Dr. Holmes Scholarship awarded to
nine students
BY JOAN JANZEN
Nine students are the proud recipients of scholarships from the Dr. Holmes Scholarship Fund, which provides assistance for local students. The recipients are Brian Pinno, Madison Hobbs, Trinity Connolly, Shelby Hobbs, Ashley Robb, Mesa Kraft, Marty Gelvero, Emma Morrice and Hurley Beckstrand.
Scholarships are awarded to students from the area covered by Dr. Holmes’s practice, which includes Elrose, Eatonia, Eston, Kindersley, Brock, and Kyle. Applicants pursuing a career in the health field were required to apply by mid-September to be eligible.
Each applicant is required to submit a transcript of marks from their most recent year of study, a proof of full-time enrolment letter, a volunteer involvement reference, an employment reference, as well as an academic reference. A selection committee awards the scholarships based on qualifications.
Dr. Stewart Holmes passed away at the age of 93. He loved to attend an annual tea to which the scholarship recipients were invited in honour of their dedication to pursuing a career in health care. Although the tea is no longer held, the scholarship continues as Dr. Holmes’s lasting legacy. It is made possible through generous donations from the local communities and beyond.
Marty Gelvero Madison Hobbs
Hurley Beckstrand Trinity Connolly
Shelby Hobbs Mesa Kraft
Emma Morrice Brian Pinno
Ashley Robb,
Transforming old Saskatchewan farm glass into things of beauty
BY JOAN JANZEN
If you’re old enough to remember what a Noxzema jar or Milk of Magnesia bottle looks like, you’ll be surprised at what can be created from these broken, dark blue vintage 80-year-old glass jars. Trina Mastel from Leader, Sask. has crafted a forest of 100 ornamental trees out of chunks of glass. Since 2020, she’s also made many additional crafts, all made from old Saskatchewan farm glass.
Trina resides in Leader with her husband Keith and acquires her glass collection from the homestead they farm south of Liebenthal. “The homestead started in 1910; I do my glass searching on homesteads in that area. A lot of farmers around here let me pick glass in their fields.”
Many Saskatchewan homesteaders discarded their broken glassware in a pile near their homesteads, which makes it convenient for Trina.
“For years, I would pick up the glass, putting it in a bucket. Lots of times, I can tell if it was from a sugar bowl, plate or a piece of a window pane. I wanted to create something with the pieces that I found,” she said.
Trina has always enjoyed various crafts and began searching for what she could make with a bucket of glass her husband found at the Mastel homestead. Years ago, there were pieces of gold, green, red, and blue glass in stucco, which is the type of glass in the bucket.
“In the fall of 2020, I made my first three trees,” she said. “Something to do in 2020 turned into a huge hobby. It’s so relaxing!”
After selling her first creations, Trina realized customers wanted more. “The next year, I went to a cou-
ple of local craft sales, and most people were all over it. It’s been a hit!” Trina exclaimed.
Her craft began to progress. She learned which products to use and discerned the differences in various types of glue. “Things evolved from there. A lady suggested I should try making little flowers, so I started doing succulents,” she said.
She also makes pictures, key chains, bookmarks, and sun-catchers. “When I make glass sun-catchers, I use driftwood from the Saskatchewan River.” She finds beaver-chewed driftwood on the banks of the river, as well as petrified wood. “The petrified wood is strictly from this area.”
“I also make little snowmen with the fine chips of glass I have and use black vintage beads that I got from Keith’s mom. She did beadwork in the 1960s,” she explained.
All this creative work takes place in the heated shop at the farm where Trina has plenty of room to work and sort the glass. Her cats keep her company while she works. “I can spend forty hours a week because I’ll get up in the morning and start getting things organized, start building, and watch TV while I’m doing it,” she said. It can take five or six days for her to complete one tree.
She can also spend hours building and picking up glass. “If they have harrowed the yard, I am excited to pick glass,” she said. While searching, she also found pieces of a meteorite and a 1960 penny.
“Ever since I’ve been collecting glass, people will contact me if they have a dish that was their grandmother’s and they want something made with it. I do blend it with other glass if it’s not enough glass to make a tree,” she explained. “But I only use old glass.”
Trina transforms old Saskatchewan farm glass into something beautiful and preserves history at the same time. “I find part of a beautiful bowl and wonder what it was used for,” she said.
While Trina continues to do what she loves, collecting driftwood along the river and glass from old homesteads, her customers enjoy the beautiful pieces she creates.
Trina Mastel from Leader creates these beautiful trees and many other articles using old Saskatchewan farm glass from Saskatchewan homesteads.
Trina crafted a beautiful succulent on a piece of maple wood from her friend’s fallen tree.
Pat Bohn retires from Kindersley’s library
BY JOAN JANZEN
The final day of 2024 also marked Pat Bohn's last day of work at the Kindersley Library. The community librarian has been a dedicated employee for the past 34 years and will be missed by the many patrons who visit.
The community will miss seeing your friendly smile when they visit the library.
Pat started as the new librarian assistant in the fall of 1990. She had volunteered at the library two days a week for just over a year before assuming her new duties. Since then, she has met and assisted thousands of people who have come through the library's doors.
Always polite and friendly, Pat was content to work in the background, and she did well. The library held a three-day used book sale at the Kindersley Mall for many years. More than three hundred boxes of donated books filled the library's basement each year. All of those books had to be sorted and each one inspected for missing pages. Volunteers were recruited, and the Klippers did the heavy lifting; nevertheless Pat did a lot of work during those sales.
She also underwent a huge learning curve as technology advanced and everything changed at the library, allowing patrons access to much more information. Meanwhile, plenty of other activities were happening, including winter and summer reading challenges, invited guests, activities for kids, storytime, writing contests, science parties, a tree planting program, adult programs, and Teddy Bear picnics outside for a crowd of active children.
Pat kept right on working while the library's interior underwent renovations and when its flat roof was replaced with a metal peaked roof.
Thanks for all your hard work, Pat. The community will most assuredly miss seeing your friendly smile when they visit the library.
