Exploring irrigation possibilities in Alberta
Memorandum of understanding reached to assess the technical and financial feasibility of developing irrigation in east-central Alberta.
Irrigation has the potential to improve entire landscapes, communities and agricultural operations, bringing much-needed water to areas that need it. On top of providing crop, livestock and food processing operations with water, it also supplies municipalities, recreational areas, wetlands and wildlife habitats.
With that in mind, Agriculture and Forestry, through its Agri-Food Sector Investment and Growth Strategy, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), the Special Areas Board (SAB) and the MD of Acadia, have reached a memorandum of understanding to assess the technical and financial feasibility of developing irrigation in east-central Alberta.
For the MD of Acadia and the SAB, this feasibility study is the next step in work that has been underway since the ‘80s. Together, the Special Areas and the MD of Acadia cover over 5 million acres of land between Red Deer and the Saskatchewan border.
‘Alberta has a well-earned reputation for high-quality crops and livestock, much of which is grown in east-central Alberta. This feasibility study will help us determine if expanding irrigation is possible, which could lead to even more production in our province’, says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and
Forestry.
‘The Council and staff of the MD of Acadia are excited to be partnering with the Special Areas, Alberta Agriculture, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to investigate regional irrigation development opportunities. Irrigation would bring major economic benefits to our whole region, and to producers in it and would increase water security while enhancing recreational opportunities,’ says Peter Rafa, Reeve of the MD of Acadia.
‘Securing a reliable supply of water is critical to creating new opportunities in the Special Areas region, from increasing crop and cattle production to mitigating environmental challenges resulting from drought and climate change. This partnership will allow our region to look at how we can develop and expand irrigation in a financially feasible way,’ says Jordon Christianson, chair of the Special Areas Board.
The irrigation industry creates thousands of jobs and contributes billions every year to Alberta’s agri-food gross domestic product.
Last fall, the Alberta Government, together with the CIB and 8 irrigation districts, announced a historic $815-million investment in irrigation expansion and modernization.
Sign of the times: T & D Market Fresh Foods was putting up their new signage on Friday afternoon. | PHOTO BY SHERI MONK
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Our house: a home and an investment
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
The joke goes like this ... “I was going to open a business renting out blow up bouncy castles, but I’ve heard that the federal government doesn’t like it when you inflate your assets.”
Whether you call it your castle, or your home, home owners in Canada are relieved they do not need to pay tax on the sale of their principal residence. Which is why the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) asked the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) about claims that they have invested $250,000 in federal home eq-
uity tax research. Although they denied such claims, CTF has documents that help further explain the research.
They clarified that “a home equity tax is not the focus of the housing research,” but also said, “The objective is to identify solutions that could level the playing field between renters and owners.”
Tim Hudak, of the Ontario Real Estate Association wrote an editorial last summer saying, “While the CMHC back pedalled from a home equity tax, they were clear that their goal is to make home ownership less attractive. Their research partner has been leading the
charge for higher taxes on home ownership to make owning more equivalent to renting.”
There are reasons why Canadians choose to purchase a home rather than rent. According to CTF, a home equity tax would leave home owners with less funds to purchase another home and would be devastating for home owners who were planning to use money from the sale of their home to finance their retirement. A capital gain could also put home owners into a higher tax bracket. More recent and more indebted home buyers would be hit hard by a general drop in house prices. In fact anyone who hasn’t yet sold their home would receive a double hit in the form of a tax and the devaluation of their property.
The CMHC stated that the initiative hopes to address the question, “After COVID, how can we treat housing as a place to call home, rather than an investment vehicle?” But shouldn’t your
personal property be your ‘home’ and an ‘investment’?
An article in the Financial Post made the observation that causing housing to be a less attractive investment is a strange way to make home ownership more accessible.
The final report by CMHC is due in June, at which time the federal government will decide what to do with it. At the end of the day, the equity tax may not be the main focus of the housing research, but the government’s $1 trillion debt provides substantial motivation to pursue it further.
In the mean time it certainly wouldn’t hurt to take a minute to look up and sign the Taxpayer’s Federation petition regarding the equity tax. Canadians need to push back on this so it doesn’t become the main focus.
