Photo from Night in Bethlehem - 2019
Youngstown Communiqué
December 20, 2020
Reported by Robert Blagen 403-854-0664
Congratulations to Selena and Mike Waldner and their family on the birth of their newest addition. Sterling Jason was born on December 11, a baby brother for Maverick and Serenity. I send out my sympathies to the family and friends of Anita Kruppi of
Hanna upon her recent death!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Diana Walker for all her efforts in keeping the Oyen Echo newspaper in circulation over these many years and especially during these past months while coping with all the COVID challenges. I
do really enjoy being able to read the printed word while being able to physically hold the paper in my hands. I would like to wish Diana all the best in the future in whatever she chooses to do, be it retirement or tackling new ventures.
And on that note, I would also like to offer my best wishes to Kate Winquist of Kindersley who is taking over the Oyen Echo.
I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to Jaime Campbell and her family for the death of her mom Norma of Drumheller.
Our mail delivery is crazy. We got our December 3 and 10 issues of the Oyen Echo on December 17. Now that is real fast postal service from Oyen to Youngstown. I had mail delivered from Hanna that was mailed on December 9 and I received it on December 17. You would think Canada Post could do better than that. And then, wow, it can be done. We received the December 17th issue of the Oyen Echo on the 18th of December. In 2 days we received 3 issues. Maybe ranting about it helps!
Merry Christmas everyone and all the best in the New Year! Here’s to a much better 2021!
Acadia Valley News
December 21, 2020
Reported by Pat Didychuk patdidy@netago.ca or call 403-972-2058
How does one react to the news that Diana is retiring? On the one hand, so happy for her, as she has worked very hard bringing us the news and supplying Oyen and area with a weekly newspaper for so many years. One has to admire her ethics, work habits and just being “Diana”! On the other hand, we will miss her terribly as the news editor, but will also welcome the new head of our great newspaper! We wish you well, Diana, and know you will still be an integral part of the community!
Many will also be sad to hear that Dr. Conde will be leaving our area in February. We wish her well in her new place in British Columbia.
The Outdoor Rink is being used. The materials were donated by SITE and several men worked hard to get it up and running.
How times have changed! We were thankful to be able to watch our grandchildren’s Christmas Concerts by ZOOM. This grandma is getting “techy”! Sunday night the local Volunteer Fire Fighters supplied a parade with Santa all around the town. We have such a great group of volunteers!
If you haven’t had a chance to drive around to see the Christmas lights, it
isn’t too late. Maps are available at The Store.
TC Backfillers donated humidifiers for each classroom at WPS last week.
The newest residents of The Valley are a herd of mule deer. They can be seen in various locations and seem to wander at night, according to all the tracks in our yard. They have been here since the snowstorm in November.
Christmas Eve Mass at St. Mary’s will be Thursday at 5 p.m. The capacity is restricted to 30 people so be sure to phone the church office to register.
My niece runs the Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society in High River.
They just had a fundraiser and the team of Jaime Didychuk, Gwen Gustafson, Jodi deKlerk and myself won 3rd place! Christmas will seem different for most of us, with covid restrictions. We will be home alone, as not safe to travel and congregate with others. No turkey for us! Steak and lobster! Yum. It has been a true pleasure to work with Diana these past six years, but I am also going to retire as reporter for Acadia Valley. I have run out of things to say, recipes for you to try (well still have lots of those). I feel that I have run my course and now time for someone else to take over. Please support the new owner, and volunteer! Thanks everyone for your support.
Tony and I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and all the very best in 2021! Please stay safe and well! God Bless You All!
2 year old Molly Rae Hoffman and her dad Dustin visiting with Santa in front of the Youngstown School. —Photo submitted by Haley Powell—
CheckIt Out
By Joan Janzen
Did you hear that production was down at Santa’s workshop? Many of his workers have had to Elf isolate!
Or this tidbit ... Which Christmas film was 30 years ahead of its time? Home Alone.
No kidding, this has been a year when people are asking if anything good happened in 2020? Someone told me they hope 2020 isn’t the trailer for the upcoming featured year of 2021.
We’re in the heart of the Christmas season when people are typically more prone to kind gestures and generosity. This year is no exception. The healthcare workers at a senior care facility can prove it, because they were pleasantly surprised when a lady in the community presented each one of them with a handmade quilt in appreciation for all they do, especially in these challenging times.
One of the workers wrote, “It was the next best thing to a hug. We will think of her when we are snuggled up under them!”
Recently I saw an advertisement where frozen homemade unbaked buns were being sold. “I make them, you bake them” was the caption. The baker said
she recently retired, and since she couldn’t spend the winter in a warmer climate as she usually does, she had some spare time on her hands. Now she donates the profits from her baking to the local food bank.
I thought it was such an awesome gesture - calories for a cause. Besides, there’s nothing better than homemade buns!
To prove that good things are still happening, a man named Marian Tupy co-authored a book called “10 Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know.” The book’s authors claim, “Things are not as bad as they appear."
The authors also have a website devoted to spreading a realistic message about the state of the world. Tupy concludes the world is in a much better place than people realize. Their goal is to spread accurate information about what is going on in the world.
For example, he said since the 19th century and the industrial revolution, life expectancy has dramatically increased and poverty has decreased. From 19092013, we’ve added, cumulatively, 30 IQ points on a global average. This is a massive improvement,
resulting from better nutrition and improved living conditions.
Also mentioned in the book is the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere, which has resulted in increased vegetation. During the period from 1982 to 2016, added vegetation grew to the equivalent of the combined size of Alaska and Montana.
So, yes, this holiday season you can be encouraged because good things are happening. Growing up, I would watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every Christmas holiday. Every Christmas Charlie Brown would complain that he wasn’t feeling happy at Christmas. And every Christmas Linus would recite his good news lines.
“For behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
Yes, there’s still good news to be heard this Christmas. From my family to yours, I wish you a blessed, good news kind of Christmas.
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com.
Letters to the Editor
It
Dear Editor:
I congratulate you on what is now over 40 years of serving the community of Oyen as Editor of The Echo.
I have a vivid recollection of you and your mom starting out together, converting your newsletter to a full fledged tabloid weekly newspaper.
My guess is that there very few weekly newspaper editors who have achieved
what you have over the decades. It has been my joy to be part of your adventure as the publisher, going with you through the challenges of running the paper and keeping up on technological changes in the industry.
To my delight you have been able to pass on the responsibilities of editorship to a new generation of journalists preserving all that is important to the culture and very life of small
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FANTASTIC PIPE
DREAMS: Trudeau and Biden have this fantasy pipe dream of everybody driving electric cars in the near future, and doing away with coal power and natural gas. They haven’t done their homework.
Canada and the USA are already short of power at peak usage times. I was listening to Danielle Smith doing her radio talk show last week and it's good to know the majority of the people phoning in were a lot smarter than Trudeau. They all realized that windmills and solar power aren’t
enough to power millions of cars and still keep the lights on. Their power sources would then have to rely on nuclear, hydro, or thermal power or maybe hydrogen fuel cells, but to bring this kind of power online would take massive amounts of coal power, diesel power and time. In this over-regulated country of ours, it would take at least 10 years for the Environmental Permits to be approved, and then you would have to have the blessings of the Indians. That would probably be 1520 years before you could
Merry Christmas to the people of Drumheller-Stettler
To say that 2020 has been a tough year would be a supreme understatement.
The triple black swan events of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian- Saudi oil price war and the biggest economic contraction since the 1930s have put our Province and our people in some historically tough times.
I speak to and hear from Albertans everyday who are looking for answers and understanding, feel they’ve hit rock bottom or know someone who has. The pain and suffering of the people of Alberta is great and it is not lost on this government. I’m extremely proud of the people of Drumheller-Stettler, we have collectively had as much or more suc-
cess as any area of the Province in slowing and stopping the spread of the virus.
When public health restrictions were increased on November 24, there were 86 active cases in the riding, on December 7 when further restrictions were put in place by the province our riding had 62 active cases.
It’s important to keep in mind that our riding encompasses nine regions used by AHS and the footprint is bigger than Belgium. We have some natural advantages when it comes to this pandemic, we are few by most comparisons and well spread out. Few better places to ride out a pandemic better than
Craigmyle, Hemaruka or Metiskow.
Over the last year I have been a vocal supporter and advocate for regionally based, targeted approaches to the pandemic, and for these very reasons. Life is far different in remote rural Alberta, compared to a small city and certainly different from a dense metro environment. Unfortunately, almost no areas in the province have shared our success and the growing case rate and hospitalization rate have forced the emergency cabinet committee to pursue province wide restrictions coming into Christmas.
I know this has been a disappointment for many
and for me as well, as your representative, but I understand and respect the circumstance that we find ourselves in collectively as a province. Our business community has done an amazing job mitigating risks of the virus and deserve extreme credit and our loyal, local support. I know our restaurants, hair salons, gyms and massage parlors to name a few, have gone out of their way to keep their doors open and provide great services for our people.
I encourage any of these operators who have been forced to shut down before Christmas to reach out to our office if they have any issues whatsoever accessing
THE OYEN ECHO Serving
DIANA WALKER
the small and medium enterprise relaunch grant. We want to ensure all eligible businesses in the riding receive every support available.
So, as we approach the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. As I write this, health care workers are receiving first doses of the vaccine, our ridings cases continue to be stable or dropping and there is good economic news on the horizon. I will continue to push for regional, targeted approaches and need everyone’s help to make the case obvious, by continuing to keep our active cases low.
So, please people of Drumheller-Stettler have
My
the new editor, Kate Winquest of Southwest Media Group. Ron Holmes Publisher, Holmes Publishing Co, Ltd.
get a shovel in the ground. Trudeau and Biden might be pretty old men before they see their dream come true.
