New owners at Acadia Valley’s longstanding store
BY JOAN JANZEN
Acadia Valley has had a grocery store in their town since 1945. On November 12th of this year Jana Kauppinen re-opened The Store, following decades of faithful service by the Peers family. Brent Peers’ last day in The Store was on October 31st, when customers stopped in to show him their appreciation for his years of service.
The town’s grocery store first moved into Acadia Valley in 1945 when Ted Hall was the first proprietor. Information obtained from the history book ‘Times to Remember’ portrays a vivid picture of the years from the store’s beginning to the present.
Ted’s General Store was bought in Youngstown, disassembled and rebuilt in Acadia Valley in 1945.
Ted and Pearl Hall operated the business until 1965 when they sold it and moved to Calgary. Employees throughout those years included Alvin Purper, Bert Miller, Amy Galbraith, Emma Gibson, Esther McGee, Cyril Garrett and Bill Peers.
The Store in Acadia Valley re-opened on November 12th under the new ownership of Jana Kauppinen. This longstanding business has been operating since 1945 in Acadia Valley.
In 1965 Vic and Adeline Wuychuk purchased and operated the business until the winter of 1970. At that time Calgarians, Pat and Bruce Morisset were asked by a local resident if they would
be interested in purchasing the store.
Pat, who was originally from Acadia Valley, was easily convinced. The cou-
ple, along with their two sons, moved to Acadia Valley and took over the store in the summer of 1971, renaming it ‘Valley Foods’.
Pat continued to operate the business after Bruce’s death in 1992, with the help of her son David, until 1996 when she decided to retire from the business. On March 1, 1996, Brent Peers purchased ‘Valley Foods’ and renamed the business ‘Brent’s Family Foods’. After the sale, Pat Morisset returned to Calgary.
Brent also grew up in Acadia Valley, and returned after becoming tired of years of city life in Calgary. After operating the business for ten years, he sold it to his brother Bruce and his wife Carmen, who renamed the business ‘The Store’. After a short absence, Brent returned in 2006 to manage the store for his brother, and continued to do so until October 31, 2024. Now the new owner, Jana Kauppinen, has stepped up to serve the grocery needs of the rural community of Acadia Valley. The Store has been operating since 1945, and will celebrate their 80th anniversary in 2025.
Be Brave; Be Bold!
REV. DR. BRADLEY BROADHEAD, Pastor, Oyen Evangelical Missionary Church
If you can think back to your school days, you may recall hearing about something called the Trojan War, fought between the Trojans and the Greeks and written down in verse by the Greek poet Homer. I bring this up because I want you to understand something about how people in the past thought about war. In Homer’s telling, the Greek hero Achilles is the most powerful warrior of all Greeks and Trojans alike. But for the first half of the poem he refuses to fight because of a dispute he has with a Greek king concerning a captured slave girl. However, when his best friend is killed he enters the fray, even though he knows through a prophecy that he will not survive the war if he decides to fight. He fights for glory; he fights for fame; he fights because he delights in displaying his power by killing others.
Let me set before you another example of an ancient warrior: Julius Caesar. You may have been forced to read Shakespeare’s play named after him in high school. Did you know that Caesar, to show how mighty he was, took his legions to conquer Gaul—present day France—and killed about a million of its people and enslaved about a million more? Were the Romans shocked and appalled at his murderous rampage and his oppression of the indigenous inhabitants of Gaul? Not exactly. They gave him a triumph in which he paraded through the streets of Rome with the captives and plunder he took in this campaign in his train. Do you get the picture? Now let me quote to you from a work of fiction written by a British veteran of the First World War: “I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”[1] Which view of being a warrior do you prefer? What view of being a soldier do you think the
VETERAN BANNERS ON DISPLAY AT THE LEGION: from left, Chester Earl Tupper, Henry Olsen, Theodore (Ted) Jones, Patrick (Jack) Beauchamp, Bernie Pershing Bale, Cpl. Arthur Berg Sr., Erling Berg, Gordon Berg, SGM W.A. (Bill) Mills, LCpl Jan (John) Dziuba, Cpl. Franciszek Dumanowski, Sgt. Charles Douglas Bedwell, Albert Carl Rugsven, F.W. (Jack) Beauchamp, Frederick Ernest Trewin and Silas Edward Trewin. More banners are on order. Anyone interested in ordering a vinyl banner in memory of a family veteran should contact Art Berg 403-664-0773.
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
men and women that we remember on this day would have taken?
Something changed between the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans and the founding of our nation. When we talk about our veterans and those who fell in the defense of our country, we don’t view them as great because they were conquerors who took from others what they were too weak to hold. No, we talk about their sacrifices and the freedoms that they restored to others and maintained for their own country. We honour their willingness to lay down their lives for others rather than winning glory and fame for the slaughter of their enemies.
Have you ever wondered why so many graves of the fallen are marked by crosses? In ancient Rome the cross was a symbol of horror and oppression. Stripping someone and nailing them to a cross was a horrible way of torturing them to death in the slowest and most shameful way imaginable. It was a way of terrorizing the conquered into submission. Everyone who saw the cross would cower in terror before the might of Rome. Today it means something quite different. Christians believe that the death of Jesus on a Roman cross nearly two thousand years ago was a sacrificial death that conquered the dark forces in the world and made it possible for people to be freed from the darkness in their own hearts and to be right with God. Whether you share this belief or not, the cross is no longer a symbol of terror, but of the ultimate sacrifice made in love for others.
in the slaughter of their enemies and of taking what belongs to others by force. Russia continues its war of conquest against Ukraine; China threatens to conquer Taiwan. Not long ago, on Canadian streets we saw people burn a Canadian flag and heard people chant, “death to Canada, death to the United States, and death to Israel.”[2] Without question, we have enemies that wish us harm.
We can also be our own enemy. When we allow ourselves to get caught up in politics to the point where we let it poison our relationships with one another, we show that we value politics over people. When we lose our sense of identity as Canadians and instead decide to fight only for our own tribe—our own ethnic or social group, our own gender or minority status, our own religious or non-religious background, or what have you, we become suspicious and mistrustful of one another and our nation is weakened as a result. When we fail to exercise our freedom to speak the truth because we are afraid of what others might think or do, we betray what our forbearers fought and died for.
