Taelor Gillis receives Big Country Agricultural Society Scholarship
BY DIANA WALKER
Taelor is enrolled in the first semester of the Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience program at the University of Saskatchewan. Her goal is to become a large animal vet in the rural prairies.
Since moving to Oyen more than a year ago, Taelor, the eldest of Charlene Gillis’s three daughters, has volunteered on many occasions beginning with the 2023 Indoor Rodeo at the Crossroads Centre. This branched into weekend agriculture events like jackpots and the New Year’s Eve bull riding. She also volunteered as a scorekeeper and timer at South Central High School sports and worked in the kitchen at the hockey rink.
“Through these experiences, I’ve learned so much and have made connections with all sorts of people within the community,” says Taelor. “If there were only two lessons to take away from volunteer and community work it would be: ONE – that it truly connects the community and creates bridges and relationships that otherwise would never have happened; and TWO – the best kind of donation to give is time. Not everyone can donate thousands of dollars, but when a few people donate a couple of hours of hard work, many things can be accomplished.”
Taelor was always intrigued by animals and animal care. As a six-yearold, her go-to shows were Save My Pet, Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet and The Incredible Dr. Pol. As a result, she has
Taelor, one of three Big Country Agricultural Society annual scholarships recipients, receives the first half of her $1,000 scholarship from BCAS director/scholarship committee member Kerry Molzan. Recipients must reside within the Special Areas and have completed Grade 12 from a school within Prairie Rose School Division north of the Red Deer River, or any school within Prairie Land School Division. They must be enrolled at a post-secondary institution in a post secondary course that would enhance rural living.
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
always wanted to be a vet. Like every kid, she went back and forth between what she wanted to be but it always involved animals.
“Now that I’m older, I can’t imagine being anything else,” says Taelor. “I want to pursue large animal medi-
cine partly due to my rural community work. I love this small community because everyone takes care of one another and is always looking to help a neighbour out. The program I’m taking this fall is a direct stream to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.”
Rare fossil of North American lion unearthed in Alberta gravel pit
BY JACOB SULIT
In June of 1965, Jerry Kuhn and his father Peter Kuhn stumbled across the upper jaw bone, or “maxilla” of an extinct lion near Acadia Valley, Alberta.
“Our family farm was four miles north of Acadia Valley and mom and dad decided to move to Acadia Valley. I was 16 at the time, I was going to be 17 in July. We just went down to the gravel pit on the west side of the 41 highway about a half mile north of the Red Deer River. The land was owned by McLennon ranchers at the time and the MD of Acadia had a gravel pit there they subleased from McLennon’s. That’s where we went to. We just needed some pit run to fill in a hole” says Jerry Kuhn. “We jumped in our little half-ton truck, and we drove down to the gravel pit and we backed into a specific spot and he was hand bombing it on from one side, and I was hand bombing it on from the other side, and I discovered this jaw bone.”
The upper jaw bone Jerry discovered belonged to one of North America’s most formidable predators, the North American Lion. Scientifically known as Panthera atrox, this apex predator is an extinct species belonging to the cat family, felidae. The powerful predator roamed much of North America during the late Pleistocene epoch, roughly 130,000 to 12,000 years ago. Other occurrences of the North American Lion suggest that the predator roamed parts of southern Alberta as well. This massive cat was around 25% larger than today’s lions, making it one of the largest felids ever known. The North American lion became extinct as part of the end-Pleistocene extinction event along with most other large animals across the Americas.
“We, at that time, presumed it was a bear. We didn’t know what it was for sure. We took it all home and it sat in the garage for a while. I remember dad talking to a friend of his, who was a school teacher in Acadia Valley, and between the three of us we decided that maybe somebody should be contacted about this because we didn’t know what it was and we knew it was something different” says Kuhn. “My dad phoned the Alberta Museum in Edmonton and a curator came out, and fairly soon after he was contacted he took it back with him and that’s where it went from there. He wrote up a little booklet on it and sent it back to us.”
In 1970, a scientific paper about Kuhn’s discovery was published by C.R Harington in the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. Today the jaw bone sits in the archives of the Royal Alberta Museum, where further research is being conducted on the fossil.
While discovering a fossil like Jerry’s Panthera atrox jaw is extremely rare, finding other fossils in the area is not uncommon. “When I get talking to people about this situation, everybody’s found something some time in their lives. It’s pretty prolific out in this area if you want to go look for it.”
This remarkable discovery adds another chapter to Alberta’s prehistoric history, leaving scientists and enthusiasts alike eager to learn what other fossils may lie beneath the surface in the region.
presents ... SPECIAL EVENTS on
THURSDAYS 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Each Thursday in December the Oyen Chamber of Commerce will be hosting events that we hope will encourage everyone to come downtown and celebrate the Christmas season. Everyone is Welcome
December 5
We are going to light up the Clock Tower Park. There will be hotdogs and hot chocolate to share; and everyone is welcome to join us to go caroling downtown, at the hospital, the longterm care centre, and the Oyen Seniors Lodge.
Each Thursday in December the Oyen Chamber of Commerce will be hosting events that we hope will encourage everyone to come downtown and celebrate the Christmas Everyone is Welcome
A computer-generated image of what the North American Lion or Panthera atrox was thought to have looked like.
A dramatic recreation of Jerry and Peter Kuhn at the gravel pit near Acadia Valley, Alberta.
A replica of the upper jaw bone discovered by Jerry Kuhn.
Almost 60 years later, Jerry Kuhn describes the story of his exciting discovery.
