News

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Porcupine Opportunities Program Inc. (POP) is celebrating its 50th year of operation in 2024. As we reflected on this, we felt it was important to recognize the individuals that helped to make the organization a success over the last five decades and to recognize some of the key milestones over the years.

POP was initially started in 1974 by a group of parents who wished to provide an opportunity for their children, who were experiencing disabilities, to live and work in or near their homes. With their own money and donations from community, the group purchased 27 acres of land on the south side of Porcupine Plain and moved a two-room schoolhouse to the site. They set up a working area in one room, storage and admin office in the second room, and a small woodworking shop in the basement. This formed POP’s infrastructure to start providing services and to support 9 individuals.

Initial operations at POP were largely built around income from Canada manpower grants, while other income came from building grain bids for local farmers and the Co-op. The new beginnings of what would later become the main revenue source for the agency, core box production for mining companies, was also established. However, without a steady operating revenue, the organization was starting to falter by the end of the 1970’s.

In 1983, Karl Kwiatkowski, POP’s manager, orchestrated the transition from the parent group to a community-based board of directors. Base operating revenue was provided by the provincial government through the Ministry of Social Services. Over two dozen organizations were represented at the initial meetings, with some groups agreeing to sit on the board and others offering support.

Over the years, financial circumstances and changes in local organizations gradually reduced the number of organizations involved in the agency. Currently, only the Town of Hudson Bay and RM of Kelvington still appoint board members, while other board members are appointed at large.

From the early beginnings, POP continued to grow and expand its programming. Key milestones included:

• Construction of current day program, workshop and administrative office on Church St. in the early 1980s
• The initiation of residential services in 1985 with the rental of a three-bedroom home from Saskatchewan housing to support individuals in semi-independent living
• Construction of POP’s first group home on 1st Ave. in 198 (Playtondale), with two more group homes being added in 1998 on Cooper St. (ABM) and in 2012 on Katherine Ave. (Glenwood)
• Building of two independent living residences, with the first in 2004 and the second in 2012. These suites house four and five individuals respectively and were attached to two of the group homes. The agency also purchased a four-bedroom home in 2010 to provide additional
  supported living spaces for participants additions to the business
  programming. Through this time, POP also included setup of a
  laundromat and business offices in 1991, the purchase of a four-plex apartment building in 1994, and the addition of SARCAN recycling
  depots in Porcupine Plain in 1997 and Hudson Bay in 2008.
• 2018 addition of dunnage line for Weyerhaeuser
• 2022 construction begins on the 3500 square foot expansion to the workshop

Today, POP has grown to be an integral part of the local communities in Porcupine Plain and Hudson Bay. The agency currently supports approximately 30 participants, supported by 60 full- and part-time staff. Programming for participants continues to evolve and now includes two day programs (Porcupine Plain & Hudson Bay), a seniors’ program, and an expanded workshop which produces core boxes for the mining sector, dunnage for the lumber industry, and various outdoor furniture, planters and other wood products for the public. Most recently, the agency has expanded its supported employment program with the expansion of service in its laundromat. A gift store that features products produced by local and regional artisans, a selection of Filipino Food, and POP Day Program produced crafts was opened in 2019. In 2023, Tid Bits, another supported employment endeavour, began creating individual frozen entrees and desserts in our inspected kitchen to sell at the store, Bits ‘n Pieces.

THANK YOU…

Founding Parent Group: Anne & Mike Kuzek; Sophie & Nick Kwiatkowski; Mavis & Mike Belchamber: Audrey & Don Leepart; Elsie & Joe Dobrowski; Mabel & Fred Seafoot; Phillipena & Herman Heine; Kathy & James Jamieson: and Marg Kraft

Founding Board of Directors: Fred Seafoot, Herman Heine, Anne Kuzek, Mike Kuzek, Nick Kwiatkowski, Jim Jamieson, Kathy Jamieson. Other community
contributors include John & Dorothy Gunderson, Merlin & Elaine Olson, and Marie Szydlowski.