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Our nation was founded by and fought for people who were shaped by this belief. It is not self-evident that the strong should care for the weak rather than taking advantage of them. Not all cultures share the Judeo-Christian belief that every human being is of infinite value because they are created in the image of God. These are things that our forbearers believed were true, not on the basis of scientific evidence—science cannot give us reasons why human life is valuable—but on the ground that God had revealed these truths to them through his Word. Whether you are a Christian or not, Christian assumptions about the intrinsic value of human life, the idea of defending the weak and oppressed, and the idea of placing loving self-sacrifice above the pursuit of glory are your heritage as Canadians.
You and I enjoy the good things we do today because men and women lovingly made the sacrifices that were necessary to preserve them. We enjoy freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom in choosing our beliefs, freedom to choose our own leaders because our forbearers fought for these freedoms. They valued the well-being of others and of future generations more than their own lives. They had the courage to fight—not to take away from others what they were too weak to hold— but to defend what they loved at home and those being oppressed abroad. They acted not according to the lust for conquest and glory of Achilles or Julius Caesar, but according to the pattern of love and self-sacrifice modeled by Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, their sacrifice cannot preserve these good things forever. In our world are people and nations who glory
The time has come to ask ourselves if we will hold to the values that have been courageously fought for and handed down to us, whether we will choose a different path, or whether through cowardice or carelessness we let them slip away. I for one, believe that all human life—in whatever colour, in whatever shape— is valuable, that self-sacrifice is nobler than seeking my own glory, and that truth and freedom are worth fighting for. I believe that when people in our country have acted according to these beliefs, it has made our country a stronger and a better place. And where these beliefs have been denied or downplayed, our country has been the worse for it.
My foundation for these beliefs is my own faith; following Jesus means being willing to love and to sacrifice myself for others, as he did. You may not share my faith. If you don’t, can you find something in your own faith tradition, or lack thereof, that will enable you to value all human life, whatever it might look like? Can you find something that will make you care enough about truth and freedom that you are willing to give up something so that others can hold on to them? What is your foundation? What deep conviction can you draw upon when the chips are down and someone needs to step up? Is there a hill you are willing to die on, or are you willing to trade anything and everything for your own safety and comfort? This is a good day to ask such questions of ourselves.
If we cannot bring ourselves to give up anything to keep the values and freedoms passed on to us, if we seek our own comfort and prosperity above the good of the coming generation, then we will not be able to take up the quarrel against the foe—against enemies on the outside and the enemy within. When telling the truth means losing something, we will swallow a lie. When someone devalues the lives of a certain group of people, and calls for their destruction, we will not be able to resist. The Achilles and the Julius Caesars of the world will prevail. Instead of catching the torch thrown from the failing hands of those who have gone before, it will slip from ours, and we will have nothing, no hope to pass to the coming generation. And those who sacrificed for your sake and mine shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.
But, as one biblical author puts it, “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case” (Heb 6:9). Let this not be just a day of Remembrance, but a call to action. True gratitude for what others have sacrificed for our sake should not result merely in a warm feeling or a fading memory, but a commitment to bravely and boldly uphold the values and freedoms that have been passed on to us and to carefully and deliberately pass them on to our children and our children’s children.
OPINION:
Spending cut suggestions for government
BY JOAN JANZEN
When asked why she didn’t report her stolen credit card, a woman answered, “Because the thief was spending less than me.”
On that note, I’ll begin this week’s topic on government spending. Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) said in a recent podcast that Canadians often ask how the government can cut spending. Once again, the CTF offered a few suggestions.
Anyone with a microphone and decent lighting can begin doing a podcast at minimal cost; however, the government is not just ‘anyone.’
Ryan Thorpe from CTF did some digging and discovered that dozens of federal departments have launched podcasts that Canadians have never heard about. These podcasts are costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
Ryan learned Statistics Canada has a podcast, which costs taxpayers nearly a million dollars to produce. They have released twenty-one episodes since January and have 229 subscribers, who could possibly be other government agencies. Canadians know Statistics Canada as a data collection agency; however, their episodes address topics such as gender identity, climate change, arts and crafts, systemic racism, and misinformation.
The Health Agency of Canada employs four fulltime staff members on its podcast. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has thirteen staffers working on its podcast, including two Deputy Ministers, and outsourced $34,000 in costs on editorial strategy.
“We have people getting paid to do podcasts that no
Letters to the Editor policy
one is watching,” Franco observed. But there’s more.
Canadian Heritage has a podcast about the history of the Canadian Heritage department, in which they interview current and former staff. The cost per episode works out to be $22,000!
“It’s bureaucrats talking to other bureaucrats, and we’re paying for it,” Ryan observed. Eliminating government podcasts that no one listens to would be a good start on spending cuts.
The CTF has also been reporting that the government wants to move the election date from October 20 to October 27. Apparently, the original date conflicts with the religious holiday of Diwali, but 79 MPs won’t be eligible for lifetime pensions until October 21, 2025. In order to qualify for a lifetime pension, an MP needs
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to have been in parliament for at least six years.
If the election was delayed by a week, these 79 politicians, who have just barely served six years, would each receive a $2 million pension. The total cost to taxpayers would be $120 million. Cipher from Northern Perspective said he did some digging and reported 32 of the MPs were Conservative, 22 Liberal, six NDP and 19 were Bloc Québécois. The Conservatives, Bloc Québécois and the NDP are opposed to moving the election date. An interesting side note: Jagmeet Singh qualifies for his lifetime pension in February 2025.
The CTF reported that MPs’ salaries range from $200,000 to $300,000 annually and receive annual pay raises. It’s also worth noting that MPs and MLAs who lose their seats or don’t seek re-election are eligible for a transition allowance ranging from $36,525 to $109,578, depending on their tenure. They also take home a $100,000 severance.
“So they should be able to save for their own retirement,” Franco observed.
An article by Gage Haubrich from CTF said the CTF is calling on the Saskatchewan government to end the transition allowance for former provincial politicians, including MLAs, which will cost taxpayers almost $3 million this year.
“Ordinary Saskatchewanians don’t get a golden parachute when they leave their jobs, and we shouldn’t be forced to fund one for politicians,” Gage said. Those are a couple of ways the government could easily make significant spending cuts without negatively impacting the lives of everyday Canadians. But you can be sure there are many, many more possibilities because the government thinks of more ways to spend our taxpayer dollars than we ever could.
Pop89: Inside voice out
BY MADONNA HAMEL
What happened? I asked myself, watching the American election results. How did he get in again? Is it because SO many Americans fear anyone who isn’t heterosexual? Or is the issue that SO many white folks hate anyone with shades of colour or shape of the eye other than their own? Is this all about swarthiness? Or accents? (I mean, apart from the flat “o” s of the Midwest and the twang of the South?)
