The CAO also mentioned some good news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it appears the hydrants may not need repair, just some basic maintenance.
Macdonald stated she was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the village.
Councillors discussed the municipal assessor, with Macdonald stating she was very happy with Big Valley’s assessor. The CAO stated the village’s assessor knows the job very well and meets all the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley
During discussion Coun. Amber Hoogenberg asked why numbers show the village’s water usage has dropped year to year.
Macdonald answered the village has had a couple of leaks repaired over the past few years.
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role.
National Wear Red Day celebrated on February 7
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. February is the month for snow and cold weather. It’s a good time to curl up with a good book or watch some movies on those wintery days. With all the snow we are getting, it would be a great time to build a snowman. The decorating has begun at the Lodge for another theme month. Plenty of red and pink hearts and some
cupids are all around to prepare for Valentine’s Day.
Monday, Personal Touch Clothing was at the Lodge from 10:00-2:00. The residents also like purchasing clothes from this company because they have a different clothing line. Two high school students are taking work experience at the Lodge, so they are working with the Activity Coordinator on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the after-
noons. Tuesday morning started with exercises, followed by the bus run downtown. There is no Handi bus this month so the Lodge would like to thank Chris Wilkinson for helping us out on Tuesdays with the FCSS van for transporting the residents to their weekly shopping and appointments. Greatly appreciated. Tuesday afternoon was ice cream parlour, followed by Piano with
OYEN LODGE
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Alberta RCMP reminds motorists of the dangers of distracted driving
EDMONTON – Your Alberta RCMP reminds motorists of the importance of distraction-free driving. Operating a vehicle on Alberta’s roads and highways requires a motorist’s complete attention in order to be aware of other road users and reduce the risk of collision. During winter months, when road conditions can be challenging, this is especially important.
In 2024, the Alberta RCMP charged a total of 3,942 motorists with distracted driving. Remembering the following points can ensure your commute is free of distractions:
• If it impairs your driving – it’s a distraction. Distracted driving is not limited to texting or talking on a handheld device while operating a vehicle — it also includes personal grooming, reading, writing, adjusting GPS or audio devices, attending to passengers or pets, and any other activity that might impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Plan ahead. Before putting your vehicle in drive,
...Oyen Lodge News
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Taylor Neilson—happy Birthday to Evelyn Mills and Henry Kroker on February 4th. Henry and Helen had family from Lethbridge visiting for his 90th birthday. Wednesday morning was crossword games, and in the afternoon, the game was shuffleboard.
Thursday morning was a one-on-one with a resident who helped put up some decorations. Phase Ten card game was played in the morning, and Domino’s was played in the afternoon.
Friday morning started with exercises, followed by horse races. Some pretty exciting races if you had horse
prepare by pre-setting your hands-free device, GPS, radio or music.
• Pull over and put it in park. If you need to text, make a call, or engage in any distracting activity, pull over where it is safe and park your vehicle. Simply stopping at a red light is not safe and is still considered distracted driving.
• Distracted driving isn’t worth it. The penalty for distracted driving in Alberta is a $300 fine and three demerit points. The bigger price you pay is risking your own safety and the safety of others.
“It may seem harmless to check a text or switch a song while driving, but that second where your attention is diverted could have devastating consequences,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Distractions behind the wheel are never worth putting yourself, or other motorists, at risk.”
For more traffic safety information, please follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, X @RCMPAlberta, and on YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta.
number 2, which is Mariah. She paid out .90 cents if she won the race. On Friday afternoon, there was card bingo, and on Friday evening, there was music by Jorgenson’s. Friday was “National Wear Red Day,” so the residents participated and wore something red. They looked wonderful, matching the red décor. Happy Birthday to Todd Knull on February 8th.
The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome Roger Brausen as, a new resident and Norman and Phyllis Peterson as new residents of the Life Lease condos. Have a great week, everyone. Bundle up and keep warm.
OPINION:
Helpful hints to survive the groundhog’s verdict
BY JOAN JANZEN
Early in February, the groundhog presented his verdict. Afterwards, a meme featured a coyote with the caption, “The groundhog said six more weeks of winter … so I ate him”. Prairie folks will no doubt justify the coyote’s response.
Some people offer advice on navigating through the coldest season of the year if we are willing to accept their helpful advice. Sometimes we can be like children who are unwilling to accept help.
The other day, I was with a group of kids who were making a craft. The hour allotted for the craft was almost up, so I offered to help one of the girls cut out paper figurines and speed up the process. She responded with much indignation, “What do you think I am? A child?”
Her young friend reminded her that, yes, she was a child, but a big child, not a little child.
Anyway, I’m hoping you’ll accept some helpful suggestions offered by Dr. Suneel Dhand on a recent podcast. He shared a few ways to naturally boost your immune system during the remaining weeks of winter when viruses are floating around, and people are prone to respiratory infections.
His first suggestion was to minimize
It (alcohol) is a toxin that won’t do anything beneficial for their immune health.
your sugar intake, although we tend to increase our sugar intake during colder months when we’re seeking ‘sweet comfort foods’. This also includes refined carbohydrates which get converted into sugar.
“Sugar is added in foods you would never expect, including bread,” Dr. Dhand explained. “Most people consume more sugar in a day than their ancestors did in a month.” It’s good to remember that sugar is pro-inflammatory so it suppresses the immune system in the entire bloodstream.
Secondly, he advised us not to fall into the trap of being sedentary during winter. Even if it’s too cold and icy to be outdoors, we can do some kind of indoor activity and remain active. One of his listeners agreed and suggested using a mini trampoline, which is great for circulating lymphatic fluid in the body.
During winter, he advises to maximize antioxidants in your diet. Antioxidants work against free radicals that are continually produced in your body.
kate@yourwestcentral.com oyenecho@telus.net
His favourite is blueberries. “One cup of blueberries contains more antioxidants than five whole servings of fruits and vegetables,” he said. “And did you know that one red bell pepper contains three times as much vitamin C as an orange?”
He also observed that people are inclined to increase their alcohol intake during winter; however, they should keep in mind that it is a toxin that won’t do anything beneficial for their immune health.
