War Couldn ’ t Quench Love
Submitted by Wanda Brown
I don ’ t have memories of the war but I ’ ll share what it was like growing up in a veteran ’ s home . My dad , Howard Nelson , from Norquay , SK was a medic in the Second World War . He and my mom , Esther Bernice Elias , an American girl who moved with her young widowed mother and three brothers to Northwestern Ontario to homestead and be near family , met at Covenant Bible School in Norquay . Shortly after , dad left to join the army . The students saw him and perhaps others off on the train , singing ‘ God be With You - ‘ Till we Meet Again ’. Since the students were asked to write to a serviceman to encourage them , my mom corresponded with my dad . After training in Canada , he sailed for England . He was in France , Belgium , Holland and Germany . He was away for many years . A romance blossomed from their correspondence . As soon as he returned , they were engaged and married shortly after . Five children were born to them and I ’ m in the middle . Dad didn ’ t talk about the war at home . I believe that was his way of dealing with the emotional scars . We had a number of mementos in our home – his aluminum mess tin he ate out of , an ocean liner replica in a glass bottle , adult size wooden shoes that we loved to clomp around in , a few pictures of dad in uniform , his medals , and a tiny pocket size diary to name a few . The greatest treasure , which we children weren ’ t allowed to touch , was Dad ’ s love letters to mom , tied with a ribbon and lovingly stored in her cedar chest . They and the chest have traversed Canada from Westlock , AB to the Eastern townships of Quebec , where I grew up , back to Saskatchewan and are now safely stored with my family in Alberta . My parents weren ’ t well off in material ways , but rich in what matters most . They were sweethearts for 63 years of marriage . My brother removed a picture of mom when she was young ( which was still in good condition ) out of Dad ’ s wallet when he passed away at 95 , nine months after mom ( who was 98 ). They are laid to rest in Linden , AB . Rather than the horrors of war , I thought I would share this beautiful story . I ’ m so honoured to be the daughter of a veteran . A great man , who served our country well .
ABOVE : Esther Bernice Elias LEFT : Howard Nelson
MaRtENsVillE MEssENgER - NOVEMBER 10 , 2016 - Page 5
Chambers of Commerce Hosts Economic Roundtable Discussion Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
Members of the Martensville and Warman Chambers of Commerce came together Monday , November 7th for a luncheon at the Canalta Hotel in Martensville . The luncheon was held in conjunction with an Economic Roundtable discussion with Member of Parliament ( MP ) for Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek , Kelly Block . Those attending were invited to discuss their thoughts and concerns about the effect of recent federal policies on small and medium sized businesses .
Elise Hildebrandt of The Mortgage Centre and President of the Warman Chamber of Commerce , welcomed the approximately 20 attendees and introduced Block before handing the floor over to the local MP . Block had prepared several questions prior to the event which included ; How will a higher CPP rate affect your business ? Were you counting on the small business tax cut to help grow your business ? How will a federally imposed carbon tax directly or indirectly impact your business ? What policy / regulatory / legislative changes at the federal level would help your business grow ? What measures should I advocate for that will strengthen our local / provincial / federal economy ?
Block is holding roundtable discussions throughout communities within her constituency this fall to learn more about what is directly affecting the residents and businesses within her constituency . “ We want to hear from stakeholders , where they think the government should put their energies when it comes to the budget , what you experience as community leaders and business leaders both in Warman and Martensville , and want to hear what your outlook for your business is going forward and what impact the government policies are having ,” Block said .
Several attendees mentioned their concerns regarding the carbon tax that was recently announced and how it would affect their business . Block explained the carbon tax , stating , “ Putting things into perspective , it will total 11 cents extra per litre for gasoline when fully implemented .” Block also explained that the CPP contribution rates would be increasing from 9 % to 12 %, which was another topic of concern for business owners . With these changes , the cost of running a business will increase , and that cost will then be passed on to consumers , affecting everyone . The concerns that were discussed during the roundtable meeting were consistent with what she has been hearing within the other meetings .
Saskatoon will be hosting the first Conservative Leadership Debate at the Delta Bessborough on November 9th . There are currently twelve candidates .
ABOVE : From L to R - Josh Boyes , Ottawa Executive Assistant to Kelly Block , Conservative MP for the Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek constituency Kelly Block and Block ’ s offi ce assistant Fran Gorbenko at the Economic Roundtable discussion November 7th .
Community Engagement : Annual Parent Night
Prairie View School ’ s School Community Council is pleased to support the staff of Prairie View School by hosting our annual parents night / movie night for the entire community . The community of Dalmeny is invited to attend Parents Night on Thursday November 17 , 2016 . Not only are parents encouraged to attend , but so are other members of the community who are interested in supporting our children through bullying & conflict .
Beginning at 6:30 PM , students have an opportunity to watch the Disney movie Finding Dory . The price of admission is a parent / guardian . Chips and door prizes will be available , including one lucky child who will win the copy of the movie !
While the students watch the movie , adults will attend the workshop : " The Reality of Anxiety : Reducing its Impact on Everyday Life .”
Jennifer King , RSW ( Registered Social Worker ) will be speaking to looking at what anxiety is , how it shows up in daily life , exposing the reality of anxiety , real life ways
to reduce its impact on life , and what happens when we become anxious about being anxious .
The school community council for Prairie View School has planned an exciting year including our annual family dance , and our popular Kindergarten Readiness Seminar . The purpose of the School Community Council is to support student learning success and wellbeing and encourage parent and community involvement and engagement in their school . Community members of the 2016-2017 include Crystal Benoit ( Secretary ), Melissa Buhler , Scott Burant ( Chair ), Crystal Derksen , Callista Dilecce , Lesa Heath ( PVS Staff ), Janice Key ( PVS Staff ), Andrea Konechny , Alisa Perrin , Rona Roth ( PVS Staff ), Tracy Wright ( Vice-Chair ), and Anna Zoller .
Community members are welcome to contact any member to share their interests and issues regarding student learning at Prairie View School . For more information contact : Scott Burant at scotteburant @ hotmail . com or Janice Key at pvs @ spiritsd . ca .