Panthera atrox (incomplete upper jaw cast). Lived 125,000 years ago in the Pleistocene era, unknown formation, Alberta, Canada. ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY
OPINION:
Speak up when things are out of order
BY JOAN JANZEN
It’s been reported that when Einstein was a young boy, he was a late talker, and his parents were worried. Finally, one day at supper, he blurted out a complete sentence: “The soup is too hot!” His parents were so relieved, but they asked him why he hadn’t spoken up before. Young Einstein replied, “Until now, everything was in order.”
Young Einstein made a valid observation that still holds true today. Canadians generally remain quiet and compliant when everything seems to be in order. However, the need for people to voice their observations to their local government representatives becomes increasingly necessary whenever Canadians have concerns.
A Global News article by David Baxter had a headline that read, “Medically assisted death for mental illness delayed until 2027.” The Liberal government decided to delay expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) for those solely suffering from mental illness. In the article, Health Minister Mark Holland said all of his provincial and territorial counterparts have told him their health system is not ready for the expansion.
A poll shows that the majority of Canadians say the expansion should not occur without improving access to mental health care first.
Faytene Grasseschi from Faytene TV described MAID as an “evolving policy.” Her guest Rebecca Vachon observed, “It’s clear that Canadians are
worried that those who are vulnerable and marginalized because of disabilities, poverty, or other factors often feel they’re left with no choice except MAID.”
For that reason, Faytene suggested that MAID should be patient-requested, not suggested by health providers, because of the threat it poses to vulnerable people. Canadians can point this out to legislators, emphasizing the need for all options for care to be on the table.
She also noted that when a situation is out of order, it presents an opportunity to fight for one another’s mental health. It’s an opportunity to build a community where people feel valued, loved and needed. When government policies are off track, we can step up and be the change Canada needs.
The Government of Canada is currently undergoing public national consultations on the topic of MAID expansions, which are expected to end in January, 2025. “If you care about this issue, now is the time to engage so your voice is heard,” Faytene advised.
A second topic that appears out of order in Canada was recently addressed on stage by Prime Minister Trudeau. Taxpayers paid for him to fly to Brazil and speak these words regarding the carbon tax.
“It’s really easy to say let’s put climate change as a lesser priority when you’re in short-term survival, focusing on how you’ll pay the rent and buying groceries for the kids. That’s something that is instinctive - to hunker down and
TO THE EDITOR:
CANADA’S FOOD BASKET
Canada is known as one of the “Food baskets” of the world, and we have millions of people living off the food banks. Now we hear we have people in Canada who have scurvy. How could this ever happen in a country like Canada? It almost seems like someone should be charged with genocide. We export food worldwide, and some of our own peo-
ple are starving. Do you think we’ll ever be able to find a politician who can solve this problem? This 250-dollar cheque that’s supposed to be coming out in the New Year will give a family about two weeks of better food. After that, it’ll be back to the Food Banks!
Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB
Letter to the Editor Policy
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities • Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
wait for it to blow over. But we can’t do that around climate change,” the Prime Minister said. But there’s more … “People don’t want to hear about paying a little more for an electric car so they’ll be protecting the environment; they can’t afford an electric car right now. This sense of affordability is in direct contrast with our moral responsibility to protect the planet, and that is something, unfortunately, that’s been amplified … Propaganda and misinformation and disinformation and flat-out lies scare people into saying we have to take care of our household budget first and environment second,” he continued. Unfortunately, at this juncture, the Prime Minister kept on speaking. “That’s one of the things we’ve really tried to tackle in Canada. Because as we talk about global collective action we have a first responsibility to citizens in our own countries. Because, if they’re not on board with us stepping up to climate change, then they will withdraw political support from parties that are focused on doing that, and that’s the challenge we have to tackle,” he concluded.
His words send a clear message: the ability of Canadians to feed, cloth and shelter their families is not as important as enforcing the carbon tax and muzzling any dissenting voices about the carbon tax. Those are his two main pri-
orities, which are obviously completely out of order.
Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) spoke about the carbon tax in realistic terms. He reported it cost $283 million to administer the tax from 2019 to 2024. The GST on the carbon tax will cost Canadians $400 million this year. Not to mention how it increases the cost of everything you buy.
And yet the government claims the carbon tax is revenue neutral. Franco explained why that’s not possible:
“There’s no way the government can impose a carbon tax, charge sales tax on it, and then skim hundreds of millions to pay bureaucrats, and somehow make you better off with rebates.”
The folks at the CTF advise Canadians to email their MP, and tell them you are not going to prioritize the government’s obsession with the carbon tax over your ability to feed, cloth and shelter your family.
Franco encouraged CTF supporters saying, “Your voice is starting to break through and politicians are starting to see if they want to get elected they have to cut taxes.”
Even as a toddler, Einstein made a brilliant observation: even if you’ve never used your voice before when things are out of order, you need to speak up.
KATE WINQUIST Publisher/Photographer ROBERT WINQUIST Circulation JOAN JANZEN Journalist
DIANA WALKER Editor Emeritus PATTI MORAN Production GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media
Pop89: Sacred agents on holy ground
BY MADONNA HAMEL
This Advent I’m giving myself the gift of a fast from technological devices and internet news. As the monk Richard Rohr reminds us: “The amygdala cannot process this much negativity, misinformation, opinion, and paranoia. It gets hooked.”
The pace of the technological world is not the pace of our human, creaturely bodies. And I’m tired of the assumption that to be an efficient, successful human, we must be hurried along by technology.
I removed myself to Val Marie to get away from the artificial pace and constant stimulation and the distractions of the urban world. But I undo all the good it’s done me if I end up staring into the computer screen with so many bits and bites coming at me from all directions, posing as indispensable information impossible.