An additional observation was made by Dr. John Campbell who noticed throughout his career that opening a window for ten minutes a day helped change the air for his patients. Another listener of Dr. Dhand’s podcast emphasized the importance of getting adequate rest.
Next on the doctor’s list was consuming natural supplements, primarily turmeric, ginger and Vitamin D. Turmeric and ginger are high in anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants.
In a previous article, he stressed the importance of taking Vitamin D. “If you choose to supplement, look for Vitamin D3, ideally paired with Vitamin K2 for optimal calcium regulation,” the doctor advised.
Being confined indoors during our cold winters can cause us to become sluggish, tired and prone to infections.
Dr. Dhand recalls how he felt better and got sick far less often during the winter months after he began taking vitamin D regularly.
“We are designed to be outdoor creatures, soaking in sunlight where our energy comes from, but modern life keeps us indoors more than ever,” he said. He regularly checks Vitamin D levels in his hospitalized patients and often is shocked at how low their vitamin D levels are.
Vitamin D is a natural defense booster that helps fight off bacteria and viruses. He notes that a study in the British Medical Journal found that people with sufficient Vitamin D levels were significantly less likely to experience respiratory infections.
“Something as simple as maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can have a positive impact not only on your immune system, but your heart, metabolism and muscles,” he concluded.
People who listen to his podcast also submitted their own suggestions. One person said he never takes pharmaceuticals but prefers to allow his immune system to build itself up and do the job.
At the end of the day, Dr. Dhand concluded, “These are things I personally do in the winter to naturally boost my immune system. But you are a unique person, so always consider what is right for you.”
Pop89:
You are innocent when you dream
BY MADONNA HAMEL
I took this title from a Tom Waits song because, in these strange times of random accusations, heinous behaviours, and uncensored insults propelled by nothing more than hunches and resentments, I seriously wonder if any of us have a shred of innocence left in our beings. But, if we are sincere about wanting “a better world”, we might do well to look to those who have maintained their innocence - the very young, and those who still listen to their dreams.
Children don’t intend to be innocent; they are born that way. Everything is new. Everything is grab-able. They have no reason to suspect the rest of the creatures around them would take advantage of their openness, wonderment, and innocence. But eventually, something or someone will cause them to shrink back, reconsider their actions, and find ways to get their way without too much damage.
In the same way that young children don’t plan their day, adults can’t plan their nights. They have no control over the dreams that overtake them in their sleep. We can’t censor ourselves in our dreams, which is why Freud called them “the royal road to the unconscious” and why they are such valuable insights into ourselves.
My brother works with dreams. Even when at the bottom of his rope regarding the visual havoc caused by his stroke two years ago, he will perk up if I tell him about a dream I had last night. His eyes lighten, he puts on the coffee and beckons me to sit at the table and take a good long look, parsing the dream for clues to who I am or struggling to become.
I’ve had some big dreams in my life. There are three in particular that I have been working on for over thirty years. The images that came up in those
dreams reoccur in the world around me periodically and in such a concrete way that I’m bound to stop short and recall the words of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to his friend Horatio: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
I hesitate to share my dreams with others - especially the big dreams. Each image is a pearl holding wisdom and I’m not about to cast my pearls to just anybody. I realize this approach is the opposite of what social media junkies do, who, out of a false sense of importance or dissociative naiveté, presume a world of strangers will value everything they value.
I value my dreams and the gift of dreaming because it is one of the few places where computer technology cannot surveil my every word and move. There are no algorithms calculating my next dream.
I recently watched a video of Bill Gates waxing poetic over the powers of AI, calling it “a new religion”. (AI is not intelligence as I define it, but data-crunching, mixing and matching).
But AI has no say over what I dream. It is not consciousness. It cannot discern an act of consciousness which goes far deeper and is far subtler than calculating or making snap judgements. Consciousness takes in the slow-breaking news from the subtle world of soul, spirit, mystery and grace. We can’t program it. There is more to heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your technologies, Mr. Gates.
I doubt Gates spends much time on that immense word: “religion.” It is popular these days to dismiss it as superstition or an institutional method of cruel child-rearing and crowd-control invented by killjoys. And let’s face it, we’ve all faced our share of misguided “religious” types, in the same way we’ve all faced our share of misguided school teachers and doctors.
What every world religion asks of us is that we give up our drive to control the material world. Religion asks us to find strength through acknowledg-
New Grant Opportunity: WestMET Community Grant
SPECIAL AREAS 2 – The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta proudly announces a new grant opportunity. WestMET Group Canada Ltd. established the WestMET Community Fund with an initial $42,880 donation to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA). They have committed to provide an annual gift to CFSEA for 25 years. Each year, part of the donation will go directly toward a new community grant program, while the rest will be invested in the WestMET Community endowment fund. This new grant stream will support local initiatives and community-based organizations for the people of Special Area 2, Town of Hanna, and Village of Youngstown. To launch this inaugural grant stream, CFSEA will provide a recorded Grant Writing Workshop on their website by March 3rd.
“WestMET is very pleased to give back to the commu-
will be open commencing at 1:00 p.m.
Ashley D. Herrmann in
nity in and around the Hanna and Special Area 2 region. This program allows us to give back to the people, groups, and families that gave so much over the past few decades to the Sheerness Mine, producing affordable power for the province. As WestMET pivots to new opportunities, we are excited to partner with PACE on establishing this grant program and look forward to building strong relationships and supporting continued growth in the local community which have been an integral part of our journey.”
