VETERINARY SERVICES
CFSEA receives initial $75K donation through Lanfine Wind Community Benefits Program
The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) is grateful to have received an initial donation of $75,000 as Pattern Energy establishes its Lanfine Wind Community Benefits Program. Over the next 20 years, Lanfine Wind will contribute over $1,000,000 to CFSEA which will support local initiatives and community-based organizations for the people of Special Area 3, the MD of Acadia, and the Town of Oyen.
The Lanfine Wind Community Benefits Fund will start accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations within Special Area 3, MD of Acadia, and the Town of Oyen in Spring 2024. The priority areas include Indigenous Initiatives, Environmental, Youth and Education, and Health and Wellness. This new, annual grant stream will be facilitated by the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta and reviewed by a local Lanfine Wind Community Advisory Committee. This committee will include, a Pattern Energy representative, a site manager, four community members, and a CFSEA representative.
“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. The
foresight and commitment from Pattern leads the charge in corporate community give-back. They have prioritized their
Please contact us at 403-664-3637 or email danelle@lijdsman.com
focus areas on the unique needs within Special Area 3, the MD of Acadia, and the Town of Oyen to ensure a greater impact. The lasting legacy that Pattern Energy will have on the region will continue to benefit the community, forever,” said Niki Gray, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta .
Geuder Bursary Recipients
In 2007, the Town of Hanna received a donation to be known as the Fred & Freda Geuder Educational Bursary. Mr. & Mrs. Geuder were longtime residents of Hanna.
Meet the Geuders – Lifelong Residents of Hanna
For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Geuder called Hanna their home. Mr. Geuder was a well-known and respected local businessman, owning Geuder Electric. Mrs. Geuder was a dedicated teacher and an active member of the community. She even served as a council member from 1974-1980.
Congratulations to the following recipients :
Kennedy MacKinnon: Bachelor of Science-Nursing
Veronica Pederson: Bachelor of Science-Nursing
Madison Pitman: Bachelor of Science-Nursing
Board and commmittees recruit
Joining a board or committee in your town presents an opportunity to shape the future. Your unique ideas and perspective could be the driving force that creates positive change to better our community.
TOH boards that are currently recruiting include:
Municipal Planning (deadline Nov 15) Community Services Board Library
Submit your form today by visiting:
hanna.ca/forms
Apex Utilities (formerly AltaGas) has informed the Town of Hanna that Neuterra Ventures Inc has been contracted to do work on the gas lines in Hanna
Note:
Alley access may be restricted Nov 1-3 will be Area 1
This is phase 2 of 2
There will be no loss of service
There will be minimal impact to residents and businesses
Stay Informed:
Sign up for the Town e-newsletter hanna ca Visit hanna ca/news
Sign up for SMS Notifications at hanna.ca/alert
Check your front door for correspondence from Neuterra
Council Info Meeting 8:30 am
Parent and Tot Skating 10:30 am
Drop In Hockey 12:00 pm
Narcotics Anonymous 8:00 pm
Public Skating 6:30 pm
Ladies Drop-In Hockey 4:00 pm
Public Skating 5:30 pm
Parent and Tot Skating 10:30 am
Drop In Hockey 12:00 pm
Pumpkin Parade 6 pm at Hector King-Hunter Park
Narcotics Anonymous
Parent and Tot Skating 10:30 am
Drop In Hockey 12:00 pm
Public Skating 6:30 pm
Fall Community Dance 7:00 pm
your event in the Community Calendar
the Town Office
OPINION: Can you be happy in a crazy world?
BY JOAN JANZEN
The sign said, “To the person who stole my antidepressants: I hope you’re happy now.”
Spike Milligan, an Irish comedian, had this to say about happiness: “All I ask is the chance to prove that money can’t make me happy.”
Dr. Suneel Dhand, an Internal Medicine Physician, listed five habits that helped him become happier and healthier. First of all, he strives to eliminate ultra-processed foods and sugar from his diet.
“I became aware of the horrendous pro-inflammatory nature of so many foods we eat and switched to a pure, whole food diet,” he said. As a result, he feels physically stronger and mentally clearer as well.
The second change he made was to make exercise a priority in his life, devoting one hour a day to physical exercise. Now that it’s become a habit, he enjoys it and uses the time to listen to a podcast while he exercises.
