The Oyen Echo - August 28, 2024

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Unveiling of the street sign: from left, Jason Baker, Kate Baker, David Eaton, Sarah Baker, Sandra Dorosz, Dr. Tracey Logan, Dr. Cec Ruschkowski, Shirley McClellan (MLA at the time of Crossroads Centre ground breaking) and Linda Bingeman. Unfortunately, Ed and Sandra’s son Sean, his wife Valarie and their daughters Miranda and Natalie could not make the trek from their home in Lititz, Pennsylvania.

Street dedication in memory of Dr. Edmund R. Dorosz

Nearly 50 people gathered at the corner of Main Street and 11th Avenue East on August 17 to participate in the unveiling of a sign dedicating the street in memory of Dr. Edmund Dorosz.

David, BCAS president at the time of the Crossroads Centre ground breaking, welcomed special guests Dr. Dorosz’s widow Sandra, their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter Sarah, Jason and Kate Baker of Camrose. He said the first seed Ed planted for a vet to take over his practice in 1982 has grown into an expanded facility with four vets. The second seed Dr. Ed planted for grounds and a building 25 years ago has grown to fruition.

Linda, vice-president at the time of the Crossroads Centre ground breaking, thanked the Dorosz family for their contributions to our community from 1973 to 1982.

She expressed Mayor Jones’ and the Oyen Council’s re-

grets as they couldn’t attend. She passed along the Mayor’s recognition of Dr. Ed’s many contributions to the community.

Sandra Dorosz, Shirley McClellan and Linda Bingeman helped David Eaton remove the sign covering, exposing Dorosz Dr/11th Ave. E.

Linda invited Dr. Cec Ruschkowski and Dr. Tracey Logan, nurturers of Dr. Ed’s first seed—the vet clinic, to join the unveiling of the street sign.

The crowd meandered to the Crossroads meeting room where Bill Kolkman said Grace for food and fellowship. Diana Walker shared some history and a couple of news items from The Oyen Echo dated August 22, 2000. She commented that the dedication is 24 years and five days after Ed’s sudden death on August 13, 2000.

Attendees enjoyed cake, ice cream, refreshments and lots of visiting.

PHOTO

Dry Land Butchering

Representing Special Areas No. 2, the Krause and Waldner families were thrilled to be invited guests at the BMO Farm Family Awards Brunch, and afternoon rodeo performance, July 8, 2024. The annual event takes place during the Calgary Stampede, to celebrate and recognize southern Alberta Farm Families for their commitment to the agriculture industry, their community and to western heritage. Together with BMO, The Calgary Stampede recognized 18 Farm Families, presenting each family with an award and Family Photo. Left to right: Beth Peat, Robin Krause, Stan Krause, Willie Waldner, Kendra Waldner, Brooklyn Waldner and Nicole Waldner.

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A tax refund is just a missed opportunity

After nearly 60 years of farming, Stan and Robin Krause from Jenner, Alberta, will officially be hanging up their hats at the end of this harvest season. While it is the end of one era, it is the continuation of another, as William “Willie” and Kendra Waldner will carry on aspects of the operation. Therefore, it is fitting that the Krause and Waldner families are the 2024 BMO Farm Family from Special Areas #2, as we reflect on the past and look to the future of the Crooked Tree Ranch.

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In 1914, both sets of Stan’s grandparents came to the area outside of Hilda, Alberta, from Crimea and established their farms. His father, Reinhold, was a farmer and Stan was eager to follow in his family’s footsteps. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1964, with the help of his father and the Farm Credit Corporation, Stan purchased a 4,500acre ranch — 25 miles south of Cereal. Stan married his wife, Robin, in 1966. Two years later, along with the birth of their son Charles, they purchased a 25,000acre ranch located on the Red Deer River. Four years after the purchase, Stan and Robin downsized to 7,000 acres and started a new venture of 400 acres of pivot irrigation, which was a steep learning curve.

