The Oyen Echo - January 22, 2025

OYEN PHARMACY 101 - 1st Avenue East

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OYEN, ALBERTA

VOLUME 56, ISSUE 3

Cashius Norris receives Jardine Bursary

BY DIANA WALKER

Cashius, a 2024 SCHS graduate, was accepted into Lakeland College for the 2024 fall term in the Animal Science Livestock Major program. This program covers the biology and handling bison, beef, dairy, sheep, horses and (3294) of pigs.

211 - 2nd St. N., Oyen, AB Cash, the oldest of Greg and Jerilyn bulldawg@netago.ca Norris’s four children, was raised on his parents’ cattle ranch in the Sibbald/ eCa reVIeW Oyen area. He helps his Dad with feedBIG VALLEY COUNCILing and caring for the livestock which includes beef cattle, a couple of dairy cows, horses, a few sheep, a couple of goats andmay finishing up with a couple of council meeting, increased recycling Councillors discussed the municipal be a bit too low. reporter costs with a County of Stettler agreeassessor, with Macdonald stating she German added that it does seem that 4-H steers every year. ment and a hike to regional emergency was very happy with Big Valley’s Big Valley has a lot of properties services. assessor. The CAO stated the village’s minimum withmy herd “I haveassessed beenat the trying tovalue, build assed Macdonald stated that $3,000 was assessor knows the job very well and the CAO pointing out there are 37 in hat also added to the operating budget for meets all the requirementsby of the total. purchasing a heifer from my Dad or rty tax lift station repairs which are still tenMunicipal Government Act (MGA).

Councillors unanimously approved keeping atheheifer from my own stock,” ade at the tative; it’s not certain the repairs are Mayor Dan Houle responded that in 2023 operating budget. ncil. needed. his opinion assessments in Big Valley says Cash. om Chief The CAO also mentioned some good Elaine news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it “My goal is to have my Masters udget appears the hydrants may not need BIG VALLEY COUNCIL operarepair, just some basic maintenance. in animal nutrition which includes 2 Macdonald stated she was told the rjwoods1@telus.net hydrants may only require some gasyears at Lakeland College and 2 years g budget kets and O-rings and won’t require 107 Main Street, Oyen, AB at may the University of Saskatchewan,” Stu Salkeld memo to meeting, increased recycling digging upcouncil the pavement.

Councillors discussed the municipal be a bit too low. rnalism costs with a County of Stettler agreeassessor, with Macdonald stating she German added that it does seem that the Initiative reporter After looking at the proposed operIf you think oxygen ECA Review ment and a hike to regional emergency was very happy with Big Valley’stherapy Big Valley has a lot of“All propertiesmy life, I have loved adds Cash. capture ating budget Coun. Clark German services. assessor.

The CAO stated the village’s assessed at the minimum value, with means slowing down, passed Macdonald stated that $3,000 was assessor knows the job very well and the CAO pointing out there are 37 in ny village councilcomplimented the CAO. outdoors and wanted to pursue perating budget that time for a welcome also added to the operating budget for meets it’s all the requirements of the thetotal. ew items “I think you did an excellent job one per cent property tax lift station repairs which are still tenMunicipal Government Act (MGA).

Councillors unanimously approved breath of fresh air.

Elaine,” German. he decision was made at thesaid tative; it’s not certain the repairs are Mayor Dan Houle responded thata in career the 2023 operating inbudget. something I loved. Being ar meeting of council. needed.the CAO if she’d had a his opinion assessments in Big Valley lors it He also asked Introducing the Inogen One family of ors read a report from Chief The CAO also mentioned some good rease chance to look into the amount of portable oxygen systems.raised With no needon for a ranch, I have learned that ative Officer (CAO) Elaine news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it introducing thewater budget Big Valley appears actually the hydrants may not need xpected. purchased, bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to the municipality’s operarepair, just some basic maintenance. taking care of animals is No. 1, so by keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery d for a but Macdonald answered she wasn’t 23.

Macdonald stated she was told the FREEDOM. Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent perty able to do that yet. mber 2022, council hydrants may only require some gastaking this program, I hope to learn nt interim budget kets and he O-rings require oxygenBE flow on a long-lasting battery charge sees aoperatingGerman noted felt and thewon’t village TO YOU. ated Macdonald’s memo to digging up the pavement. enabling freedom of movement, whether at home erty should be asAfter prepared possible for . “Since that time, the lookingas at the proposed operIf you think oxygen therapy more about the well-being of all liveor on the road.

Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements been amended towater capture ating budget Coun.

Clark German purchases because an unexmeans slowing down, in the CAO. fortime travel to be animals. you. ancil’s twocomments per pected andcomplimented non-budgeted purchase it’s forensuring a welcomethe freedom stock as well as adding new items “I think you did an excellent job breath of fresh air. nth) a big financial effect on the ome to to light.” could haveElaine,” said German.

• No heavy oxygen tanks informed it He also asked the CAO if she’d had a “Raised by great parents, I was ll help councillors village. he property tax increase chance to look into the amount of • Ultra quiet operation costs During discussion Coun.

Amber to be as large as expected. water BigDuty Valley actually purchased, Heavy Equipment • Lightweight and easy to use taught that community and family are rimsubsibudget allowed for a butasked Macdonald she wasn’t he Hoogenberg whyanswered numbers show • Safe for car and air travel ent increase to property able to do that yet. er will be the village’s water usagehehas dropped he amended budget sees a German notedand felt the village • Full range and accessories important —of options I should help wherever Parts Repair year to year. t increase to property should be as prepared as possible for • FAA approved and clinically validated ed Macdonald. water purchases because an unexcrease to Macdonald answered the village has needed.” w budget also sees a two per pected and non-budgeted purchase ase had atocouple of have leaks repaired the se (50and cents per month) could a big financial over effect on the managefor water. This will pasthelp few years. village.

Cash volunteers with the Big Coune of the water loss costs During Coun.the Amber Call 1-833-755-1668 Hoogenberg alsodiscussion mused that while decreasing the subsiHoogenberg asked why numbers show try Agricultural Society, Rod and Gun 23 operwater been drained and for a free consultation. taxes for this. Water willtower be thehas village’s water usage has dropped www.midplainsdiesel.ca water. year to year.have also played a refilled which may get reflects the increase to Macdonald answered the village has Club, United Church in Oyen, Sibbald Feb. 9 role.and 1014 e water rate increase had a couple of leaks repaired over the West - 8th Avenue to the solid waste managepast few years.

Community Club and whenever a Call 1-833-755-1668 sition.”

Hoogenberg also mused that the Kindersley included in the 2023 operwater tower has been drained and for a free consultation. t two other items refilled which may have also played a neighbour is in need of help. He has dealt with at the Feb. 9 role.

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Cash Norris receives one of three $1,000 Jardine Bursaries from Cheryl Ball, representing the committee including Sharon Dahl and Diana Walker. PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER been an East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club member for 7 years.

“I am a hard worker and hope to return to the community to help wherev-

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er needed — whether it’s volunteering or helping the community with their livestock nutrition needs,” concludes Cash.

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

BORDER KENNELS Box 114, Acadia Valley, AB T0J 0A0 CELL: 403-664-9451 CELL: 403-414-9451 EMAIL: moozer@netago.ca

Marilyn Mactavish • LOTS OF LOVE • FULL GROOMING SERVICES • PET TAXI • FENCED PLAY & RUN AREA • LARGE HEATED KENNELS

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OYEN LODGE REPORT

Winter Wonderland enjoyed by all

BY DIANNE SPATH

Hello, everyone. January is going so fast. Don’t know about anyone else, but I am ready for spring already. It’s nice that the evenings are getting a bit lighter out each day.

Monday morning started with exercises, followed by whist card games. In the afternoon was bingo.

Tuesday morning was exercises, and the regular bus run downtown. Also Tuesday morning was a one on one with a resident playing scrabble and I must admit I got beat bad this week. Tuesday afternoon was our pub day. Residents were served drinks and snacks during their social hour.

Wednesday morning there was Church with Bill, followed by crossword games. In the afternoon there were shuffleboard games. Wednesday was “National Wear Your Favorite Hat” day. The residents that participated in wearing a hat, got their name in a draw for a prize and Joan Sheilds was the lucky winner.

Thursday morning was one on one baking with a

resident. Thursday afternoon there was a Winter Wonderland Tea. Blue and white cupcakes, snowball cookies and white chocolate covered pretzels were served with tea and coffee. The tables were decorated with white trees, snowmen and snowballs with some blue décor. Door prizes were given out for those that attended the tea. The door prizes were biscuit cookies, a snowflake candy dish filled with candy and some snowflake coffee mugs with snowflake hand towels.