– Kyle Hobbs, WestMET Director
of Operations
The WestMET Community Fund Grant will start accepting grant applications from charities and non-profit organizations within Special Area 2, Hanna, and Youngstown on March 3rd, 2025, through CFSEA’s online grant portal. The priority areas include Local Communities, First Nation and Metis Initiatives, Environmental, Youth and Education, and Health and
SOUTH COUNTRY CO-OP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
South Country Co-op Annual General Meeting will be held VIRTUALLY via video conference on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 7:00pm
ing our weaknesses and peace in the humility that acknowledgement brings. To embrace a religion is to turn one’s efforts to serving others in need, not acquiring more power, money and control. Religion is not religion until it moves from theory to practice. But, if you’ll notice, people who get excited about AI tend to be theorists. And they can’t help it because they are, for the most part, young lads fresh out of school, like the ones so meticulously observed by Anna Weiner in “Uncanny Valley.” Weiner left her job at a computer start-up company run by a group of young men when she faced “certain unflattering truths” about herself. Society was changing, she observed. And, she admitted: “It was preferable to be on the side that did the watching than on the side being watched.” Until it wasn’t.
The lads of Weiner’s memoir reminded me of some of the young eastern scientists who come to the prairie to tell the local farmers, who have lived on this land for generations, what kind of grasses “should” grow best here, even though they don’t.
They also remind me of Elon Musk’s new team of computer engineers chosen to control American government spending—all of them under 25. Such limited experience of the world of human relationships should ring alarm bells, but it won’t if you value technology and knowledge over human relationships, wisdom, and conscious spiritual practice.
Making a religion out of technology means that rather than solving problems of poverty by sharing what we have, we, as Laureen Smiley wrote in her essay on neighbourhood surveillance in San Francisco, consider “shared cam footage of porch thieves as a bonding exercise between neighbours who’ve never met.”
I suggest that such a “bonding experience” is easy to rationalize when we no longer refer to each other as “souls,” “citizens,” or even “consumers,” which may be why the collective noun for humanity in the 21st century is “user.”
So tonight, I intend to return to the home of innocence and the voice of my soul: my dreams.
Wellness. This new, annual grant stream will be facilitated by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and reviewed by an Advisory Committee including a representative from each area being supported, a CFSEA representative, and a representative from WestMET Group.
WestMET Group is leading the energy transition through the development of advanced agricultural products, environmental services, and emerging energy technologies. Their partnership with PACE Canada Developments has helped them develop a 13 MWac photovoltaic solar power electrical generation project in Hanna, Alberta, on reclaimed land at the Sheerness coal mine.
“PACE is excited to be partnering with WestMET to bring sustainable and innovative renewable energy projects to Alberta. Our projects benefit the economy, the environment, and the community in addition to offering benefits across the food-energy-water nexus.”
– Claude Mindorff, Director of Development, Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE)
John F. Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri, Mikala A. Zubrecki
Pictured: Kyle Hobbs, WestMET Director of Operations, Helene Nicholson, CFSEA Regional Development Coordinator, Jay Philipsen, PACE Project Manager
NHL stars excited for best-on-best ‘Faceoff’
BY BRUCE PENTON
If Connor McDavid is any indication, National hockey League players from the four countries involved in the Four Nations Face Off are excited for a chance to show their skills in a best-on-best event, with national pride and bragging rights on the line.
Coaches and general managers around the league, meanwhile, are watching with a touch of anxiety as their players risk injury in an exhibition setting with the all-important Stanley Cup playoffs just around the corner.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
McDavid, who was the NHL’s No. 1 draft pick in 2015, has played in neither an Olympics or a World Cup as a member of a Canadian team, although he was a member of Team North America (a 23-and-under squad) in the 2016 World Cup. With Canada committed to taking part in the 2026 and 2030 Olympic Games, McDavid will experience more than his share of top-level international hockey and says the Four Nations event, running Feb. 12-20, is a “good teaser.”
Played in Montreal and Boston, the tournament is a straightforward single round-robin, with the top two teams meeting in the championship game in Boston on Feb. 20. The four nations taking part are Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland, which offers fans a stellar group of stars but leaves out many of today’s best players — no Germans like Leon Draisaitl or Tim Stutzle, no Russians like Nikita Kucherov or Kirill Kaprizov, no Czechs like David Pastrnak or Martin Necas, no Swiss like Roman Josi and no Dane like Nikolaj Ehlers.
But the lineups of the four teams are nonetheless stacked and picking Canada’s team, for instance, meant that a number of great players will stay home — or jet off for a vacation in Mexico
or the Bahamas — while their colleagues are wearing the Maple Leaf. So who will win? Most experts suggest it will come down to the U.S. vs. Canada for the title, with the Swedes and Finns also-rans. McDavid says he’s excited about finally getting to play with his boyhood hero, Sidney Crosby, who, at the age of 37, is still putting up outstanding numbers for Pittsburgh Penguins. But in tournaments such as this, the most important player on the ice is usually the goaltender and this is where the U.S. shines. In Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets (but born, unfortunately for Canadians, in Michigan) the goalie’s skill in stopping pucks could be the difference. In fact, in pains me as a Canadian to point out that overall, the American lineup appears to be stronger.
McDavid, meanwhile, is giddy about playing on the same team as Crosby for a week, with something other than a silly all-star game victory on the line. Playing at such a high level at Crosby’s age is amazing, said McDavid. “It’s unbelievable,” McDavid told the Globe and Mail. “Everything that he’s done for the game, everything that he’s accomplished, and the fact that he’s still playing hockey and playing at such a high level, it’s incredible.
• Globe and Mail columnist Cathal Kelly, on Auston Matthews: “Matthews gets those weird-but-notweird-enough RBC ads that some manager somewhere should be fired for.”
• Arpon Basu, on Bluesky.social: “Patrik Laine’s ability to play at 33 rpm when everyone else is playing at 45 rpm and still almost never lose the puck continues to amaze me.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, after complimenting slugging out-
fielder and new Blue Jay Anthony Santander on his hitting: “But he makes George Bell look like a gold glover in left field and he runs the bases with all the acumen of Alejandro Kirk.”
• Jack Finarelli of sports curmudgeon.com., on perhaps expanding the 11-game college football playoff schedule: “An 11-game tournament generated a bazillion dollars of revenue and those powers-that-be have already figured out that a 15-game tournament will generate more than a bazillion dollars.”