Thirdly, he has learned to distinguish between things that are within his control and things that are beyond his control. And he advises others to hang around people who are encouraging and don’t bring you down.
His fourth nugget of advice was for people to get an adequate amount of sleep. “Sleep is when your body regenerates and heals,” he noted.
His final observation was that many people have unrealistic expectations and respond emotionally to circumstances rather than logically. “Our culture is set up to take advantage of that,” he said. “Mainstream media wants to profit from people’s emotional knee-jerk reactions. So take a step back and recognize those patterns.”
Another social media personality described his pathway to peace of mind. Comedian JP Sears said, “During the past three years, I’ve accidentally become more Christian. Traditional values and perspectives make way more sense to me now than they ever had before,” he explained.
After his live standup comedy shows, he has a Q and A session, when he said a lot of people say, “Hey JP, me too!”
in their best interests.
“We’ve seen a lot of attempts to control people; ultimately, I think that stems from evil. Evil has never been more obvious than it is now,” JP said. “As you naturally polarize in the opposite direction, you find God’s in the opposite direction.”
We eventually learn to want what God wants of us because we realize it’s the only way to have a really meaningful life, real happiness, real meaning, a real sense of purpose.
— JP Sears —
“My hypothesis is I don’t think evil has been more apparent in our world during my lifetime,” the 30-some-yearold comedian observed. His definition of evil is any time someone tries to control another person in a way that’s not
TO THE EDITOR:
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He finds it takes humility to escape our narcissistic human tendencies and realize we need God’s support. “We are very needy, and it takes humbleness to acknowledge our neediness,” he said. It puts his mind at ease to know he’s supported by God.
JP‘s observation was that there are three levels of human existence. The first is to take whatever comes along and be in survival mode. The second level is the ambition phase, where you know what you want and go after it. But the third level is quite different than the first two.
He described it as “Recognizing what I want for my life and putting that aside to allow God’s plan to live through me to be the primary focus of my life,” he said. He claims there are benefits to such an outlook.
“We eventually learn to want what God wants of us because we realize it’s the only way to have a really meaningful life, real happiness, real meaning, a real sense of purpose,” he said. “Often what we want for our life is built out of making us feel more significant or more in control.”
He says we should do our best to live a life of service, which looks differently for every individual. So, how does a comedian live a life of service? JP’s response was, “My goal isn’t to make people laugh; my primary goal is to protect and preserve the God-given gift of freedom. Freedom is synonymous with God. That’s why evil constricts and controls.”
His mission statement is to help awaken people to preserve freedom and awaken them to connect to God. “I don’t want to convince people to think what I think because I might be wrong.”
But he does want to encourage people to get reconnected to God and let Him be the source of information and guidance in their lives.
“I believe true happiness absolutely requires us to contribute to the greater good of other people. I think the world needs a lot more of that,” he concluded. Sounds like it’s possible to be happy in a crazy world.
Pop89: What if you told me a story?
BY MADONNA HAMEL
What if, instead of arguing our points, asserting our opinions and finding flaws in each other’s worldviews, we just just told each other our stories? We reveal ourselves to each other – and ourselves - when we tell our stories. Stories vary – but in every true story lies a common humanity. I recall the days when browsing through bookshops, looking for a great new read, I’d scan the back covers of books, looking for mention of an author’s talent for an understanding of “our common humanity.”
But literature praised for an insight into a common humanity is becoming harder and harder to find, replaced by a focus on a common enemy. I suppose the world has always been this way, but the polarities seem to be insanely exaggerated and weighted with all-or-nothing outcomes.
For myself, this fact hit home for me when I began my monologue-performance career in earnest. It was in 1994 when I was invited to share the stage with two other women artists. The invitation followed a hugely successful performance by the same three of us a year earlier. The new piece we called: “Reinforced Wings”. For me, the title would refer to a series of stories about “certain angels”, regular folks, who lighted on my life and repeatedly saved me from certain catastrophe.
This time the audience reaction was predominantly one of outrage: Where were the people of colour? Where were the lesbians (although how they would know who was gay was beyond me)? Why should they listen to us white chicks? I suspect I was the problem, my work employs old-fashioned story-telling. And although I was a known voice for abused women and children, that night, I chose to tell a story of a miracle, centring on a man who recused two men – one of them my fiancee – on a stormy sea. When the men he saved realized they didn’t even know his name, he told them: “I’m Norman Angel.”
