DAVIDSON — It’s only a matter of time before parking congestion on Garfield Street leads to a collision, Coun. Kim Williams told her colleagues during Tuesday’s town council meeting.
“We are going to have such an accident there,” she said, referring to the busy intersection of Garfield and First streets.
The combination of angle parking on one block and parallel parking on the next has led to reduced visibility and impaired traffic flow, she said, noting that Garfield Street is designated as an emergency route to Davidson Health Centre.
Though Williams was firmly supported by Coun. Mandy Tichit, other councillors were not persuaded, and a motion to restrict parking on an adjacent block was rejected.
The intersection sees frequent traffic during the day. Three of the four corners are occupied by Affinity Credit Union, the seniors centre and Dellene Church’s law practice, with other major businesses situated nearby.
Though Williams expressed concern about Davidson EMS being able to reach the hospital quickly, assistant administrator Donna Bessey said the EMS staff has not indicated any concerns to the town. Town staff also weren’t aware of any recent collisions there.
While he did not dispute the issue, Coun. Jason Shaw said the intersection is one among many trouble spots in town.
“There’s big parking concerns everywhere,” he said. “I’m just wondering, where do we draw the line?”
Williams suggested several options, including banning parking on both sides or installing a four-way stop, but ultimately made a motion to restrict parking on the south side of Garfield Street within a short distance from the intersection.
Tichit seconded the motion, but with no other councillors in support, the motion was defeated.
Administrator Gary Edom said that a change to the traffic bylaw would be needed in order to restrict parking along a particular street.
For the full report, please see the Oct. 26 edition of The Davidson Leader.
Tariq Islam chats with Simon Hiemstra at Davidson’s Fall Family Friendship Night on Wednesday.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — If there’s one thing new arrivals to town have all noticed, it’s the waving.
Mary Beeson, who arrived in December, said she’s frequently been on the receiving end of waves from other Davidson residents, which sets the town apart and also serves as a good memory test.
“You think, ‘Do I know that guy?’,” said Beeson, adding that it’s part of the town’s nature. “People are a lot friendlier.”
Tariq Islam, who arrived here from Bangladesh on June 1, similarly observed how Davidson folks are quick to greet each other.
Though a recent arrival, he said he has already made friends among his neighbours at the Wheatland Apartments and his co-workers at Panther Industries.
It seems natural, given the town’s reputation, that its churches have made a tradition of hosting an annual event to meet and welcome newcomers.
Davidson’s Fall Family Friendship Night was held Wednesday night at the Sacred Heart parish hall, drawing about 70 people. This included recent arrivals as well as organizers and longtime residents.
Members of the Davidson Inter-Church Association take turns organizing the event, first held in 1993. This year,
Davidson Community Bible Church (DCBC) and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church kept things running smoothly.
DCBC pastor Lucas Branstetter was the evening’s emcee. Cookies and beverages were served, and organizers Dana Gayle Dahl and Lana Schmiedge introduced the newcomers.
Prizes for adults and children were given away in draws, while information on local programs, services and attractions was offered on a back table.
Mayor Clayton Schneider welcomed everyone, speaking briefly on how Davidson has bucked the trend of small-town decline with growing business and increased school enrollment.
Eight of the “Ukeladies” performed for the crowd, singing several songs while accompanying themselves on ukeleles. Sandra Zoerb introduced the group, acknowledging that the concept sounds like “something from Laugh-In.”
A worship band from DCBC then took the stage and played several Christian praise songs. Branstetter joked that organizers had tried to hire AC/DC, but there was some confusion with the booking agent.
Around 30 newcomers, including families, couples and singles, were invited. Of those, about 10 attended on Wednesday night.
Lana Schmiedge said this was a smaller number than in previous years, but added that organizers were pleased with the response regardless.
“We had lots of community people come out to welcome our newcomers,” she said. “I think we had a good turnout.”
For the full story, please see the Oct. 26 edition of The Davidson Leader.
Public health nurse Sheri Warkentin adminsters the flu vaccine to Vi Siroski at Davidson Town Hall on Thursday.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Health officials are once again urging the public to get vaccinated as flu season approaches.
Those looking for the influenza vaccine have extra options this year, as for the first time, Saskatchewan pharmacists are allowed to provide the vaccine to their customers.
About 200 of the 360 community pharmacies across the province will offer the vaccine, including Midway Pharmacy in Davidson.
Pharmacist Dave Nykiforuk said he and his staff were allowed to start administering vaccinations last Monday. As of noon on Wednesday, about 10 customers had requested the vaccine.
While the pharmacy may start setting appointments if demand increases, Nykiforuk said for now that customers may simply come in and request to be vaccinated.
