season for shopping and hospitality
BY JOAN JANZEN
The
Local
The ladies in attendance appreciate the convenience of having all these
gift ideas available right in their home town. More importantly, they were enjoying the opportunity to visit with friends.
The Plenty Coffee Shop offers good old time Saskatchewan hospitality. The locals invited me to join in the conversation around the table, share a hot beverage, treats and some excellent shopping. It doesn’t get any better than that.
by local vendors.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
D’Arcy students bring smiles to seniors
BY JOAN JANZEN
A visit from D’Arcy school students has become an annual event at Caleb Village in Kindersley, and this year was no exception. A dozen students came to Caleb on Thursday morning, December 12th, all decked out in colourful Christmas sweaters. They sang a selection of Christmas carols and fun familiar holiday songs.
The smiling faces in the audience showed the chil-
dren just how much all the grandparents were enjoying their performance. After the kids had completed their selection of songs, they took time to mingle amongst the grandpa’s and grandma’s for some much appreciated visiting.
It was a rewarding experience for the residents at Caleb, and all the children received a treat before they made their way back to D’Arcy. A big shout-out goes to the staff and students from D’Arcy School for taking time to bring smiles to seniors this holiday season.
A dozen students from D’Arcy School entertained the residents at Caleb Village in Kindersley on Thursday morning, December 12th. After singing Christmas carols, the children took some time to visit with the seniors, which everyone enjoyed. PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
On December 9, 2025, Kinder Kollege Child Care Centre (located at Westberry School in Kindersley) held their annual children’s Christmas performance for family and relatives. There were over 100 people in attendance. The highlights of the evening were the children singing and signing all the songs and right after Santa Claus made an appearance handing out gifts to all 25 Kinder Kollege children, a lite supper was provided, decorating gingerbread cookies, homemade gifts the children made for their family and bouncy castle.
Kindersley FoodMesh is grateful for donations
BY JOAN JANZEN
Kindersley FoodMesh is grateful for the donations they receive all year round, and especially during the Christmas season. The most recent contribution was received by Guppy’s Car Wash who delivered a cheque for $1000 to Barbe Dunn at FoodMesh. Other recent contributions came in the form of sacks of vegetables from Glidden Colony, and Smiley Colony supplied a donation of beef for the freezer. Thanks to Pet Valu’s continual donations of pet food, people’s pets are well fed. And every week, the donations of food from Save On Foods, Kindersley Co-op Food Store and Family Foods are distributed throughout
Barbe Dunn, on behalf of Kindersley FoodMesh, gratefully receives a cheque for $1000 from Guppy’s Car Wash from employees John and Fabian.
Kindersley and surrounding area. It really does take a community working together to make good things happen.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
St. Paul’s United Church Women (UCW) held their annual Cookie Lane and Bake Sale Saturday afternoon, December 7th at Kindersley. Customers weren’t in a hurry, but stayed for a leisurely visit with friends, purchased baking and filled up their trays with an assortment of delicious homemade cookies.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF OAKDALE NO. 320
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nominations of candidates for the office of:
Councillor for Division No. 2
will be received by the undersigned on the 8th day of January, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the R.M. Office, 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK, and during regular business hours on December 17, 2024 to January 7, 2025 at the R.M. Office, 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK.
A Public Discloure Statement must be submitted with each Nomination form.
Nomination forms and Public Disclosure forms may be obtained from the following location: R.M. Office, 200 Main Street, Coleville, SK Dated this 17th day of December, 2024.
Gillain Lund, Returning Officer
Old School Christmas memories at Pinkham
School days at the community of Pinkham began back in 1912, according to information obtained from the history book Echoes of Pinkham Pioneers. Records from old cash books and minutes from trustee meetings were the source of much of the information. Students came from the surrounding area to obtain their high school education at Pinkham. Some commuted while others boarded with family. Contract forms were obtained from the Department of Education to transport students in vans, which were sleighs purchased from the T. Eaton Co. Other vans were wooden enclosures with a door on the front and back and two windows on each side. They were rented to van drivers at 25 cents a day. The drivers who had long routes usually stayed in town for the day.
In December of 1930 the teachers were informed their salaries would be reduced ten per cent beginning January 1st, 1931. At the close of the 1931 school year a motion was made to inform the teachers it was un-
certain how the board would finance their salaries in the new school year. “If taxes are not forthcoming they are liable to go short and there might be drastic cuts in salary” was the report. It was decided the teachers would take a 20 percent cut in salary.
When school opened after the Christmas holidays there were only two of the three classrooms operating. The principal’s salary had been cut to $600.00 with janitor work included, and a second male teacher had been hired at $450.00 a year.
By the fall of 1932, teachers and van drivers received half cash and half note in payment for services. Minutes of each board meeting usually read “moved the current bills be paid when funds are available”.
During the 1935 school year there were 110 children on stage at the school Christmas concert. The school board supplied the oranges, candy and nuts that were put in bags. It was the largest attendance the school experienced, with ten vans transporting students on their routes.
A Holiday message from the Mayor of Kerrobert
Now that the holiday season is here, it give us time to reflect on the year we have had and look forward to the coming year
Christmas means different things to all of us but carries a common theme - it is a time for joy, togetherness and giving thanks. It give us a chance to celebrate the love we share with family and friends and remember those who may be less fortunate.
I am continually inspired by the kindness and generosity of our residents who have come together to support one another in good times and bad.
Whether through volunteering,
donating to charities or checking in on a neighbour or friend, these small acts of kindness make a significant difference in our lives. It has been a pleasure to see the amazing support for our community events that help kick off the holiday season.
In closing ,on behalf of my family, Council and staff I wish each and everyone of you a safe and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year. Let this holiday season be a reminder that there is hope in whatever challenges life brings us.
Mayor Mitchell
This is a class photo of students who attended Pinkham School in 1928. Notice how many students are wearing warm coats, while six of the boys sitting on the front row have bare feet. The following years presented difficult times for the school board. PHOTO FROM ECHOES OF PINKHAM PIONEERS
OPINION:
A teen responds to the overwhelming needs around her
BY JOAN JANZEN
A parent of five children said every time he leaves the house to go on a trip with his kids, he gains a better understanding of how the McCallisters were able to forget Kevin in the movie “Home Alone.” Although fictional movies provide excellent entertainment, nothing compares to a true story like the one I’m about to share.
