Webpaper 50

She’s got the Big Guy’s ear . . . Santa Claus came to Biggar, Saturday, at the special invite of the Biggar Legion.

The wee ones could get some one-on-one time with Santa and bend his ear over that special item on their wish list!

See Page 2 for more! (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Vol. 108 No. 50

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

16 pages

$1.25

2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

The Biggar Legion invited Santa to town, Saturday, giving kids a chance to meet the Jolly One, get a picture, and tell him their wish list. Santa’s helpers, the Biggar Legion members, hosted the day for the kids, and by the looks on the faces, made the day of many kids! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

Auditor Report criticizes to Heartland Health employee absenteeism Their is more work to do for the Heartland Health Region when it comes to employee absenteeism, says the Provincial Auditor in her recently released 2017 report.

Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson said that while Heartland had programs and policies in place to help minimize employee absenteeism, they had more work to do on the matter.

Heartland, one of 12 regional health regions now part of the new Saskatchewan Health Authority, was criticized along with Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation in her report released Tuesday.

“Both Heartland and SaskGaming operate in environment, which if not carefully managed, can lead to excessive employee absenteeism,” Auditor Ferguson explained.

“Many of their staff work shifts and provide physically demanding services.”

Ferguson’s report added that effectively managing employee absenteeism helps agencies to deliver quality services, minimizes costs, and supports employee well-being.

“Not managing employee absenteeism well, increases costs, which can include wages paid to absent and replacement workers, and costs related to employee wellbeing (stress, productivity, workplace safety,

and morale),” the report stated.

“While organizations will always have employee absenteeism, organizations must make sure attendance support programs are used and that those programs address the underlying reasons for excessive employee absenteeism,” says Ferguson.

In 2016-17, Heartland had the seventh highest amount of sick leave per full-time equivalent (FTE) position (about 10.5 days per FTE position per year) among the 12 regional health authorities. It employed staff in over 1,100 FTE positions at a cost of over $84 million.

The report said that while Heartland did a good job of providing employees and managers with clear expectations about attendance and had absenteeism support policies and programs, managers were not always applying them as intended. Heartland’s strategies were not improving employee attendance, the report added. At March 2017, the average sick leave per FTE in almost 90 per cent of Heartland facilities was in excess of its sick-leave target of 64 hours per FTE. Heartland has not met its sick leave target since 2010.

To reduce sick leave, Provincial Auditor Fer-

Injury-riddled Nats loss to Miners in OT . . .

A sprawling Nat net minder, Zach Noble, smothers the puck while teammates Liam Boyle, Jared Barilla

and Dylan Haynes (left to right) come to his aid. The Nats put in a solid effort with a shorten bench, but fell in OT 5-4. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

guson recommended that Heartland better support is managers in managing employee absenteeism. The audit found

“Better leveraging the role of human resource personnel in promoting employee attendance could reduce the workload

managers, in some cases, oversaw more than 80 employees of which many had excessive absenteeism.

Arrests made in meth bust Two individuals were recently arrested near Biggar by RCMP for possession of methamphetamine.

On the evening of November 26, Biggar RCMP came upon a vehicle being driven by a male wanted by police.

The vehicle stopped on a grid road off of Highway 14 between Biggar and Perdue. The wanted male fled on foot and was arrested on scene. The female passenger was

also arrested. A search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of methamphetamine.

As a result of the incident, 31-year-old Travis Stehr of Major, Saskatchewan, has been charged with the following offences: • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada; • Resist Arrest/Obstruct A Peace Officer, Section 129(a) of the Criminal

Thief makes off with cash in Biggar armed robbery

A lone male has held up a Biggar business in an armed robbery, getting away with cash and cigarettes.

Around 9 p.m. on the evening of December 9, an individual entered the Biggar Esso and produced a hand gun, demanded cash and cigarettes from the employee. A quantity of cash from the till was taken along with cigarettes.

No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect drove off in a small two-door black car on Highway 14, east bound. He is described as caucasian, approximately 6’0”, slender. There is no further description available on the vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Biggar RCMP at (306) 948-6600. If you with to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stop-

pers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or report online

for managers and enable more timely addressing of reasons for excessive absenteeism,” the report recommended.

through saskcrimestoppers.com.

Biggar RCMP investigation is ongoing.

Code of Canada; • Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; • Possession of Cannabis for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Stehr was remanded and

made his first appearance in provincial court at North Battleford on Monday, November 27. He has since been released by the court on several restrictive conditions. He is not residing in the Biggar RCMP jurisdiction.

The female passenger, 21-year-old Desiree Hinse of Biggar, has been …see Meth Bust, pg 12

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Security camera footage shows a suspect wanted by Biggar RCMP (main and inset left) plus the vehicle (inset right) used during an armed robbery at the Biggar Esso, December 9. (Submitted Photos)

Opinions .......................................

4 Sports ...........................................

8 Classifieds .................................... 10 - 12 Business & Professional Directory ...13 - 14

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

The CRA fails Canadians in more ways than one

by Aaron Wudrick The release of an Auditor General’s report is rarely a happy occasion for the government of the day, and this fall’s offering from federal Auditor General Michael Ferguson was no exception: from a stinging indictment of the billion-dollar Phoenix payroll system boondoggle, to a clear failure by immigration officials to properly track key indicators about Syrian refugees, to evidence of poor governance at the Royal Military College of Canada.

But perhaps most surprising was Ferguson’s audit of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’s call centers and their staggering inability to handle taxpayers’ calls, and to answer questions properly.

Ferguson found that last year, a full 54 per cent of calls made to the CRA – 28.9 million in all – were blocked by the agency; add in another 14 per cent of calls directed to an automated menu, and any Canadian calling had less than a one in three chance of speaking to a human being.

Was the CRA simply overloaded?

Not exactly. As Ferguson noted, the number of CRA agents answering calls rose by 23 per cent over the last five years. But because the CRA has a “service standard” requiring it to keep call wait times to under two minutes, when the average wait time started to get close

to two minutes, the CRA’s call centre traffic team came up with a simple trick to help keep the average down: they would simply block additional calls.

Even if you are lucky enough to get through to an agent, be wary about the answer you get: Ferguson found that almost 30 per cent of the time, agents were giving incorrect answers to basic queries. For example, in response to a question about when interest owed would begin to accrue, the wrong answer was given by the CRA agent a shocking 84 per cent of the

time.

As if all this weren’t enough, the CRA’s quality control system – designed to catch inaccurate responses by agents – didn’t work properly, meaning the CRA remained blissfully unaware of the extent of the problem.

For the many Canadians who already have a hate-hate relationship with the taxman, such terrible customer service adds insult to injury.

And to be fair to the CRA, it is probably unrealistic to expect every agent to have a compre-

hensive grasp of our tax code (the Income Tax Act alone runs over a million words on 3,000 pages.)

The best longterm solution would be to simplify the tax code, making it easier for Canadians to figure out their taxes themselves and reducing the number of calls made to CRA in the first place.

In the meantime, the CRA needs to get its act together and start treating Canadians with a lot more respect by not blocking their calls, and ensuring that if agents can’t answer their questions correctly,

they pass them along to someone else who can.

Canadians work hard to pay their taxes. Is it too

much to expect decent service

from the people collecting them?

Prairies can take the lead in processing plant ingredients

by Sarah Pittman and Naomi Christensen A major opportunity – the kind rarely seen in the agriculture industry – is sprouting up on the Prairies: plant ingredient processing.

Global demand for plant ingredients is escalating.

International firms have assessed the Canadian Prairies as the perfect place to meet this appetite and are already beginning to invest hundreds of millions of dollars here. Getting in on the ground floor will position Western Canada to dominate the global plant ingredient industry. It is an opportunity we would be foolish not to build on.

If the Prairie provinces want to truly capitalize on this opportunity, they need to work

together.

Each province could independently create a small plant ingredient industry, but a pan-Prairie industry would be a major global player.

North American and European consumers are looking for green and sustainable sources of protein and emerging markets are increasingly more able to afford protein.

Crops of all kinds can be split into different components, like protein, fibre and starch.

These components are used in nearly every kind of processed food – even beverages. They are also increasingly being incorporated into pet food, animal and fish feed, pharmaceuticals and personal care and cosmetic products. The demand for plant-based

protein alone is already valued at more than US$8 billion and growing rapidly; and this is only one of the ingredients that can be extracted from crops.

A new Canada West Foundation report, Sprouted: the plant ingredient opportunity taking root on the Prairies, notes that together, the Prairies have advantages that make the region an attractive place to invest in plant ingredient processing.

The crops in high demand for ingredient processing are already grown in large volumes.

Canada is the world’s largest producer of dry peas and canola. Pulse production is on the rise in all parts of Alberta. Saskatchewan grows about 95 per cent of Canadian lentils.

plant-based ingredients: the United States. In 2015, North America was the biggest market for plant protein, making up 35 per cent of global demand. Of the 247 kilotonnes of plant protein consumed in North America, nearly 80 per cent was in the U.S. Our preferential trade access and relatively short shipping distance to the U.S. is already attracting international plant ingredient processors to set up shop in the Prairies.

This is a real opportunity with a real market. Both foreign and domestic companies have noticed our competitive advantages, with new plant ingredient processing factories being announced in the last year. For example, Albertabased W.A. Grains is building a frac-

tionation facility in Bowden, and crops from Alberta are also sourced as inputs for some Saskatchewan ingredient processing facilities.

There are still challenges to overcome. While research has advanced, it is still difficult for some crops to be processed into ingredients efficiently on a commercial scale.

Transportation can be expensive, especially when small volumes of an ingredient are shipped. But challenges can be overcome, particularly when industry and government make a concerted effort to do so.

To help this industry grow, government should make it a priority, with a real commitment of resources and support. Industry

should continue to lead research and investment in this field. When industry and government work towards dominating the plant ingredient market, success will follow.

The Prairies cannot afford to be complacent – this is a real chance to diversify our economic strength in agriculture. The provinces can either compete with each other, or combine strengths and compete with the world to reap even greater rewards.

Sarah Pittman is a policy analyst and Naomi Christensen is a senior policy analyst at the Canada West Foundation. They are co-authors, along with Carlo Dade, of Sprouted: The plant ingredient opportunity taking root on the Prairies

www.biggarindependent.ca

the the Phone: 306-948-3344

Manitoba produces high volumes of canola and wheat.

The Prairies house a network of crop science and food processing-related research centres working on more efficient ways to extract fractions from crops and new ways to incorporate the fractions into products. The region has good transportation infrastructure facilitating exports.

Unlike most products, it actually makes sense to process ingredients closer to where the raw inputs come from, instead of at the end market; it costs less to ship a specific ingredient than the entire unprocessed plant, and processing at the source cuts down on waste.

Another huge advantage is being located next to the largest market for

Fax: 306-948-2133

Publications Mail Registrations No. 0008535 Published by THE INDEPENDENT PRINTERS LTD. and issued every Thursday at the office of publication, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan, S0K 0M0 Publishers - Margaret and Daryl Hasein Editor - Kevin Brautigam Advertising Consultant - Urla Tyler Composition - Anastasiia Krasnova

E-mail: tip@sasktel.net

P. O. Box 40 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

COPYRIGHT The contents of The Independent are protected by copyright. Reproduction of any material herein may be made only with the written permission of the publisher.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Biggar Independent invites the public to participate in its letters to the Editor section. All letters must be signed.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Goat yoga is the latest in therapeutic experiences

Biggar Nationals vs Kerrobert Tigers SCORING

1

2

3

TOTAL

Nationals Tigers

2 4

0 3

1 4

3 11

SHOTS

1

2

3

TOTAL

Nationals Tigers

12 20

19 29

11 14

42 63

Power Plays Nationals Tigers

0 for 11 0 for 3

December 8 Scoring Summary Period 1: Nationals, 10:34 - Curtis Piecowye (Kyle Dilosa, Justin Edin); Tigers, 10:20 - Logan Wack (Tyson Wuttunee); Nationals, 8:34 - Justin Edin (Layk Pawluk); Tigers, 7:18 - Jorden Braid (Jeremy Boyer, Pearce Gourley); Tigers, 3:46 - Jeremy Boyer (Pearce

Gourley, Jorden Braid); Tigers, 2:56 - Logan Wack (Austin Galipeau, Jorden Braid).

Period 2: Tigers, 19:00 - Jeremy Boyer (Taylor Murphy, Pearce Gourley); Tigers, 10:32 - Pearce Gourley (Tyson Wuttunee, Jorden Braid); Tigers, 1:06 - Jorden Braid (unassisted).

Period 3: Tigers, 19:40

- Jeremy Boyer (Pearce Gourley, Jorden Braid); Tigers, 19:09 - Jorden Braid (Jeremy Boyer, Pearce Gourley); Tigers, 7:06 - Jorden Braid (Jeremy Boyer); Nationals, 2:47 - Josh Shatford (Liam Boyle, Justin Edin); Tigers, 1:49 - Quenton Murphy (Tyson Kruesel).

Penalty Summary Period 1: Tigers, 12:21 Ryleigh Campbell, Cross Checking (2); Nationals, 3:13 - Kyle Dilosa, Slashing (2); Tigers, 3:13 - Dan Mitchell, Slashing (2).

Period 2: Tigers, 7:31 Steven Schraefel, Holding (2); Tigers, 2:44 - Steven Schraefel, Hooking (2).

Period 3: Tigers, 17:58 - Tyson Kruesel, Tripping (2); Tigers, 17:44 - Austin Galipeau, High Sticking (2); Nationals, 15:24 Kyle Dilosa, Fighting (5); Tigers, 15:24 - Ryleigh

New Horizons Activities On Monday, December 4 we had afternoon Kaiser.

There were a total of two tables with the following winners: Ken Pearce in first place with 319 points, Mildred Henne in second place with 267 points, Geoff Cooke in third place with 207 points and Joanne Kral in fourth place with 171 points. The highest scoring game was played by Geoff Cooke and Mildred Henne with a score of 66 points.

On December 6 we had Wednesday night Kaiser.

There was a small group with the following winners: in first place was Mike Plysiuk with 234 points, in second place was Ray Silbernagel with 221 points, and in third place was Grant Gamble with 200 points.

As many of our New Horizons members know, I’ll be taking a year off for maternity leave soon. During my time off Joanne Kral will be returning to the office on

Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. Since she will only be in the office two days a week we will need extra volunteers to help keep the office run smoothly. Please contact us at 306-948-5115 for more information or if you would like to sign up as a volunteer. We are also open to receiving new volunteer Courtesy Car drivers if anyone is interested.

Keep warm out there and have a great week!

Pickup/Online $ 33.60 Within 40-mile radius $38.85 Outside 40-mile radius $45.15

Campbell, Fighting (5); Tigers, 15:24 - Ryleigh Campbell, Instigator (2); Nationals, 15:24 - Kyle Dilosa, Game Misconduct; Tigers, 15:24 - Ryleigh Campbell, Game Misconduct; Tigers, 14:39 - Brett Riendeau, Tripping (2); Tigers, 3:55 - Taylor Murphy, Interference (2).

WATCH for Doreen’s Discount Day at

Leslie’s Drugstore Biggar • 306-948-3397

hard to be in pain and sad when there’s baby goats jumping around you. It’s just you’re letting go.�

Well, statistics agree.

A study published in the British Medical Journal found that playing with your pet can raise levels of serotonin and dopamine and decrease cortisol. Spending time with animals has been linked

to increased longevity and a healthier heart and may combat diabetes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Well, I guess if the goats are running around, nudging you and walking on your back, you are going to get that zen yoga/heart health/ body spirit experience.

It is, after all, the latest craze.

The Majestic Theatre Biggar

~ DECEMBER ~ Ă

Murder on the Orient Express

Genre: Mystery/Crime/Drama/Violence 1 hr 54 min

"

Neighbourly News

and always say they are coming for their goat therapy.�

Animal therapy is not a new concept. Many long term care facilities have a pet dog or cat or both for residents to enjoy. I recall visiting my aunt and she particularly loved the dog and would produce a big smile at the sight of him. So, there is some merit in the therapy of animals.

The goats were allowed to wander around during the workout. According to instructors and participants, “there’s something about goats that makes people more willing to hit the mats.� “People are desperate for something that is pure and peaceful,� said the Oregon instructor about the demand for goat yoga. “It’s really

Ă

goats actually walk on remembers experiencing goats when a small child, your back during some of the poses. this did not Doing yoga appeal to has become me. Those very popular animals -- so much were mean so that for and smelly. some classes It’s a memthere is a ory that waiting list. sticks with One instrucme to this tor from day.

Oregon says The idea, she has then, of 900 people having waiting to goats roam practise around yoga with when you are trying Peggy Hasein her goats.

And, they to do yoga travel great moves did not, and does not, appeal distances to attend the classes. to me. However, that is Meanwhile in Canada, not the case with those one of the first instrucparticipants who carried tors to integrate goats yoga mats to the class and people say her cusand apparently loved tomers “love the goats them. Some of these

Goat yoga.

That was the hot item at the recent Canadian Western Agribition show.

CWA, the first event to be held in the new International Trade Centre in Regina, set new records this year. Livestock sales were the best since 1997 topping out at $3.5 million; purebred cattle sales set a new record high at $2 million.

Attendees flocked to the show recording a 2.7 per cent increase over last year. Evening entertainment events also saw an increase. Perhaps the most significant record was the increase in international buyers from 86 different countries (40 per cent, to be exact).

So, back to goat yoga. It is being called “the latest cult fitness fad.�

From someone who

Rated: PG

FRIDAY %FD t Q N SATURDAY, %FD t Q N 46/%": %FD t Q N Matinee admission $5 Ratings from the Saskatchewan Film Classification Board

For bookings and information please NEW phone no. 306-951-8244

"

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BIGGAR NO. 347 PUBLIC NOTICE Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Biggar No. 347 intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 1-2010, known as the Zoning Bylaw.

INTENT The proposed amendment will: Ë? reduce the minimum side yard requirement for grain elevators or terminals; Ë? reduce the minimum rear and side yard requirement for buildings accessory to a grain elevator or terminal; and Ë? fix a typographical error.

REASON Ë? to provide more flexibility for the development of grain elevators; and Ë? to provide for clarity in the bylaw.

PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the bylaw at the R.M. of Biggar Municipal Office, located at 201 2nd Ave. We., in the Town of Biggar, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available at the Rural Municipal Office at a cost of $5.00.

PUBLIC HEARING Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at the Rural Municipal Office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing, or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.

Issued at the R.M. of Biggar December 4, 2017 Sandi Silvernagle, Acting Administrator

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

6 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Verg again Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 215 Main Street, Rosetown Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108 Toll free; 1-855-762-2233 E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0 Please call with questions or concerns

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Verg and I went hunting, together a few years ago.

We were bedded down in his homemade cab on his truck. He had said the night before when he saw so many hunters around: “I’d rather go into Ortona again, than go out in front of that bunch!”

He had a small homemade cot, and Y.T. was asleep on the floor when suddenly he stepped onto my head. In the dark he said: “These darn matches won’t light!”

Y.T. (now wide awake!) yelled.

“Good Heavens, Verg, open the door and let some oxygen in!”

He opened the door the matches lit! And we made coffee for 50 of the hunters crowding around!

Verg and Y.T. may not seen a lot of each other, but we sure had some exciting times!

So here we are, eh?

As mentioned above, Verg and I didn’t spend a lot of time together in the army, but we did go to camp Shilo in Manitoba on the same draft.

We never even saw a gas mask in England, and

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a little older. It’s time to throw in the towel and go to Diamond Lodge, eh?”

Well, here Y.T. and Phyllis are, eh! And I hear tell that you are in the “Better Place”.

Let’s relax, eh!

Although Verg and I joined up together, we didn’t see much of Bob Mason each other.

His outfit went to Italy, while the Argylls (my regiment!) toured northwest Europe! But the times that we did spend together will always be in my memories!

The first time we really noticed him was when our choose-up teams played baseball at PA. And this “rolly-polly” fellow in right field ran, leaped into the air and snagged a sure home run with one hand. Dick and I sure debated where we would put him next, for it was obvious that he was the best player on either team, and the memory of that play will stay with me forever.

Quite a few years passed before I saw Verg again!

Notable Notes

Phyllis and Y.T. were attending a ball game at Cando. Another fellow (let’s call him BM - short for “Big Mouth”) were watching a hardball game!

“Hey!” sez BM. “There is Vergil McDonald at first base!”

“His name isn’t McDonald,” I told him casually.

“Verg and I were in the army one time and he always listed himself as McDannald!”

“Mason,” sez BM. “You don’t know what you are talking about! I’ll bet you $10 his name is McDonald!”

Immediately Y.T. was kind of wild!

“Your on!” I said. I’m not a betting type, but BM made me mad.

“Hey, Verg,” sez BM, “come over here!”

Verg came over to where we were sitting and said, “Hello Bob,” as he passed...

“Hey,” sez BM. “Verg, how do you spell your last name?”

Vergil said: “MACDANNNALD”.

“Good,” sez BM. “Mason here was trying to tell me that your name was McDonald!”

Verg went back to first base.

“He knows better,” he mumbled.

BM never mentioned our $10 bet either!

Biggar Lodge News

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gas was never used in WWII, but we trained on gas warfare many times in Canada, and one of them was crawling through an underground tunnel with gas injected half-way through.

It just so happened that Y.T. was right behind him in the tunnel when he got jammed trying to put his mask on, and had a few moments of claustrophobia before the four men behind me backed out. Poor Verg had to wait until a smaller fellow crawled in and rescued him.

I never remember that time without getting that terrible feeling again!

The last time I saw Verg in the forces, he was sitting beside the road on a 20 mile route march!

And the last time I saw Verg was at the Perdue Fair. He was leaning on a super new combine and watching the pulling contest!

“Hello Bob!” he said.

“Every time I see these modern machines, I feel

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A very busy week here at Biggar Health Centre.

We are all decorated for Christmas and now for the extra festivities.

Monday morning was exercises and horseracing.

Tuesday morning was current events. In the afternoon we had the Landis Choir here. They put on a mini concert.

People from the community came to enjoy too.

Biggar Agencies provided home made treats for us.