Memories of New Year’s Eve 1966
A memory of New Year’s Eve in 1966 was shared on Historic Saskatchewan’s Facebook page, and it is worth sharing. Blaine Coleman tells his story, which reveals the fortitude and excellent work ethic of a generation that not only worked hard but also played hard in rural Saskatchewan. We hope you enjoy it.
In 1966 I was working at a Texaco service station. On the morning of New Year’s Eve I had to be up and at work at 7:00 in the morning. That morning was -40 with about a 20 mph wind blowing.
I was living on the farm at the time and I started my car, a 1963 Fairlane and drove the seven miles to work. Because it was so cold I left my car running when I got to work.
About 8:00 a.m. my boss phoned me at work and asked if I could close down for a few minutes and go and boost him because his truck wouldn’t start. I boosted him and he followed me to work, and then the day began.
All the calls at work that day were people wanting boosts. The battery in my bosses’ truck was low so I had to handle all the calls with my car.
Being New Year’s eve we shut down early at 5:00 p.m. and went our separate ways. Of course, being a teenager and New Year’s Eve, it may be cold but I was going to the dance and party.
I went to the dance, again leaving my car running, and of course during the dance sneaking out for the odd drink with friends - again in my car. Friends made fun of me for leaving my car running, however when the dance was over it was 45 below, and I had to boost eleven cars before everyone left the parking lot.
Of course being me, 1:30 a.m. was early for New Year’s Eve so I had to go to a couple of parties. The last party ended at 6:30 a.m., and I made my way home.
However after leaving my car run for all this time I had to stop and open up the service station to get gas. I went there and four cars came and got gas; people that were travelling and looking for an open service station to refuel.
My car was full of gas when I left the farm that morning and after leaving it running constantly for 24 hours, the total cost of the gas was $7.30. I got paid $1.00 an hour at work and we charged $2.00 for a boost. Although it was myself and my car boosting, all the money went to my boss. There was no charge when I boosted after the dance.
At that time, if I got off work at 4:00 p.m. and it was busy, I would stay an hour or two and help and never think about overtime wages. We just did that then!
Of course when I got home on New Years morning there were chores to do, but I did manage a bit of sleep and enjoyed a huge New Year’s Day meal that evening. I was back at work at 7:00 a.m. the next morning.
Pat Bohn, community librarian, talks to a playschool group who visited the library in 2023.
PHOTO KINDERSLEY LIBRARY
Pat Bohn went through each book to ensure it didn’t have missing pages before boxing it up for the used book sale, which was held annually at the Kindersley Mall. PHOTO WEST
OPINION:
Goal for 2025: seek common sense solutions
BY JOAN JANZEN
If you’ve set goals for 2025, you’re not alone. A man told his friend he decided to quit smoking but then asked his buddy for a cigarette. “I thought you made a resolution not to smoke,” his buddy said.
“I’m in phase one of quitting,” his friend responded. “I’ve quit buying cigarettes.”
Another woman decided to start knitting. “It’s a lot like meditating, but I end up with a sweater afterwards,” she said.
If you listen to the news you may notice many Canadians have a goal to see an election as soon as possible in 2025, while the Prime Minister appears to have a goal to do everything possible to prevent it from happening. While rising costs seem beyond our control, doing all we can to maintain our physical and mental health is a goal worth pursuing.
In his New Year’s video, Dr. Suneel Dhand expressed optimism for 2025 because social media platforms are enabling doctors to discuss things that were previously ignored.
As he listens to his patients, those in their 80s recall a time when doctors spent time with their patients and gave them common-sense advice. He said
tempt to move away from anything natural and replace it with a “pill for every ill.” He didn’t negate the need for medications but suggested there are often alternate common-sense solutions.
He showed a video clip of two Canadian surgeons accusing Dr. Dhand of being an extremist simply because he encourages the use of natural supplements and believes in their benefits.
“Natural supplements are based on ingredients that people have been consuming for thousands of years without causing any harm,” he added. “Why is the medical establishment so scared of natural ways to combat illness?”
Simple recommendations such as taking regular walks, exercise, spending time outdoors or connecting with community can do so much to improve one’s mental and physical health.
In a recent publication, Dr. Dhand referred to an article published by CNN that said a new generation of climate doctors is being trained. Dr. Dhand said medical journals are full of articles on climate and healthcare, and medical schools are rushing to include climate change in their curricula while basic courses on nutrition and metabolic health remain glaringly absent.
“Ultimately, it’s the patients who pay the price for these misplaced priorities,” he noted. He observed the system is
itize ideological campaigns over fixing what’s broken.”
There are plenty of examples of attempts to fix what’s not broken. Journalist Brian Lilley recently interviewed Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, who spoke about a methane-reducing feed additive which can be given to cows to reduce methane emissions (burps and farts). He said research for this additive was funded because of the pressure placed on the livestock industry to reduce methane emissions. Meanwhile, Dr. Charlebois said they have no idea if it impacts the quality of beef or milk or if farmers are using it since the livestock industry is self-regulated.
John Campbell is another popular medical professional who interviewed Dr. David Grimes, a medical researcher, teacher, author and physician. Dr. Grimes conducted a personal study where he found 85 to 95 percent of a group of 5000 patients had vitamin D deficiency.
“So many of their illnesses revolved around vitamin D deficiency,” he said. “People suffer from illnesses that are so readily correctable.”
Vitamin D also plays a vital role in vaccinations. He said a vaccination produces an immune response that gobbles up and utilizes vitamin D. “Vaccinations knock down vitamin D levels, and then with each subsequent vaccination, the levels decrease,” he said. When giving vaccinations, you basically need vitamin D to produce the immune re-
sponse; without it, the vaccine won’t be effective.
Throughout his research, Dr. Grimes also observed that treatment for cancer won’t work properly unless someone’s vitamin D levels are adequate. Those that had a positive response had adequate Vitamin D, he observed.
Dr. Dhand stated the obvious: vitamin D is crucial, but we live in a cold climate where it’s difficult to get adequate amounts from the sun. “Yet the medical establishment looks on it with distrust,” he said.
Vitamin D is essential for immunity. “And without good immunity, you don’t have good health,” Dr. Campbell added.
Meanwhile Canadians are eagerly listening to the advice given by medical experts like Dr. Dhand and John Campbell. This is evident by numerous comments posted by Canadians after their videos. Here are a just a few.
