OYEN PHARMACY
LODGE Residents celebrated Senior’s Week
BY DIANNE SPATH
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).
He
Hello, everyone. The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome Dale Huston. It was nice to have a few warm and calm days in between all the windy ones. We are all still waiting for that moisture to show up. Summer 2025 officially begins on June 20th with the summer solstice. The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost point, resulting in the longest day of the year. Summer 2025 will last approximately three months, ending on September 22nd.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2023 operating budget.
Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley may be a bit too low. German added that it does seem that Big Valley has a lot of properties assessed at the minimum value, with the CAO pointing out there are 37 in total.
Senior’s week was June 2nd- June 8th. Monday morning started with exercises followed by a one-on-one Scrabble game. In the afternoon there was bingo.
On Tuesday morning, there were exercises, and the regular bus ran downtown for shopping. Before lunch, there was an outdoor walk. From 1:00-4:00 in the afternoon was “Clothes 2 You by Jodi” from Coronation, followed by a resident council meeting. Before supper, there was piano by Taylor Neilson.
Wednesday morning, there were card games, followed by trivia with the Big Country Adult Learning. The trivia games are always so much fun and entertaining. In the afternoon, some residents went to the FCSS Community Centre on the main street for some ice cream treats. It was decorated in the 50’s ice cream parlor theme, and again the staff looked great, dressed up and did a fantastic job. Happy Birthday to Audrey Beaumont on June 4th.
Thursday morning started with exercises, followed by horse races. #2
horse Mariah was the top winner that day. ATB Financial was at the Lodge from 10:00-11:00 for the residents to do their banking. At noon, there was a BBQ dinner for all the residents, condo residents and staff. Thanks to the kitchen staff for doing a wonderful job. After dinner we had a pen pal windup party. The residents, students and other members got to meet their pen pals and play games, then they enjoyed ice cream floats which the FCSS donated. Thanks to the FCSS team for partnering up with the activity coordinator in taking part in senior’s week. In the evening, there was music by Rob Shields. Friday ended Senior’s week with the Auxiliary residents coming to the Lodge for cof-
fee, cookies and some socializing. Then we enjoyed dinner at Pat’s restaurant in Acadia Valley and took a tour to see the Municipal Dam and the solar farm. The evening ended with music by Jorgenson’s and Dale Huston.
I hope everyone enjoyed senior’s week. It is a week-long event that offers an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of seniors in Alberta, encouraging Albertans to participate in activities and events celebrating their achievements. Thanks to everyone who took part in the Oyen Lodge Senior’s Week. Summertime is a time for fun, relaxation, and enjoying the outdoors. Have a great week, everyone.
OYEN
SPECIAL BIRTHDAY! A happy belated birthday to Mary Loose who turned 90-yearsyoung on May 1st!
“Having
includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
From left: Pam Stark, (FCSS Volunteer Co-ordinator), Karlene Hrappsted (Court and Support Navigator), Chris Wilkinson (FCSS Project Co-ordinator) and Maryann Oliver (FCSS Executive Director) preparing the delicious treats dressed in fashions of the
TOP TWO PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER
REMAINING PHOTOS BY OYEN FCSS
FCSS celebrates Seniors with 50s Ice Cream Parlor
BY DIANA WALKER
OPINION: Family is important
BY JOAN JANZEN
A woman smiled and said to her husband, “If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.” Meanwhile, a dad observed, “It’s all silent treatment from the kids until someone needs Wi-Fi passwords.”
Television host Dr. Phil McGraw recently brought up the topic of silent treatment. First of all, he noted there’s something in society that no one really talks about, but it’s happening everywhere.
Families from both present and past generations have experienced situations when members have set “no contact” boundaries.
One of Dr. Phil’s guests was a therapist who said, “I have an aunt that I never met because she was estranged in our family, and my mother didn’t speak to my grandmother. This isn’t just millennials; it’s just we’re the ones on social media talking about it.” The therapist admitted she hasn’t spoken to her own mother in seven years.
Social media is allowing access to these conversations, and Dr. Phil observed that people online are often cheering others on about toxic families and no contact. The corresponding comments made by people listening to the show are always interesting.
One woman posted, “I understand there are cases that are toxic, and disconnection is absolutely called for. But people these days really do take family
for granted. Family is far from perfect but they’re still important. It’s sad to me our society is forgetting that.”
Dr. Phil asked both family members who had “no contact” one question: “If you were going to ask for forgiveness for something you did, what would it be?” In multiple family scenarios, all parties Dr. Phil interviewed could not think of anything to be forgiven for, but instead directed the blame at each other.
A comment posted said: “Sometimes it’s narcissistic parents. Sometimes, it’s narcissistic kids. Always, it’s our narcissistic culture.”
