Leader Lions Club hoping to raise funds through Facebook auction
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
The Leader Lions Club is excited about their Online Facebook auction that began on Saturday, May 1 and continues until May 21.
the May 21 deadline. The twenty-plus Leader Lions members are anticipating an ongoing trickle of auctions continuing until the fundraiser deadline.
During the past couple of weeks there has been work going on around the perimeter of the Dairy Queen building in Kindersley. Dairy Queen staff said the construction is underway in order to facilitate the installation of a drive thru service for the public. The staff is hoping the drive thru service will be available for customers within a month.
| PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Lions member Dustin Heatcoat explained how the fundraiser got off the ground. “We were watching these styles of fundraisers taking place in the area. Eatonia, Fox Valley, Empress, Eston and Richmound all did one on different months. We can do it virtually because we haven’t been able to do the old model of fundraisers for over a year. As we watched the creativity and success these other communities have had, we concluded this was a fantastic idea. When you cram 200 people in a hall, you’re looking at reaching a limited amount of households. Now someone from another community or province who has roots in the area can participate. You’re giving back to a good cause, and this opens up the floor to anybody who is interested.”
Dustin said it’s up to people to decide if they want to donate or to bid. Anyone can list an auction within the group or reach out to the Lions club until
“Funds will be given to the Town of Leader so people can access donation receipts for their generosity,” Dustin said. The generosity of the people involved will go towards a good cause, as there are numerous projects which need to be done in the community. Some of those projects include replacing the arena’s compressor for the ice plant, replacing the pool’s boiler, providing shale and ongoing work at the ball diamond, and other recreation, culture and sport projects.
Leader’s Rec Director, Rochelle Francis, said, “I have agreed to help the Lions Club out with this much-needed fundraiser. Every dollar raised will be put back into spaces in our community that we all benefit from. The pandemic has put a damper on events and programs, but the expenses have still remained.”
“The town crew and I have done some painting in the community hall, and it was discovered that the membrane roofing on the hall has
severely blistered. Town Council has done some investigating on different methods of repair/replacement. To protect the integrity of our structure from damage, this needs to be fixed in the very near future. This project will most likely begin before fall. The minimum price tag on this fix is going to be $105,000,” she estimated.
It’s hoped that this auction will provide needed funds for some of these projects. Donations can come from businesses, individuals, families or organizations, including services, gift cards or baskets, baking and even collectable items. Cash donations are also welcome.
Charitable receipts are issued for cash and other donations. For example: if a donated item is valued at $100 and someone purchases it for $150, the donor will receive a charitable receipt for $100, and the purchaser will get a receipt for $50. If you have friends or family who aren’t on Facebook, you could place a bid on their behalf or find a way to include them in this event. And, of course, bidding wars are highly encouraged! Let the fun begin!
The staff and board of the Kerrobert Wheatland Regional Library has been chosen a 2021 Award Recipient from the RiversWest District for Facility of the Year. Their hard work, which began in 2019 with the Library being relocated, has resulted in increased circulation numbers, patrons and programming and a renewed interest in literacy thanks to the creation of a beautiful new and welcoming space! (L to R): Heather Wack-Wheatland Representative; Gayle Zerr - Kerrobert Board Chairperson; Gerri Walz - Programming Librarian; Nancy Charteris - Kerrobert Board Vice Chairperson. | PHOTO COURTESY TOWN OF KERROBERT CULTURE & RECREATION
Dr. Stewart Holmes Scholarship Fund
ADRIENNE MASON agemason@gmail.com
2020 marked an astounding 35 years of the Dr. Stewart Holmes Scholarship Fund. Over
the years, the scholarship has been awarded to 179 students pursuing a field in various health care fields. The annual general meeting was held
Have Eston News?
Call our Eston correspondent, Adrienne Mason 306-962-2209 or email agemason@ gmail.com
on April 19 this year, and committee members are excited to be entering into the 36th season of this worthy scholarship.
Any student from Dr. Holmes’ former practice area enrolled in full-time health care studies is welcome to apply for this scholarship. The South Saskatchewan River borders this area on the south, Elrose on the east, Eatonia on the west, and the #7 Highway in the north, including Eston, Elrose, Kindersley, Kyle, and Brock. Applications are observed by a selection committee and
Spring Clean Up!
Just like every spring and fall, we will be offering organic only yard waste pick-up. All items will need to be bagged in clear yard bags and placed near the back alley by May 24 or else you could be missed. Our crews will take the next week to pick up the waste and they will not go back if someone fails to put our their waste before the correct time. Larger branches may be placed next to the clear bags and will also be picked up.
are awarded based on a list of qualifications. Although challenging to accomplish this year due to the pandemic, one category that is admired is volunteerism. If volunteerism was difficult for applicants to complete this year, students are still encouraged to apply.
Generous donations from near and far fund the scholarship. Every year the committee hopes to award the scholarship to as many students as possible, and it is only possible to do with the community’s help. The recipients of the scholarship are invited to a tea in honour of their award and dedication to pursing a career in health care. Due to the pandemic, the tea was cancelled in 2020. This year, the tea has tentatively been booked for November 20.
This is also the largest fundraising event that the committee puts on; however donations are gladly accepted at any time, especially since the tea was cancelled this past year. If you would like to help fund the scholarship, please contact the committee at drholmes. scholarship@gmail.com. Applications can be found on the Town of Eston website at eston.ca/ education, and the deadline to apply is September 15.
Last year, eight scholarships were awarded for $3000 each.
We also have a new bylaw officer that will come to Eston. If you have a bylaw concern, please fill out a bylaw concern form on our website at eston.ca/bylaws and submit it to the Town Office.
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
I read a quote that said, “It’s easy to believe in freedom of speech for those with whom we agree.”
It’s a relevant quote, since freedom of speech is being jeopardized by Bill C-10 which has been proposed by Canada’s Heritage Minister, Steven Guilbeault. Bill C-10 will ban “hate
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
Beware of Bill C-10
speech” including “hurtful” language against politicians. It is described as a harmless bill to bring big tech giants under control, and if successful would force social media platforms to remove content which is considered to be harmful. A regulatory body will be formed to decide what is harmful and what is not.
Originally, it was said that posts from everyday citizens like you and I would be excluded by a specific exemption. However this special exemption was quietly removed at a parliamentary committee. According to the Heritage Minister, once a post or content is considered “harmful” it would be taken down within 24 hours of
Itbeing flagged. Supposedly the purpose of this bill is to create a level playing field, however experts say the bill’s true powers would be to censor and control what Canadians see, read, hear, watch and even post on line.
