An internet search revealed that the average age of people who crochet is 18 to 54 years, with 30 percent being 55 and older. However, 11-year-old Mckayla Jorgensen from Kindersley isn’t your average crocheter.
When I met Mckayla, she was wearing a floppy crocheted hat that she had made. She had worn it to school and received quite a few compliments. Who knows, maybe sometime soon, all her friends will be wearing a Mckayla Crochet original hat.
She crochets hats, sweaters, and every stuffy she can imagine, including bees, dragons, horses, octopuses and more. You name it; Mckayla can make it for you.
“I told her I wasn’t buying any more stuffies ‘cause she has way too many,” Mikayla’s mom, Lee Ann, said. “Now she’s making her own stuffies.”
Not only does she make her own stuffies, but Mckayla also creates her own designs and colour schemes without using a pattern. Or she creates something that she’s seen in a photo.
I assumed her mother had taught her at least a stitch or two, but Lee Ann said she doesn’t even know how to crochet. “My cousin taught me,” Mckayla said. She had visited her cousin in the Yukon two years ago. “She taught me the ba-
crochet!
sics, and I taught myself the rest. I just loved it!”
After being taught a quick stitch, Mckayla began researching stitches on YouTube. Since then, she has worked her way through many balls of yarn.
What does she do with all her creations? “I sell them or keep them, give some away,” she explained. Last week, she started her own Mckayla’s Crochet Facebook page and plans to book a spot at the farmer’s market in Medicine Hat. She’s planning to save the money she makes from sales.
She estimates it takes her twenty minutes to complete a small item and about two hours to complete a larger one. “She crochets an average of one to five hours a day. If it’s not nice outside, she’ll crochet all day long,” Lee Ann said. “She’ll come in the morning with something fully done.” Evidently, her daughter crochets when her parents think she’s sleeping. “She never gets sick of it. It’s her favourite thing to do.”
Holding up a crocheted snake, Mckayla explained it was her very first project. “I started at the head and stuffed it while crocheting,” she said. “I didn’t see it anywhere; I just thought how to do it.”
“She thinks outside of the box when it comes to creativity,” her mom said.
Thanks for sharing your talent with us, Mckayla. Maybe someday you will teach us how to crochet.
Mckayla Jorgensen not only taught herself how to crochet, she also creates her own designs without using a pattern. She is surrounded by some of her amazing stuffies and wearing her handmade hat and sweater.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Purple Pansies fundraiser raises over $12K for pancreatic cancer
The Purple Pansies for Pancreatic Cancer fundraiser was once again a huge success, thanks to the efforts of a team of dedicated volunteers. At the forefront of the group is Pam Kosolofski and her daughter Kim, who have spearheaded the fundraiser for 12 years. Pam sent us this thank you and some photos to share with our readers.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our fundraiser a success! We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you. Your hard work and dedication have helped us raise an incredible $12,500 for our cause.
A special shoutout to the volunteers who are pic-
tured in the attached photos, as well as David Hillacre, Ian Price, Carol Price, Pat Johnston, and Lee Harbicht. Your contribution is truly appreciated.
We also want to extend a huge thank you to Oyen Greenhouses for supplying us with the beautiful Purple Pansies, and to Owens & Sweitzer for lending us the trailer. Your support is invaluable to us.
We are thrilled to be expanding our network and are grateful for the continued support of our community. Thank you all for helping us make a difference. Let’s continue to work together to achieve even greater success in the future. Thank you once again for your amazing support!
Saskatoon volunteer with Pam; Cora Knuttila
Bill Van Otterloo, Oyen Greenhouses, Owner, with Pam Kosolofski
Eatonia volunteer with Pam; Tammy Block
Rosetown volunteers with Pam; Betty James
Kindersley volunteers: Pam Kosolofski, Donna McBride, Patti Hillacre, Trudy Bews
Airdrie volunteer, Pam’s daughter; Kim Wack & family
Eston Volunteers: Lee Harbicht, Joyce Hodgson, Pam K, Rita Tessier, Beth Baran; Lisa Watson
Elrose volunteer with Pam; Ruth & Lauren Miller Kerrobert Volunteers. EVERYONE WAS FANTASTIC!
The Elks Hall was a popular venue for families on Saturday afternoon, June 1. Studio 306 presented their Market ’24, with venues and bouncy castles filling the hall, and the fun spilled over out the doors into the parking lot. Laurie’s Food Truck was selling lunch including beaver tails. But the most popular attraction by far was the petting zoo. It was a sunny, beautiful day and the children got a close up experience with goats, pigs, sheep, bunnies and rabbits. It’s a unique experience for many kids who don’t often have the opportunity to mingle with
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
Vern’s Pizza
Life Vest performed “Come Inside My
Sakura
KCS Jazz Band performed “Yesterday” and “Fiesta Latina”. Ava Watchel, Alexus Bellisle, Illianna Edmunds, Preston Carter, Shera Card, Lee Maki, Rielle Longtin, Moira Padberg, Sofia Macalad, Sam Paulino, Ali Babcock, Kaitlyn Herner, Irish Deguzman, Mica Tenorio
Trapp,
Talent
Kindersley’s Got
BY JOAN JANZEN
There’s no shortage of excellent talent in Kindersley. The 3rd Annual Variety Night Show at Kindersley Composite School on Tuesday evening, May 28, gave the audience a taste of the talent in our community.
Presented by the Kindersley Interact Club, the evening doubled as a fundraising event for the Terry Fox Foundation and Shelterbox Canada. Shelterbox Canada provides emergency disaster relief to families worldwide who have been made homeless by disaster.
ferent groups or individuals, with the Monday Night Book Club kicking off the night. Nine ladies decked out in costumes danced to their choreographed versions of “Mr. Bluesky” and “Crocodile Rock.” This year, the group welcomed a couple of new members, and it was obvious the dancers were having fun while entertaining the audience.
Angy and the Backups performed “Titanium” Angy Johnson, Sam Motier, Adina Coles
and
Below: Monday Night Jammers performed “Gimme Three Steps” and “Safari Song”. Devon Coles, Illianna Edmunds, Ava Watches, Preston Carter, Keith Jameson, Dennis Pendree, Cole Patton
young band
were next on stage, performing “Come Inside My Heart.” Johann Jabonillo was the vocalist and impressed the audience with his guitar skills.
Two selections were performed by the popular KCS Jazz Band. “Yesterday” and “Fiesta Latina” showcased sax solos by Kaitlyn Hefner and Alexus Bellisle.
a Grade 7 rapper, introduced his performance called “Northern Lights” by saying, “I don’t know if you know this, but this is the title track of an album I wrote.” And it was impressive!
“The Best Little Drycleaners Close To Home”
Mike & Arlene Hankewich
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Prior to the event, musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, comedians and magicians were invited to submit video auditions. Following the May 22 deadline, selected acts chosen to perform were notified, and the evening was off and running. The program consisted of ten dif-
OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY
Young Maui Constantino appeared relaxed on stage, like there was no other place she would rather be, and the applause she received showed everyone agreed. Her proud parents said that although Maui’s primary skills were on the keyboard, she had recently learned how to play the guitar and confidently performed her newly acquired skill.
600 Main Street, Kindersley • 306-463-2464
Greta Bobbie came on stage and sang “If Only”, after which the audience broke out in enthusiastic applause and cheering. It was a well deserved response.
“The Best Little Drycleaners Close To Home”
Mike & Arlene Hankewich
OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY
6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
600 Main St, Kindersley • 306-463-2464
Teachers with talent wowed everyone with their rich sound. Angy and the Backups received cheers and applause, even though they claimed they had only practiced three times before their performance.
KCS student Sakura Millen, on classical guitar, performed an instrumental piece entitled “Isabel’s Lullaby.” Later in the evening, Moira Padberg on the xylophone and Kaitlyn Herner on the saxophone performed an instrumental duet entitled “Married Life” from the
Last, but not least, the Monday Night Jammers performed “Gimme Three Steps” and “Safari Song”. The band demonstrated how members from different generations can make music together. A glimpse of a teacher dancing backstage during their performance was a good indication that their performance was a hit!