Twenty-year-old Chloe Cole is a dynamic speaker who shares her own story and discusses mental health issues. At a public lecture on a college campus the young woman made a personal observation.
“I think there is a big generational gap between us and our older generation and the culture we grew up in. The culture that our mothers and fathers, and grandfathers grew up in is completely gone. There’s always a focus on I and me and individuality, but never in finding our identity and purpose in what we do for the people around us and others. In order to recover, we have to become ‘we-oriented.’ We have to start looking out for the people around us rather than constantly looking at ourselves and trying to find us. Because that does nothing if all you care about is
yourself,” Chloe said.
Dr. Phil said one of the things that is really important in relationships is for people to have insight into how they may have contaminated the relationship. “Otherwise, it’s really hard to begin a healing process,” he advised.
Once again, comments posted by everyday citizens are interesting. One person posted: “So many therapists want to insist that you must confront your parents about the ways that they failed. I’m glad I knew, despite my therapists’ insistence, that such a thing would have been an unbelievably bad idea.”
Another comment stated, “I am a counselor and you would not believe the amount of adult children that are walking away from their parents for absolutely no reason whatsoever. It’s mind-boggling to me. I really don’t understand what’s going on. The only thing that I can come up with is that this is from social media influencers that are convincing people that everybody is a narcissist and cut all of those people out of their lives.”
Chloe Cole speaks on behalf of her generation and the challenges they face. “We’re the first generation growing up with social media. A lot of older adults don’t understand what that’s like … especially growing up with what we’re being exposed to. We’re constantly looking for the next path,” she said. “I’m not saying it’s all because of technology. But we have to remember to
live our life.”
More corresponding comments addressed these issues. “Social media is not the place to get healing,” one person noted.
Another person wrote, “My mother is deceased, but looking back, therapy hurt me and killed our relationship.”
Scrolling through the posts, I found another observation: “Thankfully, there’s nothing my mom could do for me to turn my back on her and vice versa. She’s not perfect, but I have unconditional love for my mother.”
Comments like this one were abundant. “I fought with my mom all through my life. I didn’t like my family; they’re not perfect or even close. As I have aged, I’ve given them all grace because I was obnoxious when I was younger, so no one’s perfect. I have gotten closer to all my family and hoping it continues. Family is important.”
Family is important, including relationships beyond that of mother-daughter or mother-son. On a personal note, I had a bumpy relationship with my own mother, who has now passed. But I valued her more than any mistakes she made, and publicly sharing those mistakes was something I never considered.
Mother Theresa once said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”
Pop89: Turn off your cell and bow your head
BY MADONNA HAMEL
The power was down for the whole day yesterday. My neighbour commented on the number of kids zipping past her house on their bikes. A group of teens were out on their horses. Myself, I devoured an entire book on the couch, sipping tea made on my camp stove and surrounded by candles. I didn’t check my cellphone once. The power failure gave us all a chance to do what we cannot seem to do without an intervention - step away from our devices. It was nothing less than a gift from heaven. We are constantly warned – in various ways by various writers, among them: Shoshana Zuboff, author “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” and Jaron Lanier, father of virtual reality and author of “You Are Not A Gadget”, and Nicole Aschoff’s “The Smartphone Society” - about the addictive nature and exploitive potential of our cell phones and devices. And we hear the warnings, but we love tweeting and taking pictures even more. Be it a chance encounter with a celebrity, or our lunch, our cell phones affirm what has meaning for us and allow us to share that meaning with the world, even believing the world
is interested in our sandwich.
I suspect what we claim as meaningful has changed over the decades, in great part because of these handheld devices of ours. With their capacity to “capture” every moment of our lives, they “allow” us to elevate the mundane to the status of magnificent. And, in turn, we’ve become caught up in tweets and posts that lower the tone of civic life, degrading, denigrating and desecrating each other. We’ve reduced human beings from souls to things we “use” according to our immediate and often insatiable needs.
I have mentioned this often, but it bears repeating: There was a time when we humans referred to ourselves as “souls.” Over time, we’ve been called “citizens,” then “consumers” (also: “clients” and “customers”) and until today, we are referred to as “users.”
In “user” culture, we are both “used” and being “used.” But who
NOTICE OF SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
Acadia Seed Processing Co-op Ltd.
Acadia Seed Processing Co-op Ltd.
PO Box 243
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
May 12, 2025
Dear Shareholder,
As you are no doubt aware, shareholders voted in 2021 to sell the Acadia Seed Processing Co-op facility to Prairie Wind Milling Ltd. As of 2025, PWM is cleaning seed at the new plant, and Acadia Seed Processing Co-op can move on to the necessary steps for dissolving the cooperative.