“I am a retired researcher and investigator. I find Dr. Dhand extremely credible.”
“I’ve been a nurse for 45 years. You speak the truth. Keep it up.”
“You are excellent at telling us the facts without a strong opinion or telling us how to think.”
As the new year begins, we can be like the fellow who had a goal to stop smoking. Phase one is to stop buying into information that promotes a pill for every ill instead of common sense solutions.
Pop89: Lighten up
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Dr. Jackie Hagens & Associates www.absolutelyeyes.com Facebook: Oyen Optometry and Absolutely Eyes 107 MAIN STREET, KINDERSLEY • 306-463-8266
“Because there is SO much worth seeing!”
In my last column, I was still undecided about my “word of the year.” A month before January, my siblings and I began considering which word we’d like to bring with us into the new year, a word representing an aspired attribute or attitude. I was toying with Grace or Acceptance but finally landed on Light. “Let there be light!” Yes, yes, how we need it!
I am thankful that I live in a place where, thanks to all this sky, even on a grey day, Light prevails; Val Marie is often the sunniest spot in the country. And my cacti can attest to that. How I made it through those dreary, rainy university days on the West Coast is beyond me. Actually, when I think of it, endless monotonous rainfall (not the dramatic storms of the prairie) is exactly the atmosphere one needs to make spending one’s days and days in a library an appealing idea. (Those were the olden days of books and the Dewey decimal system and exciting random discoveries while researching and searching in the stacks.)
This year I am focussing on buoyancy and illumination, two aspects of Light. I want to “lighten up” in a climate of tension, side-taking and far too many dark hours spent fuming over presumed slights and prejudices. May I be light-hearted, may I not expect the worst but entertain the best in everyone, including myself. Just yesterday, I heard a psychologist say that “in the absence of information, people have a tendency to connect the dots in the most dark and pathological ways.” I need to gather more information before my dots add up to a demon rather than another dazed bozo like myself, doing the best I can at any given moment.
Does this mean I believe that, deep down, people mean well? I don’t know. But I do know that when I react by ranting and suspecting the worst in others, I neglect my better angels. It’s not fun holding grudges, feeding resentments, strengthening the habit of hurt. It’s heavy. Life becomes exhausting and my world the size of a postage stamp.
And while on the subject of “gathering information,” here’s a quote attributed to Herbert Spencer that bears repeating: “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance — that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
As grace would have it, the theme of this year’s daily meditations on a favourite website is: “Salt and Light.” The term is a reference to Matthew 5: 13-16: “You are the Light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and
put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives Light to everyone in the house.” The idea here is not to toot your own horn or build up your reputation. It’s to shine on others. Unfortunately, that quote was turned into a description of American exceptionalism. Regan first described America as a shining city on a hill - a beacon and example to the rest of us. The words have become less about responsibility, charity, and goodwill and more about the winning team.
The second part, the bit about don’t hide your Light under a bushel, was meant, once again, as a call to spread warmth and heat to all our fellow men and women. To be Light is not to shine any brighter than anyone else but to help lighten someone’s load, take the time to shed Light on a frightening and troubling situation before jumping to conclusions, inspire action and confidence in others, assuring them through actions not just talk, that the Light has not been conquered by the dark. At least, not yet.
I recall a grade-school teacher reassuring us that to bring Light into a room you simply need to light a candle. But how do you bring darkness into a room full of Light? Can you carry it in a box? Can you open the box, let the darkness out and let it fill in the space? No, the Light fills the box, and darkness disappears. But as I grew older I realized that people can bring darkness into a room with scowls and storm clouds over their heads. The tone and energy can suddenly go from Light to heavy. Try as you might, you cannot budge a “Debbie Downer” from their take on the world. They feed off that energy; it’s how they get their “hit.” Without realizing it, they are tuned to darkness - dark news, dark thoughts, dark opinions, dark predictions. The Buddhists call them hungry ghosts. Such dedication to darkness is enough to make you believe in possession.
The only person with more power in the same room is a funny person. As I get older, my respect for humorous souls grows. They can laugh at their own foibles, call out humanity’s absurdness, spot the quirks and even quell the fears that might otherwise get them locked up in jail or the hospital. God Bless the silly, goofy, observant comedians in the room who refuse to take themselves too seriously and who show us that the lighter side of life can actually reside in the heart of our heaviest, self-obsessed moments.
Past Christmases, I looked forward to Carmen’s flat-bed truck rolling up and down the streets, carols piped through speakers and kids dressed as a nativity tableau. Shepherds held hockey sticks as staffs, and Clyde, the family dog, played all animals. This year, three sweet children from the daycare shone their little mega-watt lights brightly upon me, delivering a plate of homemade cookies to my door. It took children to remind me that Christmas, whether through carols or cookies, is about spreading tidings of “goodness and light.” And now, more than ever, that seems only right.
Mayor Francis has a positive outlook for 2025
The Mayor of Kindersley, Ken Francis, is optimistic about the upcoming year. He issued the following statement to Your West Central Voice on Friday, January 3.
“We are excited about 2025 as a newly elected council. There are a few legacy projects to finalize, as well as some new ones to add to the budget this year. We want to keep up with our infrastructure improvements as in the past. We are confident that our oil, gas, and ag sectors will have another good year, and our provincial economy will remain strong. We will continue to promote our community as a great place to live, work and raise a family in
hopes of attracting more people here. We will also work with our provincial counterparts to attract and retain healthcare professionals, including filling the 2-3 physician vacancies as well as solidifying the continued clinic operations by the Sask Health Authority. It is our intent to remain fiscally responsible while ensuring we make smart investments for future generations. Tax fairness while still providing top-quality facilities and services will always remain priorities,” concluded Francis.
Mayor Ken Francis
Looking into 2025’s crystal ball
BY BRUCE PENTON
Almost guaranteed to happen in 2025:
January — Russian sniper Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s record for most career National Hockey League goals (894), but might wind up a half-dozen or so short by the end of the 2024-25 season. When the calendar flipped over to 2025, the Great 8 was 25 goals short.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
February — The Four Nations Faceoff tournament, dubbed the Few Nations Faceoff by a Montreal columnist because of the absence of players from Switzerland, Russia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Slovakia, among other hockey=playing countries, is a major success and no one misses the event it replaced — the NHL all-star game.
