fully stocked beer gardens run by The Big Country Agricultural Society.
As people ate, cars and bikes began to arrive and line up on both sides of the street. About 10 o’clock, more bikes and cars, coming from a distance, rumbled into town. Donations for the silent auction held in the FCSS building flooded in. Visitors checked on the bidding frequently, upping their bid to be sure to take home that special item.
A flat deck nestled in front of Rocky Mountain Equipment provided a place for a music jam and karaoke with Gordon Stoddart on guitar, Linda Clark playing bass guitar and harmonizing with Jessica Bailey, lead singer. Pastor Brad Broadhead joined them with his trombone. Several brave young people joined Jessica with the karaoke machine. Everyone enjoyed the variety of music.
When bikers get together, no one is surprised when a burnout takes place. Stu Tilbert did not disappoint. When the smoke cleared, his back tire was nothing but shreds! Another fundraiser!
A few vendors set up along the sidewalk. Casey Lee, a member of the Breaking Ground Dance Studio, sold refreshments to assist with their trip to New York.
The Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce and Big Country Agricultural Society were especially passionate about bringing the Man Van to this year’s car/ hot rod/bike show to support prostate cancer awareness and men’s health in our community. Thirty-one men signed in. Men’s health often goes overlooked, and early detection is crucial for preventing serious conditions like prostate cancer. By offering this mobile clinic, they hoped to encourage men in our community to take proactive steps in monitoring their health. This initiative not only honours Dylan’s legacy of giving back, but also ensures that we continue to support one another in the fight against diseases that affect so many families. Together, we can make a difference.
When all the proceeds were tallied, the goal of $15,000 was surpassed, hitting a total of $16,692.88. Part of Dylan’s Legacy will live on through a scholarship invested with the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta. Dylan’s parents, Kevin and Cindy, are working on the scholarship details with CFSEA.
This fundraiser was not a competition; it was a collaboration. Show entries came from near and far. Many volunteers helped set up Friday night, worked shifts throughout Saturday and helped with cleaning up Sunday. Businesses and individuals graciously donated amazing items for the silent auction. The community achieved GOLD!
The vehicles lined up on the west side!
Val Bakowy and her dog were passengers in Tony Bakowy’s Polaris Spyder. PHOTOS BY TRACY HUDSON, REMEMBER WHEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Don Ecklund, Oyen.
Mark Strutt, Oyen (Peter Dahl, Sedalia checking it out).
Stu Tilbert doing the burnout.
Dean Volk, Oyen.
Musical Entertainment: from left Gordon Stoddart, Pastor Brad Broadhead, Jessica Bailey, Linda Clark. A few of the silent auction items. PHOTO BY DIANA WALKER
The bikers lined up on the east side of Main Street.
The BCAS Beer Gardens attracted people all afternoon and evening.
That motorcycle is loud!
Tony Bakoway’s Polaris Spyder.
Bikers pull of of town to go on their rally.
Casey Lee at her refreshment stand.
Bikers and hot rods raise money through Ride For Dylan
BY CHERYL BALL
Although the bikers and hot rodders displayed their vehicles at the car show, they took a break and hit the highway for a rally, raising money from among their midst to add to the BCAS fundraiser. Before the rally, they rolled dice for a number to build their poker hand.
At noon, EMS Fabienne O’Brien and Shaylyn Lee led 78 bikes and 25 hot rods out of Oyen to Ride For Dylan. They headed north on Highway 41 to Consort, where participants stopped at the Consort Hotel for a quick bite and refreshments.
After rolling the dice for their second number in their poker hand, they headed west to Hemaruka for a third roll of the dice, a beverage and sausage in a bun. Everyone enjoyed laughs and photos.
After a quick burnout, they departed south on Highway 9 to make a pit stop and roll the dice at Cereal Hotel. While munching on more snacks and enjoying a beverage, riders discussed poker hands and then headed back to Oyen for the final roll of the dice.