Lucky winners were Joan Mick, Maxine Girletz, Don Bamber, Madeline Nichols and Keith MacLean. Some of the residents dressed in blue and white to go with the winter wonderland theme.

Friday morning started with exercise, followed by horse races. In the afternoon there was bingo and in the evening the Jorgenson’s played music. Happy Birthday to Sophie Smith on January 16th.

Just a reminder that Maximum Hearing will be at the Lodge on Wednesday January 22nd. The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome a new resident, Tom Tracy. Have a great week everyone. Stay warm and stay safe.

CAN’T SEE OUT? OPTION #1 Replace the Foggy Unit

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

OPINION: Who are the important people?

BY JOAN JANZEN

Future kids have to An episode from the BBC archives included an interview of 9-year-olds in pay for the money that 1967. When the kids were asked who was spent on us. We they considered an important person, one little girl said she thought the Prime have to address it.

Minister was important. “He’s got an easy job, cause he has plans to do things, but he doesn’t get around to doing them,” she said.

Although she had never met him, she did see his autograph. “He has terrible handwriting. If I had terrible writing like that, my teacher would say I was a naughty girl,” she observed.

Scott Hennig, President of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) noted that some people consider themselves to be very important people. During a CTF online episode, Scott said, “Senators are people who think so very highly of themselves that any suggestion that they aren’t making the best decisions is not acceptable.”

“No one pays attention to the Senate, but it’s boiling under the surface,” he observed. “We shouldn’t have unelected people making laws. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t have this situation.”

According to an article by Richard Foot, “The Senate has operated for much of its history as a partisan political body its members following instructions from their party leaders, rather than as originally intended, as an independent voice for regional interests. This has fuelled demands that the Senate be reformed or

Scott Hennig

abolished.” Nevertheless, no bill can become law without the Senate’s consent, and it can veto any bill as often as it likes.

There are 105 Senators, and Justin Trudeau has appointed 90 of them.

“Trudeau is appointing people who say nice things about his government, and making them all seem like they’re independent, but they’re not,” Scott said. To put this number in perspective, John A. MacDonald appointed 92 Senators, and he had to because he was the first Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau is making history.

“He’s been in for nine years and will potentially have appointed 100 senators,” Scott reiterated. “If a Conservative government is elected in October, 2025, they will be left with ten Conservative senators out of 105. How are they going to get legislation approved by these eminent people appointed by Justin Trudeau?” That is a very good question.

New Zealand got rid of its Senate, and Australia has an elected Senate. Here in Canada, we have unelected elite land owners making laws. But it’s a controversial institution, as many Canadians

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think it should be reformed into an elected body accountable to the voters or abolished.

Scott explained that in the old days, being a senator was a reward for raising money for a party and serving a party for a long time. They had no particular qualifications. That was a superior system compared to what we have today.”

Today, appointed members are able to hold their seats until age 75.

According to the Constitution, their most crucial purpose is to give the regions of Canada an equal voice in Parliament by representation by population.

This equates to ten seats each for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, four for PEI, 24 each for Quebec and Ontario, six for Newfoundland and Labrador, one each for Yukon and Nunavut, and six each for BC, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

“I have very little faith we’ll have a Senate that wants to play ball with a Conservative government,” Scott said.

“I think the Senate is going to be a huge fight over the next two or three years.”

Scott’s colleague Franco Terrazzano from CTF agreed, saying, “We’ve already had a taste of it.” He gave the example of Bill C-234, a bill that would remove the carbon tax on natural gas and propane used by farmers. The Bill was passed by our elected representatives in the House of Commons but delayed by the Senate.

Now, it’s still in limbo.

Even the decor of the House of Commons is significant. The royal red Sen-

DIANA WALKER Editor Emeritus

ROBERT WINQUIST Circulation

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ate Chamber represents the elite, while the the bright green in the House of Commons represents the common people.

CTF also represents the common people with 36,000 Canadians donating to their organization. Kris Sims from CTF recalled a memory from a few years ago when she gave testimony at the finance committee leading up to the budget. A parade of groups, lobbyists and activists were asking for more money, she recalled. “CTF was the first group to say “stop spending.”

Scott chimed in, saying lobbyists are effective if you want small, necessary regulation changes. But if you want large changes, you can’t rely on them because they work for their masters.

“Our job is to be the sober one in the room,” he said, referring to CTF. “We work for our masters, the 36,000 Canadians who donate to CTF. We can’t take our foot off the gas or we’re going to lose.”

It’s a sad commentary when CTF had to build an entirely new debt clock because their old clock didn’t have enough digits. Scott referred to debt as an immoral tax on future kids. “Future kids have to pay for the money that was spent on us. We have to address it,” he said.

When we hear groups asking for more money, it’s important to remember that debt is an immoral tax on future kids— because future kids are the important people.

JOAN JANZEN Journalist

PATTI MORAN Production

GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

THE OYEN ECHO

Pop89: Word search

BY MADONNA HAMEL My brother is back on the prairie. Living alone in an isolated community is tough when you’re in the best of health. While great poets and authors, from Henry David Thoreau to Annie Dillard, have found solace and inspiration living alone in the woods, neither remained in permanent seclusion. Dillard knew you needed human exchange to prevent the brain from spinning. And once a week, Thoreau took his laundry to his mom’s on the other side of Walden Pond. And stayed for supper. And neither of them were struggling to find their words, or shoes, or place on the planet, after a stroke.

Last week, my younger sister and I drove to pick up Doug at the Calgary airport. We left Medicine Hat at 7 am, just as it began to rain. Great. Over the years, I’ve driven my share of hairy road trips - Quebec in

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday January 29 2025 7:00 PM

Oyen FCSS Youth Centre Dinner will be provided Please RSVP to Charmain Snell Email: oyenchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or text 403-664-1404 EVERYONE WELCOME!

The Oyen Law Office of

Niblock & compaNy llp John F. Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri, Mikala A. Zubrecki

will be open commencing at 1:00 p.m.

Ashley D. Herrmann in attendance on

an ice storm, Nebraska at 3 am after a blues gig, and a muddy detour through Harrison Hot Springs a week before Christmas. Canadians know the risks of winter driving, but still we remain at the mercy of the elements. There are no atheists on an icy highway - we let loose with the Hail Marys.

An hour out of Medicine Hat, driving 10 km below the speed limit, I pulled out to pass a truck. That’s when the fishtailing began. Anyone who’s hit black ice knows how things can go very bad, very fast. At first, I thought we were caught in a gust of wind, but soon, the front of the car was sliding one way and the back the other. A calm voice in my head said: Stay out of the ditch. And ride it out. Riding it out meant teeny micro-adjustments on the wheel and foot off brake and gas. Swish - one way, swish another, back and forth, like a drunk on skates, five or six times.

Everything happened in both a slo-mo and a fast, multi-layered sort of way. And somewhere inside the experience came the words: “precious cargo,” a phrase connected to a memory from university days when I drove my younger siblings through the Cascade Mountains to spend Christmas break with family in Kelowna. I felt the responsibility of getting us all home safely.

When the car finally settled down and stayed the course, the residue adrenaline kicked in, and so did the jokes. “I shoulda told you to put away those knitting needles,” I laughed to my sister. I was suitably humbled and hyper-alert for the remainder of the journey, which at 90km/hr, took a while, but eventually gave way to a sunny day and bare roads and a happy family, together again. My brother was waiting by the arrivals curb, and my sister jumped out and held up her silly sign; we hugged and wept and went to Tim’s for coffees and crullers.

For a week we hung out The Hat waiting for the weather to make up its mind, content to go nowhere just yet. I managed to read two books on my favourite couch while my brother-in-law cooked a belated Christmas feast of roast ham and tourtiere, and my sister mulled wine in a crock pot, following Old Time Hawkey’s recipe. And, best of all, my brother slept. For three days, he slept - getting up for meals and to pee and be reminded where and when he was. And we all agreed, and he concurred; just hearing familiar voices

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in the other room allowed him to rest without worrying over the daily chores of living alone on an island.

And knowing, also, that when he does get up, we’ll be here to talk to him. And reassure him, if need be.

