Feature

Pierson the honourary Relay chairperson
Caption: Two-time cancer survivor Melodye Pierson is the honourary chairperson for the
2008 Estevan Relay for Life.
By David Willberg
Estevan's Relay for Life committee has been adding new features to the all-night cancer fundraiser since the event debuted in the city in 2006.
One new addition for this year is an honourary chairperson. Melodye Pierson, a two-time survivor of breast cancer, is the first person to be named the honourary chair.
"It caught me by surprise," said Pierson. "They decided they wanted to start the role of an honourary chairman, someone who was a survivor, to promote Relay for Life, and that there is hope to beat cancer.
"They asked me, which absolutely caught me by surprise because there are so many people, to me, that have had worse struggles."
Pierson's battles with cancer, and her profile in the community, were reasons that she was chosen for the duties.
"I never let cancer stop me," Pierson said.
Pierson's first battle with breast cancer came in 1979. Nineteen years later, it returned
Cancer perceptions and treatments advanced a lot in that time, Pierson said. For one thing, many people viewed cancer as a death sentence back in 1979.
"Cancer definitely wasn't talked about as much, and people weren't as aware that you could survive," said Pierson. "People thought that when you got it, you were going to go."
In her case, the cancer spread into the lymph nodes. She was told that the breast should be removed, and she agreed. Surgery was performed, but Pierson's cancer was rare, so she needed more treatments. She spent the next three weeks in radiation.
More options were available in 1998. Pierson told doctors she wanted to have the breast removed.
"They said it was a good thing that I had it removed because the growth was still self-contained and it had not spread," said Pierson. "I wasn't even in the hospital for one day."
Mammograms have made considerable improvements since 1979, Pierson said.
She considers herself "blessed" that the cancer hasn't returned since her relapse in 1998.
Pierson believes people should support the Relay for Life to help show support for others, and for hope.
"There isn't a family, or someone that they know or love, that cancer hasn't affected," said Pierson. "The Relay raises money so that the disease can continue to be fought, and hopefully they'll find a cure. As well, there's a tremendous sense of community, with the way the teams all rally together and fundraise.
"It also brings the survivors and all the other people together who want to get rid of this disease."
Pierson has walked in the Relay for the last two years, and she'll walk again this year.
"It's overwhelming to see the people that you didn't know had it," said Pierson. "It is much more out in the open now.
"As well, when you walk from year to year, you see the people that you still recognize, as well as miss the people that you know who are no longer here, and honour those that gave the good fight."
Estevan's Relay has outstanding leadership, Pierson said. She lauded organizers for their desire to keep Estevan's youth involved. The efforts of organizers have created more awareness of cancer.
"Anything we can do to get rid of cancer, I'm for," said Pierson. "This, particularly, was the best way I've ever seen of bringing people together from all walks of life, all ages, and absolutely enveloping the community. And at the same time, making it a fun event, where people want to be."
Estevan's 2008 Relay for Life will start at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and end at 7 a.m. on the 15th. The Relay will be at the Estevan Comprehensive School's track. Organizers have set goals of 75 teams, and $123,000 in funds raised, for the event.

News

New mural in Estevan
Estevan has another new mural. This mural, on the east wall of Estevan's Re/Max office, was completed by Jeff and Linda Gudmundson. It depicts numerous elements related to the circus, and it pays tribute to the circus show prints created by former Estevan resident Andrew King.

POLICE REPORT
*Police are investigating a mischief incident. A window was broken on a bus while travelling on King Street.
*A 29-year-old Bienfait male was issued a 24-hour driving suspension following a traffic stop in the industrial area.
*Police responded to several complaints of a 25-year-old female uttering threats towards other individuals.
*Police responded to a cherry bomb explosion in the downtown area. A 16-year-old male was arrested near the scene.
*A 48-year-old Estevan resident received a 24-hour driving suspension after a traffic stop on King Street.
*Police received a complaint of a vehicle driving without due care and attention in the industrial area. The vehicle swerved at a second vehicle, causing the female driver to take evasive action into the ditch. The vehicle sustained a large amount of damage and the driver had minor injuries. The matter remains under investigation.
*Police issued numerous alcohol and gaming tickets.
*Police responded to a shoplifting complaint at Wal-Mart. A young offender was arrested and charged.
*No injuries were reported following a single-vehicle rollover north of the Estevan Comprehensive School.
*A hit-and-run accident was reported involving a fence and a vehicle. A motorist backed the vehicle into the fence, knocked it over and drove away.
*Estevan RCMP is seeking the public's assistance with the cause of a fire March 18. An old farm house north of the Prairie Mines and Royalty Ltd. building was completely destroyed. The house was known to many local residents as the Tenold Farm, and the property was considered to have significant historical value in the Estevan area. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown.