Stan and Robin recall those next 10 years as a busy time; building a farmstead, learning how to grow corn silage, using appropriate fertilizers and pesticides, choosing new varieties of crops to maintain maximum production, and adding their daughter, Beth, to the family. Five years after breaking ground on the first irrigation fields, they developed 400 more acres and added two more pivots. However, the one constant through these changes was their commitment to the land. “We tried to be good stewards of the prairie,” Robin shares. “We grew some of the crops to help take pressure off the pastures in the dry years.” “And when it has been really dry, we have turned the cattle onto irrigated pastures,” Stan adds.

As their irrigated crops grew, so did their backgrounding cattle business. As they grew more silage, especially corn and barley, they utilized it as feed for their commercial cattle. The feedlot also became a means to market their irrigated crops. Soon, neighbours were asking them to background their calves and they grew to a 1,000-head custom feeding operation. Today Willie and Kendra still have 270 cows and custom background 800 calves. The 1980s also saw many changes for the Krause family, including embracing the internet and being one of the first to uti-

lize it to market their steers. They also changed some of their herd genetics by crossbreeding to Red Angus bulls and marketing their Hereford Angus Cross open yearling heifers at local bull sales. In 1983, Willie Waldner came to work on the ranch and eventually built his own herd. Through the years of working together, it grew into more than a working relationship. In 2013, Stan and Robin rented the irrigation and cattle operation to Willie and his family; and later sold them a significant portion of the ranch in 2016.

After growing up on the ranch and helping their parents, both Charles and Beth opted for careers off the ranch. Charles has made a career in IT, and Beth went to teach in England and now has her own family in Scotland. Stan and Robin continue to help during busy times but are officially “closing shop” as they sell the remainder of their irrigated land later this year.

As both Stan and Robin’s families grew up being involved in their communities, it naturally became important for them to be involved as well. Stan has held leadership positions in the Agriculture Service Board, Buffalo & District Ag Society (51 years), the Prairie Rose School Division as trustee (11 years) and chairman (17 years), two different gas co-ops, Alberta Cattle Commission and Alberta Grazing Leaseholders Association. Robin taught kindergarten, was a scout leader, served the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society as chairwoman and board member. They have both been very involved as leaders and teachers at Rainy Hills Lutheran Church and in 4-H. Robin still helps judge public speaking competitions. During Canada’s 125th Celebration in 1992, Robin received a commemorative medal in recognition of her service to compatriots, community and Canada. Willie serves on the Allotment Committee for the community pasture and Kendra works with the Buffalo Ladies Club and is a leader in the Jenner 4-H Multi Club.

As the Krauses and Waldners celebrate the past 60 years, they have many accomplishments and memories to reflect on. “We’ll miss this place hugely,” Robin chokes up. “It is a beautiful place and it was home for us for many years.” While they are looking forward to becoming involved in their new community, they are certain there will be regular trips to visit the Waldners and Crooked Tree Ranch that was near and dear to them for so long.

OPINION:

The relationship between toxic food, allergies and ailments

Someone humorously wished that mosquitoes would suck fat instead of blood. Thankfully, the mosquito population has been decreasing. However, there’s an increasing amount of people of all ages being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Dr. Suneel Dhand recently spoke about this topic on social media.

The Director of Nutrition and Wellness at the American Diabetes Association issued the following advice online for those receiving such a diagnosis: Make bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, cereals, or other starchy food a part of every meal.

Dr. Dhand said the advice made him “utterly speechless.” “Is it any wonder we have exploding Type 2 diabetes when we are given this advice,” he speculated. “It’s a problem of insulin resistance and carbohydrates increase insulin levels, and their body can’t process carbohydrates. The initial diagnosis doesn’t need to be an inevitable path towards more and more medications and eventually insulin. I really hope everybody out there does their own research.”

