Halloween is quickly approaching and therefore we have decided to show Hotel Transylvania: Transformania at our movie night on Friday, October 20 at the Hanna Community Centre
We will be having our annual Pumpkin Parade on Wed, November 1. If you have any leftover pumpkins from Halloween that you would like to donate to the Youth Club, please drop them off from 4:00-6:00pm on November 1st at the Hector King-Hunter Park behind the Community Centre Viewing will open at 6:00 pm. Be sure to come out, take a stroll through the park and view all of the perfect pumpkins!
Lastly, the Hanna Youth Club will be having their Youth Rec Night on Friday, November 24 at the Centennial Place gym! This is an event for Youth in Grades 4-12 to come and out and have fun! Youth Rec Night is free to attend. Come out from 7:009:00pm to enjoy the open gym time with lots of games and activities!
You can find more information about all of the Hanna Youth Club events on our Facebook page or at hanna.ca/events.
October 11, 2023
pm
Community Band AGM 7:00 pm
Water Stories Film at Library 6:30 pm
Narcotics Anonymous 8:00 pm
Public Skating 6:30 pm
Hotel Transylvania Movie Night 7:00 pm
Handhills Turkey Supper 3:00 pm
Public Skating 5:30 pm
Parent
Small Business Week
There’s something inherently charming about the small, local businesses that call Hanna home and give us all an inviting atmosphere for friendly conversation. They are the heartbeat of our communities, the friendly faces behind the counter, and the source of countless unique products and services.
Business in a small town comes with a lot of challenges such as limited customer base, limited access to resources, competition with big chains, seasonal fluctuations, and community expectations to list a few.
Despite these challenges, many entrepreneurs thrive in small towns by embracing community spirit, great customer service and adapting their businesses to cater to local needs.
Overcoming these hurdles requires creativity, resilience, and an understanding of the importance of “community”
Cheers to all of Hanna’s local businesses that make this community great and continue to chase their dreams.
Small Business Week - Oct 15-21, 2023
OPINION: Reports from within a nation
BY JOAN JANZEN
It may be old news by the time this goes to print, but nevertheless, it’s important to look at the situation in Israel. They are known worldwide for offering immediate emergency relief whenever disaster strikes to whoever needs it, whether they are friends or enemies of Israel. Suddenly, they find themselves in a position of needing help from others.
The nation stands alone as the sole democratic country in the Middle East, yet experiences relentless opposition. How things will look in Israel at the time this goes to print is unknown.
As news of last week’s attacks broke out, the Epoch Times reported CBC’s leaked email instructing reporters not to use the term ‘terrorism’ in connection with the attacks on Israel. Rallies in support of Hamas were evident in Canada even though those views are contrary to the position taken by the Liberal government, which denounced the attacks on Israel as terrorism. Even the Mayor of Toronto issued a public statement saying, “We simply must not tolerate any support of terror.”
As always, finding out what’s happening within the nation is best. Ron Cantor, a reporter in Israel, said it began
Insulting the poor people in Canada
with four thousand rockets launched. As the IDF focused on the rockets, Hamas destroyed security cameras at the border, tore down the separation fence with bulldozers, and poured into the southern towns. The attackers knew many soldiers would be at home honouring the Jewish occasions, Shabbat and Sukkot. Other soldiers were neutralized, leaving no one to report to higher levels of leadership what was taking place.
Ilan Friedman from Israel’s Children’s Cancer Centre reported Israel’s healthcare systems were overwhelmed, and the centre provided critical aid in transporting the injured to hospitals. Rocket attacks forced them to move many patients to bomb shelters. One of the local hospitals was hit by a missile, and became the MASH unit for the conflict.
Another Israeli resident, Amir Tsarfati, said five kilometres from the border, more than 1,000 young people were attending an all-night concert. More than 1000 terrorists poured through the broken fence and opened fire on the group of young people. Many died while others were taken hostage; even deceased victims were taken hostage. Meanwhile, terrorists disguised as IDF soldiers knocked on the doors of homes
A one-dollar increase in the minimum wage is a slap in the face to the needy people of Canada. Even if it was doubled to $30.00 an hour, they still couldn’t qualify for a house mortgage or barely pay the rent on a house or apartment. It must be pretty frustrating to try to raise a family in our cities nowadays. A few weeks ago, mobs started looting stores in Los Angeles, and last week it happened in Philadelphia. I wonder if this is what we have to look forward to in Canada in the near future. We have the biggest comedy of errors happening in a developed country. We have lots of developers with billions of dollars wanting to build houses and condos or rental properties, but most people don’t have money to purchase or rent them. Does anybody actually have a solution?
New Speaker of the House
Will this change anything? Not very likely. It will still be a gong show most of the time. They’re always talking about democracy, but we don’t see much democracy in the House of Commons, do we? As long as they have to be “Politically correct,” you really can’t discuss anything very intelligently anyway. That likely frustrates the members so much that they resort to insulting one another, and that seems to be okay, at least in Parliament. Politics has pretty well made a joke out of our Governments, and the ruinous state of our Canada is the direct result of it, and unfortunately, the ordinary people suffer for it. I doubt if the new Speaker of the House will be able to make any difference. It’s a tough job he’s taken on, but I think he will be good at it. Congratulations to Greg Fergus on his new job, and best of luck to him. Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB
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and destroyed the occupants when they answered.
Avner Boskey from Israel reported to Elijah Streams that candies, and pastries were distributed to the Gazan bystanders in celebration of this victory. Other atrocities were recorded and posted on social media by the terrorists.
Avner described how and when the attack was first planned. “On September 1st and September 2nd, 2023, two fateful meetings were held in Beirut.” There, the Iranian Foreign Minister met with the Hamas deputy chief to discuss the upcoming October attacks on Israel. They were joined by the Lebanese Secretary-General to work on the coordination between the resistance movements.