• Hall-of-Famer Ichiro Suzuki on his least-favourite place to play baseball: “To tell the truth, I’m not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to. If I ever saw myself saying I’m excited going to Cleveland, I’d punch myself in the face, because I’m lying.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “Max Scherzer, who turns 41 this summer, just signed
a one-year contract valued at $15.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays. Well, the way the U.S.A. is going maybe Max wanted to play in a country that has Medicare.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen, on Edmonton fans’ protest over the Connor McDavid suspension: “I can understand the protest, but the candlelight vigil was a bit much.”
• Rolfsen again: “What’s with all those people jammed into Taylor Swift’s box at the Chiefs’ game? You’d think she could afford her own suite. It looks like she’s watching the game from a Tokyo subway car.”
• Humorist Brad Dickson of Omaha, on allegations of officiating favouritism toward Kansas City Chiefs: “On Valentine’s Day the K.C. Chiefs and a group of NFL referees will be having a romantic dinner.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Name: Brandt Spencer
Position: Infielder, Pitcher
Where are you from? Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan Billets: Jack & Stephanie Hauck
What do you love most about the Badlands Baseball Academy?
Getting to play baseball every day!
Who is your favourite MLB team? Milwaukee Brewers
Name: Braxton Bussing
Position: Pitcher
Where are you from? Coronation, Alberta
Billets: Christie & Trent Caskey
What do you love most about the Badlands Baseball Academy?
Being able to get better while having fun!
Who is your favourite MLB team? Toronto Blue Jays
Name: Dyson de Bussac
Position: Pitcher, Outfielder
Where are you from? Oyen, Alberta
What do you love most about the Badlands Baseball Academy?
Being able to play baseball every day.
Who is your favourite MLB team? Toronto Blue Jays
Congratulations goes out to Oyen Fire Department for placing 3rd in the AFFCA provincial bonspiel and took home the top volunteer department trophy! (L-R): Skip: Riley Carroll, Third: Blake Hertz, Second: Shaune Kovitch, Lead: Morgan Senkiw, missing from photo is Fifth: Kenton Wagstaff
RCMP responds to border incursion at Coutts port of entry
On Tuesday, February 4th, at approximately 7:45 a.m., an individual attempted to enter Canada through the Coutts port of entry.
The male was referred to the secondary inspection area, however, he fled northbound from the Port of Entry.
Officers with the Canada Border Services Agency quickly notified the RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team of the border incursion who notified surrounding RCMP Detachments as well as all Lethbridge Police Service. As a result of this notification, the suspect vehicle was located near Raymond by the RCMP and a traffic stop was initiated but the driver failed to stop.
The suspect drove into Lethbridge then traveled to Raymond at which time the driver was seen holding what
appeared to be a firearm.
A Tire Deflation Device was successfully used by RCMP officers south of Milk River and the vehicle came to a stop.
The male then fled on foot and he was pursued by RCMP Police Dog Services and other RCMP officers.
During the pursuit, the male sustained a self-inflicted firearm related injury and was pronounced deceased on scene.
In compliance with legislative requirements, the director of law enforcement was immediately notified causing the deployment of ASIRT to conduct an independent investigation. The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency, and in so doing, will provide full support to the ASIRT investigators.
Electric vehicle tax begins
Starting Thursday, Feb. 13, Albertans will be charged a $200 tax when they register their electric vehicles. This amount is in line with what drivers of a typical internal combustion engine vehicle would be expected to pay each year in fuel tax.
“This is a fair way for all drivers to contribute to public services, and to help keep roads and highways safe and smooth. Alberta is joining a growing number of places across North America introducing this tax so that drivers of both electric and gas vehicles are treated the same.”
Nate
Horner,
President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
The tax will be collected by registry agents, and online via MyAlberta eService, when the vehicles are registered and each year when the owners renew their registrations. Electric motorcycles and electric off-highway vehicles, such
as ATVs, are exempt, as are hybrid vehicles.
“Owners of electric vehicles use the same roads as other Albertan drivers. It’s only fair they contribute to public services including those that ensure the continued safety and upkeep of Alberta’s roads. I’m pleased that Alberta registries have stepped up and made it easier for Albertans to comply by providing convenient locations to pay.”
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
These amendments were announced in Budget 2024 and passed in the Alberta Legislature last fall as part of the Financial Statutes Amendment Act. The legislative amendments also include other provisions, including rules for refunds and exemptions for the federal government, diplomats, and First Nations bands and individuals with a registered address on reserve.
ACADIA
MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
Afterschool movie coming February 13th
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager
Remember that the afterschool movie is this Thursday the 13th at 3:30. Popcorn and juice will be provided. Parents aren’t required to stay but are more than welcome to enjoy the movie too!
Join us Thursday February 20th at 3PM for a Family Crafternoon! Miss Elsie will have a craft ready for the whole family to make. Kids are also welcome to come in on their own.
It’s Love Your Library Month and we would LOVE to know why you love your library. Fill in a heart at the library stating your favourite reason and we’ll enter
SIBBALD NEWS
your name into a draw for a sweet treat!
The Story Walk is up at the arena for a few more weeks. Children and families can get in some reading (and a little exercise at the same time) as they enjoy Winter Break Wipeout by Gilles Tibo.
Just a reminder that the library has a large print section for those that prefer a bigger font. We can also order in additional titles just for you if what you want isn’t on the shelves. Large print items are also requestable through the TRACpac app or at www.TRACpac.ab.ca . If library books sent valentines… Dewey Match? What’s Your Call Number? All the Write Moves. Check Me Out. ISBN Thinking About You!
Snowmobile Rally cancelled due to weather
BY LEE SWITZER
Hello everyone. It’s a bit brisk out there this morning with a snappy wind. Stay warm as this polar vortex hits for a few days. The windy stormy weather on the weekend forced the cancellation of the Sibbald Community Club Snowmobile Rally that was to be held on February 1. The rally has been rescheduled to February
Lee Switzer
16, so sledders can enjoy the excellent snow conditions this winter. Congratulations to Tyler and Megan Chiliak on the birth of their third child; a daughter. Bethany Adelaide arrived on January 28 weighing in at 8 pounds 13 ounces. I’m sure sisters Esther and Celia will be thrilled with their new sister.
