/Submitted

A student’s artwork depicts Terry Fox, one of many pieces created during the week’s learning activities. Photo by: Aaron Udell/ Submitted

Students finish their run and prepare to high-five the school mascot, wearing a Terry Fox Run shirt, on Sept. 17. Photo by: Aaron Udell/Submitted

Student artwork lines the hallway at Sunningdale School as classes learned about Terry Fox and his mission to fight cancer ahead of the Sept. 17 presentation. Photo by: Aaron Udell/Submitted

New tile-covered butterfly sculpture lands near Spring Creek trail

A new sculpture has landed in Spring Creek that celebrates the ecology of the area and highlights the creativity of hundreds of school children and seniors.

An eight-foot-wide, three-feet-high, concrete-and-steel-formed monarch butterfly has alighted at the corner of Thatcher Drive West and Simcoe Street near the trail entrance. The artwork is composed of 260 square tiles, 225 kilograms of steel and 450 kilograms of concrete — and a ton of behind-the-scenes work.

The project included artist Grant McLaughlin, the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) and the North West Community Association (NWCA).

The artwork “looks really good,” said the MJMAG’s Christy Schweiger, who noted that this is the third project on which she’s worked with McLaughlin. The other two include the turtle in Wakamow Valley and the maple leaf in Crescent Park.

Continuing, she said the NWCA approached the MJMAG about creat-

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she said, noting that they were handcut, while it was “quite a process” from start to finish — the project started in May — since they had to be cooked in a kiln, decorated, glazed and then cooked again.

also thought that the NWCA should install a bench that incorporated the remaining tiles, while he thought the bench should be a phone-free location so people would sit and relax.

One challenge McLauglin faced was in securing the necessary supplies, as he noted that there used to be a company that mixed concrete for people. However, that business no longer exists, so he had to buy pre-packaged material and rent a cement mixer and do the job himself — while storing everything at home.

ing something that would reflect the environment in Spring Creek. She then connected with McLauglin, with the two agreeing that the creation had to have a large surface without edges since children would likely climb on it.

They also agreed that the sculpture shouldn’t have pieces that would break off or be targets for vandalism. They — along with the committee — then landed on creating a monarch butterfly that incorporated ceramic tiles.

Schweiger is a ceramic artist, so to create the tiles, she recruited students from St. Michael, St. Agnes and Lindale schools, participants from the MJMAG’s summer arts program and seniors’ art classes, and art gallery staff.

From a clay block that weighed 22.5 kilograms (50 pounds), the group created 320 tiles. However, only 260 fit onto the sculpture, so Schweiger is looking to install the remaining 60 on a parallel project, perhaps a bench or picnic table adjacent to the butterfly.

“A lot of work went into the tiles,”

Schweiger added that she appreciated the efforts of McLaughlin, along with everyone else who supported the project.

McLaughlin was at the site recently, using a sponge to keep the sculpture wet so it didn’t dry out too quickly and the tiles fall off. He has also been covering it up with a tarpaulin due to fluctuating temperatures, while he expected to apply the sealer in a month.

He noted that he had plenty of help creating the artwork, including his son and grandson, Schweiger and her brother and sister-in-law, and new mural repairer Tonia Vermette and her husband.

“I’d love to put more designs and things on the outside … but I know from fixing and doing stuff in Crescent Park and in Wakamow (Valley), if you have too many things … (some kids will) do a lot of damage,” McLaughlin said. “… So hopefully, we don’t get any lunkheads that want to … break something.”

McLaughlin thought that the butterfly sculpture had good visibility and would fill the community with joy. He

Sandra Stewart, the NWCA’s project co-ordinator, said the new sculpture looks exciting, while the group plans to add two concrete benches to the site — likely in mid-October — and incorporate the remaining ceramic tiles.

“It’s nice to add a piece of artwork. We basically don’t have anything on the west side for artwork … (compared to) the fun things that are located downtown,” she said, noting that the committee initially wanted a dragonfly artwork, but was told it would be too breakable and unsuitable for climbing.

Stewart added that she will co-ordinate an official unveiling with city hall, with the event occurring either later this fall or early next spring.

Artist Grant McLaughlin (left) and other volunteers apply the ceramic tiles to the sculpture. Photo courtesy Facebook

Staff at the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery form hundreds of tiles from a larger clay block. The tiles were later painted and fired in a kiln to turn them into ceramic pieces. Photo courtesy Facebook

A view of the monarch butterfly sculpture.

Photo by Jason G. Antonio

With a sponge in hand, Grant McLaughlin keeps the artwork wet, so the tiles don’t dry out and fall off. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

Bowling fundraiser to support medical team’s trip to Guatemala

A group of health-care providers is hoping that residents will be willing to strike out, acquire a turkey or score a deuce during an exciting fundraiser to support an upcoming trip.

The Moose Jaw International Medical Mission (MJIMM) team is holding its second annual “Joe Leier Bowling Party Fundraiser” at the South Hill Bowling Alley at 510 Home Street West on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The cost is $25 per person, with the fee covering shoe rental and two games. People can register either individually or as a team, with a maximum of six people per team.

To register, contact Stephanie Smith at 306-681-3536.

Smith said, “The mission means so much to me because when you go and you experience and you see the difference you’re making in someone else’s life, it just takes your breath away a little bit.”

In Canada, it’s easy to take for granted the availability of health care, clean drinking water and safe homes, but in Guatemala, those things are not as easily attainable, Smith pointed out. So, people there appreciate it “at such a raw level.”

The MJIMM will travel to Patzun, Guatemala, this January, while this will be Smith’s sixth trip. She will work in the hospital and will clean, decontaminate and sterilize the operating room equipment.

