The Oyen Echo

Former New Brigden resident honoured

Shirley McClellan inducted into Prairie Baseball Accademy Hall of Fame

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Awell-known former New Brigden resident has received a prestigious honour. Shirley McClellan was inducted into the Prairie Baseball Academy (PBA) Hall of Fame in the Builder/Community Leader category for the class of 2021. Shirley now resides in Edmonton but previously lived on a farm in the New Brigden area for over 50 years.

Shirley loves baseball, so it wasn’t surprising that she pursued the construction of the Lloyd Nolan Yard baseball facility and complex in Lethbridge. As the Minister of Community Development at the time, she directed government funds towards community centres, parks, hockey rinks and baseball ﬁelds.

“I have had a lot of good opportunities,” Shirley said, which is an understatement. Shirley served her constituents in the Alberta legislature from 1989 until she resigned in 2007. During that time, she held numerous posts, including being the ﬁrst female Minister of Agriculture, a posting which she held twice. She was also the Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge and a member of the Olds College Board of Governors.

“The posting as Minister of Community Development was deﬁnitely the most fun,” Shirley said. “Community development doesn’t exist as it did then. It involved all people, programs, sports and art. The only option for our young people was to go to the States for a scholarship, and that was expensive.”

Shirley described how the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge College cooperated to make the project possible. “This was a great program, and it has passed its 25th anniversary and is still successful,” Shirley explained.

Shirley wanted to be sure she didn’t forget to acknowledge the enormous contributions of Doug Jones of Oyen,

who was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame at its 25th-anniversary celebration. Doug was instrumental in building the game, both on and oﬀ the ﬁeld.

Doug has been committed to baseball for the past 25 years and helped start the Prairie Baseball Academy, the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball and the Badlands

Baseball Academy. He was also instrumental in the expansion of the Alberta teams to the Western Major Baseball League in 2001.

Shirley continued to say that “Academics are an important part of the baseball program; it concentrates on the development of the whole person. It’s given athletes the opportunity to pursue their dreams, and many have gone on from here to the States and have become semi-pro and pro.”

The program wasn’t conﬁned to Alberta but had young people from all over the country, including the Maritimes. “The MLA at the time was a huge supporter, which was wonderful,” Shirley said. “Lethbridge has a really great baseball community with lots of support from the community. I got to watch the guys build their own ballyard, and I told them very few players got to be involved in building their own baseball yard. We now have baseball academies in Vauxhall and Oyen that bring young people in.”

Even after she no longer held the post of Minister of Community Development, she steadfastly remained involved in community development and is currently a member of various boards. “Every once in a while, someone asks me to help, so I have lots to keep busy. Best of all, I have all my grandkids and one great-grandchild,” Shirley said.

Even though she misses farm life, she can still get her hands dirty, and her yard is keeping her busy.

“I was raised to believe you can do anything you want to do, and you should participate in your community. My mother was on the school board and encouraged us kids to be involved,” Shirley said. Regarding her accomplishments, Shirley noted, “A lot of people help you do it; you don’t do it yourself. I represented a great area where people helped you out.”

ALBERTA

Shirley McClellan was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in the Builder/Community Leader category for the class of 2021.

OPINION

CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen

Simplicity is needed in a rescue mission

JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com

Thisweek’s joke goes like this .... The news report said “Police are trying to rescue a cow lost in a Cannabis field. The steaks have never been higher.”

Western Canadians heard about a rescue as they watched images on their screens showing a

retirement facility in Saint Albert, Alberta being consumed in flames. However everyone was surprised to hear about the identity of the brave rescue team.

Two teens were on their way to the basketball courts to have some fun when they saw smoke spewing out of the retirement home. The 17-year olds didn’t hesitate be-

fore parking their car and heading to the burning building.

Although they didn’t talk to each other about how dangerous the situation could be, they did check in at the entrance with the nursing staff before heading inside to help with the evacuation. They proceeded to bang on doors, take a quick look

inside to check for seniors, and if no one was there, they went on to the next door.