The open, empty plain graces me big spaces between distractions. I can walk for miles before a coyote yips or a flock of geese flaps overhead. And, then, I can sanely “process” the moment. Each event is central to my senses - it’s not competing or diverting my attention from a hundred other events. A truck approaches, passes and recedes into the distance and I get the full Doppler effect, the crescendo and decrescendo, without new noises rushing up behind it, crowding it, pushing it along.
There is so much space between spaces, here. The grace of a humane pace allows me to consider the prairie lily, the nighthawk, and, especially at this time of year, the shifting light in the hills as the sun descends. For an hour the hills are golden and the snow is blue. I call this moment, and the mood that descends, The Twinkle Zone. The Twinkle Zone imparts so much
OYEN LODGE NEWS
enormous and subtle grace that it sustains me until the next afternoon.
Lots of space and a creaturely pace allows for witnessing. But if our eyes are glued to a phone or computer, darting from distraction to diversion to advertisement, then what are we witnessing, besides a hungry, hyper, dissatisfied brain?
We insist our devices are required for communication. But, as the modern mystic James Finley says: “Communication is not communion.” Technology may hook us up - but engagement and relationship require communing, a form of linking to the soul of the world beyond our brains and egos. Communion requires breaking bread together.
I sense that the the soul’s longing is for far more than an ideal job, an ideal weight or even an ideal mate. It yearns for fulfillment beyond the fickleness of fleeting pleasures. It longs to connect to more than technology, but, ironically, it’s technology that’s making all the claims of transcendence, transcendent promises of a utopia where we get whatever we want without giving, or giving up anything.
Thirty years ago, I gave a performance called “Sacred Agents,”. It was a tribute to the human body. In those days we were just warming up to our computers, but even then the reality of virtual reality was taking its toll on our bodies. I listed off some of the effects of “Cybersickness” including - “pale sweats, headaches, nausea, eyestrain, disorientation, fatigue, flashbacks, and incapacitation.” And I continued: “Like every new drug, there’s side effects. Money to be had. A counter culture to build up around it. A place to hide.”
Thirty years later we have zoomed so far so fast that the cyber world is no longer the reigning culture. Now, those of us who wish to step away, who came to live in rural places, or who never left them, are the counter-culture.
The solution to our pacing problem is not to become more like the technology that’s hurrying us. We are flesh and blood creatures. As I also pleaded in “Sacred
Agents”: “Here is my body: A bonfire. An instrument. The town crier. And here is the revolution: born of passion and persistence. Not pathology. Not buttons. Not wires.”
The fact we allow our sensual bodies, full of wonder and struggle, sleepiness and hungers, to be bullied by machines is the most disturbing part of techno-worship. To suggest we are insufficient, that we need tech to set our pace, determine our wants, prioritize our needs - is to deny human agency. And ultimately, is to deny the existence of the soul.
Over the last few evenings I’ve been reading while sipping my hot cuppa with a hot water bottle and a blankee as the snow falls gently outside. I await, with a sense of almost glee as the magic hour comes- that moment when the sunset reflects on the Eastern hills, and the world is golden and the snow is blue. The royalty of nature in full transcendent reveal. I watch until darkness falls and I begin to see my reflection in the window.
Then I go back to my book. At the moment I’m reading: A History of Religion in 5 1/2 Objects, by S. Brent Plate, subtitled Bringing the Spiritual to its Senses. He reminds us that usb ports aren’t the only way to connect with the world. We have the senses. I’ve noticed, ironically, it’s religions who are bringing us back to the body, not the disembodied technocrats. Plate reminds us that over the centuries, religions have used sensual connectors like stones, crosses, incense and bread to engage us and “place our lives within a sacred continuum.” Thirty years ago I also wrote: “I’ve lived thirty years of cognitive dissonance, dissociation, the right hand never knowing where the left hand has been.” That’s sixty years of ungrounded-ness! “Now that I’ve finally landed on Holy Ground, safe, if not sound, spare me the cyber sales pitch. I’ll walk my own mile. Scratch my own itch. Become again that rowdy, physical child, in sacred agency, moving at the body’s creaturely pace.” Innately aware of the transcendent, I’ve a better shot at heaven, at home, living in the Twinkle Zone.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Lodge
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. It has been chilly this past week, with some snow. The shovelling has begun. The tree branches covered in snow look beautiful, like a winter wonderland. Residents are getting excited and are helping to decorate for the Residents’ Christmas party.
My deepest sympathies to Inga Andersen’s family on her passing. Inga was a resident of the Lodge before she moved to the Auxillary. Inga was a special lady and will be missed by many. Condolences also go to Walter Walker’s family. Walter was also a Lodge resident before moving to the Auxillary.
Monday morning started with exercises followed by whist card games. Monday afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning was the regular bus run downtown. Tuesday morning was also one-on-one with a resident who loves to help decorate. Tuesday afternoon was ice cream parlour and piano by Taylor Neilson.
Happy Birthday to Ed Hiller on November 26.
Wednesday morning was Church with Catherine Holland. Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard games.
Happy Birthday to Owen Hausauer
on November 27.
Thursday morning was one-on-one with a resident. “If The Shoe Fits” company was at the Lodge from 10:00-2:00, and there was a mini bake sale.
Friday morning was exercises followed by horse races. Friday afternoon was bingo, and Friday evening was music by the Jorgenson’s.
Happy Birthday to Helen Kroker on November 30.
The Lodge would like to welcome a new resident, Dan Hertz.
The Oyen Lodge would like to send our deepest condolences to one of the Board Members of Acadia Foundation, Daryl Swenson and family on the loss of his brother Bill Swenson.
Have a great week everyone and stay safe and warm.
