Hello, everyone. I think we all feel the same about the deep-freeze weather ending soon. It has been a tad frigid for a couple of weeks.
The Oyen Lodge residents and staff would like to extend their deepest sympathies to Pam Turnbull’s family. Pam was a resident of the Lodge before she moved to the Auxiliary. Monday morning started with exercises, followed by whist games. Monday afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning started with exercises, followed by the regular downtown FCSS van service for the residents to do their shopping. Tuesday was Pub Day in the afternoon, which consisted of refreshments, popcorn, pretzels and chips. Before supper, Taylor Neilson played piano. Tuesday, February 11th was “National White Shirt Day,” so some of the residents dressed in white for the day.
Wednesday morning was Church with Bill Kolkman and John Rhoad. John will be taking over for Bill. After church, there were crossword games, and in the afternoon, there was shuffleboard.
Thursday morning, ATB Financial was at the Lodge from 10-11:00. Card games were played before lunch. Thursday afternoon, Andrea from Big Country Adult Learning was at the Lodge to do some trivia and jeopardy, which is always a learning experience for everyone. The trivia theme was Valentine’s Day. Thursday was “National Galentine’s Day”. Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13th. It’s a day to leave husbands, boyfriends and significant others at home to gather with other women and to celebrate female friendships.
Friday morning started with exercises followed by horse races. Not too often, there is a close race, but there was an exciting race that day. It’s a good thing it’s not the real races; there would be a lot of betting going on. Lol. And, of course, it was my favourite horse that won, Poncho (the white horse), and he was the top winner of the day, which made some of the residents very happy.
Friday afternoon was bingo, and Friday evening there was music by Jorgenson’s. Friday was Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately we did not have a Valentine’s party. The residents were invited to Consort Lodge, but we did not go due
to the cold weather. Our Valentine’s party will be on the 21st, with Clarke Huston entertaining.
Happy Birthday to Joan Shields and Dan Hertz on February 15th. Saturday February 15th is “National Flag Day”. Thank you to Bev Haag, who took the time to get Canada pins and bookmarks from the town office to hand out to all the residents. Bev also decorated with Canadian flags in the dining room and crocheted little pink hearts for all the staff and residents for Valentine’s Day. Great job, Bev.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Family Day weekend. Family Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of spending quality time with our families. Have a great week everyone. Stay warm and stay safe. OYEN LODGE REPORT
Dan Hertz (92) and Joan Shields (93) celebrated their birthdays on February 15. More photos page 11.
Rural transit ideas floated behind the scenes, UCP says
THE MACLEOD GAZETTE
By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Improved transit could be on its way to rural Alberta, a UCP cabinet minister teased in a recent interview on passenger rail transportation.
“I would just say, stay tuned,” Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen told The Macleod Gazette. “I don’t want to show my cards yet, but we’re actually working on some really interesting policy ideas on how to increase transit options for rural Alberta.”
Dreeshen would say no more about what’s in the offing, but his comments came in response to renewed concerns from the NDP that rural Alberta needs better passenger service. Countryside bus routes remain a low priority in Alberta’s emerging vision for passenger rail, said Lorne Dach, the NDP’s transportation critic.
So-called last-mile service — getting passengers back and forth between their rural homes and, say, a regional transit hub in Lethbridge or Grande Prairie — isn’t given enough emphasis, he said.
Yet Dach supported the thrust of what he’s seen so far in the UCP’s public engagement survey on a proposed 15-year master plan for passenger rail. “But yeah, it’s a good start.”
Proof of the survey’s value will come in how the government frames and reacts to results, said Dach, the member for Edmonton-McClung.
“Consultation is always key when you’re talking about major infrastructure projects that are long term. The rail survey is just the very beginning and a lot of things need to be determined,” Dach said. “But I’m certainly interested to hear what Albertans think about the initiatives the government is talking about, what the final conclusions are, and how those conclusions match the questions that have been asked, so we can see if the outcomes are reliable.”
The government is using the survey, originally set to conclude before Christmas, to peer decades into the future at city-to-city, regional, commuter and highspeed services. The Passenger Rail Master Plan will look at what should be developed where, how the service should be sequenced and governed, and what the funding models will be. Included will be a 15-year delivery plan to start building the system.
The government extended the deadline to take the survey by almost four months to April 15.
Mid-survey results became public information through a Postmedia freedom of information request, when the Edmonton Journal reported Jan. 28 that the government had collected more than 14,000 responses.
The survey by then had found that nearly 80 per cent of respondents were in favour of some level of ownership and operation by the provincial government. A hybrid model earned the most support, at about 40 per cent.
Dach said support for public involvement is reas-
suring, because he can’t see how private enterprise alone would be enough to make extensive passenger rail service come into being.
He said he is “certainly not opposed” to a hybrid model, perhaps with the province owning rails and rights-of-way but not the trains themselves or their operations. “I certainly found it interesting that the Alberta public was looking at such a model, and somewhat heartening as well,” he said.
A hybrid model “gives a measure of public and Alberta government control over the operation of the line, which appeals to me.”
Dreeshen, the member for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, said buses may be part of the equation, as regional train hubs start popping up on the Alberta prairies. But he stressed that the master plan is an early stage of how public transportation unfolds in the coming decades.
He compared some aspects of the survey to early mentions in the 1950s of ring roads for Alberta cities. Decades later, the Progressive Conservatives of Peter Lougheed started buying land for a Calgary ring road and utility corridor.
“I think a lot of this is going to have short, kind of immediate planning, engineering and construction dollars on certain projects. And then I would assume that other parts of it are going to have that longer-term view of when they would be economically viable.”
Dreeshen pointed to rezoning around train stations to attract housing and business as part of the equation, depending on where they’re sited.