Since the early 1970’s, Canada has had legislation in place to protect our ability to communicate our thoughts and values without government interference. This bill will not only prevent Canadians from doing so, but will also introduce a huge expansion of governmental powers.
Nevertheless, Guilbeault unveiled the censorship bill saying, “My job is to ensure the safety and security of the Canadian population. That’s what I’m here for. I think it’s going to be a really good remedy to a number of problems, but it won’t solve everything. One of the issues I’ve learned, looking at different models, is you shouldn’t try to tackle everything from the get go.” In other words, this bill would just be the beginning of further government control. What would be introduced next ... fines?
He rationalized that the goal of tighter internet control “is to create a safer
environment for all people online and not just for a handful.” He also said he had “seen too many examples of public officials retreating from public service due to the hateful online content targeted towards themselves.”
I doubt politicians are even aware of a huge percentage of content that’s targeted towards them online, because they have staff who handle their communications. As for everyday citizens like you and I, we are perfectly capable of deleting or ignoring any online content that we find hurtful or harmful. We do not need the government to do it for us.
Guilbeault also touched on his role as a father, saying “As a dad and a stepdad to six kids, I know more can and should be done to create a safer online environment.” That is a really nice sentiment, but ultimately it is a parent’s responsibility to ensure the online safety of their children, not the government’s responsibility.
He also said the bill will protect the “core values shared by Canadians”. And therein lies the problem, because not all Canadians share the Liberals’ core values.
Guilbeault spoke with confidence saying “Like you, we believe that no Canadian should suffer from online abuse without recourse. That’s why we will be introducing this legislation very soon. Once the bill is tabled there will be further consultations by a parliamentary committee, and once the bill is adopted - and I’m confident it will - there will be further consultations. Keeping you safe online is one of my priorities in this government,” he concluded. Is this bill about “safety” or about “government control”? Canadians of all political stripes should agree that government should not be regulating what we can say on social media.
Please sign petitions that are on line, phone or email Members of Parliament, because Canadians need to fight this bill.
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Good economic news amidst the COVID gloom
was another bad week for COVID-19 in Saskatchewan, but things may be looking up on a couple economic fronts.
Things actually may even be looking up on the COVID-19 front as well, although no one — including the Saskatchewan Party government — seems to know for certain.
The good COVID-19 news is vaccinations in Saskatchewan surpassed 400,000 shots last week. Premier Scott Moe is right: Vaccines are only our best chance to get out of this pandemic mess.
The less-than-good-news, however, is Regina ICUs remain full and the new variants are spreading to Saskatoon and throughout Southern Saskatchewan.
To their credit, Moe and Health Minister Paul Merriman, delivered a stronger message to anti-mask, anti-lockdown rallies in the cities and in smaller centres like Maple Creek, stating that any such gatherings break public health orders and slow down our ability to get through this pandemic.
But how he can more quickly get through all in of this as we administer the first shot to everyone during the coming months continues to be a huge source of debate and contention.
While both Merriman and Moe have scolded the more outlandish behaviour of the anti-mask crowd — including their picketing of the Regina General Hospital where people were fighting for their lives — they seem reluctant to advocate more policing and seem unwilling introduce harsher fines for those breaking public health orders.
It’s hard not to suspect that this is because the government fears the backlash of the extreme right … or maybe even a few more moderates who share the frustration over lockdowns.
open schools this week to in-class learning, why wouldn’t the same metrics be applied to Saskatoon?
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
Similarly, the Sask. Party government’s hesitance to impose provincewide restrictions on bars, restaurants and school openings even places like Saskatoon that recently surpassed Regina in the daily COVID-19 case count.
If it is the government’s argument that the strategy is actually working in Regina where government public health officers declared it was safe to re-
But it remains a bit of mystery as to what those metrics are. Asked last week what level of daily cases or percentage of people vaccinated in the province it would take to one day re-open Saskatchewan, Moe was shy on specifics.
One gets the distinct impression that the Saskatchewan Premier would surely love to be talking about most anything else.
Who could blame him? Few if any, Saskatchewan leaders have had to deal with an issue of such sustained pressured.
But the good news for Moe is that, recently, there have been some other positive things to talk about.
Accompanying COVID-19 has been a loss of jobs partly due to the drastic fall in oil, but agriculture has remained steady. That industry has recently been awarded with some positive announce-
ments.
Viterra unveiled a proposal for the world’s largest canola crushing facility to be built in Regina.
It’s plan for a 2.5 million tonnes processing facility followed an announcement by Cargill for a similar $350-million canola crushing plant, also proposed for Regina, capable of processing one million tonnes a year. These announcements follow the March news by Richardson International Ltd. that it was doubling its canola crushing capacity in Yorkton to 2.2 tonnes per year.
Toss in the opening of the $32-million North American Helium Inc. plant near Battle Creek in the province’s southwest corner and there is suddenly a smattering of good news amidst all the COVID-19 gloom and doom.
While the Sask. Party government does sit on a comfortable majority in the legislature, it’s clear that its popularity has taken a beating since the October election.
It needs to get back on track and the same can be said for an entire province also bogged down in this pandemic. At this point, we’ll all take any good news we can get.
The wealthy elite of the late 19th century were the likes of John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan and Henry Ford, industrialists who amassed their fortunes as so-called robber barons or captains of industry.
They created massive personal wealth by monopolizing huge industries, driving out small competitors, engaging in unethical business practices, exploiting workers and paying little attention to their customers or competition.
The tide was changed in the United States only when antitrust legislation was enacted and their powerful monopolies were broken up.
Today’s so-called robber barons or captains of industry run digital monopolies, using similar 19th century tactics to drive out competition, exploit customer’s personal information, avoid taxes and engage in highly unethical business practices.
Most notable are Bill Gates (founder of Microsoft), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zucker-
21st Century robber barons
berg (Facebook), and Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
Facebook and Google’s anticompetitive duopoly is responsible for more than 300 Canadian newspapers in the last decade closing their doors due to the collapse of ad revenues.
Today, 75 per cent of Canada’s digital ad market goes into the pockets of these two multi-media giants. They are 21st century robber barons— taking much and giving little in return.
Sadly, Google and Facebook aren’t even competitors. They have segmented the market between Google (search) and Facebook (social media), allowing each to pick off the same advertisers and never compete against one another.
Monopolies always control the marketplace for their own financial gain, but today these two powerful duos, Facebook and Google, are also undermining democracies and causing untold disharmony and instability worldwide.
Le to the Edit
Kate, Great talking to you this morning - like I said, two great things happened to me - you started up your paper and I had the great fortune to subscribe to it. What an awesome change you have made to the news media. Great common sense stories and I just can’t wait to get it each week.