Hold on...I just heard on TV that Trudeau is going to throw a billion dollars at the NL Muskrat Falls stalled power project. Maybe he has woken up to the fact that he needs more power. I wouldn’t rush out to buy an electric vehicle just yet.
As for Trudeau’s Carbon Tax, we all know where that should be put.
Seen Around Town
The snow-covered hill north of the Oyen Evangelical Missionary Church provides a lot of entertainment for a lot of people.
the best Christmas possible, take care of each other and know better times are around the bend. It continues to be an honour to be your representative and as always, contact us at Drumheller.stettler@assembly.ab.ca Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
town Alberta. The town of Oyen will carry on with its unique reflections being captured in the pages of the Echo.
prayer is that you and Fred will find fulfillment in what lies ahead in your retirement. Best wishes go out to
OBITUARIES CLASSIFIED ADS
The Oyen Echo joins family and friends in remembering those who made a meaningful contribution to local residents, and joins the community in sending condolences to surviving family members.
TURNBULL:
Arthur “Bud”
Feb. 10, 1927 - Dec. 7, 2020
When his father first laid eyes on his newborn son he stated, “He is just a little bud.” And so, on February 10, 1927, the life of Arthur “Bud” Turnbull began.
Coming home to the ranch in Big Stone, he was the youngest of the Turnbull family, preceded by three brothers and a sister. In death, as in life, Bud was the last one to be called home to join his family in blissful eternity.
His youth was spent
working alongside his family on the farm where he developed a strong work ethic that served him, his family and his community well all his life.
On August 17, 1948 he married Bessie Donaldson and settled down on their home place south of Cereal. With the same exacting methods Bud used throughout his life, he and Bessie set to work turning their house into a home and their land into a livelihood. The near-perfect, painstakingly planned, measured, and planted ring of trees that encircles their home is a living testament to Bud’s belief that if you do things right the first time, they won’t need to be done again. Bud and Bessie’s dreams came to life in four children and 64 years of love and labour on “Spring Valley Farms.” While raising children, teaching valuable life lessons, and prioritizing family time, Bud also served his community as a bus driver for 33 years. Driving bus was always a welcome morning routine
Nelson Angus Bingeman died in the Big Country Hospital, Oyen December 15, 2020, at the age of 84 years. He started life as Angus and Lucy Bingeman’s son in 1936, delivered by nurse Lawson from Loverna, Sask. He joined his sister Ethel at home. He was named after his father’s brother who died of T.B. in
BINGEMAN:
Nelson Angus
Feb. 8, 1936-Dec. 15, 2020
and never a labour of necessity. Beginning each day by shuttling children (including his own) to school spread his roots in the community and established deep and enduring connections between his life and the lives he touched.
In both fatherhood and grandfatherhood he led by example with his jovial demeanour and selfless generosity of time, knowledge and love. Lessons were taught with quiet humbleness and time was given without hesitation. Regardless of friend or family, Bud was always easy to be around and left no doubt that he was invested in you. His unmistakable laugh was one of his endearing identifiers and it, along with everything else that made Arthur Turnbull “Bud” will surely be missed by all.
Memorial donations may be directed to Oyen and District Health Care Foundation or charity of donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen.
1921.
Nelson completed Grade 9 at St. Julien School with Elvin Person as teacher.
He started playing the accordion in 1948 ad practiced on a concertina before that. He played with different dance bands and played with the Jorgensons for 13 years. Music with Johnny Cash and Frank Yankovic were some of his favourites.
Talent was shown that he cared for the land by using a Noble blade and strip farming.
Talent was also there in the electronics field by fixing the accordion. He really enjoyed life with Sylvia Ellis especially when they visited Las Vegas.
He also like playing with “my boys” in the sand box looking for salamanders.
We will miss him.
Melvin and Linda Bingeman and families of Grant, Carl and Mark
On behalf of the families of Ron Stolz we would like to thank family and friends for all your kind words and condolences for the loss of our dad, Ron. He will be dearly missed.
Many thanks to the Oyen hospital, nurses and doctors for the care you gave dad and special thanks to Dr. Muller.
To Father Newton Rodrigues for the lovely service.
Special thanks to Lori Knapik for the beautiful flower arrangement.
Roger Didychuk for supplying the delicious luncheon to the family.
To the Acadia Valley Knights of Columbus thank you for helping to get dad home.
To everyone for their prayers, phone calls, text messages, cards, flowers and all of the delicious meals brought to us. They were so much appreciated.
On behalf of the entire family we want to thank Kim and the staff at MacLean’s Funeral Home for the caring and professional services given to our family.
In these trying times with this pandemic, although we could not all be together, we could still feel everyone’s heartfelt hug.
Sincerely,
Doreen Stolz and Family
CARR: Laura Charlotte
March 13, 1928 - Dec. 26, 2016
“If we could have a lifetime wish
A Dream that would could true, We'd pray to God with all our hearts
For yesterday and YOU.
A thousand words can’t bring you back
We know because we've tried...
Neither will a thousand tears
We know because we've cried...
You left behind our broken hearts
And Happy memories too...
But we never wanted memories
We only wanted YOU.”
Forever in our hearts,
Your loving family
LAWSON: John Lacey
June 5, 1931 – Dec. 28, 2007
“Don't think of him as gone away
His journey has just begun
Life holds so many facets
The earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
There are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today,
How nothing but our sadness can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost
And he is loved so much.”
—Loved and missed every day by
Your loving wife, Dorothy John, Shawn, Krista and Sacha Rose, Gale, Nicole and Mikaela
MEETING ROOM FOR RENT—with multi media equipment, kitchen and bar services available.20’X20’ TENT FOR RENT—call Diana, 403-664-3622, Big Country Agricultural Society. FOR RENT
Melvin & Linda Bingeman
Gift-giving marks departure from childhood
By
Mark Kihn, Calgary
I don’t recall much about December 1968. I was only eight. I was busy trying to ace Grade 3. Girls held no allure yet – I couldn’t even spell puberty. And I had little money. However, as Christmas approached, I zeroed in on one goal – polish my image in the quest of that extra gift or two.
Santa held minimal cache for me anymore – a commercial creation of Coca-Cola. He had disappointed me in the past. He was a false hope. I wanted a
happened at our farmhouse at Basswood, Man. However, I didn’t know about my strategy. There were no progress reports. An occasional platitude of “thank you” or “good work” was lobbed my way. Maybe though that was just to keep me working for the next day or week when everything seemed to repeat. Plus I had my own chores to do – mainly outside with Dad and those hungry cows. And with three brothers, I still needed time and energy to play. I’d
sure bet.
That’s what it was all about in the mind of an 8year old – getting a gift, right? The word “giving” was a foreign concept. Self and selfishness reigned.
Yet occasionally the light bulb clicked on in my head. Short periods of analytical thinking enlightened me with another thought. Gifts were great, however, people seemed to enjoy giving too. That meant taking heardearned money, discerning what somebody might want, buying it for them, and then giving it away for their enjoyment. Which kid does that?
So I turned on as much charm as an 8-year old could muster. I chose my two older sisters, Helga and Linda, as subjects. I knew them: they loved their four younger brothers, they were generous, and more importantly, they were earning ready cash from baby-sitting stints with the neighbours.
And so I decided I would help best I could with sisters’ household chores: set the table, fold laundry, help with dishes, do cleaning, and also, I’d readily join in with any of their Christmas baking. Puffed wheat squares anyone? Plenty
often flop into bed, so tired. My inspiration came from a materialistic source. Our black and white TV delivered one channel. Our family would gather around it sporadically and take in whatever it offered. A show I remember, “Julia,” featured a single professional mother in New York City living in a high-rise apartment with her little girl. A Calgary buddy says Diahann Carroll was the star, she of an unusual spelling. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the “Julia” tree featured a huge growing mound of gifts. The cone shape heap of gifts underneath matched the cone tree shape. I could hardly believe it. It would take me a day to unwrap them. And I’d need hot chocolate breaks to rest up. Is that how the wide world operated at Christmas? Gifts galore!
I continued with my “nice brother” plan though. Meanwhile, I scratched through a small chocolate box stashed in my dresser drawer. It had a few marbles, a couple of sparkly stones (with yellow flecks –likely gold!), a new pen, some “Popsicle Pete” coupons, and several coins. I may have found those
coins on the schoolyard, and maybe a kind uncle gave me a dime. The sum was about 40 cents. That’s not exactly Christmas budget money to spend in small-town Minnedosa.
Then the unexpected happened. A sister gave me a dollar bill, explaining briefly that maybe I needed cash. She claimed she had a little extra. She hinted too that the cash was my Christmas gift.
Ok, now what to do? My strategy worked to garner that added gift, but my conscience nagged me with that axiom that “it is better to give to receive.”
A few days before Christmas, Mom had to make the 12-mile trip to Minnedosa. A few of her beloved urchins piled into the Chevy Biscayne, including myself. I shoved all my money into my pocket. I had no ideas, no plans for it, only a thought that candy would be good to make my brothers jealous.
We ended up at the local MACLEOD’S store. The place was a unique combination of hardware supplies, toys, and clothes – especially at Christmas. It wasn’t quite hammers mixed together with chicken eggs, but close.
Then I spotted it. A modest 500-pi ece puzzle featured a countryside scene, much like you could see on our own farm. There were trees on a hill, an open blue creek with bull-rushes alongside, drifted snow, and an endless sky. There was no time to neither dither nor debate this $.99 cash outlay. I almost ran to the cash register lady and handed over the dollar. She needed 5 cents more for tax – whatever that was. I fished in my pocket and got a nickel. Her brown bag protected my stealth purchase.
Soon we were headed home. The clandestine package was safely tucked under my winter jacket. I forgot about buying candy, although the Basswood General Store offered MoJos’s cheap, two for a cent. You can’t beat that.