NDP ASKS FOR PAPERWORK ON $1.4-BILLION CLEAN COAL PROJECT
"It is going to cost more than the way in which we produced electricity in the past, but those kinds of costs will be added to our system in a gradual way over many years." - Pat Youzwa, SaskPower President, March 25, 2008
NDP Crown Investments Corporation Critic Kim Trew on April 2 called on the Sask Party to shed some light on its recent $1.4-billion clean coal demonstration project at the SaskPower Boundary Dam Power Station.
SaskPower will contribute $758-million to the project. The federal government has committed $240-million. The remainder is supposed to come from as yet unnamed private sector partners. There is no MOU and Prime Minister Stephen Harper has confirmed that Ottawa won't cover any cost overruns.
"It's rather ironic that I'm raising this issue one day after April Fool's Day because I feel like a joke is about to played on Saskatchewan taxpayers," Trew said. "Where is the due diligence on this file? Where is the memorandum of understanding? Where are the projections of how much consumers can expect their power bills to go up?"
Trew has asked that all feasibility studies and any other documentation that the Sask Party has regarding the $1.4-billion deal be made public.
"Saskatchewan taxpayers deserve some assurance that Brad Wall has not rushed into a bad deal and simply signed a blank cheque in process," Trew said. "While Saskatchewan consumers are prepared to do their part to help clean up the environment, they cannot be expected to do so at any cost."

Resource investments promoted
Tom MacNeil, the president/CEO of the Saskatoon-based 49 North Resource Fund resource investment company, promoted his business during the Estevan and District Board of Tourism, Trade and Commerce's monthly meeting April 9.
About 75 per cent of 49 North's holdings are in exploration mining for minerals such as potash, uranium, base and precious metals and diamonds. The other 25 per cent is in oil, gas and helium.
MacNeil pointed out that 49 North's investments are about 30 per cent higher than the average for the market index.
When MacNeil talks to people about Saskatchewan, he said there is a growing excitement about the province. But Saskatchewan hasn't fully capitalized on the opportunity with capital investments.
Saskatchewan's government has always supported resource development, regardless of political affiliations, MacNeil said. But the focus has been on job creation, not wealth creation. A capital market has not been formed.
A greater emphasis on capital investment would boost the province's current economic boom, MacNeil said.
China will dominate the world economy over the next century, MacNeil said. Saskatchewan has everything the Chinese need for resources.
Seventy-five per cent of France's electrical generation comes from nuclear power, he said. Saskatchewan could prove to be a valuable partner for the French, since Saskatchewan has one-third of the world's uranium.

Land sales break records
The oil and gas industry's interest in Saskatchewan is so hot that the record for a single sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights has been broken after only two months.
April's sale raised an astounding $265 million in revenue for the province. This not only shattered the previous record of $197 million set in February, but also eclipsed what had been a record for total annual land sale revenue of $250 million, set last year.
Prior to the February land sale, the previous record of $85 million for a single sale had stood for 14 years.
Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said the record sale represents an overwhelming vote of confidence in the province by the oil and gas industry.
"This level of interest is unprecedented and speaks to the optimism about the economic prospects of both our province and our number one industry," Boyd said.
April's sale included 28 exploration licences that sold for $130 million and 278 lease parcels that brought in $135 million in bonus bids. The average price paid on a per hectare basis was $2,725, topping the previous record of $2,495 set in February.
The Weyburn-Estevan area again dominated the sale with over $207 million in bonus bids, largely on the strength of the Bakken oil play.
The Swift Current area followed with nearly $53 million, largely attributable to industry interest in the emerging Shaunavon oil play. The Kindersley-Kerrobert area was next at almost $3 million, followed by the Lloydminster area at just over $2 million.
The highest price for a single parcel was $26.3 million, paid by Sandstone Land & Mineral Company Ltd. for an exploration licence on over 1,200 hectares 12 kilometres north of Lampman.
The highest price on a per-hectare basis was an amazing $32,500. Standard Land Company Inc. purchased this 130-hectare lease parcel 15 kilometres southwest of Stoughton, for over $4.2 million.

Support for St. Joseph's Foundation
Comedian/pianist Martin Janovsky was the featured entertainer at the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation's semi-formal spring gala fundraiser April 4. The European-born Janovsky used misunderstandings of the English language to poke fun at his arrival into Canada many years ago. He also played several songs on the piano. Proceeds will go to purchase equipment for the hospital, in departments such as obstetrics, surgery and chemotherapy.

More pre-Kindergarten funding for Estevan
Vulnerable children in Estevan and Weyburn will benefit from a significant increase in program funding that was announced in the recent provincial budget.
The Ministry of Education has announced funding to the South East Cornerstone School Division and Holy Family Roman Catholic Separate School Division to establish two new pre-Kindergarten programs in each city. This announcement is in addition to funding that has been targeted for the cities for pre-Kindergarten to date.
The new funding will support 32 new pre-Kindergarten spaces in addition to the 16 currently funded spaces for vulnerable three-and-four-year-olds in each city.
Programs will be delivered in schools by each school division rather than through the current community based approach with the continued goal of providing programming that focuses on the healthy development of the whole child and lays the foundation for school success and lifelong learning.
Meetings between the school divisions and the boards of Estevan Family Resource Centre and the Family Place in Weyburn have begun the process of transferring the programs from community-based to school-based delivery.

