Moose Jaw Express, Jul 29, 2026

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Apples – Part IV

This is the last article in a four-part series that is devoted to growing apples. These last cultivars are some of my personal favourites! So read on and enjoy learning more about the apples we grow right here!

‘Patterson’ was released by Dr. Cecil Patterson of the University of Saskatchewan in 1960. Fruit is 6 cm, greenish yellow with orange blush. It matures in late August. Flesh is white, soft, sweet and slightly acidic. It is good for fresh eating, cooking, drying and juice. Will store well for six weeks. It is heavy yielding and must be thinned to one apple per cluster to avoid biennial bearing. Trees are hardy to zone 2a and resistant to fire blight.

‘September Ruby’ has 6–7 cm round and slightly flattened apples.

Fruit also looks slightly ribbed. The base colour is light green with a bright red overcolour that may be solid or striped. Flesh is greenish-white and moderately acidic. It is good for fresh eating, cooking, and juice, and will store in good condition for up to four months. Trees are semi-dwarf, upright, spreading with good branch habit. It is hardy to zone 2a and moderately susceptible to fire blight.

‘Sunnybrook’ fruit is 6.5 cm in diameter, round, yellow, striped with red and mature in early September. Flesh has coarse texture, is slightly acid and sweet but susceptible to water core. It is good for cooking and fresh eating and will store for about four weeks.

Late Season Apples – harvested late September to late October

‘Collet’ is 6–7.5 cm in diameter, round to cone shaped and light green striped with red. Flesh is white, fine textured, crisp, sweet and slightly acidic. It is good for fresh eating and cooking. It will store for 10 weeks. Trees are medium-sized and round to pyramidal in shape. It requires a protected site in zone 3 and 2b.

‘Edith Smith’ a seedling of ‘McIntosh’ selected by Leonard Smith of Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan and introduced in 1964. Fruit is 6–7 cm in diameter, yellowish green washed with pale

orange-red. The skin is somewhat tough and bitter. Flesh is greenish-white, medium texture, slightly tough and pulpy. It is fair for fresh eating and good for cooking. It will store well for up to three months. Plants are hardy to zone 2b but highly susceptible to fire blight.

‘Goodland’ fruit is 6–8 cm in diameter, light green washed with red. Flesh is creamy-white, fine textured and slightly acid. It is good for fresh eating and cooking and will store for up to 20 weeks. It is susceptible to chlorosis where soil pH is much higher than 7 and is only reliably hardy to 3a.

‘Haralson’ was released from the University of Minnesota in 1923. ‘Haralson’ has been used in much breeding work of hardy apples. Fruit is 6 cm in diameter, round to cone shaped, greenish-yellow almost completely covered with red. Flesh is slightly tough. It is

good for cooking and fair for eating. It stores for up to 25 weeks with flavour being enhanced during storage and is only reliably hardy in zone 3a if growing in a protected microclimate.

‘Luke’ is an apple of unknown parentage that originated with Mr. John Luke of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, and was introduced by the Morden Research Station in 1961. At 9 cm in diameter, ‘Luke’ is the largest apple that can presently be grown on the prairies. The fruit takes on a barrel shape, has a green undercolour that is mottled and heavily streaked with dark red. It is fair for eating fresh, and good for cooking. It keeps for ten weeks. The tree is large, vigorous and rounded to spreading, but fruit is late to ripen, and may be damaged by frost on all but the longest seasons.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.

Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW… https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

Dog shows, fire truck rides featured at Sukanen Family Day

By Ron Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

A strong breeze kept the mosquitoes away for the Sukanen Ship Museum’s annual Family Day.

A steady stream of parents and youngsters took advantage of the sunny Sunday to enjoy various activities.

For some youngsters the morning and afternoon dog shows by the Moose Jaw Dog Club were the highlight.

The owners and dogs performed dog agility trials, obedience and scent trials.

Participating dogs came from a number of breeds and ages.

The oldest dog was a champion 14-year-old “retired’’ fellow who still

likes to play. One dog was a three-and one-half year old who, the emcee said, is great when she listens.

One dog responded to obedience commands while another found a hidden scented object.

When the show ended 10 children and 10 dogs took part in a relay race.

Children were encouraged to pet the dogs after the shows.

On the pioneer village streets youngsters caught rides on a fire truck and a go-cart train pulled by a garden tractor and the people movers touring the museum site.

Twenty-five cent ice cream cones,

treats and $6 burgers were popular.

A chap from Regina brought his children and grandchildren to Family Day.

“I didn’t know this was here until three years ago,’’ he said. “I wish I had known sooner.’’

He discovered the museum on his way home from a day trip to Castle Butte near Bengough.

He plans to attend the threshing bee again on September 12 and 13.

The Boy Scouts set up an exhibit in front of the octagonal building housing Boy Scout displays.

Just as visitors came past the front gate the Autism Society had an exhibit with games and puzzles for the younger set and information about the organization..

In the Kampen Hall commissary there were colouring sheets to work on and crafts to put together.

The museum slashes admission fees to $2 from $10 on Family Day to thank the community for its ongoing support.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

From The Kitchen

By Joyce Walter - For Moose Jaw Express

In all the years I’ve been writing a column dedicated to cooking, I don’t recall ever featuring recipes devoted to the canines sitting there hopefully in the kitchen.

There was the time I tried a new cookie recipe and it was declined even by the dog in the neighbourhood. Thanks to my friend for sharing her recipes, Bingo and Bailey and their friends will have their own special treats made just for them.

•

Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Dog Treats

2 1/2 cups flour

2 eggs

1/4 cup baked sweet potato

2 tbsps. peanut butter

1/2 tsp. salt

Ingredients should be used at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with

Canine friends waiting patiently for their own treats

a silicone mat or parchment paper.

Mix the flour, eggs, sweet potato, peant butter and salt in a large bowl.

If additional water is required, add it and knead the dough until it forms. Dough should be dry and hard and not too moist.

Using a rolling pin and a floured surface, flatten the dough to a thickness of around 1/2 inch. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Place on the baking sheet.

They should be firm after around 40 minutes of baking. These will be crisp biscuits. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. These are a fantastic fiber source for dogs.

Note: To increase taste and minerals, bone broth made from beef or chicken may be substituted for water. •

Benefits and drawbacks of data centre explosion

The rapid spread of massive data centres across the globe has created controversy.

With a proposed data centre on the former Valley View Centre site near Wakamow Valley ecology area, Moose Jaw is between a rock and a hard place.

Development of data centres is a given. The massive power hungry noisy centres are needed to store the humungus volumes of data from use of Artificial Intelligence.

America is in a race with China to see who can develop the best centres.

Data centres offer benefits and drawbacks to the communities where they locate.

High paying jobs and sudden increased property tax revenues for municipalities are the main benefits.

The drawbacks involve heavy power usage, vastly increased water use, noise from cooling and loss of prime agricultural land.

A data centre can easily use as

Peanut Butter Treats

2 cups flour

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it is Xylitol-free)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl mix the pumpkin and peanut butter together. Stir in the flour and combine the mixture into a dough.

Roll the dough out onto a floured surface. Cut dough into shapes with favourite cookie cutters. Place shapes one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

Note: Xylitol is a common low calorie sweetener used in gums, candies and oral care products. This ingredient could lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

OPINION EDITORIAL:

TRADING THOUGHTS

By Ron WalterFor Moose Jaw Express

much electric power as a city of 5,000. The centre creates considerable noise as well.

A Caltech study indicates a critical need to understand and manage the impact of data centres.

Concerns about use of electric power are foremost. In the early 2000s data centres accounted for 1.5 per cent of power used in the United States.

Estimates suggest data centres could use between 15 and 20 per cent of U.S.A.’s electricity in a few years.

That leaves the questions: How will the usage affect power rates and power supply? Can infrastructure absorb the new use without failing?

Some U.S. communities have seen power rates surge after the football field size centres located. Data centre development parallels the electrification of industry and transportation.

A partial solution to these concerns is self-contained power pro-

duction using solar, wind and natural gas on the centre site.

The data centres use tremendous amounts of water, straining available water supplies, especially in regions with chronic water supply concerns.

Recycling water used to cool the computers can relieve pressure on local water sources. Peak water usage can be six times the usual draw on supplies.

Noise, created by frequent use of backup generators, can be reduced as well.

The Caltech study notes that Finland has a cool data centre using waste heat from the computers to heat the community.

The study also notes Canada is much better at regulating noise than the United States.

Concerns about data centres may have arisen from early adopting communities too eager to gain the tax revenues and job benefits from these centres.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

In their eagerness they overlooked the community impacts on power, water and noise. Few regulated those matters.

Investors in technology have developed worries about the rapid build-out of data centres.

Will they all be needed? Will they ever turn a decent profit? Communities should be concerned about the possibility of the massive centres one day sitting vacant in their midst.

The data centre build craze reminds one of the auto industry in the early 1900s when 400 auto manufacturer dotted the landscape That number had shrunk to a dozen 30 years later.

The shopping mall developments took 50 years until many were left abandoned across America.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Vehicle Decals and Wraps Explained

Ever feel like your business is a well-kept secret? It’s time to get your brand out of the shadows and onto the streets! In today’s fast-paced world, standing out is everything. One of the absolute best ways to do that is by turning your vehicle into a mobile billboard. Whether you’re running a single service truck or a full fleet of delivery vans, vehicle decals and wraps are your ticket to massive local visibility.

But wait: what’s the difference between a decal and a wrap? And which one is right for your goals? Let’s break it down so you can hit the road with confidence!

What are Vehicle Decals?

Think of vehicle decals as the “spot treatment” of the branding world. These are individual graphics: like your logo, phone number, or website: applied to specific areas of your vehicle.

Decals are fantastic for:

• Simple Branding: Perfectly showcasing your logo on a door, window or tailgate.

• Budget-Friendly Wins: Getting your name out there without a huge upfront investment.

• Flexibility: Easily swapping out a phone number or a seasonal promotion without redoing the whole look.

If you’re looking for a clean, professional look, decals are a “must-have” first step.

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What are Vehicle Wraps?

If decals are a spot treatment, a vehicle wrap is a total transformation! A wrap involves covering large sections: or even the entire vehicle: in high-quality vinyl. This allows for bold colors, complex patterns, and high-impact imagery that covers every inch of the “canvas.”

Why go for a full wrap?

• Maximum Impact: You become impossible to miss in traffic or a parking lot.

• Cohesive Branding: Create a “big brand” feel that builds instant trust with your customers.

• Paint Protection: Believe it or not, a high-quality wrap actually helps protect your vehicle’s original paint from minor scratches and UV rays!

Decals vs. Wraps: Which One Wins?

Choosing between the two really depends on your goals and your budget.

• Choose Decals if you use your personal vehicle for work and want something subtle, or if you have a tight budget but need to look professional.

• Choose Wraps if you want to dominate your local market and make a massive statement every time you drive to a job site.

At Saskpromo.com, we specialize in helping you figure out exactly what fits your needs. Our full in-house print shop and wide-format capabilities mean we handle everything from the initial design to the final, high-quality print.