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By Robert Blagen
Hate and Dissention
I didn’t have a FOOD FOR THOUGHT piece in the paper last week. I guess it was because I had a little too much “Truth” and not enough “Political Correctness,” so the editor thought it was inappropriate to print it. I guess I get a little carried away with my rhetoric and need to tone it down sometimes.
race back on track. Maybe before this worldwide Pandemic is over, people will come to their senses. Most people in the world are not racist or hate other people, but we seem to have a few imbeciles and goons that seem to keep racism and acts of hate at the forefront of the news every day, and they make the whole country look bad!
Editor’s Note: I did make the decision not to run Mr. Blagen’s “Food For Thought” column last week as I found it in poor taste. As always, differing opinions are welcome, but we must adhere to editorial guidelines. I have a business to run and as a printed publication with my name on it, I will not subject myself to liability. - Kate Winquist
There has been hate in the world forever, but it seems to be more prevalent lately. Everyone seems to hate something or someone. Maybe they even hate themselves. Some people hate statues or names of schools or streets and towns and even mountains. Now they want to do away with Dr. Seuss’s books, and Pluto and Dumbo and even little stinky Pepe’ Le Pew. I guess they will have to disappear like popular old Aunt Jemima. I think the human train jumped the rail a long time ago because we have had many genocides in the world. The Third World Countries all seem to have Civil Wars going on, and even so-called civilized countries seem to be divided. I don’t know what it will take to get the human
Oyen Weekly Briefs
BY DIANA WALKER fwalker1@telus.net
Canadian flags around Oyen are flying at half staff honouring the life of Prince Philip, 99, who died April 9, 2021. He and Queen Elizabeth had made more than 70 appearances in Canada between 1950 and 2013.
Prince Philip’s last visit to Canada was a short one in 2013—without his wife, the Queen—to present a ceremonial flag to the Royal Canadian Regiment’s 3rd Battalion. While here, he picked up the insignias he had been awarded as companion of the Order of Canada and commander of the Order of Military Merit from then Canada’s governor-general David Johnston.
There are three tiers to the Order of Canada—member, Officer and Companion. Former Oyen resident Stan Dragland (featured in the April 6 Echo) was awarded the first level, Prince Philip the third. What an honour to be in that kind of company!
“Being in Stan’s house, writing in his basement with his wife, a publisher, working upstairs, I had a fair idea how hard Stan worked,” says Bernie Krewski in an email to me referring to his and Pat’s trip to St John’s in 2012 to visit Stan and his wife.
“Philip’s work involved travelling through Canada—important but work of a much different kind,” he says.
I received an email from Canada Post saying 22 Medicine Hat and one Strathmore Oyen Echo subscribers did not receive their March 15 issue because of the lack of a street number on the labels. Further investigation will commence.
Two of the Medicine Hat subscribers I reached out said they did not receive March 1 or 8 either however, Canada Post did not explain that. Please let us know if you do not receive issues.
Great news announced on the front page of the Consort Enterprise March 31— Emergency Department Reopening at Consort Hospital, admission to community support beds at Consort also resumed (effective March 29). Hours of operation within the department will return to pre-closure levels.
Patients not requiring emergency care will continue to be directed to contact a physician’s clinic to book an appointment.
These changes not only helped create acute care capacity at other sites that have been able to transfer patients to Consort, but further reduced the risk of potential illness spread between patient populations by creating a single patient group at the site.
Not having COVID-19 positive patients under the same roof as continuing care residents has limited exposure
SPECIAL AREA NO. 3
NOTICE OF DECISION
and potential illness spread to seniors, who remain most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The Emergency Department was temporarily closed last spring as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Interesting story in ECA Review April 1, page 7, by Terri Huxley re Youngstown Greenhouse School of Excellence shows promise.
“A multitude of ideas were introduced to trustees including micro-businesses (selling flowers and vegetables for example), hydroponics, aquaponics, horticulture, solar power, soil testing, beekeeping, tree campaigns, composting, partnerships with local experts including CARA research in Oyen, and creating a local curriculum specifically for the greenhouse.”
Classes could include students from around the world.
“A full business plan will be introduced at the trustees’ next meeting.”