Music Festival comes to an end
Caption: Emily Huren played the piano at the highlights and awards program.
The 2008 Estevan and District Music Festival came to an end April 6 with the annual festival highlights and awards program.
Top entrants in the band, vocal, piano and speech arts categories were recommended by adjudicators to entertain the large crowd that was at the awards show. Due to the Easter break, the awards program came more than two weeks after the final music festival class in mid-March.
Music festival co-chair Alison Holzer said the timing, with such a large gap between the final performance and the awards show, worked out well.
"It gave our volunteers more time to put things together," said Holzer.
Certificates, plaques and medals were handed out by community groups and businesses to talented young musicians in each category.
Four performers - Blair Wrubleski in intermediate brass, Rebecca Foord in intermediate woodwind, Stephanie Weisgerber in senior woodwind and Avery Lafrentz in senior speech arts - were recommended to perform at the provincial music festival June 7 and 8 in Moose Jaw.
Scholarships were handed out to other outstanding performers. Wrubleski was presented with the Murray GM Award of Merit for Outstanding Performance in Multiple Disciplines. Wrubleski won $500 with the award.
More than 800 people entered this year's music festival. Performers were strong, Holzer said.
"We've had lots of participation, the adjudication was really good, the kids learned a lot over the period of the music festival, and we had lots of volunteers offering to help out," said Holzer.

Shand hosts an open house
Caption: Garnet and Barbara Hall looked at different seedlings at the Shand open house.
The Shand Greenhouse and the Shand Power Station invited the public to view their facilities during the annual Shand open house April 6.
Tours were offered of both the greenhouse and the power station. Displays inside the greenhouse explained some of the environmental initiatives underway with SaskPower and other agencies.
Everybody who attended the open house received a free tree seedling and a light bulb.
Landscape architect Ingrid Thiessen was the guest speaker. She spoke on energy saving alternatives that she believes people can use in their yards.
She also looked at what she believes to be eight principles of sustainable communities: ecological protection, moderate density, affordable and diverse housing, environmental building standards, a neighbourhood centre, a strong local economy, sustainable and alternative practices.
"I'll be briefly touching on those, and what a sustainable community might look like," said Thiessen.
The Shand Greenhouse has distributed 5.7 million seedlings in 16 years of operation. About 510,000 seedlings, which cover 30 different species, are now being grown for distribution in 2009.

Successful year for Midale Credit Union
The Midale Credit Union set several records in 2007, according to CEO Bob Harris.
They paid out the highest patronage payment ever to their 1,050 members - a total of $100,000. Their post-tax net income was $228,823, which was also a record.
"It was an excellent year financially, all-round, for the credit union," said Harris.
Assets grew from $30.5 million in 2006 to $35.5 million in 2007. Better revenues came with the asset growth, Harris said. Reasonable interest rates also helped with the financial picture.
Harris said they want to continue along the same course that they are on now.
Last year was a busy one for the credit union. They completed an expansion that added 1,858 square feet to their building. The additional space allowed them to add more offices.
Midale Credit Union will switch to a new banking system in June. That process will take up considerable man hours, Harris said. Midale is just the third credit union in the province to switch to the new software system.
"It's just software," said Harris. "The members will notice no change to the operations ... for the way the banking system operates."
They have a 10-year commitment with the new software. It has become the system of choice for the financial industry in Canada, Harris said.

New producer for Estevan Idol
Estevan Idol has a new producer.
Gail Hilstrom, the only producer that the local singing contest has had since its inception in 2003, has stepped down. She has been replaced by Travis Frank, who was the assistant producer in 2007.
"Last year I helped her out in doing the competition and helping her get everything organized, and getting everything ready," said Frank. "So this year I will be taking it over."
Last year's experience will be beneficial, Frank said. He has a better idea of what needs to be done to make the show a success.
The format isn't 100 per cent confirmed for this year, but Frank said that as of right now, it will remain the same as the last two years.
The Estevan Junior Idol competition will be on the first night: Monday, June 16. The first round of the Estevan Idol competition will be on the 17th, and the final round of the Idol will be on the 18th.
Rehearsals will likely take place in the last weekend of May. Frank hopes they can have a rehearsal date finalized in the next week.
Estevan Idol is held concurrently with the Estevan fair each year.

Perry China-bound for stem cell treatment
Caption: Estevan resident Doug Perry will receive umbilical stem cell treatments in China in May and June.
Another Estevan resident is travelling to China later this spring to receive umbilical stem cell treatments in a fight against progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).
Doug Perry will travel to the Zhejiang Xiao Shan Hospital in Hangzhou from May 15 to June 16. During that time, he will receive five stem cell injections, and one bone marrow transplant. Between 10 and 15 million stem cells will be inserted into his spine during each treatment.
Other treatments, including physiotherapy and acupuncture, could be offered while he's in China.
Perry was diagnosed with MS 11 years ago.
A friend of Perry's, Becky Kelly of Estevan, was in China in December 2007 and January of this year receiving stem cell treatments for progressive MS. Perry said Kelly's success is his reason to go to China.
"To the average person, Becky's progress might seem minimal, but to her and I, it's immense," said Perry. "Just in terms of energy. I can't remember her having that energy."Perry was originally scheduled to go to the same hospital as Kelly in Shenyang, a city in northern China. But it's a military-run hospital, and foreigners haven't been accepted at that hospital since the conflict with Tibet began.
Perry was subsequently transferred to Zhejiang Xiao Shan, which is about two hours from Shanghai.
Perry admitted that he was skeptical when Kelly decided to try treatments in China. But after reading about Kelly's treatments in China on her blog, he realized that they can work.
"I knew she couldn't do some of those things here that she was doing over there," said Perry. "It's the first ray of hope that I have had in 11 years."
Four other people from Saskatchewan with MS have sought stem cell treatments in China, Perry said. One woman from Regina is currently in China. He recognizes there is no guarantee the treatments will be successful.
"But if I didn't go, it would kill me knowing that I missed out on something," said Perry.
If he doesn't do something now, he's afraid he won't be able to look forward to retirement. He wishes he could get the treatment closer to home, instead of going to China, but stem cells treatments aren't available in North America
Perry's partner, Darlene Duce, will accompany him to China.
A fundraising cabaret will be held on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 8 p.m. at the Wylie Mitchell building. Odd Man Out will be the band. There will be a silent auction and a 50/50 draw.
"I've got some super friends in town," said Perry. "They're making this trip a reality. I'm very grateful to everyone. I've been waiting 11 years for something, and now it's here. I'm really excited."