Then something happened. I began to feel good inside – happy, without laughing. I knew the entire family loved doing puzzles together during the holiday season. I would give this to the whole family. I hoped they would enjoy it.
Christmas morning
came, and unnoticed, I slid the box under the tree. I had found paper that said “Noel,” and my wrapping efforts were decent. I kept my identity secret by pencilling in that the giver was “St. Nick,” but Mom told others later that it was from Mark. She knew her children’s printing.
As we unwrapped our Christmas gifts, my gift drew “oohs, ahhs,” and later that day, a sister spread it out on our games table. The family dived in. The puzzling began. Chattering and laughter filled the living room. A simple $1 gift delivered joy.
I recall that the puzzle itself had pieces that did not inter-lock well, had too much “white” (matching snow and sky), and the picture itself was slightly fuzzy. Where it ended up
with my parent’s three major moves, nobody knows.
I do know the gesture made the gift giver happy, this poor little boy. He had somehow learned the joy of giving with that first-ever Christmas gift. The $1 price tag even made for an inexpensive lesson.
In my 50 years since, I have given and received many gifts at Christmastime – expensive, thrifty, hand-made, or re-gifted. However, none of that really matters. What matters though is that humble puzzle gift helped make that a happier 1968 Christmas for six children – the five who received it, plus the one who gave it. Incredibly, I left much of my “me, me” childhood behind with that innocent purchase. Others now mattered. I rarely match the wonderful benevolent feeling of giving that long ago firsttime gift. I may never really.
BASIC PUZZLING STRATEGIES:
-many begin by completing the border, which defines the shape/size; the flat-edge pieces are easy to identify;
-I prefer to find the dominant colour/image and assemble that. My idea is that it uses up pieces quickly –suddenly a 1000-piece puzzle becomes 800;
-I have a friend who sorts the pieces into shapes, and then with maybe six shapes, she can find the needed piece quicker;
-it is tough to have more than two people work on the same area of the puzzle at once: too many arms, heads block lighting, bad breath in close quarters, etc.;
-if people are working on different aspects of the puzzle, check regularly if the chunks fit together.
SIBLINGS & PUZZLING INDISCRETIONS:
-do not hum or sing at the puzzling table; you don’t have a Pavarotti voice, your humming to a nondescript tune can annoy;
-belching, burping, or sudden methane emissions will cause even friends to disappear, and so the close quarters of a puzzle table rule out questionable noises, smells;
-use underarm deodorant; long cross-table reaches will make this self-evident;
-play footsie if you wish, but be prepared for questionable looks, or even a swift kick;
-no snacks on the table – who wants potato chip crumbs decorating the table, or sticky chocolate trimming the edges of pieces?
Oyen Echo Editor, Diana Walker . . .
Thank you for your many years of community service to us. A deeply sincere Thank-you for all your time and newspaper space that you offered me.
Merry Christmas to all -- from my family to Yours . . . Peace and Joy!
former Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman
PUZZLE OF 1968: Meandering Stream scene— Mark’s artist friend Maxine Abraham of Calgary painted the scene as he described of the old 1968 puzzle.
Mark Kihn (9 years old): The author learned about the spirit of giving with the 1968 Christmas puzzle gift to his family. He found this photo of himself in his files.
COCA-COLA SANTA: The author set up this photo of a typical Coca-cola Santa on the puzzle image.
Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Employer Application Process Launches
GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Canadians who are trying to find work.
Employers also face challenges when recruiting and hiring workers while adapting to the realities of the pandemic. That's why the Government of Canada continues to take action to provide good job opportunities for youth and to support employers across Canada.
Today, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced that up to 120,000 job opportunities will be available to young Canadians through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) in 2021. This represents a 50 percent increase from the 80,000 CSJ opportunities approved in 2020. With this significant increase, more employers and youth will be able to apply and benefit from the program.
The employer application period for CSJ 2021 will open on Monday, December 21, 2020, and close on Friday, January 29, 2021. Not-
for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and private-sector employers with 50 or fewer fulltime employees can start preparing their applications now to hire a young Canadian.
Similar temporary flexibilities introduced for CSJ 2020 will be applied this year to help small businesses operate. These include:
• a wage subsidy, so that private and public-sector employers can receive up to 75 percent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee (not-for-profit organizations will continue to receive 100 percent);
• an extension to the end date for employment to February 26, 2022; and
• allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis.
Today's announcement builds on the commitments made in both the Fall Economic Statement and the Speech from the Throne to support young Canadians— namely to create more paid work opportunities next year and to ensure Canadian businesses have the supports they need to get
through the pandemic.
Employers interested in applying for CSJ 2021 funding are encouraged to prepare their applications in advance of next week's launch. Applicants who do not have an account on the secure Government Grants and Contributions Online Services portal are encouraged to create one prior to the launch of the application process. Registration is a one-time process that allows employers to submit their applications for CSJ funding and other funding opportunities offered through Employment and Social Development Canada.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to work to protect Canadians' jobs and to help businesses stay strong.
"Canada Summer Jobs has a major role in supporting employers and youth during these unprecedented times. For many young people, summer jobs are their first work experience, one that teaches them the value of leadership, skill building, teamwork and resilience. For employers, a
young worker can be an invaluable asset to their team, adding a new and fresh perspective into all areas of the workplace. I'm looking forward to seeing this year's approved projects, which will make a real difference in the lives of so many Canadians."
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough Quick Facts
CSJ provides paid opportunities for youth between the ages of 15 and 30 to develop and improve their skills in the not-forprofit, small business and public sectors. The program also supports the delivery of key community services to Canadians.
CSJ is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which helps youth, particularly those facing barriers, to gain the skills and experience they need to successfully transition to the labour market.
The national priorities for CSJ 2021 reflect Canada's diverse population and evolving needs. This year's national priorities support:
• organizations that pro-
vide services to or intend to hire youth who self-identify as being part of underrepresented groups or as having additional barriers to entering or staying in the labour market;
• opportunities offered by organizations that provide services to persons with disabilities or intend to hire youth with disabilities;
• opportunities for youth in rural areas, remote communities, or official language minority communities;
• opportunities offered by organizations that focus on protecting and conserving the environment; and
• opportunities offered by employers impacted by COVID-19, in particular small businesses, in recognition of their contribution
to the creation of jobs. Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100 percent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees and publicsector employers can receive funding for up to 75 percent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has increased investments in Canada Summer Jobs— more than doubling the number of jobs created annually, from 35,000 to over 79,000. In 2020, the Government of Canada invested $320.45 million in CSJ, adding an additional $62 m illion to increase number of jobs for youth to 80,000.
2019
It is amazing how such a little person can turn the world around
Kaizley Brook was born August 16, 2019, in Calgary to Wyatt and Ashton Laughlin , RockyView County. Grandparents: Carl and Wendy Dziatkewich. Great-grandparents: Ed Rice; Nina Dziatkewich.
Morgan Anne was born August 29, 2019, in Red Deer to Brooke and Ryan Koehli of Camrose. Grandparents: Shari and Stephen Muzyka, Cereal; Louise and Lawrence Koehli, Camrose. Great-grandparents: Marian Peers, Madeline and Ken Nichols, all of Oyen.
JANUARY
Tenley Mary Ruth was born January 5, 2020, in the Lloydminster Hospital to Dave and Kelsey Mills, Blackfoot weighing 6 pounds 9 ounces, measuring 20 inches. Grandparents: Dale and Allison Stammers, Oyen and Bruce and Penny Woods, Little Bear Lake, Sask.; great-grandmother: Audrey Stammers, Oyen.
Arya Vida was born January 9, 2020, in Edmonton to Myla and Kyle Strasser, Ardrossan weighing 5 pounds 14 ounces. Grandparents: Gordon and Vida VanSickle, Acadia Valley; Blair and Cynthia Strasser, Saskatoon. Great-grandparents: Miles and Val Logan, Oyen; Joyce VanSickle, Acadia Valley; Jane Strasser and Shirley Ganton, Bruno, Sask.
Ellis Mackenzie was born January 11, 2020, in Vancouver to Logan and Taylor Meers, Vancouver, B.C. weighing 5 pounds 9 ounces, measuring 19 inches. Grandparents: Kent and Leanna Meers, Acadia Valley; Bob Fraser, Calgary; Cindy Mittelstaedt, Calgary. Great-grandparents: Mervin Meers, Oyen; Bill and Karen Champ, Innisfail; Harvey Mittelstaedt, Calgary.
Weston Elias was born January 22, 2020, in Medicine Hat to Lance and Melinda Ross, Medicine Hat. Grandparents: Allan and Laurie Code; Kelly and Bonnie Ross. Greatgrandmothers: Maxine Astell and the late Eva Ross.
FEBRUARY
Kate Isla was born February 5, 2020, in Medicine Hat to Kurt and Becky Christianson , Oyen weighing 7.2 pounds measuring 19 inches. Grandparents: Allen and Gayle Christianson, Oyen; Greg and Teresa Rafa, Acadia Valley. Great-grandparents: Dolores Christianson, Oyen; Myrna Jamont, Medicine Hat.
Lawson Jay was born on February 15, 2020, in Stettler weighing 10 pounds 3 ounces measuring 21 1/4 inches long to Hope and Cody Long, Hanna— brother for siblings: Steele Sylvestre, Easton, Laynee and Jenner. Grandparents: David and Cyndy Eaton, Sibbald; Barrie and Fern Long, Hanna.
Naomi was born February 26, 2020, in Drumheller to Geralyn Paler Rogon and Landry Rafa,
Oyen. Siblings: Gexette, Grechelle, Gianni, Glee, Gabriel. Grandparents: Lloyd and Valerie Rafa, Acadia Valley; Edgardo and Antoinette Vicente- Paler, Gingoog, Philippines.