Wednesday evening we had birthday party night with Bob McGuire and Bill Haffermehl. St. Gabriel School Leadership Group provided evening lunch.

Thursday morning the Grade 1-3 class from BCS 17123CC0

were here. They sang some songs to the residents. After we had exercises. At 2:30 the Landis CWL did bingo. They brought prizes and supplied ice cream and cookies after.

Friday morning was Breakfast Club down Skyview. Then we had Hymn Sing. After lunch was a chance for the residents to buy Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Saturday at noon was our Family Christmas dinner for Willow and Autumn. Afterwards the Potter family sang. Santa came later in the afternoon.

Sunday at noon was Christmas dinner for Skyview and Prairie. Jan Marie DeMoissac and friends sang afterwards.

We then had church. The Prairie Notes then came for a mini concert.

A huge thank you to everyone that has helped us or entertained at the Lodge so far this season. The residents really enjoyed the extra events.

Have a great day.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Profits dependent on research

by Calvin Daniels When it comes to achieving reasonable profit levels on the farm many factors play a role.

A number of those factors are largely beyond the control of the producer. They cannot control the weather, and while they can do things to mitigate the impact or prices, they are not able to greatly impact what they got for what they produce.

So focusing on production is rather critical in terms of potential profits, and the flipside of that are potential losses.

Profitability is not as simple as growing more bushels. It does come down to knowing what each bushel costs to produce. The dollars generated needs to be in excess of the costs associated with production.

But it also means producers need to be keenly aware of what they need to invest in in terms of production which will generate the most additional bushels at the lowest cost.

That is where following good research is critical.

Producers can’t afford to do on-farm experimentation with every new crop, new variety, seeding options,

fertilizer rates, seed inoculants and when to spray for weeds and bugs and when not too.

The options are frankly immense, and the cost

Agriculture Calvin Daniels

of trying each option is far in excess of what individual producers can effectively do.

That all said it is important when looking into research done by others, government agencies, corporations, universities, et cetera, that the data relate as closely as possible to a producer’s own farm.

While neighbouring farms will have similarities, the farther away the research is carried out, the less relevance it may have to a farmer.

Soils types, growing days, weather conditions, and similar factors are not the same in Swift Current as they are in Indian Head, and both of those will be different from farms in the Melfort area.

So good local research is important in farming, and that is where an organization such as the East Central Research Foundation centred in east central Saskatchewan can be a huge asset.

The Foundation has recently posted new videos, (at ecrf.ca), on research into such varied areas as nitrogen use in canola, seeding dates for winter wheat, and inoculations in soybeans.

The key to such research, at least in terms of area producers, is that the numbers were generated locally, which means they should translate most directly to farms in the area the research was carried out.

It is information such as that contained in the reports which local producers can use to best tailor their approach to production to achieve production levels which equate to profits at the end of the day.

tŚLJ ĚŽ / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƌĞĚŝƚ hŶŝŽŶ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ͍ tŚĞŶ / ƐƚĂƌƚĞĚ ŽƵƚ ĂƐ Ă ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ŵLJ ĮƌƐƚ thought was, “What do I know about ƚŚĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ Ă ƌĞĚŝƚ hŶŝŽŶ͍͟ DLJ ũŽď ŝƐ ƚŽ ůŝƐƚĞŶ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůƐ͕ ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ ƚŚĞ ƐŝƚƵĂƟŽŶ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƵƐĞ ƐŽƵŶĚ ũƵĚŐŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ Ă ĚĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ͘ ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝƐƐƵĞƐ ĂƌĞ ĐŽŵƉůĞdž͕ ǁĞ ŚĂǀĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ training to help us make the necessary decisions. / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ĂŶ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶ / ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ŝŶ͕ Ă ůŽĐĂů ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĮƌƐƚ ƌĂƚĞ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂƐ well as outstanding community support. / ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŚĞůƉŝŶŐ ƚŽ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚŝƐ ůĞŐĂcy alive in Biggar.

- ĂůĞ DĂƌƟŶ

In February 2018 we will be looking for new directors to serve on ŽƵƌ ďŽĂƌĚ͘ /Ĩ LJŽƵ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞĚ ŝŶ ƐĞƫŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨƵƚƵƌĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŐŐĂƌ Θ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ƌĞĚŝƚ hŶŝŽŶ͕ ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌ ďĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ Ă director! Ŷ /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ǀĞŶŝŶŐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŚĞůĚ ŽŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϭϱƚŚ at 7pm at ƚŚĞ ŝŐŐĂƌ Θ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ƌĞĚŝƚ hŶŝŽŶ ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĂŶLJŽŶĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚ ŝŶ ďĞŝŶŐ Ă ĚŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ͘

ϯϬϲͲϵϰϴͲϯϯϱϮ

7TH ANNUAL BIGGAR & DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICES FOUNDATION INC. FUNDRAISER & AUCTION

Cow boy Poe t

BIGGAR COMMUNITY HALL Doors open… 5:30 p.m.

Dinner… 6:30 p.m.

LIVE DANCE MUSIC DUO… “BETTER THAN NOTHING” Junior Blazers record perfect weekend to win home tourney . . . Biggar Junior Boys Blazer, Darian Bartusek, looks for the hoop while teammate Ethan Massie waits. The Blazers won every game this weekend at their home tournament, taking top spot. They are, in fact, perfect this year, having a 7-0 record. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

ADVANCE TICKETS $40 ‘til Christmas reserved tables for 8 available … $50 after January 2 at

de Moissac Jewellers, 217 Main St., Biggar

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

Looking back on a hilarious 2017 Part One of a collection of the best quips of 2017, January through June: • Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Lack of sleep costs American employers $411 billion a year in lost productivity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suggested remedies range from sleeping pills to Browns season tickets.â€? • Barry Gibbons, who was on schedule to play 850 rounds of golf in 365 days during 2016, all walking, on how his accomplishment is viewed: “People are either envious, or they think I’m nuts.â€? • RJ Currie of sports-

deke.com: “The Browns will lose one home game next year to play an NFL game in England. At first the team protested, but Cleveland fans insisted.â€? • User aim4apex, on Instagram, sharing a picture of a Zamboni at the drive-up window of a Tim Hortons in Stony Plain, Alta: “This was probably the most Canadian thing I’ve ever seen in my 26 years of life.â€? • Norman Chad on Twitter: “Before most games, Patriots find the guy working at the nearest Radio Shack, sign him as a wide receiver and Tom Brady throws him a TD pass.â€? • Headline at TheK-

want that to icker.com: stay in Vegas.â€? “Chairs • Comedy writvoted into er Alex KaseWWE Hall berg “The of Fame.â€? world’s soccer • @randyhead, FIFA, turner15 announced of the Winthey are nipeg Free expanding the Press on World Cup Twitter: from 32 teams “To clarify, to 48. Why? when I Penton Two words: said the More bribes.â€?

NHLJets on sports • Comedian should be a Bruce Penton Argus Ham.500 team ilton, after I wasn’t disgraced QB Johnny referring to team save Manziel tweeted some percentage.â€? • Brad Dickson of the advice on using Twitter Omaha World-Herald: to President Trump: “The “Washington state legis- Book of Revelation clearly lators introduced a pro- states the first sign of the posal to allow sports fans Apocalypse is that Johnto bring guns into venues. ny Manziel is the voice of ‘You know that shirtless, reason.â€? drunk guy in the end zone • TC in BC: “Retired NHL at NFL games shouting star Chris Pronger profanities? We need to pushed Justin Bieber into the boards during the arm him.’ â€? • RJ Currie again: “How All Star Celebrity Game. about the garish combo When Pronger got home worn by team Norway at on Monday, he found it the Continental Cup of strange that someone Curling — motley green had pelted his house with pants with an orange eggs.â€? vest? Even Vegas doesn’t • Comedy writer Jim

Barach, after ex-NBA player Stephen Jackson said he sometimes smoked pot before games: “Which was evident in his career game stats, where he averaged 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.7 pizzas.â€? • Dwight Perry again: “The Australian Open featured a match between Anastasia Sergeyevna Pavlyuchenkova and Natalia Konstantinovna Vikhlyantseva.

The match was cheered by their fellow Russians and booed by the National Association of One-Column Headline Writers.â€? • Another one from Alex Kaseberg: “In honour of the Super Bowl, I heard a rumour a KFC in Atlanta is serving Falcons instead of chickens. They start off tasting great, but then you choke on them.â€? • Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.) “O.J. Simpson, who turns 70 in July, will go before the Nevada parole board this summer with a decent chance of receiving his release from prison. Once out, he can

resume his search for the real killers.â€? • Jim Barach again, on Johnny Manziel’s prospects as a franchise QB: “Unfortunately, his franchise is 7-Eleven.â€? • Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, after Magic GM Rob Hennigan declared his team is just ‘a tweak or two away’. “That’s the good news.

The bad news: Those one or two tweaks are named Steph Curry and LeBron James.â€? • Patti Brooks, widow of USA hockey coach Herb Brooks, to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, on the 37th anniversary of the ‘Miracle on Ice’: “It seems like yesterday until I look in the mirror.â€? • Blogger Chad Picasner, on MLB’s move to shorten games by eliminating the four pitches to constitute an intentional walk: “This is like solving world hunger by giving everyone one oyster cracker.â€?

Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca.

Unity Miners vs Biggar Nationals December 9 Scoring Summary Period 1: Miners, 12:30 - Blake Robertson (Behn Robertson, Kristian St. Onge); Nationals, 2:01 - Josh Shatford (Curtis Piecowye).

Period 2: Nationals, 18:39 - Clark McNulty (Dylan Haynes); Miners, 11:20 - Behn Robertson (Kristian St. Onge); Miners, 4:13 - Jake McMillan (Ashton Hewson, Behn

Robertson).

Period 3: Nationals, 10:36 - Justin Edin (Kyle Dilosa); Nationals, 9:25 - Clark McNulty (Dylan Haynes); Miners, 2:17 - Ashton Hewson (Behn Robertson, Jake McMillan).

Overtime Period 1: Miners, 4:31 - Kristian St. Onge (Behn Robertson, Braden Lacoursiere).

Penalty Summary Period 1: Nationals, 4:12 - Jared Barilla, Tripping (2).

Period 2: Nationals, 5:32 - Justin Edin, Slashing (2); Miners, 3:45 -

SCORING

1

2

3

OT1

Miners Nationals

1 1

2 1

1 2

1 0

SHOTS

1

2

3

Miners Nationals

10 10

12 9

12 9

TOTAL 5 4

OTT

TOTAL

1 0

35 28

Power Plays Miners Nationals Alex David, Interference (2).

Period 3: Nationals, 12:46 - Josh Shatford, Interference (2); Nation-

0 for 5 0 for 1 als, 4:20 - Jared Barilla, Cross Checking (2); Nationals, 4:20 - Jared Barilla, Game Misconduct.

HOLIDAY GIFT HEADQUARTERS‌ > CHOCOLATES > Nuts > CANDLES > FRAMES > WALLETS > PURSES > SHAVERS

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Clarke McNulty celebrates one of two goals versus the visiting Unity Miners with teammates Layk Pawluk, left, and Dylan Haynes, right. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Randy Weekes, MLA Biggar - Sask Valley Constituency Office 106- 3rd Ave. West, Box 1413 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

Toll Free: 1-877-948-4880 Phone: 1-306-948-4880 Fax: 1-306-948-4882

Monarch Multiple 4H was pleased to have Jaci Walther from Minden, Germany as their special guest for a beef project meeting December 5.

Jaci is currently in our area touring and helping out as a guest instructor with the Sunshine Vaulters based

out the the the

of North Battleford. Jaci was very excited to learn parts of the cow and then go out to the barn with rest of the members and test her knowledge on real thing.

Biggar LegIon recognizes school’s Remembrance Day winners Senior B&W: 1st - Madison Genaille, BCS. Senior Colour: 1st - Hailey Boobyer, BCS; 2nd Rose Smith, BCS. Junior B&W: 1st - Alja Villanueva, St. Gabriel; 2nd - Abbey Dolman, BCS (missing); 3rd - Jason Hammond, BCS. Intermediate Colour: 1st - Denice Ferre, BCS;

2nd - Charry Labadan, St. Gabriel; 3rd - Connor Sunderland, St. Gabriel.

Juniour Colour: 1st Emily Hodgson, St. Gabriel; 2nd - Roberto Ramos, St. Gabriel; 3rd - Ashley Mariano, St. Gabriel.

Grade 1: 1st - Harold Son, St. Gabriel; 2nd Mina Kim , St. Gabriel; 3rd - Jacob Cempron, St.

Gabriel.

Grade 2: 1st - Georgina Mair, St. Gabriel; 2nd Cortney Tebb, St. Gabriel; 3rd - Divine Patica, St. Gabriel.

Grade 3: 1st - Chloe Evans, St. Gabriel; 2nd Lily Henning, St. Gabriel; 3rd - Paisley Suter, St. Gabriel.

Primary Winner: Geor-

gina Mair, St. Gabriel.

Junior Poem: 1st - Danica Evanisky, St. Gabriel; 2nd - Kate Buxton, St. Gabriel; 3rd - Kyson Egert, BCS.

WATCH for

Doreen’s Discount Day @ Leslie’s Drugstore Biggar • 306-948-3397

Cari Perih, REALTOR® Cell: 306-948-7995

carip@remax.net homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

Check it out! NEW BUILD! 1376 sq ft 3 bed 2 bath home.

Open floor concept, beautiful 314 4th Ave West kitchen. Full basement open for development

ASQUITH

BIGGAR

SoldByCari.ca

$207,000

$272,000

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY St. Gabriel School winners.

Town Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar Biggar

FOR

SALE (MLS®)...

Address 202 8th Ave West 205 7th Ave West 226 3rd Ave East 113 7th Ave West 120 Wright Cres 314 4th Ave West 401 5th Ave West 319 3rd Ave. East 409 3rd Ave East 410 4th Ave West 110 6th Ave West 211 5th Ave East 103 5th Ave East 303 4th Ave West 220 3rd Ave West 302 4th Ave East 602 Main Street 307 7th Ave West 302 4th Ave East

Price $342,500 $318,000 $310,000 $299,000 $289,900 $272,000 $240,000 $207,000 $209,500 $199,900 $192,000 $168,900 $128,900 $124,900 $112,000 $ 79,900 $ 85,999 $ 83,900 $ 79,900

120 Wright Cres

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

Town Biggar Biggar

FOR

Address #2 Plaza Mobile 214 6th Ave West

Out of Asquith Perdue Landis Perdue Landis REDUCED Landis SOLD Biggar Biggar

5 bed 2 1.2 bath turn-key bi-level. Single attached garage with storage room above and workshop. Fenced yard and covered deck

SALE (MLS®)...

Price $ 78,000 $ 69,900

Town Properties…

Manaray Acreage $179,800 907 9th Street $170,000 209 Jubilee Cres $137,000 902 Ave M $120,000 105 2nd Ave West $ 50,000 102 2nd Ave West $ 50,000

Vacant Lots…

305 & 307 4th Ave West 201 5th Ave East

$ 74,900 $ 29,900

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES… Contact Team Petryshyn 306-856-0066

Biggar

211 Main Street

$175,000

Shoreline Realty Office: 306-867-8380/306-856-0066

BCS2000 school winners.

Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale. Each office is independently owned and operated.

10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

tth he

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CLASS 1A & 3A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED to operate semi vacs and straight vacs in SE Sask.

Full or part time positions available.

Wages based on experience.

Resume’s and work references to: Competition Environmental Ltd. PO Box 609 Carnduff, SK. S0C 0S0 Email : competition@ sasktel.net 6MÄJL !

-H_ ! *OHYSPL ! .YLN !

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! Indemand career!

Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program.

Visit: CareerStep. ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

JOURNEYMAN HEAVY DUTY MECHANICS Fort McMurray Gladiator Equipment Ltd. has immediate positions for Journeyman Heavy Duty, VɈ YVHK *LY[PĂ„LK Mechanics for work in Fort McMurray, AB. Excellent wages and ILULĂ„[Z www.gladiatorequipment.com

fax: 1-780-986-7051

hr@gladiatorequipment.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY The Candle Corner.

New to Canada! Create your own signature sent, using our soy wax, to brighten the smell in any room. Visit http://www.pinkzebrahome.com/ candlecorner for more information.

71%

get their news from The Biggar Independent

WATCH

for Doreen’s Discount Days @ Leslie’s Drugstore, 205 Main St., Biggar 306-948-3397

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Katja Marie Meszaros

Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home, 306-2445577.

50c1

December 18, 1992 December 6, 2017 Katja Marie M e s z a r o s was born December 18, 1992 to Keith and Joanne Meszaros, exactly two years to the day after her brother, Ezra. Her extended family included over 20 aunts and uncles, 32 first cousins, and innumerable second cousins.

She grew up on an acreage outside Biggar, Sask., attending St. Gabriel School from K-9 and BCS 2000 for her senior years. Katja was a bright, confident, and hardworking child in her school years. She was involved in cross-country and track and field, medaling provincially in both; as well as piano and voice, attaining her grade 10 and grade 8 in each, respectively. Katja received many awards over the years for her accomplishments in both.

She was also a talented composer, winning provincials three times and four other inter-provincial awards for her compositions. Katja was passionate about musical theatre; and from the age of five and on, she was involved in at least one if not two theatre productions per year. She enjoyed performing immensely and competed at the provincial level for musical theatre many time, earning first place in 2012.

Katja attended the University of Saskatchewan from 2011 to 2017 where she attained her degrees in Music and Education, both with great distinction. She sang with the Greystone Singers for five years, and the Saskatoon Chamber Choir for one.

Katja adored singing in the choirs as it gave her a sense of community. She enjoyed this time immensely and was very involved whether it be the wardrobe manager, secretary for the executive or the Soprano section leader.

Katja had various summer jobs while growing up and attending university. She worked at the Majestic Theatre, Ranger Lake Bible Camp, Biggar Recreation Valley, Biggar preschool summer program and Tamarack Summer Camp.

She loved working with children – they gave her great joy.

Katja had such beautiful friends and family, too numerous to mention by name, and a beautiful cat named Minou.

Katja’s struggles with depression and anxiety, which began in Grade 12, were lessened greatly by the support of all who loved her. Katja was a very kind and beautiful person. If only she could have seen herself through our eyes‌ if love could have cured her, she would still be with us today.

Funeral Services will take place on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Knox United Church, 24th St. & Spadina Cr., Saskatoon, Sask.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to‌ The Leslie and Irene Dube Center for Mental Health (www. ruhf.org) and/or Lighthouse Supported Living (www.lighthousesaskatoon.org) Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com

MEMORIAM HERZBERG: In loving memory of Corinne, January 9, 1971 - December 19, 1985. “Corinne, you’ll never be forgotten That simply cannot be, And no matter what the future brings, Or what may be ahead, we know that You are with us, along the paths we tread.

So rest dear Angel and be at peace, For one day we’ll join you for all eternity.�

Thinking of you always and missing you‌ Mom, Dad, Charla, Steven, Uncle Dave, Auntie Arlene, Bryan, and families 50p1 KISSER, Michael: In loving memory of our beloved Dad, grandpa and greatgrandpa who passed away December 20, 2013. “A beautiful memory, dearer than gold, Of a father whose worth can never be told, There’s a place in my heart no one can fill, I miss you, Dad, and always will.â€?

Loved and missed forever by your daughter, Glenda; grandchildren, Sonya and Chad, and family 50c1

CARDS OF THANKS Thank you to Margaret Scheaffer for cleaning Gordon’s house. ‌from the family 50c1 Thank you everyone who came to brother Gordon Kurbis’ funeral on November 3; and a big thank you to the pallbearers and Grondin Funeral Service. It was very sad to lose the third brother in only three years. God bless everyone and please thank our Heavenly Father for all our blessings in Canada. Here’s my poem I wrote about Gordon‌ from sister Margaret.

Brother Gordon

by Margaret (Kurbis) Scheaffer

“Brother Gordon worked hard all his life, He didn’t take time to look for a wife.

I know he was lonely, and sometimes blue, Because that’s how some of us feel too!

Gordon loved his beautiful red trucks, They must have cost him a lot of bucks.

He went out for coffee every day, Until his poor health took him away.

It was sad to see him lying there, but sometimes the nurses put him in a chair.

He didn’t make it home no more, and after five weeks he must have been pretty sore.

Now we pray that Gordon is in God’s good hand, And pray Chelsea and Larry will take care of his land.�

50p1

Coming SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31: Landis New Year’s Eve Dine & Dance in Landis Community Complex, Landis, Sask.

Music by Leon Ochs, tickets: $50 per person. Deadline for tickets: December 22 contact John & Joanne Kral @ 306948-2902 or Leo & Marie Schwebius, 306-658-4606 49c3 SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018: Biggar & District Arts Council presents‌ “CHRIS HENDERSONâ€?, 7:30 p.m., The Majestic Theatre, Biggar Adults/ Seniors $25 (advance $20); Students, 13 and older, $15 (advance $12); children 12 and under, $5. Advance tickets available at de Moissac Jewellers, Biggar, 306-948-2452 or online www. ticketpro.ca 48c6 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10: Biggar & District Health Services Foundation Inc. presents 7th Annual DINNER, DANCE & AUCTION, “Country Hoedownâ€? Fundraiser; at Biggar Community Hall with Country Poet, Live Music by “Better than Nothingâ€?. Ticket purchase = chance to win 1 of 2 $1000 cash prizes.

Early bird tickets: $40 each available until January 1; after Jan. 2, 2018 $50 each at de Moissac Jewellers. 5:30, doors and Silent Auction open; 6:30, Dinner; Live Auction, entertainment and dance to follow.

49c6

NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES NICHOL GORING, LATE OF THE TOWN/ DISTRICT OF BIGGAR, IN THE PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN, DECEASED. ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE, duly verified by Statutory Declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 12th day of JANUARY, 2018.

BUSSE LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers and Solicitors 302 Main Street, BIGGAR, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0 SOLICITORS FOR THE EXECUTOR

NOTICES Notice to Creditors 17121CC0 In the Estate of Agnes Rea late of Biggar, in the Province of Saskatchewan, Retired, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly veriďŹ ed

by Statutory Declaration, and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before December 28, 2017.

