What's Happening:

Shanisse Brown a miracle child
In her four-and-a-half years, Shanisse Brown has been through more than many go through in a lifetime.
Shanisse was born with congenital hydrocephalus, an inoperable blockage at the base of her brain stem that prevents fluid from going to her abdomen. A shunt was inserted to carry the fluid to her belly when she was five days old, and she's had 16 subsequent operations to remove blockages and install a new shunt.
Other problems Shanisse has suffered include contracting meningitis when she was two, which caused two months of hospitalization and installation of an external shunt; epilepsy; anemia; hyperactivity; and an increased heart rate. But through it all, Shanisse fought, and her parents, Erin and Lanette Brown of Estevan, have been there with her.
"She's epileptic because of all the brain surgeries," said Erin. "It scars the brain, so she has to be on anti-seizure medication now for life because of so much scaring. Maybe the anti-seizure drug ... has something to do with her extreme hyperactivity and increased heart rate."
Because of the condition, Shanisse was born with only five per cent of her brain. When she was three years old, when the brain has usually develops to its normal size, she was still at five per cent. By her fourth birthday, it was 45 per cent.
"Dr. Wirrell, the pediatric neurologist in Saskatoon, was absolutely amazed a large amount of brain had developed after age three," said Lanette. "We were told by Dr. Wirrell that the average person will use ten per cent of their brain to function, and if Shanisse used 100 per cent of her five per cent, she was half normal."
"They said she'd never function, she wouldn't walk or talk and she'd be severely disabled," continued Lanette. "She'd have cerebral palsy, to what degree they didn't know. They actually tried to convince us to institutionalize her."
The hydrocephalus prevented her from closing her eyes for seven days from all the pressure. Something like putting ponytails in her hair isn't possible because of the shape of her head. Her hair helps cover that, and covers most of the scars from the shunt insertion.
Shanisse started to prove people wrong when she was crawling at 18 months, and walking a year later.
"She's an absolute miracle," said Lanette. "Every time we go for surgery, (our surgeon in Regina) Dr. Buwembo sits there and he watches her and he's just amazed. We ask him 'Dr. B, what are you thinking?' And he replies 'I'm just watching, she's just a miracle.'"
"Some people will get up to that level of training and they'll look at you and think it's impossible to have a conversation with you because you're just a commoner, but he's not like that," added Erin. "He'll sit down and talk with you like you're a normal human being."
Both Erin and Lanette give credit to Buwembo for helping them through the tough time and offering all his support.
Lanette said it becomes harder to cope with every surgery, because as Shanisse gets older, she becomes more aware of what's going to happen as she enters the operating room. She feels a sense of comfort when Erin goes in with her, knowing he's with her until Shanisse falls asleep.
Because of her amazing development, the Browns will leave for the world-renown Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota at the end of the month. Shanisse has an appointment slated for January 29, and is expected to remain there for five to seven days.
One reason for going is to get questions answered, not just on Shanisse's health, but her future quality of life, questions they've had since her birth.
"At four years we're ready to ask some questions we've wanted answers to: will she be able fend for herself, will she one day be able to start a family, will her life expectancy be any less than a normal child," said Lanette.
Early costs are estimated at $20,000 (Cdn), and a fundraising campaign in Southeast Saskatchewan has already begun. Coin jars have been distributed throughout Estevan, several local businesses have made donations, and a "Shanisse Brown Trust Fund" has been set up at the Estevan Credit Union and CIBC.
But the support extends past Estevan. Over $5,000 in four days has been raised in the Browns' hometown of Carberry, Manitoba, through a trust fund at the Westoba Credit Unions.
The Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation, who started supporting them two years ago, has pledged to cover their travel and food costs. Also, through their church, the Estevan Church of Christ, the Browns will be staying at the House of Compassion in Rochester, a ministry of the Rochester Church of Christ and conveniently only four blocks from the Mayo Clinic.
"I don't know how much we're going to raise, and how much it's going to cost, but I think we have enough to get us started," said Erin. "I can't put a dollar figure on it, but I'm very appreciative for what people give."