New legislation, introduced last year and officially adopted earlier this month, allows the province’s pharmacists to administer vaccines and drugs, such as flu shots and injections of vitamin B12.
Health regions across the province will also continue to offer the vaccine at the standard public clinics, being held between late October and early November.
The vaccine is offered free of charge, whether taken at a clinic or at a pharmacy. Patients must present their provincial health card to receive the vaccine at pharmacies.
The flu vaccine is available for residents six months of age or older. Children aged nine or older can receive the vaccine at a pharmacy, but younger children must be vaccinated at a clinic.
In a news release, Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer, said he encourages everyone, especially those at a high risk and their caregivers, to get vaccinated.
Those at a high risk of developing complications from the flu include pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
“Getting vaccinated early in the fall is the best way to protect yourself, your family and others around you during flu season,” Dr. Shahab was quoted.
In addition to the traditional vaccination, a nasal vaccine (FluMist) is being offered at the clinics as an option for children between the ages of two and 17.
According to the province, vaccines used this year include two influenza A viral components (H1N1 and H3N2) and one or two influenza viral B component(s). The World Health Organization has predicted that these strains are most likely to circulate in the coming season.
The Ministry of Health has estimated the effectiveness of the vaccine at around 60 per cent in healthy persons, but also stated that it is dependent upon multiple factors.
These include the match between strains in the vaccine and strains circulating in the patient’s community, as well as the patient’s age and immune response.
The province also stated that it is more effective in those who are younger and generally healthy, but may be less effective in older people. Those who get the flu after receiving the vaccine usually have a milder illness and are less likely to require hospitalization.
For the full story, including a listing of all clinics scheduled in Davidson and district this fall, please see the Oct. 26 edition of The Davidson Leader.
Dan and Melissa Surine and their twin daughters Emma and Addison are pictured in this family portrait.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — The people of Saskatchewan have a reputation for generosity and kindness, and over the last four months, Cheryl Black says she’s seen more than enough proof to convince her.
Residents across the province have rallied in support of her son, his wife and their twin infant daughters, who were diagnosed with a fatal genetic condition at four months of age.
Since that diagnosis in June, upwards of $37,000 has been raised to support the family as they have migrated to British Columbia, where the girls are undergoing an experimental treatment.
“You know for sure when something like this happens,” said Black on Thursday. “They’re living off the love of this province, literally.”
Her son Dan Surine and his wife Melissa, who live in Saskatoon, became the proud parents of Addison and Emma on Feb. 2. The girls appeared healthy until later that spring.
In mid-May, the Surine family was visiting Davidson, where Black lives and is employed at the health centre as head housekeeper.
They were attending the graduation exercises at Davidson School — where Black’s sister, Cathy Rettger, is vice-principal — but had to leave early as Emma had fallen ill.
By early June, Emma had been diagnosed with Type 1 spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disease that causes the loss of nerves within the spinal cord, as well as weakness with the corresponding muscles.
The disease affects the ability to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe or swallow. It is the No. 1 genetic killer of infants and young children.
About one in 6,000 babies are affected by SMA, and it is typically fatal before the age of two. There is no known cure.
Genetic testing revealed that Addison is also affected by SMA, dealing a devastating blow to the family.
Despite the heartbreaking news, the Surines were quickly contacted by Families of SMA Canada, leading to them attending a conference in Kansas City, Missouri, and learning about a drug trial for which the girls would be eligible.
To take part, the family had to move from Saskatoon to British Columbia for 14 months, with Dan and Melissa leaving their home, jobs and lives behind in August.
Since this summer, family, friends and even strangers have stepped up to support the family, organizing a series of fundraisers to cover the costs involved, beginning with a GoFundMe account to pay for the family’s trip to Kansas City.
The Surines’ neighbours hosted a steak night and silent auction in August, while Anne Willner donated the proceeds from a Civic Holiday charity breakfast at Douglas Provincial Park to the cause.
Rettger’s friend Kelly Forsberg, a former Saskatchewan Roughriders employee now working as an event planner, organized a fundraiser at Saskatoon’s Rock Creek Tap and Grill on Aug. 30 with the help of Darian Durant.
Fans could get autographs signed or bid on a seat at the quaterback’s table to watch the day’s game. Silent auctions were also held; among the items up for bids was a round of golf with Rob Bagg and Weston Dressler, which eventually went for $3,500.
Bagg and Dressler came to the Harbor Golf Club and Resort in Elbow to make good on the deal, enjoying an afternoon game of golf, having supper and drinks, and signing autographs for fans.
The donations and support have been greatly appreciated by the Surines, who are now providing round-the-clock care for their daughters. Melissa’s background in nursing has proven helpful.
