BY CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER (RETIRED) MIKE GAULEY, Sedalia, AB
A few years ago, my wife Laura and I hosted a film team at our farm near Sedalia, AB. The team was from The Military Museums in Calgary, and they were on a mission to film some of our beautiful prairies and what better location exists than Palliser’s Triangle. The story they want to tell is a Canadian story that they feared would otherwise be lost like so many other Canadian stories. The story begins with the attacks on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001, but it was the stories that touched so many Canadians that compelled them to make a film so that all Canadians could know what they already knew.
The PG-14 rated film was released on 11 September 2024 in Landmark Theatres across Canada. Most shows sold out immediately. Released during the time that most people in our area are fully engaged with harvest and supporting those who are tirelessly working the fields, the prospects of a meaningful release on the same date in our area would have missed the mark.
Thankfully, Sunset Theatres in Kindersley, SK through the dedicated work of Kindersley Screen Arts have scheduled the film to show in our area, on the most appropriate date of 11 November at 7 pm. You will recognize our area and maybe perhaps a name or two in the credits.
Senator Marty Klyne attended the 11 September showing of the film in Regina and when he returned to the Senate, he felt duty-bound to have the film shown in Ottawa to which many who saw it stated “every Canadian needs to see this.”
In April of this year, the premier of the film was held in St Albert, AB. A full house contained Veterans and active-duty soldiers with their spouses, some of the Veterans were wheelchair-bound while others managed with visible and invisible wounds. With so much hard bark on these battle-hardened souls, there was not a dry eye in the room during many parts of the film.
The film tells the story of Canada’s fallen, some of the battles in which they perished, and their solemn homecoming. It talks about the how Canadians shared in grieving and how they were drawn to mourn with the families of the fallen by gathering along the Highway of Heroes. The families of the fallen articulate their heart break as do some of our most senior military leaders – but there is more content than I can de-
scribe in this article.
After serving in our military for 35 years as a proud Canadian, I see the film comes at a time when Canadian esteem is starved to hear of our goodness, our many honourable qualities, and our dignity. The sacrifices of Canadians in the cause of freedom at home and abroad make us worthy to embrace this touching Canadian story.
Pilot Officer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Chinook, Alberta
Died: January 1, 1943
Commemorated at Singapore Memorial, Singapore
Flying Officer
Air Force
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Sep 1,1943
Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, England
Pilot Officer Royal Canadian Air Force
Oyen, Alberta
Died: May 22,1944
William Ferguson Reid, born June 26, 1922 at Oyen, Alberta, completed his education at Beaver Flat School in 1937. On May 22, 1944, Pilot Officer (Air Gunner) William Ferguson Reid died while on air operations over Duisburg in the Ruhr valley in Germany. He was 21 years old. Citation(s): 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, War Medal 1939-45. Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, England
MAURICE PIERRE MASSEY
DONALD HUGH MCKAY
WILLIAM FERGUSON RIED
New Brigden veteran served war effort on home front
Not all veterans served overseas. According to New Brigden’s history book ‘Still Making Memories’, Fred Tye from New Brigden was among the thousands of service men who never saw overseas duty. Instead his skills were delegated to serving the war effort on the home front.
The New Brigden farmer took over the family farm when he was 16 years old. In 1940, 22-year-old Fred rented out his farm so he could join the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) because he thought it was the right thing to do. He wanted to serve his country and help others.
On June 20 of that year, Fred rode his horse to Oyen. After ensuring his animal was cared for, he boarded the train for Calgary. Twelve hours later he was on another train, along with eleven new recruits, heading to Toronto.
The group of a dozen Canadians were crammed into barracks at Manning depot, situated at the Toronto Exhibition Grounds, along with 5,000 other recruits. Since an agricultural exhibition was going on at the same time, one floor was filled with chickens, which was a familiar site for Fred.
The first six weeks were filled with marching, saluting, unquestioningly following orders, physical training, rifle drill, inoculations, and gaining familiarity
with the gas chamber. After the six weeks, the twelve Canadians headed to Saskatoon for more training and waited for their boarding call.
Edwin Johnson from Esther served in WWII
BY JOAN JANZEN
Edwin Johnson from Esther, Alberta served in the Canadian Army during WWII. According to information from the history book Sage Brush and Sifting Sand, Edwin joined the Canadian active Army in November, 1942. He trained with the South Alberta Regiment and went overseas in September, 1943 with the Calgary Tank Regiment.
Shortly after arriving in England, he was sent with his regiment to southern Italy where he saw a great deal of action. One incident he mentioned was leaving his coat in a tank and going over to visit a friend. Later, upon returning, he found the same tank had been blown up! He saw action in Italy, France and Germany and during that time was awarded the “1939-45 Star”, the “Italy Star” and the “France and Germany Star”.
In his letters to family he shared sights he had seen while on leave. He had climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, got lost in a jeep in London, and made some friends while on leave in Brussels, Belgium where people were very friendly. He brought home many souvenirs including a pair of wooden shoes from Holland, and currency from Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and England.
Upon his return to Canada, he and his regiment were given a royal welcome by the citizens of Calgary. Bands were playing and crowds cheered. Marching down Centre Street from the CPR Station, Edwin said that many relatives and girlfriends of soldiers broke
the ranks to give a soldier a kiss.
Returning to the Esther district on December 7th, 1945, Edwin was officially welcomed by the residents of the Hudson Heights School District by having a special dance, supper and program in his honour.
On December 14, 1945, he was the guest of honour at the Rush Centre Christmas Concert. Edwin was given a 30-day leave and returned to the barracks at Wetaskiwin. He spent his leave at the home of his parents at Esther.
Their next move was a train ride to Halifax, where the twelve friends made a pact to meet after the war and reminisce. However, a bout of tonsillitis kept Fred from boarding the ship. Instead he found himself on his way to Vulcan, Alberta as a motor transport driver.
The base in Vulcan was nothing more than bald prairie with a fire hall in the centre. Eventually, after endless convoys of equipment and supplies, Vulcan became a Flying Training Base.
After that Fred was sent to Whitehorse as a Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) with twenty-three men who would turn the barren tundra into another flying training base.
Fred was yearning to see some overseas action, so he joined the air crew and found himself in Flight Training School in Vancouver. By that time it was 1945, and the war ended; Fred moved to Calgary to receive his final marching papers back to civilian life.
In 1947, Fred honoured the pact he had made with his eleven friends. Fred and Ray Horne were the only two survivors from the group of twelve Canadians.
At 30 years of age, Fred and his wife Blanche moved back to New Brigden where they bought and lived on Klein’s farm and raised their family. In his later years, Fred lived in the senior’s lodge and at an extended care facility in Oyen. He lived to be 92 years of age.