Concentra Trust Executors 333 - 3rd Avenue North SASKATOON SK S7K 2M2

WEDDING ANNIVERSAY

HAPPY

Mom & Dad (Marj and Ron Crozier) celebrated December 11

You have reached a major milestone that few will!

Have a wonderful day and many more!!!

Love Deb, Andy and family xxoo....

ANNOUNCEMENT FARM STRESS LINE IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF STRESS, THE FARM STRESS LINE IS AVAILABLE 24/7 AT

1-800-667-4442

MISCELLANEOUS Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements.

For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

306-948-3344

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MISCELLANEOUS Bosch 800 watt Mixers $509 & up VITAMIX Blenders, Kitchenaid Mixer attachments, BUNN Coffee Makers, Perogie makers, LEFSE supplies, Vacuums Call 1-888-692-6724, shop online www. hometechcanada. ca Hometech 375 Broad St, Regina

STEEL BLDGS STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”FALL CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW!” 20X21$5,990 Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,896 One End Wall Included.

32X33 $8,199 No Ends Included.

Check Out www. pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855212-7036

WANTED

All wild fur (coyotes, etc), beaver castors, old traps, shed deer antlers.

Phone Bryan 306278-7756 or Phil 306-278-2299.

WANTED GOT OIL? Free Property Evaluation for Mineral

Rights holders.

Royalties paid on suitable drilling locations!

Call with your land co-ordinates

1-403-291-0005 www.briskenergy.com

MAIN STREET GARAGE SALE is accepting donations of all items in clean and working condition. Please phone 306-9481773 or 306-9485393.

Pick-up available. tfn

VEHICLES LOOKING FOR A BETTER PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BUYING EXPERIENCE?

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

AUTO PARTS SEED & FEED Wrecking over 250 units... cars and trucks. Lots of trucks... Dodge...

GMC...

Ford...

Imports... 1/2 ton to 3 tons... We ship anywhere...

Call or text 306821-0260. Lloydminster.

SEED & FEED HEATED CANOLA WANTED!!

- GREEN CANOLA - SPRING THRASHED - DAMAGED CANOLA FEED OATS WANTED!!

- BARLEY, OATS, WHT - LIGHT OR TOUGH - SPRING THRASHED HEATED FLAX WANTED!!

HEATED PEAS HEATED LENTILS "ON FARM PICKUP" Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252

NORTH EAST PRAIRIE GRAIN barberspreowned.com INC. Currently Buying: Feed BarServing SE Sask. ley, Wheat, Soyfor over 65 years. beans & Faba Beans. OFFERBarber ING: Competitive Motors Weyburn, Sk Prices, On Farm 306-842-6531 Pickup & Prompt 1-888-291-3921 Payment! CALL: 1-306-873-3551, WEBSITE: neprairiegrain.com

Buying/Selling FEED GRAINS heated / damaged CANOLA/FLAX Top price paid FOB FARM

Western Commodities 877-695-6461 Visit our website @ www.westerncommodities.ca

LAND FOR SALE Land for Sale…

NW 1/4 - 01-3617-W3.

Send tenders to 4872 Nipawin Cres.

NW, Calgary, AB, T2K 2H9 by Dec. 21, 2017, highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. For more information call 1-250-7131793 49p3 FARMLAND WANTED NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS! PURCHASING: SINGLE TO LARGE BLOCKS OF LAND. PREMIUM PRICES PAID WITH QUICK PAYMENT. GREAT References Available A TOTAL OF 590 QUARTER SECTIONS SOLD ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN RENT BACK AVAILABLE Call DOUG 306-955-2266 saskfarms@shaw.ca

LAND FOR RENT LAND FOR RENT, pasture in R.M. of Eagle Creek. Call for details, 306948-9186. tfn

For FAX service, see us at The Independent, 122 Main Street, Biggar

HOUSES FOR SALE

CANADIAN MANUFACTURED MODULAR HOMES -multi section, single section, lake houses, and duplex family units LARGE INVENTORY TO CHOOSE FROM OR FACTORY ORDER TO YOUR SPECIFICATIONS Used homes in stock!

Selling and Servicing Across Western Canada for Over 40 Years!

1.800.249.3969 Check out our inventory at

FOR RENT SASKATOON $500 HOLIDAY BONUS! MOVE IN TO YOUR NEWLY RENOVATED SUITE ON OR BEFORE JAN. 1ST Rent with us to receive great perks! ° 24-hour customer service ° Newly renovated suites ° Maintenance guarantee ° On-line account access ° Resident member only events, contests and more!

Book a showing today!

Saskatoon: 306.700.3551 Bwalk.com

SERVICES

If YOU are…

• NEW to our communities of Biggar/Landis/Perdue • Have a new baby Call WELCOME

SERVICES Biggar & District ARTS Council are available for bar tending services at your functions/ events. Contact Denise @ 306948-2452 19tfn

WAGON at 306-948-3837

Sheila Itterman We have gifts and information www. welcomewagon.ca

306-948-3344

PRESENTATIONS

www.medallion-homes.ca Hwy 2 South Prince Albert

FOR RENT Charter/ Sherwood Apartments 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom Heat and water supplied, wired for cable TV and satellite systems, laundr y facilities, appliances, some suites with dishwasher s, air conditioning, parking with plugins.

For more information call: Karen/Kevin 306-948-9115 302 - 8th Ave. W. Biggar Two bedroom apartments for rent in Regina East Co-operative for Retired Couples and/or part time employment, renovated, screened balcony, free parking & laundry. Security doors. Reasonable rent. Close to banks and shopping. Call 306789-7970

$1000 HOLIDAY BONUS REGINA MOVE IN TO YOUR NEW OR RENOVATED SUITE ON OR BEFORE JAN. 1ST Rent with us to receive great perks! ° 24-hour customer service ° Newly renovated suites ° Maintenance guarantee ° On-line account access ° Resident member only events, contests and more! )L [OL ÄYZ[ [V SP]L PU your new suite at Pines Edge II Book a showing today!

306.994.2800 Bwalk.com Welcome Home

A warm heart knits comfort this holiday season . . .

Willa Nodwell, centre, donates the proceeds from mitts she made to Secret Santa’s/CWL Lorraine Heather, left, and Jo Angelopolous.

Willa - who we suspect is one of Santa’s helpers - raised $350 from the sale of her winter product.

Paul Ogrodnick also chipped in half of his sales from homemade picture frames, a total of $65, also to Secret Santa. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

HEALTH & WELLNESS EMERGENCY DEVICE FOR SENIORS - Free Equipment, Monitored 24/7. Stay safe in your home for less than $1.00 a day, For Free Information Guide Call Toll Free 1-888-865-5001 or www.LifeAssure.com

Health Services comes up big for long-term care residents…

Biggar and District Health Services Foundation member, Eugene Motruk, centre, was on hand with Biggar and District Health Centre’s Staci Walker, right, and Lee Ann Zagoruy, taking a look at the recently added lift chair. The chair, which helps get residents in and out of the tub, costs $12,750 and was the direct result of the Foundation’s fund raising efforts.

(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

BOX 40, BIGGAR, SK S0K 0M0

Phone: 306-948-3344; Fax: 306-948-2133 Email: tip@sasktel.net www.biggarindependent.ca CLASSIFIED AD RATES Deadline - Monday at 5 p.m.

25 words or less ...... $15.00 per week over 25 words ...... 25¢/word If The Independent P.O. Box Number is used add $3.00 PLEASE READ YOUR AD -- Advertisers should read their advertisement the FIRST ISSUE it APPEARS and report any errors in time for the next insertion.

The Independent is responsible subject to the conditions noted above, for ONLY the first incorrect insertion.

Obituaries, limit of 300 words, …without photo ..........................$70.00 …with black & white photo .....$75.00 …additional words, 25¢ per word “Happy” ads…Anniversary, Engagements, Birth Announcements, Birthday Greetings, etc.

Price is determined on size BOLD type ...................................$ 2.00 Italic type .......................................$ 2.00 Administration Charges..............$ 5.00

CONDITIONS OF ADVERTISING ACCEPTANCE All advertising subject to publisher’s approval. It is agreed by The Independent and any advertiser using or requesting space that the publisher shall not be held liable for damages in event of non-insertion of or errors in advertisements. In excess of or beyond the amount paid for space actually occupied by the non-insertion, or by that portion of the advertisement in which the error or non-insertion occurred whether such error or noninsertion is due to the negligence of its servants or otherwise.

All advertisers must assume responsibility for errors in any advertisement which is supplied to The Independent in handwritten form or given over the phone.

r "-- $-"44*'*&%4 .645 #& 13&1"*% r

NO REFUND on classifieds. Times to run must be stated at First Insertion. Enclose cheque, money order, Visa, MasterCard for your classified.

Other Advertising Rates Available upon Request.

The BIGGAR INDEPENDENT accepts advertisements in good faith. We advise that it is in your interest to investigate offers personally.

Publication by this newspaper should not be taken as an endorsement of the product or service offered.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES…per year ONLINE…

$32.00 + $1.60 gst = $33.60 Inside 40-mile Radius…

$37.00 + $1.85 gst = $38.85 Outside 40-mile Radius…

$43.00 + $2.15 gst = $45.15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

PRESENTATIONS

Legion donates to Food Bank . . .

Biggar Legion’s Dale Buxton, left, handed over the proceeds of their recent poppy fund drive to Biggar Food Bank’s Cst. Mark Wright. The total tally from the Biggar Legion was a phenomenal $1,500. (Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)

PRESENTATIONS

Phillips supports BCS Band… Donna Baum, left, from Phillips Garage Sale presents a cheque for $450 to (L to R) Griffin Lehnert, Gillian Massie and Alric Massie, all members of the BCS2000 Senior Band. The money was raised at Phillips Garage Sale through a combination bale sale and garage sale during Biggar’s annual Christmas kickoff weekend.

The senior band is travelling to competitions in Banff in April 2018. (Photo for the Independent by Merle Massie)

… Meth Bust, cont. from pg 3

Legion donates to Secret Santa . . .

Biggar Legion’s Daryl Hasein, right, hands over a cheque for $1,500 to Lorraine Heather of the Secret Santa Project. The funding is much needed at this time of year. (Independent Photo by Ana Irvine)

charged with the following offences: • Fail to Comply with Probation Order, Section 733.1(10 of the Criminal Code of Canada; • Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; • Possession of Cannabis for the Purposes of Trafficking, Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Hinse was remanded and made her first appearance in provincial court at North Battleford on Monday, November 27. She has since been released by the court on several restrictive conditions. She is not residing in the Biggar RCMP jurisdiction.

Contact US for professional printing of office supplies, forms and services… t 1IPUPDPQJFT t 'BYJOH t #VTJOFTT Cards t 1PTUFST t 'MZFST t 3VCCFS

Stamps t *OWPJDFT t &OWFMPQFT t -FUUFSIFBET t 1BNQIMFUT t 4PDJBM Tickets t %SBX Tickets t 1SPHSBNT t 'JMF 'PMEFST t 4UBUFNFOUT t 3FDFJQUT t .FOVT t 3FTVNFT t %BZ

1MBOOFST t "EESFTT -BCFMT t 4UJDLZ -BCFMT t $ISJTUNBT -FUUFST

$BMM OPX GPS ZPVS '3&& quote on all ZPVS QSJOUing needs.

The *OEFQFOEFOU .BJO 4U #JHHBS 1IPOF 306-948-

3344

All subs expire Dec. 31, 2017

PICKUP/Online… $33.60 WITHIN 40-mile radius… $38.85 OUTSIDE 40-mile radius… $45.15

The Biggar Independent Box 40, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0 Phone: 306-948-3344 Email: tip@sasktel.net

GBY 306-9482133 FNBJM tip@sasktel.net #PY #JHHBS 4, 4 , .

DEADLINE for JANUARY 4, 2018 paper for classifieds, news and advertisements is

NOON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21

BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH corner of 8th Ave.W. and Quebec St., Biggar

Sunday Worship • 10:50 a.m.

Children’s Sunday School during the worship service Sunday, Dec. 24… Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 p.m.

Pastor Doug Motz, Church office phone, 306-948-3424

BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH 907 QUEBEC ST. & CORNER TURNBULL AVE., BIGGAR Sunday Worship Service • 11:00 a.m. $%# … United Church Joy Singers and Sunday School Christmas Service. Everyone welcome! $%# … regular service, 11 a.m. & Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m. $%# …NO SERVICE Church office phone, 306-948-2280, Rev. Linsell A. Hurd

PALS DECEMBER

7ORSHIP 3ERVICES @ REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 319 - 7TH AVE. EAST, BIGGAR

Sunday Service • 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 17… 10:30 a.m. at Redeemer; and 7 p.m., Service of Lessons & Carols at St. Paul’s Anglican Church $EC x 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Candelight Service at Redeemer $EC x 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service at Redeemer Pastor Sarah Mowat, 306-951-7286.

ST. GABRIEL ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

109 - 7th Ave. W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 MASS TIME 3UNDAY $EC s A M 3AT $EC x P M TH !DVENT 3ERVICE 3UN $EC x P M #HRISTMAS %VE -ASS NO MORNING MASS

/52 ,!$9 /& &!4)-! #!4(/,)# #(52#( Landis, Sask.

MASS TIME: 3UNDAY $EC s A M 3AT $EC x P M TH !DVENT 3ERVICE 3UN $EC x P M #HRISTMAS %VE -ASS NO MORNING MASS

JESUS MIRACLE CRUSADE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY %6%29 35.$!9 3%26)#% s ! - 0 - -)$7%%+ 3%26)#% s 7%$.%3$!93 0 - /6%2.)'(4 02!9%2 s &2)$!93 0 - ! - CONTACT RAMIL, MARILYN OR ORLANDO, 306-951-0029 OR 306-951-0095 OR 306-948-3021

3%6%.4( $!9 !$6%.4)34 #(52#(

SATURDAY SERVICES

")",% 345$9x ! - #(52#( 3%26)#%x ! - TH !6%.5% %!34 ")''!2 #/.4!#4 www.amazingfacts.org

Everyone Welcome!

THE BIGGAR INDEPENDENT on NEWSSTANDS @ • Leslie’s Drugstore • Pharmasave • Super A Foods • Shop Easy Food • Quick Stop • Biggar Esso • Weasie’s Gourmet Blends • The Store, Perdue • Central Plains Co- op, p Perdue

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

ROOFING

ELECTRICAL

HEALTH/WELLNESS

MADGE ROOFING INC.

BIGGAR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION SERVICES Commercial and Industrial Electrical Wiring

PHILLIPS ELECTRIC s 2ESIDENCE s #OMMERCIAL 7IRING &OR FREE ESTIMATES

call…

306-480-6822

306-948-5291

Goldburg Electric Ltd. • Residential • Commercial Contact Matt Craig

#ELL 306-221-6888 Store: 306-948-1773

THIS SPACE

PREPAID COMMITMENT (regular price is $20.16 per week = $524.16 plus gst)

Call

306.948.3344

EAVESTROUGHING Danny Pickett Travis Poletz 306-230-4535 306-948-6570 saskwestconstruction@outlook.com

FREE ESTIMATES ► Eavestrough ► Soffit/Fascia ► Siding ► All other Exterior needs....

Box 277, Perdue, SK S0K 3C0

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Lyndon Barber

-Journeyman Carpenter…proudly local & serving Biggar and area!

r #SBOE /FX r 3FOPWBUJPOT r 8JOEPXT r 3PPGJOH r 'SBNJOH r 'FODFT r %FDLT r 'MPPSJOH r %PPST r BOE NPSFw

BARBER VENTURES 306-948-9145 barberventures@outlook.com

CHECK

this week‛s classifieds, photos/ videos online @ p biggarindependent.ca LACK OF ADVERTISING is like winking at a pretty girl in the dark…

YOU KNOW what you’re doing, BUT NO ONE ELSE DOES!

PLUMBING HEATING ELECTRICAL

For all your home, business and rural needs Owners/Operators • Travis Young • Dallas Young • Claude Young

Phone:306.882.2123 New Patients Welcome!

BIGGAR DENTAL CLINIC 104 - 6 Ave. East, Biggar, Sask.

Southeast entrance of Nova Wood Bldg.

Hours…

Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. th

Healthy Lifestyle Weight Loss 30-minute Circuit Personal Training Fitness Classes

306-948-3408 LEGAL SERVICES

Journeymen Plumber, Gas Fitter, & Electrician on staff

306-948-3346 …serving your community since 1972

ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ ÿ

Biggar Of¿ce Hours…

Landis Of¿ce Hours:

304 Main St., Biggar

100 - 2nd Ave. W., Landis Phone: 306-658-2044 Toll Free: 1-855-658-2044

look forward to assisting you and can be contacted at:

www.biggarlandisinsurance.ca

INVESTMENTS

Ph: 306-948-5133

RED APPLE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES “Administrative Services to

Meet Your Business Needs” ~ One time projects or long term service

For a FREE consultation, call www.redappleadmin.ca www.facebook.com/ redappleadmin

Box 580 Biggar, SK SOK OMO

Criminal Law Commercial Law Family Law Real Estate Law Wills and Estate Law and our lawyers, Jason Peszko Lisa Watson Nicole Hataley

Email: biggar@biggarinsurance.ca Email: landis@landisinsurance.ca

P. O. Box 1480 Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

302 Main Street, Biggar, SK

is a full service law office that practices…

Phone: 306-948-2204 Toll Free: 1-855-948-2204

201B - 2nd Ave. West

223 Main Street Biggar

Peszko &Watson

Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(New Horizons Bldg) Biggar

Stuart A. Busse, QC Larry A. Kirk, LL.B.

INSURANCE

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

117 - 3rd Ave. W.,

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION Barristers & Solicitors

see us at The Independent, 122 Main Street, Biggar

ÿ Auto & Home Insurance ÿ Farm & Commercial Insurance ÿ Health & Travel Insurance ÿ Life Insurance & Investments ÿ Farm Succession & Estate Planning ÿ Notary Publics

rod.campbell@sasktel.net

BUSSE LAW

102 - 3rd Ave. W., Biggar

For FAX service,

Ph: 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460

Cheryl Irvine @

…owned and operated

by Brett Barber

Biggar, Sask.

• Bookkeeping • Tax Returns • Financial Statements

306-948-7402

306.948.2208

306-948-3389

CAMPBELL ACCOUNTING SERVICES

OFFICE HOURS

306-948-7274

Co-Ed Fitness Centre

2 INCHES

26-WEEK

ROSETOWN DENTAL

Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Call Making Biggar Smaller!

PLUMBING & HEATING

$161.20 PLUS GST…

ACCOUNTING

115 - 1st Avenue West Rosetown, Sask.

Weight Loss Coach Anne G. Livingston 317 Main St., Biggar

- together with -

AVAILABLE FOR ONLY ONE COLUMN X

306-951-8004

• ‘Ideal Protein’ Weight Loss • ‘Slender You’ Figure Salon • H20 Massage Bed

www.madgesaskroofing.com Biggar, Sask.

IN THIS DIRECTORY IS

FOR

Weight Loss & WELLNESS Centre

306-717-2818

Menno:

Licensed Journeyman Adrian de Haan

“Setting a Higher Standard” ∆New Construction ∆Re-roofs ∆Torch-on ∆Tile ∆Metal ∆Asphalt ∆All repairs ∆Shakes ∆Inspections NOW DOING ∆ Eavestroughing ∆ Downspouts ∆ Soffit & Facia We offer 10 Year Workmanship Warranty and Liability/Torch On Insurance Excellent Local References For a FREE estimate please call… 306-948-5453

Biggar

DENTAL

306-948-5352 or 306-244-9865

INVESTMENTS

For all your investment needs, Visit…

306-948-2183 Email: ddolack@sasktel.net Website: www.hrblock.ca

BE SEEN in the

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CALL

306.948.3344 FOR SPECIAL

Dean McCallum, CFP, CIM, FCSI

Lyndsey Poole

Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.

Mutual Fund Investment Specialist, Wealth Consultant Credential Asset Management Inc.

Pamela Eaton Investment Advisor Credential Securities Inc.

Located at the Biggar & District Credit Union 302 Main Street, Biggar, SK • 306-948-3352 Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc., and mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. ®Credential is a registered mark owned

by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under license.

Financial Planning Estate Planning Life Insurance

RATES AND SIZES

222 Main Street 306 948 5377

info@twhfinancial.ca www.twhfinancial.ca

Get the Biggar Independent

Online

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Go to…

biggarindependent.ca to sign up

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

SERVICES REAL ESTATE

AUTOMOTIVE

Shoreline Realty

Cari Perih

www.SoldbyCari.ca homesforsale@soldbycari.ca

Acres of Expertise.

FOR RENT BIGGAR HOUSING AUTHORITY

HEAVY TRUCK Repair AUTO Repair TIRES Repair BOATS & RVs RVs FULL MOBILE MECHANICAL & TIRES SGI Safety INSPECTION

SERVICE TRUCK FULL MECHANICAL SERVICE Mon - Fri • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. phone: Chris

306-948-3376 Corner of Main Street & 1st Avenue West, Biggar

Housing for families and seniors Rent based on income

1st Ave. West, Biggar

Call: 306-948-2101

• Cattle hauling with 21 ft. gooseneck trailer • round and large square bale hauling with step-deck or highboy semi-trailers • also buying and selling straw and forage • also machinery hauling Home • 306-948-2037 Alex • 306-948-7291 Dan • 306-948-7843 Biggar, Sask.

SEED CLEANING McNULTY’S MOBILE SEED CLEANING Custom Cleaning of H.R.S. & C.P. S. Wheat

Phone: 306-948-5678

WYLIE SEED & PROCESSING INC. Canadian Seed Institute Accredited Pedigree, Commercial & Custom Cleaning FULL line of Cleaning Equipment including Gravity Table

Excellent Quality at a Reasonable Price!

For all your Cereal and Pulse Cleaning Call: Bill: Dale:

306- 948-2807 or 948-5609 948-5394

Plant located 8 miles south of Biggar on Hwy #4, ¼ mile west on Triumph Rd.