Judging by the comments posted by people who listen to Dr. Dhand’s talk online, people have been doing their own research.

One individual said he was diag-

nosed with Type 2 diabetes a year ago. His doctor prescribed metformin and advised him to base his meals around starchy carbohydrates. After doing his own research, he went on a very low carb diet and refused the prescription. As a result, he lost weight, and his blood sugar level returned back to normal. One year later, he’s managed to keep the weight off by maintaining a low-carb diet and staying away from ultra-processed foods. “My doctor can’t understand this; I’m the first and only Type 2 reversal she has had,” the man said.

Dr. Dhand continually emphasizes that a person’s health is rooted primarily in what they eat. “Every cell in our body is powered by what we eat,” he said. “A hundred years ago anyone diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes would have a greater chance of reversing it because the doctor would tell you to make changes to your diet. Whereas now it’s all about medications while the illness keeps getting worse, whether it’s Type 2 diabetes or any other inflammatory illness.”

A comment from another listener verified his words. This individual said she had lost balance in both legs, was subjected to all kinds of tests, and saw a total of twelve doctors who were all baffled. Finally the person was given a walker and placed in physical therapy

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twice a week with no improvement. After doing some personal research, the individual decided to try going on a carnivore diet. After only three days she no longer needed the walker, and was able to return to work two weeks later. It’s noteworthy that during her three months of medical visits, no one had asked about the food she was consuming.

According to Dr. Dhand, food corporations have created a toxic food environment, which in turn helps pharmaceutical companies make money from people who develop chronic illnesses as a result. “Bread is statistically one of the most heavily processed foods you can buy,” Dr. Dhand said. Because bread has been a staple food for a long time, it poses a huge problem for metabolic health, causing chronic disease, heart disease and obesity.

A 70-year-old posted a comment following Dr. Dhand’s talk. He recalled his childhood when day old bread would be available at grocery stores. The next day it would be picked up and replaced with fresh loaves. The senior wrote, “Check the dates on bread in the stores now. Wonder why today’s bread lasts so much longer?”

Another interesting comment came from a woman who had recently visited Morocco where they serve bread with every meal. Even though she had a wheat allergy, she ate the bread and suffered no side effects.

When she returned home she asked

her doctor about it, and was told that Morocco doesn’t allow any wheat to come into their country that is genetically modified. Not only did the woman enjoy eating the bread in Morocco but she didn’t gain weight.

France also has laws regulating what ingredients are permitted in certain types of bread, compared to bread in North America which is filled with extra sugar, seed oils and pro-inflammatory additives. Once again one of Dr. Dhand’s listeners verified this information. He said, “I lived in France for seven years and ate bread and croissants and all that wonderful food. I was slim,” he posted. “I came back to the US and gained weight in no time. Our food is filled with corn syrup and preservatives.”

On one of his recent podcasts, Dr. Dhand took his viewers on a shopping trip to purchase healthy bread. “You want bread with the least amount of added ingredients,” he advised. He didn’t find anything without seed oils in the bread section, so he moved over to the frozen food section. There, he finally found what he was looking for: bread devoid of seed oils, sugar and pro-inflammatory ingredients.

Wishful thinking won’t cause mosquitoes to suck fat instead of blood or change our diet. Dr. Dhand advised that things will only begin to change when patients begin to speak up and advocate for their own health.

Pop89: The habit of joy

“People seem lost,” says Betty while I wait for the library kettle to boil.

“We don’t have any real gathering place or reason to get together anymore.

It feels like no one’s been happy for a long time.” I agree. “And when we do, the room seems to degenerate so quickly into gossip and complaining. I miss the church.” When The Nativity was open, we gathered to celebrate the liturgy - a ritual of worship, not of money or celebrity or the latest culinary treat or pop music icon. It gave us a chance to meet together yet rise above ourselves. To transcend.