According to Acadia Seed Processing’s legal counsel, “the co-operative may be liquidated and dissolved by a special resolution of the members ... the special resolution must be passed by at least 2/3 of the votes cast at the properly-constituted members meeting ... Quorum of the members is constituted by the presence of one tenth of the members eligible to vote on the matter.”
The board has set June 18, 2025 at 2 pm at the Oyen Legion Hall for the meeting date. Members must be present to vote.
Acadia Seed Processing has 177 members, so at least 18 people must be present to achieve quorum. If the special resolution passes, a statement of intent to dissolve will then be sent to the Director of Co-operatives who will issue a certificate of intent to dissolve. Following that, the Co-op can begin distribution of remaining property (in this case, cash) amongst its members.
If you have any questions, feel free to call Board Chair Randy Wiechnik at 403-664-0297.
Sincerely, Andrea Shields Acadia Seed Bookkeeper
cares? Once a user, the prerogative is “having,” not “caring.” As long as I get my product, I’m happy. So what if the company that gives me “free” data gets free data on me and my life and my family, my whereabouts, beliefs and opinions? For every pundit who points out: “If it’s free, you’re the product,” dozens more, maybe even most, people retort: “If it makes me happy, who cares?” Or, “if it means I get better service, I’m fine.” That is, as long as nobody in power gets the idea that they could access that data to, say, deport me, turn me away from the border, arrest me, etc. But that’s so unlikely. This moment reminds me of the G8 Summit in Quebec City. I was covering it for CBC Radio. While trailing protesters and activists, and undercover cops, I came across a wall spray-painted with the warning: “Big Brother Is watching!” In my head, I responded: “And we like it.” Meaning that voyeurism and surveillance are actually welcome in a culture of exhibitionists. Which is what our cell phones have turned us into.
So how do we address a “user” culture full of increasingly harsh, lurid, disturbing and violent diatribe and imagery? How do we go from being a throwaway culture, bent on being served, to a tender-hearted culture, living lives of service?
This may not be of interest to you, but to me, it’s the only topic there
is. It is the crux of meaning, the point of being, the seed of a sane, spirit-filled, authentic, mysterious existence.
Whenever I mediate a moment with my camera, the camera, instead of the moment, gets all my attention. I need to dedicate my energies to keeping it in focus to frame the moment properly. I need to hold my hand steady, higher, closer etc. And I need the bozo in front of me to move! I am not in the moment I am recording; I am in the moment in the future when I’ll be able to show others the incredible moment I was almost present for!
The problem is that I can’t articulate to you what you missed by being more present for your camera than the moment. Such is the nature of presence. It is subtle, nuanced and almost imperceptible. The bond with the experience is intimate
in its momentousness. When present we make ourselves available to a full-on conscious awareness. The mystics say the present is the only place you can meet God. Because “God’s joy,” as Pope Leo says, “is not loud.”
My brother suggests that “sometimes we use a camera for that very reason - that we are afraid of the present moment. We’re afraid it will disappoint us. So we don’t dare. And in that way the camera,” he says, “is a kind of dark thief.” I tend to agree. But I don’t believe the camera steals the soul; I think it leaves it behind. Ironically, the more we feel the need to hold the camera up to prove to ourselves that we exist, the less present we are to ourselves and the moment.
With our cellphone pocket computers we can check in on anyone
around the world, except maybe our own inner stirrings. And we can take pictures in the most private of places and moments. Cell phones turn pilgrims into tourists, turn fleeting, sacred, transitional moments into spectacles, as in the case of those people taking selfies of themselves in front of Pope Francis’ casket. Later, as the popemobile transported him to his resting place, instead of bowing their heads, thousands upon thousands held up their phones to capture the passing casket. I saw only one man; he looked like a construction worker, making the sign of the cross. And another removed his hat. They were, in my mind, the only two people who understood the moment as their spiritual “papa” passed by on his way to where his soul was headed.
Report shows Alberta producing more oil and less emissions
The 2023 Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Analysis shows Alberta’s oil sands have reduced emissions per barrel by 26 per cent, a 4 per cent improvement over the 2022 reporting period.
Alberta’s Oil Sands Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Intensity Analysis shows that while production has grown by 96 per cent since 2012, reaching 1.56 million barrels per day, oil sands emissions continue to decline.
The new report supports the federal government’s 2025 National Inventory Report, which shows that Alberta had the greatest absolute reduction in emissions of any Canadian province or territory between 2022 and 2023, reducing emissions by 2.1 million tonnes.
This data is part of declining emissions across Alberta’s economy:
• Overall emissions have declined by nine per cent since 2015, while overall energy production increased by 20 per cent.
• Conventional oil emissions have declined 19 per cent since 2015, while production increased by seven per cent.
• Transportation emissions have declined 12 per
cent since 2015.
• Heavy industry emissions have declined eight per cent since 2015.
