Wow, I’m so proud of our Canadian Athletes and their performances at the Olympics. It was exciting to watch right from the opening ceremonies with Celine Dion. It was a joy to watch our Canadian Olympic team compete over the last 2 weeks, such an emotional rollercoaster for fans and participants as they battled opponents from all over the world. Win or lose they displayed exceptional athleticism, talents and pride.

My favourite part of the Olympics was watching how proud our athletes were of being Canadian and representing Canada.

Now that the Olympics are finished, I can focus on upcoming events here. Enjoy your weekend and keep your eyes peeled for a special email on Tuesday morning!

Interesting things at the MJMAG

When did you last walk through the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery (MJMAG) or participate in one of their many classes? Paintings by Local Artist Dave Pelletier are currently on display (until Sept. 1st). Dave’s paintings reflect his imaginings and interpretations of the Indigenous world.

The next exhibitions begin on September 27 with Leesa Streifler: The Performance of Being / La Performance de l’être and Bold Gestures: Drawings from the Vault in the Lobby Exhibit Space.

Everything you need to know about the Art Gallery & Museum, Art Classes, and events can be found on line at www.mjmag.ca/artclasses. Education Coordinator: Christy Schweiger (educator.mjmag@sasktel.net, 306-692-4471) has many activities and Art Programs planned.

A couple of classes coming up in early September are Indigenous Beading Workshop – (orange shirt) Saturday, Sept.14. and Introduction to Screen-Printing – Every Child Matters T-Shirt Sunday Sept. 22.

If you’ve always wanted to be an artist and now have the time, Grant McConnell from CARFAC is presenting The Business of Art, on Sat., Sept. 21/24. The workshop includes preparing a portfolio and resume/artist’s CV, contracts, copyright, insurance and how to pack and ship artwork.

Also mark down this date! Oct. 16, Michelle Gallagher will be presenting The Galapagos (Noon Hour Slides- Travel Series, 12:15 – 1:00). On November 20, Dave Wentworth will be doing a noon hour slides travel series, same time, on his recent trip to Uzbekistan. Located at the Performing Art Centre above the MJMAG. You can attend in person or online with Zoom.

Disc Golf, What I Have Learned

The sport of disc golf is a great low-impact form of exercise and very affordable for anyone to get started.

It’s free for participants, it’s a very peaceful walk in nature, it can be played year-round, you can play by yourself or go out with friends. You can choose to play all 18 holes or until you lose your disc or get tired of looking for your disc.

Tip #1 – Make sure you put your name and phone number on your discs… people are very good at returning your lost discs.

Moose Jaw has 3 Disc Golf courses (including one at 15 Wing).

1. Wakamow - 18 hole disc golf course. Golf sets are available to borrow, for a small donation at the main office. Each set comes with a map and a QR code for the holes - this is important: 1. So you know where to start (hole 1) and where to walk, to get to the next hole 2, 3, 4 etc.…and 2. Where the general area is of the target you are throwing to... i.e. over the trees, around the bushes, down the dirt path.

Tip #2 – Download the app UDisc to your phone, you can then access all of the important information such as the course map to your phone… no matter where in the world you are playing.

2. Déjà Vu Disc 18 hole Disc Golf Course (behind Sunningdale School)

Same hints as above… You must bring your own discs. They have a billboard with a great map and posting of rules and etiquette. There are 2 colours of baskets for different levels. A level baskets are blue and B level Baskets are orange.

Give it a try… the worst thing that can happen is that you have a wonderful nature walk and a good visit with friends!

Interview with Board member Elaine Parsons

1. Where did you spend teaching career?

I spent 35 years in Moose Jaw with HTCSD and retired for 19 years.

2. What types of things have you done to stay involved in the community?

Formerly I was on the Board of Directors of Band City Optimist Sharks swim team, B.O.D. of MJ Flying Fins, Level 5 Master Official with Swim Sask., and B.O.D. of Gamit Abet. And currently: MJ Local STS – Secretary, Board of Directors of MJDSCA – Secretary and various committees, I lead a Senior – Forever in Motion fitness class at the centre, Coordinator of weekly Bingos, Fundraising committee, Volunteer in Cafe and banquets, and work Security when groups book our facility.

3. What do you do in your downtime?

I enjoy reading, my book club, coffee with friends, and spending as much time as possible with my four grandchildren.

4. What advise do you have for other retirees?

I would like to encourage everyone to get involved in any activity or volunteer for whatever interests them. Of course, I am partial to all seniors coming down to the Eaton’s centre to check us out and hopefully join our great group!

I’m back from my latest adventure: The Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Do you know anyone else who has been to Uzbekistan? Well if you didn’t before, now you do! I just got back from an amazing 10-day small group tour experience to Uzbekistan where I marvelled in the highlights of the Silk Road.

I flew to Uzbekistan via Europe, and it is a very hot time of year to be there. Temperatures regularly topped out above 40C. It is a landlocked country, and there were some fertile areas but also vast expanses of open desert and dry spaces.

A highlight on the itinerary was an overnight at the Sputnik Yurt camp in the Kyzylkum Desert. It was truly in the middle of nowhere, and yet it was comfortable with all the amenities you need including wifi, so I could post pictures like these. The stars were so abundant and radiant.

Hat’s off to Uzbekistan! A highlight at the end was reaching Khiva, where I wandered its labyrinth of narrow streets with towering minarets. For culture vultures like myself, Khiva is not just a destination but a journey back in time to the heart of Central Asia’s rich heritage. I will be doing a more detailed Zoom presentation on this extraordinary adventure on November 20 in association with the Moose Jaw Museum & Art Gallery’s noon hour travel series. Keep an eye on their site for further info.

November is a popular time for Canadians to travel, offering a welcome escape before winter sets in. Many head south to enjoy warm destinations, while others embrace early holiday shopping in Europe. It’s also a great time for a safari, Asia, or Down Under. With fewer crowds and off-peak prices, it's the perfect time for a more relaxed travel experience. As November approaches, booking now ensures the best availability and special deals. Don't miss out on your chance to enjoy a refreshing getaway before the holiday rush. Secure your spot today and make the most of this prime travel season! Get in touch by clicking here or the image below.

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