Stay warm and take care.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND! The Acadia Valley Ladies Bonspiel had another fantastic turn out with a “Golden Girls” theme. Can you pick out Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sofia out of the crowd? What fun! PHOTO ACADIA VALLEY REC CLUB FACEBOOK
Chronic disease management workshops available
LETHBRIDGE – Individuals living with chronic disease symptoms and/or supporting someone with a long-term health condition(s) are invited to join a free virtual workshop designed to help them take control of their health.
Better Choices, Better Health is a six-week series of workshops designed to support Albertans who are living with chronic pain and/or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, depression or weight management concerns.
Workshops run over Zoom from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on six consecutive Tuesdays starting Feb. 25. Residents can register by calling toll-free at 1-866-795-9709.
Better Choices, Better Health workshop sessions are led by trained volunteer leaders, many of whom live with a chronic pain condition. This approach ensures an understanding of the challenges participants face, and provides a supportive and welcoming environment.
Because those living with ongoing health conditions are often faced with the same day-to-day chal-
lenges, Better Choices, Better Health focuses on teaching tools and techniques common to all chronic pain conditions. Participants will learn:
• Techniques to manage their symptoms.
• Tips for healthy eating and becoming more active.
• Strategies for talking with healthcare teams.
• Methods for dealing with difficult emotions.
• Options for making daily tasks easier.
• Ways to take care of themselves to enjoy a better quality of life.
Interested participants require access to a device (computer, tablet or smartphone) that connects to the Internet, and has both a camera and microphone.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
Response to first ministers’ meeting: Premier Smith
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement following Wednesday’s first ministers’ meeting:
“I met with the Prime Minister and my fellow premiers this morning to discuss how we can work together to take decisive action on the war on fentanyl, and border security.
“Alberta is looking forward to the imminent appointment of a ‘fentanyl czar’ to coordinate our nation’s response to the fentanyl crisis, as well as funding and resources from the federal government to assist our province’s law enforcement initiatives to tackle this issue.
“As a province, in addition to the border security measures already taken, I have instructed my government to take immediate steps to significantly increase police and prosecutorial resources to go after the fentanyl labs, kingpins and dealers that are responsible for killing 49,000 Canadians since 2016.
“We will also continue to move forward with our recovery treatment centres and will be moving forward,
this year, with promised compassionate intervention legislation and the construction of secured mandatory treatment facilities in Edmonton and Calgary.
“In addition, Alberta will continue its diplomatic efforts with U.S. lawmakers and officials. To this end, I will join my fellow premiers in Washington D.C. next week and will attend the National Governors Association convention the week thereafter.
“Finally, in addition to our nation’s shared effort to address fentanyl, it is imperative that a federal election is called immediately after the Liberals have chosen their party leader so that we have a Prime Minister with a strong mandate to negotiate a new Canada-U.S. trade agreement. This cannot be properly negotiated by our country from a position of strength without a Prime Minister with a strong and clear mandate from Canadians.
“To this end, we call on all Liberal leadership candidates and federal party leaders to agree to an election to commence in March at the very latest.”
BS & TENDERS
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Grazing Land for Sale by Tender Special Areas #3
BY ERIN LAWSON
Land: NE 34-29-2-W4; N ½ 35-29-2-W4; SW 36-29-2-W4; and NW 25-29-2-W4
Acres: 798
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING REID A. WILKIE AT 403. 664.2812 OR REID@SMITHHERSEY.COM
1. The land is located approximately ½ mile E of highway 899 and 5 miles north of Sibbald
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance,paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
2. The land is comprised of approximately 798 acres of Special Areas grazing lease fenced as one unit. It maintains two dugouts, one well, multiple springs, one dam and has been minimally graz ed in the past several years. The existing set of cor rals located on the property are included.
February is heart month and a great time to raise awareness of the importance of cardiovascular health and how we can improve our heart health. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death for both men and women in Canada, but there are things we can do to reduce our risk.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, could include group insurance,paid holi days, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
Prevention plays an important role when it comes to improving our heart health. Being physically active, eating a variety of nutrient dense foods, and other heart-healthy habits can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
3. Bids must be submitted to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law by 4:00pm no later than February 20th, 2025
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities.Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential,avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment.Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
4. Bids must be accompanied by a certified cheque , bank draft, or electronic transfer to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law equal to five (5%) percent of the bid price as a deposit. All unsuccessful bidders shall have their certified cheque, bank draft, or funds returned to them.
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities.Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential,avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
5. If a bid is accepted and the bidder does not proceed with the sale, the deposit of the bidder will be forfeited to the owner of the Parcels.
6. All bids must be unconditional. All bids received shall constitute an unconditional offer to purchase the land.
7. The balance of the bid price will be payable and the purchase and sale transaction will be completed on or before March 14, 2025, subject to registration of the assignment with Special Areas. The Buyer and Seller shall equally divide the Special Area’s assignment fee.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportuni ties for your employees to socialize have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to lebrate their successes.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment.Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
Movement Matters – Walking is one of the easiest ways to increase physical activity levels and improve overall health. It increases heart rate, strengthens heart muscles and increases blood flow in the body. This helps to move oxygen and important nutrients throughout your body. Walking can also improve blood sugar levels and decrease blood pressure. With any new activity, start slow, and if you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies,here are three qualities essential to your success.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
8. Property taxes and surface lease revenue will be adjusted as of the closing date. Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees.
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions.You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
9. The Parcels are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no representations and warranties being provided by the owner. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the Parcels to confirm acreage, condition, taxes, and other particulars.