This is why Israel’s government invoked Article 40, which amounts to a declaration of war, Amir reported. As usual, Israel warned residents to evacuate before they defended themselves against this injustice. Acts for America noted there were “reports of Palestinians in England celebrating in the streets as news of the attack on Israel emerged, adding a chilling layer to this distressing situation” and their unashamed goal to annihilate Israel.
The Gaza Strip is honeycombed with terror tunnels, where Hamas has hidden kidnap victims. Avner reported Hamas’ high command headquarters are situated under Shifa Hospital, raising ethical dilemmas for Israel’s war strategists. He also said Israel has clearly warned Lebanon over the past decade about the
consequences if they should use rocket arsenal.
Golda Meir, who was prime minister of Israel from 1969 to 1974, had said, “When peace comes, we will perhaps in time be able to forgive the Arabs for killing our sons, but it will be harder for us to forgive them for having forced us to kill their sons.” On October 7th, Hamas forced Israel to act.
David Martin from CBS News reported Iran provided $100 million annually to Hamas and other Palestinian groups. The head of Hamas released a statement where he made it clear - from his perspective, this was the first volley in the Palestinian effort to liberate Jerusalem, and that means to remove Israel. They’re not fighting because there is a two-state solution; they’re fighting against a two-state solution.
American Rabbi Kurt Schneider was visiting Israel at the time of the attack. “Right now, we’re trying to get a flight out of here. But I don’t want my peace to be based on whether I get a flight. I want to have peace where I am at because there’s no guarantee that the circumstances are always going to be smooth. I’m using the opportunity to prove that our God works in every situation, in good times and in bad.”
The Rabbi is well aware that the good book gives specific instructions in this regard: “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.”
PATTI MORAN Production GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media MISTY HART Freelance Photographer
Pop89: A good visitor
BY MADONNA HAMEL
I just got an offer to upgrade my internet for “faster service.” How fast does it need to be? How much faster can life get before it blows a gasket? Speed has already proven detrimental to our health and well-being. Do we really need to get onto the internet to get outraged, indignant and disgusted faster? And what are we neglecting by giving over time and energy to the screen?
Getting lost in the Internet, THE addiction of the century, is a false connector. It’s robbing us of connection with living breathing family, friends and neighbours. I have come to the conclusion that, while I learn lots through handy tutorials and lectures on YouTube, my noisy stuffed brain never gets enough. And before I know it, the countdown on the screen is over, and I’m hooked into the next video.
Our relationships are suffering. When I lived in the big city, I witnessed busy women friends pencilling in “a roll in the hay” like it was a dental appointment. What happened to courting? To dating? To “getting to know you, getting to know all about you?” To visiting? How did mating and mingling fall victim to our obsession with speed and efficiency? And, how is it there’s even such a thing as speed dating? And, if dating is just another chore to get out of the way, how on earth will we value the riches, struggles and joys that come from companionship and a lifelong partnership?
Speed is not the solution, but the problem. We expect everything yesterday, as the hackneyed expression goes. Speed also encourages superficiality. There’s always something to “check out” to move on from. We “surf” the net. We skip across the surface of life, taking passing glances, like a stone on water.
(How many of us have ever actually body-surfed, I wonder. Or even know how to skip stones. Both activities require time to learn but come with the full-bod-
ied reward of having achieved a physical skill. What glee!)
We are not prepared for the incremental losses and gains, changes and challenges that come with longterm healing when we are smote by sickness, injury or, as in my brother’s case, a stroke. I don’t say “if”, I say but “when”. Because if we are fortunate enough to live into old age, those things will come.
Not only is it a shock to wake up one day realizing you can’t do the things you did just the day before, but you have to go through the long process of accepting the reality that you may never do them again. As it is, if you’re lucky, you won’t be doing them for a year or two. You can’t hurry healing. Recovery teaches us patience. We have to move slowly.
Before I moved to Val Marie, I was a radio-writer broadcaster. I worked mostly in Quebec City and Toronto but also in Windsor and Kelowna. There is a saying in journalism: “You are only as good as your next piece.” Not only were we encouraged to hustle to get to the “scene of the crime,” but we were encouraged to write, clip and file our stories within mere seconds of going on air.
Then, thanks to a series of failed romances and the selling of the family home, I found myself homeless. I came to Val Marie as a guest at the Convent Inn. I would slow down and spend my days in the quiet of the former chapel, writing about just these concerns. Settling down into a territory where humans are at the mercy of weather, crops and animals and are forced to move at the pace of nature, not their own whims and disjointed agendas, my own unnatural propensity to rush was made clear to me.
The wilderness is a paradox- spend too much time alone in it, and you begin to cry out for company. Your brain begins to turn on itself, eating itself, as the writer Annie Dillard wrote about her solitary time as a Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. We humans are herd animals;
we need to congregate around each other.
But the wilderness is also where the desert monks and nuns of the great Christian mystical tradition went to commune with God, with The Great Reality, with Truth. The wilderness is where we can still go to connect with the sublime and the mystical.
Up until recently, this was strictly a farming and ranching community. But since 2001, when over 900 kilometres of land were sold to create Grasslands National Park, we’ve become a mix of old-timer ranchers, farmers, escape artists (like myself), painters and young science grads working for the Park. And, of course, we must include thousands of tourists from all over the world in search of endless space and silence and darkness.
This also is a family community. When I first moved here, I was asked if I had kids. Sorry, I said, as if I’d committed a misdemeanour. The disappointment was palpable. But, slowly, after 10 years of dancing twostep at the weddings, shedding tears at the funerals, serving burgers at the rodeo, cheering at the bonspiels and borrowing dozens of books a week at the little library, I’ve become part of the larger family.
When I first moved here, George Hayes called out one afternoon when I was passing the Seniors Centre in a hurry. “Come in here and look at this.” He stabbed at a picture with his calloused finger. “That’s your mom’s uncle, Honore Morin,” he said, pointing to a young man in a uniform. “After the war, he came back, got a team of horses, and he’d help people out on their farms. Then he’d stay and visit a while, wouldn’t rush off like people do now. We’d make him something to eat, and then he’d tell us about where he’d been. He might stay the night. He was a good visitor. Nobody knows how to visit anymore.”