Besides helping people, Smith enjoys the country itself, including its diversity and beauty. Moreover, she enjoys working with a team of experienced health-care professionals, many

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of whom have travelled south before and some of whom are going for the first time.

“I just enjoy that camaraderie and teamwork; our team comes together. You’ve got 30 to 35-plus people who have never worked together before. Some people don’t even know each other before that first week, (but) you all have the same common goal,” she said.

As for naming the bowling fundraiser after Joe Leier, Smith said that Leier was a biomedical technician who was born in Saskatchewan but moved to Guatemala with his family in 2002 to offer health care there.

The Leiers worked with the MJIMM team in Patzun for years before an aggressive form of “African malaria” that he picked up in South Sudan killed him in 2023. A year after his death, Smith — thanks to an idea from Leier’s wife — launched the bowling fundraising to honour him; Leier enjoyed the game himself.

A GoFundMe page created in 2023 to cover hospital, medical and funeral expenses said Leier had an “immense heart, boundless energy and unwavering dedication to helping others,” which made him an invaluable member of the international medical community.

Before his death, he had joined the emergency response team of Samaritan’s Purse, while he left Canada because he felt God was calling him to serve in Guatemala, the page said. He told friends many times that he heard God’s voice guiding him “in all sorts of ways and circumstances.”

Smith said she worked closely with Leier, whom she described as “one of a

kind” and who was serious, kind, smart and creative. He was also instrumental in keeping the ORs running smoothly and the sterilizing machines working efficiently, while he was entertaining and a good friend to all.

As for the bowling itself, Smith chuckled and said, “I am not a bowler, but I just go and have fun, because that’s what it’s all about … . It’s a care-free time out of the house, all the while raising money for a good cause.”

Empire School partnership kept Southwest Day Care open through renovations

When structural issues forced the Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre to close its South Hill building in 2023, families across the community faced the prospect of losing one of Moose Jaw’s most established childcare providers.

Instead, thanks to the quick support of Empire School and principal Gillian Crocker, the centre was able to carry on without interruption.

Southwest Day Care, which first opened in 1975, discovered that what began as a minor ceiling concern had escalated into a full structural rebuild. Within hours of shutting its doors, the non-profit organization reached out for help and found it within the Prairie South School Division.

“We actually reached out to the school board, and within the first day that we shut down we spent probably 13 hours trying to figure out what we were going to do,” executive director Lucille Gilliland recalled. “We reached out, and Empire School said that we could go in there.”

The meeting took place within hours. “The principal met with us right away and showed us areas that we could use. I think we were down for just one day of no service before we had everything set up and ready to go,” Gilliland said.

Empire opened three otherwise

empty classrooms to house the program, and within days the day care relocated one block to the school. For the next 20 months, the school served as a “second home” for staff, children, and families until the newly rebuilt day care reopened on Jan. 7.

“They had three classrooms that they opened up to us, and we managed to make it a comfortable day care for our children while we had the opportunity to

stay there,” Gilliland said.

Assistant director Taylor Brake emphasized how essential the partnership was for everyone involved.

“It basically meant that a bunch of people got to keep their jobs, and a bunch of parents kept being able to go to work and have quality childcare for their children,” she said. “It also really touched our hearts (seeing) how the community was willing to work with us.”

Gilliland described principal Crocker as a steady presence throughout the transition.

“She not only opened her school, but she opened her heart to us. She would always come down and visit to make sure the kids were okay and all our needs were being met,” Gilliland said. “She was truly amazing.”

Southwest Day Care’s temporary relocation underscored the importance of community partnerships when unexpected challenges arise. By accommodating the day care, Empire School ensured local families did not lose access to an essential service.

“We were very lucky that, beyond the construction (help) … we had Empire School …,” Gilliland noted.

Empire School has since closed, with its students moving this September to the new Coteau Hills Elementary School joint-use facility. Former Empire principal Gillian Crocker now serves as vice-principal at Coteau Hills, continuing her role in supporting families.

As Southwest Day Care looks ahead to the next 50 years, Crocker’s leadership and Empire School’s willingness to step up during a time of crisis will remain a central part of its story.

Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre is located at 504 Fourth Avenue Southwest.

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A chalkboard inside Empire School displayed an inspirational message during Southwest Day Care’s stay, reflecting the supportive spirit of the temporary arrangement.

Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre/Facebook

Students attend Southwest Day Care inside one of the makeshift classroom spaces at Empire School, where the program operated during renovations. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre/Facebook

Empire School’s custodian stops by during Halloween festivities, highlighting the close relationship that developed between the school and the day care. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre/Facebook

Community support brings Southwest Day Care home

The Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre officially reopened after nearly two years of renovations, marking both a return home and a celebration of the community support that made it possible.

The South Hill facility, one of Moose Jaw’s oldest day cares, held its grand reopening on Sept. 12 with a ribbon-cutting, social, and formal thank-you presentation for families, contractors, sponsors, and supporters after quietly resuming operations on Jan. 7.

“We’re very excited. It’s been a long process, and everybody from our executive team to our board of directors got together and worked as a team. It’s wonderful,” said executive director Lucille Gilliland.

The day care was forced to close its building in 2023 after a seemingly minor ceiling issue revealed far more serious structural concerns. What began as a simple upgrade turned into a complete rebuild, with the roof and much of the interior requiring replacement.

“We had to rebuild our whole centre. The roof was falling in, so we had architects come and work with us, and we had to rede-

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sign the centre and basically rebuild it from the bottom up,” Gilliland explained. “It was a major project, and it was very rewarding at the end when we came in and saw our amazing centre.”

To fund the unexpected overhaul, the non-profit launched its “Raising the Roof” campaign in March 2023. Using a donationtier model, families, businesses, and residents were invited to contribute. The campaign concluded in December 2024 after meeting its ambitious $200,000 target.