ENGLAND
Flying Officer Royal Canadian Air Force
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Apr 21,1944
On April 21, 1944, Flying Officer George Albert England died following mining operations when his Halifax bomber caught fire in mid-air on its return to RAF Middleton St. George, County Durham, England and crashed nearby. England is commemorated at Brookwood Military Cemetery, Woking, Surrey, England.
Private Army Acadia Valley, Alberta
Died: Sep 26,1916
Edward Angus Innes was born August 4, 1891 at Campbellford, Ontario. Single and a farmer by trade, Edward was living at Acadia Valley, Alberta when he enlisted at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in April of 1915. Private Innes died September 26, 1916 and is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial in France. He was 25.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Fred Tye from New Brigden served on the home front during WWII.
Edwin Johnson from Esther with his Chevrolet 3-ton, 4-wheel drive truck. Edwin served with the Calgary Tank Regiment in WWII.
GEORGE ALBERT
EDWARD ANGUS INNES
OPINION:
BY JOAN JANZEN
A cartoon showed a patient in a doctor’s office. “Doc, I broke my leg in three places,” the patient said. The doctor responded, “Well then, don’t go to those three places.”
Likewise, government proposals (supposedly for our safety and benefit) are causing Canadians to respond by saying, “Don’t go there.” One example is a pilot project proposed by the Canadian Revenue Association (CRA). Franco Terrazzano, National Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), spoke to True North about a new pilot project whereby the CRA wants to make your life easier by automatically filing taxes on your behalf. They claim Canadians are missing out on benefits they could receive, but Franco suggested otherwise. “It’s all about power and tax grabs,” he observed.
There are already free tax clinics available. However, in 2020, the CRA introduced free automatic tax filing for simple tax files as a convenience for taxpayers. In 2023, it quietly expanded its power to offer calculating and filing taxes automatically. Franco noted that this is a bad idea for a number of reasons.
First of all, it’s a conflict of interest when a tax collector also serves as a tax filer. “The government is broke, and the CRA wants to squeeze every pen-
Government proposals for our benefit and safety?
ny from you,” he said. “But you want to keep as much of your own money as possible. Your accountant works for you, but the CRA works for the government,” he added.
Another valid point Franco made was, “The CRA is already really bad at its job, so good luck getting them on the phone when they make a mistake. You’ll have to hire an accountant to correct the CRA’s mistakes,” he advised.
In addition, Franco warned that the CRA should not be given more power. Remember when CRA workers went on strike last year during tax season? The more power they’re given, the more leverage union bosses will have during times of negotiation when they can disrupt tax filing.
You can be sure the CRA will expand to automate tax filing, in spite of currently having one staff member for every 700 Canadians. Compare this with the United States, which has one IRS staff member for every 4,000 citizens. Since 2018, the CRA has hired nearly 18,000 new employees, totaling 60,000 agents.
Franco suggested an alternate solution: simplify the tax code so Canadians don’t need to hire someone to navigate the tax system. Meanwhile the CTF is alerting Canadians so they can push back on the CRA’s proposed power grab.
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David Krayden is also getting the word out on his online program, regarding Bill C-293. Under the guise of safety precautions, Bill C-293 is an act to allow the federal government to have the power to have public health officials shut down livestock operations and meat processing plants during a pandemic.
The bill reads: “Regulate commercial activities that can contribute to pandemic risk, including industrial animal agriculture, and promote commercial activities that can help reduce pandemic risk, including the production of alternative proteins, and phase out commercial activities that disproportionately contribute to pandemic risk, including activities that involve high-risk species.”
David Krayden said, “This is not about making Canadians safer,” and encouraged Canadians to contact their senators, advising them not to pass this bill. It would effectively disrupt meat supply chains and agricultural operations such as feed production.
But be assured the government continues to prioritize the safety of Canadians. According to a True North article written by Isaac Lamoureux, the Prime Minister claims that the government’s handgun freeze has enhanced public safety. However, the article reports Toronto has seen a 45% increase in shootings and a 62% increase in gun-related homicides compared to last year.
The Toronto Police Assoc. reported that 85% percent of guns seized can be sourced to the US, and former police officer Ron Chhinzer said he hadn’t seized a lawfully owned firearm from a criminal during his entire career. The Surrey Police Union reported the handgun freeze fails to address the surge of illegal firearms coming across our borders and ending up in the hands of violent criminals.
According to the CTF, the government has spent $67 million on its buyback scheme without buying a single gun. The ban resulted in weapons retailers being left with inventory they need to store securely until the program launches after being postponed until October 2025. Federal officials have decided Canada Post will be the least costly and most efficient avenue to recover these banned weapons.
Canadians are also continually being reminded of the benefits of the carbon tax. According to Franco, “The federal government is getting so desperate it is spending $7 million of our tax dollars on ads to spin Canadians about the benefits of the carbon tax.”
All these combined Bills, proposals and programs designed for our safety and well-being are proving to be costly, ineffective and potentially harmful. So maybe we should take the doctor’s advice and “don’t go there.”
Pop89: Nowhere Is good enough for me
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Usually, it happens after leaving Cadillac, headed South: I remember why I moved “here. “Here, all the thoughts crowding my brain like commuters rushing into a subway car at the end of the day just drift away. Suddenly, they either don’t matter or shrink in size—all because they have so much space to get lost in.
“Here” is where, as Mom said, whenever she returned to the prairie, I can breathe. “Here” is, to many people, the middle of “nowhere,” which makes it, at the same time, the middle of “now here.”
Back in the ‘90s, I wrote a song called “I Come From Nowhere.” The musicians in my band wanted a country tune; country is big in Quebec. The song is about my parents, who grew up on farms in Saskatchewan. Here’s the chorus: “I come from nowhere, nowhere is good enough for me. Cuz when you know where you come from, you can go back any time, and that’s why nowhere is good enough for me.”
The wide open, empty space of Nowhere quiets my noisy brain. It also lets in the light. Here, the beer-y light and the long shadows of pre-dusk seem to say: whatever you’re thinking right now, it’s not as essential to your existence as this Superabundance of Light.
In art school I was drawn to painters like Gentileschi, LaTour and Caravaggio who worked with light, hiding and revealing it at the same time. The prairie works the same way - the reign of light brings the tops of hills, the underbellies of clouds, the edge of bird’s wing to the forefront of my perception. Everything else, including my problems and hot messes, fall away.
Not that problems leave entirely. They remain pres-
Acadia Municipal Library News
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Acadia Municipal Library Manager
New Books!
New adult fiction books that have recently arrived include Joy by Danielle Steele, Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti, Nero by Conn Iggulden, and The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter. Kids can enjoy The Ship in the Window, a picture book by Travis Jonker, and Guinness World Records 2025. We also have previous titles already on the shelves for Remembrance
ent by means of contrast. There is no appreciation of light without shadow. I have learned that animal trails and, mysterious rock formations and hidden caves reveal themselves either early in the morning or late in the day when shadows and light are at full play.