Current Board of Directors: Tracy Slobodian, Tony Lau, Pat Morvik, Mary
Ryhorski, Bonnie Hoffus, Mark Orendi (Town of Hudson Bay appointee), Agnes Ewen (RM Kelvington appointee). If you are interested in becoming a director on the board, please reach out to one of our current directors.

 

POP wants to thank all former and current staff for their dedication and support to all who have called or call POP their home over the last 50 years.

 

St. Andrew’s Church marked its 100th anniversary on July 29th with a joyous celebration.  The church service was officiated by Nancy Steinbachs, with special guests including former minister Tom Morgan and Rev. Alex Parsons from the Saskatoon Synod. Gary Reed shared a captivating 100-year history of the church, while Ray Zimmerman and Debbie Gibson provided musical entertainment for the afternoon. The event concluded with a large potluck lunch. Approximately 100 people attended, making it a perfect celebration.

Now a historic site, St. Andrew’s Church was built in the Shand Creek area in 1924 by returned soldier settlers and pioneers of the area, holding its first service on May 18, 1924. A cairn and plaque erected by the Shand Agricultural Society commemorates the pioneers who built the church, along with the original Red Cross Outpost.

 

Having to miss his own high school graduation ceremony  in Porcupine Plain on June 27th due to the NHL Draft in Las Vegas, Tarin Smith’s classmates opted to have a separate graduation parade on June 22nd to ensure that Tarin could be part of their celebrations.  In a show of
support and well wishes, Tarin’s classmates adorned Porcupine Blues jerseys and residents of Porcupine Plain watched the parade from their homes and workplaces, or along McAllister Avenue, to show their support and wish Tarin luck in the 2024 Draft.

Spending his time in the Western Hockey League with the Everett Silvertips, Tarin was picked by the Silvertips after putting up six goals and 34 points in 43 games with the Saskatoon Blazers (U18 AAA), but was limited to only eight games in his WHL rookie season thanks to a shoulder injury that required surgery. He returned in 2023-2024 with eight goals and 44 points in 67 games, leading to Central Scouting ranking him 38th heading into the NHL Draft; among Silvertip skaters, Smith ranked eighth in points and first among defensemen.

It looks like all his hard work paid off because, in the 2024 NHL Draft, Tarin Smith was selected in the third round, 79th overall, by the Anaheim Ducks!  The community of Porcupine Plain extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tarin. This remarkable achievement reflects his dedication, talent, and hard work.  The entire town is proud of his accomplishment and looks forward to cheering him on as he embarks on this exciting new chapter in his hockey career.

Our 5th Annual Community-Wide Garage Sale will be held on Sunday, June 9th.  Click the image below to see the map of participating households — Happy shopping!  And don’t forget to head down to the ball diamonds/sports grounds to take in Minor Ball Day — they’ve got ball games happening all day starting at 10a.m., along with a food booth to keep your tummies happy, 50/50 draw and bucket draws!!

***ONE LATE ADDITION: 206 2ND AVENUE***

CAUTION – YOU’RE IN BEAR COUNTRY!

The Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School Sr. Boy’s Bears Basketball team worked their tails off all season and, this year, were ranked #1 in Saskatchewan! While SHSAA cancelled Hoopla (Saskatchewan’s high school basketball championship), the association held a one-day provincial basketball championship in Moose Jaw on Saturday, March 23rd for teams that had qualified for Hoopla.

Spearheaded by Johnston Agencies, businesses showed their Bears Pride by hanging posters in storefront windows. And, on March 22nd, residents lined Main Street wearing blue and yellow, and holding Go Bears posters, to cheer on the boys as they departed town, led in a small parade by RCMP, EMS and the Fire Department.

Porcupine Plain played at 5:15p.m. at Vanier in Moose Jaw. The battle was extremely close, with the Bears ultimately losing 87-85, earning Silver at the provincial championship.  The Sr. Boys Basketball team played their hearts out and our community is bursting with pride for their achievements.

 

 

 

U18 PARK POSSE NEHMLCHAMPIONS!

Congratulations also to the U18 PARK Posse team — comprised of players from Porcupine Plain, Archerwill, Rose Valley, and Kelvington — who clinched the NEHML Championship in a thrilling overtime win on Sunday, March 24th.