Katie Davis shared her story on Family Life Today. She left her home in Tennessee after graduating from high school in 2007, intending to spend a year in Uganda working at an orphanage. The one year turned into fifteen years and a very unusual story of Katie fostering over 40 kids by the time she was 28 years of age.
“I fell in love with the people, and the culture is so warm and hospitable,” she said. I had never experienced that immense poverty.” She came to realize that the majority of the children in the orphanage had families right in their small community, but because of pover-
ty, they sent their kids to the orphanage. Children living there were eligible for sponsorship to attend school; however, it required their families to make a huge sacrifice.
The government was pushing for more foster care as opposed to institutions. “Uganda is super community oriented, and it’s not uncommon to raise your sister’s kids or grandkids, but it’s the poverty that’s a hurdle,” she said.
Her story began when a grandmother was raising her twin 5-year-old granddaughters after her daughter had passed away. When the grandmother’s health deteriorated, she was considering sending the girls to the orphanage.
“I asked, if I could get money to send the girls to school, would she want to keep the girls at home. She said yes and started crying,” Katie recalled. “I called my parents and said I need $100 a month. My parents are huge advocates and they taught me about loving your neighbour as yourself.”
Katie’s parents contacted family and friends in the US to help sponsor kids.
TO THE EDITOR:
Illegal foreign ownership of farmland
As Minister of Agriculture, a landowner and cow-calf producer, I personally appreciate concerns surrounding illegal foreign ownership of farmland in Saskatchewan. Ensuring there is no unauthorized foreign land ownership is a top priority for me and the public should be assured the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to protecting Saskatchewan farmland.
Through The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, the Farm Land Security Board monitors 40,000 farmland sale transactions annually in the province to ensure purchases are by either a Canadian or Canadian resident. It can issue exemption orders for non-Canadian-owned entities, typically when in the province’s best interest. For example, many agribusinesses in Saskatchewan require an exemption. While the legislation provides enforcement tools regarding entities not in compliance, we are exploring options to enhance them.
As stated in the recent Auditor’s report, no illegal ownership was found in all sale transactions sampled. While the Auditor found that Board staff did not request statutory declarations in nine of the 18 out-ofprovince corporate transactions, each of the nine instances the purchasing corporation was Canadian. Most often these are family corporations and, where this was unclear, a declaration was requested. While declarations may not be mandatory given the numerous tools available to the Board, the Board is now requesting declarations from all out-of-province purchasers. Most of the Auditor’s 10 recommendations were already a priority for the Board and implementation has begun.
If you have information about a foreign land ownership concern in Saskatchewan, please reach out to inquiries.ag@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-5047.
Sincerely,
Minister of Agriculture
Daryl Harrison
Letter to the Editor Policy
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities • Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
Meanwhile, word spread quickly in Katie’s small community in Uganda. “In my first year, I was raising money to send 40 kids to school,” she said. When I think about it now, I think, what was I doing?” She was still in her teens at the time.
Her first foster kids were three girls, who were living with their ailing grandmother. When the 9-year-old was hospitalized, Katie stepped in and took care of the two younger siblings, who she was already sponsoring. “The grandmother passed away, and we couldn’t find a family caregiver, so I became their foster mom,” Katie said. “I fostered 40 kids over the course of the next ten years, but I had a lot of Uganda neighbours and friends who were helping me. I could not have had that many kids in the United States.”
The young teen started writing a blog to keep friends and family updated. “A ton of people started reading my blog and wanted to help. I was just a kid, but as long as the funds were coming in I was going to use it to help more people in my community,” she said.
After she started writing her blog, she was approached by publishers about writing a book. She was 20 years old when she wrote her first book and has written two more books since then, one of which was a New York Times best seller. How she had time to write while fostering all those children is another mystery.
Before long, she formed a non-profit organization to distribute the funds and named the ministry the Ugandan word for “truth” after her favourite verse, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
At that time, she began hiring community members to help. Now, 18 years later, they have two schools, with each student assigned a personal mentor. “Each student has a one-on-one relationship with someone who checks on them in their homes, someone they can look up to,” Katie explained.
In 2015, Katie married Benji Majors, who had come from Tennessee to work in Uganda. “He is unequivocally one of the greatest gifts of my life,” she said. Together, they spent the next two years adopting their thirteen foster girls, who ranged in age up to 16 years. The girls were all sets of two or three siblings.
Since then, Katie and Benji have returned to the United States, where nine of their adult daughters now work or attend college. The remaining four are in high school and live at home, along with Katie and Benji’s two young biological sons.
“If our foster kids returned to their families it was a huge celebration because we had our eyes set on that the whole time. Other times, it was sad because we hadn’t expected that to happen,” Katie said. “In our home, we are all in with loving each child, whether they’re going to be with us forever or will return to their biological families.”
Their home has an unusual family dynamic, which is why their four-yearold biological son once asked, “Mom, who is my biological family?”
Katie’s story is incredible. It relays how one teen impacted so many lives simply because she responded to the overwhelming needs around her.
GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media
BRIAN ZINCHUK Oil & Energy News
Pop89: Where’s the Arrow?
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Every year, we go from autumn to winter, from falling leaves to falling snow, in one night. And the first response is always: “We need the moisture.” We always need moisture. Around here, I have come to realize that the weather is our mistress. Every morning when a rancher or farmer wakes, she is there, sitting, waiting. You open your eyes, and she claps her hands and says: “Perfect, you’re up. So … here’s what I have planned for you today!”
This year is no different. I went for a walk one warm November evening in runners and a sweater, and the next day, it was time for parka and mittens. The snow began to fall and it hasn’t left yet. In fact, a light skiff seems to land every night, turning every day into a “fresh start.” My neighbour Eugene has kindly taken to shovelling everyone’s walk. One morning I stuck my head out the door to thank him, assuring him he was going straight to heaven. He pointed to a giant heart that was stomped on the snow in the front yard right under my living room window. “Someone left you a valentine,” he said. “Oh, that’s so sweet! Probably, Staci; she came by to watch a movie last night,” I replied. “Where’s the arrow? “He asked. “What do you mean?” “You can’t have a Valentine without an arrow,” he shrugged.
