Inaugural Top 7 Over 70 Gala –successful, sold-out event
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta witnessed a soldout crowd on October 10 at Medalta in the Historic Clay District for the inaugural Top 7 Over 70 – Southeast Alberta Gala. This exciting event celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of seven remarkable seniors, after the age of 70, whose passion, innovation, and leadership have made a lasting impact in our region.
Presented by Leither Wheeler Investment Counsel, the Top 7 Over 70 Gala is
part of a broader initiative, founded in 2017, by renowned Albertan, Jim Gray.
“Top 7 Over 70 is an exciting new project for Southeastern Alberta that celebrates active seniors over the age of seventy. These are not extraordinary people; they are ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things,” stated David Andrews, Top 7 Over 70 Committee Chair.
The evening program was comprised of many warm greetings, including those from Premier Danielle
Smith and Top 7 Over 70 Founder, Jim Gray. Both leaders praised the honourees for their continued impact on the community. Touching videos and live interviews showcased the remarkable stories of the seven honourees, highlighting their achievements and inspiring the audience with their dedication to excellence in various fields. Artist James Marshall designed hand-crafted ceramic awards which were presented to the seven honourees by the leading event sponsors.
As pictured from left to right, the 7 honourees include Deborah Forbes, Jake Eckert, Martha Munz Gue, Bill Yuill, Wilma Hunter, Blair Reid, and Nancy Hanson. Full videos and bios can be found at cfsea.ca under the Initiatives page. SUBMITTED
Customer Appreciation Day at The Rack
The Rack hosted a Customer Appreciation Barbecue October 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 313 Railway Avenue East, Oyen. The business first opened on April 23, 2021, operating out of Bruce Simmons’ shop near Acadia Valley. In May 2022, they moved to their present location in Oyen. East Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club cooked and served hamburgers and hot dogs to approximately 180 attendees. The Oyen crew and head office folk visited with the crowd as they enjoyed their lunch, encouraging them to enter the many draws and thanking them for making the day a success despite the cooler-than-usual weather.
From left, Leon Lee, Cheryl Ball, David Sneddon, Cassandra Morari, Chris Adair, Jinelle Dulle, Keith Munro and Dave Cordick. PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER
OPINION:
AI can be both helpful and harmful
BY JOAN JANZEN
The following comments are worth considering. “Being famous on Instagram is basically the same thing as being rich in Monopoly.” And the second one is, “What happens on social media stays on Google forever.”
Now, we’re hearing a lot about AI (Artificial Intelligence), but it consists of machine learning algorithms that were invented years ago. Those algorithms perform millions of tasks, including playing games, writing books, flying planes and drones, and even enabling the lame to walk.
Andy Steiger, who has a PhD in technology, said in an online interview, “If you want to know what a thing is, you have to ask what it was made for.” AI is designed not only to imitate humans but also to enhance them.
It processes the information you input into your devices and knows what you like and what you don’t like. More ads will automatically pop up when you’re looking for an item to buy. Or if you’re looking at travelling somewhere, ads will pop up for that area.
“Technology keeps changing, and we have to have an understanding of it so we can navigate it,” Andy explained. “We want to interact with it in a way that’s helpful not harmful.” For instance he finds AI helpful when he
Because AI learns what you like to watch on your screen, it continues to feed you more. If you’re not careful, it can become addictive, and you may find it difficult to pull away.
makes a teaching video, which is then translated into different languages with him actually speaking those languages.
Because AI learns what you like to watch on your screen, it continues to feed you more. If you’re not careful, it can become addictive, and you may find it difficult to pull away. What you’re watching can help you acquire knowledge; however, if a young person begins watching pornography, the system will begin feeding them more of the same.
“What can be used for good, can also be used for destructive behaviour,” Andy said. And AI does make mistakes.