Starting on the top floor, they worked their way down. “We tried to get everyone out as fast and as calmly as possible,” one teen said. “We did the best we could.” The other teen said all he was thinking about was not missing anyone and leaving them stuck in the building.

Soon a friend of theirs arrived as the fire started to get out of control. He too didn’t hesitate, but immediately helped evacuate people from the back side of the building. He rescued pets and carried an elderly lady down the stairs.

As an explanation of their immediate courageous response, the boys said they were just doing what was right. “I was raised to help people regardless of what was happening, and so my first instinct was just go in there and help everyone you can and get out,” one of the boys said.

When discussing rescue procedures, Canadian MP Pierre Poilievre said, “Simplicity is something you desperately need in a time of crisis.” Those three boys simply saw a crisis

and headed towards it to help out.

Poilievre interviewed Todd Doherty, MP for the Cariboo-Prince George riding, who has introduced a bill that will create a new 988 suicide prevention hot line, and simplify the process of saving lives.

Back on September 11th, 2020, parliamentarians unanimously supported a motion for a simple suicide prevention hotline.

“Now the bill is tabled to change the Telecommunications Act to mandate that this suicide prevention number be implemented within one year of this bill becoming law,” Doherty said. “When minutes count we need to do everything we can to remove the barriers for those seeking help.” And there’s a lot of people seeking help.

The University of Calgary found that a one percent increase in unemployment results in a two percent increase in suicide. They also know that every twenty-four hours, eleven Canadians die by suicide, and those numbers are likely higher as Canadians face an economic and mental health crisis.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in children, and the chil-

dren’s help line has seen a spike in calls. Add an increase in substance abuse and domestic violence, and you can clearly see the need for a simple 988 suicide prevention number.

People on the other end of the line are trained to listen. A long time ago, Doherty was involved in training volunteers to listen on crisis lines. His experience caused him to observe, “The hardest thing to do is to turn to your own family, so sometimes the anonymous voice on the other end that is trained with empathy can make a difference between a life saved a life lost.” People will be able to call that number without anyone looking down on them.

“We have to get back to taking the time to ask others how they are doing,” Doherty advised, as he is trying to shorten the distance between crisis and help.

Yes, simplicity is something that’s desperately needed in a time of crisis. Whether it’s calling 988 for help, or it’s teenage boys who simply run to a burning building and begin evacuating seniors. Canadians need to hear more stories about people being rescued.

joanjanzen@yahoo.com

The unhealthy aspect was the voter turnout, which as grown increasingly unhealthy in the last four decades.

investment into the process that should automatically lead to greater interest and awareness in what’s going on.

ocratic debate where all sides are heard.

we can and cannot do and even what we can and cannot wear.

Never has it been more important for us to follow a set of rules, but also never has it been more important to question those rules … or at least, question government decision-making.

This should be heightening our need to be active participants in democracy and fully engaged in what goes on at the legislature.

But the book is still out on whether this pandemic has made things better or worse.

Consider the 2020 election, although perhaps less from the perspective of the outcome than how voters viewed this exercise.

Long gone are the days of the 1982 election when we saw a similar large majority of Grant Devine’s Progressive Conservative candidates elected after a decisive 75- to 80-per-cent turnout in most ridings.

Not wanting to go out and physically cast a ballot during a pandemic was surely a factor, but we have long been on a downhill slide when it comes to the numbers voting.

This needs to change and that change actually begins with a few things that went on in the 2020 election and before. Making mail-in ballots easier was a good step, but, given where snail-mail is going, we need to move towards safe online voting.

It’s time to make casting a ballot easier — not harder — because a vote is an

That Saskatchewan — and especially rural Saskatchewan — overwhelming wanted Premier Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party to return for another four years is not a comment on the health and viability of our democracy.

What it really is, is a comment that a majority of voters simply viewed combination of the Sask. Party record and what it was proposing to be better than any other option including the governing party’s nearest rival, the NDP.