“Many parents helped by talking to their neighbours and friends and sharing our campaign on their social media. Everybody spent countless hours of work, and their dedication went into making the Raising the Roof campaign successful,” said Gilliland.

The campaign featured rib nights, special-order fundraisers, and private donations from current and former families, while

community organizations stepped forward with major contributions.

Support came from the Moose Jaw Kinsmen Club, Moose Jaw Co-op, Prairie South School Division, Alton Tangedal Architect Ltd., and Leeville Construction Ltd. Gilliland also credited the owners of Circle K on Main Street, who not only hosted fundraisers but even purchased a new dishwasher when the centre’s old one failed after storage.

Assistant director Taylor Brake said the renovations also allowed the centre to strengthen its range of inclusive programming.

“We have always been a centre that is very inclusive and works to include special needs,” she said. Accessibility improvements include lever-style handles on doors and taps, lower plug-ins for medical equip-

ment, and reconfigured bathrooms. A new ceiling-mounted air purification system now adds another layer of protection for at-risk children.

During renovations, Southwest Day Care operated for 20 months out of Empire School, where principal Jillian Crocker and the Prairie South School Division opened three classrooms to house the program — support that allowed parents to keep working, staff to remain employed, and children to continue receiving quality child care with only a single day of service lost.

Beyond the excitement of returning home, the centre also celebrated its 50th anniversary during the reopening.

“We were also able to celebrate 50 years at our grand reopening. Our centre has been operating since 1975 and we were one of the first day cares in Moose Jaw. Now we get to keep … (providing) good care when it is so needed,” Gilliland said.

Like so many others, board chair Stephanie Ramsey played a key role in the project.

“There were even cinder blocks that the construction company had never seen before. That problem, and any (other) hiccup that could happen, Stephanie took them all on like it was no problem,” Brake recalled.

For Gilliland and Brake, the reopening was clear evidence of a community united behind a worthy cause.

“One of my favourite sayings is: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ And truly, our community came out and supported us 100 per cent,” she said.

Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre is located at 504 Fourth Avenue Southwest and can be reached at 306-6936688.

Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Southwest Day Care staff cut the ribbon to officially mark the grand reopening on Sept. 12. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre

Assistant director Taylor Brake, left, and executive director Lucille Gilliland, right, share the honours of cutting the celebratory cake on Sept. 12. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre

Community members gather inside following the Sept. 12 ceremony to celebrate the return of Southwest Day Care. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre

A formal ceremony takes place outdoors in the centre’s courtyard, with dignitaries and Moose Jaw-Wakamow MLA Meagan Patterson in attendance. Photo by: Southwest Day Care and Early Learning Centre

Town ’N’ Country Mall to host Truth and Reconciliation Day gathering

The Town ’N’ Country Mall will mark Truth and Reconciliation Day with an afternoon of culture, learning, and community ahead of the officially observed date on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The program will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with traditional dancing set for 1 to 3 p.m.

Gale Hoffos, the mall’s event coordinator, is organizing the program, which will feature traditional drummers, jingle dancers, guest speakers, and Indigenous vendors offering everything from bannock and jam to crafts and other goods.

“I have an Elder coming to speak, a couple of MLAs are invited, along with jingle dancers, traditional drummers, and I’m going to have Indigenous vendors throughout the mall selling their products,” Hoffos said. “It’ll be a good

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

Photo by: Aaron Walker

time — I can’t wait.”

Hoffos said the celebration will span the entire shopping venue, with the centre court set as the main stage for early afternoon speeches and performances. The Sept. 27 date was chosen ahead of the nationally observed day on

Sept. 30 to prevent overlap with other commemorations and to make it easier for residents to attend on a weekend.

The celebration is free to attend and designed in a come-and-go format so residents can browse vendors, watch performances, and take part at their own pace.

Hoffos noted that this will mark the first time the Town ’N’ Country Mall has hosted an event to officially recognize Truth and Reconciliation Day.

“Truth and Reconciliation Day is very important, and the Town ‘N’ Country Mall is all about community,” she noted. “I wanted to (host a) Truth and Reconciliation event at the mall (to honour) Indigenous people.”

While Hoffos is co-ordinating each performance in advance, Indigenous vendors can register right up to the day

of the event.

“Indigenous vendors can come up to that day,” she said, adding that performers should give as much advance notice as possible to ensure there’s room available in the itinerary.

Hoffos encouraged Moose Jaw residents to attend the inaugural observance, emphasizing the chance to learn directly from those sharing their knowledge.

“We will have an Elder speaking, and just the knowledge from an Elder is worth hearing,” she said. “We’d love to involve the community and they need to come and see (this) amazing feature.”

To register or for any further information, contact Gale Hoffos by email at Gale@PTCCYVR.com.

The Town ‘N’ Country Mall is located at 1235 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-1711.

SiriusXM contest could bring Canadian rockers The Beaches to Moose Jaw

The Beaches are one of Canada’s biggest alt-rock bands and are winners of the coveted JUNO Award, and could come to Moose Jaw to perform if the community wins a national contest.

SiriusXM Canada has announced the return of “Music Town,” a national program that celebrates Canadian communities by giving them the chance to win a concert in their backyard. The contest shines a spotlight on homegrown talent by bringing a top Canadian act to a town not typically on the concert circuit.

As of Sept. 16, Canadians can nominate their town — sharing what makes their community special and what a live concert would mean to them — at siriusxm.ca/musictown for a chance to win a live show featuring The Beaches. Nominations remain open until Sunday, Oct. 5, with SiriusXM Canada revealing the top eight towns on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

After revealing the top communities, Canadians can cast daily votes and rally on social media for their favourite, with the winner revealed on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Planning will then begin for the concert and community celebration, with a few surprises and delights along

By MooseJawToday.com staff

the way.