The announcement of silent auction winners and delicious homemade snacks during intermission complimented the evening. The performers, organizers, volunteers, sponsors and, of course, the audience all helped to make the fundraising event a success.
Four
members
Pixar movie UP. Bennett Trapp,
Millen performed “Isobel’s Lullaby” on her guitar.
Maui Constantino sang and played her guitar.
Heart”
Kayden Shepherd, Ethan Gassner, Johann Jabonillo, Kyle San Andres
Greta Bobbie sang “If Only”
Monday Night Book Club - Tap Dance - Crocodile Rock Courtney Hopkins, Sydney LaBelle, Pam Sawatzky, Megan Korchinski, Lorna Richardson, Rita Syrota, Tanisha Gunnlaugson, Ashley Gee
Bennett
Original rap “Northern Lights”
Moira Padberg
Kaitlyn Werner performed a xylophone & saxophone duet of “Married Life”
Monday Night Book Club - Jazz Dance - Mr. Bluesky Courtney Hopkins, Sydney LaBelle, Pam Sawatzky, Megan Korchinski, Lorna Richardson, Rita Syrota, Tanisha Gunnlaugson, Ashley Gee
OPINION:
Forgiveness can change the future
BY JOAN JANZEN
The T-shirt said, “It’s been ‘one of those days’ for like 3 years now.” Sometimes it may feel that way; other times it’s just ‘one of those days’. That was the case as a woman relayed the story of a life-altering event that took place forty years ago.
I recall listening to Shannon Ethridge share her story quite a few years ago. It’s a story that is not easily forgotten. Shannon is a public speaker and author, but in 1984, she was a 16-year-old high school student who jumped in her car and headed off to school. However, she never did make it to school that day. After driving for a mile and a half down a quiet dirt road, she adjusted her mirror and quickly applied her lipstick. Suddenly, she felt her car jolt. She remembers thinking she might have hit a farm animal who escaped from the pasture, but she found out something much more tragic had happened.
She stopped the car, got out and ran back to see what she had hit. Standing in absolute shock, she saw the body of a woman lying face down in the grass beside a twisted bicycle. Since this was before cell phones existed, the girl ran to the nearest farm and called 9-1-1, but it was too late; the woman was dead.
Late that night, alone in her bed-
How was she going to face the woman’s children or her husband, and would they hate her for what she had done? Soon, those questions were answered.
room, Shannon cried more tears than she had ever cried. Thoughts bombarded her mind – thoughts of suicide and thoughts about the woman’s family. How was she going to face the woman’s children or her husband, and would they hate her for what she had done? Soon, those questions were answered.
The woman’s husband, Gary, had been at work when he received the call informing him of his wife’s death. He and his wife had spent years working as Bible translators, and Gary asked himself how his wife would respond if it had been he who had been killed. He
TO THE EDITOR:
Rodeo edition gets high praise from CCA Wow! What a great job on this special edition reflecting on the sport of Rodeo! Love the Fact Hats with the variety of hat styles. Congratula-
tions to you and your team. Thank you Kate!
Lenora Bells Canadian Cowboys Association
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immediately knew the answer.
He was well aware of how compassionate his wife had been, and he knew she would forgive the teenaged girl. The first decision he made was that there would be no law suits or charges laid against the girl. The second decision he made was to issue a request to meet her in person.
The evening before the woman’s funeral, Shannon was invited to Gary’s home, where the family was gathered together. She tentatively knocked on the door. When she stepped inside she saw Gary come down the hall with his arms extended. He gave her a big hug and told her he forgave her.
He explained that his wife wouldn’t have wanted this tragic event to ruin her young life. Instead he hoped she would spend her life making this world a better place and helping other people, just like his wife had been dedicated to doing.
Even though the tragedy was Shannon’s fault, Gary insisted the district attorney drop the charges against her without a trial. Up until that moment, Shannon said she had always thought of God as a distant disciplinarian who would judge her for all she had done wrong. But Gary’s hug, forgiveness and refusal to lay charges changed everything. The God Gary revealed to her
through his unconditional forgiveness was very different from the God she thought she knew.
In an article for CBN, Shannon wrote, “It gave me hope, that perhaps if this family and Gary especially could forgive me, maybe God can forgive me too and maybe eventually I can forgive myself.”
Not only did Gary forgive Shannon, but he and his family welcomed her into their family just as if she were a daughter. Throughout the years, they continued to share a strong bond that had been formed because of tragedy. Shannon eventually became a public speaker and author. She dedicated her first book to the woman she had found face down in the grass beside a twisted bike. Through an ongoing process, Shannon learned how to love others like Gary’s wife had done. Most importantly, she learned to love and forgive herself and encourage others to do the same.
Bernard Meitzer summed up the topic of forgiveness quite well in a single quote. He conducted a radio advice callin show for several decades and offered these words of wisdom: “When you forgive, you in no way change the past— but you sure do change the future.” Those words played out in real-time in Shannon Ethridge’s life.
BRIAN ZINCHUK Oil & Energy News
JAIDYN WINQUIST Summer Student
Pop89: Discovering Grace
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Just before crossing the border into Michigan, we pass a billboard promising “Discoveries That Matter.” What matters to us is an encounter years in the planning, the convergence of trillions of cicadas in the Southern Illinois countryside. My pal Avril zeroed in on the “best” location for the convergence of two broods of the luminous song-bugs who live for seventeen years underground, emerge overnight, fly to the tree tops, mate and die in a matter of days. Such a dramatic display of shortand-sweet will not occur again for another 248 years, so to be an eye and ear-witness is no small privilege, a discovery that truly matters.
The border guard gives us a sweet, if slightly befuddled, smile and hands back our passports. Apparently, one woman’s creepy crawly is another woman’s thrill of the decade. The cicada looms in my memory as a Memphis staple. It has a long history of being the soundtrack of Southern writing because of its soft, soothing buzz, which comes from the males tapping on their tambourine bellies. The cicada is, to some, a cliche. I had a prof who forbade mention of cicadas in our poems. Cicadas are benign; they glitter and eat no one, not even leaves. What’s not to love? And yet, folks look at us as oddballs for driving all this way to be near them.
We do our best to leave the interstates behind and drive only country roads. Billowing storm clouds haunt us, corn crops span the horizon, and tractors replace transport trucks as we leave Michigan for Indiana. After a pleasant wander away from interstate freeway to state highway to county road, we roll down our windows and waves of cicada songs fill the air. At 90 decibels, the sound is wild, inescapable and overpowering evidence of nature’s potency. When, after 12 hours of driving, I pull into the forested roadway of our rental cottage, Avril is half-way out the car, squealing with delight.
Early the next morning, we head to Vermillion River, where broods 13 and 19 seem to be converging, singing two songs in two pitches. Together, they sound like a combination of thousands of rattlesnakes shaking their rattles and a field of arcing sprinklers. After a couple of hours, a thunderstorm forces us back to the car. We sit for an hour telling each other stories about childhood discoveries while lightning flashes and thunder cracks. We return to Owl’s Nest. It rains for hours and hours.
It’s Memorial Day weekend and in every town on every lamp post is a name of a soldier and the dates of his birth and death - lives sadly cut short by war. American flags cover lawns and porches and stars and stripes hunting decorate front porches.
On Sunday, we attend the service at The Methodist Church in Potomac, where pastor Desmond, in American flag-festooned sneakers, reads from the first chapter of Isaiah. The Lord asks: who will I send into the world? And Isaiah says: Send me! “So,” says the pastor, conflating the prophet with the soldier, “Let us pray for those who said: Send me. And, if they make
it out alive, let us welcome them home. I know many who served in Viet Nam, who hid when they returned, who were never thanked for risking their lives for the rest of us.” It doesn’t matter what we think about what was going on over there; what matters is they went with the desire to protect their loved ones.
An older veteran stands at the crossroads on the outside of town holding out a baseball cap. He asks for a dollar to go toward the ceremony at the Legion. We tell him we’re Canadian but drop a 20 in the hat. “That doesn’t matter,” he says. “You need us, too.” Memorial Day in rural America is a discovery that matters.