The darkness makes the light more acute. This is the basic principle behind every crisis of faith, every dark night of the soul. We forget to mention that every mystic who stayed the course understood that lurking in the dark is the great Mystery that is God. “God is not absent,” the darkness says. “Your limited, pinched idea of God is absent.”
But what really brings me back to my bones - what hits me hardest when I leave Cadillac, heading South, is the absence of noise. How could I forget how void of human-made noise this place is? Yes, visually, this land has not changed much in hundreds of years, but it’s the silence that moves me the most. When I’m in cities, the presence of traffic - including sirens, car radios, horns and screeching tires - becomes a fact of life, something my ears are forced to adapt to because, unlike eyelids, I have no ear-lids to shut out the constant drone.
The acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton has dedicated his life to raising awareness about the precious species of silence being on the verge of extinction. He tells us that there are already no places in the world where there is no noise pollution; all we can hope for is “the noise-free interval.” And the longest noise-free interval on his list of “the last great quiet places” is only 15 minutes.
Silence, Hempton says, is not “absence of sound.” True silence doesn’t exist. In the natural world, we have weather, oceans, and animals constantly communicating. And our own species sings, laughs, cries, argues, farts, burps and sneezes. What concerns Hempton are the noises that come with our inventions and technologies, be it doors slamming, the boom-boom of the bass-line leaking out of cars at all times of day
Day. Come on in to browse the displays and check them out!
Requesting a library item:
Requests for titles in the system can always be placed online at www.tracpacab.ab.ca or through the TRACpac app. (A valid library barcode and PIN is required – if you don’t know your login information, contact the library and we will happily get it for you!) You can also always drop by to request an item as well.
Library Draw:
Don’t have a library membership? Would you like yours renewed? Everyone who comes in during November to sign-up for a library card or renew theirs will be entered into a draw. At the end of the month, we’ll announce the winner and award
or night, the low-grade hum of pop machines, generators, lamp posts, air conditioners, etc.
There is an unnatural pace and speed to man-made machinery and technologies we human animals seem to unconsciously emulate when surrounded by them. I know when I’m in the city, I march through streets, rushing to make the walk sign, and when I return to the country, the pace feels robotic, absurd.
I love cities for all the things I can’t get here in the country: concerts, bookstores, coffee shops, lectures and all the debates and encounters that come with mixing with different cultures and histories. It’s dangerous to see the city as full of either neurotics or intellectuals and the country as the home of simple bumpkins. Each offers different things. What the country gives me is the rare and endangered gift of silence.
It’s easy to get caught up in the swirling lights and sounds of the city - the endless excitation. But at night, when I lay down in my little country bed, I can leave my window wide open. And yes, there are sounds: coyotes, owls and lowing cattle, but I will take them over screeching tires and arguing drunks. Last night, I heard a noise outside my window, a rustling in the leaves. Not for one second did I think it was anything other than a deer. Not for a second did I fear for my life. Silence is the precursor to listening. Silence can be eerie, haunting, but I try to settle into it. Sometimes I go to the middle of Nowhere, sit on a rock and let my body’s energy cycle down. I try to slow the noise inside my head. Then comes the sounds of insects, the wind in grass, the huffing of a bison, the scratching of critters.
Whether it’s the elegant swish of bird wings overhead on a still night, or the gentle splash of a muskrat emerging from the Frenchman River, or the sudden slap of a beaver tail, the aural awareness of the lives of wild creatures is hugely intimate and ultimately world-uniting.
a prize. Hope to see you soon!
eResource:
This month’s featured eResource is Flipster which features digital magazines without loan periods or wait lists! With an active library card, you can access new issues the same day as print copies hit newsstands. Some of the several available titles include People, Time, ChickaDEE, Chirp, Owl, Sports Illustrated, Shape, and Better Homes & Gardens. Find Flipster online at www.acadialibrary. ca/eResources or download the Flipster app (open it, click Get Started, & search for Marigold Library System). An instructional brochure and video tutorial is available at the website listed above. You will also be asked to enter your library barcode and PIN – again, feel free to contact the library if you don’t remember yours).
November 11, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Canadian star one of the best in NBA
BY BRUCE PENTON
The United States of America might produce the world’s best basketball teams — the U.S. has won 17 of 21 gold medals at the Olympics, including the last five in a row — but when it comes to individual play, Americans take a back seat.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
A basketball website recently selected the top 100 National Basketball Association players and although much of the pre-season NBA chatter revolved around the Lakers’ LeBron James playing on the same court as his son Bronny — Ha! Gordie Howe did the same thing in hockey with TWO of his sons — LeBron was listed as only the eighth best player in the league.
In fact, you’ve got to scroll down the list to No. 6 to find the first American, Steph Curry, in the top 100.
Proudly, Canada has the fourth-best player on the list, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (everyone calls him ‘SGA), who finished second in the Most Valuable Player voting last year while leading Oklahoma City Thunder to a first-place finish in the Western Conference with a 57-25 record. Born in Toronto 26 years ago, Gilgeous-Alexander played college ball with the powerhouse Kentucky Wildcats. He was drafted 11th overall by Charlotte in 2018 but was traded to the L.A. Clippers the same day. The next year, the Clippers sent him to Oklahoma City, where he blossomed into a superstar. He is a two-time first-team all-star and has av-
BY GREG BUCHANAN
With the CFL down to the final four after this past weekend’s semifinals and the Grey Cup just two Sundays away, many are asking that off-season question yet again: What does the future hold for our Canadian Pigskin?
With the Commish riding into retirement, who will take over his role? Many feel it’s time for expansion. The East Coast or football-crazed Quebec City (honestly, that City with the growth of CIS football would love to have a team).
Speaking of expansion, there is some discussion of heading south again. (Wait! Hear me out…) The CFL might have an opportunity.
I don’t think having an eight-team spring football league is bad for the CFL. In fact, I think it’s probably good because you are keeping more players active. Just look at the number of players in our league right now who have UFL, USFL, or XFL on their resumes.
eraged more than 30 points in each of the last two seasons. Only Luka Doncic of Slovenia (No. 3 on the CBS Top 100 list) and Giannis Antetokounmpo of Greece (No. 2 on the list) outscored Gilgeous-Alexander last season. (No. 1 on the Top 100 list, by the way, is Denver’s Nikola Jokic of Serbia.) The Canadian guard also led the NBA in steals, averaging 2.0 per game.
The CBS.com story about the Top 100 players says Gilgeous-Alexander “led the NBA in drives for the fourth straight season in 2023-24, and, with improved spacing around him, opponents had an even tougher time disrupting his funky rhythm.”