But how those stations tie into improved rural service is Dach’s burning question.
Passenger busing in Alberta took a major hit in 2018 when Greyhound ceased operating in the West. The company shut down Canadian service completely in 2021. Regional services haven’t taken hold in a broad way since, and what they need is government involvement, Dach said.
“Private enterprises have had six or seven years now to find a way to provide bus transportation for that last mile. And they haven’t done it because they don’t see it as profitable enough or it doesn’t satisfy their business needs. So there needs to be public involvement from the Alberta government in helping establish or even subsidizing rural bus transportation on an ongoing basis,” he said.
“If someone drives a private car to the train station in Grande Prairie, they might as well do five hours and keep going,” he continued. “So that’s not going to feed into the attractiveness of taking the train.”
A better bus system is “given passing attention, but it needs to be talked about now.”
Dach said he hopes more consultation follows from what he calls “just an initial starting point.” Rail connections beyond Alberta, for example, need to be explored, with neighbouring provinces and the U.S.
“It’s a serious business,” he said.
OPINION: It’s time to clean house!
BY JOAN JANZEN
Can you imagine what your house would look like if you neglected to clean it for a decade? If you allowed dirty laundry, dishes and junk to pile up, everyone would likely agree it’s time to do some housecleaning. After experiencing the past decade, ordinary Canadians have been voicing their opinions online. They are all saying it’s way past time to clean up Canada.
Franco Terrazzano from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) was the first to say it: “We gotta get our house in order; it’s getting outrageous! Interest charges on the federal debt are costing taxpayers more than a billion dollars every single week. It’s long past time to get this under control.”
Saskatchewan’s Quick Dick McDick echoed the sentiment saying, “Our tolerance level for trafficking illegal substances and harbouring terrorists in our country should be absolutely zero. We need to clean some of this up! Why did it take a threat for Canada to realize it?”
Kris Simms from CTF spoke about Inter-provincial trade barriers: “This has been going on for so long; now all of a sudden they’re saying we should fix this. We need to stop insane things like Bill C69 so we’re not strangling ourselves. These are just common sense things that should transcend party affiliation. I hope this is a wake up call and we’re going to fix these problems.”
Canadian podcaster Tanner Hnidey
“We gotta get our house in order; it’s getting outrageous! It’s long past time to get this under control.”
asked, “Why are you (gov’t) suddenly telling us to ‘buy Canadian’ after crushing Canadian industry for the last ten years? We’ve seen you send billions of dollars to foreign nations while our veterans starve at home. We’ve listened to you criticize our oil sands, while buying crude from Saudi Arabia. You don’t even believe Canada should have borders. If you really wanted us to buy Canadian, you’d abolish absurd regulations, lower insane taxes and invite business to set up shop in this country by promoting economics.”
It’s obvious Canadians are passionate about their country. Quick Dick said: “I don’t think we as Canadians have any business whatsoever talking smack about the states while we sit here with a non-functioning government watching a whole bunch of elites have a leadership race of a party that got our country hijacked. Maybe we should start cleaning up Canada before
kate@yourwestcentral.com oyenecho@telus.net
we talk about the states.”
If you’re wondering what there is to clean up, Franco Terrazzano gave a few suggestions. Our Governor General who approved proroguing parliament received a raise bringing her salary to $387,000, which helps to explain why the cost of bureaucracy in Canada has gone up 73% and 100,000 bureaucrats have been added since Trudeau has been in power.
“The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation claims it has won its objective of affordable housing for all. Meanwhile, houses are unaffordable, yet the CMHC has rubber-stamped more than $100 million in bonuses since the beginning of 2020,” Franco explained. As of April 1st, we’re facing a 19% carbon tax increase, while we watched 670 billion dollars in natural resource projects stalled or cancelled since 2015.
The CTF received a thousand pages of access to information requests from Global Affairs Canada, which was quite revealing. Here are just a few ways your tax dollars have been spent: $8,800 for a sex toy show in Germany, $12,500 for seniors in other countries to speak about their sex lives to a live audience, and $8,100 to organize DJ workshops in Turkey and Georgia. But there’s much more.
$7.2 million was spent on a gender-responsive systems approach to universal healthcare in the Philippines, $12.5 million on vacant land in West Af-
rica, and $41 million on properties in Afghanistan that were abandoned to the Taliban. While Franco was reading the extensive list, he said he had to stop because the more he read, the more upset he got.
“If we actually built a pipeline here in Canada, then we could reduce our reliance on trade with the US and reduce our reliance on importing oil from Saudi Arabia. It sounds so obvious, but things aren’t obvious in Ottawa. Common sense isn’t obvious in Ottawa!” Franco concluded.
Speaking of common sense, Quick Dick had some to share: “We’ve spent way too much time being progressive instead of making economic progress and it’s way past time to change.”
Canada’s Jordan Peterson said, “This is an opportunity to shed idiocy that is making us poor, weak and irrelevant on the international stage.” He added it’s also an opportunity to increase cross-border trade, get out of our own way on the energy front, rekindle national pride, seek international markets that would make us truly independent, strengthen commitment to the military, and stop despising our own history. “Which would make the next 100 years Canada’s triumph instead of its falsely green and socialist demise.”
As Canadians we can only hope spring cleaning is just around the corner.
Pop89: Fake smart gods
BY MADONNA HAMEL
In 1995, I travelled by train from Vancouver to Quebec City, where I was invited to perform in a festival that had one stipulation: keep technology to a bare minimum - use a microphone if necessary and maybe some lighting. As a storyteller, I’m used to working this way, and so I decided I would simply relate scenes from my voyage across the country, highlighting special encounters with passengers along the way.