Year in review: Statement from Premier Smith
Premier Danielle Smith released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of being sworn in as Premier:
“It is a tremendous honour to serve Albertans as their Premier. Alberta is truly one of the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family. Over the last 118 years, we have written an incredible story together. And I am proud that in the last year, I have had the opportunity to work with an incredible team
to help write this latest chapter.
“When I was sworn into office on Oct. 11, 2022, I promised that we would not have our voices silenced or censored by Ottawa, we would address the inflation and affordability crisis driven by the fiscally destructive policies of the federal government, we would get our own fiscal house in order and balance the budget to enable us to afford to be compassionate, and we would address concerns in our public health system.
“I am proud to say that over the past 12 months, we have made significant progress for Albertans in every one of those areas.
“In the fall 2022 legislative session, we passed the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act to stand up for Alberta, Albertans and our constitutional jurisdiction. In the spring 2023 legislative session, we introduced and passed the Alberta Firearms Act to continue to strengthen Alberta’s position within Confederation. Continuing in 2023, we also released
a strategy to reform the broken equalization formula, pushed the federal government on bail reform, resulting in the introduction of federal Bill C-48, and fought back against the federal government’s so-called Just Transition.
“With inflation at its worst in decades and life getting more expensive for Albertans, we provided a suite of inflation-relief measures to help families pay their bills. Because we recognized the extra difficulty on families and seniors, we provided $100 monthly payments for up to six months for every eligible child and senior, and provided an additional $10 million to food banks throughout the province to help those who were struggling most. We expanded the low-income transit pass and indexed AISH, income supports and the Alberta Seniors Benefit. We extended the pause on the fuel tax to save Albertans more money every time they fill up their tanks, while the federal government continues making life more expensive for families through their ever-growing carbon tax.
“We extended supports for Ukrainian evacuees fleeing Russia’s war in Ukraine and offered disaster support for Türkiye and Syria following the terrible earthquake. We increased pay for staff who work with
John F. Stodalka, Ronald B. Baba, Marilyn A. Herrmann, Bryce R. Farrell, Darren E. Folkersen, Ashley D. Herrmann, Mario M. Mudri
Danielle Smith
No surprise: Bedard should top rookie class
BY BRUCE PENTON
Some weird, wild, wacky, surprising, expected, happy, annoying and sad things are bound to happen during the 2023-24 National Hockey League season and now that the campaign is nicely underway, here’s a guide to what we can expect in the next six months or so:
• Unless a serious injury occurs causing him to miss some games, Connor Bedard will be the league’s rookie-of-the-year, but Logan Cooley of Arizona, Matt Coronato of Calgary and Matthew Knies of the Leafs will earn their share of rookie votes.
• The Leafs will not, repeat not, end their nightmarish streak of not winning the Stanley Cup; 1967 seems like yesterday, right?
• It’s just about time for Bruce Boudreau to get hired again as an NHL coach. Mike Babcock won’t be.
• Edmonton fans will be praying for a Stanley Cup victory for their Oilers, concerned that the prime years of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are being wasted.
• Ottawa will be the surprise team among the Canadian entries, but that theory was presented in this space last year and it didn’t pan out, so don’t take that info to the bank, or your local bookie.
• Boston Bruins will have a different look, with the retirement of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci and the trading of Taylor Hall. Another 135-point season is unlikely.
• Besides McDavid, Bedard and Colorado’s Nathan McKinnon, the league’s most exciting player will be Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild.
• They’ll want to, but brothers Brady of Ottawa and Matthew Tkachuk of Florida will not drop the mitts and start swinging at each other because their mother has outlawed it, and Mom’s edict rules.
• The Penguins powerplay, spearheaded by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, has been bolstered by the explosive Erik Karlsson and will be dynamite.
• Alex Ovechkin, 38, starts the season 72 goals behind Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goal-scoring lead and while he won’t get there this year, he’s almost guaranteed to be No. 1 sometime in 2024-25. And just like Gordie Howe was on hand to congratulate Gretzky when Howe was surpassed, the Great One will be on hand to put the crown on the Great 8’s head when the inevitable happens.
• T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will remain the most rambunctious, boisterous and raucous arena in the league and it may play a role in a Stanley Cup repeat for the Golden Knights.
• Auston Matthews’ name will be the one most frequently mentioned on Sportsnet and TSN this winter, followed by Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Sheldon Keefe and Brad Treliving.
• Arizona owner Alex Meruelo will tell Coyotes’ fans and the league that a new 20,000-seat arena is in the planning stages. Next year, he’ll say the same thing. The year after, ditto. Meanwhile, the 5,000-seat Mullet Arena, one of the NHL’s biggest embarrassments, will remain the cozy little home of the ’Yotes.
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com, after San Francisco Giants fired manager Gabe Kapler with three games to go: “Not always fan of Gabe
Kapler’s decisions and not sure how much he was told to make those decisions. But this 2023 SF Giants season feels a bit like putting a bus together with cheap spare parts and then firing bus driver when bus breaks down.”
• Super 70s Sports, on Twitter: “It’s going to be interesting explaining to someone why Pete Rose isn’t in the Hall of Fame when we inevitably end up at the 2040 DraftKings Hall of Fame Induction Weekend Presented by FanDuel.”
• Headline at the onion.com: “Stephen A. Smith Recalls Rough Childhood Having To Debate Gang Members.”
• Writer Tom Kershaw of The Times of London: “(American golfer Brooks) Koepka… seems to pride himself on bearing all the charm of a bush of thorns.”