THE

BIGGAR

INDEPENDENT Custom Grain and Fertilizer Hauling Darren Diehl

306-262-5980 Biggar

COURIER

BIGGAR COURIER

• Biggar to Saskatoon • Same day Service • Monday to Friday • 24-hour Answering Service

~Brian and Cathy Fick~

Cell: 306-948-7524

DEADLINE for ads, classisifeds and news MONDAY - 5 P.M.

306-948-5600

Jerry Muc Phone: 306-948-2958 Fax:

Teams, Corporate and Personal Attire Judy Kahovec…

306-882-4313, cell 306-831-7935

Your authorized

Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Shaw, Yamaha Audio Dealer;

306.948.2700 Your Auto Parts and Accessories Dealer Open: Mon.-Fri.

• Heavy truck parts • Agriculture parts • Automotive parts & accessories www.yhtruckagauto.com

Hwy 14 East, Biggar

306-948-2109

FTB Parts

703 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar (just off Truck Route)

on

306.948.1700

@

Heavy Duty parts Automotive parts

NEWSSTANDS • Biggar Esso • Leslie’s Drugstore • Pharmasave • Quick Stop • Super A Foods • Shop Easy Foods • Weasie’s Gourmet Blends • Central Plains Co-op, Perdue • The Store, Perdue

216 Main St., Biggar

OPEN… Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

KRF Auto Centre 100% handwash “Where we do it all for you!!”

• Detailing • Vortex Spray-In Box Liners • Granitex Baked-on Coatings for Decks and Cement Flooring • Auto Accessories • Trailer Rentals Owned & operated by Kevin Fick

227 - 1st Ave. East, Biggar

306-948-1722 SMALL ADS WORK You’re reading this one!

t Delivery Ask Abou

306-

306-948-3312 sales@gvsigns.ca

Rebel Landscaping 306-948-2879, evenings 306-948-7207, daytime Ed Kolenosky • Driveways • Concrete • Garage Pads • Pruning • Planting

• Topsoil • Lawn Care • Leveling • Sod • Patio Blocks

• Snow Removal • Fences …and much more

948-3955

Biggar Sand & Gravel • trenching • trucking • water & sewer • sand & gravel • excavating OfÀce …

306-948-5455 OPTOMETRISTS

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. • 8 a.m. - Noon.

YH Truck, Ag & Auto

• Laser Engraving • Promotional products (mugs, mousepad, etc)

and Your authorized

BIGGAR LEISURE CENTRE

306-948-5699

“Your complete decal and signage shop”

Custom Embroidery

SaskTel Mobility and High Speed Internet Dealer

Farm & Acreage Salesperson (306) 948-4478 dave.molberg@hammondrealty.ca HammondRealty.ca

Rockin D Trucking & Cattle

• Wood, metal, plastic signs • Vehicle & window graphics • Banners, stickers and Magnetic signs

Phone…

701 - 4th Ave. E., Biggar

Dave Molberg

Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca Super B outÀts hauling grain and fertilizer in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Box 736, Biggar

M & N REPAIR

Mike Nahorney, Interprovincial Heavy Duty Journeyman Mechanic

Office: 306-867-8380 carip@remax.net

TROY MAY, owner/operator

Qualilty!

Open Monday-Friday

Cell: 306-948-7995

306.237.7671

A Sign of

CLEANING Cliff Forsyth

306-948-3996

REALTOR®

HAULING

SERVICES

THUR-O CARPET

Dr. Kirk Ewen Dr. Michelle Skoretz Doctors of Optometry PHOTOGRAPHY

Danny Vogelsang

306-222-6081 Landscaping, Snow Removal, Topsoil, Clay, Gravel, Sand Bobcats, Excavator, Gravel Truck Serving Perdue and area for the past 10 years

Biggar, Sask.

Brody Ellis, Sever Ellis, Stetler Heather

306-948-3380 306-948-2234 alloutdrilling@gmail.com

Call today for a FREE estimate!

GOLDBURG GRAVEL LTD. • Pit Run • Base Gravel • Road Gravel • Crushed Rock • Top Soil

Certified Scale and Ticketed Loads Serving Rosetown & Biggar areas Phone… Leam Craig

306-948-2801/306-948-7279

LEADING EDGE WELDING LTD. Aboriginal owned • Mobile Welding & Fabrication • 24/7 Emergncy Service

Photos by In BIGGAR Jocely n Every Tuesday Portraits, Family, Biggar Professional Building, Weddings & Sports 223 Main St., Biggar

Photography For appointments…

Biggar, Sask.

• Repairs? Got a project in mind?

• We cater to ALL Give us a call for a FREE quote. industries… farming/ commercial/oil field/ • NOW offering Skidsteer, industrial Transport, Hot Shot Service!

CALL Chance Parenteau @ 306-948-9465 or Sarah Nagy @ 306-290-9766

1-855-651-3311 www.photosbyjocelyn.com 306948-2814 PHOTOGRAPHY

Photos by Jocelyn Portraits, Family, Weddings & Sports Photography Biggar, Sask.

www.photosbyjocelyn.com

306-948-2814

Pkg. of 8.5”x11” white bond paper,

$

5.

99

each

or

$

52. /case 99

@ The Independent 122 Main St., Biggar

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Culinary Gift Ideas It’s that time of year again when you need to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Now that you have checked it twice, and found out who was naughty and who was nice, the shopping must get done.

If you have someone, that hopefully made it to the nice list, and loves being in the kitchen, I have some great culinary ideas for you: Citrus Juice Sprayer This small gadget is perfect for the stocking. It’s a small spray pump that gets inserted directly into your favourite whole citrus fruit and allows you to spray juice directly from inside the fruit.

Culinary Torch - Whether it’s for crème brulee, adding a bit more browning to a piece of meat, igniting a flambé, or for just lighting candles, this little device is awesome. It’s a small refillable torch that is kept in the kitchen for all these jobs and more.

Oven Gloves - I prefer these over oven mitts because grasping hot objects is always easier when you have the dexterity of your fingers available.

Sousvide - Recent innovations have made this one

of the most popular cook- waffles have deeper pocking devices for the home ets and are yeast risen, and chef. Basically, it is a hot having the perfect waffle water cookiron is the key er where to cooking your food them properly. is sealed in I own two of bags and these for specooked to an cial occasions exact temwhen we have perature. a large crowd Memory for breakfast Foam or Gel or brunch. floor mat Panini Press People that - Who doesn’t do a lot of Chef Dez love a grilled cooking, sandwich? on cooking In my opinalso do a lot of standing, ion, bread is a Chef Dez blank canvas and typically kitchen for culinary floors are hard surfaces. creations. Having a good Having a memory foam or quality non-stick press is gel floor mat offers great a perfect gift for any sandcomfort. wich chef.

Cut Resistant Gloves Ice Cream Maker - MakThese are great for some- ing your own ice cream one that is just learning and frozen yogurts is how to use a knife, or another great way for someone who is not very home chefs to unleash steady with their hands. their culinary skills onto They are lightweight and a blank canvas. There are washable too. many kinds of ice cream Enamel Coated Cast Iron makers out there, but I Pot - Cast iron holds heat prefer the higher-end extremely well, so these electric ones that do most are perfect for any home of the work for you. chef. The enamel coating Tagine - These oven makes them easy to clean, ceramic cookers are great and they come in a variety for moist slow cooking. of colours and sizes.

Because of their unique Electric Belgian Waffle sloped pointed design, Iron - Authentic Belgian they easily distribute

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO OUR MEMBERS Open letter to our members sent with cheques mailed December 15:

evaporated juices back onto the food for incredibly moist results. They also come in a variety of colours and sizes.

Sil Pat Baking Mat These silicone mats that are inserted into baking sheets are non-stick make for easy clean up after cooking.

Milk Frother - This is a great little device for

people that would like to create fancy coffees but don’t have an expensive coffee machine at home.

There are many varieties on the market from a small handheld device, to ones that plug in and heat the milk too.

I hope this gets you started in the right direction to completing your shopping task with ease.

The Royal Canadian Legion, Biggar Branch #138 expresses their appreciation to all the commercial, retail businesses, and the residents of Biggar for their support of its Annual Poppy Campaign. The campaign raises funds for the health and welfare of service veterans and their family.

Further, donations also go the purchase of medical equipment and appliances for area health facilities… paying for medical research and training, bursuries for children, providing support services to senior citizens, Food for Thought, Secret Santa, school participation for poster and essay competition This year’s donations were effective in no small way due to your dedication to this worthy cause.

We would also like to say thank you to the students and teachers for their remembrance day services at St. Gabriel School and BCS2000.

Thank you for your support…

Royal Canadian Legion #138 Poppy Committee, Biggar

IT’S TIME… Get your

The Board of Directors declared an equity repayment to all eligible members, including seniors and the general membership. The payment is based on 2016 purchases as stated on your January 28, 2017 equity statement. The general payment is 50% of the allocation less withholding tax. The cheques (525) range in size from the minimum $10 to $15,215.00.

fresh flower centrepieces

Following is a summary of payment details with comparison to previous years: 2014 2015 2016 2017 4-YEAR TOTAL General payment 294,698 297,130 245,002 213,036 Seniors, estates 101,646 117,661 71,359 155,027 Withholding tax 72,946 67,509 52,701 49,097 469,290 482,300 369,062 417,160 $1,737,812 This payment rewards the community for participating in the co-operative ownership of Duperow Co-op, Federated Co-operative Limited, the Regina Co-op Upgrader/Refinery, and the Co-op Retailing System.

Thank you for your support and we wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ted Craig, Manager Collin Gabriel, President Greg Eppich, Secretary Robert Hammond, Vice-President Andrew Haynes, Director Bob Atkinson, Director Jamie Lehnert, Director

for your home or gifts for the Christmas season.

Holiday Hours for Duperow Store Closed December 25 - December 26 Open December 27, 28, 29 Closed January 1 Open January 2

306-948-2706

Remember, everyone has a kitchen, and everyone cooks to a certain degree.

I wish you a very merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays.

Chef Dez is a Chef, Writer, & Host. Visit him at www.chefdez.com.

Write to him at dez@ chefdez.com or P.O. Box 2674, Abbotsford, BC V2T 6R4

•POINSETTIAS have arrived, LARGE

selection

Stop in or call today.

Designs by Ann

121 Main Street, Biggar •

306-948-3666 •

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

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From All of Us at The Independent Daryl

Peggy

Urla

Kevin Ana

2 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Family is a comfort at Christmas

by Father Edward Gibney, St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, Biggar; Our Lady of Fatima, Landis In general, when one speaks about the Holy Family one tends to think

The Christmas Harp

by Revent Bev Dyck, Biggar Church of God My mother-in-law gave each of her adult children and their spouses a money gift every Christmas.

We found that we looked forward to this, because this was money that we could use however we wished, and it was fun to imagine all the different things we might buy and then finally settle on what we actually bought.

One year I decided that I was going to save this money and when I could I would purchase a harp.

I had seen one a few years before and now that I had been helped with a hearing aid, I thought that I might be able to learn to play a harp. So I began to set this money aside and did that for several years. My husband sold an old vehicle we weren’t using and earmarked that money for my harp.

I went to the music store, and asked about the harp that I had seen.

They no longer carried that particular harp. But they showed me what harps they had or could order for me. I chose a harpsicle with all the key changes. I asked them to order it in Cherry Red Wood. Then I waited. It was getting closer and closer to Christmas, and I was anxious to learn to

by Linsell Hurd, Biggar United Church At this time of the year we are busy, busy, busy!

We frequently berate ourselves and one another for our busyness.

I believe that in doing this we are sometimes mistaken.

Oh, sure ... some of our business is just that ... busyness.

But much of what we do - the baking, the shopping, the decorating and the entertaining - we do because we care. We love those for whom we are doing these things and so we make time at Christmas to do them.

It would be good, of course, if we took the time and trouble to do some of these things during the year but let us not minimize what we do

play Christmas Carols on my new harp. And I was scheduled to play Silent Night at the Christmas Eve Service. Mercifully the Music Store loaned me a simple black, bottom of the lone harpsicle to begin to learn and to practice for Christmas.

I began to practice, and it was not as easy to play as I had expected. One hand had to be inverted, and I wasn’t sure which way to hold the instrument.

The spaces between the strings was different to what my piano fingers were accustomed.

Then several days before Christmas Eve, the store called that my harpsicle was in the store. It had been delayed being lost in one of the warehouses.

My husband rushed over to get it. I opened the carton to see my harpsicle and I was shocked. It was not Cherry Red Wood - it was Christmas red!

However, after my initial shock, very soon I came to love my Christmas Red harpsicle.

I did my best playing it at the Christmas Eve Candle Light service. Then several weeks later, Mother-inlaw’s health faltered and she lay dying. I knew that my harpsicle was needed.

I wrapped it in blankets to protect it from the cold and took it to the hospital to show her. And then I

he brings holiness, the peace the world cannot give, the greatest gift of the Christmas season and throughout the entire year.

Jesus spent the majority of his life in his family home, working with his father and learning from his mother. In the same way, we are entrusted with each other’s welfare in our family life, so speak softly, hug gently, cry cleansing tears and rejoice with thanksgiving the wonderful events that you experience in your family’s holy life.

On behalf of the Parishioners of Saint Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Church I offer you the joy, and the love, the hope and the holiness that will always be part of the celebration of Christmas. May the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ bring peace and happiness to all our homes.

Greatest gift comes from God began to play some hymns that she might enjoy. She lay there and was blessed as she listened. One of the songs I played was one that she and her sisters had sung at a relative’s funeral. We were blessed in our last hours as she lingered between heaven and earth. The next day she slipped into a coma and soon left us for her heavenly home.

The harpsicle music was the last music she heard here before she heard the harps of heaven. So when I play my harpsicle,

Gifts of love

at Christmas because of what we fail to do at other times. Baking someone’s favourite cookies or pies, making someone’s favourite fudge, shopping for the present that will bring a sparkle to the eye and a smile to the lips, decorating the house or the yard in ways that bring comfort and joy, and planning a warm and wonderful evening of conversation and sharing are terrific things to do.

These things are part of the language of the heart which is the official language of Christmas and they are part of the busyness of this season.

They are so important!

I think, for example, of the busy, busy editorial writer, Francis P. Church, who in 1897 in the New

about the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and that impression is emphasized in this Christmas season, with the joyful birth of a child and a love that is shared by all.

God’s entrance into that small family brought holiness to it but it also brought holiness to the whole of the human family as well.

So, as we prepare for Christmas gatherings of family and friends let us think about our own gathering place of comfort and chaos. Are you aware of the holiness within your home? Obviously family life can be less than perfect, chaotic and often loud, but it is also a place of love and of tenderness and of reconciliation. God came into the world and so is present in our homes, in the midst of the joy and the hunt. With his presence

York Sun took the time and used the energy to write a response to 8-yearold Virginia O’Hanlon in which he said, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” thus setting a little girl’s heart at ease and communicating to the rest of us the importance of love and generosity and devotion. How much poorer the world would be if he had decided that he was just too busy for Virginia’s question.

And how much poorer the world is when we forget that one of the best gifts we can give is our willingness to receive from others. To accept and wear the tie that isn’t exactly what we would have bought for ourselves, to be glad of heart to receive a book by an

I often think of this.

And when Jesus came to earth as a little baby, he left Heaven’s glory and all the music of Heaven to come to earth to be our Saviour. Christmas is a time when we think of Heaven touching earth and providing a Saviour for us. What a blessed time we have at Christmas because of Heaven’s gift. Jesus said: “I have come that you might have life and that more abundantly.” (John 10:10) May you know the gift of knowing Jesus.

author we’ve never heard of, to recognize the love and excitement that went into the drawing of the nativity scene that has an ox that looks more like a pig and three stick figures that seem to be trapped in a lop-sided box is to receive with the heart and to give a gift that only we can give.

It is the human heart that is at the centre of this season and it is only the human heart that can receive the greatest gift - the gift of Christ which God has given - the gift of new possibilities, of freedom for the future and of hope for our world.

May each of us open our hearts to God’s gift and to the gifts of those we love and those who love us.

Merry Christmas!

by Pastor Sarah Mowat, PALS I was told a few months ago that the Pastors are asked to write a Christmas message for the newspaper here in town. I have been mulling though all my memories of wintry times with my family.

Thinking about that time when we chopped the Christmas tree at minus forty degree below zero!

I remember smelling the turkey being cooked on a woodstove (we only had wood heat at the cabin).

Playing endless rounds of crib or monopoly. I remember the Advent wreath and Advent candle. This Sunday we once again enter into the preChristmas season, the time that the church calls Advent.

I remember as a child wanting to be the one who got to light the candle each night. Three purple and one pink and the Christ candle in the Middle of the green wreath we made on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent. Every week we got to light one more candle as we marked time ... mark time until we remember Jesus coming to us. This is what Christmas is about to me.

It is about family time, good food, advent and the arrival of Jesus Christ.

My Dad l o v e d Christmas.

He loved

the excitement, and traditions that went along with it. Christmas Eve was a meal where the masterpiece was Tourtire, and then one gift opened, and then Midnight Christmas service at the small country church, beside a large mountain lake.

Christmas day, after we ate dinner, my Dad would hand me the Bible and we would hear the story. We would hear about Joseph and Mary and the arrival of Baby Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us.”

We would be reminded that God is always with us, and is with us because of God’s great love for us. We would remember the greatest gift; that of God’s son to us around the Christmas season over two thousand years ago.

From my home to yours Merry Christmas may you know the peace and love, hope, and joy, that comes to all of us in Emmanuel this year.

Soli Deo Gloria.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 3

It’s still personal

by Archie Jantzen, Arelee, Perdue United Church When I was a young child a kind-hearted deacon and his wife came to pay my parents a visit one day.

Kind-hearted, I say, because that’s how I remember him. I was a child, I say, but old enough to remember a bit about their visit. And I was old enough to have memorized a few Bible verses, one being John 3:16.

Now, adults on a visit representing the church, usually spent their time talking to the adults they had come to see. This gracious deacon made a point of including me. He took me onto his knee, and showed me that verse again, in our family Bible.

“You know,” he said.

“You can put your name in here. For God so loved Archie, (we had the good old King James version of the Bible) that He gave His only begotten Son, that if Archie believes in Him, Archie shall not perish, but have everlast-

ing life.”

That made the message very personal to me.

It’s still personal today.

I know that Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

“No wonder God’s Christmas present to us is called His “Unspeakable gift!”

That Baby was no ordinary baby! I don’t think I came from Heaven when I was born, but I believe he did. And His destiny, right from square one, was to be the Saviour of the world, as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

Yes, and it’s for me! He’s my Saviour, Who takes away my sin.

Christmas is such a beautiful time of fun with family, lots of food, and wonderful presents! It’s really all very personal, isn’t it?

For me, personally, the most wonderful part is the focus on the “incarnation,” the most beautiful gift of all.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas!

The light that’s not of this world

by Pastor Doug Motz, Biggar Associated Gospel Church Here we are at Christmas again!

What a wonderful time of year! We all enjoy the bright lights on houses, trees, lights illuminating manger scenes et cetera.

There is something about lights at Christmas that’s different from any other time of year, and maybe because it’s at Christmas

that we celebrate the coming of the Light of the world - Jesus!

Jesus Himself said in John’s Gospel chapter 8:12 these words: “I am the light of the world.

He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

(NKJV Bible).

Also in John’s Gospel chapter 1:1-13 speaks of the fact that the very one who created light in the first place when He

created the world - was the One who came and brought light and life to the hearts of men and women.

You see, no one born on this planet was born perfect. We all live our lives for personal gain more times than not, at the expense of others. All of us have a nature that only wants to satisfy me!

But God didn’t create us to be that way. He made us to have a lasting relationship with the very God who made us in the first place. But our selfish nature is what keeps humanity from experiencing this relationship with our Creator God. This nature we were all born with has caused us to be born blind - spiritually - read 2 Corinthians 4:3 and 4.

All of us have no desire in and of ourselves to know God. Oh yes, we all want to someday go to a place of peace eternal rest, but without accepting God’s plan of how to get to heaven, through Jesus the Light - there is no hope!

Jesus Christ, who came as the incarnate Son of

God and Son of Man, to not remain a baby in the manger, but He came to suffer and die on a cruel Roman Cross - bearing our dark hopeless nature on Himself.

You see, Roman 5:8 and 9 - while we were still in darkness without God in our lives - Christ died for us.

He Himself remained true to God’s nature so all who accept this God nature through Christ will have their lives filled with God’s glorious Light through Jesus, and His Spirit within our hearts.

We become a New Creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17. We become reborn of God’s Spirit from the inside out, and begin to see things from God’s perspective - not from our own - not from our own sinful self-centredness.

We begin to understand God’s plan, and want to please God, not ourselves. He becomes the focal point of our lives, because His Light now shines from within our most inner being!

Do you know this Light Jesus - in your hearts and lives, this Christmas?

states: “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

He came for a special purpose. The perfect planet He had created, with two perfect human beings had been hijacked, which created a crisis in the cosmos. Sin was successfully introduced to our planet, hence humans would experience eternal death unless something was done to save them. God’s character was under scrutiny.

Was God really like his adversary claimed Him to be? Jesus, while here on Planet Earth, lived a life of righteousness, love, great mercy, and compassion. He demonstrated in human flesh, what God was really like. But, that was not the only reason He came. He came to save human beings from sin, and His death was the price that sin demanded.

Hence the good news to the shepherds on the hills of Bethlehem, the angel choir singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men.” This

was the beginning of God’s rescue mission for Planet Earth.

Still today, people around the world sing the beautiful Christmas carols that tell the story of the Christ Child; Away on a Manger, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Silent night, and many, many others.

The story continues. In many places in the New testament Jesus said He would come again.

Revelation 1:7 “Behold, he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him...”. This time He will not come as a babe in a manger; He will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

As we look at our current world situation (and I am not a pessimist), surely we can perceive that something has gone terribly wrong. We could all use a huge dose of, “Love Thy neighbour as thyself.” As Christians, let us share the good news, so there might be a swelling chorus in our community and around the globe of “Joy to the World”. It is our duty and responsibility!

Merry Christmas to everyone, and remember that God loves you!