Why Your Business Needs This Now

The ROI on vehicle advertising is through the roof. Unlike digital ads that disappear the second you stop paying, a wrap or decal is a one-time investment that keeps working for years. It builds brand recognition in the neighbourhoods you actually serve!

Don’t let your message slip through the cracks. Whether you want a simple, elegant decal or a head-turning full wrap, we’re here to help you “hit refresh” on your marketing.

Ready to get started? Contact us today and let’s get your brand moving!

Free Computer Basics Courses Return for Moose Jaw Seniors

By Joan Ritchie

In this high-tech digital world, navigating day-to-day tasks from online banking, shopping, paying bills to connecting with loved ones, tasks have increasingly moved online. While this change offers significant convenience, it can also present barriers for older adults who may feel left behind by rapidly changing technology. Recognizing this, the Nanan Academy is returning to Moose Jaw with a community-focused solution: free, handson computer literacy and online safety training.

Following a highly successful pilot program that ran earlier this year, the Nanan Academy is relaunching its “Computer Basics” course. Designed specifically for older adults aged 55

and older, the program focuses on building confidence and practical digital skills that are essential in today’s modern environment.

“We live in a digital world,” says Shaun Nanan, Academic Director at Nanan STEM Academy Inc. “Banking, online shopping, paying bills— it’s all digital. It is important for everyone to be educated and to be part of this digital citizenship”.

The program addresses more than just technical skills; it prioritizes security. Participants will learn critical habits such as identifying phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and safe browsing practices, empowering them to navigate the internet without the fear of sophisticated scams. By

fostering an environment of continuous learning, the academy helps participants move from uncertainty to digital independence.

This initiative is made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Nanan Academy, the Pal-

session are August 4, 11, and 25 and September 8, 15, and 22

Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this program offers a welcoming, low-pressure environment to learn and connect with other learners

liser Regional Library, and the Canadian Red Cross, all facilitated by the Sask Seniors Connect Hub. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to community well-being, lifelong learning, and social connection.

The upcoming round of classes offers a six-week commitment, meeting once a week for 90 minutes. The program is completely free to the public. Classes will be held at the Moose Jaw Public Library in the Reading Room by the entrance, running from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The course dates for the upcoming

in the community. For those interested in attending, registration is encouraged, though staff will also be available to help assist with the registration process during the first class.

Embracing the digital age is about more than just keeping up with trends; it is about empowerment, independence, and staying connected. Thanks to the Nanan Academy and its dedicated partners, Moose Jaw seniors have a valuable opportunity to build the digital confidence they need to thrive.

For more information visit www. NananAcademy.com.

• Lake Diefenbaker is a paradise for boaters and anglers. But backing your truck or SUV deep into the boat launch means your rear di erential and undercarriage are taking a bath in Saskatchewan's cool waters.

• Submerging a hot axle can pull water into your di erential, destroying gears over time. Let Panda service and protect your di erentials with new uids so your water weekend doesn't turn into a costly mechanical headache.

Lake Diefenbaker has campgrounds on all sides of the lake, and the endless shoreline has long beaches, towering sandcastles and countless coulees to explore.

“Yeah.

”I

Reflective Moments

By Joyce Walter - for Moose Jaw Express

The views and opinions expressed in this article

Home away from home had a room for our weekend

It has been a year, 12 months to be exact, since we have spent the weekend in a hotel/motel room.

Because we were headed to a city west of us, on a weekend when that city’s exhibition/stampede was in town, I figured we might have difficulty finding a room so we could attend a surprise birthday party for one of Housemate’s cousins.

There was a vacancy at the motel we were forced to stay in on a previous occasion. I remember it well, not only because the room hadn’t been cleaned in this decade, but because I spent some time stuck in the bathroom. The door no longer fit the frame accurately and the door knob appeared left over from another century.

My phone was in the other room with Housemate who was more interested in finding the business program on television than he was in noticing I was taking a long time in the facility. And he obviously thought the pounding and hollering was coming from an adjoining room.

He still grins when I mention it but he doesn’t grin for long.

Despite the glowing recommendation on the hotel’s website, I was not that gullible and my sympathies go to anyone sucked in by the glowing description of this venue’s amenities.

Instead I tried the hotel that is usually our home away from home when we visit this city. What a pleasant surprise to discover a vacancy for the days we required, at a rate more expensive than I remember, but then beggars can’t be choosers. I signed up for two nights, noting the free restaurant breakfasts, the gift shop, an adjacent casino, and the fair grounds not that far away if one felt like an evening walk.

The room, I learned, came with a full-sized fridge, hopefully with a freezer compartment that would keep something frozen.

I clicked the correct buttons, learned that my ID information was still on file and just like that we had a place to rest our weary bodies.

But having a room is just a start. I don’t pack the kitchen sink, but light bulbs come in handy if one wishes to read before falling asleep. The light on my keychain throws off more illumination than some hotel lamps, even with the shade removed. A light bulb or two won’t take up much room.

Most hotels are eager to promote the green concept, announcing corporate owners are dedicated to keeping the earth green by reducing the amount of water that might be wasted if patrons don’t re-use laundry items such as bedding and towels.

I’m all for helping to maintain our natural resources and understand that water is wasted every day. But I do draw the line at sharing a facecloth with anyone

else in the room, and I also draw the line at reusing a washcloth that has been previously enjoyed, even if I am the only one to have enjoyed it.

I have a ritual once we’ve entered the room. After looking for bedbugs, the next stop is a dash to the bathroom to count the towels and washcloths. On the last three visits to the same hotel, we have had to call the front desk when it was apparent that only one washcloth had been provided for two occupants.

Perhaps the housekeeping staff would trade the iron and ironing board stashed in the closet for at least two or three washcloths per occupant. I can’t recall the last time the iron and board were used although the board does come in handy as a storage shelf.

The next is a delicate question about a practice that has always been baffling. Why do designers of hotel bathrooms insist on placing the hanger for the bathroom tissue behind one who is sitting on the commode? Squirming to reach the tissue roll makes the whole process rather uncomfortable. To avoid such contortions, removing the roll from the hanger is recommended.

Housekeeping employees must give a sigh of relief when they realize we have checked out of the room — no more loosened lamp shades, no more notes for extra supplies and best of all, bathroom tissue hanging where it normally hangs.

Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net

Oh Clark’s and

May 5, 2026

1st – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel

2nd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

3rd – Lawrence Fatteicher & Anita Dun-

can

Hidden Score –Carol Andrejcin & Gwen Venn

May 12, 2026

1st – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel

2nd – Debbie Firth & Linda Sempel

3rd –Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne

Jackson

May 17, 2026

1st – Carol Andrejcin & Gwen Venn

2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

3rd – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel

You can turn on any newscast and there will be a story about racial discrimination.

Discrimination is much broader. There is social-economic, ethnic, gender and age discrimination, to name a few. Age discrimination is of interest to me because I’m old. So are my friends. People don’t overtly discriminate against old people. It just happens. In my case responses are usually polite with a subtle undertone of “[Get lost] old man.”

Seniors often feel young people think they are as dumb. That’s sad. Seniors are living ‘YouTube’ episodes with knowledge about all kinds of stuff. Some good. Some not so good. Take my nephew the retired plumber. He’s treated as if he has no value because, “Things are different now.” Right! Water flows up hill; water faucets don’t drip and toilets make human waste magically disappear!

Although I chose one trade, it is the

FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE WINNERS

Hidden Score – Peter Fowler & Stu Anderson

May 26, 2026

1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

2nd – Lawrence Fatteicher & Anita

Duncan

3rd – Ronald & Linda McInnis

Hidden Score – Ed Lambert & Carol Gustafson

June 2, 2026

1st – Ronald & Linda McInnis

2nd – Anita Duncan & Lawrence Fatteicher

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Carol Andrejcin & Gwen Venn

June 9, 2026

1st – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

2nd – Anita Duncan & Lawrence Fatteicher

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Ed Lambert & Carol Gustafson

June 16, 2026

1st – Marie Spencer & Sharon Knittel

2nd – Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

3rd – Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne Jackson

June 23, 2026

1st - Ronald & Linda McInnis

2nd – Anita Duncan & Ken McInnis

3rd - Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

Hidden Score – Judith Deatrich & Bob

Coping with ‘Old People’ Discrimination

By Richard Dowson

same with all trades and occupations. And if the person was a stay-at-home mom, they know lots of secrets to help with the budget and lifestyle. But, since we live in a throw-away society, seems seniors get chucked.

I had a recent ‘agism’ event and coped. Here’s what happened. I stopped in to get some general information from a veterinarian. (Stuff I later got from the Internet.)

I pulled into the parking lot. There was only one car. I assumed they were not busy. Inside there were three people visiting and talking in the reception area behind the front desk. To one side an employee was talking to a man with a dog on a leash. In the far corner was a lady reading.

I was polite and waited for the three employees to finish their conversation. I assumed it was serious. Maybe information that would save a sick horse. When they were finished, they left the reception area without acknowledging me.

At that point a young person would get annoyed. Not me! Years of experience has taught me how to cope. I thought back to my improvisational theatre days and form a coping scenario.

Here is what really happened. When the three people who were talking and visiting saw me, they assumed I was Santa Claus visiting from the North Pole. After all, I have white hair, a white beard and am puggy. Just like Santa.

Cobbe

June 30, 2026

1st –Bryce Warren & Jeff Walpole

2nd - Vivian Brailean & Bob Paulowicz

3rd - Ronald & Linda McInnis

Hidden Score – Anne Kraus & Lorne

Jackson

All bridge players are welcome to join our club. In addition, if you are interested in learning how to play, we would like to help.

We play at the Cosmo Senior Centre on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more information contact Anita Duncan at 306-630-1256.

Seeing Santa at the front counter of a veterinary clinic scared them. Surely, Santa was here to ask about his reindeer and book medical appointments for all four of them. Of the three people behind the front counter, one had worked on reindeer before. She’d treated a vicious hoof infection that took weeks to resolve. The younger one in the group had been kicked by a reindeer.

There was no love lost between the three and the reindeer.

The last thing any of them wanted to do was speak to Santa about reindeer. That’s why they all left the room without acknowledging me. It wasn’t about age. It was about their fear of reindeer and the fear of having to fly to the North Pole, examine reindeer and stay in a small hut with Mrs. Claus. They could be gone for weeks. They’d miss the next Rider Football game.

Thankfully, I was not a victim of age discrimination, just reindeer-phobia.

Local Golfer Records Hole-in-One at the Lynbrook Golf Club on Sunday July 12, 2026

Submitted

Nathan Walliser achieved a rare and exciting milestone on Sunday, July 12, 2026, recording a hole-inone at the Lynbrook Gol Club.

The ace occurred on Hole #14, a Par 3, measuring approximately 150 yards from the White Tee Box. Using

a pitching wedge Nathan delivered a precise shot that landed on the green and rolled directly into the cup.

Congratulations Nathan!

ANNOUNCING – The Salvation Army Moose Jaw Back to School Backpack Program

Aiming to help low-income families purchase necessary supplies for their children, with the goal of equipping 100 children to return to school prepared and confident to achieve their best.

Application for assistance can be made from August 10-14 at our Community Services O ce located at 175 1st Ave. NE.