• NBC late night host Jimmy Fallon, on getting back to work following a five-month writers’ strike: “I’m more excited than a Jets fan during the first three plays of the season.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Steve Burgess, on X: “Jays’ season is over. Once again it’s time to transition to getting punched in the face by the Canucks instead.”
• Headline on the Canadian parody website The Beaverton: “Blue Jays admit the only reason they made playoffs was so bigger audience could experience frustration of watching them.”
• Former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden about one of his players: “He doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘fear’. In fact, I just saw his grades and he doesn’t know the meaning of a lot of words.”
• Headline at the onion.com: “Ben Simmons Posts Video Of Himself Prepping For Season By Sitting On Bench In A Suit”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Pioneers at work and at play
BY JOAN JANZEN
The history book Many Trails Crossed Here records memories of pioneers who came to Alberta.
Albert Arneson was one of those pioneers, who came to the prairies as a young man. By the age of fifteen years, he was on his own working in logging camps in Wisconsin, before heading to southern Alberta around 1912.
He worked many different jobs –digging irrigation ditches, working on threshing crews, and helping construct the Empress Bridge in 1913. All of these challenges helped prepare him for the pioneer days that formed a big part of his life. He worked on a homestead four miles west and two miles south of Oyen. Although the men worked hard, they always liked to enjoy a game of cards during a work break in the field.
Oyen Lodge Report
OCTOBER 15-21, 2023
BY SARAH HEATH
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying the fresh autumn air! September was a busy month with cleaning out the flower beds and bringing the fish back in from the pond. We have a ton of new baby fish, and our babies from last year grew so much! Our last week in September, we enjoyed a visit from the grade two class from Oyen Public School; that was so much fun. We got to listen to some wonderful music by Robbie and Clark, which the residents all enjoyed so much. We did some arts and crafts, from building spooky ghosts to painting some pumpkins, and of course, we always have our bingo games and horse racing every week.
October has been a busy month so far at the lodge with Thanksgiving. Halloween, clothing companies coming, and a few trips to the Consort lodge and the extended care are also planned. We hope everyone has been enjoying fall and had a fantastic Thanksgiving with lots of turkey, friends, and family time. It has been hard to get adjusted to the weather as it seems it cannot make up its mind if it wants to be warm or cold. Lots of hot days, which is quite unusual for October in Alberta, then to be cold and foggy in the same week, what a whirlwind of weather!
Last week, the lodge enjoyed the clothing company that came, and the residents got to shop fall/winter fashion. Junita and her Avon supplies joined them! This week, the residents were able to get their flu shots. Beltone was here, and of course, we got busy with lots of puzzling, games and activities. The residents carved pumpkins; we played a few rounds of shuffleboard and phase ten card games. On Friday, we got to head over to the extended care for a visit with the residents. It was so wonderful to see some familiar faces!
We hope everyone else has a fabulous week, and we will share more next week!
“I
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the village.
During discussion Coun. Amber
Hoogenberg asked why numbers show the village’s water usage has dropped year to year.
Macdonald answered the village has had a couple of leaks repaired over the past few years.
contact
Executive Members or email oyenchamberofcommerce@gmail.com
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role.
Bud Herbert - President; Kim Walker - Vice President Lucille Hertz - Secretary; Charmain Snell - Treasurer
Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley
Albert Arneson always liked a game of cards. Here he plays with friends during a work break. PHOTOS: MANY TRAILS CROSSED HERE
One of Albert Arneson’s early jobs was working on the construction of the old Empress Bridge in 1913.
OBITUARIES
Ed was born June 2, 1934, on the farm south of Wawanesa. He was the eldest of four boys born to Jim and Pearl Rice. He passed away on September 26, 2023, at Oyen Long Term Care.
Edward James Rice
June 2, 1934 - September 26, 2023
Ed married Gwen Brown on May 30, 1964, in Wawanesa and became a proud father of three young children, Wendy, Shelley, and Tim. Ed farmed a section of land owned by his Aunt Celia Stephens and drove a school bus. They bought a house in Wawanesa, and two daughters were born, Dawne and Lori, to complete their family of five.
In October 1970, they moved to Cereal, where they operated the Gulf Service Station for six years, giving this up to go into business for themselves. Ed owned and operated four water trucks, hauling water to and from the gas and oil wells in the Cereal area. Ed and Gwen retired in 1989. Ed now had more time to enjoy his favourite hobbies that included hunting and tending to a tremendous garden every year.
Ed and Gwen also enjoyed many holidays, that included winters in Arizona, a winter in British Columbia and trips to Europe. Travelling to Manitoba to visit family was always a top priority, and they made several trips every year. They also followed grandchildren all over Canada and the United States supporting them in sports by being the proudest cheering section in the crowd.
For 20+ years, Ed was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Life as he knew it changed in 2012 when he lost Gwen, his wife of 48 years. He did his very best to carry on and manage a house and yard on his own. In July 2015, when it became more than he could handle, he moved to the Cereal Country Cottages. In May 2018, he moved to the lodge in Consort, where he was closer to a few more conveniences. After the COVID crisis, he couldn’t wait to move back to the Cottages in Cereal, where everything
was familiar and felt normal. In July of 2022, he was ready once again to move. This time to the Lodge in Oyen, where he knew his children and grandchildren could easily come to visit, and then to Long Term Care this August. At each one of his new homes he made many friends, but nothing was the same without Gwen by his side.
Predeceased by: Wife: Gwen (2012), Parents: Jim Rice (1988), Pearl Rice (1989), Brothers: Del Rice (1993), Ron Rice (2014), Clark Rice (2015), Nephew: Billy Rice (1993), Niece: Lynn Swyrba (2004), Great Nephew: John Rice (2022), Sisters-in-Law: Shirley Rice (1998), Vivian Warkentin (2003), Gail MacKay (2005), Brothers-in-Law: Fred Henderson (2001), Bob MacKay (2022).