“No disrespect to those who aren’t star players, but growing up, I idolized Kobe Bryant, the cornerstone of the Lakers; LeBron James, the bedrock of the Cavaliers; and Allen Iverson, the linchpin for the 76ers,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the footboom.com website. “These were the players who left an indelible mark while I watched basketball. These are the guys you aspire to emulate and draw inspiration from. Indirectly, (general manager Sam Presti) has granted me that chance to step into a similar role.”
The Thunder made a couple of key acquisitions during the offseason and Sportsnet’s Michael Grange says the Canadian national team star “will have a platform like he’s never had before, likely an MVP award to go with it and — given the Thunder’s relative youth and roster flexibility — the possibility that this is only the start.”
Meanwhile, Canadian fans of the NBA may have a hard time getting excited about the Toronto Raptors, who are in a rebuilding phase and destined to miss the playoffs. But with the exploits of Gilgeous-Alexander, fans north of the border have a homegrown superstar to cheer for.
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Cleveland has one of the six NFL teams without a cheerleading squad. Inside sources say this may change if the Browns do something to cheer about.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “Wayne Gretzky used to say you miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take. Unless you’re Bronny James, then you miss 100 per cent of the shots you do take.”
• Headline at fark.com: “These two crazy Brits have played more than 1,000 mini golf courses. What completely useless thing have you done lately?”
• Steve Simmons in the Toronto Sun: “I love the Gregg Popovich line to his hopefuls at his training camp in San Antonio: ‘It’s your job as a player to make me play you. Don’t be a victim.’”
• Another one from Torben Rolfsen: “BC Lions are waiting to see if they’re going to Regina or Winnipeg for the CFL West semi-final. Very important to know for packing. You know, sweaters, mosquito netting, black flies.”
• Jack Finarelli at sportscurmudgeon.com: “Cleveland Browns: When your starting QB goes out for the year and many folks believe that is a positive occurrence for your team, that team is incompetent.”
• Another one from Finarelli, writing about the Canadian Football League: “Unlike the U.S, folks in Canada have a sense of geography. Not a single team in the East Division is further west than any team in the West Division. Amazing!”
• Another fark.com offering; “The NY Jets can’t buy a touchdown, heading for a 2-15 season. Jets’ execs: Better raise prices.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
It’s a lot. And those guys wouldn’t be playing football without those leagues.
At one point after the COVID-19 pandemic, the XFL and CFL were discussing some kind of partnership, but it wasn’t specified whether it was a merger or just a partnership. Those talks ended in 2022, with the CFL moving forward with its season and the XFL playing in 2023, eventually merging with the USFL to become the UFL. Both leagues have had a cross-over with players in both leagues, with the biggest example being Montreal Alouettes linebacker Darnell Sankey winning an XFL title with the Arlington Renegades and now starting for Montreal.
Do you know what most players love about the CFL? Fans, history, record books. It’s a more meaningful league to play in than it is when playing in a league where, in some cases, there are almost no fans. There’s no question there’s a certain type of players those leagues are better for.
From 1993 through 1995, the CFL had seven Amer-
ican teams that played during that span, as the Baltimore Stallions were the only team from America to win a Grey Cup. The CFL abandoned the U.S. format and went back to just Canadian teams due to financial issues.
If the CFL stuck with a potential U.S. team not having to follow the seven Canadian starter quotas, in many football experts’ eyes the level of competition between Americans and Canadians are close
I mean, just look at the number of Canadians playing in NCAA football. There were 37 Canadians under contract in the NFL in early July. The talent level of Canadians is so much higher than it was 30 years ago. Some teams that required seven Canadian starters going up against all-American rosters, but of course, not NFL talent level. I don’t think we would have a competitive issue with that.
But before looking south, the CFL needs to look North of the 49th for a 10th team in Canada. Enjoy the CUP in two weeks.
Bill Mitchell from Monitor served in WWII
BY JOAN JANZEN
William Mitchell from Monitor, Alberta served as an airplane mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. According to information from the history book, A Treasure of Memories - Vol. II, Bill had attended SAIT in Calgary where he earned his mechanic certificate before purchasing Horsch’s garage in Monitor. At that time he and his wife Ruth had one son, Jackie.
Bill had immigrated to Monitor, Canada from Cumbria, England along with his family when he was eight years of age. After being discharged from the Air Force, he learned of the need for a John Deere Agency in Monitor, and started a successful business.
Bill and Ruth Mitchell with their son,
served as a n airplane mechanic in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII.
WILLIAM JOSEPH CICON
Lance Sergeant
Royal Canadian Infantry
Cereal, Alberta
Died: April 11, 1947
World War II 1939-1945
WILLIAM ROBERT ERSKINE
Private Army
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Apr 9,1917
Commemorated at Bois-Carre British Cemetery, France
Oyen RCMP looking to keep pedestrians safe this winter
BY SGT. MIKE BROWN Detachment Commander Oyen RCMP
As the winter months approach and the days grow shorter, staying safe as a pedestrian becomes even more important. Reduced visibility, icy sidewalks, and snow-covered streets can increase the risks for those walking near traffic.
Star War Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, French and Germany Star, Commonwealth War Dead.
William Robert Erskine was born September 11, 1884 at London, England. He moved to Canada in 1903. Married and a farmer by trade, Erskine first farmed at Saskatchewan before homesteading at Oyen, Alberta where he enlisted April 7, 1916. On April 9, 1917, Private Erskine died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and is commemorated at Bois-Carre British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France and on the Dulwich College War Memorial, London, England. He was 32 years old.
Oyen RCMP emphasizes the importance of pedestrian safety and offers the following tips to help ensure individuals remain safe while navigating this winter’s slippery streets:
• Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase your visibility to drivers.
• Carry a flashlight or use your phone’s light when walking after dark.
• Always walk facing traffic when sidewalks are not available.
• Avoid distractions like using your phone or wearing headphones while crossing streets.
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a crosswalk to ensure they see you.
• Use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals, even if no vehicles appear to be around.
• Take extra care in icy or snowy conditions, and allow more time to cross streets.
• Wear shoes with good traction to reduce the risk of slipping.
• Stay alert for turning vehicles, even when you have the right of way.
For more tips on how you can stay safe as a pedestrian this winter, follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
Jackie. Bill
BUFFALO
Turkey Shoot raffle prize winners announced
BY LORRAINE MONKMAN
As I write this, the month of October is fading into the history books.
