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Dead trees could be sorry sight come Centennial Celebrations Dead trees at the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park has started a rallying cry for donations as Biggar approaches its Centennial celebration. Fourteen trees in the park were removed last week, generously free of charge by Ivan Young, as what could hopefully be the first of many donations to get the park back up to pristine shape. On May 9, a professional from Lake Shore Nursery was brought to Biggar to review the condition of the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park, and investigate why so many trees have perished in such a short time. Suggestions have ranged from over-spraying, poor top soil, water leaching, or winter kill. It is unusual to lose so many trees at one time. A more pressing issue is the upcoming Biggar Centennial Celebrations, June 30 to July 3. With most of the trees dying surrounding the gazebo area, the focal point of the park will be a sorry sight come Biggar’s grand party. Committee members have chosen not to approach the community for support because they were not aware until now how much it would cost for professional replacement. That cost will prove to be a determent to the fund allocated to park maintenance. A contingency fund has carried the park for the past 11 years -- $20,000 remains. The tree replacement will cost $8,500 -- the cost of labour alone is $4,000. Park committee members are asking residents, businesses to help in the cost of donations. Sponsor a tree for $500 (or half a tree for $250) or simply give a donation of any kind. The committee is also looking at buying the replacement trees and finding volunteers to help with the labour of planting. The request, once again, is immediate as the 100th birthday is rapidly approaching. If you can help, call Judy Redlick at 948-2395 or drop off a donation to the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park at the Biggar Credit Union.
Ivan Young removes dead and dying trees near the gazebo at the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park last Thursday. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Teachers to strike this Wednesday, Thursday The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has provided notice of a general, province-wide two-day strike this May 25 and 26. The announcement, made May 20, affects Sun West, Prairie Spirit, and Greater Saskatoon Catholic schools (BCS2000, Landis School, Lord Asquith School, Perdue School, St. Gabriel School). No bus transportation will be available on the two-day strike. After-school extracurricular activities and teacher-led activities outside of regular school hours, are
also cancelled. Regular classes, with normal transportation, will resume on Friday, May 27. Should the status of the strike change, parents are encouraged to check Web sites at Sun West School Division (sunwestsd.ca), Prairie Spirit School Division (spiritsd.ca), and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (scs.sk.ca). The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is at stf.sk.ca.
What are the alternatives to drugs and alcohol? by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Independent Do we need drugs or alcohol to have fun? What else is there? A new club and committee have been formed to address these questions. Led by Dan Chegus, the Biggar
Activity Creation Committee (BACC) meets every second Thursday at the Wellness in BCS2000. At these meetings concerned citizens, who are willing to give a little of their time, come up with ideas and events to encourage the youth of Biggar to participate
Dan Chegus, left, Biggar’s Youth Outreach worker, addresses members of the Biggar Youth Activity Club. (submitted photo)
and enjoy themselves. The mandate of the committee is to create healthy and fun alternatives to substance abuse. These ideas are then presented to the Biggar Youth Activity Club. The youths involved select which activities, then get to work on the planning and executing of the ideas created by the committee. The implementing of these ideas and creation of the events encourage youth to take healthy risks. Dan Chegus is an experienced Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Just recently he was awarded the permanent position of Youth Outreach Worker. He brings with him concern and compassion for the youth of Biggar. A survey was done in February 2011 by over 700 people in Biggar,
focussed on substance use and entertainment. The survey results prompted the creation of the committee and the club. His perseverance has found a meeting place, has established the committee and the club and now the next event is about to take place. BACC will be presenting ‘Biggar Idol’. Does Biggar have talent? Of course it does! Register by May 23 to participate. Auditions start May 25 and 26 at MacPherson Hall (the old Elks Hall) at 7 p.m. Another young member of BACC is looking at various venues in town for free Yoga lessons for youths. Other members of the committee are devoting time, energy and their place for an event.
Some members bring experience with treating and caring for individuals who seek to treat their drug or alcohol addiction. Everyone involved remembers what it is like to be a youth, and wants to create healthier avenues to direct youthful energies. Driving around in vehicles to drink is dangerous and has killed too many young people from our town lately. It is so sad to see these young people, with so much potential ahead of them, to see their lives snuffed out whilst they thought they were having fun?! There are healthier alternatives! If, like Dan, you want to be part of the creation of healthy alternatives for the youth of Biggar, call him at 948-3323 ext. 230.