Dianne Spath
A Mini Bake Sale was held on Thursday along with a shopping opportunity with “If The Shoe Fits.”
Heartbreak once again for Bombers in Grey Cup
BY BRUCE PENTON
A baker’s dozen of sports questions, plus one, some of them penetrating, some of them just weird: Will the Winnipeg Blue Bombers pass on next year’s Canadian Football League playoffs, saying ‘No thanks. The annual heartbreak in the Grey Cup game is just too much to bear.’
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
After missing up to six weeks with a broken leg, will Alex Ovechkin score 27 more goals this year, giving him 895, one more than the all-time recored held by Wayne Gretzky? Or will it take a few games next season for the Russian superstar to become No. 1?
If the Dodgers sign Juan Soto, adding him to a lineup featuring Ohtani, Freeman, Betts, etc., can Major League Baseball just give the current World Series champs a bye into the 2025 World Series?
Where does the retired Rafael Nadal rank all time in the world of tennis? I have him at No. 5, behind Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg.
Do you worry that hockey’s best player, Connor McDavid, may rack up 2,000 career points or more yet retire in a decade or so without a single Stanley Cup?
Is After Hours, the late Saturday night interview show featuring broadcaster Scott Oake and an NHL player, on the ‘can’t-miss’ channel?
Why are Patrick Mahomes’ stats so ordinary yet his reputation as the best QB in the National Football League so solid?
And if you said that Mahomes is not the best QB and that Buffalo’s Josh Allen is actually better, would you get much of an argument?
A question we ask every year: Will 2025 be the year Rory McIlroy completes the career grand slam by winning the Masters?
Did you know that 90 regular-season games of the Professional Women’s Hockey League will be televised this winter — 57 on TSN, 17 on CBC and another 16 on Prime Video?
Is there a more athletically strong family in Canada than the Nurses? Darnell plays for the Oilers, sister Kia plays pro basketball with the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and one of their cousins, Sarah Nurse, is a hockey star with the Toronto Sceptres. Darnell and Kia’s father, Richard Nurse, played in the CFL for Hamilton and former NFL quarterback star Donovan McNabb is Darnell and Kia’s uncle.
Speaking of family connections, is it one of the greatest hockey coincidences of all time that Connor Bedard
Ten years ago, the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation provided the Long-Term Care unit with six power recliners. During COVID-19, very harsh cleaners were used, deteriorating the leather and negating proper cleaning. This fall, the Foundation purchased eight new power recliners at a total cost of $10,218.32. Our fall mail-out is underway, and with the
and his cousin through marriage, Medicine Hat Tigers’ Gavin McKenna (class of ’26), will both go into the re cord books as No. 1 overall draft picks in the NHL?
If you paid $250 for a ticket to watch the Philadel phia 76ers play basketball and star centre Joel Embiid took the night off to rest, because he didn’t want to play on back-to-back nights, would you ask for your money back?
Most golf fans know that Scottie Scheffler was the No. 1 money winner on the PGA Tour this year, and that Xander Schauffele was second, but would they know, or care, who finished atop the LIV list?
• Jack Finarelli geon.com, on some of sports’ dragged-out replay reviews: “I remember the days when they used to refer to it as ‘Instant have just plain ‘Replay.’”
• Vancouver comedy guy troversial Australian breakdancer nounced she has retired from breakdancing. She’s thinking of going into competitive Twister.”
• RJ Currie out a local seniors’ basketball league game. Action? Three fast breaks in the first period alone — one wrist and two hips.”
• Another one from RJ Currie: “Top three reasons TV viewers love curling: 3. great with takeout; 1.
• Luke Easterling describing Cowboys’ owner to hire a ‘real’ general manager instead of trying to do the personnel job himself: “He clearly likes to shop for his own groceries, but the Sunday meals that result from his choices have inspired more Pepto Bismol purchases than Michelin stars.”
• From The Sports Troll, on Facebook: “Disgusting scene at AT&T Stadium in Dallas as security forced a Cowboys’ fan to stay and watch the game all the way to the end.”
• Super 70s Sports, on X: “The Giants-Cowboys Thanksgiving game on FOX may be the first game in NFL history where one of the announcers could literally leave the booth and play better than either QB.”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen again: “Vancouver Ca nucks traded for future considerations, aka Seahawks’ tickets.”
• RJ Currie again: “What do the Blue Bombers have in common with most of the people at the Grey Cup? They took the day off.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Man sues Netflix for not be ing able to watch class action suit from those who did watch the Paul vs. Tyson ‘fight’.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
current mail strike, we would like you to be aware that donations can be dropped off at the front office of the hospital from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays via e-transfer to oyenhealthfoundation@outlook.com or mailed in Oyen to Oyen & District Health Care Foundation, Box 1, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0. Thank you for your continued support!
A Crossroads Museum Story – Part 3
BY BERNIE KREWSKI
The following is a summary of news events concerning the Gerard Peck family 1929 – 1935.
Mr. and Mrs. Peck holidayed in England from May to the end of August 1929. In the meantime, their eldest son Hubert, ranching near Cochrane, attended the annual horse sale at High River in late March. His percheron gelding “Tony” won top prize of $212.50, a price much higher than any other horse purchased at this event. He also sold three percheron mares, grateful for such success at his first attendance of this popular sale. “Tony” was transported to Nova Scotia. Local men bought the mares.
three-mile race. The race times in both events were a new record placing Alberta in first place among the four western provinces.
