The Weekly Bean - March 21, 2024 by yourwestcentral

Michele’s daughter carefully dries oﬀ a newborn lamb. The Rast family appreciated having the Vet Technician student home to help out on the weekend.

New arrivals at Circle R Ranch

By Joan Janzen

e rst day of lambing was busy for Michele and Kevin Rast and their family at Circle R Ranch, with twenty- ve lambs being born. Residing between Beadle and Netherhill, the Rast family owns 150 breeding ewes and six rams. Typically, lambing season encompasses a 14-day time span.

Michele was grateful to have the assistance of her daughter, who is taking vet technician training and is doing her practicum. When she was home for the weekend, she was able to assist with a di cult birth.

Circle R Ranch has a vet come out for an annual visit, when they do ultrasound on the stock to nd out which ones are bred. e ones that aren’t bred will be sold. “We found if wait till the ewe is two years old, they can’t kick into mothering,” she explained. “One-year-olds do much better at mothering.”

One of Michele’s daughters took on a night shi , beginning at 10:30 p.m., and by 4:00 in the morning she had helped deliver a set of twins, a single, and a set of triplets. “Usually you get a breach birth in a set of triplets,” she noted.

A er the new lamb’s arrival, it is dried o , receives a shot of colostrum and is put in a 4x4 pen. “My sister sews little jackets for the newborn lambs, which they wear as soon as they’re dry and ready to go into the pen. If you get a lamb to stand up and stretch ... that’s a sign of a healthy lamb,” Michele explained.

But even lambs that aren’t viable receive care. “We take care of it no matter what, even if it’s not viable. As long as it has life, we’re taking care of it. e kids are growing up with that mentality and understanding,” Michele explained.

A er thirty-six hours, the lamb goes into a mixing pen along with thirty-nine other lambs. She said it’s quite funny to see all the little lambs wearing their jackets and running around. ey usually have ve or six mixing pens.

eir six guard dogs, along with an electric fence keep the sheep safe from predators. e dogs bark all night long, but Michele can’t remember the last time they lost an animal to a predator. And by carefully observing the sheep, the Rast family can detect any animals that are sick. According to Michele, sheep tend to hide when they’re sick, so they need to keep observing their eating habits.

“We treat them right away. e faster we respond, the more success we have,” she said. And they’re anticipating a successful lambing season in 2024.

Celebrity Extra

Q:When does Lisa Vanderpump’s new show premiere? Will any of the cast of “Vanderpump Rules” be in it?

— K.J.

A:“Vanderpump Villa” will debut on Hulu beginning April 1. It features an all-new cast selected to work at an exclusive French estate by “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum (and restaurateur) Lisa Vanderpump.

According to Hulu, each episode follows her elite staff working and living together 24/7 while they try to provide a curated experience for their guests. Meanwhile, Vanderpump is also deciding whether she wants to make this French pop-up experience — and its staff — a full-time business for her growing empire.

Q:What happened to the show “Elsbeth”? They aired one episode, and now it’s gone. Has it been canceled already? — C.I.

Disney/Picture Group

A:You’re not the only one to ask. The new detective show — and spin-off of “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight” — generated fantastic ratings when it premiered in late February, attracting 4.5 million viewers to CBS. The show stars Carrie Preston as a quirky but whip-smart, “Columbo”-type lawyer from Chicago who ends up in the Big Apple. Don’t worry, though; it’s coming back.

the NCAA March Madness tournament. CBS plans to re-air the pilot before “Elsbeth” returns with its second episode on April 4.

Q:Is it true that Eddie Van Halen’s son played guitar on the “Barbie” soundtrack? I thought I saw the name “Van Halen” in the credits. — N.N.

A:Yes,

West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre Inc.

The show begins by revealing who the murderer is each week to the audience, similar to another hit show, Peacock’s “Poker Face.” But don’t let this deter you! The fun is watching Elsbeth outwit the NYPD and trick the suspect into confessing. Her purpose is to observe the police force for any corruption, but she somehow always ends up solving their cases.

In addition to Preston, “Elsbeth” has a solid cast that includes Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson and Gloria Reuben. Guest stars include a who’s who from past hit sitcoms, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family”), Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”), Retta (“Parks and Recreation”) and Linda Lavin (“Alice”).