Do too many Americans worship the video game two-dimensional, Old Testament version of God? The God of White Christian Nationalists who resembles more of a bouncer than an opened-armed creator? Are they frightened of all the intelligent Christians leaving the evangelical tribe in droves because they refuse to stoop to naming anyone who isn’t a member of their tribe an evil demon? Who are determined to continue heeding the counter-cultural voice of that skinny child-refugee rabbi who did not come to make you rich? Who, in fact, preached that in order “to be complete, you must sell everything.”?
Does the election in America again prove that big buckets of money is still the measure of human success? Is the problem that Americans are willing to pledge allegiance to anyone who promises them a shot at obscene wealth despite the sale of one’s soul? According to a dayafter-the-election Associated Press release,” the stock market continued to reach record highs in a post-election bump. Buoyed by Trump’s promises of lower taxes and slashed regulations, certain stocks saw massive gains. Companies and commodities associated with Trump and his campaign performed especially well in the wake of his victory: Musk’s Tesla reached a $1 trillion valuation, and Bitcoin hit a record high as Trump declared he’d make the U.S. the crypto capital of the planet.” Oh, and the surge in Tesla stock has made Musk the first $300 billion man.
Maybe the real problem is “uppity women.” After all,
the last time the president-elect won an election, it was against a woman. And both women had far more qualifications - the most recent having served as an attorney, a district attorney, an attorney general, a senator and a vice president. Is the problem that America is incapable of seeing a woman as its leader? You have to wonder, when a candidate is initially dismissed because of her laugh and her smile. (Have you seen the other guy’s shit-eating mug?)
Come to think of it - how to explain female lawyers who defend men who exploit their positions of power to degrade women? Should we not wonder if they haven’t implicated themselves in their own gender’s exploitation? Hey, ladies, girls and gentlewomen, is it not worth asking ourselves: under what circumstances are we willing to end up becoming self-exploiting - and ultimately self-erasing- bots?
Oh wait, I know the answer to that question: Whatever it takes to get seen- since puberty, we have always wanted the boys to like us. And we will do just about anything to get their attention, which, usually involves pretending. Pretending those heels aren’t painful, pretending that dress isn’t impractical, pretending the boobs aren’t fake. It means going along with absurd and uncomfortable sexual practices perfected and reproduced to a numbing and nullifying degree in porn. It involves spending inordinate amounts of money on goods trying to measure up to increasingly sleazier standards of “beauty” involving lower cleavage, higher hems and longer lashes.
When you consider how often and in how many situations how many smart women “fake it,” perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising they might go along with their men and fake their presidential pick as well. When men and women overlook demeaning and disturbing references to women’s private parts, weight, face, and voice, you have to wonder how deep the internalized sexism goes.
I mean, how many women don’t know about the Access Hollywood video wherein the next president of the
Oyen and District Seniors Report
BY BETH SYKES
Thirteen people came to the Seniors Recreation Centre on November 6 for a delicious potluck supper. Two more people came to attend the meeting, which Lynda called to order at 6:55PM. Jessie won the $28.50 50/50 draw. That draw was followed by reviewing the minutes for the October 2 meeting and the financial statement for the month of October. The grant re-
United States bragged that if he finds a woman attractive (who cares if the feeling isn’t mutual), he “dives in.” “I don’t even wait”, he claims. Because “when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. ... Grab ‘em by the pussy. You can do anything.”
Just for the record: Any woman who says she likes it when men - rich and famous men, that is - introduce themselves by grabbing them by the crotch she is, a) once again, faking it. Or b) so devoid of self-awareness and esteem that she is willing to convince herself that the gesture is a measure of her lovability and worth. (And, of course, her sexiness, which in our consumer culture is the same as worth.)
It seems every American, whether a politician, celebrity, professor, journalist, labourer, bus driver, teacher, parking attendant, preacher, and even the homeless guy sleeping under cardboard on a park bench, seems to believe that America is “the greatest nation on earth.” And not in the way that citizens in other countries feel proud of the place they live, but in a kind of manically grinning, fist-pumping, don’t-you-forget-it-bub kind of way. In the same way, consumers at Christmas squeal when they get their mitts on the latest iPhone, X-box and Cabbage Patch doll. So maybe America got what it voted for - a reminder of its particular band of greatness.
Whatever the reason, the result would be different if there was no such thing as social media, which gives everyone an opportunity to speculate and comment on every little and big concern in the world. To give an opinion, whether informed or not. It gave the “inside voice” an outside voice. It gave cowards a platform to spew cruel, malicious attacks and make chilling and terrifying threats without fear of recourse because they’ve become banal. America’s new leader leads in the art of using his most inflammatory, reactionary inside voice on a public platform. And America just gave him the podium.
18th
or
ceived from the Special Areas was noted.
The New Horizons grant was further discussed as part of the Old Business. Some of this grant remains after some beautification work has been done outside the building during the summer and fall. Some remaining monies will be spent on purchasing plants outside the building in the spring. Further discussion indicated that the consensus was to use the balance of the grant money to replace bulbs needed to improve the lighting inside the building.
Cheryl reported that her first crafting day on October 2 was a success. Six people attended for the full day to sew, knit, and cross stitch as they socialized. Three more ladies came in the afternoon to work on centrepieces for the Christmas supper. Many people stayed for lunch, and four attending brought memberships. Cheryl presented her crafting schedule for the next several months: November 19 & 26, December 10
and in the new year, January 21 & 28 and February 18 &2 5. The days begin at 10:00 and go to 4:00. For members, there is no charge, and for non-members, the cost for the day is $5.00. Please bring your own lunch if you
intend to stay for the day.
The organization details were arranged for the upcoming Christmas party on December 4, 2024. Jessie reported that ticket sales were going very well, and since then, Jessie has reported to me that all the tickets have been sold for this event.
The Recreation Centre continues to be used for Pickle Ball on Thursday evenings and Floor Curling on Wednesday afternoons. Curling will continue for November but will stop in December. The first Floor Curling day in the new year will be January 8.
The next Fun Night will be held on November 29.
After discussion, it was decided to move the Annual Meeting from January 8, 2025, to the October meeting in 2025.
There will just be a regular meeting in January on January 8, 2025.
Lorraine brought copies of the updated work that has been done on the By-Laws.