Declared poker hand winner, Roger Bedwell donated his half of the winning to the bikers’ rally. All funds raised during the rally were added to the Big Country Agricultural Society’s funds raised.
Rally organizers Dave Cordick and Cheryl Ball were grateful to the Goodine family for allowing the bikers to help raise money for the scholarship. They also appreciated each and every entry, some coming from a great distance.
Public Sale of Land (Municipal Government Act) Village of Empress
Notice is hereby given that, under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Village of Empress will offer for sale, by public auction, at the Municipal Office, # 6 3rd Avenue West, Empress, Alberta, on October 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm., the following property:
1. Any parcel of land offered for sale may be redeemed by payment of all arrears, penalties and costs by guaranteed funds at any time until the property is declared sold
2. Each parcel of land offered for sale will be subject to a reserve bid and title will be subject to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title.
3. The lands are being offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis, and the municipality makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever as to the state of the parcel nor its suitability for any intended use by the successful bidder
4. The auctioneer, councillors, the chief administrative officer and the designated officers and employees of the municipality must not bid or buy any parcel of land offered for sale, unless directed by the municipality to do so on behalf of the municipality
5. The purchaser of the property will be responsible for property taxes and utilities for the current year. There will be no adjustment to the date of sale.
6. The purchaser will be required to execute a sale agreement in form and substance provided by the municipality.
7. The successful purchaser must, at the time of sale, make payment in cash, certified cheque or bank draft payable to the municipality as follows:
a. The full purchase price if it is $10,000 or less; OR
b. If the purchase price is greater than $10,000, the purchaser must provide a non-refundable deposit in the amount of $10,000 and the balance of the purchase price must be paid within 20 days of the sale.
(if the certified cheque or bank draft exceeds the final purchase price, the excess will be refunded within a reasonable time)
8. GST will be collected on all properties subject to GST
9. The risk of the property lies with the purchaser immediately following the auction.
10. The purchaser is responsible for obtaining vacant possession.
11. The purchaser will be responsible for registration of the transfer including registration fees.
12. If no offer is received on a property or if the reserve bid is not met, the property cannot be sold at the public auction.
13. The municipality may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land that is not sold at the public auction.
14. Once the property is declared sold at public auction, the previous owner has
further right to pay the tax arrears.
this 12th day of September, 2024
The custodians at Oyen Public School are Carlos Ferreras and JR Mendoza.
Oyen Public School Staff! Back row: (Standing) Jill Brown (Grade 5), Vicki Robertson (Grades1/2), Karen-Ann Thornton (Administrative Assistant), Deanne Smigelski (Principal & Grade 3), Brooke Geschwendt (Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten), Kiara Laughlin (Educational Assistant), Juliette Noerenberg (JK & Educational Assistant), Carla Stammers (Breakfast program & Educational Assistant), Amanda Evens (Educational Assistant). Front Row: Nicky Beynon (Grade 4 & Learning Support Teacher), Fred Beynon (Librarian), Kayl Davies (Grade 6)
No longer ‘A horse with no name’
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. It was nice to see some rain to perk everything up for fall; everything was getting dry and dusty. Even though some farmers haven’t finished their harvest, moisture is much needed for next year.
Monday morning started with exercises followed by crib games. In the afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning was our regular bus run downtown, then some outdoor walks. In the afternoon, the residents enjoyed some socializing and popsicles at coffee time. Later in the afternoon
SENIORS REPORT
was piano music by Taylor Neilson.
Wednesday was Church with Bill Kolkman. In the morning, there were exercises, and in the afternoon were shuffleboard games. Beltone Hearing was at the Lodge Wednesday from 1-3:00.
Beltone Red Deer will no longer travel to areas outside Red Deer. Beltone will continue to service its patients from its Red Deer office. The phone number is 1-403347-4703 or toll-free 1-800-661-4703.