Journalist Sharyl Attkisson from the online program Full Measure discovered AI doesn’t always supply factual answers. After receiving a response that she knew was false, she asked AI, “Since
TO THE EDITOR:
Smoke and Mirrors
Canadian citizens are very intelligent and are becoming more frustrated with the ineptitude and deception of politicians, bureaucrats and civil servants.
Politicians are elected by citizens to take care of our country, not to funnel citizen’s money to friends or other corrupt practices.
Politicians are elected by citizens to manage the civil servants and the bureaucracy, not enlarge it beyond all reason, and direct it to lie to protect politi-
Letter to the Editor Policy
cians and other bureaucrats.
Politicians are elected by citizens to protect our borders and society, not import terrorists and support foreign interests that are destroying our country.
Canadian citizens demand INTEGRITY, LOYALTY, and TRANSPARENCY from our politicians, civil servants, bureaucrats, senators and contractors. Canadian citizens will have the final word.
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include:
• Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities
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We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
you had the correct factual information, why did you cite incorrect facts?”
AI responded by apologizing, “As an AI language model, I do not intentionally provide incorrect information. However, I understand I made errors in my previous responses.”
Sharyl pointed out that somebody had inputted false information into AI. Lesson learned: the answers you receive from AI may not be factual.
And it’s called ‘artificial’ for a reason; it replaces the authentic with something artificial. AI can now use all your data and spit out a virtual girlfriend or boyfriend that can be purchased for a texting relationship with someone who has similar likes and interests. It may sound bizarre, but it’s becoming increasingly popular.
My concern is we get so caught up in AI that we give up on everyday relationships,” Andy said. He pointed out that it can keep you online and prevent you from spending time with your family. It can also cause you to pull away from community, as it creates a counterfeit community.
It may be more convenient to connect with online friends who you have never met. But they probably won’t be the ones to help you in a time of need or in a physical crisis. “Real relationships are hard and challenging, but they help you grow as a person,” Andy said. Real
friends keep you accountable in everyday circumstances. “You may become so addicted you prefer living in a counterfeit reality.”
He mentioned a current show called “Alone,” in which they take people out of the community and drop them into the wilderness, where they’re all alone. Andy said, “It doesn’t matter how tough you are; eventually, you’ll break down because of your need for community and relationships.”
Replacing a real human connection with something artificial will never satisfy a person’s need to be loved and appreciated. Or their need to love and appreciate others. It strips away humanity because it’s artificial.
Participating in a community benefits not only you but also others. “Turning inwards becomes very destructive; technology can allow us to do that. We can create virtual worlds that are all about ourselves,” Andy warned. We’re created to be in relationship with others. As we navigate technology we have to continually ask if it is adding to our relationships or hindering our relationships.
AI can do great things, but it can also be destructive, depending on how we use it. The good life is found in community and with family. Sometimes, we take both for granted.
Canadian Citizen Duane Keller
KATE WINQUIST Publisher/Photographer ROBERT WINQUIST Circulation JOAN JANZEN Journalist
DIANA WALKER Editor Emeritus PATTI MORAN Production GREG PAULHUS Web/Social Media
Mini bake sale scheduled for October 28th
Dianne Spath
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving long weekend. The month of October seems to be going too fast. Well, it was nice that we had one last enjoyable weekend to get fall cleanup done before the cool, wet weather starts our next season.
Monday was a stat holiday, so there were no activities.
Tuesday morning was the regular bus
run downtown, followed by one-on-one with residents, which was walking outdoors. In the afternoon, there was baking and more outdoor walks and visits.
Wednesday morning started with Church with Catherine, followed by exercises and walks outdoors. Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard games, and later in the afternoon, there was piano by Taylor Neilson. The maintenance men brought the fish in from the courtyard pond and put them in a nice big tank.
Thursday morning was a walk outdoors, followed by some baking and decorating. Thursday afternoon was our regular monthly birthday bash and music by Ron Edwards.
Friday morning was exercises, followed by horse races. In the afternoon was bingo.