We need to remember that the voters are always right. When we forget that, we get what happened at the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6.

In order to avoid that, we surely have to recognize not only the value of our institutions but the absolutely critical value of reason and grounded dem-

That the October provincial election saw the rise of new political alternatives like the Buffalo Party — there were more votes cast for the 17 Buffalo Party than new votes gained by the NDP — should actually be seen as good thing.

Less good is the party’s premise that prairie separation are viable. The notion that if you don’t get way in a democracy, you start your own government is pretty unhealthy.

But that shouldn’t mean that any messages of frustration and discontent amidst a pandemic can be ignored.

While coming from a completely opposite direction than the NDP, Buffalo Party voters did share a discontentment with government.

We get into trouble when we start to accept that everything government does is beyond question because we might generally agree with the governing partys philosophy.

A political party is healthiest when it goes out and earns support every day.

The same should be said for a democracy.

MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist

Oyen Weekly Briefs

BY DIANA WALKER fwalker1@telus.net

Congratulations to all the South Central High students who are graduating this year. eir photos are featured around town—in the window at Oyen Flowers & Gi ware, e ri Store and on the Oyen Public School ball diamond backstop. Such a great looking group!

Congratulations to rst-time parents Kim Saguil-Stief and Desi Stief of Oyen on the birth of son Gavin Desmond in Medicine Hat April 24, 2021. e little fellow was welcomed by grandparents Roland Stief, Julie Peterson, Carl Peterson, Alfredo Saguil Jr, and Myrna Saguil.

e Oyen Farmers’ Market committee is planning to begin regular markets Friday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oyen & District Memorial Arena. If you would like to book a vendor’s table call Delaine 403-664-0320. COVID restrictions apply. Masks are mandatory.

Such a lot of advertising went into telling people to ll in their census by May 11. Not much time was given with the mail outs for the agriculture form and even less for the household. I think the household ones could have been handled in a much better manner. Someone drove into our yard. e dogs were locked on the deck or the person would not have been advised to get out of their vehicle. We do not have a door bell so don’t know if they tried to let us know they were in our yard (which is a dead end and not a drive through for people without the purpose of coming to see us). I heard the dogs, went to the deck and the driver appeared to be checking something o on a clipboard and drove away with out acknowledgement. It was raining on and o , a welcome relief a er our dry spring. Later I went to go outside at the back door and a piece of paper, now soaked, was blowing

about the area between the house and garage. It was the household census. I talked with others who had similar experiences. One person was in the yard and saw the car stop but the driver made no e ort to talk with the person. ey just le the paper which blew in the wind across the yard as well. Some people never received a household census at all –maybe blew away.

If anyone is wanting to get rid of their glass jars, I will still take them at the OLD Oyen Echo building. Leave in boxes or bags at the garage door and I will put inside.

I need help!

NOTE: I have had positive feedback from readers about Oyen Briefs but I need your help! If you have club or personal news you would allow me to include in this column please email fwalker1@telus.net. Or call 403-664-6600.

Salute to Graduates

will be in the May 24th edition of e Oyen Echo.

ese special editions are because of your kind advertising support. If you haven’t been contacted as of yet and would like to sponsor, please call Kate at 306-671-0242 by Wednesday, May 19th.

Sibbald News

Reported by Wanda Molzan

Well I’m back to writing the news again. If you have anything to put in you can call or text me at 4036645039.

Deepest of sympathy to the family of Grace Anderson. She will be missed by many. Congratulations to Jeremy, Ashley and big sister Sawyer on the birth of a baby girl, Billie Marie, on May 8th. Marvin and I are excited to welcome another grandchild.

Good luck to all the farmers that are out seeding. Everyone is looking forward to some rain and warm weather.

Not much news to report but hoping that everyone is doing ok.

May seems to be ﬂying by. Everyone is busy seeding, branding, home schooling, and spring sports have started! By the time you are reading this we should only have a few days of homeschooling left. Hang in there, teachers, parents, grandparents, and students - we will get through this!