I remember my mom saying how important church was for the community. It was where everyone met and shared a meal, and I miss that. When the church was still open, we may not have always felt joy at every mass, but we put ourselves in the path of it. The liturgy of mass provided and facilitated time and ritual to focus on a deeper sustained joy—a joy that doesn’t come from winning the lottery, a playoff, or even choosing a political candidate.

Writer Tish Harrison Warren defines “the liturgies of living” as “the habits we enforce.” What we practice is who we are. Whether it’s buying, whining, or catastrophizing, what I practice reveals who I am - what shapes me, what I love and adore and crave.

So, when the DNC announced their “politics of joy” campaign I wondered: is that a thing? Can you just muster up joy like you can a compliment? I will admit, their optimism was more winning than the RNC’s politics of fear and contempt, a politic that insisted the world was in need of policing and bullying. Still,

both sides seemed a little hysterical in their delivery, whether the RNC wishing worst on their enemies or the DNC the best for everybody.

I don’t think the “politics of joy” is something you can create. In fact, I don’t think joy has a political source. Joy is the purview of the Spirit. Whipping a convention center into a frenzy of happy delirium is no more reassuring than whipping a convention Center into a frenzy of cruel laughter.

Humans are capable of being joyful - but you can’t just tell folks it’s time to feel it or manufacture it. Joy is a practice, a habit needing rigorous tending and nurturing. But you can encourage hope. Only, that word was already taken - twenty years ago by Obama.

However, Harris has to have been a joy-nurturer all these years just to have made it this far. How else does a female politician continue doing her job amidst a press who, across the board, just can’t seem to get its head around the idea of a woman as a leader of America. That’s because the media itself sexualizes every female in front of a camera, from newscasters to volleyball players. False eyelashes and, plunging necklines and cascading curls can get in the way of doing your job as a reporter. In fact, they can be counter-productive when it comes to be taken seriously.

Often joy is sparked by wonder, by a willingness to be enchanted by life. By being open to awe. But even then, we need to be present to those moments of enchantment and awe to be receptive to the experience of joy. And that, more often than not, means joy grows out of a long and dedicated journey toward joy. It’s an emanation, not a an instant emotion bidden by others.

The “politics of joy” approach, if looked at in another way, is a new way of looking at strong, capable, smart women smiling at the world. Harris’ smile is something more than a harmless or inane ham for the camera. Maybe her smile and laugh is due to the genuine thrill of being acknowledged for the hours of hard

South Central High Students Mya Walker and John Herron welcomed visitors to the museum over the summer conducting treasure hunts and overseeing escape room bookings. Mya, going into Grade 11, enjoyed working inside setting up displays, cataloguing and doing computer work. John, going into Grade 12, enjoyed outside work like mowing, painting and fixing things. Both gained work experience through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Before closing the doors Thursday, they posed in front of the 1928 Federal Scout Truck.

Owned by Harry and Ella Dell of Helmsdale, the truck was bought by the Laughlin Brothers of Youngstown when the Dells retired in 1963. Later, it was donated to the museum by the Laughlin Brothers and Vernon Johnston, the Dells’ nephew and restored by Ken Eaton, Herb Norris and Ken Carr.

Museum Musings

The Oyen & District Crossroads Museum doors closed for the summer on Friday, August 23.

We hope you got to experience one of our treasure hunts and a tour or two! The museum offers lots of great things to see and experience. Tours are still available by calling the numbers on the office door. 403664-2499 or 403-664-2497.

See you next summer!

work she’s put into her career as lawyer, DA, senator and VP. Maybe it’s a bit overwhelming to be acknowledged appropriately for a change.

And maybe, just maybe, a smile is exactly what is called for after decades of scowls, gangsta-posturing and raised eyebrow threats. Maybe the world is tired of fear tactics as a form of crowd control.

I still don’t believe we can summon up joy in a hot minute. But I’m relieved that a woman’s smile is being portrayed as something more than insipid goofiness or a sexual come-on. I’m glad that a woman who works hard gets rewarded. Perhaps the best part of Barak Obama’s speech was his tribute to women - to mom’s, especially black mom’s and aunties, who, in my experience of them, have always been a fearless glue, holding families, communities and dreams together.

Obama talked about “the strong, smart, resourceful women” throughout history who were “full of common sense” who “went about their business” undeterred by and disinterred in “bullies and braggarts”. He talked about women “smarter than the work they did” who toiled at “jobs too small for them” in order to break down barriers for the next generation. “Putting down others is no life; for them life is a card game and a meal shared by friends.”

I will add that a successful life does not mean being a celebrity - America’s most democratic obsession. You do not have to be rich or famous to be joyful. In fact, joy seems less tangible with the scrutiny, criticism, attacks and expectations that come with fame and fortune. Women outside the limelight understand the small joys of living and of caring for others. And they are getting their due - and that’s a joyful thing.

It is a giant cultural leap forward for our culture to register a female politician’s grin not as a comment on her brain power or her sex appeal but, refreshingly, on her capacity for joy in a crazy and often cruel world.

New Brigden’s Devon Hayworth is the new voice of the Klippers

The Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers are excited to announce the hiring of Devon Hayworth as the new voice of the Klippers. Devon is only 19 years old, but he came equipped with an impressive resume and attended the Western Academy Broadcasting College in Saskatoon.

New Brigden is just an hour and fifteen minutes west of Kindersley. so when Devon heard there was an open-

ing, he immediately applied and got the job.

Devon grew up in New Brigden, Alberta and attended school in Consort.

“I really loved sports from a young age and am a big hockey fan,” he explained. “I wanted to be a play-by-play guy for a very long time. The things I remember are the calls guys make.”

On September 21st , Devon will make his own play-by-play calls for the Klippers. He’s excited to join the Klippers organization and can’t wait to get started.

Devon Hayworth from New Brigden, AB, has been hired as the new voice of the Iron Horse Kindersley Klippers. SUBMITTED

Encouraging start to Blue Jays’ rebuild

Toronto Blue Jays are doing it right.

When a Major League Baseball team like the Jays falls flat on its face, it not only disappoints fans from Deer Lake, Nfld. to Duncan, B.C., and all points in between, but it makes a mess of its owners’ bottom line. Rogers, the media company that calls the shots for the Jays, obviously wants more people to tune in when the Jays are playing on TV, because they can then charge more for commercials and, in theory, boost future budgets for the ball club to pursue better players.

Anyway, back to the Jays doing it right. After falling into last place in the American League East, a full 15 games out of first place and without a whisker of a chance to earn a wildcard berth, Jays’ management threw in the towel at the trade deadline and dealt off a few precious commodities for prospects.

One of those deals involved pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, a left-hander with so-so numbers, being sent to Houston, a playoff contender for whom an extra arm in the starting rotation or bullpen might be the difference come October. Only a few Blue Jays’ fans shed a tear when Kikuchi was traded, but among the prospects who were acquired by the Blue Jays were a pair of exciting youngsters who could represent the start of a rebuild.

SPORTS TALK

One of them was Will Wagner, a 26-year-old infielder who is the son of long-time MLB closer Billy Wagner. The Jays called him up from AAA Buffalo on Aug. 12 and all he did in his first four games was go 8-for-15 at the plate, including three doubles and three RBI.

Maybe it was just beginner’s luck, or maybe the Jays knew what they were doing when they insisted on Wagner being part of the parcel for Kikuchi’s services. With Bo Bichette on the injured list, the Jays need some stability at second base, and Wagner might be the guy to give them that.

Also acquired by the Jays in the Kikuchi trade was outfielder Joey Loperfido, who has yet to set the world on fire, batting a little over .200 in his first few games with Toronto.

But it’s Wagner who could be the sparkling gem in this deal. Toronto has had good luck in the past with sons of former big-leaguers. Slugger Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., is the son of the former Expo star; Bichette grew up around major leaguers because his father, Dante, hit 274 career homers over a 14-season career. And Daulton Varsho’s father, Gary, played for the Cubs, Pirates, Reds and Phillies for eight years in the 1980s and ’90s.

The 2024 season is a lost cause for Toronto, but deals such as the one that brought Wagner into the Canadian team’s fold could be the beginning of a renaissance that returns the Blue Jays to prominence. And that would make a lot of people happy, fans and owners alike.

From Fark.com: “Lamar Jackson thinks he’s better known for No. 8 than Troy Aikman. The defence attorney calls Steve Young, Cal Ripken and the ghost of Kobe Bryant to the witness stand.”

• Phil Mushnick of the New York Post: “The NFL’s new kickoff rules should only take three or four

Weak point of Oilers may have gotten weaker

The Edmonton Oilers defence, long considered the Achilles’ heel of a team with championship aspirations, has just taken a significant hit. In the past couple of days, the Oilers have lost two key players from their blue line: Philip Broberg, who the St. Louis Blues snagged through an offer sheet, and Cody Ceci, who was traded away to the San Jose Sharks. These two losses represent a blow to a defence that was already the weak point of this Oilers team.

The defence was always seen as a vulnerability for a team that relies heavily on its offensive. However, it was hoped that the Oilers could address these issues in the offseason and come back stronger. Instead, the situation has worsened. The departure of Broberg, a promising young defenseman who was expected to grow into a more significant role, is particularly painful. As a firstround pick in 2019, Broberg’s development was something the organization had invested heavily in, and he was seen

as a future cornerstone of the blue line.

While not a star, Cody Ceci brought stability and experience to the defence. His ability to play in various situations and his veteran presence made him a reliable option for the Oilers’ coaching staff. While it opens up some cap space, trading him away leaves a hole that won’t be easy to fill, especially consider ing the thin depth chart the Oilers now face on the back end.

The timing of these losses could not be worse. The Oilers are a team built to win now, with future hall-of-fame play ers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisa itl in their prime. The window for cap turing a Stanley Cup is open but won’t stay that way forever. The loss of these two defensemen threatens to sewer the team’s chances of making another deep playoff run.

While the Oilers may look to the trade market or free agency to address these gaps, the options are limited, and the team’s salary cap situation is tight.

General Manager Stan Bowman will need to be creative to find solutions that can keep the Oilers competitive.

seasons for players, coaches and fans to learn.”

• Sportswriter Thomas Friesen in the Brandon Sun, at the end of a column which offered a bevy of tips for winning at match-play golf: “If you follow all these tips and still lose, it’s not your fault. That guy was probably just a sandbagger and/or got lucky.”

• Headline at TheBeaverton.com: “Leafs announce that making Matthews captain is the best way to distract fans from the fact they haven’t made any significant roster changes again.”

• Brad Dickson of Omaha: “I’m watching the women’s marathon on tape delay and with two miles to go they cut away for 20 minutes of highlights from break dancing. Please take the Olympics away from NBC.”

• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Colin Kaepernick offered to return to the NFL with L.A. Chargers. As NFL ideas go this is as bad as the Steelers’ black and brown striped throwback uniforms.”

• L.A. Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp: “When the ball’s in the air, as a receiver, it’s just you want to be a Frisbee-catching dog out there.”

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “The Wall Street Journal ranks Ohio State as the most valuable football program in college. Turns out there are more than 1.5 billion bucks in Buckeyes.”

• Another one from Currie: “Ex-Blue Bomber receiver turned TSN analyst, Milt Stegall, has been involved in the CFL for 29 years. Isn’t it time he learned how to pronounce Saskatchewan?”

• Headline at fark.com: “Vikings confirm Sam Darnold will be 2024 quarterback, predict he will be best QB named Sam in Vikings’ history.”

Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

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

Ed Dorosz was a valued community member

Reprinted from The Oyen Echo August 22, 2000

A Man with a Vision

For several years after the departure of Dr. Kerkamp, Oyen and District was without veterinary services. In an attempt to secure funding from the government to provide this service Pete Weins of the Oyen and District Chamber of Commerce conducted a survey along with a group of assistants. This survey established the number of livestock and owners in the area. In September of 1973, Dr. Dorosz of Regina visited Oyen. The survey conducted the summer before Ed’s arrival was a great help in his decision to set up his practice.

Ed Dorosz and his family came to Oyen in October, 1973. For a time he kept his medications in his mobile home and answered the calls for all the rural area. Ed purchased land from Marshall Mehl shortly after his arrival and made plans to move his clinic to this site, west of the Mehl homestead. In 1976, the family left the trailer park to move onto the acreage.

The Doroszes became very involved in the community. Sandra helped with the fair assisting Gertie Kuzmiski in the handicraft section. Dr. Dorosz became a director in 1975, and was third president of the Big Country Agricultural Society in 1979 and 1980.

Ed was very concerned about the development of the community. Here is a letter he wrote to town council. November 21, 1978

Dear Sirs,

We of the Big Country Agricultural Society are looking into the possibility of building and maintaining a building to facilitate agricultural and recreational activities.

We are asking for land for such a complex on, in particular the several acres of land north of the tracks that used to be the Oyen sports grounds.

We feel this particular parcel would greatly suit our needs.

Such a complex would be used for a multiple of purposes, such as livestock shows and sales, horse shows and sales, rodeos, 4-H shows and sales, auctions, entertainment such as live concerts, and facilities for our fair.

We believe such a complex situated on that particular parcel would greatly enhance your town, and we await your reply.

Sincerely,

His request was not granted but there was a compromise.

In 1979, the society hired a masters student in Agricultural Economics from the University of Alberta who was hired to prepare an analysis of the amount of gross revenue from gas, oil and agriculture produced in the Special areas and M.D. of Acadia. These figures were used in obtaining grants.

In the 1980 fair book, President Dorosz wrote, ”We were fortunate to be accepted for several 75th anniversary grants with which we plan to establish a permanent fair ground out at the RCMP

Centennial Park. At this time, we hope to have outside pens and an outdoor arena for our many livestock displays and 4-H. Hopefully, the arena can be utilized not only for livestock displays, but other things such as soccer, football, and perhaps an outdoor rink for hockey and skating.”

The Big Country Agricultural Society hoped this would be the beginning of an agricultural building and grounds. Ed left Oyen in 1982. He died suddenly August 13, 2000 in the Foothills Hospital, Calgary.

Ed’s vision of an agriplex has not yet become a reality.

Pick up your NEW phone directory from the Oyen Chamber of Commerce!

Ed Dorosz

Welcome to the world Ellis Tiberius Gray Chiliak-Hill

Shaune and Lee Switzer went to Diamond Valley over the August long weekend and joined the Boyd and the Lauridsen families for some great visits. They also met up with Roxie Gregus and two of her daughters and families for an afternoon of reconnection!

Just a reminder that Amie Eaton is to be married to Matt Box in Granite Rock Victoria, Australia on Sept. 21/24. In lieu of a Bridal Shower, we are requesting recipes from former and present Sibbald Community members. Amie asked for a Sibbald Cookbook to remember the people she knew growing up. Unfortunately, we don’t have a cookbook, so please share your favourite recipe or a recipe written on a recipe card and give it to Heather Norris or send the recipe via email to heathernorris2017@gmail.com by Sept. 1. Be sure to sign whose recipe it is on the recipe. Thanks for your help with this.

Wanda, Marvin, Clark, Kyle, Kerry, Jeremy and Trevor went to Toronto to take in a couple of Blue Jays’ games. They left on July 24 and returned on July 26. While there they ate up top of the CN Tower, Ripley’s aquarium and the Hockey Hall of Fame. It was something Wanda always wanted to do and was thrilled to be able to have their sons along.

Marvin and Wanda went to Fox Lake for a couple of days with Wanda’s sisters and spouses. Their Mom was out for supper both nights.

Congratulations to Kris Woods and Sarah Calkin who were married on August 17 at Jumping Pound Ranch.

Congratulations to Allison Chiliak and Devon Hill on the birth of a baby boy, Ellis Tiberius Gray Chiliak-Hill. Rowan and Kinley are thrilled to have a baby brother.

Marvin and Wanda are walking in the walk for diabetes on September 8. This is in honour of their granddaughter Billie Molzan who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes one year ago just after her second birthday. This has been a real eye-opener for all of them and they would like to help with research for a cure. If there is anyone that would like to sponsor them they would be very grateful. If you have any news will you please call or text me at 403-6645039.

CEREAL

- Monday Night BINGO. Every Monday except holiday Mondays. Doors open at 6:30 and Bingo begins at 7:30 PM. (April to end of November).

- Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 10:30 AM

- Wednesdays - Cereal Quilting Club 10 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre

EMPRESS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper. Presenting Sleepless Nights (Classic Country & Rock).

Garage Sale is the highlight of the week

Hello Everyone. This has been a busy week. The weather has been fantastic if you like it warm. Monday morning was exercises. At morning coffee time, Connie Heath, with her clay cup business, was at the Lodge serving refreshments and fresh baking. Sara Heath and baby Nixon were also here for a visit. Sara loves being a mom. Monday afternoon was bingo.

Tuesday morning was the regular bus runs downtown, followed by One on Ones with the residents, which was some morning walking around the Lodge. Tuesday afternoon, our activity was baking, which we sold in our bake sale on the weekend at the garage sale.

Wednesday morning was exercises, then getting items ready for the garage sale. Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard and more baking. Wednesday was National Seniors Day.

Thursday morning were card games in the

morning, then more garage sale organizing. Thursday afternoon, the residents went to the South-Central High School to play games and enjoy ice cream treats with the summer camp kids in the schoolyard. Thanks to Dayna Wilson, who is the high school librarian and to Amanda Yake and her helpers for inviting the residents for the afternoon. Thursday evening was setting up garage sale items. Thanks to everyone who donated, it was greatly appreciated.

Friday and Saturday was the garage sale from 10-4, along with a bake sale and a hotdog lunch. Thank you to the kitchen staff for preparing the lunch and to Erin V and Gloria J for helping serve it. Also, a huge thank you to the residents who helped at the garage sale and kept things running smoothly for me, again greatly appreciated. And thanks to all who supported and purchased items. The proceeds will go towards new outdoor furniture in the courtyard. Friday evening there was music by the Jorgenson’s. Have a great week, everyone.

Empress Train Station. Bar Opens: 5:30 PM. Supper: 6:30 PM. Tickets $50. Only 60 tickets available. Cathy Cocks 306628-7042 or Rachel Booker 403-6645164.

OYEN

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

• Regular Potluck Supper and Meeting at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper 6:00 PM. Meeting 7:00 PM.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

• Annual Community Resource Fair 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Oyen Arena. For questions, additional info or want to

provide your resources? 403-664-2255. Sponsored by Oyen Family & Community Support Services.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

• 3rd Annual Kathy Allen Memorial 3 Lady Scramble. Registration at 9:00 AM. Tee-Off 10:00 AM. $240/team includes golf, breakfast, supper and prizes. To register call the Clubhouse at 403-664-2555.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 & 21

• Ranch Rodeo at the BCAS Crossroads Centre OCTOBER 4-5

• Prairieland Pheasant Festival. Call 403-664-0878 or 403-664-8204 to enter a team.

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

Wanda Molzan
OYEN LODGE REPORT

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