Congratulations to new parents Drew Kuhn and Samantha Callin of Oyen on the arrival of their son Archer Andrew March 9 at Stettler Hospital, weighing 7 pounds 10 ounces. Congratulations also to first-time grandparents Pat and Alice Kuhn of Oyen, Tanis Graham and Darcy West of Hanna, Tim and Sandy Callin of Stettler, and Great-Grandma Linda Miller of Hanna.
Condolences to the McFadyen and Smale families on the death of Grace McFadyen in the Oyen extended care April 14, just one month shy of her 102 birthday.
I need help
NOTE: I have had positive feedback from readers about Oyen Briefs, but I need your help!
If you have club or personal news you would allow me to include in this column please email fwalker1@ telus.net. Especially during COVID shut-ins tell me they look forward to reading history in the making between the Echo pages, but we can’t be everywhere, and some of us do not frequent flyers on Facebook.
Acadia Valley NEWS
April 14, 2021
Reported by Yolanda Kuhn
yakuhn@hotmail.com call or text
The weather was a little cooler this past week. By the time you’re reading this, it should be much warmer. I’m sure the farmers are getting antsy to get in the fields soon.
The Acadia Municipal Library is open for curbside pick up. Call 403-9723744. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
St. Mary’s will have the blessing of the seeds on Sunday, April 18th, during regular mass.
There will be an outdoor come and go shower for Kari-lynn Kukura, (brideelect of Chris Tucker) on Sunday, April 25th, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at 113 2nd Ave. W. (Presley Peacock’s backyard).
There will be a drive-by shower for Rachelle Stasiuk (bride-elect of Kyle Meers) on Sunday, May 2nd, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Acadia Valley Elevator patio.
There’s a town-wide Garage Sale planned for Saturday, May 15th. Contact Chynna Kuhn to register at 403-664-
403-664-0582
8592
The Rec. Club is selling 50/50 tickets again this month. The next draw will be made on May 3rd. You can get your tickets at The Store, Skappak’s Farm Supply or from a Rec. Club member.
Sending well wishes to Betty Benson, who had her last radiation treatment last week.
Sending well wishes to Richard Skappak, who is in the hospital in Medicine Hat after being transported by Halo Air Ambulance last week.
I cannot stress enough how needed and appreciated their service is in our area! To donate, go to www.haloairambulance.com
Thank you to The A.V. Volunteer Fire Department, as they are usually the first to respond in our community.
Thanks for reading this week. I will end with a quote from Regina Brett, “What other people think of you is none of your business.”
Youngstown Communiqué
Reported by Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB • 403-779-3859
News has spread rapidly throughout the World of the passing of 99-year-old Prince Philip. My sympathies to the Royal Family for their loss.
I am pleased to share with everyone that the cafe’ here in town is offering take-out food and patio service if you are game to enjoy the outdoors while dining.
Their new hours of operation are Tues 9:30 to 4:30, Wed- Fri 9:305:30. Closed Sat-Mon. There is quite a buzz in the Community concerning the School of Excellence Greenhouse Project being proposed for our School. The possible learning aspects that could come out of this project are endless and exciting, to say the
least. I am looking forward to hearing more about it in the coming days as more information is made available on its progress. News of late has been pretty slim pickings. If anyone has anything they would like to have included, please contact either Robert at 403-779-3859 or Debbie at 403-779-3802.
Acadia Seed Processing Co-op Ltd. NOTICE
Acadia Seed Processing received an offer to purchase from Prairie Wind Milling. The Board moved to accept the offer, but the sale is pending on a member vote as per Co-op rules. Members may vote by mail-in ballot. 10% response is required for a quorum. For further information on the proposal, contact a board member.
Chairman: Randy Wiechnik 403-664-0297
Secretary: David Sullivan 403-664-0205
Directors: Ashley Wiechnik 403-664-0047
Scott Woods 403-664-1041
Kyle Bitz 403-664-0195
Rob Hoffman 403-664-0509
Corey Berg 403-664-0565
If you hold a share in the Co-op and did not receive a letter in the mail with details and a mail-in ballot, contact Andrea Shields at 403-664-1275 or email: cybercat@netago.ca
Sports with Bruce Penton
Happier days again for Andreescu, Spieth
Everybody loves a good comeback story, and the world of sports has been presented with a couple of good ones in the last few months.
Welcome back, Jordan Spieth. Welcome back, Bianca Andreescu.