Considering that most of my conversations with Staci revolve around personal hardships, past relationships and breakups, the shock of aging and goofy insights about a lifetime of seeking answers to The Big Questions, an arrow seems appropriate. There is no heart without heartbreak; living means hurting as well as loving and healing. “Never a pithier word was spoken, Gene, “I said.
Three days later I’m in an online workshop about the mystics. In the evening, we are invited to do some journaling and drawing after a day of studying the work of an anonymous Russian mystic who wrote The Way of The Pilgrim. As we begin to draw, I spy the giant heart illuminated by my lamp in the living room window. It reminds me of a form of tag we played in the snow as children. It involved stamping out a big pie and cutting into slices. You could only chase each other by running along the edges of the slices. I laugh to myself: we start by chasing each other by playing tag, then we catch each other and break each other’s hearts. Such is life.
That night was The Lions Club’s annual Christmas supper. This is an event I do not like to miss, not only because it’s free for seniors but because it’s a chance to visit with everyone I haven’t seen in months. And to see the newborns snuggled next to their pretty young moms. A new baby in this village is a big deal; we all gather around the newborn, imitating shepherds at the nativity. There is a knowledge that this child will be loved and watched over by everyone. And if he or she wavers or gets into trouble, all the locals will stand by them - often to a fault - until they “grow out of it” or “get over it” and eventually “settle down.”
I move from one table to the next, visiting with Mette, who first welcomed me here as a writer-in-residence at The Convent Inn. When my month of residency was up, I reminded her of our agreement, and she replied: “Ah, who’s counting!” and she and Robert let me stay another two months. Those three months “in the convent” changed my life in ways I’m still discerning. Also at the table is Susan from The Crossing - a giver of warm hugs. And Catherine, a painter with whom I talk about the mystery of inspiration. Then I move over to sit with Betty and Judy, where we watch the kids playing on the stage, and someone invariably says:” That kid was only this high last month!” Marvelling at growth spurts of kids is as common as remarking on the weather. It’s standard procedure at Christmas dinners. As the girls chase the boys around the room, I think of that heart awaiting them in the not-so-distant future of puberty. “I’m not sure when it happened,” I laugh, confiding to Betty. “But at one point, I stopped believing in that whole someday-my-prince-will-come thing. But it’s a whole other thing to accept that I’m not the princess. I’m the crone!” I leave the hall with two bottles of half-drunk wine - I cannot bear to just leave them sitting on the table. One I end up using as a marinade. The other I polish off watching a Hallmark Christmas movie - a guilty pleasure I indulge in every season. I know how these movies turn out - it’s a formula: a feisty city gal finds herself in a charming made-for-tv country village wearing the wrong shoes and the wrong attitude. Maybe she’s got a deadline to meet for her investment or property development firm, which involves selling her soul for her company. However, lucky for her, she encounters a plaid-bedecked single dad hunk with great hair who sets her straight about the things that really matter in life. They spar, sparks fly, and then they rally to save a child or a barn or a Christmas tree farm. Then, they laugh, make up, and live happily ever after. Sweet. It’s a valentine with barely a rip, and certainly no piercing arrow.
On the last day of my workshop, I draw great, big hearts surrounded by rose thorns- a harkening of the holy cards from childhood- with Jesus pointing to his pierced heart on fire with love. Outside, snow begins to fall, and tears fall down my cheeks- they are arrows of melancholy and a heart of gratitude. That’s good. I need the moisture.
Oilers overly reliant on their two superstars
BY BRUCE PENTON
It’s a good-news, badnews scenario that Edmonton Oilers have the two highest-scoring teammates in the National Hockey League.
The good news is that Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are a threat to score almost every time they’re on the ice, but the bad news is that the team’s secondary scoring beyond the two superstars is scarce.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Memo to NHL coaches: Figure out a way to stop, or slow down, Draisaitl and McDavid, and you’re more than likely to stop the Oilers.
Recent NHL stats show that while goal production from the top two scorers on each team in the NHL represents, on average, 28.5 per cent of a team’s offensive output, the figure is a league-high and unhealthy 40.2 per cent for the Oilers.
Through the end of November, Draisaitl had 17 goals and McDavid 12. The next-best goal output by an Edmonton forward was four — Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Corey Perry and Jeff Skinner.
Other teams quite dependent on their top two scorers are the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Habs depend heavily on Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, who provide 36.7 per cent of the team’s goals, while the Leafs relied on William Nylander (15) and John Tavares (11) to lead the offence. The Toronto situation could hardly be called dire, though, because high-scoring Auston Matthews missed almost a month due to injury and Toronto’s offence is spread out further now that he’s back.
At the lower end of the statistical story are Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets, whose top two scorers provide a little more than 20 per cent of the team’s total.
Oilers’ general manager Stan Bowman is obviously burning up the phone lines trying to find a dependable scoring forward to add to his roster, because if either Draisaitl or McDavid were to be sidelined for any length of time, the Edmonton offence might come close to drying up.
On the other hand, McDavid and Draisaitl are so prolific, that coach Kris Knoblauch gives them an extraordinary amount of ice time, which reduces the chances for lesser players to shine. Anther point in Edmonton’s favour is the status of the slumping Zach Hyman, coming off 36- and 54-goal seasons, but with only three in the team’s first 20 games. A Hyman breakout can be expected, easing the requirement for the Oilers’ big two to carry the heaviest load.