Unfortunately, “Elsbeth” had to go on a four-week hiatus because of President Biden’s State of the Union Address and

Wolfgang Van Halen, son of the late “Van Halen” guitarist Eddie Van Halen, ended up on the “Barbie” soundtrack by chance, but also because of his talent. He met the movie’s music producer Mark Ronson while performing at the Taylor Hawkins’ tribute concert in 2022. The two became friends, and Ronson asked him if he’d collaborate on the fabulous composition titled “I’m Just Ken.” He even performed the song on stage alongside Ryan Gosling’s Ken at the Academy Awards this month, along with another great electric guitarist — Slash from Guns N’ Roses.

“I’m Just Ken” was not only nominated for an Oscar, but made it into the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Lisa Vanderpump (“Vanderpump Villa”)

Submit your event to: kate@yourwestcentral.com or text 306-463-2211

ESTON

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 306962-4444.

- Eston Wheatland Centre Chase the Ace - Draws 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 306962-7117 (ask for Linda) for more info.

- Youth Curling Mondays 4:30-5:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Youth Bowling Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Adult Bowling Tuesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306-9624460.

- Mens Curling Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

- Mixed Curling Thursdays at 7:30 PM. Call Garrett for more information 306962-4460.

KINDERSLEY

THURSDAY - SUNDAY, MARCH 21-24

• Kindersley Curling Club is hosting the CURLSASK Mixed Provincial Championships at the WCEC. 12 teams from across the province will compete for their chance to represent Saskatchewan in the coveted green jacket! Opening Draw: Thursday 2:00 PM. Finals Sunday 2:00 PM.

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 306460-5935 to get your tickets.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

• Kindersley Trivia Nights 7:00 PM at the Norman Ritchie Community Centre, To reserve a table email us at kindersleytrivianights@gmail.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

• Spring Craft & Trade Fair at Caleb Village 12:00-4:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

• Kindersley & District Co-op Kids Club presents “Trolls Band Together” at the Sunset Theatre. Show Times: 11 AM and 1:30 PM. Each Kids Club member will receive a free snack pack including a drink. - 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 Curling 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 306-463-4514.

- 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 306-4634210.

- PickleBall every Sunday & Wednesday 7:00-9:00 PM at Elizabeth School $50 per season or $5 drop in. More info call 306460-8356.

- 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

• Kinjo & 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.

PLENTY

SUNDAY, MARCH 24

• Little Legacy Learning & C.R.O.P. present Easter Supper and BINGO at the Plenty Community Hall. Doors open at 2:30 PM, BINGO at 3:00 PM, Supper 5:30-7:00 PM. If interested in helping or donating, please contact Jolene at 306831-0114.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

• Comedian Sean Lecomber at the Plenty Community Hall. Doors open 8:00 PM. Show starts at 9:00 PM. Contact Helena 306-831-0007 for tickets or more info!

* Using high-pressure, high-temperature techniques that mimic Earth’s diamond-forming conditions, scientists can transform the carbon in peanut butter into sparkling gemstones. Chew on that!

* And speaking of chewing, snails have thousands of tiny teeth on their radula, the tongue-like organ they use for grinding up food, making them one of the earth’s toothiest creatures.

* Mary, Queen of Scots, was history’s youngest monarch, ascending to the throne at a mere 6 days old. Coming in at second place was Emperor Shang of China’s Han Dynasty, who in 105 A.D. assumed his royal position at 100 days old.

* If stored correctly and not contaminated, honey can last for thousands of years without spoiling.

* A piano’s frame is made of iron.

* Though T-shirts have existed since the late 1800s, the plain white version gained popularity as a wear-alone garment thanks to Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in the movie “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

* One out of every seven American jobs is related to transportation.

* Some architectural structures, known as whispering galleries, have unique acoustics allowing a whisper at one end of the gallery to be heard clearly at the other end, due to sound waves following the curved surfaces.

* The “United States Postal Service Anthem,” a unique song composed by (appropriately) Jack Stamp, is an oﬃcial musical salute to the USPS, its employees, and its role in American life.

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

Fountain Tire (Kindersley) 306-463-4655

Full Tilt Holdings www.fulltiltholdings.ca

Get A Grip Tire and Performance 306-463-7215

Good To Go Rentals www.goodtogokindersley.ca

Good To Go Trucking www.goodtogokindersley.ca

GPE Fluids Management www.goodtogokindersley.ca

Great Plains College www.greatplainscollege.ca

H & G Motel 306-463-0440

Holland’s Hot Oiling www.hollandshotoiling.ca

Insight Sign & Decal www.insightsign.ca

Integra Tire 306-463-2277

J & H Rentals Ltd. www.hollandshotoiling.ca

Jorann Safety www.jorannsafety.ca

To be listed in our 2024 West Central Energy Directory, please complete our online Google Form at www.yourwestcentral.com/energy