10. The owner will not be obligated to accept the highest or any bid submitted for consideration. Please forward all tenders and inquiries to :
How to welcome a teleworking employee
Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law
In Person Deliveries to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law LLP – Thursday Each Week in Oyen 2771 Box Springs Blvd, NW, Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1C8 Attn: Reid A. Wilkie - Lawyer Via email to: reid@smithhersey.com 403.664.2812
Food Recommendations – Canada’s food guide suggests eating a variety of foods each day, limit highly processed foods and be aware of the food choices that you make. To support heart health, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, include whole grains that provide fiber and nutrients and limit drinks and foods with added sugar. Some people may have special dietary needs, so speak with a dietitian or doctor if you are unsure about what foods to consume.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients.This means
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly.Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field. Entry-level
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try.Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Lifestyle Habits – Heart healthy habits are important for everyone, not just for people with existing health problems. Reduce stress by doing something you enjoy like a hobby or listening to music. Try to get a good night’s rest, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep every night. If you smoke, try to quit or cut back on using tobacco and other nicotine products. And try to avoid second-hand smoke too. Healthy lifestyle choices and early detection and management of other conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Visit myhealth.alberta.ca and search ‘Heart Health’ for more information.
WHEN TO REFUSE
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Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how to do it.
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message out! KEEP people in the loop with over 75 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 www.awna. com.
lean on and contact if they need help.This will help them feel at ease.
FOR SALE
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
February 14-19. Selling Ice Cream Machines, W/I Cooler, Shelving, Meat Equip & More. www.montgomeryauctions. com 403-885-5149.
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
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• Introduce the team. to introduce the entire team.You can re serve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
WHEN TO ACCEPT
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile.The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future.The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to help them adjust.The recruit should feel free to ask questions without fear of judgment.
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development.Finally,it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
Telecommuting has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows companies to recruit qualified talent across the globe. If your company is about to welcome a new telecommuting employee, here’s how
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lean on and contact if they need help.This will help them feel at ease.
Introduce the team. Set up a video to introduce the entire team.You can serve extra time for the employee to to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
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• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
• Follow up. Make sure the new employee receives feedback from their immediate colleagues in the first few weeks to them adjust.The recruit should feel free ask questions without fear of judgment.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with recruitment service.
Province opens first eating disorders recovery centre
Alberta’s government has supported the establishment of the province’s first eating disorders residential recovery centre for young Albertans.
Alberta’s government is making record investments in mental health and addiction services to support Albertans of all ages in their pursuit of wellness and recovery. Through the Alberta Recovery Model and Recovery Alberta, the province has increased opportunities for recovery of eating disorders. Every aspect of a person’s life can be affected by eating disorders, including both mental and physical health, especially for teenagers who are still in development.
The EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre is the result of a collaborative partnership between Alberta’s government, Recovery Alberta, Silver Linings Foundation and Edgewood Health Network (EHN Canada).
With an investment of almost $10 million over three years (2023-26) in partnership with Recovery Alberta to establish the EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre in Calgary, Alberta’s government remains committed to supporting this important recovery program for young Albertans. The Silver Linings Foundation raised $4 million in capital
funding for this facility.
“This is another important step in creating strong, recovery-oriented systems of care in communities across Alberta. Eating disorders can often be misunderstood and can go unrecognized or underdiagnosed. With the opening of this centre, young Albertans can now get the care they deserve and have better access to intensive treatment to better support them in their recovery.”
Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
Operated by EHN Canada, the 12bed EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre in Calgary increases access to specialized eating disorders treatment in the
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Want to score a promotion? Write a convincing request!
province providing up to 52 youth and young adults with treatment free of charge every year.
“The opening of this facility means more resources and support for individuals battling eating disorders. Recovery from an eating disorder is a complex and ongoing process that requires dedication and support. The centre’s multidisciplinary team will play a vital role in guiding individuals through their journey, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the lives of many in the community.”
Janet
Chafe, executive director, Recovery Alberta
The EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre helps close a gap in the continuum
of care for youth and young adults diagnosed with complex eating disorders. Albertans aged 12 to 24 now have access to intensive treatment in a community setting, reducing the need for long hospital stays and increasing positive health outcomes. The centre offers an individualized approach to care, with around-theclock support from a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, nurses, counsellors and support staff. Services include academic support, weekly individual and family therapy, daily group therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, structured meal support therapy, self-care and wellness activities, nutritional education, and distress tolerance skills. While treatment length varies, it generally lasts anywhere from three weeks to four months.
Alberta’s government is committed to building a system of care that gives every person facing mental health challenges an opportunity to pursue recovery and wellness. Albertans experiencing mental health challenges can contact 211 for information on services in their community, including other online supports like Kids Help Phone and the Mental Health Helpline.
NOTICE - FOR SALE BY TENDER
The Owner, Vernon Brockmann and Debora Brockmann will accept offers (by tender only) to purchase the following lands located in Special Areas 3 in the Province of Alberta:
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
Do you put in the effort at work and believe you deserve a promotion? A compelling promotion request is key.
Write the introduction carefully
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
Don’t assume the reader will understand the intention of your letter if you don’t state it explicitly. When writing a promotion request, clearly define your intention from the start. Be sure to mention your current position and the position you’re applying for. Emphasize that this is a formal request. It may also be a good idea to name a reference within the company who can vouch for your skills and qualifications.
Be inspired by the position you want
Just because you already work for the company doesn’t mean the hiring team
Grazing Lease For Sale in Special Areas #4
NE-23-35-01-W4
SW-25-35-01-W4
SE-25-35-01-W4
NE-25-35-01-W4
NW-24-35-01-W4
NE-24-35-01-W4
28 acres each
pt
NE-25-35-29-W3 & pt
SE-25-35-29-W4
Leo Kolman
Box 613
Macklin, SK S0L 2C0
1-306-753-2667 or cell
1-306-753-7244
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
DEEDED CULTIVATION:
is fully aware of your potential. If you want to truly stand out, connect the dots between your current role and the one you’re applying for. Highlighting your skills and experiences matching the job description for your desired role will make your request as relevant and logical as possible.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
Showcase your achievements Back up your request with solid evidence. Have you recently wrapped up an important project for the company? Did your work help secure important customer accounts for the year? Showcasing your accomplishments proves to those with decision-making power that you’re an invaluable team member and that promoting you is in the organization’s best interests.