Christmas Season Services ST. GABRIEL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BIGGAR ~ SUN., DEC. 17… 11 a.m., Mass SAT., DEC. 23… 5:00 p.m. - 4th Sunday in Advent Service (no Sunday morning Mass) SUN., DEC. 24… Christmas Eve Mass, 7:30 p.m. (No Christmas Morning Mass) SUN., DEC. 31… 11 a.m., Mass

BIGGAR UNITED CHURCH ~

The Biggar and District Ministerial Association wishes you all the joy and blessings of the Christmas Season.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, LANDIS ~ SUN., DEC. 17… 9 a.m., Mass SAT., DEC. 23… 7:00 p.m., 4th Sunday in Advent Service (no Sunday morning mass) SUN., DEC. 24… Christmas Eve Mass, 5:00 p.m. (no Christmas morning Mass) SUN., DEC. 31… 9 a.m., Mass

SUN., DEC. 17…11 a.m., Sunday School & Joy Singers Music Service, all welcome!

SUN., DEC. 24… 11:00 a.m. regular service 7:00 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service SUN., DEC. 31: No worship service

PERDUE UNITED CHURCH ~

BIGGAR ASSOCIATED GOSPEL CHURCH ~

SUN. DEC. 24… 11:00… regular service 8:15 p.m.…Christmas Eve Service SUN., DEC. 31… No service

SUN., DEC. 17… 10:50 a.m., regular service SUN. DEC. 24…10:50 a.m.,Worship Service; 7:00 p.m., Christmas Eve Candlelight Service SUN., DEC. 31… 10:50 a.m., regular service

SUN., DEC. 24… 9:30 a.m… regular service 7:00 p.m.… Christmas Eve Service No services December 31 & tmonth of January.

ASQUITH UNITED CHURCH ~

PALS COMMUNITY CHURCH ~ SUN. DEC. 17… 10:30 a.m., Advent Service at Redeemer Lutheran Church 7:00 p.m…Service of Lessons & Carols at St. Paul’s Anglican Church SUN., DEC. 24… 10:30 a.m., Advent Service at Redeemer Lutheran Church 7:00 p.m., Candlelight Service at Redeemer Lutheran Church MON., DEC. 25… 10:30 a.m.…Christmas Day Service at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

SUN., DEC. 31…10:30 a.m. regular service

SEVENth DAY ADVENTIST ~ SATURDAYS… meet 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Church of God on 6th Ave. East.

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by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church Christianity is not just another religion.

It makes some pretty bold claims; for example, many Christians believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God. Christians believe that God is the Creator of heaven and earth, and all things found in nature, animate and inanimate.

Christians also believe that God came to this world approximately two thousand years ago in human flesh and lived here on earth for a brief period of time.

He, God, Jesus, the Messiah, was born in a small town just outside of Jerusalem, called Bethlehem.

This would be according to the prophecy found in Micah 5:2, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

He was born approximately three hundred years after the prophecy given by Micah, during the time of the Roman Empire and the reign of the Caesars. Luke 2:1,2

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Joy to the World

4 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

From sugarplums to lamb’s wool, reindeer to Dickens...How much holiday lore do you know?

There are 12 months of the year, 12 Days of Christmas and 12 Apostles.

It seems fitting, therefore, that a Christmas quiz - how much do you know about Yule lore and traditions - boast 12 probing questions to text your mettle.

1. What country is credited with having the first Christmas tree, and who

introduced the Christmas tree to England?

2. And, while we’re on the subject of trees, what American president was the first to have a Christmas tree in the White House?

3. Who was the original Saint Nicholas?

4. At whom did the spirit of Christmas Past clank its rusted chains in warning? What effect did this

Randy Weekes, M.L.A. Biggar-Sask Valley Constituency 306-948-4880, toll free 1-877-948-4880 Box 1413, 106-3rd Avenue West, Biggar Even though snow is blanketing the landscape, we’re warmed by having such good friends and neighbors around us this season.

We hope you have a joyful and festive holiday, and a very happy and healthy year ahead.

have?

5. Who were The Three Magi and what gifts are they traditionally credited with having brought the Christ child?

6. What American illustrator first located Santa Claus’ headquarters at the North Pole?

7. In connection with Christmas celebrations, what is lamb’s wool?

8. What were the earliest Christmas tree ornaments?

9. Where is Grandfather Frost an important figure in winter holiday celebrations?

10. What are “sugarplums”?

11. What is the derivation os the abbreviation “Xmas” for “Christmas”?

12. Can you name all eight of Santa’s reindeer in “A visit from Saint Nicholas”, the immortal Christmas poem which begins, “Twas the night before Christmas...?”

Answers 1. It is generally acknowledged that the Christmas tree originated in Germany, and one lovely legend attributes the idea of decorating an evergreen to Martin Luther, who, gaz-

Candy-Coated Christmas Wishes to You & Yours May every moment of your holiday be as sweet as you have been to us this year.

Friends and neighbours like you are a treat to serve, and we are so grateful for the kindness and support you have shown us. We look forward to your continued visits in the New Year!

Thanks & Happy Holidays From Our Entire Team

Board, Management and Staff

ing upon the starlit evening sky through a curtain of tree branches, admired the scene’s beauty so greatly that he decided to recreate it in his home, where he adored a tree with a multitude of flickering candles.

It was the mid-19th century before the idea of a Christmas tree was popularized in England, thanks to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German consort, who decorated a tree in 1844.

2. Only a few years later, the idea crossed the Atlantic, but ut was not till 1856 that an American president, Franklin Pierce, first set up a Christmas tree in the White House, beginning a tradition which continues to the present day.

3. St. Nicholas, Santa Claus’ prototype, was not originally a figure of fun and jollity, but a Bishop from Asia Minor, a historical personage who dates from the third century AD, and to whom, after his death various good deeds, some miraculous, were ascribed.

The most famous of the tales of his acts recounts how St. Nicholas bestowed dowries on three sisters who were destined, because of their father’s poverty, to a life of privation.

On three successive nights, St. Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold down the chimney of the girl’s home, providing them with the means that otherwise they would have lacked to wed.

St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, is celebrated particularly in the Netherlands, and it was the Dutch who brought him to the New World, when they settled Nieuw Amsterdam (New York today).

It was Washington Irving, a 19th century writer from New York who was steeped in the Dutch legends of the area in which he had grown up, who brought St.Nick to life on the written page, as a giver of gifts and figure of merriment.

4. Ebenezer Scrooge, in Charles Dickens’ fable, A Christmas Carol, is visited by the Spirit of Christmas Past who sternly warns him of the consequences of the miserly life he has led.

He is reformed, thanks not only to the efforts of the Spirit of Christmas Past, but to those of the

ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley, and to the offices of Tiny Tim, the crippled young son of Scrooge’s office clerk Bob Cratchit.

5. The Three Magi, the wise men who journeyed to Behtlehem guided by the light of a single star, are not named in the New Testament, nor are they identified as kings, nor is their number limited to three.

Art and literature, however, have had a profound effect on their identification; thus Baltahazar, Melchoir and Gaspar are known around the world today as the adoring kings who brought the valuable gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newly born Christ child in His manger.

6. Thomas Nast, whose drawing originally appeared in the popular American newspaper, Harper’s Weekly, had done much to influence modern-day image of Santa, including locating his home in the snowy reaches of the North Pole.

Nast, whose drawings began to appear in the early 1860’s, made an effort to place Santa in a contemporary setting, visiting the Union soldiers, for instance, in their army camp during the American Civil War. 7. The Christmas season is traditionally associated with hot, alcohol-laced punches, often served to carolers after they have finished a performance.

In England, these punches were known collectively as “wassail”, a word which comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase for “be well”.

Lamb’s Wool, nicknamed that because of the pieces of toast which garnish it and bear a

striking resemblance to fleece, was a kind of wassail, which included also more customary ingredients - ale, apples, eggs, sugar and such spices as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.

8. Generally, early Christmas tree ornament included lit candles, cookies cut in unusual shapes and festively decorated, gold foil patterns, sweetmeats and fragrant red apples.

9. In the Soviet Union, where the observance of religious holidays as such was not encouraged, Grandfather Frost had replaced Father Christmas as the central figure of the winter holiday season, bringing gifts to commemorate New Year’s Day, a secular occasion.

10. The “visions of sugarplums” dancing in the heads of the children dreaming in “A visit from St. Nicholas” were almost certainly stimulating the dreamers’ taste buds as well. Sugar-plums, often crystallized fruits (not only plums), were gaily wrapper in silver foil.

Though they originated earlier, they were popularized in Victorian England.

11. The “X” in “Xmas” is the Greek symbol of the letter “Chi”, the initial letter in Greek of Christ’s name. Anglicized, “Xmas” is “Chmas”, - thus easily seen as simply an abbreviation which gained currency at least eight centuries ago.

12. No, Rudolph was not among them! In Clement Moore’s famous poem, Santa names his eight reindeers as he urges them along in the following immortal lines, “Now Dasher, now Dancer! Now Prancer! Now Vixen! On, Comet! On Cupid! On Donder and Blitzen!”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The man behind the beard

Every Christmas Eve, children go to bed eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus. This merry gentleman is purported to visit the home of every good girl and boy, delivering gifts and cheer along the way.

Before the modern evolution of Santa Claus lived a very real and generous individual named Nicholas. In the third century, Nicholas served as the Bishop of Myrna in present-day Turkey.

He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, believing that giving should be done secretly and sacrificially in Jesus Christ’s name rather than one’s

own.

Stories tell of Nicholas paying the dowry for poor daughters to enable them to get married. He reportedly put coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him. It is believed Nicholas helped to restore the hope of hundreds of people in his community, making him a beloved and revered Bishop. Throughout his ministry, Nicholas fervently shared his life and fortune with others.

Nicholas continued to be revered and commemorated by many Christians even after his death.

His charity and unselfish works helped inspire

generations of the faithful, and he eventually was named the patron saint of everyone from merchants to sailors to pawnbrokers.

No one really knows what St. Nicholas looked like. But in 2005, a forensic laboratory in England reviewed historical data and photographs of the remains taken from St. Nicholas’ grave in the 1950s. Researchers concluded that he was a small man, perhaps no more than five feet in height, with a broken nose.

This image certainly does not fit with the robust frame and other imagery awarded St. Nicholas in

more modern years. St. Nicholas is believed to be the inspiration for Santa Claus, which was a name taken from the Dutch Sinterklaas, a contracted form of Sint Nicolass, or St. Nicholas.

Tales of the real St. Nicholas’ giving spirit were blended with a fictional personification by New York-based newspaper writers who blended the St. Nicholas name with the appearance of a Dutch town citizen. The goal was to reach out to the primarily Dutch immigrants living in New York at the time.

This jolly elf image was given a boost by the publication of “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” which was published around the same time.

Eventually, the merry Santa Claus portrayal began to outshine the more accurate St. Nicholas version as a religious man, fostered by political drawings and caricatures that depicted Santa as a chubby sort in a red suit.

That image prevails to this day.

Beneath the Christmas symbolism, the beard and the presents associated with Santa Claus lies a tale of generosity that originated with St. Nicholas.

Ten easy tips for holiday safety (NC) Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays lead to distraction and accidents. Whether you’re hosting a holiday bake-off or an adults-only cocktail party, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. To safeguard your home from potential fire hazards, follow these tips and protect your family and guests: 1.) Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly to make sure they are working. Replace the battery as needed.

If the alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them.

2.) Have an exit plan in case of fire, and make sure you identify multiple exit points.

3.) Check all of your lights before hanging them on the tree or around the house. Throw out any sets that have been damaged or frayed. When purchasing new lights, look for the certification mark so you know the product complies with applicable standards for safety and

performance.

4.) Use a timer for outdoor lights so they aren’t left on overnight.

5.)

Don’t overload power strips with too many appliances or lightstrings. Make sure they aren’t covered by fabrics or rugs, and don’t leave the wire exposed in areas where it can be damaged.

6.) Blow out candles when you are done with them, especially when leaving the room or house.

When lit, keep them out of reach of children and pets and never walk with them.

7.) Be careful when cooking and don’t leave the kitchen if you’re using the stovetop. Never leave the house if the oven is on and keep countertop appliances unplugged when you are not using them.

8.) Have your chimney swept if you have a woodburning fireplace, and make sure to use the safety screen when there’s a fire going.

9.) Fresh is best if you

purchase a tree or any green garland. Freshly cut trees are more resistant to ignition and smell wonderful, adding to the entertaining vibe.

10.) Keep a fire extinguisher in the house.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 5

love peace of joy blessings the season Wishing you and your family, all the gifts of this magical time of year.

For your friendship and support, we are deeply grateful and look forward to serving you in the year ahead.

Merry Christmas!

Grondin Funeral Services Ltd. 306-948-2669

Filled With Our Gratitude We’re hoping your holiday season is an equal mix of harmony and joy. For your goodwill and trust, please accept a generous measure of our sincere gratitude.

L I V E

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s best to be safe.

For complete peace of mind, consult your insurance provider to make sure you have the appropriate home coverage.

Saskatchewan’s Ag Real Estate Professionals Biggar

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®

Management and staff 215 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-3315

Acres of Expertise.

Congratulations Dave Molberg on a very successful year! Your integrity, loyalty, expertise, professionalism, collaboration and commitment to providing your clients with the highest level of satisfaction is appreciated by everyone you work with.

Hammond Realty would like to thank Dave Molberg for his outstanding contributions to the success of our company. Dave leverages his vast experience, valuable knowledge, and comprehensive network of contacts to deliver exceptional results to his clients. By providing Buyers with the highest quality selection of farmland listings, he provide Sellers with Acres of Expertise.

Dave Molberg 306 9484478 Dave.Molberg@HammondRealty.ca DaveMolberg.HammondRealty.ca

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Holiday songs with storied pasts

May you and yours revel in the splendor of the season.

R.M. of Biggar #347 Council and staff 306-948-2422

Jim Reiter, M.L.A. Rosetown-Elrose Constituency 306-882-4105, toll free 1-855-762-2233 jimreitermla@sasktel.net Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

215 Main Street, Rosetown Our wish is for a holiday season filled with enough warmth and happiness to fill every heart with gladness. May your Holiday Season be everything you’re wishing for and more!

The holiday season is not complete without music.

Holiday hits play in shopping malls, and families often trim the tree to their favourite albums.

Even if Elvis’ “Blue Christmas” or Johnny Mathis’ “Do You Hear What I Hear” reign supreme in your household, it can be interesting to learn about some of the other songs made famous this time of year.

Modern classics Classic carols may be the first Christmas songs that come to mind. However, less than a quarter century ago a pop singer managed to contribute to the holiday music pantheon. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You,” released in 1994, is considered to be the most popular modern Christmas standard.

With global sales exceeding 16 million copies, the song is one of Carey’s biggest hits.

Sad Origins “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” with its warning to children to be nice since Santa is keeping tabs on kids’ behaviour, has helped children tow the line for decades. Song-

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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When it comes to Christmas, we’ve got you covered -- with our warm wishes and heartfelt thanks.

writer James “Haven” Gillespie was asked to pen the tune during one of the darker times in his life. Gillespie was jobless and poor and his brother had just passed away hardly inspiration for a Christmas tune. However, after thinking about the memories he shared with his brother, Gillespie was able to pull together an upbeat and catchy classic, changing his life for the good.

Bestseller Even though “Silent Night” is the most recorded Christmas song in history, another tune holds the title of the bestselling holiday standard of all time. “White Christmas” was written in 1942 and reminisces about an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. The version recorded by Bing Crosby has estimated sales in excess of 100 million cop-

ies worldwide, according to “The Guinness Book of World Records.” There are various accounts as to when and where Irving Berlin wrote the song.

Some state he did so at a hotel in Hollywood, while others say it was the Arizona Biltmore. Wherever Berlin happened to be when writing the tune, there’s no doubt he was pining for the quintessential white Christmas.

The song was written for

the 1942 movie “Holiday Inn,” starring Crosby and Fred Astaire. It became an instant classic and remains Crosby’s bestselling recording. Some of the most recent versions of the song have been recorded by Pentatonix, Sara McLachlan and Laura Pusini.

Christmas songs remain near and dear to people’s hearts, and a few of these beloved songs have interesting back stories.

Five tips to save on your seasonal sparkle (NC) Nothing says holiday cheer like decorations, but with decorations getting bigger, brighter and more expensive every year, it’s easy to go overboard. Whether buying a new star for the tree or splurging on table settings, the possibilities and spending seem endless. Check out the tips below to learn how to deck the halls without breaking the bank.

Add your own festive sparkle. Get your family and friends together for a craft day to turn DIY decorating into a holiday tradition. Making decorations yourself is easy, tons of fun and can be super inexpensive.

Shop smart. Beautiful holiday décor doesn’t have to come at a hefty price. Kathy Buckworth, a lifestyle expert and finance writer, says it’s all about skipping specialty boutiques and shopping smart. “I find my decorations at the Real Canadian Superstore and select Loblaws locations.

Not only are there many décor options, but shopping with my PC Financial World Elite Mastercard lets me earn rewards on all things holiday, from food to gifts to decorations.”

Opt for LED lights. LED lights keep your house sparkling all season for less. High-quality LED lights use less electricity

than traditional incandescent bulbs, have a long lifespan, perform well in cold temperatures and are resistant to breakage.

Do a decoration swap.

If you’re the type of person who needs new holiday décor every year, host a decoration swap. Get together with friends and family and exchange your old decorations for completely different ones at no extra cost. Not only does this save money, it’s a great excuse to spend a relaxed afternoon with loved ones amid the hustle and bustle.

Create a holiday card display. Take

advantage of the beautiful photos sent to you by your family and friends and use them to decorate your home. A holiday card display is beautiful, sentimental and doesn’t cost a dime.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 7

18 ideas for making holiday memories Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe.

Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are some festive ideas to include in the days leading up to Christmas - a special family calendar of fun finds.

1.) Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones.

2.) Cookie day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family members over.

Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbours.

3.) Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season.

4.) Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favourite tunes for an audience.

Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home.

5.) Dine out: Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.

6.) Adopt a child/family: Volunteer with a chari-

table organization that provides for less fortunate families.

Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists.

7.) See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate.

8.) Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a tree-trimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year.

9.) Play dress-up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering.

10.) Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow and see a local park from a winter perspective.

11.) Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can

include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season.

12.) Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person.

13.) Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold.

14.) Read religious stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages.

wanted more than anything to give a fine present to the Christ Child at the church service that evening. But she was very poor and had no gift. As she walked sorrowfully to church with her cousin Pedro, he tried to console her.

“Pepita,” he said. “I am certain that even the most humble gift,given in love, will be acceptable in His eyes.”

So Pepita

We Just Called to say,

“Merry Christmas!”

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The legend of the Poinsettia The poinsettia comes from Mexico, where many stories tell of its enchantment. This is one of our favourites: On a Christmas Eve long ago, Pepita was sad.

This little Mexican girl

15.) Camp-in: The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights.

16.) Scavenger hunt: Plan holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find.

17.) Surprise box: Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box.

18.) Family portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.

gathered a bouquet of common weeds from the roadside and entered the church.

As she approached the altar, her spirits lifted.

She forgot the humbleness of her gift as she placed it tenderly at the feet of the Christ Child, and there was a miracle!

Pepita’s ordinary weeds burst into brilliant red blooms!

They were called Flores de Noche Buena, Flowers of the Holy Night.

We call them poinsettias.

8 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

The history of Christmas stockings

We’d like to chime in with our best wishes and thanks.

Merry Christmas!

One Stop Hardware Jean, Emil, Tammy, Angie and Dave

Just when the excitement of opening presents abates after the last of the packages under the Christmas tree have been torn open, children and adults alike may discover that there are more treats to be had nestled inside of stockings hung on the mantle.

The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular.

St. Nicholas Day Rather than hanging

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Have A Jolly Holiday

stockings on Christmas, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, and this is when stockings are proudly left out for treats. The small, inexpensive trinkets are later unwrapped and enjoyed on Christmas Day. Dutch heritage One tradition says that, in 16th century Holland, children kept their clogs filled with straw in front of the hearth for Santa’s reindeer to find. They also left treats for Santa Claus. In return, Santa would leave gifts in the clogs. Over time, stockings were swapped out for clogs.

Merchant’s family story A popular tale tells the story of a merchant, his wife and three daughters.

After the wife falls ill and dies, the man becomes devastated and squanders

Wishing all of you a most Merry Christmas, and Best Wishes for the New Year.

PRAIRIE BRANCHES ~ Board, Management, Staff and Participants

With thanks and glad tidings from us this holiday season.

Gift Certificates available

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MERRY CHRISTMAS…

all of his wealth on frivolous things to mask his sadness. When it comes time for the daughters to marry, the man does not have money for a dowry.

St. Nicholas hears of the plight and knows the man would be too proud to accept charity. Therefore, St. Nicholas anonymously tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney.

The man’s daughters had done the laundry prior and left their stockings hanging by the fireplace to dry. The gold landed in the stockings, thus starting the Christmas stocking tradition.

Italian good witch One stocking story does not attribute the tradition to Santa, but to a kind-hearted Italian witch named “La Befana.” La Befana arrives on a broomstick the night of January 5 and fills the stockings of good chil-

dren with sweet treats and toys. Bad children are awarded lumps of coal. La Befana is also credited with being the old woman who the wise men ask for directions to Christ’s manger in the Christ child’s story. After

How to safeguard holiday gifts when traveling by air Holiday shoppers spend lots of time on the hunt for the perfect gifts for their loved ones. But once those gifts have been found and purchased, getting them into their recipients’ hands can be difficult, especially for those people taking gifts aboard their flights.

