The Oyen Echo - January 29, 2025

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lanfinewind.ca WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025

OYEN, ALBERTA

VOLUME 56, ISSUE 4

$100,000 Donation Grows the Prairie Crocus Community Fund

OYEN – The Community Foundation

Heavy Duty Equipment of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is grateful to have received a generous Parts and Repair donation of $100,000 from the Special BIG VALLEY COUNCIL 306-463-6469 Areas Board. This gift will support

OrONaTION/STeTTLer, ab.

eCa reVIeW

www.midplainsdiesel.ca approves budget, one per cent tax hike

the Prairie Crocus Community Fund, serving the areas of Special Areas 2, 3, 4, and the MD of Acadia. The Special Councillors discussed the municipal may be a bit too low.

Areas Board has set a strong example of eporter costs with a County of Stettler agreeassessor, with Macdonald stating she German added that it does seem that howwith anyone can ‘giveBig where you live’ ment and a hike to regional emergency was very happy Big Valley’s Valley has a lot of properties services. assessor. The CAO statedCFSEA’s the village’s Rural assessed at the minimum value, with through Endowment assed Macdonald stated that $3,000 was assessor knows the job very well and the CAO pointing out there are 37 in Funds. at also added to the operating budget for meets all the requirements of the total. ty tax lift station repairs which are still tenMunicipal Government Act (MGA).

Councillors approved “The Special Areas Board is unanimously proud de at the tative; it’s not certain the repairs are Mayor Dan Houle responded that in the 2023 operating budget. be a part ofValley the Prairie Crocus Fund ncil. needed. his opinion to assessments in Big om Chief The CAO also mentioned some good through this financial contribution. We Elaine news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it appreciate how our communities will udget appears the hydrants may not need operarepair, just some basic maintenance. benefit from this investment, both now Macdonald stated she was told the and into the future. This contribution is hydrants may only require some gasone of the ways we help address some g budget kets and O-rings and won’t require memo to digging up the pavement. of the urgent needs our communities the2 After looking at the proposed operIf you think oxygen therapy have, while making sure these funds apture ating budget Coun.

Clark German Y COUNCIL means slowing down, complimented the CAO.BIG VALLEY COUNCIL are for the long term,” said Jordon it’s time forhere a welcome ew items “I think you did an excellent job rjwoods1@telus.net breath of fresh air.

Christianson, Chair of the Special Areas Elaine,” said German.

Councillors discussed the municipal may be a bit too low. ors it He also asked the CAO if she’d had a Introducing the Inogen One family of 107 Main Street, Oyen, AB Board.

Stu Salkeld council meeting, increased recycling Councillors discussed the municipal may be a bit too low. assessor, with Macdonald stating she German added that it does seem that Localhappy Journalism Initiative costs with of Stettler with Macdonald stating she German added that itfor does seem that rease chance toreporter lookBig into the of agree- assessor,portable oxygen systems.

With no need was very with Big Valley’s Valley hasaamount aCounty lot of properties ECA Review ment and a hike to regional emergency was very happy with Big Valley’s Big Valley has a lot of properties assessor. The CAO stated the village’s The Prairie Crocus assessed at the minimum value, with pected. water Valley actually purchased, tanks, each concentrator designed to with Community assessor.bulky The CAO stated the village’s assessed atisthe minimum value, assessor knows the job very Big well and theservices.

CAO pointing out there are 37 in Big Valley village council passed Macdonald stated that $3,000 was assessor knows the job very well and the CAO pointing out there are 37 in all the requirements of the total. keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery dmeets for a but Macdonald answered she wasn’t Fund’s principal will never be spent, Cindy Goodine, Chair of Prairie Crocus Community Fund Advisory Committee, Jortheir 2023 operating budget that also added to the operating budget for meets all the requirements of the total.

Municipal Government Act (MGA).

Councillors unanimously approved included a one per centto property tax lift station repairs which are still tenMunicipal Government ActHours (MGA). of quiet Councillors unanimously approved Technology.® and consistent Mayor Dan Houle responded that in the 2023 operating budget. perty able do that yet. increase.

The decision was made at the tative; it’s not certain the repairs are Mayor Dan Houle responded that in the 2023 operating budget. rather, it will be prudently invested don Christianson, Chair, Special Areas Board, Helene Nicholson, CFSEA Regional his opinion assessments in Big Valley oxygen flowinon long-lasting battery charge Feb. 9aregular meeting of council.noted needed. his opinion assessments Big a Valley sees German he felt the village Councillors read a report from Chief The CAO also mentioned some good enabling freedom of movement, whether at home and grow over time, providing a source Development Coordinator. rtyAdministrativeshould beElaine as prepared as possible Officer (CAO) news regarding fire hydrant for repairs: it Macdonald introducing the budget the hydrants may not need or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements water purchasesappears because an unexthat covers the municipality’s operarepair, just some basic maintenance.

FREEDOM. of lasting support for the area. Every tionsper for 2023. pected and non-budgeted for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.

Macdonald stated she was told the FREEDOM. two purchase “In December 2022, council hydrants may only require some gasyear the investment income is used to Community Fund was launched, it has cus Community Fund Advisory ComTO YOU. nth) to anBE could havebudget a bigkets financial the approved interim operating and O-ringseffect and won’ton require TO BE YOU. for 2023,” stated Macdonald’s memo to digging up the pavement.

• No heavy oxygen tanks If you think oxygen therapy ll help village. councillors. “Since that time, the After looking at the proposed opersupport projects and programs in Spe- distributed 48 grants and $314,914 for mittee stated, “On behalf of the Prairie If you think oxygen therapy • Ultra quiet operation means slowing down, to capture budget has been amended ating budget Coun.

Clark German costs During discussion Coun.

Amber means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome some of council’s comments in complimented the CAO. • Lightweight and easy to use it’s time for a welcome cial Areas 2, 3, 4, and the MD of Acadia. the areas of Special Areas 2, 3, 4 and the Focus Community Fund, I would like breath ofasfresh air.

December well as adding new items did an excellent job he subsiHoogenberg asked“I think whyyou numbers show breath of fresh air. that have come to light.”

Elaine,” said German.

• Safe for car and air travel er will be informed the village’s has dropped The CAO councillors it water Heusage also asked the CAO if she’d had a Local charities and non-profit groups MD of Acadia. Last year alone, 12 char- to extend our deepest gratitude to the • Full range of options and accessories appeared the property tax increase chance to look into the amount of year toasyear. didn’t need to be as large expected. water Big Valley actually purchased, • FAA approved and clinically validated apply to the Community Foundation’s ities and non-profit groups received a Special Areas Board for their generous “The interim budget allowed for a answered but Macdonald answered she wasn’t rease to Macdonald the village has three per cent increase to property able to do that yet. sees aof leaks se taxes andand the amended German noted he feltover the village had abudget couple repaired the Community Grants to receive funds. total of $74,220 through Community donation. Your support enables the one per cent increase to property should be as prepared as possible for managepast few years. water purchases because an unextaxes,” stated Macdonald.