Survived By: Children: Wendy (Carl) Dziatkewich, Shelley Brown, Tim Brown (Nelda Langier), Dawne (Kent) Beaudoin, Lori (James) Ford, Grandchildren: Stacy (Darcy) Sorensen, Brandon (Kim) Dziatkewich, Cole Dziatkewich (Toby Clark), Ashton (Wyatt) Laughlin, Chase (Chelsea) Dziatkewich, Travis (Tracy) Clow, Trista Clow, Trevor Brown, Kari Hall, Curtis (Ashley) Beaudoin, Tenille (Kelby) Stevens, Tyson Ford, Sierra Ford, Great Grandchildren: Kruz and Jagr Sorensen, Carter, Warren and Kendall Dziatkewich, Kaizley and Ryatt Laughlin, Calum Dziatkewich, Reid, Hayden and Kinley Clow, Theoren and Tayves Brown, Leah and Raya Hall, Jack and Halle Beaudoin, Beau Stevens, Sisters-in-Law: Noreen Rice, Margaret Graham, Betty Henderson as well as Numerous Nephews and Nieces
Memorial Tributes: Royal Canadian Legion Box 184 Oyen, AB T0J2J0, Big Country Hospital Box 1 Oyen, AB T0J2J0, Joel Toth Memorial Fund JOEL TOTH MEMORIAL FUND, PRAIRIE ROSE SCHOOL DIVISION C/O RYAN BOSER 918 2 Ave., Dunmore, AB T1B 0K3 Please make your check/cheque out to Joel Toth Memorial Fund, Prairie Rose School Division c/o Ryan Boser or to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, October 5, at 2 p.m. at the C.J Peacock Centre in Oyen, AB. To leave messages of condolence, please visit ofsmacleans.com
Funeral Services were in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.
Ron Holmes recognized with Gold Quill Award
Former Oyen Echo publisher, Ron Holmes, along with his brothers Richard and Roger are each being recognized by the Canadian News Media Association for 50 years of distinguished service to the news media industry.
The award includes a gold quill pin, plaque and certificate.
Presentations were made at the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association (AWNA) annual convention at the Chateau Lacombe Hotel in Edmonton in September. Ron took over The Provost News operations from 1970-1973. Along with Richard they operated Holmes Printing, The Macklin Mirror, The Oyen Echo and The Provost News. Ron’s focus was commercial printing in Medicine Hat, though he stayed involved and responsible for The Oyen Echo as part of the Holmes Publishing Co.
Thirty-five units participated in the Big Stone Vintage Horsepower Trail Ride held on Sunday, September 24 around the Blood Indian Dam. Many stayed to socialize at the potluck supper after.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Pattern Energy celebrates dedication of Lanfine Wind Project
OYEN - Pattern Energy Group LP (Pattern Energy), a leader in renewable energy and transmission infrastructure, announced the dedication of its 150 megawatt (MW) Lanfine Wind power project in Alberta, Canada. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on site to mark the occasion.
“Lanfine Wind is a $335 million investment in Alberta that is bringing diverse economic benefits to the region while powering 30,000 homes with clean and renewable energy,” said Hunter Armistead, CEO of Pattern Energy. “We’re proud to have committed $1 million to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta that will go directly to supporting critical local causes and initiatives. Together, we are building a better, cleaner and more sustainable future in Alberta.”
“We have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside Pattern Energy and the local team with the Lanfine Wind Project to help guide their corporate community investment which will be an integral part in building a vibrant and strong charitable sector for the area,” said Niki Gray, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. “The foresight and commitment from Pattern leads the charge in corporate community give-back. They have prioritized their focus areas on the unique needs within Special Area 3, the MD of Acadia, and the Town of Oyen to ensure greater impact. The lasting legacy that Pattern
Energy will have on the region will continue to benefit the community, forever.”
“The Town of Oyen welcomes Lanfine Wind, which is bringing real benefits to our region,” said Oyen Town Mayor Doug Jones. “Pattern Energy has shown strong support for our local businesses and proven to be a good neighbour for the long term. Lanfine Wind’s Community Benefits Program will provide vital support that will have a long and lasting positive impact on our entire community.”
Pattern Energy established Lanfine Wind Community Benefits Program, which will contribute over $1,000,000 to the Community Foundation of South-
eastern Alberta over the first 20 years of the project. With an initial donation of $75,000, the new community benefits program will support local initiatives and community-based organizations that benefit the people of Special Area #3 and the Municipal District of Acadia Valley.
Lanfine Wind is also generating landowner revenue and providing tax revenue to the local community, which will directly support education, community services, roads, and first-responder capabilities.
Lanfine Wind represents a total investment of roughly C$335 million in Alberta that is contributing to lasting and diverse economic benefits. Construction of the project created jobs and economic activity throughout the region. Approximately 250 workers were on-site during peak construction activity, spurring demand for local businesses and services in the rural community.
The Lanfine Wind project utilizes 35 Vestas V150 4.3 MW turbines. Lanfine Wind has entered into a 10-year financially settled power purchase agreement with West Fraser, a diversified wood products company, which is supporting West Fraser’s efforts to reduce its scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030.
With the addition of Lanfine Wind, Pattern Energy’s portfolio in Canada now totals 11 operational wind energy facilities across five provinces.
The Oyen Public School (OPS) Fundraising Society is having their
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM
Everyone is welcome.
The following positions are open and MUST be filled or the Society will not be able to operate: Secretary & Treasurer
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Pattern Energy’s Lanfine Wind facility near Oyen.
persons with developmental disabilities, who had not seen increases since 2014, and we improved tax credits and grants to support families pursuing adoption. We pushed the federal government to further improve the daycare deal to better meet Alberta families’ unique needs. We opened the Bridge Healing convalescence facility for Edmonton’s vulnerable citizens to ensure they have access to the health care and community supports they need to be well.