Another year had passed when Hubert Peck, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Peck, married Miss Merle F. Strong, the youngest daughter of Mrs. M.E. Strong of Olds on August 15, 1931. The wedding took place at the home of the Strong family. After their honeymoon, they established their residence at his ranch near Cochrane.
schindel agenciees@outlook
“December is a month of invitation to forget ourselves in the service of others.“
Robert Louis Stevenson
While the Pecks were in England, their newly wed son David entered their cows in Oyen’s Annual Fair, competing primarily with those owned by David Warwick. Mr. Peck’s cows won first prize in these categories: “Grade Cattle, Section 1 – Cow giving milk, born in 1926 or prior; Section 3, Heifer, born 1928; Class 16, Beef – best Dairy Heifer, any breed.”
News items in the following year, 1930, reflect major changes in the daily lives of Mr. and Mrs. Peck, then permanent residents of the village of Oyen. Gerard Peck became a highly active member of the Oyen Agricultural Society. Planning for the summer fair was the major topic at its meeting on April 16 and making improvements to the fair grounds. He also became responsible for awarding the special prizes at this major event.
The O.A.S held elections at its annual meeting in November. Those elected were: F.S. McNee, president; D. Warwick, first Vice President, W.J. Ada, Second vice president. Mr. Peck became one of twenty-six directors – twenty men and six women. In addition: “A committee was formed to meet shareholders of Oyen Fairs Association to discuss the amalgamation of the Oyen Agricultural Society and the Oyen Fairs Association.”
Gerard Peck began making frequent trips to Calgary in 1930 as first reported in The Oyen News on February 5, March 26, and April 9th. These were to attend meetings of the directors of the Wellington Gas and Oil Company. He commented that the “Latest reports from the well indicate the bits are now down at 151 feet in the lime, and prospects for production are considered excellent.” There were no published reports on the location of this well.
Oswald, their third son attending the University of Alberta, was in the news as well. The Edmonton Journal reported: “Oswald Peck Makes Splendid Showing at Intercollegiate Meet in Edmonton.” The event was the Western Canada Intercollegiate Athletic Union track meet held on Saturday, October 3. He won third prize in the one-mile race and second place in the
Following his brother’s wedding, Oswald Peck, an entomology student at the University of Alberta came to Oyen in an “official capacity,” requesting reports from farmers who have fields infested with wire worms. Entomology is a branch of zoology concerned with the study of insects. A year later, in September 1932, Oswald moved to Montreal to commence advanced studies in this field of science at McGill University.
For the first time in November 1931, and periodically thereafter, under the section “Church Notices” in The Oyen News, there was this announcement: “All Saints Church, Sunday November 8, Evensong, 7:30 p.m. Mr. G.S. Peck.” Evensong is a traditional church service held as the sun goes down, marking the passing of another day in faith. It is usually brief, less than an hour, featuring choral music, readings, and prayer.
Much like her husband, Mrs. Annie Peck’s activities were newsworthy. On November 8 -10, 1932, she hosted the Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Alberta. Mrs. Charles Scaife of Calgary was in Oyen to attend a banquet of the Somme Chapter No. 35, Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. and Mrs. Peck were also active members of Oyen’s “Local Relief Committee” which held its annual meeting in January 1933. Gerard Peck was the treasurer and a member of the “investigating committee.” Its report indicated that twenty-two families had received groceries, meat, coal or new goods, most of which was donated by the Red Cross. Twenty- four families received Christmas hampers in the past two years. The Committee sponsored a fund-raising dance on January 13 and tickets were sold on “a beautiful pair of pure wool blankets” donated by Annie Peck. Later that year, a well-attended “Remembrance Day” service was held in All Saints Church on the morning of Nov 11. In the unavoidable absence of clergy who were to have officiated, the service was conducted by Mr. G.S. Peck and the “Remembrance Day” address delivered by Mr. Charles L. Dunford, the editor of The Oyen News.
In mid-March 1935 Gerard Peck left for Regina to attend a meeting of the diocese of Qu’Appelle at which a successor to Most Rev. M.T.M. Harding was to be elected.
RCMP seek information in Consort
hit and run investigation
Coronation RCMP is investigating a possible hitand-run- incident that occurred last Thursday evening, involving a 15-year-old female.
On Nov. 28, 2024, at approximately 8:44 p.m., police were notified of a youth who was located on Highway 12, in the town of Consort. Preliminary information suggests that the youth was struck by a vehicle. Police and EMS attended the scene, and the victim was transported to a Calgary hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and police are seeking the public’s assistance. If anyone has any information regarding this incident or have dash camera footage from Highway 12, in town of Consort, between 8 p.m. and 8:44 p.m. on Nov. 28, 2024, they are urged to contact Coronation RCMP at 403-578-3622. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips”
Bernie Krewski
Acadia Municipal Library News
By Tricia Fischbuch
We will be having a “perpetual puzzle” starting at the library this week. Come down to work on the Christmas-themed puzzle anytime during library hours. Feel free to bring a friend and have a visit while you’re at it!
Several people have taken advantage of the deals on the book sale table. We hope you’re enjoying your reads! Drop
by anytime to see what we have left.
Did you know that we can bring items in from other libraries if we don’t have the title on our own shelves? Place a hold through the TRACpac app or online at http://www.TRACpac.ab.ca.
(The username is your library card barcode and the password should be the last 4 digits of your phone number). We can place requests for you, too, and we’re happy to bring items in for you!
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
FICTION:
Christmas at the Amish Bakeshop / by: Multiple authors Shy Creatures : A Novel / by: Clare Chambers
The Specimen / by: Jaima Fixsen Tooth and Claw / by: Craig Johnson Uncovering Her Amish Past / by: Patrice Lewis
YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Zodiac Rising / by: Katie Zhao
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
G.O.A.T. Greatest of All Time / by: Kate Temple SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out. If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Dayna Wilson, Library Manager
Hours: Mon-Wed and Thur 12-5; Tues 2-7 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary
Depression and the holidays
Holidays can be difficult for some people, especially if you are dealing with depression.