A local Advisory Community makes Grants. This recent $100,000 donation Prairie Crocus Community Fund to “The new budget also sees a two per pected and non-budgeted purchase Call 1-833-755-1668 Hoogenberg also mused that the cent increase (50 cents per month) to could have a big financial effect on the the flat rate forwater water. This will helphasvillage.

23 opertower been drained and for a free consultation. funding recommendations for the grant from the Special Areas Board will allow make a meaningful impact and assist recoup some of the water loss costs During discussion Coun. Amber refilled haveasked also played a that occur while decreasingwhich the subsi- may Hoogenberg why numbers show allocations.

Each year, funds are grant- MKT-P0240 the Prairie Crocus Community Fund to more organizations within our area.” dization by taxes for this. Water will be the village’s water usage has dropped eb.paying 9 for water. role.

(3294) ed to support year to year.

“The budget reflects the increase to Macdonald answered the village has a vibrant, healthy, and continue supporting many worthwhile To learn more or donate to the Praipolicing, the water rate increase and had a couple of leaks repaired over the 211 - 2ndpastSt. N., Oyen, AB the change to the solid waste managefew years.

Call 1-833-755-1668 caring community – forever! causes. rie Crocus Community Fund, connect Call 1-833-755-1668 ment Hoogenberg also mused that the for requisition.” a free consultation.

The CAO included in the 2023 operwater tower has been drained and for a free consultation. bulldawg@netago.ca ating budget two other items refilled which may have also played a Since 2019, when the Prairie Crocus Cindy Goodine, Chair of Prairie Cro- with CFSEA by calling 403.866.8901. councillors dealt with at the Feb. 9 role.

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t,Council one perapproves cent tax budget, hike one per cent tax hike

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Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.

• No heavy oxygen tanks • Ultra quiet operation • Lightweight and easy to use • Safe for car and air travel • Full range of options and accessories • FAA approved and clinically validated

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2 |

Alberta RCMP host Crime Stoppers sign launch

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

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Phone: 403-854-4414

Toll Free: www.anchorglass.ab.ca email: tim@anchorglass.ab.ca 1-800-463-3148

Last week at the Alberta RCMP headquarters in Edmonton, the Alberta RCMP hosted Crime Stoppers Alberta as they announced their new Rural Sign Campaign. As community partners, Crime Stoppers, are a valuable part of the ensuring the safety of Albertans. They work with the Alberta RCMP helping to report crimes that are occurring in communities across the province. When people may wish to remain anonymous, they can report crimes they witness to Alberta Crime Stoppers knowing that their personal information will be kept confidential, but that law enforcement will be informed.

The anonymous tips received from Crime Stoppers allows the Alberta RCMP to investigate incidents they would otherwise not know about. In 2024, tips from Crime Stoppers help lead to hundreds of charges being laid and millions of dollars’ worth of property being recovered.

The new campaign aims to bring smaller communities together, raise awareness of Crime Stoppers and encourage citizens to get involved in their community.

The campaign emphasizes that anyone can be a Crime Stopper, with the goal to make Alberta a safe place to live, work and play. Crime Stoppers will work with the rural jurisdictions and indigenous communities

to place signs in high traffic locations informing the public of how to contact Crime Stoppers. The City of Wetaskiwin and Piikani First Nation are already Crime Stopper Communities, and the organization is in talks with other communities to join as well.

“Ensuring the safety and building trust in the communities across Alberta is our top priority,” says Chief Superintendent Peter Tewfik, RCMP Community Safety and Well-being Branch. “We are proud to work with Crime Stoppers and appreciate all of the work that they do in bringing communities together and helping keep their fellow Albertans safe.”

“This initiative builds on the proud legacy of Crime Stoppers in Alberta... Programs like this empower residents to take an active role in crime prevention, ensuring that “what you see”, “what you hear” and “what you know” is shared through anonymous tips. This information helps our police partners solve crime, keeping our communities safe,” says Alberta Crime Stoppers chair Mark Holik.

For more information about Crime Stoppers, the programs they offer, and how to become a crime stopper community, please visit www.crimestoppers.ab. ca/.

KREW KUTS

Passing the torch

BY BERNIE KREWSKI

dents in the Faculty of Medicine for eleven years, spoken at conferences, and With much regret, I am informing coached and supported other patients.

Echo readers that I can no longer write These activities are symbolized in the archived, history-related weekly colwell-known aphorisms “Losing speech umns as I have done for the last ten does not mean losing voice” and being a months – and previously for many years. “voice for the voiceless.”

For twenty years, since my throat Pat and I have been invited to speak cancer diagnosis in October 2004, I have at a large conference in New Orleans in lived with the possibility of symptoms October, but my recurrence of cancer of cancer recurring. As documented in Bernie Krewski may prevent that from happening. the clinical literature, this is the greatest Cancer is often shrouded in stigma, concern of all cancer patients. “Cancer free,” a popular leading to feelings of shame, secrecy, and social isoterm, is something I have never taken seriously. lation.

On Monday, January 13, my surgeon informed me This topic is sufficiently important to be a compulthat I have a lesion, a squamous cell carcinoma on sory subject in my mentoring of medical students. My my right cheek, likely easily treatable, and a large openness – a willingness to discuss subjects like stiggrowth (the size of a small orange) at the base of my ma in whatever depth is necessary – is the most contongue – the implications being much greater. Be- sistent compliment I receive from medical students in cause of my multiple treatments years ago, surgery their first two years of medical school. is the only option – and it will likely be extensive. In Other head and neck cancer patients have asked medical terminology, the initial option is “a quadros- me to keep them informed as I undergo further treatcopy and biopsy right buccal mucosa and right base ments. of tongue.”

Wearing my “educator hat,” I plan to do the same My next step is a PET – scan January 31 to determine for Echo readers since I know of several residents of if these cancers have spread. This device uses a radio- this district with similar conditions as mine. active tracer to show how an organ is functioning in “This is also a good time to pass my “history torch” real time. It differs from a CT – scan which uses x-rays to those who reside in this district. A major anniverand an MRI which uses magnets and radio waves. sary will be celebrated in some form this year. Doug Because of where I live, a 20-minute walk from Uni- Hoffman has at least a partial list of babies born in versity Hospital in Edmonton (a teaching hospital), I 1950, from one of my previous columns, celebrating have inadvertently become a cancer patient “educa- their 75th birthday on some day this year.” tor.” I interact with students constantly.

I hope to read many of their biographies in these Thus, I have participated in more than ten research pages during 2025 – of what they did during the last studies, interviewed countless times, mentored stu- half century.

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

| 3

OPINION: A recommendation that, in reality, is terrible

BY JOAN JANZEN

A man shared the following memory: “I once told a girl I was dating I loved the dish she cooked for me. In reality, it was terrible. Twenty-five years later, my wife is still cooking it at least once a month because it’s my favourite and I’ve never been able to tell her. But I let my eight-year-old daughter in on it, and now she’ll say to my wife, ‘Let’s cook Daddy’s favourite tonight.’”