• Natural gas production and processing emissions have declined 24 per cent since 2015.
• Methane emissions have declined 52 per cent since 2014.
• Electricity emissions have declined 45 per cent since 2015.
“Alberta continues to lead the way in responsible energy development. The 2023 report shows our oil sands sector is producing more energy with fewer emissions per barrel – a clear sign of innovation and commitment that comes from working with producers. This is why countries around the world are looking to us as a responsible producer of choice. We’re proud to lead Canada in absolute emissions reductions. We don’t need top-down policies from the federal government to do this, and we’ll continue to drive common sense progress that benefits both our economy and the environment.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and
Quarterbacks hog spotlight in the CFL
BY BRUCE PENTON
Just like in the National Football League where quarterback is king, the men barking out signals behind centre are the stars in the Canadian Football League, too.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
It’s the CFL’s 67th season, but the Grey Cup game in Winnipeg Nov. 16 will be the 112th edition of the professional football championship of Canada. Prior to 1958, when the CFL was officially formed, there were two leagues in Canada, the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union in the east and the Western Interprovincial Football Union.
Star power thrives at the quarterback position, and even non-stars are given the chance to shine. Remember last fall’s Grey Cup game, where the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were heavy favourites to beat the Toronto Argonauts, especially because the Argos were playing backup QB Nick Arbuckle after No. 1 Chad Kelly, the league’s most outstanding player (MOP) in 2023, broke his leg in the Eastern final. Well, all Arbuckle did was throw for 252 yards and two touchdowns and the Argos scored 24 points in the fourth quarter en route to demolishing the Bombers 41-24.
So while Toronto is content to know that with Kelly and Arbuckle, they have probably the best 1-2 punch at quarterback, other field generals around the league are just as talented. Two-time MOP Zach Collaros is still in charge of the offence in Winnipeg, and Bo Levi Mitchell, the CFL’s MOP in 2016 and 2018 while in Calgary, will be counted on to steer the Tiger-Cats offence in Hamilton.
Perhaps the most intriguing quarterback situation
Star power thrives at the quarterback position.
is found in B.C. and Calgary. While Vernon Adams was the starter for the Lions last year, he was demoted in mid-season when 2022 sensation Nathan Rourke returned to the Lions after a failed effort to crack a National Football League team. In the off-season, the Lions traded Adams to Calgary, who will replace Jake Maier as the Stampeders’ starter. Adams will obviously have motivation to shine when the Stamps and Lions meet in 2025.
Overall, the quarterback talent in the Western Division is stacked. Besides Collaros, Rourke and Adams, the West also features Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris and Tre Ford of Edmonton. Harris played in only 12 games due to injury last year, but still managed to throw 20 touchdown passes. In Edmonton, Ford’s strong suit is his running speed. He averaged 9.0 yards per carry last year and Elks’ management has expectations of a 1,000-yard running season for him. He’s also not bad at throwing the ball, completing 72 per cent of his throws last year. In 2025, he’ll have former Lions’ offensive co-ordinator Jordan Maksymic as his coach. Ford will be backed up by Cody Fajardo, the former Roughrider and Alouette QB.
Despite the star power at QB, only three quarterbacks have ever been named Most Outstanding Player. Russ Jackson of Ottawa was honoured four times in the 1960s, Gerry Dattilio of Montreal was the winner in 1980, and Rourke got the MOP nod in 2022.
My prediction: A QB will win the award in 2025.
• Retired sports columnist Rick Reilly, in a blastfrom-the-past column after Tiger Woods obliterated the field with a 12-shot win in the 1997 Masters: “… Forty-seven-year-old Tom Kite … would
finish second in the same sense that Germany finished second in World War II.”
• Coaching wisdom from Alabama football legend Bear Bryant: “If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes really good, then you did it. That’s all it takes to get people to win football games for you.”
• Eamon Lynch of Golfweek.com., on the popularity level of certain LIV Tour golfers: “Take Patrick Reed. Every entertainment product could use a villain who needs a slab of bacon strapped to his face to get a dog to lick him.”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, describing the Florida Panthers style of play: “Florida Panthers’ ‘nice nose you got there, mind if I rip it off?’”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.) with a business note: “With Bill Belichick headlining the program, North Carolina has sold all 20,000 of its season tickets at a 25-per-cent price hike, after failing to sell out last season.”
• Greg Cote of the Miami Herald, on four of the best Florida Panthers’ players: “Sasha Barkov and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky are quiet as church mice. Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand chirp like crows on a wire.”
• Another one from Cote: “(The Panthers) become only the fourth team since 1980 to reach the Stanley Cup Final a third season in a row -- a Cat trick.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com:: “Sacramento coach Mike Brown was fired just over six months into a three-year extension he signed with the Kings. Even in the NBA, they call that a fast break.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Rockies attempt to gin up the roster by designating Martini for assignment; he was reportedly shaken by the news.”