It was only last September that this writer distributed a column titled ‘Spieth’s elite golf game has vanished’ and referenced the struggles experienced by the 27-year-old threetime major champion who hadn’t won a title of any kind since the British Open in 2017 and had nearly fallen out of the top 100 in the official world golf rankings.
And Toronto’s Andreescu, the darling of Canadian tennis fans since winning the 2019 Canadian Open and then the U.S.Open by beating the legendary Serena Williams in the final, missed all of 2020 due to injury, fuelling suggestions her career was not only on the downside, but perhaps finished.
But she rebounded in spectacular fashion after being non-competitive for 16 months. After falling in the second round of the Australian Open, Andreescu went to Miami and proceeded to serve and volley
her way into the final. Unfortunately, she suffered an ankle injury mid-match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia and had to forfeit. Still, an ankle injury heals quickly compared to her earlier knee problems and she is pumped to play in this year’s three remaining Grand Slam events, starting with the French Open in June. Andreescu is still only 20 years old, and has moved up to No. 6 in the world, so barring further injuries, her future looks bright indeed.
Spieth, meanwhile, got some swing advice from famed instructor Butch Harmon and in early 2021, he suddenly flipped a switch and started to play like the Spieth of old. He was dreadful from last year’s PGA in August, until the Phoenix Open in February of this year — failing to make the cut five times in 10 events and finishing no better than 36th in the other five. Suddenly, in Phoenix, the old Spieth returned. He fired an astonishing thirdround 61 to eventually finish fourth, and then racked up six top 15s in his next seven tournaments, capping it with a victory at the Valero Texas Open a week before the Masters, where he was again among the lead-
e Oyen Law O ce of Niblock & compaNy llp
R. Barry Miskuski, John F. Stodalka, Jeffrey J. Neumann, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Hermann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen will be open commencing at 1:00 p.m. Jeffrey J. Neumann in attendance on April 1st April 22nd For appointments call 1-800-245-9411 or 1-403-526-2806 Oyen Law Office #215C Main Street (South side of Lijdsman Insurance) Wills & Estates Real Estate General Matters
ers all week, finally finishing tied for third.
Spieth said he never gave up hope that he would return to the top of the golf world. He was quoted in that aforementioned September, 2020 column as saying ‘I’ve worked my butt off over the last year mentally, physically and mechanically. Things will start to come together.’ It appears he was right. Now, if only struggling Rickie Fowler could find that magic potion that Spieth used.
• Jay Busbee of Yahoo.com, on a typical sports fan’s plans for Masters week: “ … A tournament where napping on the couch isn’t just an option, it’s a prerequisite.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “President
Biden said he will not throw out the first pitch before the Washington Nationals home opener. So if you want to see a 79-year-old pitcher you’ll have to watch the Orioles.:”
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Amid his sexual harassment allegations, Deshaun Watson received support on Twitter from O.J. Simpson. ‘You know what, Juice, no, yeah, I’m good, that’s OK,’ said Watson.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “Dear Media. It’s called ‘The Masters. Not ‘The Masters Without Tiger Woods. Thank you.”
• Blogger Chad Picasner, on shortstop Francisco Lindor’s contract negotiations: “Lindor wanted $32 million a year (for 12 years) from the Mets, but owner Steve Cohen said no way, you’ll take $34 million a year (for 10) and like it. I’m glad he’s not doing my taxes.”
• Headlines in the San Diego Times-Union after Joe Musgrove pitched the first no-hitter in the Padres’ 52-year history: “YES, A NO-NO’ and “SAY IT’S SO, JOE”
• A groaner from RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “It should be no surprise that Baylor gunned down previously un-
beaten Gonzaga 86-70 to win the NCAA tournament. Hasn’t Texas always been big on the right to arm Bears?”
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “Further evidence that stat geeks have too much time on their hands: It was revealed that Tigers rookie Akil Baddoo just became the first player in MLB history to hit home runs in his first two career games while batting out of the ninth spot in the batting order. Somehow overlooked: By a left-handed hitter, at home, on natural turf, in day games.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, on squeaky-clean Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid getting fined $5,000 for elbowing an opponent in the face: “I couldn’t have been more surprised had I found a copy of ‘Sinatra: The Rapper Years’ at my local vinyl store.”