Signs on lawns in rural America announce their 2024 choice, as well. And it’s not Biden. But their vote does not affect their willingness to make our stay in Illinois any less comfortable. I won’t say they were interested in Canada. The mention of Saskatchewan drew blank looks but no curiosity, reminding me of my days at art college in Memphis at the beginning of the first Gulf War, when to criticize the conflict was to be called “un-American”. Best just to listen.
“Listen,” is the number one piece of advice from Debbie Hensleigh in her self-published book: “Which Old Woman Will You Be?” Debbie was the wife of the owner of our Owl’s Nest cottage retreat. She wrote her book after turning 60 when she realized, like her mother, she could have another 32 years of life left in her- a whole third of life, so what would her third look like? Debbie lived to 68, and she had some sage advice for all of us: “Don’t be bored or boring. Ask great questions, then listen.”
When not cicada-song bathing or walking along the Vermillion River, we sat on our screened-in treehouse porch, sipping coffee or beer, watching the finch couple natter at us from a branch one foot away and awaiting the lightning bugs. And I read from the Benedictine monk Christopher Jamison’s book: “Finding the Language of Grace, Rediscovering Transcendence.” His is a tradition of listening. Jamison says we live in a time of “mistrust and loneliness” and will continue to do so until we revive and re-invigorate “a language of grace to explore and restore trust and love among people.” We start, he says, by “being grateful for what we have.”
Gratitude is rooted in grace, he says. “To be grateful is to trust life; to catastrophize is to mistrust life.” Like Debbie, the monk’s primary rule is to listen. “Listen with the ear of the heart,” practice “conversational grace,” and speak only words that aid understanding and “help in the discovery process.”
Eston Wheatland Centre presents
Is it next-year country for Blue Jays?
BY BRUCE PENTON
The Major League Baseball season has just passed the quarter pole, and it might already be next-year country for the Toronto Blue Jays. Could a rebuild begin by trading either Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., or Bo Bichette, or both?
Hope springs eternal every year, but here we are approaching the middle of June and the Blue Jays, in perhaps the toughest division in baseball, are sitting dead last, needing fairly strong binoculars to see the American League East-leading New York Yankees.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Pitching-wise, the Jays are strong, and with the recent performance by Alek Manoah, who went seven innings May 19 for his first victory since last August, the staff could be the catalyst that turns the Jays’ season around. Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman provide the Jays with a solid nucleus, and the others filling out the rotation, Yusei Kikuchi and Manoah (fingers crossed) fill out a relatively reliable fiveman group.
But at the plate? When the Jays’ are on offence, Vincent Price should be the public address announcer. It’s not pretty. Of MLB’s 30 teams, Toronto stood 27th in runs scored and 23rd in home runs at the end of May. If the team was in a rebuilding phase, those numbers might not matter, because better days would be ahead. But better days might be in the rear view mirror with this
SPORTS TALK
group, because the supposed heavy hitters are hitting puffballs.
Take George Springer, for example. Yes, please, take him, as comedian Rodney Dangerfield would say. In 2021, Springer was a big-name free agent signee from the Houston Astros, and the Jays guaranteed him $150 million over six years. This year. he’s making $24,166,666 and after the May long weekend, Springer was batting .194 with three homers and eight runs-batted-in through Toronto’s first 47 games. Next year, and again in 2026, he’ll pull down salaries in that $24 million range and by then he’ll be 36 with likely even more diminishing skills.
The only Blue Jay with a respectable batting average through May 25 was Guerrero, Jr., who was hitting.289 with five home runs. Guerrero, Jr., hit 106 homers in the previous three seasons (35 per year average) but is on pace for a mere 16 this year. Shortstop Bichette, a career .294 hitter going into this season, was plodding along in the .230 range before hitting a bit of a hot streak. Both young stars (Guerrero, 25; Bichette 26) have been the subject of trade rumours and are free agents after the 2025 season.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com wrote in mid-May that it “seems inconceivable” that Toronto would move either Guerrero or Bichette. Sportsnet, in fact, reported that the Jays have engaged in talks around major league baseball about a
Hope springs eternal every year, but here we are approaching the middle of June and the Blue Jays, in perhaps the toughest division in baseball, are sitting dead last.
blockbuster trade involving both Guerrero, Jr., and Bichette. They’re stuck with Springer and his massive contract, but could start rebuilding by dealing their two young stars. Heresy? Perhaps, but it might be the only way out of the mess in which the Jays find themselves.
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “What’s really missing from this Jays season — a schedule with 162 games against the White Sox.”
• Headline at Canadian satirical website The Beaverton.com: “Toronto’s expansion WNBA franchise mathematically certain to win their league championship before Leafs do.”
• Comedy guy Steve Burgess of Vancouver: “LinkedIn says my profile was searched by the Dallas Vigilantes Arena Football Team. Better late than never, I suppose.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Watching every Dallas Cowboys game this season will cost $808.86 on various TV
and streaming services, thanks to the new NFL licensing model. $807.86 sounds like a lot of money, but that’s less than four hot dogs, eight beers and a pretzel at the game.”
• Scott Michaux of Global Golf Post, on Tiger Woods’ recent play “The last seven official results since the 2022 PGA for the 48-year-old Woods are: WD, MC, T45, WD, WD, 60th and MC. Age is undefeated.”
• Super 70s Sports: “I’m gonna tell my grandkids there was once a simpler world where college conferences actually made sense.”
• Another one from Steve Burgess: “The Canucks are out. Now there is nothing left in my bleak existence but waiting for the Garfield movie.”
• Swiped from Steve Simmons’ column in the Toronto Sun: “49ers’ Nick Bosa on the calmness of his quarterback, Brock Purdy: ‘He reminds me of Scottie Scheffler, except he didn’t get arrested.’”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Canada’s two PWHL playoff teams were eliminated in Round 1, so no championship for a Canadian women’s hockey team. Congratulations, ladies: you have achieved parity with Canadian men’s teams.”
• Another fark.com headline, after UConn beat Purdue in the NCAA men’s basketball final: “Perdon’t”
• The late Muhammad Ali, explaining his occupation: “It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.”
Care to comment? Email b rucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
The most hated teams in sport – love ’em or hate ’em?
BY GREG BUCHANAN
As you sit back and enjoy the drama that is the NHL playoffs, think of some of the most hated teams in sports. Here is my take at the top of the list of the boys from the Bronx.
You either love them or you hate them. The New York Yankees are one of the most successful franchises in all of sports, and their staggering 27 championships means that they have dominated baseball at the expense of every other team. The Yankees fans are also despised as many feel that they are arrogant and feel it is their birthright to win championships, and this hatred unites other fanbases. In addition to
this, the Yankees’ jaw-dropping payroll suggests that they buy success, and this is through buying many of the most hated players in the league, like A-Rod. They may have many die-hard fans in New York and around the world, but everyone else hates this storied and immensely successful franchise.
As for the NHL, a recent Reddit survey showed that the most hated team in the NHL is the Boston Bruins, and this is a sentiment shared around North America. A large part of this hatred comes down to a crop of players for the Boston team that are not the most likable, most notably Milan Lucic, who has been famous for several dirty plays throughout his career. Then, of course,
there is Brad Marchand, hated for diving and various other dirty tactics. This dirty play seems to be a recurring theme with the Bruins, which does them few favours and ensures that even neutrals have disdain for this team. The fans are also notorious for their behavior and attitude, overall making them a franchise which is hated all around the world (and particularly in Canada).
The Dallas Cowboys are one of the more famous sports teams, and they are also one which is both loved and hated. They have an enormous fanbase, but outside of this, they are despised by everyone else. They have enjoyed a huge amount of success on the field, and this means that they are frequently in the
spotlight, which will also repel many fans due to their being overexposed. This means they have a gigantic fanbase outside of Dallas and all around the world, and this makes many people feel that their fans are “fake”. Many don’t like that they’ve christened themselves as ‘America’s Team.’ The arrogance of owner Jerry Jones also irritates many. As for myself personally, growing up as a Riders fan, you have to hate those Blue Bombers! And during my senior hockey days, Rosetown, hands down, with honourable mention to Chris Winkler and those Godless Kindersley Klippers. I’m kidding, folks. Sports are all about love and hate and we do love it all.