It is nice to see the golf course open, and I have also seen lots of people

Acadia Valley NEWS

May 13, 2021

Reported by Yolanda Kuhn yakuhn@hotmail.com call or text 403-664-0582

ﬁshing on the South Saskatchewan. Some NHL Hockey fans will still have hockey to watch this spring, while other’s will be golﬁng, I guess.

The Acadia Valley Municipal Library is open for curbside pickup. Call 403-972-3744 for more information.

The Warren Peers School is getting a new coat of paint to the exterior of the building. I will send in a picture once it is

complete.

The Rec. Club is selling 50/50’s again this month. The next draw will be made on June 7th. You can get your tickets at The Store, Skappak’s Farm Supply or from a Rec. Club member.

Thanks for reading this week. I will leave you with a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche, “What doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger”.

4945 - 50 St. Camrose, AB T4V 1P9

Text 403-575-5625 or toll free 1-800-665-4358

Email: damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca or social media @dckurek C-10, Social Media and Censorship

Many Canadians would not normally take interest in a federal bill that would amend aspects of the Broadcasting Act to better reﬂect the fast-changing nature of the internet and social media and the impact they have had on our society. However, I have heard from many constituents expressing concerns about Bill C-10 in recent weeks. Conservatives raised concerns last year with this Bill when it was ﬁrst introduced as its empowered the CRTC to take greater control over Canadian Content on the internet. The concerns we raised were about censorship to free expression, burdensome regulations that could suppress certain content, and concerns about the centralization of power in Ottawa. The Bill, at the time, did have some clear exemptions that the Government pointed to and said our concerns were “unfounded.”

Fast forward to a number of weeks ago, to when Bill C-10 was studied by Committee. The Liberal members voted to remove the exemptions, paving the way for government to censor free expression for anyone who might post something on

the internet. The Minister responsible for this Bill is Minister of Heritage, Steven Guilbeault has a history of making statements about censorship, then retracting those statements. That has been the case with C-10 when the Minister has appeared on television. He says one thing, then his oﬃce or the Prime Minister is forced to clarify what he actually meant. It would be one thing if this was a one-time occurrence, but this Minister has continued to add confusion on this matter, refuses to answer questions, and seems to only defend his Bill by quoting groups that are funded by, or connected to, the Liberal Government. This, while many experts, and even a former CRTC commissioner, say the Bill is an assault on free speech.

The interconnectivity fostered by social media has provided many with the ability to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, or even just to be entertained by the many talented internet-entrepreneurs who produce online content. This has been especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media has enabled Canadians to exercise their free-

Youngstown

Communiqué

Reported by Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB • 403-779-3859

I would like to send my sympathies to Emma Garlock and her family for the loss of Emma’s Nanny (Grandmother) who has recently passed away.

Although the day might not have been able to be shared with those you wanted to, I hope all Mothers had a wonderful Day and were able to celebrate in some meaningful way.

I’ve noticed a Hydrodig truck in town working this week for Telus, cleaning out some of the old bent over and damaged pedestal stands around town and they are being replaced. Also if you are touring town, there are some additional happening going on, one being, a house trailer was delivered and is in the process of being set

dom of expression and view information from a vast array of sources free from censorship or government interference. However, content on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook is in serious jeopardy of being censored, restricted, or altered by the Government because of Bill C-10. Conservatives have called on the Government to withdraw C-10, as it has become clear that this piece of legislation will infringe on the rights of Canadians. Our ability to communicate is critical to maintaining a fair and just society. We will continue to stand up for the right for all Canadians to exercise their freedom of expression.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write MP Kurek at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403575-5625, 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 Damien’s oﬃce.

up onto one of the vacant lots. A large sea can has been delivered and added to another residence. I notice the a start of a fence being worked in another yard. I guess spring projects abound as yards are getting a cleanup, bedding plants are being shopped for, beds and gardens are being readied for planting. Hopefully with the bit of rain we’ve had and improving temperatures, planting can happen soon.