The day was brilliant with sunshine when we left The Hat for Val Marie. In Swift Current, we stopped for coffee for me and a fresh stack of word-search exercise books for my brother’s eyes. The sun shone down on us, and apart from a long stretch of sudden snowdrifts between Swift and Cadillac (made worse by the dumbfounding decision by the new owners of long stretches of farmland along the highway to pull out all the shelter belts), the roads were navigable. It was a happy moment when we pulled into Val Marie at dusk, the sky turning pink, the hills gold and the snow blue. My brother relished the thought of falling asleep to the sound of the owl outside his window and rising to fresh coffee and conversation. Just a few days earlier, anticipating our mini-family reunion, he texted me: “Other humans are balm to us extroverts.”

This morning, I retrieved “7 1/2 Lessons About the Brain” from my “brain book” shelf and flipped to Lesson #5: “Your Brain Secretly Works With Other Brains.” The author, Dr. Lisa Barrett, reaffirms the theory that we need others to help us feel whole. She writes that humans are unique in the animal kingdom because we “regulate each other by the words we speak.” Words have an enormous effect on your health, she explains, because “many brain regions that process language also control the insides of your body, including major organs….These brain regions are part of a language network that can do things like change the flow of chemicals that support your immune system,” etc. “The power of words,” she stresses, “is not a metaphor. It’s in your brain wiring. Words are tools for regulating human bodies.”

Our brains work with others’ brains. “The best thing for your nervous system is another human.”

But, also, the worst thing too. So be very careful with whom you choose to hang. And then, don’t try and do it all alone. We can do together what we could never do alone. And remember, the words we search for - coming from love or trepidation, tears or laughter, or the conversations of loved ones drifting from other rooms, lulling us safely to sleep - matter greatly. They keep us alive.

First Minsters’ meeting: Premier Smith

Premier Danielle Smith issued the below statement following the First Ministers’ meeting to discuss the threat of tariffs from the United States: “I had a constructive discussion with my fellow For appointments call Premiers on how best to deal with the threat of tariffs 1-800-245-9411 or 1-403-526-2806 from the incoming U.S. administration. We agreed on Oyen Law Office #215C Main Street several strategies and I look forward to continuing to (South side of Lijdsman Insurance) work with them on this critical issue.

Wills & Estates Real Estate General Matters “However, federal government officials continue to publicly and privately float the idea of cutting off energy supply to the U.S. and imposing export tariffs on Alberta energy Proposed Land Use Bylaw 929-25 and other products to the United States. Until these threats cease, Alberta will Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), Section 639 every Council of a Municipality not be able to fully supmust pass a land use bylaw and must be advertised and a public hearing held. The proposed port the federal governis a new Land Use bylaw following public consultation and open house held November ment’s plan in dealing 27, 2024. with the threatened tariffs.

A public hearing for Bylaw No. 929-25 Oyen Land Use Bylaw will be held in The Town of Oyen office at 201 Main Street, Oyen, AB, on February 11, 2025 commencing at 6:00 p.m.

Council will hear from any person claiming to be affected by the proposed bylaw.

Chartered Professional Written comments may be delivered to Town of Oyen, PO Box 360, Oyen, AB Canada T0J 2J0 Accountant or emailed to cao@oyen.ca; submissions will be received up to Thursday, February 6, 2025 at will be in Oyen at the 4:30 p.m.

Oyen Liquor Mart The proposed Bylaw 929-25 can be reviewed online at www.oyen.ca, or copies may be picked

BY APPOINTMENT up Monday through Friday at The Town of Oyen Office at 201 Main St, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 from ONLY 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Please call This notice is given pursuant to Sections 606 and 692 of the Municipal Government Act.

Wednesday, February 12th March 12th, April 9th

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

L.R. Webb

Debbie Ross CAO

403-854-4045

to book your appointment.

“Alberta will simply not agree to export tariffs on our energy or other products, nor do we support a ban on exports of these same products.

We will take whatever actions are needed to protect the livelihoods of Albertans from such destructive federal policies.

Danielle Smith. UNITEDCONSERVATIVE.CA “We also urge our entire nation to use this tariff threat as an opportunity to correct the misguided direction of this country and commence multiple infrastructure projects that focus on developing, upgrading and exporting our oil, gas and other natural resources, instead of effectively landlocking them and keeping us fully reliant on one primary customer.

“I will be travelling to Washington D.C. this week for the inauguration, and will be returning to the United States several times over the coming months to meet with U.S. lawmakers and officials to continue to make the case against the imposition of tariffs on Canadian products and to strengthen and grow the trading relationship between our two great and independent nations.”

CALL 306-463-2211

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Improving Habs becoming a threat once again

BY BRUCE PENTON

Normalcy is returning to the National Hockey League now that the Montreal Canadiens are a threat again.

The Canadiens, the league’s flagship team and winner of more Stanley Cups than any other franchise, have fallen on

BY BRUCE PENTON bad times in recent years, Sports Columnist but are one of the league’s ____________ surprise success stories this season.

Crave TV ran a documentary on the Habs, called ‘The Rebuild: Inside the Montreal Canadiens’, that focused on efforts made by front-office staff to return the Canadiens to their glory days. And judging by recent results — nine wins in an 11-game span over Christmas and into the new year, for instance — it’s working. At one point, Montreal was two games above .500, which was something worth celebrating.

In one late-December stretch, Montreal won back-toback-to-back road games against Tampa Bay, Florida and Vegas, following up later with road wins over Cup contenders Colorado and Washington.

The Canadiens, whose 24 Stanley Cups wins are 11 ahead of second-place Toronto, have had three successive last-place finishes in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, but find themselves in a battle for an Eastern Conference wildcard playoff position as the season approaches its halfway mark.

In fact, this iteration of the Canadiens, given a couple of years of growth, could develop into a Stanley Cup contender. Offensively, Cole Caufield is one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers. Lline-mate Nick Suzuki, the team captain, leads the team in points.

One of the most exciting young defencemen in the league, rookie Lane Hutson, plays a ton of minutes and quarterbacks their power play. Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2022, is developing nicely, with more points than any other

One of the most exciting young defencemen in the league, rookie Lane Hutson, plays a ton of minutes and quarterbacks their power play. member of the ’22 draft class (Hutson went 62nd in the same draft). And while many around the NHL shook their heads when the Habs acquired Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in a trade with Columbus for Jordan Harris, the acquisition has turned out great. The Finnish forward, a former Jet and Blue Jacket, scored nine goals in his first 14 games for Montreal and adds the power to their power play.

Still to join the team is Russian sniper Ivan Demidov, a sharpshooter who was selected No. 5 in the 2024 draft.

On the defensive side, Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle and Alexandre Carrier join Hutson as game-changers on the blueline, and the recent emergence of rookie goalie Jakub Dobes, who won his first two games with a .982 save percentage, to share duties with six-year vet Sam Montembeault gives Montreal fans hope another Patrick Roy-Carey Price stabilizing influence will develop between the pipes.

General manager Kent Hughes is taking a lowkey approach. “We still have a lot to learn,” Hughes said in a Canadian Press story. “I’m glad we’re playing better than we did at the start of the season, but we’ve played 40 games and are (just) over the .500 mark. We’re not celebrating for nothing. We haven’t achieved anything yet.”

• Headline at theonion.com: “LeBron pressures Bronny to have grandchildren before he’s too old to play with them in NBA.” • Brett McMurphy on Bluesky: “Forget the Ken-

STARS LOTTERY celebrates 40 years of critical care with Alberta’s biggest charity lottery CALGARY – STARS LOTTERY Alberta is back with its largest ever prize pool in celebration of STARS’ 40th anniversary.

From now until March 27, 2025, Albertans can buy their tickets for a chance to win thousands of prizes — including three grand prize dream homes — and be part of STARS’ mission to provide critical care, anywhere.

“For 40 meaningful years, STARS has been dedicated to providing critical care and hope on the worst day in someone’s life,” said Dr. John Froh, incoming president and CEO, STARS. “Every mission reflects our commitment to supporting critically injured patients when they need it most. The lottery is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and every ticket purchased ensures we can continue saving the lives of Albertans for years to come.”

STARS LOTTERY typically raises enough to fund the 24/7 operations of one of STARS’ three Alberta bases for an entire year. With 1,720 missions flown across Alberta last year alone, lottery ticket sales are vital to supporting patients in life-threatening circumstances.

This year is set to impress as Alberta’s largest charitable lottery with

4,000 prizes up for grabs, valued at $5.4 million. Tickets can be purchased online at starslottery.ca, by phone at 1-855-STARS-68 (782-7768), or at each of the grand prize dream homes. With tickets starting as low as $30, STARS LOTTERY remains one of the most accessible and affordable major charitable lotteries in the province.