ATB Financial Bank was at the Lodge Thursday morning for residents who needed banking services. Thursday morning was crib games. In the afternoon, sequence games and phase ten
card games were played—happy Birthday to Irene Hittel on September 12th.
Friday morning was exercise followed by horse races. We have all six of our horses named now: Poncho, Mariah, Whitesocks, Willie, Silver, and Topsy. Topsy was the big winner this week. The residents have a lot of fun; it’s just like they are at the racetrack.
Friday afternoon was bingo. The fun part about bingo is if they bingo on the number I 29, they get a door prize. This week, Nina Dziatkewich finally won. Friday evening, there was music by The Jorgensons.
Have a great week, everyone.
Oyen and District Seniors September meeting
BY BETH SYMES
On September 4, seventeen people gathered for a delicious potluck supper before their first meeting since the end of May. Fifteen people then attended the meeting, which was chaired by president Lynda Grudecki. Before we began business discussions, a draw was made from the 50/50 tickets purchased before the meeting. Manfred Schroeder won $29.
The usual business of approving minutes from the May 29th meeting and the financial statements from the summer preceded discussion of Old and New Business items. The first reports and discussion revolved around the completion of the financials for the year, the final purchases from the media grant, and the progress of beautification work done over the summer as a result of the New Horizons Grant. The final monies from the media grant were used to purchase Blue Tooth speakers and a park bench. To date, a large portion of the New Horizons Grant has been spent on landscaping services around the Oyen District and Seniors Recreation
accordance with Section 421 of the
Notice is hereby given that under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, Alberta Municipal Affairs will offer for sale, by public auction in the Special Areas Office, 319 Main Street, Oyen, Alberta on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., the following lands:
Centre by Oyen Concrete. Some solar lights have also been purchased. The remaining money will be spent on further landscaping outside the building and some interior lighting. Shirley Foot will also see that the word Welcome is printed on the Back of the Sign that says Private Function so that it will be clear that the hall is open for spontaneous use by members who want to play pool, etc.
After discussions about continuing memorial plaques for former members, it was decided to begin a memorial book that would serve the same purpose. Jessie Battrum mentioned the need for volunteers at Extended Care to help with activities such as Bingo and other games. She asked members to consider this.
Much of the remaining time of the meeting was spent discussing various upcoming activities for members and their guests in the hall. Cheryl Getz plans on having a time for crafting and socializing in October. The date and time have not yet been set. For more information, call Cheryl at 403 664 8688. Floor Curling will begin on Wednesday, October 16, at 1:00 PM and continue on Wednesdays throughout the year until the end of April. Floor curling is organized through a drop-in system, with new rinks being drawn up each Wednesday from the members who are present. Two games are played each Wednesday afternoon. Further information can be obtained by calling Beth Symes at 403-664-2462 or Heather White at 403-664-3854.
The first Fun Night after the summer break will be held on September 27 at 7:00 PM. It is an evening of playing games and socializing for members and their guests. Everyone is invited to BYOB and snacks. For further information, please call Lynda Grudecki at 403-664-0908 or Beth Symes at 403-664-2462.
Membership Fees will remain at $20 per year and are due now. A discussion was held about possible means of attracting new members, which the current membership would greatly welcome. We thus extend a warm welcome to all Seniors (anyone who is 50 years of age in a calendar year or older) in Oyen and District to come to our October Pot Luck meeting on October 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM at the Seniors Hall. We invite you to join us and add your ideas about activities you would enjoy during the fall and winter seasons that we can do in our recreation centre.
Each parcel will be offered for sale, subject to the approval of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and subject to a reserve bid and to the reservations and conditions contained in the existing certificate of title.
Reserving thereout all mines and minerals.
Terms and conditions of sale will be announced at the sale, or may be obtained from Special Area No. 3 District Office in Oyen, AB.
The Special Areas Board may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land that is not sold at the public auction.
Redemption may be affected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale.