The Village is asking for volunteers to help with planting ﬂowers in boxes situated around town. The date picked to plant is on Wednesday, May 26th. If you are able to volunteer and have an afternoon free, your help would be greatly appreciated in helping to pretty up our Village. The

plan is to meet outside the Community Hall at 1:00pm. Bring your small hand shovel, a watering can and your smile, for an afternoon of fun, hopefully in the sun. If you want more information, contact Nicky at 403-8540456.

If you have ordered plants as part of the Kindergarten Fundraiser, delivery is scheduled for May 26th. Pick up of your order is to be in the front yard of Nicky Armstrong. The Group will announce the tentative pickup time once delivery has been made and plant orders sorted. Mark the date on your calendar.

Congratulations to The Bindloss 4-H Club on a job well done with their food bank drive! Picture L-R (Colton Cowan, Marissa Cowan, Bennett Skappak, Corbin Skappak, Alyssa Andersen, Ayden Andersen, and MacKenzie Cowan.

Zachery Zinck accepts Badlands Baseball Academy assistant coaching position

The Badlands Baseball Academy is pleased to announce Badlands Alumni Zachery Zinck has accepted the position of Assistant Coach for the 2021 – 2022 season. Zack’s home town is BridgeWater, Nova Scotia. He is well known in Atlantic Canada as he holds a number of athletic achievements as well as most recently as an assistant coach of the Nova Scotia 17U Team winning the 2019 Canada Cup. He has attended Genesee Community College in Batavia, New York and then earned an Athletic Scholarship to Ave Maria University in Florida. He is currently provincially certiﬁed through the National Coaching Certiﬁcation Program (NCCP).

Over the past two years he has become a specialist in gaining pitchers velocities and hitters exit velocities which are crucial for college recruiting. His style

Amputee highlights importance of farm safety

Dear Editor,

With farming season here, I am reminding parents to pass on an essential and possibly life-saving lesson to their children – PLAYSAFE!

I grew up on a farm in Manitoba, and at 3 years old, my curiosity led me to get too close to a grain auger, resulting in the loss of my right arm. Ac-

Cereal News

May 17-23

of coaching is described as versatile with players and that not every player should have the same program. He recognizes each player is diﬀerent and the program needs to be built for that.

Zack’s passion for the game of Baseball is sited in his words:

“I love being at the ball ﬁeld. I would like to give back to the game that has given me so much, and maybe get some kids to love the game as much as I. Over the years I have acquired a vast amount of knowledge in baseball and baseball related topics and would like to pass it on to the new group of kids coming through the system. Going through college I really think I can help beneﬁt young adults excel at the game of baseball and use it as a tool to get an education. “

Welcome Zack Zinck to the Badlands Baseball Academy!

Happy birthday to Abigail Gagnon, Lauren Fryer, Max Kroeger, Reg Gieren, Scarlet Davis, Daryl Wood, Karen Peacock, Michael Grover, Michael Sisson, Fraser Olsen, Linden Fraser, Nora Robbins, Brayden Kolotylo, Cameron Walters, Jody Olsen, Kim Olsen, Sawyer Bowles, Benjamin Molzan, Roger Olsen, Shirley Marshall, Kian Weir.

cidents can happen in a split second and I hope my story will prevent even just one child from being injured.

It’s important that families and educators help make kids aware of the dangers on the farm. Kids should never be near grain augers, tractors, lawn mowers or other “mean machines.”

The public can access valuable safety resources, including PLAYSAFE: Don’t Let It Happen to You, a video featuring young amputees who share their stories about how they lost their limbs in accidents, visit waramps.ca/ playsafe.

Merrill Loeppky War Amps Regional Rep.

BOOK Notes

by Tricia Fischbuch

**The library is currently operating through curbside service only** Contact the library to arrange a pickup day for your items during regular library hours. Materials can be ordered through the TRACpac app or www. tracpac.ab.ca. We also take in-house requests; contact the library and we will put something together for you!