March — Perennial threats Kevin Koe and Brad Gushue falter at the Brier, confirming that the old guard is on the way out, and Canada’s new guard, led by 2025 champion Matt Dunstone, has officially arrived.
April — Rory McIlroy’s remade golf swing will finally result in a Masters’ championship, giving the Northern Irishman the coveted career grand slam. On April 1, the Leafs shock the NHL world by trading Auston Matthews for two first-round draft picks. “We were 7-1 when he was injured, so it shows we really don’t need him,” said a Leafs’ spokesman.
May — The Blue Jays get off to a promising .500 start into the second month of the MLB season and World Series parade plans begin to be formulated.
June — The NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs, which used to end in early April during the Original 6 days, finally winds up on June 22, with the Oilers finally claiming the title after last year’s Game 7 heartbreak. Their opponent in the final? Ottawa Senators.
July — As the Jays fade, they make a big splash at the trade deadline, sending slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., to a contender for a number of young prospects. With Guerrero, Jr., unsigned past the end of the 2025 season, Blue Jays’ brass figure they may as well get some young talent in exchange for the slugger before he becomes a free agent.
August — B.C. Lions new head coach Buck Pierce’s work with quarterback Nathan Rourke results in an 8-0 record to start the Canadian Football League season and Vancouver fans are dreaming of the team’s first Grey Cup since 2011.
September — The National Football League season gets under way and defending Super Bowl champion Detroit Lions are again odds-on favourites to win it all.
October — Baseball’s mega millions teams, the Yankees and Dodgers, win their respective league championships, leaving Mets’ fans to wonder if that $765 million for Juan Soto was really worth it.
November — Cooper Flagg is on the way in and LeBron James is on the way out as the National Basketball Association enters a new era.
December — Year-end reviews of the sports happenings over the previous 12 months are printed and
show undoubtedly that most sports columnists have no idea what they’re talking about when they make predictions.
• TV fact from Yahoo Sports “Football is the most popular TV show in America — by a ridiculous margin. Of the 100 most-watched broadcasts of 2023, 96 were football games (93 NFL, three NCAA).”
• Andrew Hammond on Bluesky.app: “Bill Belichick dealing with NIL. Bill Belichick at Media Days. Bill Belichick dealing with six or seven reporters in a cramped auxiliary after a rain-soaked game at Virginia. It’s all gonna be so glorious. I give it two years.”
• Stewart Mandel of The Athletic, on UNC hiring Bill Belichick as head football coach: “Unless Belichick can magically restore eligibility for Tom Brady, I fail to see how this will end well.”
• Denny Carter on bluesky.app: “Report: Tom Brady to enrol at the University of North Carolina.”
• Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: “The fuss over the roster selections for the Few Nations Cup makes little sense. First, an international men’s hockey competition without the Swiss, Danes, Slovaks and Czechs isn’t really international at all.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Spoiled Alabama fans whining about their three-loss team not getting an invitation to the College Football Playoff is like listening to Warren Buffett complain about not getting a senior discount.”
• Jack Finarelli on his website, sports curmudgeon. com: “Famous Idaho Potato bowl: Northern Illinois Huskies play the Fresno State Bulldogs. This should be the Canine Bowl, right … ?”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “According to a recent global study, Detroit is one of the most dangerous U.S. cities to visit. Especially if you’re an NFL team.”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: ”I invited some friends over to listen to the Canucks-Wild game on the radio. I told them we were going to party like it was 1949.”
• Legendary coach Bill Belichick, on Jets’ owner Woody Johnson’s approach to running the NFL franchise: “Ready, fire, aim.”
• Columnist Norman Chad, on Twitter: “I will be proposing an eight-day week next year, designating the eighth day as one the NFL can never play on.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Star: “Terrible time to be a sports fan in Chicago. The Bears stink. The Blackhawks stink. The White Sox stink. The Bulls aren’t any good. Not much to care about in one of the great sporting towns in America.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
REGINA – Jon Hromek, who just a few days earlier on Dec. 31 announced his resignation as leader of the upstart Saskatchewan United Party, has thrown his hat in the ring for potential leadership of the Saskatchewan Party. However, there’s no ring, just yet, for that hat to be cast into.
In late October, Premier Scott Moe led the Saskatchewan Party to a historic fifth mandate in government, and the second election won under his leadership. While it was a reduced majority, it was very much a majority. And in that election, the Sask United Party campaigned on the basis that the Saskatchewan Party had in many ways lost its way and shifted too far to the left.
The Sask United failed to win any seats, winning 3.9 per cent of the provincial vote. That includes Hromek’s attempt to win Lumsden-Morse, where he placed third.
There’s historical precedent that few premiers in Canada remain in office longer than 10 years, either leaving on their own accord, as Brad Wall did, or through electoral defeat. As this February marks seven years for Moe’s premiership, that 10 years is coming up soon. While there’s no hard and fast rule about 10 years, nor has Moe indicated he was going anywhere, the questions that have been arising in political circles is if, and when, Moe might decide to step down as leader? Will it happen within the next four years? If so, when? And if so, who would be running for his replacement, both as party leader and as premier?
Hromek, who has been CEO of two oil companies, opened the door to a potential leadership race on Friday, Dec. 3, in his discussion with CJME/CKOM’s Evan Bray.
Hromek told Bray, “The mechanics are in place for this year already. There’s going to be a leadership review. I mean, that’s up to the members of the Saskatchewan party to send that message there at the next AGM. But I mean, at the end of the day, it’s up to Premier Moe, if he if he’s done and if he wants to step down. If the opportunity arises, I would be very excited to put my name forward for that. I would be thrilled to serve in that position here in Saskatchewan.”
Asked if there was room for more than the Sask Party and NDP on the political landscape of the province, Hromek said he’d thought a lot about it, and that it could only be answered by which way the Sask Party goes.
Hromek said, “I firmly believe that if the Sask Party goes back to its roots, back to just being a true centre-right party, from the people that I’ve talked to right across this province, they would view that as, why would we need another party?