• The late Muhammad Ali, feeling confident about an upcoming fight: “I’ve seen George Foreman shadow boxing and the shadow won.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
The magic of OZ comes to life!
The magic of Oz came to life in Mrs. (Jill) Brown’s classroom at Oyen Public School as students took to the stage for their much-anticipated production of The Wizard of Oz. The room was packed with excitement and comedy as approximately 40 friends and family members gathered to enjoy the show.
Since Thanksgiving, the young actors had been hard at work rehearsing scenes, learning songs, and building their confidence. Their dedication paid off—audience members were blown away by the performance, which has even sparked conversation as far away as Medicine Hat.
Guests were treated to Wizard of Ozthemed snacks, adding a fun and festive touch to the show. The classroom was transformed into a whimsical set thanks to the creative efforts of students, Mrs. Brown, and several community members. After school, Irish Magadia lent a hand in designing eye-catching balloon displays. In a heartwarming surprise, Joelene and Haley Turner arrived with additional balloon art to show their support. Fabienne O’Brien and Cheryl Tomkins also contributed their talents to help bring the magical atmosphere to life.
The tornado, hot air balloon, and costumes, many of which were handmade by Mrs. Brown, added magic to the performance. Students showed incredible flexibility, with many performing multiple roles—requiring quick costume changes and fast thinking backstage.
A highlight of the show was its impressive cast, featuring multiple roles played by each student:
• Dorothy – Scarlett Kovitch
• Toto – Kenlee Wilson
• Scarecrow – Dior Logan
• Tin Man – Ryder Makranoff
• Cowardly Lion – Taigan Miller
• Wicked Witch of the West – Kacey Lee
• Wizard of Oz – Cruz Evens
• Auntie Em / Shady the Tree – Sadie Ross
• Uncle Henry / Gate Keeper – Winnie Huang
• Flying Monkeys – Nicole Jacques, Dylan Robertson, Hadley Opheim
• Munchkins – Cooper Norris, Kacey Lee, Winnie Huang
• Narrator – Jack Tateson
• Musical Conductor – Alice Tessier
• Rainbow - Jessie Job, Dylan Robertson, Nicole Jacques, Winnie Huang, Sadie Ross, Cruz Evens
Musical highlights included “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” performed by the Munchkins (Cooper Norris, Winnie Huang, Kacey Lee), “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Scarlett Kovitch and Kenlee Wilson, “If I Only Had a Brain” performed by Dior Logan, and a lively rendition of “We’re Off to See the Wizard” by Scarlett Kovitch, Dior Logan, Ryder Makranoff, and Taigan Miller. Despite some challenging moments along the way, the students had determination, and their creativity and teamwork shone brightly on the performance day. The result was a magical performance filled with heart, humour, and plenty of applause, knowing they had been part of something truly special.
Acadia Municipal Library
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manager
Three new books have arrived this week:
The Tenant by Freida McFadden in adult fiction, The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop in non-fiction, and Wings of Fire (book #8 in the Escaping Peril series) by Tui T. Sutherland in the juvenile graphic novel section.
A new puzzle is out! This time it’s a bird theme.
The last after-school movie of the school year is on Tuesday June 10th at 3:30. Enjoy free popcorn while watching Harry & the Purple Crayon.
This month’s featured eResource is the
popular online genealogy resource, Ancestry.com. Note that this is the Library Edition which means it is only available inside the library but with your library membership, access is free! Use the public computers or bring in your own device (and make use of the library’s free wifi) to research your ancestry history. We can also order in genealogy items as well as community history books to aid in your research. Search and request desired items through the TRACpac app or website (www.TRACpac.ab.ca), or place a request in person.
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” Paul Sweeney
The small town hardware store
BY KEITH SCHELL
While society is more flexible nowadays, gender roles were much more rigid and distinct when I was growing up. Back then, men generally did “manly” things, and women generally did “womanly” things. That was simply the way it was, and one of the manly things men often did back in the day was fixing things around the house.
One day, the kitchen faucet in our house began to leak, and Dad tried to fix it. After searching through his toolbox, our junk drawer, and all the old tin cans on our basement shelves that held every nail, screw, clip, and little metal oddity known to man, he realized he didn’t have the right washer on hand to repair the faucet.
So you know what that meant—a trip to our smalltown hardware store!
Before long, Dad would say to me, “Son, let’s go. We’re going into town.” And I would hop into the truck and accompany him on a manly pilgrimage to our little hardware store to find the perfect replacement washer for our kitchen faucet.
Back then, our little hardware store was located partway down Main Street, with a big yellow sign over the door. I believe it was originally part of a small regional Canadian hardware chain that has since grown to national prominence. We found a place to park the truck and went into the store.
