Columbian teen is enjoying his visit to Kindersley
By Joan Janzen
Fi een-year-old Alex Gonzalez was offered the opportunity of a lifetime at the beginning of 2024, which he gladly accepted. Alex lives in Barranquilla, Columbia, in South America, while his older sister Esmeralda Mazzei resides in Kindersley, along with her husband Cory and two young sons. Esmeralda said she had always wanted her brother to visit Canada, so when it became possible, she approached his teachers to see what they thought. “ is was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he had to take it,” she said. “ at’s why he’s here.”
teacher and no assistants. English is compulsory, and Alex understands the language quite well but is still learning how to speak it.
“At school, I have a ready-made schedule,” he explained, with his courses determined for him. He is also required to do sixty hours of volunteer work throughout the year.
All students in Columbia wear uniforms to school and enjoy free meals at the school cafeteria at all public schools. e school year begins at the end of January and is completed at the end of November. Students get the month of December o , but there’s sta at the school if they need to catch up on subjects.
Since Alex is one of the top students in his class, his teachers were con dent he could catch up when he returns to school in midApril. He will graduate from Grade 11 this year, which is the end of high school in Columbia. He was allowed to skip a grade along the way, which enabled him to graduate at age 16. A er graduation, Alex plans to go to university to become a mechanical engineer.
Living in a city of more than a million people with a continuous hot climate close to an ocean is a lot di erent than living in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. Alex described Saskatchewan as the opposite of where he came from.
Like most teens, Alex is looking forward to getting his learner’s licence when he turns 16, but won’t obtain his o cial driver’s licence until he’s 18.
“Here, you call three cars in front of you tra c. We have hundreds of cars around us in Columbia,” Alex said. “ at’s everyday driving in Columbia if you can survive it. If you can drive in Columbia, you can drive everywhere!”
e houses are much di erent in Columbia. “ e houses are connected and made of concrete,” he said. “We have bars on all the windows and doors,” Esmeralda said when she came to Canada, she didn’t want to sleep in a house that didn’t have bars on the windows because she didn’t feel safe.
He wanted to experience a Canadian winter and is enjoying it. Of course, this winter has been much milder than usual, and his sister reminded him, “When I came to Canada, it was -38 degrees!” Even though he’s accustomed to temperatures of 30 to 32 degrees with lows of 26, he said he likes our weather.
“We bought him skates to see how he likes it,” Esmeralda said. “And he’s skating perfect, like he’s always done it.” And on weekends, they are taking him to see more of Canada. He’s been to Ban and Johnson’s Canyon, and they’re planning to show him Drumheller, Calgary, West Edmonton Mall, and hopefully travel to B.C. In the meantime, he’s spending time with the family and helping his sister with her home-based business.
Alex and his sister admitted there’s a lot of crime in Columbia, but you’re more likely to see it if you’re in a dangerous area. In those areas, you could have a phone or purse stolen. ere’s no shortage of fast food in their city. “We fry everything!” Esmeralda said. “On every corner of the city you nd a fast food place. You will never go hungry there.”
However while in Canada, Alex said the food is delicious! His favourite foods are shepherd’s pie and chicken pot pie. And he’s really enjoying drinking Dr. Pepper, something that can’t be found in Columbia.
e teen says the people here are really kind and then laughed and said, “People here say sorry to me all the time, even when it’s not their fault.” It’s only in Canada phenomenon, but it’s just one of many di erences he’s been observing.
Alex asked his sister why his nephews have so many teachers. Columbia classrooms have between 30 and 40 students with one
It seems Dr. Pepper is just one of many things that has whet Alex’s appetite for Canada, so much so that he would like to move to our country a er he completes his university education. He wants to live in a safer place where there are more opportunities available.
I hope you enjoy the remainder of your visit to Canada, Alex. And if I happen to bump into you on the street, I’ll be sure to say, “I’m sorry.”
Celebrity Extra
Q:I remember when singer Usher used to be on the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Has he done any acting since? — S.L. A:Born
Usher Raymond IV, superstar Usher was born in Dallas and sang in the church choir that was directed by his mother. The family later moved to Atlanta and then Los Angeles, where Usher released his first album in 1994 at the age of 16 and also hit it big with his second album, “My Way,” in 1997. He flexed his talents even more by branching out into acting — first in the sitcom “The Parent ’Hood” on The WB network, then in recurring roles on “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Moesha.”