She requested that everyone take a copy home to read before the next meeting on January 8, paying special attention to the definition of an active member.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00.
Thursday sees busiest day at the lodge for residents
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. Good ol’ Jack Frost has been around this past week. The days sure have been nice, but the temperature is going to change and get cooler. Christmas decorating has begun at the Lodge.
Monday was Remembrance Day, there were no activities and no office staff.
Tuesday was regular bus runs downtown, followed by one-on-one scrabble games. Tuesday afternoon was pub day. Late afternoon, Taylor Neilson played the piano. Wednesday morning was Church with Brad, fol-
lowed by exercises. Mid-morning, there were crossword games. Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard games. Thursday morning was a one-on-one baking with a resident. Thursday morning ATB Financial was at the Lodge to serve the residents with their banking needs. There was also a RSV clinic Thursday morning for the residents to receive their vaccinations. Thursday afternoon, Andrea from Big Country Adult Learning entertained the residents with some trivia games.
Friday morning started with exercises, followed by horse races. Friday afternoon was bingo games. Have a wonderful week everyone.
Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri, Mikala
OYEN LODGE REPORT
Judge, Ohtani should be automatic MVPs
BY BRUCE PENTON
Despite average or sub-par performances in the World Series, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees are almost guaranteed this week to be announced as their leagues’ respective Most Valuable Players.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Voting for all baseball awards takes place immediately following the end of the regular season, so performance in the post-season is not a factor. For Judge, that was important, because the Yankees’ centerfielder had a horrendous post-season at the plate and then made one of the most important errors in the decisive World Series game that led to a Dodgers’ win and the Series’ title in five games.
Over the 162-game regular season, though, Judge was awesome. He produced a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) figure of 10.8, the only major leaguer in double figures. (WAR is a relatively new stat, measuring a player’s value to a team by comparing their performance to that of a replacement-level player). Judge belted 58 homers, drove in a league-best 144, walked a league-high 133 times and produced an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging) of 1.159, the best of his career. Judge will be a unanimous winner, giving him his second MVP award (2022 was his first) and the Yankees might have given the Dodgers a better fight in the World Series had the nine-year veteran hit in the World Series at a similar pace. Post-season pitchers had his number, though. Some of his ugly October
numbers were: three home runs in 14 games, a batting average of .184 and an OPS of .762.
Ohtani, meanwhile, is almost guaranteed to win the MVP award in the National League, his second straight, after he won the American League crown last year with Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani is the rarest of the rare: One of the best, if not THE best, hitters in baseball and, when healthy, one of the best, if not THE best, pitchers in the game. He signed a free-agent contract with the Dodgers last winter that will ultimately pay him $700 million. (He’s reportedly taking home $2 million a season with the Dodgers and will receive $68 million per year for 10 years after he retires and has returned to his native Japan.)
In 2024, Ohtani’s play was restricted to hitting, as off-season elbow surgery took him off the mound. All he did as the full-time designated hitter was smash 54 home run, drive in 130, hit for an average of .310 and produce an NL-best WAR of 9.2. He also stole 59 bases, making him the first major leaguer in history to have at least 50 homers and 50 steals in the same season. Hs value to the Dodgers is almost immeasurable and when he returns to the mound in 2025 and starts pitching like a Cy Young candidate, that $700 million contract will look like the Dodgers got a great deal. Baseball fans should enjoy this era of baseball, featuring two of the greatest to ever play the game.
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Not long ago, former WWE star Christy Hemme gave birth to quadruplets. Things got a little tense during delivery when she broke a chair over her obstetrician’s head.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “What I always say: Doctors bury their mistakes; sports columnists print theirs!”
• Words of wisdom from legendary coach Vince Lombardi, snipped from Jack Finarelli’s sportscur-
mudgeon.com site: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
• Headline at the onion.com: “NFL referee under fire for watching porn on instant replay device.”
• Super 70s Sports, on X: “All I want for Christmas is Mike Tyson to knock Jake Paul out. I’ll consider it my birthday present for next year too.”
• Vancouver humorist Steve Burgess, after someone suggested Roughriders’ QB Trevor Harris would dominate the Blue Bombers in the CFL’s West final: “I hope so, but last time someone predicted a Harris landslide it didn’t work out so well.”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver, on Canada’s difficulty in choosing a goalie for the 4Nations Cup in February: “Maybe Canada should go 6-on-5 for the whole tournament. Who would you rather have on the ice — Jordan Binnington or Nathan McKinnon?”
• RJ Currie again: “A brawl broke out in a professional rugby game in the country of Georgia, complete with punching, kicking and bloodshed. Then things got really violent — they played rugby.”
• Headline at the onion.com: “Undeterred Yankees Fan Attempts To Wrestle World Series Trophy Away From Mookie Betts”
• Headline at fark.com: “Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone is keeping his job; team will stay on its losing streak.”
• Another fark.com headline: “Mahomes vows to make second half of the NFL season interesting by playing on one leg”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Star, talking Blue Jays: “Winter is coming. This is our baseball season. The off-season had better be a huge improvement over the summer season.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Areas
Special Areas, AB — New data from the Alberta Living Wage Network reveals that residents in Alberta’s Special Areas now need a wage of $22.60 per hour to cover essential expenses, slightly above the provincial average of $21.96. This number underscores the unique financial pressures faced by rural residents, despite Special Areas being known for some of the lowest housing and childcare costs in the province.
While the cost of housing and childcare remains more affordable here than in urban centres, limited forms of transit means residents are almost entirely reliant on personal vehicles. On average, Special Areas residents drive nearly twice as much as other Albertans, making transportation one of their most significant expenses. Fuel and vehicle costs can often rival or even ex-
ceed housing expenses, and with fuel prices fluctuating, transportation becomes an unpredictable but unavoidable part of household budgets.
The Alberta Living Wage Network defines a living wage as the hourly rate required to cover basic needs,
Oyen & District Christmas Farmers’ Market is on Saturday, November 23rd, 2023 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
LARGE VARIETY OF VENDORS
Lunch provided by the High School
Text or call Delaine at 403-664-0320 for more information.
accounting for government transfers and taxes. For Special Areas, this calculation reflects daily costs for typical households, including shelter, childcare, transportation, and energy. Calculations are based on three household types: a two-parent family with two
Limited forms of transit means residents are almost entirely reliant on personal vehicles.
children, a lone-parent family with one child, and a single individual, assuming each adult is employed full-time and can set aside savings for unexpected costs, continuing education, childcare, and community participation. With high transportation costs continuing to stretch budgets, many rural Albertans are calling for greater support to ensure sustainable living standards in communities like Special Areas.