“We extended interest-free student loans to 12 months, offering students more certainty in their personal budgeting, and we capped tuition increases so Alberta’s post-secondary institutions can retain their competitive advantage when attracting students. We paused rate increases on auto insurance to protect Albertans from premium increases when they can least afford it, and we ended the Graduated Driver Licensing program, saving drivers on their licensing costs.
“For only the fourth time in 15 years, we presented Albertans with a balanced budget in February. That budget also provided Albertans with a fiscal framework to guide future government spending, debt repayment and savings so that Alberta can continue moving forward in prosperity. We paid off $13 billion in debt, significantly reducing our annual interest payments – ¬funds that are better spent on providing the services and infrastructure Albertans need. We also added $2 billion to the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, which will increase our investment income each year and provide more fiscal stability for the province in the long term.
“Our improved finances enable us to provide additional funding for schools, hospitals and roads so Albertans have access to the infrastructure they need for a growing population. We have also provided funding to close learning gaps experienced by younger students and have expanded seats at universities in high-demand programs. To improve outdoor and recreation opportunities for Albertans and visitors, we allocated $200 million to improve the province’s campgrounds and trails.
“We are continuing to build our economy by creating an Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, building strong partnerships with other western
provinces to build economic corridors that connect markets across the Prairies, expanding the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program to invite nearly 10,000 newcomers, and by creating pathways for more skills training opportunities for the most in-demand jobs in our province. At the same time, we are working with Alberta municipalities by changing the municipal funding model to provide them with funding stability and by making the payment of municipal taxes a condition of wellsite transfers.
“We are also growing relationships with Indigenous and Métis communities, which includes the signing of a new Metis Settlement Agreement. We continue to recognize the important role of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta in our economy and remain committed to ensuring they are partners in prosperity. To accomplish this, we doubled the loan capacity of the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation from $1 billion to $2 billion.
…As we begin our second chapter together, ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.
to the COVID-19 pandemic. We put an end to provincial mask mandates, and we replaced the chief medical officer of health and the AHS board. We established a public health emergencies governance review panel to examine the pandemic response and to recommend changes to improve how we handle potential future public health emergencies.
“We have stopped at nothing in our pursuit to improve health care services and supports for Albertans. We worked with our provincial colleagues to fight for increased federal health transfers, and I am proud to have signed a $24-billion health deal with the federal government. When our province and country faced supply issues with children’s pain and fever medication, we stepped up to ensure that parents would have access to these medications. And we honoured Alberta firefighters and the health risks they face by providing them with presumptive cancer coverage.
share that concern and are taking action to ensure all Albertans feel safe in their communities. This includes establishing public safety task forces in Edmonton and Calgary, committing to provide funding to hire 100 more police officers, increasing the scope and number of sheriffs, and increasing the number of prosecutors available in Alberta’s courts.
“Furthermore, we are introducing additional accountability measures in partnership with police services. We have passed an updated Police Act that will establish a new, independent body for investigating complaints against police, and have taken steps to mandate body-worn cameras for police. At the same time, we are working with municipalities and Indigenous communities that want to establish their own, local police services.
“In addition to this work, we have released a provincial emissions reduction strategy, created a regulatory framework for brine-hosted minerals, established an energy future panel, launched expressions of interest for hydrogen fuelling stations, introduced a new science and French curriculum, and strengthened free speech on campuses.
“We indexed personal income taxes, so Albertans keep more of their hardearned money to spend on the things that are important to them. We are working to increase access to halal financing, so members of Alberta’s Muslim community are better able to pursue their dreams of home ownership.
“Health care remains a top priority for Albertans and we have begun the hard work of repairing and improving our health care system. We brought in more ambulances during peak hours in Calgary and Edmonton and we fast-tracked patient transfers at hospitals to ensure our highly skilled paramedics can respond to more emergencies and do so more quickly. We introduced alternative transportation for non-urgent hospital transfers and have reduced the number of code reds that occur in the province. We have fixed problems with emergency department patient flow, helping us reduce overall hospital wait times, and we have increased our surgical capacity and are projected to eliminate the surgical backlog in the new year.
“I am proud to have addressed the concerns of many Albertans in relation
Expanding home support services for Alberta seniors
To help maintain seniors’ well-being, independence and safety in their homes and communities, 15 community organizations have received funding to help them expand their services.
Six initial grants were awarded in July 2022 for projects that are now operating and nine additional grants were awarded in June of this year.
“Seniors across our province deserve to live vibrant lives as they age. This funding is critical to ensure that seniors have the supports they need to live independently in their homes and communities,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
These non-medical services range from social and emotional supports to help with everyday tasks such as housekeeping, yard and snow removal, transportation to and from appointments, and meal delivery. Together with home care and other community ser-
vices, this expansion will help address the increasing complexity of needs as Albertans age.
One of the approved projects for this year is the Drumheller/Starland Older Adult Community & Home Support Project, which will receive $175,000.
“In addition, we’ve prioritized recovery for those suffering from the deadly disease of addiction and from mental health challenges. We are progressing on the Alberta model and have opened recovery communities in both Red Deer and Lethbridge, with nine more on the way including four on First Nations land. We are investing in training more mental health professionals and are expanding mental health supports for children and youth in communities and schools, making sure no child is left behind.
“We recognize that public safety is another top concern for Albertans. We
“As a united government, we accomplished all this while managing the pressures of an unprecedented wildfire season that included support for more than 38,000 evacuees from Alberta communities and more than 21,000 evacuees from the Northwest Territories.
“I could not have accomplished all of this without my dedicated colleagues in cabinet and caucus. I look forward to accomplishing even more, with the ongoing confidence of Albertans, as we begin our second chapter together, ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
Classifieds
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306463-2211
IN THE ESTATE OF RITCHIE SHELDON SQUIRE (also known as RITCHIE SQUIRE), LATE OF THE TOWN OF OYEN, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, WHO DIED ON THE 26 DAY OF MAY, A.D., 2023.