Mark's collecting money for breast cancer
Mark's Work Wearhouse has announced a "Clothes That Work For The Cause" promotion in support of the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.
The fundraiser will run from 5 p.m. until closing time on Thursday, May 1.
When customers spend $65 or more at Mark's Work Wearhouse stores across the country, including their location at the Estevan Shoppers Mall, the company will make a donation of $5 to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada to help fund essential research.
The goal this year is to raise $250,000 in just four hours, on one specific evening, to support breast cancer research. Special savings will be available in the store on May 1.

Legion and auxiliary recognize members
Caption: (L-R) Joe Gervais, Leo Saccary and Ken Clarke presented a 45-year service pin to Thomas Cundall.
The Estevan Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies' Auxiliary recognized long-serving members during the annual Vimy night April 5.
Pins were presented to individuals who have been members for at least 15 years. Long-serving Legion members recognized included: Joseph Gervais (40 years), Thomas Cundall (45 years), Ole Tenold and Erling Rothe (50 years), and Louis Boey (55 years).
LaVerne Nelson has been with the Ladies Auxiliary for 55 years, and Irene Leniczek has been a member for 60 years.
Certificates of merit were handed out to Lyle Dukart, Jack and Joan Fingler, Margery Gingras, Joe Heidinger, Sheila Johnson, Sandra McGillicky, George Parish, Margaret Renwick and Doug Third for their contributions to the Legion.
Life memberships were bestowed on Alice Dukart, Steve Fedyk and Leo Saccary.
The Legion holds Vimy night on the first Saturday of April each year. The event is named after the 1917 battle at Vimy Ridge, in which the Canadian soldiers succeeded at defeating and dislodging the Germans. British and French troops had failed in their attempts to defeat the Germans at Vimy.
Nearly 3,600 Canadian troops were killed, and more than 10,000 were injured, in the battle at Vimy.

Successful Curves food drive
Curves Estevan presented the food from their annual food drive to the Estevan Salvation Army April 4. A total of 1,072 pounds of food were collected. New members brought a bag of groceries, and existing members brought in food, too. Many Curves locations had a food drive in March. Participating in the food presentation were: (L-R) Curves Estevan employees Bev Jenish and Gail Ireland, Estevan Salvation Army Captain Heather Fudge, Curves Estevan manager Leesa Pankewich and employee Lucille Michel.

Students to participate in Famine
Estevan Comprehensive School students will forego food later this month in an effort to help starving children around the world.
More than 40 students have already signed up for the 30 Hour Famine April 25 and 26, said organizer Bailey Murray, a Grade 12 student at the school. The deadline to register is April 14. The famine will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday the 25th, and end at 3 p.m. on Saturday the 26th.
There will be a bottle drive in the afternoon of the 25th and a car wash in the morning of the 26th to raise money. The school's jam club will perform during the famine. Murray said there will be activities throughout the school during the famine so that students don't worry about their hunger.
All proceeds from the famine will be directed to World Vision Canada.
Murray encouraged people to participate, or donate, because proceeds will go to a really good cause, and the students will have a lot of fun during the 30 hours.

Sponsors important to Relay for Life
Caption: (L-R) Relay for Life sponsorship committee chairs Lois Curtis and Heather Turnbull.
Sponsors are a big part of Estevan's Relay for Life, according to Heather Turnbull and Lois Curtis, the women who co-chair and comprise the Relay's sponsorship committee.
Sponsorship commitments range from the event sponsor - Steam-Est Industries paid $5,000 for the right to be the event sponsor this year - to a friend sponsor, which is $100. Opportunities also exist at the media, gold, silver and bronze levels.
"It doesn't have to be $100, it can be any gift in kind," said Turnbull, who was also a co-chair last year when more than $26,000 was raised from sponsors.
Each sponsorship category grants certain rights, opportunities and recognitions.
Turnbull and Curtis have dropped off sponsorship packages at local businesses, and they have received a few responses thus far. They'll also contact those who weren't able to contribute last year.
Their sponsorship package includes information on the Canadian Cancer Society's mission, an explanation on the Relay for Life, and statistics on the success of past Relays.
"I think the response has been good," said Curtis. "There are so many people that can't make on-the-spot decisions, so you have to make your call-backs."
A lot of other groups are canvassing right now, looking for donations, which makes it difficult to get sponsors in some cases, they said. In other instances, businesses can't give everybody as much as they would like.
"If they've been affected by cancer, it's a way to pay tribute to someone they have lost," said Turnbull.
Corporate sponsorships help to cover expenses from the Relay, so that more money can be directed back to the Canadian Cancer Society, they said. Money from corporate donors also goes toward meeting this year's goal of $123,000.
"When you set a goal of $123,000, you can't attain that just by the teams raising money," said Curtis. "You need additional funding, and that's why we need corporate donations."