Perhaps the audience resented a reference to angels. Perhaps the idea of two men in a sailboat brought to mind privilege, more whiteness, the pastimes of the upper class. (The two men were med students who pooled resources to rent a boat for a weekend.) To a post-modern deconstructionist audience, my story was filled with evidence of “exclusion” and “victimization” and void of “representation.” My story was deconstructed into rubble.
People have always taken sides, but the vast gaps between “my side” and “your side” seem to be widening. And the content of the hollering doesn’t seem to matter. Throw whatever burns into the fire, the thinking seems to be. Keep the animosity burning.
If the stakes weren’t so high, I would compare this behaviour to the rebellious phase of teenagers claim-
ing “nobody understands me” and “everybody’s full of sh*t! It’s also the behaviour of adrenaline junkies - addicts hooked on stimulation, arousal, and high-octane energy. Some people get a hit from hurt. They’d be the last to admit it. But people are dying from sustained extreme behaviour. And extreme language. Whenever you hear language like “everybody” is crazy, “nobody” gets it, whenever “never” and “always” are used to describe a situation, you are hearing the language of people who fear looking for solutions because they only know how to fuel their rage. I’m not saying there aren’t victims in this world. But, perhaps if we lived in a world where wounds were not as celebrated and televised as healings, we’d be less tuned to slights and damages.
My brother, struggling with overcoming the trauma that comes with a stroke, keeps reminding himself - and us - to look to the small and simple Beauties of life. I capitalize the word “Beauty” because it, too has been held suspect over the last decades. But that is only because, in a world where soul seems to have gone missing, beauty became a product. We see beauty as something acquired through plastic surgery or a tube of the latest anti-wrinkle cream shilled by attractive actors in lab-coats and great hair.
But that’s not the kind of Beauty I am talking about. That’s commercialized small “b” beauty, That’s glamour, artifice, and trend subject to the whims of fashion. That’s a list of criteria to be checked off on a dating website. The kind of Beauty I am talking about hap-
pens right in front of you. Of me. Of each of us. It’s the sudden burst of laughter in the schoolyard. It’s those leaves drifting from the tree in front of your window. It’s the birds singing after the storm. It’s the undeniable common humanity we all share - the capacity to be filled with wonder and awe. To be as a little child filled with that most-maligned word: Hope. What do we have in common? Fear, grief, anger, yes. But also: the capacity to be moved by Beauty. What do we all want? A place to rest our heads at night. Food. Shelter. Company. How can we come to a place of compassion -with a passion for life and love that is as strong as a passion for revenge and blame.
As a journalist, the best piece of advice I got was from a veteran reporter who told me: Don’t ask people, “why do you believe that?” But, instead, “when did you start believing that?” Because, then, instead of them giving you a statement in their defence, you get an invitation into their story. We are the story-telling animal. The animal searching for meaning.
Whatever makes us vulnerable, mysterious, confounding but, inevitably, brothers and sisters, is what we share: Birth, death, love, loss, mystery, story.
Maybe we don’t see eye to eye with even our family members. But we share a world with them. What if we didn’t lead with our differences, but our similarities, instead? What if instead of trying to force our viewpoints we just told each other our stories?
Male arrested after attempting to remove license plate
HANNA - On Oct. 4, 2023, a resident of Hanna observed a male approaching the rear of her vehicle, which was parked on her private property. When the male crouched down by her license plate, she confronted him and observed him attempting to remove the license plate. The male ran off and was later located and arrested by the Hanna RCMP. During the arrest he was found to be breaching a condition of his probation order.
Sergeant Rob Welsman stated, “Surveillance cameras
NOTICE OF ACTION
were of help in this instance because it not only alerted the homeowner to what was going on, but also made identification of the suspect much easier.”
The male, 36-year-old Scott Douglas Klatt, a resident of Hanna, has been charged with one count of mischief and one count of breaching a probation order condition.
After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, the male was released and will appear at Alberta Court of Justice in Hanna on Oct. 25, 2023.
Rourke would love to walk in Purdy’s cleats
BY BRUCE PENTON
Nathan Rourke just has to look at the improbable rise of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to suggest that there could be better days ahead, not to mention multi-million-dollar contracts and professional sports glory.