As we entered the store, I remember hearing the
familiar “ding-a-ling” of the little bell over the door, announcing our arrival into that most manly of hardware worlds. The faint smells of paints, thinners, epoxies, mothballs, and fibreglass insulation lingered in the air, declaring to the world that this was indeed the domain of men (perhaps not the healthiest of smells, but certainly the manliest!).
If you stepped in the right spots while walking through the narrow aisles, you would sometimes hear the squeak of the wooden floorboards under the weight of rows of tools, washers, boxes of nails and screws, assorted metal clips, and cans of paint on display throughout the store.
As Dad began searching through the shelves for the washer he needed, someone he knew who worked at the store would often come over, greet him by name, and ask what he was looking for.
When Dad explained what he needed, the store clerk would head straight to the specific drawer on the shelf in the back of the store where the washers were kept, match the washer perfectly, and the search was complete! After the clerk offered Dad instructions on how to install it properly, off we went to have the purchase rung up on the mechanical cash register at the front of the store.
When we took our purchase home, it always fit perfectly! This was back in the days when hardware store clerks truly knew their stuff. They could answer questions with expertise, unlike today, where many big-box hardware stores tend to be understaffed with apprentice shelf-stockers who may currently lack appropriate hardware knowledge as they learn the business—assuming you can even find someone around the store to ask for help.
The level of knowledgeable service that clerk of-
Early Empress Dray Wagon Restoration
In May 2025, the Empress and District Historical Society unveiled the beautifully restored dray wagon which is on permanent display at the historic 1914 CPR Train Station in Empress. The dray business was essential for transporting goods using a flatbed wagon, hitched to a team of horses, for the conveyance of larger loads and items from the ferries, the train station, and from other locations.
Even prior to incorporation Empress as a village in 1914, The Empress Express weekly newspaper ran the following ad
August 29, 1913
Empress Dray Line
Draying work of all descriptions undertaken.
From Alsask or Prussia (Leader, Sask)
Courtesy , Promptness, Care Headquarters, Empress
Leave messages at “Express” Office Donald McArthur …. Prop.
After the arrival of the steel in May 1914, the dray business was even more important with the twice daily CPR schedule and the delivery of supplies for the building of the “Hub of the West”. With a population of over 800 in 1914, the dray services were essential for the hospital, the businesses and the families moving into the village.
The 1914 Business Directory for the Village of Empress lists two operators of draylines: D. McArthur and J. McColeman.
Thanks to the meticulous work of Alberta Carriage Supply near Airdrie, using vestiges of the original colors, the dray wagon was restored to its original design. A reminder of the early days of the village, this artifact can be viewed at the Empress CPR 1914 Train Station.
fered my father back then is hard to find in the average big-box hardware store nowadays. Should you experience someone that knowledgeable and helpful in your own hardware adventures today, treasure them and be sure to thank them for their assistance.
Nowadays, a trip to the crowded big-box hardware store has become a “get-in-and-get-out” experience for most people. It has lost the small-town social feel and familiarity of days gone by, when everybody knew you and you knew everybody, and I personally think we are lesser for that. But things change, and time marches on.
Today, the building that housed our little Main Street hardware store is no longer standing; it was destroyed in a major fire in 2011, caused by an electrical and natural gas accident.
The store had changed hands and retail themes many times over the years before the fire. Though too small to compete with the invasion of the big-box hardware stores with their low prices and vast selection, its strategic location on Main Street still attracted foot traffic from all over town. I believe the store had become a ‘Mom and Pop’ souvenir shop before it was finally lost to the ages in the great Main Street fire.
Although our little Main Street hardware store is now long gone, my childhood memories of fatherand-son time spent there on manly hardware quests will always make me smile.
So, to all the sons out there—and perhaps even a few daughters who went along for the ride—I hope you fondly remember the trips with your father to that one special place in your town that helped shape a boy into a man:
The “Mecca of Manliness”, the small-town hardware store.
Alberta was proud to close the London Stock Exchange on June 2, celebrating our successful €1.25B Euro bond issuance – the first Canadian province to issue in EUR this calendar year.
This successful Euro bond issuance reaffirms Alberta’s reputation as a stable, secure and high-quality issuer in international capital markets. Global investors continue to recognize Alberta’s strong fiscal fundamentals, economic leadership and commitment to long-term stability. NATE HORNER FACEBOOK
Keith Schell
Charmaain Snell, , InsuranceAdvisor schindel agenciees@outlook com
The Oyen Public School
class had an exciting adventure last week when they toured the local fire station! The kids were thrilled to explore the fire trucks, try on helmets, and learn all about fire safety. A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteer firefighters — we’re so lucky to have such dedicated and caring heroes in our community. Thank you for all that you do to keep us
Removing barriers for Alberta’s Oil Rigs
Alberta’s government is cutting red tape to help service rig operators spend more time working in the field, not waiting at inspection sites.