Emma’s SMA has progressed quickly; at three months she had nearly lost the ability to swallow, and now she depends on suction to remove the saliva from her mouth.
The girls are undergoing a series of six injections, with the fourth expected in late October. Due to the nature of drug trials, Dan and Melissa don’t know whether the girls are receiving a standard or double dose, or simply a placebo.
Rettger said they are seeing some improvement since the treatment began with increased movement in the girls’ arms and legs, but Addison has since lost the ability to swallow.
Black said she visited the family in Kelowna most recently in early October. In addition to the donations, she said they’ve also appreciated the support of the SMA community.
The whole experience has been overwhelming, she said, adding, “It’s hard to express how grateful you can be . . . It has been lovely.”
Rettger added that despite their exhaustion, Dan and Melissa are determined to “celebrate every day with the girls.”
“They are relentlessly positive,” she said. “They just seem to take each new thing in stride.”
Pictured is a section of the construction plans for the change house, included among the documents issued in a request for proposals for Davidson’s new pool last week.
By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — Contractors interested in leading the construction of Davidson’s new pool have until Oct. 29 to dive right in.
Walker Projects, the Regina firm working on behalf of the town, released the request for proposals (RFP) online on Tuesday, kicking off the process through which Davidson will determine the builder of the pool.
Documents released via sasktenders.com last week included the architectural plan for the site, located just north of the current pool on a plot of land, roughly two acres in size, donated by Bryan Ulmer.
Also released were the blueprints for the building that will contain the change house and mechanical equipment, and the general requirements for proposals submitted to Walker Projects.
The process will include a local site walkthrough conducted by Daryl Andrew, the project manager from Walker working with the town, this Wednesday.
Once the deadline is reached, Walker Projects will rank each of the proposals using a point system that measures several criteria.
These include demonstrated comprehension of the project, compliance with the project scope, overall quality of design-build elements and pool systems, experience and past performance of the proponent team, proposed construction schedule, cost, and the overall quality and thoroughness of the proposal.
“They go through each submission, vet everybody,” explained Davidson recreation director Trevor Ouellette, adding that the town will be provided with the ranking and information on all proposals.
Over a couple of weeks, members of town council, the recreation board and the swimming pool committee will consider the proposals, with Walker’s report as a reference point, and narrow them down.
Ouellette also said that the RFP process, in comparison to seeking tenders, allows for greater communication and negotiation between parties, allowing the town to seek flexibility on the use of volunteer labour, time and materials.
The documents state Nov. 19 as the projected date the contract will be awarded; Ouellette said the group hopes to have made its decision by the Nov. 17 town council meeting.
“It’ll start to happen quuckly once these come in,” said Ouellette.
For the full story, please see the Oct. 19 edition of The Davidson Leader.
Renee Zdunich and Dee Guy pose next to the sign outside Guy Trucking’s office in Kenaston earlier this month.
By Joel van der Veen
KENASTON — The phones have mostly stopped ringing, and the trucks are off the road.
Within a few weeks, decades of hustle and bustle for the Guy family and their employees will draw to a close for good.
After more than 30 years of hauling grain and fertilizer across the Prairies, Guy Trucking Ltd. stopped dispatching trucks at the end of August.
Dee Guy and her daughter Renee Zdunich are still working in the now-quieted office in Kenaston to finalize the company’s affairs, but they said they expect that work to be finished by the start of November.
Guy said she decided a few months ago that she was ready to retire, while Zdunich, the chief dispatcher, said she wanted to scale back her time commitment somewhat.
Two long-time employees, Cynthia Guy and Gloria George, had retired in May. This left just three staff members — Renee, Dee and Deanna Bleackley — in the office, setting the gears in motion.
After looking for replacements and finding no one willing to take on the full-time office commitments, Dee said they decided it was time to move on altogether.
She said she “just thought it was time to enjoy life a little more,” while Zdunich’s role made it difficult to get away for even a long weekend: “It got to be just a little demanding.”
Dee said her husband Arlo, the company president and CEO, initially wasn’t excited about their decision but has come to terms with it now.
The company has grown substantially since 1984, when the Guys’ oldest son Brent decided to purchase a tandem truck and offer custom grain hauling as a means of supplementing his farm income.
Brent Guy Trucking, as it was initially known, started with one truck and kept its owner and operator busy over the next several years.
Arlo joined the business in 1987, buying a truck and trailers to help secure a hauling contract with CSP Foods in Saskatoon. Dee got involved in 1990, and both helped with billing and dispatching.
For the full story, please see the Oct. 19 edition of The Davidson Leader.