 

 

On Saturday, February 10, 2024 the community’s 2nd Annual Unity in the Community event was hosted by the Porcupine Métis Local, Métis Nation Saskatchewan Eastern Region II, and Town of Porcupine Plain.

After a short formal program including an address by each of Cathay Wagantall – MP Yorkton-Melville, Lisa McCallum – Secretary for Métis Nation Saskatchewan, Hugh Nerlien – MLA Kelvington-Wadena, Brent Digness – Regional Representative MN-S ERII, Nick Wood – Mayor Town of Porcupine Plain, and Dan Mielke – Principal for Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School, and a special reading of Lii Michif by Elder Rita Ducharme and the PPCS Grade 3 class, the cultural booths opened and the afternoon’s entertainment commenced.

This year — dubbed The Year of the Youth — all children were given a passport and, after collecting stamps from each cultural booth, traded those passports in for prizes and treats. Children took part in a number of crafting activities at each booth, and all attendees were able to sample several food items from each culture — from lefse and krumkake at the Norwegian booth, to bison meatballs and bannock at the Métis table. The Filipino and Ukrainian booths each offered a smorgasbord of samples, including pancit, spring rolls and cassava cake at the Filipino table, and perogies, cabbage rolls, sausage, and a variety of baking at the Ukrainian table.  It’s safe to say nobody left the Hall hungry that day!

The Northern Prairie Dancers kicked off the afternoon with some square-dancing lessons, followed by yet another show-stopping performance by the Porcupine Filipino Community Dancers.

Representatives from each culture booth gathered for the ceremonial cake cutting.  The cake – once again decorated by Koral Kriger in a way to mimic Métis beadwork – included the national flower for each of Norway, Ukraine and the Philippines, as well as a prairie rose and feather to honour our Métis and First Nations neighbours. After cake, the Northern Prairie Dancers returned to show off some more dance moves. The Dean Smith band accompanied the Dancers and provided an incredible soundtrack for the day’s events. The afternoon concluded with Robert Whitehead from Yellow Quill singing and drumming, accompanied by two young dancers — the youngest a ‘grass’ dancer, and the older boy a traditional dancer.

The community would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked so hard to setup displays and serve food, as well as everyone who came out to partake in the day’s events.  Many hands pitched in to make the day go off without a hitch – the volunteers for the cultural groups who worked hard on booth displays and menus; the Porcupine Plain Air Cadets Squadron who helped with setup and cleanup throughout the day; PPCS & PPCS Art Club who provided beautiful artwork to display and decorate the Hall; the PP Economic Development Committee and Parkland Co-op who donated prizes for the children; Parkland Co-op staff who worked the welcome table; and the numerous businesses and individuals who donated bucket draw items.  Volunteers from the Porcupine Plain & District Museum and Health Care Auxiliary sold bucket draw tickets; proceeds from bucket draw sales were split between the two groups, with each group receiving $745.

We would also like to thank Sask Culture, Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, and Sask Lotteries for funding, without which we couldn’t host this incredible day for free to the public. 

We hope to see everyone again next year  — and, if you’re interesting in adding a new culture booth, get in touch with Debbie or Koral!

 

On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Senior Blues hockey team hosted a fundraiser game with proceeds going towards Madison Butler,  the 14-month-old daughter of Brittany Mahussier and Cole Butler from Porcupine Plain. 

At just nine months old, when a large brain tumor was discovered, Madison was diagnosed with Grade 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma (Type-A) Brain Cancer.  Madison had surgery in August 2023 to remove the tumor.  Following surgery, the family made several trips to Saskatoon for appointments and MRIs to come up with a treatment plan. Unfortunately, Madison is too young to receive the photon radiation offered in Canada and, due to the fast-growing nature of this type of cancer, waiting was not an option.  As a result, Madison needed to go to Chicago for six weeks of proton therapy radiation, which delivers a more precise beam of radiation. The family has since made two trips to Chicago — one for planning and scans, and another a few weeks later for treatment.  Madison has done amazing through each obstacle she’s encountered, but her fight is far from over. This family is looking at ongoing medical and travel expenses for the rest of Madison’s life.