“As SiriusXM Canada comes up on its 20th anniversary, there’s never been a better time to do what we do best — bring people together through the power of music and get Canadian fans closer

to the artists and experiences they love,” said Rob Keen, senior vice-president of sales, marketing & CCD with SiriusXM Canada.

“We’ve proudly supported Canadian culture, music, and homegrown talent for the past two decades, and the return of SiriusXM Music Town is both a true celebration of local pride and a culmination of our commitment,” he added.

Jordan Miller, lead singer of The Beaches, said, “We’ve had the privilege of playing big stages and festivals, but there’s nothing quite like performing at home in front of our Canadian fans.”

“We’re so grateful for SiriusXM’s support in amplifying Canadian acts like ours, and excited to bring SiriusXM Music Town to a community that doesn’t often host big shows,” she added. “We can’t wait to play live for fans in their backyard this fall!”

The Beaches are doing everything their way, and after more than a decade together, sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller, with close friends Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel, enter a new era, a news release said.

Their Juno Award-winning album,

Blame My Ex, turned heartbreak into self-discovery, with lead single “Blame Brett” amassing 140 million streams across all platforms and fueling a soldout world tour, from Toronto’s Budweiser Stage to Brooklyn, LA, Vancouver, and London. Now, No Hard Feelings delivers bold anthems, witty lyricism, and unapologetic grunge, set to solidify The Beaches as a driving force in alt-rock today.

Visit www.thebeachesband.com for more information about The Beaches.

SiriusXM Music Town is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing commitment to promoting and elevating the best Canadian music talent. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its North American-wide reach and significant financial contributions of over $200 million in Canadian Content Development contributions. To learn more about Music Town, visit siriusxm.ca/musictown or check out SiriusXM Canada’s social channels for updates on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

The Town ‘N’ Country Mall will hold its inaugural gathering to support Truth and Reconciliation Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Beaches, a Canadian alt-rock band comprised of sisters Jordan and Kylie Miller, and close friends Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel. Photo courtesy Instagram

Inaugural Fall Festival to showcase Métis culture in Moose Jaw

Aaron Walker - Moose Jaw Express

As Canadians prepare to observe Truth and Reconciliation Day on Sept. 30, residents will have another opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture later that week at the first annual Métis Fall Festival: Rendezvous and Voyageur Games event.

The New Southern Plains Métis Local No. 160 is inviting the public to gather on Friday, Oct. 3, at Wakamow Valley’s skating oval for an evening of Métis tradition, music, and community.

The free celebration runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature games, cultural displays, and live entertainment under a large 40-by-60-foot tent.

Darrell Hawman, one of the organizers, said the festival has been in the works for months and the timing makes it especially meaningful.

“It’s about cultural awareness,” he said. “This is our first annual festival … and it’s a celebration of Métis culture and activities.”

Earlier in the day, select Grade 4 students will take part in hands-on activities designed to share traditional knowledge and games. The pilot program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a half-size Red River cart relay, wood painting crafts, flower packing, canoe carry, and jigging lessons. In total, eight individual events will be held for students.

The focus will then shift to the wider community, where everyone is welcome to join in. Organizers say they hope the event will help foster understanding and connections by celebrating Métis heritage through both performance and participation.

“The early morning is for the kids, and then we’ll be providing evening entertainment for the public,” Hawman noted.

Entertainment highlights are set to include Métis artist and country performer Jason Lepine, who will close the evening with a live set, supported by local singer Sam Ariss. The stage will also host traditional jigging led by Southern Plains Métis Thunder instructor Trina Gueffroy and karaoke performances, offering audiences a mix of traditional and contemporary music.

Trina Gueffroy, right, teaches Métis jigging during a public class in Crescent Park earlier this summer. Gueffroy, with Southern Plains Métis Thunder, will lead traditional performances at the upcoming Fall Fest on Oct. 3 in Wakamow Valley.

“We’re going to have a strongman competition, some Métis activities and displays,” Hawman said. “We’ve hired Jason Lepine as our closer, and we’ve got a karaoke entertainer doing a performance before that, and we’ll have some (dancers) on stage before that.”

The strongman contest offers $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Traditional Voyageur-style games such as axe throwing and tug-ofwar will round out the evening, alongside cultural displays and local vendors.

Hawman hopes the festival will encourage residents to reflect on the resilience and history of the Métis people, while enjoying the chance to connect as a community.

“We’ve had good success (with our recent programming) and we’re hoping to make this an annual event,” he said.

Support from Gibson Energy, SaskWater, Moose Jaw Co-op, and the Métis Nation is ensuring the festival is open to the community at no cost. Food vendors will be onsite, including hot dogs provided by the Moose Jaw Co-op.

For more information or to register, contact Darrell Hawman at 306-6317438. Hawman noted that space is limited and it’s best to secure a spot as early as possible to guarantee participation.

The Wakamow Oval is adjacent to the Kiwanis River Park Pavilion and Lodge and can be found by following River Drive into the Wakamow Valley.