For more information on Alberta’s living wage standards, visit livingwagealberta.ca.
Charmaain Snell, , InsuranceAdvisor schindel agenciees@outlook com 403-664-3804 Cell 403-664-1404 114
Street, Oyen
“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.“
Marilyn vos Savant“
BY SAVANNA TYE
Medicine Hat, AB – Many know her as “Grandma Max,” the super hockey grandma who supports her family with an endless supply of love, encouragement, and snacks. But for those in the rodeo community, Maxine Girletz is more than just a grandmother — she’s a trailblazer, a pillar of the sport, and one of the most influential women in rodeo.
On October 5, 2024, Girletz was honoured at a ceremony in Medicine Hat, where she was recognized alongside other legends such as Dee Butterfield and Monica Wilson as one of the most influential women of rodeo. The recognition, while well-deserved, is just the latest chapter in a long and remarkable story that has spanned decades, touched countless lives, and helped shape the rodeo world as we know it today.
Maxine’s journey into the heart of the rodeo world began not as a competitor but as a devoted partner, mother, and later, as a ground-breaking woman working behind the scenes. Married to Wilf Girletz, a successful rodeo cowboy and later one of the best-known producers of rank bucking bulls, Maxine was always there — both at the arena and home.
Her late husband’s career and contributions to the rodeo world are legendary, but it’s Maxine’s tireless dedication that many people remember. For years, she was a key player in Wilf’s success, helping with the daily grind and ensuring the family’s rodeo business ran smoothly.
Her love of rodeo wasn’t just about being the supportive spouse, however. Maxine became a vital part of the rodeo circuit in her own right, particularly in event timing. With a stopwatch in hand, she spent countless hours ensuring that every event ran smoothly. She didn’t retire from this role until she was 80, a testament to her passion and commitment.
What sets Maxine apart is not just her support for her family or her role in the rodeo community, but her incredible attention to detail. “Her notes about the bulls are still read today,” says a fellow rodeo enthusiast. “She knew exactly who rode what bull, at which rodeo, and how many points they scored. She had an almost photographic memory of the rodeo world.”
Maxine’s dedication wasn’t just professional — it was personal. For years, she travelled with her family in their motorhome, which quickly became a favourite pit stop for rodeo competitors. Maxine’s home on wheels was a refuge, offering not just food but warmth, comfort, and camaraderie to everyone who passed through.
Her grandchildren remember the motorhome fondly as a place where, while they waited to compete, they could always find a snack or a quiet moment with Grandma. Even after her active involvement in timing rodeos ended, Maxine continued to attend events, often parking her motorhome in prime locations at popular rodeos like Gooseberry Lake or Hanna, where she could watch, cheer, and still be part of the action.
For those who’ve known Maxine over the years, her recent recognition in Medicine Hat is the culmination of a life spent giving back to the sport she loves. Being named one of the most influential women in rodeo is a rare and well-deserved acknowledgment of her dedication to the sport and the people within it.
But Maxine’s influence isn’t confined to her work behind the scenes. Her contribution to rodeo has been recognized by some of the sport’s top figures, earning her a spot in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a Legend of Rodeo. This distinction honours her lasting impact on the sport and its culture.
Today, Maxine’s legacy lives on in every corner of the rodeo community. Her name is synonymous with dedication, passion, and resilience — qualities that
have made her not only a beloved figure in Oyen but also an icon in the world of rodeo. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every great rodeo competitor, there are often unsung heroes who make the sport what it is.
And though Maxine might be known as “Grandma Max” to many, to those who truly know the sport, she is much more: a legend, a mentor, and one of the greatest women to influence the world of rodeo.
Maxine Girletz’s recognition in 2024 is not just a personal milestone, but a victory for women in rodeo everywhere. It highlights the importance of their contributions and solidifies Maxine’s place in rodeo history — a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of cowboys and cowgirls alike.
HATS OFF TO WOMEN IN RODEO
Submitted by Randy and Verla Girletz
On Saturday October 5, 2024 three honoured guests attended the Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry and Western Music Show held at the Medicine Hat College Theatre. Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famers Dee Butterfield and Maxine Girletz and renowned artist Gena LaCoste were acknowledged throughout the performances and at the Chuckwagon Supper where they were introduced to the Medicine Hat Rodeo Queen, Charlie Christie and Princess, Charleston Sandford.
The Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry Foundation is about promoting cowboy poetry and western music with emphasis on the lifestyle and history of the rural way of life. Their latest project “Hats Off” showcases and celebrates rodeo greats with bios, poems and videos. The 2024 video series begins with Bud VanCleave a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee in 1998. Future videos will feature Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famers Dee Butterfield, Monica Wilson and Maxine Girletz. The video, Hats Off to Women in Rodeo, will be available soon and may be found at www.MHCowboyLife.com. Much gratitude to these rodeo legends for sharing their stories and memories.
Jeannette Zollner, left, founder of the Medicine Hat Cowboy Poetry Foundation, interviewed Maxine at the Oyen Lodge July 28. The video, Hats Off to Women in Rodeo, will be available soon and may be found at www.MHCowboyLife.com.
Dee Butterfield Monica Wilson
A Crossroads Museum Story
BY BERNIE KREWSKI
Why do we bother having museums? They require thousands of hours of volunteer labour, and their funding is often precarious. When was the last time you were in one or donated an item that would be of interest to others?
The internationally accepted definition of a museum, as documented in The Canadian Encyclopedia, is a “non-profiting permanent institution in the service of society, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits for the purpose of study and enjoyment.” There are many kinds of museums, but to be a museum, it must have organized collections. From these, visitors can learn about various cultures and their evolution from earlier times. Most museums are operated by groups of dedicated citizens interested in preserving and making available evidence of the past. Museums, I find, also tell interesting stories!
Pat Siferd, my esteemed research-partner whose studies includes the function of museums, describes the differences between “objects,” “things,” and “artifacts.” An “object” is something made by humans and used as it is intended – a hammer is an example. A
“thing” is an object that no longer serves for which it was designed, like a book acting as a doorstop. An “artifact” can be an object or a thing but for various reasons is given special meaning or perceived as historically significant.
This museum story began with the question: “Who was the magistrate in Oyen about 1920? He was also the Anglican minister.”