With partial funding from our Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign and a partnership with Superstore’s “cashier ask” event from August 10-15, our Moose Jaw Community can help with this worthwhile project.

Another way you can help is to purchase a new item from the list and drop it o at the Community Services O ce at 175 1st Ave NE. Your help is truly appreciated and valued.

For more information on eligibility and registration, please contact The Salvation Army Community Services o ce at 306-692-5899

Local Golfer Records Hole-in-One at the Lynbrook Golf Club on Wednesday July 22, 2026

Submitted

Terry Glascock achieved a rare and exciting milestone on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, recording a holein-one at the Lynbrook Gol Club.

The ace occurred on Hole #3, a Par 3, measuring approximately 125 yards from the White Tee Box. Us-

ing an 8 iron Terry delivered a precise shot that landed on the green and rolled directly into the cup.

Congratulations Terry!

306-694-4747

324 Main Street N. Moose Jaw, SK

Derek McRitchie REALTOR® (306) 631-1161

E.G. (Bub) Hill REALTOR® (306) 631-9966

Tanya Minchin REALTOR® (306) 630-6231

Cassie Nichol REALTOR® (306) 631-0691

Justin Hammer REALTOR® (306)684-4266

Catherine Hammer REALTOR® (306) 684-5663

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, turnkey, double heated garage, updates include; windows, siding, insulation, electrical, new sewer and water lines, plumbing, furnace, water heater, appliances, kitchen, bathrooms, lower level ooring!

Weather assists crop growth

By Ron Walter - For the Moose Jaw Express

Farmers in Saskatchewan got their wishes during the week ended July 20. Warm weather and limited rainfall improved crop development and let haying operations continue, according to the weekly Saskatchewan Agriculture crop report.

The high humidity and high temperatures created concerns about diseases in crops, especially in pulses.

The largest percentage of crops near normal development was wheat. Oilseeds, spring cereals and pulses had the largest portion behind normal growth.

In the haying process, 23 per cent was cut with 28 per cent baled.

Twelve per cent of crop land is in surplus moisture, 77 per cent is adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short.

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1200 sq ft, 3 living spaces, basement access to backyard, updated windows, siding, shingles, 2 replaces, lower nished with 2nd kitchen, heated double garage, covered patio!

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, beautifully updated, spacious kitchen, fully nished lower level, backyard retreat, large deck, heated pool, fully fenced yard, double heated garage with epoxy oor!

In the southwest, only one per cent of crops had surplus moisture, 74 per cent adequate, 23 per cent short, two per cent very short.

Sixty-five per cent of the hay crop was rated good, with 10 per cent fair and one per cent poor. Provincially, 11 per cent of hay had surplus moisture, 78 per cent was adequate, 10 per cent short, one per cent very short. That compares with the southwest, no hay with surplus moisture, 73 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short, one per cent very short.

Southwest pasture land was drier than the provincial average with none in surplus, 68 per cent adequate and 26 per cent very short.

504 Loney Ave, South Lake

A ordable lake property, beautiful views of the lake, 1 bedroom, 3 pc bath, front deck, good sized dining room, with some updates you can make it your own, immediate possession available!

Revving Up for a Cause: Western Canadian Nationals Car Show this weekend in Moose Jaw

By Joan Ritchie - Moose Jaw Express

Get ready to hear some engines roar, Moose Jaw.

This coming weekend July 31August 2nd, our city is set to become the center of automotive passion as the Western Canadian Nationals (WCN) Car Show rolls into town for a spectacular three-day event.

Scheduled for July 31 through August 2, the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Canada and the United States. While the shiny chrome and vintage steel will be the main draw, this is far more than just a place to park some classic cars—it’s a week-long experience dedicated to community, celebration, and a heartfelt commitment to families in need.

Formerly known as “Super Run,” the event was rebranded as the Western Canadian Nationals in 2025 to reflect its growing national profile. Historically, the event has rotated between host cities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Bringing the show to Moose Jaw is a major step toward restoring the long-standing Prairie rotation.

The festivities begin on July 31 with a meet-and-greet and registration package pickup. The main public show days follow on August 1 and 2, with gates open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere packed with activities, including live music, a dedicated kids’ zone, food trucks, and plenty of “cruising” tunes to keep the energy high.

Dave Bura of the WCN explains that the event is built on the thrill of the road. “Car guys want to cruise,” Bura says. “Cruising provides a great opportunity to see people and other collectors, and to get to know new people.” The excitement actually starts days before the main event, with stops in Swift Current, Claybank, and Assiniboia, leading up to the “Hot Rod Hangout” at the Town and Country Mall in Moose Jaw.

The event will be hosted at the Anderson Auto and Memorabilia Collection, located just east of the city. For owners Cal and Mel Anderson, hosting the WCN is a natural fit for their property, which has become a “hidden gem” of automotive history.

For the past 12 years, the Andersons have welcomed visitors to their acreage, not just to admire their impressive collection of classic automobiles, motorcycles, and vintage bicycles, but to preserve local history. Their collection even includes the original Ronald Mc-

Donald statue and train from the former McDonald’s restaurant at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall—a piece of nostalgia that sparks fond memories for many locals.

“To me, everything has a story—where you bought it, or the mileage, or how somebody restored it,” Mel Anderson says. “We’ve had people from all over the world tour our place.”

For the Andersons and the WCN volunteer team, the car show is ultimately about giving back. The event is non-profit, and $20 from every registration and spectator ticket will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, an organization that supports families traveling for their children’s medical care. The cause is deeply personal for the Andersons. They have seen firsthand the importance of the Ronald McDonald House through their own family experiences, including the recovery of a nephew after a serious accident and the support provided to an employee during her daughter’s battle with leukemia.

“At the end of the day, it’s about the kids,” Mel Anderson explains. “It makes your heart feel full, giving back to a charity that helps so many people.

Adding to the excitement, the WCN will feature appearances by Mike Hall and Avery Shoaf from the hit Canadian reality series Rust Valley Restorers.

The charismatic duo have transformed a lifelong passion for automobiles into a thriving business and media success story. Based in Tappen, British Columbia, their partnership combines unique backgrounds in heavy industry with a deep-seated love for automotive history.

Whether you are a seasoned car collector, a family looking for a weekend outing, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of automotive history, the Western Canadian Nationals has something for everyone.

Born in 1958, Mike Hall spent much of his career in the high-stakes construction industry. As the owner of a rock-blasting and slope stabilization company, his daily work involved the dangerous, specialized task of scaling cliff faces with ropes and explosives. Despite this demanding professional life, Hall’s true passion remained automotive; he purchased his first vehicle, a 1967 Chevy, at age 15.

Over the years, Hall funneled his career earnings into a massive collection of classic cars, eventually accumulating between 400 and 500 vehicles on his property. In 2017, seeking to simplify his life for the sake of his family, Hall attempted to sell his land and the entire collection. The listing garnered massive viral attention, catching the eye of television producers who saw the potential in both his unique “field of dreams” collection and his colorful personality. This led to the launch of Rust Bros Restoration and the hit series Rust Valley Restorers.

A native of British Columbia’s Shuswap region, Avery Shoaf built his reputation as a gifted mechanic with a talent for bringing old machinery back to life. For years, Shoaf operated his own business specializing in the complex repair and rebuilding of heavy drilling and construction equipment.

Shoaf and Hall’s friendship began around 2004, after Shoaf met Hall through his son, Connor. While Shoaf had always possessed a personal interest in vintage motors, his career was firmly rooted in heavy equipment. When Hall pivoted to professional automotive restoration, he tapped Shoaf to serve as the lead mechanic and shop manager for Rust Bros Restoration. Shoaf’s sharp technical instincts and his witty rapport with Hall quickly made him a fan favorite, eventually leading to his own independent projects, including Wildman Restorations.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Community pulls together to make 30th annual Festival of Words another success

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

Organizers of the Saskatchewan Festival of Words are celebrating the success of this year’s 30th edition, highlighting the sellout of several reading sessions and the ability to overcome building-related mechanical breakdowns.

The annual literary event occurred July 16 to 19, with the Moose Jaw Public Library, the Mae Wilson Theatre, the Centre for Arts and Culture (CAC) and the Temple Gardens Centre hosting most activities. Bobby’s Place also hosted a trivia night, while other locations welcomed musicians Megan Nash, the Last Birds and Teagan Littlechief.

“It was amazing, except for the air conditioning going down at the Mae Wilson Theatre unexpectedly,” Sarah Simison, the festival’s managing artistic director, said at the event’s conclusion.

Simison said she appreciated how Moose Jaw’s size and the arts community’s support contributed to the event’s success. This was most evident to her when organizers scrambled to find alternative venues after the Mae Wilson Theatre’s mechanical malfunction.

She appreciated head librarian Gwen Fisher for allowing the festival to continue using the art museum theatre longer than expected, while she praised JanLaree Nelson for letting the organization use A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s auditorium for a concert.

Simison also thanked the Centre

for Arts and Culture’s tech team for supporting the musical performance at Peacock and staying late most nights to cover other duties.

“So, the way everybody pulls together is amazing. And our lineup was great,” she remarked.

Simison has worked with the Festival of Words for 17 years, while operations manager Amanda Farnell has been there for 11 years. Simison noted that they have a great team, along with exceptional summer interns.

Meanwhile, Simison said this year’s festival had higher attendance than last year, evident in the number of sessions and passes that sold out. She started in 2010 and “it was a rare thing” to see sessions sell out.

However, sellouts of author readings and sessions have become

more frequent, which is an indication of how dedicated people are in attending, Simison remarked.

The managing artistic director pointed out that one woman has attended all 30 festivals and many have attended over 25 events, while, equally, many attended for the first time.

“So, I think we’re doing a very good job of attracting new attendees as well,” Simison added. “So, that’s really exciting for me.”

Resident Gary Hyland, one of Saskatchewan’s leading poets, founded the festival in 1997, while he also taught in Moose Jaw and helped build organizations such as Coteau Books and the Cultural Centre. He died in 2011 at age 70 after an illness.

Robert (Bob) Currie, another

poet and Hyland’s friend, thought Hyland would “Be really happy” that the festival had reached 30 years and was likely “grinning somewhere in heaven.”

Asked about the festival’s longevity, Simison said she has attended other literary festivals and believes Moose Jaw’s format sets it apart. She also agreed that the Festival of Words has a nice mix of presenters and there is something for most readers.

Festival organizers and volunteers work hard to pull off the event, while the program committee searches for not only well-known authors, but new writers who bring different ideas and experiences, she continued.

Simison singled out “big name” author Michael Crummey for attending this year; he first attended in 2001. The co-organizer noted that Crummey’s wife, Holly Hogan, attended in 2024 and “made a big impact too.”

Another reason for the festival’s longevity is that many attendees tell Simison that they come without even looking at the lineup since they know they will have a good time regardless of who’s presenting.

“So, our audiences have that much trust in what we do,” she added. “That’s an incredible thing.”