If you have a claim against this Estate, you must file your claim by November 21, 2023, with MESSRS. ROSS, TODD & COMPANY, Barristers & Solicitors, P.O. Box 1330, 124 - 2 Avenue West, Hanna, Alberta, T0J 1P0.
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
AUCTIONS
HOUSE TO BE MOVED: Updated bungalow in Lougheed AB. Must be moved by 2025. Includes triple car garage. Ritchie Bros Auction Oct 25-27. https:// rb.gy/7u7au.
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME
BUILDINGS since 2008
BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt. com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com.
BUILDING SUPPLIES
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 $799 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.
Please join Ed & Edith Beaudoin to celebrate their 60th Anniversary Saturday, Oct 28th 2:00-4:00 pm at the Sedalia Hall. No gifts please.
Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna. com for details. 1-800282-6903, 780-434-8746 X225. www.awna.com.
COMING EVENTS
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us @ sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ switzersauction.com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.
Crystal Springs. 403-8200961. Quality guaranteed.
FEED AND SEED
and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
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Position Details: Monday thru
a.m. - 3p.m. / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. On Call every other weekend. Position will be open until suitable candidate is found. Please submit resume to: gloria.jorgenson@acadiafoundation.com
We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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.
Investing in ag societies and local communities
A new capital grant will help Alberta’s agricultural societies with facility repairs and upgrades
Alberta’s government is launching the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program, a new capital grant that allocates $2.5 million annually to help ag societies update existing facilities.
These buildings are central hubs in their communities, offering residents and visitors opportunities to gather, build connections and engage with their neighbours. Alberta’s communities need effective, up-todate facilities to encourage community involvement and growth.
“Facilities like community halls, ice rinks and rodeo grounds are integral to the successful operation of Alberta’s ag societies. This funding makes sure rural communities can continue to benefit from the events, services, educational programs and volunteer opportunities that agricultural societies provide.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The program will allow agricultural societies to address issues related to aging infrastructure, ultimately extending the useful life of their community buildings. Applications for eligible projects open on Oct. 5 and the grant can be used to make improvements including roof repairs, accessibility enhancements, heating upgrades and window installations.
“Events like rural fairs, farmers’ markets and rodeos support community building and agricultural improvement across rural Alberta. This government funding will help agricultural societies keep their facilities modern, accessible and safe for generations to come.”
Brett Warder, president, Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
“More than 100,000 people pass through our society’s gates every year for events, programs and rentals. Our ag society has been around for more than a century, so this new grant will be a key support in making much-needed upgrades. We are extremely grateful to the Government of Alberta for this investment.”
Barb Parker, vice-president, Millarville Racing and
Agricultural Society
The program builds upon the Government of Alberta’s existing Agricultural Societies Grant Program, which provides annual funding to support agricultural societies’ operational expenses.
QUICK FACTS
• The Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program grant awards between $10,000 and $100,000 for individual projects
• Alberta has 290 agricultural societies, the highest number in Canada
• Alberta’s agricultural societies own or operate more than 900 facilities and host more than 37,000 activities and events per year.
• The oldest agricultural societies date back to 1879, predating the province.
Viva Vitality: Teen Driver Safety Week
BY MADISON KEYS
October is here, and with it comes the excitement of the fall season. This October is not only accompanied by the falling of leaves and the picking of pumpkins; it also welcomes National Teen Driver Safety Week which takes place from October 15-21.
This year’s Safety Week will focus on keeping the roads safe. Young people aged 15 to 24 are killed in car crashes at a higher rate than those between the ages of 25 and 75 years old. Along with this, car crashes are the third-leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24 in Canada.
These rates are magnified by the issue of not following speed limits. More than 20 per cent of Canada’s deadly car crashes involve speeding. The risk of a pedestrian dying from an impact at 50 km/h is 29 per cent, which is almost six times the rate at 30 km/h. Do your part to reduce the risk of deadly car crashes by following the posted speed limits and adjusting your speed to road conditions as they change.
Heading into the fall and winter months, here are other actions you can take to keep the roads safe and support teen’s safe driving:
• Lead by example for your teens – don’t text and drive.
• Don’t drive high. Cannabis impairs many abilities that are needed to drive safely such as decreasing your judgment, coordination, balance, reaction time, and decision-making skills.
• Do your part to keep your loved ones safe and speak up against drinking and driving. 1/3 of Canadians who have driven impaired have done most of their drinking with partners, friends, or family members
• Be rail smart and stay off railroad tracks. The average freight train weighs over 5,500 tonnes versus a car which weighs 1.5 tonnes. A train hitting a car is the equivalent of a car hitting a pop can.
financial planning. We believe a real financial plan adapts and grows alongside your life - and includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
Let’s do our part to keep the roads and teen drivers safe. For more information on action steps you can take to keep the roads safe, visit National Teen Driver Safety Week – Parachute.
Madison Keys is a practicum student with the Alberta Health Services South Zone Population and Public Health team.
Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson meets with Barb Parker, vice-president of the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society and Brett Warder, president of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
ACADIA VALLEY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
• The Prairie Elevator Society is holding a meeting at 7:30 PM at the Acadia Valley Community Hall (board room). If anyone is interested in joining, please come.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
• Acadia Valley Volunteer Fire Department annual Steak & Lobster Dinner. Tickets $65 and are available at M.D. of Acadia.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9
• Here’s the Deal. Acadia Valley Community Club presents Golden 20’s Christmas at the Acadia Valley Hall. For more info call/ text Jena 403-928-0021. No minors.
* Yoga in The Valley Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM in the Hall. Call/text Jamie 403548-5146 for more info.
* Gymnastics - Cactus Gym Club’s Fall Classes start September 9 until November 4 at the Acadia Valley Event Centre. To register or for more info, contact Michelle Hutton at 403-502-3050.
BINDLOSS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
• Bindloss Halloween Dance. Doors open at 7:00 PM. Late lunch, candy, crafts, games, always lots of dancing. Adults $15 (in costume $10) Kids (6-14 yrs) $5.00. 5 & under free.