Kindersley Auto Value

www.mypartstore.ca

Kindersley Bearing www.kindersleybearing.ca

Kindersley Inn www.kindersleyinn.ca

Kindersley Machine Services 306-604-9984

Kodiak Sand & Gravel www.kodiaksg.ca

Kyote Energy Services www.kyoteenergyservices.com

Lufkin Downhole Pumps www.lufkin.com

Mayhem Mechanical Ltd. mayhemmechanicalltd@hotmail.com

McKinnon Oilﬁ eld Ltd. www.mckinnonoilﬁeld.com

Merrington Safety 306-463-3468

Mid Plains Diesel Ltd. www.midplainsdiesel.ca

Nova Inn Kindersley 306-463-4687

OK Tire Luseland 306-372-4389

Pro-Plus Sales & Rentals www.proplusrentals.ca

Reinbold Electric Ltd. www.reinboldelectric.ca

Safety Evolution www.safetyevolution.ca

Sequel Energy Services www.sequelenergyservices.ca

Shh... It Happens Septic Service www.ithappens.com

Sim-Con Oilﬁ eld Equipment Ltd. 306-463-4938

Tarnes Electric Ltd. www.tarneselectric.com

TGB Industries Inc. www.omtprojects.com

Tirecraft Dodsland www.tirecraft.com/tirecraft-dodsland

Weese Electric Ltd. 306-932-2001

PHOTOS BY BRAIN ZINCHUK

•

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.

Crescent Point Energy to change name to Veren Inc.

Not only was Saskatchewan setting electrical con sumption records during the cold snap of last week of December, we also set two consecutive natural gas consumption records, too.

BY BRIAN ZINCHUK

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.

plant, very similar to Chinook, is under construction

All of this added natural gas-fired power generation has, in turn, driven higher usage of natural gas during times of high electrical consumption.

the symbol ‘VRN’, shortly after shareholder approval is received, with further details to be provided at a later date.

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.

ing 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.

“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.

CALGARY – The company that grew through the drill bit and over 30 acquisitions to at one point the largest oil producer in Saskatchewan is changing its name. Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX: CPG) (NYSE: CPG) announced Mar 20 that it intends to change its name to Veren Inc. and will seek shareholder approval for the change at its upcoming Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on May 10, 2024. And if you’ve been following “CPG,” that’s going to change, too.

“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.”

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.

“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.

“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.”

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

“Our new name and logo represent the culmination of our remarkable transformation over the last several years and better reflect the notable improvements we have made to our business,” said Craig Bryksa, President and CEO of Crescent Point. “Our portfolio now boasts a top-quartile asset base with significant inventory. In addition to strengthening our long-term excess cash flow and return of capital profile for shareholders, we have also bolstered our ESG practices including enhanced governance, environmental stewardship, safety practices and community involvement. Through our hard work, we have reached a turning point and are on a new and exciting trajectory. It is now time to embrace a new brand that is representative of our promising future and our purpose statement of Bringing Energy To Our World – The Right Way.”

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.

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

The company said the name Veren combines the Latin word for ‘truth’ – veritas – and ‘energy’. The company will formally adopt the new name and visual identity upon receiving all necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals. The company’s common shares will begin trading on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under

COLEVILLE, SK

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.

The name “Crescent Point,” was derived from the location of former president and CEO and founder’s Scott Saxberg’s summer cabin. With this name change, the transformation from Saxberg’s inﬂuence to Bryksa’s is solidiﬁed. Crescent Point Road, Shebandowan, Ontario, northwest of Thunder Bay. Google Streeview

“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.”

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.

The name change appears to coincide with a shift in focus by the company from Saskatchewan, where at one point it was spending over 90 per cent of its capital budget, to Alberta, where it is now spending 80 per cent of its capital expenditure. As Crescent Point, the company was closely associated with Saskatchewan, where most of those 30-plus acquisitions took place, and where, for several years it employed over 20 drilling rigs, leading all Canadian producers in number of rigs employed for nearly all of that time. When that was taking place, typically Crescent point would have around 24 rigs working in Canada, all but one of which were working in Saskatchewan. This last drilling season, the company employed just a handful of rigs working in the Viewﬁeld Bakken, none in the Flat Lake play near Torquay, or the Shaunavon play.

This province is now largely dependent on neighbouring Alberta to fulfill roughly two-thirds of our natural gas needs.

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.