The season isn’t half over yet and there’s no reason to think the Oilers can’t get things going. They started
Council & Staff of the Town of Eston wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Holiday Hours for Town of Eston & Wheatland Regional Library
Tuesday, Dec. 24 9:00 AM - Noon & 1:00 - 4:00 PM (Library 2:00 - 4:00 PM)
Wednesday, Dec. 25 - Friday, Dec. 27 - CLOSED
Tuesday, Dec. 31 9:00 AM - Noon & 1:00 - 4:00 PM (Library 2:00 - 4:00 PM)
Wednesday, Jan. 1 - CLOSED
Holiday Garbage & Recycle Pick Up for the Week of Christmas
If your usual pick up day is WednesdayYour pick up day is changed to Mon., Dec. 23
If your usual pick up day is ThursdayYour pick up day is changed to Tues., Dec. 24
If your usual pick up day is FridayYour pick up day is changed to Mon., Dec. 30
The Week of New Years: The entire town will be picked up Thursday & Friday
Everyone have their cart out Thursday please
Reminder: Carts must be curbside by 8:00 AM
slowly last year, then ran off a 16-game winning streak at one point, and were powerful through the playoffs, losing in Game 7 of the Cup final to Florida.
“It’s about bringing a level of urgency … and doing your job and doing what you need to do and understanding that everybody else is going to go out and do their job,” Hyman told NHL.com. “We’re not playing up to our standard.”
• Canadian rapper Drake, quoted by Mike Bianchi on X: “Wzzzzzzzzhen writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Molly Schuyler once won the Wing Bowl in Philadelphia by eating a whopping 501 chicken wings in 30 minutes. She was poultry in motion.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Tom Brady just can’t understand how all QBs aren’t just like him.”
• Michael Traikos of the Hockey News, on the controversy surrounding offer sheets: “It’s the NHL equivalent to asking out someone who is wearing a wedding ring.”
• NFL quarterback Jameis Winston, after throwing three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, amid a 497-yard passing game vs. Denver: “I’m praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-sixes.”
• Canadian parody website The Beaverton, on
the most popular Christmas present in Ontario: “Raptors tickets (mostly as an excuse to get rid of them).”
• Another one from The Beaverton: “Report: Juan Soto in talks with Ohtani about best way to get Canadians’ hopes up before crushing their dreams.”
• Another fark.com headline: “New Toronto WNBA franchise chooses name … seriously, the Tempo? Even ‘Hoserettes’ would have been better.”
• Anthony Lingus, on Bluesky.social: “Kinda weird how the Lakers hired a Boy Genius to replace the worst coach the NBA has ever seen and yet the Lakers have the exact same problems as they did last year, only everyone is a year older.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “Who is currently the highest paid athlete in Canadian professional sports? Immanuel Quickley of the Raptors, who is being paid $32.5 million this season and has played in three games, all of them losses.”
• Simmons, with more money talk: “When Scottie Barnes’ new deal kicks in next season, he’ll be getting $44 million U.S., which is about $60 million Canadian, which is $10 million more than the nine rosters in the entire Canadian Football League pay out to their players, give or take a dollar.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
May the Christmas Season fill your home with love, and your life with laughter. Thank you for making Kindersley your home! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season! All the best in 2025.
West Central Events Centre:
• Call 306-463-1820 or email recreation@kindersley.ca for more information! View the Ice Schedule at: https://www.kindersley.ca/things-to-do/ice-schedule/
Kindersley Aquatic Centre:
•View the full schedule at: https://www.kindersley.ca/community/community-facilities/aquatic-centre/ •Call 306-463-2082 for more information.
BY BRIAN CROSSMAN
I’m confused sometimes. Well, in truth, if you know me very well, it seems like I’m confused most of the time. In my defense, being uncertain about our beloved industry and the constant barrage of external influences from the media, eco-activists, and of course our very own government makes this understandable. The government is easily the biggest problem. Between the in-place regulations, “green initiatives,” “carbon pricing” (it’s a damn tax) and now emissions caps, it is easy to see how this gets confusing. There is a whole bunch of moving parts, and it almost seems all this obfuscation is intentional. As Sun Tzu said, “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” The other side is clearly trying to confuse and divide our industry (and many others for that matter) for their own ends. I guess they are familiar with Chinese warrior philosophy.
Let’s start with the existing regulations. I know many industry people that believe we are already over-regulated and over-administrated at all levels, federal and provincial. I believe in my heart; most reasonable people would agree with that. The largest portion of producers follow the rules, as they want to continue to operate. In my many conversations with people that run these oil and gas companies at the field level have told me that they are okay with most regulations, but many are redundant and fraught with red tape. Like any business in the world, navigating red tape and government overreach costs money. A lot of money. You might ask, “Don’t the oil companies always have record profits and can easily afford it?” More on that later.
Next on my laundry list/agenda, is dealing with the media and the “eco-activists/terrorists.” On first glance, one may think that businesses would just ignore these zealots and perpetual whiners and life would just go on. However, companies have to react to these attacks on multiple fronts, but mainly with lawyers and positive advertising campaigns. (Why do you think the Liberal government banned positive environmental advertising promoting from energy companies? Bill C-59 comes to mind) When any business has to deal with issues such as these, the only winners are the lawyers that are working on both sides. Once again, this costs time, money and patience.
This is not the last, nor the least, but for the sake of brevity, lets review the new “emissions cap.” Our wonderful Liberal government recently announced an emissions cap on Canadian oil and gas producers. Thirty percent emissions reduction in the next eight years. This of course does not include imported oil, which is helpful if your plan is to cripple your domestic oil production. But the bonus is you also get to cripple the Canadian economy to the tune of one trillion dollars in GDP. If you add that to the “carbon tax” we’ve been dealing with for some time now, it’s an economic knock-out punch like Mike Tyson would’ve given Jake Paul if the fight hadn’t been scripted. Canada simply can’t afford such nonsense.
The most important point is all the benefits oil, gas, agriculture, mining forestry and God-only-knows what else have created wealth, opportunity and un-
told trillions in the tax base since Canada became a country. For the government to overtax, over-regulate and generally punish legitimate business enterprises shows a lack of vision. Then we are shocked, shocked I say when local and foreign investors run away as fast as they can from Canadian business.
Still not convinced? Check your mutual funds, the Canadian stock markets and many pension funds. If business is doing well in Canada, it is reflected in our collective investment accounts. By the way, this is also how we fund nearly everything, everyday, everywhere in Canada. (Health care, education, infrastructure just for starters) Sorry pixie-dust fans, all this takes money, and a lot of it.