More recently, he’s just played himself in several TV shows like “Dave” and The Lonely Island movie “Popstar.” However, being selected to headline the Super Bowl halftime show is a high honor for any recording artist, so I doubt he has any regrets about not having a hit acting career. He also just released his ninth album, “Coming Home,” so perhaps he’ll be adding his ninth Grammy to his mantle during the next award season.
Q:When is “Young Sheldon” coming back with new episodes? Is it true that this will be the final season? — A.M.
er, Georgie (Montana Jordan), and his fiancee, Mandy (Emily Osment). It will debut as early as the 2024-25 television season. Hopefully, Iain Armitage will pop in occasionally as Sheldon.
Q:Is it true that Jon Bon Jovi lost his voice? Will he still be able to sing? — I.S.
A:Singer
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre
A:By the time you’re reading this, you might have noticed that “Young Sheldon” returned to CBS with all new episodes on Feb. 15. Delayed by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, the seventh and final season will only consist of 14 episodes, with its hour-long series finale airing on May 16. It was inevitable that the show would end, since the title character was getting closer to the age of his future self in “The Big Bang Theory,” the hit sitcom that preceded “Young Sheldon.”
However, there is a bit of good news on the horizon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS is “reteaming with exec producers Chuck Lorre, Steve Holland and Steve Molaro to develop a spinoff of their prequel series ‘Young Sheldon.’” Although nothing official has been announced, word is that the new show will focus on Sheldon’s broth-
Jon Bon Jovi is recovering from surgery to mend a vocal cord injury, but his career is far from over. According to Entertainment Weekly, the lead singer of the popular rock band Bon Jovi had undergone surgery 19 months ago with a specialist in Philadelphia who used a plastic implant to fix an atrophied vocal cord.
While promoting “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” an upcoming docuseries on Hulu about him and his bandmates, Bon Jovi said that their new record has been completed and that he recently performed live for the first time since his surgery. He’s also about to become Millie Bobby Brown’s (“Stranger Things”) father-in-law, as his son, Jake, proposed to the actress last year.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com, or write me at KFWS, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
Musician Usher
Submit your event to: kate@yourwestcentral.com or text 306-463-2211
BURSTALL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
• Town of Burstall Community Supper & Charity Auction. Proceeds going towards ongoing maintenance and operating costs of the Burstall & District Community Complex, Swimming Pool, Arena, Curling Rink and Golf Course. Auctioneer: Donnie Peacock.
ESTON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
• Eston Museum invites everyone to the Heritage Coffee Break at the Eston Heritage Manor 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Come for coffee and pie and enjoy a visit with friends.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - SUNDAY, MARCH 17
• Eston Curling Club Open Bonspiel at the Eston AGT Community Centre Curling Rink. $120/team. Contact Sandy Sutherland to register 306-962-7572.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
• Celebrity Sports Dinner & Auction at the Eston AGT Community Centre Curling Rink. In support of the Eston & District Recreation Committee Fairgrounds Project and Eston Lions Swimming Pool. Contact the Town Office for tickets 306-962-4444.
- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the AceDraws every Wednesday at the Centre. Ticket sales 4-7 PM. Draw at 7:30 PM. See our Facebook page for details. Lic#LR23-0068.
- Wheatland Centre Potluck Supper fourth Friday of each month 6:00 PM. $5.00. Bring your own utensils. Coffee & tea provided. Wheatland Centre Bingo - 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM. Regular Bingo plus Bonanza, 50/50 Draw. Must be 14 years of age. Call 306-962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.
- Youth Curling Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-962-4460.
- Youth Bowling Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-962-4460.
- Adult Bowling Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-962-4460.
- Mens Curling Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-962-4460.
- Mixed Curling Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-962-4460.
KINDERSLEY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
• Kindersley Screen Arts presents “What Happens Later” 4:00 PM at the Sunset Theatre. $10 at the door.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
• Sask Hockey Provincial North Semi Final Game 1. Kindersley Senior Klippers vs Kenton 7:30 PM Co-op Arena. 50/50 Guaranteed at $1500.