October 3, 2025 from 4 pm to 8pm Kiwanis Park

Photo by: Aaron Walker

Daily Sudoku Puzzles by KrazyDad, September 18, 2025

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

4 5 2 7 6 1 4 6 2 7 8 3 1 6 7 3 6 5 4 8 7 9 6 4 3 2 9

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck. © 2025 KrazyDad.com

APART, AWARD, BATCH, COMMENT, COMPASS, CONSTELLATION CONTEND, CORPORATION, COUGH, CUTE, DEBUT, DIZZY DRONE, DUNE, ENERGY, ENGINEER, ENJOY, FIRST, GRIT, LEAD, LIQUID, OCEAN, OPERATE, OPPORTUNITY, ORBITAL, ORGANIZATION, PLEASE, POWER, REPEAT, TAIGA, UNION, WATT, WONDER

ACROSS

1. Goofy

6. Big bash

10. Cultural doings

14. Spooky

15. Footnote note

16. 12 inches

17. Sporting venue

18. Empty

19. Ballet attire

20. Rotating spit oven

22. Mild expletive

23. Not this 24. Scarcely

26. French for “Head”

30. Amazement

31. U-boat

32. Anagram of “Bone”

33. Boys 35. Coronet

39. In a tasteless manner 41. Decorated

43. Inn

44. Fill to excess

46. Frog

47. Stomach muscles, for short

49. Baby bear

50. Gammons

51. Floor

54. Gunk

56. Streetcar

57. Planner

63. Ascend

64. Tight

65. Funeral piles

66. Similar

67. Type of sword

68. Deception

69. Where the sun sets

70. Clutter

71. Guest inviters

DOWN

1. Darling

2. Pertaining to flight

3. Worry

4. French for “End”

5. Leavening agent

6. Gifts

7. Cut short

8. Fifty-three in Roman numerals 9. Snakes 10. Placenta

11. French for “Red”

12. Complete

13. Examine

21. Will

25. Car

26. Technology

27. River in Spain

28. Boast

29. Act of showing affection

34. Drenches

36. Small wild ox

37. Unit of paper

38. Combines

40. River to the North Sea

42. Beginning

45. Grows

48. Modus operandi

51. Grain stubble

52. Tricycle

53. Haven

55. Profundity

58. Adhesive strip

59. Greek sandwich

60. Colored part of the eye

61. Religious offshoot

62. Sounds of disapproval

CLASSIFIED ADS

205 WANTED

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-313-3439. I pay cash for unwanted firearms, ammunition, and other firearm related items. Also, free pick up of unwanted yard, garden, and acreage equipment, chainsaws, ATV’s, snowmobiles, etc. Call or text 306-641-4447.

200 LOST & FOUND

LOST CAT - From West Park. Answers to June. Don’t pick up, please call 306-313-7771

Condo for Sale - 149 Hochelaga

St W, 1500 sq ft, lower level developed, main floor living room, kitchen, powder room, patio doors to large deck with glass railing, 2 bedroom up stairs, 4 piece bath, master is large with hardwood flooring and large ensuite with whirlpool tub, single car garage, asking $350,000 call Shawna 306-630-7757 or Ray 306-631-0525.

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load.

306-630-2268

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-630-2268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience. Cleaner with 20 years experience available for move out cleans. Please call Rebecca at 306-9900387.

Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, tvs, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $20 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $60. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306681-8749

Experienced housekeeper will clean your home, do walls, windows, and yard care for reason-

able rate. Call Lora at 639-5382509. References available upon request.

140 FOR RENT

Senior Living Condo for Rent

- Points 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 for heating or cooling, garage available, large and bright dining and common area floor plan, entertainment and bistro facilities, monthly or individual meals available, shuttle service available. For more information or viewing call: Dan 306 631-1669, Judi 306 631-0742

FOR RENT - Quiet South Hill location. Freshly renovated. Small south facing deck, parking at front door. Fridge, stove, washer, dryer, microwave. Includes water, heat, and central air. Power not included. Must provide references. $900/mnth. Call Cindy at 306-692-8009 (leave a message if not home).

165 HOUSEHOLD

Senior man needs to move and is looking for someone to take all the misc. for $200.00 tor viewing call 306-690-8018

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

Meritis Scooter for sale - $2400 or best offer. Please call 306691-0140

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Element –Range 50 km, tubeless tires, LED lights, horn, speed up to 25/km, rear basket, under seat storage, and bag hook. BRAND NEW $3995.00. Call 306-694-1322 for more information. w/photo – blue scooter

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Deluxe – Range 50km, fully enclosed, roof window, back up camera, heater, and fan, with headlights, signal lights, and horn. BRAND NEW $7900. Call 306-694-1322 for more information. w/photo – blue scooter

105

AUTOS

FOR SALE - 2012 Chev Orlando, leather seats, 8 passenger. Please call 306-630-9036

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.

Acquisitive vs Inquisitive

Acquisitive and inquisitive sound similar but are totally different words with dissimilar meanings. However, both share a common Latin root, the word quaerere, meaning to seek, to look for, to ask.

Acquisitive implies strongly desirous of obtaining and possessing. The related verb acquire was used in the

The family of Laura MacLean would like to thank Doctors’ G. B. and A. J. van Heerden, as well as the staff of Providence Place for the care provided to our mother over the past number of years. The compassion and thoughtfulness you demonstrated is very much appreciated.

15th century meaning to get as one’s own. Acquire was derived from the Latin acquirere, which was formed by the prefix ad (signifying to or towards or in addition to) plus quaerere. The prefix ac is a variant of ad when added to words starting with ‘c’ or ‘qu’. You can find this in English words like accompany, acclaim, and accident. Acquisitive suggests an eagerness towards seeking to possess something and the ability to get and keep it.

Inquisitive means given to examination or investigation. Inquisitive comes from the Latin inquirere, which was formed by the prefix in plus quaerere. The Latin prefix in can mean in, into, or on. In is used in words like inject and inscribe. Interestingly, in can also be used as not or un, as in insane or invalid. Inquisitive implies looking for answers about questions one may have in mind, especially curious questions about the affairs of others.

Covetous, greedy, grasping, and avaricious, like acquisitive, also imply having or showing a strong desire for things, especially material possessions.

Covetous suggests inordinate desire, often for another’s possessions. She was covetous of her brother’s lake front cottage which he received from the family estate. Two of the Ten Commandments (or one in some numbering systems) deal with the serious sin of coveting, which often leads to breaking other commandments.

Greedy stresses lack of restraint and often of discrimination in desire. He was greedy for the status symbols that accompanied government office.