OYEN GREENHOUSES LTD. is currently seeking a SEED TECHNICIAN to start February 24, 2025
How to welcome a teleworking employee
This position involves running various seeding machines and keeping track of seed inventory. Accuracy and dependability are a must. Training will be provided for the right individual. Contact us for more information. This position runs through June 1. Please send your resume to: Oyen Greenhouses Ltd., PO Box 358, Oyen, AB T0J 2J0 Email :accounting@oyengreenhouses.ca Drop off at: 201 - 1 Ave. West, Oyen, AB
SE-18-30-2-W4 (157.05 acres) – 100 acres in cropland NE-30-30-1-W4 (159 acres more or less) in hay
SW-8-32-1-W4 (159.50 acres more or less) in hay NW-34-31-1-W4 (155.05 acres more or less) in hay Surface Lease registered against these lands is being discharged.
DEEDED PASTURE:
Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 (being a Portion of NE-21-31-2-W4) containing 122.98 acres more or less with one spring fed dugout. These lands are subject to a Restrictive Covenant in favor her Majesty the Queen in right of Alberta restricting the use of the land by no breaking or cultivation of the entire quarter.
GRAZING LEASE #83674 contains the following portions of land in 3 quarters due to railroad:
Portion NE-21-31-2-W4 containing approximately 2.25 acres more or less of grass in good condition
Portion SE-21-31-2-W4 containing 40.46 acres more or less with grass in good condition.
NE 21 and SE 21 portion of lease are fenced with deeded pasture described in Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1
Portion NW-21-31-2-W4 containing 42.02 acres more or less is currently in hay.
CULTIVATION LEASE #5223 contains the following lands:
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
NW 13-31-2-W4 containing 153.59 acres more or less. Approximately 80 acres in cropland and remainder is pasture.
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
SW 24-31-2-W4 containing 4.23 acre more or less) is pasture.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Pasture portion in NW 13 and SW 24 fenced together for total of approximately 77.82 acres. Tenders submitted must be on the Terms of Tender form which shall form the contract between the successful bidder and the Owner. Any bids which are not on the Terms of Tender form will not be considered.
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
The Terms of Tender form can be obtained from:
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Vernon & Debora Brockmann (403) 676-2777 or cell (403) 664-0831
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
Email: vdbrock5@netago.ca OR
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
Tenders shall be marked “Brockmann Land Tender” and sent to or delivered prior to 12:00 noon MST on February 28, 2025 to:
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP 201,430 – 6th Avenue S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8
WHEN TO REFUSE
WHEN TO ACCEPT
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills,
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the
EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre –Exterior (CREDIT: EHN CANADA)
EHN Sandstone Recovery Centre –Common area (CREDIT: EHN CANADA)
MIDDLETON, Evelyn Dorothy
December 4, 1936 - January 30, 2025
Evelyn (Dorothy) Middleton passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at AgeCare Bow Crest at the age of 88.
Evelyn was born and raised with five siblings in Hanna, AB, in the eastern part of the province. She grew up on a ranch which involved a lot of hard work, living without most of the conveniences we depend on today. Her parents were well-respected in the local community; a reputation that Evelyn and her sisters were reminded of from time to time when they had the urge to strike out on their little adventures. Evelyn and her family were actively involved in the Cereal United Church throughout her childhood years.
Evelyn attended Red Deer Community College and graduated from in the secretarial program. After graduating from community college, Evelyn began a long and distinguished career with Parks Canada. This became her life and her passion, working in the Calgary, Montreal, and Frobisher Bay offices before returning to the Calgary office. While at Parks Canada, Evelyn gained a reputation as a hard worker, thoroughly dedicated to her role as an executive assistant to senior-level management. Throughout her long and outstanding career, she won many accolades from both management and staff.
Evelyn’s hard work ethic led her to take early retirement from Parks Canada and led her to her other passion in life, volunteering. Whenever there was a need, Evelyn was there, and she actively volunteered with the Parks Heritage Conservation Society and the Calgary Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees.
In addition to her Parks Canada retiree role, Evelyn actively volunteered at Calgary’s Lougheed House in the lawns and gardens, the Calgary Drop-in Centre, and the Open Door Seniors at a local church.
The Open Door was a program designed to provide programs, activities, and a home away from home for so many of our seniors. Evelyn’s contributions and management skills on the board enabled the program to thrive and grow and make a difference in our seniors’ lives.
It is often said that the only thing we leave behind in life is the memory of us that others carry in their hearts. Evelyn was a thoroughly remarkable lady who touched the lives of everyone she met. We will always carry the memory of her in our hearts and she will be much missed.
Thank you, Evelyn, for making such a difference in our lives and being such a blessing to all who knew and loved you.
A Celebration of Evelyn’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the hospitality centre. Pastor James (Jim) Atkinson will be officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www. stars.ca, or The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary, 4303 26 Street N.E., Calgary, AB T1Y 7K2 Telephone: (403) 277-8387, www.veteransfoodbankalberta.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Evelyn’s family at www. MHFH.com.
In living memory of Evelyn Middleton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
WELLER, Kenneth Dale
December 16, 1944 – January 22, 2025
Our family is extremely saddened to announce the passing of Ken Weller on January 22, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 80, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Born on December 16,1944 to parents Ben and Elsie Weller, Ken grew up in Oyen, AB. As a young teenager to the time he married, Ken’s go to second home was at Vera (sister) and Ben Lockhart’s ranch at Big Stone, AB.
Ken attended SAIT Steam Engineering. There he met Larry Finley, who called him over to Lloydminster and the heavy oil industry in that area. Ken worked, played and enjoyed that area for 7 years. Ken and Larry remained lifelong friends.
In the early 1970’s, Ken was hired on at the Calgary based Noyes Supervision. Here he met Jim Cascadden and Frank Ceh. Together they formed Tempest Development in 1979, followed by Tempco Drilling in 1985. With some changes, Ken and Jim were great partners for 45 years until Jim passed in 2021. In 1977, Ken married Lorraine Warwick also originally from Oyen. Over their 47 years together, Ken and Lorraine had countless adventures together and travelled to many interesting locations near and far.
Together they raised their two children Craig (Jen) and Pamela (Bryan). Ken was a proud Grandpa to Blakely and Briar, Max, Myles, and Beau. Ken took a keen interest in his kids, especially in their
sports and more recently enjoyed attending many of his grandkids’ events.