An oilfield service rig is a mobile platform equipped with specialized oilfield equipment, designed to move from site to site for well servicing. These rigs travel in convoys that include essential support vehicles like a carrier, pump truck, doghouse, equipment truck, and crew vehicles—each critical to completing the job safely and efficiently.
Until this agreement was signed, these convoys had to stop at every Vehicle Inspection Station they passed. Now, with a new Memorandum of Agreement between Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC), these rigs can bypass repeated stops and Vehicle Inspection Stations. CAOEC members have significant training protocols and a high compliance rate with current regulations.
“This change is about common sense. It cuts red tape, keeps our rigs moving, and lets the energy service sector focus on what they do best, driving growth, creating jobs, and supporting responsible energy development across Alberta.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
“Alberta’s priority is to get our reserves out of the ground sooner, to drive royalties, taxes, jobs and wealth creation. This change will help us get there without endangering the safety of Albertans in responsible resource development.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
“The Alberta government listens to our needs and demonstrates a truly action-oriented approach, strengthening Alberta’s energy sector and supporting our hardworking crews every step of the way. Integrating our members into the Drivewyze preclear program is a great example of a government showing strong leadership by reducing red tape and creating efficiencies wherever possible.”
Mark A. Scholz, President & CEO CAOEC
CAOEC members will now be integrated within the government’s Drivewyze preclear program that allows approved CAOEC members to bypass select
weigh stations. Members who subscribe to Drivewyze and meet safety benchmarks will be exempt from routine stops at Vehicle Inspection Stations, allowing them to save time and fuel while improving efficiency.
Key Facts:
• The CAOEC represents Canada’s energy service contractors, including oilwell drilling and service rig operators.
• Drivewyze is a pre-clearance program that allows commercial vehicles with strong safety records to bypa
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON Library Manager
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.
Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary
Kindergarten
safe! PHOTO OYEN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Viva Vitality: Nutrition to support brain health
BY HEATHER ARTHUR
Nutrition supports our overall health, but did you know that it also supports our brain health?
Nutrition plays a major role in the development of the brain in children and youth. It also plays an important role in maintaining brain health as we age. With close to 477,000 Canadians aged 65 and older diagnosed with dementia, supporting the aging brain is even more important.
To support brain health, focus on a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, whole grains, fish, legumes, nuts and healthy fats. Following Canada’s food guide is one of the easiest ways to get nutrients to support brain health. The food guide also supports heart health which supports good blood flow to the brain.
Here are some simple additions to your diet to help support brain health:
1. Include berries in your diet. Berries are rich in nutrients that help protect your brain from damage. Sprinkle fresh blueberries on your morning cereal or pancakes. Enjoy a yoghurt
2. Include folate rich dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli. Fo-
late plays a role in maintenance of functions for messaging in the brain. Enjoy a spinach salad with berries or a kale smoothie.
3. Eat more whole grains, legumes,
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nuts and seeds rich in folate acid, B vitamins and fibre. Higher fibre foods encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Newer research is uncovering the role of a healthy gut in supporting the brain. Sprinkle nuts on cereal, yogurt, or a salad. Add beans or legumes to soups, stews, salads and stir fries. Enjoy a chicken and bean quesadilla or an apple berry crisp.
4. Include fatty fish more often, rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which play role in brain health. Try grilled salmon, easy fish cakes or enjoy sardines on crackers as a snack.
5. Include foods with healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados daily. Add avocados to salads, sandwiches and smoothies. Cook with olive oil or use it in salad dressing recipes. For more information, recipes and ideas, visit the Brain Health Food Guide at https://ccna-ccnv.ca/brain-healthfood-guide/
Heather Mathur is a registered dietitian with Alberta Health Services. Learn more at ahs.ca/nutrition.
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parfait with mixed berries. Make overnight oats with berries. Add berries to a salad or smoothie.
University of Lethbridge researcher receives Banting Discovery Award
Dr. Jessica Willi, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge, is one of 10 scientists to receive a 2025 Banting Discovery Award worth $30,000 and the first to receive the award at ULethbridge.
The Banting Discovery Foundation recently announced its 100th cohort of Discovery Award recipients. The award is for new investigators who are in their first three years of academic appointment to help them establish their independence and trajectory in research related to health and well-being. In addition to conferring prestige, the awards also help researchers attract more funding.
“I’m extremely grateful for this funding from the Banting Discovery Foundation,” says Willi. “Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, and through my research, I want to help provide innovative solutions to this problem. This money will finance our lab’s supplies and employ student researchers here at ULethbridge. It’s the spark that will start a whole new branch of research for my team.”