Caleb Village celebrates its 15th anniversary
BY JOAN JANZEN
Caleb Village celebrated its 15th anniversary on Thursday, May 30, with an afternoon of country music performed by the talented Fox and the Hounds. The senior residence welcomed its first occupants in May 2009.
At that time, there was still some construction going on, but the new residents were understanding and accommodating. Residents in the north wing of the building had to wait until July for contractors to finish completing that part of the facility. Close to fifty seniors moved in during the month of May 2009, with more moving in two months later.
An article in the June 3, 2009 Clarion noted there were smiles on many faces in the main floor dining room when staff and building labourers mingled freely with some of the new occupants.
The food services manager at the time was Shirley Elviss from Brock, who was thrilled to work in the new kitchen. She said she had never expected Kindersley to have a residence like Caleb.
Justine Jenkins was the general manager when the facility opened in 2009. She said it was unique for the Caleb group as it was the first one to have rental suites and purchased condos. She also recalled the residents having input on what was needed or what they wanted to see happen at Caleb.
“The staff really embraced the residents and treated them like family,” Justine remembered. That commendable trait continues to this day, fifteen years later.
An official grand opening ceremony was held later in the fall of 2009. During the summer months, paving of the grounds and landscaping took place.
A FREE self-guided tour with our Makers in their unique spaces.
ARTISTS, ARTISANS, ENTREPRENEURS .
JUNE 22-23
DISCOVER PAUSE
Explore from Elbow to Outlook SHARE THE ADVENTURE!
10 AM - 6 PM Daily www.riverandrailartventure.ca • 306-8678-7054
MAJOR SPONSORS: Above the Fold, Riverbend Co-op Tourism Sask., Town of Outlook, ODAC, SaskTel
“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.“
L.M. Montgomery
LUSELAND CLINIC HOURS
JUNE
2024 Opens at 9 am. Lunch hour varies.
June 3 Monday Dr. Mada Wentzel
June 4 Tuesday Dr. J. Wentzel
Now, 15 years later, the residents and staff at Caleb continue to thrive in a community atmosphere. Congratulations on your 15th anniversary!
The Fertile Valley Baseball League is rolling for another season. The defending champion Kindersley Stallions opened the regular campaign hosting the Oyen Eagles on May 28. Nice weather made for a great night of baseball. Home runs by Jarvis Smigelski and Scott Olsen propelled the Eagles to an early lead, but timely hits by the Stallions gave them the win in the the bottoms of the 7th with 2 out and bases loaded. For the season schedule you can look on the Fertile Valley Baseball League website.
June 10 Monday Dr. Mada Wentzel
June 11 Tuesday Dr. J. Wentzel
June 17 Monday Dr. Mada Wentzel
June 18 Tuesday Dr. J. Wentzel
June 24 Monday CLOSED
June 25 Tuesday Dr. J. Wentzel
July 1 Monday CLOSED - HOLIDAY
July 2 Tuesday Dr. J. Wentzel
CLOSED ALL FRIDAYS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Please note: Clinic hours are subject to change at any given time
Reminder from the TOWN OF KERROBERT
With golf season in full swing here is a reminder on how the operation of Golf Carts in Town Limits works:
You will find the full Golf Cart Bylaw (Bylaw No. 1092-23) on our website. Here are some important points:
• The owner of the cart must have liability coverage for them and all operators of the cart. Proof of insurance with a minimum liability of $200,000 must be provided if requested by the Bylaw Officer. All Operators must have a valid driver’s license.
• Golf carts MUST display a slow moving warning sign at the rear, as prescribed in The Vehicle Equipment Regulations. Please see Appendix A in Bylaw 1092-23 for specifications.
Slow moving signs will be available for purchase at the Kerrobert Golf Course for $20.
Prohibited roads are Provincial Highways and roads with posted speeds over 50km/hr.
The Town of Kerrobert is only able to enforce and fine for the following infringements:
a. Operation of a Golf Cart on a prohibited road ($80)
b. No Slow-moving sign displayed on the Golf Cart ($100)
c. Failure to provide proof of Liability Insurance ($500)
Any other concerns fall under the Traffic Safety Act, which are enforceable through the RCMP.
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Elvira Nagel was celebrating Caleb’s 15th anniversary on May 30. She has been residing at Caleb since it opened 15 years ago. Edith Hebert and Lois Gilroy were unavailable for a photo, but have also been residents since Caleb opened its doors.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The Antique Threshing Club’s seeding demonstration and hay rides were enjoyed by all the Grade 3 students who attended from local schools. Even the cool, cloudy and windy weather didn’t stop the students from loading up on the wagons for rides and filling the bleachers to watch the old farm equipment make its rounds in the field. Meanwhile inside the museum, the Food Fare was in operation and volunteers flipped burgers outside for all the hungry kids.
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
Food Farm and Antique Threshing Club make a great team!
BY JOAN JANZEN
Each year, Grade 3 students from Kindersley and the surrounding area look forward to visiting the museum. This year, over 140 students took part in the 2024 Food Farm program and the Antique Threshing Club’s seeding demonstration on Thursday, May 30th.
Despite the cool and windy weather, the students filled the stands to watch the seeding demonstrations and thoroughly enjoyed going on wagon rides around the museum yard. Meanwhile, volunteers were busy barbecuing burgers for the hungry youngsters.
Once again, Simplot Solutions and Saskatchewan Agriculture in the Classroom joined hands, showcasing the power of collaboration in hosting this fun day of agriculture learning. Kindersley’s own “Learning About Ag with Mady” also played a significant role, sharing her knowledge about where food comes from, making the community feel proud of their local talent.
Additional participants during the day were Pattison Agriculture, FCC and the Kindersley Regional Office of the Ministry of Agriculture. This is the day
when Grade 3 students plant everything they need for a burger and fries meal and come to harvest their produce in the fall.
The students embarked on a thrilling journey through hands-on stations, immersing themselves in the fascinating world of agriculture. Meanwhile, the Antique Threshing Club was a hive of activity, seeding five acres of land next to the museum and offering exhilarating wagon rides for all the children.
Award winning historian and author is coming to Maple Creek
The Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre in Maple Creek Saskatchewan is excited to welcome guest speaker Bill Waiser. One of Canada’s foremost historians, Bill Waiser has authored 21 books, including A World We Have Lost: Saskatchewan Before 1905, winner of the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction. He has been honoured with appointments to the Order of Canada and the Saskatchewan Order of Merit and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Bill’s dedication to historical scholarship has earned him acclaim nationwide. Bill Waiser will be giving his talk “A Tale Of Two Futures” at the Centre, June 9th at 2 P.M. Admission By Donation.
Kindersley Town Council Highlights
On Monday, May 27, 2024, Town Council held their Regular Meeting.
6.1: Council resolved to approve as presented the Minutes from the May 13, 2024 Regular Meeting of Council.
7.1: A presentation was given by the Kindersley Pickleball Club to bring awareness to the sport and the need for a new outdoor facility due to the growing number of members attending. Many ideas were discussed during the presentation. Town Council will continue having conversations with the club to find a resolution to the issue.
8.1: Communications Coordinator Anna Polsfut presented the schedule for the Town of Kindersley booth at the Kindersley Chamber of Commerce Trade Show on June 12th and 13th. Councillors signed up for a shift to promote Kindersley, give away swag, and answer resident questions.
8.2: CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) Audrey Hebert presented the Financial Report for April 2024.
8.3: The Council of the Town of Kindersley authorized the abatement of the 2024 Municipal and School taxes as per the 2024 Tax Abatements (Non-Profit Organizations) Schedule.
8.4: Town Council authorized the abatement of the 2024 Municipal taxes, as per Schedule B for properties assessed with two minimum taxes.
8.5: Council approved as presented the “Kindersley Aquatic Centre Safety Manual 2024 Edition”. This Safety Manual came into effect immediately following the passing of this resolution.
9.1: Council resolved to accept as submitted the list of accounts as paid by the Town of Kindersley in the amount of $315,987.29.
10.1: The Council of the Town of Kindersley approved all three readings of Bylaw 03-24 Being a Bylaw to Incur a Debt.