I am pleased to report the winners of raffle prizes at the Buffalo Fire Club Turkey Shoot. The first prize was a Traegar smoker won by Rylee Hewitt of Buffalo. Second prize was the Yeti Cooler full of all kinds of wonderful drinks was won by Brent Gibson of Acadia Valley. The lucky winner
“As
not to utter words, but to live by them.“
John F. Kennedy
Private Army
Acadia Valley, Alberta
Died: Jun 3,1916
Samuel “Tiny” Henry Lemon was born May 24, 1877 at Mappowder, Dorset, England, where his father served as Rector of Mappowder. A veteran of the Anglo Boer War in South Africa, Lemon came to Canada following the war and settling near Vandyne in the Acadia Valley of southern Alberta. Lemon died while fighting at Sanctuary Wood during the Battle of Mont Sorrel. Missing in action, Lemon is commemorated on the Menin Gate (Ypres) Memorial, Belgium. He was 39 years old.
of the third prize, a table top smoker was Ross White of Jenner.
A new game was introduced this year. Gail Andrus and Bob Thompson grew a great big pumpkin in their garden. It provided entertainment and serious thinking as contestants guessed its weight. Winner of the 50/50 game was Ross White. Congratulations to all the winners and be assured the club sincerely appreciates your support. Proceeds from this event will be
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Feb 22,1945
Lloyd Morley Anderson of Oyen, Alberta served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders (RCIC) as a Private during the Second World War. On June 6, 1944, they landed in Normandy as part of the 9th Infantry Brigade and continued to fight in North-West Europe until the end of the War. Private Anderson died on February 22, 1945 and is commemorated in the Groesbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands. He was 26 years old.
donated to HALO, the air ambulance service from Medicine Hat that serves this area.
The Buffalo Ladies club Turkey Supper is set for Wednesday, November 6 at the hall at 6 p.m. See posters for admission. There will be raffle bucket draws. We hope to see you there.
See the “Coming Events” column of the Echo for other dates in December.
HORNETT
Private Army
New Brigden, Alberta
Died: March 28, 1917
Commemorated at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, France.
FRANCIS
HIGHMOOR
Sergeant
Royal Canadian Air Force
Empress, Alberta
Died: August 4, 1942
Commemorated at Dunure Cemetery, United Kingdom
Signalman
Army
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Jan 17,1945
Signalman Thomas Alexander Walker Reid died of an accidental gunshot wound and is commemorated at Gradara War Cemetery, Italy. He was 22 years old. Citation(s): 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
LLOYD MORLEY ANDERSON
THOMAS ALEXANDER WALKER REID
ALFRED ERNEST
SAMUEL HENRY LEMON
Lorraine Monkman
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Residents enjoy Halloween party
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. The month of October seemed to go very fast. The weather is getting a bit cooler as we move into November.
It was a busy week at the Lodge. Monday, Personal Touch Clothing and Avon were at the Lodge from 11:00-3:00. There was also a mini bake sale—happy Birthday to Erin Van Koughnett on October 28th.
Tuesday was the regular bus runs downtown followed by decorating for Halloween. Tuesday afternoon the residents bagged candy for Halloween. Gloria had a resident meeting to discuss new business, upcoming events and residents’ concerns.
Wednesday was exercises, followed by Halloween crafts. In the afternoon there were shuffleboard games. Thursday morning was crossword games, followed by more decorating and baking. Thursday afternoon was a Halloween party. Lisa Gould and Clark Huston played music. Lisa, who is from Consort, played the
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard among the guns below.“
John McCrae
violin, which was a great duo with Clark. The music was delightful. The residents then handed out candy for Halloween and loved to see the variety of costumes. Friday morning, there were exercises, followed by horse races. In the afternoon, there was bingo.
The Lodge would like to welcome a new resident, Sandra Woytkiw.
Ralph and Marvel Jorgenson have had their daughters Rita Dillabough, Alyss Doyle and Vera Jorgenson Haaf visiting over the last few weeks. Jean Olds was visiting her son in Ferintosh, and her sister in Camrose. It was a nice little getaway before winter. Sandi Jamieson was also away visiting her daughter Nicole in Kitchener, Ontario, and her son Matt in London, Ontario. She had a wonderful two weeks visiting family and enjoying the sites of Ontario.
Alberta Clothing will be at the Lodge on Wednesday, November 6th, from 10:00-2:00.
Happy Birthday to Ken Mick on November 2nd. Have a wonderful week everyone.
OYEN LODGE REPORT
Dianne Spath
PHOTOS BY DIANNE SPATH
I
“Having
and includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
Connect Care in more sites, programs in Alberta
Last week, Alberta Health Services (AHS) completed the ninth and final launch of Connect Care, bringing more than 11,000 additional staff and physicians at 155 AHS and AHS-partner sites and locations, onto the common provincial information system.
AHS has led the way in Canada with Connect Care as the only health authority in the country with a provincewide clinical information system. In addition to this, AHS has the lowest cost per user to operate the system when compared to other clients of the software vendor, Epic Systems, who are of a similar scale to AHS. Connect Care gives healthcare providers more tools to support their patients at almost half the cost per user of the systems AHS had previously in place. It also supports the desire of Albertans to have access to their health information.
With Launch 9, Connect Care is in place across all AHS and AHS partner programs, services and sites in Alberta. This launch includes:
• Community Care and Home Care programs and services in Edmonton, North, Calgary, Central and South zones.
• Population Public Health sites across Calgary, Edmonton, Central and North zones.
• Health Link’s 13 provincial programs.
• Community ambulatory clinics in North, Edmonton, Calgary and South zones, and Bone and Joint clinics in Calgary, Central and Edmonton zones.
• Recovery Alberta’s 10 Correctional Health Services facilities across all five zones.
• 12 CapitalCare facilities and five Covenant Health sites in the Edmonton Zone.
FRED SCOTT MARTIN
Warrant Officer Class I
Royal Canadian Air Force
Oyen, Alberta
Died: Sep 24,1944
Commemorated at Malta Memorial, Malta
With Launch 9, there are now more than 125,000 staff, physicians and other healthcare providers using Connect Care to improve care for patients, in more than 1,000 sites and programs across all five AHS zones.
“Today marks an impressive milestone for AHS,” says AHS President and CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos.
“Health information across all AHS programs and services and with our partners is now integrated, so front-line healthcare workers, physicians and patients have shared information that gives the whole healthcare team a more complete health history for patients, access to consistent information on best practices and resources at their fingertips, while improving our ability to keep information private and secure.”
The switch over to Connect Care went as planned as teams at these locations transitioned to the new information system at 5 a.m. today.
“This launch marks the ninth rollout of Connect Care over five years. It has been an incredible effort that helps AHS physicians and other healthcare providers do their best possible work.
By having a common clinical information system, care teams across AHS and our partners have access to a patient’s complex histories and medication lists, with information that travels with the patient wherever Connect Care is in place,” says Dr. Peter Jamieson, Vice President, Quality, and Chief Medical Officer. “It has improved how we care for patients and clients across the province.”
All launches to date have included plans to ensure care is not compromised during the transition. Patients may see care teams taking a little extra time to complete their charting and other tasks during launch as they adjust to these improvements.