It arose recently when Lorraine Guckert and her volunteer colleagues at the Crossroads Museum and Archives received a donation of objects from a family in Alberta illustrated in this photo. It consisted of a wedding dress sash, bride’s shoes, headpiece and invitation. The latter was from Mr. & Mrs. Gerard S. Peck inviting guests to attend a wedding dance April 11 at the Masonic Hall in honour of David and Edith Peck. The donors believed the wedding occurred about 1920 and involved an Anglican priest who was also a police magistrate.
What would be notable, historically, about such a wedding a century ago?
There were at least fifteen weddings reported in The Oyen News in 1919 involving residents of this district!
Here is “evidence from the past” that sheds a few lights on this momentous wedding.
It occurred on April 11, 1929, not 1920
All Saints Anglican Church when it was located on Main Street, Oyen.
or thereabouts, as reported in The Oyen News April 17 - “Wedding: Peck - Balaam.”
The wedding of Miss Edith Balaam, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Balaam of Oyen, and Mr. David A. Peck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard S. Peck of Oyen, was solemnized in All Saints Church on Thursday afternoon, April 11, at 2 o’clock, Rev. F.S. Smith officiating.
The bride, given away by her father, was attended by her cousin, Miss Dorothy Fisher of Calgary, while the groom was supported by his brother, Mr. Oswald Peck.
Following the wedding ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. George Balaam, the bride’s parents, were hosts at a reception held in honour of the bridal couple at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gerard S. Peck on Second Avenue. Here, the many beautiful wedding gifts were viewed by about sixty guests who were present to offer congratulations.
In the evening, Mr. and Mrs. G.S. Peck were hosts at a dance held in the Masonic Hall, about one hundred and thirty guests being present at the function which was a delightful affair.
Wedding dress sash, bride’s shoes, headpiece and invitation.
During the supper interval, the groom made a neat response to the toast “To the Bride and Groom,” proposed by Mr. Ray C. Anderson.
Mr. and Mrs. David A. Peck left the following morning on a motor trip to Calgary, Banff and other mountain resorts.
The good wishes of the entire community go with this popular young couple for their future happiness.
All Saints Church, as older folks will remember, was then located at the south end of Main Street now the parking lot on the south side of Lijdsman Insurance.
There is no history of the Peck family in Many Trails Crossed Here. The only reference is in the “Raddatz and Balaam” histories (vol. 1, pp. 117-118) indicating “Edith Ballaam (Mrs. David Peck) is on a farm near Lacombe.”
That gap in the history of Oyen will be addressed in the next issue of The Echo as well as other historical trails stemming from this wedding.
24113RA0
Bernie Krewski
The Chamber is Celebrating the Christmas Season!
BY CHARMAIN SNELL, Secretary/Treasurer Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce
The Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce will be making space available in the FCSS Youth or the Schindel Agencies buildings for any home-based business that would like to set up a pop-
up shop downtown during the three late night shopping days during the Christmas Season. If you are interested, call or text Charmain at 403-664-1404. There is no cost to book a table but we would kindly ask for a donation to the Local Food Bank. Space is limited so book early. Hours of Operation: December 5, 12, and 19 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Passport to Christmas is Back!
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Passport to Christmas program again this year! Look for your passport starting December 2, 2024, in all local downtown member businesses.
Each time you shop at a local participating business get your passport signed. Once you have filled your passport, drop it into one of our draw barrels for a chance to win some great prizes. Draws will be made every Friday in December and the Grand Prize will be made on December 24, 2024.
New This Year: Light Up Oyen!
At the bottom of your passport there is space to nominate the best lighting display at local homes or businesses! The top three nominees will receive up to $150 in Chamber Bucks.
Special events on Thursdays
Each Thursday in December the Chamber will be hosting events that we hope will encourage everyone to come downtown and celebrate the Christmas
Season.
December 5 – We are going to light up the Clock Tower Park. There will be hotdogs and hot chocolate to share; and everyone is welcome to join us to go caroling downtown, at the hospital, the long-term care centre, and the Oyen Seniors Lodge.
Mactavish & Company
December 12 – Join us downtown for a Hometown Holiday Party! There will be Christmas music to entertain, a parade of lights for everyone to see, holiday specials at all your downtown businesses, and hot chocolate and cookies at the park to warm the heart!
403-528-4995 523c North Railway St SE, Medicine Hat, AB tmactavish@mactavishco.ca • www.mactavishco.ca
Terry Lynne Mactavish
December 19 – Santa Claus is coming to Town! Come join us downtown at the FCSS Youth Centre and get your photo with Santa (we kindly ask for a toy donation to the Big Country Hospital or a food donation to the Local Food Bank).
Booknotes
FICTION:
All’s Fair in Love and Treachery / by: Celeste Connally
The Courting of Bristol Keats / by: Mary E. Pearson
Deadly Animals : A Novel / by: Marie Tierney
The Favorite Girl / by: Monica Arya Lights Out : An Into Darkness Novel / by: Navessa Allen
Lost and Lassoed / by: Lyla Sage
The Pumkin Spice Cafe / by: Laurie Gilmore
JUVENILE FICTION:
Tales from a Not So Bratty Little Sister / by: Rachel Renele Russell
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
Christmas Jingle and Find / by: Holly Berry-Byrd Duck, Duck, Goose! / by: John Hare
The Light of Home / by: Diana Farid
You Are Not Sleepy / by: Mark Teague
L.R. Webb
Chartered Professional Accountant will be in Oyen at the Oyen Liquor Mart NOVEMBER 20 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Please call 403-854-4045 to book your appointment.
NON-FICTION: Monstrous Mammals / by: Jerry Pallotta
PERIODICALS: People Magazine Popular Mechanics Hello! Canada
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out. If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Dayna Wilson, Library Manager
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
Alberta signs onto U.S. energy pact
Premier Danielle Smith has joined the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security to further support advocacy of Alberta’s energy and environmental interests with key U.S. states.
The coalition was established in September 2024 by U.S. State governors Jeff Landry (Louisiana) and Chris Sununu (New Hampshire) with the aim of ensuring energy security, lower energy costs, increased reliability, sustainable economic development and sensible management of energy resources and the environment. With 12 U.S. states already signatories to the coalition, Alberta is the first non-U.S. state to enter into this agreement.