Spending time with friends, getting plenty of rest, and thinking about others are ways to deal with the season and may make you feel better.
Learning about depression
Depression is a mental health condition that causes you to feel sad, lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy, withdraw from others, and have little energy. Depression can also cause people to feel hopeless about the future and to even think about suicide. It is not a character flaw, and it does not mean that you are a bad or weak person.
Depression is very common and affects people of all ages. If you think you may be depressed, tell your doctor. Treatment can help you enjoy life again.
What causes depression? When you have depression, there may be problems with activity levels in certain parts of your brain. Chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters may be out of balance. Most experts believe that a combination of family history (your genes) and stressful life events may cause depression.
What are the symptoms? One of the most common symptoms of depression is feeling sad, hopeless, or tearful. The other is losing interest in daily activities you used to enjoy. If you have had these symptoms nearly every day for at least 2 weeks, you might have depression.
How is it diagnosed? If your doctor thinks you are depressed, he or she will ask you questions about your health and feelings. Your doctor also may do a physical exam and tests to make sure your depression isn’t caused by another disease.
How is depression treated? Doctors
usually treat depression with counselling or medicines. Often a combination of the two works best. Many people don’t get help because they think that they’ll get over the depression on their own. But some people do not get better without treatment. In many cases, counselling can work as well as medicines to treat mild to moderate depression. Counselling is done by licensed mental health providers, such as psychologists and social workers. This kind of treatment deals with how you think about things and how you act each day.
Antidepressant medicines can improve the symptoms of depression in one to three weeks. But it can take six to eight weeks to see more improvement. Your doctor will likely have you keep taking these medicines for at least six months.
If depression is caused by a medical problem, treating that problem may also help relieve the depression. Remember these important points during the holiday season Be realistic. Try not to build up the holiday too much in your mind. Say no sometimes. People will understand if you don’t do things. Wearing yourself out will make you feel worse.
It’s okay to be sad or lonely. You don’t have to be happy just because it’s the holiday season. Get help if you need it. Seek out family or friends for support. Community or church groups can help too. If things get bad, talk with your doctor or counsellor.
Safety on the Slopes
BY MEGAN BURLAND
Growing up in Saskatchewan, I truly appreciate the opportunities we have in Alberta to hit the mountains for some downhill skiing or snowboarding! I considered myself an avid skier until I had the opportunity to take on a real mountain resort shortly after moving to Alberta. I knew I was out of my league after having to take not one but two chair lifts to get to the top! It was a far cry from my local prairie “mountain” where you could ride a T-Bar to the top. Practice makes progress.
If you are an avid skier, or hitting the slopes for the first time, here are some safety tips to keep in mind this season.
Preparation is key:
• Make sure your gear is in good working order, fits well and is right for your skill level. Have bindings checked annually by a qualified technician. Bindings need to be properly adjusted to your weight and skill.
• Use a certified ski/snowboard helmet that meets national and provincial standards. Many ski/snowboard helmets are ‘single impact,’ designed to protect you against a single crash. After a crash you must replace a ‘single impact’ helmet. Check what type of impact your hel-
met is and ensure it is in good condition, fits well and is not more than five years old. Your helmet should also have side vents so you can hear.
• The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends that children and families wear wrist guards for snowboarding.
• Check the weather and use it to inform the warm winter gear you pack, along with your UV protected goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against sunburns. Dress to protect yourself against frostbite.
• Look ahead at the hill skill map and make sure you understand the rules, the signs that indicate the difficulty of the runs and plot out which might be most appropriate for you.
• Consider booking lessons with a certified instructor.
• Invite a friend or two! It is not recommended to go alone.
Once you’ve arrived:
• Do some warmup exercises and stretches. Be especially careful on the first and last few runs of the day, as that is when injuries are most likely to happen.
• Be mindful throughout the day. Stay on the marked trails and follow all signs and warnings. Watch for hazards like trees, rocks, icy patches and changing weather/visibility.
• Be honest with yourself when you
need to rest or warm up – isn’t one of the best parts of hitting the slopes relaxing in the warm chalet? Say what you will about Saskatchewan skiing, but my local hill had a great food.
• Stay alert and avoid the use of headphones.
• Do not drink alcohol or use other drugs before you drive to/from the hill or while you’re skiing/snow-
boarding. Before you head out, check out parachute.ca and myhealth.alberta.ca/ for more information on topics such as keeping young children safe as they learn to navigate skiing/snowboarding and how to properly dress for winter weather.
Megan Burland is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services.
24121DG0
Inger (Inga) Marie Jensine Andersen
January 24, 1929 - November 12, 2024
Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grand ma Inger (Inga) Marie Jensine Andersen passed away Nov 12, 2024 at the age of 95.
Inga Hansen was born January 24, 1929 at her family home in Sønder Omme, Denmark, the youngest of 10 children.
At the age of 16, Inga set out into the world working as a nanny, housekeeper and kitchen help. While working at an Inn she would meet a young man named Anker Andersen.
Inga and Anker were married on April 8, 1950, welcoming their first daughter, Sussi soon after. In a true testament to Inga’s toughness, she left her job at a bakery at noon, gave birth to Sussi at 3 p.m. and was back to work two days later. The customers thought she had gone on vacation for a few days because they didn’t even know she was pregnant.
In the spring of 1951 Anker got an itch to take on a great adventure and he headed to Canada in search of farm work. When he got settled at a farm in Acadia Valley, AB, he sent for Inga.