Prizes include three grand prize dream homes located in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge; a 2025 Porsche 911 Targa GTS valued at $268,341; and four international vacation prizes valued between $4,000 and $12,500. Plus, the fan favourite Million STARS Daily Cash is back — with 40 daily draws of $25,000 each, — totaling $1 million in prizes. A full list of prizes can be found at ab.starslottery.ca All dream homes are open for viewing until Mar. 23, 2025; Sat., Sun. and holidays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Calgary: “The Encore” — 8217 8A Avenue SW. Edmonton: “The Ruby” — 3004 Milner Crescent, located in the community of The Village at Griesbach.

Lethbridge: “The Kallyn Jeffrey” — 636 Devonia Road W.

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tucky Derby, Jack Sawyer’s 83-yard fumble return for Ohio State (vs. Texas) is the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Columnist Norman Chad, on Twitter: “ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky talks more in a three-man booth than the late Vin Scully talked in a one-man booth.”

Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon.com website, on Orlovsky: “I am a full-fledged supporter of the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech, but I think Orlovsky’s performance was a violation of that right.”

Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “Canada was bounced earlier in the World Junior for the second straight tourney. Now we’ll be subject to more federal commissions, inquiries and referendums than in a normal election year.”

Rolfsen agailn: “Latvia has fewer people than Greater Vancouver, but way happier hockey fans.”

Bob Molinaro of pilot online.com (Hampton, Va.): “Did you notice that ESPN began running Masters commercials on Jan. 1? C’mon now. It’s the Masters. As if people would forget to watch.”

RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “New Orleans police recently were looking for ex-WWE star Davey Boy Smith for assaulting wrestler Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts –– by throwing coffee at him. So the complaint had grounds.”

Headline at theonion.com: “NBA Team Physicians Admit They Only Know Medical Stuff About Legs” From the golf site First Call: “Scottie Scheffler suffered an injury to his right hand from broken glass while preparing Christmas dinner, keeping him out of action for a few weeks. Shouldn’t a man who won $62 million with his hands last year be kept away from sharp objects?”

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “No one of sound mind will sign Pete Alonso for nine seasons. But that’s assuming that everyone in baseball is of sound mind.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

DON''T MISS THE UPCOMING

JobFair FEBRUARY R 7 RY HANNA LEGION 10 AM - 3 PM

JobSe JobSeekers: See Se eeke k rs r : Discov ove ov ver div ive iv vers r e care r err re Discover diverse career opport r unities, rt s net s, etw et two work opportunities, network wth wi r leaders ry rs, rs s, and d with industry leaders, find full-time, e part e, r -time, rt e or e, o part-time, seasonal ro rroles les that fit yo y u ur your schedule.

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| 5

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6 |

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Your Southwest Media Group

KREW KUTZ

“Displaced Persons” explained – Part 2

BY BERNIE KREWSKI

The Dziuba, Dumanowski, Garszczal, and Mikosz families provide brief but valuable sketches of what caused them to leave their Polish homeland during WWII, eventually coming to live in this community. Recently, scholars and journalists have published detailed explanations of their complicated journeys, especially since the disintegration of the Soviet Union beginning in 1989.

These writings give us a much larger and clearer picture. Anne Applebaum’s “The Gulag: A History” (2003) is an example.

Poland in 1939 was vulnerable to invasion. Ruled by Prussian, Russian, or Austro-Hungarian Empires for more than a century, it was finally granted statehood in the peace treaty ending WWI. But then it was squeezed between two authoritarian regimes – the German Third Reich and the Soviet Union, both contending that much of the Polish landscape was part of their territory!

Then on August 23, 1939, Germany and Russia signed a non-aggression pact. They agreed to take no military action against each other for the next ten years. This gave the Soviet Union time to strengthen its military and assured Hitler his troops would be unopposed to invade Poland. The results were immediate - the Nazis invaded the western half of Poland on September 1st, the Russians followed two weeks later (September 17), taking control of the eastern half.

If your home was in the western part of Poland, you were potentially faced with slave labour, prison, or murder.

Auschwitz, the well-known concentration and extermination known for killing Jewish people, was originally built in 1940 to eliminate Polish political prisoners – those resisting Nazi policies.

Transportation to Siberia or murder were common practices if you resided in the eastern half of Poland. As Anne Applebaum notes, Russian authorities in April 1940 secretly murdered more than 20,000 Polish officers and officials in the Katyn forest – the country’s elite.

No one knew what happened to them.

“Russian President Boris Yeltsin admitted Soviet responsibility for this massacre only in 1991” (p. 431).

As John Dziuba told me one Sunday afternoon: “There was a knock on their door during the night. We were told to pack supplies within an hour for two weeks of travel. My brother said, ‘Let’s

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fight them!’ We looked outside and our house was surrounded by soldiers.”

Frank Dumanowski describes living conditions in Siberia in his family’s history. I heard similar stories from Honorata Mikosz as well.

Not surprisingly, Nazi Germany violated its non-aggression agreement less than two years later, invading the Soviet Union on June 22nd, 1941. It was the largest and costliest land offensive in human history, with about ten million combatants taking part.

In desperation, the Russians turned to Great Britain and its Allies for military support. One condition imposed by the Allies was forcing the Soviets to release thousands of Poles detained in Siberia. Many were in horrible physical and psychological condition from their experience. Some joined the “Polish Army” that was soon established, originally called “The Polish Armed Forces of the USSR.” Others were willing to contribute to the war effort as civilians since their homeland, now a war zone, offered no safety if they returned.

The Polish army eventually became the Polish Second Corps attached to the British 8th Army with headquarters in Iran. It was led by the legendary General Wladyslaw Anders (1892-1970) who escaped the fate of his comrades murdered at Katyn. It was members of this group who were involved in the famous battle of Monte Cassino, February & March 1944, overturning the Germany stronghold in Italy.

John Dziuba described to me electrifying moments of the Cassino invasion, travelling on steep mountainous roads in darkness – men guiding vehicles at night, driving with no lights!

An example from my own family helps to explain why it is often so difficult for people to fully describe their unspeakable horrors in Siberia.

Josephine is the mother-in-law of my nephew who lives in Rossland, BC. When I met her in the early 1990s, it was to casually find out where she grew up, reportedly near where my Polish father was born. A simple conversation turned into a remarkable unspoken story, unknown to her own daughter, of living in Siberia and holding her younger sister as she died in her arms.

About six million Polish people perished during WWII, as Bernard Wisniewski notes – half were Christians, and the other half were Jews. They died in camps and prisons, shot in city squares and forests, hanged from lampposts and burned in barns and churches. There was even a special concentration camp for Polish children where 12,000 of the 13,000 occupants were killed. Close to 100,000 Polish children were kidnapped for “Germanification.”

– and only about one-fifth returned to their birth-families after the war.

Oyen’s “Siberian Six” had the courage to overcome the tragic circumstances of their early lives, consequently contributing in personal ways to the vibrant life of this community. For that they will always be remembered!

CALL 306-463-2211

THE OYEN ECHO

Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes

BY DAYNA WILSON

ness / by: Andrew Peterson The Warden and the Wolf King / by: Andrew Peterson

Library Manager

FICTION: Bronco Buster / by: A.J. Devlin Circle of Death / by: James Patterson City of the Dead / by: James Patterson The Dark Becomes Her / by: Judy Lin Held ; A Novel / by: Anne Michaels The Note : A Novel / by: Alafair Burke Secrets in the Dark / by: Heather Graham Shoestring Theory : A Novel / by: Mari Costa Tom Clancy:Command and Control / by: Marc Cameron The Villa : A Novel / by: Rachel Hawkins What I know About you / by: Elric Chacour Where the Creek Bends / by: Linda Lael Miller Never Say Never / by: Danielle Steele The House of Cross / by: James Patterson Huge: A Novel / by: Brent Butt A Ladie’s Guide to Marvel and Misadventure / by: Angela Bell YOUNG ADULT FICTION: Dear Dad / by: Laura A. Best Don’t Let the Forest In / by: C.G. Drews Gleanings / by: Neal Shusterman The Prisoner’s Throne : A Novel of