I am subscribing to it for special friends - what a great way to keep in touch with people. For only a dollar a week I am reminding them that I am thinking of them plus they get all the news from home. Fran Babiuk Dodsland, SK.
Le to the Edit e most welc e! We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at Your Southwest Media Group Box 727 Kindersley, SK S0L 1S0 or email kate@yoursouthwest.com
We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, etc. or not publish at all. Hateful speech will not be tolerated.
Many democratic governments are finally waking up to this reality.
Canadians want and need high-quality journalism and investigative reporting. The ECA Review is proud of the work it does to report on local governments, public interest stories, cultural and sporting events. Our goal is to connect communities and people in East Central Alberta and hold government and business leaders to account.
Google and Facebook employ no journalists and make only token efforts to separate truth from fiction. In fact, their algorithms favour sensation, fiction, and misinformation.
Sensational lies and conspiracy theories attract a lot more
eyeballs than facts and truth. The more eyeballs, the higher the ad revenues. Whereas, independent news publishers have a legal responsibility to ensure content is truthful and accurate, Google and Facebook have no obligations to vet content for authenticity or legality.
News Media Canada in September released a report, Levelling the Digital Playing Field, highlighting the unfairness and dangers the current structure has for the survival of Canada’s free press and truth.
Facebook and Google have gained dominance of the media marketplace because of preferential regulatory treatment, negotiating leverage, preventing entry of ad tech competitors, deciding media winners and losers, abusing publishers’ intellectual property rights and paying no fees to the producers of original content, the free press.
The dominance of Facebook and Google also harms Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). Facebook employs only a handful of Canadians and
Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll R.M. of Newcombe No. 260
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Newcombe No. 260 for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm., on the following days:
Monday to Friday - May 7 to July 9, 2021. A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person wishing to discuss the notice of assessment or potential appeal may contact the assessor at:
R.M. of Newcombe No. 260 Box 40
Glidden, SK. S0L 1H0
A notice of appeal, accompanied by a $20 appeal fee which will be returned if the appeal is successful, must be filed by July 9, 2021 with the Secretary of the Board of Revision:
Colette O’Connor Box 40
Glidden, SK. S0L 1H0
Dated this 7th day of May, 2021.
Yvette Schuh Assessor
each pays little or no Canadian taxes.
In contrast, the Review employs 19 full and part-time employees and stringers, pays corporate taxes and municipal taxes in three communities. Australia and France have passed legislation, and Canada and others are exploring legislative solutions that would provide a level playing field. Although such legislation is extremely necessary and urgent in the short term, it will only be when U.S. legislators dust off their antitrust legislation and break up the power of these 21st century robber barons, that the future of the free press and truth can truly be secured.
Brenda Schimke ECA Review
Schimke has been a guest journalist for the ECA Review for over three decades and in 2018 won The Charles Hawkins Memorial Trophy for Best National Editorial for circulation 10,000 and over, and three International Golden Dozen awards in 2008, 2018 and 2019.
Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll Village of Netherhill
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Village of Netherhill for the years 2018-2020 has been prepared and is open for inspection at the office of the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days:
Monday to Friday, May 3, 2021 to June 3, 2021
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal his/her assessment is re uired to file his her notice of appeal with:
Aileen Swenson
The Secretary of the Board of Revision Gord Krismer Associates 31 Wilkie Rd. Regina, SK S4S 5Y3 aileen.swenson@sasktel.net
Please note, for information about your assessment please contact the Assessor at:
Village of Netherhill
Box 4, Netherhill, SK S0L 2M0
By the 3rd day of June, 2021.
Dated this 3rd day of May, 2021.
Charlotte Helfrich, Assessor
Reliable news comes from reliable news media, not Google and Facebook.
Sports with Bruce Penton
Fan outrage scuttles ‘super’ soccer plan
Sports fans in Europe obviously carry much more influence than their counterparts in North America.
A good old-fashioned fan uprising amazingly brought a halt to what was termed by some as a money-grabbing, tohell-with-the-little-guy plan to shake the very foundation of the most important aspect of life in Europe — soccer. That’s actually ‘football’ to a European; ‘soccer’ to us in North America.
When the earth-shaking, shocking transformation of the European soccer world was announced on April 18 — one that would have created a ‘Super League’ of 12 of the most powerful and influential teams in England, Spain and Italy — fans in many parts of Europe went berserk. Whereas a similar situation in North America may have resulted in a one- or two-day protest, only to die down in the face of powerful owners and influential media, the outcome in Europe was far different.
Football (soccer) fans, fearing a huge disruption to the sporting world as they know it, protested loudly — in person, with huge gatherings; online, with major social media out-
cries; and threats.
The noise and fan outrage was too much for the six English teams involved in the Super League — Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool — which within two days all announced a withdrawal from the pan-Europe plan. That left the six others — AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus from Italy and Atlético Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid from Spain — spinning their wheels in the wilderness.
The Super League concept lasted all of two days, before the fans got their wish and scuttled the arrangement. The 12-team Super League would have created opportunities for vast millions of dollars for the 12 teams, but left the smaller teams in their wake scrambling for whatever media crumbs and dollars might be left over.
This may be a European story, but millions of Canadians avidly follow European soccer. Many of them couldn’t care less if Tom Brady or Connor McDavid exist, but can’t live without knowing about every step taken by Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and other Euro stars.
In sport, money usually talks. But in this case, it was an
enraged fan base that won the day. Literally overnight, the Super League was left in a stupor.
• Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times: “NFL teams are required to provide three-dozen sliced oranges for visiting teams, The Athletic reported. Players’ parents, however, are not allowed to accost coaches over their kids’ playing time.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, on reluctance by people in this COVID era to gather in large groups: “ . . . Likely will make some quite antsy, like a Hertz rent-a-car clerk seeing Tiger Woods approach the counter.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “One of my favourite quotes of all-time comes from trailblazing wom-
an car racer Janet Guthrie, who was once asked how much does brute strength play into being competitive on the race track. ‘You drive the car,’ Guthrie deadpanned, ‘you don’t carry it.’”
• Ex-defenceman Bill Mikkelson, to TSN, on playing for the worst team in NHL history — the 8-67-5 Washington Capitals of 1974-75: “We had a good team. We were just in the wrong league.”
• Steve Simmons of SunMedia, on the apparent grumpiness of a certain NHLer: “If Jeff Carter walks into a restaurant in Pittsburgh late in the afternoon do they cancel happy hour?”
• NFL Memes, on Twitter: “Zach Wilson looks like the actor who would play Zach Wilson in a Disney movie about Zach Wilson.”
• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Alabama Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith was measured recently at 6-foot and a scant 166 pounds. I’m not saying he’s too skinny to withstand the pounding of the NFL, but he is the only player in the upcoming draft who uses a Cheerio as a Hula Hoop.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “MLB hired former WWE ‘sizzle planner’ Brian Stedman for league strategy and development. Soon, instead of a manager sitting a pitcher down, he’ll come out and hit him with a chair.”
• Headline at TheOnion. com: “Depressed Javier Baez points at seats directly behind third base before pitch.”
• Another one from TheOnion.com: “NCAA fines Alabama football players for receiving championship rings as gifts.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com, after Bucs QB Tom Brady said players would have trouble ‘trying to block the right people’ after the league relaxed its jersey-number restrictions: “Hey, Tom, not all NFL players need reading glasses.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson again, on those outfits that Ralph Lauren designed for U.S. Olympians: “I can’t tell if he’s dressed the U.S. team for the next space-shuttle mission or an expedition to the South Pole.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Dick Nash: Memories of a rodeo icon
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Up until 2020, May and June have typically ushered in the rodeo season. Memories of rodeos past may be what caused an Eatonia resident to drop off some rodeo memorabilia commemorating a pioneer of rodeo, namely Richard Melville “Dick” Nash, who grew up near Mantario.
In 1991, Nash was honoured as one of the Pioneers of Rodeo with a certificate from the Calgary Stampede for his contribution to the growth, development and preservation of rodeo in general, and the Stampede in particular. He was also inducted into the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2001 at a ceremony on Sept. 15 in Cochrane, Alta. Dick was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mac Nash. He was one of twelve children. Both his father and grandfather loved to ride, so it’s not surprising that in his childhood, he and his friends went as far as Fritz Peyton’s farm at Ternes Lake, north of Hoosier, in search of horses on which to practice for the summer rodeo events. As a teen, Dick worked as pasture manager for Fritz Peyton, who raised many of the country’s bucking horses. Here is where Dick developed his interest in rodeo.
At the tender age of 16 years, Dick left his home in Mantario to join the rodeo circuit, sending money home to help his family. He started his rodeo career in 1946 as a bareback rider. Dick had a rough beginning, sustaining many bruises. He rode bareback in all the major events until he broke his tailbone, forcing him to give up bareback riding. He persevered and became professional in the early 1950s.
He competed in four major events: saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling and sometimes calf roping. He was consistently winning at rodeos in Fort Mac Leod, Cranbrook, Medicine Hat, Montana and other locations.
In 1956 he married Joanne Powell and moved to Turner Valley, Alberta. They had five children - four boys and a girl. Three of his children continued with rodeo and western lifestyle riding.
He was the first Saskatchewan cowboy to claim the All-Around Championship and Canadian Bull Riding Championship titles in 1956. He also finished second in Saddle Bronc. Dick was considered “the
one to beat” by his competitors and was considered one of the best in the world.
He moved on to the World’s Championship Rodeo and claimed the world’s saddle bronc title in Boston in 1956. He was also the top bull rider at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo that same year. Overall, 1956 turned out to be an outstanding year for Dick Nash!
Dick sustained another injury In 1960 when he broke his back and was sidelined from competition for the rest of the year. At that time, he decided to judge rodeos to be able to stay close to the sport.
In 1961, he and his family moved back to Mantario and started to farm north of Mantario on his father’s land. Dick planned to win at Hardisty Rodeo and use those winnings to help him get started on the farm. However, the Hardisty rodeo turned out to be a tragic event.
On June 10, 1961, at Hardisty, Alberta, 31-year-old Dick was kicked and stepped on by a bronc named Wagon Wheel. He sustained broken ribs, which in turn severed an artery, which caused his death.
In July of 1961, the Twilight Rodeo in Alsask donated all prize money and proceeds from the concession booth and dance to a fund for Dick’s widow and children. Thirty cowboys competed, and patrons turned out in large numbers.
Now Dick Nash’s legacy lives on through the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
L-R: Dick Nash, Bill Collins and Bob Robinson
Two Kindersley businesses celebrate their 1st anniversary!
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
It’s been one year since two new businesses opened their doors on Kindersley’s Main Street. Trina Koska opened her shop, Curvessence Apparel, on May 19th, located at 511 Main Street, and Jeff and Anna Santos opened Swirl Cafe on May 17th at 609 Main Street.
Curvessence sports the tagline “Clothing for women with extra.” According to Trina, “every woman should be able to dress with confidence.”
Even though Curvessence was unable to host a splashy grand opening because of enforced health regulations, the small business forged ahead as initially planned. Women from Kindersley and the surrounding area were pleased to invite this business into town. As an added convenience, customers can also order online at curvessence.ca
“A lot of my clothing lines are Canadian,” Trina said. “It wasn’t something I had planned; I just came across product that was Canadian.”
As a result, her store now stocks Pretty Woman clothing designed and made in Vancouver, and Diane Kennedy, also designed and ethically made in local factories in Vancouver. Everything from the fabric to the label is Canadian-made.
Curvessence is also equipped with a printer and heat-press, allowing Trina to design any T-shirt that a customer
consignment.
Swirl’s first year was peppered with challenges. “I never thought there would be days when we couldn’t open because of so much snow,” Jeff said. As the temperature lowered along with ice cream sales, Jeff introduced sandwiches to the Swirl menu. “Every now and then, we want to bring out different sandwiches that aren’t normally available in Kindersley,” he explained.
They also provided delivery service on weekends for people who didn’t want to go out in the extreme cold and snow. “Delivery service was busy during the winter,” Jeff said.
may request. And of course, gift cards are always available.
Although it looks like hosting a first-anniversary event isn’t an option, Trina will continue to provide attractive products and excellent service to all customers who walk through her doors or order online.
Customers have said, “She loves clothes and her customers!” Another satisfied customer said, “The clothing is very high quality, fits well and is Canadian made. She has good sales, and I’m quite impressed by her service.”
Swirl Cafe is a popular place for ice cream lovers and coffee enthusiasts. Jeff and Anna Santos started their busi-
ness long before the doors to the cafe opened. They started serving ice cream on weekends and during town events, equipped with a portable freezer, a table and a canopy. Three years later, they were ready to open their new cafe when Covid blasted the world. However, Jeff moved forward and opened the business anyway, and he’s been adding new attractions ever since.
Now the cafe is home to displays by six regular vendors, including homebaked goods. “As long as they want their product here, they are welcome,” Jeff said, noting that every vendor has something different to offer, and Swirl Cafe sells the vendor’s product under
Jeff appreciates the staff members he is employing, saying, “We’ve got two employees who have been here since we started.”