“The Sask Party has been a naturally governing party in Saskatchewan for, you know, for quite some time. And you know, as long as they stay true to their word. I remember when Brad Wall used to say all the time, you know, a promise given, is a promise kept. And we need to get back to that and do that and execute and deliver for the people. If you deliver for the people, what you say you’re going to, I don’t necessarily see room for a third party.”
As for the cities having voted NDP in the last election, Hromek said, “Saskatchewan is the most conservative province federally, per capita. So we see that overwhelmingly every federal election.
“I honestly believe that there is a place that if the Sask Party returned back to its roots, where it’s centre, but it’s centre-right, and it’s a party of the people that that appealed to both urban and rural. Because remember, Brad Wall won a lot of seats in urban Sas-
Jon Hromek
katchewan, right? And we can return to that. Because what we, what I see, is, you know, good policy is good policy is good policy. And you know what? What we’re facing right now, we’ve got issues in health care, we’ve got issues in education, infrastructure spending, different things like that, like this. It doesn’t matter if you’re centre, or centre-right, that appeals to people, and that’s what I’ve heard right across this province and talking to people.”
He added, “What we have seen in talking to people, is a lot of people in the cities voted NDP because they were so dissatisfied with the direction that the Sask Party is going.”
He noted, “We can’t underestimate the appetite for change that Saskatchewan people have both rurally and urbanly, and that’s why we need a leader to come in. We need leadership to come in and truly unify. Because, I mean, it’s dangerous to get to a place where it’s urban versus rural. We need a unification. Yes, I’m centre-right, there’s no doubt about it, but I think that that we can encompass with good policy, a lot of things.”
Earlier in the interview, he said that his decision to step away from the Sask United Party was 100 per cent his decision, and that, “the whole reason I got into politics, originally, was because I had felt that my historical party, the Sask Party, wasn’t representing me anymore, and it took a long time for me to even jump into politics. I come from the oil business. I’m a business guy, so I take my decisions very seriously, and I take time to make them. So this was my decision, 100 per cent my decision and that’s what it was.”
He said the future of the Sask United Party was up to the party’s executive committee, as he had stepped away completely.
SK Arts CEO Message
tansi colleagues, partners, and friends, Bonn annii, happy new year. I want to begin this New Year by expressing my gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and humility that I step into the CEO role at SK Arts as its first Indigenous leader in 76 years and I want to acknowledge this momentous and historic milestone. My appointment represents a significant and meaningful commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation that I am excited to continue.
As a Métis and nêhiyaw woman, I deeply respect the values of community, collaboration, and stewardship – the foundation of our cultures for generations – and I am committed to weaving them into the fabric of our work here at SK Arts.
I am inspired to continue SK Arts’ work to proactively identify and address barriers in our programs faced by underserved communities, including Indigenous, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+, Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, among others and working with funded organizations and the arts community-at-large to help the wider sector address their goals around inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA).
Acknowledging an important truth: the arts have not always received the investment they deserve, but they continue to uplift and inspire, reminding us of
the value of creativity in every aspect of our lives. SK Arts remains committed to working with the arts community and the Saskatchewan government to increase public investment in the arts sector and SK Arts, ensuring support for the arts is stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive.
As we enter 2025, I am committed to listening and learning from all of you as we chart the course for the agency’s future. Your expertise, passion, and dedication are essential as we continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable arts ecosystem.
We look forward to working together to expand opportunities, support diverse creative expressions, ensure that arts funding reaches those who need it most, and foster an environment where artists can thrive, new voices are lifted, and art’s transformative power resonates throughout Saskatchewan and Canada. I am confident that our collective efforts will make a lasting impact on the arts landscape.
On behalf of all of us at SK Arts, we wish you a New Year filled with inspiration, creativity, and continued success.
Lisa Bird-Wilson CEO, SK Arts
Memories of stone boats and ice houses
BY JOAN JANZEN
There’s nothing quite like an old photo to bring back stories about the past. A photo posted by Ralph Goff on Historic Saskatchewan’s Facebook page did precisely that. A simple image from the 1940s of a stone boat with an ice house spotted in the background caused numerous people to comment and share their fond memories.
Although younger generations will never have heard of a stone boat or an ice house, older generations know all about them. One after another, people shared memories of stone boats being pulled by horses to haul barrels of water for washing clothes and bathing or to rescue newborn calves from the cold while the upset mama trailed behind.
This farm implement was also used for cleaning out the barn, hauling bales, and, as its name implies, hauling stones. It was used to move stones from the field to a spot designated as not likely to be used for crops, which was usually known as the stone pile.
Everyone in the family helped pick stones. During the era of youth farm labour, one person recalled working like an adult at the age of 12 years, loading and unloading the stone boat.
The horses were patient helpers, waiting attentively for the call to come to the latest pile of gathered stones. Some stone boats had a pole to prevent the stone boat from sliding into the horse’s hooves.
A stone boat was used almost every day during winter. At times, it was used as transportation to a nearby town or country school when roads were impassable. The children would huddle together
Luseland Arts Council presents MUNRO and
When you see an image of a stone boat and an ice house, it revives many memories of days gone by.
PHOTO: RALPH GOFF, HISTORIC SASKATCHEWAN
on a few bales of hay while being transported to school.
Every time this old conveyance was used, the driver was bundled up in winter gear, standing with legs braced, and riding the front of the old stone boat over the snow banks.
The ice house served as a great refrigerator during the summer. Early in spring, a pile of ice was put in the ice house and covered with sawdust. The sawdust kept the ice most of the summer, and the ice house provided a cool refuge on a hot summer day.
Milk and cream were kept in the ice house or placed in a container and dropped down the well. One person remembered finding salamanders and lizards in the outhouse, which he used to chase his sister.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
7:30 PM at Luseland Homecoming Hall
Adults (at the door) $30
Advanced $25 (available at Luseland CU) Students $15 Family Rate $175
They command the stage with poignant originals and innovative renditions of beloved cover songs. Recently awarded the SCMA Group of the Year 2024.
maarsii,
Lisa Bird-Wilson
Ukrainian
Christmas may no longer be celebrated on January 7
BY JOAN JANZEN
It has been a long-standing tradition for Ukrainians to celebrate Christmas on January 7 each year, but since 2023, people in Ukraine have chosen to celebrate Christmas on December 25. More and more Ukrainians of the Orthodox faith are choosing to abandon the Orthodox calendar and celebrate Christmas on December 25 instead.