Dated at Hanna, Alberta, September 15, 2024
Jordon Christianson, Chair Special Areas Board
Shirley Maxine Squire (Rosenau) was born November 3rd, 1935, at their family’s homestead, southwest of Chinook. She passed away August 24th, 2024, at the age of 88, in Brooks, AB.
Shirley Maxine Rosenau (nee Squire) 1935 - 2024
Shirley was born as the fifth child to Samuel and Mabel Squire. Their family moved around between a few farm sites: Collholme, Rearville and Ranier. Shirley mainly attended the country school at Collholme until 9th grade. In 1950 Shirley moved to Chinook and completed grade 11 there. When the family moved back to the farm, Shirley moved to Youngstown, where she worked at Mars’ store. While working at the store, she met her match, Edward.
Shirley and Edward married in Drumheller on May 10th, 1958 and moved to Calgary for three months before returning to Chinook to farm. They started their farming legacy with a borrowed truck and one sow pig. You couldn’t find two more determined, relentless or hardworking people. They were married 66 years.
Over the next ten years, they welcomed three children, Cherylee Ann, Edward Carl Jr. and Michele Lynn.
Shirley loved to garden and grow flowers and was a steward of land and animals. She persevered through, struggled with weather and grasshoppers, but always had something to show for her efforts. There was always a job to do, and with three extra sets of hands, the farm grew with their family.
Shirley raised the bottle calves, baby chicks, kittens, and anything else needing a little extra love and attention.
Life was busy, and in addition to all of the farming, Shirley had a meal to go with every occasion. Pies, homemade bread and buns, cookies and cakes. Everything was made from scratch, with milk from the cow and eggs from chickens. In her spare time, she could sew up a wedding gown, new suit or anything else on her trusty Singer machine. Her embroidery and crochet, quilting and crafts decorated their home.
Grandchildren started arriving in 1984. Six of them: Eric, Vicki, Kyle, Ganya, Jessica and Hayley. And eventually, Shirley became a great grandmother to Rebecca, Zach, Jonah and Lydia.
Shirley was so much more than a daughter, wife, mum, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a smart, spirited woman who cared deeply about her family, friends and her values. She had a strong sense of faith and community. The after social socials were always at Rosenau’s, for cards and coffee and a midnight lunch. It’s hard to sum up a life of 88 years into a single article, this barely scratches the surface of what we could share about her.
Shirley leaves to mourn her husband, Edward, her children and siblings, grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private graveside service was held at the Chinook Cemetery on August 31, 2024.
If desired, memorial donations in Shirley’s name can be made directly to the Solar Lutheran Church (Cereal), Box 282, Youngstown, AB, T0J 3P0.
Hanna Funeral Services has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www. hannafuneral.ca.
New Brigden School Staff (Left to Right) Jacalyn Poncelet (Principal and teacher Gr. 4/5/6), Lorrie Tye (Admin. Ass./EA), Sandra Sawatsky (Grade K-3), Lauren Fuchs (EA/Custodian) Missing: Lucille Hertz, Custodian.
SUBMITTED
Special Areas Fire Services assist with fire reduction efforts at CFB Suffield
Special Areas Fire Services and local fire departments were on hand earlier this month to assist CFB Suffield Fire Services with fire reduction efforts in the base. This fire reduction program at CFB Suffield was identified as a key measure to help reduce fire hazards on the base and prevent large-scale grassfires.
CFB Suffield Fire Services plans to complete prescribed burns throughout the fall and winter to reduce the potential fire load in the base. Local fire departments, as well as Special Areas Regional Fire Services, have been invited to attend prescribed burns and participate in suppressing fire lines from the roads. The prescribed burn program is intended to reduce the possibility of fires leaving the base and entering surrounding areas.
“Mitigating fire hazards by reducing potential fire load is one of the most important things any of us can do to prevent grassfires. We appreciate the chance to work with CFB Suffield Fire Services, Cypress County Fire, and local fire departments to help reduce fire hazards along the northern boundary of the base.