ADULT FICTION:

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews Inﬁnite Country by Patricia Engel Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian The Secret Path by Karen Swan

AMISH FICTION:

The Blended Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter

JUVENILE FICTION:

Finding Home by Karen Kingsbury (Baxter Family Children #2)

NON-FICTION:

Savor Every Bite: Mindful Ways to Eat, Love Your Body, & Live with Joy by Lynn Rossy

Never Quit: How I Became a Special Ops Pararescue Jumper by Jimmy Settle Chasing King’s Killer: The Hunt for

Agency Manager, Petroleum Position #: HR21-124

If you “measure your days in acres, not hours,” are motivated to help members get it done, then we have a job for you.

Reporting to the Area Manager, Petroleum, the Agency Manager, Petroleum is responsible for all of the day to day operations of managing one or more petroleum agencies and for meeting the financial targets of the sites.

UFA offers:

• A business with a purpose.

• Recognition for Performance.

• Balanced life and career.

If this grabs your attention, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@ufa.com and quote job HR21-124 in the subject line to apply

Explore the great career opportunities at www.ufa.com/careers

Oyen, Alberta

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassin by James L. Swanson

To Raise a Boy by Emma Brown

STORYWALK:

Yes, you can take a walk and read at the same time! Check out Brady Brady & the Cleanup Hitters by Mary Shaw – a children’s book about spring cleaning and baseball which is located along the back fence at the Main Street Park. The book will be up until May 24th. Use the hashtag #OyenLibraryStoryWalk on social media if you post pictures; we’d love to see them!

ONLINE BOOK CLUB: Wednesday May 26; 6:30 – The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty Copies available at the library. Contact the library to register. New members always welcome!

“Reading brings us unknown friends.” –Honore de Balzac

403-664-3644 ext. 2727 aoymlibrary@marigold.ab.ca

Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7

Grace Anderson 1925-2021

Grace Ellen Anderson (McClellan) passed away peacefully at Oyen Long Term Care with family at her side on May 6, 2021 at the age of 95 years. She is survived by son Alvin (Debbie) Anderson, daughter-in-law Rita Anderson, son Garth (Don-

Oyen Lodge News for May 10th, 2021. This past week has brought beautiful weather, from bright sunny days to much needed rainy ones! We sure are enjoying the nice weather, as the residents have been taking many walks outside as well as just sitting and soaking all the sun up!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day, and that every

na) Anderson; ﬁve grandchildren: Wade (Stacey) Anderson, Aaron (Jody) Anderson, Chad (Ellen) Anderson, Erin Anderson, Kael Anderson; 10 great-grandchildren: Dallen, Brody, Aidan, Keifer, Koen, Bennet, Adrian, Katherine, Tobias and Elspeth; as well as sister Velma Kienzle, sister-inlaw Shirley McClellan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents Blanche and Ken McClellan, husband Jack Anderson, son Darell Anderson, sisters Myrtle (Vern) Heatherington, Pearl (Ellery) Switzer, Mary (Len) Geier, brother Lloyd McClellan and brother-in-law

Ruben Kienzle. Grace was born in Loverna, Saskatchewan, the oldest daughter of Blanche and Ken McClellan. She married Jack Anderson and together they lived in Sibbald where they raised their three sons, Alvin, Darell and Garth.

A graveside service was held in Sibbald for immediate family, on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm. LiveStreamed on www.ofsmacleans.com.

Memorial tributes can be made to the United Church of Canada or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Ab.

Oyen Lodge

By Sara Smith

mom was celebrated and appreciated; It was so nice to see families dropping of ﬂowers and gifts to the residents. It was really special to see it the smiles it brought to their faces!

With summer approaching, it is time to start our garden and planting ﬂowers, some of our residents have been out cleaning garden beds and scoping out the areas already! We are staying busy inside as well, doing of course Covid friendly activities. They sure do love their bingo, cards, dominos, horse racing, crosswords and so many more! The residents are also partaking in 3 exercise classes a week, they love to be moving.