MARCH
Pastor Brad and Lealla B roadhead welcomed their fourth child, Linnea, born on March 12, 2020, at the Rockyview Hospital, Calgary weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces—a sister for Rowenna, Elowen and Nigel. Grandparents: Kevin and Marge Broadhead, Luccinda and Eric Parket. Great-grandmothers: Eleanor Johnson and Florence Laycraft.
APRIL
Rachel (Scarff) and Kodi Mä ki, Sterling are pleased to announce the birth of their first son, Aiden Thomas Teeri Mäki , born on April 29, 2020, in the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. He weighed in at 7 pounds 6.4 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches. Grandparents: Walter Scarff, Oyen; Craig and Tami Mäki, Stirling.
MAY
Proud parents Mark and Am ber Bingeman , Blackfalds announce the birth of their firstborn, a son, Nixon Owen , born on May 2, 2020, in Red Deer weighing 6 pounds 5 ounces. Grandparents: Linda and Melvin Bingeman, Esther; Stan and Sandy Hannah, Innisfail.
First-time parents Kristy and Riley Getz of Oyen welcomed Willow Dahlia on May 9, 2020, in Medicine Hat weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces, measuring 20 inches. Grandparents: Cheryl and Warren Getz, Oyen; Dale and Debbie Hamilton, Daysland; Jim Laschilier, Lloydminster, Sask. Great-grandparents: Doreen and the late Val Getz of Medicine Hat, Helen and Walter Kohut, Spiritwood, Sask.; Sonjia Hamilton, Saskatoon, Sask.; Isabelle Laschilier, North Battleford, Sask.
Abigail Rey was born May 17, 2020, in Calgary to Danielle and Marc Gagnon , Airdrie. Grandparents: Farley and Chrissy Vanstone; Maurice and Pam Gagnon. Great-grandmother: Shirley Vanstone, Oyen.
First-time parents Tyler and Megan Chiliak, Sibbald announce the birth of Esther Isabella on May 19, 2020, in the home of Megan’s parents, Lars and LeVan Jensen (Cypress County) weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces measuring 20 inches. Other grandparents: Alan and Ramona Chiliak, Sibbald. Greatgrandparents: Noreen Chiliak, Alsask; Jean Tilbert, Sibbald; Bud Tilbert, Luseland, Sask.; Lorne Cheater, East Coulee.
JUNE
Brent and Kim Cu rry of Oyen welcomed Dallas Arthur on June 1, 2020, weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces at the Rocky View Hos-
pital, Calgary. Grand parents: Shane and Conny Hertz, Oyen; Art and Tricia Curry, Champion. Great-grandparents: Dan and Bonnie Hertz, Oyen; Gerhard and Erika Wulf, Consort.
Sophie Blakely was born to Doug and Kassie Hertz, Oyen weighing 8 pounds 8 ounces on June 4, 2020, in Medicine Hat, measuring 19.25 inches. Grandparents: Shane and Conny Hertz, Oyen; Glenn and Jeannine Sutton, Sceptre, Sask. Great-grandparents: Dan and Bonnie Hertz, Oyen; Gerhard and Erika Wulf, Consort; George and Pat Rissling, Prelate, Sask.
Grayson George Elton was born June 11, 2020, in Lethbridge to Tegan Pearen and Byron Elton weighing 5 pounds 5 ounces, measuring 19 inches long. Grandparents: Debbie and Gerry Pearen, Barbara and Kitchener Elton. Great-grandparents: David and Velda Elton; Martha Daniels.
JULY
Shelbey Walter and Brendan S kappak became first-time parents with the birth of Sterling Warren Skappak on July 9, 2020, weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces measuring 20.25 inches. Grandparents: Warren and Brenda Walter, Medicine Hat; Richard Skappak, Acadia Valley. GreatGrandparents: Dick and Colleen Chapman, Arcola, Sask.
First-time parents Richard and Kailee Houston welcomed daughter Sawyer Jayne born in the Medicine Hat Hospital on July 10, 2020, weighing 6 pounds 11.8 ounces and measuring 19 1/4 inches. Grandparents: Lee and Kathy Smith, Consort; David and Sue Houston, Australia. Great-grandparents: Betty Smith, Consort; Jean Gavin, Australia; Patty Houston, Australia.
Bennett was born July 18, 2020, to James and Susan Bakker, Nobleford. Grandparents: Fred and Elizabeth Roberts, Cereal; Gerrit and Wendy Bakker, Coaldale.
Rieka Agnes was born July 27, 2020, at the Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary to Justin and Christine Caskey, Calgary weighing 6.6 pounds and measuring 18.5 inches—a sister for Owen and Grayson. Grandparents: Graham and Marlene Caskey, Oyen; Peter and Brigitte Kohlmaier, Bad Neustadt, Germany. Great-Grandparents: Clarence and Agnes Caskey (deceased); Vernon and Helen Johnston, Oyen; Karl and Alberta Kohlmaier (deceased); Ludwig and Blanka Rothaug, Bad Neustadt, Germany.
AUGUST
Congratulations to first-time parents Janelle Wilson and Riley Carroll , Oyen on the birth of Hunter Wilson born on August 1, 2020, in Medicine Hat weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces. Grand-
parents: Kathy Carroll, Oyen, Tom Carroll, Oyen; Wayne and Tannis Wilson, Carlyle, Sask. Great-grandparents: Don and Lorine MacRae.
Riley Stefan was born August 4, 2020, in Calgary to Justin and Erin LaBrie, Calgary. Sibling: Raedyn. Grandparents: B ill and Brenda Rumohr, Sedalia; Marcel and Marion LaBrie, Invermere, BC. Great-grandparents: Don and Margaret Bamber, Oyen; Maria Kloos, Invermere, BC.
Rory Jensen was born on August 6, 2020, to John and Tristyn Hogan at the Foothills Hospital, Calgary weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces. Grandparents: Tammy and Rick Wheatley, Robin and Sylvan Garchinski, Frank Logan, Jack and Patricia Breum. Great-grandparents: John and Cheryl Hogan, Miles and Valerie Logan. Great-great-grandmothers: Elaine Wood and Diane Garchinski.
Draxton Hrabi was born on August 9, 2020, in Medicine Hat to Kyla Ulland and Kyle Hrabi weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces. Grandparents: Carri and Wally Kyriakakas; Gladys Ulland. Great grandmothers: Helen Kyriakakas and Rose Ulland.
Conner Joel Grant was born on August 9, 2020, in Lethbridge to Jaycea and Brett Hawking weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces, measuring 20 1/4 inches—adoring big sister Alaina. Grandparents: Barb Hawking, Kindersley, Brad and Lori Toth, Cereal. Great-grandparents: Denis and Sonja Wilkinson, North Battleford, Sask., Joyce Toth, Wakaw, Sask, and Nellie Vold, Kindersley. Deceased grandpa is Grant Hawking and great-grandparents Keith and Norma Hawking.
Charles Gregory was born on August 13, 2020, in Stettler with Dr. Pieter Bouwer. He weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces. Parents: Derek and Megan McBain. Siblings: Freya and George. Grandparents: Joanne and Kevin McBain, Oyen; Teresa and Greg Rafa, Acadia Valley. GreatGrandmas: May McBain, Shirley Jorgenson, Oyen and Myrna Jamont, Medicine Hat.
Elliott Edward was born on August 21, 2020, in the Rockyview Hospital, Calgary to Matthew and Jennifer Robb weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces. Grandparents: Ed and Sandra Hogan, Oyen; Bill and Kathy Robb. Great-Grandma: Crystal Huston, Oyen.
SEPTEMBER
Elsie Hazel Joy was born on September 3, 2020, in the Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton to Amber Fauth and Patrick Allain weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces. Grandparents: Michael Allain, Carrie Karlowich and Robert and Arla Fauth as well as big sister Miss Riley.
Paisley Mae was born in Medicine Hat September 10,
A baby fills a place in your heart you never knew was empty
2020, to Tyrel and Chynna Kuhn weighing 8 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 20 3/4 inches—a sister for Brantley and Aislynn. Grandparents: Alan and Crystal Traub and Jarrod and Carolyn Kuhn, Acadia Valley. Greatgrandparents: Audrey Kiesman, Lorraine Kuhn and Gerald and Phyllis Bishoff.
Wyatt William was born September 22, 2020, in the Medicine Hat Hospital to Mark Sturm and Cheryl Breum, Bindloss. Grandparents: Jack and Trish Breum, Oyen and Marty and Peggy Sturm, Bindloss. Great-grandparents: John and Cheryl Hogan, Oyen; Iris Breum, Medicine Hat. Great-grandma: Elaine Wood, Oyen.
Fenton (Finny) Harold was born September 26, 2020, in Stettler to Katie and Brendan Berg weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces! Grandparents: Rita and Darcy Berg and Dawnta and Ronald Sortland. Great-grandparents: Karl Berg and Wesley Fenton Hamilton, Carson City, Nevada, whom the new baby is named after!
OCTOBER
Emberlee Rose was born October 9, 2020, to Ryan and McKayla Niwa, Acadia Valley weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces, in Stettler hospital. Grandparents: Dave and Suzie Campbell, Wainwright; Joe and Tammy Niwa, Acadia Valley. Great-grandparents: Rose Niwa, Minor and Janette Becker, Noma Morrissey and Sheila Campbell.
NOVEMBER
Kade Dempsey was born November 9 in the Saskatoon children’s hospital Nancy and Tyrell Christianson . Sibling: Emma. Grandparents: Twighla and Kyle Christianson, Lori McDonald and Glenn and Lily McDonald. Great-grandparents: Louise Christianson and Gordon and Carole Heatherington all from Consort. Great-grandma: Kay McDonald!