Likewise, our federal government has voiced a recommendation that would be terrible for Canadians if it were to materialize. During this year’s pre-budget consultations, recommendation 430 was made. The recommendation is as follows: “Amend the Income Tax Act to provide a definition of a charity which would remove the privileged status for those who have ‘advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose.” This report had the support of all parties except the Conservative Party.

MP Garnett Genuis wrote in an article, “At a time when many people are struggling, we should be thinking about how to strengthen and empower charities. Instead, we have a government using its last remaining strength to go after organizations that help the most vulnerable.” Nevertheless, the recommendation received little to no public

attention.

Just one example of a charity that would be affected by recommendation 430 is Teen Challenge Canada, a 12-month addiction rehabilitation program for adults. They have nineteen centres located across Canada and provide 433 spaces to serve men and women who want to find freedom from addiction.

Their annual report revealed all their operating costs are funded by thousands of donors. Eighty-one percent of the funds raised are used for program activities to benefit the people in centres across Canada while the remaining funds are utilized for community engagement, addiction education, fundraising and other necessary expenses.

Recommendation 430 would have a devastating impact on this faith-based charity which has been operating in Canada since 1991. It also has more than 1500 centres operating worldwide since 1958.

They report a 78 percent success rate for overcoming addiction and beginning a new life. What a loss that would be! Yet it is just a drop in the bucket of the terrible impact recommendation 430 would have.

Garnett Genuis provided some insight during an online interview with his brother Dr. Quentin Genuis, who is a

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front line emergency doctor in Vancouver’s downtown east side.

“I come to work and see young people dying of overdoses, and I feel it in my bones that there’s an utter failure that topples all success,” Dr. Quentin observed. He shared about a young man who moved to Vancouver from Ontario, went to a party, “and used something that he thought was something else and died of an overdose.”

Dr. Quentin phoned the young man’s mother in Ontario to give her the news, to which she responded by yelling, “How could you let this happen?” It’s just one of his many experiences on the front lines which has caused him to conclude that addiction isn’t solely a medical or political problem.

“Medical care for people with addictions is vital, but we harm people when we say it’s a narrow medical problem - just go talk to your doctor,” he said.

“Similarly it’s deceptive when people say we just need the right policy and the problem would go away.”

He stressed that both medical care and good policy are vital, “but if anyone thinks that will solve the problem, it just lets you off the hook from your responsibility to your own family, neighbours and community,” he said.

He described addiction as a “belonging problem” in our isolated society where people who can’t find purpose and meaning are drawn to harmful habits. The solution is not easy and requires love and caring social interaction, but it’s never hopeless.

DIANA WALKER Editor Emeritus

ROBERT WINQUIST Circulation

“I know people who had the severest addiction who many people considered beyond hope, who found hope and healing because their mom found them on the street, brought them home and fought for them through a long journey of recovery,” Dr. Quentin said.

He recognized that safe supply helps make severe addiction a little bit safer, but made the following suggestion: “Instead of investing in making horrible suffering slightly less dangerous today, we should invest in believing that people can find meaningful hope, recovery and freedom.”

Consequently, he suggested an alternate solution. “We should invest in available spaces that promote real recovery and, as much as possible, partner with communities and groups that can do things that politicians and doctors can’t do.” And that’s exactly what faith-based charities do the best.

The CEO of Teen Challenge Canada said in their annual report: “Every individual we help is a victory against addiction - by restoring lives, and mending families. Our heart is not just about treating addiction, but in rebuilding lives, renewing faith, and restoring hope to those who have lost it.”

The parties who agree with removing charitable status for charities that advance religion as part of their purpose may consider it a ‘favourite’ recommendation now. However, like the husband I mentioned earlier, they need to have enough foresight to recognize that “in reality, it’s terrible.”

JOAN JANZEN Journalist

PATTI MORAN Production

GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

THE OYEN ECHO

Pop89: Manifest mercy

BY MADONNA HAMEL Every morning I light a couple of candles on the old wagon wheel coffee table that came with my prairie apartment. The wheel has become an altar. I’ve been turning counters and coffee tables into altars ever since I was allowed to play with matches. Over the years, I’ve bedecked them with holy cards and images of the likes of Sitting Bull, my mom as a teen, standing near the old homestead, dad as a young man, fixing a tire, the Russian hermit monk Sergio of Radonezh feeding a bear. And, always, Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King died on my tenth birthday. That night, watching the news on our black-and-white TV, way up Northern B.C., far from the scene of the crime, I felt propelled, launched on a trajectory completely inspired and fired up by King’s presence in the world.

Twenty-three years later, that trajectory landed me in Memphis, TN. I was accepted as an exchange student at the Memphis College of Art. My intention was to immerse myself in my favourite art form—folk Art, the art of folks, i.e., the vast majority of us who struggle to make

I felt propelled, launched on a trajectory completely inspired and fired up by King’s presence in the world.

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he was, first and foremost, a preacher.

The “social justice movement” of today often quotes King’s words (paraphrased from a sermon entitled “Of Justice and the Conscience” by the abolitionist Unitarian preacher Theodore Parker): “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

When I picture that arc bending toward justice, I think of an arrow being bent in a forge, and that forge I see as mercy. It was through King’s connection to his God he found the courage to demand for mercy everyone made manifest through nonviolent action.

No doubt, the Episcopal bishop Mariann Edgar Budde found strength in her own connection to her God when she repeated the call for mercy at the recent inauguration. “We don’t need to portray with a broadcloth in the harshest of terms some of the most vulnerable people in our society, who are, in fact, our neighbours, our friends, our children, our friends’ children, and so forth.”

The new president declares this the beginning of a Golden Age. From the looks of the dais of the world’s richest tycoons seated at Caesar’s right hand, it appears, rather, to be the dawning of another Gilded Age. The president also re-ushered in the doctrine of Manifest Destiny - a term he, no doubt, would be hard-pressed to define but loves the sound of because it expresses so well America’s right to expand itself beyond its already obscene girth.

In contrast I quote from King’s “The Birth of A New Age,” written in 1956: “We need leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity. Leaders who can subject their particular egos to the pressing urgencies of the great cause of freedom.”

Outsider Art, The Blues, or “The Reals,” as some black artists call it, are art forms that both demand and elicit mercy. I would count King’s sermons among them. Call it tenderness or compassion - real mercy has no blinders. It is what Theodore Parker assumed to be the raw material of a spiritual and conscientious life, the way physics is the raw material of the material world. But how do you feel mercy for the vulnerable among us if you depict them as “criminals” and “vermin”?

This new administration looks more like the players in a Greek tragedy than a populist gathering.

Pre-Christian rulers of the Roman Empire handled the poor and the weak by sweeping them out of the way. Post-Christian rulers of the new American Empire have struck the same note. A truly Christian culture would nurture, as King preached, “The Strength to Love” with a “tough mind and a tender heart” and would invite everyone to the table, not just the well-connected and the overfed.

a living, not a killing. In the early 90s, the “correct” term for “Folk Art” was “Outsider Art.” I preferred the emerging term: “Blues Aesthetic.”

When I told the dean of my college in Vancouver that I wanted to go to Memphis, he suggested I reconsider my choices- “You could go to Washington DC, Cardiff Wales, Melbourne Australia, and you choose Memphis? Why? Where’s the art in Memphis?” I stood and leaned across his desk and informed him, in no uncertain terms: “The Blues.”