The 31st edition of the Festival of Words takes place from July 15 to 18, 2027.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Central Collegiate alumnus supports literary festival’s future with $500K donation

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

Literary festivals usually run on shoestring budgets, but Moose Jaw’s Festival of Words will be sufficiently financed over the next decade thanks to a $500,000 donation from a former resident.

During the festival’s closing moments on July 19 at the Temple Gardens Centre, the audience learned that Barrie and Deedee Wigmore had made the 10-year, half-million-dollar donation through their New York Citybased foundation.

The couple has made annual donations for 20 years, while they also focus on art museums, education and health care.

Sarah Simison, the festival’s managing artistic director, said the “longtime friends” gave the gift in honour of poet Robert (Bob) Currie and his friends, who were nicknamed “the Bluebirds” when they attended Central Collegiate.

“As part of their estate planning, they wanted to make one final investment in the festival they have cared about for so many years,” she said, adding that this money gives the festival time to find a replacement donor.

Rather than create an endowment fund, the couple wanted the money used to support the festival’s operations, provide financial stability, support thoughtful planning and ensure future generations can continue to celebrate readers, writers and stories, she continued.

The $500,000 is also an expres-

sion of confidence in the festival’s future and a vote of trust in the staff, volunteers, board members, artists, audience and community, Simison remarked.

“We’re deeply honoured by their confidence, and we accept this gift with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility,” she added.

Afterward, Simison said the board and Michael Hyland, the son of festival co-founder Gary Hyland, knew about the massive donation for months and kept it secret from everyone, including Currie. In response, the poet said he “got a little emotional” over the announcement, while he was also “quite shocked” to learn of the contribution.

Chuckling, Currie said the “bluebirds” nickname was odd since he and his friends used to sing the song “Bye, Bye Blackbird.”

Meanwhile, Currie said Wigmore was a friend growing up, while he knew that the former Moose Javian became financially successful after moving to the United States.

The poet recalled that Hyland worked with Wigmore one summer, so both authors wrote to the businessman asking whether he would support the festival to keep it operational.

“He’s a literate guy (as) he’s actually written a book himself,” said Currie. “Anyway, he said yes, he would do it. So, every year in my Christmas card, I would get a cheque for the Festival of Words from him.

“… he maybe started at $25,000, which is a pretty big donation coming from one person.”

When the coronavirus pandemic erupted in March 2020, Wigmore

knew it would negatively affect the festival, so he increased his donation to $50,000, said Currie.

The poet recalled how the festival was dedicated to Barrie and Deedee Wigmore one year and that he explained who they were and that they sent him a cheque every Christmas.

“And one of the writers puts up his hand and he says, ‘How do I get on the Wigmore Christmas card list?’” Currie chuckled.

Simison said the festival board held its breath every year waiting for that cheque, while they also cautiously asked Currie whether the card had arrived. She noted that directors were concerned during the pandemic since they — and other arts organizations — were worried about losing their funding.

The managing artistic director wrote to the Wigmores during the pandemic thanking them for their past support, while pointing out that “the world is crazy right now” and their support was still needed.

“And then their next cheque was significantly bigger than (the) previous cheque. So, they’ve been incredible supporters,” she said, adding that the philanthropist has donated to other causes in Moose Jaw, such as the new hospital.

The Festival of Words returns next year from July 15 to 18, 2027.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Author engages kids with a hockey book ‘in a hockey town’

Keeping antsy children focused for an hour can be a tall task, but author Karl Subban used the topic of hockey to keep those young minds engaged. Subban, the father of retired NHLer P.K. Subban, read The Hockey Skates to two dozen children in the Moose Jaw Public Library theatre on July 16, during his presentation at the 30th annual Festival of Words.

“It’s so nice to be here at this festival in Moose Jaw, which is a hockey town, and I have a hockey book,” Subban said.

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

The book focuses on a young P.K. receiving his first pair of hockey skates while facing numerous problems acquiring the correct pair from the company. It also symbolizes his struggles achieving his dream of playing in the NHL.

Subban, 68, kept the children focused and engaged by having them repeat words three times and perform accompanying actions, while he also showed them the book’s pictures.

Children want to be involved in everything, whether it’s baking a cake or reading a book, so it’s important to nurture that participatory relationship, he said.

“We know that kids learn by doing, and they also learn by copying what you’re doing,” Subban remarked, so parents, grandparents and

teachers can develop those relationships through reading.

The three-time author is also a 35year principal in southern Ontario and speaks to adults and children about reaching their potential.

While parents want to help their children reach their potential through safety, shelter and food, Subban said one of the most important ways is to support their reading. He pointed out that children learn to read up to Grade 3, while they read to learn starting in Grade 4.

So, he wrote “The Hockey Skates” to help parents and educators support children’s learning and nurture their love of it.

“And so, I’m using this book about hockey, about my family, about our successes to help young people to learn to read through educators and through their parents,” Subban remarked, noting that the book is also about optimism and perseverance.

Subban recalled 10 years ago when he started reading to his newborn granddaughter. Years later, after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar for “almost 999 times,” she said to him, “More, grandpa, more.” That prompted him to write this book, so kids would ask their parents to read it again.

The Ontario author added that the goal of parenting and teaching hasn’t changed over the last 40 years. He believes the goal is to help children and young people — athletes or not — reach their potential.

Meanwhile, Subban said he has written three books because that sport is part of the family’s story. He noted that after his three sons signed NHL contracts, people wanted to know how the family accomplished that task. So, he wrote How We Did It.

“I’m always willing to (speak publicly) because I think that’s my life’s mission. It’s to help people reach their potential,” he continued. “So, (the mission is) bigger than the book.”

Subban added that research shows children are reading less today, so he encouraged parents and educators to spend time reading with them to develop a love of books and set them up for long-term success.

This was Subban’s second year attending the Festival of Words, with the author saying he loves Moose Jaw because he’s a hockey guy, loves visiting hockey towns and is a big fan of the Warriors — and planned to purchase a jersey before he left.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Dedicated reader talks attending all 30 Festival of Words events

Nearly 1,000 authors have attended the Saskatchewan Festival of Words over its 30 years, and for attendee Anna Roesslein, she has seen and heard most of them.

Roesslein, 83, has attended every festival since poet Gary Hyland launched the event in 1997, with well-known authors such as Gail Bowen, Lorna Crozier, Rex Murphy, Guy Vanderhaeghe and Ken Mitchell participating in that inaugural festival.

“I had been retired for three years when it first began, so … I thought, ‘I’ve got to keep busy doing something,’” Roesslein recalled at the conclusion of the 2026 festival on July 19. The reader volunteered with several groups after retiring, while she also spent time at the Moose Jaw Public Library. When she learned that the festival would be occurring there, she was thrilled and stepped forward to volunteer.

“… it was just so much fun to do that,” she added.

Since then, 886 authors have visited The Friendly City to read to book lovers and answer their questions. Since some authors have attended more than once, the actual number of unique names is 625.

During her inaugural year volunteering, Roesslein recalled that she made gift bags for attendees and authors, while she checked people’s passes. She also recalled being “a gopher” and helping organizers with whatever they needed.

Roesslein couldn’t recall any of her favourite authors from that first year, but said she was just excited about the entire event and could sit next to writers and chat with them.

“The buzz that first year, to think something like that, you know, what Gary Hyland did. The people who came, like, it was just excitement the

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

whole time,” she said. Roesslein noted that “it was just unbelievable” how well Hyland connected with people, while she echoed poet Robert (Bob) Currie’s comment that the Cultural Centre — now the Centre for Arts and Culture — wouldn’t have been built without Hyland’s involve-

ment.

Having attended all 30 festivals, Roesslein said she came to know many attendees and excitedly looked forward to seeing them every year. She was also pleased that the festival’s attendance has increased since that first year and that the historic library has

been where authors and readers have interacted.

“… the community of people coming to listen to the authors, that has not changed at all. That’s what I found, anyway,” she added.

Attending the festival turned into a family affair for Roesslein, as her two sisters also began volunteering and attending sessions, which allowed them to escape the drama of family life for a few days.

One of Roesslein’s grand-nieces also attended one year and participated in the kids’ night.

It was just Roesslein who attended this year, as one of her sisters died several years ago and another lives in Winnipeg and was unable to attend. However, the sisters talked by phone about “all the funny, crazy things” they did while volunteering.

Roesslein recalled volunteering one year when a young boy attended the kids’ story time inside the library. The boy had found a tree branch outside and wanted to keep it but was prohibited from bringing it inside. So, he left it with the Roesslein sisters for safekeeping.

“And we gave him back the branch because that was so exciting for him to have this branch, and he didn’t want to lose this branch,” she laughed. “You know, just funny things like that that (have) happened.”

Roesslein hoped the festival retained its uniqueness, where readers interacted with authors during and after sessions, since that made the festival work. She also liked the Sunday morning breakfast, where attendees listened to authors discuss topics and answer questions.

The 2027 Saskatchewan Festival of Words occurs from July 15 to 18.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Recipe for murder: Author explains mystery-writing formula

Just like baking a cake, there is a recipe for writing mystery novels that includes adding various ingredients to keep the reader guessing until the end, when the amateur detective solves the case.

Writing formulas can be found in detective fiction, romance novels, sermons, haikus or sonnets, while mysteries can be detective investigations, suspense, thrillers, spy fiction or police procedurals, according to author Janice MacDonald.

While some experts consider formula fiction “to be beneath contempt,” MacDonald thinks that is “ridiculous” since even the sonnet follows a formula.

“There are so many ways you write within a set parameter,” she said on July 16 during her “Getting Away With Murder” presentation at the Festival of Words.

“And to be able to produce something that is novel and intriguing and exciting within that parameter, to me, is way more impressive … ,” she continued. “There is a sense of discipline that brings you to it.”

Some mystery authors write “by the seat of their pants” and don’t know the ending until they create it, while others write out dozens of Post-it notes with the ending known before they start writing, MacDonald noted.

Although the Edmontonian doesn’t like rollercoasters or bungee jumping, she starts writing without knowing which character is the murderer. She eventually reaches a point where “there’s a Eureka moment” and everything falls into place, which is why she writes.

That moment is only possible because MacDonald knows she’s writing within a structure. So, even if she doesn’t

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

know who the murderer is, the format is already structured, while she knows the killer is one of four or five people. MacDonald’s books are called literary mysteries, which she says are placed in the cozy genre because “they’re not as gory as the hard-boiled” mystery

novels. However, she noted that her first series focused on a university professor discovering a murder on campus, while her second series followed a retired professor travelling the world “tripping over dead bodies” and solving crimes.

The author, who has been writing for 39 years, says she focuses on amateur detectives because they are curious and have “this innate desire for the answer.” While police detectives, private eyes and spies are paid, the amateur is not.

The gifted amateur usually sees evidence that the police don’t, or pushes the authorities when he or she thinks they’ve found the answer, MacDonald continued.

“And that, to me, is the element of the kind of morality tale that people refer to mysteries. We go to mysteries for the puzzle, but we also go to them to help heal society,” she added. While there are pitfalls to writing formulaic novels, MacDonald said detective fiction is “the most bankable” since, like patterns in music, it requires the usual elements or ingredients without throwing off the reader.