A vote was taken across North America to accept the new, revised Julian calendar, resulting in both the English Christmas and Ukrainian Christmas being cel-
ebrated on the same day. This change is due to Ukraine wishing to distance itself from Russia and the Russian church. The President of Ukraine passed a law moving away from the January 7 date.
For many people in Saskatchewan, this is the first time they have decided to celebrate Christmas on December 25. However, the traditions remain the same as previous celebrations, including savoury dishes such as perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, dumplings, porridge made from boiled wheat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and fish. The meal has typically twelve meatless dishes representing the twelve disciples.
SWHL December 3 Stars of the Month
BY PHIL HEILMAN
Each month, the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) aims to highlight outstanding performances by players in the league, whether they are the usual high scorers or the unsung heroes.
Third Star: Taylor Bucsis; Biggar Nationals. It has been a tough year for the Nats, but Bucsis has been doing his part, scoring in 3 of 4 games this month and amassing 7
points over those 4 games.
Second Star: Shayne Neigum; Kindersley Sr Klippers. In 5 games this month, the top point scorer for the Champs has gathered 9 points in 5 games, helping propel them to a perfect 5-0 record in December.
First star: Derek Keller; Wilkie Outlaws. The heartbeat of the Outlaws has also had an outstanding month. Not only is he the top scorer for defensemen, he sits 2nd in league scoring. In just 3 games, he has collected 8 points.
Honourable Mentions: Rory Gregoire and Ryan Keller, Wilkie Outlaws. Hunter Steinhubel, Macklin Mohawks. Logan Drackett, Kindersley Sr Klippers.
Ukrainian Christmas Bread, known as Kolach, is served during Ukrainian Christmas celebrations.
Vern’s
BS & TENDERS
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Non-Certificated
Classroom Supervisors
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
ASSUMPTION SCHOOL Oyen, Alberta
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.
Christ the redeemer Catholic Schools is a large and fast-growing organization providing high quality education in a faith-based Christ-centered environment.
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.
Applications are now being accepted for: Non-Certified Classroom Supervisors at Assumption School located in Oyen, Alberta
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.
Non-Certified Classroom Supervisors work on an as needed, call out basis. Under the direction of the school administrator, our Non-Certified Classroom Supervisors will supervise students, maintain a positive learning environment and follow a set day plan in the event that a teacher is absent, and a certified substitute teacher is not available. Ideally, our Non-Certified Classroom Supervisors will have:
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.
qualities for IT professionals
Online. Anytime.
The Weekly Bean
The Oyen Echo Follow
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in a field related to youth, education, social work or recreation
• 3-5 years of experience working with children or youth
• Candidates with international education background and experience will also be considered
As a publicly funded Catholic School District, our schools and job locations are infused with the Catholic Faith. The successful candidate will demonstrate a respectful and sympathetic sensitivity to the Catholic beliefs and practices of the students and staff. To apply go to www.redeemer.ab.ca, employment, career opportunities, support staff, active postings; you will be required to create an online account. This post will remain active as required.
If you have questions about this job, please contact Clarence Pereira, Human Resources Coordinator at: Email: cpereira@redeemer.ab.ca Phone: 403-938-8562.
The School Division expresses appreciation to all those who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Relief Educational Assistants ASSUMPTION SCHOOL Oyen, Alberta
Christ the redeemer Catholic Schools is a large and fast-growing organization providing high quality education in a faith-based Christ-centered environment.
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
Applications are now being accepted for: Relief Educational Assistants at Assumption School located in Oyen, Alberta.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
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.
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
The successful candidates will be enthusiastic, compassionate, and dedicated to supporting students, with a strong willingness to learn and grow in the role. Key attributes for success include flexibility, patience, adaptability, and excellent communication and collaboration skills. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant training and/or prior experience as an Educational Assistant.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
As a publicly funded Catholic School District, our schools and job locations are infused with the Catholic Faith. The successful candidate will demonstrate a respectful and sympathetic sensitivity to the Catholic beliefs and practices of the students and staff.
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.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
To apply go to www.redeemer.ab.ca, employment, career opportunities, support staff, active postings; you will be required to create an online account. This post will remain active as required.
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
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
Preferred Experience and Skills
If you have questions about this job, please contact Clarence Pereira, Human Resources Coordinator at: Email: cpereira@redeemer.ab.ca Phone: 403-938-8562.
The School Division expresses appreciation to all those who apply. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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
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.
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:
•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
• 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
Ability to work independently
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.
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.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.
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.
•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:
•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
Classifieds
FEED AND SEED
AGRICULTURE
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
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
1-866-4051228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
HEALTH
REAL ESTATE
LAND WANTED
FARMLAND WANTED
I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. 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
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
FARMLAND FOR SALE
AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
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
newspapers! Visit www.swna. com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!
WANTED
JOHN DEERE SQUARE BALER Can be Working
Holland/Farmhand\ Bearcat.
MISCELLANEOUS
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drive. Does not have to be
PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Visit www.swna.com for details.
Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community
Get out of the office. Create opportuni
Eston Wheatland Centre presents
DRAWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THE CENTRE
Ticket Sales 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Draw at 7:30 PM
Anne Elizabeth Skulski was born in Humboldt, SK, on February 1, 1925, to Anton and Tekla (nee Oleskiw) Skulski, the third of six children.
Anne Elizabeth Dobni February 1, 1925 – December 16, 2024
Anne was from the wrong side of the tracks but had all the right stuff: physical beauty, a firstrate intellect, a unique style, lofty ideals, a broad mind, an open heart, and a deep and steadfast faith. She paved her way through life with her marvellous sense of humour, finding a way to inject laughter into almost any situation.