I slept through most early morning classes due to late nights spent in blues bars on Beale Street, drinking beer, reading from a book of King’s sermons I carried in my backpack. It’s King’s sermons I love best. While his urge toward justice and his gift for synthesizing all manner of poetry, literature, philosophy, psychology, song lyrics and scripture are all present in his talks and lectures, it’s in his sermons you hear the no-holdsANNUAL GENERAL MEETING barred passion, spurred on by the “Amen!” s and “Preach it!” s of the congregation. It’s in his sermons Wednesday January 29 2025 he answers his deepest calls and echoing the call in 7:00 PM us all: to show some mercy. “To love the hell out of everyone.”

Oyen FCSS Youth Centre My favourite of King’s sermons is “Why Jesus Dinner will be provided Called A Man A Fool” because he reveals his own Please RSVP to Charmain Snell rock-bottom moment when he realized he had to have Email: oyenchamberofcommerce@gmail.com a deeply personal experience of God in order to have the courage to continue his prophetic mission. The or text 403-664-1404 God of seminary and of his parents would not do. And EVERYONE WELCOME! when that moment hit him, in the middle of a sleepless night, over a cup of coffee, he found the courage to carry on.

Through King’s connection with his God and his dedication to Proposed Land Use Bylaw 929-25 mercy, he kept the social justice movement a social gospel movePursuant to the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26 of the Statutes of Alberta, notice ment, overseen by a is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Oyen will hold a public hearing prior to the second power greater than that reading of the proposed new Land Use Bylaw 929-25. Bylaw 929-25 will replace the current Land of two opposing forcThe Land Use Bylaw (LUB) serves as the “rule book” for the development within the Town of es, a power that may Oyen. The LUB regulates the development of land and buildings on a site-specific basis, based seem alien to us but on the policy directions set by the Municipal Development Plan. The LUB regulates how land can was not to him, a man be used, including what uses are appropriate and where they can be located. The LUB aims to who reminded us that balance landowner’s rights with the interests of the community.

Some of the key changes in proposed Bylaw 929-25 include: • extensive revisions to the definitions, including deleting terms that are not used in the Collaboration between the Alberta SPCA and University bylaw and ensuring every use in the bylaw is defined; of Alberta to address farmer and animal well-being • clarification of the roles and responsibilities and powers of the development authority; • clarification of what development does not require a development permit; CAMROSE — The Alberta SPCA and aims to create assessment tools, pro• updating the development permit processing requirement to meet the Municipal the Agricultural Well-being in Alber- vide resources, and deliver training Government Act, such as the types of notices issued and gaining consent for email ta (AgWellAB) program – part of the that empowers Peace Officers to efcommunications; Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural fectively engage with residents living • revisions to the general regulations, such as accessory buildings (shipping containers); Communities (ACSRC) at the Univer- on farms. This will help Peace Officers • updating the permitted and discretionary uses in each land use district, such as sity of Alberta — are collaborating to identify possible cases where mental increasing the uses that are in the permitted uses category; develop training and resources for Al- well-being may be a concern and pro• updating the regulations in each district; berta SPCA Peace Officers to support vide resources for mental health sup• including a new RA-Residential Acreage District, and including larger residential properties farmer and animal well-being. port when investigating animal welin this new district; Alberta SPCA Peace Officers re- fare concerns.

• including a new ‘Short-Term Rental’ use in the residential districts; This collaboration is guided by a spond to calls of animal distress across • amending the Land Use District map to rezone a few properties including the ‘Fish Pond’ One Health approach that states an the province. In some cases, the Peace to Community Services District.

Officer identifies that the owner of individual’s health has an impact on Should you wish to address council in person, a public hearing for Bylaw 929-25 will be held these animals may also be in distress animal welfare and the environment. in the Town of Oyen office at 201 Main Street, on February 11, 2025 commencing at 6:00 p.m. and/or experiencing a mental health Financial support for this project Council will hear from any person claiming to be affected by the proposed bylaw. challenge. However, there is no ex- was provided under the Sustainable Additionally, written comments may be delivered to Box 360, 201 Main Street, Oyen, Alberta, isting training and few resources for Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a T0J 2J0 or emailed to cao@oyen.ca; submissions will be received up to February 10, 2025 at Peace Officers to access in these cases five-year, $3.5-billion investment by 4:30 p.m. to support the farmer’s needs.

Canada’s federal, provincial and terThe proposed Bylaw 929-25 can be reviewed online at townofoyen.com, or copies may be In response, this project between the ritorial governments that supports picked up Monday through Friday at 201 Main Street, Oyen from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Alberta SPCA and AgWellAB’s lead Canada’s agri-food and agri-product researcher, Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, sectors.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CALL 306-463-2211

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Best athletes have strong mind games

BY BRUCE PENTON

The world’s best athletes make it look so easy.

They are young, strong, agile and have a special talent and love for their specific sport. In most cases, they’ve concentrated on their primary athletic endeavour from a young age, been instructed by

BY BRUCE PENTON the best coaches, received Sports Columnist proper nutrition advice ____________ and spent their youth perfecting their specialty. Or maybe they’re just prodigies, fulfilling their destinies.

Summer McIntosh is a Toronto swimmer who covers 400 metres in the pool in less than four minutes.

It might take the average adult that long to run 400 metres.

It’s generally accepted that Connor McDavid stands out as the best all-around player in hockey. His skating speed is incomparable, as is his ability to control the puck in a tight group, and to spot an open team-mate, threading him a pass that often leads to a goal.

Denis Shapovalov is somehow able to blast a tennis serve more 140 miles per hour and have it land in a 21x14-ft rectangular square, probably with a lot of spin that makes it extremely challenging for his opponent to make a solid return.

Why do these athletes, and hundreds more like them, stand out in a crowd of millions? Are they smarter? Faster? Just plain more skilful? Better able to handle pressure? In many cases, it’s having a strong mind. Today, an athlete having a mental coach is just as important as having a strength and conditioning coach.

“Sports psychology is sometimes criticized as a phoney science,” said a narrator on a YouTube video studying the concept. “But many sports teams and personalities now use psychologists and there’s a growing acceptance that this boosts performances.

A mental edge can bring a winning one,” the report concluded.

Shapovalov, ranked No. 56 in the world of men’s tennis, is quick to credit his mental coach for on-court

successes. “He’s definitely given me a lot of exercises and things to do that just kind of bring my focus away from mistakes and stuff like that,” he said. “He has given me ways to get rid of the anger or emotions I have inside of me, I think it’s just been amazing and obviously I’m really happy that it happened and that we are working together.”

Strength and technique are important in the pool, says McIntosh, “but “mental almost tops physical in some ways,” she said. “It’s super important because the body does what the mind believes, for sure.”

George Mumford is a sports psychologist who has worked with many top athletes, including McDavid and his Oilers teammates, basketball superstars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Mumford, 72, played an important role in the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup final last year. “He was brought in for this reason — to help in these big moments,” said McDavid. “He’s done a great job of being there for guys, talking about the mindset in these pressure situations.”