• Legendary basketball coach Roy Williams to reporters, on his Tar Heels coaching successor, Hubert Davis: “I will be here cheering. I won’t ever criticize you. I’ll blame it on the officials.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH Meeting IN PERSON
GREENING OF THE PIEPLINE GRID
Solar project now supplies power to the Enbridge Mainline pipeline which runs through southern Saskatchewan
Solar project now supplies power to the Enbridge Mainline pipeline which runs through southern Saskatchewan
The southern prairies see greater than 2,400 hours of sunshine annually, compared to between 1,200 and 2,000 hours in the rest of Canada. It may not seem like it at times, but the prairies typically see some sunshine about 320 days every year.
The vast, open spaces of the northern plains continue to support a rich agricultural economy but, increasingly, that abundant sunshine is being harnessed to backstop a burgeoning solar power industry.
In late March, Enbridge opened its first solar self-power project in Canada between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Alberta Solar One, as it’s known, now supplies a portion of power to the Enbridge Mainline pipeline network, which includes the recently completed Line 3 Replacement pipeline.
The $20-million facility features
36,000 solar panels and has a capacity of 10.5 megawatts, equivalent to meeting the energy needs of about 3,000 homes and offsetting some 12,000 tonnes of carbon annually. By supplying Enbridge’s Mainline power requirements with renewable electricity, the solar farm displaces power generated from carbon emitters like coal-fired power plants.
“These types of projects fit into our larger growth plans to reduce emission intensity by 35% and be net zero by 2050,” says Vern Yu, Executive Vice President and President Liquids Pipelines. “To help get there, we’re using solar self-power to generate electricity for our operations, modernizing our systems to improve efficiency and advancing other technologies. While the new facility is the first of its kind for Enbridge in Canada, it’s part of a broader program the company is initiating to self-supply a growing portion of its energy needs from renewable resources.”
“This project is a win-win for Enbridge’s power team as we continue to grow our renewable energy portfolio and support Enbridge’s sustainability goals,” adds Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s Senior Vice President of Strategy and Power. “We’re excited to see our first Canadian self-power project come online, and we will continue to invest in opportunities across North America that generate energy to power our operations.”
Including Alberta Solar One, Enbridge is looking at approximately 15 to 20 self-power projects for its liquids pipelines pump stations and gas pipelines compressor stations.
Over the years, we have adopted many farm cats from several different sources. In spite of providing prime feline habitat, including a barn loft full of fresh straw bales, these cats never stuck around. That is, until Marmalade.
I typically enjoy animals, but I appreciate them even more so when they serve a higher purpose by, say, hunting varmints. Hunting unfortunately isn’t a skillset that seems to come naturally to our orange tomcat. A year into his tenure, we had yet to observe him attempt to catch something – anything - but Marmalade finally got his big break after a harsh, late spring blizzard. The kids noticed a weak, disoriented bird struggling in the unexpected snow. Even Marmalade picked up on the fairly obvious cues this ailing little bird was throwing and he was ready to pounce. Blame it on bad timing or poor aim, but somehow, he missed the bird and instead awkwardly fell off the deck and into a deep pile of wet snow. He did not land on his feet and maybe even used up one of his nine lives during the ordeal. The bird, on the other hand, regained its strength and fluttered
A Little Bit Western The Cat Came Back
By Tara Mulhern Davidson
away, perhaps to live a long and happy life.
Marmalade has also proven to be unlucky in love. Our resident mother cat, creatively named Marmalade’s Girlfriend, has birthed a few litters of kittens since her arrival two years ago. Even though Marmalade has made numerous romantic advances toward her – hence her name – her offspring resemble a different, moody tomcat, leaving little doubt as to who the sire is and sparking many discussions among the children. While their relationship is complicated, Marmalade remains close with Marmalade’s Girlfriend, who is a skilled hunter, adept at bringing home the bacon for her family, and maybe a morsel for Marmalade too.
My relationship with the lazy feline is complicated in its own rite. A memorable low point came when I was hauling groceries in after a long day away from home. There was Marmalade, casually strolling around the corner of my kitchen, meowing an easy-going greeting to me. Did I mention he is NOT a house cat? How did he gain entry? How long had he been sauntering around, enjoying the comforts of
my home? His stint as a house cat was abruptly cut short, and hasn’t been repeated again.