Whether they are fragile or not, holiday gifts are susceptible to damage when they’re being transported on commercial flights. Holiday travelers can employ various strategies to ensure gifts make it to their destinations in one piece. · Place gifts in protective suitcases. Hard-shell suitcases are designed to

withstand the wear and tear of air travel, as their hard surfaces can hold up to jostling and even being dropped, while protecting the items inside. Such suitcases are ideal for travelers who will be flying with fragile gifts this holiday season. · Purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance provides inexpensive peace of mind for holiday travelers concerned about gifts being damaged or lost during their travels. In addition, some travel insurance policies might protect travelers against flight delays or cancellations, which are not unheard of during the often hectic holiday trav-

The wreaths and the trees and the parties Aren’t what we need to convey It’s the birth of our Saviour, Jesus The real reason for this holiday.

eling season. · Pack especially valuable gifts in carry-on luggage. Expensive gifts or those that carry strong sentimental value can be packed in carry-on luggage. Holiday travelers might find their trips less stressful if such gifts never leave their side, and placing these gifts in the overhead bins inside airplane cabins greatly reduces the risk that they will be damaged. · Pack fragile gifts as if they were being shipped.

Though it might take up more space inside a suitcase, packing gifts as if they were going to be shipped can decrease the likelihood that they will be damaged. Wrap gifts

We wish to thank our loyal customers, and wish you the best in 2018.

…from the Board and Volunteers of…

Biggar Electrical Services 306-948-5291 Adrian and Barbara de Haan, Lyle Zbeeshko

turning down an offer to accompany them, La Befana later carried gifts in search of Christ.

Christmas stockings have become part of holiday traditions, and this beloved tradition has its own unique history.

322 Main St., Biggar For ALL shows, events and times, check our website: majestictheatre.ca

Kristy, Kari-lee, Naty, Destiny & staff

in thick plastic or bubble wrap before placing them inside a box with packing peanuts. Once these precautionary measures have been taken, travelers can then make room for the gifts within their suitcases. Travelers who remain concerned even after taking these steps can go one step further by surrounding packages inside the suitcase with thick clothing, such as sweaters, that can serve as a final layer of protection.

Flying with holiday gifts may expose them to damage, but savvy travelers can take several steps to ensure their loved ones’ gifts arrive at their destinations safe and sound.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 9

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Santa letter-writing secrets At the tip of the North Pole resides a jolly man who collects letters from children asking him to deliver all of their hearts’ desires. Although Santa Claus does a thorough job of making sure children’s treats are delivered on the same night, sometimes he needs assistance with reading and responding to the thousands upon thousands of letters sent to him each year. That is why he often relies on an extensive list of helpers to handle much of his holiday correspondence.

According to Smithsonian, the practice of writing to St. Nick dates back more than 150 years.

Early depictions of Santa show him as a disciplinarian. The first Christmastime Santa letters were actually sent by Santa, rather than the other way around. Such letters encouraged children to be good boys and girls.

Eventually, an illustration

by Thomas Nast depicted “Santaclaussville, N.P.” as Santa’s address, providing children with a place where they could send their correspondences to the big guy in red.

The Universal Postal Union, an intergovernmental organization that coordinates postal policies across 192 member nations, indicates that 1,350,000 letters to Santa were sent by Canadians, while Americans

We Hope Your Holiday

Twinkles With Happiness As another Christmas season lights up, our hearts are aglow with happiness and gratitude.

We count customers like you among the many gifts we cherish at the holidays and all year long. Thanks for brightening our days with your visits. We wish you and yours all the best!

de Moissac Jewellers sent more than one million and Britains mailed roughly 800,000 such letters in 2012, the most recent year from which figures are available. To account for the staggering number of letters sent, various post offices and postal programs were established to help Santa with the task of tackling children’s wish lists.

In Canada, children can address letters to Santa and use the postal code H0H, 0H0. In 2016, the USPS instituted a new letter-writing option that enables parents or guardians to include a personalized response letter back to children who address letters to Santa. The package can be postmarked to: North Pole Postmark Postmaster, 4141 Post-

mark Drive, Anchorage, AK 99530-9998.

Many other letters to Santa end up routing to various post offices where thousands of volunteer “elves” can adopt letters and make children’s wishes come true. A “Letters to Santa” program enables children in serious need to get items that can help keep them safe and happy.

Parents may also investigate a number of services that will provide letters from Santa, Mrs. Claus or elves for nominal fees. These letters can be personalized with details. Santa has even gone high-tech with personalized videos and pictures as well. A quick web search can yield the instructions on how pro-

spective helpers can get started.

Children can improve their chances of letters being read and received, with these tips. · Identify who is writing the letter and share some details about your life. · Make sure you’ve been nice and well-behaved. · Ask Santa how he has been and engage in some polite conversation. · Politely ask for the toys you’d like. Understand that Santa is busy, so keep the list brief. · Thank Santa in advance for his kindness. Hopefully, he’ll have time to reply. · Write and mail the letter as early as possible, as things tend to get busy as Christmas nears.

Creative holiday gift ideas from real teachers (NC) Teachers play such an important role in our kids’ lives, but they can be the hardest people to shop for. Here, real teachers share their tips on the gifts they treasure most.

Shareable treats. “I love anything I can open and share with my friends and family during the holiday break — all the better if it’s chocolate,” says Marie-Christine, a grade one teacher from Quebec.

Try Second Cup’s signature hot chocolate, which is available in three festive flavours: chocolate, white and candy cane white.

Giving back. “I love the idea of a gift that gives back, and would love having a donation made on my behalf to a local charity,” says Lisa, a high school teacher in Ontario. Consider a donation to First Book Canada, a charitable organization that provides new books

to children in low-income families throughout Canada.

School supplies. “I would love it if all the parents would come together and get something that we could put to use in the classroom — like some

Denise, Ross, Elisabeth, Cathy, Alena 217 Main St., Biggar

306-948-2452

Welcome The Season!

There may be a chill in the air at the holiday season, But we’re filled with much warmth and you are the reason.

So to our many good friends both far and near,

We bid a most joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you to our customers for their support.

awesome new supplies or a piece of classroom tech,” says Cathy, a grade six and seven teacher from British Columbia.

For a gift the whole class can enjoy, choose a gift certificate to a local office supply store.

Home is where your story begins.

My wish for you and those meaningful in your lives is that you will be blessed with continued Good Health, Great Happiness and Success in all your Endeavours.

May the magic of this Christmas Season be yours throughout the years.

From my Family to yours…

Merry Christmas and all the best in 2018!

May peace, joy, harmony and contentment visit your home during this special time of year.

We are sincerely grateful and look forward to your continued friendship.

233 - 1st Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-2700

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Cari Perih,

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10 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Traditions behind the very first Christmas gifts The beloved tradition of gift-giving at Christmastime began, as we all know, just after the birth of Christ, when the Three Wise Men, following their guiding star from the East, arrived to adore the infant Jesus, and each brought with him a valuable tribute.

Gold, according to tradition (not the Bible, which neither names nor numbers the Magi), in the form of a box containing a shrine, was brought

by Melchior, the King of Arabia.

Frankincense, contained in a jar, was brought by the youngest of the Magi, Caspar, the King of Tarsus, and myrrh, carried in a golden horn, was brought by Balthazar, the King of Ethiopia.

We all know what gold is, but frankincense and myrrh, both out of common use in this century, may mystify many people.

Both are aromatic substance, which had great value in the ancient world. Frankincense is the gum of a tree native to India and the northern reaches of Arabia.

An essential ingredient

from

from

in the holy anointing oil used by the officiators at the Temple in Jerusalem, it was a substance whose use was familiar only to the privileged. It was burned also as incense; therefore, its sweet fragrance was familiar to worshippers.

make a soothing drink offered to Christ while He was on the cross, a drink, He refused, choosing to remain conscious and keenly aware of the suffering He was undergoing.

Myrrh often was used to ready the dead for burial;

Myrrh, the gum of a bush or small tree, which, in antiquity, edged the shores of the Red Sea, and grew in southern Arabia, was also an ingredient in the anointing oil, a blend of rare and precious substances, to be sure.

Credited with the virtue of easing suffering, myrrh was mixed with wine to

it was one of the spices brought by Nicodemus for Christ, after the crucifixion. Thus Christ received the same gift after death which He was given at birth.

In addition to its intrinsic value, each of the gifts brought by the Wise Mento the Christ Child had a symbolic value, as pertinent today as it was in Biblical times.

Gold, one of the purest of all substances, represents virtue. Sweet smelling frankincense, because its burning frequently accompanied religious ceremonies, came to be a symbol of prayer, and myrrh, with its acrid fragrance, both a balm that eases pain and an anointment for the dead, repre-

May the Christmas Season Fill your home with Joy, your heart with Love, and your life with Laughter Sincerely thank you for your patronage and looking forward to serving you in 2018! … Management and staff

Rosetown, SK

Rosetown

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7 Dec. 25 CLOSED p.m.

CLOSED Dec. 26 Dec. 25 8 am - 10 pm Dec. 26 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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sents suffering.

When did the Magi arrive at the Manger? While guesses range from 12 days after Christ’s birth to two years following the event, their arrival is celebrated traditionally on Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, which falls on January 6.

In certain countries, such as Spain and Italy, it is on Epiphany, rather than Christmas Day itself, that gifts are exchanged.

A holiday of much merriment, governed by a Lord of Misrule (a holdover from Saturnalia revels of Roman times), it was an occasion for practical jokes and tricks.

It was also the occasion, in parts of Europe, for ceremonies warding off the devil, should he roam abroad on that night.

And it is the final day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, originally set out in the 6th century by the Council of Tours.

As such, the climax of the Christmas season, it is a time of great joy, depicted through all eternity by the image of the Three Magi, on their knees adoring the Christ Child, and symbolizing their worship with the most precious substances they knew: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Lord is come: let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing.

– Joy to the World God bless you and your family this holiday season. Thanks for your support this past year, and we’re looking forward to serving you in the New Year

Biggar Flower & Gift Shop Ed and Evonne • 306-948-2616

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 11

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Adults and children alike are familiar with the tale of “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer.” As the lyrics of the song illustrate: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose / And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows.

Popularized by the song written by Johnny Marks and sung by Gene Autry, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer dates back to 1939. A copywriter named Robert L. May created the story of the misfit reindeer in 1939 when working for Montgomery Ward. The retail giant was producing marketing holiday colouring books for children and wanted to come up with a clever character.

Although Rudolph is now beloved, May’s original ideas included Rollo and Reginald. Also, Rudolph’s famed red nose

almost didn’t come to be.

Because a red nose at the time was viewed as a sign of alcoholism, Montgomery Ward was hesitant to be on board with the bulbous, red snoot.

A blue nose was considered, but later changed.

In its first year of publication, Montgomery Ward had distributed 2.4 million copies of Rudolph’s story.

The catchy tune came thereafter, followed by a cartoon short in 1948.

In 1964, the stop-motion animated television special further propelled Rudolph to celebrity and became the most recognizable Rudolph adaption.

Today, Rudolph is known across the globe as the reindeer responsible for navigating Santa’s sleigh through tricky weather on Christmas Eve. He continues to be loved by many, young and old.

Merry Christmas

from all of us May the coming year bring peace, joy and enlightenment to you and those you cherish.

Village of Landis Council and staff

Teach your children the value of giving (NC) If you’re a parent or grandparent looking for a gift idea, why not consider making a charitable gift in the child’s name? Embedded in philanthropy is often the concept of empathy, a critical social and emotional skill. Many parents who value philanthropy and wish to support the development of empathy in their children want to pass this value on to their kids.

If this is something that you value, it’s important to start talking to children about philanthropy early in their lives and continue to have those discussions as they grow.

The holiday season is a perfect time to start or continue this discussion.

One way to do this is to

set an example for your child. Make a gift in their name to an organization you care about, and explain to them the significance, why you care about the cause and who or what their gift is helping.

No matter the size of the gift, involving children in your giving is an essential way to develop empathy and kindness.

It is also empowering for children to explore issues that they care about. You can introduce them to human rights by making a gift to Amnesty International and explaining that your gift will help people around world, protecting them for human rights

abuses and fighting for their freedom.

This is a season filled with warmth and joy for a lot of us, so sharing that by making a charitable gift is a wonderful way to show appreciation and set a great example for our children. This will open the discussion

Looks like another great season is shaping up around here, and we owe it all to you, our members, neighbors and friends.

From all of us to all of you, go our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.

We look forward to seeing you again.

Diamond Gym and Thuro-Janitorial Services Laurie, Cliff and staff s 306-948-5600

around philanthropy, human rights issues, why they should care and what they can do to help.

Happy Holidays from Happy from Holidays Prairie Malt Limited Cargill Limited -- Prairie Malt Employees

EMPLOYEES

12 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas tree safety tips Christmas trees are staples of the holiday season that can be found in millions of households across the globe. But Christmas trees can be as dangerous as they are heartwarming. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, Christmas tree fires con-

tribute to $13 million in property damage annually. Many Christmas tree fires involve live Christmas trees that, while beautiful, pose a greater fire threat than artificial trees because they can dry out, making them vulnerable to electric lights and nearby heating sources.

Homeowners can take the following steps, courtesy of the ACTA, to prevent Christmas tree fires.

• Purchase a fresh tree.

The ACTA notes that fresh trees are less likely to catch fire than trees that were cut weeks before being purchased. Avoid trees that are shedding their needles. Try to purchase trees with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck. Purchasing freshly cut trees from tree farms instead of grocery store parking lot vendors, whose trees might

May your holidays be filled with seasonal joy, old-fashioned traditions, and the blessings of family and friends.

Thank you for shopping with us. We look forward to your continued patronage with much appreciation.

Main Street Market Shirley and staff • 306-948-3337

Merry Christmas to you and your family from our families at Battleford Furniture! s an eliver ter d y a d mat holi your e gifts that ineess, e p o We h nce of th lth, happ ne. tu da ea abun cluding h d good for ! rs n in a u , t o e s y v o m and p, lo i u h o s y d frien wishes to Best

Phone 306-937-7474

www.battlefordfurniture.com

water trees in the morning and night as needed, and even more frequently if necessary.

• Turn lights off at night.

Christmas tree lights

should always be turned off at night when residents are going to bed.

In addition, lights should never be on when no one is home.

Five fantastic movies to watch over the holidays

former Super A 115 Main St., Biggar

192-24th Street West, Battleford

have been cut weeks earlier, can ensure trees are fresh.

• Discard damaged lights. Damaged lights are not just an eyesore but a significant safety threat.

Electrical malfunctions in lights can contribute to tree fires, so discard any damaged lights. Before placing lights on the tree, stretch each strand out on the floor and plug them in to see if any lights are damaged or burned out, replacing those that don’t pass inspection.

• Place the tree away from heat sources. Christmas trees are the centrepieces of holiday decorations. But trees should never be placed near heat sources, no matter how aesthetically appealing certain spots may seem.

Keep trees away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, heating vents, and lights.

• Keep the tree watered.

A tree that gets ample water is less likely to dry out, and dried out trees pose a significant fire risk.

Check water levels and

Fax 306-937-7676

mail@battlefordfurniture.com

BATTLEFORD FURNITURE

(NC) ‘Tis the season for staying at home and binge-watching movies.

Here are a few great flicks to take you through the holiday season into the new year: Elf. This modern take on standard holiday fare has quickly become a classic.

Will Farrell is hilarious as an oversized elf with the unbridled enthusiasm of a five-year-old. If you’re looking for a holiday comedy for the entire family, this is it.

Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin stars as eightyear-old Kevin McCallister, a boy who finds himself having to defend his family’s home from two crooks looking to rob it after mistakenly being left behind by his parents.

The complicated traps, over-the-top slapstick and excellent one-liners make this flick one of the best. Skip the sequels, though — there’s nothing quite like the original.

A Christmas Story. This treasure follows Ralphie, a young boy in the 1940s, and his quest to convince everyone with authority in his life, including Santa, that a Red Ryder

B.B. gun is a safe and practical Christmas present. But it’s the subtle and not-so-subtle detail that make the film a true gift.

Lord of the Rings trilogy. When the holiday events wind down, you’re ultimately left with more time on your hands. When this happens, what’s better than burning through three well-shot, well-acted and intense fantasy movies?

This trilogy is perfect for soaking up all that extra free time. The extended version comes highly recommended, giving you nine hours of adventure.

Blade Runner. As we

peer over the edge of 2017 and look forward into the future, there’s nothing like watching a bleak alternate future to remind us that things aren’t as bad as they seem in the world. Set in 2019 Los Angeles, the film tells the story of Rick Deckard and his quest to track down four artificial humans as they search for their creator. Dark, gritty and futuristic, Blade Runner is a must watch. It’s also fun to see what the’80s thought the future might look like.

With Blade Runner 2049 now in theatres, reliving the first one is a must.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 13

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Holly and mistletoe are symbols of Christmas “Oh, by gosh, by golly it’s time for mistletoe and holly. Tasty pheasants, Christmas presents, countrysides covered in snow.”

As exemplified by this holiday hit by Henry Sanicola, Frank Sinatra and Dok Stanford, holly and mistletoe are an integral part of holiday imagery and tradition. Holly is used to adorn a home in green and red finery alongside evergreen boughs and wreaths. In addition, it has become customary to hang a bouquet of mistletoe under which people are encouraged to share a holiday kiss. While these elements of celebrations are now incorporated into many of the secular and religious components of Christmas, they have very different origins.

Holly Holly has been used since the days of the early Pagans as a decoration for midwinter festivities, when it was brought into homes to keep evil spirits away. The ancient Romans also believed that holly prickles drove away evil spirits, and it held a place of honour at December festivals dedicated to the god Saturn. To avoid persecution during the Roman pagan

Saturnalia festival, early Christians would participate in the tradition of hanging evil-repelling holly on their homes to appear like the masses.

Eventually as the number of Christians grew, the tradition became less of a pagan one and more associated with Christians and Christmas. Some people have inferred that holly and its prickly edges is symbolic of the crown of thorns Jesus wore at his crucifixion, with the red berries representing blood.

Mistletoe Mistletoe was once held sacred by the Norse, Celtic Druids and North American Indians. It is actually a parasitic plant that grows on a wide range of host trees. Heavy infestation can dwarf the growth and kill these trees. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (and thus romance, fertility and vitality). The plant also was thought to be a symbol of peace, and anyone standing below it should receive tokens of affection. When enemies met beneath mistletoe, they had to lay down their weapons and observe a truce until the next day.

We’re filled with warm wishes and lots of good cheer For all the kind people we’ve served this past year.

Thanks, friends!

PERDUE AGENCIES LTD. 306-237-4373 Time to pause and be thankful for what we have, a great community surrounded by family, friends and good neighbours!

from the Landis Credit Union Team Board and Staff

This is how the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe likely began, and why a ball of mistletoe is now hung in homes during Christmas, a season of peace and affection.

Homeowners who hang mistletoe and holly around their homes during the holiday season should be mindful of pets and youngsters around the plants. Mistletoe and holly are considered to be moderately to severely

Your local Credit Union serving Landis since 1942 and looking forward to serving you in the years to come. We provide Financial Services to our members, but our business is people!

toxic, and ingesting the leaves could be dangerous. Therefore, keep these plants away from curious hands. Mistletoe is commonly hung up high, which should make it less problematic, but holly should be hung high as well.

Now largely associated with Christmas celebrations, holly and mistletoe were once part of pagan rituals and ancient superstitions.

Landis Credit Union Limited 306-658-2152

Stocking stuffers for athletes and sports enthusiasts Gifts comes in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the best gifts are those that come in small packages.

Though some people pore over their holiday shopping lists for weeks, it’s not uncommon for even the most devoted holiday shopper to overlook stocking stuffers, which can be just as difficult to find as larger gifts.

When shopping for stocking stuffers, consider the recipient’s interests. For example, athletes and sports enthusiasts would undoubtedly love a gift that reflects their loyalty to a favourite team or their devotion to a particular sport. Holiday shoppers who have a sports-crazed superfan or accomplished athlete on their shopping lists may want to consider the following items when looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season. · Sports memorabilia: Sports fanatics sometimes double as collectors who are always on the lookout for new memorabilia to display. Such collectibles may include

bobbleheads, cards, ticket stubs and signed photographs or equipment.

Rare memorabilia may be beyond many gift-givers’ means, but there are still plenty of impressive items that can fit into any holiday gifting budget. · Game tickets: Give sports fans a chance to cheer on their favourite teams in person. Find a home game that will not require the recipient to travel too far, or if you want to splurge, include transportation with the tickets to an away game.

Secondary market ticketseller StubHub is a reliable resource that guarantees tickets sold on its site are legitimate, removing any doubt ticket market buyers may have. · Fan gear: Sports fans can never have enough gear to show off their team pride. Everything from mugs to hats to authentic team jerseys makes for great stocking stuffers. In addition, look for pennants or t-shirts that feature team names or logos. Today just about any item comes embla-

zoned with sports team names. If you can’t find a particular item, it may be possible to order it directly from a team or retailer or have it customized. · Sports equipment: Athletes may benefit from updated equipment.

Determine if the athletes on your gift list have any gear that needs replacing.

Parents, coaches or even teammates may offer recommendations regarding which equipment your loved one needs. If you don’t know a catcher’s mitt from a tennis racket, stuff the stocking with a gift card to a sporting goods store. · Magazine subscription: Sports fans often enjoy reading up on their favourite players and keeping abreast of team or industry news. Magazine subscriptions are generally inexpensive and new subscriptions often come with free gifts as well. · Winner’s trophy: For the sports fan who has missed out on getting his or her own trophy, have one made up as a stocking stuffer gag gift. It is

certain to bring a laugh and hold a prime spot on the shelf with other sports memorabilia.

Bright holiday wishes to the best people around… our friends and customers! We wish you all the best at this special time of year.

Thanks for choosing us. We appreciate it!

Management & staff

307 Main St., Biggar

306-948-3712

Start Your Engines…

Christmas is Coming!

As we gear up for another holiday season, we’d like to send you our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for your trust in us. We look forward to serving your again soon.

Excell Tire

operating under Integra

306-948-3376

Tire Auto Centre

Chris, Raelynn, Ron, Damon, Curtis, Dayce, Don, Dale, Shawn

14 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

IT’S SHAPING UP TO BE A GREAT HOLIDAY Another great season is shaping up and we owe it all to you, our members and friends. Thank you for your support…

Brett Barber and staff ~ and ~

CO-ED FITNESS FACILITY Personal Training, Kickboxing, Sweat with Brett Fitness Classes, Nutrition Consulting OPEN… - 7 days a week -- 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.