Mind over matter can often be the winning edge.

• From The Athletic’s story quoting the beloved baseball announcer/actor Bob Uecker, who died Jan. 16, on getting into baseball: “I signed with the Braves in 1954 for $3,000. That bothered my dad at the time because he didn’t have that kind of dough to pay out. But eventually, he scraped it up.”

• Comedy guy Steve Burgess of Vancouver, on X: “The whole ‘51st state’ thing just has to be sold to Canadians the right way: Think of it — only one anthem, then the puck drops!”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “The signing of Roki Sasaki reminds us of one thing. With these horrific fires you can love and feel sympathy for Los Angeles, and still hate the Dodgers.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, on X: “Can you imagine what it would be like if the Dallas Cowboys actually did hire Deion Sanders as their head coach? The combined egos of Coach Prime and Jerry Jones would need their own salary cap!”

• Another one from Bianchi: “The way the New England Patriots made such a joke out of interviewing minority candidates before they hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, I’m starting to think the Rooney Rule was named after Andy Rooney.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “The announcer early in yesterday’s Chargers-Texans tilt called it a ‘chess match’ between the coaches. Isn’t the NHL a better place to find a sporting chess match — like when the Knights take on the Kings.”

• Headline at the onion.com: “Cooper Flagg out two weeks due to family trip to Hilton Head”

It’s generally accepted that Connor McDavid stands out as the best all-around player in hockey.

• A chat about baseball from two golf writers: Kyle Porter of Normal Sport and Sean Martin of PGA Tour: Porter: “Be honest. Would you trade Ohtani for Soto?” Replied Martin: “Can Soto pitch?’”

• Scott Lincicome, a business trade scholar at the Cato Institute, on Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs: “I can’t imagine the president tariffing guacamole right before the Super Bowl.”

• Pro golfer Max Homa after his TGL team of Tiger Woods and Kevin Kisner suffered a series of bad shots leading to penalty strokes: “Here’s what we’ve learned – we need to work on our drops.”

Care to comment?

Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

Grazing Land for Sale by Tender Special Areas #3

Land: NE 34-29-2-W4; N ½ 35-29-2-W4; SW 36-29-2-W4; and NW 25-29-2-W4 Acres: 798 FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING REID A. WILKIE AT 403.664.2812 OR REID@SMITHHERSEY.COM 1. The land is located approximately ½ mile E of highway 899 and 5 miles north of Sibbald.

2. The land is comprised of approximately 798 acres of Special Areas grazing lease fenced as one unit.

It maintains two dugouts, one well, multiple springs, one dam and has been minimally grazed in the past several years. The existing set of corrals located on the property are included.

3. Bids must be submitted to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law by 4:00pm no later than February 20th, 2025.

4. Bids must be accompanied by a certified cheque, bank draft, or electronic transfer to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law equal to five (5%) percent of the bid price as a deposit. All unsuccessful bidders shall have their certified cheque, bank draft, or funds returned to them.

5. If a bid is accepted and the bidder does not proceed with the sale, the deposit of the bidder will be forfeited to the owner of the Parcels.

6. All bids must be unconditional. All bids received shall constitute an unconditional offer to purchase the land.

7. The balance of the bid price will be payable and the purchase and sale transaction will be completed on or before March 14, 2025, subject to registration of the assignment with Special Areas. The Buyer and Seller shall equally divide the Special Area’s assignment fee.

8. Property taxes and surface lease revenue will be adjusted as of the closing date. Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees.

9. The Parcels are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no representations and warranties being provided by the owner. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the Parcels to confirm acreage, condition, taxes, and other particulars.

10. The owner will not be obligated to accept the highest or any bid submitted for consideration.

Congratulations to Luke Caskey, who was the recipient of the $600 scholarship that was given by the family of the late Michael Smigelski at the South Central High School basketball tournament earlier this month.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK

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Please forward all tenders and inquiries to: Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law In Person Deliveries to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law LLP – Thursday Each Week in Oyen 2771 Box Springs Blvd, NW, Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1C8 Attn: Reid A. Wilkie - Lawyer Via email to: reid@smithhersey.com 403.664.2812

6 |

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Your Southwest Media Group

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

VIVA VITALITY:

Reduce loneliness to improve your health

BY AMANDA POLL

Loneliness is the feeling of being isolated or alone.

It comes from a gap between the relationships you have and the ones you need or want. Loneliness isn’t always about the amount of time you spend with other people. For example, a person may be married and have a family and still feel lonely. Another person might spend a lot of time alone and not feel lonely at all.

Loneliness doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Some people call it an ache while others describe it as feeling empty or sad, or feeling disconnected or misunderstood.

You may feel like you don’t fit in or that people just don’t ‘get’ you. And if you’re feeling lonely, you might also be feeling depressed or anxious.

People are more likely to feel lonely if they live alone, lack a daily companion, have health problems, have few social connections in their community, are unemployed, work from home, or work in a place where most communication is electronic.

Loneliness can cause negative health effects and can cause higher amounts of stress hormones in your body. It can make it hard for you to sleep well, think clearly, and avoid illness. Feeling lonely can also make it hard to take care of your health, or to get help when you’re having problems. Prolonged loneliness can put you as risk of health conditions like depression, heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and dementia.

There are many ways to connect with people, but it’s still easy to feel

OYEN VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVE ALBERTA EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL The Council of the Town of Oyen unanimously passed a resolution to nominate three (3) eligible Oyen Volunteer Fire Department members to receive the Alberta Emergency Services Medal. The nominations were sent in, approved, and awarded by the Province.

This award is eligible to individuals who serve in Alberta and are members of Emergency organizations who are involved in or directly supporting the prevention of/ preparedness for the response of day-to-day emergencies.

This medal has been established to pay tribute to outstanding volunteer members who have committed twelve (12) or more years of emergency service in Alberta.

Presented by Debbie Kovitch, Project Manager at the Firemans' Ball held November 2, 2024

SHAUNE KOVITCH 13 years of service

BLAKE HERTZ 12+ years of service

RILEY CARROLL 12+ years of service

This medal recognizes the following member’s dedication and service to the people of Oyen and surrounding communities. It is an expression of the Province of Alberta and the Town of Oyen’s appreciation and gratitude of their courage, commitment, service, and compassion.

lonely. It might seem overwhelming to think about ways to be social or make more meaningful connections yet even small steps can make a big difference!

Here are some ideas you can try to feel more connected and less lonely: • Help someone. Even helping just one person one time is a way to connect. Try helping a neighbor with groceries, or volunteer with an organization you’re interested in that has needs you can help with.

• Think about getting a pet. If you can care for one, a pet can be a great friend. Even if you don’t have the type of pet that goes outside, they’ll still be there to keep you company. Having pets can also be an easy way to relate to and connect with other people.

• Take care of the relationships you already have.

Reach out to people you already know. Try calling a supportive friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. It doesn’t have to be a long call; just reaching out can keep those connections strong.