Grasping implies selfishness and often suggests unfair or ruthless means of acquiring things. The courts finally penalized the hard-grasping businesswoman who cheated her associates out of their legitimate share of the profits.

Avaricious means obsessive desire, especially of money, and strongly suggests stinginess. The solitary old uncle was an avaricious miser who shared nothing

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277 Iroquois St W Moose Jaw, SK

Next Service: Sep 28th, 2025 10:30am Rev. Walter Engel

with the rest of the family.

Synonyms of inquisitive are curious and prying which indicate an interest in what is not one’s personal or proper concern.

Curious connotes an active desire to learn or to know. Young children are curious about everything, sometimes innocently asking very personal questions.

Prying suggests busy meddling and officiousness. They were surrounded by prying neighbours who refused to mind their own business. Some of you may recall Gladys Kravitz (played by Sandra Gould) in the TV serial Bewitched, as a prying neighbour. Is it okay to have an acquisitive or an inquisitive mind?

An acquisitive mind tries to turn information into something useful for itself, be it for good or for bad. The acquisitive mind sorts, categorizes, and collates ideas and knowledge, but often confuses having sorted them properly with having understood them properly. Judgments are made and conclusions need to be reached. An acquisitive mind cannot easily be flexible with the data obtained.

An inquisitive mind has no expectations or demands of what appears. The inquisitive mind is willing to discover things as they are and once revealed is willing to let it go with no judgment. An inquisitive mind may seek answers to things that are not within their bailiwick (see last week’s article) but often has no opinion on the matter.

Used in a positive way both acquisitive and inquisitive minds can be useful but often viewed with suspicion by many. A great detective, like Columbo, would have both acquisitive and inquisitive personality traits.

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.

Obituaries / Memorials

BABA, JIM FARRIS

AUGUST 6, 1956 - SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Jim, at age 69, passed away on September 12, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, after a long and courageous fight against myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia.

Beloved husband of Penny Baba for 45 years. Jim was a loving and proud father to Jamie (Chris), Mitch (Lianna) and Melani (Steven). He was known as the fun Grandpa and had a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren Violet, Emma, Hayden, Quinn and Chloe.

Dear son of Farris and Norma Baba and son-in-law to Pete and Viola Symenuk. Older brother to Kathy (Marcel), Gary (Nicole) and Tim (Susan). Loved brother-in-law of Bonnie, Brad, Rick, Tom and Bobbi. Uncle Jimmy to his nieces and nephews who loved him so much - Nickole, Darroll, Colleen, Tyson, Jenna, Paisly, Travis, Robyn, Steph, Brooklyn, Kaitlin, Ashlynn.

Jim will be remembered most for his warmth, humour, and the joy he brought to everyone around him. Known for his quick jokes and easy laughter, he cherished time spent with family—whether gathered around a board game, watching movies, or enjoying his favourite treat, watermelon.

Beyond home, Jim was admired worldwide for his love of baseball. Jim retired from a long and memorable career with Baseball Canada in 2021. His dedication and passion for the sport touched countless lives across the globe, leaving an impact on players, colleagues, and fans alike. Through baseball, he built lifelong connections and inspired many with his unwavering spirit and enthusiasm.

To his family and friends he was a source of joy, comfort, and endless love. His memory will live on in the laughter he shared, the games he played, and the passion he poured into everything he loved.

Honouring his wishes, there will not be a formal service. Instead, his family will find a special way to honour him at a later date, holding close the love and memories he leaves behind. If you wish to honor him in your own special way, he would have loved nothing more than knowing you were cheering loudly for the Yankees or the Packers, or thinking of him the next time you have a slice of watermelon.

A special thanks to Dr Villeneuve and his hematology team, the nurses in the medical day unit at The Ottawa Hospital, Dr Jennings and the Palliative Care team for their kind and compassionate care.

One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.

-- Will Duran

Beverly Sills

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.

Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes. Please contact us for more information

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

If you would like your notice or event added to this list, contact us at: joan@moosejawexpress.com

Town N’ Country Mall events

SCRAPS Flea Market – Friday, September 26 (10am–6:30pm), Saturday, September 27 (10am–4pm), and Sunday, September 28 (10am–4pm). If you have donations, please contact Tara at 306-630-1822. Truth and Reconciliation Day – Saturday, September 27, 11am–4pm. Indigenous vendors throughout the mall, traditional dancers 1pm–3pm, with dignitaries speaking at 1pm.

The Moose Jaw Branch of Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) would like to welcome all our old members back and any new people who would be interested in joining us in the Moose Jaw Public Library Upstairs South Meeting Room on Sept. 24 at 7pm. Everyone welcome. Please come willing to share any new finds from this past summer or any work you have done and are willing to share. Maybe you have some questions or a challenge you need help with.

Moose Jaw Duplicate Bridge Club is holding Beginners’ Duplicate Bridge Lessons. The Lessons will be every Thursday night, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., September 25November 27, 2025 at the Comfort Inn. Lessons are $40. For more information or to register, contact Anita at (306) 630-1256.

Upcoming Craft and Bake Sale at Victoria Towers, 123 Fairford St E,Moose Jaw on Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 - 1:00 pm. Everyone Welcome.

Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital Auxiliary Used Book & Jigsaw Puzzle Sale in the hospital lobby September 29 until October 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will also be a Penny Parade and Raffle. Proceeds will go toward new hospital equipment. Books and puzzles in good shape may be dropped off at the Gift Shop. Women’s Choir…Women over 50 years of age who are interested in joining the Heritage Singers are invited to contact Brenda Johnson by text or phone 306-631-8095 for more details.