Oxbow fundraiser collects over $60,000
More than $60,000 was raised for an Oxbow family during a dinner, auction and dance April 5 in Oxbow.
Shelley Baldwin, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, said nearly 500 people attended a supper. Eighty-five items were available in a Chinese auction. Another 45 items were sold during a live auction. Many people stuck around for the dance, which featured Oxbow band 10 Mile High.
Funds will be directed to the Phil and Tanya Amosah family. The Amosah's sons, Terell and Deon, have been diagnosed with Batten disease, a rare, neurodegenerative disease that doesn't have a treatment or a cure.
Terell is currently in a Regina hospital, after a tracheostomy was installed as a precautionary measure. It is hoped that the Amosah's can return home soon. Several members of Terrell and Deon's extended family attended the Oxbow fundraiser.
Proceeds will be used for medical travel expenses, special equipment, personnel to help look after the children and any of the many other expenses that the family may incur while caring for their two children.

Auction numbers improve
Caption: Rotary Club of Estevan president Reynold Bert shows off one of the many items that was up for auction.
The Rotary Club of Estevan collected more than $15,000 through their annual auction April 3 at the Estevan Shoppers Mall.
A total of $11,998.50 was raised through merchandise and gift certificate sales. Businesses throughout the city provided another $3,150 through cash donations, for a total of $15,148.50.
Auction chairman Dennis Bode said the net revenues will be about $2,000 higher than last year.
Hundreds of items were sold during the auction, including a 1984 Chrysler LeBaron that sold for $625.
Proceeds from the auction will be directed to local and international Rotary projects.

Farmers getting ready to seed
Saskatchewan farmers are planning to seed 39.5 million acres, which is three per cent below the 10-year average of 40.6 million acres, but three per cent above last year's 38.4 million acres, according to Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture's first weekly crop report for 2008, released March 8.
Crops that show increases in intended acreage include: spring wheat, durum, flax, canola, mustard, lentils and peas. Crops that are expected to show acreage decreases include: oats, barley, triticale, canary seed and chickpeas.
Summerfallow area is expected to remain approximately the same as last year at 5.3 million acres, which is 17 per cent below the 10-year average.
Crop reporters indicated that there is some uncertainty about seeding plans, so seeding intentions may still change. Part of this uncertainty can be attributed to dry soil conditions in the southern part of the province, slow snow melt in northern areas and high input prices.
Statistics Canada will release the results of its seeding intentions survey on April 21.
According to Saskatchewan Watershed Authority's April 2008 report, winter precipitation totals generally varied from below normal in southern areas to near normal in northern areas of the grainbelt. March weather patterns consisted of below normal precipitation and low daytime temperatures, followed by cold nights.
This resulted in a very slow melt in southern areas of the province, and an overall reduction in runoff potential across the entire province.

Columnists

JUST A PENNY?
By Linda Wegner
I found "Cross Country Checkup" especially interesting today. This phone-in show, aired over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, is a forum for opinions on current topics and the range of opinions is, to say the least, diverse.
This week's the question was: "Is it time to eliminate the penny?" I admit that a few times I seriously considered indulging in the Home and Garden show on TV instead. While the question might be amusing, I sure didn't see it as a catalyst. Topics such as politics, the health care system, and minority rights always garner lots of fireworks, but pennies? A non-starter for sure, at least as far as I was concerned.
They say that old habits die slowly, though, and after lunch I found myself stretched out for my weekly treat - a Sunday afternoon nap- with my finger on the "Power" button of the bedside radio. "I'll just see if anyone actually calls in or if they have an alternate topic," I told myself, convinced that I might get a bit more of a snooze than usual. Boy, was I wrong.
There was the suggestion from a farmer in Riceton, Saskatchewan with his plan to modify the coins for use as washers. Then there was a call from someone in Leader, Saskatchewan (Hi folks. We lived in Stoughton - been to both your towns!) who if I recall correctly, told of being in penny-free New Zealand. One fellow suggested that his charitable giving would be adversely affected if there were no pennies to drop in designated jars. For me, however, suggestions that pennies were reminders that life is made up of small things, tiny details and little decisions were powerful. It takes pennies to make dollars; it takes commitment to make a meaningful life.
We're given just one life - let's spend it wisely.

GARDEN NOTES
By Gerry Fichtemann
WOODPECKERS & SAPSUCKERS
By Gerry Fichtemann
The sapsucker is a common pest of ornamental trees. They prefer birch, Scots pines; Siberian Elm, and Poplars, to name a few. Damage by the sapsuckers can be seen as even rows of oval to square holes in the bark. Both the trunk and the branches may be attacked. Sapsuckers eat the outer wood and drink the sap that oozes from the holes.
Light damage does not affect tree health. Repeated attacks however, may girdle the trunk and cause injury or death to the limbs above. The holes may also provide an entry point for disease organisms.
Sapsuckers are members of the woodpecker family and the resemblance is easily seen. Sapsuckers can be identified by their striking red crown and throat and by the white stripe down closed wings. They have a yellow chest and a mottled black and white back. Female birds may have a white throat instead of red. Both have white and black bands above and below the eyes that extend onto the neck.
Control of sapsuckers is difficult because they are protected under the migratory bird act. This means that they may not be killed, captured or have their eggs destroyed.
Scare tactics may discourage the birds. Hang plastic or metallic strip tape, noisemakers or aluminum pie-plates from the branches. The movement of these have been successful in scaring sapsuckers, especially if used soon after damage starts. A plastic owl attached to the tree may be a deterrent because owls are birds of prey.
To prevent further damage, wrap the area with burlap or hardware cloth. Sapsuckers are most active from April to late summer; therefore keep the wrapping on during this time.
Since the Sapsuckers are a migratory, you will have no problem during the winter however the season starts now to be on guard for sapsuckers and woodpeckers in your trees.
I might also mention that the little holes in the trees appear in circles around the trunk mostly in a horizontal position.
Gerry Fichtemann is the owner of River Bend Nursery.