One year ago at this time, Purdy was still “Mr. Irrelevant.” That’s the ignominious moniker given to the player chosen dead last in the National Football League draft, because it’s almost impossible for someone that lightly regarded to advance as far as earning a roster spot, let alone a starting position.
Purdy, however, has catapulted into NFL brilliance, quarterbacking the best team in the league (5-0 at last glance) to strong Super Bowl contention and attracting whispers that he’s the leader in the Most Valuable Player race.
The former Iowa State quarterback was chosen No. 262, and last, in the 2022 draft and was given a courtesy look by the 49ers. But when starter Jimmy Garoppolo got injured and No. 3 overall pick in 2021, Trey Lance, didn’t pan out, the 49ers in desperation turned to Purdy.
And in 13 games in which he has started and finished, Purdy is 13-0. He still has his skeptics (The Ringer’s Steven Ruiz ranked him 24th out of 35 quarterbacks and is getting roasted across NFL circles for that ranking), but the 49er players are believers. “I think he’s going to continue to grow,” 49ers tackle Trent Williams told The Athletic. “What we’re seeing now is not where he’s going to be. He’s going to be better than that. He’s going to continue to get better every week. Our job is just to keep him upright so he can continue to develop.”
Rourke, meanwhile, sits and waits on the practice roster of the Jacksonville Jaguars. After burning up the Canadian Football League with B.C. Lions last year, the Victoria-born Rourke sought fame and fortune south of the border. He signed with the Jags, but sits at No. 3 on the team’s depth chart, behind Trevor Lawrence and backup C.J. Beathard. Rourke had a couple of special moments in pre-season play, but Jags’ coach Doug Pederson said he chose to keep Breathard as the No. 2 man ahead of Rourke because of his experience, although limited, in the league.
Lawrence calls Rourke “the great Canadian” and lauded his pre-season performance. “He’s had some great plays, and that’s what you got to do,” Lawrence said on Jags Wire, the team’s website. “The guy is looking to stick in the league and get a spot.”
The NFL has a history of underdogs succeeding. Purdy is this year’s example. The player picked No. 199 in the 2000 NFL draft, Tom Brady — you may have heard of him — had a pretty good career. Rourke’s time may yet come.
• Found on Facebook: Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson on his future: “I might fade into Bolivian.”
• Super 70s Sports, on a retired Arizona Cardinal receiver: “How good was Larry Fitzgerald? Let’s put it this way: He retired after 17 NFL seasons with 10 more career tackles (39) than dropped passes (29). Think about that for a minute.”
• Two comments on the passing of Bears’ legend Dick Butkus: From Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “I always thought Dick Butkus was too tough to die.” And from NFL Films producer Steve Sabol: “He was like Moby Dick in a goldfish bowl.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “I’m not saying watching the NY Giants has become hard to stomach. I’m suggesting if you must see them play, try taking Pepto-Abysmal.”
• Mark Lazerus of the Athletic, on Connor Bedard playing in the NHL at age 18: “What is he going to do on an off-night in Las Vegas this month? Go to the M and M’s store?”
• Headline at the Canadian parody website, The Beaverton: “NHL fan singing national anthem, honouring soldier with standing ovation thinks Pride Nights are too political.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com., after the 104-win Atlanta Braves, 101-win Baltimore Orioles and 100-win LA. Dodgers all were knocked out in divisional playoffs: “Who knew that the kiss of death in the MLB 2023 postseason would turn out to be winning 100 games in the season?”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel, after Colorado blew a 29-0 half-time lead and lost 46-43 to Stanford: “Wow, I can’t believe Stanford came back to beat Colorado last night. Looks like Coach Prime might need to change his name to Eion — No ‘D’.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “It’s the first day of another NHL hockey season. You know: the one where TSN claims the Toronto Maple Leafs are the favourite to win the next Stanley Cup.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Turns out Bill Belichick and Sean Payton aren’t very good coaches without Hall of Fame QBs”
• One more from fark.com: “Jonathan Taylor says his new contract is a win for running backs, and by running backs, he means himself.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
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A large refund means you’ve been overpaying your taxes throughout the
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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.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
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Main Street, Oyen
Alberta’s immunization program under way
Alberta’s immunization program began last week, offering influenza and COVID-19 vaccine, free of charge, to all Albertan six months of age and older. Alberta Health Services (AHS) will offer vaccine through public health clinics to:
• Children six months of age to under five years of age and their family and household members.
• Individuals who do not have a provincial healthcare number.