In another demonstration of her amazing strength and courage, the then 21-year-old, packed up her baby and boarded a boat to New York City. With no money and not speaking any English, she somehow managed to get to Grand Central Station and then on a train to Toronto, Winnipeg and eventually Oyen where Anker was anxiously waiting.
The promise of a better life in Canada must have felt far from reality when Inga was shown the wooden cookhouse they would be living in. Over the first few years, they moved several times to different shacks and bunkhouses without any of the modern amenities she had left behind in Denmark. But Inga continued to work hard, learning the language and adjusting to life as a farm wife.
As they got settled in Canada, the family began to grow, welcoming three more daughters: Nancy, Sandra and Cindy. They worked their way up from renting to eventually owning their very own farm.
Sussi, Nancy and Cindy all settled nearby the family farm having daily coffee visits with their mom. Inga was also an ac-
tive Grandma and her grandkids loved spending time with her, picking peas, checking cows and butchering chickens. She also shared her cultural traditions through many happy smorgasbords and Danish Christmas Eve meals.
Inga was thrilled when her youngest brother Christian also immigrated to Canada in 1961 and became a big part of the family. She also formed some incredibly close friendships in Acadia Valley that served as her extended family and support system. Throughout her farming years and into retirement, Inga continued to grow her circle of friends, spending time playing cards and square dancing. Her and Anker also enjoyed many happy years wintering in Arizona and traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and several trips back to Denmark.
Inga’s hard work and resiliency brought her great success and served as an inspiring example to all that knew her. Her passing has left an unfillable hole in the Andersen family.
Inga will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Sussi and Craig White, Nancy and Gary Meers, Sandra and Mike Kolke and Cindy Stenger. She will also be fondly remembered by her 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Inga was predeceased by her husband Anker, her nine siblings and her son-in-law Leonard Stenger.
At Inga’s request, no funeral will be held. A family service will be planned at a later date.
The family would like to thank the doctors and the wonderful staff at the Oyen Lodge and Extended Care. They are so caring and kind to the residents and their families. We are very grateful for your dedication.
Memorial Donations may be directed to Oyen and District Health Care Foundation Oyen Residents Family Council Box 1 Oyen, Ab T0J2J0
To leave a message of condolence please visit ofsmacleans. com
Funeral Arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.
Classifieds
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WIN 1 OF 12 $2500 DREAM VACATIONS. 48 draws of $120 plus many early bird prizes. Tickets at airdriedreamvacation.ca. Only 600 tickets printed.
AUCTIONS
MEIER GUN AUCTION, Saturday, December 21 - 10 am, Wetaskiwin - Selling over 200 Rifles, Shot Guns, Antique Firearms, Ammunition, Scopes. Consign now. Free Pick-up. Call 780-440-1860; www. meierauction.com.
CAREER TRAINING
GET YOUR MESSAGE
SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with over 75 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800-282-
6903, 780-434-8746 www. awna.com.
COMING EVENTS
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 ; www.awna.com; email classifieds@awna.com.
FEED AND SEED
ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789.
SERVICES
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf. com.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
WANTED
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION’S! Also buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995.
What happens when you don’t advertise?
Very little.
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
William (Bill) Henry Swenson
November 21, 2024
William Henry Swenson passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the age of 63 years. Bill was born the fourth of five children to parents, Ray and Mary Swenson of Bindloss. He was more affectionately known as Billy or Bill, however, his mother often referred to him as “you little crap hound” though everyone knew it as her loving term of endearment for him.
Bill deeply loved growing up on the family farm in Bindloss, Alberta. It continues to be a very special place for him, both for the home as well as for the wonderful community of neighbours and friends that were considered family. Bill attended elementary and junior high schooling in Bindloss; dabbled in high school at Medicine Hat High for a while, followed by a short stint at Oyen High School. It was eventually agreed that his endeavors were better suited to working and he thrived in millwright apprenticeship/work.
Bill lived fully and completely, roaring through life with a contagious smile, sparkling eyes and a quick laugh. His open-hearted personality drew people to him, making friends effortlessly and everywhere. His love of people combined with a huge wild and mischievous streak made for many legendary stories and adventures. Everyone has stories of Bill, and I think it’s fair to say he coloured outside the lines of life. Just ask his family about his brushes with the police or legal system (all snowman events were mischievous in intent).
When Bill was 21, a tragic accident left him paralyzed as a quadriplegic. He spent several very hard months in the hospital under the care of some amazing nurses and doctors who truly cared. His goal at the end of his stay was to come home to the farm. His mom and family were determined to make that possible. With the help of family, many friends and a wonderful community who rallied around to support and help in countless ways, Bill was able to come home and start the process of learning a new life. It wasn’t easy and certainly wasn’t a smooth transition. It was hard but he succeeded spectacularly in the end. Bill’s natural ability with people came through and he made many more friends with many more adventures. The wheelchair was just an extension of Bill, but it didn’t define him.
After several years at home, Bill moved to Medicine Hat where he had the very good fortune to meet his match. Kathy came into his life and soon became the centre of his life. He couldn’t have been happier or prouder then when
Kathy’s two children became his two children. With their son, Justin and daughter, Alyssa they became a close family, and Bill loved them wholeheartedly and deeply. He loved being the dad that took them to their hockey or skating and all the after-school activities. He didn’t take it for granted and he couldn’t have asked for more. Later on, Justin’s son, Lincoln was born and Bill and Kathy became grandparents for the first time. You couldn’t have had prouder grandparents! Bill was thrilled to be Papa, and when Justin’s daughter, Amelia and Alyssa’s daughter, Adalayne were born, Bill’s life got even brighter as he lit up when they came into the room. Justin’s partner, Kayla and Alyssa’s husband, Josh rounded out their family and Bill couldn’t have been happier or prouder of each of them.