11.1: Mayor Rod Perkins proclaimed June as Parks & Recreation Month in recognition of the benefits and values that recreation, parks, and leisure services provide to the people and communities of Saskatchewan.
12.1: Town Council resolved to approve the Consent Agenda which included the following items for acceptance and filing:
• Downtown Kindersley Association Minutes – May 7, 2024
• Kindersley Museum Minutes – May 14, 2024
• KRPA Minutes – April 23, 2024
• Sask Housing Corp Annual Report
• National Police Federation Correspondence
• National Police Federation Polling Results 2023
Sandhills Boxing Club compete in Quebec
BY JOAN JANZEN
Three competitors from the Sandhills Boxing Club headed to Quebec last weekend. Ryder Bredy, Alex Girardin and Abigaelle Bloom had the opportunity to participate in another highly anticipated Canadian tournament at the University of Laval.
The Quebec Open is an international tournament open to all age groups and categories. The three-day tournament was held from May 31 to June 2 and is
open to competitors with eleven plus fights in the Open category, as well as Novice with 0-10 fights.
Coach Isabelle Blohm said their team is eternally grateful for all the support. As a non-profit group, they celebrate the monetary help and sponsorships they receive. They also enjoyed exploring Quebec City!
The group from Sandhills Boxing Club headed to Quebec last weekend where Ryder Bredy, Alex Girardin and Abigaelle Bloom were competing in the Quebec Open.
PHOTO COURTESY SANDHILLS BOXING CLUB
Alex Girardin came home with a bronze medal! SANDHILLS BOXING CLUB FACEBOOK
INDOOR RODEO!
PHOTOS BY KATE WINQUIST
DESIGN BY PATTI MORAN
O’Canada Wild Pony Races
Steer Wrestling
Ladies Breakaway Roping
Posing for Mom
Trick Riders
Ladies Barrel Racing
The horses are the real stars of the show!
Bullfighter
Rodeo Clown Tate Rhoades from Montana kept the crowd entertained.
Bullfighter Tyrone Maines steps in to protect a bull rider.
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK
BISMARCK, ND – Two weeks ago, former President Donald Trump was supposed to be somewhere other than sitting in a New York courtroom, facing charges from events preceding his election to president in 2016. No, Trump was supposed to be on a stage, in Bismarck, North Dakota, addressing the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference on May 16.
Everything was shaping up along those lines, looking conspicuously similar to how they looked in 2016. North Dakota Petroleum Council president Ron Ness confirmed to Pipeline Online that indeed back in October they had booked the former president to speak the event on May 16.
Back in May, 2014, Trump’s appearance coincided with the day he locked up the Republican nomination for the November election. As such, there was a heavy media presence in Bismarck, with broad, live coverage. And Trump chose North Dakota as the venue to speak about his energy policy.
But of particular interest to Canada, he was asked by this reporter if he would approve the Keystone XL pipeline and invite TransCanada to build it. He said he would, but he “wanted a piece.”
However, that pipeline got tied up in a legal morass and never did get built in the US, even though the Alberta portion was built (funded by that province’s government). Incoming President Joe Biden signed an executive order killing the project within minutes of being sworn into office in 2021.
Step forward eight years to 2024, as numerous court cases, conspicuously delayed until the election year, have kept Trump off the campaign trail. Instead of packed auditorium with and anticipated 10,000 supporters, All the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference got was a video message. It was introduced by Harold Hamm, one of the most significant oilmen working in North Dakota, and a friend of Trump’s. Hamm said he had dinner with Trump just a few days before, and trump “really wished he could be here.”
Here’s Trump’s address, verbatim:
Hello, North Dakota in a very special thanks to the great Harold Hamm, along with Governor Doug Burgum, Senators Kevin Kramer and John Hoeven. It’s an honor to speak with the men and women who are on the frontlines of driving the American energy dominance that we so much want.
We have to have it. And we had it just four years ago. We were dominant.
As you know, under my leadership, United States became the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world. I approved the Keystone XL and the Dakota Access Pipelines. They got done and they were all set. Now unfortunately, Dakota went well, but the Keystone, Biden ended immediately. And those workers should fire – 40,000 of them, maybe 48,000 – they should fire the head of their union, who approved and went to Biden and endorsed him, because he withdrew, and what he did, he withdrew and took that pipeline and ended it almost in his first week in office.
So why would a union do that to its members? Get rid of that guy!
I withdrew from the disastrous Paris Climate Accord. We slashed approval times for pipelines and other energy infrastructures at levels that they’ve never seen before. I open ANWR for Energy Development, which Republicans have been trying to do for 40 years. It’s the largest energy source potentially anywhere in the world, including Saudi Arabia and Russia. And they went out and in their the first week, they ended it. But we’ll get it going again.
If we had continued on the path of the Trump administration, hundreds of millions more barrels of oil would have been pumped, and our economy would be much, much stronger than it is today. We would have been in a whole different place, and we wouldn’t have had inflation.
Under crooked Joe Biden, the American energy industry is under siege. It’s under crisis. Crooked Joe Biden has made clear that he wants to abolish your industry, and with it, destroy our economy and send us into a new dark age of blackouts, poverty and deindustrialization.
Joe Biden re-entered the horrible Paris Accord, so bad for our country, massively raise taxes on energy producers. He’s finalizing power plant regulations that will demolish oil, gas and coal-fired power plants. And all over the nation, they’re going to be closing up.
Joe Biden killed the Keystone XL pipeline and his electric vehicle mandate. One of the great disasters of all time, is an attempt to ban gasoline powered cars and trucks with electric and they don’t go far, and they cost too much and they’re all going to be made in China.
Biden’s plans will obliterate the North Dakota petroleum industry and your great governor knows that better than anybody, saying gas and electricity costs soaring and turning America into an absolute third world country. And that’s what’s happening right now.
...Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
Every American will be poorer unless we remember this: we’ve got to win this election and we’re not going to have a country anymore.
But if Biden does win, all of those oil projects, and right now, he let go, because oil went up so much after he became he closed down a lot of leases was that a lot of everything. The day he got in, he’s ending it all. He’s letting it go right now, because he doesn’t want the prices to go up more than they already have, which is at least 50 per cent. But if he ever became president, it all comes to an end, everyone in that room, everyone in that industry is going to be out of
business.
When I’m president oil and gas workers of America will once again have a true friend and an ally of the Oval Office, just as you had four years ago. On day one, I will cancel the electric vehicle mandate. We will end Joe Biden war on American energy and the United States will unleash its vast resources to unlock the American Dream for millions and millions of our people. With your support, we will make America great again, and we will do it quickly. Thank you once again and everyone there today. I really appreciate all of your support, keep up the great work and God bless you all.
WE WILL HAVE A CONTRACT STREET SWEEPING COMPANY COMING OUT TO CLEAN ALL OF THE STREETS. We are unaware where they will be starting, but are asking that you have all vehicles, trailers, garbage recycle bins or anything else you have on the streets moved on these days. Thank you for your cooperation.
“Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.“
Al Bernstein
DALE TERNES RECEIVES
AWARD: Dale Ternes from the Kindersley Skating Club was honoured to receive the 2024 National Volunteer Award from Skate Canada - Saskatchewan. The Kindersley club appreciates her involvement with skaters, coaches and officials throughout the years. It’s a well deserved award.
Congratulations on winning the National Volunteer Award for the 2023-2024 season, and thank you for all your hard work, dedication and contributions to Skate Canada and the sport.
Synergy Credit Union announces Glenn Stang’s retirement
The Board of Directors of Synergy Credit Union announced the retirement of Chief Executive Officer Glenn Stang, effective December 31, 2024. Glenn has served as Synergy’s CEO since 2013 and has worked with Synergy (formerly Lloydminster Credit Union) for the past 27 years. His career serving the credit union system in Saskatchewan spans an impressive 43 years as a champion of the cooperative banking family.
For Sale by Tender
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Main house, wood construction - 4,320 mt, 6 steel hoppers - 8,100 mt, totaling 12,420 mt capacity.
53 railcar spot on CN high capacity line.
Deadline for Submission of Tenders: 5:00 pm Friday, June 14, 2024
10% deposit required at time of submission. Deposit will be returned if not successful bidder.