As the weather continues to warm up, I

Since 1946, the Key Tag Service has been protecting your keys and suppor ting our essential programs for amputees

I am a longtime supporter of The War Amps, and they have returned two sets of keys I had lost. A wonderful organization and a terrific public service that really works.

–Peter

would love to start activities outside, with outdoor games, such as a ring toss, horse shoes, inﬂatable bowling, as well as nice outdoor walks! With the new restrictions put in place by Jason Kenny, the lodge has now opened up one of the family rooms for visiting with 4 members of the same household to come in and have a visit with one resident. The lodge is also allowed to host outdoor visits if space permits, with 10 visitors and a resident. However, if not from the same household must stay 6 feet apart from one another. This is so wonderful for the residents as we know they have been missing their friends and family very greatly! If you would like to do one of these visits,

Order key tags online – free.

1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca

you may call the lodge and we will book it right away. We want to thank everyone for doing their part in keeping our residents safe, wearing masks, going through the screening to come into the building. We appreciate it all as it really makes a diﬀerence! Have a wonderful weekend.

Jokes for the Week: What has ears but cannot hear? A cornﬁeld

What do you call a duck that gets all A’s? A wise quacker.

What kind of tree ﬁts in your hand? A palm tree!

Grace Anderson 1925-2021

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day, and that every

A graveside service was held in Sibbald for immediate family, on Friday, May 14, 2021 at 2:00 pm. LiveStreamed on www.ofsmacleans.com.

Memorial tributes can be made to the United Church of Canada or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Ab.

Oyen Lodge

By Sara Smith

mom was celebrated and appreciated; It was so nice to see families dropping of ﬂowers and gifts to the residents. It was really special to see it the smiles it brought to their faces!

As the weather continues to warm up, I

Since 1946, the Key Tag Service has been protecting your keys and suppor ting our essential programs for amputees

I am a longtime supporter of The War Amps, and they have returned two sets of keys I had lost. A wonderful organization and a terrific public service that really works.

–Peter

Order key tags online – free.

1 800 250-3030 waramps.ca

Jokes for the Week: What has ears but cannot hear? A cornﬁeld

What do you call a duck that gets all A’s? A wise quacker.

What kind of tree ﬁts in your hand? A palm tree!

Classiﬁeds

RATES (based on 25 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Thursday noon. 306-463-2211

AUCTIONS

ONLINE TIMED AUCTION. HD MECH. SHOP EQUIP. May 27 - June 1, 2021, Morningside, AB. 2008 Ford F550 Diesel Dually 4.4 Fassi F45A Knuckle Boom Picker Truck, 1990 Ford L 8000 3-Ton W/24 Ft Refrigerated Van Truck, Pickup W/Snowblade, Machine Shop Lathe, Mechanical Shop Tools, Toolboxes, Lawn & Garden Equipment & much more. See www.montgomeryauctions.com; 1-800-3716963.

ONLINE TIMED AUCTION. JOHN NEWSHAM ACREAGE DISP. May 27

- June 2, 2021, Innisfail, AB. 2009 Cat 242B2 Skid Steer, 60 Inch Broom for Skid Steer, Virnig 70 Inch Snow Bucket, Tree Spoon for Skid Steer, JD SX75 Ride-on Mower, 1995 Ford F350 XLT Tow Truck, Sheds, Tools, Equip & much more. See www.montgomeryauctions.com; 1-800-3716963.

SATURDAY, MAY 29th, 2021 Consignment Auction. ONLINE BIDDING 9AM; bid.schmalzauctions.com. Collectors cars including 1923 Ford T-Bucket (SK reg), 1932 Chevy Coupe, 1949 Plymouth Coupe, 1929 Chev Sedan, Tractors: 1928 Farmall regular, 2 JD AR’s, Equipment: 977H Cat loader, International forklift, IHC 100 crawler loader, home built bucket loader, over 1000 lots of tools, etc. Schmalz Auctions PL 911509.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com; 1-866974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

GET YOUR MESSAGE

SEEN ACROSS Alberta The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out!

Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.

CARDS OF THANKS

We would like to thank the wonderful staff and doctors of the Big Country Long Term Care for the care given to our aunt Grace McFadyen for the last six years. How lucky we are to have such caring people to tend to our loved ones. Thanks to Kim and the Oyen Funeral Home staff for organizing the funeral and branding of the coffin, to Bonnie Burke for conducting the lovely service and to Gary Peers for the memories. Thank you to Don Snell, Gary Peers, Jim and Doug McFadyen, Lane Wiechnik and David Smale for being pallbearers. Thanks to Isabella Wiechnik, Grace’s grand-niece, for laying Auntie Grace’s favourite soft blanket with horses on it on her coffin. Thanks the Acadia Valley Fire Department for leading our procession from the McFadyen farm to the cemetery complete with Grace’s 1975 Catalina Pontiac. A special thanks to Braedon Peers for getting Grace’s “Old Blue Car” up and going and lending it to us. Thank you to Marilyn and Rita for all your help. We appreciate all the beautiful flowers, food and snacks, donations, cards and phone calls and kind words. Thank you so much. - Vicki and Dave Smale and family; Shirley and Bert McFadyen and family

COMING EVENTS

SUNDAY, JUNE 6. Bridal Shower for Chanelle Heatherington. Oyen Seniors Rec Centre. Watch for more info.

SHARING THE HERD

Registered Texas Longhorn Sale Saturday, May

29, 2021 1 PM at the Innisfail Auction Market, Innisfail, AB. For information or a catalogue, contact Ron Walker 403-5280200 or email: walkersu7texaslonghorns@gmail. com

OYEN FARMERS’ MAR-

KET begins Friday, June 11, 2021 and will run from 11:00 - 2:00 each Friday until September. If you would like to book a vendors table, bake table or provide a lunch please call: Delaine 403-6640320. COVID restrictions apply. Masks are mandatory.

Chanelle Heatherington, bride-elect of Aspen Pitre are registered at Oyen Flowers & Giftware. Shower: June 6, 2021. Wedding: July 10, 2021.

Darby Hines, brideelect of Shay Stolz are registered at Oyen Flowers & Giftware. Shower: May 29, 2021. Wedding: July 17, 2021.

FEED AND SEED

CERTIFIED SEED.WHEAT – AAC Goodwin, AC Andrew, Go Early, Pintail, Sadash. - OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat. - BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, Conlon, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403556-2609.

HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excre-

ta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.

FOR SALE

WHITE SPRUCE TREES. 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered. Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $125-150. Crystal Springs. 403820-0961. Quality guaranteed.

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. 1-844453-5372.

LOST

LOST: A brown CAT cap with Rayban sunglasses. If found please return to P.I. White 403-6643854. $20 reward. No questions asked.

SERVICES

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/ business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-3472540. www.accesslegalmjf.com

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www. pioneerwest.com.

OYEN EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH

Meeting IN PERSON again on Sunday mornings at 10 AM for Sunday School and 11 AM for the Worship Service. e service may still be viewed live on Facebook and later in YouTube.

SACRED HEART RC OYEN 1st Friday 6:30 p.m. Mass & Adoration at Sacred Heart Church. Rest of the Fridays at the Extended Care unit 6:30 pm Sunday Mass at 11:00 a.m. Cell 403-795-6912. shcoyen@telus.net

SACRED HEART RC OYEN 1st Friday 10:30 a.m. Mass & Adoration at Sacred Heart Church. Saturday Mass starting May 1st Mass in Oyen at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday Cell 403-795-6912. shoyen@telus.net

ST. MARY’S RC, ACADIA VALLEY

ST. MARY’S RC ACADIA VALLEY

ursdays 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m. Rectory 403-664-3603. newtonrodrigues17@outlook.com

Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m. Rectory 403-664-3603 newtonrodrigues17@outlook.com