Time for some clarity in the face of all this uncertainty. We (and by “we” I mean the entire energy industry) have been doing this a long time. If we dial the “wayback” machine to 1851 we learn that oil was discovered in Canada by Charles Nelson Tripp at Lambton County, Ontario. That works out to about 173 years of oil patch knowledge to our credit. We have been doing it longer than Canada has been a country. We were, are and will continue to be trailblazers. That is everyone, whether you are the CEO of a major oil and gas company, the accountant, a roughneck or even the safety person, you all are fighting the same battle. That is to deliver a high-quality, ethical resource that is required to keep modern society alive and well.
Thane Feiffer • feiffertire@sasktel.net
I shudder to think what Canada would be like, or the world for that matter without fossil fuels and the quality of life the resource has provided.
Going back to the original Sun Tzu quote at the beginning of my rant, we have to ask, “What is their real intent?” If you listen to what the prime minister and Steven Guilbeault say, the goal is to save the planet from climate change. If this is what their true intent, I applaud their desire to make things better. But if you look at the change their actions have created (or more accurately have not) it begs many questions, such as “Is it acceptable to impoverish your nation on personal vanity?” Should we as a country and industry make ourselves less competitive on a global level? This is an industry that most other countries look up to in regard to safety, efficiency and environmental practices. But when the true intent is revealed, and we can see who and what profits from the “Green Slush Fund” and other ill-conceived projects. In the past nine years the Sustainable Technology Development Fund has been give nearly $860,000,000 of which $130,000,000
Brian Crossman. PHOTO BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
Unity, Wilkie and Macklin RCMP reports
Unity RCMP
• RCMP received a complaint of a stolen vehicle. This matter is still under investigation.
• Members received a request from Calgary Police Service to contact an individual in the Detachment area regarding a located stolen vehicle.
• Police received a report of an individual walking on the highway. Members transported the subject of complaint to a shelter.
• RCMP received a report of a vehicle on the side of the road near Salvador. Reported due to bad road conditions. No police action required.
• Members received a report of a lost wallet. The wallet has not been located.
• Police received a report of a train breaking down in Unity. Members provided traffic control.
• There were also three traffic complaints and two false alarms.
Wilkie RCMP
• RCMP received a complaint of a dog barking. Members spoke to the owner of the animal and issued a verbal warning.
• Police received a noise complaint. Members attended but the noise had ceased. No further police action required.
• Members received a request from Saskatoon Police Service to attempt to locate an individual in the Detachment area.
• RCMP received a report of an individual walking on the highway near Wilkie. Members patrolled but could not locate the subject of complaint.
• Police received a complaint of a stolen truck. The vehicle was later recovered in Saskatoon. This matter is still under investigation.
• There were also two false alarms and one traffic complaint.
Macklin RCMP
• RCMP received a complaint of an unwanted in-
Pipeline Online
was given to companies with a conflict of interest or were ineligible altogether. (As reported by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation) This doesn’t include the 300,000,000 taxpayer dollars that has been missing for some time now. If it is truly about saving the planet, wouldn’t you fund solutions that actually work? Someone is getting rich off this, and it sure as hell isn’t the taxpayers. (Hint, Liberal Party of Canada friends, families and supporters)
Despite all the positive accolades about Canadian oil and gas, the negative rhetoric from the feds will
dividual at a residence. Members attended but the subject of complaint was gone on arrival. The complainant requested no further action be taken.
• A 30-year-old female from Macklin was charged with Break and Enter with Intent after Members received a complaint of a break and enter at a residence.
• Police received a complaint of trespassing. This matter is still under investigation.
• RCMP received another complaint of trespassing. The subject of complaint was charged in another occurrence.
• Members received a complaint of theft but it was unfounded.
• Police received a Mental Health Act complaint. Members spoke to the subject of complaint who was transported by a family member to Provost Health Centre for assessment.
• RCMP received another Mental Health Act complaint. Members spoke to the subject of complaint.
• There were also two traffic complaints and one false alarm.
Persons with information about crimes being committed in the Unity / Wilkie/ Macklin areas are urged to call the Unity RCMP detachment at (306)228-6300; the Wilkie RCMP at (306) 843-3480; or the Macklin RCMP at (306) 753-2171. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may also call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 for information which leads to the arrest of person(s) responsible for any serious crime. Crime Stoppers is anonymous and does not subscribe to call display, nor are your calls traced or recorded.
You can also submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
continue. “Every battle is won before it is fought” is another quote by Sun Tzu that applies here. But this industry has prevailed since 1851. It may not seem like it, but we are winning and win we will.
Our adversaries may have been reading up on warrior philosophy, but all of us in the energy industry have been living it our entire careers. And when I think about that, I like our chances. All damn day.
Brian Crossman is a partner at Independent Well Servicing in Estevan, he reminds you all to keep up the good work, and we will get through this. It’s just basic economics.
Rosetown and Kyle Weekly RCMP Report
• Rosetown RCMP received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 7. Members located the vehicle and spoke to the driver.
• Kyle RCMP received a report of harassing communications in Elrose. There was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Kyle RCMP attended a wellbeing check rquest in Kyle.
• Kyle RCMP received a report of a suspicious person on Highway 7. Members were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
• Kyle RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 4. There were no injuriesreported for insurance purposes.
• Rosetown RCMP received a mischief complaint in Rosetown. There was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Rosetown RCMP received a report of a motor vehicle collision on Highway 4. There were no injuries - reported for insurance purposes.
• Kyle RCMP investigating a hit and run in Rosetown.
• Rosetown RCMP are investigating a break and enter to a business in Wiseton.
• Kyle RCMP received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 4 near Kyle. Members located the vehicle and a 47 year-old female from Kyle, SK was charged with Failure or refusal to comply with demand.
• Rosetown RCMP received a report of a 2 vehicle collision in Rosetown. There were no injuries - reported for insurance purposes.
• Rosetown RCMP received a report of an erratic driver on Highway 7. Members located the vehicle and spoke to the driver.