Evangeline Rae was born in Edmonton November 19, 2020, to Shelane and Brent Williams, weighing 7 pounds 3 ounces, measuring 19.5 inches. Grandparents: Patsy and Irvine Jorgenson, Oyen/Gull Lake; Norman and Linda Williams, Vegreville. Great-grandmother: Shirley Jorgenson, Oyen.
DECEMBER
Rylan Charles was born in Medicine Hat December 3 to Kristen and Keldon Kulyk , Buffalo weighing 10 pounds 8 ounces measuring 20 inches long! Siblings: Cailyn and Ethan. Grandparents: Brenda and Bill Rumohr, New Brigden; Russell and Carla Kulyk, Buffalo. Greatgrandparents: Don and Marg Bamber, Oyen.
Sterling Jason was born on December 11, 2020, to Selena and Mike Waldner—a brother for Maverick and Serenity.
August
February 5, 2020 in Medicine Hat, AB
PARENTS: Kurt & Becky Christianson Oyen, AB
GRANDPARENTS: Allen & Gayle Christianson Greg & Teresa Rafa
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
May
February 15, 2020 in Stettler,
SIBLINGS:
May
February
PARENTS:
SIBLINGS:
GRANDPARENTS:
May 19, 2020 in Cypress County.
naomi rafa
Esther Isabella Chiliak
Willow dahlia getz Abigail rey gagnon
Linnea Florence Eleanor Broadhead Aiden Thomas Teeri Mäki hunter wilson carroll
Kate Isla Christianson
Riley Stefan labrie Sawyer Jayne houston
Dallas Arthur Curry
Rieka Agnes Caskey
Kaizley Brook Laughlin
Lawson Jay Long
Draxton Hrabi
August 9, 2020 in Medicine Hat, AB
PARENTS: Kyla Ulland & Kyle Hrabi Oyen, AB
GRANDPARENTS:
Carri & Wally Kyriakakis
Gladys Ulland
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
Helen Kyriakakis
Conner joel grant hawking Charles Gregory Mcbain
August 9, 2020 in Lethbridge, AB
PARENTS: Jaycea & Brett Hawking Lethbridge, AB
SIBLING:Alaina
GRANDPARENTS:
Brad & Lori Toth Barb Hawking
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS: Joyce Toth
Rose Ulland
August 21, 2020 in Calgary, AB
PARENTS: Jennifer & Matthew Robb Calgary, AB
GRANDPARENTS: Ed & Sandra Hogan Bill & Kathy Robb
GREAT-GRANDPARENT: Crystal Huston
Wyatt William Sturm
September 22, 2020 in Medicine Hat, AB
PARENTS: Mark Sturm & Cheryl Breum Bindloss, AB
GRANDPARENTS: Jack & Trish Breum
Marty & Peggy Sturm
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
John & Cheryl Hogan Iris Breum
August 13, 2020 in Stettler, AB
PARENTS:
Derek & Megan McBain Oyen, AB
SIBLINGS:Freya & George
GRANDPARENTS:
Joanne & Kevin McBain
Teresa & Greg Rafa
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
Shirley Jorgenson
GREAT-GRANDPARENT: Elaine Wood
November 19, 2020 in Edmonton, AB
PARENTS:
Shelane & Brent Williams Vergreville, AB
SIBLINGS: Auden & Eliot
GRANDPARENTS:
Irvine & Patsy Jorgenson
Norman & Linda Williams
GREAT-GRANDPARENT: Shirley Jorgenson
Denis & Sonja Wilkinson Nellie Vold
September 3, 2020 in Edmonton, AB
PARENTS:
Amber Fauth & Patrick Allain Edmonton, AB
SIBLING:Riley
GRANDPARENTS:
Robert & Arla Fauth
Carrie Karlowich & Michael Allain
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
May McBain
Mryna Jamont
September 10, 2020 in Medicine Hat, AB
PARENTS:
Tyrel & Chynna Kuhn
Acadia Valley, AB
SIBLINGS:Brantley & Aislynn
GRANDPARENTS:
Alan & Crystal Traub Jarrod & Carolyn Kuhn
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS:
Audrey Kiesman
Gene & Louise Karlowich
Emberlee Rose niwa
October 9, 2020 in Stettler, AB
PARENTS: Ryan & McKayla Niwa Acadia Valley, AB
GRANDPARENTS: Joe & Tammy Niwa
Dave & Suzie Campbell
GREAT-GRANDPARENTS: Rose Niwa
Minor & Janette Becker Norma Morrissey Sheila Campbell
December 3, 2020 in Medicine Hat, AB
PARENTS:
Keldon & Kristen Kulyk Buffalo, AB
SIBLINGS: Cailyn & Ethan
GRANDPARENTS:
Brenda & Bill Rumohr
Carla & Russel Kulyk
GREAT-GRANDPARENT:
Margaret & Don Bamber
Lorraine Kuhn
Gerald & Phyllis Bishoff
November 9, 2020 in Saskatoon, SK
PARENTS:
Nancy & Ty Christianson
Sedalia, AB
SIBLING: Emma Kay
GRANDPARENTS: Kyle & Twighla Christianson
Lori McDonald
Glenn & Lily McDonald
GREAT-GRANDPARENT: Louise Christianson
Carol & Gord Heatherington Kay McDonald
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of one special baby; this Christmas join us in celebrating the birth of many special babies!
Freda Knauft
Harold Mennis
Elliott Edward Robb
Elsie Hazel Joy Allain Paisley Mae kuhn
Evangeline Rae Williams
Kade Dempsey Christianson
Rylan Charles Kulyk
Cereal News
December 24, 2020
Reported by Maxine Girletz 403-664-0513
Len and Ina Hains made a quick trip to Drumheller on Sunday to make a COVIDGift Exchange. They took advantage of the
nice winter day to meet up with Sheldon, Sheryce, Marsela and Georgia down by the river at a park where shared some play time,
Visitors to Acadia Valley
sledding and take out from McDonald’s!
Never would they have thought this would be their Christmas. They have just two more meet up’s to go.
December 20-31
Happy birthday to Kacey Peacock, Bradley Kulyk, Rhys Boehmer, Steven Beaudoin, Steven Grover, Travis Clow, Deb Stouffer,
Phoenix Snell, Colbe Hryciw, David Reimer, John Kimber, Katelyn Beaudoin, Keith Knauft, Nicholas Weselosky, Susan Senkiw, Elaine Michaels, Gordon Olds, Kirk Boehmer, Marilyn Salik, Harlow Fraser, Thomas Mutai, Bonnie Duffield, Carson Madge, Joan Anderson, Shelley Brown, Bran-
don Armstrong, Marty Rude, Samantha Callin, Wayne Bannick, Carrie Beaudoin.
Happy anniversary to Lorraine and Leonard Lewin, Desi and Kim Stief, Nichole and Jamie Gerein, Marty and Deb Rude, Troy and Claire Pederson.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
LICENSES FOR 2021
or the person becomes the Owner of that Dog after January 31st; or the Owner takes up residence in the Town of Oyen after January 31st; the Owner shall apply for the License within seven days (7) of that time. The License fee for each dog is $20.00 Please contact the Town Office (403) 664-3511 for more
Printers ink in their blood - an incredible journey
By Diana Walker
Oyen was incorporated as a village in 1913. That was the year its first newspaper, The Oyen News began publication; editor Charles L. Dunford. He continued to publish until the Dirty Thirties.
In 1939, Alvin W. Wallace began publishing and editing the Oyen Telegram
(More on page 284 of Many Trails Crossed Here Volume 1)
On December 13, 1956, a fire forced temporary suspension of publication of the Oyen Observer, editor Mr. Adair. Considerable damage was done to the building owned by Wm. Petrick.
In 1960, Dave and Bunny Snideman started an advertising sheet that was soon being mailed to 1,400 persons in Oyen and the surrounding districts. It was sent out every two weeks and carried news of local happenings and sometimes an editorial by Dave who operated Bill Cross Men’s Wear. It was prepared in the Snideman home. The Snidemans moved to Drumheller and in 1969, Helen Ball and her daughter Diana Walker took over the Oyen Echo.
Fred, Diana and daughter Lee Ann had been living at One Four near the US border south of Medicine Hat when Miles Logan approached mom about buying the Echo from the Snidemans. She was interested but knew she needed help so reached out to us and we moved back.
The Oyen Echo a home-based business 1969-1973
From May 12, 1969 until the end of 1973, Helen and Diana published the Oyen Echo, a bi-monthly advertising circular, from the Ball home. Their equipment—a hand crank Gestetner, a light scope, styluses and stencils, and a manual typewriter. Subscriptionsfree!
With the publication of each edition they gained knowledge of the business. They took correspondence courses, asked questions, read numerous other week-
lies. Neither had any journalism experience unless you count the numerous secretarial positions Helen held in local community organizations.
Before their purchase of The Echo, Helen had clerked in Berg’s General Store (later known as Berg’s Clothing) and then been secretary at Oyen Public School. As The Echo was getting on its feet Diana worked as a teller at the Toronto-Dominion Bank and later as a clerk at Oyen Drugs and Sears.
Not until they had been in the newspaper business for several years did they learn Helen’s father Frederick Thompson and her uncle Ernest Thompson had been printer’s devils for their aunt who owned a newspaper in England. Frederick, and her uncle Howard Davies, both farmers, also worked for Mr. Dunford, editor of the first Oyen paper.
Helen and Diana wondered if “the ink was in their blood.”
The Echo grew. Equipment now consisted of an electric Gestetner, an electronic stencil cutter, and an electric typewriter.
Every other weekend Jim slept on the couch as Helen and Diana cranked on the Gestetner most of Friday night and Saturday to print the stacks of papers.