FRIDAY, MARCH 1 & SATURDAY, MARCH 2
• Kindersley Curling Club “Chicken and Wine Bonspiel.” Entry Fee: $200/team. To register, contact Richard at 306-460-6258 or sign up at the curling rink. Entry deadline February 23. Lunch and supper included on Saturday. Additional supper tickets available for $20.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - SUNDAY, MARCH 17
• Kindersley Curling Club Men’s Bonspiel” Entry Fee: $280/team. To register contact Richard at 306-460-6258. Saturday Night Steak Supper. Cash Prizes.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
• Kindersley Air Cadets Fundraiser 1:00-4:00 PM at Clearview Community Church. You’re invited to enjoy a bowl of Homemade Soup and Buns with Refreshments and Desserts. Allergy friendly, gluten free and vegan options available. Adults: $7.50, Children (12 & under): $5.00; Refreshment and Dessert Only: $2.50. Cash Only. Bouncy Castle on site!
FRIDAY, MARCH 22
• Kindersley Arts Council presents Andrea Superstein at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre 7:30 PM.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
• Kindersley Screen Arts presents “Priscilla” 4:00 PM at the Sunset Theatre. $10 at the door.
• Kindersley Wildlife Federation Annual Banquet at the Kindersley Elks Hall. $60 adult; $30 children. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Contact Brooke Kachmarski 306-460-5935 to get your tickets.
- FREE! Drop-In Soccer (Ages 15-99) Westberry School Gym every Thursday at 8:00 PM; Elizabeth School Gym every Friday at 7:00 PM. All welcome. Contact Kevin for more info: 306-430-4103 or email: kindersleysoccerboard@gmail.com
- Youth Curling hosted by the Kindersley Curl-
ing Club (Grades 4-12 welcome). Wednesdays at 5:30 PM on a weekly basis until March. No fee! More info contact Lexie at 306-831-5330.
- Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month 2:00 PM at the Kindersley Hospital. Everyone is welcome! For more info call Nancy at 306463-4514.
- Monday Night Jam Sessions at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 to set-up, then the fun begins at 7-11 PM. Call Keith 306-460-8633.
- Interested in a support group for weight management? TOPS meetings; every Monday at 6:00 PM in the Kindersley Senior Centre OR contact Jill at 306-463-4210.
- PickleBall every Sunday & Wednesday 7:009:00 PM at Elizabeth School $50 per season or $5 drop in. More info call 306-460-8356.
- Prairie Crocus Quilt Guild meet the second Tuesday of the month (September to May) at the Pensioners Hall (3rd Ave. E., Kindersley) at 7:00 PM. For more info contact Donna at 306-463-4785.
LEADER
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
• Leader & District Chamber of Commerce AGM Doors open: 6:30 PM. Meeting starts at 7:00 PM at the Leader Friendship Center. Speaker: Corwin Boechler - Chamber Insurance. Everyone welcome.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
• Leader & District Arts Council presents Piano Heist 7:30 PM at the Leader Community Centre.
- Mondays are Family Fun Night (open to all ages) at the Leader Library 6:30-7:30 PM.
- Tuesdays & Thursday Stretch Exercises 10:00 AM at the Leader Friendship Centre.
- Wednesdays Toddler Time (ages 1.5 to 3) at the Leader Library 10:30-11:00 AM.
- Thursdays Baby & Me at the Leader Library 10:30-1:00 AM 0-2 years old (older siblings welcome)
- Adult Volleyball every Tuesday 7:30 PM at LCS Gymnasium (student parking lot door). Participants must be Grade 10 or older. Call Shelley 306-628-7643 for more information.
MAJOR
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
• Major Rec Board Steak Shoot.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
• King & Young concert at the Major Hall. Fundraiser for Kindersley Crisis Centre. Tickets $40 available at Bicks Drugstore, Kerrobert, Major Credit Union or at the door. Cash Bar, Door Prizes, Silent Auction. Contact Fiarra to book a designated driver 306-602-0472.
Stir Up Some Chicken and Dumplings
It’s chicken-and-dumplings night at our house. This old-fashioned dish hits just right when it’s damp and chilly outside. While this recipe tastes like it’s been cooking all day, you can actually prepare it with your kids once they get home from school.
And when the yummy dumplings puff up over the thick chicken stew, they’ll know it’s the signal to gather the family ’round for conversation and a satisfying, hearty meal.
CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS
Serves 6-8
Chicken:
— 1 chicken (3 1/2 pounds), cut up into 6-8 pieces
— Salt and pepper
— 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
— 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
— 1/3 cup flour
— 6 cups chicken broth
— 2 ribs celery, chopped
— 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
— 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
— 1 teaspoon thyme
— Chopped parsley, for garnish
Dumplings:
— 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
— 1 teaspoon baking powder
— 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
— 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken pieces until golden, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a large pot or Dutch oven.