Seated beside me for the entire journey was a woman with a bag of wool tucked between her feet. She was knitting scarves for all of her eight grandchildren, she told me. The clicking of her knitting needles synchronized with the rhythm of the train shuttling along the tracks, lulling me in and out of sleep as we passed through towns and countrysides.
I opened my performance with: “It takes a technician to knit a scarf, but it takes a heart to want to.”
Each one of those scarves is a crucial combination of love and technical ability. But it was love that nudged grandmother to insert, midway through one scarf, a thin stripe of red between a band of forest green and midnight blue. “What do you think,” she said, holding up the half-finished muffler? No doubt she thought that stripe reflected perfectly a vein of joy or spunk that runs through the particular child she was gifting.
I recently read on a website that “experts predict AI
will become so good that it will automate virtually any cognitive task that people do today….The world of work was a joy for the highly skilled and cognitively gifted in the past. But that time is coming to an end.”
The grandmother knitting eight scarves, tailor-made for each of her eight unique and precious grandchildren became the hero in my performance because her “skill” and “joy” will not “come to an end” with automation.
She reminds me of the sewing group that meets every Wednesday in our village. They jokingly refer to themselves as the “Stitch and Bitch Club.” It wouldn’t occur to them to leap directly to a finished product. To separate the bitching from the stitching would be to eliminate their creative process.
The ranchers, gardeners and farmers of my valley are more likely to call Artificial Intelligence by other synonyms like: “Fake Brains.” They aren’t easily fooled by anything that begins with the word: “artificial.” ( “That should be your clue, right there,” they’d say.)
Just as cooking, quilting and collaging involve personal creative decisions made on the fly, rural work, like carpentry and construction, requires able bodies, common sense and thinking on your feet. Call it “manual labour” or “handiwork” - it’s all work that requires a constant mind-body dance and has no use for “Ersatz Knowing” (my own synonym for AI.)
AI is all about product. Its goal and promise is to go from birth of an idea to completion in the shortest possible time. This is an absurd and alarming stance for people like me who relish road trips. Or who take time collecting bits and pieces of memorabilia, eventually creating a collage when the moment is right. BUT, above all, who enjoy experiencing the many phases of growing, maturing, evolving and moving through life at a human pace.
To jump from the birth of an idea to the finished product is to jump from birth to death. Period. It dismisses the process of living itself. If we follow the AI ideal, life itself will be superfluous.
America’s VP recently promised that “AI will make people more productive” (ie: make more machines to do the producing), “make people more prosperous”
(ie: make some people richer) and “make people more free” (ie: more unemployed, so, with lots more free time on their hands).
There’s a greedy motive behind giving our jobs to AI: you don’t have to pay workers. You can do away with health benefits and pensions and those costly retirement watches. Just program the machine and set the worker free. To do what? Drink beer? Troll the internet? Watch porn? And how, could you please explain to me Mr. VP, do unemployed “free” people pay for things?
“Our embodiment is not something to be wished away, to be replaced with something coldly objective and omnipotent,” writes Grace Hammon. She’s writing about Medieval Christianity’s idea of a punitive god, but she could be writing about AI. She’s referring to the apostles arguing over who among them is most god-like. They are warned that “unless they are as a little child,” “full of wonder, open to receiving and learning” they will miss witnessing heaven here and now, on earth, never mind any heavenly future.
In his moving essay, “Rage Against the Machine”, Paul Kingsnorth quotes an AI acolyte as saying “There is more God in a cell phone than in a tree frog.” This begs the urgent question:how do you define God? In “The Whole Language”, Fr. Greg Boyle warns us that our “notion of God is the most consequential thing in our lives” because “it’s what steers the ship. Our idea of God will always call the shots.”
I’ll bet the AI guy has never seen a tree frog, nor heard its song under his window. Nor, while crossing an open field, has he felt the flapping of bird wings directly overhead in the still of a summer evening. Or witnessed from his tent a moose rise, steaming, out of a swamp. Or felt the rumble of the earth under his feet as a herd of bison suddenly took off across a snow-covered stretch of grassland.
We can’t make a tree frog like we can build a cell phone. We can’t program a moose to sing Carmen instead of bugling a warning. We can’t breathe a soul into a manufactured central nervous system. Nor inspire it to knit a red stripe into a brown scarf for a boy on the other side of the country.
LIV golf still lagging behind PGA Tour
BY BRUCE PENTON
Will the LIV golf enterprise ever get on equal footing, or surpass, the PGA Tour in relevance?
With four full seasons under its belt, the upstart LIV Tour is still lagging behind the PGA Tour in importance based on television exposure, having its players compete in the majors and failing to attract a regular following by golf fans.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
LIV, armed with a new Fox TV deal, certainly has its stars, led by Bryson DeChambeau, who won the 2024 U.S. Open in a thrilling finish, edging Rory McIlroy with a sensational sand shot on the 72nd hole. Other big names who would be ranked among the best in the world (if LIV players could earn Official World Golf Ranking points) are Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann and Cam Smith.
World ranking points are the most contentious issue facing LIV players today. Because LIV tournaments are not eligible for ranking points, and because most of golf’s majors base their qualifying criteria on the OWGR list, many LiV players have been shut out. The door opened slightly last week, as the USGA said it was granting U.S. Open exemptions to the top three LIV players as of mid-April.
LIV has been deemed ineligible for world-ranking points, partly because of its 54-hole, no-cut format and automatic entries into fields, as opposed to qualifying requirements by others such as the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour. After a two-year battle to try to persuade OGWR officials to allow LIV players to earn points, the upstart league withdrew its application.