For example, detective fiction usually features incompetent police, intelligent criminals and a lone amateur — a professor, a medical examiner, a photojournalist, a travel writer, a scientist, an archaeologist, or a librarian — discovering dead bodies regularly.

Furthermore, the mystery novel must have a puzzle, clues, red herrings, several suspects and a last-minute solution, the author said. These ingredients contribute to the recipe and make it “the prize winner at the fair.”

Also, readers must accept that the amateur detective will take risks to find answers and has a moral centre.

“Our detective is our hero and we sit on his shoulder or in his pocket and we follow along,” MacDonald added.

“And you don’t want to twist the formula to make him incredibly unlikeable.”

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Veteran authors discuss growth of province’s literary industry over 60 years

Saskatchewan’s literary community has grown from a small network of aspiring writers into one with international reach, four veteran authors said during a Festival of Words panel on July 19 at the Temple Gardens Centre while reflecting on the province’s literary history.

“Looking Back” was the final panel discussion during this year’s Festival of Words, with authors Angie Abdou, Robert (Bob) Currie, Louise Bernice Halfe and Tracy Hamon discussing their memories on July 19 at the Temple Gardens Centre.

The early years

Robert (Bob) Currie recalled launching the Moose Jaw literary magazine Salt as a young writer, saying it connected him with established Saskatchewan authors despite having only a few hundred subscribers and running for seven years. He also credited the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild (SWG) with helping him find his place in the province’s literary community and helping develop his skills.

The poet recalled attending the guild’s annual conference in 1973 and talking about his magazine while on a panel with other big names, which was “a scary experience.” Yet, he also felt like he belonged and eventually attended over 40 conferences.

Louise Bernice Halfe recalled keeping a secret journal, while later, university professor Ron Markham encouraged her to write more openly. However, she didn’t have a good grasp of English — she is Cree — since she didn’t read as a child and had attended residential school.

Yet, Markham encouraged her to take a class from poet Patrick Lane — she did — while she was later introduced to the Sage Hill Writing Experience. There, she met other “big name” writers who were surprised by her writing since she discussed attending residential schools. She later published her first book, Bear Bones & Feathers, in 1994.

Halfe added that she was afraid of how

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

her community would react to the first book’s “taboo” themes of abuse, family violence and alcoholism, while she alleged that other communities censored and burned her book.

Tracy Hamon credited founder Gary Hyland with nurturing emerging writers and recalled how established authors made newcomers feel welcome at past festivals. She said that sense of community inspired her own writing career and made her feel important.

Hamon also recalled Hyland sitting her next to author Joy Fielding during a banquet in 2005, with the Torontonian giving her phone number to Hamon and encouraging her to call.

“Joy was a joy, actually … ,” Hamon added.

Angie Abdou grew up in Moose Jaw and recalled walking past Currie’s classroom at Central Collegiate but being too scared to take his classes. She also knew that the University of Regina had a creative writing class, but took English literature instead.

Abdou recalled how one university professor brought in authors Gail Bowen and Sharon Butala, who — through their locations of Regina and Eastend, respectively — made her realize the province itself could be the setting for literature.

Inspirational authors

Asked about inspirational authors, Hamon said many famous writers she knows are still humble, engaged in the writ-

ing community and attend conferences. Some also continue to promote their connection to Saskatchewan despite living elsewhere, like former Moose Javian Karen Solie, now in Toronto.

Hamon recalled that Bowen taught her in university and knew that her student’s first book of poetry was being published. So, the acclaimed author — who had just won a major award — mentioned Hamon’s upcoming book during an interview with the media.

Halfe said she couldn’t recall anyone influencing her writing, although she remembered reading a book called “I Am An Indian” that included a story by

arts organizations while proving writers could build successful careers without leaving Saskatchewan.

Currie said he was later thrilled to read a review of one of Mitchell’s books in the New York Times, which he thought showed that writers could succeed in Saskatchewan.

The poet added that a writers’ group called the Moose Jaw Movement began in 1975, with Crozier the most famous person to come from it and to prove that anyone could be a poet from Saskatchewan.

Festival memories

Asked about favourite FOW memories, Currie said Hyland was the most important factor in helping the event succeed, while he was instrumental in having the city construct the Cultural Centre. Continuing, Currie recalled how one year, the publisher of McClelland and Stewart discussed a humorous conversation he had with W.O. Mitchell. The author was on his deathbed and said his medications were affecting his memory, so when the publisher prepared to leave, Mitchell called him by the wrong name — while also giving a smile.

Everyone in the room knew Mitchell was fooling the publisher, Currie chuckled, while the author had turned a “tough goodbye into a great memory.”

Duke Redbird, a name that intrigued her. The Cree author added that she met the elderly Redbird years ago and was still enthralled with him.

Meanwhile, Abdou recalled that author Lorna Crozier was a humble woman, while Guy Vanderhaeghe advised authors to focus on the work rather than the success.

“So that’s good Prairie work,” Abdou added.

Currie described playwright Ken Mitchell — a high school classmate — as one of Saskatchewan’s most influential literary figures, crediting him with helping build many of the province’s writing and

Abdou was living outside Saskatchewan when she learned about the inaugural Festival of Words, so she came home to attend. She noted that Hyland “made Moose Jaw cool,” while she appreciated seeing famous authors read in Crescent Park.

Halfe remembered being nervous attending the festival in 1997 — its inaugural year — since she was still growing as a writer, but enjoyed interacting with author Steven Heighton in 2015. Meanwhile, since she is Cree, she always had to balance her “two worlds” and decide whether to attend a sun dance or the festival each summer.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Mortlach’s Megan Nash thrilled to entertain crowds during Festival of Words concerts

Some residents who were unable to attend this year’s Festival of Words could still experience some of the event’s musical entertainment thanks to performances by Moose Jaw’s Megan Nash.

Nash performed for clients at Diversified Services and Hope Ministries for free on July 17, as part of the festival’s sponsored community outreach initiative to reach groups that normally wouldn’t attend.

“I had so much fun at both places,” Nash exclaimed on July 18.

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

Laughing, the singer-songwriter said the performance at Diversified Services turned into a full-on classic country sing-along, while clients gave a large handmade thank-you card afterward. Meanwhile, she said there was plenty of energy at Hope Ministries, while the performance was wellreceived.

“Hope Ministries, to me, feels very much like a small-town hall. It’s community building at its finest,” she said. “And I love that the Festival of Words contributed toward these really cool community organizations … . “There’s so many cool community organizations making rad things happen.”

Nash said the festival’s outreach initiatives and values align with the values she has as an artist and person. So, when the organization asked Nash to perform, she was thrilled and thought that the “stars aligned with this collaboration.”

The musician, who has won three Saskatchewan Music Awards and has been nominated for several JUNOs and Western Canadian Music Awards, also performed solo in A.E. Peacock Collegiate’s auditorium on July 18, as part of the festival’s Saskatchewan Concert Showcase that also featured Last Birds and Tegan Littlechief. The concert was supposed to happen in the Mae Wilson Theatre, but the venue’s air conditioning malfunctioned, forcing organizers to move the show.

Nash performed stripped-down guitar arrangements of original songs, saying the approach suited the festival because the event is about words and Nash loves writing lyrics.

“I always write lyrics first. I’m very lyric-focused,” she stated, adding that performing at the festival provided an opportunity to showcase songwriting to other authors and writers.

The musician added that she is busy writing songs for the next album — which will feature more Moose Jaw-based content — but has not started recording.

Nash’s last album, Soft Focus Features, came out on Nov. 3, 2021, and was described by Exclaim!, “Canada’s authority on music, film and entertainment,” as “lyrically masterful.”

The Mortlach-born musician released the first album, Song Harvest Volume One, on March 17, 2015. She recorded the album — featuring just a guitar and vocals — inside a 100-year-old church where she wrote the songs.

Nash later released the second album, Seeker, on Sept. 22, 2017.

The 29th Annual Festival of Words was held in Moose Jaw between July 16 – 19 2026 celebrating all forms of the written word and welcoming Canadian authors, poets, and musicians to Moose Jaw for a weekend of book readings, discussions, writing workshops, and more. It was again a huge success.

Festival of Words stories to be continued next edition.

Award-winning author reflects on unlikely path to literary success

Author Michael Crummey never expected to become a professional writer or earn a living from his work when he first started, but international recognition has changed all that.

“I had no notion of what I wanted to do as a kid. I … just could not picture myself in any adult role,” the Newfoundland writer said on July 18 during the Festival of Words.

More than 100 people packed into the library theatre — it was standingroom only — to listen to the awardwinning author, whose latest novel, The Adversary, won the 2025 Dublin Literary Award and accompanying £150,000 / CDN $188,469 prize. Crummey, 61, said he took general classes in university in 1982, and learned about poetry in his English literature class. Some authors who caught his attention included Leonard Cohen, Sylvia Plath, E.E. Cummings and G.H. Lawrence.

Jason G. Antonio - For Moose Jaw Express

Moose Jaw.

“I still have trouble wrapping my head around what has happened to me as a writer,” he said.

Crummey noted that when he first began writing, his goal was to publish his work in a literary magazine in St. John’s, which was his “horizon.” But his success has “felt unreal” since he never expected to make a cent — he was writing poetry — or write fulltime.

“And every day I wake up, I feel so unbelievably lucky that the day is my own and I decide what I want to do with that day,” he added.

“It was like someone flipped a switch. I was like, I don’t even know what that is, but that’s what I want to do,” he recalled. “And I started writing in secret … and I’ve never stopped.”

Keen to see if his poetry was any good, Crummey submitted some work anonymously to a student writing competition at Memorial University. He won the contest and $500 — and unexpected fame.

“And when I went to the little ceremony (and) someone was there from a big newspaper and the nightly newscasts … and all of a sudden I was outed,” the author deadpanned, prompting laughter from the crowd.

Smiling, Crummey said the $500 made him think there was big money in writing. However, he thought it was “egotistical” to think he had any-

thing worthy to say that people wanted to hear. The author moved to Kingston, Ont., for graduate school, and lived there for years while publishing — still anonymously —in small journals. He only performed his first public reading at age 28 in 1993, which angered his friends since they didn’t know he was a writer.

In 1994, Crummey became the first winner of the Bronwen Wallace Memorial Award for young unpublished writers. His first volume of poetry, Arguments with Gravity (1996), won the Writer’s Alliance of Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award for Poetry, while Hard Light (1998), his second collection, was nominated for the Milton Acorn People’s Poetry Award in 1999. Crummey returned to St. John’s in 2001, where he published his debut novel, River Thieves, which detailed the contact between European pioneers and the Beothuk in the early 19th century. He later presented at that year’s Festival of Words in

The internationally acclaimed author said he has a “love-hate relationship” with writing, but also feels “joyous in the chaos.” He compared writing to marrying — his wife is Holly Hogan, an award-winning author who presented in 2024 — in that he knew he would be overwhelmed and attempted to prepare for it, but was still overwhelmed.

Yet, Crummey said he sometimes feels that writing is “a stupid way” to make a living since it’s unnatural to sit by oneself for hours and “make things up.”