Elfhame / by: Holly Black Scythe / by: Neal Shusterman The Sticky Note Manifesto of Aisha Agarwal / by: Ambika Vohra Thunderhead / by: Neal Shusterman The Toll / by: Neal Shusterman Twenty four seconds from now : A love story / by: Jason Reynolds A Wish for Us / by: Tillie Cole Wrong Answers Only / by: Tobias Madden JUVENILE FICTION: Attack of the Rectangles / by: A. S. King The Last Kids on Earth : June’s Wild Flight / by: Max Brallier The Last Kids On Earth : Cosmic Beyond / by: Max Brallier The Last Kids on Earth : The Midnight Blade / by: Max Brallier The Monster in the Hollow / by: Andrew Peterson North! Or be Eaten / by: Andrew Peterson Not Nothing / by: Gayle Forman On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Dark-

EARLY READERS: The Dream Team! : Glitter and Shine / by: Kaela Rivera YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS: Girlmode / by: Magdalene Visaggio Jujutsu Kaisen 24 : Fearsome Womb:Reccurence / by: Gege Akutami JUVENILE GRAPIC NOVELS: I Survived The American Revolution 1776 / by: Georgia Ball I Survived The Attack of the Grizzlies 1967 / by: Georgia Ball I Survived The Destruction of Pompeii AD 79 / by: Georgia Ball I Survived The Great Chicago Fire 1871 / by: Georgia Ball I Survived The Nazi Invasion 1944 / by: Georgia Ball I Survived The Shark Attacks of 1916 / by: Georgia Ball The Last Kids On Earth : The Graphic Novel Vol. 1 / by: Scott Peterson Wildflower Emily: A Story about young Emily Dickinson / by: Lydia Corry NON-FICTION BOOKS: No Bad Parts : Healing Trauma / by:

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

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Richard Swartz Feeding Your Skin / by: Carla Oates The Ballerina of Auschwitz : A Memior / by: Edith Eva Eger Come As You Are : A surprising New Science / by: Emily Nagoski Cooking Step by Step / Multiple Authors PERIODICALS: Hello Canada The Hockey News Woman’s Day 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.

Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary

Taxation ONLY with representation

BY DAMIEN KUREK

lieve that it is unconstitutional to even collect it. This tax, which econA fundamental aspect omists suggest could kill of our democratic system over 400,000 jobs and is that the Government shrink our economy by can only tax its citizens 90 billion dollars, will and spend those tax dolhave a disproportionlars with Parliamentary ate effect on small- and approval. Since the Magmedium-sized business na Carta was signed more owners, farmers and than eight centuries ago Damien Kurek ranchers, and interestand the growth of modern ingly, will have a huge democracy in the Westminster system impact on family doctors. of Government we have today, this has Poilievre didn’t mince words when been an essential element of democra- speaking about this in the context of the cy. Yet, we now find ourselves in a sit- current Liberal Leadership race to reuation where the changes to the federal place Justin Trudeau: “Trudeau’s Chief capital gains tax has never been voted Economic Advisor, Carbon Tax Carney, on, but will be collected. I wish I could and former Finance Minister, Chrystia say I was surprised, but with the nor- Freeland, were behind this job-killing malization of constitutional crises we tax increase. It is driving our economy have seen over the last nine years under into the ground, especially with PresJustin Trudeau and the NDP/Liberals, ident Trump’s tariff threats looming this is simply another Liberal attack on over us. This was a bad idea before, but democracy. now it’s outright insanity.”

In the 2024 Federal Budget, the LiberLet’s not forget, after nine years of als announced they would increase the Liberal economic vandalism, our econinclusion rate on capital gains in Cana- omy has suffered, and our standard of da. They did not, however, include this living has fallen. In fact, Texas, with 10 measure in any budget bill, and only million fewer people, now boasts an tabled a motion to make the changes economy larger than all of Canada’s in the Fall. This motion has never been provinces and territories combined. voted on but also has never been debat- And tax hikes like the capital gains hike ed. and carbon tax brought in by the LiberTo note, the reason the motion did als (with the support of the NDP), have not get debated or voted on is because made Canada poorer. the entire Fall sitting of Parliament was Canadians also need to be able to consumed by debates on Liberal scan- choose in an election whether they supdals. Now, with Parliament being pro- port policies like this. Conservatives rogued, which is an insult to democracy have made it clear that we will perin and of itself, the legislative agenda manently axe this job-killing increase, has been reset. This means the CRA is safeguarding our jobs and our dollars. going to collect a tax that has not been Further, we will cut back on corpovoted on. rate welfare—those lavish subsidies Common Sense Conservative Lead- handed out to big, politically connecter Pierre Poilievre has been clear: Con- ed corporations with nothing to show servatives do not support this tax hike but waste. Think about it: $9 million on job creators, will repeal it, and be- for edible crickets, $400 million for the Battle River - Crowfoot MP

Green Slush Fund (for which the ethics commissioner confirmed lawbreaking deals), $50 million for Mastercard’s office, and $20 billion in contracts.

I have listened to you. These tax hikes, like the carbon tax, need to be

axed. Conservatives believe we need to be a country which allows our people to prosper, rewards hard work, brings home an economy where the Canadian promise, including here in rural Alberta, can be realized again.

25014DS3

8 |

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

kate@yourwestcentral.com

DRY COUNTRY GAS CO-OP LTD. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

SERVICE PERSON POSITION

Dry Country Co-op is currently seeking to fill a full-time service person position. On the job training is available with Gas Utility Operator certificate to follow.

The successful applicant will be responsible under supervision, to assist in the operation and maintenance of the Dry Country Gas Co-op Ltd. distribution system.

Duties would include: - Installing new gas services as well as secondary gas lines - Operating a trencher/plow, backhoe, and a skid steer - Locating underground lines - On-call rotation - Operating and maintaining RMO stations - Meter seal updates - Able to complete all provided and required training - All other duties as required Applicants must have a clean, valid class 5 driver’s license.

Dry Country Gas Co-op Ltd. offers a competitive wage and benefits package.

Please forward your resume & drivers abstract to: Dry Country Gas Co-op Ltd. Attention: Gene Hauck Bag 4000, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 Fax: 403-664-3158 Email: gene_dcg@telus.net Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline for application is January 24, 2025.

Your Southwest Media Group

THE OYEN ECHO

BS & TENDERS

306-463-2211 www.westcentraljobs.ca To advertise call kate@yourwestcen

strategies for retaining 3 essential Helping4seniors explore Alberta’s hidden gems 4qus your employees

Alberta’s governseniors aged 65 and oldment delivering on increasingly er will enjoy cent As theisjob market becomes com­a 253.per Offer benefits. Ask your employees what on camping it canto beintrochallengingdiscount to retain your yourfees company could improve and add these itspetitive, promise at select campgrounds, employees.

Here are to help to their benefits and perks. For example, you duce a camping feefour strategies keep your talent. could include group insurance, paid holi­ opening the door to more discount for seniors. days, yoga classes, flexible working hours

As the job market beco petitive, it can be chal employees. Here are f keep your talent.

high-quality and low1. Focus on communication.cost Communicate 1. Focus on communi and telemedicine. outdoor adventures openly with your employees.

Listen to openly with your e Alberta’s government and opportunities to fostheir concerns and be open to new ideas. their concerns and b 4.

Get out of the office.

Create opportuni­ is making it easier than ter a deeper connection Let them know they’re heard and that you Let them know they ties for your employees to socialize and ever for seniors to explore with nature. take them seriously. take them seriously have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve and enjoy the stunning “We live in the mostwork. Use the opportunity to ce­ around landscapes thatdevelopment. provin- beautiful place andtheir successes.

2. Think about Employees of­ on earth, 2. Think about develo lebrate cial ten parks to ofoffer. like these will quithave because a lack ofinitiatives advancement ten quit because of a Starting May 1, Therefore, Alberta provide make ittraining easier than ever for retention also depends opportunities. opportunities. There Employee Albertans, especially se- recruitment. There­ so your employees can develop their po­ so your employees on effective Grazing Sale andniors, tential,Lease avoidFor boredom take to onexplore new fore, tential, avoid use a specialized agency to “This new discount enThe discount willbored and enjoy inchallenges.

Special Areas #4 challenges. start your talent search today. sures that seniors can more be available at 142 the breathtaking landscapes easily discover the parks that front-country campAlberta has to offer. By makNE-23-35-01-W4 ing our parks more accessible make Alberta so extraordi- grounds across Alberta, SW-25-35-01-W4 about 6,400 and affordable, we are en- nary. By reducing costs and including Whether you already work in SE-25-35-01-W4 campsites for individual, improving access, we’re emhancing quality of life for setechnology (IT) or are just s NE-25-35-01-W4 walk-in niors, promoting their health powering seniors to connect equestrian, studies, hereand are three qualitie NW-24-35-01-W4 your success. tenting, along with other with nature and explore the diand well-being, and helping NE-24-35-01-W4 them discover the hidden verse beauty of our province.” popular camping experi28 acres each 1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS Seniors will have Dale Nally, ences. gems of our province.” pt NE-25-35-29-W3 As an IT employee, you’re access to these sites that ofte Minister of Service Todd Loewen, & pt SE-25-35-29-W4 solve problems.

