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A QUARTER-CENTURY
OF CALLS
By David Willberg
Don Mortenson knows all about calling.
He's held that role for the Diamond Dancers Square Dance Club in Estevan
since 1978. Before that, he commuted to Weyburn for three years to call
for that club, and he called for Oxbow's club from 1984 to 1994.
"It took up three different nights each week, but I enjoyed it,"
he said. "It wasn't a big deal, really, for me. Weyburn's square
dances were Friday nights, Estevan's were Saturday nights and Oxbow was
on Mondays."
Estevan has been Mortenson's focus since 1994.
He has had many enjoyable experiences through square dancing. He has been
invited to be the guest caller at events in Regina, Moose Jaw, Melfort
and Swift Current.
He calls at "Summer Squares," an annual square and round dance
festival in Kenosee Lake, and called at the annual "Power Pak"
that the round and square dance clubs hosted in Estevan.
Canada and the U.S. hold an international square dance every year, an
event that traces its roots back to Estevan in the 1950s. When it was
in Saskatoon, Mortenson called for 1,500 people, but didn't notice much
difference than calling for smaller groups.
"You have the mic in your hands, so it doesn't matter how many people
are there," said Mortenson. "It's just calling loud enough so
that people can hear you. It's no different than calling for one or two
squares."
Mortenson was a fixture when the Diamonds Dancers performed for over 20
years at the Estevan United Way Marathon. They also entertain residents
at Creighton Lodge, St. Joseph's Hospital and the Estevan Regional Nursing
Home.
Square dancing used to have more pre-determined patterns, but those times
have changed. Mortenson now finds calling to be very spontaneous.
"The caller makes them up as he goes along, and puts them together
so that they flow easily, and hopefully gets them all back to their home
position when it's over," he said.
"It's kind of challenging for the caller to make it up, keep it going
at a regular beat, make it interesting for the dancers," he added
later.
"That's really the best part of it. The caller likes to have it as
a challenge for him, and the dancing, it's different every time, they
have to listen and they have to know how to execute the calls."
Mortenson uses small, 45 RPM records. Popular music is incorporated into
the tracks.
He estimates he has in the neighborhood of 8,000 calls at his disposal,
but will only use about 150 of them over the course of a given year.
The Diamond Dancers have their annual year-end event planned for May 31
at the Christian Education Centre in St. Paul's United Church in Estevan.
There will be a workshop in the afternoon and a dance in the evening.
A guest caller will be in attendance that night.
Mortenson hopes to continue calling as long as health permits, and has
committed to a 26th year in 2003-04.
Like many other activities, square dancing has seen some decline in participants,
as there is greater selection but less time to do it. Still, the Diamond
Dancers have managed to survive while others have not.
"It's really no different as far as the dancing is concerned, but
the number of dancers are dwindling," said Mortenson. "Back
when we started, some little towns wouldn't be able to take visitors because
they had no room in the hall. Now some don't even have a club anymore,
and a few will come to larger centres in Estevan or Weyburn."
Philippines
great experience for missionaries
By David Willberg
Twenty-three southeast Saskatchewan residents received a life-shaping
experience this spring.
A missions trip from April 15 to May 5 through the Estevan Church of God
took them to the Philippines, where they helped those in need, were given
leadership roles, witnessed the differences of another culture, established
ministry partnerships and opened the doors for future trips. Young people,
prisoners and the financially destitute were amongst those they served.
They visited inmates at two maximum-security jails; trained youth leaders
and led services at churches in Pillilia and Makati; worked with the Gentle
Hands humanitarian organization in Escopa; and led services at the Overflow
Youth Conference in Manila.
The family of Estevan Church of God Associate Pastor Jonathan Heppner
opened Gentle Hands and continues to run it. Escopa has 100,000 people
living in an area equivalent to five city blocks.
"Gentle Hands takes kids who basically don't exist," said Heppner.
"There's no record of them ever being born, they've got no education,
so they educate them. We were working with some ex-drug addicts, working
in their youth centre, doing some meetings, working with the kids, working
with the program they were running."
Ministering through music and drama in the two prisons - Bicutan and Quezon
- was one of the most daunting times in the trip.
"It was intimidating for everybody, it was scary," Heppner said
of the Quezon visit. "When you're looking at 2,400 murderers who
were in there for life, I don't know if there's any way not to be intimidated."
One tradition in the predominantly-Catholic Philippines is young men flogging
and even crucifying themselves on Good Friday in penance for their sins.
It's a practice opposed by many Catholic leaders in the country. The Estevan
team in Malibay on Good Friday and some team members spoke with the flagellates.