Over medium to high heat, saute the onion in the skillet drippings until
softened, about 5 minutes. Add additional butter if necessary. Stir in flour and continue to stir constantly, until slightly browned, about 1 minute.
Slowly add 1 cup of the chicken broth, stirring constantly and letting the mixture bubble between additions to make a gravy. Transfer to the pot of chicken. Add remaining broth, celery, carrots, mushrooms and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the dough for the dumplings. Let your child measure and, using a fork, mix the dry dumpling ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add milk and stir just until the mixture is moistened.
An adult should gently stir the stew mixture once, then drop the dough in spoonfuls on the simmering liquid. I like small dumplings, about 2 tablespoons each (which yields 18). Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes undisturbed, until dumplings are puffed and dry in the middle.
To serve, arrange chicken, vegetables and dumplings in wide, shallow bowls. Ladle gravy over each serving. Let your child sprinkle parsley on top as a fresh garnish.
Cook’s Note: If you prefer to serve boneless chicken, remove the chicken pieces from the cooking pot before dropping the dough in. Take the chicken off the bones, shred and return the meat to the pot.
***
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
© 2024 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.
Apex Distribution Inc. 306-356-2116
Belitski Contracting Ltd. www.belitskicontracting.ca
Big Sky Steel Fabricators (2002) Ltd. bigskysteel@sasktel.net
Big Valley Sales www.bigvalleysales.ca
Bow-Way Electric www.bow-way.ca
Brock Oil Ltd. (Red Sky Resources) 306-460-7102
Bumper to Bumper 306-463-6232
Canalta Kindersley 306-463-1570
Carl’s Mobile Welding 306-372-4420
Dennis’ Welding Ltd. www.denniswelding.ca
Family Oilfi eld Services Ltd. familyoilfield@sasktel.net
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Merrington Safety 306-463-3468
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Sim-Con Oilfi eld Equipment Ltd. 306-463-4938
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Brian Crossman:
close brush with possible rolling blackouts stiffens Moe’s resolve to keep the lights on
I’m trying, I really am. But they make it so hard sometimes…
BY BRIAN ZINCHUK brian.zinchuk@pipelineonline.ca
e past weekend proved to be a closerun thing for the Alberta electrical grid, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is making statements resolving he won’t allow that to happen here.
Not only was Saskatchewan setting electrical consumption records during the cold snap of last week of December, we also set two consecutive natural gas consumption records, too.
Speci cally, a er having nearly completely divested itself of coal- red power production, Alberta’s dramatic buildout of wind and solar proved impossible to keep the lights on in that province when the chips were down and temperatures hit -35 C, or worse.
According to SaskEnergy in a Dec. 31 release, “Extreme cold weather across Saskatchewan this week resulted in record-breaking natural gas demand in the province. On December 28 and 29, natural gas consumption surpassed the previous daily record of 1.57 petajoules (PJ) which was set in February 2021.
“A new daily record of 1.62 PJ was set on December 28 and broken again on December 29 with total system delivery of 1.64 PJ. Delivery numbers for December 30 and 31 are not yet finalized, but are also expected to exceed 1.6 PJ.”
I am. I’m really, really trying. I had a bit of a rough year health-wise, which of course leads to over-thinking your place in the world. So, I thought I would try to be a better person. You know, be nice to strangers, try harder at all the important things, do better at being charitable. But the biggest change I wanted to make was to quit complaining about, berating and outright insulting our political leaders. I am hoping to nd kinder, gentler ways of pointing out how said leaders can do better with our tax dollars, not only in the spending of them, but ensuring that we use the opportunities Canada to increase revenue. So:
“In Saskatchewan, we will not attempt the impossible when it comes to power production in our province,” Moe said in a post on X and other social media the evening of Monday, Jan. 15.
“We will not risk plunging our homes, schools, hospitals, special care homes and our businesses into the cold and darkness because of the ideological whims of others.
The natural gas records coincided with record power consumption. On Dec. 29, SaskPower set another record in power consumption for Saskatchewan. At 5:27 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2021, Saskatchewan homes and businesses reached 3,868 megawatts (MW) in power use, according to the Crown corporation. The previous record of 3,792 MW was reached four years ago to the day, on Dec. 29, 2017.