Consequently, y offer stunning, quieter exAlberta and Red Tape Minister of joy challenging yourself and lo Leo Kolman Reduction periences in less-crowded Forestry and Parks novative solutions. You must a Box 613 settings, allowing them to w rently curious to stay updated Macklin, SK S0L 2C0 explore new areas withEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY technologies in a constantly ev 1-306-753-2667 or cell out the pressure of fully OYEN 1-306-753-7244 booked campsites. Other 2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS types of camping as to c IT specialists mustsuch be able GREENHOUSES with their colleagues and client group, comfort, seasonal LTD. and backcountry are not is currently seeking a eligible for the discount.

NOTICE - FOR SALE BY TENDER

How toSEED welcome TECHNICIAN to start February 3, 2025 a teleworking employee This position involves running various seeding

The Owner, Vernon Brockmann and Debora Brockmann will accept offers (by tender only) to purchase the following lands located in Special Areas 3 in the Province of Alberta:

Entry-level apo t

“Seniors appreciate every opportunity to enjoy DEEDED CULTIVATION: and It’srecreate rare to in getparks your more dream job machines and keeping track of seed inventory.

SE-18-30-2-W4 (157.05 acres) – 100 acres in cropland affordably.

By try. Therefore, ifproviding you’re offered Accuracy and dependability are a must.

NE-30-30-1-W4 (159 acres more or less) in hay vel position, it’s on necessary SW-8-32-1-W4 (159.50 acres more or less) in hay these discounts select to a Training will be provided for the right individual.

NW-34-31-1-W4 (155.05 acres more or less) in hay. Surface Lease registered against these lands it’s a good idea to accept Contact us for more information. campsites more seniors it. H is being discharged. tips take to helpadvantage you decide. of This position runs through June 1. can Please send your resume to: hidden gem campgrounds DEEDED PASTURE: WHEN TO ACCEPT across Alberta, promoting Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 (being a Portion of NE-21-31-2-W4) If the job is related to your area containing 122.98 acres more or less with one spring fed dugout. These lands are subject to a Retheir health and well-bePO Box 358, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 and allows you to use and devel strictive Covenant in favor her Majesty the Queen in right of Alberta restricting the use of the land Email :accounting@oyengreenhouses.ca ing.” it may be worthwhile. The job by no breaking or cultivation of the entire quarter.

Drop off at: 201 - 1 Ave. West, Oyen, AB exploreLarry a fieldMathieson, you’re intereste President andposition CEO, in t you obtain a better GRAZING LEASE #83674 contains the following portions of land in 3 quarters due to railroad: offer may also be Unison attractive if Portion NE-21-31-2-W4 containing approximately 2.25 acres more or less of grass in good condition for career development within Don’t miss an opportunity Portion SE-21-31-1-W4 containing 40.46 acres more or less with grass in good condition.

“For seniors who own NE 21 and SE 21 portion of lease are fenced with deeded pasture described in Descriptive Plan to expand your RVs this discount will be 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 a great way to access less agricultural knowledge!

Portion NW-21-31-2-W4 containing 42.02 acres more or less is currently in hay. popular campgrounds CULTIVATION LEASE #5223 contains the following lands: Apply to join the CARA Team this summer and gain more affordably. Senior on and contact if they need help. This RV owners Telecommuting has become increasingly po­ Telecommuting has be NW 13-31-2-W4 containing 153.59 acres more or less. Approximately 80 acres in cropland and can now easexperience inlean applied research, crop and forage will help them feel at ease. pular in recent years. It allows companies pular in recent years. remainder is pasture. ily find the perfect spot to production, soil health and much more!

SW 24-31-2-W4 containing 4.23 acre more or less) is pasture. to recruit qualified talent across the globe. to recruit qualified tal more of Pasture portion in NW 13 and SW 24 fenced together for total of approximately 77.82 acres.is about to welcome a • Introduce the team. Set up a video chat camp andIfexplore If your company your company is a The Chinook Applied Research Association what Alberta parks have to introduce the entire team. You can re­ new telecommuting employee, here’s how new telecommuting e is accepting applications for: Tenders submitted must be on the Terms of Tender form which shall to form serve extra time for the employee to get to offer, whether do the it. contract between to do it. they are the successful bidder and the Owner. Any bids which are not on the Terms of Tender form will not to know the colleagues they’ll be working out camping, hiking or 2025 SUMMER RESEARCH TECHNICIANS be considered. exploring•the with directly.

• Talk about the company. Describe the Talkroad.” about the com Responsibilities will include: Gerry Haracsi, execucompany’s mission, values and other in­ company’s mission, The Terms of Tender form can be obtained from: Assistingawith•the establishment, maintenance, harvest and Follow up. Make sure the new employee formation to help the employee• develop formation to help th tive vice-president, Recdata collection from various applied research and immediate receives feedback from their sense of belonging. sense of belonging.

Vernon & Debora Brockmann reation Vehicle Dealers demonstration projects colleagues in the first few weeks to help Association Alberta (403) 676-2777 or cell (403) 664-0831 • Assisting with tours, field days and other extension events Email: vdbrock5@netago.ca them adjust.The recruit should feel free to • Present your tools. Familiarize the em­ • Present your tools include: ask questions without fear of judgment. ployee with the tools, software Qualifications and online with the tools OR A list of ployee campgrounds platforms the company uses daily. platforms the compa • Student of an agricultural, environmental, science or other Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP offering the discount is Are you looking for telecommuting emplo­ educational program Attention: Glenda Bauer albertaparks. yees to join your team? Do business with a available •atOffer • Offer mentoring. Ensure the new emplo­ mentoring. En • Valid driver’s license gbauer@pritchardandco.com ca.

Seniors can take they ad- hav recruitment service. yee knows they have someone they can yee knows • Good communication skills, self motivated and organized (403) 527-4411 vantage of this discount • Comfortable working both independently and in a team by booking shop.

Tenders shall be marked “Brockmann Land Tender” and sent to or delivered prior to 12:00 noon Include ad spac 14 / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 atmosphere / NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX 14through / SEPTEMBER-OCT MST on February 28, 2025 to: albertaparks.ca, by phone • Experience and/or interest in agriculture or at first-come, firstPlease submit resumes to cara-dw@telus.net Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP served campgrounds. or to Box 690, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0 201,430 – 6th Avenue S.E. Bookings for May 1 arrivMedicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8 Contact Dianne Westerlund for more information als will open on January 403-664-3777 or cara-dw@telus.net 31.

Oyen Greenhouses Ltd.,

CALL 306-463-2211

VS

Truck Works Inc. Specializing in GM Truck Parts

THE OYEN ECHO

Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesday to Saturday

NEW & USED GM PARTS

• Aftermarket Body Parts (fenders, grilles, headlights) Als for most MAKES and MODELS, upon request.

Avail o able: • Most rebuilt transfer cases, upon request.

• Rebuilt GM transfer cases and used GM powertrain parts in stock. FREE pickup of all unwanted vehicles.

Give us a Call! 403-972-3879 Fax: 403-972-2001 Email: vstwi2@hotmail.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

~ THANK YOU ~

The Youngstown and District Community Club would like to thank

Lanfine Wind Community Fund and the Community Foundation of Southern AB

Visit our page to see our specials

403-972-3848

| 9

for their generous support in awarding us $7500.00 towards the purchase of our new ice plant for the Youngstown curling rink.

Your support ensures our community can provide an inclusive space for our community to continue to curl and spectators can gather to support their family and friends.

It also ensures our school students can continue to learn and practice curling and compete in other school curling events.

10 |

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Mactavish & Company 523c North Railway St SE, Medicine Hat, AB

403-528-4995

tmactavish@mactavishco.ca • www.mactavishco.ca

Terry Lynne Mactavish • Tax Services • Tax Planning & Preparation • Estate & Trust Tax Preparation • Payroll Services • Financial Statements • Accounting Services

• Consulting Services • Estate Planning • Financial Planning • Retirement Planning • Purchase and Sale of a Business • and much more, please inquire “Having investments”

the same thing asCRAIG financialPAETZ planning.