102 - 3rd Ave. West, Biggar • www.newufitness.ca

306-948-9750

You’re on Our List …of good folks we want to thank this year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Keeping the magic of Santa alive He had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. - “A Visit From St. Nicholas” Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Santa Claus. Santa will forever be ingrained in the holiday season, serving as an endearing symbol of the season regardless of your religious affiliation.

Parents typically go to great lengths to ensure their children enjoy the holiday season. By keeping the magic of Santa alive, parents can add a special touch to the holiday season for their youngsters. Children may become more skeptical of Santa around the time they turn 10, but there are plenty of ways to encourage this spirit to live on year after year.

• Read an uplifting story.

The holidays are ripe with stories that tug at the heartstrings. Parents can take their children to the library and rent a Christmas tale or take home a

book of holiday stories, reading a different one before bed each night.

Encourage children to write their own positive stories of what the holidays mean to them and read them aloud to family and friends. The book “101 Ways to Keep the Spirit of Santa Alive: For “Kids” From 1 to 92” by John Hagerman is a great way to get everyone in the house enthusiastic about Santa.

• Keep the magic flowing. Children who believe in Santa for an extra year or two often come from families that keep the magic of Santa alive. In addition to the standard traditions of leaving cookies and milk out for the jolly old man, come up with new ways to evoke the essence of Santa.

Spray peppermint air freshener around the tree and other places Santa is sure to visit. Use a large boot to make a footprint in a plush rug. Find a way to trigger noise on the roof to give kids the impression that Mr. Claus himself has arrived. Extra measures to keep Santa

alive can help everyone enjoy the holiday that much more.

• Take advantage of opportunities to spend time with Santa.

Parents and children alike have many opportunities to spend time with Santa during the holiday season, including photo opportunities at the mall and personalized videos sent directly to youngsters’ email accounts. Elf dolls and breakfast with Santa at a nearby restaurant are other opportunities to spread the magic.

Make the most of these opportunities over the course of the holiday season.

• Spread some Christmas cheer. Santa’s job is to bring presents to the world’s children. Channel

the notion that giving is better than receiving and spend time giving back to others as a family. Schedule a day when you can distribute gifts at a senior centre or arrange to bring gifts to a foster child. Bake cookies and deliver cellophane-wrapped dishes to all of your neighbours.

These activities put the emphasis on giving.

Keeping the tradition of Santa Claus alive can help adults and children alike enjoy a more festive holiday season.

Minimalist gift-giving made easier

Merry Christmas!

1ST AVENUE COLLISION CENTER LTD. 306-948-3356 Jeff and Cindy

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

(NC) The holidays often bring a lot of shopping angst. Whether it’s the “I-don’t-need-anythingfriend” or the family member who already has everything, it can be hard to shop for all the people on your list. Here are some inexpensive ideas

everyone will love.

1. Food. Meals and treats bring a smile to even the Scroogiest gift receiver. Whether it’s coffee, exotic cheeses or a cheap-as-chips (literally) bag of their favourite guilty pleasure, yummy things usually don’t get wasted.

2. DIY. Homemade options are endless if you use a little imagination and a lot of Pinterest.

Pinecone ornaments, a hand-painted mug or a fun card can add a personal touch to the usual

holiday offerings.

3. Donations. Making a charitable donation will not only bring the giver and receiver joy, but will be appreciated by someone in need as well. World Vision’s gift catalogue is a great place to find unique gifts that make a lasting impact. From goats to school supplies and bicycle repair kits, each gift will make a difference and there’s something for everyone on your list.

4. Time. Whether it’s spending an afternoon building a snowman with your kids or taking

a friend out for lunch, setting aside some time for a loved one could be the best gift you give this season. The key is giving them your undivided attention so think about leaving your phone at home.

5. Service. Providing a service can be a big help for those in your life who never take time for themselves. You could dog-sit for a friend, give a busy mom a day at the spa or clean your dad’s car.

Showing someone you care in an active way is a gift they won’t forget.

Randy Weekes, M.L.A.

May the peace and joy of this holiday season be with you always

Duperow CO-OP Management and staff 306-948-2706

May your year be fitted with good times, good friends and good fortune.

We thank you for your generous support and look forward to serving you again.

Crop Production Services Management and staff

Hwy #4, Biggar, • 306-948-1753

Biggar-Sask Valley Constituency 306-948-4880, toll free 1-877-948-4880 Box 1413, rd 106-3 Avenue West, Biggar

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Traditions of Three Kings Day Christmas celebrants realize that the holiday season does not end on December 26 or even January 2. For many people, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are merely a prelude to the real celebration to come on Three Kings Day. Three Kings Day, or Día de los Très Reyes, is celebrated on January 6 to honour the wise men who visited and brought gifts to Jesus Christ. Also known as the Epiphany, the holiday marks the end of the Christmas season for many practicing Christians.

Very little is known about the kings, or magi.

These kings, who are only mentioned once in the Gospel of Matthew, are never named. The story says they hail from the “east” and are guided to the manger by a mysterious light in the sky. They begin a journey to bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn king. Unbeknownst to many, the popular song “The 12 Days of Christmas” actually marks the 12 days following Christmas, ending on the Feast

of the Epiphany, and not the 12 days preceding Christmas Day. Many traditions are associated with the Epiphany. Celebrants in Mexico serve Rosca de Reyes, an oval-shaped cake that symbolizes a crown. The cake has a small doll inside that represents baby Jesus and the hiding of Jesus from King Herod’s troops.

Herod ordered his soldiers to seek out and murder all male infants born in Bethlehem in retaliation of the prophecy that a messiah would come and become the new King of Jerusalem.

Roscas can be made with dried and candied fruits

to symbolize the jewels that adorn real crowns.

Whoever receives the plastic doll in his or her slice of cake is expected to throw a party on Diá de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day), which occurs each year on February 2.

Unlike in the United States, where gifts are typically exchanged on Christmas Day, much of the Latin community exchange gifts on the eve of January 6. Puerto Rican children have been known to gather grass or straw in shoeboxes for the kings’ horses or camels. Some families display carvings and artwork of the three magi atop camels.

Three ways for families to give back together (NC) With the hustle and bustle that comes with the “most wonderful time of the year,” it is often easy to forget the true meaning behind this joyous occasion. But showing kids that giving feels just as great as receiving can be turned into fun activities for the entire family.

Here’s how: 1. Build an advent calendar. Instead of filling your calendar with chocolate and candies, fill it with actions that will help those in need. Things like

shoveling a neighbour’s driveway or donating to a food bank are simple ways to give back.

2. Involve children in the tradition of gift giving. While your children are writing their wish lists, have them choose a gift that will help a child in need in a developing country. The World Vision gift catalogue has some unique ideas such as goats or rain boots. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about gratitude and the needs of others

around the world.

3. Create a holidaythemed “generosity jar.”

Spend a cold night with a creative DIY project, like decorating a generosity jar for the holidays.

Throughout December, encourage your children to raise money for the jar by doing extra chores or donating a portion of their allowance. Just before Christmas, discuss what causes are special to your family and then donate the proceeds.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!

May your home be blessed with peace, love, joy and contentment throughout the Yuletide season.

We feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbours like you. Thanks!

WITH THE VERY BEST OF WISHES FROM OUR HOME T O YOURS

Sunshine Family Care Home

Shannon Morgan, Residents and Staff

306-948-3644

Many celebrants participate in Three Kings Day parades and festivals. Family gatherings and parties that would rival other special holidays are common as well.

A special meal consisting of corn tamales and hot chocolate may be served, while others may enjoy black beans, picadillo and yucca.

Who were the kings?

While the Bible does not indicate how many kings visited Jesus on the Epiphany, based on the number of gifts offered, historians believe there were three. Historians and theologians believe these kings were Babylonians, Persians or Jews from Yemen. In the Western Christian church, the kings go by the names of Melchior (a Persian scholar), Caspar (an Indian scholar) and Balthazar (an Arabian scholar). The kings also were said to have distinct physical characteristics.

Caspar, who brought the gift of gold, was the oldest and sported a long, white beard. Middle-aged Melchior brought the gift of frankincense, while Balthazar, who brought myrrh, is believed to have been a dark-skinned young man around the age of 20.

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 15

Your Friendship… Makes It all Worthwhile!

This is our chance to let you know how grateful we are for your friendship and support as we wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year.

It’s been a gift for us serving folks like you. Thanks!

WEASIE’S Gourmet Blends Louise and staff 211 Main St., BigGAR s 306-948-1795

Wishing You Cart loads of Joy

We hope your holiday is filled with lots of good stuff… happiness, friendship, peace, gratitude, goodwill and more of your favourite things!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and thanks for choosing us!

Committed to our Community Greg, Naomi and staff

306-948-5144

16 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Christmas tidbits to put you in the holiday spirit The holiday season has arrived, and millions of people across the globe will be celebrating Christmas with their families and friends. The following are some interesting tidbits to share with your loved ones this holiday season.

• Each year, more than three billion Christmas cards are sent in the United States alone.

• In 350 AD, Pope Julius I, bishop of Rome, proclaimed December 25 the official celebration date for the birth of Jesus Christ. Many historians and theologians have surmised that Christ really wasn’t born this time of year, thanks to imagery and information from the Bible.

• Christmas carols began as an English custom called “wassailing.” Individuals toasted neighbours to a long and healthy life.

• Despite the common tale that three wise men paid homage

TOP IT OFF with Cheer!

WITH WARM WISHES AND

HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING YOU THIS YEAR! Troy, Kerry and everyone at…

306-237-7671

to baby Jesus, the Bible never specifically calls out a number. Similarly, there’s no specific indication that they visited the infant Jesus. Their visit may have occurred when Jesus was older.

• Santa Claus’ modern look was inspired by writings from The Knickerbockers of New York and imagery from Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

Moore denied authoring the famous poem for 15 years after it was published anonymously, feeling the poem was beneath his talents.

• Santa has his own official postal code. It’s H0 H0 H0.

• The song “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving and not Christmas. People loved it so much that the lyrics were changed to fit Christmas.

• Christmas trees typically grow for 15 years before they’re cut and sold. This means the trees

sold today were likely planted in 1999.

• Christmas was not declared an official holiday in the United States until June 26, 1870.

• Before turkey, the traditional Christmas meal served in England was a pig’s head and mustard.

• Male reindeer tend to shed their antlers in the winter. This means Santa’s reindeer are likely female.

• Christ may have been born in a cave rather than a manger. According to the gospel of Luke, the shepherds that helped find shelter for Mary to give birth kept their flock in a cave. The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is built over a cave called the Grotto of the Nativity, where Jesus is believed to have been born.

• Many people may

be less inclined to stand under mistletoe waiting for a kiss if they knew what “mistletoe” means in the ancient Germanic language. It literally means “dung on a twig,” for the bird who eats the berries and then leaves seeds in droppings to propagate new plants.

• Each holiday season, PNC Wealth Management calculates the costs of the gifts in the song, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The price index for the gifts went from $12,673 in 1984 to more than $24,000 in 2011.

The most expensive gift is the swimming swans.

Fresh ideas for a fun and relaxing holiday season

In this season of celebration, we are reminded of both the diversity and bounty that nature provides us, and are grateful for the richness and beauty of this wondrous season.

We are also grateful to share it with good people like you, and wish you all the best during this special time of year.

Wylie Seed & Processing Dale, Bill, staff and families 306-948-2807

All of us here are wishing you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

All the best in 2018!

VILLAGE OF PERDUE Mayor Dave Miller; Councillors, Graham Bindle, Willie Cotterill, Terry Fyson, Jim Nicholls and staff

(NC) The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most stressful, so use these tips for a more enjoyable time.

Travel smart. Make your trip during one of the busiest months for air travel more pleasant by taking advantage of airline offerings. Choose the mid-range version of a carrier’s options, like Air Canada’s premium economy class, which has a larger seat, extra legroom and other pluses but is a lot less expensive than business class. Or choose to purchase a preferred seat in advance for additional space and comfort.

If you’re travelling with kids, the airline also offers

complimentary seating assignments that allow you to sit together for no additional charge.

No-fuss decorating. For a simple, elegant and cohesive look, stick to a monochromatic colour palette that’s both stylish and functional. Make easy, budget-friendly seasonal artwork by swapping out prints and photos in your existing frames with pretty leftover wrapping paper and free online printables.

Brave the outdoors.

Spending time in nature is a great way to destress and centre yourself. Even if it’s just hand-delivering greeting cards to the post office, go for a short walk to explore the pretty

Have A HAPPY Y! A D I L O H We’re sending this little note your way.

To wish you a happy holiday Filled with enough joy and cheer, To last throughout the coming year.

Thanks for your patronage and we’ll see you next year!

REBEL LANDSCAPING Ed Kolenosky and family

306-948-2879 or 306-948-7207

sights of the season. Or, make it a family affair and plan an afternoon at a local farm or park.

Throw away your shopping list. Instead of stressing out over finding the perfect presents, gift family and friends experiences like a nice meal out, a contribution to an

upcoming trip, or tickets to a show that they can use with you or someone else. As a bonus, restaurant gift cards, e-tickets and an Air Canada gift card make for great travel-friendly gifts, taking up little to no space in luggage.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 17

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The origins of some beloved holiday traditions Christmastime is here.

The presents are being purchased and wrapped.

The stockings will soon be hung on the fireplace mantle. Mistletoe is pinned above the front entryway, and poinsettias add rich colour to home decor.

Tradition is integral come the holiday season.

Throughout the month of December, traditions fill people’s days and comprise the many reasons why individuals decorate, celebrate and dine the way they do this time of year. But few may know the origins of some of the most beloved holiday traditions.

Christmas stockings The Christmas stockings of today may be a byproduct of various traditions. One such tradition dates back to a Dutch custom in which children would leave shoes full of food to feed St. Nicholas’ donkeys, and then St. Nicholas would leave small gifts in return.

Another origin story of Christmas stockings can be traced to the 12th century, when nuns would

leave socks full of nuts, fruit and tangerines for the poor. This is why some people still put tangerines in Christmas stockings.

Christmas tree Christmas Trees are everywhere this time of year. The use of evergreen trees predates Christmas and is associated with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which celebrated the agricultural god Saturn with partying and gift-giving. During the winter solstice, green branches served as a reminder that spring would arrive anew. Germans are credited with first bringing evergreens into their homes and decorating them.

Santa Claus Santa Claus’ origin story can be traced to St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop who lived during the fourth century. St. Nicholas was very generous and gave away his fortune to help the needy.

He also did various other good deeds. St. Nicholas became infamous and began to be known by various names around the world. The Dutch

called him Sinter Klaas, which was eventually transformed to Santa Claus.

The jolly persona came later when 20th century advertisers - especially the artists responsible for CocaCola ads - por-

trayed Santa in a red suit with a big smile.

Mistletoe Mistletoe is hung in doorways, and couples who stand beneath are encouraged to share a kiss. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids.

Mistletoe was thought to bring good luck to a household and ward off evil spirits. The custom of kissing under mistle-

toe can be traced to England. Originally, a berry was picked from the sprig of mistletoe before the person could be kissed.

When all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing.

The Full MERRY We Hope You Get Your Fill of Good Times This Christmas!

As another Christmas comes in for a landing, we’re filled with cheer and gratitude for wonderful customers and friends like you.

Christmas bells Church bells ring for many special services, including Christmas mass. During Christmas midnight mass in the Catholic Church, the altar bells may be rung while the priest says the “Gloria.” Bells are part of caroling, and jingling bells are associated with sleighs and Santa’s reindeer.

Christmas is rife with traditions that date back ages.

Merry Christmas & Many Thanks from our Entire Crew

Biggar Esso 306-948-3600

Tips when buying prepaid credit and gift cards (NC) A prepaid card is a convenient gift for that person on your list who has everything. But know what you’re getting into— whether you’re on the giving or receiving end — because these popular products don’t all work the same way.

Each prepaid card has different terms and conditions. Take time to review your prepaid card agreement so that you’re aware of any expiry dates, fees or limits. If you are buying the prepaid card as a gift, be sure to give the recipient the agreement information and the proof of purchase along with the card.

“Fees can lower the value of a prepaid card,” explains Lucie Tedesco, Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. “To avoid surprises, always review the terms and conditions to find out what fees apply.”

Depending on the type

of prepaid card, there may be fees to activate your card, make purchases, check your balance, withdraw money from a bank machine, load more money onto the card, or maintain your card if you don’t use it for a certain period of time.

There are two main types of prepaid cards.

Both require you to pay up front to load money and both are sometimes referred to as gift cards.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know

about the different types of cards.

Prepaid cards issued by financial institutions.

These link to payment card networks, such as American Express, Mastercard and Visa. You can use the prepaid card at most merchants that accept credit cards from the same payment card network. The money on the card won’t expire, but if the card itself expires, you may have to pay a fee to transfer any remaining funds to a new one.

You can reload the card as many times as you want until it expires, but you may have to pay a fee to do this. You may also be able to make cash withdrawals and you usually won’t have to pay for transactions you didn’t make or approve.

Prepaid cards from retailers. These can only be used at a single store or group of stores. There’s usually an expiry date, you can’t reload them and you can’t make cash withdrawals.

Here’s hoping your holiday season turns out to be a real classic. May it be filled with good old-fashioned days of friendship, love and laughter.

We thank you for blessing us with your visits this past year. Seeing customers like you is always a treat.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Westwinds Motor Hotel “Experience the Westwinds Difference” Dayna,Trent and staff

306-948-3301

The smells of gingerbread, cinnamon and cookies baking, stir our memories of Christmases past and remind us of how fortunate we are to be a part of this community.

Merry Christmas and many thanks for making us feel so welcome here.

The Foundation wishes to thank all who have assisted with their monetary donations. Without your help, we could not support many local organizations with their projects.

May this Christmas season remind all of us of the joy in our lives and of the joy given to others due to your support.

M & N Repair Mike, Darlene and staff

701-4th Ave. E, Truck Route East, Biggar • 306-948-3996

Biggar & District Community Foundation extends to all a Joyful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Box 489, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

18 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Dashing through the Snow to deliver Our Best Wishes As we dash toward Christmas Day, we’d like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday!

Hope it’s merry and bright with just the right amount of excitement.

We appreciate your patronage, and we wish you all the best!

-LandisManagement and staff 306-658-2002

Try a different take on turkey this holiday season

May the peace and happiness of the Christmas season carry you and your family through the new year and beyond. Thank you for your patronage.

Spyder AutoBody 306-948-2044 Fred, Patsy, Curtis, Teagon

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017 meat, forming a log once again.

5. Wrap the puff pastry around the turkey, neatly folding the ends and top together, rolling or tucking the edges together, and pinching to seal any gaps. Make the pastrycovered log as round as possible, like a Yule log — try to avoid a flattened version, like a strudel.

6. Preheat the oven to 450 F. 7. Combine the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl or cup. Stir well until completely mixed. Brush the roulade with the egg wash, being careful to brush every bit of the exposed pastry.

8. Bake for 10 minutes at 450 F, then reduce the heat to 375 F. Continue to bake for 30 to 45 minutes longer, until the pastry has risen and is a toasty, golden colour and the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165 F. Generally speaking, once the pastry has cooked, the meat will be cooked, too. Remove the roulade from the oven.

Transfer it to a serving platter, using the parchment paper to help you.

Allow to rest for about 10 minutes.

9. Slice and serve, garbeef. Add 2 of the eggs, the chicken stock, the nishing with the parsley Marsala, and the butter. and accompanying with Pulse again briefly, until a bowl of extra cranberry chutney. just combined.

3. Roll out the puff pas- Cranberry Chutney try on a floured surface Makes 3 cups until it is a 12- or 13-inch 1 1-pound bag fresh cransquare. Cover a baking berries sheet with parchment 2 navel oranges, unpeeled, paper and place the pas- cut into 6 wedges and then into thin slices try on top.

4. Form the minced tur- 1â „3 cup golden raisins key mixture into a log and 1â „2 teaspoon ground cinposition it down the cen- namon ter of the prepared puff 1â „2 teaspoon whole cloves pastry. Make an indenta- 1â „2 teaspoon ground gintion down the length of ger the turkey and place the 1â „2 teaspoon kosher salt celery, mushrooms, and 1â „2 cup apple cider cranberry chutney along 1â „2 cup honey, preferably the indentation. Cover cranberry honey the indentation with the 1â „4 cup apple cider vinegar 1. Pour the cranberries into a 2-quart pot. Add the oranges, raisins, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt, apple cider, honey, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chutney thickens, about 20 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat and serve warm or, if you prefer, chill and serve cold.

Turkey is a holiday dinner staple in many families. While many might scoff at the idea of altering their holiday turkey traditions, others may embrace changing things up, feeling that the joy of cooking often lies in experimentation. Those unafraid to try something new might want to cook up the following recipe for “Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Chutney� from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook�

(Storey).

Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Chutney Serves 6 1 sheet puff pastry 1 pound turkey meat from turkey breast and/ or thigh meat, cut into 1-inch chunks 3 eggs 1â „2 cup chicken stock 1â „4 cup Marsala 2 tablespoons unsalted

Our best wishes for a holiday filled with good cheer, happiness, love and contentment.

Thank you for your continued support!

Staff and Families of

butter Unbleached all-purpose flour, for the pastry 1â „2 cup celery sliced on the diagonal 1â „2 cup sliced button mushrooms 1â „2 cup Cranberry Chutney (see below), plus more for serving Fresh parsley sprigs for garnish 1. Following the instructions on the package, thaw the puff pastry. This will take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of pastry. You should be able to unfold it without it breaking. Set aside.

2. Pulse the turkey in a food processor until it is the consistency of ground

Merry Christmas!

With thanks and warm wishes from all of us to all of you.

6OJUZ 4, t www.northwestterminal.com

Phillips Electric Biggar • 306-948-1773 Dave and staff

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Two-way holiday canapes (NC) Tender puff pastry is prepared with two different toppings to whet the appetites of your Christmas party guests.

In one hand, they’ll have tart pears topped with walnuts and sweet honey, and in the other, a salty prosciutto and sundried tomato with bitter arugula. Both are layered on a creamy ricotta cheese base. Everything needed to make this budgetfriendly, delicious decadence can be found at Walmart for less than $1.70 a serving.