When Trudeau goes to Jamaica for Christmas, accepts free luxury accommodations, I TRY to refrain from calling him bad names.
“To support the ongoing power demands across western Canada, Boundary Dam 4 has been restarted to ensure families can continue to keep the heat on. Net zero by 2035 is not only impossible, it’s irresponsible as it would leave Saskatchewan and Western Canadian families freezing and in the dark.”
When the RCMP arrests a journalist for daring to question Chrystia Freeland, I TRY not disparaging the questionable use and tactics of our national police force.
Saskatchewan’s power production has increasingly shifted from coal to natural gas as a fuel source. In December, Boundary Dam Unit 4, a coal-fired generating unit, was retired, reducing the Boundary Dam Power Station to 672 megawatts capacity. On the natural gas side, Saskatchewan has seen the construction of several new natural gas-fired power plants. They include the baseload North Battleford Power Station (289 megawatts), Yellowhead Power Station peaking plant (also at North Battleford, 135 megawatts), the baseload Chinook Power Station at Swift Current (353 megawatts) and peaking plant Spy Hill Power Station (89 megawatts). Another 353 megawatt baseload
When Stephen Guilbeault tells Canadians that we MUST use nothing but EVs by 2035, I TRY to see his side of the issue.
It was in response to the extraordinary events that occurred in Alberta over the weekend, in which Saskatchewan played a key part. And it was also a tacit acknowledgement that as much as SaskPower’s been trying to wean itself o coal, it just can’t do it yet. We still need it to keep the lights on.
When we are told that in parts of the country, we are to rely on unproven renewables to keep us warm in the normal winter cold snaps we “enjoy”, I TRY to understand the greater good of
e Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) declared four “grid alerts,” over four days in a row, starting the a ernoon of Friday, Jan. 12. Desperately cold temperatures drove up demand for power, just as the same
COLEVILLE, SK
not relying on the proven technology of fossil-fueled power generation.
plant, very similar to Chinook, is under construction at Moose Jaw.
All of this added natural gas-fired power generation has, in turn, driven higher usage of natural gas during times of high electrical consumption.
temperatures reduced wind power generation to nothing at times, and close to nothing for most of the weekend. And since the mass of cold air stretched from the Yukon to Texas, every grid operator in between was in the same boat – high demand but short supply. e Southwest Power Pool, which incorporates parts of 14 states from south of Saskatchewan to the Texas Panhandle, as well as Texas grid operator ERCOT, all put out various forms of alerts suggesting their clients reduce electrical consumption.
The Crown noted that increased demand from SaskEnergy’s industrial customers, including natural gas use for power production, was the main driver of this week’s record-setting consumption.
SaskEnergy said it measures daily natural gas consumption for the 24-hour period from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. A PJ is a unit of measurement equivalent to one million gigajoules (GJ) of natural gas. An average Saskatchewan home consumes about 100 GJ of natural gas each year.
When we are told by the health care unions, teachers unions and government employee unions that they need more money and resources (I do not disagree) to perform their jobs. I TRY to see this from their point of view, but these unions are largely backed by socialist ideals (see NDP/Liberal) who seem to focus on killing the industries that are responsible for increasing tax revenues to a ord these very important services.
“SaskEnergy’s natural gas system design can accommodate additional capacity to manage increased consumption even on peak days,” SaskEnergy president and CEO Ken From said in a release. “Throughout the year, SaskEnergy employees inspect, maintain and enhance the system to support safe and reliable natural gas delivery in all weather conditions. In addition, employees monitor the system 24 hours a day to ensure sufficient system capacity to meet customer demand across the province.”
When the courts nd that the use of the Emergencies Act used against the truckers Protest was unconstitutional, I TRY to not to get too excited about the government responsible being held accountable.
This province is now largely dependent on neighbouring Alberta to fulfill roughly two-thirds of our natural gas needs.
Staring into the abyss e rst three of Alberta’s grid alerts ran from mid-a ernoon until late evening, but the fourth occurred for an hour on Monday morning, as the workweek began. e second of those grid alerts turned out to be the most signi cant. On Saturday, Jan. 13, Alberta came within a half-hour of rotating blackouts, an Alberta Electric System Operator spokesperson told CBC News on Jan. 15, con rmed by Alberta A ordability and Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf the same day.