While hunting and romance may not be his forte, Marmalade is great at a few things. He is an expert at marking his territory. There isn’t a vehicle, flower pot, or other random object that doesn’t boast the telltale sign that this is Marmalade’s turf. He is also great at being everywhere, and is forever trotting down the lane, dutifully. When we run to the shop a half mile away, Marmalade is already there. When the kids are waiting to get on the school bus, he’s right there waiting too. Whether we are moving around from the barn to the back pasture or the corral, he beats us to these locations and welcomes us with a cool appraisal as if to say, “I wondered when you’d finally arrive.”
Marmalade is affectionate, he’s always grateful for a scratch behind the ears and is a regular topic of family conversation. We can’t help but cheer him on and celebrate his victories, even if they are few and far between. If a cat can be an underdog, then he is exactly that – Marmalade is our underdog.
Sibbald News
Wind with a little sunshine poking through seem to fill our days. I do like the sound of meadowlarks and seeing robins in our yard though. The huge drifts from the blizzard a few weeks ago are shrinking rapidly.
I bumped into Heather Norris as I was out walking recently and she shared some news from the Bad-
lands Baseball Academy.
The Ball Academy held a baseball camp last weekend, April 10 and 11 in Oyen.
Over 54 participants came from many communities including; Acadia Valley, Hanna, Leader, New Brigden, Oyen and Sibbald. On Saturday, with the weather being so great, the students utilized the ball diamonds.
Sunday groups were split between SCHS gym and
the Field House. While no games were played, techniques and drills were taught by boys in the Academy to the participants. Local boys at the camp were Brandt Lyster and Bentley Robertson. Always fun to see calves scampering about, hope all is going well with that endeavour. Take care everyone.
Reported by Lee Switzer
Getting a good night’s sleep
One of the biggest harms to our mental health is not getting enough sleep at night. Not sleeping the amount of hours we need to sleep leaves our bodies and minds drained and can set us up for struggling through the next day. In a study conducted by Aviva Insurance in 2016, Canada was reported to be the third most sleep deprived country of those surveyed. If you find you are one of those who are struggling with sleep, here are 5 things you can try to ease your bedtime woes.
1) Take a hot bath: Relaxing in the hot water can help ease your muscles as well as the stress you built up during the day. You don’t have to stay in the water for a really long time either! Try to take a 20-30 minute hot bath 2 hours before bed and see if that helps you sleep.
2) Establish a night
time routine: Completing the same actions before crawling into bed every night can help signal your body that it is time to rest. Doing things like laying out your clothing for the following day, preparing the coffee maker for the morning and brushing your teeth can help ease your body into sleep mode.
3) Limit the caffeine: Caffeine and other stimulants can be the worst thing to put into your body before trying to sleep. We may all know that drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks before bed can put your good night’s sleep at risk but did you know that nicotine is also a stimulant? If you are a smoker, skipping that last cigarette before bed can help you get a more restful sleep.
4) Turn off the screen: One of the biggest
Kindersley Denture Clinic
David
Call
harms to our sleep is the time we spend looking at an electronic screen. By turning off our electronics like cell phones, tablets and televisions an hour before heading to bed, we can gain more restful sleep and fall asleep easier. There are still options for entertainment without a screen such as reading a paper book, coloring a picture or having a bath that help our brains turn off and ease us into rest.
5) Don’t force it: If you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep, don’t stay in bed waiting for sleep to strike you again. Lying in bed and watching the clock tick down the amount of hours left in the night increases our anxiety and actually prevents us from getting more sleep. If you find you’ve been awake for over 15 minutes, try getting out of bed and doing a quiet activity such as reading a book. While doing this, be sure that you keep the lights dim and those electronic screens turned off and hopefully when you head back to bed you’ll be back to sleep soon!
Breanne Mellen is the Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region and can be reached at 403-504-1811. To find out more about CMHA programs and/or events visit wwww. cmha-aser.ca. If you are in crisis, call the Distress Centre at 1-800-784-2433.
**The library is currently operating through curbside service only** Curbside service is available during regular library hours. Contact the library to arrange a pickup day for your items. Materials can be ordered through the TRACpac app or www.tracpac.ab. ca. We can also take inhouse requests; contact the library and we will put something together for you!