Morris instructs advanced scrapbookers
By David Willberg
Melissa Morris was in Estevan last weekend, bringing with her a wealth of scrapbooking knowledge.
Morris was the instructor at an advanced scrapbooking institute hosted by Scrapa-Palooza at the Wicklow Centre in Estevan last weekend. Morris taught four one-hour sessions for those interested in new techniques and moving beyond the basics of page layout. Scrapbookers came from as far as Winnipeg and Moose Jaw for the classes.
She had previously helped Scrapa-Palooza owners Christine Branyik-Thornton and Laurel Fornwald at larger meetings in Regina, Brandon and Moose Jaw, but this was her first time in Estevan.
Originally from Alberta but now living in Eston, Morris has had a layout published in a special scrapbooking publication: "The Big Idea Book of Vacation Memories." She believes her work was selected because of her picture quality and design originality.
Her interest in scrapbooking started a couple of years ago when she entered a store in Saskatoon and became hooked when she saw what the store had to offer for patterns, coloured paper, stickers and templates.
"Eventually I was at that store so much that they hired me to work there, because I was showing customers where everything was and people would come in the back room while I was working on my scrapbook and ask me for help," said Morris.
"After working in the store for a few months, I started teaching classes and found that's what I enjoyed doing the most, coming up with new layouts, ideas, using new products and showing people how to use them," continued Morris. "Sometimes you just need a bit of a creative boost, seeing other people's ideas in books or magazines helps you."
She enjoys scrapbooking because she loves taking pictures, it gives her a place to put them, it requires a lot of shopping, and it's an easy hobby.
"You see results right away, you can sit down and create a page, and it doesn't take much," said Morris. "If you're working on a quilt or cross-stitching or something like that, it can take a lot of time, scrapbooking you can complete relatively quickly."
She said she'd scrapbook all day if she could, but realizes she has to work so she can "support my scrapbooking habit."
She will teach another convention for Scrapa-Palooza in March in Regina. She believes this is the opportune time to have these sessions, as most new products are released in January and February, and people can use them immediately.
The popularity of scrapbooking has been increasing in recent years, and Morris has noticed more stores opening across the province and is meeting more new people at the conventions she teaches at. She believes many people begin the hobby for reasons similar to hers and to get more creative with preserving their pictures.
"For years everybody thought the photo albums were good enough, but they weren't very interesting to look at, and you had to sit there with someone and tell them the stories behind the photographs," said Morris. "When you're scrapbooking, you can journal on the page, you can remember everything about the moment, and present it in a way that's nice to look at."
Another problem with photo albums, according to Morris, is the sticky sheets weren't acid free, which damaged the pictures, whereas scrapbooking provides a safer method for people to preserve their photos.
"The focus on your scrapbooking is always the pictures, but we work really hard on creating a really nice page that's enjoyable to look at so if you want to show it to the grandparents or friends and family, it's something that will last for years to come," said Morris.

Harper addresses Estevan
Canadian Alliance Party leadership candidate Stephen Harper made a stop on his campaign tour at Estevan's Derrick Motor Inn January 11.
Approximately 30 people attended the event. Harper, 42, was the MP for the Calgary West riding from 1993-1997, and starting in 1998, was the president of the National Citizens Coalition. During his time as an MP, he fought for the "No" side during the 1995 Quebec referendum.
Issues he addressed during the meeting include abortion, euthanasia, the low Canadian dollar, parental discipline, the age of consent, gaining support in Ontario, gun legislation, the future of the party, and having a long-term plan rather than "reinventing the party every six months."
Harper also addressed the possibility of a merger with the Progressive Conservatives (PC), something he believes will be difficult as long as Joe Clark is the PC's leader.
Harper believes he's a strong candidate because of his experience in the party.
"I haven't tried to compare myself to the other candidates," said Harper. "My strength is I have a lot of experience in the party, particularly in policy areas and I think what the party needs to get back on track and get back to emphasizing its policies."
His backers include current Souris/Moose Mountain MP Roy Bailey.

Chamber of Commerce Notes
Highlights from the January 9 meeting of the Estevan chamber of commerce:
*The chamber posted a net income of $12,918.73 in 2001, with over $240,000 in total income. They are projecting a surplus of $6,850 in 2002.
*The chamber will print posters similar to those for the SJHL/MJHL all-star game for all future events.
*A final report on Estevan Promotions Cash was given. Only $2,000 has yet to be returned of the $80,000 that was printed. Promotions cash must be redeemed by January 31.
*New City Manager Jim Puffalt was the guest speaker. Puffalt said he sees a community with huge challenges but also a huge potential and they're on the road to meeting those challenges. He said council is adopting a governance model of leadership with clearer-defined roles and responsibities. He also pointed out several tasks they've completed to improve efficiency and save money, such as the water treatment plant and the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre using the same water treatment chemicals.
*Next meeting is February 13th, with Sergeant Ralph Gross of Crime Stoppers as the guest speaker.

Family centre finds temporary home
The Estevan Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse has found a temporary home for their Family Centre project.
The council has decided to lease the former New Age Electronics building until at least June 2002, and should have it open this week or February 1.
There have been several delays in completing the building originally targeted for the centre on Fifth Street due to the condition of the roof. The council wanted to repair the roof during the last year, but the roof is connected to the building of their neightbour, so they needed them to have their's repaired at the same time, sharing in the remodeling contract and its cost. But the neighbour hasn't cooperated, resulting in the delay.
Highlights from 2001 include a free matinee of "The Iron Giant" earlier this fall, the presentation of the "Breaking the Silence" Award to the volunteers of the Violence Intervention Program during the Estevan United Way's Marathon, Rhyme Time for infants and toddlers,; parenting classes, the first annual Easter Egg hunt, helping children attend summer camp, and support of the Art in the Park program for children during the summer.
Their other major project early this year is assisting with the Applause Feast and Folly dinner theatre February 13 at the Beefeater Plaza, featuring a prime rib dinner and a comedy "This Crazy Life," with proceeds going to the Family Centre.