For Terms and Conditions, Other Inquiries and Submission of Tenders please contact:
Among Glenn’s many talents is his ability to create a positive workplace culture. Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, once said, “Culture is simply a shared way of doing something with a passion.” Glenn has proven the accuracy of this quote, as evidenced by Synergy Credit Union’s recognition as a provin-
Synergy Credit Union announced the retirement of their CEO Glenn Stang effective Dec. 31, 2024.
SYNERGY CU WEBSITE
cial Top Employer for seven consecutive years. Glenn is highly respected in leadership circles locally, provincially, and nationally for his visionary thinking and willingness to engage in difficult conversations about the sustainable future of credit unions. He brings integrity, an authentic passion for cooperative values, and a deep concern for the well-being of our communities, members, and employees.
Glenn reflects Synergy’s values in the community as a dedicated volunteer, generously giving his time and talents to many local organizations. He promotes volunteerism throughout the organization to build stronger communities while encouraging a sense of purpose in the workplace.
Please join us in congratulating Glenn on a fantastic career and wishing him well in his retirement and the next chapter in his story.
PHOTO (SKATE CANADA - SASKATCHEWAN FB PAGE)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
FULL TIME OPERATORS & SWAMPERS
to join our team in Macklin/Chauvin Area Class 1A 3A 5A Rod Trucks, Flushbys. Vac trucks, Batch Trucks Experience an asset.
Oilfield Tickets required.
Please email resume and abstract to: dshapka@steelview.ca Call/Text 780-753-0711
PUBLIC WORKS OPERATOR
R.M.
of Happyland No. 231
Operator with duties to start immediately.
The R.M. offers a comprehensive benefits package including Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Municipal Employees Pension Plan and Health & Dental. The R.M. offers competitive wages. Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Operate the RM utility system, general labour and maintenance
• 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 ratepayers
• Other duties as prescribed
The Successful Applicant Should Possess:
• Experience is an asset in maintenance and operation of a utility system, mower and heavy equipment (grader, backhoe, excavator), but training can be provided
• Willingness to be supervised and take direction from Foreman
• Great communication and documentation skills
Dynamic Disposal is looking to add to its team in the Kindersley area. We are looking to hire an area representative that has a Class 1A or 3A license. Up-to-date oilfield tickets are an asset, but not a requirement.
We specialize in oilfield and residential waste bin rentals, equipment rentals, and trucking. The successful candidate must be initiative-taking and able to work unsupervised in a demanding environment with an understanding of the importance of keeping our fleet safe and well-maintained.
The driver will be responsible for:
- Ensuring waste bins are dumped in a timely manner.
- Maintaining waste and steel bins to safety standards.
- Completing regular truck maintenance.
- Representing Dynamic Disposal in a professional manner.
We offer competitive wages and benefits.
Please email your resume to office@dynamicdisposal.ca
JOIN OUR TEAM
We’re Hiring an Insurance Agency Manager
Are you ready to lead and drive success in the insurance industry? Sandhills Insurance Agency is seeking a talented individual to fill the role of Manager. Reporting directly to the CEO of Sandhills Credit Union, you’ll play a pivotal role in overseeing operations and shaping our strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Leadership
• Financial Oversight
Qualifications:
• CAIB 4 (level 3)
• Operational Management
• Relationship Management
• Minimum 2 years of insurance industry experience
• Advanced knowledge of insurance products, sales and regulations
If you’re a dynamic leader with a customer-centric mindset and a passion for driving growth, we want to hear from you!
Apply now by sending your resume to Shelley Fuchs at sfuchs@sandhillsinsurance.ca
• Level II Water Treatment Certification
• Level I Water Distribution
• Level I Wastewater Treatment and Collection Certification
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
Your Resume Should Include:
• Past and present work experience
• Education and skills
• Two references
• Expected salary
Please have resumes submitted by June 20th, 2024 to: Rural Municipality of Happyland No. 231 P.O. Box 339, Leader, Saskatchewan S0N 1H0 Email: rm231@sasktel.net
Join
Join our team in a rewarding career.
rewarding career. We are looking for a Finance Administrator
We are looking for a Finance Administrator
Duties include but are not limited to: payroll processing and benefits administration; bookkeeping and preparation of monthly financial statements; assist with budgets and financial planning; primary responsibility for all administrative and clerical functions for the organization, including reception, filing, preparing and editing correspondence and documents and all other duties in support of the Executive Director. The position is permanent full-time working 35 hours per week. The majority of hours are Monday to Friday from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Salary is negotiable depending on education and previous experience.
Duties include but are not limited to: payroll processing and benefits administration; bookkeeping and preparation of monthly financial statements; assist with budgets and financial planning; primary responsibility for all administrative and clerical functions for the organization, including reception, filing, preparing and editing correspondence and documents and all other duties in support of the Executive Director. The position is permanent full-time working 35 hours per week. The majority of hours are Monday to Friday from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Salary is negotiable depending on education and previous experience.
Worker’s Comp processes - injury reporting, wage reporting, and clearances
GST & PST Filing
GST & PST Filing
• Maintaining numerous on-line accounts with various government and non-government agencies
Maintaining numerous on-line accounts with various government and non-government agencies
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
• Detail oriented
Detail oriented
Excellent written and oral communication
Excellent written and oral communication
Work collaboratively with others
Work collaboratively with others
• Problem solving and critical thinking
Problem solving and critical thinking
• Maintaining confidentiality
Maintaining confidentiality
Job task planning and organizing
Job task planning and organizing
Work with vulnerable individuals
Work with vulnerable individuals
Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities
Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities
Work under pressure
Work under pressure
Repetitive tasks
Repetitive tasks
• Perform routine cleaning of office area
• Perform routine cleaning of office area
Flexible in work schedule when required
Flexible in work schedule when required
Qualifications
Qualifications
• Bookkeeping/Accounting Course
Bookkeeping/Accounting Course
Post Secondary Education
Post Secondary Education
3 years related Experience
3 years related Experience
• Experience with non-profit/charitable organization
Experience with non-profit/charitable organization
• Criminal Record Check
Criminal Record Check
For more information or to apply please email Tamara.w@westcentralabilities.ca Applications accepted until June 1/2024. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.
For more information or to apply please email Tamara.w@westcentralabilities.ca Applications accepted until June 1/2024. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.
Grad Class of One!
BY JOAN JANZEN
Not every graduate gets 100 percent of the attention on grad day, but Taylor Kinch-Wilke did. She was the sole 2024 graduate at Altario School in Alberta, located 74 km northwest of Marengo. Taylor had been attending Westcliffe School in Marengo but transferred to the Altario School in Grade 10.
“I transferred to get the right help to deal with my ADHD. It felt like the right place to be when my mom and I had a tour of the school,” she recalled. It turns out that they were right because her grades improved, and she felt she had the support she needed.
The success of her academic endeavours was celebrated at her grad ceremony on May 3. Taylor looked gorgeous in her beautiful navy blue gown. “We wanted it to be big and poofy, so it filled up the stage a little bit,” she explained.
“Seated in the front row were my classmates from Marengo and the Grade 11’s. They all threw hats up in the air when I threw my hat in the air,” she said. “After the ceremony, the grade 11 students conducted a tour of the school, the barn, the fodder system and the grocery.”
As the guest of honour, Taylor chose the guest speakers at the banquet. “My MC was my social teacher, who is an amazing teacher. The EA I had for the past three years was one of my guest speakers, and the other was my counsellor at Westcliffe,” she explained. The evening concluded with everyone heading to the Alsask rec centre and hanging out.
There’s a total of fifty-plus students at the school. “There were four of us in Grade 10 when I started, but I became the only student in my grade this year,” Taylor said. She joined in with the grade 11 students and also had online classes with two nearby schools.
A unique feature of the school is the Altario Agri-
SUBMITTED
culture Academy. “Our barn is right beside our playground, and across the street is the fodder system and hydroponics modular. I’m the grocery manager and work in hydroponics. We supply vegetables to our community,” she explained.
“We have a store in the school called The Hive, where there’s art, Ukrainian baking and items from small businesses. The community is very involved in the school.”