BUFFALO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
• Buffalo Ladies Club Turkey Supper at the Hall 6:00 PM.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
• Buffalo’s “Christmas in the Country” Market at the Hall beginning at 11:00 AM.
BYEMOOR
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
• Annual Fall Roast Beef Supper 4:007:00 PM at the Byemoor Community Hall. Adults $15, 6-12 years $8, under 6 Free.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
• Free Flu Clinic Byemoor School. Ages 5+ eligible. Please bring Alberta Healthcare Numbers. Fluzone HD available for Seniors 65+. Moderna COVID-19 XBB.1.5 boosters available, if prior arrangements are made with Nicole. Call Nicole 403-8202400 for more information.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10
• Crib Tournament at Endmoor Drop-In. Starts at 10:00 AM sharp. Please be there by 9:45 AM. Pre-register before November 3. First 32 registrants accepted. Cost $20
ONE STOP WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT
AUTOMOTIVE GLASS WE
each (includes lunch). Call Doreen 403579-2460 or 403-740-9546.
CEREAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Cereal Athletic Association AGM 6:007:30 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Cereal Turkey Supper and Christmas Market 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
• Cereal Board of Trade presents Ham & Turkey Bingo. Doors open 6:30 PM, Bingo at 7:30 PM CJ Peacock Centre Gym. Prizes of Hams & Turkeys. 19 games. All ages welcome.
• Mondays - Cereal Board of Trade BINGO. Doors open 6:30 PM. Bingo starts 7:30 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
* Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 9:30 AM
CRAIGMYLE
* Wednesdays - 9:30 AM Coffee at Craigmyle Historic Church
DELIA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
• Noon Pot Luck at the Drop In Centre
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
• 7:30 PM BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
• Hand Hills Lake Turkey Supper 3:007:00 PM at the Hand Hills Lake Club
MONDAY-FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23-27
• Scholastic Book Fair at the Library
MONDAY, OCTOBER 23
• 7:30 PM Ag Society meet at the Curling Rink
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
• 7:00 PM BINGO at the Community Hall
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
• 4:30 & 7:00 PM Eat to Thrive at the Library
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Book Fair Family Night 3:30 - 6:00 PM at the Library
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Halloween Hootenanny Dance 7:00 PM1:30 AM at the Community Hall
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
• Halloween Pancake Breakfast 9:00 AM at Morrin
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
• Creepy Crib Tourney 10:00 AM at the Drop In Centre
* Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9:00 AM Coffee
& Cards at the Drop in Centre
* Wednesdays - 7:00 PM Cards & Pool at the Drop in Centre
* Thursdays - Pickleball 6:30 PM at the Delia Gym
* Sundays - 10:30 AM DCF Morning Service
HANNA
Hanna Senior Circle
* Wednesdays 1:00 PM Cards (Spades)
* Thursdays 1:00 PM Cards (Five Hundred)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
• The Scapa Athletic Association presents Pie Bingo at the Scapa Hall 3:00 PM
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
Hand Hills Lake Turkey Supper 3:007:00 PM at the Hand Hills Lake Club
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
• Potluck Supper at Hanna Senior Circle 5:30 PM. Everyone welcome.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
• Trunk or Treat 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
• BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle 7:30 PM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
• BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle 7:30 PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17
& 18
• Hanna Curling Club presents 2023 Seymour Cup Open Cash Bonspiel. 3 games guaranteed. $180/team. Call or text Tanner to sign up 403-854-0324.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
• BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle 7:30 PM
NEW BRIGDEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Winter Wonderland 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Book a table by calling / texting Lucille 403-6640172.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
Walk & Talk Wednesdays 10:00 AM for 1 hour walk. Tea, Coffee and Water available afterwards. Meet at the Adult Learning Office 1113 - 2nd Avenue W. All ages welcome. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
• Oyen Fire Department’s Fall Extinguisher Fundraiser Dance at the Oyen Legion Hall. Tickets available at Lijdsman Insurance or any firefighter. Contact Morgan Senkiw at 403-664-9727 for donation information.
• Bull Futurity 11:00 AM at the Crossroads Centre. Free admission. Bar and kitchen will be open.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22
• Ref Clinic at the Oyen Arena. Register
online at Hockey Alberta. Must be 12 years of age or older as of December 31, 2023.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24
• The Oyen Public School (OPS) Fundraising Society AGM 7:00 PM. Secretary & Treasurer positions are open and must be filled.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
• 6th Annual Highway 41 Pheasant Festival
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
• BCAS Winter Gymkhana Series at the Crossroads Centre. Prizes for Halloween Costumes for horse and rider. 12 noon start with all tiny mite events. 1:30 PM start with other age groups. Concession open. Spectators welcome.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors 6:00 PM at the Seniors Centre
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Fun Night at Oyen Seniors Centre. Games and Socializing. BYOB and snacks. 7:00 PM until midnight. Call Lynda Grudecki for more information.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 & 2
• Mark your calendar for the Night in Bethlehem production. Watch for more information.
FEBRUARY 17 & 18
• Mark your calendar for the Big Country Ag Society Beef Expo 2024 - Pen Show and Youth Show at the Crossroads Centre * Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 7:00-9:00 PM in Council Chambers
RICHDALE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
• Richdale Fall Community Dance at the Richdale Community Hall. Doors open 7:00 PM, Music at 8:00 PM. Music by Dally Up & Dance. $15 adult, $10 (7-12 years).
YOUNGSTOWN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
• Youngstown Class of 2024 Bottle Drive 5:00 - 7:00 PM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
• Youngstown Christmas Mini-Fair 3:007:00 PM at the Youn gstown Community Hall. Variety of crafts and home-based business products. Christmas hamper raffle. Kids craft area. Photos with Santa. Beef-on-a-Bun Supper by Dryland Multi 4-H Club. For more info or took a table contact Renee at 403-857-8322.