When the government appeals the court’s decision, I TRY to not get too angry that they can’t accept responsibility for their actions.
When natural gas prices took a tumble roughly 14 years ago, Saskatchewan’s domestic gas production fell off a cliff. Targeted gas drilling went essentially extinct, with next to no gas-specific wells being drilled in this province for most of the past decade. Our domestic gas production is now largely based on associated gas production that comes with oil production. As a result, Saskatchewan went from being a net gas exporter for the period of 1988 to 2009 to a net importer that year.
When the government presents a bill that would ban any advertising or promotion of fossil fuels, I TRY to not get upset because they can’t see the insanity of ning or jailing people for standing up for a product that the very same people in government bene t from and use EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Indeed, the province stood at the brink of the abyss Saturday night, as rotating blackouts would have impacted di erent areas of the province for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, as temperatures ranged from -30 to -45 C, depending on where you were in the province. As the province’s grid-scale batteries neared depletion, and there was nothing le to call upon, the AESO and provincial government put out an emergency alert to all cellphones and TV screens, asking Albertans to shut o and unplug everything they could, from electric vehicle chargers to ovens to bathroom fans.
I’m trying, I really am. But when you see the banana-republic tactics used by the Liberal and NDP parties
CONTINUED
to push their agenda, (media control for one) and create discord between the Eastern and Western provinces, it is di cult. It all seems so simple to a regular taxpayer.
-Do not tax us into poverty.
-Do not waste the tax dollars that we do contribute.
-Do not waste the tax dollars that we do contribute. (Yes, I said it twice)
-Help the people that truly need it.
-Stay out of the way of business. (As long as they are being ethical and clean.)
And nally, when asked a question in the House of Commons, ANSWER the damn question. Don’t word-salad your way around the question. A little honesty would go a long way for most politicians, on both sides of the aisle.
Despite my anger, disappointment and utter disgust for the current state of politics, I will continue to TRY.
Brian Crossman is a partner at Independent Well Servicing based in Estevan. He is going to TRY to write more articles that are less angry and more positive. No promises…
Brian Crossman. PHOTO BY BRAIN ZINCHUK
* On their urban forest data site, the city of Melbourne in Australia assigned email addresses to each of the city’s trees so it would be easier to catch and rehabilitate damaged ones. Instead, the trees received love letters.
* Wild female chimpanzees, much like humans, experience menopause.
* Giant lily pads in the Amazon River can grow up to 6 feet in diameter and even support up to 100 pounds without breaking.
* A man in the U.K. who became paralyzed after a cycling accident spent four years raising 22,000 pounds for an innovative treatment that might enable him to walk again. However, when he heard of a disabled boy who also needed surgery, that had better odds of success, he donated the entire amount to the child instead.
* On the moon, it would be possible for humans to walk on water.
* Eric Money is the only NBA player to officially score for both teams in the same game.
* A group calling themselves Sieged Security hacked into the Idaho National Laboratory with a most extraordinary ransom demand -- not cash, but for the lab to research the creation of feline-human hybrids!
* In the small Japanese town of Kamikatsu, residents are required to sort their solid waste into 45 different recycling categories.
* “Yield the crow a pudding” is an old slang term for death.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb and start turning that dream project into a reality. You have the ideas, drive and charisma to persuade others to follow your lead, so do it.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’ve scored some big successes. But remember that all hard-working Ferdinands and Ferdinandas need some time to restore their energies and refresh their spirits.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re gaining a stronger mental image of what you’re trying to achieve. Now look for the facts that will help get this to develop from a concept into a solid proposal.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Some of you eager-to-please Moon Children might want to delay some decisions until midweek, when you can again think more with your head than your heart.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your loyalty to a friend in a tough situation earns you respect from the people you care about. Those who criticize you don’t understand what friendship is all about.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your strong work ethic is rewarded with the kind of challenging opportunity you love to tackle. Now go ahead and celebrate with family and/or close friends.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A legal matter you thought had finally been resolved could require a second look. But don’t make any moves yet without consulting your lawyer.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking charge is what you like to do, and since you do it so well, expect to be asked to lead a special group. This could open up an exciting new vista for you.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An important matter might wind up being entrusted to you for handling. The responsibility is heavy, but you’ll have support from people who are able and eager to help.