Now that Taylor’s poofy gown is hanging in the closet and the school year is drawing to a close, she has made plans to attend Lakeland College in Vermilion in the fall. She will be taking a two-year Youth and Child Counseling program.
As for her graduation, it was a one-of-a-kind experience, and she cherished every moment.
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Taylor Kinch-Wilke was the sole graduate at the Altario School graduation on May 3, 2024. She said she chose her poofy gown to help fill up the stage a little bit.
It was paint night and make your own sundaes at iKids Friday night. Check out the creativity of this young artist.
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Elite Dance Company” held its annual recital on May 25. Spectacular performances from all of the dancers!
Top Photo: Daryl Dressler; Middle: Kenzie Dressler and Julia Tunnel; Bottom: Kahlan Hill and Samantha Gan. Right: Mayzie Oliphant. PHOTOS
BY HELENKA BERNARD
A crew of volunteers were busy planting flowers in Caleb Village’s back yard on Tuesday, May 28. Even the weather cooperated with warmth and sunny skies so the ladies could enjoy the morning.
PHOTOS BY JOAN JANZEN
Fading chimes of Eston Handbell Choir
BY JOAN JANZEN
It was just last year that the Eston Handbell Choir disbanded. Before they did so, the choir presented numerous generous donations to various local organizations. The community loved hearing their music throughout the years.
An article by Pam Kosolofski was published in Eston’s history book relayed the birth and progress of the club. When Pam’s grandparents died, her parents donated funds to purchase bells for the Kindersley Handbell Choir. This led to Pam spending a year applying for grants and securing donations to form a similar group in Eston. As a result, Eston Community Handbells became a reality in May of 1999.
Twelve handbells were handmade in Pennsylvania and purchased at a cost of $6,000. Inscriptions in the
handles acknowledged the donors.
When not in use the bells rested on sections of four inch foam. The players wore white gloves when playing the bells, as not to damage the bells. A workshop was held for interested players. There was a total of 16 players and even a youth choir for a couple of years.
In 2000 the second octave of handbells was purchased, funded by donations in memory of loved ones and a donation from the Eston Band Parents Association. Additional fundraising enabled the group to acquire the third octave as well as a 25 note set of hand chimes in 2006.
The Eston handbell choirs spent many years performing at local carol festivals, the Jubilee Lodge, the Plus 50 Club and churches. They travelled to Rosetown, Elrose and Eatonia to share their music.
Group One of the Eston Handbell Choir performing at Heritage Manor in December, 2000.
PHOTO (GRASS TO GRAIN VOLUME TWO)
Suspect herbicide-resistant kochia? Here’s what to do
BY IAN EPP
Approximately two weeks after spraying, scout to check for surviving weeds that may need a second application. These weed “escapes” have a number of potential causes – from sprayer misses to low water rates. Another common cause is herbicide resistance. In the case of kochia, herbicide resistance is a safe assumption as many kochia populations have stacked resistance to multiple groups.
One clue that could point to resistance is that the patch has no clear boundary. The patch will somewhat follow machinery pathways, as the patch often spreads by the combine or soil-moving equipment spreading the seeds. It will not have distinct boundaries that we would see in a spray miss. Another clue is that the patch is one species of weed that escaped the spray.
How to reduce the risk of herbicide-resistant weeds?
These steps can help:
• Control weeds early.
• Use tank mixes. Hitting weeds with two modes of action effective on each weed reduces the risk of herbicide resistant weeds escaping and setting seed.
• Rotate herbicide mixes, using different effective modes of action on the same field and weeds.
• Alternate between competitive and less competitive crops, and crops that have different seeding and harvest timing (winter cereals, for example).
• Use the right herbicide at the right rate and apply at the right time. Cutting rates, for example, may reduce herbicide efficacy and increase weed seed return to the soil seed bank.
• Employ other integrated weed management practices so herbicides are not the only method of weed management used on the farm. Visit the Canola Encyclopedia weed management chapter to learn more.
How to contain a patch of resistant weeds?
• Use a localized spray with a different product to get rid of it.
• Use mechanical means (tillage, mowing, hand pulling) to remove weeds before they set seed.
• Adjust herbicide and cropping practices so that weeds can be sprayed with multiple modes of ac-
tion that are effective on that patch and other atrisk weeds.
How to ensure a successful resistance test?
Group 9 resistant kochia is now widespread on the Prairies. To find out for sure, submit suspected glyphosate resistant kochia plants to the PSI Lab for tissue testing to confirm resistance.
Follow these steps from PSI to correctly submit a kochia sample:
• Before taking your sample, take a photo of the plants in the suspected patch to show injury symptoms and help further assess between escapes or resistance.
• Sample and bag each green kochia plant separately.
• Gather the top two to three inches from each branch on each plant. Goal: have five to eight tips of leaf material from each plant submitted.
• Bag samples in a sealable Ziploc type bag and place bagged samples on ice immediately after collection, as DNA begins to break down as soon as the leaves are removed from the plant.
• Find all steps to successfully submit samples for testing on the PSI website at mbpestlab.ca/product/kochia-test.
For more on this topic, please read the following Canola Watch fundamentals articles: “How to contain herbicide-resistant kochia” and “Integrated weed management: Best practices” in the weeds section at canolawatch.org/fundamentals.
Ian Epp is an agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada. Email eppi@canolacouncil.org.
PHOTO: CANOLA COUNCIL OF CANADA
The Lasting Legacy of War Amputees
The War Amps Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
On June 6, 1944, a pivotal moment unfolded as thousands of Canadian soldiers stormed Juno Beach in Normandy, in the heavily German-fortified coast of France. As the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, The War Amps pays homage to the Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the invasion, and the resilience of those who returned home severely wounded, many missing limbs.
These were young men from small towns and the inner cities embodying the true spirit of citizen soldiers during the Second World War. Driven by patriotism, adventure, or simply a sense of duty, they enlisted with the Canadian Army, unaware that they would become the vanguard of the allied invasion of Europe.
Among them were individuals like Ron Reid, Gavin Hickey, Bob Ross, Jim Parsons, Bill Neil and Dave Ingram.
Ron Reid, of Torbay, Newfoundland, suffered severe injuries upon landing on Juno Beach. Amidst relentless enemy machine gun and mortar fire, he lost his left leg above the knee.
Gavin Hickey, hailing from Durham Centre, New Brunswick, was a mere 19 years old when his regiment stormed Juno Beach. Wounded during the battle for Carpiquet, he lost his left leg below the knee and his left hand.
Bob Ross of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was injured during heavy enemy shelling at the Battle of Hill 195, resulting in the loss of his leg above the knee. Many years later, he reflected on his experience and shared, “It was an ordeal. I don’t think I would do it again because maybe I couldn’t come back the next time.”
Jim Parsons, a local of Sherbrooke, Quebec, landed on Juno Beach on D-Day and fought his way inland. Later that year, he lost his left hand and forearm due to an injury. He received a Mention in Dispatches for his bravery in hauling his troop commander out of a
GROWING THROUGH GRIEF:
Compassion
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
Lately I heard the phrase that empathy and sympathy are the near enemies of compassion. We can sometimes use these words interchangeably but in essence I have found out they are not the same. When we hear about another’s loss we often say we are sorry for their loss. We will send them our sympathies and we are empathetic. Yet this is not the same as being compassionate.
When we talk about empathy, we are talking about the ability to emotionally understand what others are feeling. We are trying to see things from their point of view. We are also putting ourselves in their place and feeling what they are feeling. Empathy comes at a cost. When you are empathizing with someone you are connecting with their emotion and whether it is pain of grief, anger, anxiety, whether you are conscious of it or not, it is activating energetically in your own body. This may be one reason why many people who are caregivers burn out. You have probably heard of empaths who are highly sensitive to others’ emotional states. Empathic individuals benefit from understanding how this affects their own physical and emotional being and find ways to protect their energy.
When we sympathize with someone, we feel bad for them. We feel sorrow for their misfortune or even pity. When we pity someone we are in essence seeing the comparison between where they are and where we are in this moment. When you do something for someone out of pity, they can feel it and can be diminished by it. We want people to feel encouraged and empowered. We might feel we are not able to help this person or we maybe don’t feel obligated to help them. With sympathy, we differentiate between the person who is in pain and ourselves and we sympathize but we don’t really feel a strong desire to act on their behalf.