Sports

Locals part of championship team
Six graduates of the Estevan Minor Hockey Association were part of the Pilot Butte Storm team that recently won the junior B Prairie Junior Hockey League.
Kyle Rudinski and Ryan Gallant are fourth-year players. Other members of the team with Estevan connections included Brady Selk (third year), Tyler Fedyk (second year), Jordon Cooney (second year) and Dustin Stepp (first year).
The Storm defeated the Saskatoon Royals in the league final in six games.
Pilot Butte will represent Saskatchewan at the Keystone Cup Western Canadian championships April 17 to 20 in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Strippers wrap up tournament
Caption: The Estevan CEDA Sharks beat the Estevan Vikings in the final of the Tap House Division.
Twenty-eight teams from across southern Saskatchewan flocked to Estevan for the Estevan Strippers 26th annual Spring Bust tournament April 2 to 6.
Winners crowned in the eight different divisions were:
*Ray Frehlick Division: the Regina Slow Shots finished first in the round robin.
*Preston Meyer Memorial Division: the Indian Head Saints finished first in the round-robin.
*Bill Dutton Division: the Weyburn Ambassadors finished first in the round robin.
*Einar Fagerheim Memorial Division: the Moose Jaw Warriors defeated the Estevan Eclipse 4-3 in the final.
*Prairie Mines and Royalty Division: the Estevan Flyers beat the Estevan Tap House Rookies 5-3.
*The Tap House Division: the Estevan CEDA Sharks beat the Estevan Vikings 9-1.
*The Days Inn Division: the Alameda Red Army beat the Estevan Baxter Cougars 9-5.
Several awards were handed out, too. Merv Fiesel with Indian Head, whose age is 66 years and seven months, won the Carha Oldest Player Award. The Estevan Vikings won the James Schroeder most sportsmanlike player award, and the Estevan Tap House Rookies won the Tap House most sportsmanlike award.

Benson Curling Club wraps up season
Caption: Members of the Kris Keating juvenile curling team accepted awards from Benson Culture and Youth Board representative Jim Packet (R).
The Benson Curling Club wrapped up its 2007-08 season with the annual Farmers and Friends Bonspiel March 31 to April 5.
Twenty-four teams played three five-end games for points to determine who would be the champions of the event. The Jim Packet rink finished first, Al Peterson's team was second and CEDA was third.
Following the bonspiel, a banquet was held at the Benson Recreation Facility. A new sign for the hall, created by Crystal Begin and donated by Bully Blast & Paint Services Ltd, was unveiled.
A special presentation was made to the Kris Keating team who finished third at the juvenile provincials in Swift Current. They received money from the Benson Curling Club, presented by Peterson, and a plaque from the Benson Culture and Youth Board, presented by Packet.
Hypnotist Sebastian Steele provided entertainment.

Archery club hosts provincials
The Estevan Archery Club hosted the Saskatchewan Archery Association (SAA) Indoor Provincials in the Bienfait Memorial Arena April 5 and 6.
A total of 156 archers, between the ages of three and 21, entered the Junior Olympic Program championships on the 5th. They shot one round of 30 arrows each, with a possible maximum score of 300. The top four in each division advanced to the final shoot.
Silver medals went to: Cameron Donovan, 18-metre expert bowman, 205 first round score, 198 second round score; and Dustin Honan, Olympian 255, 260 and 265 event, scores of 260 in each round.
Bronze medal winners were: Talan Franko, 18-metre champion bowman and champion archer, 232 and 236; Adam George, Olympian 270, 275 and 280, scores of 276 and 272; and Axel Grimsrud, 18-metre 285-300, scores of 280 and 281.
The SAA Indoor Target Championships were on the 6th. A total of 116 archers shot two rounds of 30 arrows each, for a maximum score of 600, in their age and equipment divisions.
Gold medal winners were: Marcel Van Loo, master's men's compound, 511; Ken Chipley, men's compound, 564; Axel Grimsrud, men's junior compound, 551; Justis Grimsrud, men's cadet recurve, 494; and Tanisha McKinnon, women's cub recurve, 442.
Silver medals went to: Dana Hamilton, women's bowhunter unlimited, 499, Theron Mantei, men's compound, 556; Adam George, men's cadet compound, 565; Stefan Seipp, men's cub compound, 483; Pauline Ziehl Grimsrud, women's compound, 531; and Shayna Hamilton, women's pre-cub compound, 384.
Bronze medals winners were: Nathan Millman, men's cadet compound, 539; Logan King, men's peewee compound, 420; and Hailee Dayman, women's junior compound, 409.