Still, tournaments such as the U.S. Open and the Open Championship are ‘open’ to anyone wishing to try to qualify, and DeChambeau did just that last year. Any former Masters champion is also an automatic entry into the April classic at Augusta, which annually opens the door to LIV players Rahm, Patrick Reed, Johnson, Garcia, Charl Schwartzel, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson. Augusta officials also reserve the right to invite anyone they please, and Niemann, a talented player from Chile, has received an invitation the last
couple of years.
A recent story in the Global Golf Post by Scott Michaux said LIV has a “misguided belief that the majors are going to want to include their talent so badly that they will carve out exemptions for them into each of the four major championships. But that type of thinking is ‘delusional,’” wrote Michaux.
LIV player Kevin Na said he believes anyone who wins a LIV tournament should be exempt into the majors, as well as the top 16 players from the previous season. Niemann said he believes the top 10 would be more appropriate.
With new CEO Scott O’Neill at the helm, replacing Greg Norman, perhaps some ‘major’ advances can be made. But the players knew the risks when they took the millions of guaranteed money from the Saudis and now they’re paying the price for what many golf fans see as nothing more than a bunch of talented golfers playing exhibition golf.
• Headline at Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “Leafs revamp power play by adding second pointless drop pass before entering zone.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “If (Bills’ coach) Sean McDermott rode the fastest horse at the Kentucky Derby, he’d pull up on the reins and finish third.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “What’s in a trademarked name? Even the USPS is afraid of NFL lawyers. Their alert (about possible storm-related delayed packages) calls it ‘The Professional Football Championship Game in New Orleans.’”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “The Penguins were bidding for Miko Rantenan before he was dealt to Carolina. Apparently they were offering 30 years of Pittsburgh Pirates tickets.”
• Rolfsen again: “I like Gene Principe as a broadcaster, but what’s up with his hair? It looks like he just finished regrowing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor’s mullet.”
• Jack Finarelli on his website sports curmudgeon. com., on the 125 million viewers of the Super Bowl: “How many watch because it will be a major topic of conversation at work on Monday and they do not wish to look like a doofus?”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “According to a recent study, getting extra sleep on Sundays can help prevent premature death. Finally, some good news for Cleveland Browns fans.”
• Pre-Super Bowl headline at fark.com: “Five reasons the Chiefs will defeat the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Presumably the referee, down judge, line judge, side judge and back judge.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “The Jays rotation includes Max Scherzer, now 40; Chris Bassitt, 36; and Kevin Gausman, 34. This team should be great on Oldtimers Day.”
• Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue on the Super Bowl’s immense popularity: “We have become the winter version of the Fourth of July celebration.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Name: Bryce Fitzgerald
Name: Gary Dornan
Pitcher
are you from? Alma, New Brunswick Billets: Dale & Tricia Rolheiser
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
FICTION:
The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unattached Neighbor / by: Jennifer Beckstrand
The Brightest of Stars / by: Nora Roberts
Enchant My Heart / by: Nora Roberts
The House of Cross / by: James Patterson
Into The Sunset / by: Mary Connealy
Listen to Your Sister : A Novel / by: Neena Viel
The Night is Defying / by: Chloe Penlfaranda
The Proposal Plot / by: Kathleen Fuller
A Stolen Kiss / by: Mindy Steele
Toward The Dawn / by: Mary Connealy
Best House on the Block :
A Thriller / by: Theresa Ragan
The Complete Mind * Series books
1-5 / by: S.T. Abby
The Crash / by: Freida McFadden
Good Dirt : A Novel / by: Charmaine Wilkerson
More or Less Maddy : A Novel / by: Lisa Genova
JUVENILE FICTION:
The Last Hope School for Magical Deliquents / by: Nicki Pau Petro
YOUNG ADULT FICTION:
Gathering Blue / by: Lois Lowry
The Giver / by: Lois Lowry
Messenger / by: Lois Lowry
Son / by: Lois Lowry
Heir / by: Sabaa Tahir
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS:
Snow Is…. / by: Laura Gehl
LARGE PRINT ADULT FICTION:
The Oregon Trail / by: William Johnstone
Rustlers and Widows / by: Reg Quist
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Lost at Windy River : A true story of survival / by: Trina Rathgeber
Tectiv : Volume 1, Noirtopia / by: Richard Ashley Hamilton
NON-FICTION BOOKS:
The Empowered Empath / by: Susan Reynolds
The “Let Them” Theory : A Life Changing Tool / by: Mel Robbins
What to do when I am gone : A mother’s wisdom to her daughter / by: Suzy Hopkins
PERIODICALS:
People Magazine
Hello Canada
Focus on The Family The Hockey News
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.
Drop by the library on Thursday February 20th at 3PM for a Family Crafternoon! Miss Elsie will have a paper craft ready for everyone to work on.
Join us on Tuesday February 25th for an afterschool movie. This time Elemental will be showing starting at 3:30PM. Free popcorn and juice will be provided!
This is the last week to participate in the Story Walk at the arena. We are happy to hear that several have been enjoying it.
Celebrate Love Your Library Month by writing what you love about the library on a paper heart. There are currently over 40 hearts already on display and each name will be entered into a draw for a small sweet treat!
A new perpetual puzzle is ready to be solved! Come in anytime for any length of time to work on it.
Thanks to everyone who took part in the drop-in craft last week. We hope you are enjoying your new bookmarks!
This month’s featured e-resource is World Book Online which can be accessed through the library’s website, www.acadialibrary.ca/eresources or through the TRACpac app. World Book has different levels of information available and organized for all ages of learners. This could be an especially helpful resource for students.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” —Jackie Kennedy
25023TG1
TO THE EDITOR:
Disappointed in announcement of a second Baseball Academy
The following letter was sent to Prairie Rose Public Schools regarding the new Southern Alberta Baseball Academy. It was also shared with us for publication.