The initiative supports best practices across AHS, and enables health records from AHS, and its subsidiaries and partners to be accessed through one system. It also provides clinicians with common decision-making support. Through Alberta’s MyHealth Records, Albertans have access to MyAHS Connect, an online patient portal where people can see their health information, test results and medications; manage appointments; and communicate securely with their AHS healthcare team.
“The scale of Connect Care makes it one of the largest clinical system implementations in the world,” adds Sean Chilton, AHS Interim Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Operations and EMS.
“Right from the onset of planning over a decade ago, patients, physicians, nurses, midwives, other front-line staff, technical teams, and patient and family advisors have been instrumental in designing the clinical information system for Connect Care. We could not have gotten to this final launch without their support and input every step of the way.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
We will always remember
WORLD WAR I
Private Irving J. Chapple
Private Robert Thompson Coates
Corporal Percy Cyril Dodridge
Driver Robert Erskine
Private Charles French
Private William John Green
Private Charles Holland
Private Alfred Ernest Hornett
Private Francis Lehman Morley
Private Norman Neil Rutherford
Corporal Harold Edwin Statia
Lieutenant Gerge Herbert Scott
Private Henry Scott
Lance Corporal Emery Ralph Steen
OYEN BRIEFS
WORLD WAR II
Private Lloyd Morley Anderson
Flying Officer Harold Calven Austen
Sergeant William John Cunningham
Lieutenant David Elwyn Edwards
Sergeant Arthur William Ellis
Sergeant Arthur Leslie Evens
Flying Officer Arthur Francis Garnsey
Hughes
Pilot Office Thomas Bentley Lowe
Warrant Officer Class I Fred Scott Martin
Sergeant Thomas Irving May
Private Emerson Emmet McGhee
Flying Officer Donald Hugh McKay
Flight Sergeant Homer Ejner Petersen
Branch #208 raffle winners announced
BY DIANA WALKER
Branch #208 announced the winners of their October 16 raffle.
1st Prize: George Munro – ($5,000 value) $3,000 travel voucher, $1,000 cash, $1,000 Tavel Bag fully stocked.
2nd Prize: Kennon Volk – ($4,000 value) –Outdoor Package includes $1,000 of Adult Refreshments, Patio Furniture and Accessories.
3rd Prize: Ken Flemmer – ($3,000 value) – Wine Package includes Fully Stocked Wine Rack & Accessories
5th Prize: Tyson Smigelski – ($1,000 value) –Cutco Knife Set
Goblins must have been playing tricks on Lanfine Rural Electrification customers October 31. The power went off just after 12 pm. My Generac kicked in, my lights and TV popped back on but my washing machine expelled the water only half way through the cycle. I called ATCO who advised me to reset the plunger at the pole. By the time I got out there the Generac had shut off and the power was back on. No explanation!
you know what happens at the Oyen & District Food Bank at Christmas time?
BY IMOGENE HAUCK
We send out a second hamper marked CHRISTMAS.
We know that Christmas time can be a challenge to those on fixed incomes, farmers who had a bad crop and are waiting for insurance or those waiting on contracts for the grain they have grown. Also, our regular clients have a very hard time feeding themselves and their families all year round.
In these hampers are a Christmas Breakfast and a ham or turkey meal. This includes buns, fresh vegetables, potatoes and eggs.
They also get a hygiene package in-
DONALD IAN CRUICKSHANK
Flying Officer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Cereal, Alberta
Died: March 14, 1944
Commemorated at Singapore Memorial, Singapore
cluding toothpaste, tooth brush, soap, deodorant and what ever else we have on the shelf at the time.
Finally, we have a Christmas present for everyone. We get toques, gloves, socks, toys, and small men’s gifts like a deck of cards, etc.
This is our most expensive hamper but Santa has to go to all.
I’m thanking everyone who donated money, food and gift items so that we can carry on doing a good thing.
Thanks to all volunteers who work all year round and all the help received from the two grocery stores that help with ordering my grocery supplies.
WILLIAM GLENN ARMSTRONG Private Army
Buffalo, Alberta
Died: September 27, 1918
Commemorated at Haynecourt British Cemetery, France
Babe (H.E.) Howard from Monitor served in WWII
BY JOAN JANZEN
Howard Everett (Babe) Howard from Monitor, Alberta served in WWII. According to information from the history book A Treasure of Memories Vol. II, Babe immigrated to Monitor, Alberta with his parents. After several years the family moved to Kirriemuir, where he worked after finishing his school years.
Babe and Marie Dore were married in 1935. Babe had been working for a farmer in Monitor for five years when WWII broke out and he enlisted. He served until 1945 and spent part of that time in Italy where he drove one of the trucks that pulled the anti-artillery guns.
Babe was actively involved in the Provost Canadian Legion, and passed away in 1961.
Babe (H.E.) Howard from Monitor, Alberta served in WWII until 1945, spending part of that time driving a truck that pulled the anti-artillery guns.
DONALD JOHN CHARLES CROFTS
Private Army
Sedalia, Alberta
Died: June 8, 1944
Commemorated at Beny-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery in Calvados, France.
BBQ,
Diana Walker
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
FICTION:
The Boyfriend / by: Freida McFadden
Daydream / by: Hannah Grace
Dungeon Crawler Carl : a Novel / by: Matt Dinniman
Hampton Heights : A harrowing night in a Milwaukee haunted neighbourhood / by: Kan Kois
Honoring Christmas : An Amish Historical Romance / by: Linda Byler
Kiss Me at Christmas / by: Jenny Bayliss Long Shadows / by: David Baldacci
A Secret Splendor / by: Sandra Brown
The Secret War of Julia Child : A Novel / by: Diana R. Chambers
JUVENILE FICTION:
The Chronicles of Viktor Valentine / by: Z. Brewer
When We Flew Away : a Novel of Anne Frank before the Diary / by: Alice Hoffman
YOUNG ADULT FICTION:
If Anything Happens to Me / by: Luanne Rice
CHILDREN’S BOOKS: Peppa and the Christmas Elf
NON-FICTION:
Feeling Great : The Revolutionary new
treatment for Depression and Anxiety / by: David D. Burns
The Gnomes of Grimblewood : Knitting mischief / by: Sarah Schira
How To Winter : Harnessing your mindset / by: Kari Leibowitz
PERIODICALS:
People Magazine
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.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you might be thinking of changes you can make to improve your health and protect the health of your baby. Most women have heard that tobacco and nicotine aren’t good for them or their baby. The best time to stop using tobacco and tobacco-like products is before you become pregnant, however, anytime you stop is good for your health. And what’s good for you is good for your baby. Keep in mind that the earlier you quit, the better it will be for both of you.
It’s so important to take good care of your health before, during and after your pregnancy. There are benefits for you and your baby, no matter how long you may have smoked. You will likely have a healthier pregnancy, a better chance for a safe delivery and a healthier baby. You may even have more energy to go through the pregnancy and to care for your new baby. And don’t forget the extra money you will save.