• Individuals who live in a community where there are no other immunizing healthcare providers.
• Individuals with booked appointments for other immunizations.
Albertans can also get immunized at:
• Local pharmacies. Available for Albertans five years of age and older. Check to confirm availability.
OYEN LODGE NEWS
• Doctors’ offices. Some doctors are offering influenza and COVID-19 immunizations. Check to confirm vaccine availability.
Based on eligibility and availability, Albertans may be able to get both vaccines during the same appointment. "When you and your family get immunized, you’re protecting yourselves and helping to build your community’s defense against influenza and COVID-19,” says Dr. Kristin Klein, Lead Medical Officer of Health for Communicable Disease Control with AHS. “By protecting yourself, you also help protect your family, friends, communities, at-risk Albertans and our healthcare system.”
To learn more and to book an appointment, visit ahs.ca/vaccine, call 811, or text ‘flu’ or ‘COVID’ to 88111.
Oyen Lodge is looking for puzzles
BY SARA HEATH
Hello everyone! We hope everyone is having a great week with some wonderfully sunny days this week and, surprisingly, a little bit of rain. The residents have been soaking up the sun and going for walks or just sitting out and enjoying it! This week at the lodge, we did our birthday bash celebration with ice cream cake. We also have a little competition as one of our staff members brought in a big giant pumpkin that they grew, and the residents are tasked with guessing
the pumpkin's weight! On Wednesday, we went on a little field trip up to the Consort Lodge, where we enjoyed music by the Jorgenson's, and after we exchanged puzzles. Thank you to Consort Lodge for hosting us! We had so much fun, and it was so great for the residents to connect and visit! This week, we are also
getting into the Halloween spirit and have started to decorate the lodge with our spooky decorations. And on Thursday, we did some Halloween paintings. We also have set out our carved pumpkins. As always, we finish our week off with a few rounds of horse racing and bingo in the afternoon!
We have quite a bit of interest in puzzles here at the lodge, and we seem to go through them very quickly. If anyone in the community has old puzzles sitting around that they want to part with, we are always open to giving them a new home. We hope everyone has a wonderfully fabulous week!
Acadia Valley News
REPORTED BY YOLANDA KUHN
yakuhn@hotmail.com call or text 403-664-0582
It’s another beautiful fall day today. I think it may be one of the last as the cooler weather is upon us. Sorry I didn’t send the news last week; I was on vacation in New York City. If N.Y.C. is on your bucket list, I highly recommend the trip.
The construction has started on the detour around the bridge on the north side of the entrance to town. Make sure to slow down in that area; between the construction and the semis taking the detour,
Meet your BADLANDS BADGERS!
RYLAN CAPLETTE
Position:
Pitcher
Home Town:
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Billet Family: Nolan and Myken
Favourite Ball Team:
Toronto Blue Jays
Favourite Food:
Steak and baked potato
Favourite thing about being a Badger: Practoce almost every day.
COHEN JORGENSEN
Position: Shortstop
Home Town: Beaumont, Alberta
Billet Family:
Ryley and Kendra Girletz
Favourite Ball Team:
Toronto Blue Jays
Favourite Food: Butter Chicken with Rice
Favourite thing about being a Badger: Being able to play baseball every day, learning what it takes to play at the next level.
there’s a lot going on around that intersection.
The Barbie Movie “Teen Movie Night” was a success, with about 30 kids attending. Stay tuned for more dates in the future.
The Sausage Fry over Thanksgiving was a success, as usual. They served just over 300 for supper. This year, instead of a D.J. or a band, Manny Ohrt was the D.J., and he did a great job. The winners of the raffles were as follows: Deb Rafa, $2000; Gordon Vansickle, $300; Lucas Kumer, $200; and Tanya Niwa won the 50/50 of $750.
Warren Peers Parent Council is going to postpone the “Gift Card Survivor” as The Badgers have a similar fundraiser on the go. Stay tuned for more details in the new year.
Warren Peers Students Union is currently running a first aid kit fundraiser. Watch for students out and about in town with their order forms.
Yoga in The Valley with Jamie Ross started today and will run on
Thursday nights at the hall from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Acadia Valley Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 2nd annual Halloween B.B.Q. at the Firehall starting at 5:00 p.m. This year, they’re also collecting donations of gently used coats and boots for The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter.