Estevan hosts volleyball tournament
Caption: Coach Becky Tait offers advice to her players during the tournament.
The Estevan KPC under-18 women's volleyball team finished fifth at their seven-team Bango Ball tournament April 5 in Estevan.
Estevan played a six-game round-robin. Games were two-set, total point contests. Estevan won three of their games, and split three others, to finish in a three-way tie for the final playoff spot.
The tie-breaker was points for and against in the six games. Estevan missed the playoffs by one point.
The Carlyle-based Southeast Stingers won the tournament.

Bruins announce two contract extensions
The Estevan Bruins are proud to announce they have signed their two full-time employees to contract extensions.
Head coach and general manager Karry Biette has signed a two year contract extension that will run through the 2009-10 season. Biette joined the Bruins in October of 2005 and has guided the team to two straight appearances in the playoffs.
"As an executive we are very excited to have Karry under contract for what will be a pivotal time in the history of the franchise as we prepare to move into a new arena in 2009," said Bruins vice-president Jeff Pierson.
"Karry has done a fantastic job with both the on and off-ice operations of the franchise and we look forward to working with him for at least two more seasons."
Operations manager Becky Tait will also be returning after signing a one year contract extension. Tait joined the Bruins franchise in June of 2007.
"Becky has done an excellent job marketing the Bruins franchise and promoting the team in the community," said Pierson. "With a year of experience to her credit we are looking for bigger and better things this year."
The Estevan Bruins are holding their annual spring training camp from Friday, April 11 to Sunday at the Civic Auditorium. Eighty players from throughout Western Canada are expected in the Energy City for the camp.

Sharks win two bronze medals
Captions:
- Members of the Estevan Sharks bantam team: (Back row, L-R) coach Brian Skjonsby, Preston Bilokraly, Blake Alexus, Cassidy Reich, Brendon Bill, coach Brian Bill and Ian Armstrong. Front row: Breanne Van De Woestyne, Ryan Juhlke and Madison Skjonsby.
- Members of the Estevan Sharks atom team: Taylor Fornwald, Brandon Graff, coach Brian Skjonsby, Christen Van De Woestyne, Kirstin Kerr, Kristen Skjonsby, Nick Skjonsby, Noah Kocoy, Whitney Gervais, Lanelle Bilokraly, coach Brian Bill, Auriel Bill and Ryan Wieting. Missing: coach Mykea Jundt.
The Estevan Sharks atom and bantam water polo teams both won bronze medals at the provincial championships April 6 in Regina.
The atom Sharks defeated Saskatoon 19-2 in the bronze medal game. Estevan led 7-0 after the first quarter, 12-0 at half-time and 15-1 after the third quarter.
Estevan lost 8-5 to the Regina Water Polo Association in their opening game.
The bantam Sharks also handily defeated a team from Saskatoon to win bronze 17-1. Estevan led 4-0 after the first quarter, 11-0 after the first half and 14-0 after the third quarter.
The bantams dropped a 12-2 decision to Regina in their first contest.

From the Sidelines
Jays Fly in Toronto
By Kyle Kapiczowski
This week I will be writing about another favorite American League East team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Toronto Blue Jays were formed in 1976. Their first game was played on April 7, 1977. That year the Toronto Blue Jays had a record of 54-107 under General Manager Pat Gillick.
The Blue Jays have won two World Series titles, in 1992 and 1993; two American League Pennants; and five AL East titles.
Some of the Jays past managers included Roy Heartsfield, 1977 to 1979; Joe Mattick, 1980 to 1981; Jimmy Williams, 1986 to 1989; Cito Gaston , 1989 to 1997; Mel Queen, 1997; Jim Johnson, 1998; Jim Fergosi, 1999 to 2000; Buck Martinez, 2001 to 2002; Carlos Tosca, 2002 to 2004; and the current manager, John Gibbons.
Some of the past players were: Doug Ault, Bob Bailor, Roy Howell, Buck Martinez, Cliff Johnson, Roberto Alomar, George Bell, Tony Fernandez, Jesse Barfield, Roger Clemons and Joe Carter.
Some of the current players are: pitcher A.J Burnett, catcher Rod Barajas, infielder David Eckstein, designated hitter Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas, pitcher Roy Halladay, and my favorite Blue Jay outfielder Alex Rios.
The Toronto Blue Jays have had two homes. Their first one was Exhibition Stadium from 1977 to 1989. The Blue Jays now play their games at the Rogers Centre, which was previously called SkyDome.
The Jays colours are black, blue, silver and white. The team's logo is a blue jay head coming out of the name "Jays."
The team has three jerseys that they wear. The home and the third jerseys have "Jays" on the front while the road jersey has "Toronto" on it. The Blue Jays will be wearing the old powder blue jerseys every Friday night. The Jersey is a pullover and it has Blue Jays on the front with the Retro logo below it.
That's all, folks!