Dear Superintendent Weeks
Have you ever felt like you have been stabbed in the back? This is how I and other community members felt when hearing the announcement of the start up of a Southern Alberta Baseball Academy out of Eagle Butte. Ever since the media announcement of Dec. 16, 2024 it has felt like the knife is being twisted to inflict pain to the Badlands Baseball Academy and to the surrounding community members that faithfully support it.
What on earth were you thinking of starting another Baseball Academy right in your own division? This can only mean a direct conflict for dollars and recruitment?
A situation where no one wins. In the news release it was stated “Having a program out of Eagle Butte would have benefits for both
teams.” Please explain to me how that is possible.
Let’s remember why the Badlands Baseball Academy was first established. It was established to make possible the growth of a student population to a very rural South Central High School in order make possible the preservation of a strong teaching staff. The promotion of baseball was secondary. Thank you, Prairie Rose, for making it much more difficult.
I know first hand how difficult it is to recruit players and keep operating cost to a minimum in order to offer a comparative program with other academies through out the province and Canada wide. The Badlands tuition has not changed since its inception and with the cost of inflation is amazing it is able to operate. A supportive relationship with the Town of Oyen makes possible for the use of the ball diamond and club house. The Academy hosts 3 major fundraisers each year with a goal of $40,000 to meet their budget. These fund raisers are supported by the community that also support many other
Oyen RCMP begin deployment of body-worn cameras
OYEN - Oyen RCMP has officially equipped frontline officers with body-worn cameras as part of the Alberta RCMP’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and modernization. Following comprehensive training, officers are now ready to use this cutting-edge technology while serving their communities.
This initiative is part of a 12-month nationwide rollout of body-worn cameras, which began in the fall of 2024. Between 10,000 and 15,000 cameras are being deployed to frontline officers across Canada, with Alberta RCMP detachments at the forefront of this important step forward.
Body-worn cameras are increasingly used by po-
lice agencies worldwide for their ability to provide accurate, unbiased audio-video documentation of police interactions.
Your Alberta RCMP is proud to implement this technology to meet the ever-changing policing needs of Albertans and uphold public safety. Key benefits of bodyworn cameras include:
• Enhanced accountability and public trust: Video evidence collected will provide an independent, and objective way to capture interactions between the community and police officers.
fund-raising entities through out local communities. Given the population of the area one can appreciate the importance of the Badlands Academy holds within the community by their support.
It was a disappointment to learn of the renovations to the School Division office located in Oyen to become a teacher’s residence and not a dorm. This would have been a great investment in the Badlands Academy. Perhaps you should have not sold off the teacherages that were already available in the community. I think of the investment of getting the SABA up and running and wonder how that could have benefited the Badlands program if redirected. Recruiting billets in a small community is very difficult and is always a struggle. Having a dorm would help to make the program that much secure when recruiting players.
It was also mentioned in the media release as to the establishment of an academy league. This would establish
a hierarchy among academies where the stronger academies would dominate creating an environment where some academies would meet their demise as a result of recruitment retention and promotion. This would not be beneficial to any of the academies with the exception of the stronger.
It is with great disappointment that the Prairie Rose School Board would support the start up of another Baseball Academy right in its own division. It would have made much better sense to enhance the already existing Badlands Baseball Academy and let it shine as the jewel for the whole division. Yes, a real stab in the back! If you were compelled to promote Baseball in Southern Alberta it should has been for a Girls Soft Ball Academy which is badly needed!!!
Very disappointed!!
Heather Norris
Past President of the Badlands Baseball Academy Ltd.
• Better evidence collection: High-quality audio and video footage supports investigations and prosecutions.
• Efficient complaint resolution: Objective records expedite investigations, saving time and resources.
To learn more about the Alberta RCMP Body Worn Camera rollout visit us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @ RCMPAlberta.
LUNCH AND LEARN
We’re excited to host a lunch & learn with our friends from ReSound regarding new and exciting technology.
March 19th, 2025
Circle Hanna (513 - 3rd Ave W) 10:30-11:30 am with lunch to follow This is a free event but you must register by March 5th.
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
- May 5th to August 15th.
- Full-time: 40 hrs./week, Mon.-Fri., 7 AM to 3 PM.
- Wage: $17.54/hour
Duties Include:
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.
Taking a sabbatical requires solid financial planning
Do you feel the need to take a professional break to recharge your batteries or pursue a passion project?
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.
A sabbatical might just be the answer. However, you must plan your finances accordingly. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
Paid or unpaid leave
your planned leave. In some cases, your employer might decide not to pay you a salary at all while you’re away, which would require some extra planning.
Saving habits
- Yard maintenance such as mowing, weed eating, planting, watering, small tree trimming, pond care, garden weeding, etc.
- Small maintenance projects such as painting, minor repairs, general cleaning and other duties as assigned
How to apply:
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.
A sabbatical can either be paid or unpaid, depending on various factors. You might be able—with your employer’s approval—to take a slightly reduced salary for a few years so you can receive full pay during
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. There fore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
Submit resume no later than April 1st to: gloria.jorgenson@acadiafoundation.com or drop off in person at 310 - 2nd Street West. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria of the Canada Summer Jobs 2025 Program, such as being between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
OYEN GREENHOUSES LTD.
is currently seeking a
SEED TECHNICIAN
to start February 24, 2025
You’ll inevitably need to adjust your savings habits in anticipation of a sabbatical. Start by drawing up a budget tailored to your sabbatical plans to estimate how much money you’ll need to live comfortably. Set aside a portion of your income to reach your savings goal. Do you need a little extra cash? Think about selling some unused items.