TAX TIPS
LEO (July 23 to August 22) A new business venture seems to offer everything you’ve been looking for. But be careful that this rosy picture doesn’t betray traces of red ink under the surface.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A volatile situation needs the kind of thoughtful and considerate care you can provide right now. There’ll be plenty of time later to analyze what might have gone wrong.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Avoid getting lost in your thoughts early on in the week. Stay grounded until the week’s end, when the aspects will give you a stroke of luck that can spur powerful action.
BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do the right thing — and for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you.
Kindersley & District CO-OP
Kid’s Korner
KID’S CLUB BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY 18-24, 2024
Helnut Wrage
Posting Date February 19, 2024
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES and bullying
Power distance. In cultures where there’s a big di erence in power between people, bullying might be more hierarchical. For example, a boss might use their position to bully a sta member.
might be more direct, with loud speech and expressive emotions. However, others might use more subtle forms of aggression, like gossip or social exclusion.
Collectivism vs. individualism. In cultures where it’s more important to think about the group, bullying might be more grouporiented. In cultures where individuality is valued, bullying might be more one-on-one.
Responses to bullying. How individuals respond to bullying can vary. Some cultures might encourage people to handle bullying on their own, and others might encourage people to seek help from other members of the community.
Understanding these cultural di erences is essential to creating anti-bullying initiatives that work for everyone, no matter their cultural background.
EMPATHY: How to
combat bullying through kindness
Understanding and sharing the emotions of others is what empathy is all about. When it comes to bullying, you can gain valuable insight into someone else’s struggles and emotions by putting yourself in their shoes. Here’s how to ght bullying with empathy.
Listen. Take the time to genuinely listen to others, especially those who may feel isolated or vulnerable. By showing empathy and understanding, you can create a safe space for people to share their experiences and feelings.
Reach out. If you notice someone being bullied, o er a helping hand and let them know they’re not alone. Even small acts of kindness can have a signi cant impact on someone’s life.
Lead by example. Treat everyone with respect and understanding. Your actions can inspire positive change and create a ripple e ect of kindness and compassion.
Encourage inclusivity. Embrace diversity and create an inclusive environ-
ment where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they are. Celebrate differences and encourage people to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
Raise your voice. If you witness bullying, don’t hesitate to intervene. Simply standing up for someone can diffuse a harmful situation and create a sense of safety and security.
This Pink Shirt Day, lead with empathy. Taking the time to understand others will lead to a kinder and more compassionate society.
4 tips for supporting MARGINALIZED
GROUPS
How to overcome THE TRAUMA OF PAST BULLYING
Dealing with the aftermath of bullying can be challenging. However, with persistence and support, it’s possible to move forward. Here are some essential steps.
1. Acknowledge the trauma. Recognizing how bullying has a ected your life is essential to moving forward. By accepting this reality, you can begin the healing process.
2. Build a support system. Connect with empathetic friends, family members or support groups who can o er validation, comfort and encouragement. Sharing your bullying experience with others who have faced similar challenges can help reduce feelings of isolation.
3. Develop self-compassion. Be kind and forgiving to yourself to overcome any shame or guilt. Take time for self-care and prioritize your personal growth to foster resilience and strength.
4. Celebrate progress. Recognize and celebrate each milestone achieved in the healing journey. Acknowledging your progress can help motivate you to continue
moving forward. Every step forward is a victory to be proud of.
5. Seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor who specializes in bullying trauma can provide a safe space for you to process emotions and develop coping strategies. Professional guidance can be crucial in helping you nd peace.
Above all, remember that you aren’t alone. With determination and support, you can overcomepastbullying.Keeppushingforward and never give up on yourself.
self about the challenges they face, their history and their unique perspectives. This knowledge is a powerful tool for empathy and understanding.
2. Educate others. Share what you’ve learned about marginalized groups with your friends, family and acquaintances. Encourage others to join you in supporting these communities to create a ripple e ect of positive change.
3. Use your privilege. Recognize any advantages you may have related to your
race, gender or socio-economic status. Use your privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, advocate for policy change and challenge discrimination.
4. Be an ally. Stand up for marginalized communities, even when you aren’t directly a ected. Speak out against injustice, discrimination and microaggressions when you witness them.
Finally, continuous self-examination of prejudices and blind spots is essential. Growth requires self-awareness, and acknowledging your own biases is the rst step toward standing up and ending bullying for marginalized groups.