Council Notes
Highlights from the January 7 meeting of Estevan City Council:
*Mayor Tim Perry gave his New Year's address. Perry discussed some of the changes in the city the last year, the challenges facing them in the future and how they can tackle those challenges.
*The Estevan Municipal Airport is considering changing their frequency from 123.0 mHz back to 122.8. Council will look at the issue at a future meeting.
*Two meetings have been established with CUPE local 726: January 22 for exchanging packages and January 30 for bargaining.
*City Treasurer Richard Dolhun has introduced new payment procedures. This will allow for strengthening fiscal controls and dealing with expenditures that fall outside of each department's budget.
*Tenders worth $61,179.40 were awarded for chemicals for the water treatment plant, water reservoir and the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
*A letter of referral for a proposed commercial subdivision in the RM of Estevan will be sent to the Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs and Housing Department. Members of council expressed concern with the number of businesses opening in the RM instead of the city.
*No members of council will be attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCN) conference in Hamilton this year, as council rescinded a motion from their last meeting of 2001 to send two members.
*Estevan's new Police Chief, Peter MacKinnon, will be sworn in at a meeting January 19.

TAX RATES DOWN AGAIN
Personal income taxes were reduced for the fifth straight year in Saskatchewan on January 1st, 2002. That's a saving of $1,297 a year since 1993, almost a full third.
"Not only did personal income tax decrease for the fifth year in a row, but the senior and child tax credits were increased as well," Finance Minister Eric Cline said. "The tax credit for dependent children is the only one of its kind in Canada. It provides a special incentive no other province offers to keep families with young children here."
2002 tax changes: Personal income tax rates decrease; Child tax credit increases from $1,500 per child to $2,000; Seniors tax credit rises from $500 a year to $750; The amount of annual income to which the small business rate applies increased from $200,000 to $300,000; and An average Saskatchewan family was paying $4,000 in income tax in 1993. In 2002, they will pay $2,703.
"Tax reform makes this province more attractive, more affordable and more viable, and I believe will help us get through our current economic challenge," Cline said.
The latest reduction in rates is the next step in implementation of the tax reform plan announced in the 2000 Budget. Effective January 1st, the rate paid on the first $30,000 of taxable income goes from 11.5 per cent to 11.25 per cent; the rate on the next $30,000 decreases from 13.5 per cent to 13.25 per cent; and the rate on remaining taxable income over $60,000 declines from 16 per cent to 15.5 per cent.

Survivor comes to Lifestyles
"Survivor" is coming to Lifestyles.
Based on the popular reality-television program, Lifestyles Survivor will run from January 29-April 5. Eight local charitable organizations will enter a contestant, with the survivor at the end of the competition capturing a $500 prize for their charity.
Each week the representatives will be asked a question. Readers will then have until Friday to vote for whom they want removed off the "island." Votes can be dropped off at participating local businesses and at the Lifestyles office or made on-line at the community website www.sasklifestyles.com. All those who vote will have their name entered for the grand prize draw. Prize to be announced.
It is hoped the community will get involved by supporting their favorite organization. Involvement from the organizations is also encouraged. One group has already started forming alliances in the community in an attempt to win. Promoting their contestant in any way possible is also encouraged.
Unlike the television version, there will be no immunity.

All-star game this weekend
Estevan will host the first-ever "Battle at the Border" this weekend.
The event kicks off January 19 with the inaugural prospects game between the best rookies of the SJHL's Sherwood and Dodge Conferences. Later that evening will be the skills competition between the Sherwood Conference and the all-stars of the MJHL's Northern Conference.
The following morning is a brunch, with former NHLer Tim Cheveldae the guest speaker. The starting game is at 2:00 pm between the all-stars of the Sherwood and MJHL Northern Conferences.
Traditionally the all-star game was between the best of the Sherwood and Dodge Conferences, with just the skills competition the night before.
The game will have a strong local flavour with the selection of Torquay native and Notre Dame Hounds forward Ryan MacMurchy and Estevan Bruins forwards Emery Olauson, Derek Smith and Brad Herauf. Former Bruin Head Coach Glen Watson will coach the MJHL all-stars.

Speaker visits Comp
By David Willberg
Myron Kowalsky, the Speaker for the Saskatchewan Legislature and the MLA for Prince Albert-Carlton, visited the Estevan Comprehensive School January 10 through the provincial government's Legislative Outreach Program.
Kowalsky addressed students from the school's history and social studies classes, recounting how he became speaker, a brief history of the position, and his roles and responsibilities.
He then walked students through a mock session of the legislature, guiding them through what happens during a sitting; then answered questions from students and teachers.
"We run this program because we feel it's important that our young people of Saskatchewan get a better understanding of just how the legislature works," Kowalsky told the students. "And from that, you get a good appreciation of the work your MLA does and the work your MLA goes through, and the processes that have been in place for centuries that makes our government stable."
Elected to the position last March, Kowalsky said he was a little reluctant to take it. He says very little during sessions, just a prayer at the beginning, recognition of speakers and repetition of motions.
Kowalsky said afterwards the biggest challenge is maintaining the confidence of the house by making sure everyone has a voice and being neutral, which he compares being neutral to being a referee or an umpire.
"I don't find that difficult, and in discussion with most other speakers they don't find it difficult because the role is quite clear in terms of what you can say," said Kowalsky. "You really can't make any kind of a statement about an issue, so you simply don't make a comment on it, and in terms of applying the rules, if you start being unfair, members have ways of getting to the speaker."

