Nestled in amongst the treasured woodlands of the Souris Valley grounds, across the road from the Tatagwa View long-term care facility, is a gem of an attraction that is kept alive purely by volunteer efforts and donations.

The gem is the Therapeutic Animal Park, and the tireless worker, who more than anyone exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, is Don Sealy, who took care of the park at its previous home at Souris Valley, and has been building it up bit by bit at its new home.

The park is a favourite for many children, and for the residents of Tatagwa View who are able to get out to see it, and features such animals as miniature horses, ducks, goats, rabbits and a llama that is due to give birth in August.

Upon entering the park is the children's corner, with playground equipment for small children, a guest book sign-in, and a box that accepts silver donations to go towards the running of the park and the upkeep of the animals.

Through Don's unending efforts on the park's behalf, there have been donations to have a paved path through the park, to enable wheelchair access, as well as the building of pens, with donated signs posted on each to indicate the type of animal that lives there.

City and area residents are urged to drop in and pay Don a visit, and maybe make a contribution to help run the park to continue delighting children and the young-at-heart. - Greg Nikkel

With the onset of hot summer weather coinciding with summer holidays for many people, the roads and highways of the southeast area and indeed across Canada will be much more congested than normal.

The potential for accidents is much higher in summer, not only due to the higher volumes of traffic, but people sometimes have the tendency to relax more when it comes to being alert and observing the rules of the road.

Even within city boundaries, certain streets are notorious for motorists impatient to get going and speeding, roads like First Avenue heading west to the junction of Highways 13 and 39, and Government Road both north and south.

There are other roads where the speeds tend to increase somewhat, but the important thing for all drivers to remember is safety, and courtesy, with consideration for the other driver and pedestrians and cyclists who are out on the road.

In addition, in the Weyburn area on its outskirts, and in certain spots all over the country, the potential for wildlife to cross the highway is high; slow down and use caution, and save both the wildlife and your vehicle from damages and injuries.

Another point of concern are the children who are out of school and are enjoying the free summer days to play, explore, and generally have fun.

No matter where the summer roads take you, use caution, and remember to stay out there. - Greg Nikkel