Kenaston, Saskatchewan - Newsletter

Kenaston Crossroads
December 2011 / January 2012

Arena Enhancement Project

This project has moved forward quickly. To date, all approved initiatives have been completed with the exception of signage and additional crushed rock. We are requesting a project extension and plan to be completed by June 30, 2012.

This project and other chamber initiatives still need your financial consideration. Donations made payable to the “Village of Kenaston” and directed to the Chamber projects are income tax deductible. See: Printable Form Online for any of the Chamber projects.

Kenaston Arena Project

The People We Would Like to Thank

Arena Clean-Up: Susan Anholt, Lorne Anholt,
Tyler Pisiak, Rosemary O'Handley, Susanna Comeau, Dan O'Handley, Toni Tweet, Florence Greke, Bob
Mason, Kevin Mills, Agatha Rupcich, Darlene
Remmen, Brent Hartman.

GeoTech: Susan Anholt, Michelle Blenkinsop, Glen Pavelich.

Gravel Project: Don Camber - RM of McCraney, Leonard Mattson - RM of McCraney, Joe
Stacowich - Village of Kenaston, Guy Springett – Dept. of Highways, Gwen Badgley – Dept of Highways, Dave Badgley, Kevin Mills, Brent Hartman, Susan Anholt, Bob Mason, Gene Pavelich, Bo Barker, Tor Lokken.

Water tower Project:

A display case which will display the history and story on-site, was built by Herman Decker of Clear Spring Colony. Herman very kindly donated his time for this project. The donor and history plaques are waiting to be placed and a “water tower operation” plaque remains in the design stage. This addition to the water tower project should be ready for public viewing by Spring 2012.

Grow Saskatchewan Task Force
by ML Whittles

The chamber movement is a vehicle used by merchants, traders, craftsmen and industrialists - providing a public forum to discuss issues facing them as a business community. In 2007 the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the potential of Saskatchewan, created a 'Growth Strategy'. As the Voice of Business, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, through this Growth Strategy, has set a direction for the future.

Dave Dutchak, President and CEO of MD Ambulance out of Saskatoon and Chair of the 'Grow Saskatchewan Task Force' (GSTF), notes that the idea of the Growth Strategy was created with the understanding of the need of
working together towards the larger goal of growing
Saskatchewan, and it must be a community effort, not just the Chamber.

The Strategy does not outline specific details regarding what needs to happen to generate the success that is predicted can happen. Rather, it sets some broad targets or Key Indicators, including growing the population to 1.5 million people by 2030. It also sets out several other goals that when met, will turn Saskatchewan into a province that is truly the very best place to live, to work and to invest.
It is worthy of note that while the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is an organization which represents business, this Growth Strategy will make the lives of all Saskatchewan residents more productive and increase their opportunity for greater prosperity.

As a relatively new member of the GSTF and being given access to past minutes, I have read the discussions on how the GSTF would encourage communities to start looking and determining a “future state”. This would help the community to address the issue of where it wants to be in 5, 10, 20 years. As president of the Kenaston & District Chamber of Commerce, I would pose this question to the community – to its citizenry and to its municipal leadership.

One of the barriers of growth is the people in the communities that do not want to see growth – they think the current prosperity is a “bubble” and will soon burst. These “bubble thinkers” are accustomed to the way they live and do not want change. It was mentioned that the GSTF needs to focus on those who want growth but don’t forget about the “bubble thinkers” altogether. Are we a 'bubble' community or do we want to see growth?

As the 'voice of business', the Chamber advocates for growth. If we wish to grow, what is our municipal leadership doing to precipitate and ensure that we are ready for growth? The Chamber suggests that an open meeting be held to discuss this issue and to decide what we see as for our future.

Crossroads Distribution:

Our growing list of email addresses helps us reach more of the rural and village residents who do not receive the newsletter. We are hoping to continue with this expanded email list so the Crossroads and other important notices can be sent to more homes over the internet. Those not on our list can send their email address to Glen at gene.glen@sasktel.net

Sponsors

Kenaston Community
Christmas Gala

Saturday, Dec. 3 - Kenaston Place
7:30 PM Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres
8:30 PM Entertainment ~ Theatre ~ Comedy ~ Music ~ Cash Bar.
Tickets $20.00/person. $150/table.
Advance Tickets Available Kenaston Co-op and 4 C’s Corner Store
or by phone 252-2828 or 252-2722.
Theatrical Entertainment: Santa Claustrophobia
Proceeds from this event go towards
the Kenaston Blizzards Senior Hockey Team

Welcoming New Businesses:

On November 1st Vickie and Tim Holder purchased Al Hoffmann Insurance and they are proud to continue serving the community with this long standing family business. Vickie wishes to thank the Hoffmann Insurance customers for all the courtesies extended to her over her 16 years in Al’s office and is looking forward to helping Kenaston and area residents with all their future insurance needs.

Reminder: Do not park unregistered vehicles on the streets to allow for efficient snow removal.

Congratulations to Susan Anholt:
for being inducted into the Railroad Hall of Fame 2010, for the Kenaston Watertower Project. (ML Whittles - Chamber President.)
You can view the awarded listing on the Kenaston News Tab /Archives Page.

Veteran’s Park: Kenaston School Students & Mr. Gaspar did a fantastic fall clean-up of the park. Susan Anholt removed some dead branches and trimmed down a few of the hedges.

Notably, Dee Guy has just retired from the Beautification Committee and Colleen Sekulich has agreed to take on the responsibility which has been primarily focused on the Veteran’s Park. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dee for making our park truly beautiful and a community space that we can all be proud of.

Seniors Club News:

Christmas Supper at the Adams Centre Wednesday, December 7th - 6:00 p.m.

On November 14, a quilting demonstration was held at the Adams Centre. Twelve people attended for the day and we were pleased to have member of the Davidson Quilting Guild attend as well.

The pool tables are being used daily. Please sign up at the Adams Centre if you wish to take part in an upcoming tournament.

Weekly exercise classes with Melanie Kerpan are being held at the Centre on Tuesdays at 4:00 p. m.

Some people have expressed an interest in learning to play bridge. Please sign up at the Adams Centre if you are one of these people.

The Winter Games will be held at various clubs in the district in March and April. The finale will be held in Davidson in May. The Kenaston Seniors will host the Games on April 4.

Christmas Hamper Project

Every year the Christmas season brings excitement and wonder, but to many in our midst it also brings with it the stress of financial insufficiency. Once again the Christmas Food Hamper Project will be collecting monetary donations that will be used to purchase
Co-op gift cards. These gift cards will be distributed to recipients, allowing people the dignity of purchasing the food items that they need for themselves.

Anyone wishing a tax receipt can make their donation through any local church or Kenaston Seniors. If you know of a family or individual in need please submit those names to Joan Rink, Pastor Whitehead or Neil Ouellette. Potential recipients will be contacted to ensure their approval. All submissions are kept in the strictest confidence! Thank you for your generosity in this yearly effort.

A Kenaston Crossroads supporter
1-800-263-6071, or 252-6100

Planning a "food" event?

All public events must be licensed by the Health District.
Information and application forms
are posted on the Kenaston Website on the
Village Office page

Contributing to the Crossroads:

As space allows and content deemed appropriate, community members are welcomed and encouraged to contribute information or suggestions for articles to the Crossroads. Send your suggestion and contributions to Glen: 252-2711. Issue are published every 2 months. To sponsor ($60) or co-sponsor ($30) an issue contact Susan Anholt: 252-2769