• Hobbies can create new connections. Think about your hobbies and interests. Many communities have meet-up groups organized around activities, interests, or hobbies. You may find groups for hikers, caregivers, people who enjoy board games, or those who just like drinking coffee. This can be a great way to help people and meet others who share your interests.

• Consider talking to a counsellor or other mental health professional. It can be scary to think about putting yourself ‘out there’ in social situations.

It can be hard to make changes in your habits or thinking on your own. In some cases, loneliness may be part of a mental health condition such as depression. If you feel like you need some support getting started, or if loneliness is making it hard for you to go about your day, a counselor can help.

Amanda Poll is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services’ Population Health Promotion program. For more information on how to improve your health and wellness, visit MyHealthAlberta.ca.

Acadia Municipal Library

BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager

We are happy to announce that we now have a copy of local author Del Pratt’s latest book, Hatcher’s Legacy, available to borrow! The library has his first novel, The Long Ride, available for lending as well. Place a hold through the TRACpac app or at www.tracpac. ab.ca.

Our first perpetual puzzle is almost finished! We will be putting a new one out shortly and all are welcome to help put it together!

The book sale is now over, and we hope everyone found some good reads. If you are still looking for something that doesn’t have to be returned, check out the ‘Little Free Library’ located on Main Street which has just been replenished.

Another after-school movie is being planned for mid-February. Stay tuned for more details.

Warren Peers students have created solar system projects that are now on display in the library. Come in and see what our students have assembled!

This month’s featured e-Resource is PressReader which grants instant access to a variety of electronic copies of magazines and newspapers from around the world. Find it at www.acadialibrary.ca under the e-Resources tab. All you need is your library card barcode and password (if you don’t know yours contact the library and we will be happy to get it for you!).

Quote of the Week: “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” - Ernest Hemingway

CALL 306-463-2211

THE OYEN ECHO

Business pathways start at Medicine Hat College Taylor Hicke chose Medicine Hat College (MHC) for its small size, welcoming community and proximity to his hometown of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, but the connections he made and the opportunities he had led to his decision to stay.

“The biggest highlight of my experience was the relationships I was able to build through my two years at MHC,” says the Sport & Event Marketing and Management graduate from the School of Business. “Some of my instructors became mentors and that was a big part of my success within the program.”

MHC’s School of Business is deeply connected to Southeast Alberta, providing real world learning experiences for students across all of its programs. In addition to specialty programs like Sport & Event Marketing and Management and Service Dog and Canine Management Studies, the school offers a robust Business Administration diploma program with majors in accounting, financial services, management and marketing, plus pathways to further education like degrees and professional designations. A diploma in Administrative Office Management and certificate options for Administrative Office Professional, Advanced Accounting, Intermediate Accounting and Marketing (new for Fall 2025) are also available.

As Taylor discovered, students in MHC’s School of Business don’t just study. They engage in immersive ex-

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

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25021MM0

periences, learn directly from seasoned industry professionals, delve into real company case studies, and, in select programs, participate in transformative workplace integrated learning. For Taylor, that meant hands-on group work to create marketing campaigns for local businesses, provide support for sporting events, and fundraise for community causes.

Now Taylor is putting his education to work as a member of the marketing team at South Country Co.op’s Business Support Centre.

“My studies at MHC really prepared me for my career and everything I am doing on a daily basis like marketing plans, sponsorship and graphic design,” says Taylor. He also continues in his role as basketball game night lead for Rattlers Athletics, utilizing his event management skills and keeping him connected to MHC. “We’re here to help students discover their passions,” adds Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of the School of Business and Continuing Studies. ”Through rigorous coursework, networking opportunities, and enriching extracurricular activities, students cultivate the professional they aspire to become. Connected. Confident.

Capable. When you enroll with us, you’re not just starting a course or program – you’re launching your career.”

Get started today! Visit www.mhc.ab.ca/welcomeSK

We are available on ISSUU! Search for Your West Central

8 |

Your Southwest Media Group

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Grade 6 students from Oyen Public School had a fantastic time visiting residents at the Auxiliary last week for Bell Let’s Talk Day! They enjoyed playing crib, board games, and a lively group Bingo game, creating wonderful moments of connection and laughter. They loved getting involved in their community and appreciated the opportunity to share joy with the residents. It’s experiences like these that remind us of the importance of kindness and community spirit!

PHOTOS COURTESY OYEN PUBLIC SCHOOL

Ad inquiries 306-463-2211

BS & TENDERS www.westcentraljobs.ca

kate@yourwestcentral.com

4 strategies for retaining NOTICE - your FORemployees SALE BY TENDER AsThe the Owner, job market becomes increasingly Offer benefits.

Ask your employees what Vernon Brockmann andcom­ Debora3.Brockmann will accept offers (by tender petitive, can be challenging tolands retainlocated your in Special your company add these only) toitpurchase the following Areas 3 could in theimprove Provinceand of Alberta: employees. Here are four strategies to help to their benefits and perks. For example, you DEEDED CULTIVATION: keep your talent. could include group insurance, paid holi­ SE-18-30-2-W4 (157.05 acres) – 100 acres in croplanddays, yoga classes, flexible working hours (159 acres more or less) in hay 1.NE-30-30-1-W4 Focus on communication.

Communicate and telemedicine.

SW-8-32-1-W4 (159.50 acres more less) intohay openly with your employees. orListen NW-34-31-1-W4 (155.05 acres more or less) in hay. Surface Lease registered against these lands their concerns and be open to new ideas. 4. Get out of the office. Create opportuni­ is being discharged.

Let them know they’re heard and that you ties for your employees to socialize and take them seriously. have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve DEEDED PASTURE: work.ofUse the opportunity to ce­ Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 (beingaround a Portion NE-21-31-2-W4) 2.containing Think about development. of­spring lebrate theirThese successes.

122.98 acres more orEmployees less with one fed dugout. lands are subject to a Restrictive herofMajesty the Queen in right of Alberta restricting the use of the land ten quitCovenant becauseinoffavor a lack advancement by no breaking orTherefore, cultivation provide of the entire quarter. Employee retention also depends opportunities. training so your employees can develop their po­ on effective recruitment. There­ GRAZING LEASE #83674 contains the new following portions land in 3 quarters dueto to railroad: tential, avoid boredom and take on fore, use aofspecialized agency Portion NE-21-31-2-W4 containing approximately 2.25 acres more search or less oftoday. grass in good conchallenges. start your talent dition Portion SE-21-31-2-W4 containing 40.46 acres more or less with grass in good condition.

NE 21 and SE 21 portion of lease are fenced with deeded pasture described in Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 Portion NW-21-31-2-W4 containing 42.02 acres more or less is currently in hay.

CULTIVATION LEASE #5223 contains the following lands: NW 13-31-2-W4 containing 153.59 acres more or less. Approximately 80 acres in cropland and remainder is pasture.

SW 24-31-2-W4 containing 4.23 acre more or less) is pasture.

Pasture portion in NW 13 and SW 24 fenced together for total of approximately 77.82 acres.

Tenders submitted must be on the Terms of Tender form which shall form the contract between the successful bidder and the Owner. Any bids which are not on the Terms of Tender form will not be considered.