When you stop using tobacco, you can help your baby have a healthier start in life. Your baby will have a better chance of being born full-term and will be at less risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), breathing problems like asthma, ear infections, behaviour problems, learning problems and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
If your partner or family members smoke or vape, ask for their support. Maybe they are willing to quit with you. Quitting can be easier if you support
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QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans with the tools they need to quit using tobacco.
each other. If your partner or family isn’t ready, ask them to smoke outside in areas away from children and away from you.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor or health care provider about what types of quit methods are best for you, especially if you are considering using nicotine replacement therapies.
You don’t have to do this alone. Make sure to ask for support and advice from your doctor or health care professional.
There are many resources and supports available to help you quit successfully. Quit Core is a free group program, run by trained leaders, where you will find peer support and learn strategies to help you quit and stay quit. You will get help to design a quit plan that works best for you.
Quit Core virtual groups are offered regularly. In-person groups may also be available close to home. Visit albertaquits.ca or call 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) for dates and locations. There is no fee, but you must pre-register. Each step, big or small, towards a healthier lifestyle is beneficial to you and your family. Take the first step!
Rita Aman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services.
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
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WANTED
CASH FOR COIN COLLECTIONS & COIN ACCUMULATION’S!
Phone: 403-664-3637 or 1-888-660-3637
REMEMBRANCE DAY
November 11, 2024
Honouring our Veterans 403-664-3511
201 Main St., Oyen, AB
Never Forget Always Remember
War and daily life
BY BERNIE KREWSKI
The word “remembrance” means present consciousness of a past event. It can unexpectedly and paradoxically bring forth beneficial memories, those that are disturbing, or a combination of both. This may explain why it took more than a decade in the aftermath of World War I to formally establish Remembrance Day as an honourable act of commemoration in Canada.
Beginning in 1923, “Armistice Day” (marking the official end of WWI) and “Thanksgiving Day” were celebrated simultaneously. Not until 1931 was November 11 independently and permanently established as “Remembrance Day.” Memories of war, we now know, often take time to become incorporated and rooted into the fabric of our society and daily lives.
The first publicly documented expression of remembering WWI in this community was a news item, coincidently, a century ago. Editor Charles Dunford wrote this in The Oyen News on October 14, 1924: “Wear a poppy on Armistice Day in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War.”
tional or civil war being fought somewhere. Ironically, Professor Overy begins his story in 1931 when Canada’s Parliament was finalizing a date to remember the deaths of 60,000 Canadian solders. In that year the League of Nations (forerunner to the United Nations) was pursuing an unusual initiative. It offered Albert Einstein, one of the world’s most influential scientists and an ardent pacifist, the opportunity to connect with another prominent figure on a subject of his choice. Einstein chose to engage with psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud with this question: “Is there a way of delivering mankind from the menace of war?”
Freud’s response offered Einstein little reassurance. Freud said every human possesses a “death drive” –the impulse and drive toward death and destruction, often expressed through behaviours such as extreme aggression and self-destructiveness. Even as people become more civilized and educated, Freud argued, we remain prone to descend into primitive violence.
Like most people of my generation, I grew up in my youth thinking of “poppies, Flanders Field, and the loss of soldiers on the battlefields.”
The occasion of my birth less than three months before Canada declared war on September 10, 1939, was of no great significance to me. My much older brother Frank sending airmail letters and postcards from Europe and not returning to Canada until March 1946 was simply a fact of life in my childhood. So was brother Stan training as a navigator in various stations in Canada and coming home on leave in an RCAF uniform.
The sounds of CBC broadcasts from Europe on our battery-operated radio in Alsask were nonetheless memorable. Reporters like Matthew Halton, raised in Pincher Creek Alberta, offered lessons in geography – “Berlin, Brussels, Prague” - before I started school, as Ken McGoogan describes in “Shadows of Tyranny” (2024). Quiet conversations between my parents expressed concerns about their ancestral roots in what historian Timothy Snyder calls the “Bloodlands of Europe” (2010).
An awakening came when I was unpredictably drawn towards historical studies at the University of Alberta. Then I encountered the “Wars of Religion” waged in Europe during the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries and military conflict elsewhere - and seemingly everywhere. What happened, I wondered, to the Biblical lessons: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God?” (Matthew 5:9).
More intense studies of the Holocaust in Germany and later the Vietnam War, disrupting my graduate studies in American history, raised more profound questions why nations go to war.
Margaret MacMillan is a highly esteemed Canadian scholar. In “War: How Conflict Shaped Us” (2020), she examines the role of war in shaping the behaviour of Canadians. Her writing interprets my life story.
British military historian Richard Overy goes further and deeper in addressing this complex subject in his new book, “Why War?” (2024), noting there was not one year in the 20th century without an interna-
Overy explores the history of war from two perspectives. Part 1 is a review of the scientific literaturebiology, psychology, anthropology, and ecology. Part 2 focuses on human agency and mankind creating cultures that sustain and exalt warfare through belief (e.g. religion), power, competition for resources, and the need for security.
Biology was the first science to tackle the question of why humans make war, often associated with Charles Darwin’s theories and the concept of “survival of the fittest.” However, this was far from Darwin’s scientific interest in evolution.
Psychological factors may come into play due to the in-group-out group phenomenon and identifying a hateful “enemy.” In these instances, the “in group” dehumanizes the “out group,” persuading themselves to commit acts of violence without feeling any guilt.
Anthropologists for half a century argued prehistoric societies were peaceful. That is, until the 1960s when four areas of evidence tipped the balance: skeletal trauma from innumerable massacre sites, cave drawings, fortified sites, and massive collections of weaponry. An example is Crow Creek in South Dakota where a mass burial of 415 identifiable skeletons from the 14th century reveals that 89% has been scalped and nearly half of one hundred skulls had stone-axe injuries.
“Ecology,” a term coined in the 1860s, is the study of relationships between living things and their environment - climate change, droughts, harsh winters, and acquiring food necessary for survival. Professor Overy found, for example, that 453 phases of extremely cold weather in China produced a total of 603 wars, but that 459 years of warmer climate led to only 296 wars. Human populations can outgrow the land required to support them. Hitler’s expansion into Poland and Eastern Europe called Lebensraum, triggering WWII, conveys that story.
Patterns of recent human behaviour reveal how wars arise from competition for Resources (oil and the Gulf Wars), Beliefs (jihad), Power (Putin & Ukraine), and Security (Palestine & Israel).
Richard Overy’s basic conclusion is there is no single straightforward cause for wars to occur. What is undeniably constant from earliest times is that human groups resort to collective, lethal violence against other groups when prompted by ambition, fear, need, or prejudice.