CHRISTIAN FICTION:
Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble (#3 in the Pelican Harbor series)
NON-FICTION:
Think Like a Breadwinner: A Wealth-Building Manifesto for Women Who Want to Earn More (and Worry Less) by Jennifer Barrett Broken (In the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
KITS:
Book & a Movie Packs (book, movie, crossword/ word search, popcorn) –New selections! Check out the full assortment on our Facebook page. I Spy (books and I Spy Memory Game)
RAFFLE:
Friends of the OAC Libraries is hosting an online 50/50 to raise funds
Tricia Fischbuch
for new materials and library programming for the Oyen library. Ticket prices are as follows: 1 for $10; 4 for $20; 20 for $50; 100 for $100 For more information, and to purchase tickets, check out the following link: www.rafflebox.ca/ raffle/friendsofoac
CONTEST:
Have you entered the cupcake decorating contest yet? Decorate a cupcake and send us a picture through email (aoymlibrary@marigold. ab.ca) or post it on Facebook with the hashtag #OyenLibraryCupcakeContest (be sure your pri-
vacy setting is set to public so we can see it). The contest is open to all ages until April 25. Cupcake decorating books are also available at the library if you need some inspiration!
“Never lend books, for no one ever returns them; the only books I have in my library are books that other folks have lent me.” ― Anatole France
403-664-3644 ext. 2727
aoymlibrary@marigold.ab.ca
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7
BLANKET ALBERTA
AUCTIONS
UNRESERVED ONLINE RETIREMENT DISPERSAL AUCTION for CHD Services and Chris Laporte. Service trucks, vintage trucks/motorcycles/atvs, tools, saddles, and more! Bidding closes April 28. Visit premierauctions.ca.
NOTICES
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna. com.
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt. com.
FEED AND SEED
CERTIFIED SEED.WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, AC Andrew, Go Early, Pintail, Sadash. - OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat. - BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, Con-
Blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Oyen Echo and the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA). They appear in all 90 AWNA members’ community newspapers for $269. ($299 for Employment Opportunity, also posted on AWNA Careers online) for the first 25 words, $8 for each word over 25 (+GST). To place a blanket classified call THE OYEN ECHO 306-463-2211.
lon, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403556-2609.
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. 1-888-4838789.
HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-2505252.
FOR SALE
WHITE SPRUCE TREES. 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered. Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $125-150. Crystal Springs. 403820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
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 $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.
9.04 ACRES EAST of Vegreville. Includes services, 1963 bungalow, cold room, garage, barn, Quonset and more. $275,000. Call Iris 780-270-7728 or Marge 780-446-7802.
HEALTH
GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL THE BENEFITS PROGRAM 1-800-211-3550 or send a text message with your name and mailing address to 403980-3605 for your FREE benefits package.
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medi-
cal conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.
LAND FOR SALE
VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting $74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671.
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. 1-800-347-2540. www. accesslegalmjf.com
GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.
Update your immunizations
April 24 to 30 is National Immunization Awareness Week.
When was the last time you updated your immunizations? If you can’t remember, it may be time to get them done. It is recommended that adults in Alberta receive:
• A booster dose of tetanus / diphtheria vaccine every 10 years
• An adult booster dose of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine, combined with one of the tetanus / diphtheria boosters (dTap)
• The dTap vaccine for pregnant women every time they are pregnant
• Hepatitis B vaccine for unprotected adults born in 1981 or later. Some adults born before 1981 may need this vaccine if they are at risk for hepatitis B (e.g. health problems, type of work, lifestyle, contact with the virus)
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine for adults whose immunization records do not show the recommended number of doses of measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine.
• Chickenpox vaccine for unprotected adults
• Annual influenza vaccine for all Albertans 6 months of age and older
• Pneumococcal vaccine for all adults 65 years of age and older and adults with certain health problems.
To find out which vaccines are recommended for you and to book an appointment for immunization, call your nearest community health centre or public health centre. If you are not sure where your nearest community health centre or public health centre is, you can call Health Link at 811. Bring any immunization records you have to the appointment, especially if you were immunized in another province or country.
For more information about immunization go to ImmunizeAlberta.ca, Immunizations at myhealth.alberta.ca, or call Health Link.
PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST