THE CHOIR - front row, from left: Nigel Broadhead, Ken Duffus, Heather Norris, Linnea Broadhead, Elowen Broadhead and Marilyn Lehman. Middle row: Heather Hagen, Marilyn Kroker, Muriel Martin, Rowenna Broadhead, Christina Fehr, Catherine Holland and Imogene Hauck. Back row: Gert Logan, Lealla Broadhead, Shirley Foot and Bonnie Burke. Conductor: Brad Broadhead
THE STAFF: Kevin McBain (attendant since 2011), Joanne McBain (attendant), Conny Hertz (attendant since 2016), Kim Walker (Directing Manager, employed since 2013), James Walker (attendant since 2017), Pam Stark (Licensed Funeral Director, employed since 2017), Bonnie Burke (celebrant, since 1987). Missing from photo: Ken Shubert (attendant since 1991, semi-retired) and Rosalind Scarff (attendant since 2020), Ryan and Brooke Koehli (proud owners since 2019). PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER
EAST SOUNDING CREEK 4H: from left, Emma Westerlund, Hayden Bingeman, Ayden Andersen, Dylan Woods, Keaton Duque, Cabrie Tye, Camrie Norris, Quinn Grover, Doug Westerlund, Macy Lyster, Alyssa Andersen, Jensyn Duque, Brianna Lyster, Winston Smith, Brandt Lyster, Warren Westerlund, Reid Foot, Rhett Rude, Colt Grover, Ridge Foot. Missing from the photo Leif Westerlund, Cooper Norris and Keller Tye.
EMPTY CHAIR: represents the absence of the service member. White tablecloth: symbolizes the purity of the individual’s intentions when they answered the country’s call. Single red rose in a vase: symbolizes the blood shed in sacrifice and the hope that loved ones await their return. Yellow ribbon: represents the unyielding determination for a proper accounting of those who are not present. Slice of lemon on the bread plate: reminds us of the bitter fate of those who did not return. Salt: symbolizes the countless tears of families. Inverted glass: represents the inability to toast with us. Lit candle: evokes the light of hope and the desire for their return. Bible: represents the strength found through faith. Today, it also symbolizes an Empty chair for our missing loved ones. Behind it are the tables for all family and friends who come tonight to honour and celebrate them.
BY KIM WALKER
On the beautiful evening of November 22, 2025, MacLean’s Funeral Home hosted its 28th annual Tree of Remembrance. This cherished tradition is a time to honour and celebrate the families we had the privilege of serving over the past year, as well as to remember community members who, though not directly in our care, remain an important part of us. We were grateful to welcome approximately 125 family and community members to share in this meaningful gathering.
The evening began with light refreshments, followed by a warm supper of ham, scalloped potatoes, cabbage rolls, and salads. Guests were then treated to music by the Ministerial Choir, led by Pastor Brad Broadhead, who beautifully performed a variety of Christmas songs throughout the evening.
Each family received a special Christmas tree ornament featuring a photo of their loved one—a keepsake to honour their memory.
We were privileged to hear Veteran Allan Barton speak about Remembrance Day and its deeper meaning. He reminded us that remembrance is not only for the veterans who fought, but also for the wives, children, friends, and families who carried the weight of
loss at home. His words were powerful, and he concluded with a moving poem, The Final Inspection.
To reflect on hope after loss, Pastor Shane Hein of Medicine Hat shared his message. Pastor Hein, who serves at Saamis Funeral Home and St. Peter Lutheran Church, offered encouragement and comfort.
The evening also recognized the invaluable contributions of the RCMP, fire department, nurses, doctors, Legion members, and paramedics—those who support us in times of greatest need.
At the close of the program, guests enjoyed a dessert bar filled with cookies, fruitcake, and trifles, lovingly prepared by our staff.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the 4-H youth and their families, who year after year dedicate themselves to helping with carving and serving food, greeting guests, clearing tables, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Watching them grow over the years has been a joy, and we are deeply thankful for their continued support.
This tradition, begun by Keith and Donna MacLean, continues because it brings families and community members together in shared remembrance. It is our way of saying thank you for entrusting us with your loved ones and allowing us to help make the difficult journey of saying goodbye just a little easier.
Allan Barton
TaiLi Rhoad
A wise prescription for a long and healthy life
We’re in the Christmas season when Santa letters are being sent off to the North Pole. Here’s a sample: “Dear Santa. All I want is a fat bank account and a skinny body. Please don’t mix it up again like last year!”
Most of us want a skinny body along with a long and healthy life. My family recently celebrated my father-in-law’s 90th birthday. Just five years ago, we came to visit him and found him high up in a tree cutting off dead branches. Five years later, he’s no longer climbing trees but remains in pretty good health.
Opinion By Joan Janzen
Dr. Suneel Dhand and two of his friends spoke on a podcast about the supplements they personally use to maintain good health. Dr. Peter, a cardiologist, said magnesium is really good for your cardiac health. “Most people who have arrhythmias are often magnesium deficient,” he noted.
Magnesium also helps reduce muscle spasms, along with performing a simple daily exercise of stretching the muscles in your calves.
The three doctors agreed on the importance of sufficient sleep. Dr. Ben said a lot of medications used for sleep result in groggy after-effects. Instead, he recommended melatonin, a natural chemical that’s made in your body. By taking a melatonin supplement, you’re giving your body more of what it already produces. “It helps you fall asleep faster
and helps you fall back to sleep when you wake up during the night,” he advised.
Dr. Dhand chimed in, saying, “Turmeric is my number one supplement. You will never see the research published about its very potent anti-inflammation and antioxidant effects. Turmeric in food is good, but there’s evidence when you heat these compounds up, the effects are lessened,” which is why he takes a couple of capsules every day.
Dr. Ben said, “People frown upon these supplements but at the same time hand out Advil and Tylenol like candy, which, if taken in larger amounts, can cause harm. Tylenol can cause damage to your liver. Advil, taken in larger amounts, can cause stomach ulcers, gastritis, and bleeding.”
While seeing patients, Dr. Dhand said he regularly sees people who were very healthy for a long time, then come in with a condition and admit they are under a great deal of stress. “Stress does devastating things to the body, and it suppresses immunity,” he observed.
It’s easier said than done, but he recommends going for a walk, watching a comedy show, exercising, taking time to meditate and pray, or spending time with family and friends. Whatever works for you to help reduce stress quickly and regularly is vitally import-
Whatever works for you to help reduce stress quickly and regularly is vitally important.
ant.
When it comes to weight loss, someone recently told me they’ve talked to a number of acquaintances who lost a noticeable amount of weight. He asked how they did it, and was told they started taking a drug called Ozempic. Coincidentally, on a recent podcast, Dr. Suneel Dhand said he was seeing the same thing.
He asked his patients what they were doing to lose weight, and they answered, “My doctor mentioned Ozempic. I’ve been on the shot for a few months.”
As a doctor who focuses on natural health and wellness, he said he shakes his head at how upside down the world has become. The modern-day mindset has been fooled into thinking a quick fix is best, but it comes at a high cost. The price is paid by the human body.
Although the drug will cause people to lose weight, they’ll also lose muscle mass because muscle tissue vanishes faster than fat, the doctor observed. He said, on the outside, people’s physical appearance will begin looking weak,
frail, and faces looking deflated.
Meanwhile, on the inside, their metabolism slows, nutrient absorption fails, and side effects begin to manifest. He said new risks keep emerging: digestive issues, rebound weight gain, mood changes, pancreatic and thyroid issues. “You can’t manipulate biology without consequence,” he said. “It’s an injection that effectively paralyzes the stomach.”
Instead, Dr. Dhand suggested downloading the app MyFitnessPal, which tracks the calories of everything you drink and have eaten. “Most people are dramatically undercounting the calories they consume,” he advised.
Next, he asks people to find out how many calories they are burning daily. “You need a 500-calorie deficit every single day,” he said. “It’s impossible to consistently run at a calorie deficit and not lose weight.”
“Society is selling the illusion of effort-free health, and millions are buying it,” he said, adding his frustration with pharmaceutical solutions for lifestyle diseases that never address the root cause.
Generations before us have proven you can’t cheat your way to success in health, education, or relationships. Real, lasting change requires discipline, consistency, and effort, Dr. Dhand said.
“The goal isn’t to reject all medicine. It’s to practice wise medicine: thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in both science and humanity,” he concluded. It’s a wise prescription for a long and healthy life.
As humble as American pie
Lately, America’s cultural heroes are bumping up the “greatest ever” language about itself. Apparently the whole world, not just America, is blessed by its national documents and decisions. And while I’m not suggesting they could be “nice” like us, a bit of humility wouldn’t hurt.
Pop89
By Madonna Hamel
In 2018, columnist Jack Holmes wrote, “Few things are more quintessentially Trumpian than using superlatives. It is an obsession.” He’s claimed to be “the greatest job creator” and “the greatest president that God ever created,” and, hell, “the world’s greatest person.”
But the “best ever” obsession isn’t his alone; it’s a national obsession. And a compulsion. And it won’t be reined in, even — especially, it seems — when the evidence is to the contrary.
Promoters of American culture have long been feeding their fellow citizens, and the rest of us also-rans, the story that they are “the greatest nation in the world,” the place “where everybody wants to live,” “where nobody gets left behind.” If you haven’t watched Jeff Daniels playing a newsman in a YouTube clip from the series The Newsroom explaining why America isn’t the greatest nation in the world, you may want to, just to hear him rattle off the latest stats.
According to a recent report by the health-equity Commonwealth Fund in the States: “The U.S. has higher rates of preventable deaths and lower life expectancy than peer nations.” And according to the 2025 U.S. News Best Countries to Live report: “The U.S. has the fifth-highest incarceration rate globally at 541 per 100,000 people, just behind countries like El Salvador, Cuba, Rwanda, and Turkmenistan. The U.S. incarceration rate is significantly higher than other independent democracies.” And it’s ranked 35th in
the overall 2024 Environmental Performance Index, which scores countries on environmental issues. And as for prosperity, to paraphrase Jeff Daniels’ character: where once America fought a war on poverty, it’s now fighting a war on the poor.
Every addict’s drug of choice is: more. Recovered addicts will tell you that one way to spot an addict is by their use of all-or-nothing, always-and-never, nobody-and-everybody talk.
Most addicts don’t recover from their obsessions and compulsions until they “hit bottom,” fall to their knees, and get humbled by a crisis that often has to happen. In 12-step rooms you’ll hear “getting humble” referred to as “getting right-sized and teachable.” But in America, it seems, when humiliations happen, the boasting just gets bigger and bigger — and on both sides of the aisle and the culture wars.
Ken Burns, in promoting his new documentary on the American Revolution, calls it “the most important thing to happen in human history since the birth of Christ.” And author Walter Isaacson named his recent book on the American Declaration of Independence “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.”
The splashy talk gets attention, but it also adds to the “society as spectacle” ersatz reality that Marxist cultural theorist Guy Debord warned about in 1967, and Christian cultural critic Chris Hedges wrote about 42 years later in Empire of Illusion, where he describes American politics as resembling the Wide World of Wrestling.
Stubborn insistence on seeing oneself or one’s country as the “best ever” is the worst kind of blindness. It’s a myopic vision that can, in turn, support the kind of unfettered growth required for becoming and staying No. 1 — the kind that will force the wrong peg into the wrong hole until the whole effort crashes, and the whole structure crumbles.
My problem with “the greatest sentence ever written” is the phrase “the pursuit of happiness.” It is one thing to believe one has the right to happiness. It is another to make “pursuit” the focus of the enterprise. “Pursuit” conjures images of dangling carrots,
of thirsts never quenched, of short-lived pleasures requiring newer, faster, bigger pleasures to replace them. Addiction is as much about pursuit as acquisition. In fact, when it comes to sex and food addiction, neurologists say that anticipation and pursuit of the desired object are where the biggest hit comes from. And once the chase is over there is only emptiness (in terms of bank account and relationships), so the pursuit begins again. It’s how the brain is wired. And greed and gambling work the same way — they’re more about getting the money — at any cost — than having it.
Sometimes America seems like a country in hot pursuit of its fantasy self, which is a nation that is welcoming to all, yet at the same time proud of its “rugged” hyper-individualism. But you can’t be both. You are either a community that says, “Everyone is welcome, everyone belongs,” or you put all your energy into your right to achieve your singular, particular brand of happiness, at all costs and at anyone’s expense. You even have a right to be an addict, if that’s what makes you happy.
There’s a kind of sweaty, manic quality to the word “pursuit.” What would happen if you slowed things down a bit and replaced it with “process”? Process implies a journey, a pilgrimage, a sojourn. Pursuit implies a chase, a mad dash to the end and a belief that the payoff is what life is all about — product over process.
In fact, obsession with product is how AI became so appealing. The product is instant, the process invisible and non-participatory. Recently, Pope Leo beseeched AI technicians to slow down and use “moral discernment as a fundamental part of their work.” Tech mogul Marc Andreessen ridiculed the pope for his remarks and was promptly criticized by techs and non-techs alike. So, perhaps, the pope will be the sobering presence his fellow Americans need.
Wait a minute! That’s it — “Presence.” Instead of “pursuit” of happiness, how about: the “presence” of happiness? Be present to the simple pleasures surrounding you now, and save the “best ever” praise for mom’s turkey stuffing or your kid’s 100th dinosaur drawing, where hyperbole belongs.
SPECIAL AREAS BOARD DONATES $50,000 FOR PICKLEBALL COURT IN OYEN
From left, Charmain Snell, treasurer, and Pat Stober, president of the Oyen Leisure Society, gratefully accepted a $50,000 donation from the Special Areas Board towards the development of a pickleball court where the existing tennis courts now stand at the RCMP Century Park.
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
Just a gal from Glidden
White Christmases, like the ones I used to know
BY KATE WINQUIST
I always feel a little melancholy at this time of year. I could blame it on the colder weather, I suppose, but the truth is simpler: I find myself dreaming of a White Christmas — the kind Bing Crosby sang about, the kind I used to know. My fondest memories are rooted in the farm at Glidden, where Christmas always arrived wrapped in snow. I’m the youngest of six, and I can’t recall a single holiday without at least a dusting of white on the ground. Dad would plow the yard into towering drifts, and I’d be itching to bundle up, grab my bright red Super Saucer, and fly down the big hill. My sister Carrie and I would build snow forts, and when the older siblings came home, we’d play Fox and Geese until our cheeks were numb. Dad even made a mini skating rink on the garden spot. Mom wouldn’t allow us to have a skidoo, but we could all fit into a stainless steel tub and be pulled behind the tractor! Go figure… like that wasn’t dangerous at all.
Inside, the house always looked ready for Christmas. Reindeer lined the archway into the living room. The manger sat proudly atop the piano. Christmas cards filled the walls — and I sometimes wonder if people even send cards anymore. Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Doug would make the drive from Elrose for Christmas dinner and games. Some-
times Aunt Peg and Uncle Dave arrived from Eatonia. We’d gather around the table for endless rounds of Hearts, Kaiser, or Stop the Bus. There might even be a crokinole tournament — though why we bothered, I’ll never know, since no one could ever beat Dad. And then there were rounds of Parchesi or Trivial Pursuit, where Mom’s mastery of literature and history left the rest of us shaking our heads.
Music filled the house too. We had a well-loved collection of Christmas records — my favourite was Jim Henson and the Muppets — but the real highlight was listening to my sisters play duets on the piano. Whoever felt brave enough would sing along. We always made time to watch Emmett Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, a tradition that has since carried on to the next generation. And the food — there was never a shortage of that. We’d wake early for stockings and gifts (youngest to oldest, of course), then tuck into homemade egg McMuffins or, in later years, The Wife Saver, prepared the night before and baked in the morning. For the rest of the day, we grazed on cookies and chocolates. My sister Kristine made homemade peppermint patties, and my brother Garth devoted hours to delicate hand-dipped chocolates and his famous antipasto. There was homemade Poppycock, Nuts & Bolts, and Grandpa’s brown sugar fudge. And then there was
Grandma’s pudding and that unforgettable sauce — cooked all day in a double boiler, rich enough to stop your heart and warm your soul. The pudding itself was “fine,” but the sauce was legendary. Of course, extra people meant only one bathroom to share, and sleeping space was a creative endeavour. More than once, I found myself tucked in beside a sister or relegated to the pullout cot in the rumpus room. Life felt so much simpler then.
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
ADULT FICTION:
An Amish Widow’s New Love / by: Vannetta Champman
The Christmas Ring / by: Karen Kingsbury
A Heart so Haunted / by: Hollie Nelson
Return of the Spider / by: James Patterson
The Black Wolf / by: Louise Penny
The Seven Rings / by: Nora Roberts
Buckeye / by: Patrick Ryan
The Color of Hope / by: Danielle Steel
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
DogMan : Big Jim Believes / by: Dav Pilkey
Wings of Fire : Legends : Dark Stalker / by: Barry Deutsch
JUVENILLE FICTION:
The Free State of Jax / by: Jennifer Neilsen
Terry Lynne Mactavish
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
Where in the Wizarding World : Harry Potter Search and Find Book / by: Samanta Swank
NON-FICTION:
A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 / by: Bill Bryson
The ultimate Rumble Collection / by: Jerry Pallotta
Read Your Mind : Proven Habits for Success / by: Oz Pearlman
The Book of Sheen : A Memior / by: Charlie Sheen
PERIODICAL:
People Magazine
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.
Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for many years. Uncle Doug passed away in 2019. It’s been 15 years since we lost Dad — November 30, 2010 — and almost a year since Mom passed, on December 11. Perhaps that explains the ache I feel now. Still, when I hear Bing Crosby croon White Christmas, I can close my eyes and find myself back on that snow-covered farm, surrounded by family, love, and all the Christmases I used to know.
My Uncle Doug and I playing a game of “Booby Trap”
ATB Financial: From back rooms to Main Street
(REPRINTED FROM OCTOBER, 2018 OF THE
OYEN ECHO
BY
BERNIE KREWSKI)
Alberta Treasury Branches, adopting the brand name ATB Financial in 2002, officially celebrated its 80th anniversary on September 29.
In keeping with ATB’s modest beginnings, Oyen branch manager Kari Kuzmiski and her staff invited customers to share refreshments over several days to mark this momentous event. Eightieth-year celebrations in the month of September also coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Treasury Branch serving the people of this district.
ATB’s presence in Oyen began unpretentiously in a trailer at its current site on September 18, 1972. That lot (and several adjoining) had been occupied by the Beaver Lumber Company since 1921 but vacated around 1968. Quite by chance, Beaver Lumber was similarly a grass-roots prairie company, established in the small community of Wolseley, Sask., in 1883. Later, as a prominent local business outlet in this area, it was an important supplier and highly instrumental in the early development of Oyen and many of the surrounding communities.
The first ATB manager was J.F. Anderson who had a staff of five employees. Treasury Branch officials at that time viewed Oyen as having much potential, seeing it as a growing and resourceful community. They noted numerous local major achievements: the installation of a high school dormitory, head office for the Acadia School Division, a new high school, nurses’ residence, Legion Hall, medical/dental clinic, and 25 extended care beds.
The Treasury Branch moved into the newly constructed Provincial Building on May 9, 1975. During the next decade, its staff increased to 10, serving an area population of about 3,000 people. Despite very dry conditions in the mid1980s, Manager Lyle L. Grewer in 1987 reported a ten percent growth rate in the number of loans issued.
So, what’s significant about this – the anniversary of a longstanding business enterprise and service in a prairie town? A brief glance and the ATB Financial story in Oyen could easily end here.
Full Name:
PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
That, however, would disregard and ignore the unparalleled and unprecedented role that ATB has played in the history of this province.
Oldtimers know some of that story from experience: no rain, no markets and no money. But the far-reaching story has received little attention in Oyen’s history books and in the holdings at the Crossroads Museum & Archives. The following will hopefully serve as a brief update.
The seeds of ATB were inconspicuously planted on August 22, 1935, within the context of several wide-ranging events. The United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), a former agrarian protest movement, had governed Alberta for 14 years. None of its MLA’s were re-elected – all failed to gain a seat in the provincial election held on this date!
In a record turnout of voters, 80%, the Social Credit League won 56 of the 63 seats in the Legislature. This new group of MLAs was not then an actual political party and had no official leader during the election campaign, other than William Aberhart, the League’s guiding force. But thousands of Albertans were his faithful followers, listening to his radio broadcasts from the Prophetic Bible Institute in Calgary. Political offer-
CHRISTMAS HAMPER NOMINATION FORM
Please submit by December 5 to Oyen FCSS - PO Box 845, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 or email: oyenfcss@telus.net or Call Office: 403-664-2255
Physical Address:
Town:
Phone:
Child(ren)’s name(s) & age:
Please feel free to apply for yourself, or nominate someone that may need a hamper.
Hampers will be delivered December 17, 2025.
ings and solutions grounded in “Social Credit” theory often accompanied his religious and inspirational talks.
Aberhart, a prominent high school teacher and preacher, had little interest in government and political matters for most of his life. Rather, his abilities were those of an evangelist and entertainer. Not having campaigned in the election but urged to become Premier by elected members, he eventually won a seat in a by-election on November 4th, 74 days after the provincial election. This unusual process resulted in this headline in a Boston newspaper: “Alberta Goes Crazy!”
The Depression had devastated Alberta’s farm-based economy as export markets collapsed. The Alberta Treasury was literally penniless. Farmers, facing the same burden, borrowed heavily and took on too much debt. The Province, like Saskatchewan, was only 30 years old (compared to Manitoba’s 65 years and BC’s 64) and had not yet developed a financial infrastructure to sustain such a young and undeveloped economy. Elected officials, seeking alternative remedies to address the prevailing poverty of Albertans, were unable to find many options and avenues to pursue.
Attending summer school for teachers at the University of Alberta in 1932, as one of my professors told us, Aberhart discovered Social Credit and became interested in monetary reform. This subject was being discussed in England and throughout the British Empire, but no government jurisdiction had experimented with putting Social Credit theories into practice.
Premier Aberhart latched on to this central idea: if government could oversee the issuance of credit, rather than the private sector, then it could also provide consumer discounts to balance consumption with full production. No one wins, in other words, if a company or business produces a product and no one can afford to buy it. Aberhart repeatedly said he simply wanted to make the market system work more efficiently.
Various schemes were proposed by Aberhart’s government. The objections and roadblocks were immediate and frequent. In a four-year period from 1937 to 1941, 11 laws passed by the Alberta Legislature were disallowed, either by the federal government or by the courts. They were deemed to be beyond the jurisdiction of any province.
A major hurdle was the Canada Bank
Act of 1871. It stated that only federal chartered banks can offer specific financial services to the public. The anger in Alberta toward the federal government in Ottawa was intense, undoubtedly fueled by the presence of thousands of American migrants in Alberta. Federal law in the United States, by contrast, specifically prohibited the establishment of national chains of banks. There, banks were small, confined to local communities and able to back developments in their own district. They were also highly vulnerable to bankruptcy –perhaps of little concern when Alberta’s own financial situation was similarly precarious.
This provincial/federal jurisdictional dilemma occurred then and, unfortunately, repeatedly arises, even to this day. Constant laments from Alberta “about those $@#x*s in Ottawa” have regrettably become part of our political fabric. Canadians would demonstrate more political maturity and wisdom if they enhanced their understanding of their own country’s history, and minimized comparisons with the United States. The American constitution and political structure are very different than Canada’s. Governance and the rule of law south of the border often seems to be perceived as some form of evil! Canada’s constitutional framework establishing this country as a self-governing federation was set out in the British North America Act of 1867. That document framed the Canada Bank Act which became William Aberhart’s stone wall.
Canada in fact was not very “self-governing” until much later. For example, Canada was not fully independent from Britain, including having control over its natural resources, until the Statute of Westminster in 1931. More personally, I was born as a “British subject,” not a citizen of Canada, until that legislation was passed in 1948. Aberhart would have done better if, instead, he had aimed his arrows at Great Britain. Anyone who reads Ken McGoogan’s fine book, “How the Scots Invented Canada,” will understand what I mean!
Fortunately, Aberhart and his cabinet found a loophole in federal regulations. Treasury, Alberta’s finance ministry, could lawfully open branches in locations where the government wanted to provide banking services. Every person or business interested in utilizing this government-based banking service could simply sign a service contract. Consequently, the government would be engaging with individuals and businesses, not “the public” as required in the Bank Act. In short, Albertans were being invited to join a “credit club” or “credit house.”
Here’s what the “Chinook Advance” (a newspaper in the former village 40 km west of Oyen) published on September 29, 1938: “Credit Houses Open on Friday – Six ‘credit houses’ or branches of the provincial treasury will be opened in Alberta Friday, Hon. E.C. Manning, Provincial Secretary, stated Sunday at the Prophetic Bible Institute. The points selected are Edmonton, Grand Prairie, Rocky Mountain House, Andrew, St. Paul, and Killam.”
Manning’s announcement followed an Order-in-Council (a Cabinet order) issued on August 29. Formal approval by the Legislature, passage of the Treasury Branches Act, did not occur until
ATB STAFF: November 3, 2025. From left, Karrie Drouin, Client Service Representative; Daina Wilson, Everyday Banking Advisor; Samantha Kuhn, Branch Manager; Jenna Bingeman, Personal Banking Advisor; Hina Vasani, Client Service Representative. Samantha holding the ATB 50th Anniversary History Book that will be on the coffee table for people to view.
Would McKenna spark a Flames’ revival?
Should the Calgary Flames be gaggin’ for Gavin?
The big prize in next summer’s National Hockey League amateur draft is expected to be Gavin McKenna, the pride of Whitehorse, Yukon, a former Medicine Hat Tiger superstar and currently a high-profile winger with Penn State, a National Collegiate Athletic Association hockey power.
Sports By Bruce Penton
Next year, when he’s 18, he’s probably going to be a member of an NHL team, with McDavid- and Bedard-like expectations. Flames’ fans hope he’ll be wearing the flaming ‘C’ when he steps onto an NHL ice surface.
Thanks to the draft’s lottery system, having the league’s worst record is no guarantee of picking No 1. But it certainly enhances the opportunity, and the Flames, currently languishing near the bottom of the 32-team NHL, may as well try to manoeuvre those odds in their favour. How? By losing as much as possible.
Drafting a franchise cornerstone like McKenna could be the beginning of a Flames’ turnaround. They are not only among the worst teams in the league, but also one of the oldest. Four offensive leaders, Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman, are all on the wrong side of
...ATB
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
November 22, 1938. Nonetheless, ATB was on its way!
Office space was secured wherever it could be found. The level of service would vary – either a full-service ATB branch, a sub-branch, or a simple Treasury Branch agent or agency might be available. Coronation, for example, immediately opened a branch in 1938, whereas the Provost service began as an agency operated by W.H. Murat.
Among the 22 service outlets opened in 1939 were Consort, Drumheller, Hanna, Stettler and Castor (an agency housed in a lumberyard). In 1946, Brooks opened a branch in a converted theatre.
By 1941, ATB’s revenues from deposits were enough to begin granting loans. Growth was more rapid after the War. There were 45 branches, 6 sub-branches, 110 agencies, and 331 employees by 1950.
Underlying and amplifying the ATB story is this truism: small businesses are the economic anchor of this province and this country. Such enterprises constitute about 98% of all employer businesses in Canada. Nearly 50% of Canada’s workforce is employed in small businesses, and 40% have fewer than 20 employees.
With such risks, why would anyone want to establish a small business? David Campbell, a successful Canadian businessman who died recently, put it this way.
Nothing can be more thrilling than conceiving an idea, assembling the resources, piloting a risky venture, and reaping the rewards. Then being able to say: “I did that!”
For its 50th anniversary in 1988, ATB published a book entitled “Treasured Memories: A Celebration of Alberta
30. Their team logo should be a rocking chair, not a flaming ‘C’
A total rebuild is in order. A few younger pieces are already in place, such as goalies Devin Cooley and Dustin Wolf, who was a rookie-of-the-year finalist last season, Matt Coronato, Connor Zary, Morgan Frost, Joel Farrabee and recent draft picks Zayne Parekh and Sam Honzek. Adding a star like McKenna and dispatching some of the aging deadwood via trades for younger players or draft picks would go a long way to righting the Flames ship.
Tearing down and rebuilding has worked for other teams. The Oilers lucked out by getting McDavid in 2015 and they’ve been a Stanley Cup finalist two years in a row. Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, after years in the doldrums, are now contenders after selecting Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, respectively. Anaheim Ducks are one of the big surprises of the current NHL season thanks to some astute drafting of players such as Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish and Jackson Lacombe. Montreal Canadiens are another example of a team that put its fans through years of suffering before building a young, solid roster through the draft. Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky all
HAPPY 80TH ATB SEPTEMBER 28, 2018: Celebrating ATB’s 80th birthday with customers were staff Carissa Schuetzle, Chandra Shantz and Kari Kuzmiski. Missing from photo: Tammy Hermanson-Foster and Pam Stark.
ATB Manager Lyle Grewer (L) with Mayor Doug Lehman.
Treasury Branches.” Oyen is featured on p. 226, accompanied by three advertisements: The Town of Oyen; Archie and Gayle Emblau Alberta Hotel and Motel; and Gordon Johnsen, Oyen Pharmacy. Their small contributions were of great help to me in writing this story.
Overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers is the fundamental story of ATB and many small businesses. Commitment and persistence are often the key.
A reminder of that occurred years ago in the ATB office at Stettler, which also issued motor vehicle licenses. The very diligent clerk kept telling the applicant that she could not issue a license because he had no insurance. Overhearing the discussion, the manager quietly took her aside and explained that RCMP officers operating police vehicles don’t need proof of insurance!
came through the draft, as did captain Nick Suzuki, who was picked in the first round by Vegas but abruptly traded to Montreal in the Max Pacioretty deal.
Being bad and drafting high doesn’t work for everyone. Buffalo Sabres haven’t made the playoffs since 2010-11, despite twice having the No. 1 pick in the draft — Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Owen Power in 2021. They also got Jack Eichel at No. 2 after McDavid in 2015.
The Sabres situation proves there are no guarantees. But a rebuild has to start somewhere, so keep losing Calgary and hope those draft lottery ping pong balls bounce in your favour.
• Norman Chad, with another comment overheard from a competitor at the Westminster Dog Show: “By the way, you all eat at least three times a day and feed us just twice a day — what’s up with that?”
• fark.com headline: “The glorious mullet returns for a 38th season of professional hockey.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Best line of the week about the NBA’s new convoluted, confusing ‘international’ format came from Orlando radio guru Marc Daniels: ‘I’d rather watch Chauncey Billups hosting a poker game.’”
• Another one from Bianchi: “I’m not saying the NBA’s new All-Star Game format is stupid, but even the Pro Bowl is sending its thoughts and prayers!”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, on the Maple Leafs’ woes: “On Saturday, they played a statement game in Chicago. Their statements was, ‘Is it bedtime yet?’”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald: “Miami Dolphins have won three of their past four to climb to 4-7 and are a slight betting favourite to also win the bye week.”
• Greg Cote again, on a preview of the recent Seahawks-Titans game: “This is NFL version of a hungry lion vs. a limping hyena in the wild.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Canadian tennis star Felix Auger-Aliassime, got married after the U.S. Open. His wife, Nina, was game, Felix was set, and now they’re a match.”
• Another one from Currie: “I won’t say Riders’ QB Trevor Harris, 39, is old. But add five more years, and he’d be almost as old as the Kars4Kids commercial.”
• Headline at theonion.com: “Detroit Lions Rookie Asks For Thanksgiving Off”
• Another fark.com headline: “So, which one was a more painful experience for Bill Belichick? North Carolina losing to Wake Forest or attending his girlfriend’s cheerleading competition?”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Residents enjoy games, treats and holiday preparations
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello everyone! The frost sure looks beautiful on the trees these days, though those foggy mornings can be a bit dreary. Temperatures are dropping, and it’s getting harder to adjust to the wintery weather.
The Oyen Lodge would like to thank the Cereal Golden Centre Group for their generous donation to the Oyen Recreation Fund. It is greatly appreciated.
Monday started with exercises, followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. In the afternoon, there was bingo. Two lucky winners—Jean Olds and Sandi Jamieson—hit bingo on the number I29. This number is special because when I started this position, I joked that I was 29 years old, so it became a fun little tradition at bingo. Plus, they get to double their winnings!
Tuesday morning included exercises and the regular bus run downtown for shopping. Catholic Church service, led by Father Rodell, was held at 10:30 a.m. “Pieces by Sharon” clothing company visited the Lodge from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving residents a chance to purchase clothing before Christmas. In
the afternoon, residents enjoyed an ice cream parlor featuring floats, banana splits, and sundaes.
Wednesday morning featured church service led by Brad, followed by crossword games. In the afternoon, residents played shuffleboard. Happy Birthday to Ed Hillar on November 26! The resident council also met, and Taylor Neilson played the piano for everyone.
Thursday morning included exercises, followed by some baking for the Christmas party and birthday bash. The monthly Birthday Bash was held in the afternoon, featuring lemon cake with lemon frosting, coffee, and tea. Thanks to Robbie Shields for playing music at the bash. Happy Birthday to Owen Hausauer on November 27!
Friday morning began with horse races. #2 horse, Mariah, was the top winner that day. In the afternoon, residents played card bingo. Decorations continued around the Lodge, and a special thank-you to some wonderful ladies for helping set up little trees and having fun doing it.
Looking ahead: Maximum Hearing will be at the Lodge on Friday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November is gone—welcome, De-
cember! Hopefully, everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit. Have a great week, everyone!
The Oyen Lodge residents were busy celebrating birthdays this past week, including Ed Hiller’s 85th trip around the sun on November 26th!
National leadership on local issues: Getting results for
BY THE HON. PIERRE POILIEVRE, MP for Battle River—Crowfoot Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Since you elected me as your Member of Parliament, my mission has been clear: provide national leadership on local issues that affect Battle River— Crowfoot. But slogans don’t fix fences. Action is needed, and I am pleased to work with our federal Conservative team to take the grit, common sense and determination of rural Alberta and turn them into real results.
I want to give you a few of the many examples of how our team is delivering on this promise. We are taking the specific challenges you face—on your farms, in your businesses, and in your communities—and turning them into policies that unlock Canada’s true potential.
First, we are fighting to unleash our economy. For too long, growth-killing Liberal taxes have punished farmers and other business owners when they
Director, Municipal Services
can least afford it. Last year, the net income of Canadian farmers dropped by $4.2 billion compared to 2023, while farm debt rose 14.1%—the highest annual increase in over 40 years. That is why I proposed the Canada First Reinvestment Tax Cut. The plan is simple: if you sell an asset and reinvest the proceeds into a Canadian business, farm, or home, you will pay no capital gains tax on that reinvestment. This would be economic rocket fuel for our riding. It would mean that money stays here—hiring local workers and buying new equipment—rather than being taxed away by Ottawa.
Pierre Poilievre
Second, we delivered on your freedom to repair your own equipment. When your tractor breaks down during harvest, you shouldn’t be forced to wait weeks for a corporate technician to plug
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Battle River—Crowfoot
in a laptop. That is why we supported C-244 in the last Parliament, the “right to repair” bill, championed by Conservative MP Jeremy Patzer. This legislation updated the Copyright Act to ensure you can diagnose, maintain, and repair the machinery you own without digital locks getting in your way.
Third, we are tackling the violent crime wave threatening our communities. I know that for many of you, the fear of violent repeat offenders is real. That is why our team has introduced Bill C-242, the Jail Not Bail Act, sponsored by Arpan Khanna. This vital legislation would stop the “catch-and-release” justice system created by the Liberals. It introduces a new “Major Offences” category for crimes like extortion and home invasion and creates a reverse onus on bail—meaning violent criminals will have to prove why they should be released, rather than the Crown having to prove they should be detained.
Fourth, we are prioritizing the rights of victims. My colleague Dane Lloyd has championed “McCann’s Law,” in honour of Lyle and Marie McCann of St. Albert. This legislation fights for a “No Body, No Parole” standard, ensuring that killers who refuse to disclose the location of their victims’ remains face tougher penalties. It is a matter of basic decency: victims’ families deserve
closure, and criminals should not be rewarded for their cruelty.
Outside Parliament, we are fighting the out-of-touch bureaucracy on the ground, literally. I have heard from many of you about the devastation caused by gophers. Ottawa’s decision to ban effective pest control products like strychnine was made by bureaucrats who put ideology over evidence. John Barlow, Conservative Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Saskatchewan MP Steven Bonk, and I are actively pressuring the government to grant the use of strychnine. We demand that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) base their decisions on agronomic reality, not activism.
Finally, I want to mention my friend and your former MP, Damien Kurek. During the last campaign, he and I travelled thousands of kilometres across this vast region together. From town halls in Consort, to kitchen tables in Camrose, to regular calls with local leaders, we heard the same message: you want a government that respects your work and protects your community.
Damien served this constituency with integrity and honour, and he remains a vital part of our movement. Damien and I, and the entire Conservative team, are united. We will not stop until we bring home a Canada that rewards hard work, respects rural communities, and puts its people first. We are fighting for Canada. We are fighting for you.
Clarification on name in recent Echo story
My apologies to Arnold McKee and Terry Westerlund in regard to the article by Arnold in The Oyen Echo last week about the Block Horse sale. The difference between four key strokes and two can make a huge difference. Arnold’s submission was handwritten, and I typed it to send to Kate. I knew the difference, but somehow typed Tim instead of Terry Westerlund. The sentence should have read, “Terry Westerlund, a good friend and fellow horseman, got me through a lot of stress and kept me organized.”
—Diana Walker
East Sounding Creek 4-H Club kicks off 2025/2026 beef season
BY FALLYN DUQUE
Well, here we are, kicking off our 2025/2026 year of Beef 4-H for the East Sounding Creek 4-H Club. It was a full house at our first meeting, and at the top of the agenda was our election of officers. Before getting into that, let me introduce myself. My name is Fallyn Duque, and I have been elected to be our club reporter. I am the third sibling and daughter of Cory and Nikki Duque from Cereal. This is my fifth year in 4-H. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the ESC (East Sounding Creek) meetings and events.
On November 3rd, we held our first meeting of the year. The election of officers resulted as follows: President: Rhett Rude; Vice President: Brandt Lyster; Secretary: Sadie Rude; Treasurer: Dylan Woods; Club Reporter: Fallyn Duque; Historian: Hayden Bingeman; Cards and Gifts: Ridge Foot; General Leader: Marika Lyster; Assistant General Leaders: Liz Westerlund and Shelaine Woods. Congratulations to everyone who has been voted in and accepted these roles.
On November 11th, the club attended our District weigh-in. This is a very important day for us 4-Hers, as it is when we process our projects: market steers, carcass calves, heifers, and our buddy or spare project steers. We record their weight, re-tag them, and check their breed and brand. It is important to get our calves’ beginning weight so that at the end of the year, on Achievement Day, when they are weighed for the final time, we can calculate the Rate of Gain for our projects.
The day started with an educational presentation by Jack Fisher on the importance of proper feed. The kids also received a feed bucket with scoops from the Westview Co-op in Hanna, which offers a discount for 4-H supplies. Very generous of Westview Co-op— thank you!
The East Sounding Creek 4-H Club wrapped up the month of November by greeting, serving, and clean-
ing up at the Oyen Legion Hall for the Tree of Remembrance as a community service. We all enjoyed the evening—getting to dress up, stay busy, and say hello to people we fondly know in the community.
That wraps up our busy month. Stay tuned for monthly reports from me, Fallyn, proud member of the East Sounding Creek 4-H Club. At the end of my reports, I will be sharing a beef recipe that has been proven time and time again (and sometimes over generations) to be a favourite—try it out!
I will start with the Duque family’s favourite. Mom calls it “super easy and great for leftovers or potluck.” This recipe, originally submitted in the Cereal Cookbook by Karen Peacock, goes as follows:
Classifieds
• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can niblets corn
• 2 cans tomato soup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 4 cups cooked noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Brown the ground beef and onion. Mix the cooked beef with all the ingredients except the cheese. Put in a large roaster and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes covered, then another 10 minutes uncovered, or until the cheese is bubbly.
ENJOY!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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BEEF AND CORN BAKE
Dalton Powell, recipient of a $1000 BCAS scholarship
BY DIANA WALKER
Dalton Powell, younger son of Calvin and Haley Powell, grew up with cattle, rodeo and a strong rural work ethic on his family’s ranch near Youngstown.
“I have developed a deep appreciation for the people, values and traditions that make rural communities like ours thrive,” he says.
A high school rodeo athlete, trap shooter, and outdoorsman, Dalton is pursuing a career in wildlife biology through the Renewable Resource Management program at Lethbridge Polytechnic. He aims to bring technical knowledge and a commitment to sustainable land and wildlife management back to his community.
“This program will give me the knowledge and skills to conserve and manage wildlife species such as bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, deer and elk. I believe rural communities benefit when young people bring back technical knowledge, environmental understanding, and a commitment to sustainable land and wildlife management. It will allow me to protect the landscapes and resources that support both agriculture and outdoor recreation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same rural lifestyle I have.”
He has spent countless hours helping the Big Country Agricultural Society with rough stock events, LRA and high school rodeos, ropings, and community gatherings. He moved bleachers, hung the TV, assisted with welding projects alongside his dad, raised gates and hand-cut and notched pipes to improve the runback alley for the safety of bronc riders.
“The Crossroads Centre has been more than just a facility to me,” says Dalton. “It’s been a place where I have competed, volunteered, and built lifelong friendships. The work has taught me the importance of teamwork, safety, and giving back.”
After graduation, Dalton plans to continue volunteering at the Crossroads, and help the BCAS host events.
“The community has shaped who I am, and I want to return the favour by contributing my time, skills, and eventually my professional expertise.”