Ken became a Mason and later a Shriner. He joined the Al Azhar Mounted Patrol Unit in 2001. Over the years, Ken and his horse participated in many parades throughout Alberta, including the Calgary Stampede Parade, as an AMP rider.
Ken was a long-time congregant of St. Thomas United Church in Hawkwood.
Ken had a deep love for the outdoors. Over the years, he had many memorable hunting, fishing, skiing and golf trips with family and friends.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Lorraine; his children and grandchildren; his brother Bob Weller (wife Julie) of Sherwood Park; and several generations of nieces and nephews of Big Stone, AB and throughout Western Canada and beyond. He was predeceased by his sister Vera Lockhart, sister-inlaw Yvonne Weller, brothers-in-law Wayne Warwick, Robert Galloway, and Ben Lockhart; and granddaughter Brynley Weller.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 22, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Al Azhar Shrine Centre in Calgary. ***This service will be streamed for viewing at the above stated date/time.
If wished, donations can be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children (mail a cheque c/o Al Azhar Shriners at 5225 – 101 Street NW Calgary AB T3L 1S4) or a charity of your choice. You can call the Shrine Centre to donate via credit card at 403-239-0030.
To express condolences, share memories, and access the link to the virtual funeral service livestream, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.
Tips on quitting smoking for good
Thinking about quitting smoking in 2025? You’re not alone. More than half of adults who smoke cigarettes are seriously thinking about stopping.
Quitting can be hard, but there are things you can do to make it easier. Everyone is different, so it’s important to get the right kind of help for you. Use the tools, programs, and services that make sense for you. Know your reasons for quitting smoking
BUFFALO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
• The annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will be held at the hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM and “Digging Fun” starts at the same time. Music begins at 8:00 PM. Come out and enjoy this family event.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
• Buffalo Ag Society presents Jake Mathews in concert at the hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets purchased for the December show will be honoured and you can get tickets from Ag Society members.
CEREAL
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30
- 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM
- 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Chase the Ace weekly Thursdays 7:009:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society 2025 AGM. Memember
Reflect why you want to quit smoking. Write down or say out loud the reasons that matter most to you. For example:
• I want to feel better.
• I want to save money.
• I want to protect my family and friends.
Taking stock of why you want to quit is a good first step on the path to quitting for good. This activity can help you decide if you’re ready to make a change. It can help you set a goal and stick with it.
Make a plan
When you’re ready, pick a day to quit smoking in the next three weeks. As this date gets closer, pay attention to your urges to smoke. Keep track of the routines, places, and emotions that trigger you. Think about how you’ll handle these cravings and stay in control when you’re quitting.
Planning ahead helps you stay on track when you’re quitting. It sets you up for success in the long run.
Consult the experts
Reach out for advice and support:
• Call 1-866-710-7848 to speak with an AlbertaQuits counsellor. They’ll listen with no judgment and offer you free, confidential advice and helpful tips.
• Ask a physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider about medications to reduce cravings, limit withdrawal, and help you feel comfortable when you’re quitting.
• Join a QuitCore program in your local area or online. In six facilitated sessions, you’ll learn skills to quit smoking and connect with other people who
are trying to quit. Call the AlbertaQuits helpline at 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) to find a QuitCore group in your local area or online..
• Go to AlbertaQuits.ca for guidance and tools to build a quit plan..
• Text 123456 to ABQUITS for free text messages to keep you motivated..
Getting help to quit smoking really works. Research shows that by combining different methods of support, you can double or even triple your odds of success.
Stick with it!
Be mindful that it can take more than one attempt to quit smoking. If you have setbacks, keep trying! Count the days and weeks you were able to go smoke-free as wins and think about what you can learn from them. Reflecting on what worked will help you next time. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, no matter how old you are or how long you’ve been smoking. Quitting lowers your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and diabetes. It improves your health in ways you can see and feel. Within 20 minutes of putting out your last cigarette, your blood pressure and heart rate go down with less stress on your heart and blood vessels.
For more information on smoking and your health, go to MyHealth.Alberta.ca/Tobacco-Smoking-Vaping. For more tips to quit smoking for good, go to AlbertaQuits.ca.
Meeting 1:00-2:00 PM at the Village of Empress Community Hall. Membership is $5 / year. Join us.
SATURDAY, MAY 10
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Plant & Pie Sale 10:00 AM2:00 PM. Empress Community Hall.
• Empress Community Yard Sales 9:00 AM3:00 PM. More than 10 families! Don’t miss it!
- Game Night Saturdays at 6:00 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
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth at 403-664-2462 for more information.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 & 8
• Oyen & District Curling Club annual Ladies’ Bonspiel. To enter call Jackie (403) 664-0157.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 & 16
• Crossroads Beef Expo Pen Show, Youth Show, Brisket and Wine Mixer Tradeshow. Hosted by BCAS.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20 membership for the year or $5 drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-6648688. Other upcoming dates are: February 25th, March 11th and 25th.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
• Oyen United Church Soup and Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15, Kids 6-12 $5, under 6 Free.
• Fun Night for Members and their Guests at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. 7:00PM until midnight. Games and Socializing. BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth 403 664 2462 for more information.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50 +) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre.
Supper at 6:00PM and Meeting at 7:00PM. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth 403 664 2462 for further information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Fun League Curling. Tuesday evenings. Enter teams to Jackie Dick 403-664-0157. - Cash League Curling. Wednesday evenings. Enter teams to Brett Peterson 403-664-8868. - Sturling League Curling. Thursday at noon. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403-664-6001.
SIBBALD
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
• Sibbald Community Club Snowmobile Rally. 50/50, Cash Prizes. Registration from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sibbald Community Hall. For info call/text Layne 403-664-9870 or Rob 403-664-7150. Riders must carry their own insurance and sign a waiver.
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
• Sibbald Community Club presents “The Sibbald Games.” For details call/text Olivia (306) 430-8487 or Chandra (403) 6640469.