Desires for peace, I believe, need to be strengthened. “Lest We Forget!”
Bernie Krewski
GORDON HENRY
PYBUS
Lieutenant Army
Empress, Alberta
Died: Decembermber 24, 1943
Commemorated at Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy
JAMES RICHARD WALKER
Flying Officer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Cereal, Alberta
Died: November 16, 1940
Commemorated at Runnymede Memorial, England
THOMAS IRVING
MAY
Flight Sergeant Air Force
Sibbald, Alberta
Died: January 22, 1942
Commemorated at Maidstone Cemetery; Kent, United Kingdom
SAMUEL HENRY
JAMES PEARCE
Flying Officer
Royal Canadian Air Force
Empress, Alberta
Died: December 18, 1944
Commemorated at Leopoldsburg War Cemetery, Belgium
Preparation, swift response define wildfire season
Through effective investments, including a historic $155-million wildfire base budget, Alberta’s government ensured the province was prepared to respond throughout the 2024 wildfire season. In anticipation of the wildfire season, Alberta’s government recruited 100 additional wildland firefighters and an additional 40 contract wildland firefighters – in addition to securing more airtankers, heavy equipment, and helicopters equipped with night vision technology. As a result of this preparation, front-line crews were able to respond quickly and fight fires around the clock, containing 85 per cent of wildfires within 24 hours of detection.
“While the 2024 wildfire season was challenging, our coordinated efforts and the resilience of Albertans have been crucial in mitigating the impact. We will continue to adapt and strengthen our wildfire management strategies to protect our communities and natural resources.”
Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
“This wildfire season has tested our resolve, especially in areas like Fox Lake and Jasper. The coordinated efforts of our firefighters and support teams were instrumental in protecting our communities. We will build on this experience to continue to improve response strategies and initiate new strategies to ensure the safety of all Albertans.”
Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead
The 2024 wildfire season began earlier than usual, with 64 carryover wildfires stemming from a mild winter and extremely dry conditions. In response to this elevated danger, Alberta’s government activated an early start to the wildfire season on February 20, 2024, implementing a fire ban and fire permit system to prevent additional human-caused wildfires.
Despite significant challenges, including large wildfires near Jasper that led to evacuations and the tragic loss of an Alberta wildland firefighter, as well as the loss of homes and businesses in the community, Alberta Wildfire demonstrated remarkable coordination, offering immediate aid and resources to Parks Canada, including support personnel, firefighters, aircraft and equipment.
While supporting the Jasper response led by Parks Canada, Alberta Wildfire crews continued to tackle substantial wildfires throughout the province, deploying personnel, aircraft and equipment to combat wildfires and assist impacted communities. Throughout the season, residents of Garden River, John D’Or Prairie, Fox Lake in the Little Red River Cree Nation, and the Chipewyan Cree Nation were also evacuated. Additionally, an area near Peace River and four neighborhoods in Fort McMurray faced short-term evacuations due to wildfires.
“In the wake of the heartbreaking loss from the Jasper wildfire, we are reminded of the strength found in collaboration – with each other and among all orders of government. We are reminded also of the compelling need to invest to-
gether in training, preparation, mitigation and adaptation, ensuring that we not only respond effectively, but that we also build a more resilient future.”
Richard Ireland, mayor, Town of Jasper
“The 2024 wildfire season underscored the importance of early planning and preparation. Investments in people, resources and new technology proved invaluable in our response efforts.”
Trevor Lamabe, executive director Wildfire Management Branch
During the 2024 wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires in the Forest Protection Area, exceeding last year’s record-breaking total. While the number of fires in 2024 exceeded the total number of fires in 2023, wildfires this season burned less than a third of the area compared with 2023, underscoring the effectiveness of Alberta’s preparation and investments.
Although Oct. 31 marks the end of Alberta’s wildfire season, Alberta Wildfire remains vigilant and ready to respond to any potential wildfires across the province.
Quick Facts
• Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires this year with more than 705,000 hectares burned.
• In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
• Alberta Wildfire had almost 1,900 firefighters, contractors and support staff working on Alberta’s provincial response.
• Alberta Wildfire also received assistance from other agencies with more than 1,300 firefighters and support staff arriving from around the world to assist.
• While most wildfires were caused by people, we had 410 lightning-caused wildfires in July, the highest number in 20-years.
Aerial view of wildfires near Fox Lake and Garden River in July.
Chronic pain, disease management workshops available
LETHBRIDGE – Individuals living with chronic pain, chronic disease symptoms and/or supporting someone with a long-term health condition(s) are invited to join a free virtual workshop next month designed to help them take control of their health.
Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week series of workshops designed to support Albertans who are living with chronic pain and/or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, depression or weight management concerns.
• Workshops focusing on chronic pain self-management run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays starting Nov. 12 over Zoom
• Workshops focusing on chronic disease self-management run from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on six consecutive Wednesdays starting Nov. 13 over Zoom. Residents can register by calling 403-529-8969 or toll-free at 1-866-795-9709.
Better Choices, Better Health workshop sessions are led by trained volunteer leaders, many of whom live with a chronic health condition. This approach ensures an understanding of the challenges participants face, and provides a supportive and welcoming environment.
ACADIA VALLEY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
• Acadia Valley Christmas Market 3:00-7:00 PM. Supper 5:00-7:00 PM. 23 vendors. Cold ham plate supper provided by Pat’s Kitchen.
ALSASK
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
• Alsask Lioness Christmas Craft and Trade Show 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the Alsask Community Hall (Main Street). Admission: $5. Door Prizes, Coffee, Tea, Dessert and Shopping! Tables available for $20. Contact Lorraine Wilke. Everyone welcome!
BUFFALO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
• Buffalo Ladies Club Turkey Supper at the hall 6:00 PM.
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.
Because those living with ongoing health conditions are often faced with the same day-to-day challenges, Better Choices, Better Health focuses on teaching tools and techniques common to all chronic conditions. Participants will learn:
• Techniques to manage their symptoms.
• Tips for healthy eating and becoming more active.
• Strategies for talking with healthcare teams.
• Methods for dealing with difficult emotions.
• Options for making everyday tasks easier.
• Ways to take care of themselves to enjoy a better quality of life.
Interested participants require access to a device (computer, tablet or smartphone) that connects to the Internet, and has both a camera and microphone.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
- 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
- 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
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:0PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth at 403 664 2462 for more information.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
• Remembrance Day Service 10:30 AM Sharp at the Acadia #208 Oyen Legion Hall. Potluck lunch to follow.
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.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
• Christmas Supper at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00 PM. Entertainment to follow. Supper sponsored by Oyen and District Seniors Association. Purchase tickets in advance from Jessie Battrum 403-664-2515.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20 membership for the year or $5
drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-6648688.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Drop in Pickleball Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM at South Central High School - 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.