Circulation 1500; an average size paper was six single sheets 8 1/2"x14". Each page was printed both sides. With the stacks lined up on a long table willing teenagers (mostly Mindy’s friends) were recruited twice a month to run around the table collating, stapling and folding each copy.
An electric collator was added.
Toward the end of 1973, the two women felt they possessed neither the knowledge or the finances to expand the business so they sought a buyer.
Fred and Diana’s family was growing. Dale was born in 1970. Fred and Diana and Helen and Jim also decided they could share their lives with foster kids.
At Val Marshall Printing in Medicine Hat owner George Holmes told his son Ron about the plight of the Oyen Echo owners. George and Ron were former publishers of the Provost News, second and third generation newspaper men.
Holmes Publishing purchases
The Oyen Echo Ron purchased The Oyen Echo retaining the services of Helen and Diana until he could find replacements!
The Oyen Echo moved to the old Toronto-Dominion Bank building located at 103 Second Avenue East. Issues were printed bi-
monthly, beginning February 11, 1974 through March, in Medicine Hat on a sheet fed press. Stacks were fewer. Now four-page sections had to be collated.
A Polaroid camera joined the list of equipment.
April Fool’s 1974
Starting April 1, 1974, the Echo went to press weekly except during a two
week summer vacation and Christmas holidays. Subscription fee - $4; single copy 10¢.
When the Provincial Building opened in 1975, Fish & Wildlife vacated their office on 6th Ave East across from the south end of the arena. The Oyen Echo moved in and continues to operate there until December 31, 2020.
Report from Battle RiverCrowfoot MP Damien Kurek
4945 - 50 St. Camrose, AB T4V 1P9
Text 403-575-5625 or toll free 1-800-665-4358,
Email: damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca or social media @dckurek
Perspective in the Christmas Season
Christmas is a time that is meant to remind us of the hope we have in the birth of Jesus. This can be difficult when, as a region, province, country and world, we have found ourselves facing daily challenges, uncertainty, and loss. And yet, it is because of the hardships we face that we need to remember and hold on to the true meaning of Christmas, allowing it to give us the hope that there will be a better tomorrow.
The unfortunate reality of Canada being hit with another wave of COVID-19 is we have been forced to embrace this Christmas in a much different way. While there is much grief and frustration among us as we are unable to gather with loved ones, both close and from afar, we can get creative as we respect health guidelines to ensure the safety of those who are most vulnerable among us.
Knowing how hard these times are, for those who can, consider donating to a food bank or a local charity to ensure those who need
help these holidays are taken care of. Similarly, if you find yourself, or know of someone, in need of assistance please courageously reach out and ask for help. We are all in this together.
Throughout this past year, I am extremely thankful for the many service men and women who wear our nations uniform. Normally, this gratitude would be directed at our Armed Forces deployed around the world, however this year we saw our service women and men step up right here at home when they were called upon.
Healthcare and frontline workers also deserve a special thanks as they stepped up during this pandemic, oftentimes putting themselves and their families at risk. From those working at long-term care facilities, emergency rooms, to other vital and essential services such as those working at the local grocery stores, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing, and all those who have worked tirelessly to
Travis was born in 1983 followed by Amanda in 1985. All four kids had grown up in the office (or should I say under the counter across the back wall fashioned from two saw horses and the front counter top salvaged from the bank building.
Read on ........
protect and serve Canadians, thank you.
Our country has faced pandemics, world wars, recessions, and numerous other challenges over the years. Some were easy to recover from, while others took much longer. Despite the challenges faced, Canadians have always emerged stronger on the other side. We have come together to defeat adversity before, and with perseverance and unity we will do it again. I wanted to take a final opportunity to wish everyone in Battle River-Crowfoot the very best this holiday season. May God bless you and may we all be reminded of the hope that comes from the birth of Jesus.
From Danielle, Matthew, Emerson, and myself, a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2021.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.
THE OYEN ECHO MOVES TO 103 2ND AVE. EAST. While Helen is busy answering the phone Diana poses with their mascot who knows how to advertise. The moose has long since departed but the slogan remains!
A
Typewriters were replaced with Linotypes in 1985 and by two Macintosh computers in 1989. Later a scanner was added.
Mid October 1995 two more computers and a second scanner joined the network, systems were upgraded. The Polaroid was phased out by a digital camera. At first the pictures were enhanced on screen and sent on disk to the press in Wainwright. Within a couple of weeks the whole paper was sent to the printer by Internet.
The first color photo on front page appeared November 22, 1995.
Issues were preserved electronically on a zip disk. A Zip drive stored 100MB on each zip disk rather than the 1MB stored on a regular “floppy” disk.
Technology changed rapidly
Changes in the first 20 years came slowly from manual to electronic to computer. In 1989 we knew nothing about bites, bytes, zips, pixels, resource files, home pages or e-mail. Now there is a new language, a new procedure, a new machine every six months.
In 2007, subscriptions were $35 annually. Each edition was usually 16 pages with four in full color. Readers were no longer plagued with inkstained hands after reading the latest in local news. The paper, imprinted with ultra violet specific ink passes through special ultra violet lamps. These cure the ink producing brighter colors and giving a shiny look to the page. The ink will not rub off on your fingers or your clothes. Ultra violet ink is more economical than heat-set web printing.
Issues were compressed and burned onto CDs (that hold about eight times more than a Zip) for local reference. They are archived in Edmonton on a server in the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association’s central office, accessible by anyone with internet access.
Each day brought a new challenge!
Jim’s death February 11, 2007, and Helen’s death June 10, 2010, left even a void in Diana’s life. Their legacy of determination, a steadfast work ethic and desire to serve this community carried her through to December 2020.
Over the past decade the staff has not varied. Doreen Holdsworth joined Helen and Diana in 2007 and even after relocating to Sedalia drove to work until December 21, 2017. She added a new
dimension of writing and organized the electronic files.
Jessie Battrum took very little coaxing to join the staff in 2009. She sits at Helen’s desk greeting people in the same cheery manner that Helen did. She has respectfully kept that desk much as Helen left it, complete with instructions as to how to fill in WCB forms. She, like Helen, can hand write 36 checks on one deposit sheet!
Denise Hogan was new in town in 2011. When the Echo editor appeared on her doorstep one morning asking if she was come work at the Echo, the reply was quick. She graciously accepted the plea. Denise organizes files and keeps track of the subscriptions, Heritage Canada application, circulation audit reports and anything that works with an Xcel spreadsheet. These three have become part of Diana’s family and she knows she would not have kept the doors open until now without their loyalty, dedication and friendship.
The Echo has managed with the same equipment for the last decade but it is rapidly becoming obsolete as are the programs (purchased on CD) now available several levels newer on the cloud.
It is time to move on and close this door.
Correspondents
The Oyen Echo would not have been able to gather the news from Cereal, Sedalia, New Brigden, Esther, Loverna, Alsask, Sibbald, Acadia Valley, Empress, Bindloss, Buffalo and Oyen without dedicated correspondents and the many people who contributed items to them or directly to the Oyen Echo. These people are too numerous to mention but we truly appreciate each and every word they have submitted.
One correspondent—Rose Jardine—remained constant through the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. After moving to Oyen from Flaxcombe, Saskatchewan, Rose reported council notes and community interest stories for the Oyen Echo.
We drew from her knowledge of journalism gained with the Western Producer, first as an employee for nearly 25 years, then as a columnist for nearly 40 years and from her honors degree in English and history earned from the University of Saskatchewan in 1931 at the age of 19. She was Diana’s mentor as she strived to obtain her
journalism certificate from the Lethbridge College. Her support and encouragement were immeasurable. Rose’s death August 19, 2003, left a huge void in this community but her influence will be felt for years. I receive many Jardine scholarships applications each year and those recipients embody her beliefs and drive to volunteer.
It has been an incredible journey. Diana will truly miss the hand-written notes of encouragement included with subscriptions, the many phone calls inquiring about her family, the emails, the late night visits from people checking to see if the light got left on by mistake. But as she told their foster kids, “We will always keep a landline phone so you can look it up in the phone book and we are not moving anywhere soon.”
Oyen Echo employees
Helen Ball and Diana Walker along with Sandra (Michaels) Rude, Malinda (Ball) Good, Margaret Kuhn, Norma Bozak, Linda Bixby, Lee Ann (Walker) Kuhn, Dale Walker, Elaine (Snell) Rupert, Trevina Wu, Eunice Clough, Dianne (Mahura) Ball, Wanda (Ball) McPhail, Sharyl Anderst, Cheryl (Flemmer) Bird, Michelle (Skappak) Hill, Sieu-Lin Polk, Darlene Drake, Michelle Mehl, Rita (Mehl) Wonnenberg, Marlene (Cavalier) Wood, Gary Grottenberg, Connie (Rafa) Heath, Stacy Lorenz, Corinne (Paetz) Brausen, Shauna (Aitken) MacKenzie, Sharon (Helm) Dahl, Cheryl (Bosch) Tomkins, Andrea (Neilson) Shields, Stacey (Fisher) Scheuerman, Leigh Van Otterloo, Shelly Norris, Denise (Fowlie) Phoenix, Rae (Wilson) Jorgenson, Stuart Salkeld, Frank Friesen, Kathy (Paetz) Martin, Shade Holmes, Orv Studer, Janelle (Vanstone) Jonasson, Georgine Westgard, Betty Walker, Raelyn (Yake) Howe, Sean Rooney, Jennifer Shields, Dawn Poisson, Anne Marie (Santos) Smigelski, Alicia Boisson, Amanda (Walker) Paetz, Leeaire (LeMesurier) Molzan, Beth (Norris) Guckert, Paulette Pratt, Darmidy Goodine, Wendy Meers, Amanda (Penner) Rumohr.