Scottish Country Dancing has resumed at 7 pm on Thursdays @Timothy Eaton’s Centre, 510 Main St. N. No partner required. Ages 8 and up including grandparents. Contact: Val, 306-630-5790

White Heather Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw looking for new players ages eight and older. New players will have the opportunity to try out drum sticks on pads and practice chanters with the instructors and will be introduced to some of the children already members of the band. Contact Michelle Carline at <mcarline@hotmail.com>

Moose Jaw Camera Club The club welcomes photography enthusiasts ranging from beginner to experienced and from cell phone to advanced camera equipment users. Everyone is welcome to come to this meeting and see what the club is about and enjoy “Popcorn and a Slideshow” of members’ amazing photography at no charge or obligation. For Club information: Georgina 306-630-7835 or Betty 306371-5220.

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. At Zion church from Sept to May.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club will not be meeting this summer and will resume meetings in September.

Moose Jaw Parkinsons Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months: September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are held at Hillcrest Apostolic Church, Moose Jaw. Call or text 306 756 2819

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. Winter 2024 Program on Monday nights from 7-9pm at St. Mary’s School, 720 – 5th Ave. SW. Dance in a square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles or doubles welcome! Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a oncea-month status to take place on the third Friday of each month Church of Our Lady Bingo takes 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.

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, smallgroup, 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 firmfoundationministries. inc@gmail.com 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 twelve-step 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.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss Support Group Meets at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. . scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops.org

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) offers meetings every Wednesday evening too in the Alliance Church located at the corner of 9th Ave NE and Thatcher Dr. Use the West side entrance and you’ll find us down the hall in room 107. Weigh ins are 6:30-7 followed by a half hour meeting. Scale weighs up to 500lbs. Join us as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Visit www.tops.org for more information.

Moose Jaw Public Library (MJPL), 461 Langdon Cres. Phone 306.692.2787. Visit their website at https://www.moosejawlibrary.ca or visit ASK@ MOOSEJAWLIBRARY.CA. Some library programs require registration by calling 306-692-8210 or emailing nsetter@ moosejawlibrary.ca

Wear orange in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.

Movie club

The Death of Stalin: The Death of Stalin, directed by Armando Iannucci, is a dark political satire chronicling the chaos and power struggles among Soviet leaders following Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, blending sharp comedy with biting commentary on authoritarian regimes. Show date: Monday, Sept. 29

The library’s Documentary Night showcases documentary films that rarely hit theatres and takes place on the last Thursday of each month starting at 6 p.m. in the library’s theatre.

There’s Something in the Water: Produced and codirected by Elliot Page, the film explores the impacts of environmental racism in Nova Scotia, highlighting the struggles of Black and Indigenous communities facing ecological damage and their ongoing fight for a sustainable future. Show date: Thursday, Sept. 25

A few movie matinees will be shown for audiences of all ages in the library’s theatre starting at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone’s welcome.

Maker nights

Maker nights provide an evening dedicated to learning and creating with others. Register by calling 306-692-8210.

The program runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room for ages 13 and up.

Maker Saturdays: Scratch programming on Sept. 27.

Advance registration is required.

Children’s programming

LEGO Weekends: Are open for ages four and up during the library’s regular business hours on Saturdays and Sundays. In this self-guided activity in the Children’s Department, children can have fun building wild LEGO creations that they’re invited to put on display.

Children’s Storytime programs run on separate days in the Children’s Program Room starting at 10:30 a.m. Here, young readers can enjoy a short story, rhymes, and songs as caregivers learn ways to improve early childhood literacy.

Preschool Storytime: Wednesday, Sept. 24

Daycare Storytime: Monday, Sept. 29

Be sure to check out TumbleBooks for Kids featuring an online collection of animated, talking picture books to teach children the joys of reading in the Digital Library.

Standalone events

Come and Go Play: Enjoy a story, sensory activities, play, and meet new people in the Children’s Program Room from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the library. The free event is a drop-in program for ages zero to five, and guests can come and go as they please.

Youth programming

The library’s Teen Anime+ Club meets every fourth Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to watch anime, read manga, draw, chat, and eat Asian snacks. Anyone ages 12 to 19 is welcome to attend in the library’s theatre and yes — cosplay is welcome.

Next Anime+ meeting: Featuring “Demon Slayer” on Wednesday, Sept. 24

The Teen Arts & Crafts program takes place once a month for youth ages 12 to 19 and runs 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Herb Taylor Room. The program features art, crafts, snacks, and the chance to meet new friends.

The Teen Gamers program provides an evening of video, card, and board games for youth ages 12 to 19. The program is held once a month in the Herb Taylor Room with snacks provided from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and no registration is required.

Upcoming chess games: Sunday, Sept. 28

Magic: The Gathering is held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room. No registration is required, with all experience levels welcome.

• Magic: The Gathering: Saturday, Sept 27

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Archives Room, and players ages 12 to 16 across all experience levels are invited.

Digital D&D: Takes place Fridays on the youth Discord channel for ages 16 to 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. Email Youth@ MJLibrary.ca to inquire.

D&D: Insectopia: Group A will meet on Tuesdays until Sept. 23, starting at 6:30 p.m., and Group B will meet on Thursdays to Sept. 25, starting at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Crescent and can be reached online at MooseJawLibrary. ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@ MJLibrary.ca. It’s advisable to check the library’s Facebook page for updates as programs are subject to possible cancellations or rescheduling.

Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 693 Fairford St W. Contact: 306-692-5453

Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59

Moose Jaw

Instagram: @Royalcanadianlegion59

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9:30am-4:00pm

LOUNGE HOURS: Monday 10am-8pm; TuesdayThursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-9pm; Saturday 11am6pm; Closed Sundays

VETERANS MORNING COFFEE – Monday–Friday @ 10am; Saturday @ 11am

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm

CRIBBAGE – Tuesday @ 1:30pm

LEGION DARTS – Thursday @ 7pm

DROP IN SHUFFLEBOARD – Friday @ 7pm

MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pmEveryone welcome

LEGION CURLING – Sunday @ 10am @ Temple Gardens Curling Centre – Always looking for spares.