Personal Clothing and Avon will be in the Lodge on Monday October 28th along with a mini bake sale. Have a great week everyone.
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
FICTION:
All The Little Raindrops : A Novel / by: Mia Sheridan
Death in the Spires / by: KJ Charles
The House at Watch Hill : A Novel / by: Karen Marie Moning
I Did Something Bad / by: Pyae Moe Thet War
My Kind of Trouble / by: Leanne Schwartz
The Waiting / by: Michael Connelly Zetas Till We Die / by: Amber Brown
JUVENILE FICTION:
Karen’s Surprise : Babysitter’s Little Sister book / by: Ann M. Martin
Wrath of the Triple Goddess / by: Rick Riordan
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
Baby-Sitter’s Little Sister 9 : Karen’s Grandmothers / by: DK Yingst
PERIODICALS:
Hello Canada Magazine
People Magazine
The Hockey News
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out. If you are unable to come to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within town limits. Please give us a call at the number listed below.
Dayna Wilson, Library Manager
Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-5; Tuesdays 2-7 403-664-3644 ext. 2 aoymlibrary@oyenlibrary.ca www.oyenlibrary.ca www.facebook.com/OyenLibrary
Oyen RCMP investigate mischief to bridge
Oyen RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for damaging a bridge. This mischief occurred between Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 at 6 a.m. The bridge is located near Bindloss, specifically at NW 25-22-3 W4.
It is believed that a vehicle or vehicles were doing burnouts on the bridge which later caught fire, causing struc-
tural damages. If you have any information regarding this mischief, please contact Oyen RCMP at 403-664-3505. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
I can show you steps to minimize income taxes and keep more of what you earn.
“Having investments” isn’t the same thing as 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.
STEVEN PAETZ CFP, B.MGT. Associate Consultant steven.paetz@igpwm.ca 403-664-9494 CRAIG PAETZ CFP, B.Comm.,
...Krew Kuts
OBITUARIES
COST: $110 plus GS (up to 750 words, includes photo) Will be uploaded to our website www.oyenecho.com at no extra charge. Eulogies & Poems will be charged an extra .20¢ per word. You can submit it to us directly or ask your funeral director to submit it on your behalf. email: kate@yourwestcentral.com
ALSASK
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Haunted House at the Alsask Recreation Centre 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM. Admission: $15. Recommended age 12+. All are welcome. Beer gardens on site until 2 AM.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
• Alsask Drop-Inn Club Fall Supper Fundraiser 4:00-8:00 PM at 206 Main Street, Alsask. Turkey, Ham or roast pork with stuffing, veggies, mashed potatoes and gravy, and dessert, coffee/tea. $25.00/person or $20/member; $10/ child under age 10. Contact Dave for details at (306) 463-0169. Everyone welcome!
BUFFALO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
• Buffalo Ladies Club Turkey Supper at the hall 6:00 PM.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
• Christmas in the Country Craft Market from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the hall. Lunch will be sold. Contact Gwen 403-502-3054 for tables and info.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
• Buffalo Ag Society will present Jake Mathews in Concert at Buffalo Hall 7:00 PM.
CEREAL
- Monday Night BINGO. Every Monday except holiday Mondays. Doors open at 6:30 and Bingo
THE 1960s
Western Ostrander’s age became highly newsworthy in 1963 and thereafter. The Calgary Herald briefly acknowledged “Oyen Citizen 102” on February 7, 1963.
The Oyen Echo did so as well when he turned 104 in 1965. The Hanna Herald salutation in 1965 was more extensive, based on an interview with daughter Margaret Funnell.
Her father, she noted, is “enjoying good health although he has not been able for the past few years to take the long walks which he used to enjoy so much. These have been curtailed due to the fact he is now blind. However, his mind is clear, and he can look after himself and get about his home. Due to the cold weather and the snow and ice conditions, he has been very much confined to the house this winter.”
federation of Canada,” He grew up in an era of horse buggies and open-fire cooking. “When he was a child, his mother did all cooking over an open fire. Bread was baked in what was called the big kettle. The loaf was round and fully filled the pan. Coals were put on the lid, in a special groove, and left until the bread was done.” When we got a three-lidded stove, he said, “We figured we were up with the best in town.’