“When you describe it, it does sound like a mental illness,” he remarked, prompting much laughter. “I’m living in my head, creating a world that no one else knows anything about but feels completely real to me.”

Added the author, “It is part of what I am, and there’s nothing else I would have ever been happier doing.”

Besides the one-on-one interview in the art museum theatre, Crummey also discussed The Adversary during a sold-out reading session on July 17 in the library.

Sudoku #5 - Challenging

7 4 8 2 4 6 2 1 9 2 6 3 9 7 1 1 5 2 6 1 7 5 9 2 3 8 6 4

ACROSS

1. Office message

45. Folds

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

5. Dazzles

9. Building block

46. It lays underwater bombs

48. Film daredevils

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ARTICLE, BEFORE, CHANGE, CHUB, COURT, CRAZE, DIRECT, ENVIRONMENT, ERROR, FUSE, FUTURE, GOVERNMENT, GROWTH, HOOT, ILEX, INVITE, LIBRARY, MONARCHIST, PORT, PRICE, PURPOSE, REGRET, RESOLVE, RESTORE, SALT, SHARE, SHORT, SHREWD, SIMPLE, STEADY, SUMMER, SUNNY, TYRANT

13. Malayan isthmus

18. Stage

22. Spice

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

14. Test

15. Short skirt

16. Happen again

17. Out of action

50. Fragment

54. Gullible people

55. Debauchery

57. Elicit

24. Pachyderm

25. Bit of parsley

26. Coronet

Need a little help? The hints page shows a logical order to solve the puzzle. Use it to identify the next square you should solve. Or use the answers page if you really get stuck.

19. Drama set to classical music

20. Inscribed pillar

21. Green gemstones

23. Everyone

25. Impressive

28. Jerk

29. Dung beetle

32. Pivot bolt

33. Metric unit of area

34. Stupor

35. All-night party

36. Light refractor

38. Computer symbol

39. Colored part of the eye

40. Skirt’s edge

41. Missing

43. Lass

44. Male sheep

58. Always

59. Harvard rival

60. Pub game

61. Depend upon

62. Took to court DOWN

1. Clutter

2. Way out

3. Constructed

4. Beaten eggs

5. French for “Friend” 6. Wine maker 7. Foe

8. Courtroom conferences

9. Women (slang) 10. Answer

11. Decorated, as a cake

12. Junkyard dogs

27. Blacksmith’s block

29. Freshwater fishes

30. Protective atmospheric layer

31. Leases

33. Ambition

34. States of confusion

37. Keep in mind

42. Kind of nut

44. Washes off soap

45. Annul

46. Swindle

47. Depart

48. Fizzy drink

49. See the sights

51. Sloth

52. Not female

53. Hemorrhaged

54. Provided with food

56. Weep

205 WANTED

Looking To Rent - Garage/warehouse/ or unused semi-trailer unit. Prefer downtown area. Will consider other options. Can be reached at 306-313-3439.

Looking for unwated media records, games, VHS tapes, CDs, ad sterio equipment, Will pickup, 306-5277766

210 SERVICES

Moving jobs done reasonably: appliances, furniture, dump runs. Call to do it all. $45.00 a load. 306-630-2268

Need work done? Contact Bill at 306-6302268 . Interior/exterior, renovations, formwork, framing, finishing, tiling, painting and all construction, roofing/siding- no job too big or small. Reasonable rates, 30 years experience.

Will pick up, move, haul, and deliver any appliances, TV’s, furniture, or anything large in and around Moose Jaw, $45 and up. 45-gallon plastic barrels, great for rainwater, $25 each. 1000 Litre plastic totes - $50. 45-gallon metal barrels, $15 each. 306-681-8749

Offering pet cleaning services. I can clean your litter boxes, back yard, and more. Call 306-990-0214

Watch battery replacement. You bring to me $5; battery change no charge. Also

CLASSIFIED ADS

buying older men’s watches. Please call 306-691-5359.

PERSONAL SHOPPER - I’m your personal shopper in the Moose Jaw area. Here to save you time, money, and stress. Let me handle the grocery store line-ups or daily errands. My services include - weekly grocery shopping/delivery from your favourite local stores, meal planning, gift buying/ shopping, tailored to your needs. Reliable and flexible. For more info call Alana, 306631-8133.

It’s a busy season! If you need help with yard care, washing windows or walls, or general house cleaning. Call 639-5382509. Reasonable rates. References available.

Watch battery replacement. You bring to me $5;battery no charge. Also buying older men’s watches. Call 306-691-5359

188 HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLIES

120 RV’S & MARINE

For sale - Canoe, never touched water, oars and lifejackets included. $600. Please call 306692-5573.

FOR SALE - Custom made truck tailgate for 5th wheel, 62” wide. Asking $200. Please call 306-631-3169 or 306-692-1020 (leave a message)

200 LOST & FOUND

umbralla clothes line must pickup 306693-9813

Mobility Scooter for Sale: The Express Element – Range 50 km, tubeless tires, LED lights, horn, speed up to 25/km, rear basket, under seat storage, and bag hook. BRAND NEW $3995.00. Call 306-694-1322 for more information.

Broda Elite Transport Chair (785) - Broda comfort, adjustable seat tilt and back recline with breathable full padding. Purchased in December 2025, condition like new. Asking $3600 Please call 306693-7030.

105 AUTOS

TRUCK FOR SALE - 2011 Honda Ridgeline Sport, 200,000 KM. Asking $10,000. Fishing boat also for sale, $8000. 306-6944196 or 306-690-1774.

2011 GMC Seirra shortbox 2 door 1/2 ton, 6cyl, posi-track asking $18,000 located in Moose Jaw 639-538-0396

110 AUTO PARTS

FOR SALE: 4 - 235 55 R 18 Continental Ice tires - no rims. 7/32 tread still on them. $200.00 Phone only 306-693-1640.

180 LAWN & GARDEN

For Sale - Tomato plants. 10 varieties, all home grown in Moose Jaw. $4 for single plants. Please call 306-526-0016.

Lawnmower for sale. John Deere - gas, self propelled, key start. Excellent condition. $600, open to offers. Please call 306-6316691.

LOST CAT - $1000 REWARD for information proving her location, confidentiality guaranteed. Missing from West Park area. Believed to be stolen and living in West Park. Answers to June. Please call 306313-7771.

Gently used, solid wood chest of drawers with genuine leather bound wooden handles 73cmX89cm, asking $40.00 orginal price was $450 each. Gently used floral queen sized mattress only in plastic covering Asking $20 original price $450 cash only pickup only localed in Moose Jaw 587-438-8558

140 FOR RENT

FOR RENT - Family dwelling with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, five appliances, central air, off street parking, no pets. $2100/month. Call Les at 306-692-6805. Renovated, 1 bdr, apartment on Southhill, Microwave, washer/dyer, fridge, stove, full kitchen/living room, 4 piece bath,parking at front,available Aug 1, $950/monthplus power, call 306-692-8009 leave a message.

160 MISCELLANEOUS

2 Burial Plots for sale at Sunset Cemetery, Moose Jaw, plots 231 A&B call 306-3952279

165 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

145 REAL ESTATE

House for Sale, 220 Hall St W. Beautiful, 5000 sq ft, solid brick, 6 bdrm, 6bath, 4 fp, extra high ceilings, workshop, garden and cycle shed, heated double garage, will conc 185 SPORTS

Taylor Made set of Irons 4 to wedge, 909 driver, 3 wood burner, 2 putters; long & short, bag,balls and tees,asking $250 OBO call 306-690-5501

Very gently used, solid wood,tall bedside table with cupboard space, laptop or accessories pull out slab,two drawers,manufactured by Defehr,185cmx56cmx42m asking $30 original price $300. Gently used,solid wood chest of drawers with genuine leather bound handles 73cmx89cmx89cm.Must pickup, cash only located in Moose Jaw call 587-438-8558

Like new, stylish and beautiful, center table, thick glass top, faux cream colour leather base with silver studs H44cmXL164cmXW50cm asking $50 must pickup in Moose Jaw call 587-4388558

Free Kitchen cupboards,

15U AAA Canucks End Home Games In Style

After Tuesday July 22 evening’s victory, the coaches for the 15U AAA Canucks asked the players to forego video games and remain loose and focused for Wednesday night’s game.

It may have sounded like a strange chat with the players but nevertheless it worked.

The Canucks finished off their regular season home games defeating the

By Robert Thomas

visiting White Butte Broncos 14 - 0 in a five-inning mercy rule victory.

“The boys came ready to play. They were aggressive right out of the gate. They played really good defence. We’ve had a really good week of practice and it really showed the last few nights here,”

Vanbocquestal said.

The Canucks squeezed out a 4 - 3 victory over the hungry Regina Wolfpack on Tuesday evening largely by playing aggressively on offence and

committing few errors.

A major play was a double play the Canucks turned in the second inning to sit the Broncos down.

“It was exceptional. We’ve been working on it lots. They know what to do. Tanner Usher was great coming over the middle with a great flip and execution,” he said,

Another major play was pulled off by Tanner as he hustled one towards first base.

A bad throw was missed by the first baseman and a sure out turned into a double as Usher rounded first base and simply kept going.

“Tanner is always hustling. He puts the ball in play and works his tail off. You don’t know he’s a small guy he plays with a big heart.”

The Canucks have been competitive despite early season jitters of a young team. There were only two returnees from last year’s edition that had an incredible 31 - 1 regular season.

“They always want to compete. They always show up to play. We’ve had some really good practices. We are at the tail end of the season and were playing the type of baseball we always wanted to play,” Vanbocquestal said.

He credited the good leadership on the team and the large number of second year kids who have played 15U baseball as key elements to the Canucks’ success.

“The calibre of baseball they’re playing shows they’re ready and able to go.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2026/7/22/cc38nh3hk6wavwautbs7rfikjw1uym

Historic win sends U15 Forge FC to PSL Championship Finals

Forge FC- a combination team of players selected from Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Weyburn and Yorkton made history on Sat. July 18th in their semi-final win over Saskatoon’s Astra. After a 3-0 shutout win, they are the first male Forge FC team to advance to provincial finals.

Local player representatives are: Jomi Olaleye, Re-

ese Fleischhaker, Jeremiah Binsfeld, Declan Mannix and Axton Brooks.

Championship finals were scheduled for Friday July 24th in Regina at Mosaic Stadium. Results unavailable before press time this issue.

18U AAA Canucks End Season Bittersweet

Last Monday evening was a tough night for the Moose Jaw 18U AAA Canucks as they wrapped up their season with a double loss to the Regina Wolfpack.

The Canucks would struggle back to lose 14 - 11 to the Wolfpack in Game One. In Game Two of the doubleheader the Canucks would trail losing 12 - 2 in a five innings mercy rule final.

Emotions ran high as players said goodbye to one another and to the coaching staff. Most will hopefully be returning next season to build a better team but five are aged out of minor league baseball. They won’t be back.

And just like that the Canucks season was over.

Monday’s Games

Play wise the Canucks’ season ended in a pair of losses.

One where they fought back and another where they were left in the dust.