Open communication
Lease For Sale in Special Areas #4
NE-23-35-01-W4
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
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
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
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
Managing Editor / Content Creator
Description:
28 acres each pt NE-25-35-29-W3 & pt SE-25-35-29-W4
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.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Leo Kolman Box 613 Macklin, SK S0L 2C0 1-306-753-2667 or cell 1-306-753-7244
If you want a successful sabbatical, start by having an open discussion with your employer several months in advance. Highlight the benefits of your sabbatical in terms of future work performance and reassure them of your intention to return. This way, you can also address any concerns about future compensation.
Location: Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Your Southwest Media Group, which publishes four community newspapers (Your West Central Voice, The Kerrobert Chronicle, The Weekly Bean and The Oyen Echo) in west central Saskatchewan and east central Alberta, is accepting resumés for a full-time managing editor / content creator.
As the managing editor / content creator, you will be responsible for creating, reviewing and editing unique content which will be published in our printed newspapers, websites and social media pages. You will work simultaneously with the publisher, reporter, production and marketing team to maintain consistency between marketing campaigns and content published. Candidates will also be required to brainstorm and suggest newer ways and platforms to increase their current customer base and increase engagement.
Duties Include:
• Writing and editing content for newspapers, websites, social media pages which will catch maximum customer interest and engagement.
lean on and contact if they need help. This will help them feel at ease.
• Brainstorming and suggesting new ways to improve the traffic by tapping into new platforms and channels (ie: X, videos, podcasts).
• Update the website and social media pages periodically.
• Assigning stories and photos for reporters when necessary.
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.
Qualifications:
• Exceptional writing, editing and photography skills
• Introduce the team. Set up a video chat to introduce the entire team. You can reserve extra time for the employee to get to know the colleagues they’ll be working with directly.
• Strong news judgement, patience and proven leadership capabilities
• A degree or diploma in journalism or related experience
• Professional-level grasp of grammar and strong journalistic ethics
• Talk about the company. Describe the company’s mission, values and other information to help the employee develop a sense of belonging.
• Knowledge of InDesign and Photoshop, or technological know-how to learn quickly
• Excellent time management to meet deadlines
• Be a team player and be able to work well with others - a sense of humour is a must!
• All candidates must have a valid driver’s license
• Present your tools. Familiarize the employee with the tools, software and online platforms the company uses daily.
• Offer mentoring. Ensure the new employee knows they have someone they can
• 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.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Please send your resumé, cover letter, clippings, portfolios, etc. to:
Are you looking for telecommuting employees to join your team? Do business with a recruitment service.
Kate Winquist, Publisher Box 727 Kindersley, SK. S0L 1S0 306-463-2211
E-mail: kate@yourwestcentral.com
Web address: http://www.yourwestcentral.com
POSITION
We thank all applicants for applying; however only those under consideration will be contacted.
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 need help planning your leave? Talk to a financial expert.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
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.
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:
DEEDED CULTIVATION:
SE-18-30-2-W4 (157.05 acres) – 100 acres in cropland
WHEN TO REFUSE
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.
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.
DEEDED PASTURE:
WHEN TO ACCEPT
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.
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.
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
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.
Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.
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:
NW 13-31-2-W4 containing 153.59 acres more or less. Approximately 80 acres in cropland and remainder is pasture.
SW 24-31-2-W4 containing 4.23 acre more or less) is pasture.
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.
The Terms of Tender form can be obtained from:
Vernon & Debora Brockmann (403) 676-2777 or cell (403) 664-0831
Email: vdbrock5@netago.ca OR Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP
Tenders shall be marked “Brockmann Land Tender” and sent to or delivered prior to 12:00 noon MST on February 28, 2025 to: Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP 201,430 – 6th Avenue S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8
Grazing
Potluck enjoyed despite bad weather
BY BETH SYMES
Four Oyen and District Seniors group members gathered at the Seniors Recreational Centre on the cold and blustery evening of February 5 at 6:00 PM for a delicious potluck. Even though it was truly potluck with four people contributing, it was a perfect meal, including all the food groups. Four more members came at 7:00 PM for the meeting. Lynda won the 50/50 draw. Following that, the minutes from the November 6th meeting and the financials from the past two months were presented. In relation to the financials, an update was given on the money spent during January from the New Horizons Grant. Money has been spent to purchase plants in the spring for further beautification work around the exterior of the building. Money has also been designated to purchase light bulbs for the interior prior to the end of March. Secondly, a grant may be applied for from CFSEA to purchase materials to use in the crafting activity.
The meeting discussed a number of items related to old business. Members focused on the first three sections of the Seniors Association’s ByLaws. Two of the sections Contained changes that were discussed and voted on to make the by-laws more reflective of the organization as it is today. Subsequent meetings will discuss further sections of the bylaws.
Updates were made on the Memorial Book, which will now be used to provide remembrance for previous members at the time of death rather than the original wall plaques.
Beth will provide details of names and dates for the first names to be inserted in the memorial book to Kyna, who will be maintaining the book.
Lynda also provided an update about the Casino the organization will be hosting in Red Deer on May 21 and 22. Bev Heeg has completed all the paperwork, found the people who will be working the Casino, and booked the rooms for those people.
All of the regular recreational activities at the hall, some on pause in December, resumed in January. Floor Curling continues on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM. People gather for Pickle Ball on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. Both of these are drop-in activities that are available for seniors (50+). Cheryl Getz has continued with Crafting Days and reports those are well attended, with new members registering for a variety of crafting activities. She plans two days in February, the 18th and the 25th. Please register with Cheryl for these. (403 664 8688)
Nineteen people attended the Fun Night on January 31 to enjoy playing pool, crib, a table game of Sequence, and socializing. The next Fun Night is scheduled for Friday, February 28, at 7:00 PM at the Seniors Recreation Centre.