Heppner was pleased with the results of this trip and hopes to continue
sending teams on international excursions in the coming years. The Church
of God in Makati has already invited them to return, so Heppner won't
rule out a return to the Philippines. If Hong Kong is SARS-free next year,
going to that city is an option. Hong Kong was part of the original itinerary,
but was scratched due to concerns over the contagious illness.
Heppner grew up in the Philippines and pastored there for six years before
coming to Estevan. The trip was a bit of a homecoming for him and a chance
for those from southeast Saskatchewan to visit his roots.
"I saw lots of people I had invested lots (of time) in, and it was
really exciting to see them functioning as God has called them in ministry,"
he said. "It was really cool for both of my worlds to meet."
His experienced opened doors that may not have been available to them.
It also allowed he and his wife Tracey to ready the team for what they
would see, especially the impoverished conditions.
"I don't know if you're able to prepare for the level of poverty,"
said Heppner. "We live in a sheltered, softened world, even though
we have TV, it doesn't cut it when you meet face-to-face with raw reality.
A lot of the team spent a lot of time processing a whole lot of emotion
because it's a little bit shocking."
One team member told Heppner he was surprised to see 11 people living
in a 10-square-foot building.
At a Generation Contact service at the church May 14, six members of the
team - Taija Pigeon, Deb Floden, Brian Reesor, Stephanie Barnstable and
Krystal Green of Estevan and Stoughton's Aaron Walbaum - shared their
experiences. While each had different responsibilities and had unique
perspectives, they all drew from common themes.
Each realized, through the trip, how much they have been blessed, as even
a mere crayon was fascinating to many of the children they worked with.
Another realization is there are people in southeast Saskatchewan suffering
from pain or broken hearts, just like the Philippines - it's just not
as obvious - and they need to reach out to those close to home.
Altering people's worldviews was one of the goals established before the
trip.
Doors have been opened, too. Several people who went to Asia have expressed
a desire to go to the Philippines for a year, and some Filipinos may come
to Estevan as part of an exchange.
Heppner was also satisfied with the team's overall conduct. He didn't
have any behavioral problems reported to him, and many of their hosts
were "overwhelmed" with his squad's maturity and willingness
to serve.
"Everything from humanitarian aid to ministering to people and spending
time with people. Whatever what was at their hands to do, they did it
well and they did it with a great sense of responsibility," said
Heppner. "I think Estevan should be proud, because they definitely
represented Estevan well."
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No mill rate increase
By David Willberg
Taxpayers in Estevan will be getting a bit of a break this year.
Estevan City Council agreed to hold firm on the mill rate during their
May 12 meeting. Coupled with a .3 decrease in the Estevan Public and Roman
Catholic Separate School Divisions rates, it means a $30 savings for the
owner of a property worth $100,000.
Council had increased the mill rate the last two years. A utility rate
increase had been ratified during the March budget deliberations.
Other highlights from the meeting:
*Delegates from the Estevan Woodlawn Golf Course will make a presentation
to council during a May 26 meeting. Club vice-president Warren Waldegger
sent a letter to the city, inquiring into a lack of response for fund-raising
efforts. Council pledged $1,000 during budget deliberations.
*Any community with more than 1,000 people is responsible for provincial
highways running through it, according to a letter from Deputy Highways
Minister Harvey Brooks.
*Member-at-large Randy Biberdorf has resigned from the Estevan Board of
Police Commissioners after two-and-a-half years to accept a job transfer
to Regina.
*City Manager Jim Puffalt will cost-share with his Weyburn counterpart
Bob Smith to attend the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators
conference in Winnipeg, May 26 to 28.
*The long-term plan is nearing completion. The document includes nine
objectives and covers most areas the City's day-to-day operations, ranging
from RM relations to tourism.
*The bank balance for this year through April 30 was $846,500.
*Permits worth over $1 million were issued for three new homes last month.
The total number of permits is up from this time last year, when Estevan
had its busiest building year since the 1980s.
*Progress is being made on the Rusty Duce Playpark shack. The old building
will be moved to Torgeson Park.
*Hirsch Construction will continue their Heritage Drive condominium project
that was approved last November. They will be adding four-unit and two-unit
buildings.
*A proposal to lease digital photocopiers for each floor of City Hall
was tabled to the next meeting.
*Members of Council met with representatives of Estevan Youth and Mini-Soccer
and Crosby, Hanna and Associates. Field one should be ready next year
with volunteer work, but the other two are farther off.
*Repairs to pothole-filled roads began last week.
Peters talks local,
provincial schools
By David Willberg
Results from testing on Saskatchewan students and the future of Estevan's
schools were amongst Ellery Peters' topics during a speech to the Estevan
Chamber of Commerce May 14 at the Elks Club.
The Director of Education for the Estevan Public and Rural School Divisions,
Peters brought some statistics to the attention of the 30 members in attendance.