The Acadia Valley Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its annual Steak & Lobster dinner and fundraiser on November 18th. Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased at the M.D. Office.
Here’s the deal: Golden 20’s Christmas Gala hosted by The Community Club is December 9th! D.J. Steve, with tables of fun, is the entertainment this year, and Kelly Skappak will be catering. Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased at Skappak’s Farm Supplies or by contacting Jena Skappak at 403-928-0021.
The Acadia Valley E.C.S. is planning on hosting its annual “Christmas in the Valley” on December 16th. Watch Facebook and The Oyen Echo for more details.
Thanks for reading this week. I will leave you with a quote from an unknown author: “My favourite colour is October.”
Rylan Caplette Cohen Jorgensen
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of Rita Paetz (Dick) who passed away on October 17, 2023, with loved ones by her side. She was 76 years old. Rita was born at the Oyen Hospital on April 12, 1947, to Peter and Catherine Dick - the fifth of seven children.
Rita Paetz
April 12, 1947- October 17, 2023
Rita was raised on a farm west of Oyen and attended school in Oyen. Rita had many stories of adventures with her brothers, including going to dances, and special memories of time spent with her sisters. Rita moved to Calgary to attend Nursing school, but city life wasn’t for her. She returned home to begin working at the Co-op grocery store, where she earned $125 a month. She was particularly proud when she saved up enough money to purchase her first car - a Volkswagen Beetle. Rita met Gordon, eldest son of John and Muriel Paetz, at a dance in Cereal. Their stories differ so we’re still not sure who winked at whom first! On June 10th, 1967, Rita and Gordon Paetz were married at Sacred Heart Church in Oyen, Alberta. They made their first home on the Paetz family farm at Big Stone, Alberta. While living there they welcomed their first three children: Corinne, Carolyn and Murray. In 1973 they moved to Oyen, where Kim was born. Then in 1975, they moved to a mixed farm near Tees, Alberta, where Rita helped Gordon raise Simmentals. Kathy was born while they lived at Tees. Rita loved to garden here since it was easy to grow anything you planted. In 1978 they sold the farm at Tees, bought a farm in Red Willow, and moved to Stettler. Their time in Stettler was short,
kets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement. After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
as they returned to Oyen in 1979. It was here their family was completed with the birth of three more sons: Jason, Craig and Steven. The family lived close to Rita’s mom and dad, and she enjoyed spending time with them and looking out for them in their elderly years. No matter how full her days were, Rita still had time to be a caregiver for her mother when she had health concerns in her later life.
Throughout the years, Rita took up ceramics, crocheting, curling, golfing, continued gardening and canning, and had a few part time jobs along the way. With eight children to feed, Rita was a prolific and talented cook and baker. She was always prepared for visitors. Everyone who came to the house was treated like family with a warm smile and something good to eat. Contrary to her mother-in-law’s advice about not learning too many farm tasks, Rita quickly became Gordon’s right hand, and ultimately filled the role of farmer, rancher, fencer, and trucker, as well as homemaker.
Councillors discussed the municipal assessor, with Macdonald stating she was very happy with Big Valley’s assessor. The CAO stated the village’s assessor knows the job very well and meets all the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley
While Rita could not be convinced to get on an airplane, she did love to travel. They put on many miles travelling to family events such as dance recitals, sporting events, church sacraments, graduations and weddings. Whether going on little drives out to check on the cows or crops, or off to the mountains to camp with the family, Gordon and Rita loved to travel together.
ries and laughing until you cry. The candy cupboard was always full and the grandkids knew exactly where to go and who to ask! Rita had a deep faith in God which she gently lived as an example to all, and she was happiest when surrounded by family.
Rita was beautiful, generous, kind, compassionate, meticulous, organized, humorous, selfless, faithful, nurturing and humble. Rita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Rita leaves to mourn: her loving husband Gordon of 56 years, her children: Corinne (Bob); Carolyn (Roger); Murray (Danielle); Kim (Garnet); Kathy (Trent); Jason (Wanda); Craig (Amanda); Steven (Jenny); 24 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brothers: Paul, Willy, Robert, and Gordie; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law and extended family members, as well as many wonderful friends.
Rita was predeceased by her parents Peter and Catherine Dick; mother- and father-in-law John and Muriel Paetz; sisters Rose Marie Rude and Jean Grover; grandson Jarett Martin; sisters-in-law Teresa Dick and Bonnie Dick.