A Teddy Bear Toss was arranged for the evening and, at the time of the Blues’ first goal – which occurred just 37 seconds into the game – the teddy bears flew!  Teddy bears were available for purchase prior to the game, with funds benefiting Madison’s family; the bears were collected following the Teddy Bear Toss, with new bears being donated to Jim Pattison’s Children’s Hospital and used teddies going to Salvation Army & Food Banks.

The night began with an announcement that the Hudson Bay Hunters donated $1,000 to Madison and her family, demonstrating the amazing support that the hockey community gives.  The evening offered live and silent auction items generously donated by the community, as well as a $5,000 Guaranteed 50/50 sponsored by Prosoils and Quikshift Mechanical.  The 50/50 take-home was $8,130 and the big winner, Ray Moroz, donated all of it back — splitting the pot equally three ways between Madison, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and the Senior Blues.

It was an incredible evening at Chase Place Arena — the Blues played one heck of a game, coming out with a 5-3 win, and the community rallying and raising a total of $64,329.50 to support Madison and her family.

 

On Thursday, November 30^th, Johnston Agencies hosted the 10^th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Although mother nature was confused most of the day, by evening the weather was very nice. About 150 people gathered in person for the festivities, with many more joining the live-stream on Facebook through the Porcupine Plain Holiday Tree Lighting page, where the video is still available.

 

Bob Nicholson, emcee for the evening, welcomed the crowd and brought everyone’s spirits up with some excellent dad jokes. He chatted about volunteerism and acknowledged the award that the host, Johnston Agencies, had received from the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan for community involvement. Bob outlined the criteria that is needed to receive the title of “Official Tree Lighter,” and the importance of community involvement.

Nick Wood, Mayor of Porcupine Plain, came forward to introduce this year’s Tree Lighter, his friend and coworker, Susanne Cairns. He talked about how much Susie does within the community, and how grateful he is to have her as a fellow volunteer and friend. He also talked about Susie’s gift for getting others involved; if Susie asks you to help out, you do because you know it will be a good time!

Arriving in typical “Susie Fashion”, Susie’s ensemble included a cow mask decked out in Christmas lights.  She may have taken the official tree lighter title a little too literally, though — with blow torch in hand, she yelled “Let’s light this baby up!”

Susie Cairns is heavily involved within our community. She has been a great asset to Scouts Canada for over 20 years, volunteering to take the kids to Jan Lake and anywhere else they need to go. She loves Halloween and, along with her team of committed, creative volunteers, puts on a spooktacular Haunted Halls each year. Every Sports Day, you can find Susie at the sports grounds all day, all weekend, working tirelessly to put out amazing food and beverages for all to enjoy. On the second Wednesday in August, you can find her running another booth out at Shand Fair! Even though she is extremely busy, she will always lend a hand to anyone that needs it. Susie has been at the Co-op for over 15 years, and is integral to the Co-op Kids’ Club. Every year, children are thrilled to see what she has in store for them.

When she isn’t busy volunteering, Susie enjoys canning, making perogies and cabbage rolls, building incredible things, and working with her cattle. This woman never stops moving, and never stops helping others; if she isn’t busy with her own herd, you can find her helping other cattle farmers with theirs. The only time Susie might not be so giving is with her chocolate — which she loves, loves, loves!

Thank you Susie for all your hard work,  it is greatly appreciated by everyone!

Amber Hoffus of Johnston Agencies, event sponsor, then thanked the people involved in the event, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas from the Johnston Agencies Team. Cassie Galindez, of the Prayer Baptist Church, wrapped up the program with a lovely rendition of Silent Night.  The kids in the crowd jumped out of their seats and lined up for sleigh rides,
given by Dallas “Cookie” Langevin of Swan River, MB. The rest of the crowd huddled around the blazing bonfire built by the Porcupine Volunteer Fire Department to drink hot chocolate, eat
cookies baked by Caroline’s Restaurant, and visit with neighbours and friends.

A huge thanks to everyone that came out to enjoy the evening!