• Rosetown RCMP received a report of a fuel theft from a local business. There was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• Kyle RCMP are investigating a break and enter to a business in Elrose. There were 24 Traffic related charges issued, 1 911 mis-dial call and 1 false alarm call. Police are asking anyone with information about these or any other crime(s) to please contact the Rosetown RCMP at 306882-5700, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at www.saskcrimestoppers.com 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Posting Date December 9, 2024
1. LITERATURE: Which Victor Hugo novel was made into an animated Disney movie?
2. MUSIC: In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what was the gift on the eighth day?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the Kalahari Desert located?
4. HISTORY: Who was the first African-American justice on the U.S. Supreme Court?
5. BIOLOGY: What is the process called in which a nonreproductive cell divides in two?
6. MOVIES: In the movie “Elf,” what is the name of Santa’s sleigh?
7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the largest mammal on Earth?
8. U.S. STATES: Where did the first organized celebration of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) take place in the U.S.?
9. ASTRONOMY: Which planet is the smallest in our solar system?
10. TELEVISION: Which 1980s-1990s TV family sitcom had a holiday episode titled “A Very Tanner Christmas”?
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Trivia Test Answerst
1. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”; 2. Eight maids a-milking; 3. Southern Africa;
Thurgood Marshall; 5. Mitosis; 6. The Kringle 3000; 7. The blue whale;
8. Mobile, Alabama; 9. Mercury; 10. “Full House”
Classifieds
FUNDRAISING
FEED AND SEED
LAND WANTED
FARMLAND WANTED
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.
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.
WANTED
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING:
Bryden Construction & Transport Co. requires SHOP AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
to provide service/ maintenance on a variety of heavy equipment, trucks and trailers. Duties include routine maintenance and repairs; mechanical experience required; 1A license an asset; heavy equipment operating experience an asset.
SHOP LABORER POSITIONS
also available that involves cleaning the shop and equipment, assisting in the service/maintenance area, and general laborer duties.
Clean driver’s abstract required. Job location is Arborfield, Sask. Room and board provided.
Send resume with work references to: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca or fax 306-769-8844
AGPRO SEEDS - BUYING HEATED CANOLA, FEED BARLEY & FEED GRAIN. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! For Bids Call/Text: 306-873-0481, Email: sales@agproseeds.com FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-4051228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
HEALTH
NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS
Saskatchewan born and raised, I know farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.
Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
REAL ESTATE
INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/ friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services with small town safety and charm. More information at www.chateauvilla.ca, 306291-3686 or chateauvilla@ sasktel.net
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,
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 48 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www.swna. com for details.
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306649-1405 to find out how!
As the
Refer to: www.edgerealty.ca for tender details or call Jenny Wozniak 306-460-6617. jenny@edgerealty.ca Kindersley, Sask.
1.
BS & TENDERS
FOR LEASE BY TENDER FOR LEASE BY TENDER
4 strategies for retaining your employees
The R.M. of Milton No. 292 invites tenders for the lease of the following parcels of cultivated land: NE 04-28-27W3 NW 10-28-27W3 Pt. NE 10-28-29W3
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
SE 04-28-27W3 SW 10-28-27W3 SE 10-30-27W3 SE 09-28-27W3 NE 30-28-28W3 NW 21-30-28W3 SW 21-30-28W3
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
Term of lease is five (5) years.
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
Detailed tender information is available at the R.M. of Milton No. 292 office in Marengo, Saskatchewan or www.rmofmilton.ca
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
All tenders must be submitted on the form provided by the municipality and must be sealed in an envelope and must have the legal land description being bid on written on the envelope.
Unsealed tenders will not be accepted
Tenders close at 4:00 p.m. on January 9th , 2025
Only residents or ratepayers of the Rural Municipality of Milton No. 292 or the Village of Marengo will be considered.
Rural Municipality of Milton No 292 Box 70 Marengo, SK S0L 2K0 (306) 968-2922
Stressed at work? Here’s how to deal with it!
qualities for IT professionals
At certain times of the year, work stress can skyrocket. Some situations are easily managed and quickly resolved, but others can trigger persistent and unpleasant symptoms. Here’s how you can prevent stress in the workplace.
Pay attention to the warning signs When stress hits hard, your body
sends you signals, such as excessive sweating, tense muscles, racing heart and headaches. Don’t ignore these signs. Stress can also take a toll on your mental well-being. Keep an eye out for signs of demotivation, loss of confidence, agitation, anxiety and irritability.
Organize your daily routine
Kindersley Housing Authority (KHA) has an opportunity for one full-time
Maintenance
Technician to join their team
Reporting to the Manager of KHA, some of the responsibilities for this position are to have:
• Moderate knowledge of the basic techniques employed in a variety of trades including carpentry, plumbing, painting, flooring, electrical, septic services and boiler operations
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
A systematic approach to stress can help you make it more manageable. For example, take ten minutes every morning to map out your day and set your priorities. Schedule regular breaks to clear your head. Establish clear boundaries for overtime.
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
• Capability to maintain a high standard of unit maintenance, including preventative and corrective maintenance of building
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, and tenants and maintain confidentiality
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
• Ensure day to day operations are handled promptly and effectively
Qualifications:
• Grade 12 or equivalent, basic computer skills, supplemented with some post secondary in business or technical/trade training (carpentry, plumbing, electrical), plus 5 years experience in a maintenance and repair environment OR an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
How to welcome a teleworking employee
Office Administrator
Cardinal Energy Ltd. (“Cardinal”) is an upstream oil & gas company with assets in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. With a track record of sustainable energy practices and innovation in the oil and gas sector over the past 10+ years, Cardinal is now entering the development of thermal heavy oil projects in Saskatchewan. We are currently seeking an Office Administrator to help support the Reford Thermal Project.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
General office duties
Fleet management
Time sheet management
Regulatory submissions
Health and Safety tracking
Budget tracking
Comply works administration
Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how to do it.
Manage Time sheets through Payworks
CMDS Administration
Assist in PVR reporting
Assist in onboarding new hires
Preferred Experience and Skills
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
Ability to work independently
lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.