Memorial Donations may be directed to Oyen Volunteer Fire Department Box 204 Oyen, AB, CA , T0J2J0 or to Sacred Heart Church P.O. BOX 629 - OYEN, AB T0J2J0
may be a bit too low. German added that it does seem that Big Valley has a lot of properties assessed at the minimum value, with the CAO pointing out there are 37 in total.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2023 operating budget.
Rita and Gordon’s home is the heart of the family. Family holidays and events see the driveway and street full to overflowing, and the house filled with love - playing games, telling sto-
Community newspapers are living history books, recording all facets of the lives of community residents, as well as providing news that is relevant to them.
A prayer vigil was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 @ 7 p.m, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen, AB. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday October 25, 2023 @ 11 a.m, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen, AB.
Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.
To leave messages of condolence, please visit ofsmacleans. com
WORSHIP
RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit investigating dumped cow carcasses
On Oct. 17, 2023, Turner Valley RCMP received a report of dumped cow carcasses in the area of McLean Creek. Inspection of the animals confirmed two cows, one red and one black, were dumped after being slaughtered. Photos show the livestock brands on the left shoulder of both cows were tampered with prior to the cows being improperly disposed of.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or the ownership of the cattle is asked to contact the RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit at 403-701-1462. 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.
When Chautauqua came to Cereal
BY JOAN JANZEN
An article printed in ‘Down Cereal’s Memory Trails’ describes the Chautauqua experience in Cereal, Alberta. Chautauqua came to western Canada from 1917-1935 with their headquarters in Calgary. The Fernie Museum records the travelling institution brought education, inspiration and entertainment to North America and was brought to Alberta in 1917.
A network of tent circuits travelled across Canada, bringing music, lectures, drama, magic, and puppet shows, which lasted from three to six days. At that time, it was the only opportunity for people to experience that type of entertainment and lectures.
The author of the above-mentioned article was Maude L. Dibble. She noted the Chautauqua was a three-day celebration for several years and was later extended to span an entire week.
“So much money had to be raised before it came,
Truck Works Inc.
and the district was canvassed for this,” she wrote. “It never came to less than two dollars a signer, besides the cost of the tickets; sometimes the deficit came as high as ten dollars.”
It was a significant price for that era that provided top-class entertainment and information. On one occasion, the Manitoba-born Arctic explorer Vilhjalmur Stefansson spoke in the Cereal Hall after prairie winds blew down the tent. The explorer had a vast collection of 1200 photos of his expeditions. There were also plays, trained birds and dogs, and an Australian violinist.
“We all attended, and some families from a distance either lived in a tent in town or stayed with relatives. For most of the children, it was their only chance to hear (and see) such things,” she wrote.
OYEN & DISTRICT CURLING CLUB
Curling Starts the 1st week in November Fun League runs every Tuesday Evening! Contact Kari 403-664-1001 to enter a team Cash League runs every Wednesday Evening & Skins Spiel - November 24-26/2024! Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter
& 16,
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
Ruth and Gordon Waterhouse won first in the Chautauqua Parade. PHOTO: DOWN CEREAL’S MEMORY TRAILS
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY RCMP
Classifieds
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SERVICES
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Members of the east central Alberta area are welcome to send us information of family members who served, so they can be recognized in this keepsake edition.
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Investing in Medicine Hat College
Facility upgrades at Medicine Hat College will create accessible, modernized spaces and improve the student experience.
Medicine Hat College serves 2,600 students in southeastern Alberta across two campuses in Medicine Hat and Brooks. The college offers more than 40 certificate, diploma, degree, trades and university studies programs.
To ensure students can access the skills and training they need to build successful careers while learning in a comfortable, safe and modern environment, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 million to upgrade the T-Wing on the second floor of the Medicine Hat campus.
“We know how important it is to put funding into local communities, and especially to ensure Albertans in rural communities have high-quality education opportunities close to home. Upgrading and modernizing this space will ensure all students have access to their entire campus.”
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
This funding supports planning, design and construction linking the second-floor areas with a new corridor. This, along with reconfiguring the classrooms affected by the construction, will modernize the space and make it accessible for all students.
“This funding demonstrates our government's commitment to ensuring access to quality education and skills training across the province, providing opportunities for students to fully participate in the workforce and bring the next level of prosperity and development to our region.”