“It’s typical of the season. There’s one game where we are down a lot and battled back. We never gave up but fell just a little short,” Canucks head coach Darryl Pisio said, adding “then the next game was as it’s been in the past it just got away from us. There’s next thing you know it’s too much to much of an uphill to battle through.”

Pisio said it’s the tale of the Canucks’ season.

“We’re a team that has to just be scrappy.”

He saw good things happening for the heavily weighted rookie team as they enter their second year in 2027.

“There’s 11 returning this year. If they put the work in and get bigger, stronger and faster you know they’ll be some bright things for people to watch in the next one or two years,” Pisio said.

Wishes Foe Season Past and Future

“First off, we would like to have a lot more wins. But we knew it was going to be tough again we have a young group so that core group it’s going to take some time,” he said.

“It’s been a tough, tough grueling season.”

The team is made up of players of physically different sizes.

By Robert Thomas

“You look on the ball field and you can tell what kids look 18 years old and what kids look 16 years old. There’s a difference.”

Despite the age and size differences he sees some talent and bright spots on the Canucks.

“There are some talented players that are coming up.”

Pisio is just hopeful the players take the things he and the coaches have said and apply them.

Player Development

Pisio said how much players develop is dependent on the players.

“Let’s be honest we can talk until we’re blue in the face about these are the things you need to do but realistically it’s going to come down to them,” he said.

Batting wise the team was great with a team average over .300 and fielding the ball the team has been strong. The problem is errors.

“There’s errors we need to tighten up on. There’s time we can hit the ball again it’s finding that consistency.”

“There’s 11 returning this year. If they put the work in and get bigger, stronger and faster you know they’ll be some bright things for people to watch in the next one or two years,” Pisio said.

Wishes Foe Season Past and Future

“First off we would like to have a lot more wins. But we knew it was going to be tough again we have a young group so that core group it’s going to take some time,” he said.

“It’s been a tough, tough grueling season.”

The team is made up of players of

physically different sizes.

“You look on the ball field and you can tell what kids look 18 years old and what kids look 16 years old. There’s a difference.”

Despite the age and size differences he sees some talent and bright spots on the Canucks.

“There are some talented players that are coming up.”

Pisio is just hopeful the players take the things he and the coaches have said and apply them.

Player Development

Pisio said how much players develop

is dependent on the players.

“Let’s be honest we can talk until we’re blue in the face about these are the things you need to do but realistically it’s going to come down to them,” he said.

Batting wise the team was great with a team average over .300 and fielding the ball the team has been strong. The problem is errors.

“There’s errors we need to tighten up on. There’s time we can hit the ball again it’s finding that consistency.”

“Let’s be honest there are a lot of kids who are very talented and if they put in the work they can go on to college ball,” Pisio said.

So far he has coached 11 kids - including three this year - that have gone on to play college ball.

“It’s awesome for the city of Moose Jaw to see that development and that happening. I just hope the kids understand there is opportunity for you and take advantage of the time you have and don’t just waste it.”

Three Graduates Off To College

Three graduating Canucks are off to play baseball at the college level next year.

Ryder Hicks and Hunter Scott will be teammates together at Professional Baseball Academy in Lethbridge.

Kyron Ernest is off to the University of Victoria.

Retirement - Hanging Up the Cleats For Pisio it’s time to retire officially with coaching. The time commitment is just too heavy.

“I’m retiring again. I came out of retirement but I’m going back into retirement. I understand why I retired in the first place; it’s a lot of work,” Pisio said.

He said he would like to spend more time watching his son who plays for the Moose Jaw Miller Express. Additionally, he wants to watch his son in college by having the freedom to take off on a weekend to watch him play ball.

“This is kind of like more of a current situation when you need somebody to come in and coach, so I helped out. It’s time for someone else to step up and help out.”

https://www.mjindependent.com/ sports/2026/7/21/18u-aaa-canucks-endseason-on-bittersweet-note

Rev. Dr. John Kreutzwieser is a retired pastor from Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK. He graduated with a doctorate degree in 2006 from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.

Exorbitant

I like to eat a Caesar salad regularly. Sometimes I’ll put sliced barbecued chicken breast or beef steak on the top of the salad. Other times I enjoy parmesan cheese and bacon bits on the lettuce. I have found over the past few months that the price of Romaine lettuce is exorbitant. So much so that I hesitate to purchase it, even on sale.

Exorbitant means exceeding the customary limits in intensity, quality, amount, or size. Housing prices have risen so much in the past decade that many families find the cost of buying a new home is exorbitant.

Exorbitant is derived from the Latin exorbitare, meaning to deviate. This Latin word is formed from ex (out of, from) plus orbita (the track of a wheel). When hauling a cart and it moves out of the normal road track, it has deviated (exorbitare) from the customary course.

In the 15th century the English language used exorbitant to describe Christian souls who wandered or deviated from the prescribed teachings of the Church. They were straying from the usual course of faith and life. The exorbitant were no longer on the straight and narrow according to Church law.

Exorbitant also implied those who gave off-

topic remarks in a discussion. When they were discussing the effects of the new law posted by the sheriff, he gave exorbitant comments when he started mentioning the weather.

Exorbitant suggested leaders who used powers to go beyond the scope of the law. The queen became exorbitant as she arrested anyone who disagreed with her about her religious views.

Later, exorbitant extended its meaning to describe anything that exceeds appropriate or customary limits. Many people describe banking fees as an exorbitant way of increasing profits to satisfy shareholders.

Excessive, immoderate, inordinate, extravagant, extreme, and exorbitant all mean going beyond a normal limit.

Excessive suggests an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable. The law needs to be changed as a 10 year jail sentence is excessive for minor theft.

Immoderate implies a lack of desirable or necessary restraint. Every time he went into the clothing store Bill engaged in immoderate spending.

Inordinate means an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment. She took inordinate pride in the lushness of the front lawn at her house.

Extravagant indicates an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste. He made extravagant claims concerning his ability to play golf.

Extreme implies an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable. Joe had an extreme love of eating chocolate.

I diligently continue with that chore to this day. I try to clean all bathrooms on a weekly basis as leaving toilets, etc. much longer than that requires an exorbitant amount of work.

Summer is often a time for vacations and travel. Are you finding the cost of accommodations and fuel exorbitant?

Columnist John Kreutzwieser loves to research words and writes this weekly Word Wisdom column for Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com. He has an interest in the usage, origin, and relevance of words for society today. Greek and Latin form the basis of many words, with ancient Hebrew shedding light on word usage.

John would like to know if anyone has a sincere interest in a relevant word that he could possibly research for an upcoming column. If so, please send your requests to wordwisdom2021@gmail.com . Words will be selected according to relevance and research criteria. We cannot confirm that all words will be used.

Save the Date!

Exorbitant suggests a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree. She made exorbitant demands of all the employees’ footwear at the store.

One of the statements I made prior to getting married was that I would clean the bathrooms in whatever home we lived in. I did not anticipate owning a house with four bathrooms. However,

1010 Main Street North, Moose Jaw, Sk

Will be celebrating 60 Years at our Main Street location. Sunday, November 8th, 2026 Church Service at 11:00 am followed by lunch, a program and socializing. Please come and help us celebrate our 60th Anniversary. Watch in the coming months for updates and further details. If you plan on attending and in addition, would like to contribute to the program please RSVP to: info@fbcmoosejaw.ca

Please include the Moose Jaw Health Foundation in your estate plan to help your community for generations to come.

Please contact us for more information.

Moose Jaw Health Foundation 55 Diefenbaker Drive Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2 Phone (306) 694-0373 www.mjhf.org

Going ABOVE and BEYOND expectations is what sets us apart

Town n country Mall Events - August

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MOOSE JAW

Back-to-School Supply Drive & Food Bank Drive: Donate new school supplies or non-perishable food items at Centre Court by Security. Every donation enters you to win one of two prize baskets.

School’s Out Parking Lot Party Saturday, August 8 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Sensory Time: 11:00–11:30 AM Enjoy cool vehicles, crafts, games, face painting, local vendors, and a concession. Free family event!

TNC Trunk Sale Saturday, August 22 | 11:00 AM–4:00

PM - Sell your unwanted items in our parking lot! To reserve a spot, email gail@townncountrymj.com.

Moose Jaw Lawn Bowling Club Leagues play Tues & Thurs @9:30am and Tues & Wed evening @7. Contact 306-630-8160 about other times.

Lynbrook Ladies Wednesday Business Golf League

Wednesday Night Ladies Business League is open to any ladies interested in joining. President – Shauna Inglis 306-690-6974/Secretary – Bev Arnold 306690-4240/Treasurer – Sharon McKenzie 306-6319606.

Aug-5– Fun Night Tournament- 5:30 pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 9 – Year End Tournament – 5:00pm - Shotgun (sign up sheet will be posted prior week)

Sept 16 – Year End Banquet (cocktails 6:00 pm- supper 6:30 pm)

White Heather Youth Pipe Band in Moose Jaw looking for new players ages eight and older. New players will have the opportunity to try out drum sticks on pads and practice chanters with the instructors and will be introduced to some of the children already members of the band. Contact Michelle Carline at <mcarline@ hotmail.com>

The Prairie Hearts Quilters Guild is held 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. At Zion church from Sept to May.

The Moose Jaw Stamp Club has resumed meeting the second and fourth Wednesday nights of the month at 7:00pm at the Lindale School staff room. For information call 306-693-5705.

Moose Jaw Parkinson’s Support Group meet at 1:30 p.m. on the last Monday of the following months at Hillcrest Apostolic Church, Moose Jaw in September, October, November, January February, March, April and May. Call or text 306-756-2819.

Moose Jaw Town N Country Square Dance Assoc. 2025-2026 Program on Monday nights from 7-9 pm at St. Margaret’s School, 449 5Th Ave NE. Dance in square with family and friends. For information contact Valerie Wright at 306.691.0579. Beginners, singles, or doubles welcome!

Nature Moose Jaw will hold their meetings on a oncea-month status to take place on the third Friday of each month

Church of Our Lady Bingo takes place at the Church of Our Lady Community Centre, 566 Vaughan Street on Tuesday evenings. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m.

Are you struggling with addictions? Do you know someone who is? Or do you want to learn more about overcoming addiction to help others? Pastor Cory Havanka and his wife Brenda will be offering an in-person, small-group, course that will explore how to overcome addiction that is based on Biblical foundations. For questions - Call or text Cory at 306-684-1464 or email firmfoundationministries.inc@ gmail.com. Firm Foundation Ministries provides other services as well: -Bible study - Monday evenings at 630 p.m/Prayer meetings - Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m/ Pastoral counselling. Check Facebook or Instagram for updates on services, events, bible study notes and words from the Lord.

Nar-Anon Meetings every Monday 7—8pm (Moose Jaw Nar-Anon Family Group) is a twelve-step program for relatives and friends affected by someone else’s drug use and is in-person at Moose Jaw Alliance Church, 14 Neslia Place. Come in Main Doors – Meeting Rm 103. Your anonymity and what you say at meetings will be carefully guarded.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Weight Loss

Support Group Meets at the Cosmo Senior Citizen’s Centre, 235 – 3rd Ave. N.E. The group meets every Wednesday morning. Weigh ins are 8-8:45 am. Meeting to follow. Scale weighs up to 350 pounds. Join for friendship and support on your weight loss journey. For more information go to www.tops.org

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meetings every Wednesday evening too in the Alliance Church located at the corner of 9th Ave NE and Thatcher Dr. Use the West side entrance and you’ll find us down the hall in room 107. Weigh ins are 6:30-7 followed by a half hour meeting. Scale weighs up to 500lbs. Join us as we support each other on our weight loss journeys. Visit www.tops.org for more information.