This program is an important part of reducing fire hazards, and it gives firefighters a chance to work with other fire departments across the region. I want to thank CFB Suffield for their efforts in getting this program up and running and for the positive working relationships we continue to enjoy with their fire services group,” said Rob Palmer, Special Areas Fire Chief.
The first of the prescribed burns took place in the first week of September; prescribed burns will only proceed if conditions allow and specific GO/NO-GO parameters are met. As part of the prescribed burn
CEREAL
- Monday Night BINGO. Every Monday except holiday Mondays. Doors open at 6:30 and Bingo begins at 7:30 PM. (April to end of November).
- Tuesdays - Cereal Cottages Weekly Coffee Time 10:30 AM
- Wednesdays - Cereal Quilting Club 10 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre
EMPRESS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
• Empress & District Historical Society Whistle Stop Supper. Presenting Sleepless Nights (Classic Country & Rock). Empress Train Station. Bar Opens: 5:30 PM. Supper: 6:30 PM. Tickets $50. Only 60 tickets available. Cathy Cocks 306628-7042 or Rachel Booker 403-6645164.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
• Empress Friendship Centre “Friendship Supper 5:30-6:30 PM.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
protocols, local fire departments and Special Areas Fire Services will be notified before a prescribed burn occurs. This will help make sure local fire departments are aware of any prescribed burns, reducing false alarms. Prescribed fires are the knowledgeable and controlled applications of fires in a specific area to remove fine fuels in open areas. Prescribed fires help reduce the size and intensity of future wildfires by reducing fuel loads and fire hazards.
Learn more about Special Areas Fire Services by visiting https://specialareas.ab.ca/services/fire-emergency-services/.
BY LAURA LUKYE
Back to school is a hectic time of year. School zones are busy with vehicles, students heading to school and school buses. We want everyone to prioritize safety over convenience and this means being a role model for our kids.
Parents, you are your kids first educators and can influence their attitudes and behaviours at an early age. Children look up to you and mimic your actions. It is important you think about your own actions towards safety.
Here are some behaviours to think about when with your children:
1. Use a designated crosswalk. Avoid crossing the street between vehicles.
OYEN
for moving vehicles coming out of a driveway.
3. Take your time when crossing. Remember to point, pause and proceed: stop at the curb, look left, right and left again, and to listen for oncoming traffic. Explain the importance of making eye contact with drivers.
4.Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk distracted on your phone or have headphones in both ears.
5.Stay out of designated bus pick up and drop off lanes.
6.Do not run across the street against a light, even if you think it is safe.
7.Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to get to school, you don’t want to rush and make costly mistakes.
2. Be aware when walking on the sidewalk and explain the importance of always checking
Laura Lukye is a Health Promotion Facilitator with Alberta Health Services. VIVA
at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth 404 664 2462 for more information.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4-5
• Prairieland Pheasant Festival. Call 403-664-0878 or 403-664-8204 to enter a team.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
• Ranch Rodeo at the BCAS Crossroads Centre
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
• Fun Night for Members and their invited guests at Oyen and District Seniors’s Recreation Centre 7:00 PM-Midnight. Games and Socializing. BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403 664 0908 or Beth 403 664 2462 for more information.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting
• 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.
• Ref Clinic at the Oyen Arena. Register online at Hockey Alberta. Must be 12 years of age or older as of December 31, 2024. Contact Wonona 306-4604489 for more information.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
• Floor Curling begins for the fall and winter season at the Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre at 1:00 PM. Floor Curling continues through the season each Wednesday with new rinks being drawn up each Wednesday. If you want more information, call either Beth 403 664 2462 or Heather 403 664 3854.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
• SCHS presents The Princess Ball 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM South Central High School. All tickets are presale. Limited spots available. $60 per child (ages 3-9) $15 per adult (lunch). Tickets to be purchased at SCHS.
- 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
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 403-4330012 for tickets.