UPDATE: Asked how his course was going, Dalton replied: “Really well. I’m finishing my first semester. I like classes that revolve around wildlife. My favourite is Zoology, which is mostly identification, taxonomy and animal behaviour. I’ve enjoyed my field trips to the mountains searching for different habitats, animal signs and waterways. I plan to finish my diploma in Renewable Resource Management, then work on my degree in a Bachelor of Ecosystem Management.”
Viva Vitality: Support family and friends to quit smoking
BY RITA AMAN
Quite often, I hear from friends and family members of smokers asking, “How can I get them to quit? I am really worried about them.” Their concerns are genuine and heartfelt. They want the best for their loved ones and want them to change.
Unfortunately, my response may not be the answer they are looking for: you can’t make them or do it for them. The decision to quit smoking or using tobacco must be made by the person themselves, in their own time, and for their own reasons. However, there is much you can do to help them through the quitting process.
In fact, a vital component of the group cessation program, Quit Core, is to provide information on how the participants’ family and friends can support them through the quitting process. Participants are encouraged to tell family and friends that they are quitting smoking and seek their encouragement and support. It can be one of the key factors with their success in quitting.
Here is a brief “do’s” and “don’ts” list for support people:
Don’t
• Lecture or preach
• Suggest struggles are weakness or lack of will power
• Criticize their tobacco use
• Express doubt that they will ever be successful
• Send them on a guilt trip about their tobacco use
Do
• Congratulate them on their decision to quit
• Share your confidence in their ability to quit and remain quit
• Celebrate quit day
• Help think of alternatives to smoking like healthy snacks, crossword puzzles, yoga
• Show pleasure at their efforts
• Remind them there is help available when they are ready to quit
Acadia Municipal Library
BY ELSIE PATTERSON Library Manager
New arrivals to the Acadia library’s bookshelves include three fiction books. For the adults, Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein. Juvenile readers can choose between Way of the Warrior Kids 5, Letters From Uncle Jake by Jocko Willink, or Agent Arthur On The Stormy Seas by Russell Punter.
We also received two nonfiction books: Invisible ADHD by Shanna Pearson, and Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel. Another DVD has also been added to the library: Fight or Flight.
The library was able to purchase many books from
the Scholastic Book Fair last week. Stay tuned for new arrivals to come.
We will be viewing two Christmas short films for Movie Night this December. Join us on December 9th at the library to watch Dragons and Beauty and The Beast The Enchanted Christmas. From 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Free popcorn and juice provided.
Visit the library and enter your name into our yearend Christmas draw. The prize will be awarded in the new year.
Make sure to stock up on your Christmas reading material before the Christmas break. The library will be closed from December 19th until January 5th. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, January 6th.
Dalton poses with an elk antler in one of the taxidermy rooms. It’s full of North American species — his favourite study place on campus.
...Viva Vitality
If you are looking for help in quitting, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or any healthcare professional. There is help available. You do not have to do this alone. There are many resources and supports available to help you quit successfully. You may want to check out a virtual group cessation program. Quit Core is a free group program, facilitated by trained leaders, where you will find peer sup-
port and learn strategies to help you quit and stay quit. You will get help designing a quit plan that works best for you. Quit Core virtual groups are offered regularly. In-person groups may also be available in your area.
Visit albertaquits.ca or call 1-866710- QUIT (7848) for dates and locations. There is no fee, but you must pre-register. To register please call 1-866-710-QUIT (7848).
Rita Aman is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Primary Care Alberta.
ALSASK
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
• Ukrainian New Year Celebration. Kaiser tournament at 1:00 PM. $5/person entry. Cash prize. Supper served 5-9 PM featuring homemade perogies, sausage and veggies for $25/plate or $10 (under 10). Help support the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre (206 Main St). Contact Dave at 306-463-0169 for more info.
CEREAL
- Monday Night Bingo (except holidays) at the CJ Peacock Centre. Doors & Concession open at 6:30 PM. Bingo starts at 7:30 PM - Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Mondays 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Crib Wednesdays 7:00 PM at Empress Community Hall. $5 entry fee.
$1 for each hand scoring 19 goes into the loonie pot. All monies will be paid out at end of evening. Great opportunity to see old friends and make some new ones.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
OYEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
• 50+ Crafting and Socializing 10:00 AM4:00 PM at the Oyen Seniors Rec Centre. Stay or drop-in. Bring your own project and lunch if needed. For info or to RSVP contact Cheryl Getz at 403-664-8688.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
• Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce presents late night shopping from 5:00-8:00 PM. Lighting of the Clock Tower Park at 6:00 PM. Free hot dogs and hot chocolate. See the ad in this paper!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
• Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce presents Breakfast With Santa from 8:0011:00 AM at South Central High School. $10 Adult, $5 kids 5 and older. Under 5 free. Everyone is welcome.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
• Big Country Ag Society Annual General Meeting 7:00 PM at the Crossroads Centre.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
• Oyen and District Seniors Association in collaboration with a Minor Hockey Team are Hosting their annual Christmas Banquet at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre at 6:00PM. This event is SOLD OUT. No further tckets available.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
• Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce presents late night shopping from 5:00-8:00 PM. Free hot chocolate and cookies. Carolling downtown, the long-term care centre and the Oyen Seniors Lodge.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
• 50+ Crafting and Socializing 10:00 AM4:00 PM at the Oyen Seniors Rec Centre. Stay or drop-in. Bring your own project and lunch if needed. For info or to RSVP contact Cheryl Getz at 403-664-8688.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
• Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce presents late night shopping from 5:00-8:00 PM. Santa Claus is coming to town! Get your photo taken with Santa (we kindly ask for a toy donation to the Big Country Hospital or a donation to the local food bank).
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM. Meeting at 7:00 PM. New Members Welcome. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Thursday of every month 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. - Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church. - Oyen United Church Coffee Time every Tuesday at 10:00 AM. All are welcome! - Oyen FCSS Community Centre Playgroup every Monday 9:30 - 11 AM at the Centre. Activities include: Storytime, Arts and Crafts, Free Play. Contact us! 403-664-2255
Got an upcoming event in your town? Let us know about it!