Saskatchewan rated eighth for literacy and language comprehension in a
study of ten Canadian provinces and 26 countries, but only 13th in mathematics.
Still, the 13th place was better than several provinces.
Within the division, Peters focused on the pros, cons and costs of the
kindergarten to grade eight transition project. He said he has mixed emotions,
because it has led to the opening of the new Spruce Ridge School, but
the closure of the Estevan Junior High and Hillside and Scotsburn Schools.
Other highlights from the meeting:
*The chamber received a response to their letter from North Dakota Governor
John Hoeven. Hoeven said North Dakota appreciates their positive relationship
with Canada, particularly Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and they hope to
continue it.
*A committee has been formed to study the possibilities of a new logo
for the chamber that would reflect the progressive nature of the city.
*Street Fair spokesperson Shelia Squires updated the chamber on the progress
for this year's event, May 31 in Estevan. The 1100 and 1200 blocks of
Fourth Street will be blocked off this year.
*The 10 per cent club for the Souris Valley Theatre has been expanded
this year, and they are incorporating packages to entice visitors to spend
the night in Estevan.
*Next meeting is June 11, with Humboldt Director of Leisure Services Ross
Milnthorp the guest speaker.
PATTYSON NOMINATED
FOR NDP
By David Willberg
Tribune farmer David Pattyson will carry the Estevan constituency's NDP
banner in the next provincial election.
Pattyson was acclaimed during a May 9 meeting at the Estevan Elks Club.
He runs a small family farm with his mother, is a manager of the Oungre
Memorial Regional Park and sits as the vice-chair of Sunrise Community
Futures Development Corporation. He was the mayor of Tribune from February
of 1993 to October of 1997 and has served with the Saskatchewan Wheat
Pool.
He will be trying to unseat incumbent Saskatchewan Party MLA Doreen Eagles,
who was first elected in 1999. Larry Ward represented Estevan in the NDP's
caucus in 1995.
During a speech, Pattyson discussed five issues he considers important
for the next provincial election: agriculture, highways, health, education
and the crown corporations, plus his enjoyment of living in southeast
Saskatchewan.
"I certainly love this part of the world," said Pattyson. "I
have enjoyed life here so far, and I would like to make a small contribution
back to the people of Saskatchewan, and especially to the people of this
region."
Pattyson is confident of his chances, but to win, he knows he'll have
to work hard and build as many contacts as possible.
"We need to, as a party, get together and really increase our profile
in the constituency."
Speculation has been floating on whether Premier Lorne Calvert will call
an election this spring. Pattyson believes the window for that is closing,
but they are preparing for it.
"We're going to be rapidly putting our game in place, so we'll be
ready to go whenever the writ gets dropped," said Pattyson.
Regina Elphinstone MLA Warren McCall and Regina South MLA Andrew Thomson
attended the meeting. McCall gave a fund-raising appeal that fetched over
$2,000.
Thomson, the Minister of Corrections, spent a lot of time comparing the
NDP's Future is Wide Open campaign with the Sask. Party's Grow Saskatchewan
plan. Thomson called Grow Saskatchewan a "slogan" because he
finds it lacking on details. He questioned the Sask. Party's stance on
issues such as health care and the crown corporations.
Thomson reminded the 50 supporters in attendance of the shape Saskatchewan
was in when the NDP took office and how it has improved. Poverty has decreased,
a child tax credit has been implemented, personal income tax has been
reduced and job creation has increased.
ROTARY MAKES TWO
DONATIONS
(L-R) Estevan Rotary Club community services director Gail Dodds presents
a cheque for $1,300 to Estevan Diversified Services (EDS) clients Lois
Sainkewicz and Dorothy Johner and EDS program coordinator Carol Cundall.
The funds will go towards the purchase of several items in their workshop,
starting with a $500 boardmaker that will help with literacy and communications.
(L-R) Estevan Rotary Club community services director Gail Dodds presents
a cheque worth $2,500 to outgoing Family Centre coordinator Kathy Lisoway
and incoming coordinator Colleen McMillan. The money will be used for
programs - particularly Scientific Saturday, Jelly Belly and Art Smart.
FUNDRAISER HELPS
CRAIG FAMILY
An award-winning musician performed during a benefit for a local family
May 15 at the Estevan Comprehensive School's cafetorium.
Three-time Grammy winner Walter Ostanek and his polka band donated their
skills to help Bruce and Monique Craig of Estevan. Between 250 and 300
people attended the event, raising approximately $4,500.
The Craigs - parents of three children - lost their home in a November
fire. Their three-year-old son Jesse was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
Funds raised will help offset the costs of travel and accommodations.