• Introduce the team. Set up a video chat to introduce the entire team. You can reserve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent skills Microsoft office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
Manage vehicle fleet and mileage reporting
Ability to multi-task and manage priorities in a deadline driven environment.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to help them adjust. The recruit should feel free to ask questions without fear of judgment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to handle stress, while prioritizing workloads and respecting people’s diversity and individual differences
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
• Ability to participate in a regular, continuous on-call program for emergencies, including evening, weekend, and holiday coverage
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable, roadworthy vehicle, and an approved Enhanced (Vulnerable Sector) criminal record check are conditions of employment
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter in confidence to: Kindersley.ha@gov.sk.ca referencing “Maintenance Technician” in the subject line or drop off at the KHA located at 322 Railway Avenue East
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
WHEN TO ACCEPT
Embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep. These habits can ease many of the physical and psychological symptoms of stress. If any of these symptoms persist, seek help from a health professional. They can put you in touch with the right resources.
WHEN TO REFUSE
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.
The R.M. offers a comprehensive benefits package including Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Municipal Employees Pension Plan and Health & Dental and competitive wages.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
•Operate a grader to complete road maintenance, grading, gravel reclamation and minor road construction, snow plowing
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
•Ensure roads are maintained and repaired (culverts) on a priority basis and ability to repair machinery and attachments
•Manage all duties given by Foreman & Council, & log work on provided sheets daily
•Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with council, staff, contractors and rate payers
•Haul and spread gravel with RM tractor-trailer
•Operator a tractor and mower, general labour
•Other duties as prescribed
The Successful Applicant Should Possess:
•Experience is an asset in maintenance and operation of a tractor-trailer and heavy equipment, but training can be provided
•Willingness to be supervised and take direction from Foreman
•Great communication and documentation skills
•Valid driver’s license
•1A license would be a preference
Your Resume Should Include:
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
The base salary for this position ranges from $60,000 to $75,000, depending on factors such as experience, qualifications and performance. Note that this is a full time, office-based role located in Cardinal’s office 20km south of Wilkie.
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with a recruitment service.
For more information on Cardinal Energy Ltd. please see our website at: www.cardinalenergy.ca
Interested candidates should forward their resume to: Thermal@cardinalenergy.ca
We thank you for your interest; however, only those applicants requested for an interview will be contacted. •
•Past and present work experience
•Education and skills
•Two references
•Expected salary
Include ad spaces to generate revenue from the content on these pages.
Please have resumes submitted by January 13, 2025 to: Rural Municipality of Happyland No. 231 P.O. Box 339
Leader, Saskatchewan S0N 1H0
Email: rm231@sasktel.net
With great sadness, the family of Beverley (Bev) Drummond announces her passing on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at her home in Medicine Hat, Alberta, surrounded by her children. She was 88 years old, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Beverley (Bev) Drummond
August 9, 1936 - December 11, 2024
Beverley is survived by her six loving children: Pam Maitland (Scotland), Garth Drummond (Medicine Hat, AB), Valarie (Larry) Kalynchuk (Edmonton, AB), Kristine (Doug) Hood (Calgary, AB), Carrie (Don) Inman (Creston, BC), and Kate (Robert) Winquist (Kindersley, SK). Also mourning her loss are her thirteen grandchildren: Daniel (Jess) Maitland, Tim (Tamar) Maitland, Sam Maitland, Derek (Jennifer) Hollman, Amanda Kristine, Jason Hollman, Kirstie Hood, Adam Hood, Morgan Cooper, Joel Cooper, Devin Winquist, Kalen Winquist, and Jaidyn Winquist, as well as her seven great-grandchildren: Aria, Rafferty and Merryn Maitland, Cora Maitland, and Jovia, Henry, and Jonathan Hollman. She is additionally survived by her brother Danny (Dorie) Maclennan, along with sisters-in-law Louise Maclennan and Cathie Maclennan.
Beverley was predeceased by her beloved husband George Drummond on November 30, 2010, her parents, Neil and Kay Maclennan, her brothers Neil and Doug Maclennan, sisters-in-law Judy Maclennan and Margaret Bews, and granddaughter Emily Cooper.
Born on August 9, 1936, in Calgary, Alberta, Beverley was the eldest (and only girl) of four children. Her childhood was spent in Gull Lake, Lebret, Mankota, and Glidden, where the raven-haired beauty first caught the eye of George Drummond—whom she would marry on May 14, 1955, in Marengo, Saskatchewan. Together, they built a life on their farm near Glidden until retiring to Medicine Hat in 2002. Throughout her life, Bev faced significant challenges with grace and resilience, including a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 1969 that led to a loss of vision in one eye. Regardless, she remained an active and vibrant individual, becoming a Life Master in Duplicate Bridge and enjoying competition in
GROWING THROUGH GRIEF:
tournaments across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and even the United States.
Beverley was also involved in her community, sitting on the School Division Board for many years. Bev also was a member of the CWL and the Glidden Ladies Community Club. An avid reader, she had a particular fondness for mystery novels, boasting an extensive collection of Agatha Christie works, amongst others. Her passion for literature continued until her last days. Bev had a lifelong appreciation for music, including classical music and Dixieland Jazz. Bev was a member of the Carolettes in Kindersley for many years.
Her green thumb blossomed through a passion for gardening and flowers. Early in her married life, she raised chickens and managed a vast vegetable garden, showcasing her skills as an accomplished cook and baker who even took lessons in Chinese cuisine.
Her intelligence and sharp wit endeared her to many, whether solving complex logic problems or dominating at games like Trivial Pursuit. Bev had a strong faith and could recite many Bible verses or quotes from a particular author.
Beverley had a love for sports, especially curling and cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays. Alongside George, she shared a passion for researching and reselling antiques, particularly glassware.