“Dr. Willi has been an outstanding addition to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and accordingly, I am absolutely thrilled she has received the prestigious and highly competitive Banting Discovery Award,” says Dr. Paul Hayes, professor and department chair. “I had the pleasure of reading Dr. Willi’s application, which was extremely well written and creative. She is unambiguously a rising star who will help define the future of synthetic biology, chemistry and human health.”
Willi’s research project will examine how some bacteria can evade antibiotics.
“Antibiotics are life-saving drugs thanks to their ability to fight bacterial infections in humans and an-
imals,” she says. “Most antibiotics do this by binding to the ribosome and blocking protein synthesis, which causes the bacteria to stop growing and die. But not all ribosomes are the same — they have some natural variations in their RNA. My project will test how the natural variation of E. coli ribosomes helps bacteria change and evade antibiotics. We are interested in what happens right before bacteria gain full-blown resistance.”
Unlocking that mechanism will help safeguard last-resort antibiotics and aid researchers in creating newer drugs that are harder for bacteria to evade.
Willi received her PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of Bern, Switzerland. After doing postdoctoral work in the United States at Northwestern University, Willi joined ULethbridge. She focuses on ribosomes by studying the natural functions of RNA and protein synthesis to find new ways to combat bacterial infections.
Alberta RCMP provides tips to reduce yard theft and residential break and enters
As people set out on summer vacation and more time is spent away from the home, your Alberta RCMP is reminding community members to secure your property to help prevent yard theft and break and enters.
In 2024, there were 3,940 residential break and enters in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, with 367 occurring in June of last year alone. Property and yard theft are often crimes of opportunity. Learning how to properly secure your property by following simple practices like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can make all of the difference. CPTED tips such as the following can help keep your property safe:
• Lighting: Ensure your yard is well lit. Consider installing motion sensor lights at every entry.
• Sightlines: Keep clear sightlines to yards, garages, and entries to prevent places for criminals to hide. Make sure trees and bushes aren’t overgrown, creating cover for a potential thief.
• Gates: A locked gate can help deter a criminal who may not want to waste time trying to get through.
• Windows: Keep windows covered and locked when you’re not home. An empty house is a criminal’s playground.
• Alarms: Consider installing a security system, especially on seasonal properties or if you travel often. This will help ensure that if anything does happen to your property, authorities will be alerted.
• Locks: Always lock any sheds or garages. Keep valuable items like lawn mowers, barbeques, and bikes stored out of sight.
CPTED is an international concept that has proven to discourage crime and promote security. These simple tips can have positive effects on our communities.
The Alberta RCMP encourages the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. If you discover a crime has taken place on your property, you should report it to police immediately. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.
If you see something suspicious, report it to your local police service. If you see a crime in progress, call 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
For more information on CPTED and preventing residential break and enters, please follow us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta, X @RCMPAlberta, and on YouTube @RCMP-GRC Alberta.
To place an obituary
Send a photo and text to 306-463-2211 or email Kate at kate@yourwestcentral.com or contact your funeral home to send it on your behalf.
In loving memory of Ashley, who passed away June 14, 2001
We thought about you with love today
But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday
And days before that too. We think
You
Aunty
and
Dr. Jessica Willi
LUK
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
• Alsask Drop-Inn Club hosts its annual Pig Roast Supper featuring homemade fries, coleslaw & dessert; bar service; live music; and horseshoes, pool or cards. Doors open at noon to midnight with food service from 4 - 8 pm. Cost for this fundraiser is $25/ person and $10 for children age 6-12. For info call Dave (306)463-0169 or visit the Facebook page. Great opportunity to spend time with Dad for Father’s Day weekend. Everyone welcome - join us at the Alsask Drop-Inn Centre, 206 Main Street.
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
CEREAL
SATURDAY, JULY 26
• Cereal Mud Bog. Mud flies at 12:00 noon.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
• Cereal Kids Rodeo
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
• Father’s Day Picnic 12:00 PM at Centennial Park. Live Music - Performers welcome. No charge.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
• Empress & District Historical Society presentation by Dale FisherArchaeologist and Stone Tool Replicator “Flintknapping.” 2:00 PM at the Empress Train Station.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Monday 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11
• Oyen Daycare BBQ Fundraiser 4:00-6:00 PM at the Oyen R.C.M.P. Centennial Ball Diamonds. Hot Dogs, Chips and Pop by donation. Sponsored by Cooperators.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
• Fun Night for members and their guests at Oyen and District Seniors Recreations Centre.7:00 PM to Midnight. Games and Socializing. BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for more information.
JULY 10, 11 & 12
• Big Country Ag Society presents the 4th Annual Oyen Indoor Rodeo.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-6642462 for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church. Proudly Supporting Our Local Communities