By expanding energy ties with the U.S. and promoting cross-border energy trade and participation, Alberta is helping to build upon its North American Energy strategy. Alberta already accounts for 56 per cent of all oil imports to the U.S. – twice as much as Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined – which is helping to drive job creation and prosperity on both sides of the border. Natural gas also plays an important role in North America’s energy mix. Alberta is the largest producer of natural gas in Canada and remains positioned to support the U.S. in filling their domestic supply gaps.
“I am honoured to join the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security and would like to extend my sincere thanks to governors Landry and Sununu for the invitation. Alberta plays a vital role in North American energy security, serving as the largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the United States. With 200 billion barrels of recoverable oil, 200 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, significant natural gas liquids and ample pore space for carbon capture, Alberta’s contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other U.S. partners to increase our pipeline capacity to our greatest friend and ally, the United States. We are proud to collaborate with
this coalition of allied states in advancing energy security, reliability and affordability for Americans and Canadians.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
“Our mission as an organization has not changed but Alberta’s welcome arrival to our group sparked a conversation about what our core mission is, and that is ensuring energy security in all its forms. Our members all share the common goal of enhancing and protecting energy options for our people and businesses, which leads to lower energy costs, increased reliability, sustainable economic development and wise management of energy resources and the environment. I welcome Premier Smith and the insights she will bring as the leader from a fellow energy-producing province, that like my state, is under a federal system of government where national imperatives are not always aligned with state or provincial interests.”
Jeff Landry, governor of Louisiana
Alberta is a global leader in emissions reduction technology and clean energy solutions. The province has captured about 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide through carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, and has the ability to support the U.S. in developing new infrastructure and supply chains for future energy markets in the areas of hydrogen, renewables, small modular reactors and others.
Alberta is also unlocking its untapped geological potential to help meet the increasing demand for minerals – many of which are used worldwide to manufacture batteries, cell phones, energy storage cells and other products. This includes the province’s lithium sector where Alberta’s government is supporting several innovative projects to develop new ways to extract and concentrate lithium faster and with higher recovery rates that are less capital and energy intensive and have a smaller land-use footprint.
Acadia Municipal Library news
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH
Last week we updated the audiobook shelves with 40 new additions. Come take a look!
Christmas is around the corner and we are putting our Christmas books on display. Find a good read to help put you in the Christmas spirit. Bring the kids by after school on Wednesday No-
Classifieds
Estate of MURIEL ROSE SLETTON, who died August 10, 2024.
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by December 19, 2024 with Carla Dawn Hogan Box 295 Youngstown, AB T0J 3P0 and provide details of your claim. If you do not file by the above date, the estate assets can be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
COMING EVENTS
1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com. Commercial Property
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-2826903 ; www.awna.com; email classifieds@awna.com.
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for
vember 20th to write letters to Santa! Come in anytime between 3:30 and 6:00.
The library is having another book sale. Browse the table for some great deals on adult fiction (and a few movies).
Remember to stop in to register for/renew your library membership and enter the library draw. Last day to enter is Thursday November 28.
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
information. KEEP people in the loop with our 80 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800-2826903, 780-434-8746 www. awna.com.
FEED AND SEED
ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789.
SERVICES
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge.
File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf. com.
PRIVATE MORTGAGE
LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
WANTED
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION’S! Also
buying all Gold, Silver, Old Jewelry, Nuggets, Sterling, Bullion, Ingots, Royal Canadian Mint Coins, Rare Coins +, Todd 780-504-7995. PUBLISHER’S APPROVAL Employment Opportunities SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPER GROUP is looking for Mailroom evening staff. Lots of room for advancement within the company. Email rturner@ abnewsgroup.com for more information.
Geraldine “Geri” Kiebel 1945-2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Geraldine Kiebel (nee Kambeitz), who left this world peacefully in Medicine Hat, AB, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 79 years. Geraldine was born in Empress, AB, and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for family and friends.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her loving parents, Joe and Nellie Kambeitz; her sister, Janet; sisters-in-law, Roxanne, Karen, and Mary; brotherin-law, Jim; and her son-in-law, Brian. Her legacy is carried on through her devoted spouse, George Kiebel, and her two adoring daughters, Pam Kiebel and Sandra Sinclair (Daryl Swenson).
Geraldine’s family was her pride and joy, and she was a treasured grandmother to Colby Stonham, Holly (Kevin) Vandorp, Krista (Aaron) Fletcher, Kari Sinclair, and Kyle Sinclair. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren, with another on the way, ensuring that her spirit will continue to thrive in the hearts of future generations.
Geraldine dedicated part of her life to serving her community, having worked at the Medicine Hat glass factory and at the Empress hospital. She was known for her strong work ethic and her compassionate nature, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. A woman of many interests and hobbies, Geraldine had a profound love for live theatre and an adventurous spirit that led her to travel to beautiful places such as Nashville, Hawaii, Germany, Alaska, Mexico, Arizona, and eastern Canada. Her travels reflected her open-hearted nature and her desire to embrace the world around her. Home was where her heart truly lay, and she took immense pride in maintaining a well-kept
home that welcomed family and friends alike. Her door was always open, and she enjoyed countless visits from her nieces, nephews, grandkids, and neighbours, creating a warm and loving environment filled with laughter and joy. Geraldine’s love for the outdoors was evident in her enjoyment of camping and sitting in nature. She found contentment in the simple pleasures, like enjoying a warm beer while surrounded by loved ones. Although she had little interest in playing cards, she took great pride in learning a new game called “Skip Bo,” showcasing her playful spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences. Geraldine was known for keeping a calendar of birthdays, anniversaries, appointments (as well as everyone’s appointments) and the weather. Never argue with her about what the weather was like the previous year, she’d tell you in an instant!! Her positive attitude was infectious, and she always saw the best in every situation.
Geraldine was a devoted wife, a caring mother, an affectionate grandmother, and a proud great-grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and she reveled in their accomplishments and happiness. Her book had no unwritten pages, very full and a happy story. As we celebrate the life of Geraldine Kiebel, we remember a woman who embodied kindness, joy, and an unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know her. May her story continue through the lives of her children and grandchildren, as they carry forward the values and love she instilled in them. Rest in peace, Geraldine. Your legacy of love and positivity will remain with us always. There will be no formal service held at this time. Memorial gifts in Geri’s name may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Geraldine Kiebel.
GROWING THROUGH GRIEF
Where did joy go?