A comment on social media said, “Jeff cares about his customers and how they are doing.” One customer told Jeff he had just bought a fancy new coffee machine but wasn’t sure how to operate it, so Jeff invited the customer to come behind the counter and trained him “how to make a decent coffee at home.” You’ll find Jeff at Swirl Cafe at least ten hours a day, seven days a week, always friendly and hospitable. “It’s not about how much we earn; it’s about community and providing a good service. We still see new faces,” he concluded.
Local fundraiser is perfect for the gardener in your life
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Gardening season has arrived, and those gardeners will need fertilizer to help their soil reach its maximum potential. This year the Kindersley Legion, along with Kinder Kollege Inc., can help you find fertilizer and contribute to a good cause at the same time. It’s a win/win situation.
Legion member Dave Burke said the Legion kicked around a lot of fundraising ideas. “We’ve sold a lot of tickets previously but were wondering what we could do to make it safer for everybody,” Dave said. The Legion is no longer able to hold their regular meal fundraisers, which covered the hall’s monthly expenses of approximately $750.00/ month, so they were seeking other alternatives.
“The ball team sold fertilizer a few years ago, and they did all right with it, so we de-
21051AA2 21051AA3
cided to give it a try,” he explained. One of the Legion members had connections with the Kinder Kollege, and they asked if they could work together on this fundraiser. “So we made an agreement with them, and we’ll see if we can help out both organizations and make a little money.”
The Legion is also looking at renovating the hall’s kitchen, which will cost approximately $25,000. “We’re kicking that idea around,” Dave said. “But more than anything, we want to keep the Legion name out there and let people know we’re still viable. We don’t want to lose the Legion; it’s important that it stays in the community. It’s still one of the main service clubs in Kindersley.”
Jodi Tumbach at Kinder Kollege said they are planning to use any funds raised to purchase educational learning material for the children and an outdoor sunshade for their
NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
for the o ce of
COUNCILLOR DIVISION NO. 4 for the R.M. of Newcombe No. 260
Will be received by the undersigned at the municipal ofce, 103 Highway Road in Glidden, during normal o ce hours until Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. local time. Nomination forms and Public Disclosure Forms may be obtained from the municipal o ce in Glidden. Public disclosure forms must accompany nomination forms when nomination forms are
Dated this 3rd day of May, 2021.
yard.
Nutrien Ag Solutions is providing the Legion and Kinder Kollege with 15 kg bags of N19-P12-K15-S6 fertilizer at a reduced cost, which are available for $30/bag. The fertilizer will be pre-sold and pre-ordered, but the Legion will order some extra bags for anyone who requests after the May 30th fundraiser deadline.
Anyone interested can contact any Legion member, including Dave, at 306-460-8389 or any Kinder Kollege member, including Jodi, at 306-463-5435.
Yvette Schuh Returning O cer
Jeff Santos and Trina Koska both took a chance on opening new businesses last year at the start of the Covid pandemic.
Town of Kindersley Council Report
Town Council held their Regular Meeting on Monday, April 26, 2021. The following agenda items were resolved.
7.1: The Council of the Town of Kindersley approved the Discretionary Use Application (DU#21-06) for a Discretionary Use at the residence of 108 –5th Avenue West. On the condition that it complies with the Development Standards of Discretionary Use pursuant to Section 4.11.3 (1) to (9), of Zoning Bylaw 04-14 and that the Applicant obtains a Business License from the Town prior to operation, and every year of operation. If any of the conditions outlined above are not met for this proposed Discretionary Use, then the permit may not be approved and/or may be revoked.
7.2: Council approved the Discretionary Use Application (DU#21-05) for a Discretionary Use at the residence of 118 – 4th Avenue West. On the condition that it complies with the Development Standards of Discretionary Use pursuant to Section 4.11.3 (1) to (9), of Zoning Bylaw 04-14 and that the Applicant obtains a Business License from the Town prior to operation, and every year of operation. If any of the conditions outlined above are not met for this proposed Discretionary Use, then the permit may not be approved and/or may be revoked.
7.3: Town Council resolved to accept the recommendation of the Adjudication Committee and awards LUK Plumbing and Heating & Electric LTD. as the successful bidder for the West Central Events Centre Dehumidifier project as per the submitted tender, and that the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) are directed to enter into an agreement in the amount of $143,437.00 CAD plus applicable taxes.
7.4: The Council of the Town of Kindersley directs Administration to distribute approved funding to the following applicants from the Community Grant Program, 2021 Spring intake: $750.00 each, Kindersley Legion, Kindersley & District Library, Kindersley Chamber, Pathway to Wellness, Walking Trail Committee, Kindersley Curling Rink, Kindersley Food Bank, Westberry School, Canadian Fallen Heroes, for a total allocation amount of $6,750.00.
7.5: Council acknowledges the Drinking Water Quality and Compliance Report for the Town of Kindersley Water Supply System and Treatment
Plant 2020 Notice to Consumer which has been submitted to the Water Security Agency in accordance with the Water Works and Sewage Works Regulations, 2015.
7.6: The Council of the Town of Kindersley resolved to direct the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to enter into a Community Airport Partnership Agreement with the Ministry of Highways for 2021 upgrades at the Kindersley Regional Airport.
8.1: Town Council resolved to accept as submitted the list of accounts as paid by the Town of Kindersley and in the amount of $398,768.01.
9.1: Mayor Rod Perkins proclaimed the week of May 16-22, 2021 as National Public Works week in the Town of Kindersley. The Council encourages all residents to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and the quality of life.
9.2: Mayor Rod Perkins proclaimed April 28th, 2021 be recognized as A Day of Mourning for Persons Killed or Injured in the Workplace in the Town of Kindersley. Council encourages all business owners, workers, and residents to actively participate in educating themselves on workplace safety.
9.3: Mayor Rod Perkins proclaimed the week of May 2-8, 2021 to be Emergency Preparedness Week in the Town of Kindersley. Council encourages all residents to participate in educating themselves on emergency preparedness by downloading early warning apps, preparing to shelter in place, and remaining aware of developing situations in the community.
9.4: Mayor Rod Perkins proclaimed that April 18-24, 2021 was National Volunteer Week. Council encourages all residents to continue in thanking volunteers, and to support the fine organizations in our community by becoming a volunteer.
10.1: Town Council resolved to approve the Consent Agenda which includes the following items for acceptance and filing: Chamber Activities Update – 2019-2020, SaskWater March 2021 Monthly Report, Annual Vegetation Management Program FAQ, Annual Vegetation Management Program Letter.
Saskatchewan RCMP introduces new Commanding Officer: Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore
We are proud to announce Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore has assumed her role as the Commanding Officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP.
Originally from Hanover, Ontario, Assistant Commissioner Blackmore joined the RCMP 25 years ago and has served in Saskatchewan, Ottawa and Alberta. Her experiences early in her career working in Assiniboia, Regina (now White Butte) and Buffalo Narrows Detachments served as the foundation to her policing career with each posting in the province providing her with a strong understanding of policing in the Saskatchewan.
Coming back to Saskatchewan is something Assistant Commissioner Blackmore welcomes. “Even though I’m originally from Ontario, coming back to Saskatchewan is a little bit like coming home,” she said. “And the one thing I’ve noticed in the short time I’ve been here is how the hospitality of people of Saskatchewan hasn’t changed.
Assistant Commissioner Blackmore is looking forward to supporting Saskatchewan RCMP employees and building strong relationships with communities, partners and stakeholders. When asked what is key to community
$9000 +GST (Includes photo) Will be uploaded to our website www.yourwestcentral.com at
Eulogies & Poems will be charged an
safety in our province, she said, “It is a diverse area, and that’s going to mean there’s varied needs or priorities from different communities throughout the province. So we need to be responsive to those needs. We need to have open communication with our communities, with our community leaders and people within our communities, and make sure we’re engaging with them on what their priorities are, what their concerns are and what we need to deliver to ensure they feel safe and secure in their homes and communities.”
Introducing herself to employees, partners, communities, and stakeholders is a priority for Assistant Commissioner Blackmore. “My priority is to meet people, as best we can. In the current environment, much that will be virtually, of course, initially,” she said. “Hopefully at some point we will get the opportunity to meet people again in person, so that I can get out there and have those really important conversations on what they see as priorities, what we’re doing well, areas where we could improve.”
This appointment was made in collaboration with the province of Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore
Rose City Memorials Ltd.
Family Owned with Pride since 1961
CHRISTEL HANKEWICH
Memorial Specialist 306-463-9191
Christel has helped families with their monument needs for over 30 years.
Granite Monument Specialists Dedicated to Quality Craftsmanship and Service
BINKLEY’S FUNERAL SERVICE
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Red Cross urges getting prepared during this Emergency Preparedness Week
With the arrival of spring comes the arrival of the potential for wildfires, floods or tornados, so this Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs May 2-8, 2021, is the perfect time to get prepared, just in case.
“Disasters often strike with little warning,” explains Georgiana Matharu, Canadian Red Cross emergency management operations manager in Saskatchewan. “You may need to evacuate quickly and having an emergency kit on hand and ready to go can help you navigate the first 72 hours with a little peace of mind.”
Having a basic kit is good but personalizing it and updating it for COVID-19 protection is even better.
add items as your budget allows.
Through care and planning, Binkley’s Funeral Service and Purple Shield can help transform a painful task into an affirming act of affection.
Through care and planning, Binkley’s Funeral Service and FamilySide can help transform a painful task into an affirming act of affection. For the way you want to be remembered
Obituaries
can be found on our website at www.yourwestcentral.com
KINDERSLEY COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM
Serving Families Since 1933
Community Owned, Full-Service Funeral Home
• Pre-planning • Monuments • Grief Support
• Only crematorium in the west-central area
Eston Branch 615 Main Street S. 306-962-4442
Kindersley 801 - 9th Street West 306-463-2659
Kerrobert Branch 440 Pacific Avenue 306-834-2411
E-mail: kcfh@sasktel.net Fax: 306-463-2650 www.kindersleyfuneralhome.com
The essentials for a kit include non-perishable food, cash, a first aid kit, keys, medication, a change of clothes, water, and important documents, such as home insurance information.
Beyond these items, you should “personalize your kit to your specific needs,” says Matharu. “If you have children, include games to keep them
occupied. Pack pet food if you have animals in the house. Keep an extra set of eyeglasses handy, and don’t forget chargers for electronic equipment.”
Tailoring an emergency kit to your specific needs can make all the difference in a time of crisis. And it doesn’t have to be expensive. Before you purchase anything, check what you have in your pantry. Start with the essentials, assess what you need to personalize your kit, and slowly start to
During the pandemic, it’s important to update your emergency kit to include items to protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19. Ensure that you include masks, hand sanitizer, sanitizer wipes, and gloves, adds Matharu.
“There is no way to prepare for everything that might come your way but doing what you can to ease the impact of a disaster can go a long
way in recovery,” she says. “It all starts with a simple emergency preparedness kit to help get you through the first critical days.”
Visit redcross.ca/ beready to learn more about assembling an emergency preparedness kit with essential and additional items, creating a car kit, and to downloading an emergency kit checklist.
Canada’s largest Helium Purification Facility opens in southwest Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is now officially home to the largest helium purification facility in Canada.
Located near Battle Creek in the province’s southwest, the new $32 million facility, owned and operated by North American Helium Inc. (NAH), is expected to produce more than 50 million cubic feet per year of purified helium for commercial sale. For context, that would be enough to fill approximately 400,000 party balloons a day.
Helium is a highly desirable commodity used in medical research, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, fibre optics, and advancements in nuclear power generation.
“This facility will create and support local jobs, enable the province to scale up helium production, and grow export capacity,” Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. “It will also further diversify our natural resource sector and position Saskatchewan as a leading supplier of a critical element that the world needs.”
Helium is included on both the Canadian and American lists of critical minerals, considered necessary for the modern economy, emerging technologies or which face supply chain risks. Prices for helium have risen by more than 160 per cent since 2017, as a result
of increased global demand and shortage of supply. Canada currently has the fifth-largest helium resources in the world, with significant underground reserves in Saskatchewan.
“This project is another example of the resiliency of our economy and another step toward economic recovery and a return to growth,” Cypress Hills MLA Doug Steele said. “Saskatchewan has the natural resources the world needs, and it is important we continue providing a competitive investment environment to attract projects such as this that will create jobs in our communities, grow our economy and build a strong Saskatchewan.”
The NAH helium purification project was approved for the province’s Oil and Gas Processing Investment Incentive (OGPII) program, which provides new or expanded gas processing and liquefaction facilities with a 15 per cent transferrable royalty credit, based on capital expenditures.
“We are very excited to start up
our second helium plant in Saskatchewan ahead of schedule and anticipate running a significant helium exploration and development program into the future,” NAH President and Chief Operating Officer Marlon McDougall said.
“This is an important milestone in the development of a new source of reliable green helium supply, and long-term sustainable helium production industry in Saskatchewan,” NAH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Snyder said. “Our company will continue working with our partners and relevant stakeholders to ensure that we can grow our nitrogen-based helium production as a replacement for declining legacy sources of hydrocarbon-linked helium supplies in the lower 48 states.”
Saskatchewan is one of the few jurisdictions in the world that can support the drilling of dedicated helium wells, rather than as a byproduct of hydrocarbon production. This makes helium production significantly more environmentally friendly in Saskatchewan than in competing jurisdictions. With the NAH facility, there are now nine active helium wells in the province and 24 in the drilling process. The Government of Saskatchewan expects the number of helium wells will eventually surpass 100.
Edwin Rijvers Canada Purple Shield
Norman Fiss Funeral Director
Sara Martin Funeral Director
Your West Central
Classifieds
CARD OF THANKS
The Broderick, Campbell and Mullock families wish to thank everyone who sent flowers, cards, food and their condolences for our recent loss of Bill Mullock.
FOR RENT
ROOMS FOR RENT.
$500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh at 306460-9292. tn
GARAGE SALE
LARGE MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE. Friday, May 7 4:00-8:00 PM. Saturday, May 8 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Take Highway 21 to Glidden, turn east (left) for 7 km, then left (north) on grid 2 km (follow signs). Household items, antiques, small furniture, bedding, microwave, bedframe, GPS, toys, etc. Many items like new. WORTH THE DRIVE!
HELP WANTED
KINDERSLEY PACKERS is looking to hire an Industrial Butcher. 3-5 years slaughter house experience, Grade 12 education. Must speak English. Custom cut carcass of beef and pork. Full-time, permanent position. $16.00/hr. Please bring resume to Kindersley Packers or email to: kindersley.packers@ gmail.com 306-4633666. Ask for Arnold.
CLASS 1 DRIVERS
Notice to Creditors
IN THE ESTATE OF SUSAN HUTCHINSON, LATE OF ESTON, IN THE PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN, DECEASED
ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 31st day of MAY, 2021.
Sarah Loerzel Executor 17 O’Connor Crescent Kindersley, SK. S0L 1S1
WANTED
CLEAR YOUR CLOSETS. I’ll buy your unwanted Rifles & Shotguns - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. I have the permits required. Phone or Text 306-463-7756.
Kindersley RCMP Arrest 5 During Collision Investigation
On the morning of April 26th, 2021 Kindersley RCMP responded to a call of a minor collision on 11th Avenue West. Further investigation of the occupants in one of the vehicles involved resulted in all five occupants being arrested.
A total of 20 new charges were laid against three adults and two juveniles. All parties are from Calgary and remain in custody awaiting court.
In addition to this collision investigation, Kindersley RCMP responded to a further 35 calls for service during the past week which included, but was not limited to, four 911 calls, two fraud related calls, one failure to comply with an undertaking and four suspicious persons calls.
If you need to report any suspicious activity in your community, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or their local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a
tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com. Online Crime Reporting can be accessed at: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc. gc.ca/saskatchewan.
*For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.
10. Young boy
11. Luxurious resort
16. Competent
20. Applied
22. Pull suddenly
24. Troops
25. Daytime TV show
26. Courageous person
27. Understood
28. Bossa ____
29. Is in debt
31. Bee’s follower
32. Meat mixture
35. Sharp
ACROSS
1. Scored on the serve
5. Gun, as an engine
8. Kitties
12. Speaking part
13. Respect
14. Trade
15. Flamenco dancer’s instrument
17. TV’s Alan
18. Overpriced
19. Eternal spirit
21. Hog’s home
23. Break
27. Snarl
30. Sprain result
33. Shad ____
34. This moment
35. Work dough
36. Blemish 37. Eden inhabitant
38. Just manages to earn
39. Memo error
40. Debris
42. Hem’s partner
44. Atop
47. Intelligence 51. Punch
54. Wherever
56. Took a taxi
57. Decorate a cake
58. Glass container
59. Copied 60. Permit 61. Shade providers
DOWN
1. Circle portions 2. Cloak 3. Otherwise 4. Hate
5. Made a getaway
6. Mas that go baa
7. Presidential refusal
8. Biblical song 9. Nocturnal bird
ANSWER TO PUZZLE
39. Apostle count
41. Hauled
43. Egyptian snake
45. Comet part
46. ____ in a lifetime
48. Fingertip feature
49. Scheme
50. Slippery swimmers
51. Bathing-suit top
52. Crop
53. “____ to Joy”
55. Besides
PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
HOW TO PLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.
11. Asked urgently
16. Female sib
20. Did farm work
21. Part of CD
22. Repeated sound
23. Look to be
24. Become ready to pick
31. Inhabit
34. Give as a gift
35. Stop
Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box.
26. Nectar gatherer
27. Silver follower
28. Center of rotation
29. Slangy affirmative
WEEK OF MAY 2 TO 8, 2021
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: ARIES, TAURUS AND GEMINI
ARIES
You’ll expand your social circle. You’ll be responsible for organizing a professional or social event that brings together people you care about for an enriching experience.
TAURUS
You’ll be able to take action on important projects both at work and at home. You’ll also come up with the down payment you need to buy a property.
GEMINI
You’ll take time to plan your next vacation. You might also want to take advantage of the summer to register in a training program that will advance your career.
CANCER
Now is the time to reflect on what makes you happy and what you dislike. You’ll spend a lot of time weighing pros and cons. Only then will you be able to make the right decision.
LEO
At work, it’s possible that you’ll need to step in to resolve a conflict. Your personality and thoughtfulness will allow you to find concrete solutions that address all the details.
VIRGO
You’ll have a lot of work on your plate, with plenty of details to consider. Before summer, you’ll start a diet that gets quick results. You’ll be quite proud of your hard work.
LIBRA
Allergy season is starting, and you may experience some discomfort. A healthy diet will help minimize your symptoms as well as other ailments like heartburn.
SCORPIO
You might find out about a move or birth in the family. If your children have left home, you’ll start to seriously consider selling your house.
SAGITTARIUS
You won’t stand idly by if you witness some form of injustice. You won’t hesitate to shout it from the rooftops, and you’ll become actively involved in trying to correct the situation.
37. Blower
38. Soda ____
39. Garden of Genesis
40. Take a bus
41. Stubborn beast
44. Gun a motor
45. Additionally
46. Sunbather’s color
47. ____ out (barely make)
CAPRICORN
Your friends will talk you into going shopping. You’ll also spoil yourself with a therapeutic or relaxation treatment that will dramatically improve your health.
AQUARIUS
If you’ve committed yourself to a longterm project, concrete results will begin to take shape. You’ll put together a team to support you in a personal or professional undertaking.
PISCES
Maintaining your health requires rest. You must do something to relax and let go before taking on anything else. You’ll also need to manage your time better.
CROSSWORD
PUZZLE NO. 83
PUZZLE NO. 81
PUZZLE NO. 816
PUZZLE NO. 817
PUZZLE NO. 818
PUZZLE NO. 819
GET NOTICED WITH LOW COST ADVERTISING!
I
Written by Lee Murray and Kori Upshall
Illustrated by Emily Johnson
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing Review by Michelle Shaw
Children love asking questions and even a seemingly simple question can hide layers of emotion. This colorful soft-covered book is written by a grandmother and her granddaughter and is based on a true experience. A few years ago, four-year-old Kori was on a quest to find out how much her grandmother loved her. She kept asking her grandmother continually outlandish questions to try to find something – anything --that would make her grandmother stop loving her.
The scenarios in the book are gloriously overthe-top. The little girl broke her grandmother’s mirror, for instance, by crashing a plane into it, and she broke her grandmother’s dishes by rip-
ping off the table cloth while her grandmother was having tea with the queen.
The book is beautifully and hilariously illustrated by Saskatoon-based visual artist Emily Johnson. I loved the fact that the little girl’s dog (apparently based on Kori’s real-life dog Bryson) also makes an appearance in each scenario… playing the piano and driving the plane. Johnson has captured lots of humorous moments like these that will provide the opportunity for many tangential discussions.
The book’s repeated questions (“but what if I broke”… and “but I will still love you”) quickly move the story forward and made me eager to turn the pages. The rhyming words (“frustrated and exasperated”/”horrified and mortified”) and alliteration (“shocked and stunned”/”disappointed and dismayed”) also set up a familiar rhythm and make the book easy to read and remember which is especially helpful for early readers.
Grandmothers, this is definitely a book to add to your collection of stories.
The book was written by Dr. Lee Murray, an associate professor at the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan, along with her nine-year-old granddaughter Kori Upshall.
Emily Johnson is a first-time children’s book illustrator. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Saskatchewan in 2020 and has a wide range of experience in various artistic mediums.
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM
SaskBooks is grateful for support from: Creative Saskatchewan, Canada Council for the Arts, Canada Book Fund from the Department of Canadian Heritage, SaskCulture, Access Copyright Foundation, Tourism Saskatchewan, Friesen’s Book Division, and bibliophiles everywhere.
doug.odnokon@hubinternational.com
Sure-Fire Streaming: The best in TV and film from your living room
BY JORDAN PARKER https://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
The Gift – Available On
One of the most surprising, shocking twists in recent memory came from this little-known thriller.
Writer-director Joel Edgerton – primarily known for his acting prowess – deals in a screenplay that’s near flawless. As the villainous co-star, he absolutely owns the screen, and the work behind it.
The film is about married couple Simon and Robyn, who meet up with former acquaintance Gordo. But their rekindled friendship takes a turn when Gordo begins to become obsessed with the couple.
The performance make the film – Jason Bateman, in a big againsttype turn, is fantastic, as is the formidable Rebecca Hall. But Edgerton provides the creepiness factor that makes the film really work.
If your jaw isn’t slacked on the floor at the end of this movie, hat’s off to you.
Liar Liar – Available On Netflix
Maybe I’m in the minority, but while all my friends were re-watching Happy Gilmore as kids, this was my comedic holy grail.
Jim Carrey is a staple and a Canadian treasure. He’s proven he can do drama and comedy, and I’ve followed his entire career with great interest.
In my humble opinion, Liar Liar is his funniest, most well-rounded comedy. He stars as a lawyer who is condemned to not lie for 24 hours due to a birthday with from his disappointed son.
In that day, Carrey’s character Fletcher begins to see the consequences of his one-track, corporate ladder climbing mind on his family, friends and co-workers.
Some sequences in this film are absolutely unforgettable, and I can never scroll past Liar Liar on my TV set and not at least watch a few minutes.
Stowaway – Available On Prime Video
Nothing this year so far has made an impact quite like writ-
er-director’s space odyssey Stowaway.
It may not have the incredible visual effects of gravity, but the human connection is real, and you’ll find yourself rooting for these characters in an impossible situation.
Stowaway is a film about a three-person crew headed to Mars who see their humanity and ethics tested when they find an injured, unconscious ship worker.
The fourth passenger provides difficulties with resources – including oxygen – and there’s no turning back.
Despite the out-of-this-world setting, the very human struggle plays out incredibly, especially due to central performances from Anna Kendrick, Daniel Dae Kim, Toni Collette and Shamier Anderson.
It’s a heavily involving, difficult feature, but you’ll be rewarded by the end. It’s my favourite of 2021 so far.
Nightcrawler – Available On Netflix
This dark, terrifying portrayal of the world of journalism, and the lengths reporters will go to in order to get a story, is a difficult watch.
The old adage, “if it bleeds, it leads” is a moniker that means mayhem, deaths, and car crash footage will always lead a news program.
So this flick about Louis, a scrappy freelancer trying to break into the business, is a sad look at how much he’ll push to get his footage on the air in L.A. But when Louis begins staging his shots for higher impact, he crosses ethical lines.
Director-writer Dan Gilroy finds the perfect balance between preachy and observant, and JAKE Gyllenhaal’s performance is so good it transforms the heartthrob into scary territory.
With an incredible supporting turn from underrated Rene Russo, as well as performances from the late Bill Paxton, and Riz Ahmed, it’s a stacked cast.
The bleak subject matter may turn some away, but if this review intrigues you, it’s important you check out this scary good movie.
Happy Endings – Available On Prime Video
Perhaps the funniest show I’ve seen in the last decade, Happy Endings is a wonderful sitcom that only lasted three seasons.
Whip-smart and too highbrow for network TV, the show has found a huge following post-cancellation, and deservedly so.
It follows a group of six young friends in Chicago who struggle with the very public, wedding-set break-up of two of them. As the events of that day threaten to tear everyone apart, the group attempts to pull together and get past it.
The strength of this show lies in the pitch-perfect ensemble and the writing, so quick and witty that I sometimes need to rewind because I couldn’t hear the new joke due to my laughing at the prior one.
Oddly enough, Zachary Kingston and Elisha Cuthbert star as exes Dave and Alex, but they’re the least involving of the bunch. Eliza Coupe is Jane, Alex’s hard-drinking sister, and the lovely Damon Wayans Jr. plays her husband Brad in a career-defining role.
But it’s Casey Wilson as single spinster Penny and Adam Pally as bearish, queer Max who absolutely make this show.
I have to say, if you don’t find this show laugh-out loud hilarious, you don’t have a funny bone. Give it three episodes – you’ll be sucked in.
Kelli Brost