During its Saskatchewan heyday, Crescent Point was instrumental in bringing STARS air ambulance to this province, and was one of the ﬁrst oil companies to put its logo on those helicopters. Rinks in Shaunavon and Weyburn are both called “Crescent Point Place.” The company in recent months gave up its long-term sponsorship of the lounge at Estevan’s Afﬁnity Place.

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.

Advertising Icons

The Bonhams Skinner auction where this chair sold listed it as a Harvard University Windsor chair, bringing together two icons of colonial America. Harvard University, originally called the New College, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1636, making it the oldest college in the United States. This means that Harvard predates the Windsor chair in America.

The first Windsor chairs were made in England in the seventeenth century, and they were being made in Philadelphia by the 1730s. There were many variations on the Windsor chair, especially in America.

American designers were the first to add rockers and writing arms to Windsor chairs. The chair can be made in many shapes, and they can be easily distinguished by the shape of the chair’s back.

No matter the style, a Windsor chair can be recognized by its spindle back, turned legs and stretcher base. They are made with stick-and-socket construction, meaning the chairs are built by inserting the legs and the back spindles into holes in the seat. Windsor chairs and similar styles are also called “stick furniture.”

Q:Ihave a fairly rare, autographed baseball from the 1940s, signed by one of the most famous baseball players of all time. The authenticity of the item, signature, etc. is all documented. Do you have a good source where I can get a fair estimate of value?

A:Value depends on the fame of the player, significance of the event, rarity and condition. The highest price paid for an autographed ball was $3 million for Mark McGuire’s 70th home run ball, the record for home runs in a single season, in 1998. You didn’t say who autographed your ball. Babe Ruth is often considered the greatest baseball player of all time. His autographed ball, the first home run hit in an All Star game (1933), sold for $805,000 in 2006. Babe Ruth autographed balls often come up for

This midcentury Windsor style chair features the crest and colors of Harvard University. It sold for $438, more than twice its estimate, at a Bonhams Skinner auction.

auction and prices vary. A ball in near mint to mint condition sold last year for $7,620. Contact an auction house that specializes in sports memorabilia. You can find some listed in Kovels. com’s Business Directory.

TIP: Examine a piece of furniture and look for unexplained holes, stains and fade marks. They may indicate a fake or repair.

* * *

CURRENT PRICES

Advertising, poster, “24 Hours of LeMans,” 14 & 15 June 1969, photo image of sports cars and race track, A. Delourmel, linen backing, 24 x 15 1/2 inches, $250.

Brass cigar cutter, deer’s head, antlers, elongated neck with textured finish, 6 1/4 inches, $425.

Toy, pedal car, Studebaker Golden Jet Hawk, pressed steel, original horn, Midwest Industries, c. 1957, 37 inches, $875.

Perfume bottle, cameo glass, etched butterfly and fern, red ground, tapered laydown shape, sterling silver hinged cap with RK monogram, Thomas Webb, cap marked Gorham, 8 x 1 3/4 inches, $1,500.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com

EDITORS: These

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The last lingering days of winter leave the rambunctious Ram more restless than usual. Put all of the extra energy into strengthening a long-neglected relationship.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The clever Bull will ignore outward appearances and dig a little deeper to find important hidden facts before making a decision. Meanwhile, a friend needs you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It’s a good time to reorganize around your home and on the job. Missing items will seem to magically reappear once you discard the clutter.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Tame that skeptical nature of yours. Be open to well-intended advice from a family member. A co-worker also has a suggestion that can be beneficial to the both of you.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A so-called bargain could turn out to be a mite more risky than you thought. Keep your purse closed for now. A better deal is just down the line.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A sudden romantic overture emerges out of the past and catches you off guard. Respond with your usual honesty. This is not the time for coyness.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Romantic aspects are especially

favorable this week. A career move also holds positive potential. Check out possible drawbacks before making a final decision.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You dislike changing plans, but it could be a wise move to be a little more flexible than usual. The reason will become apparent very soon.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A loved one may feel left out of your life as you pursue your objectives this week. Take time to offer reassurances that your priorities haven’t changed.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is a good time to stop nursing your wounded pride and start repairing a strained friendship. Take the first step now and let the healing process begin.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Expect good news about a particular health problem. Then go out and celebrate with friends and family. There’s good news about your financial health as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A state of confusion marks the early part of this week, but explanations will come in time to clear things up for you. Be cautious about making promises.

BORN THIS WEEK: You love being with people, whether it’s a crowd or the company of just a few friends. You have strong family loyalties and can be counted on in crisis situations.