Viewpoints

Editorial
Tea Time
I'M ENGAGED
By Dani Stobbs
There is a song that my friend and I would play non-stop, and she had just reminded me of it tonight, and one of the lines in the song perfectly describes my week:
"Standing on the rooftop, everybody scream your heart out," from the band Lost Prophets.
At midnight, on Saturday, welcoming in the 6th of April, one year since the boyfriend and I started dating, he asked me to marry him. And so right now, my feeling can be described as wanting to climb to on top of the 'grey bubble in the sky' and scream out my heart. There are no words to explain this feeling of happiness.
Although, apart from the change of the look of my left hand, there will be some changes to this column. Instead of referring to him as "the boyfriend," it's going to have to change to "the fiancé." I can't give the name out, he is too much of a gem to let his name out there in Estevan.
As a girl, we all dream of that perfect moment, when the man you love will ask you to marry him, and I imagined that I would know what to say and how to respond in a totally romantic way.
Well, I'm Dani…and even though it was so perfect, I couldn't hold the romantic tone for too long.
"The Boyfriend" had been out all day to go and get me something, and I had a sneaky suspicion that it was a ring, but when he returned back from his travels he presented me with a gift. All excited I wait to see what he is hiding behind his back, and he pulls out… A TRIPOD!!!
A TRIPOD?? Well okay, it's a pretty good tripod, but I was disappointed. He could tell I was…and he told me to stop worrying about him getting me a ring, and to give him time, and that I would have to wait for a proposal in a few months.
So he takes me down to Rafferty Dam to romance me on our one year dating anniversary. My heart was healing from knowing I would have to wait more months for us to finally be engaged.
We got down to the Dam, and the northern lights were out for the first time since we had begun dating. They misted the sky, curving across the stars, but were very still.
'The boyfriend' took me outside of the car and we stood looking up at the northern lights, with disbelief that they would come out on our one-year mark.
He puts his arms around me as he keeps me warm and whispers in my ear "I love you" and I respond with "I know".
Out of nowhere an open box is put in front of my eyes, and he says those long awaited words: "Will you marry me?"
I pause. I am stunned. I had no idea tonight was the night. I turn around and my first words were "Are you joking?" Oh Dani! I always though I would play it cool but I was so shocked. Then I answered "Yes."
As soon as I did, this is no lie, the northern lights started to dance across the sky, as if the heavens above were in agreement. In the background Elvis Presley sung "Always on my mind" as we danced under the stars, and leaped around together in joy.
We stood there, and I said to him "let's stand and just appreciate this moment, because this is it. This is our moment."
We didn't stand on the rooftops screaming our hearts out, but we stood under the northern lights, and screamed it out at the dam instead. It was perfection in its true form. I am engaged! Thanks to "the fiancé."

Editorial
Farewell for a hero
By David Willberg
Fans rarely give a standing ovation to an NHL team in the waning moments of a non-playoff season. It happened in the Vancouver Canucks season finale.
The fans didn't cheer because the Canucks overachieved. They didn't. Vancouver missed the playoffs the year after winning their division and reaching the second round of the playoffs.
And it wasn't because the Canucks finished strong. They finished with a whimper, losing six of seven to finish the season.
The rousing ovations were a tribute to the greatest player in the history of the franchise - and my hockey hero - Trevor Linden.
Fans knew it was likely Linden's last game. They cheered prior to the start of the third period. They cheered throughout his last shift.
They cheered when the Canucks opponents that night, the Calgary Flames - the team that Linden often played his best hockey against - lined up to shake Linden's hand after the game. And they cheered when Linden was named the game's first star.
With the exception of a three-and-a-half year journey through the Eastern Conference midway through his career, Linden has been the face of the Canucks, and the franchise's most popular player, since he was drafted in 1988. He immediately embraced the team and the region, and fans embraced him.
He holds virtually every franchise record. He was the Canucks' leader when they came within a win of the Stanley Cup in 1994. I'll never forget Linden's two-goal performance in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final in 1994. The Canucks didn't win the game, but Linden was the best player on the ice.
Linden's greatest contributions to Vancouver have come off the ice. He was presented with B.C.'s volunteer medal a few years ago. He has been active with many sporting, youth and health organizations.
When the Canucks' current home, GM Place, opened in 1995, Linden started what would become a league-wide trend: he purchased a luxury suite at the arena so that disadvantaged children in the Lower Mainland could watch a Canucks' game from the finest seats in the building.
The Canucks, and the NHL, will seem very different next season without one of the game's good guys for the last two decades.

What's Happening

Life membership presented
The Estevan Royal Canadian Legion presented a life membership to Steve Fedyk during the Legion's annual Vimy night April 5. Fedyk has been involved with the Legion for many years. Fedyk and his wife Rosalie were unable to attend, so their children accepted the award on his behalf. Participating in the presentation were (L-R): Sergeant-at-arms Jim Spenst, and the Fedyk children: Steve, Tony and Wendy Fedyk, and Angie Mules.

Special Olympics bowling
Estevan Special Olympics hosted their annual bowling tournament at Estevan Bowl April 5. Entrants enjoyed the sport and friendship during two days of bowling. Individual and team awards were handed out at the end.

Wine tasting in Estevan
(L-R) Daria and Wayne Popowich from the Opimian Society poured whine for the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum's (EAGM) annual whine tasting April 4 at Allie's Fine Dining. Eighty-six EAGM supporters enjoyed an Italian culinary tour, with appetizers, salad, main courses and dessert, and a glass of whine to go with each dish. The Solar Stills Art Gallery in Estevan made a presentation, and some of their art was sold in a silent auction. Proceeds from the evening will go to EAGM education projects for youth and seniors.