PAETZ CRAIG CRAIG PAETZ taxrefund refundis isjust just isn’t A Atax We believe a real financial plan CFP, B.COMM, Executive CFP, B.Comm., Executive B.Comm., Executive adapts and growsCFP, alongside your life – Financial Consultant missedopportunity opportunityand includes investments, Financial Consultant a amissed Financial Consultant tax opportunities, craig.paetz@igpwm.ca craig.paetz@investorsgroup.com estate and legacycraig.paetz@investorsgroup.com planning, and more.

“Having investments” investments” 403-664-8311 (403) 664-8311 Do you agree? Let’s talk.

(403) 664-8311 A“Having large refund means you’ve been A large refund means you’ve been isn’t thingthing as financial isn’tthe thesame same as planning.

We believe aplanning. real financial plan financial We believe overpaying your taxes throughout overpaying your taxes throughout adapts and grows alongside your life – a real financial plan adapts and and includes investments, tax opportunities, year.alongside thethe year. grows your life - and

and legacy planning, and more.

Iestate can show you steps I can show you steps includes investments, Do you agree?

Let’s talk. tax to minimize income taxes to minimize income taxes andand opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. keep more of what earn. keep more of what youyou earn.

Do you agree? Let’s talk.

STEVEN PAETZ STEVEN PAETZ STEVEN PAETZ

B.Mgt. CFP, B.MGT. CFP,CFP, B.Mgt. Associate Consultant Associate Consultant Associate Consultant steven.paetz@investorsgroup.com steven.paetz@igpwm.ca steven.paetz@investorsgroup.com 664-9494 403-664-9494 (403)(403) 664-9494

101 0 1A v A y e n• Monday-Friday -p5m p-m5 pm 1 0-1 11st - 11 -Ave. eWest, .v e W. ,WO,Oyen yO en M oM no . -nF.r-iF. r1i .01a0m10 -a5mam st

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Dry Land Butchering CUSTOM SLAUGHTER AND PROCESSING •offering quality slaughtering & processing of beef & pork •fully inspected facility with certified meat cutters •meat cutting, curing and sausage making

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VIVA VITALITY:

Benefits of fibre

BY JULIA ROWLAND Fibre is a type of carbohydrate we do not digest. It comes from plant foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Fiber can also be found in fibre supplements. Fibre can be in two forms: insoluble and soluble, which both provide health benefits.

Soluble fibre may improve your health in a variety of ways, including: • helping manage blood sugar • lowering cholesterol • softening stool if you are constipated • creating formed stools if you have diarrhea or loose stools • helping you feel full for longer • helping increase healthy bacteria in your gut • improving the health of your colon • reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

Insoluble fibre helps stool move through your bowels more quickly and keeps bowel movements regular.

This keeps your digestive system healthy and may low-

Attention all artists!

Oyen & District Food Bank Association needs a logo. They have invited all students, Grade 5 and up, to participate in a contest for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Halfway Pizza and Convenience. They are looking for something simple, relating to what the

306.628.3329

Located 30km SW Leader, SK

Your Southwest Media Group

THE OYEN ECHO

Classifieds

er your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancers.

Canadian women need 25 grams of fibre per day and men need 38 grams of fibre per day. Most Canadians are only getting about half that much.

Here are some tips to help you eat more fibre: • Have a vegetable or fruit at every meal and snack.

• Eat the skins or peels when possible.

• Use extra vegetables in casseroles, soups, stir-fries, and pasta sauces.

• Choose whole grain breads, cereals, whole grain pasta, quinoa, barley, bulgur, and brown rice.

• Add beans, chickpeas, and lentils to soups, casseroles, salads, and pasta sauce.

It is important to drink enough fluid when you eat a higher fibre diet. Drinking fluid will help keep your stools soft. Fluid includes water and other liquids such as milk, coffee, tea, broth, and soup. Aim to drink 9 to 12 cups of fluid each day.

Eating more fibre can improve your overall health.

Just remember to increase your fibre intake gradually and drink lots of fluid to avoid digestive discomfort.

For more information or to speak to a Dietitian, visit ahs.ca/nutrition or call HealthLink 811.

food bank does, and that can be used for years that will represent the association. Submissions can be by email: oyenfoodbank@gmail.com or by dropping off at Oyen FCSS office (in the dental clinic). Be sure to include your contact info. Deadline is March 3, 2025.

Business directory $18/week plus GST

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COMING EVENTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 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.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES START 2025 WITH AN ADVENTURE. In DESPARATE need of two Veterinarians in Yellowknife, NWT. Population 20,000 - approximately same number of small animals.

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NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please call for more information: 306-260-9575.

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

| 11

OBITUARIES

Pauline (Grudecki) Hopkins June 26, 1931 - December 6, 2024

We are honouring the beautiful life of our mother, Pauline (Polly) Hopkins. She passed away on December 6, 2024 in Gibsons, B.C., surrounded by loved ones.

Pauline was born to Louis and Victoria Grudecki on June 26, 1931 on the family homestead in Acadia Valley, Alberta. She grew up on the farm with her six siblings and attended a rural school until she moved to Empress to finish her education.

Pauline lived in Alberta all of her life until moving to Sechelt, B.C. six years ago.

As a young woman, Pauline met her one and only love, Gordon. They were married on a bitterly cold day in 1953 and were life long partners for the next 70 years. Mom kept busy raising their five children, Sharon (Phil), Murray (Susann), Lenard (Patci), Myrna (Parker), and Lucille (Mike).

Pauline is also survived by her 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and sister, Antonia Shubert.

She was predeceased by her husband Gordon and her great grandson, Theo.

Our Mom was a person of immense faith and throughout her life she always put the needs of everyone else before her own. She was a member of the CWL most of her life. Pauline had an incredi-

ble work ethic and found great contentment when being productive. In spite of having five children, Mom was proud to maintain an immaculate home.

Throughout our childhood and beyond, Mom was known for her skills in the kitchen as she was an incredible cook and baker. Our family was fortunate to grow up with baked goods waiting for us whenever we came home. Pauline had a green thumb and worked as a florist for several years.

Her appreciation of the beauty of Mother Nature was never more evident than when she moved to the coast.

Pauline loved to dance and listen to music! She and Gordon enjoyed Square Dancing for over 30 years. Mom also volunteered for the Calgary Police Service. Her greatest love was for her grandchildren. They were extremely important to her and one of the many ways that she showed her affection was by keeping the cookie jar full. Mom enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was in her element preparing meals for our large gatherings. She was loved by all that knew her and is missed beyond words.

Pauline’s family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful staff at Christenson Village Cottage 3, for their loving care and compassion for “Momma Pauline”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Holy Family Church (Sechelt) on Thursday, July 17th @ 11 am, followed by a luncheon. All are welcome.

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF:

One of the things that can be really painful after losing a loved one is longing for things to be the way that they were. We want so badly to have our loved ones back so that we can experience this life with them by our side. We want them back for Christmas, New Years and all the special holidays. This yearning for what cannot be causes a lot of pain and anguish. We can get really stuck in this part of the grieving process.

There is much suffering that comes from being in this space.

It is normal to want to relive the past in this way.

Often we will beg and plead with God to make the pain go away or to bring them back for just one more day. Yet over time we start to realize that nothing is going to change the fact that they are gone. We wonder how we will ever continue on with the pain that is encompassing every facet of our experience. Yet surprisingly many have been able to transcend the pain and recreate a life of joy and happiness again.

Part of the process requires honoring our loved ones’ memory and living our lives in such a way that would make them so happy and proud. Blaine was a man who loved meeting people and interacting with anyone. He would strike up conversations with complete strangers in restaurants, on planes, or anywhere he could. He was genuinely interested in listening to others’ stories. As his wife and a natural introvert, I always marvelled at his ability to talk to anyone no matter what their background might be.

When he transitioned, I was left to take care of things myself. It often meant I would have to reach out

Kim Walker

Pam Stark

Licensed Funeral Director

Licensed Funeral Director

It is never too early to discuss your final wishes and make plans for the future.

Let us help you– contact Kim or Pam to begin the conversation today.