The next Potluck and Seniors meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) is scheduled for March 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Our Seniors Group continues to welcome new members for all our activities, including our monthly meeting and potluck supper. For further information, call Lynda (403 664 0908) or Beth (403 664 2462).
Put Canada first and build!
BY DAMIEN KUREK Battle River - Crowfoot MP
Canada needs to be a country that can build again; infrastructure, national energy projects, ports, irrigation, damns, military installations, to name a few examples. One of the most disastrous legacies of the current Liberal Government, is that Canada has been unable to build basically anything unless it is approved by a massive bureaucracy in Ottawa, supported by taxpayers, is past deadlines, and over budget. This has led to a massive decrease in our national productivity and has hurt our economy, national unity, and our resilience.
This legacy of impediment and procrastination has been supported by every one of their leadership candidates, and at every step, by the NDP. It is impossible to build prosperity, whether that is building a family home or nation-building projects that are essential, when this is the reality.
There was a level of optimism when the Liberals were elected in 2015. Our economy was on the right track, Canadians incomes were growing and national projects like Energy East, Northern Gateway, Tech Frontier, a dozen LNG Facilities, talk of expanding ports, increased rail capacity, and other nation-building projects. But over the last decade, Canada has lost its ability to build everything from big projects to home building. It is the Liberal Government who put forward legislation like Bill C-48 and the unconstitutional Bill C-69, which has had a direct, negative impact on the private sector’s ability in invest in Canada and our nation’s ability to build energy infrastructure. It weaponized and enabled the bureaucracy to stall the building of virtually all projects.
The current Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, has stated, clear as day: “I disagree with pipelines” and he didn’t believe Canada should build any more highways! And the likely soon-to-be Liberal Leader, Mark Carney, stated that he supported the “veto” of the Northern Gateway pipeline back in 2021, all while his company was building pipelines in other jurisdictions.
Current trade uncertainty has emphasized how disastrous these policies have been. And while the Liberals say they have changed their
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minds, it is nothing more than a narrative to mask their sudden realization of how their decisions over the last decade have weakened Canada. Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, will make sure energy development is allowed to occur in Canada, leading to more prosperity and sovereignty for all Canadians. We will immediately scrap Bill C-69 and greenlight LNG plans, pipelines, factories, and port expansions to overseas markets. Additionally, we need to not “rebrand and hide” the carbon tax, we need to axe it all together! The key is that these aren’t new positions for Canada’s Conservatives, but rather what we have championed all along.
Additionally, if our federation is going to allow our people to prosper, we must remove barriers to prosperity which exist within our own borders. Conservatives have historically reduced, and if elected, will continue to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Canada can become Canada’s largest trading partner which will reduce reliance on foreign markets for our economic freedom. These barriers have created a de facto tariff on our own goods, costing our people billions of dollars a year.
Canada needs strong leadership to fix a decade of destructive policies which has left Canada poorer and weaker. I am proud to be a part of Pierre Poilievre’s Canada First Team, which will ensure that Canada can once again build what is needed to prosper so Canadians can ultimately prosper from the blessings our country has to offer.
Canada first. Canada last. Canada always. As your representative, I will continue to work for this, for the benefit of our region of Battle River-Crowfoot, and for the country.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.
HEALTH
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.
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CRIMINAL RECORD?
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CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Why be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge.
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Damien Kurek
Edwin “Ed” John Pedersen, husband of the late Judith Elizabeth Pedersen (nee Dalshaug), passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the age of 83 with family by his side.
PEDERSEN, Edwin “Ed” John
November 27, 1941 – February 12, 2025
Ed was born in Empress, AB, on November 27, 1941. He attended high school in Acadia Valley, where he met Judy, the love of his life. He graduated from SAIT as a radio telecommunications operator and was soon employed as a flight services specialist working for the Government of Canada for the following 43 years. Ed and Judy married on May 20, 1961, and welcomed their first son, Robert. Ed’s work took the family across the great white Canadian North, but after the birth of their second son, Tod, they settled on an acreage four miles north of Vermilion, AB.
The acreage was Ed’s pride and joy, earning numerous beautification awards. During their years in Vermilion, Ed took up a second part-time job in the detailing department at Webb’s Ford, alongside Judy. It was there that they met Phil Wiens, who became a cherished part of the Pedersen family. After retiring, Ed and Judy moved to Airdrie, where they built their home and spent their remaining years together. Though Ed accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest joy was his family. His five grandchildren were the center of his world.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Ed held a private
instead preferring to spend his time in Alberta, the province he loved deeply.
He enjoyed the Canadian Rockies and notably spent his and Judy’s 50th wedding anniversary at the famous Banff Springs hotel. This, along with his ‘boys’ trip to Toronto and his trip to Denmark many years prior was highlights for Ed.
Ed is survived by his sons, Robert (Jeanine) and Tod (Sarah); his five grandchildren, Erik (Mayson), Alexandria, Liam (Erin), Ana, and Ryan; and his long-time sidekick, Philip Wiens. He is also survived by his brother, Charles (Rosalie); sisters, Jan (Garnet) and Lynn (Wayne); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Judith; his parents, Elsie and Cevard; his sister, Karen (Richard); and his brother, Keith (Heather).
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 32194th Street N.W. Calgary, AB within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
In accordance with Ed’s wishes, flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ed’s family at www. MHFH.com.
In living memory of Ed Pedersen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
Can physiotherapy help you?