After she completed Grade 12, Anne took a job in the bank and a transfer to Kindersley. There, she met John, one of the Dobni boys. They married in 1949 and had six children. It was a bustling household, and Anne fulfilled the roles of wife and mother in a way that was both enlightened and a product of the times. Anne launched her baby boomers into promising and productive adult lives and shared fully in their ensuing joys and sorrows. She was widowed after 31 years of marriage but found her footing and thrived in her independence.
thority Board, and joining several service clubs and community organizations. In these and all endeavours, her progressive thinking was sometimes controversial but always indispensable. Anne spent 60 years in Kindersley and often recalled with fondness her many good friends there, particularly her colleagues in the CWL, whom she regarded as the most remarkable women.
In 2008 Anne moved to Saskatoon to live with her daughter and enlivened all involved in her well-being. Her life in Saskatoon was a great adventure, and she felt blessed that the care she gave her family over the years was being reciprocated.
In her old age, Anne was fragile but amazingly resilient, and she seemed unbreakable at the core. Anne was inspired by her physician, Dr. Clint McDonald, who always went above and beyond to ensure she received the best care possible. Anne was grateful for caregiver Fawn Knaggs, who brightened her days for many years and became an honourary family member, and she was strengthened by the angels from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, who brought her weekly communion. Thank you also to the many friends and strangers along Anne’s aging journey who offered acts or words of kindness—you made Anne feel seen in her declining years, and you made the world a better place.
Draws will be held until Oct. 30, 2024
Draws will continue until Oct. 29, 2025
See our Facebook page for details
Lic. #LR23-0068 Everyone Welcome!
Anne’s favourite things included shopping, chocolate, Cosmos flowers, watching the lake water, coffee row, and M*A*S*H. She also loved golfing, but it was unrequited. Anne was an avid reader and a news junkie, and she had a genuine interest in the views of others. She placed a high value on education and was delighted all her kids earned university degrees. Anne travelled to many parts of the world and was deeply moved by these experiences. She was a resourceful problem solver and innovator, and it was amazing and often amusing to see her DIY fixes and remodels. The creations that emerged from Anne’s sewing machine and kitchen were divine, elevating every occasion and confirming her elegance and singularity.
Anne tended to civic life, serving on the local and divisional school boards and the Housing Au-
Anne was the hero of the family. She leaves behind her children, Bill, Debbie (Morley), Dawn, Camille (Ron), Brooke (Lorrie) and Evan, seven grandchildren (Gavin, Tekla, Bart, Scott, Paul, Toran, Bennett), nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Anne was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her five siblings—Paul Skulski, Alice Lewis, Olga Friesen, Mike Skulski, and Nick Skulski—and all her in-laws.
Anne had great wisdom and humanity and has been a rock to many. She was deeply loved, made us immensely proud, and will be profoundly missed. Rest in peace, beautiful Mother.
A Funeral Mass for Anne was held on Saturday, December 28 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Saskatoon, with Fr. Daniel Yasinski as Celebrant.
Lic. #LR24-0086
Alcoholics Anonymous
Get help with substance abuse.
Monday: Kindersley AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Legion Hall, 118 - 2nd Avenue East AA Upstairs, Alanon Downstairs
Tuesday: Brock AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Vesper Club, 1st Avenue North
Tuesday: Leader AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Leader United Church, 1st St. W.
Wednesday: Eston AA Meeting
8 PM, St. Andrew’s United Church, 1st St. W.
Friday: Kindersley AA Meeting
8:00 PM, Lutheran Church, 807 - 3rd Ave. W.
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesday: Kindersley NA Meeting
7:30 PM, 113 Main Street
A warm winter memory! This photo was taken a few days before Christmas 1994 when four familiar faces enjoyed a pre-Christmas round of golf in Kindersley. Ron Dagert, Lorne Swalm, Bill O’Sullivan and Harold Syrota enjoyed some of the nicest temperatures in history; however winter weather arrived soon after in January, 1995.
It is with heavy heart that we announce the peaceful passing of Marlene Hewlitt (Aunet) on December 22/24 at the Eston Integrated Health Facility at the age of 88 years.
Marlene Hewlitt
August 23, 1936 - December 22, 2024
Marlene was born in Eston, Saskatchewan, on August 23, 1936, to proud Norwegians John and Minnie Aunet. Marlene was the eldest of three daughters. At an early age, Marlene took on many chores on the farm, working with horses, fetching water from the well, chopping wood and gardening, as well as tending to her two younger sisters. The Aunet family moved to the Totnes district in 1951 with the prospect of owning land, and her father, John, began farming. In 1952, the Aunet family moved to an acreage outside of Eston. After her father’s tragic death from cancer in September of 1953 at only 42 years old, Marlene, then only 16, stepped into an even larger role of helping her mother raise her two younger sisters. She returned from Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook, coming back to Eston to take her Grade 12, graduating in 1954. After a year at Teachers College in Saskatoon, she began teaching in 1955 and, throughout her twelve-year career, taught at Snipe Lake, Newburg, Eston, Amdewanda, Madison and Goldeye. She was beloved by all her students, and teaching was not only her profession but her passion. Her students were all very special to her, even to this day.
In July 1961, Marlene married Verne Hewlitt in Eston and began their married life together on the Hewlitt family farm southwest of Eston. They started their family with a son, David Leslie, in September 1968 and two and a half years later, a daughter, Susan Claire, in June 1971. Those years were busy with raising two children, operating a mixed farm and caring for her mother-in-law, Jean Hewlitt, who lived on the farm as well and her own mother, Minnie Aunet, until her death in 1981. Mom took on many roles in the community, volunteering as an English teacher for new immigrants to Canada, on the Hospital Board, and on various other committees. She even took a job driving school bus for a few
years. She was actively involved in the farming operation, driving grain truck, feeding animals, cooking, gardening or whatever job needed to be done. Marlene loved animals of every description, but especially cats and dogs, and was very knowledgeable of many of the area’s indigenous birds. Bible study was very high on her list of priorities throughout her life. Her strength and resilience came from a strong faith in God. Years on the family farm were tough, but they took opportunities to travel when the farm allowed. Marlene enjoyed two trips to visit relatives in Norway, numerous trips to California and Las Vegas to visit her two sisters and, family trips to Yellowstone and many camping trips in the motorhome and travel trailer. More recently a cruise with her sisters and spouses to the Mexican Riveria.