Professional service with compassion, pride and dignity.

www.ofsmacleans.com | 114-1 Ave East, Oyen, AB | 403-664-3767

WORSHIP SERVICES Oyen & Area * Paid announcements

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH OYEN

Fr. Rodel Abanto 403-589-9300 shoyen@telus.net 415 - 5th Avenue East Sunday Mass 9:00 am Thursday Mass 11:00 am (1st Thursday of the month) Friday Mass - 10:00 am 2nd-5th Friday of the month 6:30 pm at Extended Care

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH ACADIA VALLEY

Making new memories

BY ANGELA CLEMENT

Serving Oyen and area, Acadia Valley, the Special Areas, all communities within, and West-Central Saskatchewan.

for help and that required talking to people I did not know. Inviting complete strangers to be guest speakers to participate in my online grief summits was particularly scary. I had to really move out of my comfort zone and realize that there was nothing to fear. What was the worst thing that could happen? That they would say no?

This past weekend the kids and I along with members of the recreation board and community of Val Marie held a memorial curling bonspiel in honor of Blaine’s memory and his love of sports and of participating socially in the community. People were important to him and so it felt good to get together with his friends and family and just have some fun doing the things that he loved to do. It was a wonderful way to involve others in celebrating who he was.

We get to create our lives going forward. We have the free will and choice to make amazing things happen even after a traumatic loss. I have found it is not something you do alone, but with time and support, you can start to create new traditions and memories in honor of your loved one. It doesn’t have to be a big event either. It can be as simple as lighting a candle, taking a little trip somewhere, eating some of their favourite food or creating some type of little project in their honor. Life is about living. Our loved ones most certainly want us to live our lives fully and completely. They are watching and looking down and cheering us on as we move forward with the things you dare to dream of doing. What are your new dreams? Let’s see what we can do to help you make those come true. Let me know. angela@healingnenergy.world

As is a tale, so is a life: Not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.

– Seneca

Fr. Rodel Abanto 403-589-9300 Rectory 403-664-3603 Saturday 5:00 PM

OYEN EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH Sunday School 9:45 AM Worship Service 10:45 AM 403-664-2139

ALL SAINTS ANGLICAN, OYEN

Rev. Catherine Holland Sunday at 11:00 am oyenanglicanchurch

ST. JOHN ANGLICAN NEW BRIGDEN Rev. Catherine Holland Call 403-664-2094 for worship times.

UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA PIONEER PASTORAL CHARGE 403-664-3987 pioneerpastoralcharge@gmail.com

Oyen Every Sunday at 11:00 am

ED R Cereal LL E C E R TH N A U C L FSunday E Every TI O TI C UNat 9:30 N am

Alsask 3rd Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm Call 403-664-3987

12 |

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Choosing health over corporate profits

BY VAMINI SELVANANDAN

January is a month when many of us promise we will try harder to become or stay healthy. We make New Year’s resolutions to eat better and lose weight.

But by March or April, many of us feel deflated for not having enough willpower to maintain our commitment towards healthier eating.

Over the past few decades, the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed foods has grown and rates of obesity have soared. Is this due to a collective decline in willpower or is there some other force at play thwarting our sincere attempts to eat better?

This year, to be successful in our quest for health, we must resolve to understanding and addressing the root causes of diet-related illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. It is time to address the elephant in the room. Corporations and shareholder interests powerfully shape our foodscape. A few large multinational corporations dictate what we eat, how much we eat and even where we eat.

The food industry engineers the taste of their products to appeal to our evolutionary preferences for salt, sugar and fat and invests in laboratories to create foods that are increasingly addictive and difficult to consume in small amounts. To maximize profits for shareholders, the food industry comes up with novel and enticing ways to increase calorie consumption.

They ultra-process foods - adding chemicals and removing healthy nutrients - to “add value” and create higher profit margins on inexpensive food products like corn and soy.

Additionally, advertising of fast-foods and ultra processed food to children ensures that the food industry creates a taste for their products early in life and generates loyal lifelong consumers. Powerful lobbies and donations to political parties ensure that policymakers turn a blind eye to the health harms of many corporate practices. If we want our efforts to eat better or lose weight to pay off, we have to first recognize and then address these powerful corporate effects on our health.

Governments need to regulate the food industry to protect their citizens, particularly children who are becoming increasingly obese through no fault of their own. Policymakers need to ban advertising of unhealthy foods to children. They need to tax sugar-sweetened beverages as several other countries in the world have done resulting in a corresponding decrease in consumption. Canadians desperately need healthy foods like fruits and vegetables to be subsidized so we can all afford them.

We have to remind our governments that we elected them to act in our best interests. It is the job of governments to protect people and empower them to live healthy and fulfilling lives. We need to ask all levels of government to do their job by standing up to corporations and reigning in their predatory practices. It will require courage, commitment and persistence on the part of lawmakers to take on corporations who will not give up their profits willingly. But governments cannot be idle while corporations ruin the health of Canadians.

Vamini Selvanandan is a rural family physician and public health practitioner in Alberta.

Your Southwest Media Group

Nominations open for Alberta’s highest honour

Albertans are encouraged to nominate remarkable community members, leaders and innovators for membership in the Alberta Order of Excellence.

The Order is the province’s highest honour and recognizes citizens who have made a significant and lasting contribution to their communities.

Members include Olympians, scientists, volunteers, leaders in business, and artists. 220 Albertans have been invested into the Alberta Order of Excellence since it was established in 1979.

Nominations are accepted year-round, but must be received by Feb. 15 to be considered for investiture this year.

Nominees must be Canadians citizens currently residing in Alberta and, if selected, must be able to attend the investiture ceremony. People cannot nominate themselves, their spouse or a member of their immediate family.

Information about the Order, including nomination guidelines, nomination forms and biographies of previous inductees is available on the Alberta Order of Excellence website.

Submit your Upcoming Event to

kate@yourwestcentral.com or text 306-463-2211 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY AT NOON. Not intended for business use.

Community and non-profit events are FREE OF CHARGE. Please try to keep wording to a minimum.

WE PROVIDE:

• Maintenance • Installs • Repairs • 24 Hr Emergency Services https://kindersley.lukplumbing.com C A L L OR B BOOOK ONL ONLINE INE TTOD ODAAY!

We try our best to place as many events as possible, but closer dates will take priority.

Please support the businesses that advertise in this newspaper. Without them, this publication would not be possible!

306-463-6707 • 807 - 9th St. W., Kindersley, SK ACADIA VALLEY WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 • FREE Youth Skating Lessons 4:30-5:30 PM at the Acadia Valley Event Centre.

• Kids Rec Hockey at the Acadia Valley Event Centre 6:00-7:00 PM. Just for fun!

Learn hockey basics without the commitment. Contact Phil Jarvis to register or just show up 306-570-4084. Must wear helmet with face mask and neck guard. Shin pads and elbow pads are optional, but good if you have them.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 • Acadia Valley Ladies Bonspiel “Golden Girls”. To register call / text Jaime at 403664-7110.

BUFFALO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 • The annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will be held at the hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM and “Digging Fun” starts at the same time. Music begins at 8:00 PM. Come out and enjoy this family event.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 • Buffalo Ag Society presents Jake Mathews in concert at the hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets purchased for the December show will be hon-

oured and you can get tickets from Ag Society members.

CEREAL - Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM - Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.

- Chase the Ace weekly Thursdays 7:00 9:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel - Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.

EMPRESS TUESDAY, MARCH 11 • Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society 2025 AGM. Memember Meeting 1:00-2:00 PM at the Village of Empress Community Hall. Membership is $5 / year. Join us.

SATURDAY, MAY 10 • Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Plant & Pie Sale 10:00 AM 2:00 PM. Empress Community Hall.

• Empress Community Yard Sales 9:00 AM 3:00 PM. More than 10 families! Don’t miss it!

NEW BRIGDEN FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 • New Brigden Family Funspiel. Friday Steak Supper. Booth open all weekend.

Awesome prizes for all curlers. Call or text Chris for more info 403-664-8488.

OYEN TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 & 28 • 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 403-664-8688.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 • Oyen United Church Soup and Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15, kids 6-12 $5, under 6 Free.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 • Oyen and District Curling Club 4th annual Keith Mitchell Memorial. Cash & team prizes. To enter call Brent 403-664-8868.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 • The Oyen Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting will be held 7:00 PM at the FCSS Youth Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend and dinner will be provided.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

• Fun Night for Members and their Guests at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre 7:00 PM until Midnight. Games and Socializing.BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 • Oyen and District Curling Club Jr. Bonspiel (Grade 4-9) $30 (includes lunch).

Cash prizes. Enter teams with Jackie 403664-0157 before January 28.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 • Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth at 403-664-2462 for more information.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 & 8 • Oyen & District Curling Club annual Ladies’ Bonspiel. To enter call Jackie (403) 664-0157.

- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.

- 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.

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