Mr. Ostrander and his wife, now residents of the Brownview Nursing Home in Northwest Calgary since last year, have been married for 80 years.
On November 18 Mr. Ostrander received a silver-footed serving tray as a Centennial gift, presented by Len Werry, Calgary-Bowness, MLA.
“He is keenly interested in world affairs and is an avid radio listener. He and his wife have resided in their own little home in Oyen for many years since disposing of their homestead. Being a painter by trade, he carried on with his trade for many years before retiring.”
On his 106th birthday in 1967, the Calgary Herald published a feature story with an accompanying photograph.
Mr. Ostrander remembers “celebrating the Con-
Western Ostrander, “a sculptor and painter by vocation,” died on January 8 1968, a few weeks short of his 107th birthday. Funeral services were held in the Chapel on the Hill in Calgary on January 11.
The Oyen Echo recorded the death of Mrs. Fanny Ostrander, “Pioneer of Oyen Passes at 99” September 8, 1975, at the Sarcee Auxiliary Hospital, Calgary, at the age of 99 years. If she had lived until October 13, she would have been 100. Mrs. Ostrander was instrumental in the organization of the first Ladies’ Aid in Oyen and was a life member.
Legendary residents like the Ostranders do so much to enrich the life of communities like Oyen!”
begins at 7:30 PM. (April to end of November).
- Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 10:30 AM
- Wednesdays - Cereal Quilting Club 10 AM4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre
EMPRESS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society and Empress Community Library present “Get Your Pumpkin On” 1:00 PM at the Empress Community Hall. Wear your costume, carve your pumpkin (or bring your carved pumpkin from home and take home in time for Halloween Judging 4:00 PM. Prizes per age group. Please RSVP to the Library.
NEW BRIGDEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
• Winter Wonderland. Call/text 403-6640172 to book a table.
OYEN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). New program beginning Tuesday, October 22 and will be held twice per month. Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20
membership for the year or $5 drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-664-8688
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
• Oyen FCSS & CIA present Halloween Family Dance. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Music & Snacks 7:00-10:00 PM. Admission: $5 kids; $10 adult; $25 family. DJ Philly P. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
• Oyen FCSS Halloween for the Hungry. Volunteer youth will be collecting non-perishable food treasures or your generous cash donations for the Oyen and District Food Bank. Volunteers are to meet at the FCSS Community Centre at 5:30 PM. All donations are appreciated.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2024
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:0PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth at 403 664 2462 for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Drop in Pickleball Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM at South Central High School
- Walk Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 AM every Wednesday until October 30th. Socialize & Exercise. Snacks afterwards. Meet at NEW Adult Learning Office 105 3rd Ave (South En-
tance) SCHS.
- Junior League Curling (Grade 6 & up) Mondays after school. Session 1 November - mid December. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403664-6001.
- Fun League Curling. Tuesday evenings. Enter teams to Jackie Dick 403-664-0157. - Cash League Curling. Wednesday evenings. Enter teams to Brett Peterson 403-664-8868. - Sturling League Curling. Thursday at noon. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403-664-6001.
SEDALIA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Survivor in Sedalia 5:00 PM at the Sedalia Hall. A fundraiser for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment Association (CSOR-A) supporting our Special Forces Veterans and families’ mental health and wellness. A portion of the money raised will also go to the Oyen Legion. $40/ticket. Email: survivorinsedalia@gmail.com or call 403-433-0012 for tickets.
YOUNGSTOWN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
• Annual Friends of the Youngstown Library Youngstown Christmas Mini-Fair 3:00-7:00 PM Youngstown Community Hall. For more information or to book a table, contact Renee at 403-857-8322.
Western and Fanny Ostrander