The reason that compassion is so different is that it continues to be loving. Often when we see someone
war, there are no unwounded soldiers.
José Narosky
burning tank despite having a badly shattered arm.
Bill Neil, from Winnipeg, and Dave Ingram, of Edmonton, Alberta, were also severely injured during the invasion. Neil, wounded in the Battle of Falaise when his armoured car was hit, lost his left arm above the elbow. Ingram lost his left leg above the knee and part of his right heel after stepping on a landmine during a sniper patrol.
When they returned to Canada, these brave soldiers became members of The War Amps, which was started by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to help each other adapt to their new reality as amputees.
Rob Larman, a Senior Advisor at The War Amps and a leg amputee himself, said, “In the Battle of Normandy, many Canadians died or suffered wounds they had to carry for the rest of their lives. As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s important that we never forget.”
suffering, our natural reaction is to turn to fear. We are afraid it might happen to us or we don’t know how to react so we turn away. People who are suffering have all kinds of strong emotions and often because of that, we can feel uncomfortable around them. Compassion is sticking with that person, not in a space of being empathic, because then we are falling into their emotion and in that state we cannot be helpful. It is loving them in a space where we are strengthening them. We are comforting, soothing and validating those feelings without lowering our own energetic frequency. We find actionable steps to offer support and love to those in pain. We are an agency for change.
So how do we practice compassion? It is important to be aware of your own feelings and emotions first. When we don’t put our own oxygen mask on first, it is hard to help others. When we are our best and connected to our knowing or wisdom, we naturally do what is best for everyone. We get ourselves into a calm, peaceful environment first. A good example is to try a kindness meditation. If you are interested in trying this, I have a free one on my website. It is about starting out with compassion and love for yourself and then extending that out to others around you and ending with the larger community. It is a beautiful practice. We are all energy. Each of our emotions is energy. If we are in a positive energetic space, it will radiate out to others. It has a much bigger effect than you think! When we practice compassion with ourselves, we will find compassion and love for others. We are all in this together. If you are interested in more information or just want to chat feel free to contact me at www. healingenergy.world
ALSASK
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
• Lawnathon from 12:00 - 6:00 PM. We need your help at the CFS Alsask Radar tower! We have 7 Acres of grass to cut and yard care. Please message us or email info@ civildefence.ca if you can help.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
• Alsask Drop Inn Center Fundraiser - 3rd Annual Pig Roast starting at 4:00 PM Main Street, Alsask. Roast pork with homemade fries, coleslaw, vegetables, dessert and beverage for $25.00 per person; $20.00 for members. Children under 12 years cost $10.00/plate. Liquor tickets are an additional charge with outdoor patio option (lawn chairs welcome). Contact Dave at 306-463-0169 for info.
- Free Fun Learn Different Line Dances. Monday nights 7:008:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All welcome.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
• Community Wide Garage / Estate Sales & Bake Sale! Starting at 9:00 AM. Coffee, cinnamon buns, soup & sandwich lunch as well as bathrooms available at Vesper Club.
DENZIL
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 22 & 23
• Denzil & District Rec Board presents “Denzil Community Days” Sports Grounds Gate & Booth open at 11:00 AM each day. Admission by donation. Bones Tournament (Saturday), Antique Tractor Pulls (Saturday & Sunday at noon), Kids Pedal Tractor Races, Kids Carnival & Bouncy Castles (Saturday), Parade at 11:00 AM on Sunday.
EATONIA
- 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 Marie 306-2546 or Mila 306480-2035.
FOX VALLEY
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 22 & 23
• Fox Valley’s 30th Annual Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament. Concession, Beer Gardens, Bingo at the Community Hall, Dance on Saturday night. Enter by phone/text: Charlotte Anton 306-662-8485.
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
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4 & 5
• Kerrobert & District Agricultural Society 78th Annual Show & Sale - 4-H Beef Projects at the Kerrobert Fairgrounds, AG Building. June 4th - starts at 1:00 PM. Judging Cards,
Team Grooming. June 5th - starts at 9:30 AM. Heifers, Cow/Calf Pairs, Showmanship, Steers, Sale!
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
• Kerrobert & District Health Centre “Thank You Volunteers” Appreciation Breakfast. Come and go from 8:30 - 9:30 AM. Located in the Long Term Care Courtyard. Please come and join us for a come and go breakfast to thank all the volunteers and first responders in our community! Feel free to come say hi and grab breakfast before heading to work or school!
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 & SATURDAY, JUNE 8
• Prairieland Players presents “Short Order Series” written by Renee Calarco at the Prairieland Community Centre.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13
• Kerrobert Composite School Awards Night (Academic and Athletic Award Presentations). 6:30 PM at KCS Gymnasium. Reception and Photo Opportunities to follow. Formal attire. Everyone welcome.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
• Kerrobert Gumball Rally & Show & Shine. Cool Cars, Lots of Prizes, Live Music, Food & Drinks and More! More details to come.
- Kerrobert Library Summer Reading Program runs July 1August 31. Return your reading logs back in by September 4 to be eligible to win a prize. Reading log forms are available at the Kerrobert Library.
KINDERSLEY
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, JUNE 12 & 13
• Kindersley & District Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Trade Show & Exhibition at the Kindersley West Central Events Centre. Wednesday 1:00-9:00 PM. Thursday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM. $2.00 entry fee.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
• Huge Garage Sale 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (600 - 4th Avenue W.) Fundraiser for KAWS Animal Rescue. No prices. No haggling. Just make a donation. Drop off for donations 14 Overlord Crescent (leave beside garage).
• The Class of 2024 invites you to the KCS Grad Parade 4:00 PM north on Main Street. West on 7th Avenue West. North on 1st Street West to the Norman Ritchie Centre. JULY 19 & 20
• 8th Annual Dirt Drags and Tractor Pulls
- FREE! Drop-In Soccer (Ages 15-99) Westberry School Gym every Thursday at 8:00 PM; Elizabeth School Gym every Friday at 7:00 PM. All welcome. Contact Kevin for more info: 306-430-4103 or email: kindersleysoccerboard@gmail.com
- 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 every Sunday & Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM at Elizabeth School $50 per season or $5 drop in. More info call 306-460-8356.
- Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meet the second Tuesday of the month (September to May) at the Pensioners Hall (3rd Ave. E., Kindersley) at 7:00 PM. For more info contact Donna at 306-463-4785.
LEADER
SUNDAY, JUNE 9
• Blumenfeld & District Heritage Site Pilgrimage. Reconciliation 2:00-2:45 PM. Rosary & Mass at 3:00 PM. Supper following Mass. Bring lawn chairs, bug spray, umbrellas. Accepting donations to refresh and landscape our cemetery. JUNE 14 - 16
• Leader Wild West Daze Slo-Pitch Tourney. Enter your team today. Call Travis 306-628-7930 or Becky 306-6043206 for more info.
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
• Community Garage Sales 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Pick up maps at the Tourist Caboose.
• Marketplace Kick-Off 5:00 PM at Sandhills Credit Union Marketplace. Live Music, Food & Drinks!
- Mondays are Family Fun Night (open to all ages) at the Leader Library 6:30-7:30 PM.
- Tuesdays & Thursday Stretch Exercises 10:00 AM at the Leader Friendship Centre.
- Wednesdays Toddler Time (ages 1.5 to 3) at the Leader Library 10:30-11:00 AM.
- Thursdays Baby & Me at the Leader Library 10:30-1:00 AM 0-2 years old (older siblings welcome)
LUSELAND 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
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
• Coffee & Homemade Cinnamon Bun Fundraiser for Children in Africa. Free (with or without a donation). 10:30 to 1:30 PM at Major Community Hall. Visiting and Fundraiser for a Playground for vulnerable children in Sakubva, Zimbabwe. Our goal is $2,000.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
• Community BBQ - Food. Music. Games. Drinks. 5:00 PM Supper. Contact Lynn Cairns if you would like to play slopitch 306-834-8605. Silver collection. Beach Volleyball.