The Terms of Tender form can be obtained from: Vernon & Debora Brockmann (403) 676-2777 or cell (403) 664-0831 Email: vdbrock5@netago.ca OR Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP How welcome Attention:to Glenda Bauer gbauer@pritchardandco.com a teleworking employee (403) 527-4411 Tenders shall be marked “Brockmann Land Tender” and sent to or delivered prior to 12:00 noon MST on February 28, 2025 to: Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP 201,430 – 6th Avenue S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8

Communications: a world of career opportunities

3 essential qualities for IT professionals

Are you thinking about changing careers or returning to school? The communications sector offers many opportunities to let your talent and creativity shine.

A wide range of opportunities Communications jobs can be found in every field. You could work as a public relations advisor, social media manager, copywriter or marketing specialist.

This sector also offers more strategic roles, such as internal communications analyst, as well as technical professions like graphic designer. Potential employers are diverse, including private companies, advertising agencies, government ministries and cultural organizations, to name a few.

Essential qualities If you want to succeed in communications, you must be creative, adaptable and Don’t miss an opportunity an excellent listener. Adto expand your ditionally, strong writing Whether you already work in information at conveying ideas, skills and an your ability to agricultural knowledge! you must be good technology (IT) or are just starting your making yourselfconvey understood and finding the clear, impactful studies, here qualities to and bestgain moments to do so. are crucial.

Apply to are jointhree the CARA Teamessential this summer messages your success.

You must also have a experience in applied research, crop and3.forage ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS high level of intellectual production, soil health and much more!

1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS If you want to thrive in IT, you must have curiosity and an interest As an IT employee, you’re often required to exceptional organizational skills. Depending The Chinook Applied Research Association in colleagues current events.

In this solve problems. Consequently, you must en­ on your job, your may regularly is accepting applications for: constantly evolving joy challenging yourself and looking for in­ interrupt you and require you to switchfield, gears confidence in using diginovative You RESEARCH must also be TECHNICIANS inhe­ constantly. Therefore, you must be well or­ 2025solutions.

SUMMER tools will help you rently curious to stay updated with the latest ganized and able tal to multi­task to keep up with Responsibilities will include: technologies in a constantly evolving field. your workload. stand out.

• Assisting with the establishment, maintenance, harvest and Are you ready to purdata collection from various 2. COMMUNICATION SKILLSapplied research andDo you have these qualities? youexcithave sue a career Ifinso,the demonstration IT specialists mustprojects be able to communicate everything you need for a longof career in this ing world commu• Assisting with tours,and fieldclients. days and other extension events field. with their colleagues This means promising nications? Explore the Qualifications include: training programs avail• Student of an agricultural, environmental, science or other able near you. educational program • Valid driver’s license Grazing Lease For Sale • Good communication skills, self motivated and organized in Special Areas #4 • Comfortable working both independently and in a team It’s rare to get your dream job on the first WHEN TO REFUSE atmosphere NE-23-35-01-W4 try.• Therefore, you’re offered an entry­le­ If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your Experience ifand/or interest in agriculture SW-25-35-01-W4 vel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. submit resumes to cara-dw@telus.net it’s a Please good idea to accept it. Here are some The same applies if SE-25-35-01-W4 most of your skills and or to Box 690, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0 tips to help you decide. educational achievements don’t apply to the NE-25-35-01-W4 job and won’t contribute to your professio­ Contact Dianne Westerlund for more information NW-24-35-01-W4 WHEN TO403-664-3777 ACCEPT nal development. Finally, it may be best to or cara-dw@telus.net NE-24-35-01-W4 If the job is related to your area of expertise refuse the position if28 theacres salary is signifi­ each and allows you to use and develop your skills, cantly lower than your expectations or if the pt NE-25-35-29-W3 it may be worthwhile. The job may let you company has a high turnover rate. & pt SE-25-35-29-W4 explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The Are you having troubleLeo finding a job that Kolman offer may also be attractive if there’s room suits you? Consult job hunting resources in Box 613 for career development within the company. your area.

Macklin, SK S0L 2C0 Follow us at 1-306-753-2667 or cell 1-306-753-7244

Entry-level position: take it or leave it?

Online. Anytime. issuu.com/yourwestcentral Telecommuting has become increasingly po­ pular in recent years. It allows companies

lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.

CALL 306-463-2211

THE OYEN ECHO

VS

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Your Southwest Media Group

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month In Canada, January is Alzheimer’s disease awareness month. During this month, Canadians are encouraged to learn more about dementia and its impact.

Alzheimer’s disease causes a steady loss of memory and the ability to speak, think, and do your daily activities. The disease gets worse over time, but how quickly this happens varies. Some people lose the ability to do daily activities in the first few years. Others may do fairly well until much later in the disease.

Mild memory loss is common in people older than 60. It may not mean that you have Alzheimer’s disease. But if your memory is getting worse, see your doctor. If it is Alzheimer’s, treatment may help.

Symptoms For most people, the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Other symptoms include having trouble making decisions, getting lost in places you know, and having trouble learning. The symptoms get worse slowly over time. Alzheimer’s disease also causes changes in thinking, behaviour, and personality.

Often the person who has a memory problem doesn’t notice it, but family and friends do. Having some short-term memory loss in your 60s and 70s is common, but this doesn’t mean it’s Alzheimer’s disease. Normal memory problems aren’t the same as the kind of memory problems that may be caused by Alzheimer’s disease. For example, normally you might forget: • Parts of an experience.

• Where your car is parked.

• A person’s name. (But you may remember the name later.)

With Alzheimer’s disease, you might forget: • An entire experience.

• What your car looks like.

• Having ever known a certain person.

Diagnosis Your doctor will do tests to make sure your symptoms are caused by Alzheimer’s disease and not another condition.

Your doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. The doctor may ask you to do some simple things that test your memory and other mental skills. Your doctor may also check how well you can do daily tasks.

The exam usually includes blood tests to look for

another cause of your problems. You may have tests such as CT scans and MRI scans, which look at your brain. By themselves, these tests can’t show for sure whether you have Alzheimer’s.

It usually is helpful to bring a family member or someone you trust to the appointment. A family member may be able to provide the best information about how your day-to-day functioning, memory, and personality have changed.

environment and make tasks of daily living easier. You can help by making sure the person eats well. You can also help manage sleep problems. Your loved one may also need help with bladder and bowel control.

Seek care now if: • Symptoms such as a shortened attention span, memory problems, or seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there (hallucinations) develop suddenly over hours to days.

Treatment There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But there are medicines that may slow down the symptoms for a while and make the disease easier to live with. If you’re a caregiver, there are steps you can take to help the person be independent for as long as possible.

Caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease Care needs will change over time. You’ll work with health professionals to create a safe and comfortable

• A person who has Alzheimer’s disease has a sudden, significant change in normal behaviour or if symptoms suddenly get worse.

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THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

| 11

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

Kim Walker

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Licensed Funeral Director

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

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Professional service with compassion, pride and dignity.

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

WORSHIP SERVICES

Memories of Esther

Oyen & Area * Paid announcements

BY MARJORIE GIRARD

As I think of people I’ve known and all their dear faces My memories include Esther, one of my favourite places.