The Oyen Echo has been blessed also with numerous work experience students and people who have so willingly shared their photography and writing talents over the years.
God bless each and everyone who has been a part of this journey.
CO-EDITORS HELEN BALL AND DIANA WALKER RECEIVE SILVER QUILL AWARDS:
At the September 2006 convention of the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association, Mary Readman (centre) of the Consort Enterprise presented Diana Walker and Helen Ball (accepted by granddaughter Lee Ann Kuhn as Helen was conducting business back at the office) with Canadian Community Newspaper Association Silver Quill awards.
The Silver Quill is presented to members by the CCNA in recognition of 25 years of distinguished service to the community newspaper profession.
Booknotes
by Tricia Fischbuch
**With the new COVID restrictions the library CAN continue to offer curbside service as usual – patrons just aren’t able to come into the building at this time.**
ADULT FICTION: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab; Indians on Vacation by Thomas King.
CHRISTIAN FICTION: The Price of Valor by Susan May Warren.
JUVENILE FICTION: Broken Strings by Eric Walters; Curtain Call (Babymouse: Tales from the Locker) by Jennifer Holm; Dog Dog Goose (Lily to the Rescue) by W. Bruce Cameron; Icing on the Snowflake (Diary of an Ice Princess) by Christina Soontornvat; The Magic of the Mirror by Thea Stilton; Pax by Sara Pennypacker; Seeing Red (Whatever After) by Sarah Mlynowski.
PICTURE BOOK: Poppy & Sam’s Nature Spotting Book by Kate Nolan; The Fire Dog Challenge (Clifford) by Meredith Rusu; Now Wash Your Hands by Matt Carr; Peppa’s Pizza Party by Rebecca Potters; Frog Meets Dog by Janee Trasler; Splat the Cat & the Cat in the Moon by Laura Driscoll.
GRAPHIC NOVEL:
Catwad: Four Me? by Jim Benton; Twins by Varian Johnson.
NON-FICTION: Wilderness Survival : Basic Safety for Outdoor Adventures by B.A. Hoena; Frontier Follies: Adventures in Marriage & Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) Is This Anything? by Jerry Seinfeld; Big Kib-
ble: The Hidden Dangers of the Commercial Pet Food Industry & How to do Better by Our Dogs by Shawn Buckley; How Super Cool Tech Works; Rage by Bob Woodward; Weather by John Farndon; Everything Awesome About Sharks & Other Underwater Creatures by Mike Lowery; What if You Could Sniff Like a Shark and What if You Had an Animal Tongue by Sandra Markle.
DVD: Last Man Standing (Season 8)
The library will be closed Monday, December 28 but will be offering curbside service during regular scheduled hours over the holidays.
This month’s new Book Club read is Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak with a fitting theme for Christmas 2020! Contact the library to register and pick up your copy. We will meet online in January to discuss.
“It’s Christmas, and for the first time in years the entire Birch family will be under one roof. Even Emma and Andrew’s elder daughter—who is usually off saving the world—will be joining them at Weyfield Hall, their aging country estate. But Olivia, a doctor, is only coming home because she has to. Having just returned from treating an epidemic abroad, she’s been told she must stay in quarantine for a week…and so too should her family.
For the next seven days, the Birches are locked down, cut off from the rest of humanity—and even decent Wi-Fi—and forced into each other’s orbits. Younger, unabashedly frivolous daughter Phoebe is fixated on her upcoming wedding, while Olivia deals with the culture shock of being immersed in firstworld problems.
As Andrew sequesters himself in his study writing scathing restaurant reviews and remembering his glory days as a war correspondent, Emma hides a secret that will turn the whole family upside down. In close proximity, not
much can stay hidden for long, and as revelations and long-held tensions come to light, nothing is more shocking than the unexpected guest who’s about to arrive...”
The brand new TRACpac app is here! Search the catalogue, place holds, access the e-resources and your library card number, and lots more by downloading “TRACpac app” from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Instructional videos on how to navigate the app are available on Marigold Library System’s YouTube channel.
Need materials to supplement learning at home? We can help! Let us find something for you on our shelves or we can order
items in for you! (Please note that shipping times are longer due to COVID so try to order as early as possible).
Disposable masks are still available. Call the library to arrange pick-up. 403-664-3644 ext. 2727 aoymlibrary@marigold.a b.ca
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 125 p.m.; Tuesdays 2-7 p.m. Wishing all of our patrons the very best over the holidays. We appreciate you so much and have thoroughly enjoyed serving you over the year – even if it’s been a little different than usual.
Happy reading in 2021! “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good book!”
Business Licenses expire December 31
Business licenses expire on December 31st of each year. Every person “carrying on business” within the corporate limits of the Town of Oyen is required to have a valid and subsisting Business License issued pursuant to the provisions of Bylaw 808-11 unless exempted by Federal or Provincial statues or regulations.
The fee structure for 2020 business licenses is as follows:
RESIDENT BUSINESS
$25.00
NON-RESIDENT BUSINESS $100.00
HOME OCCUPATION – OTHER
THAN CATALOGUE SALES $50.00
HOME OCCUPATION –CATALOGUE SALES or HOME PARTY BUSINESS$10.00
PEDDLER
CIRCUS, CARNIVAL, OR RODEO
per day $100.00
SEASONAL BUSINESS $10.00
BUSINESS LICENSE TRANSFER FEE
CRAFT OR TRADE SHOW - per day$100.00
Please attend the Town Office, 201 Main Street, Provincial Building, Oyen, Alberta to apply for or renew your business license. For further information, please contact the Town Office at (403) 664-3511.
Noreen Rude Chief Administrative Officer
TOWN OF OYEN BY-LAW NO. 816-12 PAYMENT OF TAXES BY MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS
WHAT IS TIPP?
TIPP is the Tax Installment Payment Plan by which taxpayers pay their property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized transfer of funds from their bank account or post-dated cheques, rather than one single tax payment.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE TIPP?
• TIPP breaks the annual tax payment into 12 monthly payments to make budgeting easier.
• Regular payments are assured. If you are on vacation, out of town on business, or sick, your payment will be made on time.
• Convenient and reliable method of ensuring that your tax bill is paid.
• TIPP is not subject to discount or penalties provided monthly payments are made.
WHO CAN USE TIPP?
All taxpayers are eligible providing all previous years’ taxes are paid in full.
HOW DOES TIPP WORK?
• Payments start in January in each year and are made on the last business day of every month thereafter.
• Monthly payments for January to June shall be equal to 1/12 of the annual tax levy from the preceding year.
• Monthly payments for July to December shall be equal to 1/6 of the outstanding balance for the current year as of June 30.
• Once you are on TIPP you will be automatically renewed on the plan each year.
WHEN CAN I APPLY FOR TIPP?
You can apply for TIPP up to June 30 for the current year’s taxes. If your application is received after January 31 of the current year, you will be required to make an initial payment equal to the total of the missed installments of the current year.
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR TIPP?
To apply for TIPP, complete and sign the TIPP PreAuthorized Debit Application form available online at www.townofoyen.com or pick-up a copy at the Town Office, attach a void cheque, and return to the Town Office for processing.
Installment payments will not be allowed on payments of taxes in arrears.
Please attend the Town Office, 201 Main Street, Provincial Building, Oyen, Alberta. For further information please contact the Town Office at (403) 664-3511.
NOREEN
RUDE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICER
COMING EVENTS
FIREARMS WANTED FOR FEBRUARY 20th, 2021 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual Items. Contact Paul, Switzerʼs Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, sales@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-
282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
SEEKING PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 - 5 license to transport RVʼs throughout North America. We have company driver spots available in Double Haul, Triple Haul and Semi fleets and O/O spots available in Single (1 ton) and Double Haul fleets. For more information on each fleet, please visit roadexservices.com. Subsidized health and dental insurance, monthly bonus available for company drivers. Must have valid passport and be able to cross the border. To apply, please email resume and a current driverʼs abstract to recruiting@roadexservices.com.
FEED AND SEED
CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT –Go Early, Pintail. - OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat.BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.
HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-2505252.
LAND FOR SALE
DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA has for sale 4 project lands in Beaver County. Land locations are:
SW27-50-16-W4, SE 18-49-14 W4M, S½ 3-46-11 W4M and NW 32-47-13 W4M. Call Brent Thygesen, b_thygesen@ducks.ca or 780 678-0150.
FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1
-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.
HEALTH
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.
Christmas is a time to remember family— Jay & Hazel Ball and their seven children
July 8, 1968 Jay & Hazel’s 50th Anniversary: back row, from left: Ken [Dec. 28/23-Mar. 3/92], Esther (McGhee) [Aug. 6/18-Jan. 14/76], Eileen (Skappak) [Oct. 2/25-Sept. 10/00], Eliza (Edwards) [Sept. 4/29-Jan. 24/97. Front row: Jim [Sept. 5/20-Feb. 11/07], Hazel [Oct. 11/02-Apr. 21/73], Jay [Feb. 2/00-Oct. 4/81], Wilfred [Apr. 11/22-July 23/92], Robert [Sept. 22/27-July 18/08]
Miss the times together, miss the music, miss you! Your descendents
Christmas is a time to remember family— Winifred Thompson and her three children
THE THOMPSON FAMILY: from left Helen Ball - Nov. 14,
10, 2010; Margaret Anderson/Walker - Dec.13, 1928-Oct. 16, 2015,
Thompson - Sept. 20, 1887-Nov. 3, 1978; Jimmy - Aug. 27, 1926-Oct. 20, 1977. Winifred’s husband Fred (May 9-1886-July 4, 1938).