The Moose Jaw Public Library is located at 461 Langdon Crescent and can be reached at MooseJawLibrary.ca, by calling 306-692-2787, or by emailing Ask@MJLibrary.ca. Check the library’s Facebook page for updates, as programs may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Documentary Night features films that rarely hit theatres and runs the last Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. in the theatre. The A.I. Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist: Show date: Thursday, July 30

Movie night The Mummy (1999): Show date: Wednesday, July 29

Children’s programming Standalone events

• Coffee & Community: Adults aged 55 and over Wednesday, July 29, adults aged 55 and over can join Rich Pickering from Nature Moose Jaw on a short discovery walk in Crescent Park in front of the library. The program is free to attend and drop-ins are welcome.

• Regional Park Passes: Patrons can borrow a free regional park pass valid for a seven-day loan for the season running until Sept. 8. Visit SaskRegionalParks. ca to learn more.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING

• STORYTIME IN THE PARK Wednesdays Time: 10:30

am Location: Crescent Park in front of the Library Ages: 2 and up and their caregivers Drop-in program

• COME & GO PLAY! Thursdays Time: 9:30 am

Location: Children’s Program Room Ages: 0 to 5 and their caregivers Drop In Program

• DAD & ME PAPER AIRPLANE BUILDING & FLYING

COMPETITION Sunday, August 9 Time: 1:30 pm

Location: Children’s Program Room Ages: 5 and up Registration Required This program is in partnership with Moose Jaw Family Services

• L’HEURE DU CONTE (FRENCH STORYTIME) samedi 29 août 10h30 à la chambre des enfants pour les 2-8 ans et leurs soignants All levels of French language are welcome

• DIVE IN! SUMMER PROGRAM FOR KIDS 8 - 12

Tuesdays, August 4 & 11 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Location: Children’s Program Room Ages: 8 to 12 DropIn Program

• MAKER SATURDAYS Saturdays, August 1, 15, & 29

Time: 2:00 pm Location: Herb Taylor/ Archives Ages: 8 to 12 Registration required August 1 - Scratch Coding August 15 - Egg Carton Fish August 29 - Bead Bots

• POOL NOODLE BOATS Saturday, August 8 Time: 10:30 am Location: Children’s Program Room Ages: 4 and up Registration Required

• NANAN STEM ACADEMY WORKSHOP! Saturday, August 8 Time: 1:00 pm Location: South Meeting Room Ages: 8 to 14 Registration Required

• CRAFT A CORAL KINGDOM Saturday, August 22

Time: 10:30 am Location: Children’s Program Room Ages: 4 and up Registration required YOUTH PROGRAMMING

• TEEN D&D: DEWBUCKLE THE CITY OF RAIN Thursdays, August 6 to August 27 at 6:30 pm Location: Reading Room Ages: 12 to 16 Registration required

• MOVIE MATINEES Saturday, August 8 Time: 2:30 pm

Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: All Ages Free Admission Movie: Paddington 2 (G)/Saturday, August 22 Time: 2:30 pm Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: All Ages Free Admission Movie: A Minecraft Movie (PG)

• TEEN LIT Wednesday, August 5 Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Herb Taylor Room Ages: 13 to 19 Drop-in program

• TEEN GAMERS Wednesday, August 12 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Herb Taylor Room Ages: 12 to 19 Drop-in program

• TEEN ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday, August 19 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Herb Taylor Room Ages: 12 to 19 Drop-in program Project: Melty Beads

• TEEN ANIME CLUB Wednesday, August 26 Time: 6:30 pm Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: 12 to 19 Dropin Program Show: My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at level 1

• DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL ON LIBBY Ready for your next obsession? Dungeon Crawler Carl is available on Libby and it’s as wild, funny, and addictive as everyone says. Enter the dungeon. Start reading today ADULT PROGRAMMING

• MJPL MOVIE CLUB Monday, August 10 Time: 6:00 pm Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: Adults Dropin program Movie: Once Upon a Time in the West/ Monday, August 24 Time: 6:00 pm Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: Adults Drop-in program Movie: Project Hail Mary

• DOCUMENTARY NIGHT Thursday, August 27 Time: 6:00 pm Location: MJPL Theatre Ages: Adults Drop-in program Movie: Zappa

• DIVERSE CITY: INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS Tuesdays at 6:30 pm For neurodiverse persons & persons with a disability Ages: 17 and up (Drop-in program) August

4 - Sensory Friendly Movie August 11 - Gamers August 18 - Arts & Crafts August 25- Sensory Friendly Games

• THE ROOK ROOM Saturdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Time: 2:30 pm Location: Reading Room Ages: All ages welcome Drop-in program

• COFFEE & COMMUNITY Wednesdays, August 12 & 26 Time: 9:30 am Location: South Meeting Room Ages: Ages Seniors (55+) Registration required Funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

• MAKER NIGHT Monday, August 17 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Herb Taylor Room Ages: 13 and up Registration required Project: Metal Embossing

• ALL ACCESS MYSTERIES The only thing mysterious here is which book you’ll pick first. These mysteries are available instantly. No holds. No waitlists. Start sleuthing today!

• KANOPY’S DEDICATED TO DECADES 1920’S TO 2020’S Step into a cinematic time machine with Kanopy’s Dedicated to the Decades collection. From award winners to fan favorites, explore standout films from the past 100+ years and find your favorite decade! Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 59 Moose Jaw, 693 Fairford St W. Contact: 306-692-5453 Facebook @ ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION-Branch 59 Moose Jaw

OFFICE HOURS: Monday – Friday 9:30am-4:00pm

LOUNGE HOURS: Sunday Closed; Monday 12:00pm–9:00pm; Tuesday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Wednesday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Thursday 12:00pm–5:00pm; Friday 12:00pm–7:00pm; and Saturday 12:00pm – 6:00pm

BINGO – Monday @ 6pm – Paper goes on sale @ 5pm

VETERANS’ DROP-IN – Friday 1:00-5:00 MEAT DRAW & CHASE THE ACE - Saturday @ 3pmEveryone welcome BRANCH 59 BACKYARD BASH -- Saturday, July 18th

– Celebrating 100 Years of Service – 9-11 Pancake Breakfast, 3pm Meat Draw, 7-11pm The Stray Dogs!!

**PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE @ 306-692-5453 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOOKING OUR FACILITY FOR A PRIVATE FUNCTION

***The main (accessible) door to the lounge and parking lot is located at the rear of the building off 7th Avenue NW Moose Jaw & District Seniors Assoc. Inc. Website – moosejawseniors.ca. For more information Call: 306-694-4223 or Email: mjsenior@shaw.ca .

The centre is now open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8am – 8pm and Tuesday, Friday 8am – 4pm

Fitness Level & Indoor Walking Track open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday & Friday’s 8am4pm Wood working area – Monday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm Timothy Eaton Cafe open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cinnamon Buns are on Thursday’s.

Tuesday is pie day. Everyone is welcomed.

Billiards open daily from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. as well as Monday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings from 4:30 –8 p.m.

Pickle Ball – Monday Thursday mornings @ 9 a.m./ Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday afternoons @ 1pm.Monday & Thursday evenings @ 7 pm

Skills & Drills – Tuesday @ 6pm

Fitness- Chair/Low Impact Fitness Tuesdays 11:30 & Thursdays @ 1:00 p.m.

Cribbage – Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Hand & Foot Card Game for Beginners – Thursday @9:30 am.

Mah Jong – Wednesday @1 p.m. Beginners is Monday @1pm

Tai Chi – 9am every Tuesday

Line Dancing – Wednesday @ 11 a.m.

Art & Crafts – Monday, Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 1 p.m.

Floor Shuffleboard – Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 1 p.m.

Paper Tole – Tuesdays @ 1 p.m.

Nickle Bingo – Fridays @ 1 p.m.

Quilting – Every Tuesday & Friday 9am to 4pm, Lounge – Friday’s 2 p.m. to 4 p.m./Jam Sessions –Friday’s 9 a.m.

Texas Hold’em - Thursday @ 6:30pm Tuesday Cards – 6:30pm

Floor Curling – Fridays @ 1pm

Bingo – Monday afternoons 1:30pm -3:30pm and Wednesday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm

Darts – Wednesday’s @ 10am

Consignment Area – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10am-3pm, Wednesdays 10am-12pm

COSMO CENTRE - (306) 692-6072

Office hours: 8:00am - 3:00pm, Mon - Fri

Visit: cosmoseniorcentre.com for monthly calendar and ongoing activities

Coffee Shoppe open 10:00am - 3:00pm

Tuesday 11:30am, Lunch $10 (pre-order by Mon. noon) Thursday - Pie $4.50

Moose Jaw ANAVETS: Army, Navy & Air Force

Veterans Unit #252 – 279 High St. W, Moose Jaw. 306.692.4412 or anaf252@sasktel.net

• Every Monday and Tuesday 1 – 6:30 pm

• Wednesday 12 – 6:30 pm/Smear starts at 12:30 pm

• Thursday 12 – 6:30 pm/Crib starts at 1:30 pm. Bring a friend or sign up for spare

• Friday 1 – 10:00 pm/Shuffleboard starts at 1 pm. Bring a friend and join in!/Pool and darts start at 7 pm.

• Saturday 1 – 6:30 pm/Drop in pool in afternoon. Meat draws start at 4:30 pm - 10 draws, 4 free draws, drink tickets, gift card, 50/50. Everyone Welcome! FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES #3395

EVERY THURSDAY: Ladies Auxiliary “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 5:30 pm, draws start at 6:00 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, “Chase the Ace”. Everyone welcome – non-members just make sure that you have “signed in” as a guest in order to participate.

EVERY SUNDAY: Aerie “Meat Draw” – ticket sales start at 2:30 pm – Meat Draw, 50/50, Mystery Draw, “Chase the Ace”. Everyone welcome – non-members just make sure that you have “signed in” as a guest in order to participate.

MONDAY THRU SATURDAY – DROP IN POOL – 1:00 pm to 1:30 start time. Singles and Doubles.

EVERY MONDAY EVENING – DROP IN CRIBBAGE –Registration 6:00 t 6:30 pm – play starts 7:00 pm – bring a partner - $2.00 each to play. September thru to April. EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING – DROP IN DARTS –Draw for Partners, Play starts at 7:00 pm - $2.00 per person. September thru to April.

EVERY THURSDAY EVENING – DROP IN SHUFFLEBOARD – Draw for Teams - Play starts at 7:00 pm - $2.00 per person.

FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAY – Aerie meeting – 11:30 am Western Development Museum; 50 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw. For more information, visit the museum’s website at WDM.ca/Moose-Jaw. Call 306-693-5989 or email ajones@wdm.ca.