Of the hot days of summer and winters so cold Of mingling together all ages young and old.

Of siblings with whom I spent most of my days Of fighting and working and lots of fun plays.

Of the one room school where new things we did learn Of those sweet carefree days in my heart I often yearn.

I think of the town where I spent my formative years There was much joy and laughter and quite often some tears.

And right on the corner of the one road in town Was Mr. Balls’ general store where goodies did abound.

When you got your allowance of a nickel each week You’d run to the store for the perfect candy you’d seek.

Oh the smells in that store from the well oiled floor To that huge round block of cheese Where the storekeeper stood with the big knife in his hand To cut off as much as you please.

The gas pump stood tall in front of the store It wasn’t just groceries; it was oh so much more.

It was meeting other folk with all different views It was visiting and chatting, catching up on the news.

It was learning who was sick and maybe sometimes died It was sharing bits and pieces of your sorrows and your pride.

It was being face to face with others just like you Talking about your lives and the daily things you’d do.

And the small country garage stood right across the street Where the men in their coveralls would gather to meet.

They’d bring their farm implements that needed some care For the welder was very good; it was known everywhere.

And around the corner and just down the way Was the library, post office open each week day.

The postmaster was kindly, from England he came A great actor he was, Fred Foot was his name.

On a little farther stood the Esther elevator, so tall Waiting for its bountiful deposit each fall Where the trucks would be lined up way back to the store Just waiting their turn to get in that elevator door

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

To drive on the scale where their load would be weighed Resulting in a cheque whereby the farmer was paid.

There was great rejoicing when the harvest was good And lots of lamenting when it didn’t produce as it should.

The hub of activity with winter’s snow on the ground Was the curling rink where people gathered around.

Some came just to observe, some came just to play But whatever the reason, it was always a good day.

You could buy a burger, a hot dog or a great piece of pie And sit there and watch the game as the hours flew by.

The little church in the summer was quite the outreach With the United Church students who’d come there to preach.

I can never forget that grand community hall That was built with such spirit by one and all.

Where dances were held and many other celebrations Of school Christmas concerts and various presentations.

The people were hard working and mostly all kind The salt of the earth in that area you’d find.

Esther, oh Esther you were mighty fine in your day And in my fond recollections that is how you will stay.

,

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH ACADIA VALLEY 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

AGENCIES INC.

Charmain Snell, Insurance Advisor schindel_agencies@outlook.com Home - Auto - Commercial - Farm - Hail Investments - RRSP's - RESP's - TFSA's - Life

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Oyen Every Sunday at 11:00 am

“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 CFP, B.Comm., Executive and grows alongside your life – Financial Consultant missedopportunity opportunityadapts Financial Consultant a amissed Financial Consultant and includes investments, 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 talk.

(403) 664-8311 A“Having large refund means been Do you agree? Let’s A large refund means you’ve been isn’t the same thing as financial planning. isn’t the same thing asyou’ve We believe a real financial plan financial your planning.

We believe overpaying your taxes throughout overpaying 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 you earn. keep more of what you earn.

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

12 |

THE OYEN ECHO

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

OYEN LODGE NEWS

Lucky birthday Bingo for Nina Dziatkewich!

BY DIANNE SPATH

Hello, everyone. Thank goodness the deep-freeze weather didn’t last too long. But this is only January, so more is still possible to come in the next couple of months.

This is curling season, so hopefully, there is some bonspieling enjoyed in the communities. The residents have been enjoying curling on TV when it’s available.

Monday morning started with exercises, followed by crib games. Monday afternoon was bingo—happy birthday to Nina Dziatkewich on January 20th.

Nina was lucky at bingo and won four times, so we sang Happy Birthday each time for fun.

Tuesday morning was exercise, the regular bus run downtown, and Chartered Professional a one-onAccountant one with will be in Oyen at the Oyen a resident Liquor Mart playing Jan. 29, Feb. 19, Mar. 5 & 19, Apr. 2, 16, 30 Scrabble.

11:00 AM-3:00 PM Tu e s d a y afternoon Please call was an ice cream to book your appointment. p a r l o u r,

L.R. Webb

403-854-4045

followed by piano lessons by Taylor Neilson. Tuesday evening was karaoke with Don Bamber. Tuesday was “National Hugging Day,” so the residents were busy giving each other hugs. Hugs mean so much, just like a smile.

Maximum Hearing from Hanna had to cancel their session on January 22nd, so they will be coming to the Oyen Lodge on January 30th at 1:30.

Wednesday morning was Church with Brad, and Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard. Thursday morning was a one-on-one with residents to do some baking.

Thursday afternoon was the monthly birthday bash. Thursday was “National Pie Day,” so banana cream pie was served along with refreshments for the birthday bash.

Friday morning started with exercises, followed by horse races. Friday afternoon was card bingo. Friday evening, there was music by the Jorgensons. Friday was “National Compliment Day,” so the residents were busy complimenting everyone.

Wednesday, January 29th, Alberta Clothing will be at the Lodge from 10:00 to 2:00.

Have a great week, everyone. Stay warm and stay safe when travelling in the winter weather.

Your Southwest Media Group

Alberta RCMP is building safer and stronger communities in 2025 he Alberta RCMP is encouraging residents to help build safer, stronger communities by joining a local citizen-led crime prevention group.

While policing is a critical component of public safety, law enforcement alone cannot address the complex challenges some communities face. Citizen-led organizations are instrumental in fostering community bonds, providing valuable insights, and building partnerships that support community needs that enhance public safety.

“No one knows a community as well as it’s residents,” says Chief Superintendent Peter Tewfik, Officer in Charge of Community Safety and Well-being. “These volunteer-led organizations are our partners. They act as an extra set of eyes and ears in their neighbourhoods and work closely with their local Alberta RCMP detachments. They assist local police by promoting crime prevention education, reporting suspicious or criminal activity, and they strengthen relationships between the police and the community.”

There are several different organizations that operate across the province, fulfilling a variety of community roles. Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) connects rural and urban communi-

ties, law enforcement, and agencies to promote crime prevention education and awareness to community members. Crime Stoppers empowers citizens to anonymously report crime, while Citizens on Patrol volunteers are trained by the RCMP to patrol local areas, make observations, and report suspicious or unlawful activities directly for follow-up. Similarly, Alberta Rural Crime Watch groups promote education and awareness, report suspicious activity, and help ensure property security on farmsteads and acreages.

“Everything begins in our communities,” says Jean Bota, Executive Director of ACCPA. “When strong, engaged citizen-led groups work alongside law enforcement, we harness tremendous citizen power to create meaningful change.”

To learn more about citizen-led groups in your area, visit: https://www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca/ associations/find-your-rcwa https://crimestoppers.ab.ca/ www.accpa.org www.acopa.ca Follow us on Facebook (@RCMPinAlberta) and X (@RCMPAlberta) all month long to learn more about citizen-led groups in Alberta.

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 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 honoured 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!

- Game Night Saturdays at 6:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.

OYEN TUESDAY, JANUARY 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 403-6648688.

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 403-

664-0157 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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