Kathy was not one in a million, she was one in one hundred million. She recognized Bill’s life could get more complicated as he grew older, and together they made the decision to do the things that were important to them. This involved extensive travel to many places, from road trips to Disneyland, to many Caribbean Island excursions as well as to Europe and Hawaii. They discovered they loved cruising after travelling with a very large group of about 50 of Bill’s extended family members. Over the years they went on many more cruises and trips with Bill spending countless hours researching excursions that interested him and finding ways to make it possible. Several of these trips were with siblings, cousins and extended family members.
All of these trips were because of Kathy as she was devoted to caring for him. Her sheer determination enabled Bill to live a very full and wonderful life as she was also the reason he survived many critical episodes in his life.
Bill loved life, whether on two legs or four wheels, he continued to find fun and a reason to laugh. He inspired and made an impact on the lives of his many nieces and nephews, family and friends throughout his life.
Bill will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; son, Justin (Kayla); daughter, Alyssa (Josh); grandchildren, Lincoln, Amelia and Adalayne as well as his future granddaughter, who will be born in the spring and will learn all about Papa Bill. He will also be greatly missed by his siblings, Daryl (Sandra Sinclair), Debbie (Dale Ross), Dennis (Kathi) and Diane (Walter Nordhagen) as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Later this summer Bill will go home to the farm to be with his mom as he wished. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Bindloss at that time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone toll free 1-877-528-6455
Grief: how to cope with reminders after a loss
After a loved one dies, many things can bring back the pain of their loss. Feelings of grief might return on the anniversary of your loved one’s death or other special occasions. Reminders can be connected to sights, sounds and smells. Here are some things you can do to cope with these overwhelming feelings.
• Be prepared. Remind yourself that grief reactions are normal and necessary. Although painful, they’ll help you move forward in the grieving process.
• Plan a distraction. Read a book, go for a walk, visit a museum or schedule a visit with friends or loved ones during times when you’re likely to be reminded of your loved one’s death. Keeping busy will help prevent your mind from dwelling on your grief.
• Connect with others. Call or visit people who were special to your loved one. It can be therapeutic to talk with someone who shares in your loss and encourages you to express your feelings openly while offering comfort and support.
• Write down your feelings. Write a letter to your loved one or journal about some of your favour-
ite memories with them. Try to focus on the good things instead of the bad.
• Allow yourself to feel every emotion. It’s OK to experience a range of negative emotions as you grieve. You feel these things because your loved one’s life was important to you. Finally, don’t feel guilty about moving forward. Rediscovering joy in life doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten your loved one. Talk to a therapist or counsellor if you’re struggling with insurmountable grief affecting your everyday life.
UBHA 2024 Canadian Circuit Finals held at Oyen
PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER
United Bucking Horse Association 2024 Canadian Circuit Finals were held in the Crossroads Centre, Oyen September 25. Ten horses competed in each of the 2-year-old class and 3-year-old classes.
Participating contractors: from left: Jim Cooper, Dylyn Mohr, Blair Anton, Wyatt Simpson, Shawn Francis, Dick Hines, Tyrell Simpson. Front: Ash Cooper, Hayes Francis.
Two-Year-Old Class: from left Dylyn Mohr and Wyatt Simpson (DEW Buckers) won 1st with Hooraw #277 winning $1800, 3rd with Lady’s Man #205 winning $900 and 4th with Chrome Fever #212 winning $450. Blair Anton won 2nd with Indian Sign #211 winning $1350.
Three-Year-Old Class: Jim Cooper and Ash Cooper (Cooper Clan) won 1st with #191 winning $1800, 2nd with #189 winning $1350 and 4th with #135 winning $450. Unavailable for photo – Hip O Rodeo won 3rd with #12 winning $900.
The chainsaw statue draw: a bucking horse by Marina Cole (Chainsaw Spirit), Irvine, Alberta was won by Doug Erickson of Birsay, Saskatchewan. Shawn Francis accepted on his behalf.
Dew They Buck UBHA Futurity, hosted in Oyen earlier this year on March 30 by Simpsons brothers for 2- and 3-year old bucking horses, opened the Canadian Circuit. Others Canadian futurities were: Cooper Clan UBHA Futurity –Senlac, SK – June 11; 4-E Bucking Horses UBHA Futurity – Birsay, SK – July 17; Francis Bucking Horses UBHA Futurity – Moose Jaw, SK – August 17. Ten futurities were held in locations across the United States.
The 2024 UBHA World Finals took place in Amarillo, TX – November 16, 2024.
ACADIA VALLEY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
• Christmas in the Valley. Starting at 10:30 AM with breakfast. See you there!
BUFFALO
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
• Buffalo Ag Society will present Jake Mathews in Concert at Buffalo Hall 7:00 PM.
CEREAL
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30
OYEN
- 11:30 AM
- Cereal Board of Trade Bingo Mondays at 7:30 PM. Last 2024 date Nov 25th CJPC (restart in April 2025)
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Chase the Ace weekly Thursdays 7:009:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20 membership for the year or $5 drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-6648688.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Drop in Pickleball Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM at South Central High School
- Junior League Curling (Grade 6 & up) Mondays after school. Session 1 November - mid December. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403664-6001. - Fun League Curling. Tuesday evenings. Enter teams to Jackie Dick 403-664-0157. - Cash League Curling. Wednesday evenings. Enter teams to Brett Peterson 403-664-8868. - Sturling League Curling. Thursday at noon. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403-664-6001.
Participating contractors.
Chainsaw statue
Three-Year-Old Class
Two-Year-Old Class