The goal of physiotherapy is to make daily tasks and activities easier and can help with recovery after some surgeries. Your healthcare provider may suggest physio therapy for injuries or long-term health problems such as arthritis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may be used alone or with other treatments. It can help you move better and may relieve pain, along with improving or restoring your physical function and fitness level.
What does a physiotherapist do?
Your physiotherapist will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms and your daily activity. Your therapist will then work with you on a treatment plan. The goals are to help your joints move better and to restore or increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and/or balance. First, your therapist will try to reduce your pain and swelling. Your physiotherapist also may use manual therapy, education, and techniques such as heat, cold, water, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Physiotherapy almost always includes exercise. It can include stretching, core exercises, weight lifting, and walking, during appointment and at home. Treatment may cause mild soreness or swelling. This is normal.
What should you look for in a physiotherapist?
You’ll want a therapist who has experience with
your health problem. Some physiotherapists are certified in areas such as orthopedics, sports, and neurology and may offer more specialized care. Physiotherapists can also specialize in certain types of care, such as:
• Back and neck pain.
• Cardiac rehabilitation (rehab).
• Wound care.
• Cancer-related problems.
• Treatment of children or older adults.
When can physiotherapy help?
• Physiotherapy can help you recover from an injury and avoid future injury. Your physiotherapist can help you reduce pain in the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments), build muscle strength, and improve flexibility, function, and range of motion. They can also evaluate how you do an activity and make suggestions for doing the activity in a way that is less likely to result in an injury.
• Physiotherapy can help you live more easily with chronic or ongoing health conditions such as spinal stenosis, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease. Your physiotherapist will work with you to establish your goals. Then they will create a program of educational, range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance activities to meet your needs.
Learn more at www.albertahealthservices.ca/rehab/page17783.aspx
Guatemalan family receives new tiny home after local couple’s visit
ACADIA VALLEY
FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 2
• 26th annual Acadia Valley Ice to Dice! Max of 32 mixed teams. Minimum 1 female and 1 male. Entry fee: $100/team. Guaranteed 3 games. Register before February 21st. Contact Steve Heeg at 403-664-9728.
BUFFALO
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
BY JOAN JANZEN
SIBBALD—Lars and Levan Jensen came to Kindersley to share their experiences helping out at a charity in Guatemala. The Jensens, whose home address is now Sibbald, Alberta, made their first trip to Guatemala in 2007 and have been returning ever since. They even lived there from November 2009 to August 2012.
During their recent visit they helped out at Power At Work (PAW), a registered Canadian charity. PAW was started by Grant Lamb who made his first trip to Guatemala in 2005. In 2010 he sold his farm and now spends five months of each year operating PAW. Since 2011, the eastern Canadian has been supplying the product to make picnic tables and pays locals to do the work, who in turn give the tables away.
“They can have forty kids every day that come and get taught carpentry. They get paid, and it helps them learn skills,” Lars explained. “It is more like a large family.” Lars, who is a journeyman electrician, had some work projects that he saw he could do along side PAW.
While in Guatemala, he worked
closely with a local young man who had taken a basic electrical course and had worked with a local electrician. Together, they did electrical upgrades in houses and at a local school.
“We bought materials and rewired the school building because wires were hanging off walls and hanging between trees,” he said. “When the mayor saw the school she was amazed that someone came to do such a quality job.”
“The boys from the home came and worked with us, so sometimes I didn’t get a whole lot done,” Lars admitted. “But by the time we left, I just helped, and watched the boys do all the work themselves. Between the electrical work and wood working, it opens up opportunities for these boys.”
While Lars was working on electrical, Levan was helping with community events and English classes. One day, Lars insisted Levan come look at a house he was working on.
“I walked over and had a look,” she said. “I’ve seen bad houses; however I felt we have to do something for this family. The house was built with branches, and old rusty metal patch worked together. This is
Leisure Society 2025 AGM. Member 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.
- Classic Movie Night every Monday starting February 18 at the Empress Community Hall at 7:00 PM. Bring your blanket & lawn chair. Popcorn, chips, candy, pop, water and hotdogs available in the canteen! Free Admission. A different classic film each week. Sponsored by Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society.
OYEN
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.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
• Family Fun Nights are back! BINGO 6:307:30 PM at the Oyen Public School gym. 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.
MARCH 10-23
• Badlands Badgers annual online auction. Located on Facebook page “Badlands Badgers Online Auction”
where the family was staying.”
Lars did basic electrical to prevent the structure from being a fire hazard. Then the couple shared their concerns with the team at PAW who confirmed this need had been on their heart for the past year. After receiving this confirmation, Lars and Levan decided to use donations they had received to build the family a new home.
“A day or two before we left we told the family we have money to begin the building process,” Levan said. The occupants of the home, an elderly couple along with their 14-year-old son, were happy to hear the news. “I always believed I’d have a house some day,” the mom said.
“She had never learned to read and write, so one of the things on my heart is to teach her to read and write in her own language,” Levan said.
Lars and Levan returned home, grateful that the community will be blessed for years to come. Construction of the tiny 264 square foot house is underway, and it all began with one thought: “We have to do something.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 28
• Oyen United Church Soup and Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15, Kids 6-12
$5, under 6 Free.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
• Oyen United Church Soup and Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15, Kids 6-12 $5, under 6 Free.
- 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
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
• Sibbald Community Club presents “The Sibbald Games.” For details call/text Olivia (306) 430-8487 or Chandra (403) 6640469.
Lars and Levan Jensen helped at a registered Canadian charity in Guatemala on a recent visit. Pictured (l-r) the Mayor of Liano Grande, Levan and Lars Jensen and the principal of the Liano Grande school.
Lars Jensen helps carry one of the thousands of picnic tables local boys have made at PAW, a non-profit charity in Guatemala.