As we celebrate her life, we honour the profound legacy of love, resilience, and joy that Bev leaves behind. Her quick wit, spirit of adventure, and deep faith will be forever cherished by those fortunate enough to have known her. Bev will be profoundly missed but will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates any donations made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Bev’s name. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.saamis.com or to condolences@ saamis.com, subject heading Beverley Drummond. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Between worlds at Christmas
This time of year can be really exciting and joyful and it can also be a really difficult time for so many who are perhaps not feeling the spirit of Christmas so much. It is challenging when you are hurting and everyone around you seems to be joyful. We feel like we are alone, left out of the magic of Christmas and the inspiration that comes with being excited about the future. When we are missing someone, time seems to stand still. We just want to go back. We have such fond memories of the past and we yearn to revisit those moments of delight and excitement. Why wouldn’t we want to go there? That is where we feel close to our loved ones. Yet we are not in the past. We can’t go back. What are we to do with all of this emotion that continues to consume us? It is like we are stuck here in this place of despair and it causes us to become depressed. We lose hope. If we try to glimpse into the future it just feels so overwhelming and in some ways impossible to imagine. The future is unknown. Even if we thought we could step into future goals and aspirations, it seems pointless when we don’t have our loved ones beside us. The future seems so far away and quite frankly, we would just rather not go there. It is just too painful to think about. How can anything ever be okay again? So here we are in between worlds. We cannot go back and we have no desire to move forward. What can we do in this space? How can we overcome these feelings
that overwhelm us this time of year? I have found that the only thing to do is to take this time to slow down and reconnect with yourself and your own wisdom. We remove ourselves from the hustle and bustle for a time. We give ourselves a little retreat. We say no to things we don’t want to do. We start looking after ourselves in the best way possible. We practise all the things we know will help us, like eating properly, getting rest, getting out in nature and for us here in the winter and cold maybe we connect with those house plants! We need to prioritize things to help us emotionally, physically and spiritually. We talk to a trusted friend or coach. We find creative ways to allow all the emotions to come out of us so we can heal and be free again. We do this not because we feel like it, but because we want to feel better. We want to heal and feel joyful again.
Please know that you are not alone if you are the person in between worlds and needing to retreat this time of year. It is okay. By looking after yourself now in whatever small way you can, you are setting yourself up to find positive ways to move forward. This time of difficulty can and will pass. It takes a little time, patience and some healing work. Embrace it now and allow the grieving process to transform you in positive ways you do not know yet are possible. Christmas will come and go. Enjoy what you can and over everything else continue to focus on what you need to feel better. If you need help, reach out. Support is all around you. Sending so much love, Angela www.healingenergy.world
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
EATONIA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
• Spartan Christmas Turkey Dinner for Students & Staff
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
• St. Paul Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm
• United Church Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm
- Every Thursday from 11:30 AM -1:30 PM come to the Eatonia Library for puzzles, visiting and grab your books for the week!
- Check out our TOPS Chapter … it’s free to try! Every Wednesday. Weigh in: 5:45 PM. Meeting: 6:00 PM at the EOL Meeting Room. Contact Mila 306-480-2035.
ESTON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
• The Blue Christmas Service 7:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Sponsored by the Eston Ministerial
- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace - Draws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR240086
- Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided.
- Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
- Drop-In Basketball Thursdays 7:30-9:30 PM at ECS Gym. Minimum 12 years of age. No charge. Contact Jesse to be added to a group text for the program 306583-9087.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-4607056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Kerrobert Curling Club Open Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. No charge. Please bring indoor shoes.
- Shuffle Club every Monday from 1:30-3:00 PM at the
PCC (216 McPhersons Street).
- Walk This Way Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the at the PCC (216 McPhersons Street). All ages. All skill levels. No cost. Bring your indoor shoes. Everyone welcome.
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
- Kerrobert & District Wildlife Federation has a Gun Raffle ongoing. Tickets available online until December 31st. Early Bird Prize Draw is December 10th.
- Hockey has begun! Check our Town Website for the Arena Schedule.
KINDERSLEY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs Battlefords North Stars 7:30 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 & 21
• Kindersley Museum & Tourism Centre’s annual Museum of Lights. Fridays Drive Thru and Saturdays Walk Thru.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 1:30 PM at 401 - 4th Ave West (New Life Church). Everyone welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306-463-4514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management?
TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- PickleBall Indoor Season meets Sunday & Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM at Elizabeth Middle School gym. Cost is $50 for the season or $5 drop in. More info call Teresa Knight 306-460-7304.
- Fit Fighter Group Class. Helping individuals with Parkinson Disease, Fibromyalgia, MS, Arthritis and mobility issues. Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 AM at Anytime Fitness. Call Karen 463-3607 for more info.
- The Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May at 7:00 pm at the Kindersley Seniors Centre. All levels of quilters and quilt enthusiasts are welcome! If you are interested in joining the group or would like more information, please contact Regan Overand at 306-
460-6467.
- 365 Kindersley Air Cadets meet Thursday evenings at the Kindersley Museum. No charge to be a member, youth ages 12-18, must be a Canadian resident. Contact Ian Kehrer via text at 306-460-0057 or Sheila Kehrer via text 306-604-9044. Come Fly With Us!
- Kindersley Library Lego Club will be held every Tuesday from 3:45-4:45 until February 11. For ages 8-14. Registration is limited to 15 children.
LEADER
- Cards & Coffee. Come out and play cards! Every Tuesday afternoon 2:00-4:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. No cost.
LUSELAND
- New Walking Club starting Monday, November 4 and running Monday to Friday each week at the Luseland Community Hall 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Silver collection at the door.
Recurring events at The Luseland Pioneers Club: PUBLIC
- Every Monday 2:00-4:00 PM Coffee
- Last Monday of the month 2:00-4:00 PM Pie ’n Ice Cream
MEMBERS
- Monday-Saturday 8:30 AM - Noon, Coffee, Pool, Cards, Visiting
- Tuesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Tuesday 7:00-10:00 PM Games
- Wednesday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Thursday 1:00-4:00 PM Cards
- Third Friday of the month Birthday Lunch at noon.
MAJOR
- MS Support Group at Kerrobert Health Centre Meeting Room every 3rd Saturday 2:00-4:00 PM. Contact Gail Wiebe for more information 306-834-7068.
PLENTY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
• Small Town Christmas Party at the Plenty Hall. Cocktails at 5:30 PM. Supper at 6:30 PM. Banger Bingo at 8:00 PM. For tickets or more info text Helena 306-8310007 or Tyler 306-932-7791.
or Zacc Bast