Puff Pastry Canapes Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Serves: 8 (4 canapes each)

Ingredients: • 1 450 g package butter puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1 cup (250 mL) ricotta cheese • 1/2 pear, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup (125 mL) toasted walnuts, chopped • 3 tbsp. (45 mL) honey • 1 cup (250 mL) arugula • 8 slices prosciutto, cut in half lengthwise • 1/4 cup (60 mL) sundried tomatoes, chopped Directions: 1.) Heat oven to 400F (200C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment.

2.) Unroll one sheet of puff pastry. Cut pastry

... And from the heart, too, Go our very best wishes To each one of you!

Merry Christmas and many thanks for your kindness and your continued business!

Angie’s Hair Salon & Barber Shop evenly into 4 strips. Cut each strip evenly into 4 parts to make 16 squares.

Place on prepared pan, score 2 or 3 times with a fork and brush with egg wash. Bake until golden and puffed; about 14 minutes. Repeat with remaining sheet. Cool 5

minutes.

3.) Spread each square with 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) ricotta cheese. Top 16 squares with pear slices, walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Top remaining 16 squares with arugula, prosciutto and sundried tomatoes.

Santa-worthy cookies (NC) Whether you’re participating in a cookie exchange with friends or making a treat for St. Nick, add these adorable reindeer cookies to your holiday baking this year.

As sweet to look at as they are to eat, the salty pretzel antlers complement the season’s favourite flavours of ginger, cinnamon cloves and sweet molasses.

These homemade treats won’t break the bank either.

Costing $0.25 each, buying all ingredients at Walmart can help stretch your holiday dollars further.

Ginger-Molasses Reindeer Cookies Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour Makes: 35 cookies

Ingredients: • 1-3/4 cups (425 mL) flour • 1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda • 1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cloves • 1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, softened • 3/4 cup (175 mL) granulated sugar • 1 egg • 1/4 cup (60 mL) fancy molasses • 70 mini pretzel twists • 1 package (200 g) prepared red

cookie icing • 70 candy eyeballs Directions: 1. Heat oven to 325F (160C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt and cloves.

3. In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Add egg and molasses, mixing until fully combined. In 2 equal parts, add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.

4. Roll dough into 1 tbsp.

(15 mL) balls and place on prepared baking sheets 1 1/2 inches apart, pressing down lightly with palm. Place two pretzels next to one another 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) inside the edge of each cookie to resemble antlers; press

pretzels lightly to adhere to cookie dough.

5. Bake in batches until just set; about 12 minutes. Let cool 4 minutes on sheets before cooling completely on racks.

Once cooled, use cookie icing to adhere candy eyeballs to cookies and draw noses. Allow to set completely.

Angie, Sherry, Tammy, Raeann, and Trevor 219 Main St., Biggar • 306-948-3696

Here Comes Christmas!

We’re all revved up for the holidays, and we can’t think of a finer place to celebrate than right here at home with good folks like you.

y Merr

Thanks to our customers, neighbours, associates and friends for making 2016 an excellent year for us.

We really appreciate your friendship and support.

mas

t Chris ! ll to A

Pizzeria Adria

Serving the community for over 15 years 212 Main St., Biggar 306-948-4800

Pizza Ray (aka Mayor Ray) and staff

HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • SATURDAY, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Merry

Open through lunch hours

Christmas! and

Happy

New Year!

We hope you enjoy every moment of this special season.

May it find you surrounded by love, friendship and happiness!

Thanks for choosing us.

We greatly appreciate your trust and support!

Tidings of Comfort & Joy Wishing you a warm and cozy Christmas filled with family, friends and all the comforts of home.

We thank you for giving us such a warm welcome in the community.

Happy Holidays!

‘Almost Home’ Care Home 114 - 4th Ave. W., Biggar Management, staff & residents

… Management and Staff of North American Lumber l to r… Doug Hawes, Ed Cumpstone, Brad Lindgren, Kyle Lindgren, Joyce Selkirk, Tanner Sawrenko, Dalton Whiteford

20 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It’s time for holiday fun and gathering the family together to share a warm, wonderful Christmas Season.

We hope the holidays bring everything you want!

We wish you and yours the best season ever.

Management & Staff

AGI-Envirotank 401 Hwy #4 South, Biggar • 306-948-5262

STRIKE UP THE HOLIDAY F H FUN! UN UN Hope you have a ball this holiday season with plenty of good times to spare for the New Year!

Thanks for rolling with us this year.

It’s been our pleasure to serve you, and we hope to see you again very soon.

Season’s Greetings!

Biggar Bowl

(under new management) greetings from Management and staff 119 - 1st Ave. East, Biggar 306-948-2255

With thanks to all of those who’ve inspired us this past year. We are truly grateful for your friendship and continued loyalty .

Season’s Greetings…

Sandy, Helen, Jeffery, and Liz

The showstopper dessert of the holiday season (NC) Every year, there is always one hero recipe that leaves your guests craving for more. This holiday, whip up this rich and delicious brioche pudding that features a soft and buttery sweet loaf made in France that is hand-braided before baking for Europeanstyle flavour and flair.

“Toasting the brioche in the oven is a key step to the recipe. It helps to dry out the bread, which makes it even better at soaking up the custard for a moist, cake-like texture,” shares Tom Filippou, executive chef for President’s Choice Cooking School. “To make this more indulgent, serve it with vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings.”

Chocolate Orange Brioche Bread Pudding Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes Cool time: 20 minutes Serves: 12 Ingredients: 1 loaf PC brioche loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes 8 large eggs 1 1/4 cups homogenized milk 1 cup 35% whipping cream 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 tbsp grated orange zest 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1 tbsp orange-flavoured liqueur 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1 pkg PC dark chocolate with candied orange peel, finely chopped 2 tbsp PC pure orange marmalade 1 1/2 tsp water Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread brioche in single layer on parchment paper-lined large baking sheet. Bake, stirring once, until golden; about 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, liqueur, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in large bowl until well combined.

3. Spread a third of the brioche in bottom of a 9-cup (2.25 litre) casserole dish and sprinkle with a third of the chocolate. Repeat layers twice with remaining brioche and chocolate. Pour egg mixture over top, gently pressing down on brioche mixture to moisten.

4. Cover with foil; bake 35 minutes. Uncover, bake until puffed, golden brown and set in centre, about 30 to 35 minutes, covering with foil if top begins to overbrown.

5. Stir together marmalade and water in small bowl; brush on bread pudding. Let cool 20 minutes.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories 270, fat 15 g (8 g of which is saturated), sodium 190 mg, carbohydrates 27 g, fibre 1 g, sugars 21 g, protein 7 g.

A quick and delicious holiday dessert

The holiday season is synonymous with many things, including delicious foods. While Thanksgiving turkeys or Christmas geese will be found on many a table this holiday season, baked goods and desserts are what many people look forward to this time of year.

Holiday hosts with a lot on their plates might not have the time to prepare homemade baked goods for their guests. Thankfully, the following recipe for “Chocolate-Strawberry Pie” from Addie Gundry’s “No-Bake Desserts” (St. Martin’s Press) can be prepared in just 15 minutes, all without turning on the oven.

Sending Our Best at the Holidays Here’s hoping your holiday delivers a bundle of joy and good cheer.

Merry Christmas!

May you find everything you want under the tree, and in your heart this holiday season.

For the gift of your friendship, we are sincerely grateful.

Hanover Junction Biggar, Sask.

306-948-1990 www.parrishandheimbecker.com

Ivan, Bernice and RossYoung, Paul Ogrodnick, Mel Swyryda 306-948-3381

Chocolate-Strawberry Pie Yields 1 pie 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, trimmed and halved 1 storebought (or homemade) chocolate cookie pie crust 2/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon minced crystallized ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Pinch of kosher or sea salt 6 large egg yolks 21/2 cups half-and-half 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 1/2 tablespoon rum extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Additional strawberries for garnish (optional) 1.) Place the strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the pie crust.

2.) In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.

3.) Whisk in the egg yolks to create a thick paste. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.

Remove from the heat.

4.) Add the chocolate and whisk until combined. Add the rum and vanilla extracts. Cool the mixture for 4 minutes.

5.) Pour the filling over the strawberries and up to the top of the crust.

Chill the pie for 2 hours or until set.

6.) Garnish with additional strawberries, if desired.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 21

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Warm up with a classic hot toddy this holiday season Come the holiday season, hot toddies are ideal for entertaining, providing spirited fun and a means to chasing away the winter chill.

Hot toddies have been around for centuries.

Usually a mix of a spirit - either whiskey, rum or brandy - hot water, honey and spices, some believe the word “toddy� comes from an Indian drink of the same name that is produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees.

Other sources say the hot toddy was created by Dr. Robert Bentley Todd, an Irish physician who prescribed a drink made of brandy, white cinnamon, sugar syrup, and water.

The drink was dubbed the “hot toddy.�

Hot drinks embellished with alcohol were long used for medicinal purposes. While alcoholic beverages are no longer used as medicine, hot toddies can still chase away a chill. “Grog� is another name given to hot alco-

holic drinks, or any drink in which unmeasured amounts of spirits are mixed with other ingredients. Grog may also refer to a water-andrum mixture that sea merchants once drank. The water kept the Soothe holiday visitors with a hot toddy. The combination of lemon, merchants honey and whiskey makes hot toddies a comforting libation. hydrated, while the rum prevented from Wine Enthusiast, or Irish coffee glass. Push cloves or star anise into the water from spoiling Imbibe and PBS Food. the lemon wedge. Add Classic Hot Toddy during voyages. the cinnamon stick and 11/2 ounces bourbon, The classic hot toddy can lemon wedge to the mug. whiskey or another brown be a versatile drink used Allow lemon and cinnaliquor to keep guests comfortmon stick to steep in the 1 tablespoon honey able and cheerful. This beverage for a few min1/2 ounce fresh lemon warm libation is soothutes. Stir and enjoy. juice ing and savoury, mixing 1 cup boiling water citrus, honey and spices, Cinnamon stick which each have their Lemon wedge various health benefits.

Cloves or star anise Although hot toddy reciCombine liquor, lemon pes vary, the following is juice, honey, and boiling the recipe for a classic hot water together in a mug toddy, as culled by recipes

y you enjo g n i p o h ve Here’s ns of lo o i t r o p s generou ter with family gh e and lau ds for th n e i r f d an your urse of o c n i a ! m s season a m t s i r Ch

Hannigan‛s Hamburgers & Pizza

306-948-3335 • Main Street, Biggar

Carve a turkey like a pro Roasted turkey is the centrepiece of many holiday feasts. That glistening, golden skin and moist meat beneath is the perfect companion to potatoes, string beans and any number of side dishes.

Many holiday chefs have received compliments on the appearance of a freshly prepared turkey sitting on the holiday serving platter. But those same chefs may not know how to properly carve up their masterpieces after the grand presentation has been made.

1.) Place the turkey on a large, sturdy cutting board. Do not cut the turkey in the pan you used to cook it. Remove the string that may be tying the legs together. Turn the board so that the back of the turkey is facing you.

2.) Choose a sharp knife to carve the turkey. A long, narrow knife may work best. Serrated knives may tear the turkey meat, so it may be better to use a flat knife. Some people prefer the ease of an electric knife. This is entirely your choice.

3.) Cut through the skin on a leg and gently bend the leg as you slice through to expose the joint. Cut through and remove the entire leg. Then separate the drumstick from the thigh.

Repeat on the other side.

4.) Cut the thigh meat parallel to the thigh bone and place on your serving

platter.

5.) To slice the breast meat, insert your knife in the centre of the breast bone and cut down until you reach the ribs. Then slice the breast meat in toward your initial cut so you are cutting across the grain of the meat. This will keep the meat tender.

Another idea is to remove one side of the breast and slice across it to produce smaller pieces for serving.

6.) Find the wish bone and place it on the side to dry. Children typically like to break the wish

bone.

7.) Find the joint of the wings and remove them in a similar fashion as you did for the legs. They are small enough that they should not require extra slicing and can be placed whole on the serving platter.

8.) Drizzle the sliced meat with any reserved cooking juices to keep the turkey moist and flavourful.

Since turkey is usually the star of many holiday meals, it pays to know the correct way to carve turkey for celebrations.

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE

We’re sowing our best wishes with the hope that they grow into joy and prosperity for the folks that we know!

www.louisdreyfus.ca

Management and staff Wilkie, SK. 306-843-3113

MAY HAPPINESS AND BEAUTY ADORN EACH DAY OF THIS FESTIVE SEASON. WE HOPE YOUR HOLIDAY AND THE COMING YEAR ARE STREWN WITH GOOD FORTUNE, HEALTH,

JOY AND PROSPERITY. AS WE CELEBRATE ALL THE THINGS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR, WE COUNT YOU AMONG OUR BLESSINGS. THANK YOU FOR THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY AND YOUR FAITH IN OUR BUSINESS.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Tyler Kachur, Alan Koop and Partners Biggar: 306-948-5133

Saskatoon: 306-657-8999

Merry Christmas!

22 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

A world of thanks and best wishes to our neighbours, customers and friends.We feel fortunate to serve great folk like you!

306-948-2643 • Biggar

Wishing you a season filled with lots of love, laughter and joy.

For all your support, we are deeply grateful.

MADGE ROOFING Jann, Solana and family

306-948-5453

May the Light of His Love Fill Your Heart with Peace At Christmas and Always Your kindness brings us so much joy at Christmas and all year.

Thanks for all the ways you inspire us!

E-KAY ENTERPRISES Management and staff 201 Turnbull Ave., Biggar 306-948-2544

Words: ball, bells, Blitzen, candy cane, carols, chimney, Christmas, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Elves, Frosty, gifts, gingerbread, holiday, holly, Noel, North

Pole, peace, Prancer, present, reindeer, Rudolph, sack, Santa, sled, snowman, star, stocking, sugarplums, toy, tree, vixen, workshop, wrapping, wreath.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK - 23

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This seasonʼs must-try festive holiday punch (NC) Greet guests with a beautiful and fragrant holiday cocktail. This punch can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy serving during celebrations. It’s the perfect way to entertain your guests when you are busy preparing the food for your dinner or party.

The punch looks magazine-ready with sliced orange rounds, fresh green mint and bright red pomegranate seeds.

Tom Filippou, executive chef for President’s Choice Cooking School, shares more tips on how to elevate this recipe.

“It’s best to rub the mint gently with your fingers to release the oils of the herb. By bruising the

mint, you’ll bring this punch to life with flavour.”

Sparkling Pomegranate Citrus Berry Punch Prep time: 5 minutes Serves: 10 Ingredients: 4 cups ice cubes 1 bottle (750 mL) Sicilian Lemon Italian Soda 1 bottle (750 mL) Blood Orange Italian Soda 2 cans (250 mL each) PC pomegranate cranberry 100% sparkling fruit juice 1/2 cup frozen PC pomegranate arils Half orange, thinly sliced into rounds Fresh mint, for garnish Directions: 1. Place ice in a 3-litre (12

cup) pitcher or punch bowl.

Add lemon s o d a , orange soda, juice and frozen pomegranate arils; stir to combine.

2.

Add orange slices and mint.

Chef’s tip: Swap out one of the bottles of Italian soda for a 750-mL bottle of sparkling wine.

Nutritional information per serving (about 3/4 cup): Calories 110, fat 0

We hope your holiday hits all the high notes!

With a song in our hearts, we wish all of our neighbours here a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We sincerely appreciate your patronage and friendship at the holidays and all year!

Campbell Accounting Services Rod and Jennifer Campbell 117 3rd Ave. West, Biggar 306-948-4430 or 306-948-4460 g, sodium 30 mg, carbohydrates 29 g, fibre 0 g, sugars 26 g, protein 0 g.

Creative ways to reuse Christmas cards Roughly 1.6 billion Christmas cards, including boxed cards, are purchased in a given year.

That’s quite a lot of cards to address and mail, and many festive greetings for recipients to read and display.

With so much money and effort put into sharing Christmas greetings, some people may wonder how they can prolong the merriment offered by these cards. Here are some creative ways to put Christmas cards to new use once this holiday season has come and gone. · Make your own gift tags. Christmas card stock is the perfect medium to turn into gift tags for presents. Cut the cards into squares or rectangles or use a stencil to create whatever shape you desire. Then use a hole punch to create a space for ribbon or another tie. Use the tag to dress up gifts with something more unique than selfstick tags. · Get magnetized. All it takes is a scissor, some glue and sheets of magnet for a decorative and fun craft project. Turn favourite Christmas cards into mementos that can be saved year after year, which also will dress up refrigerators or other magnetic surfaces. This idea works well for photo greeting cards as well. · Make Christmas card ornaments. Use the cards to create uniquely shaped ornaments for the tree.

Cards can be turned into block shapes and hung with ribbon. Another idea is to punch out circles or ovals from the cards and tile them on a foam egg to

look like a multicoloured pine cone. Explore your creative side and decorate your tree at the same time. · Create greeting card garlands.

Display cards by stringing them together and hanging them from the mantle or another prominent area.

If cards are too large, punch out large circles from the cards and then attach those disks to heavy thread. · Decorate your packages. Instead of overspending on preprinted gift bags, make your own.

Buy plain bags in a solid colour and then embellish them with cutout patterns or pictures from Christmas cards. · Frame favourite cards.

Make greeting cards a

Jolly.

Happy.

Magical.

Christmas has always meant reflecting upon one’s blessings.

Here’s hoping the holiday season brings all of your wishes to life!

permanent part of holiday decor by framing the most decorative ones you receive. Use these frames year after year and put them on display with other holiday decorations. · Make a wine bottle gift tag. Use a 11/4-inch hole punch to create an opening for the neck of a wine bottle on a piece of folded card stock. Glue a greeting card to the portion of the card stock that will lay

flush with the wine bottle and you have a decorative wine tag. · Shred older cards for confetti. Fill gift boxes or bags with homemade confetti made from recycled Christmas cards.

Busse Law Professional Corporation Teena, Heather, Blair, Larry and Stuart 306-948-3346

Treemendous Thanks With apprecition from our entire team, we wish you all a fun-filled and

Hope the holidays bring you good cheer, and fill you with the spirit of the season.

We’re very grateful for your patronage.

Please come and see us soon.

Biggar Liquor Board Store Lana and Cindy

306-948-3575

Merry Christmas!

Thanks so much for supporting us this past year.

We look forward to serving the community in the future.

Biggar & District Health Services Foundation Inc. Box 1003, Biggar, SK S0K 0M0

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

24 - THE INDEPENDENT, BIGGAR, SK

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2017

Good news about food banks in Canada There’s No Place

Like Home for the Holidays Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and every happiness in the New Year.

38 years of serving Biggar and area 1979-2017

Carter Plumbing & Heating Water Heaters, Softeners, Pumps, Furnaces, Underground Sprinklers, Air-conditioning

306-948-2624

(NC) Our nation has a big challenge ahead to solve the issue of household food insecurity.

But recent studies have shown signs of improvement and some good news on the food bank front. Mimi Lowi-Young, executive director of Food Banks Canada, shares a few positive stories on our nation’s journey to relieve hunger.

We’re engaged. In a recent survey, 87 per cent of respondents said that they believe hunger is not only a problem in devel-

oping countries but also here in Canada. “I think on the whole, we’re better engaged on issues around hunger,” asserts LowiYoung. Our understanding may stem from the fact that Canadians are closer to the issue than ever before, with almost half admitting they know someone who has visited a food bank — an increase from 40 per cent in 2012.

Food banks are adapting. The old image of food banks lined with canned goods is outdated. Many food banks are adding

Wishing you all Peace, Joy and Love of the Season The holiday season is a time to gather with our friends and families to enjoy the blessings in our lives. It is also a time when we reflect on the passing year, look ahead to the future and make goals for ourselves and our community.

Reflecting on this past year, we would like to extend a warm welcome to new businesses, including Brett’s Images Hair Salon and Mama Beny’s. A couple businesses celebrated milestones or awards including Biggar & Landis Insurance Services, and E-Kay Enterprises. Thank you to the businesses that have invested in renovations, the Town is looking great. We wish all businesses in Town continued success in the New Year and beyond!

In 2017, the Town spent almost 1.5 million dollars on projects including paving, sidewalks, sewer and water upgrades, construction of a new lift station, construction of a new spray park, upgrades to the Biggar Aquatic Centre, and new dugouts for the ball diamonds. The Town will continue to replace aging infrastructure on an ongoing basis and to plan for future projects.

The Town of Biggar would like to welcome Martine de Bussac as our Clerk Typist and Jason Raschke into our Recreation Department.

In 2017, we celebrated Canada’s 150th Anniversary! Thank you to everyone that organized events and participated in activities around Town.

Take time during the rush of the holidays to enjoy the things in life that really matter. Take in the serene moments spent with friends and loved ones, and may the wonder of Christmas surround you throughout the holiday season.

On behalf of Council, Management and staff, we wish you a Christmas that is full of contentment, happiness and love, and we wish one and all a very happy and prosperous New Year!

TOWN OF BIGGAR COUNCIL, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF

new tools to their repertoire as they find different ways to address hunger in the community. This includes increasing capacity to distribute a wider variety of food including fresh foods, and weaving basic cooking skills into their offerings. “It’s validation for the tireless efforts of food banks across the country,” says Lowi-Young.

“Not only are our food banks putting nutritious meals on our clients’ tables, they’re positioning them for future success

by teaching basic cooking skills in their community kitchens, working cooperatively with community service organizations or providing nutritional education programs for kids.”

We know there’s more to be done. Even more reassuring is the fact that 80 per cent of people said that everyone plays a role in helping those in need. “With strong partners like Real Canadian Superstore and Independent grocery stores collecting donations and helping food banks to accept fresh food donations, we’ve been able to create a lot of visibility for the problem and how people can get involved.”

While there’s certainly some positive news, Lowi-Young is under no illusions about household food security. “We’ve seen upswings like this before but we’re by no means in the clear. My only hope is that this is the start of something bigger and that more of us will pay attention and act, whether that’s making donations at the local grocer, volunteering at the local food bank or community kitchen or providing feedback on Canada’s upcoming National Food Policy.”