It’s
Absent over 56 years finally visits Brooks
Published in the Brooks Bulletin July 1968
Reprinted with permission
One of the 1912 homesteaders out of Brooks, E. H. Davies of Oyen, Alta., recently visited the town – his first in 56 years. Following are his comments:
A few years ago I wrote of my early experiences travelling through Brooks, and mentioned that since 1912 I had never even been to the town. I hope this beats the deadline!
Last Sunday (July 14th), together with several
carloads of descendants and connections of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Ball of the Cappon district who had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a week earlier, we went down to the Steveville old-timers’ picnic. There I met several old-timers, but none of whom I had previously met.
There are very few pioneers of 1910 s till living, and I am now the oldest man and the oldest settler in the Oyen district in my 89th year. We went to the Dinosaur
Park and while there one of the youngest generation unfortunately got her arm scalded, and her grandparents decided to bring her to the Brooks Hospital, and as I was travelling with them, I came along.
You can imagine the impression I received when entering Brooks after a lapse of 56 years! Those of you who have seen the gradual growth and improvement, can hardly realize the impact on anyone who can remember the town, as only the depot
with a wooden dr illing derrick nearby, a livery barn, one store (Brooks Trading Company), Steve Hall’s boarding house and possibly two or three private houses. That was October 1909 but by 1912, the town had possibly attained village status, and the ready-made farms extended several miles into the country.
The old-timers and their descendants who have stayed on through good times and bad, can certainly take credit for developing a town which, in my humble
Dear readers and advertisers
opinion, is as pretty a place as I have seen anywhere in the country.
- E. H. DAVIES, P.O. Box 97, Oyen, Alta.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
E.H. Davies (better know as Howard) was my Great Uncle, brother to my mother’s mother (Winifred Thompson). He and my Grandpa Thompson had been printer’s devils in England and he was never short of words to put to paper. Mr. and Mrs. Jay Ball who were celebrating
their 50th Wedding Anniversary are my paternal grandparents (photo above) and the youngest generation who got scalded was our 1year-old daughter Lee Ann who was travelling with my parents Jim and Helen Ball. Fred and I were at a rodeo. The attending doctor in Brooks sprayed her burn with something similar to plastic wrap. When we arrived home the next day I took her to Dr. McCracken. He swore and immediately removed the ‘plastic’ saying, “you never cover a burn, leave it exposed to the air!” That horrible burn where the elastic of her little nylon dress penetrated her flesh healed and left no scar.
Thank you for choosing THE OYEN ECHO as your source for both local news and for advertising your business over the past 40 plus years.
Our greatest desire was to provide you with high-quality coverage of the news and issues that mattered in our community.
As of January 1, 2021, Kate Winquist (1-306-671-0242) will take over the reins as the new owner. Assisted by her husband Robert they will continue to work hard to create a paper that caters to the community as a whole while also meeting each of your individual needs.
Whether online or on paper, you can always count on the Oyen Echo to make sure you stay informed about whatʼs going on in your community and to ensure that people know about your products and services.
During this holiday season, weʼd like to thank you for your loyalty and, above all, wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. All the best in 2021!
1924-June
Winifred
sad that you are not with us at this lovely time of year, but we have precious memories of when you were all here. Always remembered with love, your families.
Ron Holmes - Publisher
Jessie Battrum
Denise Hogan
Kate Winquist
Robert Winquist
Diana Walker - Editor
COVID-19 & CHRISTMAS – Tradition versus Risk
By Bernie Krewski
COVID-19 is traumatic.
It strikes at the heart and soul of every adult, and occasionally children, irrespective of their wealth, social status, or place of residence. It imposes changes in life-long habits, behaviours, and practices. For those who are more vulnerable - having pre-existing health conditions, being elderly, and living in longterm health care facilitiestesting positive for COVID19 may have severe consequences – onerous suffering and possible loss of life.
Christmas is a highlight of the year. It strikes at the heart and soul of most people, whether they are Christian believers or not. It is a time for celebration – of “being home for Christmas,” gatherings with family, relatives, and friends; sumptuous meals, exchanging gifts, playing games, carolling on the streets, and enjoying the outdoors.
How do we reconcile these widely differing perspectives? Pat Siferd’s illustration represents the conflicting sentiments and harsh realities we are facing this holiday season.
Alberta Health guidelines for social gatherings and travel offer practical remedies proven to be effective in managing this virus. Unfortunately, expecting everyone to adopt and implement them is unlikely to occur.
One reason is that infectious diseases like this are filled with mystery and wonderment. The question, “How can this be happening?”, has been evident at all levels of society, even among some of Canada’s leaders. It’s as if: “I wasn’t elected to deal with this!”
Years ago, when I was involved in crisis and trauma work, I learned this from Judith Herman’s classic work, “Trauma and Recovery”: “The ordinary response to atrocities is to banish them from consciousness.” In other words, rather than acting immediately, we try to avoid thinking about what has happened. The power of denial and silence, sadly, are often stronger than acknowledging a tragedy, proclaiming it, and acting accordingly. This is a human dilemma.
COVID-19 is said to have originated in Wuhan China in late December 2019, and the Chinese government has been condemned for being secretive about its presence. A recent study now suggests, another mystery, the coronavirus may have been circulating in Italy last September, three months before.
The Spanish Flu
A greater mystery surrounds the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic that deeply affected the Oyen district a century ago. First of all, it is often referred to, incorrectly, as “the Spanish flu.”
This pandemic did not originate in Spain as the name implies. Spain happened to be the first country to publicly report its presence. That was because of its military status in World War I - a neutral country. Unlike other European countries, its news outlets were uncensored and free to report current events.
Furthermore, even a century later, we still do not know for certain where this pandemic originated.
One theory is that it began among British troops fighting in France. Another theory is that it arose in China.
The theory with the most evidence is that it began in a sparely-populated rural county in Kansas where farmers raised grains, poultry, cattle, and hogs. In January 1918, the outbreak of an unknown type of influenza occurred at a military camp nearby, housing 50,000 soldiers preparing for deployment to Europe. Their arrival in France is believed to have brought the influenza to Europe – eventually reaching Alberta in October.
The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic killed more people than any other outbreak of disease since the late Middle Ages. The world’s population in 1918 was about 25% of what it is today. Despite much smaller numbers, it killed between 50-100 million people. Canada’s estimated death toll was about 55,000 people.
Oyen in lockdown
The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 struck the village of Oyen in the final months of World War I. As the Oyen News reported on October 16, 1918, Oyen was in what we now call “lockdown.”
Dr. Swartzlander, the local medical officer of health, was notified of four cases on October 14. A day later, as the News naively commented, their condition had “considerably improved” and they were “practically out of danger.” Nonetheless, the village was taking strict measures to prevent the spread of the plague.
There was a Provincial Board of Health at that
time, but no health department headed by a Cabinet Minister. The Board placed Oyen on strict quarantine. Theatres, churches, schools, and other public places were closed. The Chautauqua on November 6 was cancelled. Every house with influenza was quarantined. No one was permitted to leave or enter the village of Oyen.
The News published a list of “Precautions Against Influenza” and a large notice with “Instructions Regarding Care of Sick Persons.” These emphasized, like today, the importance of cleanliness and isolation, emphasizing the following: “The invisible spray from the mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing is as dangerous as visible expectoration.”
For unexplained reasons, another mystery, Dr. Swartzlander asked the Board of Health to cancel the quarantine order after only 10 days. That occurred. This was the result.
Five deaths were reported on October 30: Joe Morrow, 25, a dray man in Oyen; the two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Horne; G.V. Hannah, manager of the Bank of Hamilton; C.B. Bishop of Excel; and Mrs. W.H. Woolhouse of Benton.
Flu deaths the following week included E.C. Moon, G.V. Hannah’s replacement at the Bank of Hamilton (p. 174 in MTCH II ); Mrs. Edward Michel of Merryland; and Dan McBean of Cereal, age 32. Numerous active cases were reported in Oyen and the surrounding area.
When the War officially ended on November 11, as the News reported, “Every loyal citizen came out to celebrate the evening in a torch light procession.” It commenced with the ringing of the fire alarm and ended with the burning of the Kaiser’s effigy.
Another week also meant 57 active cases in Cereal and the deaths of Jack Davies of Sibbald, a returned war veteran, and Mrs. Herbert Hallman of Acadia Valley ( Times to Remember, pp. 192-194).
Five more deaths occurred in late November:
Mrs. H. Elford of Cereal; David MacCall of Myleen; David Lee O’Neal, 26, (leaving a wife and two children, MTCH II, 174); Mrs. W. Rothwell of Cappon; and Alice Nettleton, 20, a teacher at Superba School. Because of the outbreak in Cereal, Alice volunteered as a “nurse” with the St. John’s Ambulance Corps and became infected with the flu.
There were six deaths in December: Allan Shepherd of Excel; Mrs. Edna (W.C.) Johnston (leaving a husband and three children); Victor Shunn, 53, buried in the Sunnydale Cemetery; Mrs. F. Detyrmuick, wife of the CNR section foreman (leaving two small children); H. Carran of Benton; Gerald Desmond, age 17; and P. Thomas, a farmer south of Oyen.
The death toll diminished substantially in the first three months of 1919: John Blazenko of Benton; Miles West, 31 (leaving a wife and three children); Mrs. May Pearl Loucks, sister of well-known Oyen resident, Clarence Peterson; Mae Linklater of Sibbald, (husband William was the Secretary-Treasurer of the of the Municipal District of Bertawan, Sibbald Community History , 4752); and Donald McKay’s wife Barbara and son Ronald.
The influenza pandemic in this district seems to have faded and run its course by the summer of
1919. Does this century-old pandemic offer any lessons for today?
Protest posters these days often emphasize “We Are Strong!” My counterpart poster would declare, contrastingly, “We Are Vulnerable,” dealing with an invisible and powerful force like COVID-19, and we would be wise to realize this for the next year!