Event organizer Aaron Sklar is a teacher at the school and the western
Canadian drummer for Ostanek's band. He said they put the event together
in just over a week, and were pleased with the overall results. .
"I'm very pleased," said Sklar. "I knew our community was
very tight-knit and very supportive."
Scotsburn celebrates
May 31
Forty-two years of history at Scotsburn School will be feted May 31.
A homecoming will be held that day for the school, less than a month before
its expected closure. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m, with
the itinerary yet to be finalized.
Former Estevan Rural School Division director of education Lorne Geil
is expected to be in attendance, as are Scotsburn's two past principals:
George Gelmich and Ed Hjuber. All three will make brief addresses. Current
and former students will be speaking, too.
Staff have prepared an I-movie on Scotsburn's past and present.
The reunion will conclude with a tour of Scotsburn, social time and refreshments.
If there is sufficient time and interest permits, there will be a tour
of the new Spruce Ridge School, where Scotsburn and Hillside School students
will be attending in September.
Principal Brent Hoffos is hoping a lot of people will show up for the
homecoming.
"They don't have to register (in advance)," said Hoffos. "We
really don't know what to expect, we're hoping we get quite a few of our
present parents and kids, and some of our alumni."
The last day of classes at Scotsburn is June 23, with supplies to be moved
to Spruce Ridge after that.
Eye care event
coming soon
The Canadian Diabetes Association will be having an eye care seminar with
ophthalmologist Dr. Dan Ash, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital's
Auditorium number two.
It's an opportunity for those with diabetes to come out and listen to
what's new in vision care. Non-members are welcome to attend. There will
be a coffee and nutrition break following the event.
Early bloom for
saskatoons
It's a little sooner than most years, but the saskatoon bushes at Everett
and Barb Dryden's U-pick farm are already in full bloom.
The flowering reached its peak on May 13, about seven to ten days earlier
than normal. The berries are usually ready to be picked in late June or
early July, and traditionally it only takes two-and-a-half weeks before
all of them are gone. The Drydens have three acres of saskatoons on their
land southeast of Estevan.
The Drydens first planted the fruits in 1994 and now have three types:
Thiessen, Smoky and Northline. They also sell Evans cherries.
Everett Dryden is pleased with the growth their operation has shown, and
hopes to plant another acre of saskatoons at the west end of their property.
Student office
opens
The Estevan Human Resources Centre Canada for Students (HRCC-S) office
opened for the summer May 12.
Located at 1314 Third Street, they are ready to assist businesses and
youth with their summer employment needs. This is their 35th year of helping
young people find summer jobs.
"In the coming weeks, we will be contacting local employers to discuss
their summer employment needs and make them aware that our office is open
and ready to assist them in any way it can," said summer employment
officer Gaylene Olson.
The Estevan HRCC-S office links youth and employers. They provide young
people with job opportunities, interview advice, resume building, job
search strategies and offer job-posting services to employers. All services
are provided free of charge.
Arnold tops group
of seven
Lindsay Arnold's five entries the best from the group of seven artists
who entered the Estevan Adjudicated Art Show.
The announcement was made in front of over 25 people at the Estevan Comprehensive
School's gallery May 11. Arnold's work will be displayed during the Organization
for Saskatchewan Arts Council's (OSAC) show this fall in Prince Albert.
Arnold said after the reception that she was "surprised" and
"excited" to have her many hours of work pay off. Her five items
were each created using a pen-shaped wood burning tool.
She sketched and drew lines on paper, then transferred her thoughts to
the wood. Much of her inspiration came from nature.
If her works are deemed to be amongst the best at OSAC, she'll have to
create more for an exhibition that will tour the province in coming years.
Adjudicator Eltje Degenhart of Kenosee Lake complemented all of the entrants
on the quality of their products, and encouraged them to keep trying and
not "to whimp out."
Before the announcement, Degenhart and southeast Saskatchewan artists
Jayna Klarholm, Kerri Ermel, Cheryl Andrist and Carri McKinnon participated
in a panel discussion called "Art: Addiction to Occupation."
Each discussed their infatuation with art and how they developed and maintained
it.
Carievale celebrates
100 in July
Over 2,000 people from the village's past and present are expected to
attend the festivities, with over 400 registrations received so far. Pre-registration
is requested so caterers know how many they'll be serving.
Entertainment and fireworks are scheduled for the 11th. The 12th will
be the busiest day, with a parade, car show, Comets alumni ball game,
sports, an abundance of children's activites and a supper. The Porch Boys
will perform at a dance that night.
A non-denominational church service Sunday morning will wrap up the weekend.
To get the town ready, centennial work bees are slated for June 1 and
July 7.
"There is (a lot of excitement), the kids at the schools are making
signs for the community, so that's got everybody involved," said
Angie Cliffe, who's on the fundraising committee with Roxanne Peterson.
"We have banners that are being put up, and the kids are doing those
as well."
Hillside's past,
present meet
A barbecue allowed former students to renew acquaintances during the Hillside
reunion May 17.
Long-time principal Doug Third drew a great reaction when he rang the
bell one last time.
Hillside School held their long-awaited reunion May 17th.
Over 400 people attended the event, which included a barbecue, reception,
and tours of the original building - now home to the RM of Estevan - and
their current home. Hillside will close this summer.
The reception featured speeches from former students, staff and board
members; plus songs from the school's choir.
Perhaps the highlight was addresses from retired principals Doug Third
and Keith Cryer, both receiving standing ovations. Third drew tears as
he introduced his old staff and rang his trademark bell one last time.
Third spoke on memories from 31 years at the school: the staff, students
and parents; the transition from the old building to the current home;
and his final day before retiring in 1980.
Cryer, who guided the school from 1981 to 1997, felt the need, during
his tenure, to continue the legacy of Third and his staff. Cryer remembers
his first days as principal, and all he learned during 17 years.
"Listen. Can you hear? It's the happenings of Hillside School,"
said Cryer. "'Hi. Welcome to Hillside School. We still care.' And
we do."
Successfully stepping
out
The Lampman Library held its fourth annual Stepping out in Style women's
luncheon April 12.
The facility's main fundraiser this year, a sold-out crowd of 72 women
attended the event. Each of the 12 tables had a different theme, ranging
from Canadian to Ukrainian, Ice Capades to ladybugs.
Motivational speaker Charlene Waugh, a former Lampman resident now living
in Calgary, was the guest speaker. Her presentation focused on the power
of positive thinking; and she used a personal yet humorous approach to
creating self-motivated, positive lifestyles. She speaks at functions
across Canada and is recognized for her strengths in communicating and
building leadership and teamwork.
It was announced during the function that the library had been presented
the Southeast Regional Library's Branch Development Award for their programming,
board dedication and newly renovated building. They were also a finalist
for the Branch of the Year award.
Lampman art chosen
Susie Veroba and Lampman High School's grade nine arts education class
will have their works tour the province.
Susie's eagle clay sculpture and the grade nine's 12 foot soft sculpture
were chosen from entries across the province. The sculptures are currently
on display at the Saskatchewan Legislature in Regina until May 30. From
there, they will move upstairs to the Department of Learning for a year.
Finally, they will tour provincial art galleries until the fall of 2005.
The exhibit is sponsored by the Department of Learning and the Saskatchewan
Association for Education through Art in celebration of National Art Education
Month.
Army cadets win
top corps
By David Willberg
The Estevan (Elks) PPCLI Army Cadets have been named the top corps in
Saskatchewan.
W.O. Terry Hann, the area cadet assistant, made an announcement, during
Estevan's annual inspection night May 6. It's the first time the local
corps has won the award since the 1970s, and the first time since changes
eliminated the different levels based on population.
A formal presentation will be made next fall.
"It was totally unexpected, nobody knew anything about it, not a
clue," said local commanding officer Ken Turner.
"They told us that they had picked the top four and we're going 'yeah,
we'll probably be third,'" added administration and sports officer
Connie Hagel. "He said he was announcing something, and when he announced
(we were) first, our jaws dropped."
Criteria for the distinction includes mandatory training, optional training
that is usually needed to win, and further training and exercises.
Mandatory training includes drills, fundamentals, map and compass work,
bush and field craft, sports, public speaking, methods of instruction,
leadership, citizenship, participation in detachment activities, officer
involvement and cadet enrolment.
The Estevan branch has a high number of officers and had as many as 52
cadets earlier this year thanks to a bumper crop of recruits. Amongst
their goodwill activities is the annual Cadets Caring for Canada, when
they throw their support behind a community service task.
Turner, who has been working in Regina in recent weeks to prepare for
Army Cadet summer camps, attributed the award to his support staff.
"When the award comes, the commanding officer always seems to be
the one who is the most noticeable," said Turner. "But without
the rest of the team to go with it, it would not happen."
"I get to sit on the top of this thing, but if these guys don't do
their jobs ... or we don't get participation by all the officers, we'll
be behind the eight-ball," he added later.
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CHOOSE YOUR BOARDS
CAREFULLY
My brother-in-law, Art, is a master craftsman, a carpenter trained in
the "old country" where pride in one's work was as essential
as the lumber and nails they used. Art's love for wood is obvious.
On a recent trip to visit family, Art and his wife, Erna, and I sat around
the table and chatted late one evening. We three talked about many things-things
like how the choices we make affect our lives and those of others.
"It's like this," Art said, " if you want to straighten
a board, you don't do this."
Explaining "this" he began to caress the imaginary board he
held in his hand.
"If you have a board that is knotted and warped and you nail it to
a perfectly straight board, it won't work," he told me.
It was easy to visualize the procedure he was describing: lay the two
boards side-by-side as closely as possible then attempt to join the two
with a well-placed nail.
"It just won't work," Art repeated. "The twisted board
will always warp the good one."
Our conversation ended soon after that but it took me a while to go to
sleep. The good one will be pulled into the crookedness of the other,
Art had said, the out-of-shape wood could not be corrected by the alignment
of the perfect one.
I finally drifted off with these thoughts: I will not limit my friendship
to those who see things my way but I will align myself closely with Christ,
the one whose example I most want to emulate. Then, with God's help I
will ask God to remove areas of hypocrisy in my life.
"First remove the plank from your own eye, and then…."
(Matthew 7:5 - NKJV)
Nothing stands better than upright boards so choose them carefully! Thanks,
Art.
How Does Your Garden
Grow?
Elsie Belchoff, husband Paul and their two daughters have embarked on
an incredible journey, revealing the truths of the nutritional value of
the Purslane Portulaca plant.
Elsie and her family live on their farm at Margo, known to be within the
Wadena area. After years of continuous research, scientific studies, and
determination, their family established a company to market the Portulaca
plant into a product.
Through amazing health studies, she became the founder of Purslane, allowing
her to patent her new discoveries.
In 1999, she began her research and in 2000 she established her company
called Natural Plantation Inc.. First time ever processed, Elsie has now
become the distributor for Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia,
Washington and California.
Her deep desire to help the health of people is now being accomplished
and recognized. The development of her nutraceutical supplement named
Natural Plantation Purslane is becoming known and widespread. Sold throughout
most drug and health food stores.
Elsie has been promoting the Purslane Portulaca plant product by traveling
to trade shows throughout Canada and the United States, speaking at seminars,
radio shows and writing articles for health magazines and newspapers.
Her story has received much attention and has appeared on television shows
such as Canada AM. She has received awards such as Herb and Spice Association's
Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance and lasting contribution
in Saskatchewan.
Elsie's membership with the Canadian and American Nutraceutical Association
was beneficial for her being given the opportunity to promote her Purslane
product at California's Expo in 2002. It allowed doctors from California
to study the effects of her product with their own patients.
Her interest in alternative medicine came about when her family, as well
as herself, began having health problems. Unsatisfied with the results
of the medication they were presently taking, she began to research. In
1995 she became a certified herbalist and took two years training in nutraceuticals.
Elsie became curious about the plant while weeding the Portulaca from
her garden. She noticed the plant remained alive for weeks, even after
being pulled from the soil. She says a thought came to mind, "What
nutrient could be in this plant allowing it to grow in only rain and sun?"
From there she began research on the Internet and discovered this plant
has existed for thousands of years, used by ancient Egyptians for heart
failure, heart disease and in the Eastern Mediterranean countries, Purslane
is eaten in soups and salads. She then began experimenting with their
own health by including the Purslane Portulaca plant into their diets.
The health results were amazing and it was then that Elsie began taking
the steps needed towards processing the Purslane Portulaca plant.
She took it upon herself to have the plant studied at Pos Pilot Plant
Laboratory at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. Thus giving
her the outline needed for the processing procedure.
The scientific results were remarkable. Studies showed purslane highly
rich in fatty acids, minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients
such as protein, carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, amino acid, pectin, co-enzyme
Q-10 and many other active ingredients.
The Purslane Portulaca plant has been scientifically proven to have the
most nutritional value of any green leafy vegetable yet to be found. Purslane
is high in fatty acids including omega 6 and omega 3 which are necessary
in preventing heart disease and boosting the immune system, as well as
purslane consists of Glutathione an antioxidant and detoxifying agent.
Elsie was astonished with the lab studies and began three years research
on the powdering process of the Purslane Portulaca plant as a food supplement.
Saskatchewan Nutraceutical Network studies confirmed that the powder still
contained high nutrients allowing Elsie to get a patent for her processing
procedure.
After the Natural Plantation Inc. was developed and recognized, within
the first year, the product was booming. She says the growing process
is easy and compliments her husband as well as all the many student workers
hired for the physical hard work, which is required.
The growing process consists of 35 acres, which are seeded by spreading
the plants on the ground in the spring. No chemicals are used allowing
the crops to be basically organic. When the crops reach their maturity
towards the end of July, harvesting begins by picking the crop by hand
while it is still in bloom.
The plants are then bagged and put through the process for distribution.
The product is then powdered and shipped to be bottled and encapsulated
as well as manufactured as creams, oils, lip balms and soaps.
Elsie intends to expand their product in the future, but her main desire
and concern is to help people's health with her product and she has done
just that.
She says the feedback she receives from people has been amazing, and for
some a life changing experience. Her journey has not been easy but extremely
rewarding. "I never dreamed of all this happening," says Elsie.
"As long as people continue to get results, that's all that matters!"
"The miraculous care from
our maker never ceases.
He supplied man with plants to help treat diseases."
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Course opens June
2
By David Willberg
The newest addition to southeast Saskatchewan's golf scene opens June
2.
The Moose Creek Golf Course is located in the new Moose Creek Regional
Park between Oxbow and Alameda. The nine-hole, grass-green, par-36 course
is on the shores of Alameda Dam Reservoir, which comes into play on holes
one and nine and can be seen from almost anywhere on the course.
Each hole has four tee boxes, ranging from gold, which plays at 3,338
yards for nine holes to 2,578 for red. There are also blue and white tees.
Green fees are $14 for nine holes and $20 for 18. A one-year membership
costs $300.
After fundraising and work-in-kind donations, the course's total cost
is an estimated $750,000. The fundraising will continue even after opening
day, with a lobsterfest slated for June 21.
Course committee member Doug Martens said the anticipation is building
in surrounding communities.
"We see a lot of activity out here in the park area, just by people
driving in and out to see what's going on," said Martens. "I
think the whole surrounding area is going to benefit from it, it helps
the two small towns and the local economies benefit from having a tourist
attraction like this."
Some work still needs to be done, such as gravelling the cart paths and
the parking lot and touching up the fairways and tee boxes. The clubhouse
and pro shop need the most work - Martins estimates the 2,000 square foot
building is 75 per cent complete, but they should have an area to collect
green fees and sell food and drink.
"We should give interest to any skill level, for the high handicap
players it can play less challenging, and for the low handicap players,
there are some risk-and-reward areas, it can definitely be a tough course
on a windy day," said Martens.
Special swimmers
Special Olympics in Estevan held their annual swim meet May 17 at the
Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Competitors from Estevan, Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current,
Kindersley and Oxbow participated, with 23 events in total. There were
heats in freestyle, breast stroke, backstroke and the butterfly.
Elecs win classic...again
It was close, but the Estevan Comprehensive School's Elecs golf team captured
the 20th annual ECS Classic.
A 316 total was enough for the win, but it was only five strokes better
than Miller School in Regina. The event was played in near-perfect conditions
at Estevan's Woodlawn Golf Course May 14.
Miller's Josh Sass took the boys' division with a 74, after a seven-hole
playoff to break a deadlock with fellow Regina golfer Chris Richardson
from Riffel School. Marcus Friess of Estevan finished third with a 75.
Shay Yalowaga of Leboldus, in Regina needed only one playoff hole to edge
Amanda Hungle of Miller for the girls title. Both shot 84s. Meghan Betnar
was the top Estevan golfer with an 87, good for third.
The largest annual high school tournament in the province, one hundred
and twenty-four golfers from 18 southern Saskatchewan schools participated
this year. Included in that total were 29 from Estevan and eight from
Midale.
Burns hall-of-fame
bounds
Over half-a-century of leadership has resulted in the ultimate recognition
for Estevan's Bob Burns.
Burns, who has umpired baseball games in the southeast for 52 years, will
be inducted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame August 16 in Battleford.
Burns was notified of the announcement about a month ago, but it wasn't
formally announced until May 13.
Since calling his first game while still a teenager, Burns has umpired
games across the province and in the U.S. He has been in charge of many
provincial championship games and has been responsible for the grooming
of young umpires in this region.
Burns is a life member in the Saskatchewan Baseball Association and has
received awards from many communities for his dedication to youth. He
believes in perserverance, hard work and a good attitude, and still has
fun after all these years.
MacKay new Bruins
coach
By David Willberg
The Estevan Bruins have finally found their man.
Kelvin MacKay was announced as the team's new head coach and GM at a press
conference May 15. He replaces interems Doug Trapp and Darcy Haugan, who
shared the duties after Kelly Lovering resigned in January. Estevan missed
the playoffs last year and has just one winning season the last four years.
MacKay was the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League's coach of the year
in 1995 with Cranbrook and the BCHL's coach of the year in 1997 with the
Trail Smoke Eaters. He spent half a year with Bow Valley of the AJHL in
1999-2000.
Since then, he has coached minor hockey in Alberta and scouted for the
WHL's Vancouver Giants. He wanted to get back into coaching junior A because
he missed working with the athletes and he wants to mold them as people
and hockey players.
During the press conference, Bruin president Andy Schroeder referred to
MacKay tough with discipline and a strong supporter of the team approach.
MacKay believes those are fair comments.
"I really believe you have to put back what you take out," MacKay
told Lifestyles in an interview from Edmonton. "You can't have success
without discipline, and all those things that go into being a quality
player and a quality person, we try to teach those along the way."
Eighteen applicants vied for the job and seven were short-listed. Interviews
were done May 2 and 3, followed by reference checks. MacKay was ranked
first in all evaluation categories by the Bruins' executive.
MacKay considers motivation, accountability and respect amongst his other
strengths.
His previous teams have practiced in the afternoon instead of the morning
so they could go to school, work or be more active in the community. He
promised his team will be visible in the community, show up to play every
night and be good citizens.
"After an early morning practice, you have all afternoon to sit around
and do nothing," said MacKay. "We like to keep the kids busy
if we can."
"In the morning, the kids who go to school will go there, the kids
with other jobs can do that, and the other kids that don't do anything
will meet us in the morning for our Breakfast Club, where we'll plan out
their day."
He plans on speaking to returning players, prospects and staff this week,
and will be in the Energy City this weekend. He wants gritty, character
players on the team, which should play well in the cozy confines of the
Civic Auditorium.
Armed with a three-year deal, he wants Estevan to become the place to
play in the SJHL and one of the league's "have" teams; while
giving local players a chance to play.
He doesn't consider 2003-04 a rebuilding year, but one for "reloading"
and "retooling."
"We're not going to start from scratch," MacKay said. "There
are some good kids who have worked hard over the last year or so, they
want to be here and will do what it takes to stay here, and those are
the kids we want. The kids who have taken things for granted and taken
the situation and done nothing with it, their stay is going to be short-lived."
BIG SCHOOL RODEO
Whitney Harding of Pilot Mound, Manitoba makes the turn around the first
barrel.
The Estevan Comprehensive School held their annual high school rodeo May
18 at the Estevan fair grounds.
Hundreds of competitors from across Saskatchewan and Manitoba brought
their cowboy boots and hats to Estevan for the day. Bareback; breakaway,
calf and team roping; saddlebronc; goat tying; steer wrestling; barrel
racing; polebending; and bull riding were the events offered, with many
competing in an least a couple of them.
Also, there was a raffle and a rodeo queen contest.
Record night at
EMS
By David Willberg
It was another record-setting night at the Estevan Motor Speedway May
17.
Over 1,200 fans filled the grandstands to watch 89 cars zoom around the
track, the first time the EMS has eclipsed 80 competitors. Included in
that total were 21 NLRA Late Models in their first-ever appearance in
Estevan. The late models have a similar design to the modifieds and more
horsepower.
The late model race featured a tight battle at the front between Troy
Olson and John Seitz. Olson pulled away from the field early in the race,
but a caution with 20 laps to go bunched the field up.
With under 10 laps to go, Seitz mounted his charge. With lapped traffic
becoming a factor, Seitz snuck past Olson for the first lead change of
the race. There would be several more lead changes over the next couple
laps, but when Seitz passed Olson for six laps to go, it would be the
final one of the race.
Winnipeg's Mike Balcaen, the lone Canuck in the field, finished third.
Hank Berry, who also raced in the modifieds, was fifth.
As for the modifieds, Minot's Allen Kent claimed victory in his first
race at the track this year, charging from the back of the pack and holding
off Ed Turnbull in a caution-marred feature that only eight of 23 starters
finished.
Richard Mann led for the first half of the race in a brilliant performance,
but was passed by Ed Turnbull on lap 17 and smashed the wall coming out
of turn four seconds later, causing a red flag. Mann wasn't seriously
injured.
Turnbull held the lead until the last few laps when Kent - favoring the
outside groove all night - flew past Turnbull to win.
Lampman's Kevin Lisafeld was third.
Aaron Turnbull captured the hobby stock feature after a stunning three-way
battle with Troy Adams and Daryle Runge. The 15-year-old was dominant
throughout, starting from the pole and only losing the lead early to Davin
Emmel, a lead Turnbull quickly regained.
Challenges from Emmel and Minot's Chad Strachan were thwarted, but the
tough ones came from Adams - who nearly passed Turnbull with three laps
to go - and Runge.
Lisafeld continued to dominate the mini-sprint series, winning his second
straight race over Kyle Fedyk.
The mini-sprint race was also a war of attrition, with only eight of 14
cars finishing the race. Kevin Lucy held the lead for most of the race,
but dropped out with five laps to go, handing the lead to Vern Symons.
But that lead lasted briefly, as both Lisafeld and Fedyk soon found their
way past him.
The next racing at the track is a regular program May 31.
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