"Eye Can Estevan"
"Eye Can Estevan," an Estevan branch of a peer support group for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), was officially launched November 27, 2001.
Approximately 30 members and guests were present for the meeting. Coordinator of Volunteer Services for CNIB Beverly Kennedy was the guest speaker. Kennedy said many volunteers are needed in the area for taking clients for walks, outings, coffee, shopping or doctor's appointments; reading the mail or the newspaper; writing letters or paying bills for someone who can't see well enough to write; or making a daily phone call to a shut-in to see how they are and ensure they don't need medical or other services.
Eye Can Estevan aims for area residents with vision impairments to support each other and benefit from sharing life experiences pertaining to dealing with issues caused by diminished vision. They meet on a Tuesday every other month at the senior's room at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre, with people of all ages affected by impaired vision welcome to attend.

Birth Announcements
Pool - David and Sheri (Biette) are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Brayden David Allen on December 28, 2001 weighing 7lbs 11oz. A baby brother for Paige and Brooklynn..
Bonokoski - Kevin and Kyla Zohner are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Carter Mark on December 28, 2001 weighing 8bs 2.5oz..
Hirsch - Mark and Kerri (Leggatt) are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Tatum Olivia on January 1, 2002 weighing 8lbs 6oz..
Murray- David and Merry (Haggith) are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Kenneth Walter on January 2, 2002 weighing 6lbs 14oz..

Birthday Calendar
Shelly Rude Jan. 15
Willie Tomyn Jan. 15
William Murfitt Jan. 15
Vera Hodgens Jan. 15
Rose Brown Jan. 15
Judy Bidyk Jan. 15
Joanne Dukart Jan. 16
Ada Schoff Jan. 16
Pearl Marcotte Jan. 16
Marion Slabick Jan. 16
Margaret Severson Jan. 17
Jade Shirley Jan 20
Rose Malaryk Jan. 20
Mandy Littlefield Jan. 20
Brayden Kaip Jan. 20
Thelma Kjersem Jan. 22
Jaylee Lavoie Jan. 22
Kade Halabuzu Jan. 22
Kendra Yoner Jan. 23
Joshua Robertson Jan. 23
Louise Frank Jan. 25
Dorothy Ribling Jan. 27
Joanne Speers Jan. 28
Willy McIntyre Jan. 28
Ray Fallis Jan. 28
Dorren Dirks Jan. 28
Birthday Winner - Naomi Jahn

Welcome Home
A Unified Palette
As we swing into the first column of the New Year, a new name will be attached to this column. My name is Bonny Roy and I will be taking the reins from the very capable Sheri Pasztor.
My first house visit was to the home of Ken and Shelley Schlingmann, and their two children Jesse and Tory. They have made this 1914 house on Second Street their home for the past four years.
It used to be a custom to put a horseshoe over your front door for both good luck and a sign of hospitality. This almost seems the case here as the house has a large arch on the front porch that leads to a Victorian style screen door. Entering this front door you immediately get a glimpse of the elegant and warm décor that is throughout. Even the front clothes closet has a beautiful French door with brass paned inserts and a lovely lace curtain. Beside it is an oak halltree with a mirror.
The living room's color scheme of burgundy rose with crisp white woodwork is one that continues throughout the house in different forms. Here it is half way up the walls and then topped with a border of rose baskets. The top half of the walls are painted in a soft pink. The floral sofa and loveseat are anchored with a burgundy area rug covering hardwood floors that are throughout the main floor. We even have a Victorian lace dressed doll who looks like she's been naughty and sent to the corner for a time-out. The windows are dressed in lace and white accordion pleated shades.
Separating this room from the dining room are wonderful leaded glass-doored cabinets with pillars that are original to the house. Then one finds both antique and reproduction china cabinets and pressed-back chairs and table. On the west wall there is also a bay window with comfy pillows to curl up with. Here the burgundy shows up in wallpaper which Shelley has stenciled white ivy over the top as a way of really defining this area.
Off the dining area one may travel to a navy blue spare bedroom with a cozy quilt, or up the open staircase to the second level, or to the main floor bath, or down the hall to the kitchen. I chose the open stairway with a rose carpet runner. These led to an octagon-shaped landing with a skylight. The same style French doors as downstairs open up to a spacious master suite. Old-fashioned charm is very evident here with slanted eaves, and white wood painted floors. The walls are painted burgundy and trimmed with a rose border. The wicker seating area first greets you and then you see the bed placed strategically under the palladium window. It is again dressed in a quilt in burgundy and hunter green. To the right of this large area is a bathroom complete with claw-foot tub and wicker dressing table. The wood floors here are freshened up with white linoleum with rose diamonds which also appears in the main floor bath.
This main bath is also complete with claw foot tub, pedestal sink and beautiful burgundy lace curtains. In the corner is an oak harp-back washstand. The lower half of the walls are dressed in small patterned burgundy wallpaper and then topped with a rose border.
Down the hall at the rear of the house is the kitchen with white cabinets. A leaded glass window has been inserted so you can look into the back porch. Shelley painted the countertop with burgundy melamine paint.
Beside the kitchen is a space where the Schlingmann's really display their ingenuity. The hall walls were torn down to half height and pillars were installed on the doorway of what used to be a bedroom. Now you see an eating area with patio doors leading to the back deck. Even the old closet is now furnished with efficient computer area.
Another of the French doors leads to the basement which is carpeted in the same rose carpet. Here the walls have been painted with a soft gray. This laid-back but still elegant space has everything from an ornate mirror to big screen TV and recliners.
Also down on this level are the two kids' rooms as well as another bathroom and the laundry room. Jesse's is decorated to suit the teenager with denim painted walls, Navajo border and the obligatory posters. He has his own TV, sofa and computer area.
Tory's room is navy blue as well with a rose border. She too has her own dressing area and TV.
Thank you to the Schlingmann's for giving Lifestyles the opportunity to share with their readers the warmth of their home. It was great to see how a continued colour scheme really pulls a house together.

FARMING IN THE 50'S
Born in the late 40's, and raised on a not-so-prosperous farm near Welwyn, Saskatchewan, Albert Parsons shares his boyhood memories of growing up on a farm before farm life underwent such drastic changes.
Building a sense of responsibility in today's young people is a challenge as less time is spent at home doing things together. When I was a boy on the farm, there was no shortage of time spent at home, and no shortage of jobs that were done together - children and adults sharing many farm tasks.
One regular feature of farm life, particularly in the wintertime, was the twice-daily chores that had to be done to keep the livestock healthy and happy. On our farm the cattle and horses were tethered in the stable, not run outside in loose housing sheds as they are today. All animals were put indoors for the winter.
The cattle had to be fed and let out to water twice daily, morning and night, and the stable had to be cleaned out every day. Feed was carried in by the fork full from behind the barn - straw, oat sheaves, and hay, and put into the mangers. Chop was put in the small boxes attached to the mangers for just that purpose.
While the stock was outside getting a drink, the manure boat was backed into the barn, using the team of horses of course, and the manure was forked on. Fresh bedding was then put in stalls before the livestock was let back in. The manure was taken out to the field and spread by hand on the land. On weekends, my brother and I used to tie our sleds on the back of the manure boat and have a ride out to the field and back - urging our father to run the horses so that our ride would be an exciting one.
The least popular job of doing chores was pumping the water by hand into the trough. We were careful not to pump more than was needed, firstly because pumping was hard work, but also because the excess water had to be removed by bucket from the trough so it wouldn't be full of ice the next day.
The hens were fed, eggs collected, and the cows milked. The hen house was only cleaned out on the weekend, when we boys were home from school to help. We didn't raise pigs, although from time to time we had a pair, which were kept in a small pen in the barn snug as bugs in a rug!
Chore time on the farm was not an unpleasant task, and it sure taught us children responsibility - the animals depended on us to look after them, so there was no thought of not doing the chores since the well-being of the animals depended on us.

My Friend & I
"Wallpaper - Public Enemy Number One"
It is becoming clear to me that there is a conspiracy out there amongst the wall paper merchants. Imagine the wallpaper industry responsible for the perfect crime? It wasn't until I started renovating my modest home that I happened on to this. And, for the record I am in the process of hunting down the person responsible for inventing wallpaper.
I had some buddies over for a game of cards and a few pops one weekend and the guys were quick to admire the rustic theme in my home. They were really impressed with the natural look within. Every one of them said that there is no way their wives or girlfriends would allow them to live in a cabin-like domicile. They admired the way the cupboard doors didn't line up, and how the floor squeaked in front of the refrigerator, and how some of my doors stick. But, when they noticed that my bathroom had wallpaper, they went nuts.
They quickly pointed out the evils of wallpaper and not to turn my back on it. Most importantly they warned me not to attempt changing it, under any circumstances. There was talk of an exorcism on me but since none of them were particularly religious, they elected to make me swear on my pre 64 Winchester, that I would not to attempt changing it. Evidently they didn't want to be a part of it either as I also had to swear not to ask them for help.
It was a ridiculous notion and I assured them that I had not intention of changing my wallpaper. But that is when it started. Not until they had pointed it out to me did I give a moment's thought to renovating my bathroom. And once into it, it became obvious that I was in for a very rough ride.
In my first attempt I tried scraping it off like you would paint. The problem, as I discovered was that it invariably comes off in tiny pieces. It didn't take me long to realize that I was going to be an old man collecting a pension before I finished the bathroom. Against my better judgment, I asked for advice from a neighbor lady and she gleefully informed me that there were a couple of different methods to rid my house of wallpaper.
The most common approach I was advised, involved saturating the wallpaper with a wet sponge before scraping it off. Another method required the use of steam, which would loosen the paper making it a snap to scrape off. I opted for the kettle method which worked well enough I guess. That is, until I steamed the flesh from my scraping hand. After the crash to the floor it was months before I could finish. That's how long it took for the skin to grow back. A little tip on the steam method - wear leather gloves during the operation.
Without question, the sponge method of wallpaper removal is far less painful, but more awkward. On the other hand, this may not be a problem if you don't wear heavy gauze bandages. Just sponge down the walls, let the water soak in, and presto! The paper scrapes off with minimal effort! Most people would likely find that the steam method was faster, but for me, the sponge method was best. There was far less down time to apply first aid. In the meantime, somewhere out there is a woman who should be looking over her shoulder.

Bruins make four trades
By David Willberg
For the second straight year, the Estevan Bruins pulled off a blockbuster at the SJHL trade deadline.
The Bruins dealt forward Brad Herauf to the Battlefords North Stars for winger Trace Nicholson, defenceman Joel Pullman and a player to be named later. Herauf, last year's MVP, a member of the Viking Cup team and a recent addition to the SJHL all-star team, was second on the team in scoring with 40 points in 37 games.
Head Coach/General Manager Kelly Lovering said Herauf's family originally requested the change, and Herauf felt he'd be better off elsewhere after returning from the Viking Cup.
"Brad's a very good boy and a very good hockey player, but also a very bubbly and effervescent individual and sometimes his intensity can become somewhat negative, and he was worried his intensity would be increasingly negative in this environment," said Lovering.
Lovering said putting Herauf on the trading block came with "great reluctance," and there was an immediate response from across Western Canada.
"We were determined to do two things: keep him in the SJHL so our fans could still enjoy him, and make sure he didn't go to a team in the Sherwood Conference which could negatively affect us," said Lovering. "So we sent him to Battlefords, who we don't play again this year until the final of the SJHL, if they make it, so it seemed like the appropriate place to go, and Brad and the Herauf family were very appreciative of our efforts."
Nicholson is a 6'4", 220 pound, 17-year-old winger who Lovering believes has a huge upside and enjoys playing the physical game and going to the net.
"He's played in the league all year and we believe he can step right in with the quality 20 year olds that we have and the great 19 year olds that we have," said Lovering. "We figure they'll help this young man play really well in this environment."
Pullman is a steady, 18-year-old defenceman who can move the puck out of his own zone, something the Bruins need. As for the player to be named later, Lovering said the player is of "considerable talent."
It was one of four deals pulled by the Bruins at the deadline. The others include:
*Goalie Mike Clague was dealt to the South Surrey Eagles of the BCHL for 20 year old defenceman Mark Easton and future considerations. Clague had been suspended since December 16 for discipline problems after starting the year as the number one goalie. Lovering believes Easton will add a steadying presence in the defensive zone.
*All-star forward Emery Olauson was returned to the Topeka Scarecrows of the USHL for goalie Eric Young and futures. Lovering said Olauson never asked for a trade, but "his heart was split in about 14 different ways." He believes Olauson, the Bruins third leading scorer, needed a change of scenery for his best interests and those of the club. Olauson started the season in Topeka before returning to Estevan in September.
*Defenceman Ryan Cullen was traded back to the Fernie Ghostriders of the America West Hockey League for futures. Cullen requested the deal to return to Fernie, where he played last year.
"This team got bigger, tougher, happier, and really solid for the future," said Lovering. "Its skill level went down a touch, but I'm confident the guys in the room will make up for that, because they, like me, want to finish the season much better than it's gone the last month-and-a-half."

Bruins drop below 500
By David Willberg
Even some big moves at the SJHL trade deadline couldn't get the Estevan Bruins on track.
The Black and Gold lost all three games last week, extending their losing streak to six games and dropping them below .500 for the first time this year. They played well enough to win in a 5-4 loss to Notre Dame January 9 and had 52 shots on goal in a 6-3 loss to La Ronge, but those sandwiched an embarrassing 9-1 home ice loss to the Kindersley Klippers, their worst loss in over two years.
The game against La Ronge started well for the Bruins, taking the lead on a goal by Matt Korthuis and firing 18 first period shots on Ice Wolves goalie Paul Reimer, but came out with just a 1-1 tie. They outplayed the Wolves again in the second period, but the Wolves managed the only goal on a deflection by Garret Soparlo to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission.
The Bruins dominated the third, rifling 22 shots on Reimer, but the Wolves made the most of their 12 shots, scoring four times. Lonny Forrester and Derek Smith managed to beat Reimer, but La Ronge was quick to restore the three goal lead.
"We have to get our focus, get all the guys on the same page, that's all there is to it," defenceman Wade Grimes said after the game. "It seems like our minds haven't been there the last few games, we have to focus as a team and as a whole and be committed to winning and once we get that first win I think a bunch more are going to come."
Head Coach and General Manager Kelly Lovering said the team may have been a little snakebit, but part of the problem is they can't deal with adversity.
"As soon as something goofy happens, they just sag, and they have to be relit, rewound and sent back out," said Lovering. "They don't really get urgent or go out to win a game until it's already lost."
"Once it was 4-1, the bench came alive and everyone went crazy, but they have to get that same intensity from the start," continued Lovering. "I tried to explain to them they think they do, but they don't, and they agreed with me after. Yes, we're getting bad luck, but we can work a little harder, too."
Lovering said he hopes to take advantage of the six day all-star break to have a team activity to "build the brotherhood and build the family a little bit."
One positive according to both Lovering and Grimes is the performance of the new players: defencemen Joel Pullman and Mark Easton and forward Trace Nicholson.
"They're fitting in really well, I think we got a couple of really solid defenceman and Trace Nicholson is a good rookie and he's going to have many good years to come," said Grimes. "He's a power forward and ... and right now he's doing really well."
Notes: Former Bruins alternate captain Ryan Braun returned to Estevan in the Klippers 9-1 rout of the Bruins January 11. Braun was dealt to the Klippers for future considerations December 7...Weyburn forward Steve Seghers was suspended 15 games for an ugly incident New Year's Day in Estevan, when he tossed a water bottle into the stands, striking a female fan in the face, breaking her glasses...Brett Hillier was named an alternate captain after Herauf was dealt to the Battlefords...The Bruins play just one game this week, at home against Yorkton January 16, then host the all-star weekend festivities January 19-20.

SJHL Standings
Team Games W L T OTL P
Sherwood Conference
Humboldt Broncos 44 29 11 2 2 62
Notre Dame Hounds 45 27 12 5 3 62
Estevan Bruins 46 20 21 3 2 45
Weyburn Red Wings 44 17 22 2 3 39
Yorkton Terriers 42 16 20 3 3 38
Melville Millionaires 44 10 27 4 3 27

Dodge Conference
Nipawin Hawks 44 25 10 5 4 59
Melfort Mustangs 43 27 12 3 1 58
Battlefords 44 26 14 3 1 56
North Stars
Kindersley Klippers 40 22 12 6 0 50
La Ronge Ice Wolves 44 17 25 2 0 36
Flin Flon Bombers 46 7 33 4 2 20

Hubbard, Carnduff on top of league
Darren Hubbard is enjoying his comeback season in the Big Six hockey league.
The Carnduff Red Devils forward was tied for the league lead in scoring with teammate Kelly Currie entering last week's play. Currently in his eighth season with the Red Devils, Hubbard was injured for most of the season and played only a half-dozen games, ending a string of several seasons in the league's top ten scorers.
Hubbard said he's been surprised with his early-season scoring burst, and credits Currie and his other linemate Mike Verry for his stats.
"I seem to go to the hole and I seem to get the puck, and that's all there is to it," said Hubbard, who believes the line offers a good mix. "I'm not a fancy player, I'm definitely not a fast player, I just have great linemates."
The Red Devils have been waging a season-long battle with Bienfait, Carlyle and Weyburn for first place. To continue their success and take a run at the league championship, Hubbard believes the team needs to continue playing with high intensity and maintain their chemistry.
"If we can keep that up and get 100 per cent effort from everybody, there isn't a team in the league we can't beat in a seven game series, " said Hubbard. "Every game we go to we feel we have a better-than 50 per cent chance of winning, and that confidence builds with every win, and come crunch time in a month, that's going to show."
The Red Devils will also take a run at the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association Senior "C" provincial championship, with expectations focused on a provincial title.
Hubbard's father, Allan, has been the Red Devils coach for several years. Hubbard said he's never been shown favoritism from his father, and believes the coaching staff is key to their success.
"He's a good coach, I'm not just saying that because he's my father, he knows the game, and I credit most of our success to him and the rest of our coaching staff," said Hubbard. "They prepare us for hockey, and that's all you can ask from a coach."

Big 6 Standings
(Thru January 7)
Team GP W L T OTL P
Carnduff Red Devils 16 12 3 0 1 25
Weyburn Devils 16 12 3 0 1 25
Carlyle Cougars 17 12 4 1 0 25
Bienfait Coalers 15 9 4 2 0 20
Redvers Rockets 16 4 11 1 0 9
Arcola-Kisbey
Combines 16 4 12 0 0 8
Lampman Imperials 15 1 15 0 0 2

Siever part of baseball history
By David Willberg
An Estevan native can say he was a part of Canadian baseball history.
Ryan Siever, a pitcher for the Jamestown College Jimmies (NAIA Division I) in North Dakota, was taken in the sixth round of the inaugural Canadian Baseball League draft. Siever was one of 800 players drafted but one of only eight from Saskatchewan.
"I was kind of shocked at first, I didn't really think that I'd actually be drafted, I didn't even know the draft was on," said Siever. "It happened before Christmas, but I didn't find out until a few days ago. My dad (Mel) was looking around their web site and found out I'd been drafted in the sixth round."
Five of his teammates were also selected. No other players from their conference were taken, which surprised Siever.
Siever doesn't claim much knowledge about the new league, but knows it was formed in the past year and has teams in eight Western Canadian markets, including Regina and Saskatoon. He wasn't drafted to a specific team, as talent will be dispersed as the season approaches.
Wherever his playing rights wind up, Siever won't be joining his new team or even attending training camp for at least another two years. He has one more season with the Jimmies after this year, having transferred after two years at Williston State College. During the March training camp, Siever will be pitching in Kansas, Missouri, and at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
"It's a good school down in Jamestown, it's my first year there after I transferred from Williston," said Siever. "It's a good school with a good coach and a lot of good players there. I want to play with them and try to win a conference championship."
Siever hopes to one day play in the league, though, as long as something better doesn't come along, and believes he could compete at that level with his collegiate experience. He doesn't have a preference on where he wants to play, as he has family in Alberta and British Columbia, and thinks it would be nice to travel.
He believes playing in the historic inaugural year would also have its ups and downs.
"It would be a tough year because there wouldn't be the fan base built up yet," said Siever. "It should be tough for those guys to play, but it'll also be a good experience for them to get the first year out of the way and get everybody going."

Curlers advance to the next round
Winners of the "A" final of the men's district playdowns in Estevan January 11-13: Skip Jim Packet, third
Bob Doerr, second Dallas Duce and first Darrell Duce.

Qualifying is underway for the men's and women's provincial championship.
Jim Packet's team captured the "A" pool of the men's district qualifier in Estevan January 11-13. Packet defeated Trent Walter 7-5 in nine ends in the final to qualify for the regional playdowns January 18-20 in Carlyle.
Packet said his team is playing better this year than at this time last year, having lost just once between the Estevan and Lampman super leagues. He came up one win short of advancing to last year's provincial championship, and hopes to take a good shot at qualifying this year. Packet is a three-time provincial men's champion, having last won in 1997.
Others to advance to regionals are Keating, who captured the "B" final; Mosley and Trevor Willock, who captured the "C1" and "C2" finals, respectively.
The women held their regionals in Carnduff the same weekend. Advancing to the southern qualifier January 18-20 in Balgonie were: Char Brown of Carnduff who defeated fellow Carnduff skip Fran Spencer in the "A" final; and Brenda Malaryk of Estevan, who beat Spencer's team in the "B" final.

Spencer eliminated in tie-breaker
Carnduff's Fran Spencer couldn't get past Crystal Fisk at the 2002 Senior Women's provincial curling championship January 9-13 in Watrous.
After losing her first game in the round robin to defending champion Nancy Kerr, Spencer reeled off three straight wins, including rallying from an 8-3 defecit to beat Rhoda Besse 13-10 in an extra end.
She entered the final draw against Fisk 4-2, but lost 12-3 in five ends to put the two in a tie-breaker later that evening. Besse won that one, too, this time 13-5 in eight ends, ending Spencer's hopes of winning the provincial championship.

Gun match this weekend
The Macoun Gun Club is holding an indoor match at their range January 19-20.
According to Secretary/Treasurer Dave Schindell, the club has been holding a couple of matches every winter since first being formed in 1980. He said they typically attract 20-25 shooters from across Southeast Saskatchewan and are hoping to get a couple from Regina this year.
There will be four sub-categories: bowling pins and falling steel plates from ten yards away; and bulls-eye shooting and .22 rifle shooting from 30 yards out. There is a junior division of the .22 rifle competition.
There will be cash payouts in each category based on the number of entries. Contestants can enter multiple divisions and have unlimited chances, but it's two dollars an attempt.

In defense of street hockey
David Willberg
What's wrong with street hockey?
Well, if you live in Ontario, where the Ontario Highway Traffic Act prohibits any games on public streets. Hamilton's Gary Kotar has discovered that after being charged for playing street hockey with sons Gary Jr and Ryan.
Kotar's neighbour Nadia Ciuriak complained to police because of errant balls flying into her yard and the Kotar's running through her yard to get them back. Kotar faced a fine up to $2,000 for spending time with his sons. Perhaps Ciuriak has forgotten about the joys of being young and the innocence of youth.
Sadly, this isn't a new controversy. In 1997, Weyburn native and hockey legend Dave "Tiger" Williams said he'd cover any fines for players in Miramichi, New Brunswick after the community's mayor instructed police to seize nets and lay charges against repeat offenders.
Why is there such a big deal with young people having fun? Instead of having the police focus on crime, dangerous drivers and other worthwhile infractions, they have to scour the town for menacing 11-year-olds on roller blades, weilding Sherwoods, who still get out of the way when cars approach.
Street hockey isn't the biggest problem in residential areas, it's maniacs who feel the need to cruise over 50 kilometres an hour in those areas.
Besides, it gives the children something to do. If I had children, I'd rather have them enjoying a part of our heritage, than for them to be causing vandalism, hanging out in front of some convenience store or waiting to jump someone in a back alley.
During the summer, they get outside, get some exercise and develop their skills, rather than sitting inside and watching game shows. And this country needs more hockey players, not couch potatoes.
So for those who complain about street hockey, back off. Let them play and have their fun. It's part of the innocence of youth. Just as long as they get out of the way when cars are approaching.

A Mountain of Memories
Carrie Whitman
When you're a "shutter-bug" like me, and you've spent the last eleven years taking tons of pictures of your kids, you certainly amass a mountian of photos. Pair that with my lack of good organizational skills and that mountain seems to loom ever higher.
Just recently, I've started setting aside time to organize, catalogue and scrapbook my photographs. What a wonderful way to reminisce and accomplish a dauting task at the same time.
Scrapbooking has really taken off in the last year or so, with more and more ideas becoming available in books and magazines and even online. What is equally as nice, is the fact that there are two scrapbooking stores in Estevan, chock-full of supplies and knowledgable staffs who are scrapbookers as well.
It's amazing what you can do with pictures, paper scraps, a little glue and a lot of imagination. To help broaden my scrapbooking knowledge, I attended a Scrapbook Institute hosted by Scrapa-Palooza (see story front page). I'm so impressed with the techniques and tricks I picked up on and can't wait to sit down and create some interesting pages to add to my albums. If you are an avid scrapbooker and are looking to broaden your horizons, I strongly suggest participating in classes that appeal to you. You will definitely walk away with fresh ideas and more fuel for your memory pages.
My mountain of memories is still in a shambles, with many hours of sorting and labelling left to accomplish. But I couldn't imagine a more satisfying mountain to climb that will help to preserve my memories for years to come.

Moment of Silence
Let us observe a moment of silence for the seven U.S. Marines killed when their fueling plane slammed into a mountainside January 9.

Hats Off
all those who are sticking to their New Years resolutions!

Letter to the Editor:
Hello Lifestyles,
Happy & Blest New Year to you.
You did a great job on the article ("Wallises enjoying Kasakstan" December 21, 2001 issue of Lifestyles) and I heard a lot of positive comments. Thanks for thinking of us.
The concert went very well and people said it was the best they had ever had. Handing out the presents to those children was an experience that I am so thankful that I had. It was a privilege, I am already thinking of Easter.
God bless,
Marion & Don Wallis
Lisakovsk, Kazakstan