Moose Jaw and District Seniors: For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: Email: mjsenior@shaw.

ca The centre is now open Mon-Thurs 8am – 8pm. For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@ shaw.ca

The centre is now open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm.

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday’s 8am4pm

Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm

Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s. Tuesday is pie day. Kitchen is open Monday to Friday. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 – 8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday Thursday mornings @ 9 a.m.

- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1 p.m.

- Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 p.m.

- Wednesday pickleball @ Cancelled for summer

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Whist – Cancelled

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm

500 Cards – Cancelled

Full Body work out – Cancelled

Scrabble – Cancelled

Spades – Cancelled

Line Dancing – Tuesdays @ 10 a.m.

Intro to Line Dancing – Wednesday’s @ 11am

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Circle Dancing – ON HOLD

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Friday 9am to 4pm, Every Tuesday 9am -4pm starting September Lounge – Friday’s from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jam Sessions – Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm Floor Curling – Wednesday and Fridays @ONHOLD for summer

Bingo – Monday afternoons 1:30pm -3:30pm and NEW Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm

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: Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am/Pickleball 9am/Shuffleboard 1pm/Pickleball 3:45 Tuesday: 9:30am-Jam Session/1pm-Pickleball/7pmFriendship Bridge/7pm-Beginners Only Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am
Wednesday: 8:30amTOPS/8:30am-Pickleball/1pm-Floor Shuffleboard/ Indoor Walking - 11:30am/Art Drop In - 1:00pm/Pickleball 3:45pm and Beginner Pickleball 7:00pm
Thursday: 10am-Line Dance/1pm-Pickleball/ Indoor Walking8:15am and 12:00pm/ Hand/Foot Canasta - 1:30pm/ Beginner Pickleball - 3:15pm and Advanced Pickleball6:30pm
Friday: 9:00am-Beginner Pickleball/1pm-Regular Pickleball/ Indoor Walking - 8:15am and 11:30am Saturday: Advanced Pickleball - 9:30am and Pickleball - 1:00pm Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net

Monday/Tuesday – Open 12 to 7 pm

Wednesday – 12 – 6 pm 10 card Crib and Smear Thursday – 12 – 7 pm Regular Crib and Smear Friday – 1 - 10 pm Pool and Darts (7 pm) Saturday – 1 – 7pm Meat Draw at 4:30 pm, 50/50 and gift cards. Everyone welcome.

“Original Covers” Live for 2 nights! On September 26th and 27th starts at 7 pm. Come out with your dancing shoes on! Hope to see you there.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

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 Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca

324 Main Street N. Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill REALTOR® (306) 631-9966

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer REALTOR® (306)684-4266

EXCEPTIONAL 1982 - BUILT RAISED BUNGALOW with MIRRORED FLOOR PLAN UP & DOWN! Separate exterior entrance, 3 BEDROOMS UP.... 2 BEDROOMS DOWN, SEPARATE LAUNDRY, Great sized living room on both levels. Formal dining space, ample kitchen cabinets!

2 bedroom, eat-in

Casino Royale fun brings seniors together

As one of several retirement living options available to older adults in Moose Jaw, Atria Mulberry Estates prides itself on creating a warm and engaging community — a spirit that was on display Sept. 18 as residents gathered for the latest monthly social, Casino Royale.

Roulette wheels spun, dice rolled across the felt, and cards flipped at the blackjack table, as residents were invited to try their hand at a selection of classic casino games. Each participant received play chips to use throughout the event, with prizes awaiting those who finished with the largest stacks.

“We’ve planned a few games for our residents and gave them some chips they can put down. We have roulette, craps, and blackjack today,” explained marketing manager Tricia Oblander. The chips were handed out by the house and no actual cash was used to play.

The program followed the social series format and was designed as a casual, come-and-go experience where residents could rotate between tables.

“It’s just a couple of fun games to be more engaging for them,” Oblander said. “We’re also doing a Powerball draw, so as they go through (the stations) they have an activity card and they get a stamp on that. They’re then entered into a draw to win another prize as well.”

What mattered most, she added, was the chance to connect with others.

“Whoever has the most chips at the end wins the biggest prize,” she said. “Then there’s always the prize of having

fun throughout the whole event. Everyone’s a winner in that one.”

The Casino Royale theme marked a change of pace from the sporting themes often chosen for these monthly socials.

“Usually we’ll do a sports-themed event of some kind, so this one is just a little bit different to spice it up,” she said. “We like to have a variety of options.”

Attendance varies depending on the theme and residents’ interests, but the activity room and adjacent makeshift casino floor were filled with activity on Sept. 18. Those not hitting the game tables could be found in the adjoining room where shrimp cocktails, cheese

Mulberry Estates

and crackers, and assorted beverages were available, offering a scaled-down casino platter.

To showcase the sense of community at Atria Mulberry Estates, staff members joined in as dealers, engaging

directly with residents.

“It’s an opportunity for us to engage directly with our residents as well as have a little fun with them,” Oblander said. A nearby photo booth with themed props and smiling faces among close friends served as a testament to the entertainment factor.

For some longtime card players who chose not to be interviewed, the event carried a special twist.

“We have a couple people who were card dealers back in the day, so they probably know more about these games than we do but they’re on the other side of the table today,” Oblander chuckled.

Mulberry Estates’ programming continues next month with a Halloweenthemed haunted house on Oct. 9, featuring scary stories read aloud by local authors.

Atria Mulberry Estates is located at 220 Mulberry Lane. For more information or to book a tour, call 306-694-5020 or visit AtriaRetirement.ca.

Photos by: Aaron Walker