Justin Wright, MLA for CypressMedicine Hat
“Medicine Hat College celebrates its role as a comprehensive community college focused on serving southeast Alberta. We are grateful for the province’s support as we create pathways to high-demand careers and support access to programs and spaces on our campuses.”
Kevin
Shuffleboth
am, president, Medicine Hat College
QUICK
FACTS
• Budget 2023 investments at Medicine Hat College:
- $2.1 million to create 96 new seats in the practical nurse program
- $1.2 million for second-floor con-struction, design and planning
- Total: $ 3.3 million
• Budget 2023 investments in southern Alberta (Medicine Hat College, Lethbridge College, University of Lethbridge):
- Targeted enrolment expansion: $3.9 million to create 169 new seats in high-demand programs
- Tech talent funding: $2.1 million to create 135 seats in high-demand technology programs
- Internationally educated nurses:
• $2.4 million to create 100 new seats in a collaborative bridging program for internationally educated nurses at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College
• $2.6 million to create 108 new seats in the practical nurse diploma program at Lethbridge College and Bow Valley College
- Apprenticeship funding: $2.7 million to support seats for apprentices
- Capital maintenance and renewal funding: $10.9 million to update campus facilities and improve student experiences
Total: $22.5 million
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ACADIA VALLEY
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15
• Acadia Valley Christmas Market 3:007:00 PM at the Hall. 25 vendors. Supper & goodies - Clay Cup Co.
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
7:30 PM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Cereal Turkey Supper and Christmas Market 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28
• 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 until November 4 at the Acadia Valley Event Centre. To register or for more info, contact Michelle Hutton at 403502-3050.
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
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 each (includes lunch). Call Doreen 403579-2460 or 403-740-9546.
CEREAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
• Cereal Athletic Association AGM 6:00-
• 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
CESSFORD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Ella Jane W.I. Christmas Craft Market 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Interested vendors contact Erika at erikalacelle55@gmail.com
- Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 PM Pickleball in Gym and Craft Night in Library Berry Creek Community School (except school holidays)
CRAIGMYLE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
• Pancake Breakfast 9:00 AM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
• Turkey Supper 4:00-6:30 PM at Craigmyle Historic Church
- Wednesdays - 9:30 AM Coffee at Craigmyle Historic Church
ENDIANG
- Mondays - 1:00 PM Endiang Floor Curling
HANNA
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
• 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.
• Hanna Farmers Market Christmas Market at JC Charyk School 4:00-8:00 PM (Fri-
day) and 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Saturday). Concession available. Visit Santa. For more info contact Melissa 403-854-1253.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Sunshine Club Christmas Tea at the Hanna Lodge 1:30 PM. Admission $5.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30
• TURKEY BINGO at Hanna Senior Circle 7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
• The Popoviches at the Hanna Seniors Lodge 7:00 PM. Entry fee is a donation.
Hanna Senior Circle
- Wednesdays 1:00 PM Cards (Spades)
- Thursdays 1:00 PM Cards (Five Hundred)
NEW BRIGDEN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24
• Winter Wonderland 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Book a table by calling / texting Lucille 403-6640172.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25
• 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 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
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9
• Jr. Curling Clinic 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Call Jackie 403-664-0157 for more information.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
• Remembrance Day Service Acadia #208 at the Oyen Legion Hall 10:30 AM Sharp. Potluck lunch to follow.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16
• Jr. Curling Clinic 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Call
Jackie 403-664-0157 for more information.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
• BCAS Winter Gymkhana Series at the Crossroads Centre. 12 noon start with all tiny mite events. 1:30 PM start with other
age groups. Concession open. Spectators welcome.
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 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24-26
• Skins Spiel. Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter a team.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
• Oyen Christmas Farmers’ Market 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Legion. Lunch provided by the Badgers Baseball Team. Variety of crafts and home-based businesses. FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 & 2
• Mark your calendar for the Night in Bethlehem production. Watch for more information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 7:00-9:00 PM in Council Chambers
- Oyen & District Curling Club Fun League runs Tuesday evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Kari 403-6641001 to enter a team.
- Oyen & District Curling Club Cash League runs Wednesday evenings and starts first week of November. Contact Brett 403-664-8868 to enter a team.
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
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27
• Harvest Fest Home Goods Contest at the Youngstown School Greenhouse from 2:00 - 5:00 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.