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
Life can be a tricky space sometimes. A loss knocks us off balance and can put us in a place where safety and trust don’t come easily. On top of that, the world seems to be changing fast and spinning without any regard to our pain. It may seem like people are getting more and more disconnected from each other and from what is most meaningful in life. Please know, I felt this way too. You are not alone. Many of us in grief feel this way. You might be asking yourself, where did the joy go? Will I ever have joy again? What even is joy for me now? We look back at all the times we felt joyful and we realize they all included our person. Now they are gone. It seems hopeless. On top of that, the world seems to be so cruel and mean. People are hurting each other and it is hard to see anything good. What we hear and see on social media and television confirms our thoughts. Yet the thing is, joy is still there. We just can’t see it. Our antenna is pointed in the wrong direction. Joy does not need the outer world to behave. Believe it or not your greatest joy can actually come from the deepest of sorrows. How? When we are in sorrow for some time we start to get curious about where joy is. We begin to search. Eventually, we will discover that joy is an energy. It is an energy all around us which we can find if we choose to focus upon it. We have to choose joy. Sometimes we don’t want to and that is okay. Allow sorrow to be your friend instead. But when you are ready, this is how you choose joy. Give freely of your heart. Find little ways to be kind and
compassionate to yourself and others. When you start to do that purposely, with your whole heart, you will see the universe will begin to reflect more kindness back at you. Give it time and have patience. You will start to see joy in little things. You will find it in nature. You will hear it in a song. You will feel it in your heart again. Once that starts to happen you might be wondering what is next? Why am I here and what am I supposed to be doing now that my loved one is gone?
Sometimes the task at hand calls for you to become a blank page. See if you can just live as simply as possible every day doing things that bring you peace. Allow the days to unfold as you do little things to bring yourself comfort. Open your mind. Try not to change or influence what you see around you or how you feel. Just be. It is a perfect time for intimate exchanges and profound connections with your higher power. Sprinkle kindness around you where you can and stay open to possibilities. Allow spirit to help you write your story. Watch for synchronicities and signs that you are on the right path. They will come.
The vision you see will likely surprise you. You will wonder how it all happened and you will tell the story of how the perfect answer suddenly came to you. You will rejoice in the joy that you feel. You will be in awe of the power you have within you. You will know that no matter what happens, you will be okay. You and spirit are meant to be co-creating this life together and it is a beautiful thing. You just need to ask and be open to the answer coming in unexpected ways. Sending lots of love, Angela. www.healingenergy.world
JOYCE RADCLIFFE HONOURED: President Greg Wilson, Vice-President Kim Walker and Sergeant-at-Arms Doug Jones of the Royal Canadian Legion Acadia #208 presented Joyce Radcliffe with a Lifetime Membership recognizing 55 years of membership and participation. Bugler Joyce began playing Last Post and Reveille in the Remembrance Day Services at the age of 12.
Wreath layers: back row, from left: Greg Wilson (Royal Canadian Legion Acadia #208); Doug Jones (Town of Oyen); Cst. Logan O’Brien and Cst. Curtis Smit (RCMP); Mike Gauley (Canadian Forces); Kim Walker (Oyen Funeral Home); Sheila Davidson and Vicki Smale (Eastern Star); Paul Lijdsman (Oyen Volunteer Fire Department); Shaune Kovitch (Province of Alberta); Joshua Chita and Alexander Savrnoch (Alberta Emergency Services). Seated: Joyce Radcliffe (Mother); Evelyn Mills (Mills Family); Sharon Berg (all area schools).
ACADIA VALLEY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
• Christmas in the Valley. Starting at 10:30 AM with breakfast. See you there!
BUFFALO
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
• Christmas in the Country Craft Market from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the hall. Lunch will be sold. Contact Gwen 403-502-3054 for tables and info.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
• Buffalo Ag Society will present Jake Mathews in Concert at Buffalo Hall 7:00 PM.
CEREAL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
• Cereal Turkey Supper 5:30 - 7:30, Santa visit, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, & Christmas Market 4:00 - 8:00 PM (with more than 12 vendors & 24+ tables of wares)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
• Ham & Turkey Bingo 7:30 PM. All ages welcome at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION ACADIA BRANCH #208, LADIES AUXILIARY TO THE LEGION, OYEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS: Back row, from left: Terry Bale, Monty Moore, Greg Wilson, Mike Gauley, Paul Lijdsman, Damien Evens, Riley Getz and EMS Joshua Chita.
Middle row: Kirby Smith, Terry Skappak, Marvin Molzan, Debbie Kovitch, James Walker, Kim Walker, Shaune Kovitch, Troy MacLean, Spencer Mehl, Blake Hertz, Kenton Wagstaff, Morgan Senkiw and Conner MacLean.
Seated: Cst. Curtis Smit, The Rev. Dr. Catherine Holland, Doug Jones, Evelyn Mills, Joyce Radcliffe, Mary Wenzel, Cst. Logan O’Brien and EMS Alexander Savrnoch. Attending but not in photo, Gwen Bergen and Imogene Hauck. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, please call President Greg Wilson 403-664-1438 or Vice-President Kim Walker 403-6648345.
- 11:30 AM
- Cereal Board of Trade Bingo Mondays at 7:30 PM. Last 2024 date Nov 25th CJPC (restart in April 2025)
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM
- 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Chase the Ace weekly Thursdays 7:009:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
NEW BRIGDEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
• Winter Wonderland. Call/text 403-6640172 to book a table.
OYEN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024
• 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.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024
• 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.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
• Fun Night for Members and their Guests at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Recreation Centre 7:00 PM until midnight. Games and socializing. BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-6642462 for more information.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM
- 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20 membership for the year or $5 drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-6648688.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of ev-
ery month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Drop in Pickleball Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM at South Central High School
- Walk Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 AM every Wednesday until October 30th. Socialize & Exercise. Snacks afterwards. Meet at NEW Adult Learning Office 105 3rd Ave (South Entance) SCHS.
- Junior League Curling (Grade 6 & up) Mondays after school. Session 1 November - mid December. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403664-6001.
- Fun League Curling. Tuesday evenings. Enter teams to Jackie Dick 403-664-0157. - Cash League Curling. Wednesday evenings. Enter teams to Brett Peterson 403-664-8868. - Sturling League Curling. Thursday at noon. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403-664-6001.
YOUNGSTOWN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
• Annual Friends of the Youngstown Library Youngstown Christmas Mini-Fair 3:00-7:00 PM Youngstown Community Hall. For more information or to book a table, contact Renee at 403-857-8322.
PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER