Feature

The satisfaction of creation A quilter's story

By Delila Hesketh
Estevan resident Irene Roy started quilting about 22 years ago.
"I taught myself to sew, first of all, so I could make myself some clothes, and I started quilting about that time. I've done lots of crafts and painting…and some stitchery, but this is it. I've finally found the thing that keeps me happy," said Roy.
Roy points to the basics of visual art as one of the most satisfying aspects of quilting for her.
"I love working with colour and…my range has so widened. When I started quilting it was mostly red white and blue, pink and blue maybe, but now…I really love every colour and I love the way colours come together and do things. It's just wonderful."
Planning a quilt might be compared to gardening when the flowers bloom or to painting, with which Roy is also well acquainted, but with a big difference: quilting is less forgiving.
"It's very hard to take things apart but you do…I do a lot of un-sewing too," she laughed.
"You have to sew just right because a sixteenth of an inch off on each block will get your whole quilt off by half an inch you know, and it takes a lot of practice to get accurate and to do good work. I'm getting better all the time."
Roy is modest about her accomplishments, preferring not to talk about the many awards her work has earned. Instead, her focus is that of a true artist: "I just have always needed to make things and this is it."
Currently, her schedule allows her to fill her time with quilting and reading, but earlier in her life her time was completely consumed with raising a large family. It was frustrating not to be able to pursue creative outlets of expression, she said.
"I have six children, all born very close together. My sixth child was born just a few months after my oldest one turned seven, so they were all babies together and then all in their teens together. I remember sending them out to the big rock - we had a big rock out in the pasture we used to call the buffalo stone."
"I would pack them a picnic lunch - it was oh, less than half a mile away from the house - and send them out to have a picnic and hope to be able to sew for a little while and I'd just barely get my machine ready to go and they'd have their lunch eaten and be back again."
Though it was difficult for Roy not to have time to pursue her sewing, she said once the children were asleep, she always read late into the night, and that was what she did for herself.
Her interest in quilting intensified in 1990 when her mother was dying.
"I began to quilt (more) because I could pick it up and put it down. In painting or writing you need long periods of concentration; you can't just do a little bit. So that's when I found I was doing that more and more. You don't have to think too hard; you just have to be very careful."
Roy belongs to The Hearts and Hands Estevan Quilters Guild, which meets monthly and weekly, involving itself in many creative and charity endeavors. The guild has also become a big part of Roy's social life.
"I used to quilt alone a lot and I was persuaded to join, and I'm glad I did. I find the women in this group all very compatible. And something about quilters, they're generous. They like to share with you. I do enjoy it very much."
Over the years, Roy has completed 90 large quilts, 50 crib sized, about 240 quilted wall hangings and four quilted jackets, which begs the question: where do they all go?
"That can be a little bit of a problem but I give all my children a quilt when they marry, when they graduate, when they have a new baby. I don't sell very many because people don't realize what quilts cost these days. Good fabric has gotten expensive," Roy said.
When the hundreds of hours that go into making quilts are considered, quilters usually don't get paid very much for their work, either. But that's not the only reason Roy finds it difficult to part with her work.
There is also an emotional connection between the artist and the art which makes parting with some quilts difficult for Roy, who names each quilt she makes as an artist would name a painting. Parting with some quilts, she said, is "like giving away your children."

News

Another large profit for Credit Union

Despite a year of change, Spectra Credit Union's ability to post a large profit remained the same, as members found out at the organization's annual general meeting March 21 at the Beefeater Plaza.
2004 witnessed a name change from Estevan to Spectra Credit Union, reflecting their regional scope. Long-time CEO Vern Buck retired, and was replaced by vice-president of finance Wayne Claypool.
"But many of our people are the same people that supported Vern and are working with me, so basically the operation of Spectra Credit Union will continue as it always has," said Claypool. "We're looking for 2005 to be an even better year than we had in 2004."
A post-income tax profit of about $2.18 million was posted in 2004, about $60,000 lower than 2003. Claypool attributed that to the hiring of a consulting firm to assist in finding Buck's replacement, and an "investment" of $166,000 for the name change.
Current assets are around $344 million, an increase of about $18 million from last year.
Spectra Credit Union became the first in the province to offer member investment shares. They failed to meet the target, as only $1.3 million of the available $5 million were sold. Claypool attributed that to the lack of a local and provincial track record.
"We will have a track record the next time we go to the market with investment shares, and we're pretty confident that they will sell based on the records of return that we will provide over the next three or four years," said Claypool.
The first series of shares was available from June 1 to November 30. Claypool said the next series likely won't occur for another four or five years. Other credit unions in Saskatchewan have considered offering member investment shares.
Spectra Credit Union added Minton-Gladmar to its system, bringing the total number of branches to 12. Claypool said they're not looking at further amalgamations at this time.
"We do work with a number of neighbouring credit unions, and if one of those credit unions were to contact us about the possibility, it would certainly be considered by our board."
Directors elected to three-year terms were Region 1's Marty Lelliot, Region 2's Brian Arthur and member-at-large Wayne Amos.
Completing two-year terms are newcomers Emily Zyla from Region 3 and Joyce Fraser in Region 4. Fraser is the widow of long-time Region 4 representative Dean Fraser, who passed away last year.
Lee Anne Walter of Lampman, the recipient of the inaugural Vern Buck scholarship, gave a brief presentation on the future of rural Saskatchewan, and discussed the connection between Spectra Credit Union and young agricultural producers.
Walter is a sophomore at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture, where she is studying animal science.

Annual meeting for Chamber of Commerce

Captions:
More than 60 Estevan Chamber of Commerce members reflected on an eventful past 12 months during their annual general meeting March 17 at the Estevan Elks Lodge.
Already this year, the Chamber and Estevan City Council have revealed the Community Advancement Incentive Development Opportunity (CANDO), an attempt to grow the residential and business sectors.
They conducted and completed a lengthy survey of residents and the business community, and the results were released at a workshop in November.
The Chamber also revealed a five-point plan: support the development and expansion of business; promote Estevan as a desirable place to live and visit; partner with other organization in activities beneficial to the community; grow the Chamber’s membership and be responsive to their needs; and provide advice and information to the City and community as requested and through maintenance of their website.
Business manager Bob Starkey said they hope to reach 300 members this year, develop an awareness program and promote Estevan’s “open for business attitude.”
Community development committee chair Lynn Chipley said last year’s two surveys proved that city beautification needs to be a top priority. A more attractive community will help attract people to live in the city and create a better impression with those passing by.
Estevan also needs to change its inner perception, said Chipley, because the city will become what residents believe it is. She is looking to start a community beautification committee with volunteers, Chamber members and Estevan City Council.
Second vice-president Sheila Squires touched on centennial plans for this year. Many Estevan school children are writing letters to family and friends that used to live in the city, and encouraging them to come back to Estevan in 2005.
Squires said the 2005 Centennial Heritage Trek - which departs Moosomin May 29 and arrives in Estevan June 9 – will be an excellent opportunity to showcase southeast Saskatchewan’s natural resources and history.
The Chamber will announce their involvement in the trek soon.
Motivational speaker and author Barb de la Sablonniere from Take Charge Resources gave the keynote address. De la Sablonniere has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, and devoted most of her speech to networking and how it can improve a business’ fortunes.
She has also served as a director for the Regina Chamber of Commerce and has chaired several committees.
At the end of the meeting, Chamber president Herb Padwick rallied the membership by reminding them of three simple words adopted at a workshop last November: “Yes we can.” They can succeed at growing the city, increasing tourism, and making Estevan a beautiful city.
Padwick promised the Chamber’s executive would work hard and consult members for advice, support and approval.

New Telehealth Sites to open in Sun Country Health Region

Saskatchewan’s Telehealth network is expanding into Estevan and seven other locations across the province, using health funding committed at the 2004 First Ministers’ Meeting.
The other locations are Saskatoon’s City Hospital, Regina’s Pasqua Hospital, Humboldt, Melfort, Lloydminster, Tisdale and Melville. The expansion will cost about $400,000, and will bring the total number of Telehealth sites in the province to 26.
Telehealth Saskatchewan uses videoconference links across its provincial network to connect patients with specialists, saving time and travel expenses.
It is also used to deliver continuing medical education to doctors and nurses in rural and remote locations. Telehealth can also reduce the sense of isolation often felt by rural health providers or medical residents by connecting them with their colleagues in urban centres for patient consultations.
“We are committed to working with our health partners to reduce the geographical barriers some residents face, and make it easier for them to access specialized services,” said Health Minister John Nilson.
With the expansion, the province will achieve its goal of establishing Telehealth services in every provincial, regional, district and northern hospital.
“Telehealth services are an important component of health care in rural areas,” Sun Country Health Region CEO Lee Spencer said in a press release. “They provide easy access to assessment and diagnostic services that our patients would otherwise have to travel great distances to receive. Our staff also benefits from the educational opportunities Telehealth provides.”
Each of the new Telehealth sites will receive $50,000 worth of video conferencing equipment that allows clinical appointments to be completed over great distances. The new sites are expected to begin operating in late spring and early summer.
Telehealth began in 1999 as a pilot project in northern Saskatchewan. It now serves about 4,000 Saskatchewan residents and health care providers every year. Patients can book appointments for surgical follow-up, or consultations in areas such as child psychiatry, dermatology or pediatric general surgery.

NDP releases centennial budget

Saskatchewan's NDP government tabled their 2005 budget March 23, proclaiming it as the province's 12th consecutive balanced budget and a document that would build for Saskatchewan's next 100 years.
Highlights include:
*No tax increases, a year after the government boosted the provincial sales tax by one per cent.
*A $6.7 million, one-time Saskatchewan Centennial University Tuition Grant, allowing the province's two universities to hold tuitions at 2004-05 levels in the Centennial year.
*$6.5 million in new funding for youth initiatives.
*$55.05 million in education property tax relief and $110.1 million over two years.
*Health spending of $2.9 billion. (Up 7.1 per cent or $192 million).
*Education spending of $1.2 billion. (Up 6.8 per cent or $74.4 million). When including teachers' pensions and benefits, the total climbs to $1.33 billion.
*$326.9 million in total capital spending.
*$3.15 billion in transfers to third parties such as schools, municipalities and hospitals. (Up 7.3 per cent or $215.3 million).
*3.0 per cent real gross domestic product growth in 2005
*$179.3 million in permanent debt reduction in 2004-05. Heading into 2005-06, Saskatchewan's government debt is now at its lowest point in 14 years.
*$7.7 million to increase the adequacy of support for low-income families in Saskatchewan through affordable and quality housing.
"Saskatchewan's economy is performing well, and measures in this Budget will encourage the economy to grow," said Finance Minister Harry Van Mulligen. "With this Budget, we continue to build a bright future for Saskatchewan youth, with more training seats and tuition grants - we want our youth here, to help us realize even greater potential."
Provincial revenue sharing for municipalities will remain at its current level of $85 million, despite cries from Saskatchewan's cities for the government to give them more money.
There will be $17.8 million more for health capital buildings and medical equipment, $4.0 million to expand surgical volumes and reduce wait list times, $4.7 million to increase MRI, CT scan and bone mineral density testing volumes, $2.8 million to expand renal dialysis capacity and expansion of cancer treatment facilities.
$22.7 million will be available under the Canada Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, including $10.8 million in federal provincial municipal infrastructure funding for "green" projects.
$125 million will be available for twinning Highway 1 from Regina to the Manitoba border and Highway 16 from the Battlefords to Lloydminster. Over 330 kilometres of highway will be resurfaced this year.
The province's portion of crop insurance will be fully funded, and funding for the CAIS program will remain at $98.8 million this year.
The film employment tax credit will increase by $4.7 million, the Western Economic Partnership Agreement $1 million, ethanol tax rebates $4 million, Tourism Saskatchewan $727,000 and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership $200,000.
The budget is the second of a four-year fiscal plan that continues on the path to improve the province's financial situation.
"We are funding Saskatchewan peoples' priorities," Van Mulligen said. "With this budget, we've funded health and education to record levels. There are no tax increases. We've enhanced social programs.
"We're establishing an independent Business Tax Review committee, to see how we can make Saskatchewan an even better place to do business. And, with a significant capital budget of almost $327 million, we're literally building for future generations."
Watch next week's edition of Lifestyles for more reaction to the budget.

Quiet but memorable experience for Monteyne in Afghanistan

Major Corporal Tammy Monteyne, a former Estevan resident, was back in the city recently for the first time since a six-month Canadian Armed Forces tour of Afghanistan.
She had an abnormally quiet six months, with only five operations.
“We rarely had any injuries, which is good; it means the troops were healthy,” said Monteyne.
When she wasn’t in the operating room, she was responsible for sterilizing and maintaining the operating equipment, cleaning the operating room every day, and ensuring the reliability of their tools.
Monteyne was stationed at Camp Julien, the base of operations for the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. For the first time, troops from other countries were living at the camp.
“That made it interesting to talk to people from other countries, find out what their culture is like,” said Monteyne.
Most of the Canadians were from her base in Edmonton. A few others were from locations spread out across Canada. She said it was a good crew to work with.
She never left the camp, since she was on-call 24 hours a day. She was able to meet a few Afghans when they visited Camp Julien, and said they were appreciative of the peacekeepers’ efforts. Many spoke English.
“From what I’ve seen, they’re hard workers and they’re very grateful just to have employment,” said Monteyne.
The fall elections were a very tense period, and the entire Canadian peacekeeping contingent was on high alert for potential terrorist attacks.
“But overall I felt safe there. The camp was very large and it was well secured,” said Monteyne.
Since she returned to Canada, she has readjusted to life here. She said she never realized how much she took her wealth and privacy for granted.
“It was simple things like living in your house where your kitchen is right there and your bathroom is down the hall,” Monteyne told Lifestyles. “Stuff like that you miss because over there you have to walk 100 or 200 metres to go and get a coffee, or 50 metres to go to the bathroom. Everything was at a distance.”
“And there were times where you just wanted to be alone, but that’s impossible, too, because there were all these people around you. But we knew before going over that was going to happen.”
She really missed her family, particularly her twin children, who stayed in New Brunswick with their father.
“They had a really good telephone system there, we were able to call as often as we wanted,” said Monteyne. “There was excellent communication, which is very important.”
When she returns to duty April 1, she’ll resume her work in the operating room at the University of Alberta’s hospital.
Monteyne has three more years before she retires from the military. She wants to complete one more mission, whether it be Afghanistan or elsewhere.
Her advice for future peacekeepers in Afghanistan is be prepared for lots of free time.
“It’s not like in the evening you can go to Tim Horton’s for a coffee or go to the bar,” said Monteyne. “There’s a limited number of activities there, and I think that was the biggest conflict or problems for the young ones is what do they do with themselves.”
Monteyne recommended that they bring books or course materials with them to the country. She also had rave reviews for Camp Julien’s physical training facilities.
In the midst of her mission, Monteyne had a three-and-a-half week holiday. She chose to take a relaxing jaunt through six European countries.

New local board structure discussed

School Level Educational Advisory Authorities (SLEAA) are in the imminent future of Saskatchewan education.
The Estevan Public and Estevan Comprehensive School Boards held a meeting at Pleasantdale School in Estevan March 22 to discuss the formation of SLEAA. About 20 administrators, teachers and parents attended.
Their recommendations were taken to a meeting with the three-member local accountability panel in Weyburn March 24.
“We had a good discussion on what the possible roles and make-up of local school advisory committees might be, as we move forward through the restructuring process,” said director of education Don Rempel.
All schools in the province will soon have SLEAA, not just those affected by the upcoming government-imposed amalgamation.
Local school boards that compliment division boards have been common in Saskatchewan’s rural schools for years. But as division size and the area of representation for the trustees grows, the provincial government sees SLEAA as critical to ratepayers having contact with their trustees and having a voice.
Following a brief introduction by Rempel, those in attendance broke off into four separate groups and brainstormed ideas for the SLEAA.
Debated topics included whether the SLEAA should be elected or appointed, their size, the community members to draw from, and their primary responsibilities.
The local accountability panel will present their recommendations to Learning Minister Andrew Thomson by May 15. Thomson will then announce the form of the SLEAA and introduce legislation. The SLEAA are expected to take effect January 1, 2006.
Rempel hopes there will be some flexibility in the scope for the SLEAA.
“That could be accomplished by having a minimum requirement and guidelines in legislation, and allow communities to add on if they so wish,” said Rempel.
“I know the minister has commented that he would like to see almost a one-size fits all model, and lots of people are saying that’s not realistic,” he added later.

Lent: a time to consider others

Caption:
Wayne Claypool of the Estevan Rotary Club speaks to Sacred Heart students.

Estevan’s Sacred Heart School held its annual lent poverty meal on March 22. Prior to the meal students gathered to talk about reasons for holding the meal: to remember those who live in poverty and hunger, and to appreciate and share what they have. In order to participate in the meal, each student had to bring a dollar for the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which supports a large water project in Uganda.
Wayne Claypool of the Estevan Rotary Club also spoke to the children about his club’s work throughout the world as it seeks to make the world a better place to live.

Sacred Heart School’s Easter Celebrations

Marlee Dukart (Grandmother) and Kim Gabriel (child narrator) opened Sacred Heart School’s musical production: “Who is This Jesus Man?” The hour-long show depicted the final few days in the Life of Christ, and was a fitting way to begin Easter Celebrations.

Marking the end

Grade 5 to 8 students from Macoun School enjoyed ending their curling unit by
participating in a bonspiel.

Lampman’s Drama Class Steals the Show

The Lampman High School Theatre 20 Class cleaned up at the Saskatchewan Region 1 Drama Festival held March 11 and 12 in Redvers.
The group’s production of “Steel Magnolias” won best technical, best visual and best overall performance. Emily Fornwald (who played ‘Annelle’) won the Mary Ellen Burgess Award for Excellence in Acting.
Amber Kelly-Birns (backstage management and props) won the Bob Hinnett Award for Technical Excellence and Melora Haselhan (sound) was the runner up for the same award. Eleven other Awards of Merit were presented to the group including excellence in ensemble acting and set design.
Several encore performances of the play are planned in the coming weeks as fundraisers to help offset the costs of competing at the Provincial Drama Festival to be held May 5-7, 2005 at the University of Regina Theatre Department. Anyone interested in catching a show is encouraged to call Lampman School for more information.
Lifestyles featured the Lampman High School Theatre in its February 18 issue, archived on line at www.sasklifestyles.com.

Nearly $3,000 raised at Lampman dinner

Approximately $2,800 was raised at a fundraising dinner and dance March 18 at the Lampman School’s gymnasium for Blaine Bangsund, a 14-year-old Lampman boy with muscular dystrophy.
It was the second event in a week in support of Blaine. The first, a head shaving March 13, fetched about $2,500. That money was presented during the evening.
All proceeds will go to help pay for Blaine’s medical expenses.
Kelly Storlie, one of the event’s organizers, said about 200 people attended. Blaine was recently released from hospital, and he made an appearance during the evening.
“That was the highlight of the whole evening – he was there,” said Storlie.

Zeleny hired for plant manager position

Caption: Mike Zeleny

Mike Zeleny has been appointed the new plant manager of the Boundary Dam Power Station.
Zeleny’s appointment takes effect April 1. He replaces Keith Walton, whose 35-year career at Boundary Dam will end with his retirement April 15. Walton will offer Zeleny guidance during Walton’s final weeks.
Zeleny has over 30 years experience at SaskPower. He started as a labourer at the old Estevan generating system in 1974.
Most of his time has been spent at Boundary Dam, working his way up the operations ladder and gaining his first class power engineering certificate. In 1992, he moved to the Shand Power Station as part of the commissioning team.
Zeleny returned to Boundary Dam as a production specialist in 1998, and was promoted to production supervisor in 2000.
“This definitely would be the apex of my career at Boundary Dam,” Zeleny told Lifestyles. “I’ve gone through most of the positions on the operating side and as a production supervisor. I’ve seen both sides of the operation.”
He’s expecting a similar amount of work, but focused in different directions. Zeleny predicted more pro-active thinking and increased interaction with the public and the head office in Regina.
Zeleny believes his production supervisor work has prepared him well for the plant manager job.
“Boundary Dam has been more or less my whole working life, and I have a great interest in making sure that the power plant remains as the main producer of electricity for the province of Saskatchewan. I love what I do, and it’s a natural progression.”
Zeleny said he enjoys a challenge and working with people.
“I think that’s what makes the world go around is human relationships, and actually making the plant a good place to work,” said Zeleny. “It’s always nicer to go to work when you like going to work.”

Public Supports Rotary Auction

Caption: This table features a few of the hundreds of items donated by local businesses for the Rotary Auction.

The Estevan Rotary Club held its 42nd annual auction at the Estevan Shoppers Mall March 17.
“Everything sold well. Everything went. We got excellent prices for everything,” reported club spokesperson Denis Bode.
Over 130 registered bidders raised $10,700 by bidding on the hundreds of items donated by local businesses. In addition, the club received more than $16,000 in cash donations prior to the auction.
“We had about $19,000 worth of merchandise donated and we always feel that we should get around 50 per cent of that back in donations from the public,” said Bode.
Norm Mack and Ed Goodwin were the evening’s auctioneers.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward community projects, such as the Rotary’s local Centennial Project: the construction of new washrooms, ticket and concession facilities at Frehlick Hall.
The auction is the Rotary Club’s second largest fundraiser of the year, after the Lobster Fest, scheduled for June 10.

Idols will gather in Arcola

Arcola will hold its second annual Arcola Idol at Prairie Place Hall, August 5 to 7 in conjunction with the Arcola Fair and Stampede.
Competitors of any age are welcome and they will be able to choose from any music genre.
“We are having a bit of a twist with it this year. We’re going to still have the single vocal competition with the top prize of $1,000 but we are also having a duet competition with a top prize of $1,000. From the winners AMHM Recording Studio will award studio time for a demo CD,” said Sherry McNair of the Arcola Idol Committee.
Last year 27 competitors battled for top position and McNair called it an incredible show.
“The talent that came out was out of this world,” adding that many performers have been eagerly awaiting the next competition.
“This year we’ve got ten pre-registered already and we haven’t even started. So we’re really expecting a good turn out and a good crowd.”
Three of these competitors are from as far away as Saskatoon.
All contestants will be expected to prepare three musical selections. Round 1 for the singles will be held Friday evening of the 5th and the top six will move on to the finals.
The duet competition will be held Saturday afternoon. The top six teams will move on to Sunday afternoon. In the finals, the top three of each category will be given one more chance to shine.
Judges and masters of ceremonies are yet unconfirmed, as many details are still the planning stages.
Last year’s winner, twelve-year-old Shilo Chramm of Regina, is returning to open the final competition on Sunday.
“You’ve got to hear this girl sing. Look out Shania Twain. I’m not kidding you!” commented McNair.
She added that the competition is all about showcasing and giving the stage to amateurs.
“And if we get half the talent that we got last year…wow! It was just a mind blower,” said McNair.
“I hope every year it just keeps getting bigger and better. This year we added the duet, next year, I don’t know what it will be.”

Saxon’s team returns from Rome

Caption: Lisa Lukye and Caroline Saxon wear the medals they earned by completing a marathon in Rome, Italy.

Local Team Diabetes Canada members recently returned from Rome where they completed a 42.2 kilometre marathon.
Caroline Saxon, Lisa Lukye and Katie Horrocks, finished hand in hand with other participants.
“If people asked me how it was I’d say it was pure hell, but I would recommend somebody else doing it,” said Lukye.
“It was a good experience helping the other people and everybody cheering everybody else on but, thank God for her though; I wouldn’t have made it without her,” Lukye added, pointing to Saxon.
After 21 kilometres, Lukye was ready to quit.
“It was absolutely grueling,” said Saxon with a laugh. “I wanted to run but something kept on telling me, ‘you know what? They (Lisa and Katie) aren’t going to finish it.’”
Saxon said she wanted to better her 5’25 time from the Reykjavik, Iceland marathon, but couldn’t leave her teammates behind.
“I can do another marathon. I’ll just stay back and be a part of the experience,” Saxon decided. “Well, thank God I did.”
“I said, ‘You guys come this far, you just give me your hand’. So I took their hands literally, and we walked.”
Cobblestones and hills added to the challenges faced by the trio as they proceeded, picking up other Team Diabetes members who were also ready to quit.
A man Saxon estimated to be in his late 50s struggled with a jacket and diabetic supplies that had become too heavy to carry. Saxon took the burden from him and the four of them held hands and walked on.
Soon there was another weary runner added to their chain.
“So we grabbed her hand and now there’s five of us and we’re all walking. You’d think it would be so uncomfortable walking, but it wasn’t. You were so light. The energy from each just permeated to the next,” said Saxon.
Their journey continued with runners joining hands until at one point nine of them walked together.
“They couldn’t believe it. They were just so thankful that we had formed that chain and come across. A lot of people didn’t finish because it was tough.”
Finishing the marathon, regardless of her time, was all that mattered to Saxon.
“My medal wasn’t going to be any brighter or better just because I finished earlier or because I ran. But that all those people were able to finish and go home with one of these… I think it would be heartbreaking to do all that fundraising, go that far, and you have to go home and tell people ‘I didn’t make it.’”
Prior to the Rome marathon Team Diabetes Canada raised $715,000 with more still to come in.
“It’s not much wonder that Canada is above all the other countries in research,” said Saxon, who ran this race for children afflicted with diabetes.
With stories to tell of their experiences, both Saxon and Lukye will continue collecting donations in order to meet their fundraising goals. Christmas and the tsunami have both affected their efforts. Each Team Diabetes member is required to raise a minimum of $5,500 for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Once Saxon’s goals are met, she plans to enter both the Queen City marathon in Regina later this year and another Team Diabetes marathon in Dublin, Ireland next year.

Benson - a volunteer cameo

Caption: An example of Gail Frasz’ art work

Benson residents know their contributions are needed to make things happen.
“Anything you do, you need the volunteers. Just about everybody in town pitches in, and then they have to thank themselves,” laughed local inhabitant Gail Frasz.
Frasz, who is also a painter, has lived in Benson for about six years with her husband Clarence. They moved to the area to be closer to family following an illness.
Gail works at the Rural Municipality of Benson office three days each week and at the Benson water treatment centre. She also helps out at their confectionary store, which has become a hot coffee spot in Benson, hosting annual crib tournaments.
Still, she manages to find a little time for herself, almost.
“It is hard to find time to paint but I do enjoy it when I’m doing it,” said Frasz. She started painting about nine years ago following a Ducks Unlimited banquet at where painted ostrich eggs were on sale.
“I looked at that and I thought, ‘I can do that!’” she said.
The company Frasz was then working for raised ostriches so she had access to infertile eggs.
“I started painting on eggs for the fun of it and then I kind of got into it. I paint on flat (surfaces) now, on saw blades and…well, I paint on anything,” said Frasz.
Much of her artwork celebrates the colours and scenes of rural life.
Although she has done some work on commission, Frasz has not pursued a sideline painting business.
Instead, she has used her talent as a way to volunteer and give back to her community. For example, she has painted signs to promote local businesses that in turn donated to the Benson curling rink. Another community member offered Frasz the use of a heated garage where she worked on the signs through the cold weather.
She said the curling rink operates entirely because of volunteers who do everything from putting in the ice to repairing and maintaining the facility.
“Everybody helps each other out and pulls together. It’s kind of nice…everybody just pitches in,” said Frasz, adding that in times of sorrow, local residents also show their support with overwhelming acts of kindness.

A look back at Benson

Homesteaders first arrived in Benson in 1882 and the post office was constructed by 1905, but the hamlet wasn’t formed until 1913, after the rail line was built to North Portal.
Other businesses to follow were a general store and livery barn, and the first school opened in 1914. The hamlet was under RM jurisdiction until 1928 when it achieved village status.
At one time, Benson had three grocery stores, a hardware store, cafe, butcher shop, hotel, implement dealer and garage, but a fire in 1956 destroyed at least three businesses and the others were badly damaged.
The R.M. of Benson history book, “Toil, Tears and Thanksgiving” mentions the many good times over the years: barn dances, box socials, fowl suppers, Christmas concerts and the annual sports day.
In 1974, Benson received the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Community Achievement Award for outstanding recreation accomplishments.
Benson’s Curling Club continues to be very active. They have hosted various celebrity fundraisers in recent years.
In 2004, the little two-sheet rink gained national exposure when it was featured on the CBC during the fifth end break for the Brier national men’s final.
Benson will host the “Back to Your Roots” homecoming August 5 to 7, as part of Saskatchewan’s centennial celebrations. Current and former residents of the RM and village, plus students from Benson School and other schools in the RM, are welcome to attend.
Coordinator Laureen Keating is hoping to attract over 500 people. About 170 registrations have come in so far. Keating expects more to come in before April 1, when the early bird offer expires and the fee increases.
“A lot of people have been phoning about it, so I’m sure there’s more coming,” said Keating.
Events include registration and a wiener roast on the 5th; a parade, slo-pitch tournament, horseshoes, cribbage, children’s activities and a banquet and auction on the 6th; and breakfasts on the 6th and 7th.
Volunteers are needed for the various events.
Keating said they decided to go with a homecoming for the centennial event after Benson School closed last August. Organizers are looking for class photographs from Benson School and the other schools in the RM for a souvenir CD.
The RM of Benson has purchased the Benson School building.
“We’re not sure what’s going to be happening with the school, so this will be the last chance for anyone to tour the building as a school,” said Keating.

Winners of schooling shows recognized

The Estevan Schooling Show Association, which held four equestrian events during the fall and winter, concluded their 2004-05 season by presenting awards March 19 at the Estevan Exhibition building. Recognized individuals were: front row (L-R) Kia Rosenbaum, Justiss Daoust, Tristyn Michel, Sammy Barbour, Kelsey Hirsch, Casey Barbour, Callie Barbour and Kathleen Schiml. Back row: Danielle Hanson, Roxy Mutton, Kyra Block, Torie Froese, Lynn McNabb, Sienna Johnson, Ron Sandhoff, Becke Gigian, Brenda Noble, Stan Milford and Eric Paulson. Awards were handed out for high point and reserve champions, attendance, participation and sportsmanship.

EFP Workshop held in Estevan

Caption: David Pattyson, farmer and Environmental Farm Plan facilitator.

Twenty members of the public, most of them farmers, attended an introductory Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workshop in Estevan March 22 at Boundary Motors.
The workshop was sponsored by the Provincial Council of Agricultural Development and Diversification (ADD) boards.
“At the end of the process a certificate is issued that basically says the farmer has one of these in place and this will actually make the farmer eligible to apply for future funding programs for projects of an environmental nature for their farm,” said EFP spokesperson and Tribune farmer David Pattyson.
The funding program itself has yet to be launched and will be run through the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Agency (PFRA).
Pattyson also told Lifestyles that farmers have responded to the program with much interest.
During his presentation, Pattyson gave a general overview of current ADD board programs describing the organization as farmer driven.
The EFP is voluntary and confidential. Participating farmers are given an identification number and when their files are reviewed, only that number is used; no names are attached. Confidentiality ensures farmers do not feel compelled to give a “sanitized view” of their operation, Pattyson said. Instead, realistic assessments and plans are encouraged.
The EFP is also an educational opportunity for farmers to keep abreast of best practices and identify strengths and weaknesses in their practices in order to minimize environmental risk.
This farm planning program has been around for a number of years in Ontario and a few years in Alberta. This is the first year that it has been offered in Saskatchewan.

LOOK to the BOOK!!
By Tim Pippus

As I am a new contributor to “Lifestyles”, I thought it would be a good idea to start by telling you a little bit about myself. As well, I would like to take a moment to outline what I hope this column will provide for you over the coming months.
I was born and raised in Moose Jaw and took my Bible training at Western Christian College. Upon graduation in 1990, I moved to Estevan to work with the Church of Christ for the summer. When that summer ended, the congregation asked me to stay and I have been here ever since. Four years later, I got married and, since then, my wife Sara and I have been
blessed with two precious little girls.
I like all types of sports, especially hockey (I play with the “Saints” in the NFL), squash and canoeing. Last year I bought my first motorcycle, so now I can not wait for the snow to leave so that I can start riding again.
For the last 14 years, I had the opportunity to write a weekly column for “Estevan This Week”. When that paper closed at the end of January, I began looking for a new home for the article. I am very glad that “Lifestyles” has given me this chance to continue writing and sharing
God’s word in this way.
My goal for the article is simple: I want to try to connect the truth of God’s word to our everyday lives and struggles. As we look into God’s word, you will find that it is an extremely practical and a reliable guide for our daily lives. Hopefully, the column is entertaining, but
more importantly, I want it to encourage you in your own walk with
Christ. In the end, our relationship with him will be the only thing that matters
Lastly, please feel free to contact me with questions, comments or suggestions for the article. I do not have all the answers, but I believe that God does. We will find them together as we “Look to the Book”.
Tim Pippus
Estevan Church of Christ
estevan.cofc@sasktel.net

Garden Notes comes to Lifestyles

A large following of readers have enjoyed Gerry Fichtemann’s horticulture columns for 13 years. He will continue the tradition of discussing all aspects of gardening, with Lifestyles as his forum.
The late Walter Fichtemann, who received his doctorate in horticulture from the University of Berlin, was Gerry’s mentor and father. Their family operated the Estevan Florist.
Gerry took a shine to floral design and experts noticed his talent. As a result, he was invited to give a presentation at an F.T.D. convention in Niagara Falls when he was in his late teens.
After working at home for years, Gerry decided to see the rest of Canada and left the nursery and florist business to become a musician. He was on tour with other musicians for the next 12 years, playing popular music on the Hammond Organ all over Eastern Canada.
Eventually, Gerry returned to Estevan and to his passion for growing trees and other plants. He admits it’s a labour intensive occupation, but insists that working in the fresh air is very healthy.
In 1979 Gerry started River Bend Nursery.
“We’ve had our ups and downs like any business,” said Gerry, “However, we always managed to keep going. We employ various amounts of help, especially during the spring rush.”
Gerry said no business could survive without good help like Glenn Coles (sales) and Allister Kallis, who was also employed by Gerry’s father. Both horticulturists have been with the business since it opened 26 years ago and Fichtemann called them “totally dedicated,” along with David Kallis, an employee at River Bend for 12 years.
Although he’s busy, 70-year-old Gerry has not forgotten his love for music. He recently donated a Hammond Concert Organ to St. Peters Lutheran Church where he continues to play the instrument.
“When people are happy, I’m also happy,” said Gerry, “It gives me time to give thanks to God for giving me such a life of fulfillment.”
Still full of energy, he has no immediate plans for retirement.
“Maybe I’ll quit when I reach 100!” he said.
Keep watching Lifestyles each week for Garden Notes by Gerry Fichtemann!

TABLE MANNERS AND OSPREY BIRDS
by Linda Wegner

To receive a compliment for a job well done is always gratifying; to receive affirmation when we’re dragging our proverbial heels is even sweeter. Within the past couple of weeks I’ve been the grateful recipient of both kinds of reinforcement.
About the job well done. I’d written a story about a farmer in south-eastern British Columbia who has dedicated a lot of time and energy toward creating a safer environment for Osprey birds. The major element in his campaign is to educate farmers (but not only farmers!) to pick up discarded bits of plastic twine. The majestic birds are attracted to the bright colours and use the twine in building their nests. To make a gruesome story short, too often they end up dying of strangulation after they become entangled in the cord. I worked extremely hard on the article but still was thrilled to receive a kind letter of thanks and photos of an Osprey in flight, sans baler twine.
And then there was that not-so-deserving tribute. A couple of weeks ago my daughter-in-law and I discussed our on-going battle with weight control (or more accurately, the lack of it). “I’m so disgusted with myself,” I lamented. “I know better but it seems I can’t make any headway.” Grace commiserated with me but what neither of us realized was that our granddaughter was within earshot of the conversation,
“Don’t feel bad, Grandma,” she consoled, “You have such wonderful table manners.”
Now you tell me that this child isn’t close to perfect!
I’m the first to admit that we’re not absolved of responsibility for looking after our physical well being but encouragement makes the job a bit easier….and made me far more aware of the need to cheer others along.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another….” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Who needs your encouragement?

 

Sports

Bruins start Yorkton series on Good Friday

The top two teams from the SJHL's regular season are preparing for a best-of-seven on ice war, and it's not even the league final.
The Estevan Bruins and Yorkton Terriers will play Game 1 of the Sherwood Conference final March 25 at the Civic Auditorium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Estevan finished three points ahead of the Terriers for the regular season pennant. Estevan won three of the first five meetings between the two clubs, but Yorkton responded by winning the last five contests, including two in the round robin selection series.
Their recent record against Yorkton doesn't concern MacKay.
"In that room, those guys really believe that we can win, and that's all that matters to me. It doesn't matter what we've done in the past, what matters to me most is what these guys believe in. They believe we're a good hockey club and we're going to win.
Yorkton finished second in goals for during regular season with 201, Estevan was fourth at 195. Estevan was second in goals against with 143, Yorkton third at 144.
Estevan and Yorkton also had the two best home ice records, two of the top four goalies in goals against average, and both were ranked in the top three for power play and penalty killing efficiency.
"We both match up very well," said head coach/GM Kelvin MacKay. "It should be a great series, and I have to really believe that whoever comes out of this is going to win our league."
MacKay said the team that stays disciplined and makes the fewest mistakes will likely win the series.
Both teams are also coming off convincing four-game sweeps. Estevan outscored the Humboldt Broncos 18-5 and outplayed Humboldt every game. Yorkton overpowered the Notre Dame Hounds and outscored them 13-5.
MacKay isn't surprised that Yorkton swept Notre Dame, even though the teams were only separated by three points.
The Bruins were given three days off after completing the Humboldt sweep March 17. Players returned to practice March 22.
Defenceman Ken Patzack, who missed the Humboldt series, will play in Game 1 against Yorkton.
Meanwhile, goaltender Juliano Pagliero was named the Harold L. Jones Award winner for top netminder.
"I was pretty happy, obviously, but it wasn't something that I was thinking of. I wasn't thinking I would win it, I thought it would probably go to (Notre Dame's Chance) Gieni or (La Ronge's Alex) Gagnon, but it's a nice thing to have."
Pagliero led the league in wins (29) and goals against average (2.44). He credited his teammates for the recognition.
"I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am without my teammates," said Pagliero. "They cover (for) me and I cover (for) them. Every award we get, I think, is shared in some way."
Team captain Chris Stubel finished third in balloting for the Tim Horton Award for top defenceman. Stubel finished fourth in defenceman scoring with 37 points, and his 171 penalty minutes were the most among any defenceman in the top 10 scorers.
MacKay was one of three finalists for coach of the year, but was edged out by Yorkton's Ed Zawatsky for the honour.

PS Electric Bruins capture provincial title

Caption: Members of the PS Electric Bantam A Bruins (back row, L-R): trainer Myles Hoium, coach Robert Kitchen, Joe Huculak, Jarett Hysuik, Reid Barnes, Matt Stepp, Keith Goudy, Brandon Frank, Lucas Smyth, Ryan Curzon, Lane Gedak and assistant coach Wade Grimes. Front Row: Tyler Hoium, Stephen Kitchen, Kelsey Omland, Jordan Fieber, Nathan Puffalt, Tyler Spencer and Jordan Fenwick. Missing: Nathan Harkins, Rylan Mann, assistant coach Jim Puffalt and manager Bruce Barnes.

The Estevan PS Electric Bantam A Bruins captured their first provincial title with a 4-1 win over Weyburn in the final of the provincial Bantam A Tier II championship in Kindersley March 20.
Lane Gedak scored in the first period to give Estevan a 1-0 lead. That margin held until late in the third, when Nathan Harkins scored for Estevan.
Weyburn quickly cut the deficit in half, but Jordan Fenwick responded seconds later to restore the two-goal advantage. Stephen Kitchen made it 4-1 in the waning seconds.
Coach Robert Kitchen said the tournament final was the best his team played all year, as everyone – the forwards, defencemen and goaltender Kelsy Omland – offered a cohesive effort.
Estevan beat Kindersley 5-4 and Melville 6-2 in the round-robin. They advanced to the final with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over Meadow Lake.
Not only did they beat their archrivals, but they vindicated a loss to Weyburn in last year’s provincial final.
“It was a little more special for the boys that were on the team last year,” said Robert Kitchen. “I know in talking to some of them, the comments were ‘now I know what they felt like last year.’ It was quite a big difference to come out and watch compared to last year.”
“It definitely was something to cherish. I think these boys are pretty happy. There are a lot of good kids on this team, and I’m just happy for them, because for some of them, this may be the only championship they ever win. I’m pretty proud that they had a chance to do that.”

Duce wins second consecutive Oilmen’s

Caption: (L-R) Dallas Duce, Jack Messham, Blaine Fichter and Rick Rohatyn repeated as champions of the Estevan OTS Oilmen’s Bonspiel.

Dallas Duce and his Prairie Petro Chem No. 2 teammates Rick Rohatyn, Jack Messham and Blaine Fichter repeated as champions of the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s Oilmen’s Bonspiel March 17 to 20 at the Estevan Curling Club.
Prairie Petro Chem No. 2 defeated Allied Cathodic Services 7-3 in seven ends for their second straight title. The game was close early, but Duce’s team capitalized on a couple of mistakes for steals.
Trailing 1-0 after the first end, Allied Cathodic had a shot at three points, but missed a tap on a Prairie Petro Chem rock in the 12-foot and had to settle for one and a tie game.
“They missed at critical times,” said Duce. “The second end was almost the game. They had a shot at three, and he missed it.”
Prairie Petro Chem scored one in the third to regain the lead. In the fourth end, Allied Cathodic had a draw to the four-foot to deadlock the contest, but their final rock slid through the house, and Prairie Petro Chem stole two for a 4-1 lead.
Allied Cathodic scored two in the fifth end to narrow the gap to one, but Prairie Petro Chem responded with two of their own in the sixth to restore the three-point margin.
The final blow came in the seventh end. Allied Cathodic had a chance to score three and tie the game with a raised take-out, but they took their own rock out. Prairie Petro Chem stole another point for a 7-3 lead.
Prairie Petro Chem ran Allied Cathodic out of rocks in the eighth end.
Duce said they didn’t play as well in the final as they did in their preceding three games.
“We had a little luck going for us, too. Everybody seemed to miss at just the right time for us whenever we seemed to get in trouble. Both last year and this year, almost every game we played seemed to go to last shot.”
Repeating in a bonspiel with over 50 teams is difficult, Duce said. There are a lot of games, and everybody is trying to be the team that knocked off the defending champions.
Fifty-nine teams entered this year’s event, the largest bonspiel in Estevan this year. Competitors came from as far away as Calgary, creating an economic spin-off for the community. A banquet and dance was held March 18.
Other winners from the weekend included: Apex Distribution beat Mid-West Surveys 10-5 in the B final, PS Electric knocked off Estevan Meter No. 1 9-2 in five ends in the C final, Richard’s Welding trounced CE Franklin 9-1 in four ends in the D1 final, and Prairie Petro Chem No. 1 upended Precision Wiring 6-3 in seven ends in the D2 final.

Bruins advance to the third Round

From the Sidelines
By Kyle Kapiczowski

The Estevan Bruins knocked off the Humboldt Broncos in four straight games in the Sherwood Conference semi-final.
The bruins played very well in the whole series, while the Broncos ran out of gas.
My pick for the Sherwood Conference final is Estevan over the Yorkton Terriers in seven games, because Estevan has the No. 1 goalie in the league, Juliano Pagliero. Estevan has stronger and more physical players, too.
In the WHL, the Regina Pats beat the Brandon Wheat Kings 5-3 on March 19. This is only worth mentioning because the Pats hadn't won since January 8, about 30 games ago.
The Pats lost 3-1 to the Moose Jaw Warriors in their final game of the season.
In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost 105-98 to the Toronto Raptors. LeBron James scored 58 points in the loss.
The Cavs fired head coach Paul Silas the day after the loss. I think this was a stupid move, especially since they hired a former Raptors' bench boss, Brendan Malone. I hope the new coach they hire does a better job than Malone will.
In the March Madness NCAA men's basketball tournament, my Florida Gators were bounced out by Villanova. The good news is that Villanova has to play the top ranked North Carolina Tar Heels in the next round.
Scores from Week 8 in the Arena Football League: the Dallas Desperados over the Los Angeles Avengers 72-50; the San Jose Wildcats trounced the Grand Rapids Rampage 72-48; the Georgia Force beat the Orlando Predators 49-47; the Austin Wranglers defeated the New York Knights 57-47; the Las Vegas Gladiators knocked off the Arizona Rattlers 66-63, the Philadelphia Soul over the Tampa Bay Storm 69-63; the New Orleans Voodoo edged the Chicago Rush 46-40; and the Colorado Crush beat the Columbus Destroyers 52-37. In Major League Baseball, Roberto Alomar has called it quits. I hope he gets into the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. His best years were with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he won two World Series titles.
Meanwhile, San Francisco Giants right fielder Barry Bonds may miss the entire baseball season with a knee injury. It's disappointing he won't be chasing Hank Aaron's home run record for a while.
At NASCAR's Golden Corral 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bobby Labonte got into an accident and finished 37th.
That's all, folks!

Viewpoints

DROP the GLOVES by David Willberg
Conservatives take a step back

The pro-life movement in Canada was dealt a significant blow recently.
It didn't come from a judge ruling on an unborn child's lack of legal rights, even though fetuses have a beating heart and can feel pain. This setback didn't come from a pro-life extremist torching a clinic or shooting a doctor.
No, this hindrance came from the only mainstream national party that pro-life could count on for support: the Conservative Party of Canada.
About 55 per cent of delegates at the party's inaugural policy convention backed a motion that a Conservative government would not support any legislation to regulate abortion. Canada, for those who aren't aware, is the only developed, non-Communist country in the world that doesn't have an abortion law.
It was widely speculated during the last federal election that if the Conservatives had succeeded in forming government, they would have eventually introduced some form of legislation limiting abortions, but not outright banning them.
But the Liberals rallied to form a minority government. Many observers blamed the pro-life views of many Conservative MPs and candidates for the defeat. One defeated Ontario candidate said at the convention that she would have won her riding if the party didn't have such a strong pro-life stance.
Ironically, this cave-in by Conservative Party members comes just a few months after two public opinion surveys indicated that a majority of Canadians support some form of a national abortion law.
The abortion rate is down slightly from where it was a decade ago. In Saskatchewan, that rate is dropping faster than the national average.
Maybe people are starting to realize the long-term emotional, mental and physical side effects of abortion on women, not to mention the drain that it is on our health care system.
The new policy is a compromise in the Conservatives never-ending push to get elected.
Stockwell Day may have made some blunders during his abbreviated tenure as leader of the Canadian Alliance Party - one of the predecessors to the Conservative Party - but at least he always stood up for what he believed in.
If the Conservatives want excuses for blowing the lead in the polls that they enjoyed a week before the election, that's one thing. But the possibility of a new abortion law had nothing to do with it.
While not as highly publicized or as damaging as the abortion legislation, the Conservatives made one other snafu: eliminating a policy that called for fixed election dates.
The current system is flawed. As of right now, Prime Minister Paul Martin has a dictator's grip on when elections occur. If his approval rating soars, and he thinks it's been long enough since his 2004 election scare, Martin can send Canadians to the polls whenever he wants.
In fact, that's exactly what former PM Jean Chretien did in 2000, when he called a snap election.
Fixed election dates in the U.S. work. British Columbia residents will find out how well they work when they go to the polls in May. Why provinces and the federal government continue to muddle around in the current system is confounding.
While the Conservatives did stand up for some of their ideals, such as their fight against same-sex marriage, their new policies are sending them closer to the political centre and away from traditional Conservative ideals.

Roscoe’s Rants
Geese and dirty snow
A few weeks back I was pretty frisky about spring but the in between weather, the people sick with the flu, and brief snow squalls have got me backtracking lately.
Spring is nothing to sniff at. I mean, go ahead and sniff but do it with some kind of respect even if it's hard sometimes to be hopeful.
Here we are, dog gone it, nearly at the end of March and there are some days I still don't feel much like wagging my tail. Not enough sun, I figure. Not enough spring either. The snow is still too dirty, the ice too hard and if you must know, dogs can get depressed too.
I try to keep myself informed about what's happening and the eyes on this pup are wide open when I do venture out. I noticed some geese flying over the city not long ago, looking for a place to land and do whatever it is geese are up to this time of year. Couldn't help but think that might be a sign or something. Maybe that's where I need to keep my thinker focused: on the signs.
How it went last year was the big honkers came back and the little twitters started singing in the morning and the dirty snow melted and there was no more white stuff falling from the sky. I'm not sure when that exactly happened so I just say soon. Soon. Soon.
I hope it's soon. There have to be other signs too…but what?
Oh yeah, I found some ants in the house. Like they woke up or something. Last year these red and black bugs were everywhere and the kids were calling them ladies. Got up my nose a little so I chased them. Those ladies can fly too.
Maybe this year I'll fly too. It's probably just important to hope, even when all you can see is dirty snow.
Sure, then everyone will know it's spring for real. When Roscoe flies, it's spring.

Dear Editor:
I write to take issue with columnist Murray Mandryk's mistaken allegation that the 2005 Federal Budget "forgot" Saskatchewan.
By way of background, I would note that last year's budget provided One Billion Dollars in extra federal money to help agriculture. In September, we added another $488 million more.
In this 2005 budget, we went further yet again - with more funding for cash advances, the Canadian Grain Commission, PFRA, and agricultural co-operatives. We also reinforced investments to help offset the impacts of BSE. And we signaled an end to the much-disliked producer deposit under the CAIS program.
We increased federal support to municipalities, large and small. The net gain for Saskatchewan communities will be about $150 million over the next five years, and then about $60 million per year thereafter. We also boosted federal Transfer Payments to the provinces - to their highest levels ever. As a result, Saskatchewan will be picking up an extra $90 million annually.
All of this comes on top of the $710 million in additional Equalization payments forwarded to Saskatchewan by the Government of Canada since last spring - even though Saskatchewan is collecting more of its own-source tax revenues than ever before in history.
Other Federal Budget measures that will help Saskatchewan are new funding for Community Futures Development Corporations, new support for Wind Power and other renewable energy sources, and big investments in science and technology at both the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
Since the budget, we have also announced other action relevant to Saskatchewan.
For example, we have opened formal negotiations with the Farmer Railcar Coalition on the potential transfer, to the coalition, of the full federal fleet of grain hopper cars (as strongly recommended by many Saskatchewan farm and municipal groups).
We are also putting up $50 million to help cattle organizations get more Canadian beef into a number of foreign markets other than the United States, and we are actively examining all our options for additional assistance. The Prime Minister and I have met personally with all the major farm organizations in Saskatchewan to get their advice.
Contrary to Mr. Mandryk's assertions, the Government of Canada is actively involved in trying to help rural Saskatchewan and rural Canada. By sharp contrast, the only thing anyone typically hears from the provincial government is how to pass the buck.
Your sincerely,
Ralph Goodale, PC,
MP (Wascana)
Minister of Finance
Canada

Greetings Lifestyles,
I would like to thank you for the recent article about our son, Chris Denninger. He certainly has come back from Afghanistan, not only the same son who went, but certainly a little changed. From a parents perspective I guess we would say ‘much more mature’. He grew up and heightened his awareness and his appreciation of things in Canada by being over there. Certainly his values on life have changed. We have things so abundantly in Canada. He is now a better person for it. We praise God that he returned safely. PS - we are also pleased he met his future wife on this deployment.
Sincerely,
Reverend C. P. Denninger
Estevan, SK

Dear Lifestyles,
I received the following in an e-mail, and thought it worthy of publication for the benefit of all in your paper.....
Amen!
The other day, someone at a store in a small town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question: “Why didn’t we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?” I told him that I did have a drug problem when I was a kid growing up on the prairie farm when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink if I uttered a profane four-letter word. ( I do know what Lye soap tastes like.) I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flowerbeds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbours to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some fire wood, and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the wood shed.
Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behaviour in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin, and if today’s children had that kind of drug problem, Canada might be a better place today!!!
Thanks Don Fallis
Estevan, SK

 

What's Happening

Meet the Easter Bunny

Justin, Ayja, Emily and Shauna Hegland visited the Easter Bunny March 19 at the Estevan Shoppers Mall. The Easter Bunny was at the mall for much of the afternoon, meeting with children to learn about their wish list for Easter Sunday, which was just over a week away at the time.

Outdoor Education

Grade 7 and 8 classes from Macoun School spent March 9 ice fishing. A classroom visit from Estevan conservation officer Mick Bakke, prepared them for the day by teaching the safety rules of ice fishing. Students will not soon forget the outing or the fish they caught.

Book Talk

Members of the Estevan Public Library’s Cover to Cover book club, including (L-R) Lori Soko, Angela Mennie and Jackie Phillips, met March 17 to discuss Dean Koontz’ novel Sole Survivor. The six-member club meets the third Thursday of every month and hasn’t yet decided on their next book. New members are welcome and there is no fee to join.

Eggs of every colour

Kindergarten students Cameron Rioux and Allyson Fehr enjoyed colouring eggs with their classmates at Spruce Ridge School March 21. The Easter activity was just one of many enjoyed by school children as they anticipated the holiday.

Storyteller tells all

Professional storyteller Kevin Mac-Kenzie visited with several groups of school children and gave a workshop to teachers during his March 2