After her children left home and married, she soon found herself in a new role as grandmother to three grandchildren that brought much joy and many new adventures to her and Dads daily life. She would attend hockey games, recitals, graduations and weddings too numerous to count and enjoyed photography in her spare time. In 2009 Marlene and Verne retired and moved off the farm to reside in Eston.
Marlene had a kind, humble, modest, hardworking, steadfast strength that her family could always rely on. She was many things to many people. A loving daughter, sister, wife, teacher, daughter-inlaw, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and friend and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she held dearest.
Marlene was pre-deceased by her father, John Aunet, in 1953 and her mother, Minnie Aunet, in 1981. Marlene is survived by her husband Verne of 63 years and her two children David Hewlitt, (Christina) and daughter Susan Swan, (Jim) and three grandchildren Tanner Hewlitt (Madison), Amanda Swan, Tyson Swan (Kristin) and six beautiful great-grandsons Marek, Jalen, Jack, Bennett, Callum and Declan whom she loved very much.
The families would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Eston integrated Health Care Team for the loving, care and compassion shown to Marlene during her extended stay.
Donations in Marlene’s memory can be made to the Eston Caring Hands. At her request, there will be a private family graveside interment at the Eston Cemetery.
New Memory Tree Program rolls out in Kerrobert
BY JOAN JANZEN
The Town of Kerrobert is introducing a new Memory Tree program for 2025. For the first time, residents have the opportunity to purchase a tree in memory of their loved one, which will be planted at one of several locations in Kerrobert. The Town will plant the tree, install a marker in memory of their loved one, and also maintain the tree.
Recreation Director Marli Shepherd said people can choose to have their trees planted at Hillside Park, Poolside Park, the fairgrounds, Courthouse, nature trail, golf course, reservoir, cemetery, or Prairieland Community Center.
Professional
with compassion, pride and dignity. www.ofsmacleans.com | 114-1 Ave East, Oyen, AB | 403-664-3767
“The location will determine the types of trees that can be planted. We have a variety for each location,” Marli explained. Residents can choose between onetwo gallon trees and ten gallon trees, at a cost of either $100 or $250. The project will honour loved ones who have passed on and help beautify the Town by planting trees throughout the community.
Anyone who would like to have a tree planted is asked to contact the Town of Kerrobert by April 15th, 2025. The Town hopes to plant several trees early in the spring.
If you’re interested or have questions, contact the Town at 306-834-2361 or email rec@kerrobert.ca
Robert E. Ward
March 6, 1958 to January 7, 2021
On The Anniversary of the Day
You Went Away
Today’s the anniversary Of the day that I lost you, And for a time it felt as though My life had ended too.
But loss has taught me many things And now I face each day, With hope and happy memories To help me on my way. And though I’m full of sadness That you’re no longer here, Your influence still guides me And I still feel you near. What we shared will never die It lives within my heart, Bringing strength and comfort While we are apart.
Loved beyond words, missed beyound measure. Your loving wife Kim, Chris & Jenna, Alicia & Trevor, Nathan & Jamie, and your 6 beautiful grandchildren, Madison, Dexter, Jordynn, Tucker, Kaycee & Piper. I will see you in my dreams.
ESTON
- 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 306-583-9087.
HOOSIER
- Sunday Service Hoosier Community Church 10:30 am at the Community Hall. Contact Joel Hamm 306-460-7056 or Curtis Kornelson 306-460-7327.
KERROBERT
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
• Kerrobert Curling Club Glow Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
• Kerrobert Curling Club Open Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
• Kerrobert Curling Club Glow Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. Please bring indoor shoes.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
• Kerrobert Curling Club Open Curling 6:30-8:30 PM Open Curling. $5 drop in fee. 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.
KINDERSLEY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs Notre Dame Hounds 7:30 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
• Pathway to Wellness scheduled pool time from 8:30-10:00
AM. We offer a leisure time swim, Aquafit work out and a time for parents to enjoy a quiet swim with their children. Contact Joanne (306) 463-0104 for more information.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
• Kindersley Minor Hockey U13 Tournament at the West
Central Events Centre.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs Nipawin Hawks 7:30 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
• Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers vs Nipawin Hawks 4:00 PM at the Inter Pipeline Arena.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
• Free Drop-In Soccer 7:00-8:30 PM at Elizabeth Middle School.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
• Kindersley Snow Drags north of the Canalta Hotel. Racing starts at 10:30 AM. $10 admission (12 & under FREE). Contact Darrell 306-679-7147 or Terry (306) 291-0733 for more information.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 26
• 2025 SaskTel Tankard Provincial Curling Championship at the West Central Events Centre.
- 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 306-6049044. 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
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9
• Leader & District Arts Council present Eliza Mary Doyle 7:30
Submit your Upcoming Event to kate@yourwestcentral.com or text
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY AT NOON. Not intended for business use. Community and non-profit events are FREE OF CHARGE. Please try to keep wording to a minimum. We try our best to place as many events as possible, but closer dates will take priority. Please support the businesses that advertise in this newspaper. Without them, this publication would not be possible!
PM at the Leader Community Hall. Tickets available at the Town of Leader Office.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
• Kaleidoscope Book Club 7:00 PM at the Leader Library.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16
• Foodbank Day. To register or for more information please call (639) 932-7446.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22
• Dabber Bingo at the Leader Friendship Centre. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Bingo at 7:00 PM. Held the 4th Wednesday of the month.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27
• Soup & Bun Lunch 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. Cost is $8.00. Held the 4th Monday of the month. JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1
• Leader Open Bonspiel. $200 entry. Cash Prizes! To register contact John 306-628-7901 or Krista 306-587-7379
- Cards & Coffee. Come out and play cards! Every Tuesday afternoon 2:00-4:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Centre. No cost.
- Leader Curling Club Stick Curling Tuesdays at 2:00 PM. - Family Curling Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
- Open League Curling Thursdays at 7:00 & 9:00 PM.
LUSELAND
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
• Luseland Arts Council presents Munro & Patrick 7:30 PM at the Luseland Homecoming Hall. Munro & Patrick command the stage with poignant originals and innovative renditions of beloved tunes. Everyone welcome.
- The Luseland Homecoming Hall will be available for indoor walking on TUESDAY & THURSDAY mornings. Please pick up the key at the Town Office to unlock the door. 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.
